Woman This Month - October 2014

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October 2014 | Issue 140 | BD1 / SR10

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THE AUTUMN|WINTER

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Shopping

10 Pick of the Month: Santa Maria Novella 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene

Fashion

15-33 Feature: Get your autumn/winter 14-15 fashion update

Beauty

60 News: The latest products in the stores 62 Review: This season’s make-up trends

62

People

68 Julie Sprakel: 10 years of Think Pink 74 Alaa Abdulraheem: At her fingertips 76 Hussa Fareed: Competitive spirit 78 Community: Feed the Need — Bahrain

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80 Offers: Win exciting prizes!

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86

Lifestyle

72 Wellbeing: Detecting breast cancer 82 Parenting: The right career choice 84 Column: Medication for children 88 Food: Halloween treats 86 Travel: You’re on camera!

102 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 103 He says: Don’t believe it!

104 She says: The little things

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

Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address provided on page 6. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

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responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman chairman & publisher George F Middleton editorial consultant stan szecowka editor Elma Bartholomew fashion and beauty editor Fernanda Langhammer contributors behnaz sanjana Dr Clare beckett-mcinroy DR JIHAN DARWISH george r vaughan GEORGIE BRADLEY HANNAH MOORE James Claire SIMI KAMBOJ creative director Maryam A Toorani print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers farheen ahmed Randa Ghazi Howais sales manager sanhita kar marya circulation FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI photography editor anil Ravi Shankar photographers RANJITH MOHAN Subeesh Kumar NS printing press Union Press, Bahrain

eDitor’s NOTE

I

t’s that time of the year again, where splurging on clothes, accessories and make-up is totally justified! The slight breeze we have been experiencing recently announces the oncoming of winter; we can’t be more excited to show off our new outfits of the season.

Fernanda Langhammer takes you on a journey through the top trends of autumn and winter. From colour palettes to the right silhouettes and must-have accessories to beauty tips, she’s got you covered. So, all aboard the Fashion Issue!

It’s the month of October and we’re the only women’s monthly on the island. Where else will you go for Breast Cancer Awareness Month? We speak to Julie Sprakel from Think Pink’s Bahrain chapter as the charity celebrates its tenth year of success. You can scan through our events calendar to see how you can help with their campaign. We also speak to experts for a better understanding of the disease and its effects on patients.

Sadly, we had to bid farewell to one of our dearest contributors, Simi Kamboj, who is following her dream in creative writing. We wish her bright future in the literary world.

In this issue, we have another episode of a style makeover with City Centre Bahrain. Find out how you can be the next lucky winner by following us on our social media channels.

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

ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410

Happy October!

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.

Phase Eight

bahrain office address Red House Marketing p.o. box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: wtmeditor@rhm.bh website: www.womanthismonth.com

Very

Elma Bartholomew Editor

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

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OCTOBER 2014 ı A/W FASHION ı www.womanthismonth.com

Finally! Trench coat season is here. I’ve promised myself I’ll get something in colour this year, but I’ve got my eyes on this lovely quilted black piece from Hobbs.

What’s your winter buy?

published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ, Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing, P. O. Box 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

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What you’ve been doing Fashion 201 Style Trends Your Pre Autumn Get the look The best Bahrain Beauty YourSummer holiday Destination Everything you need to know About All the Latest Beauty Must Haves Fashion Style 2014 Trends Your Pre Autumn HOSS INTROPIA Get the look The best BahrainBLIPP has to THE NEW AND WIN IT BRAND offer Your Summer Break Holiday Destination Everything 20STYLE ICONS you need to know About All the Fashion Style

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Star letter

Your WTM September interview with one of Bahrain’s first female trade union leaders and equal rights activist, Suad Mubarak, highlights the struggles and obstacles she witnesses in her daily life. I am sure that the term ‘trade union and equal rights activist’ brings to the minds of many an image of an aggressive feminist who is argumentative and stubborn when nothing can be further from the truth.

Mubarak reveals her inner turmoil and frustration, especially when she faces discrimination against women in the workplace by female employers who, in fact, should be empathetic. Her active involvement in changing the mindset of employers and workers is to be commended.

I am sure that she is going to face an uphill battle, but hopefully some good may come out of this letter as others who feel as strongly as she does may step forward and join her in her quest. I thank Mubarak for her dedication and wish her the very best of luck in facing her challenges head-on.

Chris Reading about women’s achievements in every issue proves the fact that women are making a mark for themselves in a man’s world. I read your magazine to better understand women.

I like to read reviews about the latest cars, which is my favourite column. The reviews on Kia Cerato Koup and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe were amazing. This is a great magazine for women and men.

Hamad

8 October 2014

Write Here Write Now PEOPLE | interview

LIFESTYLE | parenting

For the Love oF Make-up

Parents Teens Don't Understand

by SIMI KAMBOJ

Helping women put their best face forward is Mai Al Moayyed’s newly launched make-up studio and academy in Bahrain.

by DR CLARE BECKETT-MCINROY and MIKE JACKSON

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ormer banker Mai Al Moayyed has always been more passionate about lipstick than ledgers. Make-up has a huge impact on a woman’s confidence and self-esteem, Mai believes. The self-confessed make-up addict trained at the Illamasqua School of Makeup Art in London, but has learned largely by way of experimentation. Following the popularity of her beauty blog, the 29-year-old Bahraini launched a professional makeup studio and academy at Segaya this month. As she readied for the big launch, Mai shared with us her aspirations.

Woman This Month (WTM): Where does the story behind The Makeup Manual blog begin?

Mai Al Moayyed (MA): It all started while I was sitting at my desk in my previous banking job. I deeply regretted taking up investment and finance as a career and decided to change track.

Given the interest Bahraini girls have in make-up and their endless questions about its use, I decided to create a website that reviews new products, provides tips and tells users what is and isn’t worth their money. The blog was born in mid-2011.

WTM: Tell us about the new venture.

MA: There’s much more to The Makeup Manual studio than just teaching and make-up. It’s about beauty, understanding techniques and concepts, consultation, classes and most importantly — confidence. That’s what the girls get once they leave my studio.

How many times do you hear your child say, “Mom you just don’t get it!” Well actually you do and they don’t “get it”. Here’s why there’s a bridge between understanding each other.

WTM: What excites you most about this venture?

MA: Opening a make-up studio is a dream come true. The most exciting part is the reaction of women when they enter the place.

WTM: What is the Mai Almoayyed signature touch?

MA: My work is simple yet glamorous. It’s non-heavy and non-cakey. I try to accentuate the best features without changing the way a woman looks.

WTM: The beauty market in Bahrain is dominated by big brands, but there are no make-up artists to speak of. What role do you see for yourself in this market?

MA: I agree. However, things are slowly changing. I work with many cosmetic brands in order to help women understand their products. I have worked with Make Up For

46 September 2014

Since animal products are toxic to the human body, many people (including myself) report that their health drastically improves as a result of adopting a vegan diet. In addition to that, we get nutritional benefits from a vegan diet full of foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and soy products. Eating a healthy vegan diet has been shown to prevent a number of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, diabetes, colon cancer and breast cancer.

Through my own experience, since I started my vegan diet, I reduced my medicine intake and the dosage for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The money I saved, I added it to my food budget like fruits and vegetables.

Shall I say it reduced wrinkles, too? I appreciated by heart the various recipes (which I am adding to my home cooking library) James Claire is sharing with us. You add more life to our daily dietary meals.The red quinoa with tofu and mushrooms is very palatable to eat.

Edna The September issue of WTM was an inspirational read. It was nice to read about Bahrain's first female trade union leader and equal rights activist Suad Mubarak. She rightly said that we should become leaders ourselves rather than wait for men to represent us.

The article on Mai Al Moayyed was also interesting. I liked the article on parenting as well. Keep on publishing such interesting articles in future issues. WTM is indeed a complete women’s magazine.

Fatema

Ever and hosted events to introduce their new brushes and products. I represent Sigma beauty brushes in Bahrain.

Over the coming months, we’re adding Bassam Fattouh cosmetics, which are gaining popularity in the region.

P

owerful technologies, such as neuroimaging and advanced brainwave scanners, have shown that adolescent brains undergo considerable structural change particularly in the prefrontal cortex during the teenage years.

The prefrontal cortex is involved in selfawareness and the ability to understand other peoples’ perspective, which is why many young teenagers explore their own self-image and seem insensitive to others’ feelings and concerns.

We also know that adolescents are particularly susceptible to influence by their peer groups. This is why you see predominance of social sub-cultures, such as

WTM: What impact has your work had in Bahrain?

MA: The response is amazing. Girls are being educated about make-up and anyone can notice the difference.

They are becoming more confident. Girls recognise me no matter where I go. It’s funny when they call me ‘The Makeup Manual’ instead of Mai. WTM: Where do you see The Makeup showcase Manual in five years’ time?

MA: I love to think big. I hope to have a bigger team and perhaps another branch in Dubai!

goths, emos, punks and any other trendy things we are out of touch with! This brain change also affects the decision making ability.

MakIng a choIcE Trials have shown that adolescents are more prone to making riskier decisions when in a peer group, which probably accounts for the fact that most adolescents commit crimes with peers. Research has also started to show that although the brain is 95 per cent its adult size at age six, the grey matter (or thinking part of the brain) continues to develop throughout childhood.

In the frontal part of the brain, this

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development peaks around 11 in girls and 12 in boys, which is roughly about the age of puberty. The grey matter then starts to thin as excess connections are eliminated or pruned. Much research is now focussed around the postulation of the “use it or lose it” principle, namely a premise that those connections that are used will survive and flourish and those that aren’t will wither and die.

So around the critical time of puberty, the young teenager not only has hormones gushing through their system, but the brain functions are also being enhanced or reduced.

All the life choices (sports, art, music or academia) are there, but start getting whittled www.womanthismonth.com

A Coupe for the Ages E

This top tier motoring brand offers car enthusiasts the latest elegant sports vehicle with personality.

uro Motors welcomes the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the third model to join the 2014 BMW 4 Series product range and the company’s first compact executive coupé with four doors. The car makes an immediate impression. By combining the look of a twodoor with the functionality of its four-door counterparts, passengers are allowed easy access when entering and leaving the vehicle.

The doors are frameless, adding to its sleek and elegant look. At a glance, the typical BMW short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment complement the design to express balance combined with a bold presence.

Xenon headlights are standard, while adaptive LED twin headlights are optional as they team up with the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. This coupled with twin round circular headlights make the revamped model instantly recognisable as a BMW. Customers who want the utmost in

70 September 2014

exclusivity and aesthetics can select additional options from the brand’s Individual Collection. The range includes fine leathers for the interior, exclusive wood trims, special door sill finishes and unique exterior colours, enabling customers to upgrade the car’s look.

The M Sport package is also available with special body elements, exterior colours, lightalloy wheels, and interior variants in both cloth and leather.

The coupé has a unique combination of intelligent driver assistance systems available as both standard or optional under the brand’s ConnectedDrive feature. This innovation continues to set the benchmark in terms of safety, comfort and infotainment in the motoring industry. These include professional multimedia navigation system, head-up display, driving assistant, active cruise control and lane change warning systems.

Glare-free high-beam assistant and park assist are offered. Collectively, these help keep

the driver more alert, reducing the possibility of accidents and minimising consequences should one occur.

Consumers can choose from the three available engine variants — 435i, 428i and 420i with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology for excellent dynamic performance combined with low fuel consumption. The high-end 435i three-litre, six-cylinder engine delivers 306hp, while the 428i and 420i both come with a twolitre, four-cylinder engine delivering 245hp and 184hp respectively.

The extremely stiff body and advanced chassis technology ensure that the coupé offers sporty performance while offering added comfort for rear-seat passengers.

Thanks to its low centre of gravity and a balanced front-rear weight distribution, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is glued to the road and boasts particularly agile handling.

Call 17 750-750 or visit www.euromotors.com.bh. www.womanthismonth.com

WRITE IN AND WIN Three letters in the next issue will win a dinner voucher worth BD20 each from Nino's. To win this, send us your views on our October 2014 edition either by email to wtmletters@rhm.bh, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO 20461.

The winner will be selected at random. If yours is the star letter this month, please write to the same email address with your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number to claim your prize. www.womanthismonth.com

shopping | pick of the month

Monastic Aroma

The love for nice scents has been around forever. The enhanced development of high-quality fragrances over many centuries is part of this perfumery’s history.

B

oasting a history of five centuries, the scent house Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella recently landed on Bahrain’s shores. The perfumery has grown from simple medicinal herbs and potions created by Dominican monks to stand-alone boutiques in upmarket shopping centres in the Americas, Europe and the Far East.

The first alcohol-developed cologne by the Santa Maria Novella monks was made especially for Catherine de Medici, a 16th

10 October 2014

century queen of France. Today, it houses a fragrance called Acqua della Regina, which is a bouquet of fresh citrus notes with a base of Calabrian bergamot. The colognes, essences and extracts are the result of a strong combination of technology and creativity.

The store offers a variety of beauty and skincare products, such as lotions, aftershaves and toners. There’s a fine selection of candles, house fragrances, chocolates, teas and herbals as well. Find the store at Al Aali Shopping Complex to

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SHOPPING | news

Cartoon world

To celebrate the 65th anniversary of one of the most famous cartoons in the world, Dsquared2 has prepared two special looks. Snoopy and his sister Belle are dressed in winter outfits that have the brand’s signature style. Titled ‘Snoopy & Belle in Fashion’, the project which debuted more than 30 years ago aims to raise funds for numerous charity causes.

Glamour for the eyes

Inspired by timeless beauty divas, Bulgari developed high-end jewellery sunglasses for the women of today.

Entirely handcrafted with 4.61 carats of pavé diamonds, the piece combines the sparkle of pink gold and diamonds with refined tones of the acetate.

RETAIL THERAPY

Our shopping section this month is inspired by the chilly days to come. We’re all set for the winter and the back to school vibe.

Goodbye summer!

The kidswear collection by Tommy Hilfiger is inspired by an exciting voyage.

The brand’s autumn line has a selection of backpacks, jumpers, parkas, jackets and jeans for the little explorers.

Aqua for the soul

Unilever has released its new Brooke Bond Red Label tea in the region, which boasts an Osmofilter technology. The round tea bags guarantee quick infusion, delivering a deep red colour. The natural flavonoids found in the leaves help keep you healthy and improve your blood circulation.

The power of the force

The young and vibrant brand Vans meets Star Wars in a collection of classic footwear, men’s apparel and women’s accessories. The artwork inspired by the original trilogy brings a pair of classic slip-ons with the 1977 poster artwork from Star Wars Episode IV. The new collection is available at select Sun & Sand Sports and Vans stores.

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Bahrain City Centre - 17172307

FASHION | AW14-15

Autumn/Winter 2014-2015

Dolce & Gabbana

by FERNANDA LANGHAMMER

The chilly breeze is about to hit the island; fashion outlets across Bahrain are ready to welcome it. The new collections are awash with warm knits, cosy quilts and fluffy materials. The vintage style can be spotted in the ‘60s and monarchy inspirations. The colour palette varies from loud hues to olive green and blush pink. Woman This Month highlights the season’s trends to help you compose your new wardrobe.

16 Hot Knits 18 Quilt Mania 20 Fluffy Business 22 The Sixties 24 Game of Thrones 26 Colour Flash 28 Winter Green 30 Pretty in Pink www.womanthismonth.com

October 2014

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Hot Knits

16 October 2014

Salvatore Ferragamo

Michael Kors

Polo Ralph Lauren

Tommy Hilfiger

Calvin Klein

he whole purpose of winter clothes is to keep you warm; knits are an obvious choice. For a while they were seen as pieces to be worn inside the house. Times have changed; designers in the four fashion capitals have used and abused knits in their collections.

Having returned to the status of a stylish material, crochets can be spotted in many different styles. Maxi sweaters are the season’s must-have pieces. They can be worn as dresses and paired with tights and boots.

Michael Kors and Stella McCartney adopted this concept seriously; their most wanted looks are the long jumpers. Polo Ralph Lauren and Salvatore Ferragamo incorporated knits into their collections the traditional way.

Stella McCartney

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The Oldies Comfy grandpa sweaters can easily be transformed to fit the maxi cardigan style. Add some oomph by complementing the chunky knits with trendy accessories.

Cotton threads are best for the mild winters of the Middle East.

You don’t even need tights or leggings to keep you warm.

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1. Orsay; 2. East; 3. Crew Clothing; 4. Hobbs; 5. Call It Spring; 6. Dorothy Perkins; 7. Accessorize; 8. White Stuff www.womanthismonth.com

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Quilt Mania

18 October 2014

Moschino

Jonathan Saunders

Giles

Dior

Miu Miu

he art of quilting gets especially noticed during winters. The cushy texture can be found in a variation of fabrics, such as luxe wool anoraks and thin voile materials. The 3D aspect adds extra comfort and warmth to a quilted piece.

Easily found in clothing items, the trend has extended its reach to accessories, such as structured clutches, hats and gloves.

Although they scream winter, you may be able to stretch the use of your quilted handbag to the warmer season. The graphic shape is an easy way to add glam to your look without overdoing it.

Jonathan Saunders and Moschino applied the classic quilt style in the pieces where it is usually found — jackets! Giles and Dior went a bit further. The former used it in trousers; the latter created a new pattern composition and applied it to dresses.

Opening Ceremony

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SOFT TOUCH Quilted bomber jackets are the obvious choice when embracing this trend. However, the biggest must-have item for the season is a quilted handbag or clutch. Opt for a solid colour and you will be ready to go from work to a nightclub in style.

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1. Juicy Couture; 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs; 3. Marks & Spencer; 4. DKNY; 5. Mulberry; 6. Littlewoods; 7. Lipsy; 8. M&Co October 2014

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Fluffy Business

20 October 2014

Paul Smith

Givenchy

Marni

Prada

Lanvin

hen it comes to furry or feathery materials, we think of volume. Fashion brands have been trying to sell us this trend for a while now; the catwalks were full of fluffiness this season as well.

From coats to accessories, the extra layer comes in different colours and materials.

Long and short strings in soft velvety fabrics are the popular choices.

The island may not be the best place to throw on a fur jacket. A way to embrace this trend without melting is to opt for fuzzy accessories or a cool vest. The soft touch of a hairy clutch can do the work.

Giambattista Valli and Prada opted for maxi volume and ultra cosiness with longsleeved dresses. Lanvin kept it simple, using the fur as a striking detail to a look.

Giambattista Valli

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Wallis

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Get Loud We usually see fur as a symbol of sophistication, especially on ladies walking on red carpets in impeccable gowns. This season, ready-to-wear designers proved that fur can be incorporated to our everyday look as well.

Fake fluffy materials have been used in all sorts of ways, even attached to a pair of washed-out jeans.

1. F&F; 2. Hoss Intropia; 3. Mint Velvet; 4. Louis Vuitton; 5. House of Fraser; 6. H&M; 7. Kenzo; 8. Dune

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The Sixties

22 October 2014

Topshop Tory Burch

Giorgio Armani

Dior

DSquared2

he Mamas & The Papas were playing on the radio while the fashion vibe from this Golden Age was consolidating its style. The mini skirt was invented and girls started to pair them with knee-high socks.

Colour-blocking, A-line dresses and the “Twiggy” style are the products of this decade. Also, during this period, Coco Chanel made her name with unique creations next to Emilio Pucci’s psychedelic patterns.

The fun and funky designs from the ‘60s still exists in our days.

New names and traditional fashion houses revisited the decade this season to find the inspiration to their collections. Some of them adapted the style completely, whilst others just flirted with it.

Louis Vuitton and Moschino gave us the impression that they brought their ladies back from the ‘60s. The déjà vu feeling got stronger with LV’s turtleneck dress and Moschino’s matching skirt and blazer.

Saint Laurent

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That’s Kinky The vintage concept is a favourite amongst the fashion forward. The classic look can be best composed by pairing an A-line skirt with a T-shirt and oxfords. A total ‘60s look may be too much.

Incorporate a few elements here and there to get an offbeat look.

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1. Juicy Couture; 2. Dickins & Jones at House of Fraser; 3. Miss Selfridge; 4. Weill; 5. Naturalizer; 6. Salvatore Ferragamo; 7. Matalan

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Game of Thrones

24 October 2014

Tory Burch

Jean Paul Gaultier

Undercover

Alexander McQueen

Dolce & Gabbana

nspired by the monarchy of medieval times, this trend is full of brocades, lace, velvet, gems, capes, crowns, structured fabrics and cuts. The collections have been tinted with deep versions of colours, such as black, red and green.

The clothes and accessories boast royal patterns like magnificent lilies and symmetrical stencils. Mysterious creatures, knights, kings and queens are the main inspirations in the composition of these attires.

Long dresses, capes and coats with a dramatic tone and silhouette are set to invade our wardrobes this season. If you want to impress, this is the trend to help you get noticed in the crowd.

Jean Paul Gaultier gave its own twist to British royalty in its creations. Dolce & Gabbana has been showing off its relationship with royals for a while now.

This time, the duo was mainly inspired by medieval warriors.

Nina Ricci

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Paule Ka

Reign on Us To easily embellish your black and white outfit, accessorise it with an outstanding pair of printed red loafers, a chunky and shiny necklace or a golden clutch. The art of mastering this trend is to add elements that translate fashion standards of old times. Forget about long red and white furry capes; leave those for school plays and costume parties.

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1. Chloe Jade Green; 2. East; 3. Santoni; 4. Versace; 5. Accessorize; 6. Ralph Lauren; 7. Hobbs; 8. Cb Made in Italy

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Colour Flash

26 October 2014

Topshop

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Giorgio Armani

Dior

Celine

he use of bright colours in winter is quite unusual, particularly when being contrasted with dark hues and when it is not being used as solid shades. However, this is exactly what some brands did this season.

The use of neon can also be spotted here and there. The addition of colour is a clever way to bring an element of cheer to the grey winter days. For Middle Eastern residents, who can count on sunny days even when it is a bit chilly, these bold shades are perfect.

The trend can be embraced by using it just as a detail or by picking a piece of your outfit in a vivid shade and teaming it with shadowy hues.

Kenzo, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Topshop opted for daring hues and cobined them with black and grey. Celine and Dior got a bolder effect when pairing loud colours with brown and burgundy.

Kenzo

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THE PALETTE Colours are being used in their brightest versions. Pink, yellow, orange, green and blue were the designers’ favourite hues.

Long-sleeved formal pieces get a funky twist with the colourful details. Accessories are an easy way to introduce this trend to your looks.

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1. Parfois; 2. New Look; 3. Very; 4. Mango; 5. Isme; 6. Steve Madden; 7. M&Co; 8. CH Carolina Herrera October 2014

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Winter Green

28 October 2014

Balmain Paul & Joe

Jean Paul Gaultier

Celine

Isabel Marant

very season, we bet on some colours.

This autumn and winter, dark shades of green have won the central role in fashion.

The colour is fitting for the chic soldier and the jungle warrior alike.

Parkas and long military coats come in soft and luxurious materials, reminding us that glamour comes first. The foliage shade embraces the urban vibe when paired with earthy tones.

Sequins and transparency elevate the feminine appeal of the colour. Olive shades and forest hues were used to create fairytale gowns and armour-inspired frocks.

Lanvin and Paul & Joe transformed long coats into dresses. Using fine fabrics, the pieces represent sophistication. Jean Paul Gaultier stepped into the future to create its collection, while Balmain gave the classic jumpsuit a new twist.

Lanvin

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Desa

1. Simply Be; 2. Chloe; 3. Very; 4. Mango; 5. H&M; 6. DKNY; 7. Baume et Mercier; 8. Mulberry

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Verdant Parade Dark green is an easy colour to mix and match.

Black, red, yellow and brown are some of the shades that effortlessly create a wow effect when paired with the colour. Be inspired by the fashion shows and wear it in contemporary ways. Most designers styled their collections on the runway with green looks from head to toe.

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Fashion Editor's Pick!

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October 2014

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FASHION | AW14-15

Pretty in Pink

30 October 2014

Tod's

Ralph Lauren

Nina Ricci

Carven

Gucci

he second colour that is highlighted this season is pink. The girly shade gets a mature look when tinting key pieces in the new collections. The designs are more structured; the colour plays the main role in these looks. Very light shades, such as champagne pink, progressively turns into dark solid tints, completely skipping other bright variants of the colour.

Blush pink, which was popular in the warm season, can stay in the top drawers. Paired with winter essentials, such as black leather jackets and parkas, this shade gives you a stand-out outfit.

The catwalks have pinpointed the ‘pièce de résistance’: the long pink coat. Made out of wool and luxe materials, this warmer is a must-have piece.

Ralph Lauren brought a feminine version of Robin Hood, only this lady is full of elegance. Gucci has one of the most desirable coats of the season; its reinterpretation of the classic trench coat is jaw-dropping.

Ellie Saab

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Matalan

LaDonna Mode Keep your pinkish accessories nearby to create the perfect winter look. Handbags and shoes are indispensable items in the wardrobe. Pair the shade with unusual hues, such as burgundy and olive green. The combination will resemble the most vintage looks with a modern-day twist.

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1. Lipsy; 2. Marc Jacobs; 3. Dolce & Gabbana; 4. Dune; 5. Hoss Intropia; 6. Lacoste; 7. Schutz; 8. Victoria Beckham October 2014

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FASHION | AW14-15

The Must-have Accessories

Burberry Prossum

The easiest way to transform your look is to concentrate on the additional details. This season, accessories are loud and ready to be the centre of attention.

Chanel

Taking Art to the Street The graphic trend has been in fashion for a while. However, this time, instead of black and white, designers have added a splash of colour. Circles, triangles and rectangles are mashed together to create a visual effect.

Applied to handbags, shoes, necklaces and scarves, op art can add character to an everyday look.

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1. Bulgari; 2. Valentino; 3. Tumi

32 October 2014

That’s Not All Folks!

The ethnic beat of summer still resounds in the cold season.

Colourful and graphic motifs find their place in the accessories this season. Vibrant designs add a casual vibe to your outfit.

Burberry Prorsum mixed the tribal pattern with flowers in a hand-painted effect. Ralph Lauren embraced its folk DNA with eye-catching frills.

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1. Polo Ralph Lauren; 2. Call It Spring; 3. Crew Clothing www.womanthismonth.com

1. Charlotte Olympia; 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs; 3. Moschino

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Funky Mode Fashion is fun! This is the motto of some designers this season. In line with their crazy and creative ideas, unusual elements have been incorporated to the collections.

Milk cartons are now cool handbags in Chanel stores. Moschino decided that Sponge Bob and McDonald’s are great sources of inspiration. The truth is that there are no barriers in the fashion world!

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Chanel

Gucci

These Boots are made for Walkin’ Boots are a winter fashion staple. Opt for knee-high or over-the-knee styles this winter. Wear them with tight jeans or a skirt that ends where the boots start.

High-low dresses are in; they’re a great option to flaunt your legs. The trick lies in the boots; tight ones give the impression that you have infinitely long legs.

1. Aldo; 2. Louis Vuitton; 3. Versace

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October 2014

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Saks Fifth Avenue

in

ra Bah re ent keover C City yle ma st

Nancy and Nadia Hair Spa

Saks Fifth Avenue

Look Your Best!

Styling Fernanda Langhammer

'City Centre Bahrain Style Makeover'offers two lucky readers a fashion transformation in partnership with Woman This Month. Check this out!

Behind the scenes Sacoor Brothers

W

e all need to revamp our style from time to time.

With this in mind, Woman This Month ran a social media competition wherein two lucky winners won City Centre Bahrain's style Makeover! Aside from a day dedicated to fashion, with tips and tricks from the Woman This Month team, the girls got the fabulous gift of a shopping spree.

Nadia Carter-Engineer and Nancy Samir, the two fortunate winners, won a spot in this competition after following us on our social media channels.

At the start of the exciting day at the mall, I had a chat with the girls to discuss where they were

34 October 2014

Kenneth Cole

going wrong with their outfits and how I could help style them.

Our first stop was at Karen Millen. The brand’s feminine designs helped us to explore pieces that Nadia and Nancy never dared to try before.

After trying on several options, Nadia stepped out in a stunning look that paired a long skirt with a black top. This was a milestone as she never thought that long skirts would suit her.

Nancy is nursing so finding the right top is a challenge. The black top with a V-neck solved the issue. The mini woollen skirt with fluorescent details added a wow effect to the look.

Karen Millen

Kenneth Cole was our second stop of the day. The choice of casual and chic made it easy to find the perfect look for both winners — a lightweight jumpsuit with the right cut for Nadia and a structured dress for Nancy. The cherries on top were the eye-catching accessories from the store. For the third look Sacoor Brothers put together two cosy styles, preparing the ladies (and us) for autumn and winter. Nadia wore a knitted sweater and white top with a bow detail. Nancy’s casual mode got a touch of glam with a colourful scarf. Both of them found the perfect pair of denims to complete their laid-

back looks.

To wind up the experience, the skilled make-up artists at Saks Fifth Avenue decked up the girls and gave them tips on how to use the right products to emphasise each feature. Nadia was ready for a night out with expressive dark eyes. Nancy’s make-up is an everyday ‘easy to wear’ look.

Hair Spa treated the girls to new hairstyles. Nancy got her locks straightened; the result was a long stylish mane. Nadia got rid of the frizz, keeping her tresses flawless. The girls walked out with a new idea of fashion.

Stay tuned; you could be next to win a style update! www.womanthismonth.com

Before

Kenneth Cole

Nancy Samir She was pregnant with her second baby and had no time to celebrate her 30th birthday. Now she has revamped her style in time for her 31st. “Thank you City Centre Bahrain and Woman This Month for giving me the opportunity of living the life of a model for a day. I enjoyed every small detail; it was the best day ever!”

Karen Millen

Sacoor Brothers

Nadia Carter-Engineer The mission of picking the correct clothes for her body type was a daunting task. She decided that it was time to ask for help. “The fashion makeover helped me understand what types of clothes suit my body shape and what styles I should look for. I will always remember what I’ve learnt!”

Before

Kenneth Cole

www.womanthismonth.com

Karen Millen

Sacoor Brothers

October 2014

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FASHION

Stand out!

Burgundy, cream and gold — the colours put together make quite the sight. Aldo has nailed it with the bags and purses, featuring a gold zip and tag that are highlighted perfectly.

Off to sea The different shades of greens and blues make these accessories give off a mermaid vibe.

When mixed with pearl shades, these chunky pieces are all about elegance.

Royal Treatment Fabulous, trendy, cultural are three words that best describe the beautiful collection at Aldo Accessories. We take a closer look at the colourful, chunky jewellery.

The hang of it Tassels are in at the moment and Aldo knows just how to make it work.

The mix of colours and beads give the accessories just the right amount of emphasis; we just adore it!

Classy elements This deep sky blue and fuchsia pink combination will work wonders to brighten up your outfit for a ladies’ night out. The slim bracelets in bold colours are bright, without being over the top.

36 October 2014

Polished jewels The emerald stands out, making you feel a million dollars. Be prepared to be the centre of attraction at any event.

Rockstar vibe We love this mix of leopard print against shiny black leather.

These sunglasses and bags will tell everyone not to mess with you!

Call 16 686-214 (City Centre Bahrain), 16 686-221 (Seef Mall), 16 686-233 (The Centre- Al Alawi) or 16 686-231 (Isa Town Mall)

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

True Colours From earth-inspired designs and geometrical colour-blocking to tailored sporty get-ups and futuristic sophistication, look out for the designs at Charles & Keith.

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ave your outfits completed with stunning colours this season. Featuring grassy green, vibrant orange, cherry red and rose pink, Charles & Keith bring you a Sex in the City vibe — at an affordable price.

For those who adore handbags (and have too many to count), get ready to choose from the exceptional selection at Charles & Keith. From bowling bags, shoulder bags and satchels to clutches, sling bags and totes, they’ve got it all!

Call 16 686-206 (City Centre Bahrain) 16 686-226 (Seef Mall) or 16 686-230 (Isa Town Mall).

38 October 2014

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

Go Into Action Feel glamorous in the stunning collection by La Vie en Rose, which offers a mixture of lingerie, sleepwear and a brand new line of sportswear.

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ombining comfort with fashion, La Vie en Rose has launched a gorgeous and snug bra style called the Memory Foam collection.

Featuring two lines, Fantastic and Discreet, these bras prove why the brand is known as lingerie experts.

From hot pinks and cheeky leopard print to blue lace and wild patterns, La Vie en Rose offers just what you need to feel fabulous. The brand’s swimwear is a must-have. The option

40 October 2014

of mixing and matching allows you to create your favourite look that is best suits your silhouette.

For those who are into fitness, the new active collection called ‘Body Mind Soul’ offers a variety of camis, T-shirts, shorts and capris.

Created with a figure-hugging cut and made using a practical stretchable fabric, this line is perfect for the most intense workout sessions.

Call 16 686-210 (City Centre Bahrain).

www.womanthismonth.com

Modal Cami BD 9 Modal Pants BD 13 Modal Kimono BD 17

Bahrain : City Centre Bahrain UAE • Oman • Qatar Fall’14 collection now in store

FASHION

Wardrobe Essentials

To Really Warm Up Be wrapped this season in a parka, a leather jacket or a striking woollen coat.

Autumn and winter collections are here; Mango has an exceptional selection of must-have pieces. Choose your favourite to enjoy the cold days.

To Work and Beyond Tailored, sporty or denim, opt for warm legs.

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To Carry the Basics A clutch or small handbag is all you need!

Call 17 179-718 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 581-883 (Seef Mall).

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

Shine Bright

If you’re searching for perfect classic or trendy jewellery, then end the hunt at A La Mode. The newest brand added to the store’s selection features must-have pieces.

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oasting a fashion-forward attitude, lolaandgrace brings contemporary accessories to A La Mode outlets across Bahrain.

Landing on our shores for the first time, this brand is a creation of the Swarovski Group.

The latest collection from Lola and Grace has a strong ‘mix and match’ character, which helps to add a unique final touch to your well-planned outfit. Cherished for its creativity, careful finishing and quality, the brand offers jewellery that is crafted with Swarovski crystals. An added bonus of this line is that it is reasonably priced — a great reason to transform your next outfit with eye-catching earrings, necklaces, rings, bangles, cuffs and bracelets from lolaandgrace.

Call 17 179-863 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 581-588 (Seef Mall).

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FASHION

English Sensibility

Fusing Britain’s reverence for tradition and its tradition for irreverence, Hobbs takes a chic and pragmatic approach to dressing.

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obbs’ designs are known for their perfect cut, flattering lines, luxurious materials, exquisite craftsmanship and pinsharp attention to detail. Founded in 1981, the English fashion brand offers an extensive choice for sophisticated, modern women who appreciate quality and style. Almost as much attention is paid to the interiors of Hobbs, stores as to the collections.

A newfound pragmatism Expanding the narrow confines of day and evening wear, the autumn and winter collection playfully blends casual and formal to establish a contemporary dress code.

With an emphasis on easy elegance, this new aesthetic sees everyday essentials paired with occasion pieces and heritage fabrics sprinkled with luxe flourishes.

Cosy, too, receives a chic update as plush textures and tactile fabrics come into play in coats. These include long overcoats and

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aviator jackets, cashmere wool, mannish belted styles and winter’s key layering piece — a long line reversible cardy.

Colour update Anchoring the collection, granite, cream, camel and chocolate are winter’s go-to neutrals, which are given a fresh update by being worn tone on tone. Other contemporary wardrobe tropes — dazzling colour and print — are realised in flowing, digital floral print gowns, moss green bouclé coats and a standout crimson lace dress.

A sleek coterie of accessories rounds out the collection. The modish metallic brogue and slouchy knee-high boot are the heroes of footwear for day and night, while the doctor’s tote in rich claret is the handbag statement of the season.

Call 17 179-681 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 581-078 (Seef Mall). www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

New Adventures Are your kids prepared to have fun this winter?

Pumpkin Patch has launched an exciting new range of apparel for the upcoming season.

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one-stop shopping experience for kids’ fashion with a clear design focus, Pumpkin Patch offers junior versions of current looks with a fresh and young twist that appeals to both kids and parents. The brand offers a quality-design-driven and coordinated range for toddlers and children along with accessories, footwear and funky fashions for pre-teens.

The collections are created by a dedicated in-house design team, who draw inspiration from the kids in their lives to ensure each garment is fresh and fun with a distinctive Pumpkin Patch signature. Each range is packed with great fashion, hardwearing everyday wear and other coordinating wardrobe essentials, including nightwear and swimwear.

Call 17 179-621 (City Centre Bahrain).

48 October 2014

www.womanthismonth.com

Shape Your Career at the Swiss Hotel School

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ENROLMENT OPEN FIRST BATCH STARTS OCTOBER 2014

Top Swiss Hotel School - NOW IN BAHRAIN For more details contact:

Bahrain Institute of Hospitality & Retail W.L.L e-mail: htmi@bihr.com.bh T.+973 1769 8880

bihr.com.bh

8000 1788 Toll Free

fashion

The World’s First GPS Solar Watch Seiko’s authorised dealers in the Kingdom, Ambassador Stores, usher a new era of timekeeping technology to our shores.

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state-of-the-art masterpiece unlike any other, Seiko Astron divides the world into 100,000 squares, covering the 39 different time zones in the world. Embedded with Seiko’s patented, low energy consuming GPS receiver, this watch can accurately update time in 1/100th of a second in any corner of the world at the single press of a button.

Once a day (or on demand), Seiko Astron automatically receives the time signal by connecting to four or more GPS satellites that orbit the Earth. This allows the watch to accurately pinpoint the time zone it is in.

The Astron also runs entirely off solar power

50 October 2014

or any form of ambient light, making it a ‘no maintenance’ watch.

Another unique feature is Seiko’s new proprietary anti-reflective coating applied on the front and back of the glass. This prevents 99 per cent of light reflection, allowing the dial to be legible even in bright light.

Packing all this technology into a meagre 47mm diameter and weighing just 135 grams, the world’s first GPS solar watch is all the rage in the gadget world. To experience the power of the Seiko Astron, visit Ambassador Stores in Manama.

Call 17 225-513.

www.womanthismonth.com

About Us

We offer custom makes ladies designer wear for Arabic, indian and Pakistani with accessories

We offer Arabic Dress : Jalabiya, Kaftan Indian Dress : Celebrities Designer Wear including Lehengas, Sarees, Choli Etc...

Pakistani Dress: All Type Of Lawn & Lilen, Kurties, Shalwar, Kameez Accessories: Lingeries, Designer Jewellery and Hand Bags

Shop 254, Block 341, Al Shahab Avenue Juffair, Tel: 13630984

FASHION

Urban Vs Casual The battle to look catwalk ready, effortlessly, is over thanks to the autumn/winter collection from Massimo Dutti which provides style and comfort.

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rom feminine silk and flannel maxi dresses to masculine oversized coats and jacket suits, the range of apparel at Massimo Dutti will have women around the world feeling sophisticated, practical and elegant. What more could you want?

The Spanish brand has a personal mission to provide its customers with the best materials to boost their confidence and glamour quotients. This season, the clothing experts focus their attention on the all-important www.womanthismonth.com

element of colours. Featuring beige, taupe, soft grey, ochre, indigo and burgundy, the collection’s clothes, shoes and accessories guarantee that winter colours are just what you need to feel classy.

Massimo Dutti started up as a men’s fashion business, creating unique outfits ranging from exceptionally tailored eveningwear to unique and personal casualwear. Indeed, the men’s collection consolidates the style, opting for grey or beige palettes enriched by subtle

touches of ochre or indigo. The triumphant fusion of tailoring with casual can be seen in the balanced blend of suits with ankle boots, cashmere sweaters and waistcoats.

If your children need a revamp in the wardrobe department, then take a look at the brand’s ‘Boys & Girls’ line. Dressing children from the ages of two to 16, Massimo Dutti offers one-of-a-kind fresh and youthful designs. Call 17 583-230 (Seef Mall) or 17 172-325 (City Centre Bahrain).

October 2014

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FASHION

Botanical

Inspirations Spanish brand Punt Roma has released a new collection with a floral theme that will suit all styles.

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ottle green, intense blue and burgundy are the colours that are blossoming into fashion this season. Punt Roma has utilised these hues in its fabulous autumn and winter collections. Be the first to get your hands on the blazers, beaded tops, coats and accessories.

Freshen up your winter look with stylish gold detailing, transparent gauzes and soft fabrics. The elegant line features Parisian influences like the use of black and white, black leather and lace details.

Call 17 172-307 (City Centre Bahrain).

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www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

Sleep In If you’re tired of wearing the same old black and white sleepwear that hugs you in all the wrong places, then it’s time to paint the town pink with women’secret.

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o you wish there was some place you could go to purchase a range of fun, bright, quirky and comfortable nightwear? women’secret has sent lovable characters, like Pink Panther, Marie the Cat from The Aristocats and Bambi, on a mission across Dubai, New York, London and Paris to give you just that.

Be the first to witness the adorable winter collection that features pyjama sets, night shirts, T-shirts and shorts. The brand offers a range of bra and brief sets, vanity cases and slippers. Brighten up your sleepwear this winter by visiting a women’secret outlet.

Call 17 178-289 (City Centre Bahrain).

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www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

Rocker Glam

Quick! Run to your wardrobe and start ditching all the patterns and prints to make room for the autumn/winter collection from Vincci.

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f you like to pair elegant work outfits with bold accessories and have everyone’s eyes on you, then Vincci is the shop for you! Using abstract shapes, sharp colours and chunky details, the latest collection will have you feeling like a celebrity!

Unleashing your inner rock chick is not difficult with the daring studs, spikes and

www.womanthismonth.com

chains attached to glitter, patent, PU and snakeskin materials. The range just screams feminine punk!

From trendsetting footwear to must-have handbags, Vincci has all the finishing touches to complete a look — from minimalism to colour-blocking. Call 17 300-860 (Ramli Mall) or 17 178-696 (City Centre Bahrain).

October 2014

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showcase FASHION

Ethnic Designs An iconic Indian fashion brand, Kala Niketan, has found a new home in Bahrain, offering a wide range of ethnic apparel to the island’s residents.

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ala Niketan — The Original by Hiten Parekh launches its store in association with one of the biggest names in Bahrain’s fashion industry, Kubra Al Qaseer. Known for her combination of Arabic styles with a touch of flamboyance and modern Western influences, Kubra is a traditionalist at heart.

“It’s an absolute honour to be associated with a 73-year-old Indian brand,” she says.

“Kala Niketan stands for quality, style and class. Their collections are unique, stylish, classy and wearable for all occasions. I truly hope to take the brand to a new level.”

Hiten Parekh, the owner of Kala Niketan, has been a part of the family business for the last 23 years. He has been inspired by his father Navneet Parekh, who is a living legend in the silk garment industry. The brand aims to represent the rich culture of India on a global scale through its collection of ethnic apparel.

“The Indian fashion stage is a reflection of deep cultural influences, the consumer shift in the new economic scenario and changing social perceptions. It indicates the birth of new and distinct target groups that ride on various influences to set new trends. These influencers and various target group characteristics are key to bringing Indian traditional wear to an international platform,” says Hiten.

The collection at Kala Niketan — The Original is personally handpicked by Hiten Parekh and his in-house team of designers.

The brand has established its presence in Mumbai, Baroda, Pune, Dubai and now in Bahrain. Its expansion plan includes new stores across the UAE, the USA and Singapore in addition to the ones set to open in Canada and the Indian city of Indore.

Call 17 700-720.

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www.womanthismonth.com

Beauty | news

Models Own Nail Polish. This brand just landed in Bahrain with its unique creations. Different textures and scented nail polish can be found next to selected make-up products.

Available at Models Own.

Beauty

Essentials

Are you looking for a new cosmetic or perfume?

Our product selection may help you find that missing item in your beauty collection.

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift. This new generation collection of products is formulated with plant extracts that help release excess fat, drain excess fluids and preserve firmer facial contours. They relieve heaviness and puffiness caused by diets rich in fat, salt and sugar.

Available at all leading retailers.

Beauty Editor's Pick

Roger & Gallet Hand and Nail Creams. Hard water and rough weather conditions make the skin feel dry and tight, making the nails brittle. To protect and moisturise your hands, the brand has created a line of lotions with shea butter and plant oils.

Available at all leading retailers.

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire.

The lipstick range blends a plush and intense colour with moisturising properties. The formula contains micro-oils infused with rich pigments and delivers smoothness and shine in one coat.

Available at all leading retailers.

Bath & Body Works Endless Weekend. The brand’s new fragrance brings raspberry lychee sorbet, sparkling mandarin, juicy nectarine, apple and Mirabelle plum as top notes. The scent can also be found in a fragrance mist, shower gel, body lotion and candle.

Available at Bath & Body Works.

60 October 2014

www.womanthismonth.com

Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover for Feet. The round foam on this product is specially developed to remove the stubborn nail polish from your toenails. If we’ve dreamed of it, Sephora has created it.

Available at Sephora.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream. Light and airy, the fragrance has top notes of blackberry, grapefruit and pear. The heart notes bring the scents of jasmine, lychee and blue wisteria. The base is a fusion of white woods, musk and coconut water.

Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

Make Up For Ever Aqua Black.

The creamy eye shadow is part of the brand’s graphic liners collection. The waterproof product helps create an intense and long-lasting smoky eye. The cream can also be used as an eyeliner.

Available at Make Up For Ever.

October 2014

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BEAUTY | review

Catwalk Make-up

by FERNANDA LANGHAMMER

Make-up and hair styles from the fashion shows are the inspiration for our real-life looks. This season, beauty experts tell us to concentrate on our eyes and tresses.

Temperley London

Gucci

The Neat Plait Braids are an old favourite; this season you can practise your braiding skills.

Depending on the way they are styled, plaits can be casual or sophisticated. It’s the perfect choice for those days when your hair needs a wash, but you have no energy to wake up early. Marc by Marc Jacobs sported thin pigtails.

Temperley London went for classic thick side braids.

Versace

Prada

Marc by Marc Jacobs

The Long Lashes Eyes are definitely the centre of attention this season. Long, beautiful lashes have become mandatory. Forget about smoky eyes and concentrate on having stand-out lashes. Be minimal with eye shadows; give your eyeliner the supporting role. Don’t forget to highlight lower lashes as well.

Gucci created dreamy eyes for their runway show. Prada clumped up the lashes to make a statement.

62 October 2014

www.womanthismonth.com

Lanvin

Zac Posen

The Dark Touch The one certainty in the beauty world is that black will always be in season. The difference is in the way it is applied. For this autumn and winter, creativity is the key. Eye shadows can be brushed on as a painting, as seen in the Lanvin show. Junko Shimada combined the eyeliner with eye shadow to create a graphic effect. Zac Posen opted for feathery elements.

Junko Shimada

The It Eye Shadow Inspired by the ‘70s, designers decided that it was time to revive the bright blue eye shadow.

However, to blend it into present day styles, you must remember not to cover the whole lid. Be careful with this tone. Pick vivid or pastel shades and apply them as eyeliner. A thicker line makes your eyes pop. Kenzo and Dior catwalks show you how it’s done!

Dior

www.womanthismonth.com

Chanel

Kenzo

October 2014

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BEAUTY

Beauty for All Beauty fanatics can celebrate the arrival of a new make-up brand.

Wow by Wojooh offers custom-made products to women in the region.

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he Middle East is an extraordinary market. When brands tailor their products to the needs of the region, it is a formula for success. For those with endless beauty cabinets, Wojooh introduces a new makeup line that caters to the specific needs of Bahrain’s women.

Wow by Wojooh is a complete beauty arsenal made up of 140 unique products.

Developed in Europe by make-up experts, the brand is trendy and innovative. When

64 October 2014

creating a product to be used in the Middle East, there is one big factor that must be taken into consideration — the heat! With this in mind, the brand made sure that the entire collection is equipped to tackle high temperatures. From smudge- and leak-proof mascaras to long-lasting foundation with SPF15, they’ve got you covered.

To enhance the beauty of your eyes, Wow by Wojooh offers a wide selection of eye shadows, mascaras, kohl pencils and

waterproof eyeliners. Additionally, the brand has created the right tools for applying these beauty products. A full kit of essential brushes has been carefully crafted for precise application and blending.

To learn about the products or discover the perfect foundation for your skin type, visit the nearest Wojooh store. The team of experts gives visitors valuable tips and tricks about make-up. Call 17 112-725 (Seef Mall) or visit www.wojooh.com. www.womanthismonth.com

High Tea Indulgence

TEA GARDEN: A chic & cosmopolitan flair

Spend a leisurely afternoon with a connoisseurs selection of finest tea from around the world, gourmet sweets, pastries, chocolates and delicatessen all meticulously prepared by our very own pastry chef.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion with your loved ones and friends or just want to treat yourself, Tea Garden is a place for an afternoon pure bliss. * Terms & conditions apply

Seef Area | Bahrain T: +973 17 111 999 teagarden@rameegrandbahrain.com www.rameegrandbahrain.com

beauty

Managing Pain and Anxiety H

It is difficult to pinpoint precisely where reflexology originated and how it evolved. Joz Salon & Spa has taken a modern approach to the practice.

umans have always sought methods of easing emotional and physical discomfort. Ancient literature is filled with formulas, descriptions of remedies, and examples of manoeuvres and procedures aimed at easing pain. While many of these have been forever lost to history, practices such as reflexology have not only survived, but are enjoying resurgence in popularity.

Research focusing on this technique’s potential utility in pain management is increasing.

It is believed that reflexology began in China roughly 5,000 years ago. The ancient Chinese, particularly the Taoists, were known to heal the whole body by tapping pressure points on the feet. They exerted pressure on specific body parts, or zones, in patients to determine whether this provided substantive and lasting pain relief.

In addition, it is thought that applying pressure to regions of the foot corresponded

66 October 2014

to relief in other, more centrally located, areas of the body. Reflexology’s use of controlled pressure for analgesia may be as effective for promoting good health and for preventing illness as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, injury and illness. Reflexologists today work from maps of predefined pressure points located on the hands and feet.

“The professional masseuses at Joz Salon & Spa divide the human body into 10 equal longitudinal zones running from head to toe. In theory, these pressure points can affect bodily organs and glands,” explains Vinny Aseeja, business development head at Joz Beauty Division.

The science behind reflexology Reflexology uses subtle pressure on specific muscle areas of the feet or hands to stimulate blood flow and nerve impulses that then trigger the release of endorphins and retained toxins. The majority of clinical

trials examining the efficacy of reflexology have targeted conditions involving pain management and anxiety.

Many practices combine this therapy with other similar alternative practices, so the cost is often a combination of more than one type of treatment. No trial found any adverse effects of the therapy. On the contrary, most anecdotal comments are positive. Benefits such as not having to move a bedridden individual or remove clothing are some reasons for people to try this form of therapy. “When choosing any sort of alternative therapy, the first question is always safety. Healthcare professionals that support the holistic treatment of patients should have no misgivings about trying reflexology, specifically those who desire natural treatments,” Vinny adds.

Joz Salon & Spa has branches in Amwaj and Juffair. Book an appointment for a reflexology session. Call 16 031-120, 17 756-449 or 17 369-133. www.womanthismonth.com

Seef Mall facebook.com/

(973) 17001700 toniandguybahrain

toniandguybahrain@gmail.com @toniandguybahrain

PEOPLE | interview

Saving Lives

by SIMI KAMBOJ

The most common cancer among women worldwide, breast cancer is a leading cause of death globally. Armed with local support, Think Pink Bahrain has cracked the decades of silence that shrouded this silent disease.

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or an ailment for which cause and cure continues to baffle scientists, breast cancer is best fought with early intervention, screening and awareness. However, in Bahrain and elsewhere in the region, a culture of taboos and myths surrounding this disease has significantly impacted the spread of knowledge.

Having been touched by breast cancer herself, Julie Sprakel set up Think Pink Bahrain in 2004 in order to make information about it accessible on the island. This was long before the proliferation of social media channels. Ten years later, the team’s success is a testament not only to their professionalism and commitment, but also to the support from the local community. We caught up with the founder and chairwoman of the organisation as she plans the celebrations of its milestone.

Woman This Month (WTM): Congratulations on completing a decade in Bahrain. What are your thoughts on this occasion?

Julie Sprakel (JS): I am extremely proud of this milestone. Our team here is driven by the support we receive from the public each year, which propels our mission further. We have enabled educational development at a healthcare level to support breast cancer patients in Bahrain.

I’ve been privileged to know remarkably strong women and their families, and to be part of their lives at an incredibly sensitive time. I’m most proud that we are a homegrown registered charity that now has a solid foundation and is one that a new generation can take forward.

WTM: Looking back over the past years, what accomplishments stand out for you?

JS: We’ve funded nine healthcare professionals with an international certification from Klose Institute, Germany, to provide lymph oedema treatment.

These nurses and physiotherapists work at Salmaniya Medical Complex, BDF Hospital and King Hamad University Hospital.

We’ve also paid tuition for four nurses to receive their MSc at RCSI Bahrain, with a thesis on breast cancer issues. The biggest

68 October 2014

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achievement is the acceptance of a digital MRI machine by the Ministry of Health. Costing BD490,000, this machine will be operational by February 2015.

WTM: What events have you planned for the tenth anniversary?

JS: We’re holding the 9th Annual Ladies and Gents Golfing Event at the Royal Golf Club on October 16. This event has the largest number of female golfers participating on the island.

We are hosting our anniversary celebration on October 17 with a gala evening event at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. This fundraiser will enable the charity to provide services to the community. Harley-Davidson’s Owners Group — Bahrain has confirmed their support for the annual Pink Awareness Ride in October, along with a Pink Rooftop Party earlier in the month.

WTM: Your campaign for 2014 seeks to involve men in building awareness. What is the rationale behind this strategy?

JS: A man with a partner, wife or mother can play a big part in the fight against breast cancer. We want to encourage men to join the women in their lives in the battle against cancer. Our core communication is focused on asking men to join hands with loved ones to encourage women to undergo monthly checkups and self-examination.

We ask men to support the women in their www.womanthismonth.com

lives with gentle encouragement about self-checking, because ultimately, early prevention is the key to saving lives. If women feel encouraged, they’ll do what’s best for their health.

communities should be aware that survival is more favourable when diagnosed earlier and includes basic education for frontline healthcare staff. The campaign is being rolled out in English and Arabic.

WTM: The opinion in the medical community is divided over mammography screening. How do women decide on whether they should go for this test?

JS: Women need to be proactive about their health. Taking eight minutes each month to perform breast self-examinations is the first line of defence. If they know their bodies, they’ll be able to notice changes in them.

Mammography guidelines differ with countries. In Bahrain, it’s recommended for women over 40. The Ministry of Health offers free screening for nationals and expatriates at three health centres in the Kingdom.

WTM: Where do you see this initiative 10 years down the line?

JS: I believe the charity has started to grow with collaborative partnership from the community and will flourish further.

Education and training should be addressed at a community level with governmental support. Instead of relying on facts and figures from the West, relevant data and statistics need to be generated from the local population. This will encourage further research and provide a cultural foundation.

Medical institutions should make an effort to endorse such awareness training within their curriculum as these future professionals are the first support line for many patients. Up-to-date information should be provided to all healthcare professionals and therefore be held as a standard of practice. Healthcare delivery in terms of supporting breast cancer patients needs to be better aligned and not fractional.

A holistic approach, professionalism and communication are key areas of development in moving forward.g

WTM: How widely have you managed to reach the local community in Bahrain?

JS: We do a lot of lectures on breast selfexamination within the community and many of our sponsors are local business personnel.

Think Pink Bahrain is not an expatriate charity; over half of our volunteers are Bahraini. Our 2013-2014 campaign is centred on an Arab discourse.

There is a perception within the Arab population that breast cancer is a Western disease. Although considered a sensitive issue,

Visit www.thinkpinkbahrain.com.

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Get Out; Get Pink

Across the month of October, there are plenty of events marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month for you to choose from and contribute to a necessary and meaningful cause.

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When? October 1 Event? Pink Rooftop Party Venue? Meisei This inaugural event will be a fun and interactive experience for everyone. It is an opportunity to raise awareness by supporting breast cancer initiatives for Think Pink Bahrain. The event kicks off at 7.30pm; tickets are on sale for BD15.

Call 17 007-770.

When? October 3 Event? Harley Owners Group Awareness Ride Venue? HOG Budaiya Dealership In its sixth year, this event is a mainstay of the Think Pink Bahrain calendar. There will be many water breaks and photo stops along the way. These include RCSI-Bahrain, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Gulf Brands International and the Royal Golf Club. The ride starts at 8am.

Email info@thinkpinkbahrain.com.

When? October 10 Event? The Bahrain Cancer Society Walk-a-Thon Venue? Al Ghous Corniche, Muharraq For the ultimate public participation, the Bahrain Cancer Society encourages everyone to get up on their feet and walk the corniche

in support of early detection of cancer. If running isn’t your thing, you’ve got this lovely walk as an alternative.

Call 17 233-080.

When? October 16 Event? Men’s Night Golf; the 9th Ladies’ Texas Scramble Venue? Royal Golf Club On its mission of spreading awareness in regards to education and early detection of breast cancer, ladies’ and men’s golf tournaments will take place to raise money for Think Pink Bahrain’s education and diagnostic funds.

Call 17 750-777.

When? October 17 Event? Think Pink 10th Anniversary Gala Evening Venue? The Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa This Think Pink evening marks 10 years of the charity in Bahrain. It is the first gala event in two years and, among other things, celebrate the decision of the Ministry of Health to install a digital MRI machine at Salmaniya Medical Complex. Expect glitz and glamour in the name of a great cause.

Call 39 076-717 or 17 531-008.

www.womanthismonth.com

Get Screened A

Increased awareness and improved screening have led to earlier diagnoses of breast cancer, leading to significant improvement in survival rates.

ccording to Dr Neetha Ravi, specialist — general surgery at Royal Bahrain Hospital, “Breast cancer is often first detected as an abnormality on a radiography screening before it is felt by the patient or healthcare provider. All women should undergo annual exams starting at the age of 30.”

She recommends that women with a family history of cancer should begin screening 10 years prior to the family member’s age of diagnosis. About 15 per cent of breast cancer cases have a family history of the disease.

“If you have one first-degree relative, who had breast cancer, the risk of cancer doubles, and increases five-fold if you have two relatives. Although familial type of breast cancers cannot be prevented, they can be diagnosed early for curative treatment,” she explains.

“Breast lumps should be checked for, ideally about seven to nine days after period starts.

www.womanthismonth.com

You should consult a doctor if a significant change is detected. These changes could include lumps, abnormal discharge, unusual breast pain, and colour or texture changes of the breast’s skin.”

Lower the risk Other factors that would reduce the risk of breast cancer would be to exercise for 45 minutes to 60 minutes per day for five days a week, which would boost the immune system, ward off obesity, and lower levels of oestrogen and insulin. Regular alcohol consumption could increase breast cancer risk by 21 per cent.

On the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Royal Bahrain Hospital has introduced preventive screening packages.

Book an appointment today.

Call 17 246-800.

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

At War with B

Breast Cancer

by BEHNAZ SANJANA

The month of October is going to be screaming out ‘breast cancer awareness’ around the Kingdom with charity campaigns being the flavour of the month. Read on to know how you can protect yourself from the disease. Sound knowledge is half the battle won!

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ahrain has the highest number of breast cancer cases in all of the GCC. So whether you are 60, 20, or anywhere in between, it’s worth knowing the deal on this deadly disease, which is now gripping more women than ever.

Breast Cancer — What, Why, When?

Our expert: Dr Kiran Bijlani, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital Breast cancer is a ‘nonsensical’ overgrowth of cells in the breast tissue. They grow and spread to the body’s lymphatic and vascular systems, causing tremendous harm to the whole body. These dangerous cells deplete the body of immunity, ultimately causing mortality. It is notorious for spreading to other parts of the body rather rapidly.

“This type of cancer is most unpredictable.

A small lump may spread extremely fast, especially in the case of younger women,” says Dr Kiran. “Lumps which persist beyond the time of menstruation must be checked.

It’s important to remember that growths which are not painful and are fixed to the skin or the chest wall signal a bad prognosis,

as opposed to those lumps which move about.

I strongly recommend that painless, fixed lumps should not be ignored.”

The disease shows highest incidence in women over 50 years, but our expert sees young victims as well. She advocates a monthly breast self-examination from the age of 20 years onwards, which every girl must learn to do. After 30, a physician’s examination every two years is essential.

Periodic mammograms as per the doctor’s orders after 40 years are imperative.

“Breast cancer is wrongly thought to be a genetic disease. The percentage of genetically influenced cases is actually quite small,” says Dr Kiran. “Besides age and gender, there are other risk factors at play. This is an oestrogen-based cancer. More exposure to oestrogen, due to early menarche and late menopause, increases the risk of breast cancer. Your lifestyle is an important contributory factor. Obese women tend to store extra oestrogen in their peripheral fat, raising their risk of cancer.”

Symptoms include a lump in the breast, reddish breast discharge or orange-peel www.womanthismonth.com

Bahrain has the highest number of breast cancer cases in all of the GCC appearance of the skin. Symptoms of later stages include pain in the breast or the bones, or a fungal mass which may even break through the skin.

“Women undermine the importance of breast examination, of which the grid method is most effective. Less than one-fifth of lumps are found to be malignant. Most lumps are benign, so women must not hesitate to get screened regularly,” advises our expert.

Contrary to popular myth, underwire bras have no adverse effect on breasts. However, she advises avoiding deodorants and talcs due to their carcinogenic substances. Oral contraceptives cannot be put down as a risk factor either, unless they are taken continuously over a period of 10 years.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes gained global recognition when Angelina Jolie tested positive for these gene mutations and took steps to safeguard herself from breast cancer.

These gene tests help define one’s genetic risk of cancer and will be available at Royal Bahrain Hospital in the near future.

It is important for every woman to calculate their risk factors and draw up a customised programme for herself. The aim today is to catch the cancer even before the patient has any symptoms. Early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer.

Tackling the monster Our expert: Dr Sanjay Gupta, surgeon at American Mission Hospital “On finding a lump, it is best to immediately see a physician for an examination. The way a breast lump feels, its consistency, mobility and tenderness can give a lot of information to your doctor,” says Dr Sanjay.

Breast ultrasound and mammograms are the usual radiology investigations that lead to a diagnosis. A fine needle biopsy or an open biopsy will be performed to examine the suspicious tissue from the breast.

Mammograms see the pattern of calcium deposited to get information about the breast lump. MRI, unlike a mammogram uses radio waves and strong magnets instead of X-rays. www.womanthismonth.com

Lately MRI scans have gained popularity because it is painless and gives a fair amount of information.

Our expert says, “If MRI is used, it should be in addition to, not instead of, a screening mammogram. This is because while an MRI is a more sensitive test making it more likely to detect cancer than a mammogram, it may still miss some cancers that a mammogram would detect.”

Once cancer has been diagnosed, it is then staged and typed. Depending on its size, its spread over the body and how aggressive it is, a treatment plan can be drawn. Treatment is modified according to the stage and type.

Modes of treatment include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Dr Sanjay urges patients not to sit over a diagnosis of breast cancer. Cancers that are small when discovered and have not spread are more easily treated. In very early stages, with breast conserving surgery, the patient is barely disfigured and leads a normal life.

You are not alone Our expert: Galiena Verton, cancer rehabilitation specialist at Bahrain Breast Cancer Support Group “Women who have suffered from breast cancer need all the support and cooperation they can get. Our close-knit group helps affected women in various ways.

We accompany them to chemo sessions,

cook for them on especially bad days or lend a listening ear to someone who needs it,” she says.

Evidence-based statistics show that women in the Middle East are confronted with breast cancer 14 years earlier than the rest of the world. That is the reason Galiena lays emphasis on spreading the awareness about this ‘taboo topic’ in our region.

Surgery and other treatments show a host of serious physical and psychological issues that can be very upsetting. Some may experience lymph oedema or extreme fatigue. Others may be severely depressed, feel angry with themselves and their circumstances or find their memory and focus deplete. When women who have undergone the same ordeal share their doubts and fears, it helps them cope better with the situation they are in.

“Exchanges of simple tips, like how to exercise better, eat healthy and deal with day-to-day issues related to one’s body, go a long way. Women share complementary therapies, such as yoga, reiki and massages, which may have helped them,” says Galiena.

Currently, there are hardly any rehabilitation facilities for survivors.

Compared to the West, there is a lot of scope and necessity for future development in terms of formal aftercare for breast cancer survivors. Women in Bahrain, who have been through this life-threatening ordeal, would greatly benefit from such centres.

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PEOPLE | interview

Shades of

Innovation

by SIMI KAMBOJ

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. Computer engineer Alaa Abdulraheem’s invention in the field of cosmetics is winning her accolades around the world.

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ublic places in Bahrain could soon have coin-operated nail polish dispensers, if tech entrepreneur Alaa Abdulraheem has her way. The young Bahraini’s business idea, a nail polish mixer, has bagged the third place at the global finals of Microsoft Imagine Cup in Seattle.

Earlier in May, Alaa, who was the national champion, bagged the first place and prize money of US$10,000 at the Pan-Arab semi-finals of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2014 in Doha. She has created a mobile and PC application through which users can control her electronic nail polish-producing machine.

The app allows users to choose from a vast colour palette, share and compare shades, and scan their outfits to get the exact shade of nail colour. Alaa sits down with us to review her future plans.

Woman This Month (WTM): How do you intend to take this idea forward?

Alaa Abdulraheem (AA): I want to launch different versions of the nail polish mixer commercially — both for adults and children which will be available at toy stores. There will be a second version for nail spas and salons, churning out higher volumes. We could also have coin-operated vending machines that will dispense a cup of nail polish along with a single use brush for a quick fix in public places.

74 October 2014

WTM: How did you come across this idea in the first place?

AA: One afternoon, I came home to find my sister surrounded by 127 bottles of nail polish and yet she couldn’t find the exact shade to match her outfit. Taking note of her frustration, I told her that we’d have to ‘manufacture’ the exact shade for her. The more I thought about it, the idea began to take shape. Eventually, I had to build three versions of the machine to get it right.

WTM: Science and technology are not popular study choices among young girls.

How did you get started?

AA: I agree that science demands a great deal of patience and perseverance. For my part, I come from a family of doctors and engineers. I was six when my mother showed me a science encyclopedia. Then, I remember visiting the science centre in Bahrain as a 12-year-old.

That trip made a lasting impression on my mind.

WTM: What are your plans for the prize money?

AA: I built the last version of the nail polish mixer with the prize money I’d received in the earlier rounds. This time, I think the money will go towards the seed capital for my new company.

WTM: What do you wish to accomplish in the coming years?

AA: I’d like to set up an electronics factory in Bahrain to manufacture machines locally.

My interest lies in mixing software with hardware; I plan to continue working in this direction. www.womanthismonth.com

Comprehensive Care

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Dr Nasreen Al-Sayed

www.womanthismonth.com

Launched as a specialist centre for diabetes treatment, the facility in its tenth year will offer a complete spectrum of services in women and children’s health care.

ounded in 2003, the Gulf Diabetes Specialist Centre (GDSC) is a unique facility dedicated to the treatment of diabetes and related conditions.

“Diabetes involves a wide variety of complications. At GDSC, we emphasise on screening and early detection, even when the patient may not be manifesting symptoms.

The sooner the condition is detected, the better the outcome,” says Dr Nasreen AlSayed, medical director, GDSC. The Centre provides comprehensive medical and clinical assessment for diabetics, with dietary consultations, podiatry care and diabetic foot care as well as annual ophthalmic assessments at GDSC eye centre.

“We provide diabetes education, which involves educating patients, relatives and caregivers in diabetes complications, regular home blood sugar monitoring, insulin injection techniques and answering queries. We also offer insulin pump therapy

in addition to health packages tailored to diabetic and non-diabetic patients,” she says.

The GDSC is a hub for endocrine care including thyroid disorders and even thyroid cancer, offering ultrasound and laboratory tests, managing pituitary disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome in addition to osteoporosis screening and bone health.

Back from the US after completing further training in endocrinology, Dr Nasreen plans to introduce new services at the GDSC in time for the tenth anniversary next year.

“We will focus on paediatric care, obstetric care, specialising in endocrine disorders and diabetes in children. Cardiology is another area we’re planning to serve as diabetic patients often tend to develop heart complications,” she says.

The GDSC has clientele from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait and UAE in addition to Bahrain residents.

Call 17 239-186.

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PEOPLE | interview

Queen of the

Court

by SIMI KAMBOJ

Being pitted against some of the world’s toughest athletes at a young age has its own benefits.

Hussa Fareed takes us into the mind of a sports champion.

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eventeen-year-old Hussa bowed out after the first round at the Red Bull Queen of the Rock finals in Taiwan last month.

The teenager, who hails from Riffa, was a first-time participant and the youngest female finalist at the one on one street basketball event.

Hussa has been playing basketball since she was in primary school. At 16, she joined the Al Hidd Club and started playing professionally. The national team member, who also plays for Alba Club, qualified for the world finals after beating her sister Maryam in the Bahrain leg of the battle. Back from the Samasana Island finals, she tells us about her experience and aspirations.

Woman This Month (WTM): How was the experience in Taiwan?

Hussa Fareed (HF): It was exciting to represent Bahrain in the world finals. The level of play was top-class and most of the players were more experienced. The average age was 26 years, which made me the youngest competitor. Even though I didn’t make it past the first round, the experience has been invaluable. Meeting girls from across the world and making friends with them was equally memorable.

WTM: What motivated you to compete in the qualifiers in Bahrain?

HF: The Basketball Federation told us about the challenge; I participated for the fun of it.

76 October 2014

I’d never expected to win the title. But as the play progressed, I won round after round.

The possibility of winning grew.

WTM: Did your family have a role in your achievements?

HF: I began playing at the age of six. My father, who was a basketball player with Al Ahli Club, trained and encouraged me. He was so proud when my sister and I reached the Bahrain finale. He is single-handedly responsible for getting us here.

WTM: How did it feel to beat your sister in Bahrain?

HF: It’s not a good feeling to play against your own sister. Although she’s a professional like me, we were never pitted against each other. In local games or other competitions, we played together.

WTM: What can be done to encourage girls’ participation in sports?

HF: Girls should get into sports at an early age, especially basketball. In Lebanon, the Red Bull Queen of the Rock finalist plays for the national team. There are many opportunities; girls have to take that first step.

WTM: Who has been your role model in the world of sport?

HF: Kobe Bryant — he’s a great player and I try to learn from him. I aspire to reach his level of play one day.

WTM: What’s your ultimate ambition?

HF: I would love to compete in international competitions and represent Bahrain at the Olympics and also the World Basketball Championships. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Indian Salsa Opening Almoayyed Tower celebrated the opening of their newest eatery, Indian Salsa Restaurant, with a bash on August 27th.

Guests of honour

Melvin, Murali, Swami & Raju

Saloni, Sakshi & Vinaya

Magica & Seema

Paul & Zac

Ali & Migin

Deepak & Amit

www.jfcbahrain.com

www.womanthismonth.com

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lifestyle | community

Spreading the Love

by SIMI KAMBOJ

Feeding the poor is a simple act of love and kindness extolled in most cultures.

Michelle Bailey has devised a novel way to make the idea work on a desert island.

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ow do you feed someone in your neighbourhood who you don’t know?

Simply install a free-for-all fridge that is regularly stocked up by other tender hearts.

Launched in Ramadan this year, Michelle Bailey’s Feed the Need initiative has already found around over a 1000 members in Bahrain. More than 50 people have become regular contributors, supplying fridges as well as groceries and other supplies.

“While many of us are privileged to live a good life in this country, it hurts to see poor people foraging in garbage bins for leftover food. Giving someone food is the ultimate gift. What we leave in the fridge effectively becomes the second meal of the day for a poor family or a labourer,” says the consultant, who hails from Australia.

Having grown up in a close-knit community in Balingup, Western Australia, Michelle

78 October 2014

remembers neighbours who routinely brought food and supplies whenever a family was going through a crisis. She had the first fridge installed at Saar Mall, which sheand friends stock with supplies every other day. At times, she has found workers already queuing up at the fridge, waiting for the food supplies to arrive.

Essential items such as long-life milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, bags of rice, sugar and canned food are preferred donations. People who don’t drive or cannot find time to buy groceries can nominate volunteers, who will shop and fill up the fridge on their behalf.

Donor fridges have been installed so far in Muharraq, Janabiya, Seef, Saar, Isa Town, Gufool, Manama, Hamad Town and East Riffa.

Two further one will be in Hidd and Amwaj soon. Since some of the appliances are being hosted almost in open air, Michelle welcomes

companies and sponsors to build an awning to protect them from harsh weather. Signs in English and Arabic have been installed on all donor fridges, asking people to take no more than two items.

To the cynics who feared that a select few would empty a fridge of its contents, depriving the vast majority in need, Michelle says her objective need not lie in controlling the outcome of the donations made. “So far, the feedback we’ve received indicates the workers are taking just one or two items and have been very grateful for the food offered. Eventually, I’d like to see a fridge in every neighbourhood so that we all become part of a loving community,” she notes. Schools, supermarkets, mosques and residents in every neighbourhood are welcome to host or adopt a fridge. Those who want to donate or volunteer can visit Feed the Need Bahrain on Facebook. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

K Hotel Corporate Cocktail Party The K Hotel’s corporate and media partners were invited to a cocktail party with GM Mr. Volker Mandlowsky at the K Lounge on September 3rd.

Volker & Hussai

Fathma & Momin

www.womanthismonth.com

Abdul Rahman, Jose, Mohamed

Jino & Cyndia

Sherry & Patricia

Farheen & Bilal

Mohamed & Omar

Younus

Subita & Prakash

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OFFERS

Blipp & Win a Dinner for Two Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa gives away dinner vouchers for two lucky winners. Blipp this page for a chance to dine at the five-star hotel’s Rasoi Restaurant.

What if your next weekly shopping is for free? Blipp this page for a chance to win a shopping voucher worth BD25 from Jawad Supermarket.

Fill in the contest form before October 10.

LAST MONTH'S WINNERS

Santayan Roy won a return trip to Muscat courtesy of Oman Air. He receives the prize from Eric Almeida and Maria Lazarus at the Oman Air office.

Rosie D’souza and Lizetta Pereira won vouchers from Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. Each voucher entitles the winner to brunch for two at the hotel’s all-day dining venue, Lemon Tree.

How Blippar Works

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www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | parenting

The Right Career Choice

by DR CLARE BECKETT-MCINROY

How many times do you hear your child say, “Mom you just don’t get it!” Well actually you do and they don’t “get it”. Here’s why there’s a bridge between understanding each other.

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Explore areas that are crazy, rare or not even identified as a profession yet

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ow can you coach children to explore their strengths, follow their passions and be happy in their career? We explore ways to open that can of worms instead of encouraging a trait-and-factor or pegs-intoholes approach to decision-making in relation to career choices.

Clarity is power; before clarity there is often a mess. Initial confusion is good as it ensures that options have been considered when addressing career decisions.

Step one First, ask your children how they have chosen their courses and career options to date. Have they been influenced by friends, teachers and significant others? Focus on their feelings around these good and bad influences.

Are there any decisions that they regret?

Can they be changed or re-established? What did that feel like? How can they be avoided or dealt with?

Significant others and critical incidents — such as work shadowing or work experience — presentations from professionals and even films, can assist with career choices.

Step two Next, ask powerful, ‘big’ questions leaving location, finances, climate and studies aside.

What do they really want to do with their lives? Explore areas that are crazy, rare or not even identified as a profession yet. Get them to use their true feelings and imagination, to be bold and even bonkers!

Try to connect with them by staying nonjudgemental throughout. Explore their rationale for these ‘out of the box’ options.

Pick up on the body language and the words they use when describing what’s good about these careers. Make them aware of this by saying things like: “I see that you are passionate about this.”

You may also notice their values surfacing as they express the need for freedom, security or saving the planet. It’s a great tool for learning more about your child. www.womanthismonth.com

Step three Encourage your children to see where they are now, what strengths and development areas they need to consider, and what plans they can make to achieve their goals. Think in terms of skills, knowledge and behaviours or attitude.

Action may include only further research around qualifications and experience required for different professions initially. Discuss obstacles that may stand in their way and let them think of solutions. This may involve concepts such as ‘glass ceilings’, which are things hindering progression to the top in a particular field, or ‘sticky floors’ where even getting a foot on the ladder is a challenge.

Such discussions are important since gender, cultural and other nuances need to be grappled with. They can step off that sticky floor by, for example, developing metacognitive skills or tools and capacities when things get tough.

Ensure that your child moves forward one way or another by letting them suggest their next course of action. This also means that accountability, in terms of deadlines or outcome, is established. These can be medium- and long-term. However, some quick, short-term targets ensure that the momentum continues.

Step four Another great skill for life is prioritising targets since we all tend to complete the tasks we like first and leave the horrors for later.

Persuade children to identify people and other resources that can help them with their action.

Remember to check in on them; give them praise and encouragement. If progress is not made, ask them about commitment and their real desire for achievement. Get curious.

This type of career coaching with your child will increase resilience and independent choice making in a safe environment. It provides strategies to be proactive around setbacks as opposed to putting out fires. That can save you time, money and stress.

Step five Leave final decisions about universities and particular courses until depth and breadth, values and passions have been discovered.

The soft skills mentioned in this article are the new hard skills required by your children for lifelong career management.

Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy is an organisational and executive coach, as well as a trainer and founder of Biznet and Beckett-McInroy Consultancy.

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LIFESTYLE | column

Meddling with Medicine

by DR JINAN DARWISH

Every day, four busloads of children are treated in emergency departments due to unintentional drug poisoning. Make sure your child isn’t one of them.

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n a 1997 study published in the Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 70 per cent of parents had trouble figuring out how much medicine to give their child. If those labels occasionally mystify you, you are not alone.

Researchers at Emory University’s School of Medicine in Atlanta found that only about 40 per cent of the 100 caregivers (including parents) in the study were able to state the right dose of their child. Only 43 per cent were able to measure a dosage accurately.

Overall, only 30 per cent of the caregivers were capable of both accurately identifying and measuring the right amount of medicine for their child.

Read the label How can you make certain your child is receiving the amount of medicine they need?

Read the label carefully when you buy or pick up a new medicine. Check when it’s time to administer it before you pour it out.

Follow the instructions on the package to ensure that your child is getting the correct dose for their age and weight. If you do not understand the directions, call the pharmacist or doctor.

Try to keep medicines in their original packaging unless the complete instructions and ingredients are on the bottle. Equally, if

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you do lose a label or a set of directions, do not use the medicine. Giving it your best guess is not worth the risk.

What you should know Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about the medicine you will be giving your child. If it is a prescription medication, ask specifically what it is for and what side effects might occur. Find out how soon it should begin to take effect and how long the prescription should last.

Also, check if it will interact with any other medications your child is taking. Find out what you should do if you miss giving your child a dose. Does the medicine need to be kept in the refrigerator, or out of the heat or light? Can you put it in food or should you avoid giving your child certain foods at the same time they take the medicine?

Some medicines have to be taken after eating or, contrariwise, on an empty stomach.

Others are absorbed into the body more effectively if they are accompanied by particular foods.

Ask your pharmacist to go over any particular guidelines and storage recommendations with you. Keep medicines that do not need to be refrigerated in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in your bathroom medicine cabinet, which can get warm and moist from the shower.

What you can do: • Voice any allergies your child has to both the doctor and pharmacist.

• Before you head home, make sure you understand the dosage and how and when to give it.

• Examine the numbers in the directions very judiciously so you do not accidentally double or halve a dose. Read the instructions and measure the dosage in good light.

• Know your child’s weight. Some dosages are based on weight or age.

• Do not confuse teaspoons (tsp or t) and tablespoons (Tbsp or T).

• Keep in mind: 1 millilitre (ml) = 1cc and 1 teaspoon = 5cc.

• Never give your child more medicine than is recommended on the label or in the instructions. Dosages are based on the amount of medicine that’s safe and not on the severity of the illness.

• Call your child’s doctor if you notice any unexpected side effects.

• Do not give your child another child’s prescription, an old prescription or aspirin.

This can result in a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome that causes swelling in the liver and brain.

• Keep all medicines securely out of reach.

Follow an expert’s advice on the best way to dispose of expired medication. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | travel

Lights, Camera, Travel!

by GEORGIE BRADLEY

It might be the allure of panning shots, the blissful score accompanying whimsical landscapes or the powerful storytelling. The locations of some movies play the biggest role in our travel itineraries.

86 October 2014

HAWAII, USA When George Clooney stops being the centre of attention in The Descendants, the sun-soaked mountains of Hawaii are responsible for putting you in a dreamy haze.

Although the movie attempts to reverse the stereotype that Hawaii is all rainbows and sunshine, this destination is hard to beat if you’re looking for a relaxing visit.

As the drama unfolds in the storyline, the setting becomes that much more beautiful. Beyond the waves and sand lie some stark volcanic islands (with black sand), making a trip to the stand-alone state worthwhile.

As much as it is a honeymoon destination, Hawaii is all things friendly and ideal for the surf seeker, kids and solo travellers.

Being resort heavy, Hawaii can be expensive, especially in the state capital of Honolulu. If you venture to Big Island, you can have a bargain break. The food strays from the mass-produced familiarity of American cuisine you’d find in areas like Waikiki.

www.womanthismonth.com

TOKYO, JAPAN It’s the twinkling lights that do it. There’s something about the relentless energy of Japan’s capital that makes you feel the blood running through your veins. In Lost in Translation, the theme of loneliness becomes very powerful against the backdrop of cacophony and colour.

Tokyo is a bizarre city. Everything operates at lightning pace and the technology is light years ahead of everywhere else. Its technological powerhouse status is the main draw for visitors seeking to uncover the next trend to make our lives easier and to feel somewhat ‘in the future’. The fashion is insane, but it somehow fits within the city’s overall madness.

Bear in mind Tokyo is a notoriously expensive city. It is not short of food outlets tucked away between the grids of streets. Although they may seem questionable at face value, these eateries are Michelin-style in taste and are chirpy cheap. The elaborate pastries are sinfully good — even if you can’t quite work out what’s in them. Street crossings are an exercise in lifesaving skills, but don’t let that deter you because the scramble of the roads is just a part of the organic experience of the Japanese culture.

GLENORCHY, NEW ZEALAND If there is one place in this world which stirs an ethereal longing in you, it’s New Zealand. While The Lord of the Rings trilogy has spiked tourism levels with tours tailored to the movies, it’s worth side-stepping the crowds and going at it independently.

When you reach a summit or a point on a rolling hill and just stand there, taking it all in, it is paradise realised. Glenorchy is a low-key village, with oodles of atmosphere and rustic charm.

You wouldn’t want to spend the whole time there. Exploring its vicinity is surfers should to the a must in order to experienceSwimmers the muddyand fields, glacial hills head and expansive eastern Lake Rere. If you’re into walking forbeaches. miles and not brushing shoulders with another soul for hours on end, New Zealand is nirvana.

If you need a break from concrete and sound, other than nature’s murmurs, the tingling wilderness will be quite the life changer. Don’t forget that New Zealand is more than just hobbits — so be sure to absorb the nature.

www.womanthismonth.com

July 2013

October 2014

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LIFESTYLE | food

Spooky Foods

by JAMES CLAIRE

While Halloween today is an event of merchandise, costumes and fun parties, it is in fact derived from a solemn time of year in which Christians remembered the dead, saints, martyrs (hallows) and loved ones who had passed. Today, it is just a fun time to enjoy the celebrations — and the food!

JACK O’ LANTERN COOKIES 140g 175g 50g 1 100g 1 tspn 25g 50g 1 tbspn

unsalted butter, softened plain (all-purpose) flour icing (powdered) sugar orange, finely grated mascarpone icing (powdered) sugar dark chocolate, melted icing (powdered) sugar fresh orange juice

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until soft. Add the icing sugar and mix together before adding the flour and orange zest, and

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scraping down the bowl. Mix further until the dough is formed. Remove it from the machine and wrap in cling film. Chill for one hour.

• Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm. Cut 24 circles with a 7.5cm round plain cutter.

Put the cookie discs on lined baking sheets.

Refrigerate the cut discs so that they are firm.

• Using a small sharp knife, cut out Halloween faces on half of the circles. Make lines on the face biscuits with the back of a knife to look like the markings on a pumpkin.

• Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes in the preheated oven or until pale

golden brown around the edges. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

• Mix the ingredients for the glaze to make a smooth, runny icing, adding a bit more juice if needed. Set aside.

• For the filling, beat the mascarpone with the icing sugar in a small mixing bowl by hand, then stir in the cooled melted chocolate.

• Spread the filling over the cooled plain biscuits. Press the ‘face’ ones on top. Brush with the glaze, using a clean paint brush or pastry brush.

• If you wish to make truly spooky cookies, use a little coloured royal icing to pipe complete faces on the cookies. www.womanthismonth.com

MUMMY DOGS 2 tbspns 1 pack

1 tbspn 1 tbspn 2 tspns 12

olive oil ready to roll croissant dough (or puff pastry sheets) honey ketchup American (yellow) mustard hot dogs or pre-cooked sausages

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

• In a bowl, mix together the honey, ketchup and mustard. Then brush the mixture over each hot dog.

• Unroll the croissant dough and cut it into long thin strips. (If ready to roll croissants are not available, puff pastry sheets are just as effective.)

• Wind the little croissant strips around the hot dog sausages, leaving a little gap at one end to make a slit for the ‘eyes’. Place them on prelined and greased baking trays and bake for 20 minutes or according to the croissant dough instructions.

• Cool a little. Using the mustard, dot a pair of little yellow eyes on each ‘mummy’. Serve warm with blood-red ketchup dip.

EYEBALL PASTA 100g cherry tomatoes 150g mini mozzarella balls, drained a handful fresh basil 400g green tagliatelle pasta 350g tomato sauce (store-bought) 4 tbspns fresh pesto (store-bought) • Halve the cherry tomatoes. Use a small spoon to remove the seeds.

• Cut the mozzarella balls in half. Place one half inside each tomato, trimming the edges if necessary to fit it in. Cut small circles from the basil leaves and add these to the centre of your ‘eye balls’.

• Boil the pasta. Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce. When the pasta is cooked, drain and stir through the pesto and any remaining basil, chopped finely.

• Divide between four to six serving bowls.

Spoon over some tomato sauce. Then arrange the stuffed tomato ‘eyeballs’ on top and serve.

www.womanthismonth.com

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Vocalist Event at Harvesters Pub One of Bahrain's biggest karaoke contest, The Vocalist, was held at the Harvesters Pub at Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Luc & Mohammed Abdullah

Marianne, Keen & Ronald

90 October 2014

Ehab, John, EJ & Christy

Olena & Leon

Ronald

Brandon & Eric

Asad, Kelly & Mark

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showcase

A Fresh stArt Bennigan’s in the US has a new lease of life. As an established part of the brand, the Bahrain branch thought it only right to follow suit. We speak to Peter Lyons, general manager of the American-Irish venue.

Woman This Month (WTM): What’s new at Bennigan’s?

Peter Lyons (PL): We have an effective relaunch of our entire menu; that’s food, beverages, the kids’ menu, promotional activities and a greater focus on giving our guests the 'legendary experience' that Bennigan’s across the globe is fast becoming known for.

With the help of our partners, our team has worked hard to bring the food and beverage as close to what you would find in the US as possible. We have added our own Bahraini flair to some of the offerings.

We have many new dishes and re-specs of old favourites. A few that tempt your taste buds are the Giant Tower of Onion Rings, the Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Salad and the Chipotle Burger.

WTM: How much has changed in the cocktail offerings?

PL: We had the same old cocktails that you can find in many other places; so we wanted to set ourselves apart to the extent that we revamped the cocktail offering by 100 per cent. Bennigan’s now offers drinks that you won’t find anywhere else on the island.

Mucho Cocktails are these giant cocktails available for BD8; they are great to share and look fantastic. Our popular cocktail towers

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are perfect for groups. The signature range of drinks has modern twists on classics like the ‘Long Ireland Iced Tea’. These cocktails are going to be a big hit with the ladies. An addition to the mix is the giant Coronarita, a huge margarita and a full bottle of Corona.

Peter Lyons

WTM: What are the new promotions that have been introduced to the venue?

PL: Firstly, it was time to offer ‘happy hours’, which will run from 3pm until 7pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and 2pm until 4pm, from Friday and Saturday. The 1 kilogram steak challenge is back. Challengers will receive a T-shirt, a steak knife, 25 per cent voucher and have their photo mounted on our social media wall. A new kids’ menu has hit the restaurant.

Our breakfasts are served from 6am every morning with favourites such as pancakes, a breakfast burrito and the full Irish.

WTM: Will you host any new theme nights?

PL: Every 17th of the month, for the run up to St Patrick’s Day in March, we will hold a ‘St Practice Day’. The team will be in Irish costumes, the band will play Irish hits, the restaurant will be decorated to suit the theme and there will be a host of activities and exclusive offers for the day.

Call 17 813-750 or visit www.bennigans.com.bh.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

BIBF Graduation Party Under the patronage of HE Rasheed Mohammed Maraj, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (BIBF) held their Annual Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony on 7th September at the Gulf Convention Centre.

Graduates at the ceremony

Sama, Sawshan, Duaa & Fatema

Mahmood & Jalal

Sada, Zainab, Alaa & Fatema

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Jenan, Isa, Alia & Fajer

Addressing graduates

Fayza & Sawsan

Zahra & Ahmed

Mr. & Mrs. Al Dossari

Maryam & Majeed

Hawra & Ghufran

Haji & Fatema

Ali, Mohammad & Natasha www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

Ibrida

Tea Garden

Ruka

Turning One!

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Celebrating a year of success in the Kingdom, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa invites women in Bahrain to spend a day of luxury at the five-star property.

estled in the business district of Seef, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa turns one this month. The first property from the well-known Ramee Group of Hotels to offer a five-star experience, this venue has the advantage of being just 15 minutes away from the airport and a short walk from the island’s most popular shopping destinations.

With world-class features and amenities, 12 two-bedroom ambassador suites, 18one bedroom grand suites, 26 rooms with exclusive access to the Club Lounge, a spa, a fitness centre and an infinity swimming pool, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa is the place to be for the entire family.

creates an ambience that will make guests want to stay all afternoon.

You can then move your party to one of the three dining venues: Rasoi, Rialto or Ruka.

Taking you on a culinary journey through the India, Rasoi offers an entertaining dining experience with live ghazal performances and an open kitchen display. Rialto brings Italian delicacies to the Kingdom. Indulge in the barbeque night held every Thursday from 7pm until 11pm with live entertainment and unlimited selected beverages for BD15++.

Located on the 24th floor of the hotel, Ruka offers a spectacular view of the island and a menu featuring Japanese fusion delicacies.

A weekend of luxury Why restrict yourselves to a night out when you can look forward to spending the weekend at this impressive venue?

Ladies can begin their weekend getaway by meeting up for high tea for BD7++ at the hotel’s Tea Garden between 3pm and 6pm.

Offering a selection of tea, pastries, gourmet sweets, sandwiches and cookies, Tea Garden

Unlimited fun Ibrida, the nightlife venue at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, home to international DJs and bands almost every weekend, it is without doubt one of the most happening after dark venues in Bahrain. Ladies can take advantage of the free flow of selected drinks until midnight on Thursdays and Fridays.

The night is always young at this five-star

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hotel. The party does not end when Ibrida shuts its doors at 2am. Head over to Red Lions, the hotel’s sports lounge, to continue the weekend celebrations and for some exceptional bar bites.

If you want to recuperate for a fun-filled Friday, then spend the night at the hotel with the girls. Come noon, get ready for one of the best brunches in town. Lemon Tree, the allday dining venue at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, offers a wide range of international dishes with flavours drawn from Mediterranean, Indian, Arabic and Asian cuisines. The Friday brunch offers an impressive buffet spread from noon until 4pm, with live cooking stations, hearty breakfast specialties and crunchy salads.

In celebration of their first anniversary, the hotel has prepared a lot of surprises for its guests, like meals and rooms at BD1. Discover how you can win these prizes by following Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa on Facebook. Of course, there will also be a grand bash!

Call 17 111-999 or visit www.rameegrandbahrain.com.

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Cupid Shuffle at Ibrida Shuffling his way into the hearts of millions with the up-tempo party song “Cupid Shuffle”, Singer Bryson Cupid Bernard performed at Ibrida, Ramee Grand hotel & Spa.

Stella & Sindu

Maher, Diana & Emily

Performers on stage

Shamant, Rohit,Kumar, Sapna, Saritha & Navin

Haili, Rhona, Cathy, Gregory, Ruby, Sandra & Alana

Alsendi & Nana

Dennis, Mike, Rich, Chris

Chris & Josh

Fanny & Gabrielle

Dee & Shereen

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Henry & Katya

Mellita & Oshan

Joe & Tania www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

Arabian Treats Mesk Holdings has recently opened Aroma Express at the restaurant street in Juffair. We take a closer look at the venue.

M

esk Holdings, the company behind The Meat Co, 338 Garden Restaurant, Aroma CafĂŠ and Cake Boutique, has now opened another eatery for those who prefer to have food on the go.

Located on American Alley in Juffair, Aroma Express offers a new take on the fast and casual dining scene in Bahrain with its modern, vibrant atmosphere. Focused on delivering traditional Arabic flavours to those looking for a delicious meal, this venue is ideal for a quick dine-in or takeaway. All dishes are prepared with care in an open kitchen, where you can witness the magic of great food cooked to perfection.

The Aroma Express menu includes fattayer, pizzas, breads, grills, shawarmas, hot and cold mezze, desserts and juices. Every dish is prepared from scratch by skilled chefs who are ready to serve you with Arabic hospitality.

Call 39 942-126.

www.womanthismonth.com

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Santa Maria Novella Store Opening Santa Maria Novella Perfumery and Pharmaceuticals opened their latest store in Bahrain at Al Aali Mall on 7th September. The store was founded in Florence in the 17th century and is nestled in the Convent of Santa Maria Novella, from whom it gets its name.

Randa, Fahad & Kamille

Fahad & Mara

Fahad, Kamille & Pallavi

Kamille & Misael

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Kamille & Randa www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

Combining Forces Bahrain’s hospitality and tourism industry is poised to grow by 7.6 per cent this year thus contributing to increased human resource development and training in the sector.

B

ahrain has been ranked amongst the world’s top 15 most economically free nations. The hospitality sector in the Kingdom has been developing at a fast pace to meet the growing needs of the tourism industry.

Bearing this in mind, Bahrain Institute of Hospitality and Retail (BIHR) has entered into a partnership with Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) Sorenberg, Switzerland in providing an International Hotel and Tourism Management course. The motto is simple: to be a leader in developing and offering quality and cutting-edge programmes of study that are recognised by the industry. The course is designed to equip students with necessary skills to compete in the areas of service industry operations.

By partnering with HTMi Sorenberg, BIHR has created a niche for itself in the hospitality www.womanthismonth.com

sector. Students can now undertake the HTMi course programme here in Bahrain. The curriculum meets the requirements of fivestar hotel companies worldwide.

“Bahrainis have a vast potential in the hospitality sector. The idea of becoming a gourmet chef or maybe working in top hotels in the world is those enduring fantasies of our new generation. This can be achieved through quality education and training. By franchising with HTMi, we are close to realising the dream of many young Bahrainis,” states Nigel Viegas, director BIHR. Joining hands The new HTMi programme has been spearheaded by Michael Hoy. The academic dean carries vast experience of more than 20 years, working with the Glion Hotel School,

Switzerland. The course offered at the Bahrain campus has a blend of the prestigious Swissstyle certificate as well as the BIHR’s ethos in imparting skills and qualities essential to success in senior management positions in the international hospitality industry.

BIHR works closely with international hotel and leisure chains to ensure that its students get the balance of classroom tuition, training, personal development, leadership skills and language skills.

By training at BIHR, students get a strong foundation to start an exciting international career. The HTMi programme develops the students into innovative leaders ready to meet the standards of managerial competence in hospitality management.

Call 8000-1077.

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Arabian Attractions K

Serving authentic home-style Lebanese cuisine at the K Hotel, Kenza is a fine dining venue, which is much loved by locals as well as expatriates.

enza, the Lebanese restaurant at The K Hotel, offers a genuine and engaging dining experience. Known for adhering to time-honoured recipes, the Arabian-themed venue regularly organises events to maintain its upbeat spirit.

This month, the four-star hotel invites you to enjoy its popular Arabian buffet for BD8++ on Tuesdays and Fridays. The choices of dishes on offer include tantalising starters and main courses prepared with local ingredients and the fresh catch of the day. Round out your meal with a selection of scrumptious desserts.

The charm of the restaurant is not limited to its authentic Middle Eastern fare; it extends to Kenza’s interior. Fine art on the walls and the use of traditional colours and patterns make the venue appear

magical. With the weather due to pick up by the end of October, those who wish to dine under the stars can opt for the exceptional outdoor seating.

Offering kebabs, shawarmas, vegetarian specialties and traditional mezze, this restaurant is known for its laid-back atmosphere. Whether you visit with friends or family, Kenza promises to be an enjoyable experience for all. Small groups have the luxury of some space to themselves with the choice of three private rooms.

Either as a connoisseur of the cuisine or someone new to Mediterranean delicacies, you can treat your taste buds to Beirut’s best.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, Kenza is open daily for dinner from 7pm until 2am.

Call 17 360-000 or email banquet@thekhotel.com.

Annual Appreciation Lunch A lunch was held in recognition of the effort and support extended by all parties during the Injaz academic year of 2013/2014 at The Bahrain Conference Centre, The Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Mahar Musliam

Khalid & Hamad

Sh Ahmed Al Khalifa, Ebrahim Kuhiji, Badria, Naqi Reem, Tagreed, Farah & Dane Ranya & Reem

Luiwa, Noor, Sara

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Haya & Khulood

Amal Kuhis, Abdul Rahman, Janah, Adnan Al Mahmood

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A World of Thrills T

In line with its promise to deliver entertainment for the whole family, Seef Mall has reopened Bahrain’s first indoor theme park after an extensive refurbishment.

he new Magic Island offers a spectacle of underwater adventure that will have both the young and old soaking up the fun.

Spread across 4,500 square metres, the new entertainment hub combines the relaxation and enchantment of an island and takes visitors on an unforgettable voyage across sea and land.

“As Bahrain’s family-centric mall, we have always endeavoured to create a memorable time for the entire family; where both young and old can have fun. And that approach underpins what you see before you today in Magic Island,” says Robert Addison, Seef Properties general manager. “We are delighted to present to you a whole new world of fun, adventure and adrenaline-inducing rides with over 100 world-class attractions.”

Boasting six unique zones — Marina Deck, Beach Sand, Rock Pool, Underwater, Caribbean Island and the Haunted House — every corner of Magic Island delivers an epic www.womanthismonth.com

adventure. Born from the 300-year-old tales of Captain Lock-Jaw Jenkins and his deadly pirates who terrorised the waters, the rocks and caves of the Skeleton Cove are haunted by their victims and a damaged pirate ship called ‘The Black Skull’. This zone dares you to enter its dark caves and learn about its mysterious disappearance.

Do you dare?

Visitors can experience thrilling rides inspired by the force and power of the sea and its underwater creatures. The Crazy Raft spins you into the sea, the Submarine Jet takes you through its depths and over the seabeds, and the crabby Side Winder tests your stamina in a rocking 180-degree crawling motion. Feel the adrenaline rush with the lighthouse Spring Ride that first takes you so high that you can enjoy a spectacular view of Magic Island and then brings you down in a jiffy with a free fall.

Fun and games The golf enthusiast can play 35 of the world’s best golf courses. Created specifically for a real-time adventure experience, there’s a variety of action-packed 3D simulator games, including Transformer and Max Flight.

Additionally, Magic Island boasts an LED underwater-themed bowling alley, a wide range of video games and interactive machines, a bumper car ride, and a ‘light-up’ wall climbing adventure for grown-ups. For young visitors, there’s an adventure play area in addition to a train ride that will take them on a journey through the underwater world.

Located on the first floor of Seef Mall, Magic Island is open from 10am until 10pm from Saturday to Wednesday. On weekends, the venue is open from 10am until midnight.

For regular updates, visit magicislandbh on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Visit www.magic-island.com.

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Tapas Reopening The reopening of Tapas Restaurant and Bar at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa took place on September 2nd.

Laurent & Abdul Lateef

Basel & Ahmed

Gary, Stefano, Kim & Julien

Kim, Adrian, Riyaz & Oliver

Timothy, Jonawil & Naveen

Khalifa Bokhamas, Hamad & Ahmed

Josh, Latika, Amina, Eliana & Elsa

Rami & Haitham

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Adrian & Oliver

Maryam & Charbel

Batoul, Ahmed & Jihane

Angel, Michi, Claudia & Lia

Hatan & Khalid www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

Revving It Up Fifteen years ago the automotive landscape changed when BMW introduced the Sports Activity Vehicle with the launch of the X5. It has spawned an entire X range, including the all-new BMW X4.

T

he new BMW X4, now available at Euro Motors, combines impressive sports car performance and Sports Activity Vehicle versatility with the elegance of a coupé. From the front, the car is immediately recognisable as a member of the BMW X family. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the precise character lines in the front apron lend the X4 a more muscular and agile appearance. The car’s wide track, visually low centre of gravity, long wheelbase and pronounced wheel arches emphasise its excellent road holding.

The sporty character The coupé-like roofline of the BMW X4 reaches its highest point over the front seats before dropping gently towards the trailing edge of the tailgate. The standalone design is reinforced by the fresh interpretation of the signature swage line running along the sides.

The generously sized interior combines sportiness and exclusivity with high-level functionality. Every control element is www.womanthismonth.com

angled towards the driver for optimal ergonomics. Occupants in the new model enjoy an elevated seating position, on both the front and rear seats.

Equally impressive is the load capacity (5001,400 litres), which can be used in a variety of ways thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat bench. Everyday usability is enhanced by the standard-fitted automatically opening tailgate with the Comfort Access Option for extra convenience.

User-friendly aspects The BMW X4 is equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive features that provide the driver with safety, convenience and infotainment at an unmatched level. Some of these include high-resolution, full-colour head-up display.

The latest-generation Navigation System Professional with Eco Pro route guidance teams up with the iDrive Touch Controller.

The system’s touchpad allows texts to be easily inputted at the touch of a finger.

Safety and convenience can be enhanced by optional premium features, like the antidazzle high beam assistant, Driving Assistant Plus including pedestrian and collision warning, active cruise control with Stop & Go function, and lane departure warning.

Additional options are lane change warning, surround view and the parking assistant, which steers the car autonomously into parking spaces parallel to the road.

The specs The BMW X4 will be available with two powerful engines, with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Topping the range is the BMW X4 xDrive35i with a 3.0-litre straightsix petrol engine, delivering a maximum output of 225kW/306hp and propelling the vehicle from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. The xDrive28i has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 180kW/245hp and goes from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Call 17 750-750 or visit www.euromotors.com.bh.

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horoscopes

Star

Gazing

by RAPHAEL

Find out what October has in store for you…

Sagittarius Nov 23-Dec 21

Taurus Apr 21-May 21

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 20

Gemini May 22-Jun 21

Aquarius Jan 21-Feb 19

Cancer Jun 22-Jul 23

Libra Sept 24-Oct 23

Pisces Feb 20-Mar 20

Leo Jul 24-Aug 23

Scorpio Oct 24-Nov 22

Aries Mar 21-Apr 20

Virgo Aug 24- Sept 23

There isn’t much about the last few months that you want to remember when it comes to a relationship. Thankfully the worst is over and you can look forward to a more positive upcoming month. A partner’s effort to make amends is a sign that vast improvements are set to take place in your life together. Take a few days holiday if you can.

Illustration by LIM Designs

Quite a few people have noticed that you are not yourself these days. Perhaps you have financial worries. Talk to someone before things gets completely out of hand. Worries never seem as bad when you share them with others — but you may have to accept some harsh words and face tough decisions. This isn’t an easy time, but you can change things.

Unrequited love is a painful thing. It’s time to face the fact that you are never going to get what you really want from the object of your unreturned affection. Break free and find someone who will care. Presently you are ghosting through life, grabbing at snippets of hope. Don’t waste your energy on someone who isn’t worth it.

If there’s something troubling you, you’ll be surprised to discover that when you come face to face with it, the issue is not as bad as you thought. Believe in your own abilities and you will overcome this latest hurdle. Financially, a bonus will land in your lap a lot sooner than expected. This will allow you to set any monetary problems to rest.

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Financially, things could be tight; you will need to tighten your belt to get through unscathed. Your usually sound monetary sense has become reckless and you need to get back on track. Your lapse may have to do with competitiveness and trying to keep up with the neighbours. You will have to realise that you cannot have everything you want.

You have been under a great deal of pressure lately and this is due to a partner’s problems in the workplace, spilling over into your home life. You find it difficult to express your emotions and it impacts on others who might need a shoulder to cry on. You may need to exercise a little more patience and think about the feelings of a loved one.

Your sign can be a political animal when it needs to be. You will be required to exercise some of these skills in the coming weeks as you become embroiled in a power struggle in the workplace. In matters of love you probably have never been closer to the person dearest to your heart at the moment; so don’t be afraid to show them how you feel.

A loved one has been reliant on you for a few months. Now, as they are better equipped to stand on their own feet again, they are looking to make it up to you. You can look forward to a surprise that may leave you feeling very emotional. A colleague may present you with an opportunity to change direction; you should consider this.

You may find yourself feeling a little lonely over the latter part of October, having lost the opportunity to follow other friends and family abroad when the offer was made. This may lead you towards a great deal of reflection and contemplation. It’s no good feeling sorry for yourself when you are to blame for your predicament; so try to loosen up!

If you have been feeling down recently, then know that things will improve for you over the coming weeks — even if you can’t see it at the moment. Your main concerns are likely to be about your career and home. In family matters, your concerns may be directed towards a relative whose financial weaknesses are dragging them into debt.

You may have to shoulder difficult times over the next few weeks. Most importantly, you need to maintain a positive outlook if you want to overcome these setbacks. Things will improve. Speak to friends and relatives about your concerns. Do not neglect a partner who will be able to offer you a lot more support than you ever imagined.

You have been struggling with unsavoury elements in the workplace recently. This has left you with a testing predicament on your hands: do you stay and fight from your corner or do you look for an alternative job. On the relationship front, a loved one might be a bit prickly because of his or her own problems at work; so try to be understanding. www.womanthismonth.com

he says

I Don’t Believe It!

by JAMES CLAIRE

In our youth we all read the words "happily ever after", but was it? Nobody ever wrote the sequel to the tale of Snow White or Red Riding Hood.

A

s a child I believed what I was told. If the wolf ate the grandmother, then so be it. If seven dwarfs lived with a dame, I never asked who paid the rent. But I’m older, wiser and cynical now.

Author JM Barrie stated: “The moment you don’t believe you can fly, you cease to ever be able to do it.” That’s true; I know I can’t fly anymore. But flying is not the only thing I no longer believe in.

Vitamin C Tablets and Flu Shots I have spent a small fortune on orangeflavoured Vitamin C tablets, to help me prevent the cold and flu. They and the gallons of freshly squeezed orange juice I imbibed in never stopped me from contracting either.

Flu shots taken in pain have only given me the exact thing they were supposed to prevent. I once read that Vitamin C was strongest in fresh lemons; it too added to the things I don’t believe in.

Innocent until Proven Guilty We have all seen far too many episodes of Law and Order to believe this statement, but the words especially ring untrue now that I am married. Try dodging the bullet if a chocolate bar goes missing from the refrigerator. She forgets she ate it, but I’m the convict until she finally remembers. She believes in the concept of "shoot first; ask questions later." www.womanthismonth.com

A Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow The fact is that gold or any fortune comes from hard labour. Chests of the stuff can’t be found on idyllic beaches, hidden by ancient pirates.

Drinking Water from a Tap As a child we did and thankfully so. In our town they made it a practice to heavily fluoride the water and gave our generation amazing teeth. Today, the thought that others can put things in the water without my knowledge scares me.

Pipes below ground were once the modernizing revolution of a new era, today it disgusts me to think about drinking tap water from pipes that can’t be accessed, cleaned or checked. I also like to see my water in brand name containers and not in a four-gallon tub filled from the back of a dirty truck in the middle of the street.

Unconditional Love Forget it people; everyone wants something.

Voting Systems When Bush won in the Florida re-count in 2000, I gave up. Even if it’s not rigged, is it worth the cost? Candidates spend billions on campaign funding to get elected. Use the billions for real things like infrastructure, medical and educational services.

The Weather Forecast If storms could be foretold the planet would be a much safer place; sadly Mother Nature is a woman of unpredictable tolerance. She is not letting the weatherman know her secrets for a long time.

“Trust Me” This is a warning signal that someone is not trustworthy. A trustworthy person is trustworthy by their actions; they don’t need to tell you so.

Imaginary Friends Well, this depends on which medication I’m on, on any given day!

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she says

The Day the Cot Went

by BEHNAZ SANJANA

I often wondered if the ‘empty nest syndrome’ that mothers experience when children grow up and move away from home was really that big a deal. I got a small taste of it not so long ago.

M

y son’s first day of playschool will always be in the forefront of my mind’s memory drawers. That was a whirlwind morning; something I found difficult to manage back then.

After the high-intensity dramatics that day, when I finally settled in at my desk at work, it hit me. My baby boy was off to school. School!

Wasn’t it just yesterday that he was swathed in a soft blanket, gurgling and falling asleep in my arms? And I had to rush to the ladies’ room for a good ol’ boo-hoo session. I sulked the rest of the day.

The second time around was different. A few days ago, I dropped off my younger one to playschool for the first time. I looked forward to the alone time — just me, my cup of tea and my trusty laptop. And silence. Yay! I’m a seasoned momma now, I thought to myself.

No teary eyes. The day was perfect.

The day after that, the baby cot was scheduled to go. It was such a darling cot, as all cots are. Both my babies have had many nights of peaceful slumber within its safe confines. It was the first significant ‘baby purchase’ we had made. After the baby of the house graduated to the ‘grown-up bed’ like her brother, it was the white elephant in the room. So after months of dilly-dallying, we finally arranged for a friend to have it for her newborn. Great! The extra space in the room wouldn’t hurt. Just before it was to be transported to its new home, I gave the cot a

104 October 2014

good, hard look. I wanted to capture it into my mind’s photo folders. Click, click, click. From all angles. As I stripped away the bedclothes, my heart felt heavy. Then I went on to remove the baby mobiles that had hung from its railings. Those tiny pastel teddies were slightly dusty, but still soft to the touch after seven years. When wound up, they danced around to the soothing sounds of Brahm’s Lullaby, bringing much glee to my precious babies. As I lay the mobile down on the table, ready to be stowed away, two musical notes

floated out of it, as if to show dissent or to say goodbye.

Suddenly everything seemed to just stand still. There was no sound, except that of the air conditioning. The musical duck hanging from the headboard seemed to look forlorn. I was awash with giant waves of nostalgia; that all too familiar lump in my throat began to form, eyes welling up.

Had someone said "seasoned momma" the day before? Maybe it’s not my youngest who is the baby of the house after all. www.womanthismonth.com