Woman This Month - October 2015 by Red House Marketing

Bahrain Edition

October 2015 | Issue 152 | BD1 / SR10

www.womanthismonth.com

Travel

BEAUTY

Cave Expedition

THE PERFECT HAIR

Breast Cancer Month

Think Pink Events Survivor Interview Where to get checked

PARENTING Smoothies for a healthy breakfast

HOME

Welcome the New Season

THE AUTUMN/ WINTER FASHION ISSUE

PAGES OF HOT TRENDS

Arctic Explorer

Amal Al Saffar

www.alshamsiholdings.com

Bag 22.90 Shoes 19.90

OMAN . QATAR . UAE . BAHRAIN

Bahrain City Centre

OCTOBER 8 Diary 10 News: Hot Shots

SHOPPING

12 Editor’s Choice: Spice Things Up 14 Pick of the Month: Shielded Skin

FASHION

17 Fashion Feature: AW 2015-16 Trends 18 Athleisure Wear 20 Boys, boys, boys… 22 Cuddle Up 24 Glam Geeks 28 Stylish Knits 30 Lingerie Effect 36 New Victorian 38 Scarlet Mission 40 Accessories: The Devil’s in the Details

PEOPLE

42 Charlotte Pedersen: Breast cancer survivor Galiana Verton: Breast cancer supporter 44 Amal Al Saffar: Arctic Adventure 46 Diane Mitchell: Life after Love

BEAUTY

48 News: The latest products in the stores 54 Beauty Advice: Your Questions Answered 56 Beauty Review: Hair We Go

LIFESTYLE

58 Home: Haute Habitat 60 Home: Nuts & Bolts 64 Parenting: Quick and Healthy Feast by Ghada Salem 65 Parenting: Kids’ Playground 66 Parenting: Growing Pains by Dr Jinan Darwish 68 Wellbeing: Dreamworks 74 Travel: Golden Moments 76 Travel: Incredible Escapes 83 Food: Chef’s Special 84 Food: Review 86 Horoscope 88 Last Word: In Her Shoes – Mariella Esmeralda

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 wtmeditor@rhm.bh. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

2 October 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE : Bahrain City Center, Level 1 NESPRESSO CLUB : 80001999

EDITOR’S NOTE

t’s that time of the year again when our wardrobes get a welldeserved revamp. The latest trends and exciting new things to buy are waiting for us! It’s a chance to take a break from our tired summer clothes and welcome the autumn and winter collections. As our faithful readers already know, Woman This Month goes through all the catwalk shows from the four main fashion capitals (New York, Paris, Milan and London) to bring you the hottest picks of the season. Our exclusive report is tailor-made to our fabulous readers and we truly hope you enjoy the new season buzz from our selection of must-have trends. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Woman This Month gives its full support to the cause. Our diary is packed with Think Pink events so you can do your bit too. We also spoke to a woman in our community who fought this terrible disease and won the battle. A big hurrah to her! Our editorial director, Liz O’Reilly tells her amazing story and brings us a complete guide to understand who you can look to for help and much more. Liz also spoke to Amal Al Saffar, the Bahraini lady who conquered the Arctic and Diane Mitchell who is coming to terms with life after the loss of her beloved husband. This issue also introduces the new season’s ideas for your home décor; find out the latest trends and how to incorporate autumnal colours into your interior design. Ankita Mamgain, our travel expert, unveils the best destinations to visit during this period, some places maybe an obvious choice, but others are a total surprise! Do you remember your dreams after waking up? Are you curious about this subject? Behnaz Sanjana looks into the subject and tells us what’s going on while we’re sleeping. Dr Jinan Harith Darwish clarifies the famous ‘growing pains’ that we hear parents talking about so frequently and see so many children suffering from. You’ll find her article in our Parenting section. Keep yourself healthy and happy reading!

Fernanda Langhammer, Editor @Ferlanghammer

Lakeland Mini Ice Cream Maker

The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER assistant editor ANKITA MAMGAIN contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA DR JINAN DARWISH GHADA SALEM RAPHAEL creative director ANDRE BIGG print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL JAYATH TEKI media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media manager FARHEEN AHMED circulation TARA VAMADEVEN PILLAI photography editor ZILIA MONTEIRO photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN

Contents copyrighted 2015© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 Woman This Month is here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: wtmeditor@rhm.bh website: www.womanthismonth.com Published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

OPI Fujifilm

4 October 2015

Let’s get together and attract awareness to Breast Cancer, a disease that affects many women all over the world. As we all know, pink is the colour that represents the cause which highlights the importance of frequent checkups and self-examination. I picked cool pink items to register my support!

October 2015, Issue 152 On the cover: Tommy Hilfiger autumn/winter 2015-16 fashion show.

www.womanthismonth.com

ES BEHIND LEAVE ORDINARY

Upgrade to a bold, spacious and luxurious life with the new 2016 Lexus ES. With a striking design, sportier attitude and premium luxury finishes, the ES is as unparalleled as it is unforgettable. Explore intriguing elegance of the ES today at the Lexus Showroom in Sitra.

Lexus Showroom - Sitra 17 737 773 www.lexus.com.bh

/LexusBahrain

letters

Write Here Write Now Get in touch by email, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

Letter

The Cover Story I must begin with congratulating you on the amazing cover. It’s not often that we see something so powerful and enigmatic on magazine covers on the island. It speaks volumes about the growth of the magazine and the confident voice it has developed now. I’d like to extend my compliments to Sawsan Taher; what an incredible journey and such an inspiring story! Many women give up on their passions because they are not encouraged to pursue them. But she proved her peers wrong by taking the journey to Ethiopia and her pictures are simply incredible! Vivien.

The Most Liked Post on Facebook The Aéropostale shopping party video was the mostliked post from Facebook.

Plus size Fashion I am so glad someone addressed the plus size issue and how to dress if you fall into that bracket. All we end up finding are unflattering silhouettes and all-black ensembles in the stores. I’m sure your article was a God sent for many (definitely for me) since you illustrate how plus size doesn’t necessarily have to be boring. And the three different looks were a big help. I am excited to go shopping now. Thanks! Najma. What Women Want I particularly enjoyed reading this article, as it was such fun, going over all our wants, and there are quite a few of them. In terms of the list, it was good to see that it not only touched upon material possessions but also included ideas that appeal to the conscience. I am an animal lover and am particularly eager to use cruelty-free make up, which would look good on my skin. Could you perhaps suggest a few brands that I could try? Dilini.

The most talked about picture on WTM’s Instagram Woman This Month cover contest was the most liked picture on Instagram.

WOMAN THIS MONTH

CONTEST WINNER #WTM Cover Contest asked the fans on social media to Like & Share the contest post on #WTM FB, Instagram & Twitter. The lucky winner is Bazgha Bhutter.

Congratulations!

The following #WTM post was the most Retweeted on Twitter

We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at wtmletters@rhm.bh

6 October 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

AU T U MN W IN T ER 2 0 1 5 with stores throughout the country you are never far away from your local store

mothercareMENA

Mothercare: City Centre Bahrain, Te.: 17179738 The Bahrain Mall, Tel.: 17554557 Seef Mall, Tel.: 17581010 Ramli Mall, Tel.: 17640475 Seef Mall Muharraq, Tel.: 17465842 Enma Mall, Tel.: 77277236

diary

OCTOBER

SAVE THE DATE Hoping you're in the pink of good health this month, join in with Think Pink events raising breast cancer awareness across the island.

Pink Beach Party Kick-start the month in style at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa with a fantastic time at the beach. Kick off your high heels, feel the soft sand between your toes, sip on the pink cocktails, indulge in some fine food at the buffet and dance along to the latest tacks. You will also have the chance to take away some unique creations and help raise funds for Think Pink. Starting at 8pm at the Overlook, the party is open for members as well as guests. Call 17 586-499.

Awareness Ride The HOGs (Harley Davidson Owners Group) take to the streets again this year to help raise breast cancer awareness. If you’re a rider, join in, and if not just come down to witness the fun and lend your support. The thundering bikes leave the Budaiya showroom around 8am and travel across the island. Call 39 076-717.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

4-28 SUNDAYS &

Zumbathon Mix Latino moves and your fitness regime together and join the Pink Party Zumba classes at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa in the run up to the Pink Zumbathon. The classes are only for ladies; Royal Sporting Club Members and outside guests welcome with a minimum donation of BD1 per person. Call 17 585-512.

Golf Tournaments Have a fun day on the greens with your friends at the Royal Golf Club. Think Pink Bahrain celebrates with a series of golfing events. Enjoy a day outdoors and tee-off in style at the Ladies Texas Scramble. Men get a chance to play for the cause as well at the Gent’s 9-hole night golf event. Call 17 150-777.

WEDNESDAYS

THUSRDAY

WEDNESDAY

8 October 2015

Abseiling Event Push yourself to the limits, conquer your fears and test your endurance at Think Pink Bahrain’s abseiling challenge. Sponsored by Gulf Investment Bank, you get to abseil 170 feet down the Al Dowali (GIB) building in this task. Resister now by sending an email to GIB.thinkipink@gib.com along with your pledge. Do remember that only a selection of those who register will get to abseil. Call 39 076-717.

HOGs

Zumba

Think Pink Bahrain

www.womanthismonth.com

NEWS | hot shots

FASHION ATTITUDE The fashion brand Esprit revealed its autumn and winter 2015 campaign featuring the #ImPerfect hashtag with a diverse cast of unique looking individuals. The communication strategy is to celebrate individualism and to embrace who we are, rather than striving to be like everyone else. The pieces represent the freedom of expression characteristic of the 1970s.

NURSERY DÉCOR Are you pregnant and looking for unique pieces to put your little one’s room together? Mothercare at City Centre Bahrain introduces the Nostalgia nursery from Silver Cross. The pieces are handcrafted in solid wood and finished in soft antique white with delicate detailing and high build quality. The range is cleverly designed to grow with your child.

From fashion firsts to baby news and cool collaborations, check out this month’s latest buzz.

FRENCH FLAIR To launch its autumn 2015 collection, Promod invited the illustrator Clément Dezelus to draw French women, capturing their unique style. Three exclusive illustrations have been created and the inspiration came from iconic Parisian items such as a sailor hat and a trench coat. The collection features two cotton T-shirts, one sweatshirt and a collector’s tote bag. Visit the nearest store to check this limited edition.

DESIRABLE TECHNOLOGY PAMPERING SESSION Going to hotels is part of our culture in Bahrain. We enjoy the brunches, special evenings and full-day passes. Another facility that is the highlight of many hotels is a trip to the spa. Mövenpick and its Rimal Spa have special offers every month. In October, don’t miss the Harley Street facial and Voya’s vitalising seaweed package. They have complimentary scalp and back massages respectively.

10 October 2015

Tech giant Apple and luxury brand Hermès sealed a partnership to create the Apple Watch Hermès. The collection presents the timepiece in stainless steel with finely crafted leather bands in distinctive styles. The designs include the Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff. For more information visit www.hermes.com/applewatchhermes.

www.womanthismonth.com

H&M

Tommy Hilfiger

SHOPPING | editor's choice

SPICE THINGS UP

Go for cinnamon shades! Just as in the kitchen, where this spice can be used in savoury and sweet dishes, this brown, sometimes orange mixed with reddish hue is flexible for both your wardrobe and dĂŠcor. Pick a metallic, copper, option for extra effect. 6 3

1. Star decoration: BHS; 2. Salt & Pepper: Next; 3. Cushion: House of Fraser; 4. Top: F&F; 5. Dress: Mango; 6. Door stop: Cuckooland; 7. Handbag: Coral; 8. Shoes: Zara;

9. Armchair: Bo Concept.

12 October 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

SAVE YOUR BONES How do you know if you have Osteoporosis?

Screening for Osteoporosis can save your life Osteoporosis Screening Package

Vitamin D Calcium Magnesium Phosphorus Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test Who are at risk?

60 10% discount on consultation fee.

All women over the age of 40 Calcium and vitamin D deficient Strong family history of osteoporosis Valid until 31st October 2015 For further details contact +973 17239239

Beca use we care! Download our FREE health APP

gulfdiabetes

www.gulfdiabetes.com

SHOPPING | pick of the month

Shielded Skin

The skincare market is expected to expand with new products developed to meet its fast pace. New technologies and a demanding customer base are pushing it to its best performance. Turn your radar on for the latest cosmetics reaching Bahrain.

ulf Pharmacy is a reference on the island for sourcing new skincare products to cater to various different complexions. The French creation LANGÉ is one amongst many other unique products. The newest addition to the pharmacy’s collection is the sun screen Color Velvet Technology from Frezyderm. Available for the first time in Bahrain, the brand has a new approach to sun protection. Sunrays are important to our health. However, specialists say that the best time to sunbathe is during the early hours of the morning for about 20 minutes. The rest of the day, we must protect our skin. UVB rays are long waves that reach our skin’s surface tanning, burning and ageing. UVA rays are longer waves that can penetrate deep into the skin’s surface, releasing free radicals and causing DNA changes that can result in skin cancers. So your sunscreen must protect from both types. The Second Skin technology from Frezyderm does the work of fully protecting your skin with extra benefits. This tinted or transparent facial sunscreen has a very high protection with cosmetic behaviour that is well absorbed by the skin. It delivers effective coverage for discolouration, scars and skin imperfections. The sunscreen helps to soften the appearance of wrinkles, is water resistant and allows the skin to breathe with

14 October 2015

a non-oily texture. The product offers an invisible second skin leaving a velvety sensation; you can say good-bye to the whitewashed and sticky feeling from regular lotions. This new product is available at Gulf Pharmacy in Tubli.

www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | fashion

AUTUMN WINTER 2015-16 By Fernanda Langhammer

ew season, new trends and new wardrobe! The sun is still impetuous,

however our favourite stores on the island have already embraced the cold weather dress code. As with every new season, Woman This Month selects the hottest trends and presents them specially for you. Get your wardrobe ready for some masculine influence, cosy knits, lingerie inspiration, geek glamour, laid-back sportive moods, wearable Victorian, red alert and fluffy love. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste time getting tuned to our semiannual report. Use our tips and enjoy our

Athleisure Wear

Boys, boys, boys...

Cuddle Up

Glam Geeks

Stylish Knits

Lingerie Effect

New Victorian

Scarlet Mission

Accessories: The Devil's in the Details

www.womanthismonth.com

CH Carolina Herrera

special fashion spread!

October 2015

FASHION | trend

Moncler Gamme Rouge Moschino

Alexis Mabille

THE DETAILS

DKNY

Rag & Bone

numbers help to create the mood of this trend. You also find luxury sweatpants and dressy/sporty blazers amongst the designs. Brands such as Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger have sportdriven style in their DNA, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an obvious go-to choice for this style of dressing. Kenzo also caters for the casual look and spotting touches of sporting influence is not a particular innovation for the brand. Rag & Bone went a little bit off-road this season, mixing the style with tailored pieces and high-heels, a formula that I believe works pretty well!

Philipp Plein Tommy Hilfiger

18 October 2015

his is a trend that girls looking for comfortable yet cool pieces will be happy to embrace. Clothing designed for athletic workouts is transformed and the pieces can be worn to compose casual street style and even office dressing. Athleisure outfits are a mix of gym clothes and everyday wear. Sometimes the influence comes from the fabric used or the kind of cut selected to build the outfit. Quilted details, big jackets in bright colours, elastic bands applied on the waist and trouser cuffs, comfortable materials and the famous stripes and printed

Lacoste

KENZO

Athleisure Wear

www.womanthismonth.com

H&M

Replay

Juicy Couture

JOGGING READY

Charles & Keith

Zara

Bershka

The idea here is not to go full-sportive mode, but to add some elements that will be translated into casual chic style. Sweatpants usually look elegant when paired with stilettos. If you add a top in fine fabric, you can finish the look with a parka and you will be ready to party with your girlfriends. A perfect combination to create the Athleisure flair.

AĂŠropostale

Massimo Dutti

These trousers from GAP are a statement piece to create the laid-back style that we look for in this trend. The olive green gives the final touch to put you in coldseason mood.

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

FASHION | trend

20 October 2015

Paul Smith

Michael Kors

asculine tailoring is back on the scene. Pinching your man’s uncomplicated wardrobe is tempting and adding their style to our sometimes complicated, everyday wear may be a smart solution. Since Diane Keaton played the main character in Woody Allen’s movie Annie Hall in 1977, we’ve all been trying to master this style. The boy-meets-girl look had a moment a couple of years ago in a casual way; however, this time the whole trend is much more serious business. Straight cuts, blazers, vests and flat silhouettes are the styles to go for. Manly panache is welcome in offices and

governmental departments (and is easily spotted in these places), but how to take it out of that environment and onto the streets in an interesting way? There are two successful solutions: one is to dress up in masculine style from head to toe and the other is to add one element as an eye-catching surprise component. Saint Laurent went formal, taking its inspiration from tuxedos and sharp cuts. Michael Kors visited the eighties with long jackets and wide shoulders in grey wool. Paul Smith and Dsquared2 found their creativity in a more modern approach. Get inspired! DKNY

Chloe

Ralph Lauren

THE DETAILS

Paul & Joe

Saint Laurent

DSquared2

Carven

Boys, boys, boys…

www.womanthismonth.com

Betty Barclay

Marks & Spencer

Add a hat to your look to create masculine impact. Go for fedora or mafia-style pieces to realise the dramatic flair of this accessory. This Parfois item has the perfect shape.

COS

Evans

La Redoute

Mango

Massimo Dutti

This trend cries out for tailored pieces. So donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate in purchasing trousers with a straight cut or even, if the weather allows (and in Bahrain it will certainly will), opt for long shorts. In addition, an important note: go for grey, navy, black or brown pieces; sober hues are the ultimate choice.

Marc Jacobs

TAILORING TRICK

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

FASHION | trend

22 October 2015

Roberto Cavalli

Martin Grant

ow temperatures and fluffy blankets and clothes go together like cocoa powder and milk for the perfect hot chocolate. The island may not get the same cold breezes and freezing winters experienced in European countries; however, if there is a time that we can take all the fluffiness out of the wardrobe, this is it! Puffy jackets and fuzzy accessories keep you warm and add a chic and fashionable feel to your cold weather attire. Most pieces have synthetic materials applied as details such as in jacket hoods and collars, hat hems and glorious gloves. They usually add volume and elegance to accessories such as handbags and shoes. Some

creative designers are making use of these materials in bracelets, earrings and necklaces for pure fun and glamour. Extravagant women can count on this trend to stand out in the crowd with long coats covered with a fleecy material. Marni had its dose of fluffiness strategically stitched in the pockets of long coats to keep your hands extra warm. Dries Van Noten mixed different materials to create volume in the upper area, while Sonia Rykiel went super soft with a long and eyecatching coat. Just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget, if you go for this trend, give preference for brands that use faux-fur or fauxfeather; they look just as awesome as the cruelly acquired real ones. CH Carolina Herrera

Stella McCartney

Fendi

THE DETAILS

Marni

Sonia Rykiel

Dries Van Noten

Celine

Cuddle Up

www.womanthismonth.com

Purificacion Garcia

Tommy Hilfiger

Paule Ka

This Marc Jacobs handbag in a classic shape can be the perfect carrier to partner multiple outfits. It can be your companion in a special evening or the focal point of your casual clothes.

GETTING NOTICED

www.womanthismonth.com

DSquared2

Very

Wallis

Topshop

Salvatore Ferragamo

Adding some fluffiness to your look is definitely a way of grabbing attention. So if you want to try this trend but don’t want to overdo it, go for low-profile elements. A fluffy vest or footwear with furry details is a good way of embracing this style. As temperatures on the island don’t get near zero, it’s better for your fluffy pieces to play the supporting act anyway.

October 2015

FASHION | trend

24 October 2015

Max Mara

Mary Katrantzou

he fashion world has been invaded by this style. The first element that shouts geek style is definitely a cool pair of glasses. Big, round and in black or colourful shades, they represent the nerd way of dressing. But this is not the only feature to look out for; geek girls like to dress in smart vintage pieces with a unique way of wearing them. Soft patterns or bold cartoon designs also figure in their wardrobes. Tops and dresses are buttoned up and finished off with sweet round collars. Vests and pleated skirts worn with high socks and boyish shoes remind us of school uniform, an impression that quickly

fades when we spot a flash of jazzy coloured hair or a funky handbag. Unique items worn in a personalised way are the geekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademark Designers this season took inspiration from geek chic but added their own twist with a sophisticated approach to the looks. Feminine dresses and creative detailed pieces are their way of adopting this trend that just keeps growing among the cool set. Anna Sui took a modern college girl to the catwalk while Blugirl kept it traditional. Gucci and Max Mara went super feminine with dresses and pencil skirts. Mary Katrantzou went futuristic with a collection of texturised dresses. Prada

Gucci

Miu Miu

THE DETAILS

Gucci

Paul & Joe

Anna Sui

Blugirl

Glam Geeks

www.womanthismonth.com

Mulberry

J Crew

Lavand

Some people love their glasses and they usually pick a frame that translates their style. This Stella McCartney pair is perfect for days when you want to embrace your inner stylish geek.

SERIOUS ELEGANCE

www.womanthismonth.com

Topshop Bershka Marks & Spencer

New Look

La Redoute

To glamourise the laid-back style, leave the cosy sweaters at home and transform your look with straight-cut pieces in solid colours paired with bright accessories. You can keep the pleated skirt and to, add a sexier appeal, opt for a transparent lace top. If you want to make it more professional, have a look at the masculine trend to get some ideas.

October 2015

showcase VINCCI

AUTUMNAL JOY Looking for the right accessory to complement your new wardrobe? This brand presents its new autumn and winter collection that will be the perfect match to your outfit.

incci is a Malaysian handbags and footwear brand which offers casual and sophisticated pieces to cater to the tastes of women living in the Middle Eastern region. The new autumn and winter collection is packed with colours and textures. Inspired by earthy spirits, tones of tan, blue and black take the lead in painting the new collection. Materials such as patent leather and suede give the necessary structure and perfect finishing to the line.

26 October 2015

A wide range of heel heights to please flat, mediumand high-heel lovers is available. The collection includes a mix of classic ballerinas, flip-flops and kitten heels as well as a capsule collection of skyscraper heels. The handbags follow a similar colour story to the footwear creating the perfect match for customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; day and night looks. The designer-inspired pieces all live up to Vincciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy of affordable prices for up-tothe-minute fashion for a varied wardrobe.

Call 17 178-696.

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | trend

Mango

Tod's

nother winter is here and we can’t get through the few cool months (maybe one or two) we have on the island without wearing a funky knit piece. So choose carefully to find a must-have item and don’t be afraid to wear it. Cool jumpers and small accessories are the most common pieces to adapt this trend to our weather. Bulky, knitted material was not traditionally to be found amongst the high-end and fine designs, however, year by year it’s conquering the market and finding its place in the spotlight. Many designers had already introduced knitted pieces in their last autumn and winter collections and just reinforced their appearance this season. Others embraced the weave this year and will probably

Salvatore Ferragamo

keep it in their next cold days collection. Run away from tired old long-line sweaters and invest in elegant pieces such as dresses and trousers. They can be a great update to your trans-seasonal wardrobe. Dresses with long sleeves and turtlenecks are the ones to go for and are best paired with tights when the cool breezes finally reach us. Blumarine showed its knit collection in shades of baby blue, lavender and blush pink. Max Mara created a catwalk show with classic cuts and long sweaters; an inspiration that reminds us of 1930s style. The Italian cold winter is the best scenario to imagine Salvatore Ferragamo’s oversized knits. Pick your favourite thread work and heat things up! Isabel Marant

Michael Kors

THE DETAILS

Blumarine

28 October 2015

Max Mara

Calvin Klein Collection

Chloe

Stylish Knits

www.womanthismonth.com

Accessorize

Monsoon

Phase Eight

Mint Velvet

These Pull & Bear trousers are a casual and cool pick for cold days. You can make the look extremely relaxed with trainers and a white cotton top or team with a smart black top and heels for a girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; night out.

COSY & SNAZZY

www.womanthismonth.com

F&F

GAP

BHS

Mango

When you look at your old knit sweater, you may think of sitting on the sofa with popcorn in front of the TV. It can be a good companion for lazy days, but a brand-new and nicely produced piece could also be the star of your look. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning to travel during winter, make sure to take along a knit to guarantee a fashionable and snuggly look.

October 2015

FASHION | trend

Emilio Pucci

THE DETAILS

Versace

his trend uses lace as its iconic commissary. Applied as a detail or as the main character of an item, the material helps to build the lingerie-style dresses that were present on many catwalks during the autumn and winter fashion shows. Dainty trims, sheer catsuits, see-through maxi dresses and designs inspired by nightgowns are going to be available on your favourite store’s racks this season. Feminine tops in loose silhouettes or structured dresses with spaghetti straps are the season’s top picks. Best worn with high-heeled sandals or

Rodarte

boots, these dresses can also be paired with jeans or leggings. Some numbers are quite mini and, with the laced hem, this may be a good option to make you feel more comfortable. Winter is also a season for layering, so don’t be afraid of adding a shirt under your lingerie-inspired piece or throw a heavy winter coat on top of it. Altuzarra went full-on lace in its creations with a very feminine and sexy approach. Chloe kept the femininity, but opted for loose and casual designs. Rodarte mixed and matched elements that should definitely stay only on the catwalk! Alexander McQueen

Valentino Altuzarra

30 October 2015

Rochas

Rag & Bone

Chloe

Lingerie Effect

www.womanthismonth.com

Very

Hobbs

This Bershka dress mixes a beautiful suede fabric with lace details and nightdress cut. A perfect item to symbolise this trend. Wear it with stilettos for a simple but striking result.

www.womanthismonth.com

Zara

Women'secret

Penneys

This is a trend for those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind showing skin. This delicate fabric is eye-catching and mostly used in evening gowns and bridal wear (after it made the transition from underwear to outer wear). The lace in casual street wear is mostly discreet, but extremely versatile. It can be a great touch added to a punky or rock & roll style or can equally represent the romantic and feminine girl.

Lipsy

Dune

Debenhams

SHEER FLAIR

October 2015

showcase

CORAL SHOES & BAGS

STRIKING FINAL TOUCHES

This accessory store in Bahrain offers a fine selection of shoes and handbags to complement your autumn and winter wardrobe. Take a glimpse at its collections.

oral is a premium, affordable and trendy store that recently opened its new branch in Isa Town Mall. It offers a range of fashionable items to please all tastes and styles. The global brand creates quality footwear and handbags that are popular with the modern, sophisticated and urban woman. Look for up-to-date designs and eye-catching colours.

FOOTWEAR COLLECTION Coral offers fast-fashion shoes that can add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit, so pick your favourite style! If you like flats, sandals and ballerinas, Coral has a vast variety of stylish choices with an evergreen appeal, high comfort and suitable for women of all ages and styles. They are the best picks for your everyday wear. Classic and chic peep toes add extra glamour to your work wear or casual-chic wardrobe. For high-end looks, opt for pumps or high-heeled sandals. As is commonly said in the fashion world, it is impossible not to look great in heels! Crafted in rich suede, Coral pumps come with pointed toes, stiletto heels and slips-on styles for elegance.

HANDBAG COLLECTION Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for an everyday bag or a specific item to lift your evening look, Coral has a wide selection that will match your wardrobe. The handbags are produced exclusively using the finest materials and craftsmanship. The totes give an effortless elegance to any outfit choice. With tan textured leather, classic carryall shape, carrying handles with adjustable straps, gold-tone logo detail, internal slip and zip pockets, these bags are perfect for work, casual wear or travel. Clutches add a refined touch to your special attire. The metallic ones with studs and handwork stand out to complement your evening ensemble. Coral has a selection of contemporary handbags that give a boost to any season trend with a variety of fresh, vibrant colours and easy-to-wear designs.

Call 13 612-200 (Enma Mall), 17 453-404 (Isa Town) or 17 006-502 (Seef Mall Muharraq).

32 October 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase DEVJI

CANDY POP & GLAMOUR Women of all ages and styles love their jewellery and like to explore different and unique pieces. Check out this eye-catching collection to add some glitz to your look.

t Devji since 1950, you’ll find the Candy collection, a line that will enchant the whimsical woman and enhance her look. Citrines, whiskey, smoky and rose quartz, blue topaz and amethyst are the focal gemstones in the Candy line. The pieces are accentuated with dainty diamonds and fluid forms. Each gemstone is semi-precious and is sourced with utmost care. The gems are judged for their quality according to the intensity of the hue and homogeny of tone. A major jewellery trend in 2015 has seen the revival of semi-precious gemstone creations. Pieces inspired by Art Deco and a pop of colour have proved their place across the globe. Catwalks have shown that the trend is here to stay and it is ready to hit the streets. At Devji since 1950, the philosophy embraces the latest trends, while maintaining a balance between classic and contemporary lines. The pieces featured in this striking collection will enrich casual and everyday wear. Evening gowns and work

Aéropostale Opening

Bharti, Amaar, Farheen, Sarva & Edralyn

34 October 2015

wear can also benefit from the addition of their sparkle. The versatility of this line means it will appeal to the fashionista in every woman. Call 17 179-881 or visit Devji since 1950, G-25 (Ground floor), City Centre Bahrain.

Apparel Group held a New York style inauguration of its new Aéropostale store at City Centre Bahrain.

Katarina, Lenka & Deej

Nikki

Zoara, Sajan, Shelna & Azra

Larein

Tawhid & Jaber

Maria & Chetna

Ann & Margie

www.womanthismonth.com

As unique as your love

Your love is unique, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special. Celebrate it with the symbol of uniqueness. Celebrate with Devji Solitaires. Vast range of certified solitaires at unbelievable prices.

For more information

/devjisince1950

/devji1950

@devjisince1950

FASHION | trend

Giles Simone Rocha

THE DETAILS

Rodarte

his trend had its first strong appearance in last year’s collections and this season it’s coming on with full power. This time the inspiration is a little more democratic, with a greater variety of elements that are more wearable. Pussy-bow tops, often coming in with laced ruffle turtlenecks (with matching cuffs) and fluffy long sleeves, are the must-have pieces this winter. Lace (again!), velvet and brocade help to create the mood for this trend which won’t pass unnoticed. Accessories have also embraced Victorian style

with intricate pieces that can act as the focal point of a casual ensemble or complement an outfit dedicated to this theme. This style can also take a gothic turn if you go hard-core, for example by pairing a Victorianstyle top with tight faux-leather trousers and boots and finalising the look with black lipstick (which is a beauty trend, by the way). Chanel gave a modern twist to the style with layered pieces and a mix of casual elements with sophisticated items. Rodarte showcased a feminine rock and roller and Alberta Ferretti opted for dreamy looks.

Bottega Veneta

Stella McCartney

Dries Van Noten

Alberta Ferretti Chanel

36 October 2015

MSGM

New Victorian

www.womanthismonth.com

Alice & Olivia

An accessory can be the perfect element to give a glimpse of this trend to your LBD or to spice up your casual denim and white shirt duo. This Accessorize clutch can add the oomph youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for.

Mulberry

Lipsy

Penneys

Miss Selfridge

Dainty blouses with frill collars and modern capes can be teamed with thigh-high slit skirts for bold and feminine girls. Majestic prints and rich tapestries can also be added to your wardrobe for grand or relaxed looks. Tulle and embroidery are other textiles present in chaste silhouettes for royal audacity. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get aristocratic!

Dorothy Perkins

Wallis

ANTIQUE-INSPIRED

Dolce & Gabbana at THEOUTNET.COM

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

FASHION | trend

38 October 2015

Zac Posen

expected; however, wearing it from head to toe, as suggested by some designers, can be the trick trend behind it. The hue also teams very well with grey (an important colour for this season every year) and orange and creates a great contrast with white. When wearing bright red with black, try to add a third colour to go easy on the palette. However if you opt for a darker tone then it works wonders. Elie Saab is a brand we associate with long and unforgettable evening gowns for glamorous events, so red is a mandatory hue. Fendi and Roland Mouret went for bright red for coats and dresses respectively. Would you go for it? Altuzarra

f youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting for the colour of the season, here you go: red and all its variations. From deep burgundy to crimson, this winter demands bold hues, so red it is. Even if only present in a few pieces or used as a detail, we can easily spot this shade as the one to go for when planning on adding some extra colour to this dark season (which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t apply to Bahrain; we are the lucky ones to have sunny winters). The colour of passion is also an important hue to create the traditional plaids we see so often during cold days and to add drama to brocades and velvet textiles. The colour may not be a surprise since its presence is pretty much

Proenza Schouler

Givenchy

CH Carolina Herrera

THE DETAILS

Hermes

Roland Mouret

Elie Saab

Fendi

Scarlet Mission

www.womanthismonth.com

Karl Lagerfeld

Christian Dior at theluxurycloset.com

A vivid handbag can transform your boring look into Wonder Woman style. This Coral piece is an elegant and contemporary choice to add some sparkle.

ROUGE BRIGADE

Vanessa Seward at NET-A-PORTER.COM

GAP

Lanvin

H&M

Pack your wardrobe with versatile pieces that can be worn alone or paired with other winter statements. Do you remember those red denims that were a hot deal a few seasons ago? Try to go bold and add a red coat in a different shade. Play with tone-on-tone if you dare, and experiment with a different approach to your 'lady in red' days.

East

F&F

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

FASHION | trend

The Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the Details

40 October 2015

Aldo

Freedom at Topshop

H&M

STATEMENT EARRING Another body part that is super trendy right now is the ears. Big and attention-seeking earrings are accessories to bet on. Many tasselled pieces can be found in different accessories stores and Lanvin must have inspired them all. Long and eye-catching earpieces will be seen with some everyday looks but are also great with evening gowns. Ear-cuffs are another super trendy element. They have been around for a while and it seems they came to stay.

Accessorize

COS

Marks and Spencer

Lanvin

New Look

NECK ALERT Do you remember the black piece of velvet cloth or ribbon girls used to wear round their necks in the 90s, sometimes holding a brooch or pendant? Well, they are back in a revamped way. Larger versions of the chocker like the one seen on the Emilio Pucci catwalk are hot this season. Other variations, such as the skinny scarf, are also a possibility, wear it with the boyish trend for a perfect match. Another element that emphasises the neck is the turtlenecks that could be spotted on many catwalk shows.

Emilio Pucci

Accessories are mandatory items to compose a look and reinforce a trend. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve selected four must-have pieces that should be in your wardrobe so you can embrace the season in style!

www.womanthismonth.com

Dorothy Perkins

Dolce & Gabbana at theoutnet.com

Chloe

Tommy Hilfiger

Miu Miu

Loewe

Salvatore Ferragamo

Alberto Guardiani

EXQUISITE HEELS An open-closet with rows of shoes is every girl's dream and a new pair to be added to this imaginary collection would never be an issue. For this season pick a pair where the eye-catching attention goes to the heels. High-heeled or medium-heeled shoes with the heels embellished with beads or, for ultimate impact, deconstructed like Salvatore Ferragamo’s new collection. Unusual elements can also be applied to the heels such as in Alberto Guardiani’s creations.

www.womanthismonth.com

PATCHWORK SCENARIO A mix and match of textures, colours and fabrics are stitched together for striking effect. Adding an accessory that brings a lot of information, in the way it all blends harmoniously, is a smart move to spice up any boring outfit. Best worn with solid pieces, this trend can transform your wardrobe. However if you feel bold enough, try to experiment and wear it with patterned clothes. To have a better idea of the results check out Miu Miu’s runway show for inspiration.

October 2015

PEOPLE | interview

Battling Breast Cancer WTM talks to ladies dealing with the disease and shares tips on keeping yourself safe.

BE AWARE We all know about checking our breasts regularly but lumps are not the only sign of cancer. Early breast cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms but, as the tumour grows, it can change how the breast looks or feels. What to Look for • A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area. • A change in the size or shape of the breast. • Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast. • A nipple turned inward into the breast • Discharge (fluid) from the nipple, especially if it’s bloody. • Scaly, red or swollen skin on the breast or nipple. • The skin may have pitting so that it looks like an orange. These symptoms do not automatically indicate breast cancer. But, if you have any of these conditions, you should get checked out without delay.

THE SUPPORTER

Galiana Verton, 43, a Dutch mum of two from Zallaq. I’ve been in Bahrain seven years and before that I was in the Czech Republic with my husband’s job. I’m a physiotherapist with a bachelor’s in physiotherapy and dermatology specialising in rehabilitation for cancer patients. When I was in Czech I worked for an oncologist, who specialised in breast cancer patients and I built up the rehabilitation facility. At the end of five years it had its own ward and a team of physios and specialist nurses. We had a coffee lounge and an area for wigs and bras. In fact it was a full-service centre. There isn’t anything like it in Bahrain and I have approached various hospitals and the Ministry of Health about setting up something similar. Nothing has happened yet but I’m hoping… Currently, I’m the co-ordinator for the Breast Cancer Support Group. We’re a networking group for breast cancer sufferers and their families. We’re unfunded and non-profit, though we do sometimes sell things to raise funds for Think Pink Bahrain. We can offer advice on everything from dental care (treatment can adversely affect the teeth) to hair loss. I can even help with explaining the treatments and, because of my medical background, can advise of specific massage when women are suffering lymphoedema (swelling) after surgery. We have a Whatsapp group with around 15 members who meet and talk regularly, sharing experiences and offering advice. There’s also a Facebook page through which people can contact me. Not everyone wants to be part of the Whatsapp group but they may just want to chat or to ask questions. If I don’t know the answers, I can always find someone who does. In some ways Bahrain is very advanced, for example the equipment that’s available. But in other ways, there is much more that could be done. One of the things I find here is that there is nowhere to get mastectomy bras, I bring them in from Holland and I can bring in a batch of 50 and they’ll be gone in a week. As a group we work together but it would be a dream come true for lots of these women to get a proper support centre in the future. BREAST EXAM 101 Regular self-examination is the key to early detection, but how to go about it? STEP 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look for any of the signs included in the Be Aware section. STEP 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

42 October 2015

STEP 3: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together and working in small circles. STEP 4: Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of www.womanthismonth.com

THE SURVIVOR

Charlotte Pedersen, 46, a Danish mum of two from Riffa. I’ve been here since 2003, I came with my husband for his job. I was diagnosed in 2009 and had all my treatment here in Bahrain and I have nothing but good to say about all the doctors and other medical professionals I’ve dealt with. My diagnosis came as a complete shock because I hadn’t seen a lump and felt perfectly fine but I started to lose my hair and not just the normal amount that we all experience here, I had lost around 50 per cent of it! By chance, I ran into my old gynaecologist Dr Helli, who is no longer in Bahrain. She told me to come and see her and ran some tests then she sent me off to get checked telling me there was a “small chance” that something was wrong. I saw a surgeon who found a lump the size of a date but it was so deep there was no way I would have found it with self examination! But he was almost convinced, from the size, that it would just be a water cyst rather than anything serious. He was wrong. I had a full mastectomy, six cycles of chemo and then 28 sessions of radiation and I’m now clear but there have been some bumps along the way when it’s looked as if it was coming back and I am still very closely monitored. I am fortunate to have a very strong husband and, if anything, this has brought us closer both as a couple and as a family. To be honest, once I’d got over the shock, I became really angry and that gave me a purpose, to fight. At the time our children Anne Catrine and Frederik were six and eight and we were honest with them, we told them mummy’s breast is sick and the doctor is going to take it away and they accepted that. I was treated at Salmaniya and both the medical staff and the other patients were so kind and welcoming. The equipment is also the most modern available so I didn’t have any burns from the radiation – it’s about two generations more advanced than I would have found in Denmark. I’m part of the Breast Cancer Support Group and I think it’s really important as other members can tell you things you will not hear anywhere else. For example, there is a department at Salmaniya that has prosthetics, I would never have found that otherwise. It’s also important for those of us who are here without our extended families who would offer support under other circumstances. The one negative thing for me was that I went for a reconstruction but too soon and did not have a good result. Every woman is different but I would urge women to give themselves time to heal and let your body get strong before you do anything like that. I also still have some lack of mobility in my arm as so much tissue was removed. It will never be the same but, hey, I’m here and that’s what matters. g your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage. www.womanthismonth.com

STEP 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find this easiest when their skin is wet and slippery, so they do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 3. If you find anything suspicious, don’t wait, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING IN BAHRAIN For more than 20 years, the Bahrain Cancer Society has educated women in Bahrain about the importance of breast self-examination and the significance of early breast disease detection by mammogram. In August 2005, the society, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, launched the National Campaign for the Early Detection of Breast Disease with the objectives of increasing early detection and reducing mortality by making screening and education more widely available. Under this initiative screening is absolutely free of charge and is held six days a week at the following medical centres: • Hamad Kanoo Medical Center (Isa Town) • National Bank of Bahrain Medical Center (Arad) • Naim Medical Center (Manama) • Al Aali Medical Center (Al Aali) • Mohamad Jassim Kanoo Medical Center (Hamad Town) To be eligible women must be a citizen or resident of the Kingdom, be aged 40-plus, should not have had surgery or treatment for breast cancer and should not have had a mammogram in the past 12 months. The ministry also provides a weekly breast assessment clinic at the Salmaniya Medical Complex run by a team of specialised doctors to review reports and provide the appropriate management for the positive cases in due course. Several of the private healthcare providers also offer comprehensive Well Woman packages which include breast exams and pap smears. These include Bahrain Specialist Hospital, KIMS Medical Centre, American Mission Hospital and King Hamad University Hospital.

October 2015

PEOPLE | interview

Arctic Adventure Intrepid explorer Amal Al Saffar on polar bears, walruses and support for cancer warriors.

Amal showing her support and below, exploring by Zodiac.

t just 23 years of age, Amal has done more than many of us manage in a lifetime. Two years ago, she became the first Bahraini woman to visit the Antarctic, in 2014, she climbed Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and she has just returned from a journey to the top of the world to visit the Arctic Circle. So what inspires this intrepid adventurer? “It’s all about finding that passion that makes me feel connected and fulfilled. I don’t think I could stand being in one spot. “I always wanted to study abroad but that wasn’t possible but I did go on short exchanges and programmes for leadership and the environment. “A few weeks after I had come back from a programme in the States there was an interview on TV with the first Saudi woman who went to the Antarctic. She was a mother and she had to convince her husband. That was a challenge I didn’t face, and I thought ‘I want to be like that’. I had my laptop beside me and I straight away sent an email to the company she went with and

44 October 2015

I was delighted to be chosen to take part in my first expedition. “The Antarctic, for me, was all about learning about the environment and raising awareness in the talks and interviews I gave when I came back. Just the mental preparation

was incredibly challenging but also an amazing experience.” Amal raised the BD10,000 needed to complete that first trip through sponsorship and, on her return, gave talks about her experience at companies around the island such as Coca-Cola, www.womanthismonth.com

Flying the Bahraini flag.

I was the only Bahraini and, in fact, the only Arab so it was quite an experience for me to interact completely out of my comfort zone which was one of her supporters as part of its empowering women initiatives. In 2014, another challenge called and the young Bahraini was part of a group which climbed Kilimanjaro, spending nine days on the mountain. Then, earlier this year, a mountaineer friend, on hearing she wanted to go north, suggested that she journey to Norway to approach the Arctic Circle. After more fund raising, while still studying for her bachelor’s degree in international logistics management, Amal headed to the Svalbard Archipelago to join the ship Ocean Nova. She says: “I was the only Bahraini and, in fact, the only Arab so it was quite an experience for me to interact completely out of my comfort zone. There were some misconceptions about the Middle East and women’s role here, with people asking you ‘don’t you want to be free?’ For me that was quite interesting, particularly since I was travelling solo – it doesn’t come much freer than that!

“I was glad to have the chance to dispel some of those misconceptions.” Much of the journey focussed on wildlife and environmental awareness and each day the group would leave the ship in a Zodiac dinghy and explore the ice floes such as the Monaco Glacier, named for a visiting prince. “It was fascinating, we got to see bones that were millions of years old and walrus tusks,” says Amal. “We saw walruses, which weigh between one and one-and-a-half tonnes and just make you think how do they move around? There were also polar bears and we were incredibly lucky to see a blue whale. “They’re around 30 metres long and weigh up to 180 tonnes. There are people specialising in the Arctic for 10 years who’ve never seen one, so that was very special.

Getting close, but not too close, to the locals.

www.womanthismonth.com

“What the journey did for me was added a lot to my awareness of the polar regions. In school here we study basic science but this is totally different. For instance, there's the awareness of man’s impact on this region and I would really like to see polar study added to our curriculum here in Bahrain. “However, the reason I did this journey was not just because I wanted to be out there and discover the world. At the same time I wanted it to be related to something valid. My trip to the Antarctic was about the environment; Kilimanjaro was about taking an opportunity to prove women’s leadership qualities and my Arctic journey I have dedicated to supporting cancer fighters in Bahrain. “I have lost a female family member to the disease this year and two last year, so I wanted to raise awareness and show my support. “I raised a banner while I was in the Arctic Circle but also, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will be donating part of my fundraising to the Bahrain Cancer Society.” Once again, since her return, Amal has been doing presentations and interviews to raise awareness both of the polar regions and the possibility of youth and women’s empowerment and, though she has nothing planned for the immediate future, she has begun writing a book about her experiences. She says: “I believe that working together we can make change. You can’t change the world over night, but if I do something small and the next person does something small there should be a tangible change for the better. People need each other to achieve the ultimate goal.” g October 2015

PEOPLE | interview

Life after Love Diane Mitchell talks to Woman This Month about losing the love of her life and carrying on in Bahrain as a single mum.

aptain Bob Smith was a man known to many, a former pilot, a good friend, the life and soul of any party and a dedicated husband to Diane and dad to their two boys, David, 12, and Ronan, 13. In hindsight, Diane says she could see he didn’t look well but his downfall, when it came, was swift and deadly. In February this year the couple welcomed visitors to their Amwaj home and treated them to a trip on their boat, commenting “how wonderful life is”. A month later, three minor car crashes in succession revealed that Bob was suffering from a cancerous brain tumour. It had affected his sight and proved to be a secondary from other cancers throughout his body. On June 9, he breathed his last with Diane by his side. Bob died at home, having become, even in his last days, a trailblazer after Diane decided she wanted him to be cared for at home. She says: “It’s not something the Bahrain healthcare system is set up for but I could see he was not happy in the hospital and was desperate to get him home. Initially there were obstacles but, as I was trying to make arrangements, I received a phone call from a high Bahraini official telling me this is the first case of home palliative care and they would help in any way I wished possible.” A whirlwind of organisation followed Bob’s passing to allow the Bahraini passport holder to be cremated. A long-time family void had been healed during his short illness when he saw his older son and daughter, Laura and Tom, and was overwhelmed with joy. Gulf Air then flew them back for a memorial service at St Christopher’s Cathedral which was packed to overflowing with screens set up in the neighbouring hall and tributes poured in for the man who had touched so many lives with love and laughter.

46 October 2015

But, once it was all over, it was time for Diane and her boys to face life without the largerthan-life character who had been so dear to them in the house the couple had built and turned into a home together. “Friends were unbelievably supportive, in every way possible from the minute Bob got sick. The British Club collected money for us to get away to Thailand,” says Diane. “Initially we were nervous to go but it turned out to be just what we needed, a time to just be peaceful and relax a bit.” Returning to the island, Diane made the decision to take the boys back to her native Aberdeen for the summer and even considered relocating permanently but she says: “I looked around me and thought about what we have here. This is our home and it’s a great place for kids. Ronan is very into, and has talent for, golf and here he can play every day, although it’s a time when he certainly misses Bob as they used to play together.” And what does the future hold now for the family? Diane explains: “It’s certainly been a learning experience. I met Bob in my first week at Gulf Air and we had been together 25 years. We married in Mauritius but I discovered our marriage certificate wasn’t valid in Bahrain, so that’s something I would urge everyone to be aware of. We managed to overcome this in Bob’s final weeks. “After leaving Gulf Air and later Bahrain Air, Bob set up a family company, Blue Chip

Contracting and I worked with him in real estate. Now, of course, this is also causing issues to sort out but, with the help of good friends, the formalities are well under control! I also want to get back to my art, which is something that’s really taken a back seat. “I did think about selling up to return to Scotland, but really, Bahrain is my home, I’ve been here 25 years and my boys have grown up here. With the support of friends, we’re now setting up a golfing tournament named after Bob….as Bob said, it’s the only way he would ever get his name on a trophy! Also to keep Bob’s name alive we are currently trying to set up a football tournament for charity to help others that may end up in the unfortunate situation of needing home palliative care. It is comforting to know Bob’s death was not in vain for me and the boys.” g www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news

OZONE BY ASGHAR ALI. The fragrance has an Oriental note to transform this aroma into a sensual and sophisticated scent for romantic dates and daily use. The top notes are sage and anise. The heart blooms with amber woody notes such as elegant violet, dry amber and warm wood. The base lies with musk, vanilla and powdery notes. Available at Asghar Ali.

Beauty

SEPHORA KISS ME LIP BALM. The domeshaped applicator is the eye-catching detail of this lip balm created for easy wear and reapplication. You will find the balms in five luscious shades and one translucent hue. Each has its own matching fragrance. Available at Sephora.

Essentials

This month, transform your beauty routine enhancing your hair and lashes. Take care of your skin and put extra focus on your lip colour to stand in the crowd.

MAKE UP FOR EVER ARTIST PLEXI GLOSS. The brand is well-known for its artistic DNA and colour expertise. The new gloss line pushes the limit of shine and coverage with a nonstick formula. Coming in 35 intense shades, the gloss has a SuperFlex Applicator that helps to add the perfect pout to your lips. Available at all leading retailers.

48 October 2015

THE GOLD COLLECTION BY MICHAEL KORS. The three distinctive fragrances were constructed with the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspirational women in mind offering a scent for every occasion, mood and personal aesthetic. The perfumes are White Luminous Gold, 24K Brilliant Gold and Rose Radiant Gold. Available at all leading retailers.

CLARINS EVERLASTING FOUNDATION +. This new generation of the line is enriched with organic quinoa and antipollution, plant active ingredients. The foundation combines perfect hold with flawless coverage and protection. It also gives a matte finish and long-lasting hold. Available at all leading retailers. www.womanthismonth.com

BOURJOIS LASH MACHINE. This innovative product is a booster for lashes that are too short, too thin or not full enough. It pulls lashes into shape with its boosting formula when applied right after your traditional mascara. Lashes thicken and lengthen by 15 per cent. Available at all leading retailers.

OPI HALLOWEEN COLLECTION. October ends with Halloween and to get into the mood of scary costumes, OPI brings a selection of inspirational nail polish colours. From simple manicure to complex nail art, cover your nails combining black, orange and white. Available at all leading retailers.

KERASTASE RÉSISTANCE SÉRUM THÉRAPISTE. The repairing dual-serum is part of the Resistance Therapiste line. It protects from heat and seals split ends. It is formulated for very damaged hair, but can also be used on all hair types. The oil and cream texture repairs, reinforces and resurfaces hair fibre. Available at all leading retailers.

ose stubborn layers of fat bothering you?s It’s now time to lose them.s

NO www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

showcase

DESSANGE

NEW-AGE NAILS

This premier centre for beauty and wellness is leading the way in introducing cutting-edge treatments that not only make you look and feel great, but are all set to revolutionise the industry as we know it.

essange Paris in Adliya brings you the latest services and products for your beauty and wellbeing needs. Be it skin or hair care, make-up, exercise, nutrition or spa rituals, its specialised services are designed to relax and rejuvenate you, using state-of-theart technology. Its latest feature is a fascinating new machine that is promising to become a roaring hit among the island’s ladies – the ArtPro Digital Nail Art Printer. This is a new-age device that prints intricate designs directly on to your nails. Already making waves across the UK and Europe, this unique printer has come to Bahrain and can only be found at Dessange. The salon has the impressive ArtPro V7+ SMART, a portable nail art printer that can produce any image whatsoever – be it a photo from a phone, a pattern to match an outfit or a favourite cartoon character. You can even have your own picture clicked by its in-built camera and have it printed on to both natural nails and artificial tips. The device offers over 700 unique pre-programmed designs, the capability to instantly accept new patterns uploaded via USB and a camera for real-time photo shots. After an indulgent cleaning, filing, scrubbing and massage of your nails and hands, you can either opt for the traditional paint job or go for a highly intricate design, reproduced with all its precise detail intact on your

50 October 2015

nails with the help of this printer. Dessange also offers premium products for skin and hair care. One of the most popular ranges is called PHYTODESS Paris. Providing intensive care for the scalp and hair, these products combine nature, luxury and hair expertise to reveal and enhance your hair’s beauty. At the heart of the unique formulae, lie natural ingredients such as coloured clays, essential oils, trace elements and precious stones and metals. These are combined to form potent products that deeply nourish your hair and the delicate texture, infused with subtle fragrances, pleases your senses. A definite ‘must try’ is the white

tea shampoo which provides radiance and protection for highlighted and coloured hair. Nestled in the heart of city, the beautiful surroundings of the spa at Dessange in Bahrain foster an immediate sense of peace and tranquillity. The spa offers a wide array of exclusive treatments, including Moroccan baths, aromatic and energy massages as well as effective facials, hydrotherpahy and a number of assorted body and beauty treatments. In addition to PHYTODESS Paris, other products used and sold at the spa include Dessange Beauté, Elemis, Pevonia and Charme D'orient. Offering top-quality treatments and services in a luxurious setting, Dessange endeavours to deliver the best in health, wellness and beauty. Call 17 713-999. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Lee Cooper Opens

Al Rashid Group opened a Lee Cooper store at the Seef Mall, Muharraq.

Management and staff at the inauguration

Fernanda, Pauline, Vikas, Apple & Farheen

Dinesh, Vikas & Vijay

Inna & Sachin

Pauline & Nishtha

Onam Celebration Middle East Medical Center, Hidd, hosted Onam celebrations for management and staff.

Ladies dressed in traditional outfits

Jeeban Varghese, managing director, MEM, fifth from left, Mr Laji, general manager, Al Namal, fourth from left, Dr Ravi Preet Singh, CEO, third form left & Raja Rao, administration & operations manager, standing centre, with MEM staff at the celebration.

MEM Get-Together

Dr Varghese Kurian, chairman of Middle East Medical Center, hosted a lunch party for management and staff.

Dr Ravi Preet Singh, CEO, Boban Idiculla, marketing director, and Raja Rao, administration and operations manager, along with staff at the event.

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

showcase TONI & GUY

FOREVER FABULOUS Looking for a definitive solution to hair styling? This salon works to create the best option for any hair type to give back the shine and life that your locks need.

ONI & GUY, the well-known salon, believes that hair is an important part of your whole being. Beautiful hair can transform your entire look and can improve your self-esteem. We also know that a great hair day can make you start out in a better mood and give you the necessary morning boost of adrenalin. The revolutionary Nanokeratin System at TONI & GUY could be the solution to help you avoid bad hair days altogether. The treatment redefines the natural state of the hair, providing fabulous results and easy styling. This rehabilitating therapy eliminates frizz, gives a healthy feeling and appearance to the hair and provides an injection of perpetual style. And best of all, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to spend long hours in the salon to enjoy the result, it takes a couple of hours for the transformation. Intense blow-drying in the morning to make your hair look its best will be a thing of the past after getting a Nanokeratin System treatment. Use the time you would normally spend in front of the mirror to enjoy a peaceful breakfast or complete a task thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important in your busy life.

The treatmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive menu caters to various hair types and needs, leading to the same after effect, beautiful, vibrant, shiny, silky-smooth and full-of-body hair. The three flagship series for home treatment, Straight, Smooth and Balance, each created for a specific hair type, stimulate, strengthen and repair hair fibres by activating hair tissues. At TONI &

52 October 2015

GUY you will find a team of repair experts who will be able to identify your hair condition and provide the right regimen. The treatment is a rehabilitation system that contains advanced bio-mimetic and natural materials that reconstruct the hair fibre, activate the inner hair tissue and create a non-soluble shield against environmental elements. The International Nanokeratin System Laboratory has created a unique micro-sized molecular formula based on particles so minute that millions of them can be gathered onto the tip of a pin. The micro-molecule is so small that it allows penetration of the smallest hair

follicles to activate the inner tissue and infuse it with a combination of the finest ingredients as well as the wellbeing components of each series. The hair is provided a shield against humidity and other harmful environmental toxins and influences. The Nanokeratin System treatment is enhanced with hand-selected vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants and essential oils providing comprehensive care, protection, nourishment and anti-ageing actions. The result is an incomparable feeling of hair perfection. Call 17 001-700 or visit TONI & GUY at Seef Mall, Gate 1. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | advice

Your Questions Answered

Write to our editor at wtmeditor@rhm.bh for more tips and tricks.

Q: How can I style my hair while my fringe is growing?

A: Growing fringes make the challenge of styling hair a daytime nightmare! However, there are a few tricks you can use. My favourite option is to blow dry it to the side (pick the side you feel most comfortable with). The hair will look tidy and proper; use a clip to keep it in the right position. Putting it up with a hair clip and then tying a pony tail also looks good. Another idea is to go for a neat bun; make use of a lot of hair gel and brush it flat. If you opt for a high bun it will work even better. Braids are still a hot trend, you can make a side braid linking the short hair with the longer tresses from the side or braid it to the back of the head into a pony tail.

Q: My hands are very dry, even A: Wintertime is usually the period of the year when your hands get drier than ever. Even the mild winter we have in the Kingdom may cause this lack of moisture. With low humidity and frequent hand washing to avoid spreading germs, your hands suffer. The solution? You have to moisturise your hands more frequently, once a day is not enough. Hand cream applied directly to the skin will keep water from evaporating and give your skin a healthy look. Two important ingredients do most of the work to keep your skin soft and hydrated: emollients and humectants. Lanolin, jojoba oil, isopropyl palmitate and propylene glycol linoleate are some of the ingredients of the first category. Common humectants are glycerine, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, propylene glycerol, urea and lactic acid.

54 October 2015

Kiera Knightley

with a lot of hand cream. Is there anything else I could do?

Q: I’m in my sixties and my eyebrows

A: People may think red carpet looks must be overdone with a lot of make-up, but they actually follow the actresses’ personal taste or trends. A flawless skin is a good start. Prepare your skin with a good cleansing agent and moisturiser, then apply a lightweight foundation and concealer. Don’t forget to opt for the right colour for your skin tone. A thin layer of powder and your complexion will be done. The eyeshadow can be a safe nude, soft smoky or sparkling shades, stay away from light blue (always!). Add some illuminator powder and a good layer of mascara. Finish the look with red, pink or coral lipstick and you will be ready to shine.

A: While you accumulate years of experience on your CV, not only does gravity work against you but also your beautiful eyebrows lose their glorious fuller look and natural colour. Less invasive ways to make them stand out are to use make-up or to tint in brown shades (light, medium or dark). The downside is that this lasts around ten days and you have to re-do it. If you are looking for a semi-permanent result, you can try henna or, for a definitive solution, opt for tattoos; just be careful with the professional you pick. Before doing anything, check their previous work and then decide if you are ready for it.

: How do I get red carpet make-up?

need different care. What would you recommend?

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase YARA BEAUTY LOUNGE

CRYOhealth: It's Freezing in Bahrain!

Going into a tiny room that is -110 degree Celsius might seem a bit crazy. But with benefits including tighter pores, weight loss and a cure for jet lag, it’s something that many are trying out.

hole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a special treatment in which the body is exposed to ultra-low temperatures and it is becoming increasingly popular in the beauty and wellness industry. Here in Bahrain, you can experience this at Yara Beauty Lounge (YBL) in Amwaj, first to launch this treatment. Cryotherapy promotes anti-inflammatory properties, which decrease soreness in a post workout state. A proven anti-aging and beauty treatment, it is also widely used for muscular recovery. Its health benefits include boosting athletic performance, with increased circulation and lymphatic drainage. Cryotheraphy reduces Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and is especially beneficial for athletes as it improves muscle strength and joint function. Cryotherapy elicits the ‘fight or flight’ response, which not only decreases inflammation but also affects your body’s

www.womanthismonth.com

perception of symptomatic pain. With regard to health and beauty, it provides a non-invasive alternative to Botox and has been quite effective in instant reduction of cellulite. The intense cold activates collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, leaving it firm and tight. Those who have given up on weight loss programmes should give cryotherapy a shot. It increases metabolism and is guaranteed to burn 500 to 1,000 calories per session. The cryo 'shock' that your body experiences during the course of treatments helps it to reset the metabolism to normal. Some of its most famous enthusiast include celebrities like Jeniffer Aniston, Kate Moss, Daniel Craig and footballer Demaryius Thomas to name a few. Find out more about YBL and cryotherapy from their social media channels. Call 16 010-999.

October 2015

BEAUTY | review

Hair We Go

Your hair is perhaps the most versatile accessory you can ever have. Ankita Mamgain digs deeper into the significance of our locks across time and cultures and ways of keeping them looking great.

fascinating part of our body, hair gets just as much, if not more, attention as the rest of the ‘living’ us. Both personal and public, it is seen as a reflection of our identity. This is widely evident in fiction, with writers often describing a character’s hair in a way that it reveals something important about them. From Rapunzel to Goldilocks and elf queen Galadriel in the Lord of the Rings to the curls of modern day urbanista Carrie Bradshaw, these characters wouldn’t be the same without their trademark locks. There’s a deep connection between hair and self-esteem; ask any bald person you know. Many even equate a bad hair day with having a bad day. From making a fashion statement to taking a social or political stand, your hair is more expressive than you think. The link between long hair and femininity goes back a long time – in some of the earliest cave drawings, women have been depicted to have long hair. In medieval Europe, a woman's long, flowing locks were a symbol of her virginity and purity; once she was married,

56 October 2015

Avoid using too much product or shampooing too often as it may affect the capillary fibre in your hair over time custom dictated that she wear her hair up, or covered. Over centuries, women have considered hair to be their "crowning glory”, a phrase that dates back to Biblical times. Long cascading locks are considered a sign of sensuality and many cultures call for a headscarf, to avert unwanted attention, or even a chop or shave once married or widowed. The significance extends into religious realms as well, with thousands tonsuring or shaving their heads as a mark of effacing of ego in certain

Hindu temples across India. This hair then journeys hundreds of miles across the world in the form of wigs and has helped many restore their self-confidence post radiation therapy. In the mid 1950s, hair even became a sign of liberation as the feminist movement gained momentum. A short bob cut just below the ears became the rage and was seen as a symbol of women taking control over their own lives. From dramatic to demure, sexy to elegant, your hair can transform your personality and mood. On a more personal level, whether it’s getting over a break up or performing a makeover, it all begins with a visit to the hair dresser. LOOKING AFTER Hair and beauty is a multibillion-dollar industry. The average woman is estimated to spend approximately USD50,000 on her hair during her lifetime and almost two hours a week washing and styling her locks. Hair grooming is nothing new; different cultures have used their own methods and products for centuries. Your lifestyle choices greatly impact the www.womanthismonth.com

shape, feel and look of your hair. Add to this the various external environmental factors and the odds often seem stacked against us in the hair care department. Hence it’s necessary to get the basics right. CLEANSING: Regular shampooing is essential for both your hair and scalp as it gets rid of dirt, oil and sweat. Choose a shampoo depending upon your hair type – dry, oily, normal or coloured and the frequency of washing should not be more than two to three times a week. Avoid using too much product or shampooing too often as it may affect the capillary fibre in your hair over time. Always wash with warm water; hot water can not only dry out hair, it can irritate the scalp; and a healthy scalp equals healthy hair. CONDITIONING: This is important as it restores moisture to your hair follicles, making them smooth and manageable. It usually should follow a wash; however, you can also opt for weekly or fortnightly deep-conditioning treatments with a hair mask. There are natural conditioners that can be used for this, such as yogurt, honey, coconut oil, shea butter, bananas or apple cider vinegar. BRUSHING AND DRYING: Before turning on your hair dryer, use a towel to dry your hair as much as possible. Keep your blow dryer moving When it comes to hair colour there is no such thing as simple black and white. Getting the perfect hue for your tresses can become a life-long pursuit, involving endless trial and error. Adverts tell you about over-the-counter solutions, usually with the help of an A-list actress flicking through her lustrous locks, convincing you that it’s all so effortlessly easy. But don’t we all know the reality? If you do want those superstar strands, your best bet is seeking professional help. Lucky for us, Dessange Paris in Adliya has the whole spectrum covered when it comes to hair care and style. I got a chance to go for a cut and colour at the elegant salon, placing my hair in the able

www.womanthismonth.com

as keeping it in one spot for more than a few seconds can damage the strands. Hair that's too dry can actually receive natural oils if bushed properly. Avoid using a brush on wet hair as it can increase breakage; use a comb instead to remove snarls. For longer hair, begin brushing near the end of the hair and work your way back to your scalp. STYLING: This is truly the most fun and

hands of salon manager Badia Dhrari. She examined my locks and suggested I go for Balayage. A huge trend and Dessange signature, it is the go-to style for modern, chic hair. It creates depth and dimension leaving you with a sun-kissed finish. She handed me over to Nisha, who studied my scalp and then

interesting part. From short, long, shoulderlength and pixie cuts to even partly or completely shaved, playing with colours and styling your hair in hundreds of ways, you are only limited by your own imagination. Surely you’ll remember the time spent with your girlfriends experimenting with different hair styles! Adding to the fun is the plethora of hair adornment available for all ages, tastes and budgets.

applied a soothing solution to my head before massaging it. Post a quick wash, Badia gave me a stylish hair cut after which she began the colouring process. In about 30 minutes, Nisha washed my hair and after a blow-dry I saw a new me in the mirror. I absolutely love the new life and shine in my hair and the gradient

that comes alive in sunlight. What: Balayage Where: Dessange Paris Favourite Feature: Definitely the personalised service by Dessange was the highlight of the day. However, the massage chairs at the hair-wash station certainly deserve a special mention.

October 2015

LIFESTYLE | home

Haute Habitat Artisan baskets ZARA HOME

Knitted Pouffes

Autumn-winter 2015 brings an exciting change not just in your wardrobe but in your home interiors too. Ankita Mamgain examines the hot decor trends of the season so you can give your abode a stylish makeover.

fter a long sweltering summer, energy feels restored on the island as the temperatures begin to dip during October. It’s just the right time to take up a homeimprovement project to add something fresh for the upcoming holidays and nights of entertaining guests. Whether you opt for a floor-to-ceiling transformation or make just a few key changes, have a penchant for antique luxury or bohemian quirks, current trends cater to a vast range of tastes and sensibilities, giving you all the leeway you need to make your space stylish in your own unique way. COSY KNITS Nothing says winter or warm comfort better than knits and there’s no easier way to add a snug touch to a room than with a big fat knit element. These accessories are huge this season, both figuratively and literally, with bolder and chunkier cable-knits replacing

demure weaves. You can go for a throw on the couch, a knitted basket or a pouffe, which by far is the best interpretation of this trend – essentially a big knitted ball of wool for your feet. VINTAGE EXPLORER This season the interior design world is heavily inspired by the great explorers and naturalists of the past. Hence, make way for vintage globes and suitcases, along with hints of botany and entomology, in the form of plant drawings and butterfly motifs. Present your 'specimens' under a bell jar or perhaps frame a grouping of nature-walk finds or others natural souvenirs from your last holiday.

LOVING LAYERS If the fashion runways and the interior stores are any indication, layering both textures and patterns has been very strong this year and the trend continues for the cooler months as well. The mixing and matching of different materials adds unexpected impact to a room. So mix your woods, particularly raw wood, with metals, or place something with a glazed glossy finish close to a matte surface. Create a harmonious medley of florals, geometrics and ethnic prints and combine worn-out leathers with velvets. THE RETRO ROUTE The year has been all about ‘out with the new and in with the old’, with modern design elements from the ‘50s, ‘60s and

Textured vase H&M

58 October 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

Vintage finds

Statement chair Kare design

Fun Monkey Lamp Kare Design

FUN FACTOR Make room for some whimsy so that touches of fun can break through the winter gloom. Home is a place that should be comfortable and happy, so complement the winter colours and seriousness of the season by adding some quirks around your home – something fun that will put a smile on your face every time you look at it. MAKE A STATEMENT This is something that usually is on trend – unique, attentiongrabbing, standalone pieces that will accentuate any room, whichever style or theme you have chosen. Add timelessness with a twist with a bold chair or a rug, large wall art with a futuristic or geometric design or even a console table.

ARTISAN APPEAL Handmade products add a rustic element to your decor. Be it painted tiles or handmade pottery, you want to feel connected to the craftsman. Colour splatters, watercolour prints and painted abstract designs are popular, especially on cushions, artwork and ceramics. DIY enthusiast, it’s your time to shine!

LUXURIOUS COMFORT From fake animal hide to luxurious velvet and leathers, the season belongs to rich fabrics. There’s a definite air of indulgence about this season’s throws, rugs and cushions; plush textures seem to be just as important as staying warm. The markets are filled with great faux fur and leathers that immediately elevate the luxe quotient of a space.

MAGNIFICENT MINERALS For kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms, minerals and textures are here in a big way. Sand, ceramic, stone, marble and handmade homewares with texture will have a big presence this season; these include the likes of serving trays, canisters, vases, plates, bowls and wall art. ALL THAT GLITTERS Go for gold this season as the colour continues to reign; from sink taps, handles, lighting fixtures and picture frames, through to furniture such as side tables, to name but a few. However, you need to be cautious to make this look work and not cross the thin line over to tacky. Mix it up with silvers, stainless steel, wrought iron and coppers.

Natural Stool ZARA HOME

‘70s creating a big presence. The look is all glitz and glamour; sinuous, amorphic shapes; bold optical prints and luxe textiles. The Great Gatsby- and Downton Abbey-inspired ‘20s style, with its metallic and mirrored surfaces, is also popular this season. Include it in the form of small vintage pieces such as lamps, clocks, planters and cushions.

Gold vase ZARA HOME

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

Pottery Barn

LIFESTYLE | home

1 7

NUTS &

BOLTS

Autumn colours are the inspiration for this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home dĂŠcor. Deep shades of plum, olive green, burnt orange and mustard are the hues to mix and match for a feeling of falling leaves. 3

1. Home fragrance: Asgharali; 2. Rabbit cushion: M&Co; 3. Wall clock: Marks & Spencer; 4. Armchair: KARE; 5. Horse canvas: Al Huzaifa Furniture; 6. Orange chair: Amara; 7. Yellow vase: Bo Concept; 8. Glassware: Zara Home.

BHS

60 October 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Summer Camp Opening

Dr Mustafa Al Sayed, secretary general of the Royal Charity Organisation, inaugurated the third edition of the Lulu-RCO summer camp for orphans under its care, at Lulu Hypermarket Hidd. Hawra & Mariam

Dr Mustafa inaugurates the summer camp

Mohammed & Ahmed

Jihan, Bahiya & Abdulla

Mohammed & Mohammed

Summer Camp Closing

Layla, Ragad & friends

Hamed

Juzer & Khalim

Fajer

Vineeth & Ravi

Somanah & Faisal

The closing ceremony of the third Lulu-RCO Summer Camp for orphans under the care of the Royal Charity Organization was held at Lulu Hypermarket, Hidd.

Participants with RCO & Lulu Hypermarket officials after receiving their gifts

Khalim, Sami & Dr Mustafa

62 October 2015

Amani & Sawsan

Dima & Francois

Maria, Wafa, Fatma & Amani

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Vibes

‘Sparkling and Bubbly Vibes’ was hosted by The Gulf Hotel Bahrain at its Typhoon venue. Headlining the event was German DJ Sabrina Terence who was accompanied by DJ Ramy.

DJ Sabrina

DJ Ramy

Andreas & Ellie

Rene & Julie

John & Christine

Helen, Anca & Kate

Ashley & Mo

Darja & Hamad

Sally, Ahmed, Kristianna & Tina

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

PEOPLE | interview

Quick and Healthy Feast Some kids can be difficult eaters early in the morning so it is nice to have some creative, yummy and healthy breakfast solutions. Ghada Salem shares some smoothie ideas.

moothies are a breakfast quick-fix usually packed with fruit goodness, vitamins and calcium. A good start for the day. You can also sneak in a few greens and healthy grains by disguising the taste with fruit. If your kids are dairy free, there are still plenty of recipes to choose from that will deliver the same positive effect. Whenever possible, use fresh and organic ingredients to ensure maximum nutrition. Here are some recipes all prepared in the same way, by putting all the ingredients in a blender and blending until very smooth. BLUEBERRY AND BANANA Ingredients: 1/2 cup almond milk 1 vanilla Greek yogurt 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1 frozen banana 1/4 cup raw, uncooked oats 1/4 tsp lemon zest 1/2 cup ice cubes

MANGO AND CARROT Ingredients: 2 cups frozen mango chunks 1 cup fresh carrot juice 1 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup fresh mint SPINACH AND FRUITS Ingredients: 100g fresh baby spinach 1 orange 1 banana 5 strawberries Handful of crushed ice

1 cup almond milk 1 tsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey BANANA AND DATES Ingredients: 2 medium bananas, peeled 5 seedless dates, chopped ¼ tsp cinnamon powder 1 cup almond milk ½ tsp flaxseed powder -optional½ cup ice

STRAWBERRY AND BANANA Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 cup strawberries 1 banana 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks 1 tsp chia seeds AVOCADO AND KIWI Ingredients: 1 banana, peeled and chopped 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped ½ avocado, peeled and chopped 1 handful fresh baby spinach leaves mumsinbahrain.net | Facebook: Mums in Bahrain | Instagram: @Mumsinbahrain

64 October 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | parenting

KIDS’ 2

PLAYGROUND

Cute little things for sweet little ones. The new season has also arrived in our kids’ wardrobes. Styles that are easy-to-wear and combine are the favourite picks with a fashionable twist. Check out our monthly must-have selection. Monsoon

1. Polo shirt: CH Carolina Herrera; 2. Educational toy: Early Learning Centre; 3. Shoes: Le Coq Sportif; 4. Lunchbox: Becky and Lolo; 5. Dress: BHS; 6. Water bottle: Marks & Spencer; 7. Pyjama set: F&F; 8. Baby all-in-one: Mothercare; 9. Girls’ set: Mamas & Papas.

8 9

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

LIFESTYLE | parenting

Growing Pains Google 'leg pain in children' and you are instantly catapulted into the realms of arthritis and leukaemia. If you go for 'growing pains', you find infuriatingly vague information. Dr Jinan Harith Darwish explores the subject for us.

hildren every so often wake up in the dead of night weeping in pain and grasping their lower legs, even when they have been well and energetic during the day. The episodes can be dramatic and interrupt sleep for the whole family. This experience is common and parents can be reasonably spooked by their children's baffling symptoms. Growing pains affect up to 37 per cent of children to varying degrees. The pains usually affect healthy children between the ages of three and 13. Nobody knows why they occur, but one thing is apparent: it has nothing to do with growth. Children grow maximally as babies or during adolescence; however, these are not the periods when they have the growing pains. It's a total misnomer. The term has stuck because it is just easier to remember than its medical name, 'benign idiopathic nocturnal limb pains of childhood'. Growing pains is really just a label covering all sorts of uncertainties. The pain usually appears late in the day or at night, often waking the child. The duration ranges from minutes to hours. The intensity can be mild or very severe. By morning, the child is usually pain-free. Pains are intense and crampy, affecting both legs symmetrically though not always at the same time, usually the calf, shins or ankles, and are not limited to the joints. However, they will not cause the child to limp. We know the pains are not linked to dietary deficiency or growth problems. They seem more common in active children and children with hypermobile joints and they tend to run in families.

66 October 2015

A whole raft of other illnesses can be confused with growing pains. In fact, pain in the limbs of young children can be a sign of serious problems, including chronic rheumatic disease, inflammatory muscle disease, childhood arthritis, leukaemia and sepsis. It is important to know that, in all these cases, there will be other indicators that the child is not all right. Nevertheless, early diagnosis of some of these conditions can make a big difference to outcomes, so it's in no way a bad idea to rule things out. Even without other symptoms, there is no shame in taking a child with growing pains to the paediatrician. Your child should definitely see a doctor if there is any joint swelling or the pain is in only one leg or they are experiencing pain in the arms or back, fever, loss of appetite or weight loss.

This is also true if the pain occurs every night and there is a reluctance to walk or limping, especially in the morning. The key intervention is to understand the natural benign course of the growing pains, thus decreasing anxiety and fear. Soothing, local massage therapy during pain episodes or analgesics can be used. Some children need to use medications, especially paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen. Keeping a diary could help establish what activities could be triggers. Often parents can predict when the child will have pain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on days of increased activity or when the child is more moody. Prophylactic pain relief is recommended if you can predict an episode. Other interventions shown to be effective in small controlled studies include in-shoe inserts such as triplane wedges or orthotics, especially in children with pronated foot posture, and a muscle-stretching exercise programme. If all else fails, take consolation in the fact that growing pains won't go on forever. www.womanthismonth.com

A DIVISION OF LANDMARK RETAIL LTD.

BAHRAIN: CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN • SEEF MALL • SEEF MALL, MUHARRAQ • OASIS EAST RIFFA & MUHARRAQ • MARINA MALL SAUDI ARABIA • KUWAIT • BAHRAIN • QATAR • OMAN • JORDAN • EGYPT • LEBANON • PAKISTAN • TANZANIA • LIBYA • INDIA • SRI LANKA

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

Dreamworks You can party in outer space, have breakfast atop the Eiffel Tower, speak various languages and scale skyscrapers with Tom Cruise in his next blockbuster – all in your dreams. Behnaz Sanjana dives into the mysterious world of the sleeping mind for more.

ou are waiting for the elevator, all dressed up. You step in to see similarly welldressed people. They reciprocate your smile. However, wait; a closer look at your co-riders reveals that their faces are upside down. The hair on the back of your neck is on end and you want to let out a bloodcurdling scream, but your throat is constricted out of terror. The man beside you leans close to ask, “Which floor?” and you realise he has no face. You try to get off, but the doors have closed and the elevator shoots up into a black hole; there is no escape. Then, you wake up with a start. Blurred vision and a foggy brain tell you that you are in your own room; your own comfort zone. You feel the sweat trickling down your neck and remind yourself to breathe easy. In a few seconds, you fall back into peaceful slumber, only to wake up in the morning and have some fleeting memory of a dream that woke you in the night. Dr Ram Vatwani, consultant neurologist, explains this fantastic occurrence that takes place while our body rejuvenates to brace itself for the next day. “Dreams are successions of images, ideas, emotions and sensations that occur usually involuntarily in the mind during

68 October 2015

If you think that you do not dream, you’re mistaken. Everybody steps into foreign terrain every single night certain stages of sleep,” he says. He tells us that scientists believe adenosine, a natural compound, accumulates in our blood during our waking hours, propelling us towards a sleepy state at the end of the day. Gradually, the heart rate and breathing slow and muscles all across the body relax more and more. At about the 90-minute mark, after most people have fallen into deeper, slow-wave sleep, they switch into a cycle of sleep characterised by rapid eye movement (REM). REM is when your eyes move rapidly back

and forth under the eyelids and is the stage of sleep where the most vivid and frequent dreams happen. “The body lies mostly still through the REM cycle, but the brain is nearly as active as when it's fully awake,” Dr Vatwani adds. www.womanthismonth.com

Dreams are successions of images, ideas, emotions and sensations that occur usually involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep Besides being a storytelling session in your head, dreaming doesn’t light up the brain alone. There are many physiological phenomena going on while your subconscious mind takes a trip around bizarredom at night. Your adrenaline and blood pressure levels soar, while your breathing and heartbeats quicken. During REM, arm and leg muscles are temporarily paralysed. This explains why some people cannot move immediately after a ghastly nightmare. If you think you do not dream, you’re mistaken. Everybody steps into foreign terrain every single night. It’s just that, more often than not, we do not remember our dreams. “The average person has several dreams a night, with two of our typical eight hours of daily sleep devoted to dreaming,” says Dr Vatwani. “Therefore, no matter how big an impact they make, or don't make, on your waking self, dreams do occur while you sleep. “Many scientists believe it is difficult recalling our dreams because the specific type of neuron-

www.womanthismonth.com

firing that helps us create new memories doesn't go on while we're asleep. Thus, we can only remember dreams that happen right before we wake up.” Dream trivia says that five minutes after the end of the dream, half of its content is forgotten. Then after ten minutes, 90 per cent is lost. The most common dreams that people see are of falling (from the top of the stairs or from a swing, for instance), being late for an important event, sitting in an exam without adequate preparation, losing hair or teeth and the death of a loved one. Interestingly, there is a difference in dream themes between men and women. The European archives of the Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience journal report that men tend to dream about violence or loss of employment, while women lose sleep over bereavement and sexual harassment.

So, are dreams any more than a rolling reel of images in our minds? Sigmund Freud, noted the world over for his notorious psychological theories, maintained that dreams represent unfulfilled wishes or dormant desires of the subconscious. Dream experts think that dreams, especially the ones that wake you up with a fright, are linked to something unresolved. They are frequent when the dreamer is stressed and can be laid to rest by dealing with the underlying issue. Giving a more spiritual spin to dream interpretation, Sharmee Divan, a Mumbaibased tarot and angel card reader, says that dreams are symbolic. They give a message, but each of us can interpret them in our own way. “For example, dreaming of snakes could mean different things for different people. It could point to an underlying fear in someone, while I would see it symbolic of Lord Shiva, the Indian deity. So it’s all very subjective,” she opines. Even after years of study, human beings have not been able to decipher the purpose of dreams. Without any concrete explanation on the hows and whys of this elusive and mysterious subject, let’s all just enjoy the entertaining act that the mind puts on for us at night. October 2015

showcase GULF DIABETES SPECIALIST CENTER

A SILENT CONDITION

Osteoporosis is a fairly common condition affecting both men and women, usually as they grow older. If left untreated, it can lead to serious injuries and disabilities.

steoporosis, where bones become weak, is a silent condition as there are no symptoms and it may only come to your attention after you’ve broken a bone. “When you have this condition, a fracture can occur even after a minor injury, such as a fall,” says Dr Nasreen Al Sayed, consultant endocrinologist and lipidologist at Gulf Diabetes Specialist Center. “Spine and hip fractures, in particular, may lead to chronic pain, disability and even death. The main goal of treating osteoporosis is to prevent such fractures in the first place.” A loss of bone mass (measured as bone density) and a change in the bone structure can lead to osteoporosis. Factors that raise the risk of developing osteoporosis and breaking a bone include: older age (starting in the mid 30s but more likely with advancing age); small bone structure; family history of osteoporosis; low levels of sex hormone, mainly oestrogen in women (eg. menopause); cigarette smoking;

Dr Nasreen Al Sayed

alcohol abuse and low levels of calcium and vitamin D.

Osteoporosis can be detected by a simple test that measures bone mineral density, sometimes called BMD. BMD, the amount of bone you have in a given area, is measured at different parts of your body. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) is the best current test to measure BMD – it’s quick, painless, similar to an X-ray, but uses much less radiation. Osteoporosis can be treated by taking calcium supplements and with physical activity exercising most days, especially weight-bearing exercises, such as walking. Most widely used medications for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis are the bisphosphonates. Others include hormone replacement therapy, parathyroid hormone injections and other newly released anti-resorptive agents. Call 17 239-239, 17 239-206 or visit www.gulfdiabetes.com for more information.

Passion Dinner

Passion Restaurant hosted a dinner with HE Muhammad Saeed Khan, Pakistani Ambassador, and the embassy staff, on the occasion of Pakistan’s 69th Independence Day.

Dilshad Khan, wife of the ambassador, seated second from left, with ladies of the Pakistani community

HE Muhammad Saeed Khan & Mohammed

Mohammed & Hamad

Shamana, Armana, Abdul Hadi & Mohammed

70 October 2015

Saba, Waqar & Ananya

Salman & Sheraz

Mrs Haroon & Sahrish

Osama & Faisal

Saif & Abeer

Uzma & Amina

Rabia & Mrs Ahmed

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Mixology Week

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa hosted the flair-bartending champion Ravi Camardo at its 2015 Mixology Week, at Tapas restaurant.

Khalid, Adrian, Basel, Charbel, Ravi, Sami & Moussa

Ravi & Ricky

Jeff,Virginia & Alyson

Saeed & Gregory

Declan & Surbita

Ryan, Jacob & Sami

Nick & Thamina

Samah & Badriya

Batoul, Charbel & Annabelle

Thank you for your tremendous Response! We extend our Ramadan Offer Hurry for confirming your bookings!!

Our Specialist FUE Hair Transplantation Involves  Specialised dense packing technique of hair implantation giving natural look.  Minimum to absent post procedure pain and swelling.*  Resume your duties 72 hours post procedure.  Hair transplant procedure will be carried out by Internationally accomplished FUE hair transplant expert Dr. Jitesh Shetty and his specialised team.  No shaving method of hair implantation carried out especially for women and celebrities.*

Hair Transplant

www.womanthismonth.com

Advanced FUE Hair Transplantation at only BD 600 per session & upto 50% off on all Cosmetic Treatments*

Botox

July 2015

showcase ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

COOL YOUR FAT AWAY!

Say goodbye to your love handles with an exciting new technology that will melt or rather cool away your body fat.

oolplas CoolSculpting system is a new technology for body slimming. The whole treatment course is cool and comfortable, safe, painless and non-invasive with no Dr Dean Cunha Gomes recovery time. This technology utilises the sensitivity of fat cells to cold injury and selectively eliminates fat tissue without affecting the skin. Termed Cryolipolysis, this is an effective non-invasive alternative for subcutaneous (fatty tissue under the skin) fat reduction through a normally occurring biological process of cellular death (apoptosis). When injurious external stimuli (such as cold) are applied to a target cell, the injured cell gradually degrades into smaller pieces which are absorbed by the body’s immune system

Say goodbye to your muffin top.

over time. Coolplas technology is designed to trigger apoptosis, eliminating fat cells without generating a wound healing reaction. Precise controlled cooling is applied through the skin to the fat layer. Cooling is maintained for a pre-determined time to damage the fat cells and begin a natural removal process that continues for several months (around two

to three months), resulting in a gradual fat layer reduction This is one of the most popular ways in the market to lose fat. With no surgery, anaesthesia, needles, scarring or downtime, Dr Ramesh P the treatment is completely painless. A single treatment can produce 20 to 30 per cent reduction in the fat layer. The treatment is available at Royal Bahrain Hospital’s Royal Aesthetic Center, with Dr Dean Cunha Gomes – consultant plastic surgeon and head of Royal Aesthetic Center – and Dr Ramesh P – specialist plastic surgeon – performing the procedure. Call 17 246-857, 17 246-939 or 17 246-938 for more information.

British born, Dubai based urban music DJ Junior J returned for a second time to play at Ibrida at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa.

DJ Junior J

Mariam & Jennifer

Jamaica, John & Joyce

DJ Junior J & DJ Andy

Mohammed & Abdullah

Temo & Bhanwar

72 October 2015

Resident band ‘Energy’ performs

www.womanthismonth.com

BAHRAIN BREAST CANCER SOCIETY

www.thinkpinkbahrain.com

Together. we save lives. Hers. Men can play a big part in the fight against breast cancer. It all comes down to showing support and joining hands with loved ones to encourage women to undergo monthly checkups and self examinations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these simple steps will go a long way to helping women feel supported, ensuring that together they aren't alone in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection saves lives. Hers. So please remind your partner, wife or mother to undergo regular checkups. Say icheck.

LIFESTYLE | travel

Golden Moments Here on the island we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really get to experience autumn, but, in some countries, this is perhaps the most eagerly awaited time of the year. Ankita Mamgain presents a few options for a quick yet magical getaway.

his time of year has a shoulder season feel in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The season is particularly popular with travellers who prefer to have a location all to themselves. Most holiday destinations enjoy the lingering good weather of the previous season and, with the crowds dissipating, they offer the perfect opportunity for a quieter getaway. So as you fret over last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite jumper being eaten away

by moths, remember the seas have had all summer to warm up and cities are less sweltering, re-energised for the new term. For the romantic souls who care little about getting a perfect tan, the season brings a more reflective, painterly beauty to the Northern Hemisphere; while the vibrancy of spring blooms in the south. Embrace this brief lull before the year-end festivities by filling it with a relaxing holiday. Country Music Museum in Bristol

Skyline Drive

New England

THE COUNTRY ROAD North America seems to go through a personality transplant between September and early November, when its forests turn to fierce shades of red and yellow. While leaf peeping is best done on foot, you can also take some fabulous foliage road trips throughout the US. In Virginia, you can experience the

74 October 2015

splendour of the season by going on the spectacular Skyline Drive, which runs for 169km along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Don't miss the chance to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail or spot whitetail deer and wild turkeys on a pony trek. Considered the birthplace of country music, you can visit the Country Music Museum in

Bristol and the music bars of Floyd and Galax, for a jig with the locals to the sound of frenetic fiddles and banjo-players. In the northeast, New England reigns supreme for foliage viewing. States such as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York all offer picturesque, rustic settings to watch this colourful phase of the year. www.womanthismonth.com

Malta

Sea Cave

MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC Those who headed to the cooler climates this summer can still get their fix of balmy sunshine in the Mediterranean before the winter chill sets in. Timing is key here; the later you plan, the further south or southeast you must go. The island of Malta, for instance, is ideal for the season, where temperatures average 24 degrees Celsius, the crowds have melted away and accommodation prices have started to fall. The weather is great for hiking around Dingli

Cliffs. The waters are excellent for swimming, including the gently sloping Mellieha Bay and the lovely sandy Golden and Ghajn Tuffieha Bays. You might also consider the Turkish coast, where the summer season lingers well into October, the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, Sicily and Cyprus. Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers mega resorts, which may not suit all budgets, but they do offer plenty of sunshine, long beaches and a big choice of goodvalue accommodation.

Bali

TASTE OF THE TROPICS Some would argue that there’s never a bad time to visit Bali, although late September to November enjoys a special kind of fan following. With an average rainfall of 15 per cent to 20 per cent this time of the year, the destination beckons a host of travellers who want exotic comfort on a modest budget. You can enjoy balmy average temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius, cheaper rooms and fewer crowds. Surfers can still catch the end of the big winter swells and those in festive mood can look forward to the annual

Tenerife beach

anniversaries of the Bali bombings, which have now been transformed into a time for celebration. There’s also the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, which has become one of the world’s most respected literary fests. Get drenched in the perpetual touristy frenzy of Kuta and try to attend the Kuta Karnival. Check dates for the Balinale (Bali International Film Festival), held around this time of year, or simply sit by the pool with an ice-cold Bintang. If all this gets too much for you, camp at Nusa Dua, a quieter destination with a range of hotels and restaurants. Bali Rice Fields

Kuta Karnival

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2015

TRAVEL | incredible escapes

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

Glow-worm Caves, New Zealand

One of the biggest known caves in the world; it sits right in the heart of Southeast Asia, in the Quang Binh Province of Vietnam. Son Doong Cave boasts enormous chambers that can comfortably fit a Boeing 747 aeroplane or an entire New York City block full of 40-story buildings. Discovered in 1991, its majestic chambers extend so far that explorers have called Son Doong an 'infinite cave'.

Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a maze of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. It’s here that you’ll find caves with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites and their entire surface illuminated by a galaxy of glow-worms. The easiest way to explore them is with a walking or boat tour. If you’re into adventure, try the unique experience of black water rafting in which you crawl, swim and float through the caves on a rubber tube.

Skocjan Caves, Slovenia

Incredible

Escapes The eastern European country of Slovenia is home to a natural marvel that is said to rival the likes of Mount Everest, the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. The Skocjan Caves were formed from different kinds of limestone, thereby emitting a green outer space-like colour. Said to be most beautiful in winter, when the air is clean, the colourful mix of collapse dolines and a 2.6-km long underground river canyon have led to recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Often described as dark and frightening in storybooks, caves can be some of the most splendid natural sights to behold. Here are those that have proven to be riveting in their natural wonder.

Tham Lod Cave, Thailand

Vatnajokull Glacier Cave, Iceland One of the loveliest countries in the world, Iceland has some of the most beautiful natural wonders, one of them being Vatnajokull Glacier Cave. The largest glacier in Europe, the cave was formed due to melting glacial ice water. A trip inside a gigantic ice sculpture can be dangerous because glaciers are constantly breaking and changing. Those who like courting risk, can explore its breath-taking beauty by going on a guided hiking tour. For the more cautious, simple walking tours are available, too.

76 October 2015

Located in the northern region of Thailand is the magnificent Tham Lod Cave, one of the country’s most impressive and easily accessible caves. Its size (1.5km long) and magnificent limestone stalactite formations, make it a must-visit site. The spectacular main chamber runs to a height of 50 metres, from floor to ceiling. For those who enjoy a bit of an adrenalin rush – the cave is also home to bats, swifts and a recently discovered, coffin-cave that’s hidden within the main one. That aside, the still and clear waters of the cave also make for a great boat ride where you can see down to the floor with a light.

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Volvo Launch

Motorcity launched the Volvo XC90 during an event held at the Royal Golf Club.

Emre, Bijan, Mike & Trevor

Models with the new car

Hans, Maryam & Pomtus Victoria & Bisan

Omran, Vivek, Saeed & Shaheen

Infiniti Launch

Zuzana, Jaroslav & Igor

Ahmed

Geg, Svetlana & Stephen

The all-new Infiniti Q70 was launched by YK Almoayyed & Sons at the Infiniti showroom in Sitra.

Management at the launch

Marise, Sandeep & Sreekumar x

www.womanthismonth.com

Salman & Ahmed

Beat

Peter

Mirna

Rohit

October 2015

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Toyota Launch

The new Toyota Hilux was launched by E.K. Kanoo at the Toyota showroom in Sitra.

Matthew & Mark

Management at the launch

Khalid & Fawaz

Tivoli Pool Party

Matt & Ken

Ismail, Issa & Waleed

Ayman & Fuad Kanoo

Ebrahim & Issa Kanoo

Alaa

Motorcity launched the SsangYong Tivoli at a pool party held at Coral Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beachside. The event featured music by DJ Miled and DJ Jojo.

Elias & Rami

Mohammed & Bader

Haitham, Dj Jojo & Ramzy Alaa & Alaa

Maher, Moath & Magdi

78 October 2015

Matthew & Cris

Jose & Jessica

Kaitlin & Jackie

Diana & Veronica

Alex & Prvallis

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

EURO MOTORS

THE DRIVE OF YOUR LIFE This new model is set to define contemporary luxury when it’s launched across the Middle East.

hen it comes to style and sophistication, it goes without saying that women lead the charge. So, what better way for a modern, high-flying woman to get around than in the comfort and class of the new BMW 7 Series? The sixth generation BMW 7 Series made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September and has drawn admiration from both men and women for an impressive range of features that includes massage seats. Combining state-of-the-art comfort with agility and styling, the latest instalment of the sleek sedan will arrive in three luxury packages: Pure Excellence, M-Sport and Individual Design. Consistently amongst BMW Group’s bestselling vehicles, the new 7 Series will again set new benchmarks within the premium segment when it arrives in showrooms later this year, it’s makers say. With the offer of impressive design and technology features both inside and out, customers can look forward to enhanced refinement with elements such as the futuristic headlamp technology, BMW Laser Light, the Light Carpet and star-gazerinspired panorama glass “Sky Lounge” sun roof. Inside the vehicle, technology offers both driver and passenger extraordinary levels of comfort and luxury. A host of new

80 October 2015

BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance features include the Touch Command: a 7-inch Samsung tablet positioned in the rear of the vehicle, offering passengers a completely new experience in controlling multiple in-car functions. Through Touch Command, rear passengers are able to control in-car infotainment and comfort features, such as the new BMW 7 Series Vitality Programme, which offers luxurious inseat massage options. A unique Gesture Control function, which offers those inside the vehicle the option of increasing the volume of the radio only by gesturing at the screen, is also one of the new technology features. The vehicle’s advanced chassis technology, which allows the driver to adjust the car’s

set-up to their preferred requirements, creates an ideal balance between sports performance and comfort, its makers say. Similarly, the vehicle’s progressive Driver Assistance Systems, including Lane Control Assistance, ensure drivers do not have to change the customary positioning of their hands on the steering wheel in order to undertake on-road manoeuvres. The new model also comes armed with two comprehensively revised engines: the sixcylinder 740iLi and eight-cylinder 750iLi xDrive. The on-road performance of both variants is enhanced through the incorporation of BMW EfficientDynamics, such as the vehicle’s lightweight body. Call 17 750-750.

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase NESPRESSO

TASTEFUL TRIBUTE

Continuing with its tradition of introducing a unique coffee flavour each year, this brand takes you on a trip to Italy with each sip of its latest offering.

uch to the delight of discerning coffee fans across the region, Nespresso presents its widely-anticipated, limited-edition flavours for the year. A tribute to the cities of Milan and Palermo, two new ristretto blends are inspired by the diversity and richness of Italian coffee culture, bringing you the essence of these two contrasting cities. Following the launch of Trieste and Napoli Limited Edition coffees, the company wanted to continue its tribute to Italy by paying homage to the unique coffee cultures of Milan and Palermo. “Tribute to Milano is our interpretation of the hustle and bustle of the elegant and vibrant city of Milan, where coffee is enjoyed at a fast pace,” says Karsten Ranitzsch, head of coffee at Nespresso. “In contrast, Tribute to Palermo is a powerful, intense and full-bodied ristretto inspired by the scents of the Sicilian outdoor markets, alive with colourful spices.” Nespresso is known for its quality and the new Limited Edition ristrettos, made with the finest Arabicas and Robustasto, promise an extraordinary coffee experience. www.womanthismonth.com

Both blends are targeted at intense coffee fans and can be enjoyed with or without milk. “Enjoy the full intensity of Tribute to Milano in a Latte Macchiato offering you a creamier milder taste with caramel aromas or savour Tribute to Palermo in a cappuccino without sacrificing any of this blend’s full body and powerful character,” adds Karsten. Both flavours are available at Nespresso boutiques worldwide and can be ordered via Nespresso customer care centres and from the company website. In addition to the two new flavours, the company has celebrated the launch of the new Pixie Clips machine, which features exchangeable side panels, meaning you can adapt your machine to suit your style or the latest design trends. This simple clipping system allows you to personalise your machine as per your liking. You can choose from an extensive

range of interchangeable covers and reinvent your machine and give it a new look as often as you would change clothes. Pixie Clips come with two pairs of exchangeable clips (black and lemon neon or white and coral neon) and you can pick 12 others pairs of clips as well from nespresso.com or from your local boutique. Pop, arty, elegant or hightech, choose your preferred design and style it your way. The Pixie machine features two programmable cup size buttons to deliver the perfect serving size of an espresso or lungo coffee. Furthermore, the foldable drip tray support accommodates differing cups for espresso and milk-coffee lovers alike. The machines can be bought from any Nespresso boutique worldwide, the Nespresso website, customer care centres and from selected trade partners. Decorative panels can be bought separately through all Nespresso channels. Call 8000 1999, visit www.nespresso.com/ bh/en or email nespresso@sojbahrain.com.bh October 2015

showcase CITIBANK

DINING DEALS

We islanders love to eat out and, with the discount offered on your restaurant bill from this leading international bank, there’s all the more reason to indulge.

itibank's latest offering is a delightful programme that makes dining out in Bahrain more fun, relaxed and rewarding. The bank has re-launched its dining programme under the title Citi Gourmet Pleasure. The revamped offer includes more than 50 establishments located all over the Kingdom including top-tier restaurants and coffee shops. Choose from Bahrain’s eclectic array of dining-out venues serving a range of different cuisines from Japanese and Chinese to Italian and French. Whether you are entertaining a large group of friends, hosting a business meeting or enjoying an intimate family dinner, with Citi debit or credit cards you can benefit from various exclusive discounts at a number of locations. “We at Citi Bahrain work extremely hard to meet our customers’ expectations and provide them with the best benefits for their loyalty and commitment to the bank,” says Nanveet Kampani, country business manager at Citi Bahrain. “We believe that the key to success

82 October 2015

is our customers’ satisfaction. This is why we strive to keep them happy by introducing various benefits including our exclusive dining programme.” Furthermore, Citi is planning to expand its reach and form lasting partnerships with more restaurants in order to increase the options available for its customers, wherever they go in Bahrain. The bank assures you that it offers some of the best promotions at Citi Gourmet Pleasures

preferred restaurants. This month, rediscover the island with friends and family using your sense of taste. Gourmet Pleasures is your ticket to try the tastiest Middle-Eastern and international cuisine on the island. Use your Citi Card at these selected restaurants and experience diversity at your dining table. The full list of participating restaurants, coffee shops and elite dining spots is available on the Citibank Bahrain website. Citi provides its customers with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services and wealth management. Present in the Middle East and North Africa since 1955, the bank conducts business in 16 countries in MENA, of which 12 have incountry presence. Visit www.citibank.com/bahrain www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | food

CHEF’S SPECIAL Learn to cook at the same time as you buy the ingredients.

Alexandra’s recipe for a classic French dish:

TARTE TATIN SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS

new concept from Jawad Supermarket offers shoppers the chance to try out products first-hand at in-store cooking classes run by French chef Alexandra Mariot. After 16 years in Bahrain, Alexandra is renowned on the island for her traditional macaroons. She started a business from home selling cakes and macaroons as well as catering and is now the face of Jawad supermarket. “We have a theme each month — the cuisine of a country each month and a city or region from that country each week,” says Alexandra. “Mr Faisal Jawad decided it would be a good way to showcase the products to customers and how they could be cooked.

www.womanthismonth.com

“All ingredients are from Jawad Supermarket, so each time we have a region or a country, we try to have the best products in order for me to work better and for clients to appreciate the novelties and products that you cannot find anywhere else. “Jawad has a very good range of local vegetables, dropped off fresh at the supermarket by the local farmers. This is something we really want to continue promoting because we think it is the best way instead of having the imported ones that grow in the trucks.” All the recipes are cooked right in front of you and people attending the class also get to taste the food at the end of each recipe. Alexandra makes it fun for all — questions are welcome and she gives cooking tips as she goes along. Alexandra’s classes are held every Tuesday at Jawad Supermarket in Barbar from 10am to 12 noon and from 6pm to 8pm. Anyone can join in, no advance booking is required and they are free for all. There are also recipe cards available for the customers to take home. Each week features a different region with different recipes at the morning and evening classes.

For dish of 20 cm round and 4 cm high • 1ltr water • 1kg ANCHOR butter • 1kg SIS caster sugar • 8-10 apples, Royal Gala or Golden or Grey Canada • 200g SIS caster sugar for the caramel • 1 pastry disc 20cm in diameter (about 200g) • 1 jar of apple jelly • 1 jar of thick crème fraiche, or a very good ice cream

METHOD

• Peel, core and cut apples into four. • Boil 1ltr of water with 1kg of butter and 1kg of caster sugar in a large saucepan. • Poach the apples for 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside. • Cook slowly 200g of caster sugar in a dry pan until dissolved and caramel colored. • Pour into a mold or better a tatin dish (but it is quite expensive). • Let it set. • Roll out the dough to the shape of your dish and prick with a fork, then let it rest in the refrigerator covered by plastic wrap. • Place the apples inside the mold or dish. • Cover the apples with the pastry disc and pinch the dough on the rim of the mold to prevent it retracting. • Bake for 30 minutes at 180 degrees C. • After cooking let it rest for 10 minutest then unmold. • Melt the apple jelly and Brush over the pie. • Serve warm with a very cold whipping cream or with ice cream as I mentioned above. The contrast is amazing!

October 2015

LIFESTYLE | food review

The Good Life There’s never a dull day in Bahrain when it comes to having a great meal. Join Ankita Mamgain as she discovers the gourmet offerings of this famous venue.

rowing up in middle-class New Delhi, the idea of going to a five-star hotel was reserved for a few very special occasions. I remember how awestruck I used to be as soon as I entered the massive lobby, looking like a Bollywood film set with gigantic crystal chandeliers, fountains with rose petals and air seemingly mpregnated by supreme luxury. But although much anticipated, the experience used to be a tad intimidating with a very evident element of seriousness attached to it. My memory and what I experience today, living on the island, couldn’t be more different. Bahrain’s world-class five-star properties are just as lavish, grand and serious about their operations, but are certainly more accessible with an extremely amiable character. With their gamut of culinary promotions, weekly

84 October 2015

theme nights, Friday brunches and entertaining events, they attract a large number of islanders. Woman This Month editor Fernanda Langhamer and I thought of having a casual weekend lunch and headed to Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, an award-winning five-star property, located adjacent to Bahrain International Airport. We had initially planned to rendezvous at Silks restaurant but The Gallery, a sprawling space with high ceilings that lets lots of natural light filter through, seemed perfect for the occasion. Although sitting in The Gallery, we could order from Silks menu and just browsing through it whetted our appetite. The restaurant’s international offering is now more centred on Asian fusion. To begin, we ordered the dim sum basket. Our starter arrived steaming hot in a bamboo basket. The translucent bundles were delightfully fluffy and packed with flavour. For mains, I ordered the seared salmon fillet teriyaki and for Fernanda, the Pad Thai. The beautiful surroundings, fresh watermelon juice and conversation kept us occupied until our main course arrived. The fish was impeccably arranged on the plate, so much so that I didn’t want to disturb it, but the aroma was so irresistible that I dug in instantly. The fillet was cooked to perfection

and the shitake mushrooms and crispy ginger rice that accompanied it were absolutely delicious. I am salivating right now as I write about it. The Pad Thai was exactly how it was expected it to be, an ideal medley of flavours and textures that left Fernanda satisfied and feeling great. The crowing glory of this decadent afternoon was the dessert. Mövenpick started out as an ice cream brand, and continues to dish out these delectable scoops of joy. We sampled the caramel, crème brulee and vanilla ice creams and could barely believe how delicious they all were. My ‘modern’ tiramisu came as an artwork of mascarpone crème, coffee, biscuit, chocolate and green sponge cake and left me with a combination of immense bliss and the guilt of having missed the gym that day. Situated on the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, this is a perfect spot to catch a delicious break in the city. Drop in for the famous Thursday Night Out or a leisurely lunch and sample Mövenpick’s unique brand of hospitality. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

British Brunch

A British brunch was held at Upstairs Downstairs in celebration of the longest reigning monarch in British history.

Caroline & Linda

Louise & Molly

Dani, Issac, Ken, Linda, Pauline & Costas

Diana, Alex & Sarah

Laura, Natalie & Tanya

Caroline, Marian & Tracy

Martin, Catherine & Ed

Roby & Alex

Rose & Steve

InterNations

InterNations held a fun gathering for members at Al Fayez restaurant, Reef Island.

Kat & Stephan

Karen & Racha

Ilhan, Rida, Thamina, Nick, Francoise, Sami & Burak

Justin, Ajay, Sameer & Paddy

Arvin, Alexandra & Rushdi x

Guy

www.womanthismonth.com

Len, Burak & Hanan

Sheetal, Shabana & Pawan

October 2015

horoscopes

Star

Gazing Raphael tells us what the stars have to say this month.

might not just be a simple case of you needed glasses, could be something a little urgent.

Taurus Apr 21 – May 21

If you have been feeling a little down just recently then there will be a reason for you to start smiling again as you are about to encounter a piece of good fortune that results in your travelling abroad sometime towards the end of the month. Because it’s all so unexpected, you are likely to enjoy yourself a whole lot more and you may even find that you learn a thing or two about your own personality that you didn’t know before.

Gemini May 22 – Jun 21

Libra Sept 24 – Oct 23

Insecurities you might have had about a relationship will be finally put to rest this month. It won’t all be plain sailing but things will be a lot better than they were before and that’s really all that matters. On the work front, you could have to suffer the imposition of a new boss who may decide to reshape your role without fully appreciating the scope of what you do. Don’t stay silent!

Looks like your loyalties are going to be tested in the work place this month, as issues that you have been locked in debate over for some time are finally resolved, but not necessarily in a manner that you would have preferred. Although your case will be looked at with some sympathy, it won’t give you every concession you want. You need to decide if you want to accept the matters or wipe the slate clean and start again.

Scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23

There could be a period of hardship for you over the coming weeks, although it will be more because of a partner’s failure to live up to his or her responsibilities rather than anything you have personally done wrong. The challenge for you this month is being able to balance the books. On the work front, you could find that your situation changes as financial pressures also drive you to seek out alternative solutions in this area

Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21

If you have a failing as a person, it is often with the manner of your delivery when it comes to sensitive matters: you can often be too blunt and sometimes a little rash and thoughtless. The “rewards” on this occasion for speaking without thinking are potentially life changing as you could find yourself caught in the eye of a storm you have created but cannot control.

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20

Those of you feeling a little unloved could find that a new relationship is waiting in the wings this month, providing you are courageous. If you want something – or in this case someone – then you need to chase your desires. On the work front, you are really starting to feel under-valued and this is spurring you on to look elsewhere in the career market, towards an environment where you feel you will be a lot better appreciated.

86 October 2015

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19

Just recently, you might have been under the impression that your life has been sliding from one crisis to another. However, I can say that that the worst is behind you and the world is going to seem a much better place to be in. The main reason for this shift in your outlook is connected to a man you encounter at a public gathering, who will offer you an opportunity to exploit an ability you’ve left undeveloped for too long.

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

Be careful with what you wish for because not everything that happens will bring positive change to your life. Many of you could be feeling a little down this month, but the thing to remember is to appreciate what you have rather than pine for what you desire. Even the most fortunate of events often brings with it some unseen issue that can cause complications.

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20

Many good things were achieved last month and the outcomes will spill into October with a lot more positives for you to embrace. Chief amongst all others is the fact that financial matters will have improved. Health wise you should stop putting off any planned visit to the opticians and get your eyes tested. The problem

If someone had told you that your life was going to change so dramatically over the last few months, you would probably think it was pure nonsense. However, following on from the turmoil and upheaval of a recent acrimonious break up, only now will you be able to lift your head and start to make plans to put your world back on track. Thankfully, the support of family and friends is going to make it a whole lot easier.

Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23

Rather than trying to run from your duties why not try to deal with them so that they can be put behind you once for all. Your actions are hurting many people and when the dust settles, there could be even more related issues than you could care to accept. There is one woman and her partner who will stand against you and could make things unbearable. A conflict you don’t want to get into, so do the right thing for everyone concerned.

Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23

Your determination and often stubborn nature could see you digging in and preparing yourself for a fight but this might not be the best solution. Try to negotiate a more settled and balanced passage otherwise it could see you losing out because of pride rather than love. On the work front, positive steps made in September will bring new opportunities and you could even have the chance to work abroad. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase EBRAHIM K. KANOO

LEAVE ORDINARY BEHIND

Experience the luxury and impeccable comfort of this latest sedan, now available in Bahrain.

he ES has been one of Lexus’ best-selling models from its impressive range of luxury sedans. With the recently launched 2016 ES, the company has come to redefine the very essence of what the brand stands for. The new ES embodies a generational change, embracing contemporary values that view individual mobility and luxury as important contributors to quality of life. The ES’ relaxing comfort, user-focused advanced technologies and refined detailing make every drive a joy; something to look forward to and revel in. Its careful attention to aerodynamics and weight reduction contributes to the excellent fuel efficiency, as well as the exceptionally quiet ride. The sedan provides a refined expression of the Lexus L-finesse design language featuring headlamps with integrated

www.womanthismonth.com

arrowhead-shaped LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) which heighten the sculptured styling. The strong dynamics of the low set ‘spindle grille’ immediately put the ES in the new generation Lexus category. The LED rear combination lamps illuminate in an L-shape symbolising the brand. To complement the impactful new form, two 17-inch wheel options with directional spoke patterns have been added. From the sweeping dashboard, reminiscent of modern architecture, to highly intuitive ergonomics, mated with the finest materials and surfaces, the ES cultivates a feeling of sheer quality with every touch. The 2016 model takes luxury to an even higher level with a new sporty steering wheel and a collection of new interior colour combinations and trims. For the new Lexus ES, engineers applied

structural reinforcements to increase stiffness in the vehicle's unibody construction. The luxury sedan continues with its exceptionally smooth 3.5-litre V6 engine. It is also the first production model to introduce the Lexus Safety System +, which combines key innovative safety technologies into a single networked package. Among these are the Pre-Crash Safety System, the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and the Automatic High Beam (AHB). The new Lexus ES is set to continue its stronghold as a leader amongst its stable mates and competitors alike and the latest revisions are aimed at building on this success. Call 17 737-773 or visit www.lexus.com.bh. October 2015

last word

In Her Shoes

Mariella Esmeralda is the marketing and communications officer of Gulf Diabetes Specialist Center and here she tells us a little bit more about herself.

DO YOU PREFER BLOW DRY OR AN AIR-DRY HAIRSTYLE? Air-dry hairstyle. It is easy and healthier.

WHICH CELEBRITIES YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL?

WHERE WOULD YOU LOVE TO LIVE?

Angelina Jolie is one big star on screen that I admire the most. Her humanitarian work not only has a direct impact, but she also inspires others to get actively involved as well.

I now live in Bahrain and I love living here.

YOUR MUM HAS ALWAYS TAUGHT YOU TO? WHAT SEX AND THE CITY CHARACTER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST?

To always speak my mind. She always has set a positive example for me and the rest of our family, but the most important thing she taught me was to respect others.

I would be a Madeleine cookie, sweet, delicate and humble.

I am not such a big fan of the Sex and the City series, but I enjoy Nat Geo Channel documentaries.

ON WHAT DO YOU SPEND THE MOST?

LIFE IS FAR TOO SHORT TO? To worry! Enjoy life, have fun.

YOUR MOOD RIGHT NOW COULD BE IMPROVED BY? A trip to the Caribbean. I like to get out there and do things, the crazier the better.

88 October 2015

IF YOU WERE A BISCUIT, WHICH WOULD YOU BE?

My husband tells me that I spend way too much on our children and very little or none at all on myself, so he gets to spoil me.