Woman This Month - November 2016

Bahrain Edition

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

woman this month

November 2016 | Issue 165 | BD1 / SR10

NOVEMBER 2016 ı THE HOMES & GARDENS ISSUE ı www.womanthismonth.com

SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE New season updates for homes and gardens

FOOD

Chef on the green Hot new venue Recipes to try

PARENTING

www.womanthismonth.com

TRAVEL Discover Indonesia

Take the Floral Route

WELLBEING Why am I always tired?

Cybersecurity, Good Gizmos, Mealtime Tricks ISSUE 165

12

NOVEMBER 6 Over To You 8 The Month in Focus

SHOPPING

10 Pick of the Month: Behind the Mask 12 Editor’s Choice: Crazy Cat Lady

37 42

FASHION

14 Fashion Trend: Sheer Desire 16 Fashion Forward: Backstage Pass 18 Get the Look: Velour Fever

PEOPLE

25 Virginie Dreyer: Making it Meaningful

BEAUTY

28 News: The latest products in the stores 30 Celeb Spot: Devon Windsor

FEATURE HOMES & GARDENS

36 Francois Lemaitre: Design for Life 37 In the Mood: Make a mood board 38 Lifestyle: Winter Wow 40 Welcome Winter: Get ready for the cooler weather 41 Zahra Abdul Malik: Green Fingers 42 Garden Advice: Planting tips

53

LIFESTYLE

60

44 Wellbeing: Beating the energy slump 53 Food: Review 54 Food: Chef's Special 58 Travel: Taking the floral trail 62 Travel: Incredible Indonesia

PARENTING

65 Ravi Jayasundera: Talking cybersafety 66 Advice: Dr Jinan Harith Darwish 67 Tech Kids: Great Gizmos 68 Lamar Kanafani: To Spank or not to Spank 69 Column: Dealing with picky eaters 71 Horoscope: What to expect this month 72 In Her Shoes: Mariam Alseba

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

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

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November 2016

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chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY marketing & electronic media director DEEPA SIVA fashion & beauty editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER The only contributors 's women APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA magazine PUJA TIWARI h it w d te bu ri dist DR JINAN DARWISH the GDN RAPHAEL LAMAR KANAFANI print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL GOPAL NAMBIAR media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED PEARLYN D MEHTA circulation KADAMBARI S photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN

EDITOR’S NOTE

W

inter in my house means two things, days spent working in the garden pruning, fertilising and planting (not to mention filling in the ever-present results of my dogs’ excavations) and evenings snuggled up under a blanket with a nice warm throw, possibly a glass of something mulled and a good book.

If your plans for the coming months are along these lines, then you’ll love our Homes & Gardens feature. I got the chance to visit Bahrain Garden Club for a chat with chairwoman Zahra Abdul Malik and, I must say, I’m a total convert and ready to sign up. Their lovely garden in Juffair is a little oasis of greenery among the urban greys and it sounds as if they might actually manage to help get my grass growing. I also met designer Francois Lemaitre to talk about interiors and loved watching the artisans in his workshop.

Our feature includes lots of tips for getting the best from your space, whether you’re in an apartment with a balcony or a villa with a garden. And, having read through the pages, I can’t wait to get stuck in all my autumn jobs.

Also this month, we got a visit from cybersafety expert Ravi Jayasundera. A dad himself, he is passionate about keeping kids safe online and works with schools to do just that. He popped into the office to give us some tips that are great for kids and also useful for adults. You’ll find them in our parenting section which also includes a selection of educational gadgets and some sneaky tricks to deal with picky eaters.

In the lifestyle section Behnaz Sanjana tackles a question close to many of our hearts. “Why am I always tired?” Some of the answers might just surprise you. She’s also just come back from a flying visit to Indonesia, lucky girl, and was more than happy to share her experience.

As always we’ve got the latest news and products from the worlds of fashion and beauty and don’t forget to check out the Month in Focus page for ideas for some great things to do in November.

Contents copyrighted 2016© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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

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

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

Bahrain Edition

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

woman this month

November 2016 | Issue 165 | BD1 / SR10

NOVEMBER 2016 ı THE HOMES & GARDENS ISSUE ı www.womanthismonth.com

Our month: Farheen checked out the newly opened Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj and I got my hands muddy at the Bahrain Garden Club.

SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE New season updates for homes and gardens

FOOD

Chef on the green Hot new venue Recipes to try

www.womanthismonth.com

TRAVEL Discover Indonesia

Take the Floral Route

November 2016, Issue 165 On the cover: Homes and gardens

WELLBEING Why am I always tired?

PARENTING

Cybersecurity, Good Gizmos, Mealtime Tricks ISSUE 165

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November 2016

www.womanthismonth.com

news

OVER TO YOU

The Most Liked Post on Facebook

The Most Liked Post on Instagram

Pink October was all about breast cancer awareness and this is the most liked post on facebook.

Woman This Month’s Hevea Cafe Instagram contest was the most liked post as it promoted the business lunch and each lucky winner received a meal for two.

Win, Win, Win It’s the last month of our Fitness First competitions for a while.

So, if you’re still carrying the dreaded Bahrain bulge, now’s the time to get into the gym for free and get yourself ready for all the upcoming balls and parties over the fast-approaching festive season.

We’ve got two sixmonth memberships to give away, which give access to the club’s massive cardio zone, exercise machines, supporting audio and visual entertainment, an extensive free weights area and many group exercise classes each week.

To enter this and various other competitions throughout the month, keep an eye on all our social media channels for details and follow the instructions.

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

WTM’s post about the Girly Get Together was the most liked tweet: WTM wellness workshop was a great experience!

Your Shout!

# Trending

I’ve never written to a magazine or newspaper before but a recent experience has encouraged me to put pen to paper since my ranting online has achieved absolutely nothing.

I recently had occasion to call a maintenance company to sort out issues with the water in my villa. A relatively simple ask, one might think. But, oh no. A time was arranged and I duly left work to await the man’s arrival. Two hours later, I was still sitting there twiddling my thumbs. My ever-more frantic phone calls went unanswered until I gave up and went back to work.

Two further appointments had the same result and, in total, I lost two and a half days of work just waiting around for someone to come.

During that period, I was hung up on by phone and, at one stage, blatantly lied to with the workman first telling me he was in a meeting, then too sick to come and eventually just refusing to answer my calls.

Eventually someone turned up after I demanded the company owner’s contact details but, of course, there was no reply when I tried to reach him.

I don’t suppose this rant will have any greater effect than those I have posted online but, seriously, if someone were to set up a reliable maintenance company here, they would make a fortune as it seems my experience is, by no means, unusual.

In the meantime, are there any DIY classes for women? If we all learned to do it ourselves, we wouldn’t be at the mercy of these cowboys.

Ellen, Saar.

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

Got something you want to get off your chest?

Congratulations, commiserations and remonstrations all welcome. We’ll carry the best one each week.

#Michelle Obama. An oasis of calm, poise and reason in the craziness that is currently politics US-style, it would be hard to miss the most recent contribution of the First Lady. In a widely praised speech addressing nominee Donald Trump’s taped comments about women, she said: "This is disgraceful. It is intolerable. And it doesn't matter what party you belong to – Democrat, Republican, independent – no woman deserves to be treated this way. None of us deserves this kind of abuse." Way to go Michelle!

USA Today #Breastfeeding. An Icelandic politician has been praised worldwide after delivering a parliamentary speech while breastfeeding.

Despite being unexpectedly called to respond to a bill, Unnur Bra Konradsdottir continued to breastfeed her six-week-old daughter in front of fellow colleagues and television cameras — with not a care in the world.

News.com.au

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

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November 2016

Instagram: @woman_this_month

Twitter: @WomanThisMonthB

Facebook: Woman This Month www.womanthismonth.com

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news

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

Rallying Cry

We’re seriously excited at the prospect of 5,000 bikers from across the region hitting Bahrain’s streets for the Harley Owners Group (HOG) MENA Rally which takes place over three days from November 10-12 at Bahrain International Circuit and features lots of fun events and things to do as well as a concert by former Guns 'N' Roses guitarist Bumblefoot with support from Dubai-based rock powerhouse Point of View and Bahrain’s own Hot Laser.

A Taste of Vegan

If, like us, you’re a bit vegan curious, then check out the raw food vegan cooking classes at the Four Seasons Hotel with executive chef Stefano Andreoli at Bahrain Bay Kitchen. This highly interactive class will teach you how to create dishes such as zucchini lasagna, avocado date pie, yellow corn chowder, tomato basil ricotta pizza, and a key lime tart. After the class ends, enjoy the meal with the chef.

Classes are made up of eight to 12 people and cost BD20++ per person.

The next one is on November 20, from 4pm-6pm.

Twinkle Toes

Poppy Pride

We’re looking forward to one of the best balls of the year as the Bahrain British Business Forum hosts the Chelsea Pensioners for the annual Poppy Ball. Taking place at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel on November 17, dig out your dress and dust off your dancing shoes for a great night’s entertainment which raises cash for the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal and Mother and Child Welfare – Bahrain.

Never Say Never There’s a treat for the whole family at the Cultural Hall as JM Barrie’s tale of the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan, is brought to life by a cast from the UK. Take the kids along and keep your eye open for Neverland’s ticking crocodile in a magical performance that’s an ideal introduction to the theatre for youngsters and young at heart alike. There are two performances a day from November 19 to 23.

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November 2016

We’re more than a little enthused at the prospect of not one but two international ballet performances coming to the island this month. On November 12 and 13 the Stars of the Bolshoi Theatre take to the stage at the Bahrain National Museum for two evenings of varied set pieces and then on November 19 the Suzhou Ballet Theatre of China stages this children’s favourite The Nutcracker. Tickets for both will be available through Virgin Megastore.

Tales of the Bard

The best of Shakespeare comes to the British Club from November 9-12. Staged by a truly international crew, the premise is that a couple of hundred years after Shakespeare wrote his last words, a group of bedraggled court players is threatened with certain death if they do not successfully entertain the King. Finding a book of excerpts from some unknown playwright called Shakespeare, they decide to give it a go with mixed results as they try out scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer's Night's Dream, Hamlet and Macbeth.

Sounds interesting. www.womanthismonth.com

SHOPPING | pick of the month

Behind the Mask

Ball season is upon us and we’re seriously lusting after this gorgeous glittering mask clutch from Kate Spade. The ideal size to stash your lippie and keys while at the same time adding a dash of fun to a formal event.

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November 2016

Available through Jashanmal GCC or at www.katespade.com priced around BD135. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Management and staff at the launch

Nissan Launch

Y K Almoayyed & Sons introduced the new Nissan V6 Patrol and the Nissan Navara pickup truck at the Royal Golf Club.

Ahmed, Mohanti & Mohammed Almoayyed

www.womanthismonth.com

Sandeep & Vipin

Cameron Gowing

Salman & Sarika

November 2016

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SHOPPING | editor's choice

Crazy Cat Lady You don’t have to be a cat person to embrace this trend that’s everywhere right now, both on the high street and in high-end brands’ collections.

Whether cute and cartoonish or classic feline faces, these furry friends are stamping clothing and décor items for a fun look this autumn.

Fluffy keyring, Dune 16 686-215.

Black scarf, Hobbs 17 179-681.

Black and pink T-shirt, Bershka 17 172-303.

Striped tricot top, Gucci 17 131-218.

Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2016-17 show.

Advent calendar, Debenhams 17 110-378.

Kids’ plate, Zara Home 17 172-302.

Long-sleeved cropped top, New Look 17 179-406.

Detail from Chanel A/W 2016-17 show.

Black handbag, Kate Spade at Jashanmal 17 582-424.

Girls’ sweatshirt, M&Co 17 582-110.

Sequin embroidered top, Matalan 17 008-353.

Slip-on trainers, Karl Lagerfeld at karl.com.

Printed blouse, Next 17 172-050.

Red and white T-shirt, Stradivarius 17 172-306.

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November 2016

Slipper socks, Marks & Spencer 17 211-309. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Nawaf Al Zayani, George & Charlie

Elie, Ahsan, HE Park Ho, Saeyoung, Mike & Jayden

www.womanthismonth.com

Exclusive Car Launch

First Motors hosted an event to reveal the new Genesis G90 at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.

Rashid Al Zayani, Mohammed Kooheji, Hamed Al Zayani, Khalid Al Zayani & Hisham

Fatima & Dalia

November 2016

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FASHION | trend

SHEER DESIRE Undergarments are underrated when composing a look, sometimes stealing the scene when they shouldn’t or not playing the supporting role they should. Get your lingerie straight!

SMALL

MEDIUM

Balconette lace set, Hunkemoller 17 212-623.

Black lace set, women'secret 17 178-289.

Flower embellished set, Topshop 17 110-369.

Black velvet set, Next 17 172-050.

WAYS TO WEAR IT? Black triangle bra with white stripe trim, New Look 17 179-406.

Choosing the right bra is the first step to a successful look. It has to be comfortable, but also have good support. Lace options are beautiful and best worn with clothing pieces that are loose or made of thick material.

We’ve selected the best options for small-, medium- and largechested ladies. Check them out!

Stripped set, la Vie en Rose 16 686-210.

Blue laced set, TATI 17 217-470.

LARGE

Green lace set, F&F 17 162-120.

Aqua racerback bra, Accessorize 17 179-786.

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November 2016

Floral bra and knickers, Debenhams 17 110-378.

Colourful animal print set, Cleo by Panache at TKD 17 540-136.

Burgundy non padded bra full cup, Marks & Spencer 17 588-188.

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | fashion forward

SEE NOW, BUY NOW

Since the arrival of Stuart Vevers at Coach in 2013, the brand has been reinvented.

The British designer brought in a younger and fresher look, attracting new customers and possibilities.

One of the concepts embraced by Coach and various other brands for the spring and summer collections is to sell pieces straight from the catwalk show. The SS2017 Coach 1941 collection explores the American spirit, mixing femininity with punk and street style. The pieces available are exclusive limited editions inspired by America’s king of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.

COOL OFFICE SUPPLIES

Following the tendency for creating paper and pen lines, Bershka launches its first stationery collection. Made up of articles such as notebooks, highlighters in all sizes, agendas, markers, erasers and more, the designs are crafted in the same way as a fashion garment. The style follows the latest trends with the brand’s touch. This season, the inspiration comes from Japanese and Korean drawings with a touch of ’90s groove.

E G A T S BACK

S S A P

d

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

SMART UNDERWEAR

Choosing the right bra for your figure can make or break an outfit.

The Sleekback by La Vie en Rose is the new addition to the extended bra line of the Canadian lingerie brand. Designed to minimise the appearance of the back and underarm folds some women battle, it offers a smooth silhouette and provides comfort and support. It also features a back with inclined lines to cover a wider area, four levels of hook-and-eye closures, flexible and lightly-lined moulded cups with underwire, seamless torso band with lined edges, wider side panels and widerthan-average straps.

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November 2016

CAPSULE COLLECTION

The Christopher Kane brand is celebrating the most iconic prints in its 10-year history with a sweatshirt capsule collection.

“We wanted to celebrate some of our most iconic and popular prints with the 10 capsule and felt the sweatshirt is something you can wear with anything. There was a lot of debate with my studio team over which prints to choose but in the end it was very easy.

Each print means something to me and says so much about me, my interests and my collection over the last 10 years,” says designer Christopher Kane. NET-A-PORTER is the global exclusive retail partner and offers four styles from the collection featuring the brand’s famous floral themes from the SS08, AW10, SS12 and SS14 runway shows. www.womanthismonth.com

TOMMY X GIGI The model Gigi Hadid and fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger have come up with a collaborative collection for the autumn 2016 line. The pieces were co-created by the designer and the supermodel and the capsule features women’s sportswear, footwear and accessories. Sporty-chic silhouettes are modernised with feminine chiffons, cosy cableknits and sleek leathers.

The designs celebrate Hadid’s take on modern style, fused with Hilfiger’s signature, and the looks are effortless, youthful and cool.

E XA LT I N G B R I TA I N

Italian fashion house Gucci is one of today’s most bold and innovative brands. Its modern vintage style is expressed in out-of-the-box collections and creative campaigns. For its Cruise 2017 advertising campaign, the photoshoot was set at Chatsworth House, in the UK, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The collection is a celebration of quintessentially British culture and the campaign features young punkish characters alongside iconic actress Vanessa Redgrave, surrounded by chickens and dogs.

Lasik Surgery General Ophthalmology Diseases Keratoconus Management • Lens & Cataract Glaucoma Treatment • Retinal Diseases Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2016

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FASHION | get the look

VELOUR FEVER Upgrade your wardrobe with the fabric of the moment: velvet! This thick, soft textile is your perfect partner for the cold season.

Dresses, jackets, trousers and specially shoes are the hot picks of the moment.

Wide-brimmed black hat, Parfois 17 178-054.

Bow choker, New Look 17 179-406.

Glittery watch, Ice Watch at ice-watch.com.

Blake Lively

Black velvet dress, Mango 17 179-681.

Funky red and pink handbag, Furla 17 178-538.

Black knee-high boots, Dune London 16 686-215.

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Zendaya

ETRO AW 2016

C O O L P L U SH Long-sleeved dresses are the must-have pieces to add to your autumn and winter wardrobe. They are comfy and can be worn with knee-high, heeled boots for the ultimate style statement.

This kind of dress is perfect for most body types. The thick and loose nature of the fabric helps hide any extra curves and its shape and cut make it easy to wear. If knee-high boots aren’t your thing, opt for skinny jeans or thigh boots to create the perfect winter outfit. Add a velvety choker for a canny final touch. www.womanthismonth.com

Skinny scarf, Zara 17 172-333.

Fluffy beanie, MICHAEL Michael Kors 17 178-630.

Sunglasses, Marni at marni.com.

Spaghettistrap top with lace, Evans 17 178-247.

Grey velvet panelled top, Laura Ashley 17 580-993.

Suit jacket, Monsoon 17 179-704.

Chained shoulder bag, Lanvin at lanvin.com.

Dark green widelegged trousers, Matalan 17 008-353.

Ankle-strapped sandals, Alexander McQueen at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000.

Boom box shoulder bag, Kate Spade at Jashanmal 17 582-424.

Burgundy thick velvet trousers, Monsoon 17 179-704.

Blue trainers, Dorothy Perkins 17 110-366.

CHIC LUS H The soft fabric is a luxe article used in sumptuous outfits and décor items. Which makes it an obvious choice when aiming for an elegant look. Dark shades and velvet make a perfect combination. Don’t be afraid to mix and match dark hues – green, red, navy and black team well for an outstanding look.

We believe in a full-on velvet look, from clothing to accessories, to fully embrace the hottest trend of the season. Wide-legged trousers are a great option when choosing soft velvet bottoms. www.womanthismonth.com

CAS UAL V ELV ETEEN Velvet does have glamour status, however, some designers have managed to incorporate it into street-style successfully. You can find trousers, sweatshirts and trainers covered with the soft fabric to create a smart casual look. If you want to show off your fashion credentials, go for a pair of shoes, especially boots and trainers, to conquer the wow factor of the moment.

November 2016

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showcase EURO MOTORS

TRAVEL IN STYLE All ladies know how important it is to pack properly for any trip. With this latest line of travel essentials, you can rest assured you will arrive in style.

J

etting off on a city break or hitting the beach on a staycation? This marque has taken the hard work out of packing and rounded up the most stylish holiday necessities. Below you will find a summary of the trendiest MINI products for the perfect getaway.

Given its style of casual elegance, don’t leave home without this travel-friendly MINI Style Bag. Its leather-look finish with double

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November 2016

diamond quilting and inner side pocket makes it not only a sought-after fashion accessory; it securely and conveniently contains your valuables within reach.

Moreover, you could complete your city break look by organising your handbag with this leather MINI Style Wallet and MINI Style Pouch.

Pick up some retro shades like these MINI Henry sunglasses, and add a touch of old school

glamour to your look. They’re unisex aviatorstyle sunglasses, wrapped in a metal frame with discreet bonnet stripes at the front and MINI slogan on the inside of the temples.

Arrive without the hassle of waiting for your bag with a perfectly proportioned MINI Rooftop Cabin Trolley. An absolute lightweight with a robust shell; perfect for business travel or a sophisticated weekend getaway.

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase DE BEERS DIAMOND JEWELLERY

TIMELESS TREASURES Reveal your true love with a sparkling surprise from this iconic jeweller.

I

Premier BTM Ad 125mm x 191mm_Oct

t will soon be the season of giving, and what better way to show a special lady how much she means to you than an eternal gift from the De Beers collection.

The romance of winter’s cooler weather makes this the perfect time to take the plunge and make that special commitment to your significant other with the newly launched Infinity Heart engagement ring, Classic round brilliant solitaire or You & Me Infinity bands.

Share the joy of Christmas and a brand new year with your better half by gifting her a precious parcel; a pair of Enchanted Lotus earrings, a Dewdrop ring or DB Classic studs that will be forever cherished.

2016_Printfile.pdf 1 10/17/16 7:32 PM For a little warmth in the chillier months,

pick from the label’s Winter Sun collection, featuring rare, coloured diamonds. It is believed that there is only one coloured diamond for every 10,000 colourless ones.

Ornaments from this iconic brand celebrate the femininity and brilliance of a woman.

Each piece is certified with a De Beers Card of Authenticity which documents the specifications of your diamond. Polished gems above 0.20 carats are microscopically branded with the De Beers marque, which ensures that each stone is individually catalogued in the company’s diamond registry, confirming its identity as a De Beers official diamond, to provide you with total peace of mind.

De Beers Diamond Jewellery is associated with AJM Kooheji Group in Bahrain and is located at Moda Mall.

Call 17 002-905.

C

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CM

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CMY

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Renault Launch YK Almoayyed & Sons unveiled the new Renault Talisman at the Gulf Hotel.

Management and guests at the launch

Amal Almoayyed

Dana & Layla

Mohammed Almoayyed & Fareed Almoayyed

Fatema & Maryam

Marise, Mirna, Sarika & Salman

Alok & Raed

Mohammed

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

New Cinema Opening

Mukta A2 Cinemas held a grand opening at Juffair Mall.

Dr Varghese Kurian, Subhash Ghai & Sija Kurian

22 November 2016

Farheen, Behnaz, Subhash Ghai, George & Randa

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase BAHRAIN DEVELOPMENT BANK

FOR THE GREATER GOOD This bank contributes to enrich the economic fabric of Bahrain.

A

s the name explains it, Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) is a developmentfocused bank and, unlike other conventional commercial banks, it undertakes exposure in highrisk financial segments.

The sectors in which BDB extends assistance are small and medium enterprises, self-employed professionals, agriculture, fisheries, taxi finance, education and specific employment-oriented enterprises promoted by Bahraini youth and women. BDB also supports entrepreneurial segments considered necessary to add value to the economy of the Kingdom.

To support local youth in achieving their professional goals, BDB provides monetary aid for education either in the way of

conventional or Islamic finance.

This is offered at a profit rate of four per cent to be used to cover the tuition fees. The minimum facility amount is BD3,000 and

the maximum is BD20,000.

Shari’a compliant financing at an interest rate of 5.5 per cent or conventional loans with 9.5 per cent reducing interest rate

are available for a minimum of BD3,000 to be used to finance a specific asset or towards working capital with a comfortable repayment and grace period.

Start-ups can also take advantage of BDB’s Tamkeen Finance for a minimum amount of BD5,000 at a minimum rate of 4.27 per cent, where 50 per cent of the interest is subsidised by Tamkeen.

The bank offers financial aid for agriculture and fisheries at zero per cent interest to be used for development in these respective sectors.

Letters of Credit, Letters of Guarantee, overdraft facilities and the ICT Finance Scheme are also available from BDB. Call 17 511-111 or visit www. bdb-bh.com.

BDB is here to support your business ambition and continued success · Financing new business ideas · Comfortable Repayment · Comfortable Grace Period

BDB group brings you several services that not only include Financing but also Advisory, Training and Incubation to help set up and expand your business. Call us on 17511111 or visit any of our branches.

Terms and Conditions Apply Bahrain Development Bank

BDBbahrain

BahrainDevelopmentBank

www.bdb-bh.com www.womanthismonth.com

November 2016

23

PEOPLE | interview

Making it Meaningful Virginie Dreyer takes time out to speak to Behnaz Sanjana about designing jewellery for the soul that speaks both to and of its wearer.

Virginie Dreyer

V

irginie Dreyer practised law in Paris, till she tagged along with her husband to Bahrain 12 years ago, when her love affair with island life began.

“My kids were still very young, and I did not want to go back to working as a lawyer.

Having always been very creative, I took this opportunity to train in graphic design. I began to experiment and have designed bags as well as a children’s clothing line, which did very well in Paris,” says Virginie.

She reached a point where she really wanted to make something in Bahrain. “I was fascinated by the gold souq here, and it would be a shame to not put my creativity to use in the country I love and live in,” she says. And thus was born Tiny Om. “At that time I was thoroughly inspired by yoga. It seemed magical and I thought, ‘Wow, there is something behind this principle’. I felt amazing after my practice, more grounded and serene. I wanted to create something meaningful and based my first collection of jewellery on the fundamentals of yoga and Hindu philosophies – the Chakra Collection,” she says.

After trying several manufacturers, Virginie established a successful collaboration with Al www.womanthismonth.com

The Mother Earth collection is inspired by all the little gifts of nature around us that we forget to look at; the bees, butterflies and leaves. It denotes all the things that make life beautiful and we need to be grateful for.

Zain Jewellery to handcraft her ideas into 18karat gold and diamond accessories.

Her second line, the Dream Catcher Collection, continues the idea of jewellery with meaning and positive energy that ultimately symbolises dreams coming true.

“The Mother Earth collection is inspired by all the little gifts of nature around us that

we forget to look at; the bees, butterflies and leaves. It denotes all the things that make life beautiful and we need to be grateful for,” explains Virginie.

Tiny Om’s Talisman Collection represents auspicious signs and also celebrates the magic number ‘7’. This range also has triangles and circles to depict symbols of strength and eternity, showing its creator’s affinity for universal symbols.

“The latest line is Flower of Life,” says Virginie, who is wearing a brilliant pendant and cuff from the same collection. “This is based on ‘sacred geometry’, through which it is thought to understand the entire universe.”

Ten per cent of the brand’s online sales go to a charity in France called l’Association Presence that houses and cares for handicapped children and adults.

Now, as well as selling at various outlets across the island, the designer is having a pop-up shop at Words Bookstore Café on November 2 and 3. “The full collection, including what does not usually sell in Bahrain, will be available,” she says.

And she is also set to open a new shop at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay in the coming months. g November 2016

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showcase

GULF BEAUTY EXPO

BEAUTY IN FOCUS T

Introducing a new event on the Kimgdom’s exhibitions calendar.

he island’s first comprehensive exhibition dealing with all aspects of the beauty sector will take place at Bahrain National Exhibition Centre from December 1 to 3, to coincide with Bahrain Women’s Day. More than nine months in the planning, the event, held under the patronage of Minister of Health, HE Faeqa bint Saeed Alsaleh, is being organised by local company 4Sale4You which spotted a gap in the market for such a specialised kind of exhibition. It will focus on bringing together the most prominent cosmetic doctors and beauty experts under one roof to

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provide a complete portfolio of products for visitors to discover.

Fields represented include hair care, nail care and nail artistes, salons, cosmetics and skincare, fragrances, plastic surgery clinics and hospitals, spa and salon service providers, cosmetic dentistry, makeup suppliers and artists, health and weightmanagement clinics and gyms and fitness centres.

Visitors can take advantage of the largest gathering of beauty, spa, cosmetics, health and weightmanagement, plastic surgery and birth defect treatment experts under one roof. And high-profile participants already signed up

include Dr Abdelshahid Fadl Clinic, Dr Ahmed el Asfour Clinic, Dr Tahsin Al Waheb of LAD Hair and Instaplus Cosmetics from the UAE. There’ll be an exciting programme of activities, presentations, seminars and displays introducing the latest products and techniques as well educational and cultural workshops and the chance to meet the doctors. Expect lots of free information across the sector including from companies which combine the products and services of the medical, natural and beauty-related holistic industries.

Around 80 to 100 exhibitors from all areas of the industry

are expected to take part with companies from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia signed up alongside Bahrain-based organisations. And organisers are expecting between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors over the three-day period.

The first event of its kind in the Kingdom, the organisers want to make the expo an annual happening bringing in more international participants each year and keeping the local market up to date with developments in the beauty industry.

For more information or to take part visit www4sale4you-ex.com.

Call 13 105-398. www.womanthismonth.com

1-2-3 December 2016

BEAUTY | news Clarins 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette.

Highly concentrated in mineral pigments, these shadows colour the lids from the first sweep.

Nude, rosewood and brown come in matte, satin and pearlescent versions to build a desirable look. Formulated for wet and dry use, they can be applied dry for a soft look or slightly damp for a more sophisticated result. Available at all leading retailers.

Eucerin HyaluronFiller CC Cream.

With the same active ingredients as before, high- and low-molecular hyaluronic acids and glycine saponin, the new CC cream contains colour pigments that make skin look unified and smooth after application. It also incorporates SPF 15 with UVA filters to protect from premature ageing.

Available at all leading retailers.

Sephora V for Volume Mascara. This new mascara turns up the volume with black, brown, blue, purple and turquoise shades.

From root to tip, lashes arch with the swipe of the lengthening and thickening brush, with its approximately 850 fibres and ultra-fluid formula.

Available at Sephora.

L’Occitane en Provence Divine Harmony Cream. This cream takes us to Corsica with its refreshing, uplifting scent of the clear Mediterranean waters, with notes of earth, myrtle, musk and immortelle. Its formula helps to soften expression lines, rebalance facial volumes and boost radiance. Available at L’Occitane.

Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate. A serum which strengthens the delicate skin around the eye area and helps protect against environmental stressors that can lead to wrinkles and dark circles. The product is highly concentrated for deep hydration, staving off impurities and oxidation.

Available at all leading retailers.

OK, it might not actually feel like it, but autumn is definitely here! Time to take care of your skin and hair with the new products in the market and salon treatments. In the make-up field, look out for colours that suit the season to enhance your looks.

MAC Liptensity. Aiming to push the boundaries of colour, the brand is banking on the expertise of Maureen Seaber, a tetrachromat professional, who has the genetic ability to see up to 100 million hues imperceptible to the average naked eye. MAC has created a new line of 24 intense shades using its high-frequency tetrachromatic pigment technology. Available at MAC.

Wow by Wojooh Lip Cuddle. This brand-new collection of six shades aims to go back to basics after the blue and purple trends. The formula brings a mix of shea, mango, beeswax and karite butter that hydrates and smooths the lips. The balms are also packed with vitamins A, C and E and sunscreen. Available at Wojooh.

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November 2016

www.womanthismonth.com

Elie Saab Cuir Absolu. Inspired by the Middle Eastern tradition of layering essential oils and luxury perfumes, Cuir Absolu was created to be worn on its own, or layered with other fragrances. It combines resins such as cistus labdanum and styrax with distilled woods like juniper and birch. Bourbon vanilla, patchouli and ylang-ylang add richness to this smoky blend.

Available at all leading retailers.

Nina Ricci Les Belles de Nina Luna. The fragrance is a bold, intense and mysterious scent with a toffee apple and gourmand fruity floral note.

Calabrian lemon and caipirinha lime intertwine for freshness with a touch of gardenia, ending with cedar woods and white musks. Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

Guerlain Abeille Royale. The formulas of these two new day creams and a night cream have been revised to offer greater effectiveness and sensory pleasure. The day creams incorporate two types of hyaluronic acid, one of high molecular weight that acts on the surface and the other of low molecular weight that passes through the skin. The night cream optimises the skin’s natural ability to renew itself, combining an antioxidant and soothing action.

Available at all leading retailers.

Kérastase Nutritive. For 2016, the brand offers a new range to treat different levels of dry hair, from slightly dry to severely dehydrated.

This includes in-salon and at-home treatments. The nourishing benefits of the new service, the ‘Dryness Immunity Protocol’, result in deeper hydration and longer-lasting results.

Added to the product, Kerastase is also using a new bottle. More environmentally friendly and sustainable, it saves an estimated 45 tons of plastic a year. Available at all leading retailers.

November 2016

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BEAUTY | celeb spot

The American model has to be a chameleon when walking in the main fashion shows around the globe. We selected one of her most femme fatale looks!

Intense Eyes Every blond woman can create dramatic looks with intense black mascara and smoky eyes. The trick here is to apply a thin layer of the dark eyeshadow used on the upper lid onto the lower lid. Concentrate the dark hues on the outer part of the eyes, leaving the inner area to light and pearlised shades giving an ‘open-eyed’ effect.

Blonde Factor Each show during the world-famous fashion weeks has its particularities and this is an intense period of work for the models.

So think of the amount of products used in their hair to create the different styles; all the blow drying and manipulation their tresses suffer. It must be a challenge to keep blond locks healthy but, as we can see, it is definitely possible.

A lot of hydration and care in-salon and at-home is the answer, together with a good line of products.

Devon Windsor

Illuminated Complexion Adding some glow to your skin is a way to enhance your features and wave good-bye to tired and dull skin. But before turning yourself into a luminous goddess, you first have to decide which type of highlighter best suits you; cream, liquid or powder. If you don’t have a lot of confidence with the product opt for a loose powder, but if you know what you are doing, a liquid can work well. How to apply it? Find your cheek-line and dab some of the product along the top of your cheekbone; you can also add a little extra on top of the apples of your cheek, just under your eyes. For extra shine, apply a little product on the bridge of the nose, Cupid’s bow and the middle of the forehead.

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November 2016

Rosy Cheeks The oldest trick to achieve a healthier appearance was to pinch the cheeks; that’s what my grandmother used to say.

Today we have an array of products which do that for us; we can skip the uncomfortable and short-lived pinching technique. Blushes are there to create a ‘healthy’ and younger-looking effect. Baby pink and peach are great for fair skin, apricot and mauve go well on medium skin, olive skin asks for rose or orangey peach hues and for dark skin, opt for raisin or deep terracotta.

Red Alert Red lips are the ultimate tactic to create a femme fatale look. The colour is very democratic, its array of shade variations makes it suitable for all skin tones. Your choice of shade shows your level of boldness and character. Dark hues, such as burgundy, are elegant and perfect to give the final to touch autumn and winter looks.

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase FOREVER LIVING

A GREENER, HEALTHIER, FITTER YOU A

Go natural with this range of international aloe vera plant-based products now available in Bahrain.

loe Vera is highly regarded around the world for its versatile medicinal and curative properties. It is the foundation and inspiration behind cosmetic and health brand Forever Living, the largest manufacturer and distributor of aloe-based products, founded in 1978.

In Bahrain, the products can be purchased from Gillian Yadav, an aficionado of the brand who enthusiastically praises their benefits.

Gillian sells and distributes the acclaimed aloe vera jelly, moisturising serums, lotions, eye creams, makeup, essential oils and a range of natural weight-control and health supplements.

She offers a trial box filled with several different products which can be sampled for a week allowing the customer to experience some of the products, see the benefits and enjoy the products.

“A fast mover is the aloe juice, which has many success stories attached to it. It is also anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and packed with 75 live vitamins and amino acids.

It’s known to relieve the symptoms of colitis and irritable bowel syndrome skin conditions and is also anti-ageing,” explains Gillian.

Forever Living also offers a variety of bee pollen and royal jelly supplements. Gift boxes and customised packages are available too.

Selling the products is a great way of earning an extra income and Gillian also offers coaching on how to build a company for aspiring business owners. She also provides coaching for adopting a fitter way of life and working towards life goals and a lifestyle people desire.

Call 33 265-539 .

Gillian Yadav

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

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

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2016

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showcase JOZ SALON & SPA

STYLING MADE EASY W

Never have a bad hair day again with these top-of-the range products from one of the island’s favourite salons.

hether you want to tame unruly tresses, add volume to limp locks or simply make sure your crowning glory smell as good at it looks, Joz has the answer with its exclusive label.m range.

Volume Mousse This is the ‘big hair’ must-have for creating bigger, bolder and more expressive looks. Brilliant for volumatic lift at the root, it provides a distinct, edge-driven texture. Spray on damp hair, working through from roots to ends with a comb or fingers.

Blow dry for volume and texture.

Washes out easily.

Texturising Volume Spray Another essential if you’re looking to achieve this season’s 90s-style high hair with aplomb.

Suitable for use on dry hair, this mist instantly teases in edgy texture and builds height with long-lasting grip, for a dramatic back-combed effect.

The versatile styling spray combines the texturising benefits of a dry shampoo with the hold of a hairspray, for the ultimate volume and instant, long-lasting root lift. Layer more product to increase the level of back-combed effect as desired.

Those with dark hair tones should check out the new label.m

Brunette Texturising Volume Spray for a great colour boost.

Volume Foam A lightweight foam dedicated to volumising fine hair. The nongreasy liquid-to-foam formula helps boost hair without weighing it down while the innovative Enviroshield Complex protects hair against heat styling and harmful UV rays all the time boosting shine for added radiance.

Pump a small amount into the palms and watch the foam expand!

Apply to the root area, then comb through and blow dry for all over volume. For long-lasting body and volume, wash hair withlabel.m Thickening Shampoo and label.m Thickening Conditioner.

for perfect distribution, effortless backcombing and the ability to revive and rework your style Brunette Resurrection Style Dust throughout the day by simply massaging at the roots.

This is said to be a ‘miracle It’s easy to use, simply section powder’ designed to add incredible the hair and shake it lightly where depth and iridescent shine to required.

Then using the pads brunette hair tones for enhanced of the fingers, gently massage volume and dynamic texture. and watch the volumising effect The fine, light and smooth happen before your eyes! particles easily absorb into hair

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November 2016

Hair & Body Perfume A burst of sparkling citrus blossom and white florals combined with rich woods. This contemporary scented perfume has been designed to revive your hair and body with a beautiful and lasting light, fresh scent.

With the inclusion of argan oil, it nourishes and adds an ultralight protective veil of shine to your hair.

The nourishing formula is encased inside a perfume-like glass bottle, with a glamorous bow lid. Strengthening Omegas 3, 6 and 9 combine with the argan oil and help to rebuild dry, damaged hair, while a protective layer prevents further damage.

This non-drying scent, which can also be used on the body, comes in a weightless spray, suitable for all hair types. Spritz lightly onto dry, styled tresses, add more whenever desired.

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

showcase GULF PHARMACY

SAVING FACE Vidhi Patel, nutritionist and research and development consultant at Minerva Research Labs, creator of Gold Collagen, shares tips for flawless skin.

D

rink 2.5 litres of water per day to keep hydrated and flush out toxins, 500ml of which should be consumed in the morning with a slice of lemon.

Try to drink 200ml of fresh orange juice before midday (drinking later will affect the absorption of nutrients) or fresh coconut water for its high amounts of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Eat a fresh salad daily. Include ingredients like organic spinach, lettuce, raisins, grapefruit and olives to boost immunity and skin.

Eat vitamin rich foods and antioxidant-based super foods like papaya, mango, berries, pineapple, cucumbers, aubergines, tomatoes, grapes, cherries, pomegranate and kiwi.

Antioxidants interact with damage-inducing free radicals and stop the chain of adverse reactions which lead to various health disorders and ageing.

Incorporate a bottle of Pure Gold Collagen into your daily routine. After three weeks the skin looks 12 per cent more hydrated, fine lines are reduced by 15 per cent and wrinkles by 27 www.womanthismonth.com

per cent in six weeks whilst skin elasticity increases by 20 per cent after nine weeks.

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein produced in the deep layers of the skin and is part of the skin’s connective tissue providing structural support, strength and - in combination with elastin - elasticity.

From the age of 25, ageing causes the loss of approximately 1.5 per cent of the collagen in our skin every year, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

The secret of Pure Gold Collagen lies in its liquid format.

Unlike creams, it does not have to penetrate the skin’s outer layer. This innovative supplement contains hydrolysed collagen specifically developed to facilitate its absorption from the gut and distribution to the dermis via the blood vessels.

Therefore, in its liquid form, Pure Gold Collagen is more effectively used by the body than a tablet or pill.

Available in Bahrain at Gulf Pharmacy stores.

More and more women are waking up to GOLD COLLAGEN® What about you?

Gulf Pharmacy (Tubli) Tel: 17877107 Saar Pharmacy (Saar) Tel: 17794686 Diyar Pharmacy (Saar) Tel: 17241710 Arad Pharmacy (Arad) Tel: 17678124 Seha Pharmacy (Riffa) Tel: 17491241 Ibn Sina Pharmacy (Arad) Tel: 17677207 Al Muwasaa Pharmacy (Muharaque) Tel: 17335666 Busaiteen Pharmacy (Busaiteen) Tel: 17007307 Community Pharmacy (Busaiteen) Tel: 17104551 People Pharmacy (Muharaque) Tel: 17344521

Younger-looking skin Healthy hair Stronger nails

Call 33 553-155.

November 2016

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FEATURE | homes & gardens

Spruce Up

Your Space

With the new season come thoughts of cosying up our autumn/winter dĂŠcor and taking advantage of the cooler weather to get outdoors.

We’ve spoken to experts and come up with some great tips to help you make the most of both your indoor and outdoor space.

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2016

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FEATURE | homes & gardens

Design for Life

Interiors expert Francois Lemaitre talks to Liz O’Reilly about design principles and gives his top tips on getting the best from your home.

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rancois has been in Bahrain a little over a year, but Daniele Décor, where he is head of design, has a history going back 30 years and has been associated with high-profile clients such as the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, Bushido, Le Meridien and many more, as well as high-ranking individuals.

A French national, Francois was Paris-based and has several years of Middle East experience, having worked with the likes of design icons Alberto Pinto and Jacques Garcia on projects across the region.

He says: “I took the chance to move to Bahrain because I feel that in Europe, particularly southern Europe, though there are a lot of possibilities, the design is very set. You don’t have the kind of simplicity you find here. Yes, you might come across some difficult clients but the people are very gentle and open.

“Alberto Pinto passed away four years ago and he was like my mentor – he was always open to new ideas and encouraged his design team to go out and look for new styles, finishes and furniture which I feel is very important.”

And this is an approach he brings to meeting new clients.

“Before doing a design, I take a psychological approach to the client to know how they’re living, what they like and don’t like. It’s like putting them on the couch to get them to tell us the way they live

Francois Lemaitre

– it’s like being a hairdresser! Because, in design, you can do a house or a home. A house is very easy to do, but creating a home is much more difficult and, for me, more interesting.”

Surrounded by beautiful fabrics, exquisite carpentry and a whole team of artisans – while I was there a team were painting huge canvases for a private home in Miami, a project which has been ongoing for five years and highly skilled workers pass their trades rom generation to generation – it would be easy to expect Francois’ own style to lean towards the ornate.

But he is actually, like his mentor, very open.

He says: “For me, there is no bad taste. Everyone has their own style and there are good things in all styles. Personally, I don’t like it when a space is crowded. For me, design is infinite, there’s no beginning or end – you can find beauty in all things by taking a psychological approach.”

Francois’ Styling Tips l The light is the most important thing in a project – it can shut down a design if it’s not well thought out and appropriate.

Test the light at different times of the day and night to see how your scheme will look (a way to test colour is to paint the inside of a box and check how it catches the light at different times). l This season’s colours are about

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naturals, the colours you would find in linen – beige, grey, taupe and light blue. Taupe is a very modern interpretation on this kind of scheme and it cools the perception of a darker shade. l Add deep colours as accents which can be adjusted to give the room a fresh look whenever you like.

l The current trend in furniture is for natural woods, such as oak and walnut, and a more industrial feel. It’s a kind of New York Soul look rather than just going for the standard Italian/Lebanese look that’s quite common.

Sometimes, when you can see the beauty of a curve, you realise less is more and, though that is my personal opinion, it’s one that’s shared by many top designers.

Artisans at work and Francois' designs

www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | homes & gardens

Get in the Mood F

Learn to collate all your ideas and inspirations onto visual boards.

inding inspiration for your creative projects is fairly easy, thanks to the accessibility of the internet, décor magazines and TV programmes.

Organising that inspiration is the real challenge and that’s when a mood board comes in handy, to help convey the style and gist of your vision.

A mood board is a series of images tied together by a particular theme or concept, laid out as a collage to help define the direction of your ideas. In addition to photos, you can also include colour palettes, typography and textures.

Mood boards are generally used by interior, fashion or graphic designers to demonstrate to clients what they have in mind, but they are quite a nifty tool for DIY projects too.

Below are some tips on creating a visualisation board like a pro!

Look beyond the computer screen It’s easy and way too tempting to use Google Images. But after gathering the general theme of your concept, try to find inspiration in the daily objects around you such as buildings, nature or even the colours of the sky. Take pictures when you are out and about if you see an item, look or colour you like.

an extremely effective presentation tool. The tactile nature of cut-out images glued onto boards enhances the emotiveness of what's being explained.

Build around a large image The arrangement of your mood board needs to give prominence to key theme images, then surround these with smaller supporting images that strengthen and complement it.

The power of words A few isolated words are fantastic show-stoppers to express the theme. It makes the viewer pause for thought as they have to mentally read what's in front of them. Big, bold words juxtaposed together work very well at creating drama, tone and meaning for any project.

Favour the old-fashioned Digital mood boards let you skip the hassle of cutting and pasting stuff, but pasting cutouts and using a scalpel to carve out the board is

Use online resources Mood board tools like Pinterest, Mural, Niice, Dragdis and Style Tiles are a great way to put all the visual elements together in set

www.womanthismonth.com

templates. These are easy to use and you can churn out different boards in a short time.

Be concise It’s easy to let your imagination run wild, but it’s best to limit the mood board to one single page if digital and one sheet if physical. Only choose pictures that really justify inclusion as the best representation of your design ideas.

Think outside the board Don’t limit the use of your board to a mere design aid. Got a five-year plan to achieve your goals or a wish list for your birthday?

Collect pictures that best represent these and pin them on board!

November 2016

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LIFESTYLE | home Nice Knit For a casual plop down Pouf, Home Centre

Pick A Seat Angled sofa and bench Opera Contemporary

True Blue Arabesque appeal Photoframe, Zara Home

Faux Fur Curl up in comfort Cushion, H&M

Spice it up Infuse the interiors with winter scents Candles, H&M

Charcoal Charm Light up the dark Lamps, ID Design

Floral Indulgence Come hither Throw, H&M

Opera Contemporary

Flower Power For colourful dreams Bedlinen, H&M

Pleasing Pastels Fresh from the outdoors Showpiece, Lladro Silver Leaf Draw attention to your table tops Tea light Holder, Home Centre Filligree Flair Cherish precious memories Photoframe, Zara Home

Pearly White For a golden glow Pendant Light, Home Centre Spiral Stand Sophisticated add on Candle stand, Home Centre

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November 2016

Go Geometric Add a dollop of red Cushion H&M

Classic Contrast Pink and grey gel well Arm Chair, Marina Home

www.womanthismonth.com

Winter Wow

When it comes to winter home transitions, grey is officially the new white. This neutral gives off a casual yet crisp vibe, adequately reflecting the myriad moods of chilly days. Keep the tone warm, or paint it cool, remember to punctuate it with just the right amount of colour and texture and just a smattering of metallics for effortless chic. It’s so versatile; it can be as masculine or feminine as you want. We think grey is definitely here to stay.

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eep the bedroom dreamy with soft greys paired with milky whites. Play with layers, finishes and textures of walls and fabrics to keep things snug.

Accessorise your dining area with everything that's evocative of the festivities the season brings. Take a monochrome scheme from drab to fab with cozy additions like heavy rugs, inviting throws, merry baubles and unusual focal pieces. Getting the balance right will keep the warmth within. www.womanthismonth.com

November 2016

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FEATURE | homes & gardens

Welcome Winter To Your Home The cooler weather means now is the ideal time to update your home for the new season. Follow our magnificent seven top tips for getting winter ready.

l Change soft furnishings – curtains, throws and cushion covers can make the difference between light and airy for summer and warm and cosy for winter. You don’t need to change your whole scheme, unless, of course, you want to; just adapt with deeper shades in more luxurious fabrics such as velvet to bring a comforting warmth to your space. l Layer your lighting – we all know it’s dark earlier in the winter months and this gives a great opportunity to play with lighting to make your rooms appear snug. Ditch the overhead for strategically placed lamps. You might want to highlight a feature such as a painting, use uplighters to create atmosphere and target lighting to create a specific area feel, such as a reading corner with a comfy chair. Darker evenings are also the ideal time to break out the candles, which can serve a dual purpose by imparting a wonderful fragrance too. l Get toasty toes – add colourful rugs to bedrooms, living spaces and even bathrooms to take the chill off cold winter floors. But make sure they’re properly taped down to avoid slips and trips. l Dig out your winter bedding – during the warm months, most of us sleep with just a sheet or a lightweight comforter but, as the weather cools, it’s time to turn your bedroom

40 November 2016

into a sanctuary with a heavier tog rate on your quilt and some funky blankets to add interest and extra layers. l Welcome guests – there are lots of festivals and celebrations coming up, from Bahraini National Day to American Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. It’s a time when many of us will be entertaining visitors, so make sure your entrance hall gives a good impression. Wash windows, touch up any damaged paintwork (tester pots are ideal for this purpose) and put out the welcome mat. If you have outside space, pots of brightly coloured blooms add a cheerful first impression. Have a comfy chair and some storage inside the door where guests can remove shoes and deposit bags, should they wish to do so. l Make a super spare – if you have guests staying over the coming months, or, for that matter, even if you don’t, now’s a great time to make the most of your spare room. Make sure linens are crisp and fresh, matching towels set out on the bed are a nice touch and a small basket of essential toiletries such as a razor, mini soaps and deodorant will show that you’ve thought about your visitors’ comfort. A note of the WiFi username and password will also be very welcome since,

it’s apparently considered a social no-no for guests to request it. Plus, if there are any electronics in your guest room, make sure you leave out simple operating instructions. l Look after your electrics – though they only get used for a few weeks a year, most of us have a radiator or heater tucked away in a cupboard somewhere, now’s the time to dust them off and get the annual service completed so you’re not taken by surprise when the annual cold spell arrives. And, since it’s about time to turn the air-conditioning off and the water heater on, it’s a good idea to get these checked out now too. g www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | homes & gardens

Green Fingers Zahra Abdul Malik of Bahrain Garden Club (BGC) talks gardening in the desert and what makes the organisation a ‘must-join’ for those hoping to beautify their plot.

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iven the choice between horticulture and dentistry, Zahra decided to study for a degree connected to her first love, plants, and it’s a decision that’s served her well taking her to a career in the Ministry of Agriculture and 30 years of involvement with BGC. The club was actually established 45 years ago and in its heyday, in the 1990s, had more than 270 members. These days, that number is down to a more modest 100, but it’s an extremely active group of which Zahra has been chairwoman since 2010, having served in virtually every other position along the way.

She says: “Gardening in Bahrain is hard.

And it’s not just hard, it’s expensive! The first thing I would tell people aiming to establish a garden here is don’t go by what you read on the Internet. Gardening is not like following a recipe, what you see on the Internet, even if it’s for hot climates, doesn’t take into account our soil and water – whether you are using well water, sweet water or municipality water.

“Also, our soil is not very hospitable, it’s sandy and has few or no nutrients and doesn’t have the capacity for holding water. Lots of plants like to grow in sandy soil but they need nutrients, so you need to research which fertiliser to use, otherwise you’re just wasting your time.

“Some places, such as the agricultural areas around Saar, do have better soil but they still need nutrients and I would recommend organic manure – camel, cow, chicken – which you can get from the garden centres. You could also get it from farms but it has to be decomposed.

“You will also find that some areas are infested with insects in the soil. The best way to get rid of them is through sun sterilisation.

Cover the area with polythene [also available at garden centres] and within two weeks the soil will be sterilised. If you have weeds, you can do the same with black polythene. A www.womanthismonth.com

Zahra Abdul Malik couple of weeks and the weeds will be cleared.

You can then remove the covering and add in your manure.”

During her years at the Ministry, Zahra was involved in research and development on soils and seeds and she uses her expertise to give lectures and workshops to help club members develop their own plots, from balconies to large gardens. Many other volunteers do likewise, making BGC an invaluable resource for the island’s gardening enthusiasts.

And, for those who are serious about horticulture, the club is the mainstay of the

annual Bahrain International Garden Show at which next year’s theme will be compact gardens.

There is also the annual Garden Bazaar taking place on October 29, at which various garden centres and other organisations will display their wares.

Zahra concludes: “For anyone who’s interested in gardening in Bahrain, the best advice I can give is to join BGC where you’ll have access to lots of information, workshops and advice and a friendly network.

“Gardening in Bahrain is a lot of effort but it’s certainly rewarding.” g November 2016

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FEATURE | homes & gardens

Blooming Lovely It’s time to put green fingers to good use. Liz O’Reilly tells you how to get the best from your garden during the growing season.

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s the cooler months arrive our thoughts turn to the great outdoors and whether you’ve got a window box, a balcony or some impressive acreage, there’s no reason to let our desert climate stop you enjoying fresh flowers,herbs and vegetables. These are things I’ve grown successfully in my garden with minimal care.

Lavender

Lots of people told me lavender wouldn’t grow in Bahrain but I used a good dollop of potting compost and plenty of water in a bed which gets at least a little shade, and the tiny sprigs I acquired from a garden centre on the Budaiya Highway have gone bonkers, sprouting madly and smelling divine. I cut them back during the summer and they’ve come along beautifully and look ready to start flowering again – plus, I’m told, they will spread.

Basil

This herb has been a life- or at least bedsaver in my garden.

You can pick up tiny plants for around 100 fils and, with water and not much else, you will very quickly have great big bushes which not only provide leaves for cooking but also bathe the air with their delicious scent and are said to help keep flies at bay. A warning though, they do tend to take over, so make sure you give ample distance between sprigs when planting and chop them back ruthlessly if they get too much – don’t worry, they will definitely grow back.

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Ornamental grass

I was lucky enough to be given a few cuttings of ornamental grasses last autumn and they have taken really well in my sandy soil. Plant them with a little fertiliser and water well until they’re established. Once they’re bedded in they’re very drought-resistant so are ideal for our hot and humid summer. They also spread rapidly and can be easily split to fill beds or large pots.

To divide, simply cut your grass back and use a sharp spade to split away the section you want to remove.

Dig it out and replant in a new location with a little compost. There are lots of different types and colours of grass to choose from and they make a great addition to year-round beds. www.womanthismonth.com

Agave

These ridiculously forgiving plants almost seem to thrive on neglect. I grew two from shoots in balcony pots and they were very resilient. On moving to a villa, I transplanted them to the ground (nothing complicated, just dig a hole, add a bit of compost and put them in without too much bashing about of the roots) and, before long, they were growing like wildfire and sprouting babies all around the base, which I’ve now moved along to fill the other beds.

Impressive to look at, they can reach a good size and barely need watering or any care at all.

Ice Plants

These might sound like the last thing you’d want to grow in our climate but, in fact, the name comes from their shimmering appearance and they’re actually very drought-tolerant and good for ground cover or in pots. However, since they love full sun and dry soil, they can become invasive, so only plant them where you’re not too worried about them taking over a bit. You can grow from seed, don’t cover as they need light to germinate, or you will find plants in most garden centres. They’re perennial, so they keep coming back, and flower for several months; even when not flowering the foliage is also attractive. Make sure not to overwater them though as damp soil can actually kill them.

Geraniums

Slightly more effort but I think they’re worth it. Their bright orange, red and pink blooms always look really cheerful and bring to mind holidays in Greece and Spain.

If you’re lucky enough to already have plants, you can take cuttings very easily by simply breaking small stems at the natural joints, removing all but the top leaves to concentrate sunlight on the growth section, dip the stalk in a little honey and put up in good-quality potting compost. They do like to be kept well watered to ensure flowering and it’s best if you can find a spot where they will get some shade. If you don’t have existing plants, they’re available at garden centres during November and December and, once you’ve got them going, you can take as many cuttings as you like but make sure to deadhead throughout the flowering season. They will bloom for several months and you may wish to bring them inside when the weather heats up again and cut them back for next year.

Other plants to consider for a blooming desert garden include hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, frangipani and various cacti, both flowering and ornamental. With a little more effort, it’s possible to grow colder-climate plants but please do consider the watering needed and, if you really must have a floral taste of home, how about potting up some indoor bulbs – I’ve just planted some gorgeous, fragrant Paperwhites (narcissus), which promise to flower in time for my Christmas table. www.womanthismonth.com

Veggies

GROW YOUR OWN There’s nothing nicer than having fresh vegetables straight from the garden and our gorgeous winter temperature is ideal for growing them.

Chilli peppers can be grown either in pots or in the ground. You can grow from seed or plants, both of which are readily available in most garden centres.

Rocket brings a delicious peppery taste to your salad bowl. I grow mine in a bag of compost, split down the middle. Just chuck the seeds in, cover with the compost and water well.

Within three or four weeks you’ll have a good crop right outside the kitchen door, and the more you pick, the more it grows.

Potatoes will grow well in pots year round.

My current crop came from shop-bought spuds popped in a dark cupboard until they start to sprout. Small potatoes can be planted intact, larger ones cut into pieces. Plant in pots or straight into the ground (sprouts upward) with a good layer of compost and plenty of space around them for the tubers to grow.

Water well but don’t let them get boggy.

Tomatoes thrive just about anywhere from pots to flower beds and, once bedded in, they return year after year (sometimes even when you don’t want them to). Most garden centres and the farmers’ market have baby plants. Plant with compost, water well and enjoy a delicious crop.

I use the little cherry tomatoes and eat them like sweets!

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

Beat The Slump For those of us whose energy levels flag, Behnaz Sanjana brings you the how and why for sprightlier days.

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hether you are super-mum, super-student, supercareer-woman, or a lethal combination of any two (or all three, for that matter), chances are that ‘I’m exhausted’ and ‘I could use a nap’ cross your overworked mind many times during the day. Well, copious amounts of caffeine may not be the long-term solution to avoid a serious burnout. Dr Sunil J Rao, pictured, far right, an expert in internal medicine at Royal Bahrain Hospital says tiredness and exhaustion are symptoms frequently encountered by women and are common reasons for consulting a physician. He discusses the plausible physiological causes, ranging from the most basic to the not-so-common.

Iron Woman “Iron is an important component of haemoglobin, the red pigment in our red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen to our

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tissues,” says Dr Rao. A deficiency in iron is termed as anaemia and is a consequence of inadequate oral intake of the mineral (through a healthy diet or supplementation), together with the loss of iron in the body during the menstrual cycles. In rare cases, this may be caused by a chronic loss of blood through the urinary or gastrointestinal tract.

“As the levels of iron in the blood reduce, the body empties the iron stores from the bone

(ferritin), to maintain the level of haemoglobin.

Further deficiencies cause low levels of haemoglobin in addition to low levels of ferritin in the bone,” he adds.

Anaemia can be confirmed through a simple blood test. “Your physician will check for your haemoglobin levels in addition to other iron parameters in the blood and ferritin to confirm a diagnosis of iron deficiency. It can be treated with a course of iron supplements taken orally,” explains Dr Rao. The most commonly seen symptoms of anaemia are lethargy, shortness of breath, a pale complexion and heart palpitations. www.womanthismonth.com

The Thyroid Factor Another reason for a constant feeling of tiredness could be an underactive thyroid gland. “The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck and produces a hormone called thyroxine, which is responsible for the metabolism of each and every cell in the body. Low levels of thyroxine, also called hypothyroidism, and, in some rare cases, high levels of thyroxine, or hyperthyroidism, can cause tiredness by slowing down most body processes,” says our expert.

Hypothyroidism also makes you put on weight and experience aching muscles.

Too Sweet for Comfort A sluggish feeling is one of the main symptoms of elevated levels of glucose in the blood, claim medics. In those who have pre-diabetes or diabetes, the body’s tissues are unable to extract glucose from the blood,

www.womanthismonth.com

due to resistance to the action of insulin.

Consequently, the high levels of glucose cause excessive urination and thirst and also fatigue. Therefore, tiredness in diabetes can be looked at as a case of poverty (in energy) in plenty (of glucose in the blood).

D is for Deficiency If you’re running low on vitamin D, it’s very likely that you lack the physical stamina to see the day through. Dr Rao says deficiency of the sunshine vitamin can cause tiredness and fatigue in association with joint and muscle aches.

If you have trawled the Internet researching why you are so washed out all the time, you may have come across the term ‘adrenal fatigue’.

The Answer in the Adrenals All of us have a pair of adrenal glands located just above the kidneys, which are vital to our general wellbeing. When they function

optimally, they produce the right amount of hormones, most importantly cortisol.

But sometimes, they don’t produce enough of the good juice. “Low levels of cortisol production by the adrenal glands can cause adrenal fatigue. Moderate to severe fatigue with low blood sugar and low blood pressure, and occasionally, dark pigmentation of the skin may alert your physician to adrenal fatigue,” says Dr Rao. This condition can sometimes be life-threatening and is treated with glucocorticoids, he adds.

Chronic fatigue can lead to loss of memory and concentration, muscle and bone pain, headaches, waking up feeling unrefreshed, anxiety and depression. All these can have an adverse impact on day-to-day functioning at home and at work.

Other reasons for chronic fatigue in women can be menopause, obesity, uncontrolled hypertension, depressive illnesses and chronic sleep deprivation.

It may be possible that all your tests have given you a clean bill of health in regard to the above causes of persistently low energy levels.

A tweak in your way of life may be just what’s required. Dr Rao talks about maintaining a balanced lifestyle which includes healthy eating, regular physical exercise, adequate sleep and stress relief. He says: “These are the cornerstones to keeping healthy, maintaining vitality and fitness.

“Avoid eating junk food, processed meats and alcohol and limit your intake of salt. Increase your frequency and portions of fruits, vegetables and healthy nuts such as almonds and walnuts.”

No matter what your age or stature, the universal recommendation with regard to exercise for everyone is 150 minutes per week of any moderate intensity exercise. This means 30 minutes of exercise five days per week, or 45 minutes for four days a week. A good seven to nine hours of restful sleep is also required to keep you energetic during the day, advises the doctor.

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showcase ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

A CLEAR VISION Tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses all the time? Then this procedure could be just what you need to correct your vision, as explained by Dr Bader Tarek Toffaha.

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ASIK or Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), commonly known as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, is a type of refractive surgical procedure for rectifying myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

A laser is used to reshape the cornea — the clear, round dome at the front of the eye — to improve the way the eye focuses light rays onto the retina at the back of the eye.

For most patients, LASIK provides a permanent alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The surgery, a day procedure, only requires eye drops as local anaesthetic. It’s safe and effective, with almost immediate results. The process itself typically takes less than

10 minutes. So, combined with the rapid recovery, LASIK is an excellent option for people who are on the go and living active lifestyles.

With LASIK, an ophthalmologist creates a thin flap in the cornea using either a blade or a laser.

The surgeon folds back the flap and accurately removes a very

specific amount of corneal tissue using an Excimer laser. The flap is then laid back into its original position where it heals in place.

What to expect after the surgery: l Around 96 per cent of patients will have their desired vision.

An enhancement can further increase this number. l LASIK is virtually painless or associated with very little pain due to the numbing drops used. l Vision is corrected nearly immediately or by the day after LASIK. l No bandages or stitches are required. l Adjustments can be made years after LASIK to further correct vision if it changes with age.

“The latest Excimer laser machines and modern technology

Dr Bader Tarek Toffaha

have been found to achieve high efficiency, safety and precise treatment for different vision correction procedures, especially with the customised ablation profile,” says Dr Toffaha, consultant ophthalmologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital.

Call 17 246-800 or visit www. royalbahrainhospital.com for appointments and more information.

Kids Fall Collection

Apparel Group launched the new Tommy Hilfiger Kids Fall ’16 collections at its outlet in City Centre Bahrain.

Fadwa & Julia

Hala

Joseph & Essalyn

Hassan & Thaiba

Arni, Jer & Jeiden

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Management and staff at the event

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Sallyann, Cynthia & Monika Ribbon-cutting with HE Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, Salim Mannai, Anil Nai & Mukul Mehta

Grand Opening

Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj held a grand opening ceremony in the presence of HE Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, management and guests.

Mukul, Matthias, Stephen & Nael

Divya & Radha

Chanchal, Saima, Jasmine, Asini & Edlin

Mukul & Anil

Muskaam, Pallavi & Yashna

Navrathri Utsav

Rania & Hajar

Brand Box organised a Navrathri Utsav event at the New Millenium School in Segaya.

Kamlesh & Kalpana

Deepa, Ami & Janhavi

48 November 2016

Tarani, Sushma & Nilavathi

Rania & Joy

Anca & Urs

Poonam & Asha

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showcase MIDDLE EAST MEDICAL CENTER

THE IMPORTANCE OF KEGEL EXERCISES K

Senior physiotherapist, Priya Dev explains about the benefits of strengthening your core and pelvic muscles.

egel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, help to strengthen the muscles that support the uterus, bladder and bowels as well as the vaginal muscles. You can do these exercises just about any time.

Pregnancy, childbirth, Caesarean section, stress incontinence, faecal incontinence, early phases of menopause, urinary incontinence, ageing and being overweight are some of the reasons for and signs of weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. So it’s important to be aware and exercise every day.

Benefits of these exercises include: strengthening and toning of the pelvic floor muscles post-delivery; aiding in an easier birth; controlling the flow of urine and reducing leakage; helping regain bladder and bowel control and promoting perineal healing after childbirth.

Instructions Learn to identify the pelvic floor muscles.

Stop urination in midstream, if you

Priya Dev

succeed, you’ve got the right muscles.

Begin practising while lying on your back

with knees bent. With pillows under your head, shoulders and hips, tighten your pelvic floor muscles for five seconds then relax. This can also be done with a pillow or towel between your thighs.

Start with three sets of 10 repetitions per day with five seconds of holding and 10 seconds of relaxing. Empty the bladder before starting. Breathe freely while doing the exercise, do not hold your breath at any time.

Do not tighten or hold the muscles in your stomach, thighs or buttocks. Don’t exercise while you urinate as this can hurt your bladder. Don’t overdo these exercises as they can cause muscle fatigue. Stop exercises if you have any abdominal pain.

If you find any difficulty in performing Kegel exercise consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner.

Call 17 464-848.

Think Pink Charity Dinner

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay hosted a chef’s charity dinner at CUT by Wolfgang Puck restraurant.

Jan, Bruce, Greg & Sherry

Jerad, Aisha & Raymond

Ahmad & Mariam

www.womanthismonth.com

Rod & Elisa

Asheley, Molly & Mark

Zayed & Tony

Julie, Faye & Latifa

Mishari & Nawal

Susan & Mike

November 2016

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showcase AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL

BREAST CANCER BASICS B

Dr Sanjay Gupta, clinical administrative head of the surgical services lines at this renowned hospital, explains the confusing jargon in a nutshell.

reast cancer happens when normal cells in the breast change and grow out of control. It may be discovered by finding a lump in one of the breasts. Unusual growths in the mammaries are not always cancer, but it is always a good idea to have any lumps checked. Doctors use a mammogram, a special kind of X-ray, to check for breast cancer. If this finds a spot that appears suspect, a follow-up test called a biopsy is usually done. During the procedure, a small sample of breast tissue is taken and observed under a microscope to check for malignancy.

Cancer staging is then done to

Ramla Ben Taleb

Cooking Demo

determine how far the cancer has spread – one to four in order of seriousness.

Patients will then be recommended treatment which may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy.

Surgery can be a mastectomy (removal of the whole breast) or a lumpectomy (removing the cancer and a section of the healthy tissue around it).

Chemotherapy refers to a group of medicines which kills cancer cells. Sometimes it is taken before surgery to shrink the tumour and sometimes after to prevent the cancer from growing, spreading or coming back.

Cancer may grow in response to hormones, in which case doctors start hormone therapy to block or to prevent the body from making certain kinds of hormones. Some medicines work only on cancers that have certain characteristics, known as targeted therapy.

After treatment, the patient undergoes tests and keeps a watch on symptoms to check if the disease has returned.

Many people do very well after their treatment. It is important for the patient to take their medicines as directed and to follow the doctor’s instructions about visits and tests.

Call 17 253-447.

Dr Sanjay Gupta

Tij, Nadia, Azza & Chantal

The Gourmet Club hosted a Tunisian cuisine demo by Ramla Ben Taleb.

Yasmin & Khulood

Club members at the event

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Eugenia & Rulla

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showcase

GULF SPA

A DREAMY EXPERIENCE A luxurious new retreat provides a tranquil haven to unwind from the daily grind.

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n oasis of wellbeing in the heart of the city, the Gulf Hotel’s recently opened spa facility offers state-of-the-art facilities.

The Gulf Spa sprawls over 3,100 square metres across three floors and features separate areas for men and ladies, individual rooms, hammams, hydro and relaxation pools, experience showers, ice fountains and relaxation rooms.

In addition to a ladies’ fitness centre and a couples’ VIP treatment suite, the spa also includes a rooftop relaxation terrace, complete with a juice bar, and a ladies’ hair and beauty salon.

The intention of the spa is to honour the wellness, healing and beauty traditions of Arabia with half

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the treatments formulated with the essence of the region firmly in mind. Local ingredients such as pearls, palm water, herbs and gold are also combined in several packages.

“The concept behind the Gulf Spa lies in marrying tradition with modernity,” explains spa manager Lisa Mascoll.

"We offer everything from cutting-edge skincare technology, to ancient Arabic healing therapies, to luxury organic treatments that pamper from head to toe. The perfect blend of science, nature, and indulgence.”

Arabic calligraphy work by Bahraini artist Karima Sharabi adorns the walls, honouring native elements and poetry. All the massage oils are from local botanical cosmetics company Green Bar.

Bespoke wellness journeys are each created to purify and cleanse, relax and calm, renew and revitalise,or balance and bring equilibrium back to the body.

Signature journeys include the Arabian Gold Ritual, with body scrub, a purifying gold clay body mask, facial mask and an opulent gold-infused massage.

The Heavenly Rose Ritual includes a body and facial polish, an aromatic body and facial clay mask, a rose bliss balm massage and ruby-infused gem oil facial massage.

Especially tailored for men is the Gentleman’s De-Stress Treatment, a top-to-toe therapy designed to soothe achy muscles and energise from within.

Exceptional treatments using precious gemstones such as

sapphire, emerald, diamond and ruby are designed to heal the mind and body. A consultation with a specialist helps you decide the best stone for you.

Swedish, aromatherapy, deep tissue, table Thai and pre-natal massages are available with varying durations.

Sound frequencies from Himalayan singing bowls are used to induce a meditative state and balance the chakras, incorporated with various massages.

Themed Moroccan hammams such as the Classic, Traditional Rose, 24-Carat Gold, and Bahraini Island offer vigorous exfoliation and moisturisation.

Every spa guest is encouraged to use the thermal experience aromatherapy steam and sauna rooms before the treatment as well the warm and cool vitality pools to make one’s skin receptive to the treatment.

Bridal packages are in the pipeline, which will encompass a full spectrum of grooming, beauty and relaxation services for the bride-to-be and her friends. The ladies fitness centre is open from 6am-10pm, and spa treatments are available from 10am-10pm.

Call 17 746-289.

November 2016

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Tiguan Launch

Behbehani Brothers launched the new Volkswagen Tiguan during an event at its showroom in SItra.

Ali & Ahmed

Maqsood & Stephen Hill

Mani, Andre & Jean Pierre

Management and staff at the launch

Cycleband Opening

Jawad Business Group held an opening ceremony for its new retail store, Cycleband, in Bahrain City Centre.

Lovely & Mahdi

Management and staff at the opening

52 November 2016

Maryam & Roshil

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | food

Contemporary Traditions Serving unique regional delicacies, this chic eatery is a haven for gastronomic enthusiasts.

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ip and trendy, the newly opened Lumee Saar Kitchen offers memorable encounters with contemporary Arabian cuisine in a spectacular setting.

Lumee is Bahraini slang for lemons and limes, cleverly denoting the food served, which is fresh, flavoursome and zesty.

The cosy, home-inspired café-cum-deli is located in Saar Mall, with a considerably bigger, more varied menu than its sister in Al Aali Shopping Complex.

Walnut wood panels cover walls that are decorated with vintage shelves, unique artifacts and vertical gardens. Arabic geometry in a phantasmagoria of bright hues adorns the décor.

A busy, open kitchen lets you watch chefs scurry about, whipping up scrumptious dishes, headed by culinary master Simon Fernandes.

The homegrown brand’s generous menu is dotted with a variety of salads, grills and bakes all woven with multicultural influences.

The friendly wait staff helped us choose what seemed to be a feast for lunch.

First on the table was the Lumee house salad, with mixed lettuce, shredded carrot and cucumber, cherry tomatoes and a tangy chilli achar dressing topped with parmesan shavings and sesame. Light and refreshing, the dressing added a spicy zest to the palate. www.womanthismonth.com

Being a huge fan of mushrooms, I couldn’t wait to bite into the wholegrain fatayer filled with light halloumi and mushroom with truffle oil. The medley of the three worked in perfect harmony.

The appetisers had worked on building my excitement and appetite for the main course.

It is worth mentioning that the menu features some drool-worthy pictures of the fare.

Chef Simon suggested Turkish manti dumplings, comprising traditional pasta stuffed with beef, topped with caramelised tomato, garlic yoghurt sauce and mint. If there was an Arabian version of spaghetti Bolognese,

this would be it. The rich, savoury sauce pairs perfectly with the zesty tomato, fulfilling but not heavy on the tummy.

Spicy lamb chops, halloumi with vegetables and za’atar chicken thighs with a garlic-honey glaze were laid out on the table soon after. The plating of each dish was impeccable, making it almost too pretty to eat.

My gastric desires took over and I was soon chowing down on the tender, well-marinated chicken. The lamb chops had a robust, juicy flavour, and the halloumi was simply ambrosial.

Chef Simon explained a bit more about the ingredients and the challenges of managing the colossal open kitchen.

On weekends in particular, lunch feasts featuring a food theme or regional cuisine are displayed on the deli. Seasoned local seafood, a steak and meat feast, Iranian home-style dishes, roast chicken, Turkish and Egyptian delicacies and Andalusian paella are among the many dishes offered every Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant also sells homemade pickles, jams, and spices.

Lumee is the perfect place for a quick meal or a lazy brunch on the weekend. It opens from 8.30am-11.30pm daily.

Call 17 694-848 November 2016

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LIFESTYLE | food

CHEF’S SPECIAL International flavours abound on the greens from an award-winning kitchen star.

APPLE WOOD SMOKED SALMON AND LABNEH MOUSSE

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native of South Africa, Paul Gindra left his home in Durban at the age of 17 and headed to the UK to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. He completed his apprenticeship at the five-star De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton, and now has 17 years of kitchen experience under his belt.

Before joining the Royal Golf Club as executive chef, he spent seven years doing new openings for The Carlson Group and has also worked at a number of luxury UK hotels as well as some of the top restaurants around South Africa.

A fan of cooking competitions, Paul says the highlight of his career so far was representing his

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country as the logistics manager for Team South Africa at the Culinary Olympics in Germany in 2008, where the team took gold, silver and bronze medals.

He was also the national winner of the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge in 2008, regional finalist at the Unilever Chef of the Year 2002 and 2004 competitions and a regional finalist of the Jeune Commis Rotisseur (Chaine des Rotisseurs) competition.

The multiaward winner is happy to share one of his favourite recipes for readers to Chef Paul Gindra recreate at home.

Ingredients: - 300g fresh Scottish salmon (skin on) scaled and deboned - 1kg apple wood chips (for the smoking) – available at Manazel - 2g Maldon rock salt - 2g white sugar - Pinch chopped dill - Pinch chopped parsley - 150g labneh - 50ml whipped cream (unsweetened) - 2tsp gelatin powder - 2tsp lemon juice - Salt and pepper for seasoning Equipment: - Barbecue with a lid - Wood Method: Mix the salt, sugar, parsley and dill and spread it over the top of your salmon fillet.

Make a small wood fire in the corner of your barbecue. Once the wood is burning, spread half of your wood chips (pre-soaked in water for 30minutes) over the

flames; this will create the smoke.

Place your salmon skin side down in the corner opposite the fire so there is no direct heat. Close the lid and let it smoke for 10 minutes. Add the remaining wood chips and smoke for a further five minutes.

Remove from the barbecue and refrigerate for an hour.

Once cooled you can slice to your preferred size.

To make the labneh mousse, place the labneh in a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice and season.

Fold the whipped cream into the labneh. Follow the instructions on the packet of your powdered gelatin; add the gelatin to the mousse mixture.

Spoon the mousse into your choice of mould and let in set in the refrigerator for one hour.

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase HÉVÉA

A MEAL TO REMEMBER Savour the most important meal of the day in a decadent restaurant which promises to thrill your palate.

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njoy an exquisite breakfast in a stunning setting at Hévéa in Al Aali Shopping Complex, and pick from a plethora of a la carte options to start your morning. Choose between the indulgent indoor seating and alfresco dining on the patio.

For an authentic Arabian repast, the Khaleeji breakfast of balaleet, foul medammes, crispy bread, bayth tomato and Arabic bread makes for the perfect choice.

The Oriental selection serves a variety of eats such as shakshooka and falafel, while the Breakfast Basket is loaded with a generous assortment of delicacies, perfect for sharing between two people.

Melding sweet and sharp in perfect harmony is the Touche D’Orient zaatar croissant served with labneh and honey. Smoked salmon eggs benedict, croissant with Asian mushrooms and béchamel sauce, crepes and French toast are also on the menu.

Putting emphasis on freshness and quality, Hévéa bakes all its bread and pastries in-house.

www.womanthismonth.com

The restaurant also serves high tea for two complete with scones, clotted cream, sandwiches and tea, priced at BD12, and a business lunch with a three-course meal and one beverage for BD8 per person.

Breakfast is from 8am-noon, lunch from noon-4pm and high tea from 4pm-6pm.

Call 17 004-588.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Yanni & Lisa

Birthday Celebration Lisa celebrated her 50th birthday at the Sheraton Hotel.

Lisa’s 50th birthday bash

Mandy, Lia, Lisa & Ratna

Liz & Lisa

Charmaine, Lisa & Serena

The band performing

The BBBF, in conjunction with the BBA, presents its annual

Poppy Ball The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Bahrain on Friday 18th November 2016 Join us with VIP Guests of Honour “The Chelsea Pensioners” & VIP Guest Speaker - Lord Digby Jones (former Minister of State for Trade & Investment) Timings & Entertainment 7 - 8pm – Welcome Reception 8pm – Seated for Dinner (buffet) 9.30pm till late – Dance the Night Away with DJ Formal Dress Code: Ladies – Evening/Cocktail Dress

Gents – Black Tie or National Dress

For more details or to reserve a table contact the BBBF on bbbfevents@batelco.com.bh or Telephone 1781 3488

Supported by:

56 November 2016

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase REEM AL BAWADI

SAVOURY DELIGHT Learn how to make this simple Lebanese-inspired starter courtesy of an eminent Middle Eastern restaurant.

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his recipe for lamb sausages with pomegranate molasses is a variation of the classic soujouk but with a tinge of sweetness.

A popular hot appetiser, the dish is an original creation of the culinary team at Reem Al Bawadi, Ramada Manama City Centre Hotel.

It is best enjoyed with pita bread and tabouleh salad on the side. Read on to learn how to make this at home.

Ingredients (Two Servings) l 250g pre-cooked lamb sausages l 2g garlic, chopped l 1 lemon, cut into wedges l 1g parsley, chopped l A pinch of sumac powder l 50ml pomegranate syrup l 50ml vegetable oil or corn oil Method l Heat the pan and add the oil. Bring it to simmer. l Place sausages on the heated pan and sautĂŠ with garlic for five minutes till soft. l Remove sausages from the pan and place on a serving plate. l Garnish lemon wedge with sumac and sausages with chopped parsley. Place lemon on the side of the plate. l Drizzle with pomegranate syrup as desired and serve hot.

Reem Al Bawadi Restaurant and CafĂŠ Award winning, Middle Eastern themed Restaurant, renowned for its authentic cuisine and hospitality

Ramada Manama City Centre, Al Seef Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1710 4040 | Fax: +973 1710 4010 www.reemalbawadi.com

Call 17 104-040. www.womanthismonth.com

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LIFESTYLE | travel

l l u f n I m o blo If ornamental horticulture is your cup of tea, these garden shows are guaranteed to stimulate your senses with a healthy dose of botanical inspiration.

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www.womanthismonth.com

The garden installation represents gluttony in an artistic and playful manner with giant canned food figures.

e c a l a P t r u o C n o Hampt K U , w o h S r e w o l F The Polyntz Arms located close to Hampton Court Palace serves delicious grub for lunch and dinner. Pictured Fajita Bowl.

The majestic King's Ticker denotes the time, astronomical signs, and the sun's position in the sky.

A previously designed garden titled 'Italian Job'. www.womanthismonth.com

Historic Hampton Court Palace lies southwest of London on the north bank of the River Thames and is home to the world’s largest flower show. It is a haven for conceptual gardens, giant floral marquees, demonstrations and shows. View display grounds ranging from outrageous to dazzling and you can stroll through the market-style event while buying plants for your own home.

Rose lovers flock to the British Rose Festival, which is the highlight of the show.

The palace offers plenty of historical sights to check out after you’ve had your fill of things horticultural.

Witness the vast medieval Tudor Kitchens and Cellars, built in 1530, or get lost in the trapezoid maze with miles of paths inside.

The King’s Ticker is a spectacular, colossal astronomical clock which consists of three copper dials indicating the hour, month and day, the signs of the zodiac and even the position of the sun.

In close proximity are charming pubs, quaint boutiques and sprawling parks.

A whimsical illusion botanical concept displayed at the show.

The ancient Tudor Kitchens and Cellars.

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LIFESTYLE | travel A colourful Hollywood Dreams parade at Universal Studios, Singapore.

n e d r a G e r o p a g l Sin a v i t s Fe

Climb up one of the futuristic looking skyscrapers and enjoy the city’s skyline view. This one is a swanky bar by the name of Ku De Ta.

Contemporary, healthy food is all the rage in Singapore. The Create Health Lifestyle CafĂŠ offers giant raw sushi rolls.

You can walk right to the top of the rainforest waterfall!

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Around 9.7 hectares of land is transformed into a magical landscape featuring over 70 floral displays with a predominant fantasy theme for this biennial event.

Award-winning gardening luminaries from all over the world display their innovative creations.

Domes dedicated exclusively to orchids, a cloud forest with a cascading waterfall and musical flower fields are a few of the many awe-inspiring attractions. Here you will also find topiary art moulded as animals or music notes.

Singapore is a city bursting at the seams with impressive things to see and do, a haven for every tourist.

Go on an adrenalin-fuelled adventure at Universal Studios, or check out nocturnal animals in their natural habitat on the night safari.

Explore the exquisite temples which stand unabashed, whilst retail therapy can be had at the famed stretch of Orchard Road.

Anteaters in their natural habitat at a night safari park.

People visit Ion Orchard department store by night in Orchard Road shopping district.

Polynesian mythological demi-god Maui represented in this installation. The garden won bronze in the fantasy category. www.womanthismonth.com

The century-old Puffing Billy steam train still runs on its original mountain track and is a great way to see natural landscapes like valleys and hills.

l a n o i t a n r e t n I e n w r o u h o S b l n e e d M r a G d n a r e w Flo

Wallabies playing at the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter, Melbourne.

The show has a footfall of thousands of visitors flocking to see outlandish blooming gardens, trails and multicoloured plants, with a special theme each year.

The venue is a mĂŠlange of seasonal plants, exotic blooms, rare and native species.

Floral design workshops and lectures aim to turn the casual A dress fashioned out of flowers at the Melbourne gardener into an avid hobbyist.

International Flower and Garden Show.

Exhibitors compete for a Enjoy scenic panoramas of the city on number of prestigious awards a glamorous hot air balloon ride. and card handouts are given to those interested in creating professional designs on their own at home.

The city hosts a broad spectrum of entertainment for tourists, from striking museums to buzzing bistros and wildlife parks. Get a bird’s eye view at sunrise in a hot air balloon, or amble along the cobbled lengths of Hosier Lane while witnessing all the street art it has to offer. www.womanthismonth.com

For zany food combinations, visit Gazi.

Pictured - Crispy lambs brains with charred leeks and pickled grapes.

Hosier Lane's brilliantlyhued street art makes for a must-visit destination.

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LIFESTYLE | travel

Say Selamat Datang!

Behnaz Sanjana brings you the low-down on how to make the most of an Indonesian holiday, from personal experience of the world’s most varied archipelago.

T

he islands of Indonesia enjoy a premium place on the globe; the nation sunbathes right across the Equator, and is also where the Indian and Pacific oceans hobnob with one another.

Although it may not be possible to tour the entire country in one go (unless you relinquish normal life and decide to backpack, which many adventurers do), a look-see at Yogyakarta and Bali is a prudent start. So don your sarong and read on for all the breathtakingly beautiful sights and experiences that await you there.

Charismatic Culture – Yogyakarta

Apparently the centre of Java’s artistic and academic heritage, parts of Yogyakarta are very much like any other Asian city today. But once you’re familiar with the spirit of this sultanate, you’ll endearingly call it Jogja, as the locals do.

This is an opportunity to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Borobudur Temple Compounds.

The tiered structure of this gargantuan Buddhist temple holds 72 stupas and tells the story of the life of the Buddha through its handDining at Plataran, Borobudur carved reliefs. The many interesting snippets you will learn about its structure and history are certainly food for thought. The sprawling compounds have a few bodhi trees, should you wish to try your hand at Nirvana, much like Gautama Buddha did.

Meandering around little hamlets by horse and carriage and lunching amidst the surreal surroundings of the Plataran restaurant is a good idea if you have some time to spare in Borobudur.

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Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat is the sultan’s residence and also gives a fair glimpse into the life and times of royalty gone by. A few of its many open-air pavilions stage musical performances for visitors to get a taste of traditional Indonesian song and dance.

But the sultans of yore indulged in royal hedonism at Taman Sari, a now defunct water castle. It was the monarchs’ private garden, adorned with shimmering blue pools and waterways, some of which have been restored. You’ll have to visit the place to be privy to the secrets lurking about there.

Malioboro Street is a jolt back to the present, Borobudur Temple with hawkers lining the pavements, haggling wholeheartedly with tourists for quirky souvenirs. There are numerous food stalls to sample Javanese staples, if you think your belly can handle it. Take care not to be run over by the teaming becaks, (traditional cyclerickshaws) or motorbikes.

Visit Kota Gede, the silver industry hub, to come away with some fine baubles that will be a lasting memory of the bustle that is Jogja.

Becak

www.womanthismonth.com

Sun and Surf – Bali

to behold and capture in your mind’s eye for the future, when you feel you need to escape everyday life. Stray wisps of cloud, cool highland air and fog-shrouded mountains in the background add to the mystical element of this attraction.

Tanjung Benoa is a great spot to trawl the ocean bed and explore Indonesia’s magnificent marine flora and fauna. Opt for scuba diving, snorkelling or sea-walking for your underwater escapade. If that does not float your boat (ahem!) there’s jet skiing, tubing, flying fish and banana boating to be done at Hot Dog Water Sport and Dive Centre.

Ulun Danu Temple For some ‘monkeying around’, let the thick green canopy of Ubud’s Monkey Forest swallow you.

No matter in which direction you choose to set off, you’ll be awed by the myriad shades of nature. The Jimbaran Beach picturesque bridge over the deep ravine, moss-covered stone sentries and ancient temples make for Facebookworthy photoops. Follow the guidelines of the wardens, and the primates who rule this alternate universe will let Sunset at Kuta Beach you pass by without much ado.

Exploring the island is incomplete without soaking up the atmosphere of Jimbaran Bay, touted as Bali’s Beverly Hills.

Come sunset, the eateries lining the beachfront lay out their candlelit tables with succulent seafood, amidst the sound of the waves and a soft and gentle ocean breeze.

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November 2016

This is the place for the ideal tropical island experience. Never-ending stretches of beach, coconut trees bordering verdant paddy fields, rich coral reefs and the blush of frangipani in your hair.

Kuta Beach is a beachcombers’ paradise, best known for its surfer-friendly waves and nightlife. The main promenade, adjacent to the sands, is lined with cafes that serve up exotic coolers and calamari done just right, amongst a host of Musicians at Kraton other fun bites.

There is an art bazaar and street shops to visit as well. Rent a scooter from the hundreds lined up against the beach to easily zip around the island. Kuta is also where you should ideally stay; in the midst of all the action.

Batubulan literally means moonstone - and you’ll see why.

Seafood feast Walk around the village’s shaded, winding ways and the artful sculptures seem to call out to you: little monks with bowed heads, intricate Hindu deities and serene-faced reclining Buddhas, amongst many others. The area’s noted for its fine stonework temples too.

Catch a Barong performance in any of the temple premises in Batubulan. This mythological story enacted using loud sounds, costumes and gestures is an inherent part of Balinese culture. Love it or not, you won’t be able to ignore it.

Named one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Bratan sets the stage for the Ulun Danu Temple. The juxtaposition of the water temple and its many ancillary pagodas over the shimmering lake makes it a sight

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Ebrahim Kooheji, Abdul Nabi & Abdul Hameed

Ahmed

Fahmi

Wedding Workshop

Amal & Isabella

Faten & Sima

Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority held a workshop on promoting the Kingdom as a wedding destination at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

Raiza, Laila & Maysoon

Natalia & Sawsan

Hamsa & Layla

Maryam & Mari

Florentina & Hino

Ghaleb, Dr Salman & Dr Claire

Coach Gathering

The International Coach Federation (ICF) held a gathering featuring Dr Clare Beckett McInroy as speaker at the Bahrain Society for Training & Development.

Rana, Aysha & Neam

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Roya, Shaima, Khulood & Zainab

www.womanthismonth.com

PARENTING | interview

Staying Safe Online Cyber security expert Ravi Jayasundera is used to dealing with corporate threats and business bogies.

But, as a parent, he understands the need for online safety in the home as well. He tells us how to keep our kids, and ourselves, secure.

F

ounder of Sysprove Consulting, with more than 25 years’ experience in the field, Ravi has worked with major multinationals and government organisations to help them improve their cybersecurity. And this made him very aware of how lacking online safety sometimes is at home.

He says: “At work, if you have a problem or get what looks like a suspicious email, you call the tech guy. But at home there is no tech guy and children are particularly vulnerable.

“Just this morning I was listening to a programme on the BBC that said, according to a head teachers’ association, 45 per cent of children are using their devices, such as tablets and mobile phones, when they go to bed. This not only results in them being overtired the next day, with kids falling asleep in school, but it also means there is no parental supervision.

“It’s also worth remembering that youngsters are often more tech-savvy than their parents, so, I would suggest appointing an older sibling to take care of the family’s cybersecurity – this will give young children someone to talk to, if they don’t want to talk to mum or dad, and will also encourage the older child, perhaps a teenager, to do their own research and keep up to date on the latest developments.”

He adds that, like schoolwork, e-safety and awareness need to be dealt with in an age-appropriate way. Even very small children use Internet devices these days and it’s important to make sure they are supervised and safe, while older kids need to know how to protect themselves. www.womanthismonth.com

As well as presentations to groups like Amcham and the Bahrain British Business Forum, Ravi voluntarily works with a number of the island’s schools, talking to parents and teachers about how to help children stay secure online, dealing particularly with issues such as cyberbullying and information sharing.

Ravi’s top tips for online safety: l Agree on a set of written rules before children are given Internet-capable devices. These could include which sites the child can use, times for computer use, amounts of time for social versus educational use and the sort of things that can be posted.

Have a central location where all devices must be kept before going to bed. l Ask kids to share which apps and tools they are using. l Ask younger relatives to make friends with your kids to help keep them safe. l Talk to youngsters about cybersafety – many want to show off the number of followers/friends they have but try to discourage them from accepting requests from people they don’t actually know

Ravi Jayasundera face to face. l Explain how the things they post can affect their lives – such as with future employers checking them out online. l Maintain a close relationship with the IT teachers at your child’s school; they will be able to give more tips. l When reporting online incidents, such as bullying, channel information through the school, if it involves fellow students, as social media companies give greater priority to requests from

school administration. l If kids are being bullied or coming across other unsuitable content, make sure to take a screen shot. l Learn the lingo – know what abbreviations such as PRW mean (parents are watching). l Parents should google their kids regularly to check that nothing untoward has been posted about them. l Regularly check privacy settings for the whole family, but particularly for younger kids.

Also check out these websites for further information and advice: Safesurf.bh – TRA Bahrain website for cybersafety. www.connectsafely.org – tips on cybersafety for kids and adults. www.net-aware.org.uk – guidelines for parents on kids' social media. www.us-cert.gov – tips from US computer emergency response team. www.stopthinkconnect.org – tips from US Dept of Homeland Security www.getsafeonline.org – tips on cybersafety. g November 2016

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PARENTING | advice

Need to Know

Q

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

My three-year-old daughter has her own bed and is a good sleeper on the whole but, in the last few weeks, she has started waking several times a night and coming into our bed. My husband has an early start and the sleep disturbance is beginning to affect us all. Can you suggest anything to get her back into a settled routine?

A

Make sure you’re not part of the problem.

When children sense a parent’s sorrow they naturally seek to soothe them. For that reason, if you fancy your bed back, you may need to take a hard look at how you feel about changing the sleeping arrangements. Be sure you’re not sending your daughter a mixed message.

Evaluate what may be feeding your child’s apprehension.

Spend time thinking about other changes that could be contributing to your child’s bedtime issues. Is she getting enough time with both parents?

Is her bedroom comfy? Does she have a regular day-to-day routine or is the family schedule different every day?

Include your child in creating a solution.

Once you’ve identified the problem, brainstorm with your daughter what might make her bedroom more cosy. Remember to be creative and have fun together. Ideas can range from creating a special bedtime ritual to putting glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling and counting them each night. Bottom line, your daughter needs to hear from you

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that part of being a healthy family entails everyone sleeping in their own bed.

Create a bedtime routine and stick to it.

Routines and structure are the cornerstone of children feeling out of harm's way and secure.

Together create a bedtime routine that engages your child in winding down for the day (ie reading a bedtime story, singing a song, saying a prayer, reciting a verse from the Holy Quran or sharing three good things about her day that she is grateful for). Do your best to stay committed to your nighttime activities and schedule.

Don’t cave when the going gets tough.

Getting children to sleep in their own bed can be extraordinarily taxing even for the most gifted of parents. Bear in mind change takes time. Even if things go well the first couple of nights, keep in mind some backsliding is normal. It may be wise to have a plan in place for how you will handle a midnight visitor or

endless amounts of pleading after you’ve tucked them in bed. If this happens, quietly walk your child back to bed without lecturing, getting angry or engaging in a conversation. Also steer clear of giving them an incentive to carry on the behaviour by lingering in their room.

Q

I’m getting lots of conflicting information about when I should take my little boy for his first visit to the dentist. I was always terrified of the dentist as a child and I don’t want to pass my fear on to him. Can you tell me when is best to go and how I can reassure him – he is coming up for two?

A

As a parent, you need to set up healthy habits in your child from a very young age, especially when it comes to developing good dental health.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric

Dentistry the finest time to take a child to a dentist for the very first time is at age one or six months after the first tooth comes in.

Before you can schedule your child’s first trip to a paediatric dentist, you need to find the right dentist. Help your son be more at ease when the time comes for their first visit by practising at home. Tell him that you are going to count his teeth, just like the dentist will. Use a toothbrush to lightly tap each tooth and start counting. Examine your child’s teeth with a mirror.

To build a sense of adventure in his head about visiting a thrilling new place and meeting fascinating new people is a great idea. Children look forward to amusing activities, and that’s how a visit to the dentist must be portrayed by parents. Allowing him to bring his favourite toy or blanket along will also help him feel more relaxed.

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

Smart Gizmos

Dictionary Bookmark

Reading a book is still an important task to be accomplished in school, also a fun pastime for some kids.

Having an electronic dictionary bookmark can come in handy when youngsters face new words they don't know the meaning of, especially if the child comes from a non-Englishspeaking country. The simple device can boost their confidence while they get used to the new language they are being exposed to.

PARENTING| tech kids

Sometimes when we hear the words 'gadget' and 'kids' in the same sentence we feel they don’t belong together. However, there are a few inventions beyond tablets and smartphones that are worth a look. The world is changing, and the sooner we accept that, the easier it will be to adapt to the new technologies.

There is a wide world of educational toys and helpful gadgets out there that were created to encourage kids’ development.

We’ve selected some of the best fun and interesting electronic devices.

Cubetto

Another robot toy created to introduce younger children to the world of programming. It’s aimed at teaching basic coding to kids even before they can read. The coding consists of blocks that have to be positioned in a certain order to make the cube robot move, each block representing an action. This wooden creation is Montessoriapproved and has no screens; it is a touch and manipulate toy, perfect for kids of three and older.

Grush

Dash & Dot

In the robot world we discovered these two round creatures which, together with different apps, make coding and robotics a fun activity. Dash uses its gyroscope and wheel encoders to run the codes with precise turns and accurate movements.

And with Dot, it is possible to play games like hot potato and plan a sequence of events. Best for over fives. www.womanthismonth.com

Having trouble getting your little ones to brush their teeth?

This gaming toothbrush transforms the brushing chore into an interactive game. It is a Bluetooth motionsensing toothbrush, coupled with interactive and instructive games that guide kids’ brushing - and parents can check the results later. You can use an old mobile phone to download the apps and leave it in the bathroom to serve as the screen.

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PARENTING| issues

To Spank or Not to Spank?

Lamar Kanafani, the island’s first, and so far only, licensed marriage and family therapist, writes for WTM on the issues that concern mums.

I

could make this article about the statistical findings of research done on the effects of spanking children, but I think I’ll refrain from that as you can go online and see for yourselves that spanking is not only ineffective in teaching children the life skills we want them to learn, it also makes children more aggressive in the short-term and likely to have mental health problems in the longterm. What spanking is effective in is scaring the child into submission, generating feelings of resentment towards the punisher and, while it may not become apparent right away, it changes the way a child thinks and feels about things.

So why is it that despite research evidence that spanking simply does not work in producing anything positive, parents still defend the use of it on some level. It is quite difficult to find parents that are 100 per cent against spanking under any circumstance.

I hear parents say: “I’m totally against spanking, but once in a blue moon when I feel overwhelmed and my child is being impossible, then I don’t think it’s wrong to spank.”

And I think that’s part of the problem right there: “… when I feel overwhelmed”. Clearly, a parent spanking a child is an impulsive and reactionary behaviour aimed at the child because the parent finds the child’s behaviour problematic for them in that moment. Take the same behaviour of that child, occurring at a different time and space, say when the parent is in a more positive mood, I’ll place high dollar bets that the parent will choose an alternative way of reacting. And most, if not all, of us feel bad or guilty afterwards. That’s the internal intuitive indication that spanking is the wrong approach. I’ve had a few parents tell me they never spank their kids on impulse; that they would first go to cool off, and then come back to do the spanking. It would be an understatement on my part to say that I find

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Lamar Kanafani

that a highly disturbing parenting technique.

Many parents resort to spanking because they don’t see other options and are acting out of desperation. They feel they’re losing control over the situation or the child, and believe spanking will set everything straight.

The 'control' the parent is trying to achieve has everything to do with their own fear, and nothing to do with teaching the child the concept of right and wrong. What the child does 'learn' is that he has been hit or hurt by a person who is supposed to love him. This is a confusing lesson in itself. It certainly doesn’t teach the intended lesson. The reality is that spanking your child only makes you feel more out of control, and leaves your child feeling distrustful of and resentful towards you. And worse, since spanking doesn’t work to get kids to comply, parents think they have to keep escalating it.

When I ask children how they felt when their parents spanked them, they respond with statements like: “I hate it! I’m not scared of the spanking, it just makes me angry and I hate them for it. It doesn’t make me want to listen to them. I feel like hitting them back. It’s unfair, they think they understand but they don’t.”

Spanking thus does the opposite of what parents usually want it to do.

And if that’s not enough to prove spanking simply doesn’t work, then let’s talk science.

When a child is spanked, the emotional centre of their brain goes into alarm mode; meaning, there is heightened activity in that area of the brain and lowered activity in other parts.

The child’s brain clearly perceives spanking as threatening and responds accordingly. Under this survival mode, the mind is unable to learn. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking skills like reason, judgement, analytical processing and executive decision-making, shuts down. Therefore, the child’s behavior during and after a spanking is not based on reason and logic. It’s totally based on reactivity.

Imagine then the effects if parents use spanking as a disciplinary technique. Over time, the emotional centre of the brain goes into long-term overdrive, and the other parts of the brain responsible for logic and reason goes into underdrive, leaving the emotional centre in control of your child’s behavioural responses. And so a vicious cycle results: a fearful child becomes aggressive or withdrawn, the parent spanks in response, the child becomes more frightened and loses control of his/her behaviour more often. This increases the likelihood that the child will suffer from emotional dysregulation as he/she is growing up.

In the end, spanking may produce certain immediate results; however, the long-term price to pay is high. The child’s sense of trust, safety, reasoning and learning abilities are all being slowly chipped away with every spanking episode — along with a child’s openness to love from his/her parent.

In next month’s article, I’ll talk about what to do instead of spanking.

For further questions or support, email lamar.kanafani@gmail.com or call 36 009-665. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | parenting

Get Kids to Eat Everything Meals with children should be a nice family time, but it can be a battle and upsetting for all concerned. Fernanda Langhammer comes up with tips to make the experience less stressful.

P

icky eaters are a mother’s worst nightmare (well, maybe not the worst, but certainly one of the worst). At least it was mine with my daughter. She is 11 years old and the difficult meal times are long past, but it was hard work to get where we are now. Here are some tricks that I’ve used with her that achieved good results.

BE A ROLE MODEL Kids copy everything adults do, even unconsciously, so if you are always on a diet or eating big portions, they will think this is the way to deal with food. If you or your partner don’t like vegetables and keep saying it out loud in front of the kids, they probably won’t want to eat them either. Try to keep your preferences to yourself; this way you don’t influence them negatively.

GET KIDS COOKING There’s nothing better than to let your child learn about his/her food up close and cooking is a fun way to do it. Allow them to participate in the whole process such as planning the meal, doing the grocery list, choosing the produce and prepping the vegetables – washing and cutting. Putting a salad together is an easy way to get them involved.

They will be more interested in trying new things when they have played an important role in preparing them.

SNEAK IN HEALTHY CHOICES There is a whole universe of online recipes that can help you make healthier cakes and treats. You can shred zucchini into muffin dough or cook pasta and beans with spinach leaves in the water. Even if they don’t eat the cooked leaves, at least some of the vitamins are absorbed

www.womanthismonth.com

by the other elements or left in the water. Any small addition of vegetables to kids’ meals counts.

I DON’T LIKE...

My daughter hates the texture of onion; she likes the taste, but not the little pieces. In the beginning I tried to avoid putting it on food, then I would blend it, until I decided that I wasn’t going to hide it any more. At first she used to take forever to remove them; it was a lot of work. Now, she only takes out the big pieces she sees. I learned that I shouldn’t change my cooking style, but rather she should adapt.

NEVER GIVE UP Another important attitude-changer was to cut a selection of fruits, three or four different types, and put them in front of her on a regular basis. It took some time for her to start touching them, and when she did it was just the bananas. After some time the bananas and melon, until eventually she would eat any fruit. Not giving up on offering fruit, even when she wasn’t eating a single piece, was the best way to change her eating habits, in my opinion.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Around Town

ART Rotana launched its annual Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Drive with the Harley Davidson Owners Group.

Dragon City announced the winner of its September grand raffle draw, Nawaf Janahi, who won a Geely Emgrand X7 SUV.

Capital Club Bahrain hosted a complimentary lunch featuring chef Jaime Pesaque from Lima, Peru.

Bahrain Entreprepreneurs Organization held a seminar on business growth by Mike Hoff at The Westin Hotel.

The Middle East Medical Center hosted its annual blood donation campaign as part of its philanthropic activities.

Yoga Tea Party Areej, Kina, Banu & Nawaf

70 November 2016

Pure Yoga hosted a tea party to kick off a series of monthly events at its studio in Hamala.

Afaf, Bayan, Shaika & Areej

www.womanthismonth.com

Star

Gazing

horoscopes

Gemini

Raphael tells us what’s written in the stars this month

More than any other factor this month, you will soon realise just how much you are loved and appreciated by those around you as the family draw close to extend special support as you overcome a difficult time at work. It could be that pressures or uncompromising rivals have left you deflated. However, the tide is turning slowly in your favour and, with the assistance of loved ones, you will soon negotiate the corner to a more fortunate period in your life.

Scorpio

Cancer

Sagittarius

Leo

The cliché of life being very much a lottery could well apply to you this month – especially if any of you are planning home improvements or investments. There is every indication that any work to be done in the home should only be attempted by people you know you can trust – so the warning is to watch who you hire! A young child with a long-term illness could cause you a measure of concern and a trip to the doctors may be necessary due to a worsening condition.

This is a learning month for your sign and the most important thing is really about how you digest what is put before you. There are two ways it can go: you can grow with the experience or you can allow it to pass over your head. It’s your choice, but the outcomes are going to be very different. On the romance front you could find a strained relationship finally comes to a close and, whilst it might hurt initially, both of you will see it makes sense further down the line.

Capricorn

The omens are good as a loan or investment provides you with capital to clear long-term debts and plan ahead for a more secure future.

Emotionally, you may find yourself at your zenith, as you feel particularly pleased with the state of a relationship. Your partner may demonstrate an uncommon level of affection that, coupled with other positive events this month, could make it your most satisfying period of the year so far.

Aquarius

Beware a flirt who may try to stretch the normal boundaries of friendship and push their own agenda upon you in a completely selfish fashion. It might take some careful and clever manipulation to get this right, so be smart rather than impulsive. A young child will come to you with a problem they are afraid to share with their own parents and you may be called upon to stir some courage in the youngster and help them through difficult times. www.womanthismonth.com

A separation is on the cards as you discover a partner’s intentions were not all they first appeared to be. You could find a relative’s words coming true and your most terrible fear becoming a reality. The situation will leave you analysing all the sacrifices you have made and see you coming to terms with the impact over the coming months. You may even find that having cut off so many people to pursue a selfish aim will leave you with very few shoulders to rest your head on.

Pisces

A past secret concerning money will return to haunt you just when you thought it was buried and forgotten. If you have been trying your best to hide this moment in your life, then you are about to learn an awkward lesson in truthfulness – and why it should be employed as often as possible!

From the shadows of this incident will also rise a new problem in the shape of a partner who finds your secrecy uncomfortable to live with.

Aries

Many of you will see this as a month of consolidation and financial gain as you seek to organise finances into a more manageable structure. A bonus or windfall will allow you to clear debts and free yourself of monthly commitments and you may also find that those who owe you money will surprise you by paying back a loan before it was originally due. All in all a very good month, so make the most of it.

Taurus

Prosperity could well be yours this month – solving a number of financial issues that seemed insurmountable – and leading you into a new and secure future. However, the real message is not your turnaround in fortunes but also in your attitude to those near you, who may need some monetary support of their own.

Don’t forget to share the good fortune with those who may be just as worthy as you.

A journey overseas could lead you into deep financial difficulty – especially if you do not take care in any matters of insurance. If you are planning a trip then make certain you are covered for all possibilities. The omens do not bode well for you whilst you are on foreign soil and although nothing too serious may occur, the real hurt could be to your bank balance more than anything else. Perhaps next time plan a little better...?

Virgo

A case of mistaken identity could lead you into an embarrassing situation this month as one white lie told to impress someone, balloons into a series of awkward compromises with the truth. Beware, the situation may get out of hand as you struggle to find a clear avenue.

The best option would be to remain tightlipped and wait until the dust settles before saying another word. If not it could be a very difficult few weeks!

Libra

This month sees you coming to terms with the loss of something particularly important to you – possibly a car or even your place of residence. The circumstances that bring such an event about are mainly your own fault and it could well mean a complete re-evaluation of your circumstances. On a more positive note, you could find yourself back in contact with a loved one who has been absent because of a past family disagreement.

November 2016

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last word

In Her Shoes Mariam Alseba, of the creative communications department at Lusail Investments, tells us what makes her tick.

WHAT’S ALWAYS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND? A book and Aesop hand cream.

WHAT WOULD YOU LOVE TO LEARN? Anima tion, I would love to learn to animate my illustrations.

Mariam Alseba

FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN BAHRAIN? Have a relaxed coffee break at He vea

BEAUTY ESSENTIAL YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT?

Café.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOU? Bold. Free-spirit. Fun.

Dark lipsticks are everything!

SONG THAT MAKES YOU DANCE? Cucurucu - Nick Mulvey.

EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL??

Night owl who is forced to wake up early.

COUNTRY YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT? Vietnam.

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November 2016

LAST ITEM ON YOUR CREDIT CARD STATEMENT? Ghost World comic book.

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