Woman This Month - November 2017

Bahrain Edition

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

November 2017 | Issue 177 | BD1 / SR10

www.womanthismonth.com

MORE WELLBEING Supplements – do it or ditch it?

FOOD

Thanksgiving feast

FASHION AND BEAUTY THAN EVER BEFORE

PEOPLE

- Swimmer Karlyn Pipes - Author Shabana Feroze - Entrepreneurs Zilia Monteiro and Afnan Darwish

TRAVEL

On the culture trail

NOVEMBER 6 Over to You 8 The Month in Focus 10 Hot Shots: Things that have piqued the editor’s interest this month

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FASHION

30

12 Pick of the month: Jet-Set Cred 14 The Big Reveal: H&M vs Erdem Collaboration 16 Trend: Purple Reign 18 Focus: Personal Carryall 20 Get the Look: Updated Classic 22 Designer Focus: Misha Nonoo 24 Mood Board: Aquamarine Experience 26 Essentials: 10 Thing to Try 28 Backstage Pass: News from the world of fashion

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PEOPLE 30 Karlyn Pipes: An Incredible Journey 32 Zilia Monteiro: Dancing to the Future 34 Afnan Darwish: For the Love of Children 35 Shabana Feroze: Living a Good Life

BEAUTY 36 Styling: Asgar Saboo 38 Tips: Wow Brows 40 Treatment: Dr Nikolaos Metaxotos 42 News: Latest products and happenings

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LIFESTYLE

56

44 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 46 Wellbeing: Decide Then Do 48 Wellbeing: The Great Supplement Debate 50 Food: Review 52 Food: Chefs' Specials 55 Travel: Cultural Connection 60 Homes: Oh Morocco 62 Horoscope: What to expect this month 64 In Her Shoes: Huda Mirza

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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 2017

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Contact for Appointment Amwaj 16031120 | Awali

17756449 |

Juffair

17369133

Facebook : Joz Salons & Spas Instagram : Jozsalons

EDITOR’S NOTE W

elcome to winter, although it may not feel much like it just yet. We're celebrating this month as former editor Fernanda Langhammer returns to the fold to take control of the fashion pages in her inimitable style.

We've introduced some new options in the fashion section to help you make the best choices including a monthly mood board, featuring the latest colours and the best ways to wear them, and a top ten of must try looks and items for this month. We've also taken a look at the exciting new collaboration between H&M and designer Erdem, which has caused much excitement in the WTM office, and made space for a designer focus feature, starting this month with Misha Nonoo – she of Husband Shirt fame – who just happens to have a rather big Bahrain connection!

Our cover boasts that we have more fashion and beauty than ever before and to back this up we've added tips and more reviews in the beauty section as well as a regular styling page from celebrity hair guru Asgar Sabu.

Interviews this month include the inspirational Karlyn Pipes, a world-beating swimmer, who speaks candidly about her battle with alcoholism, ahead of her trip to the island to coach Ironman contestants. We also caught up with writer Shabana Feroze, who is no stranger to battling her own demons and has come up with life and style advice for young women.

Former WTM staffer Zilia Monteiro tells us about a childhood ambition that's led her in a totally different career path and young mum Afnan Darwish speaks with passion about leaving the highflying world of banking to set up her own child-based business.

Seeking vacation inspiration now the kids are back at school?

Then, look no further than our travel pages where you'll find info on three great festivals that will make for fab cultural journeys.

And, if it's ideas for new home décor you're after, then we've got that covered too taking a leaf out of Khloé Kardashian's book to come up with some great Moroccan-based style ideas.

Truthfully this month is about more, more, more. More fashion, more beauty and more interviews. I’d love to hear your thoughts through our social media pages and website, where you’ll find updates and competitions throughout the month.

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER RAPHAEL ANASTASIA AGEEVA OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI head of digital operations NEIL F VAZ print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN The only layout & graphics 's women ROMEO SAN MIGUEL JAYATH TEKI magazine h media coordinator distributed wit SARAH ANSARI the GDN media managers FARHEEN AHMED circulation and research and photographic editor ROANNA FERNANDES photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2017© 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

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

Bahrain Edition

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

November 2017 | Issue 177 | BD1 / SR10

www.womanthismonth.com

MORE

Our month: Farheen checked out the new e-commerce platform from Al Rashid Group and Behnaz and Anne joined Shabana Feroze at her book launch.

WELLBEING Supplements – do it or ditch it?

FOOD

Thanksgiving feast

FASHION AND BEAUTY THAN EVER BEFORE

November 2017, Issue 177 On the cover: More, more, more

PEOPLE

- Swimmer Karlyn Pipes - Author Shabana Feroze - Entrepreneurs Zilia Monteiro and Afnan Darwish

TRAVEL

On the culture trail

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November 2017

www.womanthismonth.com

news

Best Reaction on Twitter Woman This Month’s post on Saudi Arabia allowing women to drive for the first time got the highest number of likes on Twitter.

Most Liked Post on Instagram

On Instagram, Think Pink Bahrain creating a World Record for the largest pink chain ribbon at Bahrain International Circuit was the most engaging post.

Most Liked Post on Facebook On Facebook, the contest to win Beach Hut fragrance by international luxury brand Amouage got the highest number of shares, likes and comments.

# Trending

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

Your Shout Our group of girlfriends has been meaning to take a well-deserved, all-ladies holiday for some time now, but, having travelled through most of the popular tourist destinations around the world, we were on the lookout for something offbeat. WTM’s travel piece has given us some interesting options, I must say. The article has covered three unique cultures that offer such a fresh perspective of lifestyle and fashion to style mavens, that we’re finding it difficult to pick one and fly off. Maybe we’ll do all three in the span of the next few years, thank you!

Eileen, Juffair What an absolutely fantastic fashion spread Woman This Month gave us last month! The pages were filled with beautiful, inspiring images and were fun to pore through. My personal style is subtle, and I found lots of insight for my look for the

winter. But I think girls who like a little more drama in their attire will also be buzzing with ideas after going over your fashion edit. I loved the Russian doll look, as I have a thing for embroidered dresses and accessories, but my favourite was the scarlet trend. Just the right shade of hot for the cool weather.

Zoe, Saar It was emotional to read about Linda BrownHague’s firsthand account of what her area endured when Hurricane Harvey hit. But it also felt heartening to know that people were there for each other, in spite of everybody facing difficulties due to this calamity. When circumstances show their worst, they bring out the best in the community. The road to complete recovery is going to be an arduous one for many, but with patience and trust, I hope they are able to overcome their feeling of loss and life goes back to normal for everyone affected soon.

Noora, Sehla

Indoor Forest Summer Rayne Oakes, a model, author, entrepreneur and eco-activist, created a green oasis in her New York City apartment eight years ago, when her roommate moved out.

Oakes has a degree in environmental science and entomology from Cornell University, and a passion for bringing nature indoors. She has more than 670 plants in her apartment, as part of a Mason Jar Garden, Vertical Swing Garden, Drawbridge Herb Garden and an entire Living Wall of greenery in her bedroom. She grows everything from herbs to sweet potatoes in her closet and spends Sundays re-potting, clipping, pruning and watering her indoor garden. www.today.com Home Again A family held captive by the Taliban for five years has been pictured back home for the first time after being released. The father, Joshua Boyle, was seen playing with his four-year-old son Najaeshi in a touching photo taken in his garden in Ontario, Canada. Boyle said Najaeshi began raiding the first refrigerator of his life when he arrived home after being rescued with his family in Afghanistan in October. www.metro.co.uk

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

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November 2017

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Twitter: @WomanThisMonthB

Facebook: Woman This Month www.womanthismonth.com

news

November in Focus What’s on our radar this month?

Christmas is Coming

Sporting Girls

Thanks Wolfgang OK, maybe it’s a bit early, but we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the annual Awali Festive Fair happening at the Bapco Club on November 11. There are always loads of bargains, yummy home cooking, craft decorations and great gift ideas. So, we’ll be seeing you at this one too.

If we can’t tempt you with our special Thanksgiving recipes, then try out Wolfgang Puck’s take on the American celebration prepared live at the Azure Pool area at Four Seasons Bahrain Bay on November 23. It costs BD45 per person and includes a feast of mouthwatering deep-fried turkey with cranberry-apple compote, brioche stuffing and kabocha pumpkin pie. Yum!

Livin’ on a Prayer

If, like us (well, at least some of us), you’re a bit of an old rocker, get ready to tease out your high hair and don a bit of ‘80s style for the arrival of Bon Giovi.

They’re a UK tribute band who channel the US glam/hair rockers to bring back memories of many a misspent youth.

They’re at the Gulf Hotel on November 23 and for brunch and at Sherlocks in the evening on November 24. See you there.

Check out this exhibition from Moroccan-British artist Hassan Hajja featuring a selection from his series La Salle de Gym des Femmes Arabes.

The title, which translates into Gym for Arab Women, is a continuation of his depiction of strong and spirited Arab women in his vision of Moroccan pop-culture. Viewing his unique style of vibrant colours, one can feel the Moroccan street vibe coming through the pictures which he has taken over a number of years at different locations. The exhibition runs until November 29.

Love Lokal

Jewels Galore

Hope you’ve got those letters to Santa written, girls. It’s that time of year again when Jewellery Arabia descends on Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre, bringing with it jewels galore.

Look out for bargain prices on diamonds and gems, fantastic bargains on designer watches and much more. Running over five days, from November 21 to 25, the event is expected to attract around 600 exhibitors from across the globe. Parking is usually pretty busy, so get there early.

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November 2017

Mark your calendars for the next Lokal Pop Up at Oliveto, in Adliya, on November 25 and 26 from 4pm to 11pm.

The Lokal Pop Up Shop is organised with the aim of promoting and celebrating home-grown talent. It’s one of the most exclusive, stylish and trendy events on the island bringing together the very best of up-and-

coming designers and creatives from the Middle East.

Look out for clothes, accessories, bags, jewellery, skincare, perfumes and even chocolate. The locally sourced, inspired and talented designers engage and sell directly in one of the most elegant locales in Bahrain — Oliveto, — where an Italian menu is available. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Al Rashid Group staff

Al Rashid Group E-Commerce Launch Al Rashid Group held an E-Commerce launch at The Sheraton Hotel.

Savitar Jagtiani

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Jayram, Parijet, Irfan & Harmeet

Nisha & Farheen

November 2017

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news

HOT SHOTS

illy shares the chair, Liz O'Re 's or it ed e th From st this month. qued her intere pi ve ha at th things

IN THE DOGHOUSE

MAKING HISTORY The famous UK invitational rugby team, the Barbarians, is making history with the launch of a women’s team which will play its first match against Irish side, Munster, on November 10. It’s a significant step for the women’s game, which, despite having been around since the 1880s (when two matches had to be abandoned due to violent protests against females playing contact sport), has only come to prominence in the last few decades.

Players from seven nations including New Zealand, France and Canada have already been recruited for the match, which will be followed by future contests against international sides, with a full schedule to be confirmed later this year.

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My excitement that IKEA is finally coming to the Kingdom has ramped up a notch with the news that the Swedish furniture giant has launched a whole range just for pets created by animalloving designers with input from vets. I shall be expecting my dogs to help with the self-assembly part!

In other doggy news two dog-loving entrepreneurs have come up with a mobile-smart temperature monitoring device – Pup Alert – which lets you know if your pooch is getting too hot, even if they’re home alone, allowing you to turn up the AC.

SUPPORT FOR EQUALITY A campaign has been launched seeking a change to the law that would allow Bahraini women to pass on their nationality to their children. There is a petition called #MakeADifference circulating on social media which is supported by the GDN, Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS), Bahrain Women’s Union, Bahrain Young Ladies Association and Women’s Crisis Care International. It has gained thousands of signatures and widespread support and is expected to be presented to MPs, who have recently returned from summer recess.

DRIVING FORCE

WATER SAFETY

Following news that Saudi ruler HRH King Salman had announced the lifting of the ban on women driving, research, by agency Kantar TNS and its partners, has revealed that more than 80 per cent of the country’s females plan to apply for a licence. They said they would drive to work, to ferry children and would significantly reduce reliance on taxi services.

The study highlighted general support for the change and also found that women felt their society was progressing in the right direction.

You go girls!

With reports of drownings virtually every year, it's great news that the island now has the organisation Royal Life Saving Bahrain, a national body that has launched a comprehensive strategy for both education and training to increase water awareness and safety.

It was founded by Shaikha Nayla bint Hamad and is headed up by industry professionals including Bahraini Olympic swimmer Sameera Al Bitar. Already it is setting up programmes and taking action.

November 2017

Word of the Month

Chairdrobe

The art of piling clothes on a chair to be used in place of a closet or dresser. If a chair is not available one can always defer to a floordrobe.

Thanks urbandictionary.com Apparently, this is not a real word but I think it really should be. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Noemi, Jennifer, Cristina & Chig

The American Express Pink Party Lina & Tanya

The American Express Pink Party was held at The Ritz-Carlton in support of Think Pink.

Josie, Erica, Sandra & Mariana

Felicia, Anne-Laure, Rima & Nadia

Martina, Valentina, Florencia, Daniela, Rafela & Michela

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2017

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SHOPPING | pick of the month

Jet-Set Cred

We’re loving these little bags from MICHAEL Michael Kors. There are five different designs based on the iconic Selma bag with four based on equally iconic cities – London, Tokyo, Paris and New York and the fifth globalthemed paying tribute to them all. Each bag features a bicycle or helicopter capturing the exhilaration of travel while a plaque indicating each handbags’ edition number ensures exclusivity.

Limited edition – check. Leather appliquécheck. Glitter and metallic – check.

Want it now – Check!

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November 2017

Available at Michael Kors, City Centre Bahrain 17 178-630.

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

DESIGNED FOR EXCELLENCE Connoisseurs can rejoice at the launch of two new multi-award-winning coffee-making options from this top of the range brand.

T

aking its innovative design codes to the next level, Nespresso has released its smallest-ever machine. Offering the perfect solution for coffee lovers looking for modernity, convenience and compact design, the Nespresso Essenza Mini machine has a fresh new minimalistic look and space-saving proportions which impressed the judges to win it an (International Forum) iF Design Award 2017 as well as a prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2017.

Despite its small size, the Essenza Mini machine is big on style and personality, available in two distinctive shapes and a range of five stunning colourways. For fans of clean lines and square edges, there is a fuss-free rectangular shape in Piano Black, Pure White or Intense Grey. Or, for those looking to inject some fun into their kitchen space, there is a quirky triangular shape in three eye-catching colours. Choose from Pure White, Ruby Red or Lime Green.

Weighing just 2.3kg the Essenza Mini provides an innovative solution for small spaces but without any compromise on the coffee experience, allowing users to enjoy their favourite Grands Crus in a simple but stylish way. It comes equipped with: • 2 programmable buttons to prepare an Espresso or Lungo • Ultra-compact size (H x L x W): 204 x 330 x 84mm or 205 x 325 x 110mm • Low-energy mode after three minutes of nonuse. Automatic power off after nine minutes • Fast heat-up time • Compact design • Intuitive and easy to use functionality.

Its equally impressive new stablemate is the new Nespresso Expert machine – winner of the iF Gold Award 2017 and Red Dot Design Award 2017.

From a delightfully frothy cappuccino through to an extra-hot ristretto or even an Americano – a new long black coffee option – there are numerous combinations that can be created

Nespresso Essenza Mini

with this new machine.

Innovation and personalisation are core elements of the Nespresso brand and the new Nespresso Expert machine brings these qualities to life, offering coffee lovers around the world an opportunity to add a personal touch to their favourite Grands Crus. Everything from the temperature through to the serving size can be easily altered according to your personal tastes.

The new machine offers: • Four serving sizes – Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40ml), Lungo (110ml) and NEW Americano (25ml coffee and 125ml hot water) • Three temperature settings – warm, hot and extra hot • Hot water function with a completely separate outlet • Automatic power-off after nine minutes of non-use.

Innovation is not only apparent in the Nespresso Expert functionalities, the new

Nespresso Expert

machine is also innovative in its sleek and sophisticated design. It forms part of a new generation of machine designs with a cutting edge flat-to-the-wall shape inspired by the barista experience. In addition, this new shape also saves precious worktop space in kitchens.

Also new are the minimalistic dials which adorn the front of the machine allowing users to simply adjust the temperature and coffee size.

The machine is available in two models – Nespresso Expert and Nespresso Expert& Milk which boasts a fully integrated Aeroccino 3 milk frother allowing milk lovers a wide variety of recipes. Both models come in two colour options, Off Black and Anthracite Grey, and feature a subtle blend of matte and gloss finishes, brushed aluminium elements and a magnetic drip tray to make it even easier to switch between different serving sizes.

The new machines are available at Nespresso Boutique, Level 1, Bahrain City Centre, Nespresso Booth, Gate 5 Seef Mall, Customer Care - 8000 1999 and online at www.buynespresso.com

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2017

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THE BIG REVEAL

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November 2017

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | news

IT’S HERE AT LAST EVER since we heard, and told you, about H&M’s latest designer collaboration, our little hearts have been aflutter. Erdem Moralioglu is the 'go to' for girls who love fairy-tale looks. Think signature fringing and lace, not to mention the abundant use of gothic florals. But, with his dreamy dresses, coming in at BD500 and upwards, for most of us they are just that – a dream.

Well, now it’s time to think again as his collaboration with H&M hits stores from November 2. The designer reportedly drew inspiration from his mum’s collection of ‘90s TV and music videos and told journos: “There’s a sense of freedom and democracy about the collection; it’s an open invitation to wear Erdem x H&M in your own way."

Expect all the key Erdem pieces: great, funky silhouettes; jacquards and other hiluxe fabrics; darkly romantic florals and lace.

We might well see you in the queue ladies. www.womanthismonth.com

November 2017

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FASHION | trend

PURPLE REIGN

Satin Blazer Dorothy Perkins 17 110-366

Sies Marjan

Elie Saab

Balenciaga

Mulberry

Alberta Ferreti

From lilac to mauve, this shade is autumn and winter made. The brighter colours add a cheerful tone, while the dark ones replace the usual black. Go purple diva with a full-on plum look or adapt the hue smartly, opting for eye-catching accessories or a cool statement piece to give oomph to your outfit.

Velvet strap cami Evans 17 110-358

Scarf M&Co 17 582-110

Sequinned longsleeved top Miss Selfridge 17-110-352 Printed bomber jacket Replay at replayjeans.com

Gloves Debenhams 17 110-378

Belted trousers Massimo Dutti 17 172-325

Fluffy jumper Mulberry at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000

Metallic mule Topshop 17 110-369

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November 2017

Belted split front pencil skirt New Look 17 179-406

Floral shopper bag Cath Kidston 16 686-209

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Gurdeep, Abdulla, Khalid, Ameer & Ahmed

Feel The Beat Health Awareness Campaign City Centre Bahrain partnered with King Hamad

University Hospital to raise awareness on cardiovascular health in the Kingdom.

Avisha & George

Hamad & Yousif

Abdul & Hussain

Wayathri & Sara

Sandra & Noora

May, Lei & Vincent

Ileana & Zainab

Reena & Basma

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2017

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FASHION | focus

PERSONAL CARRYALL This month, Fernanda Langhammer explores the universe of handbags. How should you choose and wear one of the most important accessories of all time?

e’re all very different — tall, short, straight hair, curly hair or something in between. Our personal handbag, or bags (we definitely need a plural here), are also an expression of who we are. In my carrier you’ll certainly find lip balm, mascara, documents, some money (sometimes not), my phone and, nowadays, some baby toys and food. I was the

type that used to carry half my house in it; I’m much more reasonable now. Maybe taking a toddler everywhere with me everywhere has helped! I wonder what can be found in yours?

The design is chosen pretty much by the outfit and our particular tastes. Forget about matching bag with shoes; this rule was mandatory at the end of the ‘80s and early ‘90s, not anymore! You

Backpack. This type of carrier is practical, great for when you need to have your hands free. Opt for this if you’re wearing casual clothes or going on a trip.

Kelly Ripa wearing a stylish backpack.

Shopper. Every mum’s favourite! In this roomy bag you can carry all your essentials plus your kids’ stuff. Not a mum, but with a long list of indispensable items? This is the one for you.

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November 2017

Chain Wallet. A carrier that doesn’t carry all. Perfect as a final touch to an evening gown or, depending on the material, to complete your festival or nightclub look.

can still do it, but, in my opinion, just don’t!

Unless it’s black. Otherwise, go for tone on tone or completely different colours that coordinate with your look.

Some girls go for practical styles, others for complicated and super stylish. The variety is almost infinite, so to help you out, we’ve chosen a few great options.

Bucket. I particularly love this design. It is stylish and quite spacious; however, not the most practical.

Its best feature is to improve any casual look.

Sofia Vergara picked a bucket bag to complement her look.

W

Shoulder Tote. A classic and democratic style that teams well with most looks and gives enough space.

Depending on its pattern, it can be paired with casual and formal wear. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Pasquale, Salman Al Mahmeed & Khalifa Rumehi

Adil, Mariam, Karim & Barbara

Mรถvenpick held a welcoming party for its new operations manager, Adil Soute, and director of sales and marketing, Karim Berkchi

Mรถvenpick Welcoming Party

Cindy & Jojo

www.womanthismonth.com

Alan, Anne & Ian

Theresa & Reshma

November 2017

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FASHION | get the look

UPDATED CLASSIC Skirts are a feminine symbol in the clothing world and also a popular item to wear for the office. However, forget grey pencil skirts paired with the same coloured, tailored jacket – they’re outdated and boring! Follow our lead for a modern approach to your workday dresscode.

Round glasses, Etro 17 178-459.

Long-sleeved patterned top, Marc Jacobs at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000.

Melissa McCarthy

Rose watch, Dune London 16 686-215.

Asymmetrical beige skirt, Michael Kors Collection 17 178-630.

Shoulder bag, Desigual at desigual.com.

Navy and turquoise sandals, La Redoute at laredoute.com

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November 2017

Michael Kors Collection AW 2017

Jessica Alba

Stylish Sand Beige is an easy neutral colour to wear and it carries a cool breeze of novelty. Dark shades are overvalued in the office environment. Go for sober, but smart. When choosing long-sleeved shirts, you can dispense with the jacket, also put a hold on the cleavage. Pairing similar ecru shades and discreet patterns guarantees a fashionable look while meeting any strict dresscode you might find at your workplace. Add bright touches for a funky twist. www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | get the look

Red carpet earrings, Liali 17 177-771.

Light blue blouse, Mulberry at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000.

Wide-frame sunglasses, Debenhams 17 110-378.

Lettering neckerchief, Tory Burch 17 179-560.

Gray sweater with stripped bow and pearl buttons, Mango shopmango. com

Frame black, burgundy and white handbag, Longchamp at longchamp.com

Ring with pearls, Mulberry at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000.

Bucket bag, Loewe at loewe.com

Red pencil skirt, Hobbs 17 581-078.

Camel boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors 17 178-630.

Floral skirt, Cath Kidston 16 686-209.

Black ankle boots, New Look 17 179-406.

Lady in Red The colour of love gets a free pass in most offices. The idea here is to make a smart choice when choosing this bold shade. In keeping with the updated look, pair a midi-skirt, in this case a long old-school pencil skirt, in red and choose a soft tone to go with it. A light blue or light pink works wonders. Just, please, avoid black! If you must wear a dark tone, opt for navy or dark turquoise. This top has hanging fabric for a cute bow knot, so use the colourful scarf on the neck tucked in the collar for a special effect. Or, if you go for a plain shirt, a colourful scarf in the tones of the look will complete your outfit gorgeously! www.womanthismonth.com

Grown-up School Girl This look might be too daring for some workplaces, but you can tone it down to make it work. One of the cool trends of this season is floral patterns on a dark background. The skirt can be paired with blouses or a smart sweater like the one here. The small detail of the striped bow and little pearl buttons add an extra touch to the top. Black tights would perfect the look and, if you’re on the short side, this is the autumn pick for you!

November 2017

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FASHION | designer spotlight

MISHA NONOO

The story so far

Love fashion? Want to know more about the designers who create it? Check out the first of a new monthly series spotlighting those creative influencers. We kick off with Bahrain-born talent Misha Nonoo who’s been in the news recently for all the right reasons.

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November 2017

Bahrain born, Misha Nonoo lived in the Kingdom with her family until the age of 10, when they moved to London. She went to university there until the age of 19, then spent two years in Paris finishing her studies.

She moved to New York and worked for a small tailoring firm in the garment district, learning the trade as the assistant to the head designer.

Of her inspiration she says: “I think I’m a kind of magpie; I think that sensibility of being this collector for things that are shiny and interesting makes its way into my work.

My designs are often a meld of the old and new, which is very much my personality.” www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | designer spotlight

A

n American-based fashion designer, Misha is best known for her eponymous line of classic women's clothing and an innovative approach to marketing which has seen her take the fashion world by storm using social media instead of the more traditional runway shows.

She’s just launched a revolutionary ondemand manufacturing process which is a low-waste, sustainability-minded business model of which she says: “It took me eight solid months of quality testing, logistical training and software improvement to our backend in order to really say with confidence that I was going to be able to fulfil an order from our website in two days; it was important to me that the timeline was short.”

Misha’s focus on being environmentally conscious led to the debut of her Easy 8 collection: a line of eight seasonless, elegant basics that can be combined to create 22 versatile looks. She told Forbes: “The idea of ‘Easy 8’ came from this notion that you have your work life and your social life – that is not the way our life is compartmentalised anymore.

You go to work and then out to dinner or drinks with your friends, and I wanted to address the fact that women can have looks that are appropriate for work but are also flexible and designed to take them out afterwards or during the day. Often your wardrobe has too many options, so it’s about having a chic go-to look that’s not overwhelming. It’s the hero pieces that you go back to time and time again.”

She added that she believes seasonality in clothing is no longer relevant – with heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, women simply wear what they want, when they want – and she hopes the changes she’s made will filter into the rest of the fashion industry, giving her peers pause for thought on both the manufacturing process and better use of budget, such as investing in women’s labour skills and artisanal craftsmanship.

Asked who the Nonoo woman is, she told Harper’s Bazaar: “She’s someone that appreciates quality and tailoring, but she’s also a bit of a maverick and likes to change up the way that she dresses – she travels, she’s an international character.”

www.womanthismonth.com

Royal connections Not only did royal girlfriend Meghan Markle wear Nonoo’s much-loved Husband Shirt for her first official public outing with the UK’s Prince Harry, the designer, who is firm friends with the Suits actress is also credited with introducing the pair in 2016 (she was married to Harry’s pal Alexander Gilkes but the pair split in 2016).

Nonoo told Hello magazine: “Her greatest strength is her compassion for others.

Much of the work she does is unseen by the public."

Up and coming In 2015, aged 28, she was listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 list of “entrepreneurs, innovators and game changers” with the citation: "Bahrain-born with an Iraqi father and a British mother, Nonoo, a New York City transplant, makes soft, feminine women’s ready-to-wear clothes."

Landmark moments She was a finalist in the prestigious 2013 Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund awards. In 2015, Nonoo pioneered the 'insta-show' becoming the first fashion designer to debut a runway

collection via Instagram. For this she received the Fashion Futures Award for Best Beyond the Runway Experience. She again used social media to reimagine the runway when she showed her autumn 2016 collection exclusively on Snapchat. In September 2017 she quit mass production and introduced on-demand manufacturing, meaning customers can request an item from her collection which is then made to order within two days.

Interesting extra According to ConfashionsfromKuwait. com she is related to Houda Nonoo, the first Jewish ambassador of any Middle Eastern Arab country and the first female Bahraini ambassador to the United States.

November 2017

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FASHION | mood board

Aquamarine Experience Is it green? Is it blue? No, it’s turquoise. Just like the waters of the most heavenly beaches in the world. This is a shade that can’t really be defined as belonging to the green or blue family.

The decision is in the eye of the beholder. Some people will just say that it’s greenish-blue!

The point here, the one that really matters, is that this bold hue comes in different tones, varying from light to dark, and is demanding a space in your autumn and winter wardrobe. The darker version is undoubtedly a great alternative to the obvious (sometimes monotonous) winter navy.

A smart way to add some colour without standing out. However, if you want some attention, dare to dress in its lighter sister from head to toe. You will be fashionable and ready to step into spring.

We can safely say that this shade is guaranteed on the stores’ racks next summer.

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showcase LIALI JEWELLERY

ITALIAN FINESSE Usher in the new season with this fine jewellery brand’s latest introduction, beautifully crafted in various hues of 18-karat gold.

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IALI Jewellery’s mesmerising Claudia Romano collection is a new approach to the great tradition of Italian craftsmanship and design. This charming line, recently launched across LIALI stores in the region, brings together technology and old world artisanship.

The creations are a breathtaking combination of innovation, evolution and discovery.

The highlight of the collection is the unique black, 18-karat gold and rust tinges that make bespoke impressions on an impressive array of designs. The varied shades of gold play joyfully in almost all of the creations, as glistening petals and impressive leafy imprints bring a unique charm to the sets. Be it a stylishly intertwined bunch of tiny flowers that form a pendant or the large dangling earrings that make for a statement piece, the new range encompasses different collections of unconventional luxury blending seamlessly with an unmistakable Italian flavour.

The Claudia Romano brand marries old world tradition with contemporary designs and channels the typical standards and elements of Made in Italy. The finest precious metals with rare gemstones are designed by the world’s best craftsmen into jewellery of enduring quality and beauty.

Embrace the new season with this gorgeous selection of the Claudia Romano collection available exclusively at LIALI. Prices start from BD200.

LIALI Jewellery is a Dubai-based company with a chain of up-market boutiques. Started www.womanthismonth.com

in June 1999 by Raed Ahmad Baker and Anuraag Sinha, today the brand boasts over 20 outlets in most of the UAE's landmark locations.

It specialises in certified diamonds, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, 18k gold and customised handcrafted pieces. It takes pride in bringing forward innovative concepts in jewellery and consistently endeavours to keep up with the latest trends around the world. Today the brand is associated with fine

jewellery and personalised service that epitomise trust, and has established itself as a name to reckon with over the last 18 years.

LIALI stores are currently positioned in prime locations across the UAE, Bahrain and Oman.

Discover the new collection in the Kingdom at City Centre Bahrain.

Call 17 178-160 or visit www.lialijewellery.com November 2017

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FASHION | essentials

10 Things to Try This Month Our fashion and beauty expert Fernanda Langhammer says you must give these a shot!

Purple + Red. These two it-colours guarantee a great effect when combined. Choose a red top and purple bottoms or vice-versa and get the fashion stamp of approval.

Chunky Ring. Eye-catching jewellery like this ring from Liali is sometimes what girls need the most. You can wear it to upgrade your office look or to add that extra glamour to your formal gown.

Winter Hats as Head Warmers.

Soft Touch. A plushy, comfortable and in-vogue top, because we all deserve one!

Fake Collar. Spice up that boring top of yours with a collar type necklace.

There are an array of options, pick the one that best coordinates with your whole look.

Wet-look Vinyl. And the luxe fabric is back on the scene!

Even if it looks way better in Cat Woman’s wardrobe, it’s possible to pick a few items that are wearable for daily life, such as a knee-length skirt or a jacket. Wear it for fun or for its sexy appeal.

Statement Handbag to Transform Your Look.

Polka Dots and Moonbeams. Sinatra’s ballad captured the prevailing pattern mania in 1940 and, later that decade, Christian Dior upped its status in his ‘New Look’ collection. Today, the print comes and goes in popularity in the fashion world. This season, it gets two thumbs-up!

The Transformer. To accommodate our fashion choices, Tory Burch’s new ballerinas can be worn two ways. Stripe down or up, you choose!

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November 2017

Bold Purple Lipstick.

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Mariam, Yasmin, Zain, Noora, Dana & Faten

Aneesa & Haneen

Longest Ribbon Challenge Think Pink Bahrain held an event in Bahrain International Circuit as members of the community came together to attempt to build the world’s largest pink chain ribbon.

Josie & Moe

Emily & Derrick

Jumana, Aya, Raneem, Raneem & Eiyazi

Yasmin & Mariam

Haya & Muneera

Michelle, Sovana & Diana

Jordan, Manolis, Alexandra & Jesse

Ghada, Amy & Mariam

www.womanthismonth.com

Hessa, Zain, Waad, Zain & Meyan

Deepa, Lynn & Rosa

Annie & Daithi

November 2017

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FASHION | fashion forward

STOPPING HUNGER THROUGH FASHION Michael Kors has announced the 2017 highlights of its efforts for its Watch Hunger Stop campaign which supports the World Food Programme (WFP).

Funds go to support WFP's school meals programme, which reaches over 16 million children in almost 70 countries each year with vital nutrition that helps them fulfil their potential. Thus far, Watch Hunger Stop has enabled WFP to deliver more than 15 million meals to children in need. World Food Day was in October

WEINSTEIN FALLOUT As sexual assault allegations mount against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, it seems two fashion houses could also be in the firing line.

Celebrities have alleged he pressured them to wear pieces from his wife Georgina Chapman’s Marchesa fashion label and, though Ms Chapman has reportedly left the disgraced mega producer, it’s being suggested anyone now wearing the brand could be seen as offering support. Fashion insiders have long suspected Weinstein was instrumental in the rapid rise of Marchesa which was started in 2004 and was dressing A-listers within months. It appears they may have been correct.

Another fashionista feeling the heat is designer Donna Karan who defended Weinstein and suggested the women may have been “asking for it” in the way they presented themselves. Her comments have attracted a furious backlash with calls for a boycott of her products and a nearly 10 per cent fall in the share price of Donna Karan International in a week, despite an apology.

Karan stepped down from her leadership role at the company in 2015 but her association seems to be hurting the brand badly.

STAR POWER

We’re rather excited to hear that Optica in Bahrain is now stocking these gorgeous Gucci sunnies for that movie star look that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped off the red carpet. They feature brown acetate temples with silver star-shaped crystals and the famous metal interlocking G.

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and the brand dedicated the whole month to new products and activities to support the cause.

Actress Kate Hudson is one of those lending her support and this year she travelled to Cambodia to see the work being funded. The campaign, now its fifth year, features T-shirt artwork by distinctive ink-based artist Clym Evernden. And this year’s timepiece is the just launched Sofie touchscreen in a Make Hunger Stop version.

E G A T S K BAC

S S A P

g cool, trendin ’s t a h w n o Our take able and fashion

New Face at Lanvin Luxury fashion house owner Shaw-Lan Wang has appointed Simone Mantura as deputy CEO, a role in which he will manage all product departments (men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories), production and sales departments as well as communication and human resources.

Mantura has vast experience in fashion and ready-to-wear. He was director licences and sales for Balenciaga and for GTR group (Helmut Lang, Vivienne Westwood and others).

He has also held the position of managing director at Dirk Bikkenbergs, Calvin Klein Collection and Ruffo.

He took up his new role on October 1.

Michèle Huiban retains the position of deputy CEO with responsibility for finance, legal department and IT services.

The move is the latest in a series of changes at the house which saw Oliver Lapidus brought in as artistic director in July and showing his first collection in the recent Paris Fashion Week (pictured). www.womanthismonth.com

Good for Gucci Gucci CEO Marco Bizzari chose the 2017 Kering Talk at the London College of Fashion and the International Day of the Girl to announce that the fashion giant is taking two massive steps towards its new 10-year Culture of Purpose sustainability plan. There was rejoicing at the news that the major house will ban fur beginning with its 2018 SS collection. It has joined the Fur Free Alliance and leftover fur items will be auctioned with proceeds going to animal protection organisations. The company has also pledged to donate almost USD1.2 million as a founding partner of UNICEF’s Girls’ Empowerment Initiative which will allow the organisation to reach out to more than 50,000 girls directly. Yayyy Gucci!

N a m e C han g e at Co ac h New York-based luxury accessories and lifestyle brand Coach has changed its name to Tapestry, Inc., effective October 31.

CEO Victor Luis said that three years ago the company laid out plans to transform Coach and announced its intention to grow beyond the Coach brand. It has since acquired Stuart Weitzman in 2015 and Kate Spade & Company.

In a statement, he said: “We are now at a defining moment in our corporate reinvention, having

evolved from a mono-brand speciality retailer to a true house of emotional, desirable brands, all leveraging our strong operational foundation.”

Tapestry, Victor explained, is a name that speaks to creativity, craftsmanship, authenticity and inclusivity on a shared platform and values, while also expressing the cultural diversity of the people and the brands the company represents.

Will this mean a rise in value of Coach originals, we ask?

Pedal For Pink Cyclists at the event

Team Bahrain Merida in collaboration with Cycle Safe Bahrain organised a charity event to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

The Virgos celebrate their birthday!

Sameera, Perwin and Jihan celebrated their birthday at Lanterns.

Mahin, Luise, Sameera, Jihan, Perwin, Lynne & Anne

November 2017

PEOPLE | interview

An Incredible Journey A US national swimming champion at the age of just 15, Karlyn Pipes spiralled swiftly into alcohol addiction before turning her life around. After writing a book, The Do Over, about her long battle, she is back in the water, claiming huge success and coming to Bahrain to train Iron Man swimmers this month. She shared her story with Liz O’Reilly.

At what age did you discover swimming and, more importantly, your talent for the sport?

I had my first swimming lesson at age four and right away I knew I had found my happy place.

I loved to perform and my instructors were so encouraging and supportive. I didn't get much attention at home with an alcoholic father, a mom in survival mode and five kids under the age of seven. But in the pool, that was another story. I swam my first race at age six and by age eight I was the high point scorer for my team. I loved being in the water and I loved racing.

How did you go from the discipline of training into the bar scene?

I've thought about this a lot over the years, how I went from a junior national champion at age 15, with Olympic aspirations, to an alcohol abuser almost overnight, but that's what happened. I think it was the pressure. From age five until age 12, participating in a sport of swimming is a lot of fun with swim meets, hanging out with friends and the opportunity to travel. After the age of 12, the stakes get higher.

Now you are training twice a day, losing sleep, the training gets a lot harder and the pressure to perform and swim fast is the goal instead of fitness and friendship. It's a heavy load for a kid to handle.

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PEOPLE | interview When I experienced my first alcoholic buzz, it was like somebody let the pressure out of a tyre and this amazing feeling of ahhhhhhhh washed over me. I knew right then I wanted to feel like that more often. After all, why work so hard in the pool when such a good feeling could come in a bottle?

How long were you in that spiral?

I started drinking at age 15 and got sober at age 31, but I would say that my worst years were from age 26 to 31. At age 25 I set my very first FINA Masters world record, but couldn't handle the success so I drank even more. Drinking helps you to forget that you're a total screw-up and that you've wasted your talent and a lot of opportunities. At least it helps you forget for a little while.

You also mention a near-death journey. What was the low-point that convinced you to take action?

At the end of my drinking career, I was consuming a litre of vodka a day and, not to sound dramatic, I was waiting for the end! My mom intervened and the next you know I was on my way to a 10-day rehab. Her timing was amazing as, if I had not gotten help before the weekend, I probably would've just passed out and never woken back up!

grateful to be alive and that was enough. But over time, as things evolved, I started seeing the wonder and awe of all the possibilities that lay before me. I am truly blessed.

You’ve established numerous records. Which is the swimming achievement you’re most proud of?

After setting over 220 Masters world records over the span of the past 24 years, my answer might surprise you. Last January, after taking about three years off from serious competition, I went to a swim meet in Holland. I trained for it, but I had no expectations other than just to enjoy the water and to do my best. In my first event, the 100-metre backstroke, I set a new world record with a surprisingly fast time. For the first time in many years, I truly celebrated the joy of that personal victory. Yep, I felt like a kid again and it was magical!

How did you find the strength to pull yourself out of the other side?

I found hope! Over the years I had given up hope. After rehab, I had reclaimed a small measure of it and it seemed that the entire world opened up before me. It was really a miracle!

You’ve since won numerous awards, broken records and been internationally recognised. Did you set out from a point of view that you knew you could still achieve great things or were you simply hoping to get back to health?

Oh my, I was just happy for this second chance!

This disease kills a lot of people and I was very grateful not to be one of them. I was very unhealthy from years of not taking care of my body, so getting back to health was a priority. I started from very humble beginnings with lots of baby steps and a desire to fully embrace this “DO-OVER”. I had to learn how to live a sober life one stroke at a time and to change just about everything, but I was up for the challenge.

Did you ever find age a barrier to achievement?

Never! It was like I was reborn with an opportunity to create an amazing life. Of course, I didn't believe this in the beginning. I was just www.womanthismonth.com

Karlyn Pipes

Do you still swim competitively?

Yes! I have found my passion for racing again, but I'm trying to keep it in check. I now know that my self-worth is not based on my performance. I am a good person whether I swim fast or not! That said, I had a great year setting 10 new world records for the 55-59 age groups and I had a lot of fun doing it.

No pressure to perform — just swim and do your best.

Your 2015 book The Do Over tells the story of your incredible journey. How has it been received?

The book has done really well and I will be bringing autographed copies with me to Bahrain. Judging from the amount of emails I have received, I know that my story has touched many lives. That makes this whole difficult

process so worthwhile. I have found that there is a lot of pain in this world and I hope that by sharing my story so openly and honestly that others might give themselves permission to seek their own self-discovery. You are only as sick as your 'secrets'. Now that my secrets are out I feel quite well!

What made you decide to publish such a candid look at your history and was it painful to write?

It was both liberating and painful at the same time. When you put pen to paper to write your story, you learn so much about yourself.

However, it's a difficult process that takes a lot of emotional and physical work, but in the end it's totally worth it. I am a different person now because of writing The Do Over.

Today you are both a coach and a motivational speaker. Your pure ability might have set you on this path but do you believe your past is also helpful in motivating others to follow your example?

I speak from the heart and my audiences really connect with that. There is a lot of darkness in this world. I know, I was there. However, the only way to illuminate darkness is to shed light. We all have fears and hurt and regrets and things that we wish we could do differently. I hope that by sharing my real and raw story, that others can see how liberating it is to let go of all that stuff that's holding us back. When people near the end of their lives, they tend to be more reflective and let go of the past. My goal is to help people find this enlightenment at an earlier age so they still have plenty of life left to live. I'd like to help people learn how to be just a little bit happier!

You’re coming to Bahrain to coach wouldbe competitive swimmers. What would be your message for those setting out on this journey?

I'm so excited to be returning to Bahrain for the third year in a row! Shaikha Nayla sponsors my trip and I am very grateful. I love teaching and find it's my true calling. I work with all ages and abilities and a variety of groups and many of them are non-competitive. They just want to learn how to swim better! As for my coaching philosophy, I like to keep it simple, using easy to understand terms and examples found in any aquatic environment. It's not rocket science!

Don't hold your breath and paddle your body like a surfboard instead of rolling it like a log.

See? Keep it simple!

As for a message: Swimming is like life — you do it one stroke at a time and have a lifetime to get it right. g November 2017

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PEOPLE | interview

Dancing to the Future As the island’s oldest dance school celebrates its 35th anniversary, its managing partner, Zilia Monteiro, tells us about its past and future.

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ahrain Ballet Centre (BBC) was started in 1982 by an Italian-American mother married to a Bahraini who wanted something for her kids to do. Zilia explains: “The centre was the only professional place for anything performance-related. It mainly promoted ballet and other classical dance forms along with some folk dances. It also hosted music, karate and boxing classes for a while. You could say it was the first performing arts studio on the island.”

The core activities of the school were under the Ministry of Education until the end of 2015 when Zilia and her mum, Rosemarie, took over.

They found themselves facing various problems, some due to new regulations.

“Our existence was covered in years of dust 'neath the records of the Ministry of Education!

We could see immediately that our challenge presented itself right there – that we were forgotten!” she says.

So began the 18-month process of transferring the business to its new owners, which revealed that it should be under a different ministry.

High-level meetings followed and a new licence to operate was granted at the start of 2017.

Over the years students have studied everything from imperial ballet and tap to modern theatre and jazz. Teachers are trained and certified from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), UK. Once a year pupils take to the stage to display their talents in an annual dance show. The next one will be in January 2018.

With the transitory nature of Bahrain’s expat population, many students have continued their studies in other countries with some going on to teach and others even dancing on Broadway.

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Zilia

Zilia adds: “We also have many parents, who once used to study at our studio as kids, now bringing their own children – and to me this is a testimonial!”

Zilia herself has a background in media, and once worked at Bahrain This Month. So, what took her into this field? She explains: “My family decided to pursue a business that was based on our passion and would allow us to work and empower the children of today.

“I have always wanted to be a ballerina since I first remembered tippy-toeing around the living room furniture whilst watching musicals like

The Sound of Music. As my parents couldn’t afford it, at the time, I remained a ballerina in the bedroom but I had no clue I would one day run a ballet studio! I have to put a disclaimer here: my mother handles a lot of the daily operations. We are a mother-daughter duo. We took over the studio in early 2016; it was a business desperate for a new lease of life.

“At the time I was working in the media field, which was and still is my passion, and we came across this opportunity to buy. I come from a family and culture that are highly enthusiastic about music and anything arts-related, so doing

www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

Ben, Nikki, Rob & Phil

Golf for Pink at the Royal Golf Club

Four golfers of the Royal Golf Club took on the 100-hole challenge in honour of breast cancer awareness.

The early days

business in this line was inevitable.

My parents are both talented in vocals, my dad notably in playing the harmonica, and he has acted in community dramas back in India – so my sisters and I — we are three girls — were destined, I suppose, to be born with some kind of talents.

We each play an instrument, and music has been part of our cultural lifestyle and childhood in Bahrain – I cannot remember a family party that was without a lot of singing, dancing and acting.

As well as having new owners, the school’s premises have been given an upgrade. Zilia says: “The studio has always been housed in a villa, with a garden, in Barbar. It’s been a very homely place to nurture talent. We have recently upgraded the whole villa’s interiors and exteriors to give it a more professional look.

We have incorporated fresh and brighter colours in theme with our branding and we’ve renovated the dance studio, the music room and the reception space. We have had some amazing reactions from our students who were surprised with

the new look upon returning from summer vacations. We really did this for them!”

And, with eye to drawing in more adult learners alongside the youngsters, BBC has introduced several new adult classes including ballet, salsa, ballroom, zumba, Afro-Latin dance, Pilates, music lessons and contemporary. "If you can move your muscles, we can teach you to do some real fun stuff! Dance is a great mind and body workout," says Zilia.

Kids' classes include imperial ballet, tap, modern theatre, contemporary jazz, and piano lessons with vocals soon to be added to the list. BBC is the only studio on the island offering the ISTD syllabus and exams. It also has a summer creative camp of dance and activities, so there’s something to do all year round.

For the future Zilia hopes to form collaborations and possibly some international projects, saying: “After all, our motto is ‘Making the Stage Your World’ and, if we have to make that happen, there’s plenty of work to be done!”

Rob

Phil

The spruced up studio

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2017

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PEOPLE | interview

For the Love of Children High-flying banker Afnan Darwish quit her profession and started a children’s activity centre. Behnaz Sanjana asked her about finding her true passion.

What is your educational background?

I am blessed to have been raised in a family that values education greatly. I am a proud alumnus of Ibn Khuldoon National School, where I graduated with a high school and an International Baccalaureate diploma. I went on to continue my studies at University of York, United Kingdom, where I graduated with a BSc in Economics. Upon returning to Bahrain, I started working, whilst also studying at NYIT to obtain my MBA degree.

For how long did you work in banking?

I worked at Merrill Lynch International Bank for five years, and then moved on to Credit Suisse for another five years, in the private banking division.

What made you decide to leave?

I was brought up with attentive, hands-on parents who were greatly involved in my upbringing. I want my child to be raised in the same kind of environment that I was fortunate enough to be raised in. When I was blessed to become a mother, I decided to stop working, so that I could dedicate 100 per cent of my time and effort to raising my son.

My time working was enjoyable, and I grew on a personal and professional level, gaining a lot of skills and experience. But the time had come for me to begin a new chapter in my life.

What is your venture, KidzMania, all about?

KidzMania is a children's activity centre that caters to all little ones. We believe in each child's uniqueness, and thus provide a variety of activities that are bound to attract all talents. We advocate learning through play and aim to provide an environment that will foster a love for learning and creativity. Childhood years are crucial in developing social, communication, linguistic, conceptual, and motor skills, and what better way to enhance those skills than through play!

What triggered the idea of KidzMania?

My son Basil was the inspiration behind KidzMania. The plan was to set up an independent business that would provide me with the flexibility I need as a working mother, and spending time with him made me realise that children are my passion.

What I quickly discovered was that, as a mother, you assess places differently. Safety

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becomes an immediate priority and learning and entertainment are as important. I had a vision of the perfect place for both kids and their parents. KidzMania offers children a safe place to play freely, make new friends and, hopefully, make memories to cherish for years to come.

That being said, in some instances it depends on one’s circumstances and family dynamics.

I feel that if the mother could choose, she should choose whatever makes her happy. A happy mother makes a happy home, so, in the end, I feel that it is a personal choice that each mother should make.

What would you say about the age-old debate on whether mothers should work or stay at home?

From my experience, I can say that as rewarding as motherhood can be, it is the most challenging job I have ever undertaken.

In fact, a study showed that the stay-at-home mother does the equivalent of two full-time jobs. Personally, I feel that the role of parents is incredibly important in the lives of their children. I am happy to be able to spend all my time with my son and not miss his childhood.

What is your idea of success, in relation to women and mothers?

My idea of success is being a productive member of society. Whether it be in the workplace or at home. Leaving a memorable and positive impact on people and society is success.

What are your future plans?

I’m working to expand in KidzMania in Bahrain and, hopefully, we can fully launch our brand. www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

Living a Good Life In her new book, fashion guru Shabana Feroze tells women how and why to truly love themselves with style. Behnaz Sanjana caught up with the author to find out more.

A

fter studying marketing, advertising and event management, Shabana Feroze’s first professional stint was at a tailoring boutique in Bahrain. “Given my love for fashion ever since I can remember, I immensely enjoyed the job, but it didn’t work out,” she reminisces.

She attributes her eye for good style to her parents. “I learnt the importance of dressing well, in clothes that are of good quality, just by observing them.”

Shabana worked in marketing for renowned business houses in Bahrain, but knew in her heart that it was not her calling. So, one day she up and quit without any concrete professional plans. “I used to teach fitness and body combat, also one of my lifelong passions, so I did have something to fall back on. Eventually, I started the Silver Kick Company, a marketing and advertising agency,” she says. Interestingly, the name was decided when a friend wondered what the fitness fanatic would call her superhero avatar.

Her love of the written word and the success of her lifestyle blog – The Silver Kick Diaries – since 2011, egged her on to share her thoughts on life and living well in her book Loving Yourself in Style. She says: “Besides style mantras, my readers really appreciated my musings on general life lessons that touched upon things like manners, karma and how to be a good listener, among others on my blog. I wanted to give this voice a wider medium through a book.

“Women, especially young adults, have a certain notion of what they should ideally be like, thanks to the pressures of social media.

The book is about celebrating our uniqueness.

We should get to know ourselves better and be comfortable in our skin. Of course, be inspired by others but do not blindly follow every trend that comes about. Let your quirkiness shine out. Validation from others or social media is not as important.”

With her publisher, Shabana polished up her first draft by rewriting some sections, adding new ones and rearranging the various chapters that address passion, society, creativity, style, health and fitness, emotions and her tryst with anorexia. The illustrations in the book are the author’s own sketches, and she is sure it’ll strike a chord with its readers – be they in their teens or thirties.

Besides being concise and to the point, with practical pointers for young women on body www.womanthismonth.com

"Women, especially young adults, have a certain notion of what they should ideally be like, thanks to the pressures of social media. The book is about celebrating our uniqueness" positivity and living beautifully, Loving Yourself in Style also tackles the topic that Shabana believes no one talks about – money. She says: “There are books that will wax eloquent about fabulous clothes, make-up and how to be a style diva, but not about the money you need for it.

I want young girls to understand that it’s not worth spending their entire month’s earnings on a single outfit or a pair of shoes. Save for a rainy day, no matter how small your salary. I’ve personally been through situations where my savings have stood me in good stead. Remember that trends will come and trends will go, but affordable, classic styles will last forever. Your time to splurge on big brands will come.”

Describing the book, she says: “I wanted it to be an easy, one-sitting read for busy girls.

It’s more than just about fashion. It is a pointer to finding out what your passions are, getting to know yourself better and then, accordingly, adopting a style that you are comfortable with. The underlying message is about loving yourself, and I believe that dressing up is the easiest way to do that! So, it’s a book for all women.” g November 2017

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BEAUTY | styling

Taming and Texturing

Celebrity hairdresser Asgar Saboo is the style director of the Daniel Galvin Salon in London.

He has tended to some of the most well-known locks in the business, from Cindy Crawford to Aishwarya Rai. Here he shares his tips for working with texture.

T

Naturally Beautiful Locks

he best way to find the perfect texture for hair is to experiment. All hair types have different levels of texture, thickness and elasticity, so the best way to get the look you want is to test different natural remedies and tips for locking in texture. This means that hair can naturally be textured every day, without the use of damaging heat styling, which, over a period of time, causes hair to become dry and brittle, making it harder to achieve texture later on.

STRAIGHT HAIR Straight hair is the hardest type with which to achieve texture as it naturally falls smoothly without volume and risks looking limp and flat.

How to: Detangle with fingers while damp and give an all over spritz of volumising or salt spray.

Put the damp hair up into a high ponytail, wrap the ends around the band and secure into a bun.

Leave in to dry overnight. Once dry, let it down.

The hair will naturally look more volumised and textured with slight waves and movement. Finish by massaging texture powder at the roots. For more volume and a long hold, apply hairspray all over.

WAVY HAIR Naturally wavy hair already has slight texture but you can enhance this and create more defined waves.

How to: Run hair gel through damp hair, dividing it in half. Do not brush as this will dull the end result of the texture. Create braids all around the head, securing into place. After the hair is dry, normally overnight, undo the braids and lightly comb through with your fingers, pulling the braids apart. Again avoiding a brush. Keep dry shampoo on hand for an afternoon reboot and avoid thick conditioners that can weigh hair down, giving strands a greasy look.

CURLY HAIR For you lucky people who were born with naturally curly hair, you are at an advantage because curly hair already holds a lot of luscious texture and volume. The idea behind styling curly hair is to naturally develop and mould the hair into the

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Asgar Saboo recommends store cupboard staples to keep your hair looking in tip-top condition.

Salt Spray There's no need to spend splash out on sea salt spray, because chances are you have all the ingredients lying around to get that perfectly effortless, salt-water-sculpted wavy hair.

Instead of using gel, use pomade within the mix with hot water, sea salt, coconut oil and leave-in conditioner.You’ll evade any crunch, leaving your locks free to flow in the summer breeze.

The stylist assesses a model's hair

style and texture that is desired.

How to: After a shower, don’t towel dry as this will pull the texture and waves out whilst causing frizz. Apply a curl-smoothing serum all over the hair, covering it from the root to the tip. Pull back into a low bun and leave to dry.

Brushing and touching the hair will lead to frizz, so it is better to let the hair dry before touching it. In the morning pull the hair out of the low bun and it will naturally be more defined with bounce. Avoid the crunchy look by finishing the dry style with a few drops of hair oil and deep condition the hair at least once a week to keep locks luscious.

CORKSCREW HAIR This type of hair is the coarsest and driest of all the hair types; because of the many twists and turns of the texture, it can be difficult to get moisture to the scalp and maintain shine.

How to: Clearly defined corkscrew coils can range in size. To avoid crunchy curls, wash strands with a cleansing conditioner, which will help to weigh the hair down. This will also cut down on flyaways and maintain shine. Use light gels and styling butters to twist damp hair into place with your fingers. Again do not brush the hair as this will leave it lifeless but frizzy.

Now try Asgar’s natural hair nourishers.

Aloe Vera Aloe vera is packed with all the essential nutrients that are useful for improving the texture of your hair.

It improves growth, prevents hair loss and breakage extensively, ultimately creating more texture and volume over a period of time. You can use aloe vera gel as a regular conditioner, simply scrape it from the plant’s spikes. There are also lots of hair mask ideas online to try.

Green tea Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols which are very useful for promoting hair growth.

Not only this, the vitamin C present in green tea also adds a beautiful shine.

Almond oil and banana home remedy for soft hair Banana and almond oil together make an excellent remedy to treat dry and frizzy hair.

Besides maintaining natural elasticity and moisture, this mask will also prevent split ends, hair loss and hair breakage. Being a rich source of omega fatty acid and multi vitamins, almond oil will penetrate deep into the scalp skin making hair healthy and strong. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase DESSANGE PARIS

EYES RIGHT Liz O’Reilly tries the latest lash lifting technique to give your peepers a natural-looking boost.

BEFORE

W

e’ve all seen those seemingly impossible 'make-up free' images of fair haired, pale-skinned models who allegedly 'woke up like this' with their long, lush dark lashes appearing perfectly groomed – are you detecting a hint of jealousy here?

As one for whom the prospect of leaving the house without mascara means spending the day looking like a startled albino rabbit, you can probably get my point. And, yes, I have tried eyelash extensions. It was several years ago when they first became the 'thing' and all went swimmingly until a stiff gust of wind sent my eyelids shooting towards my hairline in a move reminiscent of the Trump comb-over, but for the eyes!

So the prospect of trying Dessange’s Yumi Lashes treatment, which claims to lift and enhance natural lashes giving a fuller and thicker look without the addition of extensions or falsies, had me rather excited. And, since it’s the product of choice at swish London store Harrods, I figured I’d be in good company.

First off, therapist Rosie gave my lashes a very thorough clean removing every trace of make-up as she explained that the hairs need

www.womanthismonth.com

AFTER to be bare to allow the products to do their job. Then, after applying protective pads to my lower lids, she got to work applying the curling and lifting solution to each individual hair along my upper eye line.

I must admit, it wasn’t a hugely comfortable experience. If you’ve ever used eyelash curlers, it felt a bit like having them applied quite tightly for several minutes. But, then, one must bear in mind that I’m the girl who had to be held down [no, I’m really not joking] when I tried eye tattoos some years ago. The artist was horrified at my intention to give up half way through. I am, in short, a wimp!

In fact, such is the relaxing nature of this treatment – carried out on a comfortable bed to a background of soothing jazz – that the lady photographer present reckoned she would probably sleep through it!

Once the lifting solution had been neutralised and removed, Rosie next applied a highly pigmented tint and, after a few minutes, I was finished and ready for a look in the mirror.

I could notice the difference straight away, as could several of my colleagues on my return to work – armed with a keratine lash-lifting mascara to keep my plumped and coloured cilia in good condition. But the proof of the pudding was surely waking up the next morning, after two evening functions and a bottle of good red, looking exceptionally bright eyed [if not feeling in the least bushy tailed].

No, I don’t have Kardashianesque spiders crawling across my face. What I do have is a better version of my own lashes; darker, thicker, upward curling for that lovely antiageing, wide-eyed looked and permanent – well, at least for the next eight weeks or so.

Falsies are great for parties and special occasions but, trust me girls, for everyday wear, Yumi Lashes are my new go to. No panda eyes, despite the ridiculous levels of humidity.

Just hop out of the shower and off you go, looking like you’ve made an effort when you really only left your bed 15 minutes ago – if that’s not worth a return visit, I don’t know what is.

Call 17 713-999.

November 2017

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BEAUTY | tips

WOW BROWS Great brows. Everyone wants them, we tell you how to get them.

I

t’s often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Well, if that’s the case, then the eyebrows are the window frames and the latest trend for bold, defined brows will transform your face and knock years off in the process.

patches or cover greys, use a sharp pencil to gently feather in tiny hairs or try Rimmel’s new Ultra Soft Brow Shake Powder to achieve uniform coverage. We also like Make Up For Ever’s waterproof brow gel which comes with its own pouch and brushes.

WHAT’S THE STORY? From the Duchess of Cambridge to Cara Delevingne, it seems the whole world is embracing the bold brow. There’s a huge range of products available to help achieve the look – think gels, pencils, waterproofs and powders.

And, if you’re not blessed with naturally abundant brows, or have simply over plucked, don’t despair, in recent years a whole industry has grown up around our obsession with getting wow brows.

SET THE STAGE First up, decide the shape you’re looking for.

Many salons offer professional consultations to establish what’s best for your face. They will generally steer you towards enhancing your natural shape rather than trying to impose something that will be completely alien, such as last year’s regional trend for really blocky brows that’s left lots of over eager ladies heading back to the salon for a redo!

To check out your ideal shape at home, hold a pencil vertically at the edge of each nostril and mark the spot where it meets your brow line, that’s where your brow should start. Pivot the

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AT THE SALON Heading to the salon, then go for either waxing or threading to remove the stragglers. You may also want to consider dying, to achieve a fuller look for paler brows, or henna, which offers a less permanent solution.

BEFORE

AFTER

pencil to the outer edge of your iris to find your arch and mark the spot. Then pivot further to the outer corner of your eye and pencil in where your brow should end.

If you’re shaping at home, now’s the time to take out the scissors and, using an eyebrow brush, trim any over-long hairs – but don’t go crazy, you don’t want to look scalped. Then, holding the skin taut, tweeze out strays outside your desired shape to tidy the look.

If you want to enhance your look, fill in sparse

LONG-TERM LOOKS If you’re looking for an option that will give you perfect brows, pretty much forever more, the old-fashioned way is through tattooing.

Take care to go to a qualified professional and make sure the colour used is close to your natural colouring. The more up-to-date option, which is widely available in the Kingdom, is microblading. This treatment involves a trained technician using a wand containing tiny microblades to impart strokes of pigment onto the brow line mimicking the effect of real hair — great if you are very fair or have sparse brows. It can look a bit dark when first applied but soon calms down and lasts up to 18 months.

Again, if you’re going for something that’s going to be on your face long term, do your research and, if possible, get personal recommendations. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase JOZ SALON & SPA

SALON WITH A VIEW

This popular salon, situated in the idyllic setting of Amwaj Islands, is the perfect go-to spot for all your pampering needs.

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day at the hairdresser always fills me with joy, and when I was asked to review some of the services at Joz Salon & Spa’s Amwaj branch, which is just around the corner from my home, it was a double bonus.

I was booked to have my roots retouched, a haircut, manicure and pedicure. It was a perfect day for pampering and I was looking forward to a chilled afternoon and some alone time. I was greeted by the manager, who remembered me from one of my earlier visits, and instantly made me feel welcome. She introduced me to my hairdresser, who began the consultation by asking which service I required. I told her that my roots needed retouching and, after a brief discussion, we chose a mix of two colours – Majirel High Lift

Intense Ash and Violet. She neatly prepped me for the treatment and applied the mixture on the roots, leaving it on for 45 minutes.

While I was patiently waiting for the colour to catch, my lovely nail technician escorted me to one of the comfy stations for a pedicure and manicure, starting with a gentle soak in warm water with soap. With my feet resting in the luxurious lather, the scenic views of the open sea and the ambient music of the salon made me feel like I was at a holiday resort – the only things missing were cocktails with little umbrellas. However, I did have a delicious coffee and an amazing foot scrub to relax me even further. My skilful beauty specialist groomed my nails by cutting, filing, shaping and buffing them, finally applying

nail varnish. I chose OPI’s Lucky Lucky Lavender to match my mellow mood. She then gave the same thorough treatment to my fingernails with the manicure, finishing with a gentle massage of my hands.

It was now time to rinse my hair and see the results. My colourist shampooed and conditioned my locks and used a toner to neutralise any brassy yellow or orange tones.

She then expertly trimmed my short hair and styled it beautifully with a blow dry. I was very happy with my colour as the ashy blonde shade really popped, giving my hair that healthy glow back again.

The salon has other styling services, including flat ironing, curling, as well as casual, creative and bridal up-do styles. Permanent hair straightening is also available, along with extensions and a wide range of treatments and services for nails, skin and body.

It has an ongoing ‘Pick & Mix’ promotion that runs throughout November offering three select services for BD15, valid from Sunday to Wednesday. The choices include classic manicure, Shellac polish for hands, 20-minute massage, spa pedicure, scalp treatment, blow dry, half-arm wax and half-leg wax.

My three hours of pampering had flown by, and I would definitely recommend Joz Salon & Spa to Amwaj residents and anyone else who seeks exceptional service at great value prices.

It is located on the first floor of the Dragon Hotel at Amwaj Islands.

Call 16 031-120.

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2017

39

BEAUTY | treatment

The Lift Without Knives Specialist plastic surgeon Dr Nikolaos Metaxotos, MD, PhD, explains non-surgical face lifting.

SAC Hannah Smoker, Flt Lt Alicia Mason, Cpl Caroline Hearne, SAC Rose Buchanan & Sqd Ldr Cate Driscoll

Bahrain British Business Forum

Bahrain British Business Forum held a Women in Business Special Interest Group meeting with the Red Arrrows at The Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel.

Trish & Alison

Georgina & Erika

Yulia & Magda

Tanya & Paula

Lisa & SAC Hannah Smoker

Claudia & Nermeen

Stephanie, Clare, Cpl Caroline Hearne & Sophie

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November 2017

T

hese days, the most popular aesthetic facial procedures are those that are minimally invasive, with a short recovery time and maximum results – which is well aligned with our philosophy, “Minimum Intervention, Maximum Effect”. In line with this, we use the 3 Step Non-Surgical Lifting method, combining minimally invasive treatments that correct the signs of ageing quickly and successfully, offering a renewed appearance to the face.

The treatment commences with a nonsurgical facelift with PDO threads and injectable treatment for fine lines and wrinkles.

Lifting using PDO threads is an innovative method of rejuvenation, lifting and tightening of the skin on the face, using absorbable threads. Some of the advantages include the impressive results in appearance, the fact that the treatment is pain free, incision free and blood free, and the ability to resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

The threads are inserted into the dermis of the skin using a thin needle, to create an internal mesh. By doing so, they cause an inflammatory response, which speeds up angiogenesis and collagen and elastin production, ultimately resulting in the reduction of superficial wrinkles, and tightening the skin.

Following this, a protein complex is injected into the skin, which includes botulinum toxin (Botox), which smoothens the wrinkles on the forehead, in between the eyebrows and around the eyes.

The active ingredient is injected intramuscularly using a very thin needle therefore making the procedure virtually painless.

Around 15 days later, autologous mesotherapy (PRP) is applied,

Dr Nikolaos Metaxotos

which stimulates the blood plasma, rich in proteins and minerals, resulting in firmer, more nourished and hydrated skin. In addition, the platelets release growth factors that promote the production of collagen and elastin. This is a natural treatment for facial rejuvenation, which hydrates the skin and erases wrinkles, using active ingredients that come from your own body.

Last but not least, injectable hyaluronic acid is implemented approximately two weeks later.

This leverages this natural component of the skin to improve loose skin and add some volume filling out wrinkles to reduce their appearance. The treatment also improves the shape of the lips, and hydrates and tightens the skin in a safe, impressive way.

The 3 Steps SYMMETRIA NonSurgical Face Lifting is directed towards people with the first visible signs of photoageing, mild relaxation of the skin and fine lines. It offers immediate rejuvenation of the face, tightening, lifting and ‘erasing’ wrinkles - what more could you ask for?

Dr Nikolaos is the founder of award-winning anti-ageing centre Symmetria. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase GULF PHARMACY

THE GOLD STANDARD IN ANTI-AGEING

This great tasting supplement promises to do great things for your skin.

What does Gold Collagen Pure contain?

Bioactive Collagen Peptides: collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body; it helps the skin to preserve its firmness and elasticity.

Hyaluronic Acid: contributes to healthy skin hydration.

Vitamin C: contributes to normal collagen formation for the function of skin and cartilage.

Copper: contributes to normal skin and hair pigmentation and to the maintenance of connective tissues.

Vitamin E: contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage.

Zinc: contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails.

F

rom MINERVA Research Labs based in London and the wisdom of Japan, the liquid supplement, Gold Collagen, is a new generation skincare solution that works from within to promote beautiful and younger-looking skin .

Created in 2009 and pioneering the collagenbased liquid beauty supplement category, this scientifically developed, clinically-tested and carefully formulated range reinvents skincare and nutraceuticals to fit with modern lifestyles.

Over the years the cells that top up our collagen levels, fibroblasts, lose their ability to repair the damage and our skin literally begins to sag. As we move into our 20s and beyond, we lose about 1.5 per cent of our collagen every year. This is partly due to the natural, unavoidable ageing process, and external factors. Pollution, dehydration, smoking and, perhaps most of all, the effects of the sun, challenge our skin 24 hours a day.

Nothing will stop us ageing, but we can slow down collagen degradation by both avoiding and protecting ourselves from, those toxic external factors such as the sun and air pollution. We can also treat existing wrinkling and prevent future wrinkles developing by nourishing the dermis and its precious fibroblasts. Good hydration is as important as a balanced diet containing lots of anti-oxidants, which break down toxins. Helping to maintain high collagen levels in the skin is also now www.womanthismonth.com

understood to be vital. Oral hydrolysed collagen, particularly in liquid form, is an important way to pamper fibroblasts and keep them pumping out the collagen.

It has been clinically proved that the Gold Collagen patented complex stimulates the natural production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin in the body.

This revolutionary supplement is based on a unique blend of active ingredients such as hydrolysed collagen and hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals, chosen for their anti-ageing benefits, specifically developed to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails by boosting the natural collagen production and increasing skin hydration as well as elasticity.

Gold Collagen liquid supplements are designed to fight the signs of ageing and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they are up to 20 times more effective than collagen tablets and pills, readily absorbed by the body and have a pleasant taste.

Hydrolysed collagen, one of the key active ingredients, remains intact during the digestive process and is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Once it reaches fibroblast and chondrocyte cells, it stimulates them to produce new collagen, elastin and moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, essential elements for the health of skin and joints.

Gold Collagen products are formulated with

Vitamin B6: contributes to normal energyyielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Biotin: contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair.

Borage Oil: contains an essential fatty acid, which helps with inflammation linked to ageing.

N-Acetyl-Glucosamine: contributes to the health of joints. the highest quality hydrolysed marine collagen, made up of small peptides containing short chains of amino acids, which makes it easier to absorb. Hydrolysed collagen helps the body to form new collagen structures.

Gold Collagen contains a powerful blend of active ingredients that allow you to take care of your skin, hair and nails from within with just a sip, it contains 5g of hydrolysed collagen which is the equivalent of six tablets, in addition to the other ingredients which is about four to five extra tablets.

For best results, drink 1 bottle (50ml) of Gold Collagen daily for three months on an empty stomach for best absorption. The price is BD90 for a month’s supply.

Available at derma clinics, Gulf Pharmacy, Boots and Nasser Pharmacy.

November 2017

41

BEAUTY | news Ecstasy Shine lipcream Giorgio Armani Beauty. The pure joy of glowing colour, the brilliance of a dazzling high-shine finish, the happiness of healthy, moisturised lips. Formulated for ease and speed of application, offering funky jolts of bold saturated shiny shades with a weightless, soft texture, Ecstasy Shine is youthful, energetic, vibrant and fun. Blending liquid pigments and a trio of emollient oils with light reflecting properties, it delivers eight hours of lasting moisture, in a sensuous cream texture and is twice as soft as a traditional lipstick, thanks to the combination of a new soft-melting formula and a specific “top-filling” technology.

Available at leading retailers.

Fall in Bloom Collection Dolce & Gabana. Radiant neutrals. Delicate pastels. Ripe nightshades. Bold lips with Dolce Matte Lipstick in a gradient of Dolce Carezza, Dolce Notte, and Dolce Inferno. The same spectrum of blooming bolds becomes a feast for the eyes with The Eyeshadow Quad in Fall In Bloom and Volumized Lashes Mascara in Dahlia. Nails pick their pleasure from four ravishing hues of The Nail Lacquer: Pure Nude, Light Bloom, Lilac, and Inferno.

Available at leading retailers.

Rimmel Lip Squad: Matte & Strobe. A new three-step programme for the perfect pout: define the lips and then combine a matte lipstick with a slightly glittery gloss. Define using Exaggerate Lip Liner in multiple shades and fill with The Only One Matte lipstick which offers a high coverage, full impact colour with a flawless matte finish.

You can play with the 10 different shades combining to create an ombré look. Finish the look with Oh My Gloss for a high-shine finish.

Available at leading retailers.

Autumn colour ranges rule at the moment, check out the details along with new releases and some interesting ambassadorial choices.

Lancôme chooses first hijabi ambassador.

Actress, TV host and entrepreneur Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor made history when she was appointed as French cosmetics and fragrance brand Lancôme’s first ambassador for Malaysia, recently. She is also the international company’s first hijab wearing ambassador. In 2015, she was Lancôme’s spokesperson for its women's fragrance line La Nuit Tresor and she also represents the Austrian jewellery brand Swarovski.

Shiseido Future Solution LX. Building on the brand’s best-selling anti-ageing skincare collection, Future Solution LX is now formulated with Skingenecell Enmei, a powerful ingredient that slows down the ageing process, helps restore and repair skin cells and visibly prolongs skin’s beauty. The result: Smoother, softer, more radiant, age-defying skin. Available at leading retailers.

Nars 2017 Autumn Colour Collection. All eyes on metal with the sultry shades stepping into the spotlight. You’ll find a shimmering new blush, kohliners and dual-intensity eyeshadows in cool metallic tones including silver, deep shimmering green, rust brown, shimmering blue stone, shimmering soft bronze and the shimmering raspberry blusher.

Available at Sephora.

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Estée Lauder Daywear Advanced MultiProtection Anti-Oxidant 24-Hour Moisturizers SPF 15. Estée Lauder scientists have identified five main sources of free radicals that assault skin all day long accelerating the rate of premature ageing – UV exposure, pollution, smoke, irritation and metabolism. This is the brand’s most effective anti-oxidant and broad-spectrum sunscreen protection which helps prevent and diminish the appearance of the first signs of ageing. It boasts a powerful super anti-oxidant complex, a broad spectrum sunscreen and a blend of skin quenching hydrators and barrierboosting lipids.

Available at leading retailers. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news

Sally Hansen picks footballer as global brand ambassador. Chelsea Ladies FC striker and England Centurion Eniola Aluko has become a global ambassador for beauty brand Sally Hansen featuring in the company’s campaign, Self-Made Beauty.

A serious of Youtube films shows ambassadors in "Shetopia" an imaginary world where stereotypical gender roles are reversed and women take the traditional power roles that men do. The campaign features several high-profile chief executives and advocates including Claire Wasserman, founder of the organisation Ladies Get Paid, Jessica Haggett, founder of an all-female motorcycle group, and Aluko whose message is: “In my Shetopia girls and boys play together.”

Rasasi Sotoor Range. The latest offering from one of the region’s leading fragrance houses is an innovative unisex line of perfumes – Sotoor. Boasting four evocative variants – Seen, Taa, Waaw and Raa – together forming the word Sotoor that translates to a line of Arabic writing and is inspired by simplicity.

The line includes floral, spicy, fruity and Arabic traditional fragrances to cater to everyone’s taste, whether male or female.

Available at leading retailers.

Luncheon Meeting

Picture Perfect Full Cover Correction Collection.

Wow by Wojooh is on a mission to find the perfect base and it looks like, with this latest release, it may have got there. Combat troubled skin with the three 'must have' colour correcting sticks – say goodbye to dark circles and redness, and hello to brightness! Top it off with the new full cover concealer and BOOM – the perfect base.

Available at Wojooh stores.

Clarins Graphik Autumn Make-up Collection. A whole new line to celebrate the new season; it includes Graphik Ink Liner, a four-colour shadow palette and single shadow pots, Supra Volume Mascara, everlasting foundation with SPF15, iridescent blush, lipliner pencils and cream lipsticks. The range is created using a range of natural ingredients including organic marsh samphire, mango oil, cassie flower, carnauba and jojoba – almost sounds good enough to eat.

Available at leading retailers.

The Gourmet Club Bahrain held a luncheon at Shahzadi’s residence featuring Pakistani Cuisine.

Mariella, Shahzadi, Anne & Sameera

Azza, Franeine & Ramla

Shahzadi & Subha

The Bahrain International Gourmet Club

The Bahrain International Gourmet Club held a luncheon at Ramla’s residence featuring Tunisian Cuisine.

Nadia, Ramla & Liliane

www.womanthismonth.com

Members of the Gourmet Club Bahrain

November 2017

43

LIFESTYLE | opinion

Fights Among Friends

Chanelmama blogger Ouiam Charkani El Hassani shares her thoughts on the effects of marital conflict on children.

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rowing up, I never recall seeing my parents argue or fight. They have been married for almost 55 years and still are deeply and profoundly in love. I don’t even remember them mad or upset with each other — either they were really good at faking it or they are just unbelievably good at this marriage thing.

The level of understanding and compassion they showed each other was something almost magical, something that, at the time, I hardly grasped, but admire greatly now.

On the other hand, it did trouble me for some time when I first got married. You see, because I grew up with parents who were the exception in this crazy world, I assumed that all married couples should be like them. I thought arguing and having heated conversations with your partner shouldn’t happen. So when I found myself with a partner at my side 24/7, sharing my room, bathroom, kitchen and every aspect of my life, I simply couldn’t understand why my life was so much more complicated and harder than the one my parents had.

Once two people start a life and a family together, things get serious, and just having children creates more conflicts, even for couples

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who were doing well before they became parents. When kids show up, there is less time to get more done. All of a sudden you’re not as patient, not as flexible, and it feels like there is more at stake.

Yet we somehow feel obliged to cover up, and to make sure we spare our little ones the drama we face each day, so the circle is never interrupted. Our kids don’t grasp the normality of marital quarrelling. They will never know it’s an inevitable aspect of life and therefore they will also spend a good chunk of their early marital life wondering and questioning their choices, their decisions and their life with the partner they chose.

There has to be a better way to handle conflict than the one most of us grew up with. You can’t resolve to never fight in front of kids, just as you can’t constantly include them in your daily fights.

Conflict is normal, so it’s not whether parents fight that is important, it’s how the conflict is expressed and resolved, and especially how it makes children feel, that has important consequences for them. What’s very important here is to show kids that parents are human

Conflict is normal, so it’s not whether parents fight that is important, it’s how the conflict is expressed and resolved too — they argue and disagree, yet in a very respectful manner.

And what’s even more important is how you end the scene. Does each go their way without solving the issue? Or do they use their communication skills, sharing feelings and emotions in an honest and kind way? Speaking the truth to children no matter how young they are helps them enormously in their problem-solving skills. It helps them normalise the fact that people can have different opinions yet still love, appreciate and respect each other.

Children even as young as six months can register their parents’ distress. It can have a negative effect on them their whole life, from insecurity to anger management. And while faking

that life is perfect might seem like a great option, it is not. It can harm your children greatly.

As a parent you are always setting an example to your children, so even in the darkest moments, it’s your responsibility to do it right. One of the best tactics to follow is opening the dialogue by first letting your partner know that you see them, you get them, and you can put yourself in their shoes. Empathy is a skill that is very hard to acquire, so exposing children to it is very helpful. It is also vital to always remember that you and your partner are on the same team, so, no matter what, you only have the best intentions in mind. You need to show your kids that you are both on the same page even if there is a conflict. You also need to keep in mind that anything that needs to be said can be said with kindness. Finally, there should always be an end to conflicts when children are in sight. No silent tactics like avoidance, walking out, sulking or withdrawing.

Give your children an example to follow when they start their own marital life. Remember you are raising future adults — so do it right. g www.womanthismonth.com

showcase BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

A DELICATE SUBJECT Periodontist/general dentist, Dr Akanksha Ostwal, explains a smelly problem that we may be unaware of – bad breath.

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ost people are unaware that they have bad breath or halitosis. But, actually, one in four people are affected and some studies even put this number at 50 percent of the adult population.

Both external and internal factors can be to blame. These can include the types of foods we eat such as those that are spicy or odorous like certain spices used in cooking, garlic, onions even tuna or tacos. If you think your bad breath is food-related, consider recording what you are eating to check for pungent ingredients. People who use tobacco and alcohol can also experience bad breath.

Internal factors include oral issues that can affect the body systemically. The tongue provides a place for bacteria to attach and grow. Most odour-causing bacteria produce compounds that cause bad breath called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These primary VSCs are hydrogen sulfide and methyl

Dr Akanksha Ostwal

Other causes of bad breath can include the following: • Dental issues (poor oral hygiene, gum disease and periodontal disease) • Dentures (plaque and food can develop on dentures) • Dry mouth (lack of saliva flow) • Mouth, nose and throat issues (sinus or throat infections and cryptic tonsillitis) • Systemic diseases (diabetes, lung infections or abscesses, kidney/liver failure, gastrointestinal conditions) • Patients who are dieting on a regular basis If you’re experiencing bad breath, see your dental professional to establish the cause and continue to properly clean your mouth with an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and clean your tongue with a tongue brush or scraper.

mercaptan. Most of these bacteria reside in the back part of the tongue.

Call 17 812-222 or email akanksha. ostwal@bsh.com.bh

Mandy, Maryam, Niema, Ratna, Rihab, Jihan, Salma & Amal

Palestinian diplomatic ladies’ breakfast

A breakfast was hosted by Palestinian Ambassador’s wife, Rihab Abdul Qadir, for diplomats’ wives and friends.

Raim, Rihab, Perwin & Georgette

www.womanthismonth.com

Fouzia

Safaya

Jin & Mamta

November 2017

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

Decide then Do

Anastasia Ageeva, certified life coach, real estate consultant, model and triathlete shares the power of coaching and its empowering effect on wellbeing.

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ello, how have you been? I hope you are smiling now?

Have you recently felt that there is something you liked the sound of so much and, when you noticed someone mentioning it on a social media platform, you became enthralled and curious? You’re viewing the pictures and think to yourself: "She did that; it's amazing. I wish I could." Or: "Wow he could achieve that. He looks like an ordinary guy. I think I have more muscles/brains/experience, but I doubt I could do it."

How many times have you thought of something that fascinates you, only to immediately convince yourself it would be too hard, that you could not possibly do it, that you don't have the time or that you will fail?

Fear! Forcing you every time to go back into your comfort zone and continue with what you’ve always done. At least you will feel secure even if it’s not what you really want. But that's one thing you do know everything about – creating reasons for not doing what you want!

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When we learn how to deal with our fears the result can be surprising. We feel more safe and comfortable feeling them and knowing how to deal with them, taking that one challenge to make the change towards reaching what we really want.

A close friend constantly mentions this phrase: "Decide then do!" Do you see this as a positive action from the start?

Have you ever made the decision that "Yes I can"? Has there been an occasion when you defied the odds? Would you like to know that you can achieve anything you want and know you are the best self you want to be?

Four years ago, the sport of triathlon suddenly became popular in Bahrain, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who participated in the events of Bahrain Road Runners and went on to establish and promote the sport within the Kingdom. Coincidentally, I had also tried a standard- distance triathlon, merely because I found it to be a great cross-training exercise,

having just completed a marathon and other endurance races. I loved the challenge of training in three sports (swimming, cycling and running) and continued training throughout the summer whilst at home in St Petersburg, www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing Russia. I returned fit and well to the scorching sun of Bahrain and heard news that the ‘Challenge Bahrain’ race was to be held that December. For those of you who mightn't know much about this type of triathlon, it's a half Ironman distance. Participants need to complete a 1.9km swim followed directly with a 90km cycle and then a 21.1km run — competing over a total distance of 113km to reach the finish line.

I was thrilled! All my friends were registered for the event; excitement and anxious posts on social media built the anticipation. The course was set to go through Bahrain Bay, adjacent to the Four Seasons, with a cycle towards and on the world-renowned F1 circuit, culminating in a run through the beautiful wildlife park of Al Areen.

However, panic set in. I began to think I couldn't do it. After all, only 10 years previously, I recovered from a horrific car accident. I was confined to a hospital bed for two months with a broken backbone and hip bone. Then, after seven months of physiotherapy on crutches, I had to learn to walk again. Upon discharge from the hospital the consultants had instructed me not to run or jump if I wanted to keep my bones healthy.

But, here I was, doing quite well before the Challenge race announcement. But was I at that level?

After my accident, I had started swimming a lot and walking miles, then in 2013 I started

www.womanthismonth.com

running 3km, 5km, 7km, a half-marathon and then my first full marathon, finishing as a runner-up.

So, you can imagine, I was full of insecurities, exposed beliefs and yet wanting to do the Challenge Triathlon Race. I believe a pivotal moment for me was as a result of a friend who had obtained his life coaching degree and was providing a few free sessions as a part of his qualification.

The one lasting memory of those sessions was that I felt empowered to do anything I wanted to do; so I decided to do the Challenge race. I was aware that I needed a proper programme over the three months leading to the event. I set a goal of finishing the 70.3-mile triathlon distance in the best possible time I could and felt healthy and happy. Another friend had told me he had a great coach who had trained him and his wife for a full Ironman race, in a limited time, and they both finished healthy and injury free. That seemed to fall in line with my criteria, so I got a contact and hired the coach on September 14 with a specific target clear for both myself and my coach – "By the afternoon of December 5, I will have completed a 70.3mile triathlon and received a finisher's medal."

I received my training programmes every month, planned all my training sessions in the early hours before work, balancing my nutrition to maintain energy levels for work and training. I knew that I had a good base and, by following a professional plan, in three months I would be ready to achieve my goal. I had many questions concerning the triathlon and got all the answers and guidance from the professional coach, who, over the years, has become a great friend and mentor.

I completed the event and I must admit it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my life. It almost felt like I was living a dream. I had proved to myself that I could set a goal and reach it. The coaching helped me a great deal. I also realised that it's worth paying for professional advice in order to achieve a goal. However, the most amazing phenomenon was that I have been able to take forward the guidance provided by the coach. It's retained and available to me now at any time.

To describe what I feel I would use an analogy: Imagine a USB stick, now imagine saving all the files you need related to what you want to achieve upon this device. All the ideas empowering you, all the advice you require — be that a training programme or an online book or maybe even a picture of what you need to see on the way or simply the picture of the

goal itself and how you imagine it when you have achieved it. Perhaps it’s you receiving a finisher medal and smiling happily, perhaps it’s a picture of the much wanted signed contract, a certificate or a house of your dreams. Now, imagine that when you have received coaching advice, your USB stick with all the data, all the keys to your success, is instantly available to you. If you want, you could become your own life coach or, as in my case, triathlon coach. You follow the guidance and you are empowered to reach the results you want, live the life of your dreams and be happy.

My triathlon and life coaching experience provided me with this. I have my ‘happy plugin’ on me at all times and it has become a part of me, my awareness, my entire being. I became so inspired by the effect the life coaching has played that last summer I studied to qualify and am now an international life coach and NLP practitioner. I can touch people's hearts and lead them to their inner happiness.

Now, how are you doing?

Are you feeling determined? Have you been thinking about those things you would like to achieve? Then I encourage you to put this magazine aside and set your happy goal, write it down, plan how you will reach it and use all the resources available to you to achieve it!

Because you can do it!

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

The Great Supplement Debate To pop or not to pop these colourful little pills lining the shelves of pharmacies is a pertinent question these days. Behnaz Sanjana attempts to find out the facts.

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hey are touted to boost, promote, reduce or prevent something or other in you. But does the big deal about supplemental vitamins and minerals just boil down to clever marketing gimmicks by big pharmaceuticals?

Thought to be the way to great health and longevity, supplements have become a raging fad in the last decade. While the myriad health websites and experts advocate some capsule or the other as your doorway to an illness-free life, what are we to believe? Recent evidence points in the too-good-to-be-true direction for some common supplements that we swallow with fervour. But health practitioners argue that there are vitamins and minerals that our diet under-supplies, that are essential for a healthy body and mind. So which supplements are the musthaves and which can we nix?

All it takes is a little common sense and a lot of research to find the answer to that question. WTM gets you started: Vitamin A Source: Oily fish, liver, carrots, spinach, milk and its products and eggs This vitamin helps the immune system function optimally and also helps keep vision strong and skin glowing.

Men typically need 0.7mg a day and women 0.6mg a day. But it’s easy to overdo the dosage. Liver is chock full of

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vitamin A. So go easy on the liver pâté — once a week is all right.

More than 1.5mg a day over a long run can causes weakened bones. Large amounts of vitamin A can also harm a foetus.

You should be able to get all the vitamin A you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

Verdict: Ditch It. B Vitamins Source: A healthy, balanced diet that comprises whole grains, nuts, leafy greens, a variety of vegetables, eggs, beans, meat and seafood.

There are a number B Vitamins – thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), B6, biotin (B7), B12 and folic acid (folate).

Together, they keep the body running smoothly, convert food into energy, ensure healthy skin and hair and prevent memory loss, among a host of other functions.

Chances are that the average healthy person gets enough of these vitamins from what they ingest throughout the day.

Verdict: Vegetarians should consider taking a B12 supplement as it is only available from animal sources, though it can be found in products such as fortified cereals and plant milks. Pregnant women must compulsorily take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects in the foetus.

www.hopkinsmedicine.org states that multiple studies tracking thousands of people in the USA gave the verdict that taking a multi-vitamin does not reduce risk of heart disease, cancer, mental illnesses or early death.

The Johns Hopkins nutrition experts believe that money spent on purchasing healthy, natural food is better than on bottles of supplements, with the exception of folic acid for women of childbearing potential. However, fussy eaters and those who do not get the daily required calories may benefit from a multi-vitamin.

Vitamin C Source: Citrus fruits, broccoli, red and green peppers, tomatoes, peas, Brussels sprouts, potatoes.

This vitamin protects cells and keeps them healthy, maintains skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage, as well as helping in healing wounds. Adults need 40mg a day.

This was supposedly the magic pill that can prevent and cure colds, but the medical moguls have proclaimed that’s hogwash. Also, our body cannot store excess vitamin C, so most of it flushes out in the toilet, along with our hard-earned www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

dinars. Vitamin C obtained from natural edibles will serve you well.

Verdict: Ditch it.

Vitamin D Sources: Sunlight, very small amounts in oily fish, egg yolks, red meat and liver.

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A deficiency can lead to bone deformities in children and pain in adults.

Not having enough of this vitamin can lead to a host of health problems – physical and mental. Experts recommend that those who stay out of the sun take an additional supplement.

Verdict: Worth it.

Vitamin E Sources: In a wide variety of foods www.womanthismonth.com

Stock up on almonds, avocados, walnuts, mackerel and flaxseeds for the all-essential Omega 3 fatty acids required for vital bodily functions.

Recommended dosage is 4mg a day for men and 3mg a day for women. It is an antioxidant, protecting cells from the damage caused by free radicals (compounds formed when our bodies convert food into energy and also from cigarette smoke, air pollution and ultraviolet light from the sun). It boosts the immune system and maintains healthy skin and eyes.

An overdose can have several minor and serious repercussions. The fact that it is available abundantly means we do not need to supplement our diets with more of it.

Verdict: Ditch It.

Calcium Sources: Milk and dairy products, broccoli, cabbage and okra, soya, tofu, nuts and fish bones.

Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth, regulates muscle contractions, including the heartbeat, and ensures that blood clots normally.

An average adult needs 700mg of calcium a day. Although enough can be obtained from a good diet, practically speaking there’s only so much cheese and broccoli you can eat. It may be wise for women to start supplementing calcium combined with vitamin D for better absorption to keep up bone density. However, more than 1,500mg per day can be harmful.

Verdict: Worth it for women.

Iron Sources: Dark green leafy vegetables, meat, beans, whole grains, dried fruit.

This metal is vital for healthy red blood cells carrying oxygen around the body.

Supplementation is necessary for those who have anaemia and heavy periods and also recommended for vegetarians.

However, taking an iron supplement can cause constipation and, in the long term, poisoning – resulting in brain damage or death, so only people with a proven deficiency should take a supplement. Adult males need 8.7mg a day, while women need 14.8mg a day.

Verdict: Ditch it unless the doctor says otherwise.

Main reference: www.nhs.uk November 2017

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FOOD | review FATTO

WITH LOVE FROM NONNA’S KITCHEN This ristorante is where Behnaz Sanjana headed for hearty, soul-satisfying Italian food.

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here are some eateries that keep me on alert throughout the meal, then there are some, like Fatto Trattoria E Pizzeria, that allow me to switch to relaxation mode in a bright and easy-going atmosphere.

After settling down with the snazzy digital menu, you will notice the finer points at Fatto. The patterned flooring and the outsized metallic lampshades hanging over the main dining rectangle offer a warm welcome. The pizza oven seen here is fired with all-natural wood brought in straight from Italy. This makes a big difference in the cooking process and taste of the final product, we’re told.

Ladies will appreciate the little foldable stool that their steward thoughtfully sets beside them to place their precious handbag on. The amiable attentiveness of the staff and the rustic tableware are the other touches that make one feel comfortably fuzzy – just like in grandma’s kitchen. Also available is a private room that can seat 14-16 guests for special celebrations or cozy get-togethers.

The same hospitality can be seen, smelt and tasted in the food at Fatto. The extensive menu offers options including starters, soup, salads, Italian sandwiches, pasta, sides, risotto, grilled entrée and, of course, pizza and dessert.

I have to add that beverages are taken pretty seriously here. My Passione was a pleasing concoction of coconut water shaken with morello cherry, vanilla and cinnamon, and kept me good company through the meal. My friend’s Scarlatta – watermelon, pomegranate and raspberry – refreshed with each sip.

Crocchette Di Formaggio came as goldencrusted spheres comprising three cheeses with basil and ranch sauce. With a weightless interior and a hint of sundried tomato, definitely not your average cheeseball. The Caesar salad gave us our healthy fix of cool greens paired with warm chicken, while Gamberi Croccanti in Agrodolce – crunchy fried prawns with red

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quinoa, pesto labneh and ranch sauce – left us gleeful for more.

I sat up straight when the pasta arrived, because therein lay the moment of truth.

Italian, if not done right, can easily be heavy and gluggy on the tongue and in the tummy. But not the Casarecce Di Vitello at Fatto. This simple dish isn’t overcrowded with ingredients — just an almost-translucent veal ragù, melty meat, pasta, lemon zest and parsley, with the stout flavour of the protein reigning supreme.

Penne E Pollo Al Pomodoro Rosso was a tosstogether of moist chicken and pasta baked in a rose sauce under a light blanket of mozzarella and parmesan. Thank goodness for the choice of ordering smaller portions that allowed us girls to sample more from the menu.

Fatto doesn’t offer or expect any pretenses from its guests. Set aside the cutlery please, and dig right in to the pizza, just as they do in southern Europe. We sampled Avorita first – a happy permutation of a blonde crust and tomato goodness topped with fresh limoncellohued avocado, showered with parmesan. The star, literally and figuratively, of the pizza selection is Matteo. It’s a vibrant topping of red and yellow cherry tomatoes, rocca leaves, parmesan shavings and a smattering of pepper on a thin crust, with little pillows of buffalo mozzarella providing a cushion against the crispy edges of the star-shaped creation.

The finale to our delightful meal was a layered square of tiramisu. The coffee-soaked biscuit and mascarpone, which floated on the tongue, went well with the rough of the crushed hazelnut garnish.

So, is Fatto the must-do for your next ladies’ brunch, lunch or night out? Well, with fare that is big on taste, texture and presentation in a trendy but homey environment, the answer would be a resounding "Yes!" www.womanthismonth.com

showcase SWISS-BELHOTEL SEEF BAHRAIN

ASIAN ALLURE

This weekly dinner buffet is a great option to wind down after a hectic working week.

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he Swiss-Café restaurant at Swiss-Belhotel Seef lays out a sumptuous Chao Chau Asian buffet every Thursday evening from 7pm-11pm as you enjoy sweeping views of glitzy Seef within the elegant interior of the mood-lit restaurant.

Build your own salad with a variety of fresh greens, animal protein and healthy carbs to kick off your meal. Sample the likes of Yamgai Yang and Yamnuea Yang – spicy Thai grilled chicken and beef salads respectively, Japanese Salmon Cali Roll with caviar, Indonesian Mee Goreng (vegetable and chilli noodle salad), Vietnamese Goi Mein (glass noodle salad) or piquant Sri Lankan pineapple and prawn salad. Fans of Japanese delicacies can savour nigiri, sushi and sashimi.

Pick from marinated shrimps, meat skewers and fish fillets laid on ice for the chefs to prepare and serve at your table. You can also have your noodles customised with a selection of ingredients of your choice.

On the main buffet, authentic Asian fare such as Seafood Siomai and chicken and prawn Gyosa await. Try out the delicious Indonesian stew, Lamb Rendang, and the Sri Lankan fish curry, both of which are a burst of

flavours on the palate. The Thai chicken curry with coconut rice is ultimately satiating, while the colourful yellow vegetable cashew nut curry is a tasty vegetarian option.

For post-prandial nibbles, there is a cheese platter and a variety of breads. Diners can round off the meal with indigenous sweets including Pandan Jelly and sticky rice cake or crowd-pleasers like brownies, tarts, profiteroles, macaroons and much more.

The buffet, including soft beverages, is priced at BD12 inclusive of taxes. Traditional Japanese sake can be ordered with the BD16 or BD22 packages, which include limited or free flow of selected beverages respectively.

Call: 66 310-000.

Join us for a tempting Pan Asian dinner Buffet with an influence of Vietnamese Cuisine BD 12 net including soft drinks BD 16 net including selected beverages Every Thursday from 07:00pm to 11:00pm.

swiss-belhotel.com

Building 1012, Road 2813, Block 428, Seef District, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Tel: (973) 6631 0041 www.womanthismonth.com

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LIFESTYLE | food

CHEFS’ SPECIAL With the American Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, this month we’ve taken our inspiration from some of our favourite celebrity chefs to help you get the perfect traditional repast.

THE TURKEY Our US friends tell us that, for meat eaters, the big bird is non-negotiable on the Thanksgiving table. We’ve chosen a recipe from Jamie Oliver — yes, we know he’s a Brit, but we don’t think you’ll find a more tasty and succulent option.

INGREDIENTS • 1 sprig fresh sage, leaves picked • 12 strips higher-welfare pancetta or thinly sliced streaky bacon • 1 bulb garlic, broken into cloves • 4 medium red onions, peeled • 2 sticks celery, trimmed and chopped • 1 big handful breadcrumbs • 1 handful dried apricots • 300g minced meat of your choice – Jamie uses pork • 1 lemon, zest of • 1 pinch grated nutmeg • 1 large free-range egg • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 12 small sprigs of fresh rosemary, plus a few extra • 4-4.5kg turkey, at room temperature • 2 carrots, peeled • 1 large orange • Olive oil • 2tbsp plain flour • 1.1 litre organic chicken or vegetable stock METHOD • Preheat the oven to maximum. Heat a saucepan until medium hot and add a splash of olive oil, the sage leaves and six of the pancetta or bacon strips. Peel and chop two garlic cloves and one onion. Add the garlic, celery and onion to the saucepan and fry everything gently until soft and golden brown. Take the pan off the heat, add the breadcrumbs and, while the mix is cooling down, chop the apricots roughly and stir them in. When the stuffing has cooled down, add the meat, lemon zest, nutmeg, egg and lots of salt and pepper, and mix everything together well.

• Slice the remaining strips of pancetta or bacon in half and slice one peeled garlic clove into thin slivers. Place a rosemary sprig and a

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garlic sliver on one end of a halved strip of pancetta and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the other pieces of pancetta until you have 12 Jamie Oliver little rolls. Stab the thighs and drumsticks of the turkey in six places on each side. Push a little pancetta roll into each hole until it just peeps out. This’ll give your turkey thighs a fantastic flavour and will keep them moist while they cook.

• Chop the remaining onions in half and slice the carrots thickly. Give your turkey a good wipe, inside and out, with kitchen paper, and place it on a board, with the neck end towards you. Find the edge of the skin that's covering the turkey's breast and gently peel it back. Work your fingers and then your hand under the skin, freeing it from the meat. If you're careful you should be able to pull all the skin away from the meat, keeping it attached at the sides. Go slowly and try not

to make any holes! Lift the loose skin at the neck end and spoon the stuffing between the skin and the breast, tucking the flap of skin underneath to stop anything leaking out. Pop the orange in the microwave for 30 seconds to warm it up and stuff it into the cavity.

Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking time (about 20 minutes per 500g).

• Place the bird on a large roasting tray, rub it all over with olive oil and season well.

Surround with the chopped carrots, onions, remaining garlic, cover with tinfoil and place in the preheated oven. Turn the heat down right away to 180°C/350°F/gas 4, and roast for the calculated time, or until the juices run clear from the thigh if you pierce it with a knife or a skewer. Remove the tinfoil for the last 45 minutes to brown the bird. Carefully lift the turkey out of the tray and rest on a board covered loosely with foil for at least one hour, preferably two hours for bigger birds. When the resting time's nearly up, skim the surface fat from the roasting tray and add the flour and stock. Place the tray on the hob and bring to the boil on a high heat.

When the gravy starts to thicken, strain it into a bowl. Carve your turkey, serve with the gravy and dig in! www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | food

SAVOURY PUMPKIN PIE Another must-have from one of America’s sweethearts, Racheal Ray. INGREDIENTS • Flour, for dusting • 1 store-bought pie crust • 1 cup grated extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese • 2 cups canned pumpkin puree • 3 eggs, beaten • 1/2 cup heavy cream • A few grates of whole nutmeg (about 1/8 teaspoon) • 2 pinches salt • 1tsp ground cinnamon • A pinch of ground cloves • 1 1/2tsp ancho chili powder • 1/4 cup light brown sugar • For garnish, sweet or sweet-and-spicy candied pecans, chopped METHOD • Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and pre-heat the oven to 350ºF. • Lightly flour a work surface. Unroll the pie

Racheal Ray

dough and scatter grated cheese over it.

Lightly flour a rolling pin, then roll the cheese into the dough. Line a nine-inch pie plate or tin with the dough, cheese-side down. Using your fingers, crimp the pie dough overhang along the edge of the pie plate in a decorative scalloped fashion.

• For the filling, combine the remaining

ingredients in a mixing bowl using a whisk.

Pour the filling into the prepared pie plate and spread out evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the centre is clean when removed. Remove the pie and cool to room temperature.

• Slice and serve garnished with candied chopped pecans.

SWEET POTATO GRATIN This one is courtesy of one of Bahrain’s favourite celeb foodies, Wolfgang Puck, from his book Adventures in the Kitchen.

INGREDIENTS • 4tbsp unsalted butter • 2.2kg Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, quartered, and cut into 1/4-inch slices • 2-3.5kg sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and cut into thinly sliced rounds • 1/2tsp salt • 1/2tsp cinnamon • 1/4tsp freshly ground white pepper • Freshly grated nutmeg • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs METHOD • Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a 10-inch skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter. Over medium-high heat, sauté the apples until slightly caramelised, about six to eight minutes.

• Place the potatoes in a medium bowl and season with salt, cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg. Pour over the cream and mix well. www.womanthismonth.com

Wolfgang Puck

• Butter a 10-inch gratin dish and layer with half the potatoes, one overlapping the other.

Cover with the apples and arrange the remaining potatoes on top. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for one hour, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove from the oven.

• Increase the oven temperature to 500°F. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the potatoes and dot with the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Return to the oven to brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Remove from oven and serve immediately.

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showcase THE K HOTEL

LET’S GET FESTIVE!

This renowned family-friendly hotel invites you over to celebrate a magical time of the year.

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pend your Thanksgiving away from the kitchen and enjoy a marvellous feast to mark this special occasion with family and friends at The K Hotel’s Kolors restaurant. A sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner buffet on Thursday, November 23, offers traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, delicious seafood, an array of salads and irresistible desserts for just BD9.500++ per person. This is going to be a fantastic holiday indulgence; all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy.

Thanksgiving brunch at Kolors restaurant on Friday, November 24, will be from noon to 4pm, featuring appetising dishes that comprise traditional favourites and international twists. Menu highlights include carved turkey, gammon ham with honey and spice and Angus strip loin. Guests can also savour a selection of sushi and dim sum, as well as a decadent dessert buffet, featuring pumpkin crème brûlée, chocolate pot de crème and maple pecan tartlets. The brunch is priced at

BD16.500++ per person.

Be part of the tree lighting ceremony on November 27, when the hotel’s lobby will be filled with the fragrance of fresh pine as a magnificent Chef Nitai Chand Christmas tree will stand tall in all its festive glory. Enjoy traditional beverages and cookies, while The K choir fills the air with merry tunes.

Share your memories at The K Hotel with free high-speed Internet access.

Call: 17 360-000.

Around Town

Aisha Yateem Centre held a press conference for Family Guidance in the GCC.

The launch of Shabana Feroze’s first book, Loving Yourself in Style, was held at Jashanmal, Seef Mall.

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The Pakistan Ambassador HE Javed Malik met with the Bahraini Business Women Society at the Embassy of Pakistan in support for the forthcoming Business Women’s Forum.

Crowne Plaza Bahrain organised a week of activities to raise funds for IHG Foundation.

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | travel

l a r u Cult s n o i t c e n n Co Seeking interesting destinations for the coming months, we took inspiration from some very different but equally fun and interesting festivals across the globe.

www.womanthismonth.com

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LIFESTYLE | travel Artists use the city as a public canvas.

Dine at Pujol – consistently among the world's best restaurants.

Try home made organic food from celebrated chef Mónica Patiño at Delirio.

Take in the famous canals of Xochimilco.

The Island of the Dolls is said to be haunted.

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y t i C o c i x e M Head south of the border to join in the annual Dia de los Muertos events in Mexico City. Inspired by the James Bond film, Spectre, the spectacular parade featured in the film was actually staged for the first time last year. It happens again this month and organisers hope it will become as big a draw as the Rio Carnival.

The Frida Kahlo Museum celebrates the life of one of the city's most Make sure you take in the famous canals of Xochimilco, famous daughters. mariachi bands float past. Tourists can the last remnants of a vast water also visit the seriously spooky Island transport system built by the Aztecs, of the Dolls. The city has thriving arts, where colourful boats take visitors on culture and food scenes. cruises while food vendors, artisans and

Paint your face and join in the Day of the Dead Parade.

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | travel Rock out to some of the best new bands at Airwaves.

Whale watching and puffin tours are readily available.

k i v a j k Rey

Check out the other-worldly architecture of Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Enjoy Michelin-worthy food at Dill restaurant.

Take a short trip out of the city to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

Take a Northern Lights boat tour.

www.womanthismonth.com

The five-day Iceland Airwaves is an annual festival that’s widely recognised as one of the world’s premier showcases of new music and has previously featured the likes of The Kills, The Stills and Of Monsters and Men. Known for its intimacy and party spirit, the festival has been called "the hippest long weekend on the annual music-festival calendar" (David Fricke, Rolling Stone) so it’s name-dropping boastworthy. And, even better, it’s in Reykjavik, one of the most achingly cool places on the planet right now.

It’s the world’s northernmost capital, with a population so small it’s barely a city, but it certainly bats well above its weight in terms of culture and entertainment.

See the stunning Sun Voyager sculpture at Sæbraut Road.

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LIFESTYLE | travel The release of the festival lanterns is a breath-taking sight.

Trek, bike or enjoy other adventures in the surrounding mountains.

i a M g n a i h C Try a century-old egg at a street market.

Visit a floating market.

Loi Krathong is one of the most picturesque and romantic festivals in Thailand, a country known for its spectacular celebrations. It falls on the night of the full moon in the 12th lunar month. Young couples draped in traditional finery, gather around lakes, rivers and canals to float the Krathong, a lotus-shaped container made of banana leaves, containing a candle, Floating decorated baskets pay respect to the river godess. incense sticks, flowers and coins, into the water. but are best known in Chiang Mai, the At the same time they light lanterns north’s ancient Lanna capital, which which are released into the night sky offers blissful relaxation or a full exciting creating a stunning spectacle. These calendar, depending on your wishes. festivals take place across the country

The area abounds with temples and Wat Phra Singh is one of the most venerated.

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No visit to Thailand would be complete without a ride in a tuk-tuk.

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showcase EURO MOTORS

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE This major automotive player is expanding its research capabilities.

T

he BMW Group is embarking on an extensive expansion of its FIZ Research and Innovation Centre in the north of Munich. The “FIZ Future” masterplan, created as part of an urban development competition, will expand the facility by around 50 per cent by 2050. The company will invest around USD472 million in the first phase of construction, which will create a viable infrastructure for developing tomorrow’s mobility.

Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer, Mayor of Munich Dieter Reiter and Harald Krüger, chairman BMW AG’s management board, launched the construction project in the Milbertshofen district of Munich. In an official ceremony, the foundation was laid for a building complex with a total floor area of 157,000sq/m. From 2019 on, around 5,000 employees will work here in innovative openplan workspaces, developing hardware and software for future vehicles.

“Here in Munich, we will be creating the next generations of electrified drive trains, with decisive innovations for the mobility of the future. Focusing on IT and artificial intelligence, this will also be home to a new industry and a new generation of engineers and IT specialists,” says Harald Krüger.”

FIZ FUTURE MASTERPLAN As part of its Strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT, www.womanthismonth.com

the BMW Group and its FIZ Future programme aim to create a framework for the long-term development of its Research and Innovation Centre.

With around 26,000 workspaces and approximately 1 million square metres net floor space, the facility is already the group’s largest location. In several stages, the expansion will create workspaces for another 15,000 employees by 2050. The aim is not just to create space, but, more importantly, to provide the right conditions for working in the future. Technological changes, driven by digitalisation and connectivity, demand agile team structures, quick decisions and immediate implementation. That is why the new buildings will primarily offer open, flexible spaces where staff members can meet, discuss and implement their ideas quickly – for example, by testing new software for a vehicle prototype in a workshop just a few steps away and seeing the results immediately. The FIZ expansion and remodelling is therefore not only an investment in the future competitiveness of the company, it is also an investment in attractive state-of-the-art workplaces.

In the urban development competition, organised in September 2014 in close collaboration with the Department of Planning and Building Regulations of the City of Munich, it was the proposal of the architectural firm HENN that impressed the most. On this basis – and with regular involvement of the people living in the north of Munich – a FIZ Future masterplan was developed and approved by Munich City Council in July 2016 as the basis for the expansion. Following on from the start of construction, other administrative, research and workshop facilities will be created over the medium and long term, as well as test benches and design studios with the architecture providing for state-of-the-art, agile work structures.

Euro Motors is the Kingdom’s BMW dealer.

Call 17 750-750.

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Pic Courtesy Khloé Kardashian’s Home in California

LIFESTYLE | home

OH MOROCCO!

W

e’re channelling television personality and entrepreneur Khloé Kardashian’s classy Moroccan home décor this month. What we love best about her interiors is that she’s managed to acquire an indigenous style that’s contemporary and oozes celeb vibes without going over the top with clashing colour.

Borrow from Morocco’s rich culture to lend charm and vibrancy to your sanctuary. Let neutral tones contrast beautifully with deep hues and metallics, to give your living and dining areas a spellbinding effect with inspiration from our gorgeous curation of Moroccan style products.

Black Is Beautiful Accent chair THE One

Colour Pop Cushion cover Marina Home

Oriental Touches Media unit Home Box Earthy Craft Moroccan urn Spirit

Arabesque Patterns Chest of drawers Marina Home

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Image Courtesy: Home Centre

LIFESTYLE | home

Serene Colours Wall art Home Centre

Silver Glory Pendant lamp THE One

Authentic Accessory Chest Marina Home

White and Gold Jar THE One

Mosaic Glow Lanterns Home Box

Regal Seat Show stool Angelo Capellini

Comfy Couch Sofa Asnaghi Interiors

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November 2017

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horoscopes

Star

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

October was a good month for you in general and there is no doubting that many of you will have made progress where work is concerned but you can’t relax your efforts because there is still some way to go before you can achieve what you are searching for. Perseverance can sometimes be your downfall so be sure you stick to your task. As November is the time of Scorpio you can learn from a sister water sign so keep the momentum going.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Some of you will have just closed the door on a very difficult October but, fortunately, as we move into November and the heart of Scorpio (one of your kindred signs) things will improve dramatically. Valuable lessons have been learnt and you would do well to appreciate those closest to you in future, especially when connected to relationships and love. Sometimes people give you advice just because they care.

Aquarius

You have suffered emotionally of late but the good news for many of you is that the heartaches will now pass and a renewed period of growth and potential is about to be enjoyed. Getting your confidence back after a relationship failure can be hard but someone is waiting in the wings. Just be a little patient and take small steps back to where you need to be. It will help you heal.

Pisces

You have been feeling vulnerable of late and this has something to do with a major

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It’s been all about health matters for many of you this month and whilst the worst of a situation is now out of the way, it is advisable for you to remain cautious. Recuperation means just that so allow the healing process to take its natural course and don’t rush things.

You can be a restless sign and one who gets bored easily but sometimes you must allow the body to heal itself, otherwise you will only make matters worse.

Cancer

You are not always the most tactful sign and you sometimes over complicate love, which can lead to friction in a relationship and make it difficult for you to meet new people. If there is a new flame on the horizon or you have just entered into an affair, try thinking less and just going with your emotions. Sometimes the best things in life are not thought through and it is all about the moment.

You may be feeling like your life has been dropped into a box, shaken violently and then emptied out onto the street for all to view, such is the disarray and turmoil around you at the moment. Emotional and financial pressures are also eating into your insecurities and you need to get a grip quickly before matters pass beyond your control. The situation is not irreversible and a little applied logic will go a long way to making matters right again. If you need to, turn to an experienced family member for help.

Gemini

uncertainty in your love life. You are not usually one to bottle up your fears but it could be that part of you already knows any confrontation will reveal truths you don’t want to face.

However, is this current state of limbo really worth suffering? You need to dig deep and find the courage to take you through this difficult time. You can still make it work.

Aries

There is so much going on at the moment you could be forgiven for letting the odd thing slip through the net. Work wise a business venture is progressing well and other revenue streams previously unexplored will be opened to you and deliver promising returns. A face from the past may return to dip in your successes but you should keep your distance. Your focus needs to be all about the here and now and where you want to take things for the future. Leave this element of your yesterdays to memory.

Taurus

You have a lot of work on your hands this coming month but it is focused on subject matter you enjoy and it will help open up a new dimension to your life that is going to bring rich rewards, creatively and financially. On the romance front, time away with a loved one will prove enlightening and reaffirm your commitment to each other.

Sometimes all it takes is a shake-up of a current situation to make you realise that everything you have been searching for is right there next to you.

Leo

Lions like to roar but being the loudest beast in the jungle doesn’t always mean you will get your own way or even the attention of others. It’s not just about how vocal you are but whether you can provide the actions to back up your claims. If you have a dispute that needs to be settled make sure you have a plan of action should your opponent call your bluff. You can still get your own way but it might not come around in the way that you expect it to.

Virgo

Although you can be an ambitious and successful sign, the nature of the beast you are means that on the flip side you can sometimes allow your darker nature to get the better of you. Don’t allow a minor setback to knock you off course and ruin all the good work already invested. Nothing can stop you in full flow except your own insecurities. If you take some time out to truly assess matters you will see that there is very little here to be afraid of.

Libra

October – traditionally the month of Libra – has been good to your sign, with investments having returned well and relationships at the best they have been for some time. However, you do need to be aware of not allowing complacency to set in. Keep your mind focused and your thoughts on your ambitions and greater opportunities will arise. If a relative or friend comes to you with a business idea don’t dismiss it out of hand because there could be more here than meets the eye. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Nespresso Launch Nespresso Coffee held a launch for its club members at City Centre Bahrain

Daniel & Martin

Daniel, Bernadette, Tatyana, Farheen, Leah, Irena & Mark

Daniel & Mark

Farheen, Vina & Ahmad

Tatyana, Bernadette & Irena

Nespresso staff

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last word

In Her Shoes Huda Mirza, director of talent and culture at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, tells us what makes her tick.

Where would you love to live?

The Netherlands capital, Amsterdam.

High heels or flats?

A skill that you would like to learn?

Huda Mirza

Heels, always.

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given?

Make sure you take risks.

I’d love to paint.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A phoenix.

Favourite ice cream flavour?

Jamoca almond fudge. Mmm!

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Life’s too short to…?

Waste it!

Last splurge on your credit card?

An air ticket to Amsterdam – are you seeing a connection?

Dream dinner party guests?

George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Angelina Joli and Barack Obama. www.womanthismonth.com