Bahrain Edition
BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES
woman this month
OCTOBER 2011 | Issue 104
OCTOBER 2011 ı A/W 2011 fashion ı www.womanthismonth.com
We’re all Equal
Feminist Islam
Autumn/ Winter 2011 They Key Trends
Food Tourism Yummy Destinations
home subscribers copy
Tea-Licious Tastes
Herbal Health Benefits
Think Pink!
ISSUE 104
Breast Cancer Awareness Month www.womanthismonth.com
From the 18th to 24th September 2011, join us each night at our elegant Silk’s restaurant from 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm for a delicious sumptuous Thai buffet, priced at BD 15.00++ per person. Let the traditional Thai dancers entertain you and your family. Be the lucky winner of one roundtrip Qatar Airways ticket to Phuket including six nights at Mövenpick Hotel.
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain P.O.Box 24009, Muharraq Town, Kingdom of Bahrain Phone +973 17 460 000, Fax +973 17 460 001 www.moevenpick-bahrain.com
www.moevenpick-hotels.com
Thai culture
food festival.
contents | OCTOBER 2011
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Features 8 Know Your Rights: Women and Islam 44 Lend Support: Breast Cancer Awareness
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Fashion 11 Feature Prints: The More Colour the Better! 15 Fetish Fantasy: A Walk on the Dark Side 19 Country Walks: Rambling in Style 23 Arresting Androgyny: Reclaiming Tailoring from the Boys 27 Dreamy Victoriana: This Season’s Softest Look 31 Fabulous Fur: A Taste of Luxury
Beauty 38 News: October’s Best Products 40 20 Tips: Autumn/Winter Beauty 42 Fragrances: A Fresh Start
Wellbeing 46 Campaign: Post-Natal Depression 48 Feature: Tea Time!
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Regulars 6 Write Here, Write Now 58 Travel: A Foodie’s Delight 60 Recipes: Herbal Magic 64 Columnist: London’s Burning
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58 OCTOBER 2011, issue 104 House of Fraser have got Autumn/Winter in the bag! More inside‌
Bahrain Edition
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| October 2011 | woman this month
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Personal Training • Lifestyle Evaluation • Life Coaching • Nutrition Guidance Swimming Lessons • Tennis Coaching • Football Club • Basketball Club Taekwondo • Yoga • Pilates • Zumba Kingdom of Bahrain, Budaiya : Phone: (973) 33001261, Fax: (973) 1779 3190, Website: www.lifefit-bahrain.com Office Hours: Saturday - Thursday — 8:00AM to 6:00PM
Welcome Sisters are Doing it For
Themselves E D I T O R ' s l etter
T
responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman
chairman & publisher George F Middleton
publishing director
David M Robertson
editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles
editor
NATASHA BIRD
contributors
Dr Claire McInroy george r vaughan James Claire dr jinan harith
staff writers
ALISON COLDBRIDGE Elma Bartholomew Maryam A. Toorani Wafa Ebrahim Abdulla
print production manager Sabu Sebastian
layout & graphics ROBYN VAN DER MERWE Dalal Al-Sabbagh RomEO San Miguel
media coordinator
sushmita chakraborty
his issue is all about us women getting together, supporting each other and pulling ourselves firmly to the frontline of 21st century thinking. We have a controversial, but insightful interview with leading feminist thinker Dr Margot Badran. She takes us through her view of the Qur’an and shows us the basis for egalitarianism in modern Islam. If that isn’t enough to make you plump for female solidarity, we’ve also got a great interview with Julie Sprakel, founder of Bahrain’s national breast cancer charity Think Pink. It’s breast cancer awareness month this October, so Julie is on a mission to make sure that we do everything we can to raise money and give support to those who need it. And of course, we can’t be serious all the time! If it’s fashion you’re looking for, it’s fashion you are going to get. This is also our big Autumn/Winter issue. We take you through six of the key trends for the coming season and offer you a brilliant array of style and beauty tips. So there’s no excuse for shabby dressing throughout October! Women, throughout the ages, have struggled to reconcile our love of aesthetics, passion for beauty products and lust for the latest threads with our need to be recognised as serious, hard-working and politicised individuals. This month, let’s make an extra effort to prove to people that we really are the best at multi-tasking. Who says you can’t be a feminist icon and look good at the same time? Natasha Bird Editor
media executives ESKY Girmay SHANI DAVEL
sales manager Mayukh Majumdar
circulation
FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI
photography editor anil Ravi Shankar
photographers
Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS
printing press
Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 woman this month is for women in Bahrain wishing to celebrate a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle and community spirit in an objective and proactive manner. For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail sales@womanthismonth.com. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. bahrain office address Red House Marketing p.o. box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com website: www.womanthismonth.com published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ, Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing, P. O. Box 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
For of the moment news, tips, advice and fun links, follow Woman This Month on Twitter
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| October 2011 | woman this month
Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
Social Butterfly Seham & Atif
Junaid For Perfumes Ghabga & Perfume Launch Junaid For Perfumes held their annual Ramadan Ghabga for members of the media and invited guests at the Gulf Hotel's Awal Ballroom. The event also marked the launch of the group's new fragrance 'Taariikh'
Nitika, Anju, Neha & Pammy
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The survival rate of breast cancer can be up to 98% if detected early. Monthly breast self-examinations can save your life. A touch is all it takes.
LET’S SHARE THE LIGHT.
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www.thinkpinkbahrain.com www.facebook.com/ThinkPinkBahrain Twitter: @ThinkPinkBH
woman this month | October 2011 |
5
Letters
Write Here Write Now Star Letter The Shocking Truth
I have to say that I was really shocked to read Natasha Bird’s interview with Marietta Dias. I had no idea that the sort of cruelty she described went on in Bahrain. I guess you never know what people are doing behind closed doors. It seems awful that people could assume that just because someone is from a different country or gets a lower wage that they could be treated in an inhumane way. I really hope that, after reading that article, many more people will be vigilant about seeking out this kind of abuse and reporting it. I also hope that officials in Bahrain will begin prosecuting the offenders. It is amazing that Marietta and her team of volunteers dedicate so much of their time to such an important cause. I wish her all the very best and hope that the situation will change. Human trafficking, slavery and unreasonable contracts and demands are all outrageous in the 21st century. Julie, by email. *OUFSWJFX
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arietta Dias has dedicated her life in Bahrain to protecting the rights — sometimes the most basic, human rights that the rest of us take for granted — of migrant workers in the Kingdom. Her passion for Bahrain is as potent as that of its most avid supporters, but this has not prevented her from recognising some of its failings. Although she accepts that many of the agents, employers and host families responsible for migrant workers in the region are fair and just, there is, nonetheless, widespread and systematic abuse of the system. Regardless of whether these abuses rest in the hands of hundreds, or just a few, they need to be addressed, put right and, in the long-term, prevented from occurring. In her 50 years in the region she has seen some dramatic improvements, but the fight is by no means over, she says as she speaks to Woman This Month. Why set up the Migrant Workers Protection Society? To create a voice for people who often don’t get heard. It is a strong voice for the labourers and domestic workers who are brought over to Bahrain, often leaving their families behind, in order to do the tasks that we can’t find anyone else to do. The main thing we are trying to create awareness about is that domestic workers don’t come under the labour laws. There is some suggestion that, as they are considered to be part of a family, they should be treated as such. It's also very difficult to monitor what goes on behind four walls. However, this leads to frequent abuse — and we do call it abuse. The main abuses that we see are non-payment or irregular payment of salary; sometimes these workers can go for months on end without getting paid. Added to this is physical, emotional and sometimes sexual abuse, but the main problem is overwork. If you look at some of the agreements set up by manpower agents you will see the clause: “Working hours unlimited�. This is unacceptable! We cannot have this sort of thing being regularly written into contracts. People need off time to survive; it’s something the rest of us absolutely take for granted. You have expressed the necessity of publicising individual stories — to put personal faces on the situation. Do you have any case studies you could elaborate on? We have so many awful cases. Right now we have an Ethiopian lady, who has been with her employer for over two years and nine months. She is owed months and months of salary and she was systematically physically abused by every member of the family. We went to the hospital in Salmaniya, to try and get at least one of her many, extensive injuries treated, and it turns out that she has actually lost her sight in one eye, because of the trauma she has experienced. In spite of all this, we have been told that she doesn’t have a case and she must board a plane and return home to Ethiopia. The sponsor has gone ahead and cancelled her visa, so she only has one month to sort everything out. It is very frustrating, but we are not willing to let this happen.
Has this turned into a full-time job for you? Yes it has. Everybody at the MWPS works on a voluntary basis. We only have two permanent staff — the caretaker in our shelter and a driver. But the work is never ending. Most days we leave for ‘work’ between 8am to 9am and we don’t get back until quite late in the evening. 16
| August 2011 | woman this month
WRITE IN AND WIN Send your letter to editor@womanthismonth. com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461, Manama. The star letter will receive 100BD worth of amazing makeup and cosmetics from the brand Gosh, courtesy of the J.H Ruyan Co. Give yourself a dazzling makeover this October!
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| October 2011 | woman this month
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What do you think it is about the use of taboo in art that makes it so appealing for you as an artist? Anything can be considered art if someone says it is. The same rule goes for taboo; anything can be offensive if someone says it is. Sensitive issues; sensitive to whom, sensitive within what historical time period? Raising these kinds of questions is an artist’s prerogative. Art is about revealing something to the viewer that he or she doesn’t see every day. Do you think art can change a country’s sense or a people’s sense of what is ‘appropriate’ for public consumption? Art and advertising can always change a country’s perception of what is fashionable, trendy, indispensable, or even what is appropriate, respectful, or taboo. To an extent, you always need to respect each society’s ideas about what is appropriate or correct; but, you do have to know when to challenge these too. When it comes to my art, I don’t want to limit my creativity. I always reflect my subjects within their particular society; I don’t aim to limit myself to convention, I don’t choose a context based on its appropriateness. Do you think that your Arab origins have in any way informed your work, even if it is in a sense of consciously rejecting old traditions? My ethnicity has definitely inspired my work. If I was to reject my origins, how could I be in a position to observe and analyse other people’s cultures, traditions and societies?
So, tell us a little bit about yourself: Akmal: My background is Pakistani-Afghan, but I was born in Bradford, in the North of England. I graduated from Bradford School of Art with a first class honours in graphic media communication in 2007 and went on to complete my master’s in visual culture. There wasn’t a particular moment when I thought: “Wow, I’m creative�. I always had a passion for art, and I began to receive very positive feedback. I didn’t choose my career; my career chose me. My passion for design and the visual arts made my career an inevitable journey.
You call some of your art, digital illustrations. How have you embraced modern technology? My designs are defined by their use of mixed media and digitisation. I draw, paint, take digital pictures, glue and paste first. After this I scan the pieces in and I compose, play, create and inform them on a computer. I love modern technology; it excites me. It speaks to the modern viewer and consumer. To what extent do you think that art has had to adapt to an increasingly online population? I think the online community is the way forward. The social network community has grown incredibly rapidly; providing access to information at the touch of a button. It would be silly if “art� didn’t adapt to the demands and needs of the online population. The digital form of my art has made it more accessible. People can experience it all over the world. I have created it knowing that people will see it on a screen, so the impact doesn’t attenuate depending on the environment you view it in.
Explain your term “magical realismâ€? to us: I provide extreme realism to mundane subject matter. This means that, rather than simply looking at the surface of a person, object or concept, I unwrap the levels of mystery to look at the core. There are many new worlds and realms to explore, which are still alien to current society; deeper mysteries will always threaten the simple and the ingenuous. The aim is to find a way to represent these for the modern audience. I bypass political correctness, clichĂŠ or convention, to get to the heart of the matter — to intrigue or make a statement. My art opens doors, for people who dare to go through them, into a weird and seductive wonderland that is still connected to, or a representation of, reality.
You have been involved with the artwork for some Italian fashion houses. Tell us a little bit about your fashion and art direction: Fashion, particularly influenced by the media, sets a standard, which society tends to follow. My work is an attempt to understand emotions and moods and the closest object I can find that can relate and narrate my expression of moods and emotions is the female form. I found that there was a demand for my work within the field of fashion; hence I catered for this demand. www.akmalshaukat.com
You express an adulation of the female form in your work. What is it about women, physically and psychologically, that inspires you? I like to feel that my art characterises the female spirit. It relates to how the female identity expresses itself within the parameters of her society. A woman can be sensitive, intense, sententious, and beautiful — she is a daughter, sister or a mother. There are a plethora of inspiring women out 18
| August 2011 | woman this month
woman this month | September 2011 |
I just have to say that I really loved artist Akmal Shaukat’s digital designs. I think it is really cool that he has found such an interesting way to use modern technology for artistic purposes. His art is fresh and interesting and definitely unique. It is also really great that he is so inspired by women. I know that artists throughout history have idolised the female body in their paintings, but I think Akmal has found a way to make the women in his pictures say something. His subjects are quirky and different and each has something more to offer than just a pretty figure. I hope that we see more and more of this sort of thing in the years to come. Lucy, by email
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ade fashionable by the likes of Princess Diana, Jane Fonda and Paula Abdul, bulimia literally means ‘hunger of the ox’ — referring to the large amounts of food that a person consumes during a binging episode. Later on, when shame, guilt and self-condemnation set in, bulimic people try to ‘purge’ themselves by inducing vomiting or using laxatives and diuretics. Many feel that this is an effective way of avoiding the calories and undoing the session of overeating. Recent research suggests that bulimia is more common than you might think — as many as eight per cent of adult females suffer from it, and as many as five per cent of female students. Although the condition can develop at any time in a person’s life, the average age of onset is between 18 and 19 years. Experts also suggest that when there is a close relative or friend suffering from bulimia, then the people around them become four times more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Tell us about your women’s shelter: This was one of the first shelters to be opened in Bahrain. Of course, the Philippine embassy always had a shelter, but I can’t think of any other independent ones. Well over 600 women have passed through our shelter. At any time we have around nine or 10 women of varied nationalities. Often the police, or a neighbour, call us regarding something they have witnessed; or the women are picked up after having run away. Frequently, they do not even know where their house is, so they struggle to take us back to it or to point it out, because they have never seen beyond its four walls. We have spent many afternoons driving around with a young woman, hoping that she might recognise something, anything that could suggest where she has been living for the past while. Once in our shelter, though, they are well taken care of; there is food to eat, 24-hour television in different languages and their friends are allowed to visit them regularly.
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Bulimia might present itself as a disorder affecting the way someone consumes food, but the compulsive eating and purging process is merely a symptom of something much deeper. Beneath the hunger cravings lie deep-seated, confusing emotional and psychological problems, believes cognitive behavioural therapist, Sharon Gorman. “Dysfunctional relationships within families, within a marriage or a partnership can be a trigger for bulimia nervosa, as can stressful life events, such as the loss of a relationship, a job, bullying and bereavement,� says Sharon, who is managing director of therapeutic services at Crisec Consultants. Low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and worthlessness, perfectionism, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder are all personality traits associated with bulimia. The pressure to be skinny and fashionable can also lead young people to start dieting, as they believe it will make them happy and successful and attract acceptance. 54
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Interestingly, bulimics are deluding themselves when they think they can lose all the calories by purging themselves. “The body is extremely smart, you cannot cheat it so easily,� says Julie Abillamaa, senior dietician at Health Watchers Bahrain diet clinic. When you vomit, you only lose up to 50 per cent of the calories ingested, because the body starts absorbing the calories sooner than you think. A binging session can mean consuming over 3,000 to 5,000 calories. “You cannot possibly lose this by vomiting,� she says. “Moreover, the use of laxatives is futile as this will only cause about 10 per cent of calories to be expelled, while diuretics do not purge any calories at all.� Over-exercise is equally pointless, as the body does not respond well to prolonged exercise sessions and can become immune to it. “It is like under-eating; when you eat very little, your metabolism rate slows down and the body burns less calories,� observes Julie.
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It’s difficult to spot a bulimic; they tend to be very secretive about their binging sessions and most of them have either normal weight or are slightly overweight. However, some warning signs include yellowing teeth and cavities, bruises on the fingers or hands from frequently scraping against the teeth, together with hair loss, bad breath, dry skin and flaked nails. Behavioural signs include obsession with body weight, health food and diets, picking at food in public, a preference to eat in private, using the washroom immediately after meals, mood swings, panic attacks, over-exercise and changes in bowel movement. Bulimia is a very debilitating condition that can have extremely serious consequences in the long-term. An electrolyte imbalance builds up in the body, with a depletion of vitamins and minerals, leading to dehydration and kidney problems. The loss of potassium is especially harmful as it can affect the heart and even cause death!
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Bulimia nervosa is a psychological condition that results in severe physical imbalances; to overcome both one needs the help of professionals. The first step towards dealing with this disorder is to break the silence and confide in a friend or family member. “Family is a big help; no therapy can help unless the family is around, is listening and is supportive,� says Julie. According to her, the chances of falling off the wagon are far less if bulimics feel that they can involve their friends or family members without suffering derision and criticism. They desperately need emotional support and understanding. Food, in the mind of a bulimic, is a source of shame as well as satisfaction. Psychiatrists and therapists treat bulimia by delving into the minds of their patients and finding out why they feel the way they do about food and what food means to them. Various therapeutic approaches are used to treat the disorder, including cognitive behavioural therapy. This is a kind of psychotherapy, during which an individual has regular discussions about their thinking, is one of the only ways of getting to the root of the problem. There is no quick cure. Progress and development can only occur gradually, exploring the issues that are often deep beneath the surface. “Discussions help a client explore and recognise their negative thought patterns, along with their reasons for their unhealthy relationship with food. It supports people through a journey of self-discovery and selfacceptance and can help them realise that they are worthy of love and
connection,� says Sharon. While it is very difficult to break the ‘binge and purge cycle’, it is possible to treat bulimia completely, but it is not easy. Often the disease will stay with someone throughout their life. Research suggests that while around 50 per cent of sufferers can be clear of the condition ten years after its commencement, around 30 per cent will only partially recover and the remaining 20 per cent will still have the symptoms. To gain control over the physical symptoms, a harsh diet is not the way to go. “A harsh diet is never recommended,� notes Julie. “We need to stabilise the body weight and restore the normal eating behaviour of the person. This includes eating three square meals and two snacks a day to break the binge and purge cycle.� If someone you know has an eating disorder, then try to understand that it can be very difficult for them to own up to it, or acknowledge that they are in trouble. Plenty of reassurance and support can help a person suffering from bulimia move towards making the life-changing decision to get professional help. “Help is available, so please be brave and ask for it. The first step to recovery is the willingness to tell somebody what is happening to you,� says Sharon. For more information, call 66 344-470 (Crisec Consultants) or visit www. healthwatchersbahrain.com.
| September 2011 | woman this month
Weight Obsessive
What are the main components in bringing about change? Implementation of the law! The labour ministry needs to be given more power to sort these situations out. Secondly, we need domestic workers to come under the labour laws. Thirdly, manpower agencies need to be brought under some control by the government — we need checks and regulations. Our main concern, however, is always to raise more awareness; nothing will ever change if people don’t know what is going on. 17
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Wonderland Love
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What do you think needs to change in order to improve the situation? This has been my main focus for many years, and I have seen some real leaps forward. Some of the embassies have been particularly proactive and the government is beginning to cooperate and work with us to help our plight. There is a whole mindset that needs to change, though. The penal system needs to change; sometimes, even if domestic employees work up the courage to go to the police station, some of the stations just send them back to the sponsor. All authorities need to be on the same page. They have to understand that the worker has the right to complain and also the right not to go back to a house where they think they have been abused, until the justice system has ruled. Bahrain was the first country to bring out a people anti-trafficking law, in 2008. The problem, though, is that we are not seeing many real prosecutions; too much is still hidden from view. People assume that trafficking just refers to prostitution, but it doesn’t. Most women that we are dealing with have been trafficked; it is the difference between someone going into employment of their own free will and receiving all their rights, and slavery. Many of these women are being treated as slaves, and many employers and host families naturally assume that they have the right to do this. This is the mindset that needs to change across the Kingdom.
there, making a difference in the world, and a difference to the people in their lives. I find women intensely inspiring, whether they do extraordinary things, such as change the community or alter the shape of the world, or not. Women are inspiring in their everyday lives; as mothers and best friends, for their spirit and passion. In relation to my art, I see my ideal woman as someone who has a niche image that can only be appreciated by those people who are able to discover the most unique side in all things. She is a modern icon full of strength.
kmal Shaukat is an artist and designer who has wholly-embraced the digitisation of the modern world. He paints, he draws, he photographs, but his unique talent lies in his ability to use computer technology. His digital art and illustration displays none of the traits you might associate with computing; it is neither sterile nor stagnant, nor mathematical or limited — but flowing, unique and beautiful. A second generation Pakistani-Afghan, Akmal resides and works in the UK, but travels widely. He has been called upon, not only to show his work, but to contribute to advertising campaigns, to illustrate fiction and to provide artistic direction for some major fashion houses. His designs have also featured in several popular and niche magazines, such as 1883 Magazine and Fashion Labb.
We move between police stations, immigration offices, ministries and embassies; often we have to visit the Isa Town detention centre or the jail, and the hospital because some of the maids need very urgent medical treatment. Trying to do all this with very limited volunteers becomes a big juggling act. It is very much worth it though; at the end of the day we go to bed with a satisfied feeling.
woman this month | September 2011 |
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woman this month | September 2011 |
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I have struggled with an eating disorder for my whole life. It started when I was really young, only 12 years old. A lot of people don’t realise that eating disorders can be genetic. It is rare that someone chooses to get one and they can be so destructive to your life. I don’t believe that, if you have had one, it ever really goes away. It is a demon that will always come back to haunt you. There is no cure. It was good to read the article about bulimia in the September issue of the magazine, because more people need to know about these issues and how to spot them in other people. If you leave an eating disorder untreated or unnoticed it can get to the stage where people are hospitalised or worse. I hope that more people learn about bulimia and anorexia, because then they will not be so casual in their approach to it. I can’t believe that some people would think it was fashionable to have an eating disorder. This just sends out completely the wrong message. Hind, by email.
Social Butterfly Beverley & Herma
AWA 37th Birthday Celebration
The 37th birthday of the American Women’s Association (AWA) was celebrated at the Riffa Views Golf Club recently. President Tosin Arowojolu welcomed the members after the summer break and introduced the incoming board. The US Embassy Charge d’Affaires, Stephanie Williams was the guest speaker. Festive decorations and a birthday cake added to the ambiance of the fun-filled morning Seana, Lizzy, Lisa & Susie
Laila
Liliane, Lynne, Rahma, Bana & Jacky Tosin & Adriana
Nadia, Jacqueline & Irina
,
woman this month | October 2011 |
7
Interview
The
Dirtiest Word Natasha Bird talks to Dr. Margot Badran about the theory behind Islamic Feminism and why the words spark alarm in even some of the most forward-thinking among the Muslim population.
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| October 2011 | woman this month
"F
eminism” has become a dirty word. It shouldn’t have and The Qur’an is extremely complex. To suggest that it is not open to it’s bizarre that it has, but it has. So, what is it about this interpretation is to ignore its depth and value. As Dr. Badran points particular term for female equality that makes it stick in people’s out, “You could choose to read into it some degree of inequality. throats? It isn’t just that men see it as a label for the disruption to For example, the Qur’an mentions polygamy. Marrying up to four their status quo, because there are many, educated women who wives is technically allowed”, so it might appear to condone the also recoil at its mention. practise. However, “the conditions are so stringent that if you In some parts of the world, the word has been hijacked actually followed them, you’d find it very difficult to actually by minority groups who have used it as an excuse for extreme practice it”. In the society in which the Qur’an was revealed, behaviour. It has become identifiable with bra-burning and polygamy was rampant. So, according to Dr. Badran, the Qur’an is man-hating, which is a shame because these things have nothing less concerned with excusing the practice and more with trying to to do with the original tenets of feminism. In this part of the contain it. “The Qur’an contains a message of human equality and world, though, the stigma attached to the term possibly has more justice and encourages working toward the implementation of to do with the fact that it is seen as a Western term, or a these ideals in the real world, but many people get stuck on what Western phenomenon. is permissible, rather than on aiming to live out these higher ideals Wrong again. One of the most interesting things that I gleaned or principles”. Knowing the context in which the Qur’an was from my conversation with Dr. Margot Badran was that feminism, conceived, asserts Dr. Badran, will help you to understand it as a as a term and a concept, developed fairly simultaneously in the more egalitarian document. And it is this egalitarian interpretation East and the West. It seems, then, that this association with the which fuels Islamic feminism. West may just be another method, contrived by opponents of the If you ask me, now is the perfect time to get over any disdain for feminist cause, for putting women off the push for equality. the terms and to discuss the principles. In Bahrain, more and more It might seem odd to solicit the opinions of an American on the women are finding their public voice and asserting their right to be subject of Islam, but it would be imprudent to let her nationality heard. Now, more than ever, we can see that ideas about women cloud your reading. Dr. Badran is more than qualified to talk about circulated by conservatives — such as the idea that a woman’s such subjects. She is an academic, lecturer and author, whose place is solely in the home — are problematic. Women are not a career has centred on gender and singular, homogeneous group. feminism. She has spoken We are each unique and must be We need discourse to help us clarify, globally, held many fellowships, allowed to act so. realign and legitimise our thinking. If people won a plethora of awards, helped Dr. Badran suggests that, quite set up the women’s studies are going to use religion to tell you what to apart from letting the term programme at the University of “feminism” intimidate or bother us, do, you need to be clear about your own Sana in Yemen and has written on the best thing we can do is use it understanding and the justification for it. women and gender for the and talk about it. “We need Al-Ahram weekly in Cairo. More discourse to help us clarify, realign than this, though, she has made it her life’s work to study the role and legitimise our thinking. If people are going to use religion to of women in the Muslim world and has dedicated herself to tell you what to do, you need to be clear about your own reading, understanding and discussing the teachings of the Qur’an. understanding and the justification for it. Islamic feminists are able According to Dr. Badran, “feminism” appears as a word in the to say, “excuse me, no I don’t have to do what you say, and this is late 19th century, but it doesn’t actually enter the English why, according to the Qur’an’”. Even if it is structural changes that vocabulary until the next century. Interestingly, it appears to need to take place in order for women to have equal rights to men, develop in both the United States and Egypt at roughly the same it is study, discussion and greater understanding that will facilitate time. So, to call it a singularly Western phenomenon is the movement to make these changes happen. For example, inappropriate. In fact, in Egypt it emerges in the context of the rise the famous revision of the family law, in Morocco in 2004, of Islamic modernism and as part of the anti-colonial struggle, making men and women equal heads of the family, came about which argued against the inequalities of Western colonisation. after many forces, including well-versed feminists, campaigned Badran points out that: “certain patriarchal forces or conservative for its modification. groups know that if they want to suppress a movement in the Having spoken to Dr. Badran, it seems that to suggest, as many Middle East, the most effective way to do it is to label it Western, do, that women already receive equal rights, is misguided. It is as something that is beyond Islam and a threat to the culture. This also unfair to suggest that the rights that women do not receive is a pernicious manipulation, but it has such power that people buy are not afforded to them by the Qur’an. There is still a long way to it”. “It is a contentious word, but use it, to uphold the value of it, go before women can enjoy gender equality and social justice. We because if even I won’t, then who is going to?”. It seems glaringly are lucky enough to live in a country which permits female obvious to me and to Dr. Badran, that the more time one spends academia and allows women a public voice, so it is about time that denigrating the word, the less time we will spend concentrating on more of us started using it. It is abundantly clear that, of all the its meaning — social justice and equality. words we should seek to outlaw, “feminism” isn’t one of them. It is Because this is exactly what Islamic feminism refers to, in its a concept that has been with us for years, in word, and for most basic sense. “It is an articulation of the idea of the equality of centuries, in practise. It is the term for our freedom, the term for all human beings. What makes it Islamic feminism is that this our rights and our equality. Most of your day-to-day practices, understanding of social justice and gender equality is derived including reading this magazine, wouldn’t be available to you directly from reading the Qur’an. It is a feminist discourse that without it. Even if you find the word irritating, it is silly to use that is grounded in interpretation of the Qur’an and also the Hadith”, as an excuse not to talk about female rights. A word is a word, but says Dr. Badran. injustice is all-consuming. woman this month | October 2011 |
9
Fashion
Autumn Winter
2011
Once again Woman This Month is offering you a definitive guide to the Autumn/Winter season. We’re steering you through six of the most influential trends, with a look at some of the best items available and tips for how to wear them. We’ve also thrown in some hair and beauty advice. What more could you want?
The Trends 11 Feature Prints: Bold, stand-out and colourful 15 Fetish Fantasy: A peek at the darkness within 19 Country Walks: Tweed, plaid and a hardy flat-cap 23 Arresting Androgyny: Women make tailoring their own 27 Dreamy Victoriana: An antidote to androgyny and fetish 31 Fabulous Fur: Rich, luxurious and warm 36 Celebrity Fashion: Trend setting stars show us their worth
Keep it SHARP Keep it SMART Keep it CHIC 10
| October 2011 | woman this month
CAROLINA HERRERA
Feature Prints
Bold and beautiful prints are back on top this season, but there are more than just the florals to tickle your fancy. Bows, lobsters, dogs, horses — you name it, we’ve found it!
Feature Prints woman this month | October 2011 |
11
Striking and
Fashion
SUNO
Unusual Prints are back with a bang, but don’t be too quick to pull out your old Diane Von Furstenberg printed wrap dresses or your floral scarves. This season, the prints are taking on new and unusual forms — dogs, cats, bows, fish, art-deco flowers and architectural geometrics are among the many new designs These prints are a beacon, a conversation starter and the main feature of an outfit, rather than simply an embellishment. Miu Miu started it all with the famous swallows of last year, but it seems that a tidal wave of other designers have soon followed suit. Erdem, Holly Fulton and Charlotte Taylor have all climbed aboard, and even Missoni has swapped the usual zig zags for more attention grabbing designs. Mix them, clash them, or wear the same print head-to-toe, but don’t be shy about it! These feature prints are not for the faint of heart.
HOLLY FULTON
MANISH ARORA
CELEBRITY TRENDSETTER
| October 2011 | woman this month
FERGIE
12
BUSY PH
MISSONI
LADY GAGA
MARY KATRANTZOU
ILLIPPS
STELLA McCARTNEY
MIU MIU
Love at
Feature Prints
First
Sight
Editor's
Pick
We love a good pair of highwaisted shorts — especially ones covered in hundreds of tiny horses! What more could you want?!
KENZO
Kenzo tries a new, bolder take on floral.
BOOHOO.COM
HOW TO WEAR 1. The great thing about this trend is that there are hardly any rules. You can clash, you can mix and match or you can wear one print all over. Just give it some attitude and you’ll be fine. 2. Remember, the print is the feature. Show it off and don’t clutter the look with pointless accessories or wild, untamed hair. 3. Stick to the brighter colours. It might be Autumn, but that’s no excuse for looking drab and dreary. Tangerine is still the colour of choice, but other, jewel-toned hues are also doing the rounds. Stand out, go on, we dare you!
MICRO TREN D PENNEYS
Going Dotty
One of the big variations on the feature print is the large dot. Stella McCartney’s spotty designs are everywhere, as are those of Marc Jacobs. Morning, noon or night — any time is polka-dot time!
DEBENHAMS
FEVER
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG AT NET-A-PORTER MARC JACOBS AT NET-A-PORTER
woman this month | October 2011 |
13
Match
Fashion Feature Prints
Mix
So many great prints to choose from! Here are our picks:
H&M
CHARLOTTE TAYLOR
HOLLY FULTON
INTERNACIONALE JUICY COUTURE
EMILIO PUCCI
BANANA REPUBLIC MONSOON
VIYELLA 14
| October 2011 | woman this month
Beauty Tip: As jewel-tones are in, go for a striking pink lip to complement your print.
DAVID ANDERSEN
Fetish Fantasy
Whips and chokers, leather and lace, this season’s naughtiest trend looks deep into the secret darkness of human fantasy. Fishnet tights are enjoying a brilliant renaissance!
Fetish Fantasy
woman this month | October 2011 |
15
Wilfully
Fashion
Wicked
MARK FAST
EMILIO PUCCI
Autumn/Winter 2011 will celebrate a rise in the risqué. Just owning a biker jacket is not enough — this season’s garments are replete with leather straps, mesh inserts, cut-out panels, lots of lace, some studs and a whole lot of naughty lash-batting. Drawing on human bondage and S&M fantasies, these fetishistic clothes are not suitable for your day-time tea party, or lunch with the in-laws. These outfits are strictly post-watershed — conceptualised as an after dark world of costumes, feathers, masks and mystery. Sarah Burton’s latest collection for Alexander McQueen is this trend incarnate, while Versus, Dolce & Gabbana and even Top Shop Unique all make use of leather straps, corsetry and ribbon lattices. In terms of colour, black enjoyed an overwhelming runway domination, but don’t be afraid to add in some greys and metallics for good measure.
ALEXANDER McQUEEN
DIESEL BLACK GOLD
COMME DES GARCONS
| October 2011 | woman this month
KELLY ROWLA
16
KRISTEN BELL
TOPSHOP UNIQUE
CIARA
ND
MARCHESA
CELEBRITY TRENDSETTER
Love at
Editor's
Pick
First
Sight
ERICKSON BEAUMON
This Erickson Beaumon Venetian-inspired mask is a real treat. It plays into all the right themes of fantasy and intrigue and is studded with beautiful gems, making it naughty, but extremely nice!
Make a statement in a cut-out dress.
NEW LOOK
HOW TO WEAR 1. Black is the colour of choice, so keep this as your base colour. If you feel like you need a colour injection, go for blood red, or something unusual like deep amber. 2. As this trend is built on the idea of dominatrix-culture, you can afford a harsher finish. Scrape back your hair into a high, tight ponytail, for example. 3. Now this is a trend which isn’t shy about accessorising. Embellished chokers are the necklace of choice, but thick, wrought metal cuffs will also impress. Anything with chainmail, studs and lace will also work well.
Fetish Fantasy
MICRO TREN D Chunky Ch okers SALVATORE FERRAGAMOS
LANVIN
The runways were awash with chokers this season. There were some amazingly detailed varieties from the likes of Julien Macdonald, with chunkier styles from Tory Burch, Emanuel Ungaro and Max Azira.
MICHEAL KORS MICHEAL KORS woman this month | October 2011 |
17
Match
Fashion Fetish Fantasy
Mix
Don’t whip yourself into a frenzy trying to find the best buys, we’ve done the hard work for you.
HOBBS
DIOR
LIPSY
GAP
NINA RICCI PILOT MARISOTA
Beauty Tip: JIMMY CHOO 18
| October 2011 | woman this month
Make like Lady Gaga and go for talons instead of your usual rounded nails.
DIOR
Country Walks
Deer-stalkers and tweed, canes and brollies, this Autumn it’s time to brave the leafy countryside and partake in a good hearty ramble. And who says you can’t look chic whilst doing it?
Country Walks
woman this month | October 2011 |
19
A Hearty
Fashion
Stroll
HERMES
This is a reworking of last year’s English heritage trend. Some of the same themes still apply — midi skirts in tough fabrics, such as wool and gabardine, are still a staple, as are tweed jackets and visible, beige socks. This season, though, the look is slightly tougher. There is more of a sense of needing the clothes to perform a function — to protect against the cold and the clawing branches of trees and bracken. So, lace up your boots, belt up your coats and tuck your hair into a felt hat, because you’re about to embark on a vigorous amble through the countryside. Some familiar names appear on the Country Walks register — Margaret Howell and Burberry have re-envisaged their wax jackets, trench-coats and lace-up boots, but many other designers have hopped on the bandwagon. Lacoste have swapped their usual sporty style for knitwear and Hermes has traded in clean lines and simplicity for thick plaids and layers.
KENZO
WOOD WOOD
BURBERRY PRORSUM
| October 2011 | woman this month
RMRO OLIVIA PALE
20
EMMA WATSON
LACOSTE
UNG
MARC BY MARC JACOBS
ALEXA CH
kenzo
CELEBRITY TRENDSETTER
Love at
Country Walks
First
Sight
Editor's
Pick
This La Redoute military style jacket is really special. The thick wool makes it allweather, while the lined seams and nipped in waist mean that it is infinitely flattering.
GAP
LA REDOUTE
Felt hats with wide brims are a real must
HOW TO WEAR 1. This is a look for the rugged outdoors, not a soiree at an art gallery. As such, too many accessories will be frowned upon for their glaring impracticality. If you want to wear a necklace, make it an heirloom and if you want earrings, pick pearl studs. 2. Belt up! Whether you are securing a cable knit cardigan or tying on a wax overcoat, you’ll want something to nip you in around the middle. Layering doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the appearance of your female figure. 3. Beware of thin heels. Anything that looks like it might get stuck in the mud is a big no no.
MICRO TREN DP
iles of Plaid
SALVATORRE FERRAGAMO
MacDonald, Houndstooth and Prince of Wales — plaids and tartans were all over the runways. And don’t be afraid to mix them up and pile them on, the more the merrier! NEXT CAMAIEU
ASOS
HOSS INTROPIA woman this month | October 2011 |
21
Fashion Country Walks
Mix
Match
Flat caps and plaid skirts, here are some of the essentials for the Country Walks ensemble.
MASSIMO DUTTI
KENZO PHASE EIGHT
REPUBLIC NEXT
CAROLINA HERRERA
URBAN OUTFITTERS
Beauty Tip: 22
LOUIS VUITTON | October 2011 | woman this month
Try some cheek tint fluid, for that rosy outdoors look.
celine
Arresting Androgyny
Fashion loves to keep people guessing. This season’s androgynous trend sees women reclaiming suiting and tailoring from the boys and making it their own. There’s not a curve in sight!
Arresting Androgyny woman this month | October 2011 |
23
Isn’t she
Fashion
handsome?
balmain
alexander wang ralph lauren
chloe
Our concepts of gender are constantly being developed. This season, certain designers have decided to add to the discussion by giving male/female roles a shake-up. Transsexual model Lea T has enjoyed a super-sonic rise to fame, becoming the face of an increasingly notorious Givenchy campaign. Added to this is the popularity of cross-dressing Andrej Pejic on the runways. His svelte physique and elfin looks blend easily with those of his female counterparts, lending shows an extra degree of intrigue and mystique. Just as some men are now able to mingle freely with the women in the fashion world, so women are now reclaiming certain typically masculine styles. Suiting, crisp white shirts, tuxedos, silk ties and cummerbunds — traditionally the black-tie uniform of those with a Y chromosome — were seen on female models all over the world. More casual looks included super-sized, boxy blazers, slouchy cut t-shirts and large overcoats.
CELEBRITY TRENDSETTER
| October 2011 | woman this month
olsen elizabeth
anna pa
24
diane kruger
moschino quin
CAROlINA HeRrERA
nicole farhi
Love at
Sight
Editor's
Pick marc jacobs
First
Arresting Androgyny
Loafers and brogues are going to be a staple this season, and there are some deliciously different ones for you to choose between. Tod’s have a great selection, some with cool detailed panels.
tod's
If a briefcase is a bridge too far, try a boxy tote.
HOW TO WEAR 1. This isn’t a trend for lingerie models and playboy bunnies. The whole point of androgyny is to generate some intrigue surrounding the issue of gender. So don’t think you can just throw a blazer over a body-con dress and be done with it. 2. If monochrome gives you a headache, there is scope for adding in a dash of colour. Red has been a feature on many runways. Accent your outfit with a pair of red shoes or a red lip. 3. If a tuxedo is too smart, give the casual version a whirl by throwing on an oversized cardigan and some peg-legged trousers.
MICRO TREN D Bows and Collars Penneys
The shirt is back with some real force, but that’s no excuse to pick something plain. This season the shirts have interesting embellishments around the neck. Whether it’s a pussybow or a bow-tie — make it quirky and unique.
warehouse
next
hobbs woman this month | October 2011 |
25
Fashion Arresting Androgyny
Mix
Match
From blazers to trench coats, here is a selection of gender-ambiguous garments to help you achieve this season’s androgyny.
MARISOTA
red herring at debenhams
VIYELLA
SALVATORRE FERRAGAMO
M&S
REBECCA TAYLOR 26
| October 2011 | woman this month
MASSIMO DUTTI
Beauty Tip:
CELINE
Try the butler look with a side parting and some hair gel.
hoss intropia
Dreamy Victoriana
Forget the bustles and the velvet, the muffs and the chapeaus. This season’s fashion takes a peek behind the curtains of Victoriana and paints a picture of dreamy lace and playful ruffles.
Dreamy Victoriana woman this month | October 2011 |
27
Dreaming of
Fashion
Yester Year
collette dinnigan rodarte yves saint laurent
elie saab
rkson patricia cla
alexander mcqueen
jamie kin
g
ri by roksanda | October 2011 | woman this month
sarah jessica parker
CELEBRITY TRENDSETTER
valentino
28
To remember the Victorian era is usually to think of strict fathers, tight corsets, overbearing governesses and the odd girdle. This season, though, designers are stripping back these rather unappealing stereotypes to uncover the dreamy, delicate traits of Victorian dressing. Models sashayed down the runway in the most regal of ruffs, the most ladylike lace and the occasional charming crinoline. The key to this trend is to be demure but flirtatious at the same time. This means toying with onlookers in some other, less obvious way than simply baring an ample cleavage. Most garments within the Victoriana trend have high necklines, but tease spectators with sheer fabrics, nude colours and open backs. Whilst Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen led the way with thick neck ruffs, bare shoulders and tight bodices, the designers at Valentino followed suit, showcasing a beautiful array of delicate pink and white lace in tantalisingly translucent chiffons.
Love at
Dreamy Victoriana
First
Sight
Editor's
Pick sicily
alexander wang at net-a-porter
We absolutely adore these Alexander Wang Victorian-inspired slip-ons. The tassel is just right for the trend, but the metallic leather and bold colour keeps them fresh and up-to-date.
Cameo rings, earrings, necklaces are a must!
HOW TO WEAR 1. This is probably the girliest of all the key trends for this Autumn/ Winter, so feel free to pull out the dusty pinks, the nudes and the duck-egg blues. 2. Soft curls will work, but to achieve that slightly coquettish, wanton look of this particular Victoriana trend, don’t be too neat. Let a few strands of hair stray from your ‘do. 3. This trend is a careful blend between demure and naughty. So if you want to opt for a more flirtatious look, just don’t be too obvious about it. Sometimes, there is nothing more inviting than a bare shoulder or thinly veiled clavicle.
MICRO TREN D Lace Deta il Penneys
maison michel m&s
reiss
Though all-over lace is definitely a component of this trend, one of the more interesting variations is la redoute delicate lace detailing. Whether it is lace panels on bodices or lace trim on undergarments, look for unusual patterns and formations. woman this month | October 2011 |
29
Fashion Dreamy Victoriana
Mix
Match
High necks and ruffles abound. Here is a selection to whet your Victoriana appetite.
dior
accessorize
rebecca taylor
boohoo.com
M&S
nina ricci
hoss intropia
Beauty Tip: 30
| October 2011 | woman this month
celine
A little cheek and brow highlighter will add a glow to your look.
VERY.CO.UK
Fabulous Fur
Vintage fur has risen in popularity over the last couple of Winters and designers are looking to cash in on the trend by bringing out a whole lot of new options.
Fabulous Fur
woman this month | October 2011 |
31
Soft
Fashion
Touch to the
john rocha
MARK FAST
valentino
prada
junko shimada
CELEBRITY TRENDSETTER jean paul gaultier
| October 2011 | woman this month
the olsen
32
kate moss
rihanna
twins
venessa bruno
celine
Last Winter saw a race to storm the most well-stocked vintage and charity shops all over the world. The purpose: to raid them for their best fur coats, jackets, muffs and stoles. A fox fur coat, a high bun and a lick of red lipstick was all you really needed to achieve last year’s “quirky cool”. This year, the designers are keen not to miss a trick. If it’s fur that the people want, then fur the people shall get. Runways from Milan to Paris, Dubai to Tokyo have been lined with fur and not just in coat and jacket form. There have been fur muffs, ruffs and cuffs, fur lined boots, furry jumpers and fur trimming on shirts and skirts. There is even a trend for colourfully died varieties — Royal blue, deep burgundy and emerald green furs have been spotted at the AW11 shows. So really, there are dozens of looks to choose from!
Love at
Pick
There was no contest — this really was love at very first sight. Carolina Herrera has outdone herself with this absolutely gorgeous full-length coat. It is the first word in luxury.
pilot
year’s furry jumpers!
carolina herrera
HOW TO WEAR 1. Fur has taken a much less traditional turn, so don’t stick to old shapes and lengths. Find quirky cuts and fun trims to join in with this year’s trends. 2. If you really want to push the boat out, try another of this season’s quirks — fur and feathers. A feather covered hat, paired with a fur coat in a complementary colour is the ideal combination. 3. Try tying a modern, thin belt around your old, vintage furs. This will give them a modern twist. And don’t be afraid to opt for something bright and colourful!
First
Sight
Editor's
We are feeling this
Fabulous Fur
MICRO TREN D banana republic
massimo duti
Fur isn’t the only way to bring animals into your outfits this year. Some designers have gone totally zoological — dalmation spots, tiger stripes, leopard print and the odd wolf head.
diamond by julien macdonald
celine
Zoological
chloe
woman this month | October 2011 |
33
Fashion Fabulous Fur
Mix
Match
Fur is everywhere this season — here are a few of our favourite items.
M&S
new look
M&Co
H&M
biba at house of fraser
marc by marc jacobs lanvin coach
Beauty Tip: The red lip is out, try nude instead!
34
| October 2011 | woman this month
Social Butterfly
Azadea Group Iftar
Fadi & Jamal with Jawad Y. Al Hawaj
The Azadea Group held an Iftar for members of their staff at the group's Kosebasi and Butcher Shop & Grill Restaurant in Bahrain City Centre during the Holy Month of Ramadan Raji, Prabha, Walid, Ramya & Chethana
Mohammed & Ali
Hassan, Ali & Ali
Rhona, Gel & Hein
Wissam & Hassan
Always at your disposal
Dyaa, Ghassan & Mishal
Offers available: 1. Circuit training session: kickboxing, mixed exercise for punching techniques, move, cardio, stamina and strength exercise‌. 2. Personal training: A) Fitness programs: burning fats, metabolic acceleration, strengthening muscles B) Recreation program: a combination of different exercise to raise the basic physiological functions of your body. C) Kick-boxing training: punching technique, movement, stamina, strength... Personal training programs intended for age groups from 7 to 75 years based strictly on individual health assessment.
Facilities available: Cardiovascular equipment, isotonic equipment, exercise equipments like olympic bench, weights and dumbbells, adjustable benches and racks. Plus jacuzzi, steam room and swimming pool.
For further information visit us at Juffair Fitness Center, next to Bahrain Medical Society, Juffair. Or call us: Mobile: 33002592, Tel: 77072220, E-mail: jfcenter@hotmail.com woman this month | October 2011 |
35
Fashion
What the Natas
Stars
ha Bir
d
are Wearing
There’s never a dull month in the celebrity world. It’s premieres here, posh dinners there and parties constantly! Let’s have a look at what they’ve been wearing to all these glamorous events. Helen Mirren Dame Helen is an inspiration to the over 50s everywhere. She never fails to look elegant, but fresh and on the ball at the same time. She picked this gorgeous, red Michael Kors dress at a New York screening of The Debt. Her long bob is a perfect complement to the look.
Keira Knightley The actress was spotted recently traipsing around Venice with her new beau. Her yellow midi skirt, from Whistles, kept her looking fresh and fashionable, while her Ralph Lauren cross body bag is a practical way for her to carry around the essentials. A bright and fun way to stay chic on holiday! 36
| October 2011 | woman this month
Rachel Weisz Rachel Weisz looked extremely chic as she made her way out of a hotel this month. Her See by Chloe dress is nude perfection. The prom-dress style skirt is counterbalanced by the high neckline, keeping the look playful, but demure. The only issue is that the dress somewhat washes her out. Perhaps a little tan next time Rachel!
Leslie Bibb Leslie Bibb chose to be a little bit more controversial at the Miu Miu party. She forewent the eponymous designer for a navy Lanvin dress with decorative zippers. We think the look is simple, but edgy and cool at the same time. We would possibly have opted for an up-do though, as her hair is a little too laid back.
Diane Kruger Diane Kruger looked demure, but elegant at a Miu Miu party this month. Surprise, surprise, she wore an Autumn 2011 Miu Miu gown to the event. She accessorised with some cool, strappy Jimmy Choo sandals.
Anna Dello Russo The fashionista attended the White Fairy Tale Love Party at the Chateau de Wideville in France, wearing a white Roberto Cavalli mermaid gown, with a sweetheart neckline and fishtail skirt. Apart from looking a little bit bridal, which comes with the territory at a white party, we think she looked great. She accessorised well with her Bvlgari gems.
Anne Hathaway Anne Hathaway has been experiencing a lot of negativity over her casting in the role of Emma Morley in the film adaptation of everyone’s favourite summer read One Day. Many say she is too pretty for the role and others suggest she is too slender. Anne decided to show off both of these properties at the premiere, in a slimline Alexander McQueen dress.
woman this month | October 2011 |
37
Beauty News
Beauty
The Autumn/Winter season is upon us, so its time to hurry out and buy the limited edition summer collections that will cease to be available, or stock up on the newest trends to hit the block.
Rainbow Face
Make Up Forever have launched a massive campaign to popularise their new Aqua Liner collection. This range boasts loads of amazing, colourful eyeliners. You can choose from ruby tones, to seaweed green, right through to gold and plain black. A fun experiment! Available at Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre.
Glowing Cheeks
Okay so over in the Woman This Month office, this has been one of our favourite products for the summer. The MAC Surf! Baby! Cheek powder has a dualcolour composition. The peachy tone is a great, warm hue, while the gold particles add a delicious-looking sheen! Quick before they all go! Available at MAC stores in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre.
Soothe and Relax
As if your hair wasn’t spoilt enough already, L’Occitane is also turning its hand to hair-care. This month, get your hands on their lovely little concentrated mask. It contains five essential oils which are sure to replenish your hair’s natural lustre. Available in Seef Mall.
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The Avant-Garde
Clarins have decided to up their game when it comes to mascara. They have developed a hightech double brush, composed of tightly woven nylon fibres, which are able to lengthen and separate every lash individually. Give it a try! Available at leading retailers.
Sleek and Smooth The professionals over at Matrix have dedicated themselves to ensuring that your crowning glory doesn’t look more drab than dazzling. This month they are bringing out a brilliant deep conditioning treatment. The product gets to work over 24 hours to ensure that your hair receives the royal treatment. Available only in specialist hair salons.
Multiple Personality
What woman do you want to be today? How about this evening? Can’t decide? Well, you don’t have to. Pop this little compact in your handbag and you can decide to change your look at any time, day or night. And with so many options to choose from, you can be a different person every day! Thanks Guerlain. Available at leading retailers.
Sunshine Smile
Bourjois think they can make you smile like a star! Their new smile enhancing lip gloss also has a tooth brightening gel attached to it. So getting your gloss on your teeth needn’t be a problem anymore. Just don’t forget which end is which! Available at leading retailers.
Honey to the Bee Clinique are using the start of the new season as an excuse to bring back an old favourite. Their black honey lip shade is a coveted colour among Clinique devotees. It’s dark, jewel tone is more than enticing. Time to move to the dark side! Available at leading retailers.
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20 Tips
Tips: 20 Painted Beauties Wafa Ebrahim Abdulla
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| October 2011 | woman this month
With the Autumn/Winter finally here, your wardrobe is not the only thing that needs changing. Read on for a total, seasonal beauty overhaul.
Blank Canvas
1.
Smooth skin. First things first, before applying any makeup, you need to make sure your face is clean and not oily. So wash your face and pat dry to prepare it for what’s next.
2. Use a moisturiser. No matter your skin type, you should
always use a moisturiser before applying foundation and after you have washed your face. Find out if your skin is oily, dry, normal or combination and pick the right product for you.
3.
No excess hair. This is an important step. Make sure your brows are plucked, threaded or waxed. There is nothing worse than foundation caked over hair.
4.
Get the right tools. There is a reason why so many makeup brushes exist. Using the right brush for the right product can make or break the overall look. So make sure you have the right tools.
5.
Clean canvas. This is the last step in the day. Clean the makeup off your face before going to bed. It is essential that you get all of it out of your pores, to make sure your face rests overnight.
6.
Colour palette. There is a reason why certain colours look better on some women than others, this being our skin’s unique tone. If you have pale skin, peachy and light colours suit you more, and if you have an olive undertone, go for cream and beige.
7. Test me please! Don’t make decisions about which foundation
will suit you based on what the box says or the last colour you bought. Remember with winter and summer our skin tends to get lighter and darker. So always test the makeup on your skin at the shop and ask for a second opinion.
Barely There
Smokey Eyes
13.
Light dust. Take a pale, golden hued eye-shadow and lightly dust it on your eyelids all the way up to your brow bone. This colour suits everyone and will hide any redness you have.
14. Bigger eyes. Your next step is to take a brown eye pencil or
liner of your preferred shade and closely to your eyelashes draw a line towards the outer corner of your eyes. This will straight away open up your eyes and make them seem bigger.
15. V for.. .. Take a silver eye-shadow and apply it in the V area of
the inner skin next to your tear ducts. The silver or metallic colour will brighten the inner eyes and rule out any shadows caused by your nose.
8.
16. Bolder rims. With an eye pencil, make a line from your inner
9.
17. Luscious lashes. This last step is very important so be sure
Nude glow. The nude look is back this season thanks to designers like Marc Jacobs, Valentino and Versace, along with a few others. You’ll need a good foundation, apply it to your chin bone to see if the colour matches your face and neck. Beneath the surface. After applying your foundation, use a concealer to hide dark spots and blemishes to achieve smooth skin. Choose one that blends into your skin for a more natural look.
10.
Dewy eyes. When achieving the nude look, the eyes should stay simple. Use a light peach-colour on your eyelids and a white pencil on the inside of your lower lids for a freshly-awake look.
eyes to the outer corner. Use a black colour on the lower rims to continue the smoky look and a white pencil on the inside of your lower rims to make your eyes seem bigger.
not to forget it. Apply mascara to your lashes to make them look longer and fuller. Remember to apply mascara on the bottom lashes as well for a bolder effect.
Vampy Lips
18.
11. Lush blush. This look has very minimal blush on the cheeks.
Lip stain. This look is all about the lips. Choose bold and daring hues of red and orange and add a little colour to your style this fall.
12. Naked lips. The colour you put on your lips can make or break
different looks for your eyes. Create cat-eyes with a thick-line of black eyeliner or go for layers of mascara.
To perfect your look, use a pink-coloured blush or an orangey peachcoloured one depending on your skin tone.
the nude look. Make sure the colours you choose fall under the pink, peach and beige heading. But before applying the colour, put a bit of foundation on your lips so that the colour of your lips won’t interfere with the one you apply.
19. Versatile eyes. With boldly colo ured lips, you can adopt 20.
Cheeky Blush. With statement lips and eyes, keep the blush to a minimum. Don’t over do colour on your face. To keep focus on the lips, your cheeks should only have a hint of colour. woman this month | October 2011 |
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Beauty
October’s
Fresh Start
With October comes the start of the Autumn/ Winter season. Why let your wardrobe be the only thing that gets a makeover? Get yourself a fresh new fragrance too.
Floral Fancy
Drawing from the success of last year’s Poppy fragrance, Coach have re-envisaged their popular scent, giving it a fruitier, sweeter edge. Poppy Flower is a delightful blend of wet ivy, grapefruit, mandarin, jasmine and sugared raspberry. Sweet and delicious! Available in Bahrain City Centre and other leading retailers.
Sophisticated Woman
This October, Diane von Furstenberg is giving you a helping hand on the way to confident sophistication. Her new scent, Diane — a heady mix of frangipani and violet — is sure to put some purpose in your stride. Available in Diane von Furstenberg retailers.
New Beginning
Balenciaga’s L’Essence fragrance is both a sequel and a new beginning. It is a revisit of an older scent. This one, though, has a strong emphasis on one particular ingredient — violet. It is a bold, but feminine choice. Available in Al Aali Shopping Centre and other leading retailers.
October Romance
Looking for love this October? Then you’ll want to attract the right sort of attention. Diesel’s Loverdose fragrance is just the potion you’re looking for. It contains a striking mix of gardenia, liquorice, vanilla and amber. A great fragrance for a first date! Available in leading retailers.
Joie de Vivre
Prada’s Candy fragrance is a flirty, fun festival of scents, for the girl who finds joy in everything! An explosive combination of musk, caramel and the fruity, sweet benzoin. We imagine some of you will buy it for the bottle alone! Available at leading retailers. 42
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Social Butterfly
Al Kindi Hospital Ghabga
Dr Al Dallal, Dr Sahar & Dr Hanan
The Al Kindi Specialised Hospital held a ghabga for staff members at the Golden Tulip Hotel during the Holy Month of Ramadan Dr Hanan, Aftikhar, Dr Fadel & Sherif
Al Kindi Hospital staff members
woman this month | October 2011 |
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People
The Breast Way
Forward Breast cancer cases are springing up in great numbers throughout the Gulf. And it’s not just women who are being diagnosed. Julie Sprakel tells us more…
J
ulie Sprakel co-founded her charity Think Pink nine years ago. It is a breast cancer charity unique to Bahrain, which means that all the funds raised will be ploughed directly back into this country. October 2011 is international breast cancer awareness month, which means that Julie and her Think Pink team are working tirelessly to organise a range of exciting fundraising activities that we can all take part in. She was generous enough to take some time out of her hectic schedule to talk to Woman This Month about the dangers of late diagnosis, the ways in which we can all help increase awareness in the Gulf and the great variety of activities on offer throughout the month. According to Julie: “what many people don’t realise is that the breast cancer situation in the GCC is very different to that in the West. Woman in the Gulf are getting breast cancer at a younger age. The oncology department at Salmaniya hospital recently revealed that there are many women in Bahrain being diagnosed in stages two and three of breast cancer in their 30s. It is the number one killer of women in the cancers in Bahrain”. She revealed that she has seen cases of breast cancer being diagnosed in women as young as 19 and also brought it to our attention that an increasing number of men are discovering cancerous breast lumps. These statistics are fairly unnerving, but they certainly aren’t enough to spur people into the action needed to prevent and treat breast cancer. For some reason, both men and women are very lax when it comes to breast selfexamination. It is possible that many men believe they are not susceptible to breast cancer, but we women don’t have much of an excuse! Woman This Month recently published a detailed set of instructions pertaining to selfexamination, but the basics include placing one hand, completely flat, against the flesh of your breast and padding around systematically. Poking with extended fingers is not effective. 44
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Do this between five to ten days after your period, or at a fixed date each month. “If breast cancer is only caught when it reaches stage two or three, it becomes a much bigger problem to treat and has so many more knock-on effects. It means chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, which are all very demanding on medical resources. It means that the country’s insurance firms also suffer and it will also demand large absences from work whilst patients take prolonged sick leave. This isn’t even to mention the effects that a stage two or three diagnosis can have on family and friends”. So it seems that self examination really is the way forward. If you perform an exam on yourself once a month you will be much more likely to spot lumps before they grow into bigger problems. The more you can do to encourage self-examination among your family and peers, the better. As part of breast cancer awareness month, Julie and her Think Pink team have launched their drive to promote the benefits of selfexamination. They have also arranged an amazing set of fundraising activities. “We are working towards bringing a much-needed digital MRI machine to Bahrain. This machine will help to scan and diagnose breast cancer before it reaches more dangerous stages. We are about 30 per cent of the way there in terms of the money needed and these events throughout October will hopefully help us get much further. All of the money from the events, except the golf days, will go directly into the digital MRI fund. The charity itself will not take a cut. The rest of the money will go into the education fund — which helps Bahraini healthcare professionals to get internationally certified degrees and certificates”. The Think Pink activities include their RCA Pink Walkathon on October 1, in association with the Rotary Club of Adliya. This is a familyfriendly event which, last year, saw many children and even some dogs taking part!
What many people don’t realise is that the breast cancer situation in the GCC is very different to that in the West.
There are a wide range of fitness and wellbeing days for you to attend, but the real fun will emerge during some of their late-night festivities. JJ’s are playing host to a Think Pink karaoke night on October 10 and you can always attend the Think Pink party at the Dilmun Club on October 20. If you simply haven’t the time to dedicate to any of these activities, then be sure to at least pick up a Think Pink ribbon from the customer services desks at Bahrain City Centre. For a full list of activities, further advice about breast cancer and information about how you can help please visit www.thinkpinkbahrain. com, www.facebook.com/thinkpinkbahrain or follow them on Twitter @thinkpinkBH.
Child Orthodontia BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
Early orthodontic treatment for children has sparked a lot of debate, but there is plenty of evidence to support orthodontic intervention from the age of seven.
T
raditionally, orthodontistry has only been recommended for children aged over 11 years. However, as Bahrain Specialist Hospital’s specialist orthodontist and implantologist Dr. Anup Varghese explains, early orthodontic treatment can boost self esteem in younger children. “Parents should schedule three monthly appointments for checkups with a dentist who can guide them and encourage them to seek treatment for early orthodontic problems in their children,” says the doctor. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists endorses the idea that youngsters should be evaluated by a dentist or orthodontist at the age of seven. The earliest phase of orthodontistry can begin between ages seven and nine. It includes straightening of the front permanent teeth and creating space for the remaining teeth that erupt when the child reaches about 12 years old. This reduces the likelihood of extracting permanent teeth in the future. If there is a jaw growth problem or bite problem, such as over bite or under bite, correction is also done during this phase using functional growth therapy. Sometimes the child needs to be checked earlier than seven years. Thumb sucking, pacifiers, tongue thrust and breathing through the mouth are habits that may also need early intervention. In some cases, early orthodontic treatment may be needed to aid speech therapy.
Spot the problem One of the most obvious signs that your child might require orthodontic treatment is if they have crooked teeth. Another less obvious way to check is to ask your child to bite all the way down, keeping the lips open. The top teeth should line up in front of the bottom teeth with a 2mm to 4mm overlap. If the top teeth cover more than 50 per cent off the bottom set then it’s an overbite or a deep bite. If the top teeth do not cover the lower teeth then it is an under bite or an open bite and if the upper teeth are behind the lower teeth then it is a reverse bite. Also check for non-alignment or shifting of the jaw, which may mean your child has a skeletal problem, requiring early intervention with an orthodontic appliance to correct the jaw defects. “Early intervention helps reduce the complexity of the treatment needs at later stages. And this is Preventive Orthodontics. When any of the above conditions are already prevalent at the time the child sees the orthodontist, the techniques taken then to intercept the problem are called Interceptive Orthodontics”. Of course, visiting any kind of doctor can be frightening for young children, BSH offers qualified orthodontists who have extensive experience working with children giving your child the gift of confidence and a flawless smile. Call 17 812-000. woman this month | October 2011 |
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Campaign
Fighting
Motherhood is that time in a woman’s life when we’re supposed to revel in the joy of the new baby. But, what happens when, far from feeling euphoric, you feel like killing yourself?
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wenty-five year old Reem has just had a healthy baby girl after a normal delivery. Yet rather than elated, all she feels is tired and miserable. Instead of smiling endlessly, she occasionally dissolves into tears for no apparent reason. Despite being a first-time mother, she is taking no pleasure in the baby at all. What Reem feels and countless other new mothers experience is Postpartum Depression, a widespread illness that can take a devastating toll on a mother’s mental health. While it is common for mothers to experience a period of low mood after childbirth, PPD is more severe, occurring in 10 to 15 per cent or one in seven to ten mothers. According to psychotherapist Thoraiya Kanafani, it is important to make a distinction between Postpartum Depression and the usual “baby blues”. “Baby blues are extremely common among women within the first two weeks of childbirth and do not require professional help. However, if the symptoms persist for longer than a month or become more severe, it can develop into Postpartum Depression and professional help should be sought. If left untreated, PPD can last for months or years and may put the mother and child at risk,” she warns.
The signs
A mother suffering from PPD experiences dramatic mood swings, loss of sleep, appetite and interest in activities. She may appear confused, fatigued, experience uncontrollable bouts of crying or major disruptions to her sleep cycle. In the most severe cases, a mother’s thinking can be disrupted to the point of psychosis and she might develop a desire to hurt herself. Severe or ongoing PPD can hinder a mother’s ability to care for and bond with her child during the critical early developmental phase of an infant.
Causes behind Postnatal Depression
While there are a multitude of factors contributing to PPD, it mainly results from hormonal changes within the body, especially the fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone. The stress of the new responsibility and change, sleep deprivation, high parenting expectations, and lack of a support network all add to the stress levels of a new mother who is often juggling the multiple roles of wife, mother and career woman alone. Women who have a family history of depression are genetically more susceptible to it.
Handling the blues
While it’s possible to recover completely from PPD with the right treatment, those who suffer from this condition have a greater chance of experiencing it again with the next baby. Often, new moms worry about the way they feel and their lack of 46
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those Baby Blues bonding with their baby, but they avoid seeking help because they’re ashamed to divulge their feelings. However, depending on the severity of the condition, a series of interventions, including dietary changes, exercise and therapy can help these mothers shake away the blues.
Eat healthy and exercise
Since a major cause of PPD is changes within the body, a good diet and healthy eating habits are important to fight this condition. “We tell young mothers to develop healthy eating habits and ask them to exercise. If she can lose the weight she gained during pregnancy, it makes her feel light, energetic and good about herself,” says Julie Abillamaa, senior dietician at Health Watchers Bahrain. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help lift the mood of mothers who otherwise feel frustrated and lacking in energy. Increasing intake zinc-rich foods, such as eggs, sea food and legumes, boosts the immune system, while colourful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants including Vitamin C, A and selenium, which help the body recover from tiredness. “Eating bigger portions is not required of new mothers. If breast feeding, a mother needs to increase her food intake by 400 calories at the most. Mothers who eat healthily can actually drop up to half a kilo of weight every week during the lactating time,” says Julie. Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins which make you “happy” and half an hour’s exercise could be enough to make a mother feel comfortable in her own skin. The trick, Julie advises, lies in preparing yourself during the pregnancy and monitoring your weight gain instead of acting when it’s too late.
Talk it out
Therapy is the most effective way to treat PPD when it is moderate to severe in nature. In cases where the illness is experienced with severe functional impairment or with psychotic or suicidal characteristics — which is rare — it is necessary to seek therapeutic as well as medical help. “It’s best to talk about what you’re feeling. Psychotherapy is a very
effective way for mothers to communicate openly, in a non-judgmental atmosphere, about what they are experiencing. If you or someone close to you is suffering from PPD, it is important to seek professional assistance from a medical doctor and a mental health professional,” says Thoraiya.
Ask for support
Every mother needs some “me time” everyday, so that she can look after herself and simply “be”. For this, support from family and friends, especially her partner, is crucial. Furthermore, a support network is essential to every mother experiencing PPD. “Having a support group or network could be a pivotal part of a PPD treatment programme because, regardless of the difficulty one is encountering, it is comforting to know that there’s someone who offers non-judgemental support, is able to listen and provide sound advice, and who has experienced the same, but has come through the difficulty,” says structural yoga therapist, Lavina Faleiro. Lavina offers pre and post-natal yoga classes as well as birthpreparation workshops in collaboration with colleagues Jasmine Smith, doula and Vicky Honar, lactation consultant and midwife. The group also offers breastfeeding and early parenting support groups for mothers-to-be and mothers with babies. Lavina feels such a network is especially important in Bahrain, where a Bahraini mother might find herself isolated, if extended family members are working, and expat mothers, who may find themselves without support because their families are all back home. Mums In Bahrain is another social networking website where moms can meet and exchange notes with other mothers. Boasting over 5,000 members in Bahrain, the club recently held a seminar at the Royal Hospital in Bahrain with dedicated doctors advising mothers on PPD. The website is also launching an interactive section: “Ask the Doctor” on its website, where parents will be able to communicate directly with family doctors and paediatricians and have their queries resolved. For further information: Health Watchers Bahrain 17 811-449; Thoraiya Kanafani 36 692-377. woman this month | October 2011 |
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Wellbeing
The Herbal
Elixir of Life
Natasha Bird
It’s time to put down the double espresso and think about the other hot drinks available to you — some of them have a multitude of health benefits, and they won’t keep you up all night.
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he Chinese have known about the health benefits of green tea for centuries. It has been one of the most major components of their long list of herbal remedies. It has been used to treat everything from headaches to depression, obesity to cystitis. Although Chinese homeopathy has been around for such an incredibly long time, scientists have only recently decided to look for hard evidence to support the idea that herbal and green tea can lead to better health. For example, in 1994, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute of America published the results of a study that indicated that drinking green tea reduced the risk of oesophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent — which is a pretty astounding result! The University of Purdue recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also now research to show that drinking green tea lowers cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. So, finally, the Chinese can feel vindicated, that up to 4,000 years of knowledge is now accepted as scientific truth. It seems that green tea is a real life philosopher’s stone! It might not be able to make you live forever, but it certainly can prolong the life that you do have.
Why is green tea so special?
The key to green tea is the fact that it is rich in catechin polyphenols. These are a powerful anti-oxidant (a molecule which is capable of preventing the oxidisation of other molecules) — and it is this property which kills and prevents the spread or growth of cancer cells. It is this same property which can also prevent the abnormal formation of blood clots. This is very important if you consider that the thrombosis (the 48
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formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. A study, conducted in 1997 by researchers from the University of Kansas, discovered that the anti-oxidants in green tea are twice as powerful as resveratrol; found in red wine (an ingredient which is famous for reducing the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet). It is this combination of red wine consumption and regular green tea drinking which has bolstered the French against the harmful effects of their rich cooking and daily cigarette habits. The thing that really sets green tea apart, though, is the way that it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound (the source of antioxidants) from being overoxidised. By contrast, black and oolong tea is made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that do not have nearly as many health benefits.
Further Benefits
There is a rich list of rumoured benefits of green tea and many of them have now been given a basis in scientific evidence: rheumatoid arthritis cardiovascular disease infection impaired immune system function For a few years now, green tea has been plugged as a dieting aid. Ok sure, so some companies will say anything to get you to buy their
products, but there may actually be some truth to the rumours. In 1999, for example, a journal of clinical nutrition published the results from a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers discovered that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned far more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. It has even been shown that green tea can help to prevent tooth decay. Just as its bacteria-fighting properties can help to prevent infection and food poisoning, it can also destroy the bacteria that causes dental plaque.
What about herbal tea?
Contrary to popular belief, herbal tea and green tea are not the same thing. Herbal tea is not derived from the leaves of the camellia plant and so it doesn’t have quite the same health-promoting properties. In fact, most herbal teas on the market are not actually tea at all. They are infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of plants. However, although these herbal teas, or “tisane” as they are correctly named, do not contain polyphenols or EGCG does not mean that they don’t have their own health properties. Different herbal teas, it is thought, can offer you a range of different benefits. The only thing worth mentioning, is that there is not nearly the same scientific evidence to support these claims. Here is a little look at some of the proposed benefits:
Ginger Tea
This is supposed to be a good digestive aid. Ginger has been known to speed up the metabolism, so it helps your body to process food faster. Drinking it after eating is best. It can also be used to curb nausea, vomiting or an upset stomach.
Chamomile Tea
This tea is a calming sedative, made from flowers. It can help to cure insomnia and also helps to settle the mind when it is affected by nerves or depression. Some also recommend chamomile in cases of a cough or bronchitis.
Rooibos Tea
This is high in vitamin C, as well as other minerals. It has antioxidants which can help ward off disease, as we have discussed. It has also been used to treat certain skin complaints, such as eczema.
Lemon Balm Tea
This tea is helpful for lifting the spirits and can also help to improve concentration. It has also been rumoured to help ward off bad dreams.
Rosehip Tea
This is one of the best sources of vitamin C among the teas. This vitamin is important for the immune system, skin and tissue health and adrenal function.
Milk Thistle or Dandelion Tea
Milk thistle and dandelion are gentle liver cleansers. They help the liver to regenerate and function at a higher capacity and they can also help in the production of bile — which is essential to the digestive process. woman this month | October 2011 |
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Showcase BANSRI JEWELLERY
Forget the Imitations! How many of you thought you couldn’t afford the real thing? Bansri Jewellers have an amazing range of real silver that we are certain is within your price range.
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hese days, fashion has become such a commodity that people stock up on cheap, imitation accessories, wear them once or twice and then dispose of them. Certainly many of you won’t have stopped for a moment to calculate how much money is wasted by doing just this. It will probably surprise you to learn that you can actually buy genuine silver jewellery for just the same price as the imitations, if not less! Bansri Jewellers is on a mission to prove that the real deal need not come with a hefty price tag. This way, you can invest in pieces that have real value which won’t break the bank when you make the purchase. Bansri have brought in a delightful range of statement rings, all made of genuine silver. Each design is unique; crafted by one of their manufacturers. Some of the pieces have come all the way from Italy! All of these latest designs are waiting, ready for you to make your important Autumn investments and amazingly, some of them are available for as little as 5BD! Bansri also sell a range of silver cleaning products and can provide you with helpful instructions for taking care of your precious silver items. So, instead of heading out to your usual shopping mall this weekend, why not make the trip to Bansri Jewellery in Gold City and see if there isn’t something unique and special that you can spend your hard earned dinars on instead! Call 17 229-457.
GULF PHARMACY
Get Pumping! Gulf Pharmacy is now the place to go for the new 2-Phase Expression line of breast pumps. Technology meets comfort!
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ll mothers with new born babies will be interested to know that there is an innovative breast pump that mimics a baby’s natural nursing rhythm by pumping in two distinct modes with its two-phase pumping pattern. Medela, the industry leader in breast pump technology and design, launched the new line of breast pumps based on Professor Hartmann’s groundbreaking human lactation research. The device operates with an initial, rapid rhythm to promote let-down, followed by a slower, deeper rhythm for the most comfortable and efficient milk expression. The 2-Phase Expression breast pump line includes the hospital-grade Symphony, the double-electric personal-use Pump in Style Advanced model, Swing, which is single-electric and the manually operated Harmony model. Research has shown that using a pump with double-phase expression helps mothers reach milk ejection faster. They will also get more milk in 50
| October 2011 | woman this month
less time this way, especially when they pump at the maximum comfort level. The Symphony, Medela’s hospital-grade 2-Phase Expression breast pump, has been proven to maintain milk supply, because the pump removes as much of the mother’s milk as a breastfeeding baby. Benefits of Breastfeeding Research has demonstrated the profound benefits of breastfeeding to both the mother and her infant. Health authorities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) agree that breast milk offers the best nutrition for the baby. WHO recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, and that partial breastfeeding should continue into the second year of the infant’s life. Call 17 239-383 or www.gctbahrain.com
JOZ SALON AND SPA
All in the Eyes
Have you ever wondered how best to bring out the beauty of your eyes? Joz Salon and Spa has the answer!
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our eyes speak volumes. So, if you’re wondering how to boost your eyelash volume, look no further than Joz Salon and Spa’s unique services for that extra flutter. You could choose semi-permanent lash extensions that give longer, thicker and natural-looking lashes that last for four to six weeks, depending on the life cycle of your natural lashes, your lifestyle and the care you give them. During this procedure, individual eyelash extensions, which are available in different lengths and colours, are attached directly to the natural lashes with a special bonding agent. Being light in weight, they are unbelievably comfortable to wear. The number of extensions applied depends on your desired result. Eyelash tinting is a treatment that will enhance the general appearance of your eyes. It acts as an alternative to mascara, for those who wear contact lenses or are sensitive to makeup. Dark lashes that are lighter at the ends will benefit from the tint as it will make them look longer. This usually lasts up to six weeks but can be repeated more often. For the ultimate doll-lashes, choose their permanent eyelash-curling
package. This is a great solution for lash-curler users and for those with straight eyelashes. Special rollers are applied to the upper lid using a very mild adhesive, followed by three kinds of liquids designed to perm, set and nourish. The entire procedure takes about 60 minutes and lasts a life cycle of the natural lashes. Another bonus to this service is the fact that they become softer, longer and more curled up than a curler could promise. Call 17 369-133.
Stay Fit LIFE-FIT
Eager to start exercising this autumn to lose those holiday pounds? Join Life-fit and get the support you need to shed the weight.
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he new Life-Fit, lifestyle practice recently opened its doors to the public. This exciting new fitness and wellbeing concept was developed by Sarah Al Hamad, a health and fitness specialist with many years in the fitness industry. The practice centre operates on the concept of family fitness and provides a range of professionals, dedicated to their field, to deliver the finest personal service to their clients. One of the important objectives of the Life-Fit programme is to attempt to combat the ever increasing problem of obesity by addressing it as a family, thus providing a strong support structure. The new Life-Fit Centre offers group exercise classes suitable to all ages and abilities with the addition of outreach programmes at schools and other leisure centres, therefore providing convenient locations and a
variety of sports and fitness programmes. The after-school sports programmes will initially start with, dance, football, tennis, swimming, basketball, and Taekwondo and will grow to offer a comprehensive range of activities to tempt any family back into activity. The Life-Fit Centre is located in the M-Square Building, Budaiya Highway, and has been open for memberships since mid-September. The centre offers membership packages for one month, three months, six months and annually. Members will receive preferential rates on any Life-Fit activity. The Centre has two aerobics rooms and two gyms, packed with the latest resistance and cardio equipment to suit any fitness requirement. Call 33 001-261 or email: info@lifefit-bahrain.com woman this month | October 2011 |
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Showcase AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL
Mental Health Therapy Many people are affected by mental health disorders. WTM sits down with American Mission Hospital’s mental health therapist (MHT) Ezies Ebrahim to learn more.
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HT. Ezies Ebrahim promotes mental health therapy for individuals, families and groups through therapeutic techniques. AMH’S MHT department deals with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal impulses, lack of self esteem, eating disorders, and problems faced with ADD and ADHD children. MHT. Ebrahim offers community help,
interventions and unique parenting classes for families with children and teenagers. Through her own experience as a culture and relational specialist for eight years and through her travel to 28 countries around the world, the therapist has found that the most common problems faced in our community today are anxiety, depression, parenting and marital problems and abuse. Among the many symptoms of depression are headaches, difficulty sleeping, over-sleeping, fatigue and loss of energy, withdrawal from social interactions, difficulty in making decisions, aggressive behavior and significant weight loss or gain. Several techniques are used for treatment with each client, suitable to their own needs and individual crisis. Cognitive behavioral
therapy, relational stile, gestalt, greave session and creative therapy are some of the, methods of approach. “Most people get stuck and they need someone who doesn’t know them, and a safe place to help them identify and talk about their own issues. They need to deal with the problem from a healthy perspective and with a professional person”. MHT. Ebrahim finished her educational degrees in the United States, including her Masters of Arts degree in Mental Health Therapy. After working in related fields in the US and Bahrain, she has now been with American Mission Hospital since August 2010, fulfilling her passion to contribute to the Gulf community. Call 17 248-135.
Feel the Heat YAQUBY STORES
You no longer have to rush to a clinic to find out if your child has a fever. Braun has launched a simple device just for you.
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he Braun ThermoScan ExacTemp ear thermometer has been designed to provide accurate temperature measurements within seconds and it is fitted with an easy-to-read LCD display. Used by more doctors and mothers than any other infrared thermometer brand worldwide, this device is equipped with very helpful features. It boasts a small, soft and flexible tip, gives out a beep when it is ready and comes with alkaline batteries. The temperature range is from 34 to 42.2˚C. While you have many ways of determining if your child has a fever, an ear thermometer is one of the quickest and most accurate ways of doing so. Compared to oral and rectal thermometers, this is a less invasive and faster way of taking your baby’s temperature. It uses infrared technology to measure the heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissues, which is a very good indicator of the body’s core temperature. Unlike other ear thermometers, Braun features a patented pre-warmed tip. It minimises the cooling effect that could result from the insertion of a cold probe tip, thus ensuring accuracy. Its memory can store up to eight readings. Not only does it sport a lens filter detector and ejector; the fact that they are disposable reduces the chance of germ transfer. Also, the in-built guidance system checks the position of the thermometer. A light flashes during the measuring process, so as long as the probe is securely positioned, it will light up continuously once an accurate reading has been taken. Call 17 171-700.
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MÖVENPICK HOTEL
Bringing Thailand to You
Experience exquisite Thai cuisines this month! The Mövenpick Hotel offers you theme-nights as part of their successful Thai festival.
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tarting during September 18-24, customers can enjoy tantalising tastes at the Thai Food and Culture Festival, hosted by the Mövenpick Hotel in collaboration with the Thai embassy. The event was so well received by the public last year that the hotel decided to host it again this year. Three Thai chefs from the Phuket branch of the Mövenpick Hotel will take centre stage at this week-long event ready to cook you delicious samples from their local cuisine. “The atmosphere will be alive with tantalising smells and mouth-watering tastes,” said food and beverage manager Francesco Agus. He added that “five cooking stations will be dotted around Silk’s, each serving different courses and meals; a truly interactive and atmospheric experience.”
The festival brings you more than just yummy food; there will also be a captivating show as one of the chefs will entertain guests with a fruitcarving station in the hotel’s main lobby. To get you more into the spirit of the festivities, the hotel’s interiors will be decorated with Thai artefacts and sculptures. In addition, there will be a performance of traditional Thai dances in Silk’s for diners to enjoy. The hotel will also make available cooking classes for those who want to learn how to make Thai cuisine. Classes will be open for the period of three days — September 19, 20 and 21 from 9am-1pm. “Participants will learn to cook traditional Thai dishes and will then eat their creations as their lunch. They will also take their recipe home so they can make their meal again and again”, said Francesco. Call 17 460-000.
woman this month | October 2011 |
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Parenting
Finding the
Compromise
Dr Clare McInroy Teaching children to be respectful but also assertive — it’s a fine line...
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| October 2011 | woman this month
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here is a tonne of international research that demonstrates the connection between children’s early experience and how they respond to opportunities in later life. If you teach your child to stand up for themselves, to question authority when they perceive injustice and to know their rights, then they are more likely to get what they want out of life. However, there is a fine line between being assertive and being impertinent, precocious, or insolent. Children need to learn to take issue with the things that they perceive to be unfair, but if you don’t teach them how exactly to discern unfairness from necessary discipline, they may end up challenging authority gratuitously and without measure.
The research
Although it is a generalisation, of course, well-off parents — those with ample education and means — on the whole, encourage their children to ask questions, challenge inconsistencies even rehearse how to appropriately and effectively ask for what they want and need. The children born into better-off families, research shows, are guided towards more structured activities in free time, driven to clubs and sporting events and encouraged to pursue and develop their passions. This means that they are exposed to discipline, to a larger range of authority figures, but are, at the same time, encouraged to be assertive, to be brave, bold and to speak up. Less well-off children — those born into families who cannot afford private education and possibly have less disposable income to spend on after-school activities, on the whole, spend their free time being more imaginative in their play activities, but may not be offered as many opportunities to do the things they really desire. They may also have limited exposure to figures of authority — their experience being more confined to the home and to school. This may mean that they are more likely to submit to the discipline and decrees of those above them, but it may also mean that they do not have the right tools to stand up for themselves in an appropriate way. They may end up lashing out uncontrollably, or they may not speak up at all. There are, of course, advantages to providing children with opportunities to entertain themselves, just as there are benefits to supporting children’s interests and nurturing their motivation. So which is best? It seems pretty unfair to suggest that less-well-off families will be less able to encourage their children to fall on the right side of assertiveness, and while the research does suggest that economic factors can play a part, in my opinion, if you are aware of the need to teach your children certain values or encourage in them certain qualities, then nothing should really stand in your way of achieving this! The main thing to consider is that children who can effectively communicate with adults have the skills, knowledge and competence or “social capital” to articulate what they want in different environments later on in life — be that at school, work, or in communicating with doctors, lawyers and so on. woman this month | October 2011 |
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Parenting
Encouraging this in your children:
First on the list is to help your children become independent thinkers. This will prevent them from merely allowing themselves to be told what to do by any figure they deem to be in a position of authority. To begin this process, you need to let them understand that they have a valuable voice that, at appropriate times, deserves to be heard. Set aside some time to sit down with your child, even when they are relatively young, and listen to them. Ask them questions that will prompt them to think for themselves. The belief that children are “to be seen and not heard” is stuffy, old fashioned and frankly harmful. Remember, the world is a competitive place and the children who are encouraged to be assertive, critical, analytical and who choose to think for themselves and question ideas are the ones who will have an advantage. They will be the instinctive networkers and they will find themselves able to negotiate in an assertive and successful way. The times have changed since the idea of children’s silence was the acceptable doctrine, so parents who still adhere to this principle will end up doing their children a disservice. The game has changed and while some children are being taught the new rules, others are being left behind.
Pointing out the boundaries
Teaching your children to be assertive is one thing, but you have to make sure that they don’t see this as an excuse to challenge their elders all the time. Gratuitously standing-up to authority is actually a result of the inability 56
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to think critically. It means they do not have the tools to discern valuable opinions, necessary rules and clever judgements. So when you take your children aside and listen to them, it is also important that you teach them the value of listening to other people. The best way to do this is to expose them to many different people and environments. Allow them to sit in a room full of adults. Do not discourage them from joining in the conversations, but get them to contribute once they have listened to the other people and only when they have something valuable, interesting or relevant to say. The more experience they have of listening and being listened too, in different social environments, the more likely it is that they will be able to perceive when it is appropriate to speak up or more important to stay quiet and show respect. It doesn’t take much money to facilitate these sorts of experiences for your child, you just have to be willing and able to dedicate the time to it.
Final thought
Ensuring that your children are provided with a practical intelligence that allows them to navigate their way around the world is more valuable than you might imagine. It is, in my opinion, more valuable than even the highest of IQs. A practical intelligence, created by being listened to, being analytical, being perceptive and being able to speak up, will see them through different social and cultural environments and will certainly do no end of good in the workplace. It will also help to create a more conscious, perceptive and thoughtful future society.
Feminist Parenting Children need to be raised in affectionate environments — environments in which men and women share responsibility and respect one another.
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everal studies indicate that neither gender, nor biological relationship establish what makes a good or appropriate parent. Likewise, the number or marital status of parents is equally insufficient in determining the potential of a parent. What does matter is the quality and style of parenting performed by whatever parents are available. In the modern age we live in, we need to understand that parenting can be carried out by any appropriate person who takes accountability for a child. We are beginning to embrace a more fluid definition of what constitutes a family. Believing in feminism — the understanding than men and women are equal and should have the same rights — will affect how a family is run. When more than one parent is present, it is more likely that the parents in a feminist family will agree to share the responsibility for both the physical and the emotional work of caring for children. As more and more women are enjoying careers, it is no longer appropriate to assume that housework, cooking and taking the children to school is a woman’s job. In a feminist family, both parents are likely to perform domestic duties and to teach the children to get involved too, at an appropriate age, regardless of their gender. As equality and democracy are part of the feminist ethos, it can become part of the feminist parenting practice to promote open communication between all family members. Decisions can be made inclusively and democratically as appropriate to the child’s age and level of understanding. This open and inclusive communication and decision making allows for a warm and intimate parent-child relationship. Children of feminist parents are likely to learn to challenge, not only patriarchy and sexism, but the idea of hierarchy itself. Parents encourage and model acceptance of diversity. Parents engage children in discussions about imbalances of power between groups of people based on race, class, gender, and other discriminating characteristics and teach them to identify discrimination. Children are trained to view the world through a feminist lens and to think critically about the dominant culture. When children are taught to think critically and are included in the decision-making processes, they learn to be self-reliant, have self-governance and mutual respect. Having children partake in household chores, allowing them autonomy and encouraging an open communication process is empowering to all members of the family. This also helps prepare children for interaction with the world outside of the family, which may not always display equivalent principles. They will learn to deal with discrimination.
Tips
Facts • One of the most constructive things that the feminist movement did for children was to generate greater awareness of the need for men to participate equally in parenting — not just to create gender equity, but to build better relationships with their offspring. • Women who head households in patriarchal society often feel guilty about the absence of a male figure and compensate by imparting sexist values to children, especially males. • There has been a serious failure to confront adult female violence against children. As responsible women we need to address this.
For feedback, comments or questions contact Dr Jinan Darwish via email at: editor@womanthismonth.com woman this month | October 2011 |
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Travel
Foodies’ Haven Whoever said people should eat to live and not vice versa is probably not a foodie. This month, we suggest you pack nothing more than a fork and spoon on your travel abroad. With the unique food fests held worldwide, you wouldn’t need anything else!
Crave Sydney, Australia The low-down: Nothing says good food like the month long international food festival in Sydney. This October could promise you the holiday of a lifetime, with nothing short of the finest cuisine from around the world. Themed around South American preparations, this year looks just as lip-smacking as always. X-factor: Don’t miss out on the World Chef Showcase. Meet the extraordinary line up of contemporary chefs coming to Sydney on October 1 and 2. It’s your chance to spend a weekend with some of the best and most interesting culinary talents on the planet. There’s a brand-new event being introduced — breakfast at Bondi. Watch the sun come up over the surf as you celebrate the typically Sydney traditions of breakfast on the sands of its most iconic beach. Best for: The Night Noodle Markets is a major highlight with more than 125,000 guests dropping by Hyde Park North over 10 nights to enjoy an authentic Asian hawker market atmosphere. With up to 40 food stalls, three bars and nightly entertainment, this is the must-see event of the festival. 58
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East Midlands Food and Drink Festival, England The low-down: Held in the heart of Melton Mowbray, a wonderfully traditional market town set in the rolling Leicestershire landscape, which is proud to be known as the rural capital of food and drink, the East Midlands Food and Drink Festival brings together a huge selection of edible delights from some of the country’s best chefs. X-factor: Enjoy a whole host of live demonstrations in the Rangemaster Cookery Demonstration Theatre. Roll up your sleeves and join in the activities in the popular Family, Food and Fun Zone and get answers to your culinary questions in their brand new Celebrity Food Clinic. Best for: With places to pause, eat and drink, the festival is just the perfect day out for everyone from the serious foodie to the happy browser. Make a weekend of it and explore the many places of interest in and around Leicestershire.
Little Italy, San Diego The low-down: Would you travel half way around the world for a single day of extreme fun? If you get a whiff of what’s cooking in San Diego, you wouldn’t have to think twice. Seventeen years ago, the Little Italy community opened its streets and organised a festival that celebrated their culture. Today, it’s one of the largest fests along the West coast. X-factor: The fest highlights include Italian food served al fresco throughout the neighbourhood, reflecting a wide variety of specialties; music on three stages featuring the familiar and the new; cooking demonstrations and contests and a historical installation highlighting their culture. Best for: The live entertainment. If people aren’t here for the food (which is rather unlikely), they are here to check out the popular Gesso Italiano chalk paintings that are created right before your eyes. The Italian motor sports exhibit is no less popular. At this event on October 9, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. woman this month | October 2011 |
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Food
A Healthy
Herb Garden
James Claire Remembers his favourite herb gardens and provides us with some amazing herb-inspired recipes.
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ne of my fondest memories of my many years in the kitchen world are the herb gardens of the different establishments that I have worked in. Several in particular had large plots of land dedicated to the needs of our culinary enterprises. They became, not only essential reservoirs of source material for us, but they also became sites of interest for our guests. Herbs — the fragrant plants whose leaves and stalks permeate dishes with colour, flavour and aroma, to give chefs a helping hand. Walking into them, full bloom, there really is nothing so calming and soothing to the soul as to touch the basil bush and release its pungently sweet aroma, to chew on a little fresh parsley, to rub mint leaves between your hands allowing the oils to soak into your skin and sweeten the surrounding air. Today’s kitchens have moved past the narrow-minded opinion that basil is an Italian dish addition or that coriander is merely for Asian cuisine. Coriander, rosemary, tarragon, dill, even thyme are all used in sweet dessert dishes just as frequently as they are in savoury. Experimentation is the key to opening a door to a whole new world of tastes. Little wonder that the feeling of calm washes over you in these gardens of scent and flavour, because many cultures actually use herbs for medicinal purposes, for the same reasons. Here are a few of the more delicious manners in which herbs can be used in the kitchen. Just don’t forget to take time out to enjoy the fresh scents and aromas of the herbs as you pick, crush, and chop them for the dishes. Nothing can calm and soothe a chef quite like it.
Savoury Herb Muffins
400g plain (all-purpose) flour 20g sugar 6g baking powder 3g baking soda 1 tbsp sage leaves, crumbled 40g fresh parsley, finely chopped 80g parmesan cheese, finely grated 310g laban 60g unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg
Heat the oven to 185 degrees Celsius. Using a twelve cup muffin pan, lightly spray with grease/oil and then line with paper muffin cases. l In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, with the sugar, the sage, parsley and cheese. Toss everything together with your hands to ensure even distribution. l Add together the laban, the melted butter and lightly whisked egg. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is mixed. l Deposit the mixture into the prepared muffin cups evenly. Bake at 185 degrees for 20-25 minutes. l Serve these warm for a snack or a light meal, with sour cream and chutney or your favourite pickles. l l
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Herb Encrusted Rack of Lamb For the crust 20g flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed ½ tbsp fresh thyme 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs 30g fresh breadcrumbs 40g dried breadcrumbs
For the lamb 2 racks lamb, French-trimmed (ask your butcher to do this for you) 100g butter 1 tbsp olive oil 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 60g Dijon mustard
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. For the herb crust, combine the parsley, the crushed garlic cloves, the thyme and the rosemary in a food processor and blend all to a paste. Add the breadcrumbs and pulse lightly, but do not over mix. Retain the crust mixture in a bowl until required. l Place an oven proof skillet or pan into the oven to heat. l To start the lamb, heat the butter in a frying pan with the olive oil. Rub l l
the sides of the lamb with the chopped rosemary and crushed garlic cloves. Place the lamb into the heated butter and sear both sides of the lamb for two to three minutes until browned. l As it is searing, baste it with the butter and any pan juices. When browned, cover the bones with a little foil to prevent burning. Carefully transfer the lamb to the heated skillet or oven proof dish in the oven and roast for eight to 10 minutes. l Remove the lamb from the oven and set it to rest somewhere warm for five minutes. Once rested, brush it liberally with the Dijon mustard and roll the meat in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Pack the coating on fairly firmly. Return to the oven for a further eight to 12 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the oven, remove the foil from the bone tips and set aside to rest before carving into cutlets and serving with fresh vegetables or salad.
Herb and Goats Cheese Pizza For the pizza dough 300g pizza flour 6g salt 3g sugar 4g instant dry yeast 36ml olive oil 4g freshly ground black pepper 165ml cold water
Fried Herbed Calamari 700g cleaned and thick cut calamari rings 2 eggs freshly ground black pepper salt to taste 400g dried bread crumbs
10g chopped fresh oregano 10g chopped fresh basil 5g picked fresh thyme 5g chopped fresh coriander 40g parmesan cheese, grated
Ensure the calamari is fresh, washed and patted dry using a paper towel before proceeding. l Season the beaten eggs well with black pepper and salt. l In another bowl, mix bread crumbs, the fresh oregano, basil, thyme and coriander with the grated cheese. Toss with a spoon or using your hand to ensure the freshly chopped herbs are evenly distributed throughout the bread crumbs. l Dip each piece of calamari into the seasoned egg mixture. Then toss lightly into the herbed bread crumbs. Do not pack it down heavily — it is fine if the coating is loose. l Place the calamari piece-by-piece into the heated oil and fry lightly until golden brown, which will take about five minutes. l Drain the seafood on paper towels and serve immediately with lemon wedges and dips such as tartare sauce, garlic mayonnaise or sweet chili. l
For the pizza 125g tomato puree/pizza sauce of your liking fresh oregano fresh thyme fresh basil fresh rosemary, chopped 2 cloves crushed garlic olive oil 300g grated cheese 100g goats cheese, crumbled
To make the pizza base, put all the ingredients in a bowl and add the water. Mix together with your hand to form the dough. Tip dough out on to a lightly floured table top and knead for five minutes. Make a ball and place it back in to the bowl. Cover loosely with cling film and set aside in a warm place for an hour until doubled in size. l When ready, tip the dough out on to the table top and roll it into a ball again. Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Deflate the dough and turn it out on to a lightly floured surface. l Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll the rounds out to the desired size. Use an oiled pizza tray for size and shape or merely roll the dough into rough round shapes and place on parchment papered trays. l Spread the bases with the pizza sauce and top with the crushed garlic, fresh herbs, rosemary, basil, oregano and thyme to your own tastes. Sprinkle over the grated cheese and place the crumbled goat’s cheese on top of this. Bake the pizzas until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 12-15 minutes. Remove and serve immediately. l
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WoMentality
London Calling
Hard-headed Woman Are people too busy, too important or just too inconsiderate to care about each other any more?
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e constantly hear the buzz words “sustainability”, “carbon emission” and the real killer: “global warming”. From rising ocean levels to the decline of the polar bear, we are always wading through news about the destruction of Mother Nature. If you ask me, though, we are degrading the earth’s people far faster and more devastatingly than Mother Nature could possibly work. Eventually, given time, the world can and will right itself. Yet as people, it is not so easily done.
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We came from hunters and gatherers with no manners or language. We developed skills, speech and, as time went on, technology. This has allowed us to feel busy, more important, much smarter. But the effects of this development are not always positive. In my opinion, many of us are heading back to the inconsiderate, ill-mannered and brutish attitudes of the Neanderthal era from whence we came. It is quite frightening to think that the eventual result of this could be the total decline of civilisation, war, death, obliteration. “Liberty cannot be preserved, if the manners of the people are corrupted”, so spoke Algernon Sidney (1623-1683). Recent proof of this is the hooliganism that has taken place on the streets of London. Wanton destruction for no reason, other than mischief and boredom and a lack of manners and respect. Why is it that words such as “trust”, “honesty”, and “appreciation” all have little to no meaning anymore. Wall Street bankers, politicians and business people in their search and need for possessions and dollars have eroded our faith. I have a boss who has rarely stated the words “thank you” or “please” in nearly two years, yet I have often worked tirelessly to get him out of close calls and tricky situations. What do we expect from our children if these words mean little to us? Two or three generations from now, what do we consider a world without thanks will be like? It is a shame to think that we are all so arrogant that “thank you” is beyond us and the mindless destruction of property, without thought or regard for the livelihood we are destroying, comes naturally. Wake up and forget the rhetoric about carbon emissions and global warming, el Niño and the melting of ice caps. It would seem our hearts and minds have melted far faster than anything Mother Nature could have created. Wake up and smell the roses, every one of us. Smile! Ask with a “please”; end with a “thank you”, get your heads out of your laptops and your ears away from your mobile phones whilst talking to others. Take a minute to spend some quality enjoyment time with those younger than yourself and teach them right from wrong. Don’t expect that their teachers, parents or even friends will do it. Each one of us has a moral obligation to assist the next generation to learn from ours and their own mistakes. We are all responsible for the betterment of the planet; not just its resources, but its future generations. Respect starts with those who know what it means and travels down to those we teach. Recent events in London would dictate that respect has eroded on many levels and has stopped being passed down. We need to get over our own self importance and each become responsible for the actions of others. It is time we looked up from our iPads, our mobile phones and our laptops, to take a minute to think about the person who might be sitting next to us. To have a conversation with a friend or a child. Human interaction, communication, co-operation and the passing of learned information is the way forward. The truth is, none of us are that important. One day, each and every one of us will pass away and someone else will replace us. One hundred years from now, the ozone, the green forests of the Amazon and the icecaps may well remain, but sadly kindness, politeness, manners, respect and humanity may not.
Pre-Screening : Sept. 8, 9, 15, 16 @ Pars Hotel | Sept. 22 @ Alliance Francais | Sept. 29, 30 @ Barcode Auditions : Oct 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 @ Virgin Megastores Eliminations : Oct 27, 28 | Semi Finals : Nov 4 | Grand Finals : Nov 11 @ Cultural Hall