Woman This Month - May 2013

Bahrain Edition

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

May 2013 | Issue 123 | BD1 / SR10

Earn Your Stripes Two-Tone Fashion

Nail It! Fingertip Art

Summer Fitness Changing Focus

Letting Go Parental Dilemma

Instagram Competition Cook Up A Dish! www.womanthismonth.com

contents | may 2013

People

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14 Meher Parakh: In the fast lane 15 Summer Ameen Weeks: Understanding mankind 16 Waheeda Malullah: Through a child's eyes

Shopping 08 Editor’s Choice: In mint condition 10 Pick of the Month: Evidens de Beauté 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene!

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Fashion 18 Fashion Forward: Our love for pastels 20 Celebrity Watch: What the stars are wearing 22 Get the Look: Earn your stripes 24 Theme: Flat-footed fun!

Beauty 32 News: The latest products in stores 34 Fragrances: Spring into action 35 10 Tips: The perfect nails 36 Tips: Art on your fingertips

Home 38 Feature: Black and white

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Wellbeing 40 Feature: Fight the harsh weather 43 Column: Going green

Parenting

51 Bahrain Edition

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

woman this month

May 2013 | Issue 123 | BD1 / SR10

MAY 2013 ı SS13 HOT TRENDS — FASHION MASTER CLASS ı www.womanthismonth.com

May 2013, issue 123 This monh's cover image comes from Salsa.

Earn Your Stripes Two-Tone Fashion

Nail It! Fingertip Art

Summer Fitness Changing Focus

Letting Go Parental Dilemma HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY

Instagram Competition Cook Up A Dish!

ISSUE 123

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| May 2013

www.womanthismonth.com

44 Feature: Letting go 47 Column: It’s in the blood

Regulars 06 Letters: Tell us what you think of this issue 31 Social Butterfly: Who has been seen where?

48 20 Tips: Bye bye calories!

50 Online: Parenting done right 51 Campaign: A fresh perspective to autism 52 Competition: Cook a Perfect 10 cookbook dish 58 Travel: Summer escapes for the family 60 Recipes: Mexican fare 62 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 64 WoMentality: Asking for help

08 www.womanthismonth.com

Welcome Summer

Is Here!

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

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efore you dive into the issue, we’d like to thank all of our readers who shared their views on the April edition of Woman this Month. We’re glad you enjoyed the fashion round-up and the wedding feature. Your responses opened our eyes to how many of you look forward to reading the magazine.

So, we have started an Instagram page so you get regular updates on what our team is up to. Follow us on @woman_this_month to catch up on our likes, dislikes and opinions. That’s not all! We’re throwing in a contest so you can win exciting prizes from some of the best restaurants in the Kingdom. (Refer to page 52 for details.)

In the May issue, we join the battle against the heat. Find out how to look stylish without compromising on comfort in Fernanda’s fashion and beauty pages. We also give you tips on what to add and delete from your diet plan.

Our wellbeing feature showcases advice from experts on how to beat the heat, while our parenting article tackles the insightful topic of learning to let your children go. New parents can have a look at our review on Babble.com and why this website is your new best friend.

We speak with award-winning women in Bahrain to understand what it takes to be a success. Flip over for more interesting pieces.

Enjoy!

Elma Bartholomew Assistant Editor

responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman

chairman & publisher George F Middleton

publishing director

David M Robertson

editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles

assistant editor Elma Bartholomew

fashion and beauty editor Fernanda Langhammer

contributors

Dr Clare beckett-mcinroy george r vaughan James Claire

features editor

Maryam A Toorani

print production manager Sabu Sebastian

layout & graphics RODOLFO A REYES JR Dalal Al-Sabbagh

media coordinator SARAH ANSARI

media manager Randa Ghazi Howais farheen ahmed

sales manager

Mayukh Majumdar

circulation

FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI

photography editor anil Ravi Shankar

photographers

Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS

printing press

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

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

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

Please e-mail sales@womanthismonth.com.

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

Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. bahrain office address Red House Marketing p.o. box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com website: www.womanthismonth.com 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

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

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| May 2013

@WomanThisMonthB and Instagram: @woman_this_month

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

Write Here Write Now

Letters

People

men. cation for woaspirations to higher edu her of the road stepping stone to hig be the end a necessarily discovered, it can be not d nee after in Bahrain Marriage many women have nt (HRD). Back few developme Indeed, as goals. ction, she found earning a distin within the Bahrain ns here work and wider life nisations in organisatio as a of HRD. “Orga

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STAR

ER T T E L

| April 2013

Widening horizons

It is with deep joy that I saw myself in the personality of La’aleh Al-Aali through her inspiring story published in the April issue of WTM. I was married when I found myself still hungry for improvement and self-fulfilment.

Due to difficulty of bearing a child at the time, I stopped studying. I lost my scholarship afterwards. Some people told me that balancing married life while pursuing education is difficult and that I no longer can finish my studies. I proved them wrong.

I was able to complete and earn my bachelor’s degree in accountancy by continuing my studies right after I gave birth to my first baby. You might be surprised to know that my grades were far better than they used to be, despite the lack of sleep every night. It also turned out that because of my high grades, I qualified for another scholarship provided by the university. My little angel became my inspiration!

Obstacles in life do exist; we just have to view it in a positive way. Life isn’t always about falling. It’s all about a rise after our feet have stumbled. Maricar, by fax.

By Sim

| May 2013

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Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle plays a significant role in obesity.

Genetics: Like many other medical conditions, obesity is the result of interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

Other illnesses: Certain physical and mental illnesses and the pharmaceutical substances used to treat them can increase risk of obesity.

Social determinants: Among developed countries, levels of adult obesity and the percentage of teenage children who are overweight are correlated with income inequality. ” Euna, by email.

Parenting

Just Playing?

s adults, life constantly presents us with problems. Life offers less problems to young children, in some ways as other people are there to think for them, help them, do for them, and sometimes denying them the need and experience of solving problems for themselves. Yet observe your children as they play and you will see them reflecting, problem solving and creating.

This is usually accompanied by energy burst of excitement and, of course, concentration.

However, how can you support your child?

This article will provide you with some practical solutions.

There has been a considerable amount of research, conducted mostly on preschool children, on the relationship between play and problem solving. A child’s natural response to a problem is often to ask for help, for example, if they need a drink or if they require their shoe

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Diet: The widespread availability of nutritional guidelines has done little to address the problems of overeating and poor dietary choice.

Play is often a great way to express creativity and solve problems, says CLARE BECKETT-MCINROY.

WRITE IN AND WIN

Slim Do

Your article Slim Down and Live Healthy was very inspiring. Obesity is an excess proportion of total body fat. A person is considered to be obese when his or her weight is 20 per cent more than normal weight. A person may be overweight from extra muscle, bone, or water, as well as from having too much fat. Here are the main causes:

A

This month’s star letter will win a one-of-a-kind gift from Glasshouse Terraniums. To win a 'garden in a bottle' worth BD50, send us your views and opinions on our May 2013 edition either by email to editor@womanthismonth.com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461.

aign

Shedding weight

ons

oriz Widening H

nt ion specialisat nnel manageme orce, ached perso have appro nt of the workf off developme t yet taken service. The HRD, hasn’ economy, the core of which is at to sustain the om. If we’re educated in the Kingd and develop retain to she notes. we need the workforce,” a performance nationals in ng menti imple isation La’aleh was GPIC, an organ nt system for l for HRD, when manageme is a true mode an Jawahery she believes ent Abdul Rahm area further.

GPIC presid e this ective, her to pursu persp raged wider a encou g at HR from want to “I’m now lookin government policy. I realm of n in utilising more in the a national solutio Bahrain help devise a change in I hope to make ity building resources. n in the capac ipatio sters with my partic Bahraini young e of says. Most them on a choic process,” she mentor to advise education itself has don’t have a and r education ves. career or highe market needs, she obser is the ted Bahrainis failed to meet and educa yers who Retaining young as they need emplo nge tial. challe poten their another and develop can trust them positions should be ini in “I think certa se only a Bahra e. by law, becau the cultur nationalised mindset and s the local and understand effective coach can be an A national more says. she r,” to contribute mento n too, need in their Bahraini wome being more active by my, elves to to the econo cting thems r than restri hours. careers, rathe in working rs and certa of our lives certain secto ice some years Women sacrif to “We need i comfort zone. or the La’aleh Al-Aal get into our before we e on their family second compromis is a should not for, which ce n they work organisatio l find a balan school ng Strategies likely that they’l she adds. off for a high Implementi family. It’s this li could pass two homes,” attest to the that she’s lucky La’aleh Al-Aa surprise, when between these ious wife will h concedes atei ts, La’ale comes as a r with gradu Al-Aal It lf, any an ambit a is ate. caree herse La’aleh a ls she nd and paren gradu As for ating tic thing revea minded husba of fact that integr become realis petite 20- some have an openaspirations.

University now to her the d has at in tant tions ted PhD s backe family aspira teaching assis pursuing her who have alway for my husband’s unstin ing, s. ss, r, where she’s t been of GCC nation t with succe and possible.

Mancheste “If it hadn’ ed higher learn ing . complacen ion strategies have pursu learn of her years ly turning to Far from being the nationalisat support, I might been of the distance increasing been ahead s are n ant win alway have ini in 2006 to La’aleh has working wome in their quest for const but it would tion youngest Bahra used to says. higher educa , which she She was the ismonth.com nal growth. variety,” she Scholarship www.womanth al and perso ing higher resources profession the Chevening e in human r women pursu degre caree r’s ini their Two Bahra pursue a maste insight into give us an education sation. in self-actuali endeavours

Camp

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laces tying. We even see children handing rubbish to parents for them to put it in a bin.

Through your caring nature you may wish to solve their problems for them — this is natural.

What can you do?

Research suggests that opportunities to play with a variety of materials is linked to the development of two key skills — abstract (symbolic) and divergent thinking (exploring as many aspects to a problem as possible) — which foster problem solving abilities (Burke, 2010).

Despite the elusive nature of play, there is a superiority of play over non-play activities.

Moroever, play is so natural and the resources used do not need to be expensive or specialised.

Think of children making a space ship or a den out of boxes and the way nature and play are so attuned, and where children play with

sand and water for hours! When such play is happening, you can just step back and ensure that your children are safe and happy while they develop team skills and contribute ideas verbally and non-verbally.

You may want to ask some open questions on occasions to guide their thinking if something is not working for them after they have tried a number of solutions. You will be able to sense when this is appropriate by the feeling and mood of your child.

Are they looking confused or frustrated? An element of confusion is good as this allows them to consider and experiment with solutions; however, frustration may need your attention to keep them interested. Yet frustration can also ignite determination to succeed, so don’t step in too soon!

It’s important to learn about your child’s interests to encourage play and problem solving. www.womanthismonth.com

Encouraging play At the onset, keep an open mind. Just like when you encourage your child to try a variety of foods, exposing them to a variety of children and experiences is important too. Take your child out to visit museums, parks, beaches, to see animals, to interactive science centres, to browse around toy shops and libraries because all these places stimulate their imagination.

When you visit other homes, watch to see which toys or activities are exciting to your child. Try to avoid labelling toys as gender specific. Instead, allow your child to play with everything available to them. As your child develops, their interests will change, so be flexible enough to follow their lead.

When a toy or activity is no longer age appropriate and challenging, your child will lose interest. When you buy toys, begin with basics.

Consider toys that have more than one function, require imagination, and provide a challenge; for example, there are bricks or building blocks of many kinds for different age levels.

Music is a fabulous stimulus for play and creativity as it offers a range of activities, including singing, playing instruments and dancing. Allow your child the space to use alternatives to normal instruments such as pan lids! Art and craft materials are multi-functional as well, and they stimulate imagination and introduce challenges. You can learn a great deal about your child, and yourself, through play.

Embrace creativity On a grander scale many believe that creativity is the key to enabling technological innovations, which impact our economic survival and the future needs of society.

Creativity, in reality, is not a simple concept; it is somewhat complex in that it includes related elements. It is a personality characteristic or attitude that involves mental flexibility, impulsiveness, curiosity and determination.

Children judged to be very creative display evidence of persistence, self-confidence, high energy levels, flexibility, openness to new experiences and a good sense of humour.

They may also display intrapersonal awareness, awareness of their own feelings and emotions. These attributes are also important as your child becomes more and more independent, so think of ways that they can be encouraged.

What can you take away from this as a parent? Children need activities where they can be fully engrossed in their play. Educator Ann Epstein calls this child-guided. They also need to be adult-guided for some activities or at certain times and they also need a

combination of the two. What you can do is be aware of when you are over-guiding. Step back at that point to enjoy observing play just happen!

Further Reading Burke, Anne (2010) Ready to Learn: Using Play to Build Literacy Skills in Young Learners, Pembroke Publishing Ltd Epstein, Ann (2007) The Intentional Teacher: Choosing the best Strategies for Young Children’s Learning, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington DC.

Problem Solving In summary, in relation to problem solving, Ann Epstein (2007) talks about teachers being intentional in their actions by: l Keeping in mind key goals for learning and development l Creating supportive environments l Curriculum planning and l Selecting from a variety of teaching strategies that promote thinking and skills April 2013 |

www.womanthismonth.com

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What’s best for the kids

Hi! Your magazine this month was truly a treat! It was filled with a lot of very nice information on fashion and trends, colours and clothes.

I also did enjoy the article Just Playing and hope that more parents in Bahrain can spend more quality time with their kids, and spend more money on award-winning toys than on nannies and play schools.

Over the years, I have invested in enough quality toys to outdo most preschools and playschools! And, I’ve never sent my kids to preschool before they were three years old. Alifiya, by email. www.womanthismonth.com

SHOW TIMINGS Tuesday 7 May 12 noon - 9pm Wednesday 8 May 9am - 9pm Thursday 9 May 9am - 9pm

Your Guide To

Visit the World’s Leading Brands at the Annual Expo for Interiors, Design & Furniture

Bahrain International Exhibition Centre Visitors, pre-register online: www.gulfinteriorsexhibition.com Enquiries: +973 17 299 123 or info@hilalce.com Powered by

Organiser

Shopping

Editor's Choice

If you want to add some colour to your wardrobe and bold shades are not in your comfort zone, green mint is just the hue for you. The feminine shade, present in many runways, has a calming and refreshing quality, making it a good pick for your decor items as well. This season, go green!

Mango

Emilio Pucci

Gap

House of Bath

Geox Respira

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Steve Madden

The Body Shop

Coach

www.womanthismonth.com

Social Butterfly Nicole & Anaiah

Baby Contest At Al Enma Mall

To celebrate Mother's Day, a baby contest was held at Al Enma Mall in Riffa last month Diana, Dr Bhramana, Aneesa & Sarva

Masuma, Mikhayl, Surrya, Athika & Lea

Vanis & Keagan

Aparna & Shivanka

www.womanthismonth.com

Iqra

Prachi & Neelam

May 2013 |

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Shopping

Pick of the Month Love and passion is the key to success of many brands.

However, real love may be the spark to start one.

Why it was selected Evidens de Beauté is a Japanese-French company dedicated to women’s beauty. With a passion for womankind, the brand represents Charles-Edouard Barthes’ love for his wife. This deep love made him create the company and develop products inspired by her. French expertise mixed with Japanese delicacy resulted in fine products with the highest quality for those who appreciate exclusive products and know how to recognise them.

What we like The fragrances are perfumed water. Light and elegant, the aromas envelop you like silk fabrics. The four scents represent different kinds of women: No 1 is more feminine and brings a unique floral symphony; No 2 is a fresh and oriental fragrance; No 3 is an aroma for a mature and elegant woman with a velvet aura; and No 4 is an easy-to-wear all-year-round feminine scent.

All four are refined fragrances for real women, created with the enthusiasm and personal commitment of its owner in cooperation with passionate craftsmen.

“You may work for a long time to find the perfect combination and when it is ready, you feel it,” expresses Charles-Edouard Barthes, chairman and CEO of Evidens de Beauté.

What else to look for The brand started with skincare lines. Antiageing products and specific texture for sensitive skin are in Evidens de Beauté’s DNA. The products represent the fusion of Asia and the West. They transpire the haute couture ideals of being technical and artistic. The brand focuses on the essence of precious secret ingredients, voluptuous textures, sensual fragrances, beautiful packing, the pleasure to hold and the evidence of efficiency.

Where to find it Shop for Evidens de Beauté at Jashanmal Department Stores.

Call 17 582-424.

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EXCLUSIVE AGENT:

FOR YOUR ADVERTISING: +973 17 564 250 +973 33 555 888 Email: bahraintv@groupplus.bh

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Shopping

Retail Therapy

Our retail radar has spotted some exciting places and shopping items worth adding to your favourite things list this month. Have fun!

For the Little Ones

Gap Kids and Baby Gap has introduced their new spring/summer collection for boys and girls. The bright and colourful pieces bring fun and comfort to kids’ active lives. Your child will be covered in style from head to toe! The new pieces are now available in the stores.

Pure Sophistication

Galassia is the new project from Salvatore Ferragamo’s eyewear line. The women’s sunglass model is embellished with 253 mini-studs and suggests a stellar constellation. It is made of acetate and comes in two colours: black with gold studs and brown with gun metal. The design can be found exclusively in Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques worldwide.

Revisiting the Classics

For design students and fashion lovers, an unmissable show is set to take place in Dubai. The exhibition dedicated to Karl Lagerfeld’s latest bookThe Little Black Jacket will showcase original photographs of the timelessness of the iconic Chanel jacket.

Catch it at The Venue, Downtown Dubai, from April 27 to May 11.

A Fresh Cup

Costa Coffee chose Bahrain to have their first drive-thru store in the Middle East.

The concept offers customers the chance to receive their cup of coffee in the comfort of their own vehicle and the option to have a sip within the store.

It is located between AMA University and Salmabad petrol station.

Woman this Month is now on Instagram! Follow us and share your amazing pictures and thoughts. To start on the right foot, we have a competition running through May. Read on to find out how you can participate. You may end up winning an amazing prize. See you there!

Drops of Sunshine

Dry and damaged hair expert Thomas Taw has teamed up with Sunsilk to co-create the Nourishing Soft & Smooth range that is infused with a blend of oils. The products promote nourishment, softness and shine with Moroccan argan and babassu oil.

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A Piece of Italy

The UK-based restaurant, Pizza Express, opened their first restaurant in Bahrain at The Lagoon in Amwaj Islands. In addition to an array of pizzas, classic dishes from the homeland will be found on the menu as well. www.womanthismonth.com

Social Butterfly

World Beat Coffee Morning

Jane

The World Beat Fitness Centre hosted a ladies coffee morning at the Centre in Janabiya. The guest speaker at the event was Seema Shirawi, who shared the Tale of the Red Shoes Guests with Seema Shirawi at the event

Seema Shirawi

www.womanthismonth.com

Silvia & Alia

May 2013 |

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People

Reaching for the

Stars

Do you consciously work towards attaining recognition or are you absorbed in a singleminded pursuit of your passion? Whatever the case, it’s time to celebrate high achieving women who’ve made a mark in their respective fields in recent months.

Meher Parakh

W

hether you are an artist or a professional working in a corporate setup, there’s no denying that an award winning project in any field calls for a performance beyond the ordinary. This month we speak to a select club of women who have recently garnered laurels, nationally and internationally, about their motivation and passion.

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A Happy Medium The marketing manager for Ferrari in Bahrain, Meher Parakh is basking in the glow of a prestigious accolade she picked up in Dubai recently. Meher was adjudged Ferrari Marketing Manager of the Year 2012 in the Middle East, Africa and India region.

While the award means a lot to her, it is by no

means an individual attainment, she insists.

“It feels good to be acknowledged, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support and contribution of every member of the Ferrari team here. A part of the award is based on personal dedication to the brand, and luckily for Meher, Ferrari is a brand that one can easily get passionate about!

“I’d spent over 20 years in the marketing and branding functions, but it was with Ferrari that I learned what the term “power-brand” really meant. My first visit to the factory in Maranello was where I witnessed first hand the passion that drives this phenomenal marque,” she enthuses.

Behind the glamour, however, hides the grind and this mum-of-two has lost many a night’s sleep worrying about the last minute details and deadlines for a major event, but things always seem to fall into place on the night of the event.

Meher arrived in Bahrain over 20 years ago with a Gulf Air assignment and she went on to set up and run the airline’s Frequent Flyer Programme and was manager of brand and product development during the airline’s massive rebranding exercise of 2003, before serving as the international marketing manager from 2007 to 2009.

The transition from aviation into the world of motoring was a steep learning curve, but with support from Euro Motors and the Ferrari Family, she was able to prove her mettle.

Meher is blessed with a supportive husband, George, who’s also a hands-on dad to their sons, Rayan and Daniel, enabling her to focus on her career.

“Like most mothers, I always have a niggling feeling of guilt about time spent away from my children, especially when they were young, but despite the juggle and the struggle to find a balance between both my professional and personal life, I have no major regrets. The boys are fine, independent young men and we are very proud of them.” www.womanthismonth.com

A Portrait in Self Study

Summer Ameen www.womanthismonth.com

Summer Ameen Weeks has been fascinated by people for as long as she can remember. At college, she decided to further this interest with a major in sociology, but changed track a few years later to pursue film making at the London Film Academy.

“I’d wanted to study people and their behaviour patterns, but I discovered that going behind the camera was the best way of doing this,” she says.

After shooting for family and friends, Summer turned professional three years ago, offering family and fine art photography for clients across the GCC. Her forte lies in maternity and child photography, and she’s adept at working with children across all age groups.

Summer has received two awards at the Professional Photographers of America’s International Photographic Competition for two of her fashion images. Her work is being displayed at exhibitions in the US and internationally throughout 2013 as part of the association’s travelling Loan Collection. It will be published in the annual Loan Collection Book, which showcases the chosen best from competition winners.

The announcement initially left her completely dazed, she confesses.

“I’d never dabbled in fashion photography and these images were the first batch I ever shot in this genre. I had hoped to make it in the merit list, which is the first round, but I never dreamed of making it into the Loan Collection.”

Working solo can be challenging for a mum of two kids, but Summer is a self-motivated professional who works five days a week, either at her studio at home or at outdoor shoots.

“A photographer can only improve with critiques from other professionals and it’s essential to network with those whom you admire. You gain inspiration by viewing the works of others and the latest trends worldwide at workshops and exhibitions,” she says, adding that she often participates in workshops in Dubai and beyond.

Summer says her biggest achievement rests in the fact that she was able to turn professional as a self-taught working mum in Bahrain. In the absence of any tangible guidance, she took online courses in pitching and pricing her work as well as dealing with clients.

Her schedule for the summer is fully booked with family and commercial art assignments, and she intends to focus on more on the latter in coming years.

“While family photography is a passion of mine, I intend to spend more time on fine art and commercial photography,” she says.

May 2013 |

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People

Waheeda with one of the girls from her ‘Out’ project.

Rebirth and Renewal From humble beginnings in a Sitra village, Waheeda Malullah has traversed the long road to international recognition by the sheer dint of her tireless creativity and a willingness to learn. A self taught artist, Waheeda works with various mediums including video, photography, installation, performance and painting, to examine the role of Muslim women, as well as the cultural and religious norms that govern the world in which she lives.

“I’m completely inspired by women. They radiate this positive energy, which is good for me because as an artist, I feel I have a responsibility to create something new every day,” says Waheeda.

Earlier this year, her work Red Apple won her the Al Dana Prize at the 39th Fine Arts Exhibition in Bahrain. With her abstract series 16

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of nine photographs, featuring a heart shaped apple which symbolises childbirth, Waheeda hopes for peace, healing and rebirth in a fractured Bahrain.

“Childhood is a symbol of peace for me. A new birth reinforces the notion of a peaceful Bahrain,” she explains.

Waheeda was a resident at the Delfina Foundation in London 2008 and 2009, and then at The Town House Gallery in Egypt where she met her husband, artist Mohamed Sharkawy.

Currently she’s readying her next project, Out, which is a spontaneous performance featuring three blind sisters and is tinged with an honesty and innocence that only children can bring. She's also preparing another project for exhibiting at the Venice Biennale in May. “I believe creation involves the capacity to view things differently and I think the blind have this creative capacity. Sometimes, the

artist needs to be blind as well, for then, the imagination becomes boundless,” she feels.

The 34-year-old has been juggling her work alongside raising her two-year old daughter Farah, a feat made possible by a caring husband.

“Being an artist himself, he understands the demands of my work and cheerfully manages Farah when I’m away,” she smiles. Waheeda has exhibited her work around the world, but having had no formal training in art, she’s determined to develop her skills further and experiment with more mediums to express herself better.

She has put in relentless efforts in learning English over the past years, but she feels she needs to develop her language skills further as she travels around the world.

“I’m trying to learn and improve myself constantly and I’m doing it all for my daughter, so that she has an example before her when she grows up,” says Waheeda. www.womanthismonth.com

Social Butterfly

Ella Prakash Art Exhibition

Ella Prakash held a solo exhibition of her artworks titled 'Beyond Boundries' at the Ella Art Gallery in Adliya. The exhibition was held under the patronage of Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador, Mahfooda, Seema, Shaikha Hind, Ella, Mala, Najah & Faika

Geeta & Robin

May & Preeti

Faika & Najah

www.womanthismonth.com

Iline & Sharon

Mala, Ella & Renu

Ella Prakash

May 2013 |

17

Fashion

Fashion Forward

Nothing says warm days like pastel hues. The light, faded colours will not only give you a fresh look, but it also softens the desert heat on the skin.

Caramel Style

Natural shades mean sophistication; it is featured as the new black during the warm season. You can use it in accessories, dresses or even jumpsuits, much like this one from See by Chloe. A total natural look can be translated into laid-back elegance. Be it pale straw to light chocolate, use and abuse this pantone.

Ice Cream Layers

What’s the best companion for a hot day? Ice cream! Mixing flavours is the best way to forget the heat. What’s more, it’s the perfect inspiration to mix and match your clothes.

This sweater from River Island helps you nail the striped trend and keeps you warm on a chilly night.

Pina Colada Mocktail

This Lacoste look shines like the sun and puts you in the spotlight this summer. The light fabric top paired with white shorts and flat sandals takes you to your dream vacation. The yellowish shade oozes of a pineapple flavour and the cool freshness that we desire in the hot days.

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Lavender Trail

In cromotherapy, purple is the colour that promotes peace, reduces anxiety and takes away your fears. In sweets it leads you to think about grape flavours and in fashion it just puts you in style mode. This light purple sunglasses from Marks & Spencer adds a splash of fun to your shiny days. www.womanthismonth.com

Macaroon Palette

Sweet Pink

Get inspired by the sweet colours of this Parisian treat or those hues in your favourite candy box. The multiple colours all together, or in a structured look are smart picks for the season. If you want to enjoy the sweet taste of it, you can find them at Paul, where they have more traditional French delights.

When eating your pack of candies, which colour do you pick first? Pink, naturally! It has the best berry flavour.

This spring do the same with your clothes; go for light pink shades teamed with white and natural colours to create a dreamland of your style.

This Nina Ricci handbag can be the special touch to your outfit composition.

Fresh Peppermint

Mint is certainly the shade to hold onto this summer. Pale green is your BFF this season, giving life to your old and tired clothes. Add some pieces of this colour to your wardrobe or pick this shade for your accessories. We like this pair of Charles & Keith wedges; it is a breath of fresh air.

www.womanthismonth.com

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Fashion

What the

Stars

are Wearing

By Fernanda Langhammer

The Oscars are the most important awards in the film industry; the gowns chosen by the stars for the occasion are worth talking about for the entire year. Check out WTM’s red carpet picks.

Amy Adams The actor chose an Oscar de La Renta fairytale dress to attend The Oscars 2013. Unforgettable for her role in Enchanted, her dress from ‘once upon a time’ steals the scene in the real world.

The full layered skirt has a respectable appeal and can be worn at both a red carpet event and an actual wedding alike.

Sandra Bullock Another Arabian designer popped up at the red carpet this year. Sandra Bullock chose Elie Saab to attend the grand event and transparency was again the go-to trend. She wore a lace and heavily beaded dress in a sheer and dark fabric. Showing off her legs in a discreet and classy way is the fashion tip to treasure.

Catherine Zeta-Jones The veteran actor wore the Arabic designer, Zuhair Murad, for the star-studded night. The golden-detailed gown added transparency, a trend of the season, in hem length, creating an elegant and up-to-date look. The goddess look was achieved with a simple hairstyle and outstanding earrings.

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Zoe Saldana A belted white gown from Alexis Mabille Couture was the actor’s choice for the night.

Subtle, unexpected details make a dress stunning. This is clear in Zoe’s outfit. You think that the whole detail is on the top. As you move your eyes down, you notice the real eyecatcher is the gradient asymmetrical hem. www.womanthismonth.com

Jennifer Aniston The red Valentino dress was a safe option; certainly not the most creative, might we add.

The strapless gown with a full skirt doesn’t give Jennifer Aniston the ‘unmissable’ factor.

The orange suede Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, however, was a cute touch. She looks beautiful, as usual, but she could put more effort into her ensemble. After all, it is a red carpet event!

Naomi Watts The blonde actor paired a sequinned Armani Prive dress in a metallic hue with Jimmy Choo shoes. Naomi looked stunning with the perfect fit that shows off her curves gracefully. The asymmetric detail is the high point of the gown, bringing the focus to her gorgeous face.

Kelly Ripa The TV personality brought diversity to the red carpet with Carolina Herrera’s floral print. The dark blue corset and voluminous skirt gives her an amazing waistline and a fresh spring look. Sometimes less really is more.

www.womanthismonth.com

Jennifer Hudson The 31-year-old singer chose a Roberto Cavalli Couture dress to impress, paired with a Jimmy Choo clutch. The dark blue shimmering outfit boasts the subtle transparency in the sleeves and a high slit — both spring/summer trends. I would say that the scaly look should stay at red carpet events.

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Fashion

Band Together

Stripes are a big hit this spring/summer and two-tone thick lines must feature in your wardrobe. WTM chose two essential pieces to be used in two different ways. Check it out!

Versace

Mango

Emma R

Chloe

oberts

Salsa

Salvatore Ferragamo

e

Avril Lavign

Parfois

Koton

Jimmy Choo

Monochrome Style Cara Delevingne

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The two inseparable shades are complementary and a hot trend for the season. You can pair the striped mini skirt with a white top and mix and match accessories. The graphic pattern helps you steer clear of boring basic and classic black and white combinations. The optical treat offers a fresh outlook for those who go for safe colour choices. To achieve a casual, but updated look, flat shoes and a white biker jacket are great to rock this style. www.womanthismonth.com

Lanvin

Charlotte Church Next

Juicy Couture

Fearne Cotton

Marc Jacobs

Aldo See by Chloe

H&M

Bulgari

Collage Pattern

If you are tired from all the same styles in the fashion world, this exciting trend will help you step away from monotonous mix and match patterns. A floral suit jacket paired with vibrant trousers allows you to take control of the look. The striped black and white top may work as a neutral piece when building this multi-layered style. Throw yourself in this concept and experiment with new ways to refresh your look this season. www.womanthismonth.com

Jennifer Love Hewitt

May 2013 |

23

Fashion

Over Heels!

Get

Girls, get ready for the good news — flats have finally made to centre stage. While some designers are just making higher heels, others are becoming more sensitive to the needs of everyday women, turning flat shoes into our newest obsession. Pointed flats, sandal shoe boots, loafers and rock stud flats give fashion a comfy and cool twist.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Tods

Charles & Keith

Jimmy Choo Dune Marc Jacobs

Carolina Herrera

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Alexa Chung

Emporio Armani

Chloe

Alexa Chung and Taylor Swift prove this style is in to stay! It may not sound as sexy as you’d expect, but the new flats add glamour to your outfit and your toes will certainly sigh in relief.

Taylor Swift

Fashion tip:

Tory Burch

www.womanthismonth.com

Welcome, Sun! Punt Roma

Train your eyes to find the correct pieces to add to your wardrobe and you will discover infinite possibilities for a new ensemble every day.

S

ummer is the period when you think about holidays, swimming in pools and beaches and every single day with beautiful sunshine.

You notice, as the days pass and the sun gets brighter, things appear prettier and smiles come more easily.

To face these days of joy, your wardrobe must follow the mood and the trends. At Punt Roma,

www.womanthismonth.com

you will find colourful and lightweight pieces to pair with a basic pair of jeans, or pants with neutral colours, to enjoy your days.

A jacket is always a good companion to have for an unexpected breeze at night, or to protect you from freezing air-conditioning indoors.

A printed or coloured piece is a perfect choice!

Call 17 172-307.

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25

Showcase

Whiter than White ROSA CLARÁ

Wedding season is here and a leading bridal boutique in town calls brides everywhere to check out their latest collection. They have a lot in store for guests as well.

R

osa Clará has always been in the fashion sector. However, in the early ‘90s, she realised that many women were deeply dissatisfied with what was available in the wedding market.

There was a new profile of brides: women who had become established in the world of employment and had great fashion sensibility and flair. These brides wanted to get married in a special gown that made them feel unique and wanted their gowns to reflect their unique personalities. They wanted a dress with ‘magic’ that dazzled their partners and made them feel stunning and spectacular.

Aware that it was embarking on a great adventure, in 1994, Rosa Clará opened a prêt-à-porter wedding dress shop in Barcelona. This would become the origin of what is today the number one wedding dress brand that enjoys international recognition. What’s more, you can shop for these unique pieces in Bahrain. Visit their retail outlet along Budaiya Highway and experience what it feels like to be a princess.

What’s new White with pastel shades are hallmarks of the new Rosa Clará 2013 bridal collection. Pastel pink, aquamarine, sky blue and natural whites come together in three lines forming a collection which is the very essence of femininity in its purest state.

Light, flowing lines in pleated gauze and silk tulle gowns bring a diaphanous, elegant movement. Gowns with light skirts, short dresses, mermaid cuts and floral blouses and coats guarantee impact, all thanks to this year’s stunning innovation — the introduction of fantasy fabric appliqués.

Flowers embroidered on organza are the surprise element of the new line.

Accessorise with their coloured stone earrings, matching tiaras, floral jackets and feather stoles.

For your favourite people The new Party Collection presented by Rosa Clará for 2013 focuses on daring dresses combined with sophistication. They’ve lined up paillettes for the evenings and set aside voile and tulle fabrics for the day.

You can spot a lot of beadwork, sequins and other sparkling embellishments. Portrait backs add sensuality to the look.

Reds, blues and blacks make a comeback along with a range of metallic hues. The new look this season is the two-colour dress: black skirts with tops in more vivid colours and printed fabrics. These dresses have a unique charm that works for every woman.

Call 17 590-398 or visit www.rosaclara.es.

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www.womanthismonth.com

Mix and Match promod

Train your eyes to find the correct pieces to add to your wardrobe and you will discover infinite possibilities for a new ensemble every day.

A

good selection of pieces may be the solution for your “I have no clothes to wear� days. Shop at Promod and fill in the missing slots in your wardrobe. Mixing and matching tops, bottoms and accessories will give you various possibilities and your look will be saved.

The important rule is to choose pieces that can talk to each other. It is important to pair neutral hues, like black and browns, with patterns and colours. However, to avoid boring combinations, pay attention to small details and add colour to your shoes or other accessories.

A patterned top is also cool and fun to team with coloured footwear. Call 17 172-309.

Xxx

www.womanthismonth.com

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Showcase

Crucial Detail Aldo Accessories

Your outfit can get a renewed look by simply playing with accessories. Show off your style and creativity by picking your favourite pieces.

S

ome looks are start with a white canvas and you need to spice it up by adding a piece that will brigs it to life. At Aldo Accessories, you can find the right item for

your most wanted style. A black dress can be worn during the day or night, depending on the statement pieces you pair with it. If you prefer a casual look, flat shoes, a fedora hat and a

pair of cool sunglasses is the solution.

For a special occasion, the same black piece paired with scarf and a clutch will give you a nightgown flair.

Call 16 686-214 (BCC), 16 686-221 (Seef Mall), 16 686-233 (The Center) or 16 686-231 (Isa Town Mall).

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www.womanthismonth.com

Freedom to your Feet nine west

It’s time to expose your toes! Forget about locking your feet in closed shoes; keep your pedicure updated and hit the streets with fashionable sandals.

N

ine West have a great selection of trendy flats, low heel sandals and fancy flip-flops for warmer days.

Apart for being the best choice for your casual-chic daywear, they are also comfy and versatile.

This footwear range can take you to a day at the beach.

At the same time, it is the best pick for a shopping date with your bestie at your favourite mall. Besides, these shoes go very well with lightweight dresses, shorts, skirts and trousers.

Nine West’s sandals is certainly a piece that should feature in your wardrobe. In fact, we’re thinking more than one in different colours and styles to match with various outfits.

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

www.womanthismonth.com

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29

Showcase

No Kidding!

ADAMS KIDS

It’s time to upgrade your kids’ wardrobes.

Go crazy with the latest summer/spring collection in a leading children’s clothing line store in the Kingdom.

A

dams Kids is often the first choice for children’s clothes and many more products for the little ones. The specialist fashion retailer for kids aged zero to 10 has a wide selection of girls’ and boys’ clothing from pretty dresses and trendy jeans to high quality schoolwear.

It experiences a strong presence in the Kingdom with branches in shopping hubs like Bahrain City Centre, The Centre, Seef Mall, Bahrain Mall, Isa Town Mall and Country Mall.

Whether you’re looking for cute casuals for a family day out or posh partywear for a special occasion, Adams Kids has it all.

Look for pieces that represent their latest favourite cartoon characters or pick any of the appealing accessories to make sure your child is just as fashionable as you are. Their outlets are also home to all kinds of essential gear required for infants. There is no doubt that you’ll be spoilt for choice at this one-stop shop for all kinds of children’s products.

Adams Kids understands the needs of today’s kids and mothers. Have a look at their newest collections that have just hit the racks.

Call 17 179-675 (Bahrain City Centre) or 17 580-846 (Seef Mall).

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www.womanthismonth.com

Social Butterfly

Moda Mall Season Of Colours

Laura with James Harris

Moda Mall launched its 'Season Of Colours' the most unique and extraordinary designs of the season in association with James Harris Atelier Julia, Laura & Celine

Burak & Jacky

Sakina, Victoria & Rabab

Cristalyn & Stella Den, Neena & Pratibha

Hassan

Shandra Dondi Coffee & Jewellery Morning Shandra Dondi held a French Coffee & Jewellery Morning at her residence in Saar

Metje, Lieke, Ina, Magchelien, Hilda & Barbera

Basma & Shandra

Yetta & Valerie

Rose, Mala, Shandra, Claudine, Marina & Liz

Alia & Basma

Alexandra & Veronica

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2013 |

31

Beauty News

Beauty

Face the new season with an updated selection of cosmetics. Take a look at our selection of must-have products.

Stylish Accessory

Brow Tamer

Skin jewellery is a beauty trend from the catwalks that illuminates make-up. Dior might have overdone it, but with Bourjois Faux & Fabulous sparkle and glam it is possible to add just a bit of light to your coloured eyelids. The couture pouch contains 12 diamonds in different sizes, pre-glued and self-adhesive.

Available at all leading retailers.

Multi-use Foundation

After six years of making its complex formula, Make Up For Ever releases Pro Finish, a compact foundation which can be applied on any skin type. It can be used dry to correct and even out the complexion, or wet for a sheer effect and a semi-matte finish. It is available in 25 shades to suit all skin tones. Available at Make Up For Ever.

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Natural Results

BB Skin Perfecting Cream is Clarins’ version of the BB cream fever. It evens the skin tone and revitalises the complexion in one step. Its lightly tinted formula is part make-up and part skincare, offering flawless coverage and delivering a natural look. With organic kiwi and katafray extracts, your complexion will look fresh and radiant.

Available at all leading retailers.

The brows are the frame of the eyes and beauty artists gave much attention to it in the runways, from well-groomed to thick eyebrows. To create the effect, Sephora launched a complete kit to shape, structure, groom, fill and define eyebrows. The compact toolbox contains tweezers, a brow brush, an angle brush, two powders and setting wax.

Available at Sephora.

Dashing Smile Enriched with plantbased active ingredients, Glimmer Lips Balm from Une provides lip care and discreet but radiant colour. With certified organic beeswax, candelilla wax and vitamin E, this balm protects the lips, leaving a comfortable feeling.

It comes in three ‘pearlised’ colours.

Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

Skin Hydration

Guerlain launched two new serums: Super Aqua-Eye Serum and Super Aqua-Serum Light.

The first is for intense hydration in the eye contour area, plus it acts as an eye reviver in case of puffiness. The second is for hydration and is a wrinkle plumper, now in a lighter texture. The brand believes in the idea that hydration is the leading weapon against wrinkles.

Available at all leading retailers.

Skincare Ritual

The Immortelle Brightening range from L’Occitane combines the unique properties of Immortelle essential oil with Bellis Perennis to keep skin looking young, radiant and even toned. L’Occitane has extended the skin treatment and added two new products: a brightening foam cleanser and a brightening mist for a luminous complexion.

Available at L’Occitane.

Rested Look

Estée Lauder introduces Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion, a fast-penetrating serum with repair technology that helps inhibit ozone damage. Made specifically for the delicate area in a new lightweight, refreshing texture, the infusion moisturises the spot leaving it soothed and refreshed, creating an optimal environment for skin repair.

Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2013 |

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Beauty

Freshness Exude

It is the season of flowers and a new sprightly scent would be a great choice this month. Pick your favourite aroma to create your spring mood.

Urban Art

CK One Shock Street Edition opens with an energetic mix of mandarin orange, bergamot and juicy plum and finishes with amber, patchouli, sandalwood and musk. The limited bottles feature the design of the celebrated graffiti artist, Miss 163, reflecting her interpretation of the brand, inspired by street art. Available at leading retailers.

Mesmerising Soul

Laya is a fragrance by Mohammed Ne’emah centred on vanilla, surrounded by cedarwood with a background of musk and dry wood. The main notes are powdery, woody and musky. It is a strong and outstanding fragrance.

Available at Sephora.

Oriental Amber

Estée Lauder Amber Mystique is the second creation in the Mystique fragrance collection, which was designed to capture the mind, body and spirit of the Middle East. The ingredients of this fragrance includes the mysterious amber, lavish taif rose NP that is native to the mountains of western Saudi Arabia and exotic oud wood. It exudes the true meaning of sensuality, beauty and style.

Available at leading retailers.

Olfactory Gem

Mon Jasmin Noir L’Elixir eau de parfum is the newest fragrance from Bulgari — the result of an encounter between a jeweller and a perfumer. The gem of an essence has candied bergamot, orange and grapefruit flower as top notes. An interesting fact: A 150ml bottle of perfume contains one per cent jasmine absolute obtained from 135 flowers. Available at leading retailers.

Nature’s Paradise

Each year since 1999, Guerlain has introduced a new Aqua Allegoria to its opus of Eaux Fraîches. This spring, a new interpretation of freshness and delicacy has been released gathering together bigarade orange tree, bitter orange, petigrain, orange blossom absolute and ylang ylang essence. Nerolia Bianca unveils a scent rich in flavours and nuances.

Available at leading retailers.

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From Tip to Toe

By Maryam Toorani

Not only does the harsh summer dry out our skin and hair, but it also wrecks havoc on our nails. Here are 10 tips to keep them strong and healthy.

10 Tips

1. Hydrate your cuticles.

Although it works to moisturise your nails with any hand cream or lotion, if you want the full effect, it is wise to rub petroleum jelly, castor or olive oil onto your fingertips.

2. File in one direction.

Filing back and forth causes your nails to weaken and break. Never file right after a shower or a swim.

3. Don’t go bare.

Always protect them with at least one coat of clear or base polish coat. This also locks in moisture.

4. Choose the right products.

Stay clear of harsh chemicals and choose a non-acetone nail polish remover. If you’re willing to splurge, then go for a moisturising one.

5. Go easy on your nails.

It is the 21st century; stop using your nails as tools!

6. Protect yourself.

Washing dishes on a daily basis can be disastrous. Always wear rubber gloves while doing any kind of household chores.

7. Nutrition.

If you have brittle, white-spotted nails, your diet could be the culprit. Add a glass of milk, eggs and leafy greens to your daily routine. White spots are a sign of low zinc intake.

8. Don’t cut your cuticles.

Your cuticles are there for a reason, to protect your nails. If you are getting a manicure in a salon, ask them to just gently push the skin back.

9. Take your vitamins.

Biotin supplements can work wonders on your nails. In fact, veterinarians actually use it to strengthen horses’ hooves!

10. Foot care.

Remember, everything that applies to your finger nails applies to your toe nails too. Have pedicures every one to two weeks for healthy, well-maintained toes. www.womanthismonth.com

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Nail It!

Beauty

If you haven’t noticed, nail art is all the rage this season.

Let your fingertips do your talking as you explore how to turn on your creativity and stand out from the crowd.

J

OPI Oz - Which Witch Are You

ust when you think that there isn’t anything new in the fashion universe, you find reason to think you’re wrong. The nail art mania is not just a teen fad; women of all ages are into it. From simple details to extravagant artworks, nails are caught in an array of colours and themes this season.

The runways unveiled some trends and several celebrities have adopted the style as well, putting their fingertips in the limelight. It complements red carpet gowns and adds drama to the catwalks.

The film Oz the Great and Powerful inspired the nail polish brand OPI to create seven different shades with the idea ‘Which witch are you?’ Mix and match the colours to create your own character.

To get started you need to activate your imagination or just surf the Internet to find the perfect trend to suit your style.

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Extra Care

Issey Miyake

Before diving into the fascinating world of nail art, you should pay attention to your nails.

Layers and layers of polish without the correct care may ruin your beloved fingertips. The best idea is to look for professional advice if you feel that they are weak or breaking for no reason. Your nails can tell more about your health than you could ever imagine. A dermatologist can help you detect the problem and find a solution. Some people are allergic to chemical products in the enamel and must use specific products.

Statement Nails

The first important thing is that, believe it or not, you can make it at home. Just make sure you have the time and patience for it. Some of them are easy peasy, while some others are full of intricate details.

If you have the skills to draw bows and make straight lines with both hands, high five! But if you don’t, the best thing is to look for a professional manicurist to do it for you. Otherwise you will want to give up in the first attempt.

Celebrity Style

Many celebrities adopted the arty idea and you can reproduce their choices to have the fingernails of a star. From a tiny detail in the ring finger like Anne Hathaway or matching hues to make-up like Katy Perry, you have endless ways to nail this trend!

The easy and classy ones are just a tiny detail in the ring finger or the little one; a different colour or sticker would work. Graphics and different colours in the tip of all fingers are trendy and stylish as well.

If you like to experiment and have a steady hand, you will find infinite possibilities for your art. For those who don’t have much of a creative flair, some tricks are available in the market to help you create different styles with paper shapes to fill in and stickers that are easy to use.

Katy Perr

y

ay Anne Hathaw

Kelly Osbourne

Vanessa Hudg

ens

On The Shelves Mikyajy French Tips Everything you need for a French salonstyle manicure and pedicure.

Bourjois Nail Art Packing Easy nail art kit for original and graphic manicures.

Sally Hansen Dry & Go Dries your manicure in one minute and creates a barrier that nourishes, smoothes and softens cuticles.

Revlon Enamel It offers the classy spring colours for your nail art creations.

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2013 |

37

Home

Yinand Yang

By Elma Bartholomew

We explore the beauty of opposites this month. Inspired by the ‘black and white’ trend on the runways, WTM adopts the style to home décor. Find your inner minimalist.

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T

here is a certain sense of power that is reflected by the contrasting hues — black and white. Playing with ‘light and dark’ is perhaps the easiest concept one can adopt in respect to decorating a home. It’s simple; it’s clean.

An advantage of this everlasting interior style is that there are several ways of incorporating it into our humble abode. The first step is to invest in soft goods like pillows, bedding, tablecloths, throws and rugs. We have our eyes set on the tyre track rug by Smartville for BoConcept.

Working with an existing scheme makes things tougher. So grab a bucket of black paint and make a day of refurbishing your dining room. You needn’t overdo the look by coordinating every single item to the colour scheme. Your everyday white crockery will certainly pop in such a setting. The tropical printed set from Zara Home is perfect for the season.

Portraying a message on your clothes is in!

The trend has extended to home décor as well.

Who hasn’t noticed the ‘Ctrl-Alt-Del’ sofa cushions on Two and a Half Men? This trend is great to work with typewriter fonts. A fun take on this is the crockery from @home that helps you categorise your plates and jars based on its purpose.

Nothing says ‘ageless’ like black frames with monochrome images. THE One has just the thing for those who can’t get enough of this style.

If you’re looking for a new way to stack up your collection of books, it would help to take a look at Roche Bobois’ unique wall units.

@home

Roche Bobois

THE One

Zara Home

The classic duo We know most of our house-proud readers were waiting for spring and summer to add a splash of colour to their homes.

However, not every room needs to look like a rainbow used to live there.

The black and white combination is a timeless style that leaves a lot of room for your creativity to be displayed.

Those who can accommodate a major revamp ought to have a look at Versace Home’s new wallpaper collection.

The Herald print presents luxurious floral scrolls, adding a hint of romance to the ambience of a stylish home.

BoConcept

www.womanthismonth.com

Versace May 2013 |

39

Beat the heat

Wellbeing

By Shauna Nearing Loej

It’s only May but the summer season is here, staying for months to come. Living on a desert island, we expect intense heat layered with sticky humidity. But should this stop us from going about our regular fitness routine outdoors? Yes and no say the experts.

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Y

ou might have to tailor what you do according to the time of day or simply move indoors. What you need is a little common sense and a lot of water! If you are the gym bunny type, the hot weather could signal a perfect time to shake up your regular routine and reach your fitness goals.

Don’t fear the heat Our expert: Craig Heslop, founder and tribal coach, Tribal Fitness The modern lifestyle allows for less movement whether sitting at a desk, watching television or driving. Here in Bahrain, we are particularly susceptible to a sedentary way of living with services readily available to have our cars washed, gardens pruned and homes cleaned.

We are forced into air- conditioned surroundings and do less and less which impacts our health and fitness. Tribal Fitness, founded in Bahrain a few years ago, aims to return individuals back to their clean-living roots through natural movements, healthy eating and living.

Ever wonder what cavemen did to combat the heat back in the day when they trudged off to hunt for food?

“They were smart and limited their movements to certain times of the day. They didn’t have to slap on sunscreen,” says Craig.

“They moved around in the early morning and evening and avoided the intense heat during the day. They had respect for the sun, its strength and danger.”

You might not have to hunt for your food today; but one way or another you have got to move to find your way to the supermarket. We don’t move nearly as much as we used to particularly in Bahrain where footpaths and parks are limited. Yet there is an expanse of desert landscape ready to be explored.

“When we go for a walk, we use the treadmill and stare at a screen and in our peripheral vision we have nothing but the walls of the gym. Our senses are dulled and we are neither awake nor alert,” he explains.

So what can you do? Walk, run or move for short stints of 15 minutes before the school run or heading to work. Take advantage of the beautiful island sunsets and get out and move.

Although Craig is confident we can acclimatise to the heat for short exercises outdoors, provided we drink plenty of water, not everyone is keen on the heat. Tribal Fitness uses its gym space to accommodate those wanting to beat the heat. Overall, this expert says we should not fear the heat, but work around it. www.womanthismonth.com

If you train regularly throughout the year, the hot weather presents a golden opportunity to optimise your routine. Look at what works and what doesn’t and fine tune it. Change your focus from exercise to what is happening with your health. Health and fitness go hand in hand, but are two different things. You can be super fit and unhealthy at the same time.

For your 15 minute walk, run or swim, add weight bearing exercises a couple of times a week and with this, you have the makings of a solid summer routine. Plus, walking outside in the early morning sunlight has the additional bonus of providing our bodies with Vitamin D. People tend to stay indoors during the summer and our vitamin D levels drop significantly. Vitamin D is produced by the body from sunlight exposure and is essential to good bone health. Experts recommend testing your vitamin levels now and getting retested in a few months time to make sure your body has a sufficient amount.

Change your routine Exercising indoors is fun and is the next best thing if you are used to training outdoors. Chris sees an influx of people in the gym at this time of year looking for the ultimate beach body. He also sees people who want to get out of the heat and need advice on what they can do inside the gym.

“It’s a good time now to change your exercise routine,” says Chris, emphasising the need to always tweak our routines every six weeks with slight variations and progressions such as more reps or sets. For women, resistance training is particularly important for bone health, posture and body changes during significant life changes such as childbirth and menopause.

Change your focus Our expert: Chris Rawlinson, manager, Oxygen Gym Whatever exercises you can do outdoors, there is always an alternative inside a gym. Doing push-ups outdoors can be likened to performing the bench press. Cycling outdoors can be done on stationary bikes. A run along the beach equals a run on the treadmill.

“Of course it’s nice to go for a scenic run outdoors. But realistically, we live in one of the hottest places on Earth. So there are times of the year when you need to do indoor workouts,” says Chris.

May 2013 |

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Wellbeing

So what does the ideal summer gym workout look like? Chris explains that through thousands of personal training hours, there is no one ideal workout as everyone has different goals. His advice is to opt for a mix of cardio and resistance training. A good workout is where you know what you are doing and the technique is correct.

For someone who trains outdoors, gyms can be intimidating with complicated looking machines and people who look like they know what they are doing.

“You just have to come in and give it a try.

Being in a gym is very sociable,” he assures.

If you do decide to stay outdoors, Chris echoes our experts’ advice to drink plenty of

water and pay attention to hydration levels both outdoors or in the gym.

“Sports drinks have their place in fitness but you can’t beat good old H2O,” says Chris.

Step by step Our expert: Tom Jankowski, health fitness specialist, Bahrain Rugby Football Club It’s not unusual for Bahrain’s temperature to soar well into the high 40s and beyond. At a certain point in the summer, there is no ideal time of day as it stays hot all day long. “Even early morning or late evening workouts should be approached with caution or moved indoors,” says Tom. Be prepared for the heat when exercising outdoors and stay safe and healthy.

The right time of day: Even the fittest people can succumb to the dangers of exercising in extreme heat. Heat-related illness can be avoided by staying out of midday sun, being careful to not overexert yourself or exercising indoors.

“Some people may acclimatise to the weather, but every person is different and you need to know your limitations. There’s no need to train when the sun is at its strongest,” he says.

Listen to your body: Exercising outdoors in the heat is not the best time to ramp up the intensity of your workout.

“The heat puts extra stress on our bodies. My advice would be to look at shortening your workout or decreasing the intensity. If you start to feel really overheated or unusually sick, then you know you may have pushed it too much

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and need to stop,” Tom adds.

If you have a pre-existing condition such as asthma, heart problems or take certain medications, you need to be careful. Extreme heat can result in serious illness or even death if you do not take the proper precautions. Talk with your doctor about what you can do.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of cold liquids throughout the day, before and during your workout. Depending on the length of your workout, having a sports drink after to replenish carbs and sodium levels might also be a good idea. Don’t just drink when you are thirsty.

“Carry a large bottle of water with you outside when you train, run, walk or even when you swim at the pool. People may not realise how dehydrated swimming in the heat can make you,” advises Tom. Dress smartly: Lightweight, breathable and light-coloured exercise clothing will keep you cool. Opt for wicking fabrics that remove the sweat from the body instead of cotton fabrics that get wet and heavy. Remember to be sun smart as you dress; apply sunscreen on exposed body parts if you are training for more than 15 minutes outdoors.

Know when to stop: Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, faintness, headache, muscle cramping, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing, confusion, goose bumps and extreme thirst. Stop, move to a shaded area and have a cool drink. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. www.womanthismonth.com

Green with Envy

Continuously on the lookout for the next big wellbeing craze, the beauty team is diving head first into this month’s health trend, as Maryam Toorani explains.

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uice is the new coffee. Yes fellow islanders, it may finally be time to follow through with that caffeine-cutting resolution you have been holding off. Green juice cleanses have been sweeping the world, but are they really our one way ticket to the lean mean bodies of runway models and hollywood movie stars?

The elixirs offer all kinds of essential vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants in a liquid form that allows the body to quickly and easily absorb them. After a week long test run, and a hard one at that, the WTM beauty team is all for this new health fad, but like everything in life, moderation is key.

We traded in our morning lattes for a freshly prepared glass of green goodness before breakfast and although we did go through some aggressive caffeine withdrawal symptoms, benefits were reaped. The first two days took a little effort to get used to the taste, but after that, we stayed fresh and energetic www.womanthismonth.com

longer and, dare we say it, our skin was looking mighty brighter by day seven.

One thing to note though, if you are looking to quickly shed some pounds this is probably not the way to do it. You will lose the weight mind you, but you are also left with a nutritional hole that could cause some unwanted problems.

Although the rejuvenating juices come fully packed in much needed nutrients, they lack the one thing that helps keep us energised and boosts our metabolism — proteins! So if you are looking for a way to wash out the toxins in your body, this can work, but keep your juiceonly plan for no longer than a few days.

Gwyneth Paltrow has been known to start every year with a week long cleanse (check out our June issue to learn more about her wellbeing website). However, if you are just looking for a more balanced nutritious diet, we are all for incorporating these ‘easy to make’ babies into your daily meals.

Detox the easy way Our tip for beginners is to skip the full-on liquid diet and instead enjoy one juice with two other nutritious meals per day. Check out our four ‘easy to blitz’ recipes. All you need is fruits, veggies and a blender: l The classic. A handful of spinach, kale and a cup of pineapple with two apples. l The cooler. One pear, one cucumber, half a ginger root and a handful of mint. l Sweet tooth. Four handfuls of spinach, two cucumbers, four small Fuji apples. l Full green. One cucumber, two celery ribs, one handful of cilantro, four sprigs of basil and two apples.

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Parenting

How to Let

Your Baby Go

By Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy and Steve Royston

If you’re the parents of a 17-year-old, the chances are that there’s one topic that dominates the family agenda — next steps. Learn to cope with times without turning into a nervous wreck.

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www.womanthismonth.com

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s Grades are good. Maybe your daughter or son has a clear idea of a future career; maybe not. But it would be surprising if university, perhaps abroad, was not one of the options on the table. This is where perceptions start to diverge. You see things one way, and your child might see them quite differently.

You’re probably going through all those serious thoughts that parents think: the right choice, career prospects, and best university.

Quietly, you might also be thinking about your baby flying the nest and worrying about whether she/he will cope and how you can keep her/him on the straight and narrow when she/he is thousands of miles away.

Your children, on the other hand, might be dreaming of parties, bungee-jumping, escape at last! They’ll be looking at Facebook posts from friends, brothers or sisters already at university, and they’ll be desperate for the life they see — travel, fun, new friends. Photos of people in lectures and working on assignments don’t tend to show up on Facebook, but this is familiar territory. It’s the same as school, right?

But quietly they might be thinking, “Will I cope?

Will I be homesick? What if I’m not as smart as everyone tells me I am?”

So at least you have some common ground, which is that you both have your secret fears.

As any parent of teenagers knows, common ground is not always easy to maintain. In fact, it’s shifting all the time. And you’re the one who has to struggle to keep connected as your children’s opinions, tastes and emotional maturity rapidly evolves.

So it makes sense to take the opportunity presented by the scary unknown and to do a bit of planning, hopefully at moments when you get an attentive audience.

When theory really does count One useful approach to thinking about study abroad is to use the structure of Abraham Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ as the framework.

He defined five levels of need. His theory states that if you don’t get past one level, it’s not easy to proceed to the next. The levels are: 1. Physiological: This is what you need to survive: food, shelter, warmth. In the case of your daughter, think about what clothes she will need. Will she eat the right things? What accommodation is most suitable?

2. Safety and security: Will she need a car (probably not if she’s living on campus)? What are the no-go areas where she’ll be living?

Does she have self-defence training? Does she www.womanthismonth.com

have anti-virus software on her laptop? Does she have travel insurance? Does she have contents insurance in case she loses her phone? Is she aware of the dos and don’ts of travelling alone? Does she have first-aid training or medical insurance? What about finding a clinic?

3. Love and belonging: She’ll probably know more about social media than you do, but one of the biggest problems in the first few months at university for many students is loneliness and isolation. Do you have a plan for regular contact? Do you have an application like Skype video? Has she thought about what kind of college societies she might join?

Here’s a delicate one. Does she have any experience in interacting with the opposite gender? That’s a safety issue also — both physical and emotional. So a little bit of preparation about things that can happen and May 2013 |

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Parenting

how to deal with them would come in handy.

Once you go up the levels, it will be more and more down to your children to work things out for themselves. We’re moving from the practical to the emotional and much depends on their ability to deal with their emotions, to create empathy, to relate to groups of people and to make sure that they are able to set an agenda socially.

Along with motivation, these are the components of what psychologist and author Daniel Goleman calls ‘emotional intelligence’. Motivation plays a major part in the final two of Maslow’s Hierarchy.

4. Esteem: This means both self-esteem and winning the respect and affection of others. It can be a big shock for your daughter to find that after being a big fish at school, she’s a tiny minnow swimming in a big lake of equally talented people at university. She needs to be prepared for that.

Lack of confidence can easily lead her to slide into isolation and loneliness. So it’s important that she knows where she can get help; perhaps the university counselling service, and yes, perhaps even Mum and Dad! You should also encourage her to find a mentor, perhaps a member of staff or a student in a higher year, whom she can trust and confide in.

5. Self-actualisation: This is the ultimate level. Sometimes we achieve things that change, define and make sense of our lives. Going to university is surely not just about getting a piece of paper at the end of three or four years.

It’s much more than that. It is an opportunity to see the world, understand different cultures, do new things and feel good about what we achieve.

So no matter how anxious you are for your daughter to get the top grades, do encourage her to spread her wings and seek achievements and experience beyond the narrow confines of study. There’s a very practical reason for this, by the way.

When she’s applying for her first job, she will be up against people who not only achieved a good degree, but can provide evidence of a host of life skills. Perhaps they took part in an earthquake relief project, created a new college society or raised money for charity through 46

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organising events. If all she’s done in that time is lock herself away and study, she will be at a disadvantage.

Steve Royston, an expert, notes that one final topic more or less permeates all the levels — money.

“When I started at university, I had a grant each term.

These were the days — now sadly long gone — when in the UK many people actually received money for going to university instead of racking up debt. Unfortunately I blew my grant in the first two weeks,” says Royston.

One of the most consistent trends among students going off to university is their inability to handle money.

Some but not all schools provide guidance. So realistically, it’s down to you as parents to make sure that your daughter understands the basics of financial selfmanagement: how to budget, how to use banks and credit cards, what to do if the money runs out. Actually, money management is not just practical; it’s psychological as well. Think of compulsive shopping.

So did you think that your daughter going off to university was the beginning of independence?

“As the father of two daughters who have successfully graduated from university, I can tell you what I suspect you know already: you never stop worrying and you never shut down the Bank of Mum and Dad,” he explains.

Some parents worry about their baby being mislead and yet most students tend to uphold their family values even more when they are at university, something that is a credit to you as a parent.

But there are ways to anticipate the bumpy ride ahead.

And a bit of planning, a bit of thinking on both sides and a few practical steps can go a long way towards avoiding too many of the inevitable dramas and crises.

Good luck!

Steve Royston is the managing director of Anfield Information, a British/US-owned company that provides consultancy for the development of products and materials in the areas of training, education, multimedia, technical information, localisation and marketing communications. He co-designed Going West, an action learning programme for students planning to study at foreign universities.

His personal blog is at www.59steps.wordpress.com.

Email steve.royston@anfield-information.com.

www.womanthismonth.com

Column

Banking on Your Child’s Health Umbilical cord blood was once discarded as waste material but is now known to be a valuable source of blood stem cells.

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fter a baby is born, cord blood is left in the umbilical cord and placenta. It is fairly easy to collect with no threat to the mother or baby. It contains haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These are rare cells that normally originate in the bone marrow.

They can generate every type of cell in the blood: red cells, white cells and platelets. They are accountable for maintaining blood production throughout our lives and have been used for many years in bone marrow transplants to treat blood diseases.

The good Cord blood is used to treat children with cancerous blood disorders, such as leukaemia or genetic blood diseases like fanconi anaemia.

It is transplanted into the patient, where the HSCs can make new, healthy blood cells to substitute those impaired by the patient’s disease, or by a medical treatment such as chemotherapy for cancer.

In this way, cord blood bids a beneficial alternative to bone marrow transplants for some patients. It is easier to collect than bone marrow and can be stored frozen until it is needed. It also seems to be less likely than bone marrow to cause immune rejection or complications such as graft versus host disease. This means that cord blood does not need to be as perfectly matched to the patient as bone marrow.

However, cord blood transplants also have precincts. Treatment of adults has so far proven to be very challenging, despite some successes. It can also only be used to treat blood diseases.

The bad A major limitation of the transplantation is that the blood obtained from a single umbilical cord does not contain as many cells as a bone marrow donation. Scientists believe this is the main reason that treating adult patients with cord blood is so difficult.

A transplant containing too few HSCs may fail or could lead to slow formation of new blood in the body in the early days after transplantation. This serious complication has

been partially overcome by transplanting blood from two umbilical cords into larger children and adults. Some researchers have also tried to increase the total number of HSCs obtained from each umbilical cord by collecting additional blood from the placenta.

Neither solution is entirely satisfactory.

When parents donate to a public bank, they are supporting patients around the world who are searching for an unrelated allogeneic donor.

When parents save cord blood in a family bank, they are reserving the options that the baby can use its own stem cells for an autologous treatment or an immediate relative (sibling or parents) can use the stem cells for an allogeneic treatment.

Why you should bank cord blood: Banking umbilical cord blood is a gift that could save your child’s life. l If your child becomes ill and requires a stem cell transplant, his or her own banked cord blood provides the paramount match, with no risk of rejection. l If a related family member becomes ill and requires a stem cell transplant, a related donor is more likely to be a match. l Unlike harvesting bone marrow, harvesting umbilical cord blood is not painful. l Banked umbilical cord blood has been used in the treatment of over 75 life-threatening diseases, including a wide range of cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies and blood disorders. l Stem cell transplants are also being used to treat conditions such as Type 1 diabetes and cerebral palsy. l International stem cell registries are predominately Caucasian, meaning non Caucasians have more difficulty finding a match. l

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

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20 tips

Cut Out Calories

By Maryam Toorani

Calorie counting enthusiasts, this one is for you. We round up 20 easy-to-follow tips for a more practical approach to healthy eating.

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Breakfast of champions

1.

Good carbs. If there is any time of the day when you can indulge in carbs, it is in the morning. Go for one slice of whole wheat, high-fibre toast topped with natural jam to get your day started.

2. Coffee is good for you. And whoever tells you otherwise, the

WTM team is ready to testify against that. Of course the key here is moderation, have one cup of Joe Black for a ‘pick me up’ that doubles as a metabolism booster.

3. Eggy goodness. Who says you can’t have a full breakfast if you are watching your weight. Instead of two whole scrambled eggs, go for four scrambled egg whites.

4. Skip the whip. Are you getting your Starbucks or Caribou

Snacks and desserts

cappuccino to go? Bring out the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ in you and ask the barista to hold the cream, the milk and caramel or hazelnut drizzle.

brown or whole grain varieties when possible.

5.

Fresh take on chip and salsa. Hungry between meals?

Put the Cheetos away; go for celery and carrot sticks dipped in hummus or light ranch dressing.

Control your portions. Have your oatmeal, muesli or whole wheat cereal in a mug instead of a bowl. You can lose half the calories.

Lunch time munching

11.

12. Healthy nibbling. Although many experts suggest that by

6.

having a packet of dry raisins with you can help to keep you from binge eating; this energy-dense food contains a high number of calories and a lot of natural sugar. Opt for fresh grapes instead.

7. Watch your dressing. Love your meals slathered in sauces?

Always choose water. Want a fizzy drink? Say no to the soda and go for some refreshing sparkling water. It’s estimated that one can of Coca Cola is equivalent to 10 sugar cubes.

8. The right soup. Most of us assume that soup for lunch is a

Baked delights. Craving junk food? Snack on baked potato chips instead of regular ones. On that note, always go for a baked potato instead of mashed as side dishes.

Say no to cheese. You can have a light turkey, tuna or grilled chicken breast sandwich for lunch, but scrap the cheese. Not only do you cut unnecessary calories, but dairy wreaks havoc on your skin too.

So do we, but instead of mayo in your sandwich, go for mustard; instead of ranch on your salad, go for a vinegar and olive oil mix.

diet-friendly meal. But if you are having a full cream mushroom or broccoli and cheese soup, then you aren’t doing yourself a favour. Slurp on minestrone or veggie soup instead.

9. Indulge in your patty cravings. A juicy burger is

everyone’s ultimate cheat meal. To make them healthier, ditch the buns.

Have you tried the lettuce wraps at Blaze Burger? Delicious.

10.

You can have rice. Contrary to popular belief, rice is not the slim woman’s enemy, just don’t have it everyday. The trick to enjoying a guilt-free bowl is to opt for steamed and not fried.

13.

14.

15. Indulge your sweet tooth. An after meal dessert is fine, but have ice cream in a cup or small bowl instead of a waffle cone.

Better yet, why not devour a nice big cup of frozen yoghurt?

Go light for dinner

16.

Take your chicken skinless. This cuts out the majority of fat. Also, stay clear of anything breaded like flour and bread crumbs, which absorb a lot of oil

17. Slim pickings. Love Italian cuisine? You don’t have to ditch

the pizza as long as you go for a thin slice. Say no to pepperoni and beef; pile on the veggie toppings.

18.

Cook with less fat. In the kitchen, use chicken broth instead of oil to sauté your beef, chicken, fish or vegetable meals.

19. Wash it down. End your day with a hot cup of green tea to

increase your level of norepinephrine, which prepares your body to burn fat.

20.

Salad for dinner. When you opt for a green meal at night time, choose either croutons or cheese, not both. Try to get away with only one tablespoon of dressing and not more. www.womanthismonth.com

May 2013 |

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Online

Happy Parenting

Gone are the days when new parents had reason to panic with the sole experience of being new to the whole experience. Share your life with the world and learn from the experts.

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n this age of endless forms of technology, doctors aren’t visited unnecessarily and grandparents aren’t the first source of advice anymore. Helping you share your experience as first-time parent is the multiple awardwinning website, Babble.com.

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Launched in 2006, this online information hub was acquired by The Walt Disney Company two years ago. The reason behind its introduction was for the simple reason that its founders could not find a magazine or community that spoke to new parents.

Every publication they encountered at the time did not tackle real life experiences —at best, it was an interior decorating opportunity; at worse, it was a housekeeping challenge. The first mission of Babble.com is to tell the truth about parenting, to bypass the clichés and dig into the magical yet maddening reality. They explore the world of parenting on a daily basis with ruthless honesty, with the humour natural to the subject.

The second part of their mission is to help parents navigate and keep pace with the modern, ever-changing world of parenting. To this end, they offer Strollerderby, one of the most comprehensive parenting blogs on the planet; Parental Advisory, their advice column; and regular features about products, fashion, entertainment, travel, trends and health. Babble’s short, straightforward reviews are designed to help new parents steer through the ever-rising ocean of gadgets.

For those looking for quick answers to practical questions, they created the Info Centre. Non-judgmental health-anddevelopment articles present multiple answers to questions along with links to the best resources online. Babble saves the conscientious hours of fruitless research by providing wise, thorough and succinct answers to all the most important questions.

The final aspect of their mission is to build a community of like-minded parents. Parenting can be lonely. Together, you can connect the dots between your isolated experiences.

They aim to create a forum where you can share stories, commiserate and celebrate the absurdity and wonder of it all. Join them on the Babble Boards and share your thoughts, whether about Babble or parenting more broadly.

The main topics featured on the website include pregnancy, baby, parenting, lifestyle, home, food and entertainment. Woman this Month vouches for this website for three reasons.

Firstly, you aren’t bombarded with advertisements, giving you the luxury of staying focused. Secondly, the layout is very userfriendly. Crisp and clean distribution of topics allows equal attention to all articles. Thirdly, it tackles sensitive topics that people are afraid to talk about otherwise.

It’s a shame to miss out on some of the most honest reviews, tips and ideas out there, especially if you’re still not used to having a new member in the family. We advise that you bookmark this gem of a website right away.

You’re welcome! www.womanthismonth.com

Competition

Win Dinner for Two By now you will have seen and flipped through our Perfect 10 cookbook. Here's your chance to show off your cooking skills.

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ook up your favourite dish from our recently launched Perfect 10 cookbook, and you could find yourself being waited on at one of the top restaurants in the Kingdom.

Thanks to the Gulf Hotel, the Mรถvenpick Hotel Bahrain and Nino Restaurant, 'Dinner for Two' vouchers are up for grabs. So, whether it is sampling the delights at one of the many venues at the Gulf Hotel, feasting on a theme night at the Movenpick or enjoying Italian fare at Nino, you are guaranteed a great night out.

Nino Restaurant

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Here's what to do! l Select a dish from the Perfect 10 Cookbook l Cook the dish in the comfort of your home l Take a picture of yourself together with your cooked dish l Send the image, together with a couple of sentences as to why you chose the dish, to us at editor@womanthismonth.com.

That's It! Silk's Restaurant @ Movenpick Hotel

Competition dates The competition will run through to the end of May 2013, at which point a carefully selected panel of judges will decide upon the winners.

Instagram On receipt of your image, we will then post it on our Instagram page @woman_this_month for all our followers to see.

Of course, you could always invite your friends to a cook-up, sending us all your dishes.

Sato @ The Gulf Hotel

www.womanthismonth.com

Competition

Win Dinner for Two By now you will have seen and flipped through our Perfect 10 cookbook. Here's your chance to show off your cooking skills.

C

ook up your favourite dish from our recently launched Perfect 10 cookbook, and you could find yourself being waited on at one of the top restaurants in the Kingdom.

Thanks to the Gulf Hotel, the Mรถvenpick Hotel Bahrain and Nino Restaurant, 'Dinner for Two' vouchers are up for grabs. So, whether it is sampling the delights at one of the many venues at the Gulf Hotel, feasting on a theme night at the Movenpick or enjoying Italian fare at Nino, you are guaranteed a great night out.

Nino Restaurant

52

| May 2013

Here's what to do! l Select a dish from the Perfect 10 Cookbook l Cook the dish in the comfort of your home l Take a picture of yourself together with your cooked dish l Send the image, together with a couple of sentences as to why you chose the dish, to us at editor@womanthismonth.com.

That's It! Silk's Restaurant @ Movenpick Hotel

Competition dates The competition will run through to the end of May 2013, at which point a carefully selected panel of judges will decide upon the winners.

Instagram On receipt of your image, we will then post it on our Instagram page @woman_this_month for all our followers to see.

Of course, you could always invite your friends to a cook-up, sending us all your dishes.

Sato @ The Gulf Hotel

www.womanthismonth.com

Showcase

Safety First EUROMOTORS

Road safety is taken to a new level through intelligent networking of drivers, vehicles and the outside world.

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river, car and environment; by interconnecting these three elements, the BMW Group has created something truly unique. Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive, the group has developed a range of new technological features that give the driver and passenger information and services to help make driving safer and more comfortable. The outcome: sheer driving pleasure that takes on a whole new dimension.

Available across the entire BMW range of new models as optional features, the BMW ConnectedDrive elements fall into three categories: comfort, safety and infotainment.

Comfort. The comfort level focuses on the communications level of the passenger and the outside world, something central to BMW ConnectedDrive. With Surround View, the control display offers a 270 degree bird’s eye view of everything around the car, providing support when manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces. www.womanthismonth.com

Infotainment. This encompasses information and entertainment at the same level as at work or at home. The ‘infotainment’ zone defines communication between the driver and passenger, promoting active social exchange between the two. What’s more, BMW is the first automobile manufacturer to offer unlimited on-board Internet access.

Once the car has safely stopped, you can surf the web on the control display and use the iDrive Controller as a mouse. That is only the beginning; you can now set up your office in a BMW using your smartphone by importing your contacts and setting up an external mailbox to check emails.

Safety. The central area of safety symbolises the interaction between the driver and the environment with active safety measures such as driver assistance systems.

These features enable the vehicle to pass information relevant to safety onto the driver.

Among these is the head-up display.

Derived from the information technology for fighter jet pilots, it helps make driving safer by projecting information about the current speed, route navigation on to the windscreen as a virtual image to ensure the driver’s attention stays on the road.

In the event of an accident, crash sensors automatically activate the Advance Emergency Call and at the same time precise positioning data for your vehicle’s location is automatically transmitted.

The park assist allows the vehicle to parallel-park itself, where the driver only needs to operate the accelerator and brake.

A sensor automatically scans parked cars for available space.

The collision warning with brake activation uses radar technology to monitor distance to the car ahead and provide warnings wherever necessary. If the driver fails to respond, the system automatically brakes.

Call 17 750-750.

May 2013 |

53

Showcase AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL

All in the Eyes

As the scorching heat sets upon us, WTM sits down with a leading hospital’s ophthalmologist to learn how we can protect our eyes.

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merican Mission Hospital maintains a century long commitment to provide quality, affordable medical services to the Kingdom’s residents. The hospital boasts an eminent panel of doctors specialising in various fields of ophthalmology.

Dr Manoj Kurian Philip explains protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays can go a long way in preventing many conditions.

“It is always worthwhile to invest in good quality sunglasses, especially polarised ones as it selectively blocks sunlight and its reflection. Staring directly to the sun or to any object that reflects the sunlight is harmful to the eyes, even when you are wearing sunglasses,” says the ophthalmic surgeon.

Refractive errors in children are treated after a detailed refraction with the prescription of glasses or contact lenses. Among the older generation, common conditions are various types of infections, particularly due to the changes in weather conditions.

Infections in adults are treated with antibiotic drops and ointments. In extreme cases, steroid medication is required due to negligence by patients in the early stages of infection.

Dr Manoj finished his undergraduate studies from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore and completed his diploma and masters in ophthalmology from J J M Medical College, Davangere. The surgeon then attained a paediatric ophthalmology fellowship from Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. Call 17 248-110 or 17 248-121.

YAQUBY STORES

Ground-breaking Cleaning Steaming is a hassle-free way of cleaning up sticky spills without the need for a traditional mop and bucket.

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he Bissell Steam Mop is designed to effectively clean all surfaces, giving you a spotless floor in a jiffy. With its sleek design that fits into any home, the mop lives up to Bissell’s reputation of floor care tools; all you need is water to clear and disinfect.

The thick green mopping pad works on vinyl, ceramic tiles, hardwood and laminated flooring. Capable of removing tough and sticky messes from hard surface floors, the must-have appliance is easy to put together and even easier to operate.

It covers a large surface area, has good edge cleaning features and its reusable pads are machine washable.

Health conscious home owners will love that the machine doesn’t leave any chemical residue or steam cleaning fumes; best of all, it comes at a very affordable price.

Carpet owners need not fret even if they stained their valuable Persian rug, the mop is safe for use on fibres.

It deodorises and refreshes with great ease and efficiency. For vinyl floors, dirt needs only a quick burst of steam to be removed, leaving it dry and streak-free.

On ceramic tiles, the thick cloth shows its strength with less pooling in the grout lines.

Hardwood and laminated flooring works well with the trigger option.

This releases just enough steam to allow the floors to dry quickly while at the same time preventing any damage. Call 17 582-250.

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www.womanthismonth.com

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

New Fitness Regimes

To look your best this summer it only makes sense to work with the best. A top-notch fitness centre makes getting a beach bod fun and exciting.

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he Thalassa Sea & Spa Complex at Sofitel Bahrain in Zallaq has introduced new fitness programmes that are conducted by qualified experts to suit every need and fitness level. Guests can practise anything from pilates to yoga at the centre.

You could also have a go at the latest trends in the world of fitness like the Swiss ball and the gym body bar. Boasting dedicated studios for each workout plan, they make sure there’s always something new to try out.

The classes are designed in such a way as to gently bring you to better health, improved wellbeing or a trimmer figure. Set in a tranquil and luxurious environment, the team here helps you to recuperate from the hassles and stresses of modern life.

The perfect body isn’t just the fruit of exercising. It has a lot to do with having the right food at the right time. A specialised dietician is dedicated to advise gym-goers about their general body condition, body mass index and tailor-made fitness programmes.

This month, they launch a number of new www.womanthismonth.com

slimming packages as well. It would be wise to book a seat in their regular sessions to work your way into having a flawless body.

Finding a balance Practised by millions, yoga takes you beyond the here and now. In one session alone, people get to do a number of things from some complex poses to breathing exercises. You learn to use your body, breath and mind to stretch, relax and energise yourself.

Best of all, it is apt for all, regardless of age or gender. It is highly therapeutic as well.

The Thalassa Sea & Spa Complex offers private lessons for both members and nonmembers at BD8 and BD10 respectively. Open classes are conducted every Thursday from 11am-12.30pm. A package of 10 sessions costs BD70 for members and BD90 for non-members.

Dance it off Zumba is a fitness class that combines dance and fitness moves. Inspired by Latin dance and music, this programme uses a variety of

styles in its routines. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body. You could burn between 350 to 900 calories per class, depending on how you exert yourself.

Offered at the same rates, the centre organises one-hour sessions every Tuesday and Saturday.

A far stretch For those of you who have not yet discovered the wonders and benefits of Pilates, it is primarily a core strengthening technique. It targets the deep postural muscles and in turn, helps to strengthen the spine and the abdominals. It’s also an over all body work, which aims to elongate muscles.

Members can join the 60-minute pilate classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays at BD20 per session or at BD150 for a 10-session package. Nonmembers can participate at BD30 per class or BD270 for a set of 10 classes.

Call 17 636-363 or email H6722@sofitel.com.

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Showcase

F

BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

Are You at Risk?

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. In severe cases, a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture.

Dr Hecham Harb

OXYGEN GYM

Shedding Extra Pounds With the onset of summer, people are more conscious about their health. Head over to the new state-of-the-art gym in Budaiya for the perfect body.

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ractures due to osteoporosis most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine, affecting men and women around the globe. WTM sits down with Bahrain Specialist Hospital’s internal medicine and endocrinology consultant, Dr Hecham Harb, to learn what can be done to help prevent the disease. Recent studies prove that Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk, especially those who are post-menopausal. Although most of the factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition are unchangeable, Dr Hecham explains that there are still many ways of reducing our risks.

“This includes maintaining healthy hormone levels. The reduction of oestrogen during menopause is one of the strongest risk factors for developing osteoporosis,” says the expert. Another variable is dietary factors. Low calcium and vitamin D intake contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. Long-term use of steroids or other medications interferes with the bone-rebuilding process as well.

“Life style choices also act as risk factors. Examples are leading a sedentary life, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use,” he explains.

Prevention can be achieved by keeping bones healthy by ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake combined with frequent exercise. Good sources of calcium are available in low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, canned salmon, sardines with bones, soy products, calcium fortified cereals and orange juice.

Call 17 812-000.

O

xygen Gym is dedicated to helping you get healthy, breathe better, decrease stress, increase body strength and achieve your overall fitness goals. Over 1000 square meters in size, this is one of the largest co-ed fitness centres in Bahrain. It is equipped with the most hi-tech weight training machines and cardio fitness equipment.

The expert team at this health club believes in the new age of fitness, where it is not just about improving your look, but is about improving your outlook. There are several reasons that make Oxygen Gym stand out.

Topping the list is the fact that it is a family-friendly gym.

Join any of their classes that cater to children, as well for some good bonding time. From Zumba, muay thai and yoga to pilates, kombatt and taekwondo, they’ve got it all.

Let’s not forget the in-house dietician and personal trainers, who are always ready to help. The amenities seem endless at Oxygen gym with everything from free Wi-Fi to shows on flat screens to stay connected. They even provide blenders for members to make their own smoothies and protein shakes. With provisions like the sauna, steam room, prayer room and lounge area, it’s no surprise that Oxygen Gym feels like a second home to its members.

When asked about tricks to getting the best out of your summer workouts, Chris Rawlinson, manager and personal trainer, advises, “Set goals for yourself that are achievable.

When you get there, reward yourself with something like a heart rate monitor, new training shoes or clothes.”

Call 17 616-165 or visit www.oxygengym.net. www.womanthismonth.com

Golden Combination OMEGA

Omega introduces a new selection of luxury watches to its Ladymatic collection. The stylish timepieces feature the combination of 18K red or yellow gold and stainless steel.

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adymatic has long been at fashion’s forefront with its feminine design and state-of-the-industry mechanics. Now, with new models featuring stainless steel and 18K gold, the collection has become even more eye-catching.

The dramatic dial, available in deep brown or pure white mother-of-pearl, is decorated with an enchanting supernova pattern and set with 11 diamond indexes in gold holders. The polished hour, minute and seconds hands are also crafted from gold. A domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective treatment on both sides protects the unique dial. www.womanthismonth.com

The 34mm case, with its polished or diamondpaved stainless steel bezel, features a single Omega cut diamond on the polished screw-in crown. Decorative red or yellow gold waves grace the outside of the case with white or brown ceramic between the rings and a titanium inner case body.

The bicolour Ladymatic is presented on a red or yellow gold and stainless steel bracelet, or on a graceful satin-brushed white or brown leather strap. At the heart of this statementmaking wristwatch is the exclusive brand’s co-axial calibre 8520, an officially certified chronometer fitted with Omega’s silicon

balance spring and a co-axial escapement with three levels. The De Ville Ladymatic is water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres/330 feet) and is offered with a full four-year warranty.

Once again Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, who has been associated with Ladymatic since its launch in 2010, will act as the face of the watch. The collection has lived up to its ambition to prove that an uncompromisingly fashionable timepiece with a remarkable mechanical movement would find a following among discerning women around the world.

Call 17 537-753 or 17 100-135.

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Travel

A Family Affair

By Maryam Toorani

If you haven’t already booked your family summer vacation yet, here is a look at three ‘fun for all’ destinations that you might have overlooked.

Rajasthan, India

The Low-down: Translating to ‘the land of kings’, Rajasthan is India’s second largest state; it is in no shortage of adventures. It pulsates with culture, colour and utmost natural beauty.

From majestic palaces and forts, sand dunes and wildlife, both kids and adults are offered the best of India.

Always an abundance of festivals and fairs, the arts and culture scene is bustling and as a family you will get to immerse in a diverse range of rich traditions. With temples dating back to the seventh century and sanctuaries sheltering varied animal and plant species, this trip is definitely for a family looking for a whirlwind of adventure.

X-Factor: No trip to North India is complete without visiting the world’s biggest ode to love, the Taj Mahal. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the state’s capital and is full of life, busy shoppers and endless bazaars. Where else can you find elephants riding along with cars and buses on the streets?

A great treat for kids are overnight camel safaris offered by many hotels. A must visit is the Ranthambore National Park that houses some of the world’s most exotic animals. Here you can enjoy wildlife viewing, bird watching and hot air ballooning among many other exciting activities. One of its biggest attractions is the chance to see a tiger in the wild.

Best For: Culture vultures, art enthusiasts and nature adventure seekers. History lovers will get to see tales of magnificent palaces, forts and kings come to life before their eyes.

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Tokyo, Japan

The Low-down: No place will have you and your family mesmerised and entertained quite like Tokyo. The modern cosmopolitan city not only comes fully packed with out of this world skyscrapers and shopping complexes, but it is steeped in history, traditions and, contrary to popular belief, some of the world’s most beautiful sceneries.

Shibuya, one of the 23 city wards of Tokyo, boasts the ultimate in shopping, entertainment and dining. A must visit for families is Tokyo Disney, which is one of the most popular theme parks in the world. As the city surges forward, shaping the world with its cutting-edge technologies, Japan remains undeniably attached to its ancient heritage and this is a sight to see!

X-Factor: For a dose of culture, the city offers a plethora of museums. The Tokyo National Museum houses the largest collection of Japanese artefacts and artworks in the world with over 100,000 pieces.

The Edo Tokyo Museum takes you back in time, focusing on changes in the city’s 400-year history.

The Sony Showroom may seem like it’s geared towards the techno-loving father, but kids will have endless fun in this building. To catch a glimpse of the wildlife that Japan has to offer, the Ueno Zoo is the oldest and largest in the country. It is home to over 2,800 animals from 500 different species including the Sumatran tiger and the Western lowland gorilla.

Don’t miss the host of religious, historic and cultural sights including Asakusa Shrine and the Imperial Palace.

Best For: Tech-savvy travellers, foodies and anyone who is willing to jump into the foreign world of Japanese culture.

California, USA

The Low-down: A perfect summer destination, California offers attractions for the entire family. Boasting some of the world’s best beaches, theme parks, outdoor adventures and so much more, this trip isn’t for the fainthearted.

With a wealth of things to do, top spots include the Golden Gate Bridge, Universal Studios and Lake Tahoe ski resorts. The state is particularly beautiful this month, especially with the extravagant Cinco de Mayo celebrations and meteor shower sightings.

What better way to get a family closer together than a fully fledged road trip? Rent out a car, hit the Pacific Coast Highway and enjoy some of the best ocean views through Orange County, LA, Santa Monica and Malibu.

X-Factor: Dubbed as one of National Geographic Traveller’s 50 Places of a Lifetime, Big Sur’s beaches, mountains and redwood epitomise America’s scenic natural beauty. One destination that both kids and adults will appreciate is the Mecca of movies and stars, Hollywood.

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre. Probably the most famous animal park in the world, San Diego Zoo features over 4,000 animals and 6,500 varieties of exotic plants including a children’s section, where kids can feed the animals.

If you are looking to escape the summer heat, the state is home to the internationally-acclaimed California Ski Resort. The adventuring family can take part in activities like skiing, snow boarding, cross country trailing and terrain parks.

Best For: California’s diverse attractions work for both travellers looking for an unforgettable adventurous trip or for families that want a laidback, lazy summer getaway.

www.womanthismonth.com

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Hola,

Food

By James Claire

Bahrain!

Commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride; a perfect excuse to celebrate the cuisine of the nation.

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n search of tempting new flavours, textures and gastronomic wonders, the global food community is constantly disseminating cuisines of various countries in hope of finding a new culinary ‘wunderkind’, popular enough to hold the world in awe on a plate. Mexican food has and continues to be updated and today the cuisine (once thought of as heavy) is light, sumptuous and exciting.

True success means a cuisine will find a home not only in posh and a la carte restaurants, but also break the barrier of class and find a liking in franchise outlets, taking the dishes to a truly global market.

Mexican food has been around as long as the Mayans and Incas. However, it has found the fame of a modern cuisine even on our own shores with its success at such locales as

Margarita Mexicana restaurant at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, Casa Mexicana and Senor Pacos in Adliya. Internationally it has crossed borders with such concepts as Taco Bell.

Popular and tasty Mexican food is quite simple, can be flavoured and changed to the heat acceptance of your own palette with chillies and is frightfully easy to prepare.

Enjoy cooking!

l In a saucepan, cook the coriander and cumin seeds over medium heat until toasted, about 1-2 minutes. Allow to cool. l Place the toasted seeds, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon into a mortar and grind with a pestle until finely pulverised into powder. l Combine 2 teaspoons of the spice mixture, with the rice, onion, salt, beef, egg white and garlic in a large bowl.

Combine by hand. Shape the mix into 24 equal meatballs. l In a large saucepan, place the cabbage,

chopped onions, carrots and celery stalks.

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. l Add remaining ground spice mixture and chilli powder and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. l Stir in salt, vegetable stock and tomatoes and bring to the boil. l Reduce heat to simmer. Add the meatballs, cover and cook for 20 minutes. l Add potatoes. Cook, uncovered over medium heat for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Serve.

Sopa de Albóndigas (Meatball soup) Ingredients: 1 tbspn coriander seeds 1 tspn cumin seeds 4 whole cloves 1/4 tspn nutmeg powder 1 tspn cinnamon powder

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100g 2 tbspns pinch 500g 1 1

white rice, long grain, uncooked white onion, finely chopped salt minced steak egg white garlic clove, finely chopped

200g 2 2 2 1 tbspn pinch 1 ltr

400g 2

chopped white cabbage white onions, finely chopped carrots, sliced celery stalks, chopped chilli powder salt vegetable stock (or 1ltr water and 3 vegetable stock cubes) chopped tomatoes, canned potatoes, finely cubed

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Enchiladas

Ingredients: 1 tbspn olive oil 1 white onion, finely chopped 500g minced beef (good quality) 2 tbspns plain (all-purpose) flour 1 tspn paprika powder 1/2 tspn salt 1 tspn garlic powder 1/2 tspn ground cumin 400g chopped tomatoes, canned 80g unsalted butter 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped 100g plain (all-purpose) flour 400ml vegetable stock (or 40mls water and 2 vegetable stock cubes) 400g tomato sauce, canned 1 tspn cumin, ground 1/2 tspn paprika, powder 1/2 tspn salt 2-3 tbspns fresh coriander 8 flour tortillas, fresh and warmed 260g cheddar cheese, shredded 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 tbspns fresh parsley, chopped

Chicken Mole

Ingredients: 1 tbspn olive oil 1 white onion 4 garlic cloves, crushed 4-5 chicken breasts 2 tbspns coriander fresh, chopped 1 1/2 ltrs vegetable stock (or 1 1/2 ltrs water and 3 vegetable stock cubes) 2 dried red chillies 410g chopped tomatoes, canned 4 tbspns sesame seeds 1 tspn paprika 1 tspn cumin, ground 1/2 tspn cloves, ground 1/2 tspn garam masala, ground 2 slices stale bread 2 tbspns olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 white onion, finely chopped 50g dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa) salt to taste pepper to taste www.womanthismonth.com

l In a large saucepan, heat the oil and sautĂŠ the chopped onions until clear. l Add the minced beef and cook until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. l Stir in flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder and cumin. Stir in tomatoes; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes. l Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. l In a saucepan, heat the butter and cook the garlic. Stir in flour until blended. l Gradually whisk in vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring until thickened. l Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, paprika and salt. l Pour half of this sauce into baking dish/

casserole dish. l Take each flour tortilla and place about 3-4 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the centre on each tortilla top with a little fresh chopped coriander and the grated cheddar cheese. l Roll up and place each tortilla into the sauce, seam side down. When completed, top with remaining sauce. l Bake in the preheated oven, covered, for 30 35 minutes. l Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake until cheese is melted and browned. l Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

l In a large saucepan, heat the oil and sautĂŠ the onion and garlic. l Add the chicken breasts and coriander, and cover the chicken with the vegetable stock. l Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes more. l Remove the chicken breasts carefully and set aside. Strain the poaching liquid and reserve. l Pour 125mls of the reserved liquid over the dried chilli. Allow to soak for 30 minutes. l Place the tomatoes, sesame seeds, paprika, cumin, cloves, garam masala, bread, soaked chilli and their soaking liquid in a blender and process until smooth.

l In a separate saucepan, heat the oil and cook the garlic and onion until browned. Then add the blended tomato/spice mixture. l Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Then add the chocolate and stir until melted and finally add the chicken. l Add enough of the reserved poaching liquid to just cover the chicken, and simmer, uncovered, for 20 more minutes. l Remove the chicken again and keep warm.

Increase the heat on the liquid and reduce the sauce until it begins to thicken. l Season with salt and pepper. l Serve the chicken breasts over rice and coat with the mole sauce.

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Horoscopes

Star

Gazing

Find out what May has in store for you…

Taurus April 21 - May 21

A lot has changed for you in the last four weeks and most of it will be positive, allowing you the chance to spread your creative wings and really get to grips with an ambition that you have left unfulfilled for far too long. A key date for you could be May 24.

Gemini May 22 - June 21

The fallout from a fairly poisonous argument sees you taking refuge in the company of family as you seek to regroup your thoughts and try to establish how you are going to get things back on track. As your anger lessens, a more sensible solution will emerge.

Cancer June 22 - July 23

A partner could be feeling somewhat neglected this month as other events in your life have been taking your attention away from your relationship. You need to make a concerted effort to turn things around and the best way to do that is to plan a surprise.

Leo July 24 - August 23

You are entering into a financial commitment this month but you should be careful what you sign and get a second opinion if you are unsure about anything. The last thing you want to do is put pen to paper on an agreement that sees you lose out in the long run.

Virgo August 24 - September 23

With business ventures and relationships progressing across a more even keel, you will have the time to divert your attention to other ambitions and career pursuits. Creatively it could prove to be your most successful month so ensure you make it work for you.

Libra September 24 - October 23

Business ventures look set to dominate your thoughts as you set to expand your plans and with them your ambitions. There is no doubt that you are charged with confidence at the moment, so make sure you keep riding this wave through to its conclusion.

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Raphael

Scorpio October 24 - November 22

Some of you may be on the move. Much of that has to do with a recent sale that has seen you turn a profit but also left you with a dilemma. Think carefully about your next move. Have all your plans in order from the start, otherwise you risk a nasty surprise later.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 21 Tough times in the work place have left your confidence brittle but things might change after a chance meeting at a social event. On the relationship front someone could be trying to challenge for the affections of a partner, although you have little to worry about.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20

Keep your head clear this month as you will be called upon to both give advice and also make a few choices that impact on family members you are particularly close to. You may not emerge popular with everyone but that is something you have to accept.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

You love to be the centre of attention and have an uncanny knack for getting yourself in the right place at the right time. However, where a new purchase is concerned complacency might find you missing out. If you want to be certain of success take a risk.

Pisces February 20 - March 20

Ever the dreamer, even you have to come down to earth sometimes. Use your common sense to get yourself back on track. Look to the number ‘three’ for inspiration. You might just emerge with the main components of your life still intact.

Aries March 21 - April 20

This month will see many of you going through the initial plans of scoping out a new project that will involve heavy investment in property. Past experiences have taught you a great deal. So this should be easy; only the rewards will prove much greater this time. www.womanthismonth.com

Listings

S E G A P K IN

Pink pages

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Kooheji Jewellery (seef) 17 530-411 Swarovski 17 581-021 Yaquby Stores 17 171-800 Cafes and Coffee Shops A Piece of Cake 17 596-055 Regency Therapy 17 208-355 Dar Al Bareh Café 17 713-535 Ritz-Carlton 17 586-808 Al Bindaira Café 17 587-587 Sparadise Spa & Salon 17 313-131 Bahrain Taxi/Limo Services Aroma Café 17 582-711 Sheraton Hotel Spa 17 533-533 Bahrain Limo 17 266-999 Café La Ventana 17 716-711 Tip Toes 17 744-175 London Taxi 17 461-746 Café Lilou 17 714-440 Zoya Beauty Centre 17 740-800 Saudi Bahrain transport 17 321-218 Café Vergnano 17 178-408 Health and fitness centers Speedy motors service 17 682-999 Camille’s Sidewalk Café 17 533-808 Al Areen Palace & Spa 17 845-000 Hospitals and Clinics Caramel 17 797-087 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Al-Kindi Specialised Hospital Casa Blu 17 710-424 Curves 17 691-496

17 240-444 Cinnabon 17 530-010 Diplomat Hotel Spa 17 531-666 Costa Coffee (Adliya) 17 749-299 Al Marafi Clinic 17 585-373 Dessange Health Club 17 713-999 Delifrance (Budaiya) 17 696-031 American Mission Hospital 17 253-447 Ez Fit Sportsplex 17 692-378 Dolce Vita Restaurant Bahrain Defence Force 17 766-666 Equilibre 77 066-033 & Coffe Shop 17 713-401 Bahrain Specialist Hospital 17 812-000 Fitness First 17 564-005 Don Vito 17 714-464 Dr Enas Surgical Clinic 17 812-195 Futureshape Fitness 36 657-059 Dulce Café 17 822-274 Dr Tariq Hospital 17 822-822 Kangoo Jumps 39 411-407 La Maison du café 17 277-722 East Riffa Maternity Hospital 17 771-258 La Figure Aesthetic Center 17 785-153 La Chocolate (Seef) 17 582-259 Geriatric Unit 17 320-969 Le Mirage Health Club 17 531-666 Lilou Pâtisserie 17 715-370 German Skincare Clinic 17 722-696 Life-Fit 33 001-261 Little Caesar’s (Pizza) 17 744-144 Haffadh Dental Hospital 17 311-180 Mövenpick Health Club 17 460-000 Friends Café 17 713-732 International Hospital 17 598-222 Pars Health Club 17 814-777 Maggie’s Café 17 712-228 Jidhafs Maternity Hospital 17 550-022 Profile Fitness Centre 17 727-766 Maya La Chocolaterie 17 179-610 Muharraq Maternity Hospital 17 322-911 Regency Health Club 17 208-355 Med Café 17 713-088 Noor Specialist Hospital 17 260-026 RJ’s Health Club 17 727-230 Motorox Café 17 592-583 Psychiatric Hospital 17 279-300 Sheraton Fitness 17 533-533 Skyalk Café 17 363-999 Royal Bahrain Hospital 17 246-800 16 686-212 Sketchers Studio Ceramics 17 599-026 Salmaniya Medical Complex 17 288-888 Sofitel Thalassa Sea and Spa 17 636-363 Fashion and retail Sitra Maternity Hospital 17 730-758 Sporting Club, Ritz-Carlton 17 580-000 Al Aali Mall 17 007-270 Therapy Centre 17 592-401 The Pole Workout 39 259-552 Accessorize 17 581-588 Western Region Maternity 17 631-627 World Beat Fitness Center 17 612-576 ABS 17 583-140 Beauty Centers and Spas Aerobics Agent Provocateur 17 131-220 Al Arrayed centre 17 272-323 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Aldo Accessories 17 179-247 Ann Beauty Center Spa 17 623-704 Regency Health Club 17 208-355 BCBG Max Azria 17 587-875 Bahrain Massage Centre 17 264-064 World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576 17 178-670 Bebe Bahrain Wellness Resort 17 795-961 Women’s Organizations 17 245-736 Brands for Less Bellacura Beauty Lounge 17 364-955 American Women’s Ass. 17 685-882 Camaieu 17 179-767 Beauty & Nails Salon 17 717-323 Australasian Group 3 9101-348 Celine 17 179-560 Beauty Spot 17 611-888 Awali Ladies Association 17 678-947 DC Love Brands 39 521-952 Bliss Spa 17 742-222 Business Women’s Soc. 17 721-188 Dior 17 534-160 Bodyline Spa 17 793-932 Hamad Town Ass. 3 9449-222 Gap 17 178-607 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Indian Ladies Ass. 17 531-468 H&M 17 179-885 Celebrity Salon 17 232-944 International Ladies Group 17 825-865 Karen Millen 17 583-335 D.Done Salon 17 794-441 Madinat Hamad Society 3 9643-396 Mango 17 582-864 Dessange Spa 17 713-999 Pakistani Women’s Ass. 17 791-453 Max Mara 17 530-815 Diplomat Spa 17 525-237 Young Ladies Society 17 262-237 Michael Kors 17 178-630 Elie & Jean (Ritz Carlton) 17 580-885 Jewellery Next 17 179-820 Futoon Beauty & Fitness 17 777-994 Al Zain Jewellery (Seef) 17 582-232 Nine West 16 686-207 Happy Hair Salon 17 712-075 Ambassador Stores 17 225-513 Promod 17 178-630 Joz Salon and Spa 17 369-133 Asia Jewellery (Sheraton) 17 535-344 Punt Roma 17 172-307 La Fontaine Spa & Pilates 17 230-123 Bahrain Jewellery Centre 17 582-444 Reiss 17 179-386 Lavida Ladies Saloon 17 259 055 Bansri Jewellery 17 229-457 Salvatore Ferragamo 17 178-535 Lovely Lolita 17 540-101 Bvlgari 17 582-559 Top Shop 17 179-486 Nice Nails 17 795-101 Chopard 17 520-088 Novel Beauty Salon 17 791-222 De Beers 13 320-568 Palace Bride Saloon 17 742-210 Dalil Jewellery 17 259-744 If you want to be included in these Perfect Nails 17 484-333 Damas Jewellery 17 583-283 listings, please email editor@ Pineapple Spa 17 712-000 Devji Jewellery 17 224-170 womanthismonth.com Princess Palace Salon 17 691-221 Dior Boutique 17 534-160 www.womanthismonth.com

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WoMentality

Asking for Help

By Hard-headed Woman

In an age of social media where adding strangers as friends is easy, few of us ever ask for true help from the strangers that count.

I

read a saying recently: “You cannot heal what you don’t admit exists.”

And so, I admit something. I lost my closest friend many years ago. Over the years guilt has embraced me more than once. The usual questions arise.

“Could I have helped? Why had I not done more for someone I termed my best friend?

Why was I not able to see the signs?”

Depression takes many forms. No two sufferers will present the same symptoms.

Those who suffer from this terrible infliction

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should know that they are neither alone nor without help.

I have cried much and often for my friend.

Happy times made me sad for she could not enjoy the sights and sounds, joys and happiness. I felt unworthy of my happiness.

Sad times were worse.

Born in the mid ‘70s I am of the generation raised to just ‘deal with it’, taught by elders to ‘build a bridge and get over it’. A ‘put on a brave face and face the world’ kind of attitude has done me well for many years, until recently.

I have known for sometime that things just weren’t right. I had an uneasiness about my life. The usual ‘go get them’ kind of woman suddenly began to shy away from crowds.

First it was staying indoors through the week, then on weekends. Then I found I would go a week or two without socialising. I ate more than usual and slept less. I thought too much and cried too often as relationships faltered.

On the outside, my life was brilliant. On the inside, my life had evaporated into uncertainty.

On self-reflection, I finally had to admit that perhaps something in this strong alpha female’s life was slightly awry.

None of us like to admit defeat. I had felt ill for a few months with flu-like symptoms.

Doctors, X-rays and antibiotics — fruitless. I suffered symptoms but no disease, except for a general feeling of malaise and the tears.

I am not one to embrace social networking, but one connection on LinkedIn had been a Bahrain-based female doctor with the title of psychologist. I knew not the difference between psychologist, psychiatrist or ‘shrink’, so I asked her that exact question.

Apparently, ‘shrink’ is lingo. Psychiatrists prescribe medications and psychologists are the ones that practice therapy.

I feared my first meeting. I almost cancelled a dozen times. But after several meetings now I have to admit, I wish I had not waited so long.

Weight gain or loss, over sleeping or lack thereof, stress, tears, insecurities and general unhappiness are all, it would seem, symptoms of depression. My mother suffered it; she spoke rarely of it and so too have I for my own reasons.

Depression does not mean I was born sad, often I have been described as the clown of parties. Sadly as with many comics, I hid tears behind the laughter and mayhem.

I am not repaired fully. Time will heal; so they say. But finally after so long I feel better and just wish to tell you all that if things don’t feel right, don’t try to deal with it alone.

There is nothing wrong in asking for help.

Sometimes just being heard can go a long way and by admitting it, you can begin to heal. www.womanthismonth.com

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