Fashion, lifestyle and beyond
Issue 84 - JULY / AUGUST 2015
Foodie’s delight Lemon Tree Restaurant
All about Accessories Hot tips to add to your beauty
Nail Magic
Easy tips and designs for nail painting at home
Design and dexterity 2016 Toyota Camry
Eid ESpecial Short story and Vox Pop on Eid
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LEVEL 1 CITY CENTRE MANAMA
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CONTENTS JULY / AUGUST 2015
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8 CELEBRITY TIDBITS All the latest gossip straight from Hollywood.
14 A Class Apart Film Director Mohammed Bu’Ali
16 ART-SPECT
Photomontage by Tamara Al Pachachi
18 Story Time
A short story by Rohini Sunderam
20 GLITZ AND GLAM
Red Carpet Writes Back: Sabaya fashion police reports on 2015 ‘Glamour Woman of the year Award’ after
24 Vox Pop
What Eid means to a few eminent women in Bahrain
26 BEAUTY SPECIAL All about nail painting
30 FASHION
Michael Kors:@ Transeason Trends
36 STYLE
All about accessories.
48 OUT AND ABOUT
Check out all the events which took place last month
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72 IN THE PRESS
Press releases from around the region.
80 LAST NOTE What is ‘Beauty’ really?
REVIEWS 38 GLOBE-TROTTER The Seychelles
42 RESTAURANT REVIEW Gourmet delights at Lemon Tree
44 Techno Talk
Techno Logic – Latest gadgets and what you will
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love about them
46 Cars
2016 Toyota Camry
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CEO Letter
Eid Mubarak
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fter the holy month of Ramadan, it is time for Eid, for rejoicing the holy and divine grace of Allah, and hearty celebrations with friends and family! All of us here at Sabaya wish you a very happy and blessed Eid! In our Vox Pop this issue, we have found out from some eminent women in Bahrain what Eid signifies in their lives. There are some useful tips on accessorizing and nail art, so go all out to throw in some gorgeous shades of colours into this season of festivity and parties. We have reviewed the exquisite Eid and other regular offers at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s Lemon Tree restaurant, and taken a ride in the new Toyota Camry to write home about it.
If you believe in fate then our new ‘Fortune Teller’ will tell you what the stars have in store for you. Celebrate the joys of the season and enjoy a beautiful summer break reading this edition! Warmest regards,
Mamdouh Shehata
CEO - Sabaya Magazine
mamdouh.shehata@sabayamag.com
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Editor’s Note
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HAPPY EID
t’s always very interesting to note how the buzz on the Island quietens down during these summer months as most people take off from the Island for holidays to faroff places. Guess distance makes the heart grow fonder so they all come back soon with an undeniable longingness to
belong here, in this beautiful country. Sabaya peps you up for your holidays with a sneak peek at the
beautiful Seychelles, and reminds you what to do to ensure that you sport a glorious look with a healthy skin despite the heat of summer. We also pick up the camera to learn how to see beauty in the fine lines of life with artist Tamara S. Al Pachachi in the ArtSpect section. Film Director Mohammed BuAli talks to us about his life and his experiences while directing Bahrain’s first-ever feature film, The Sleeping Tree. We have also made sure that you have a soulful grub of creativity
CEO Mamdouh Shehata Deputy CEO Samia Al Mahmood Editorial Manager Omaima Ebrahim Editor in Chief Mamdouh Shehata Art Director Syed Muhammed Raihan Photographer Santhosh Contributor Vaijayantee Bhattacharya David Hollywood Nilanjana Bose Legal Consultant Younis Zakaria Younis Printed by Arabian Press Distribution Al Ayam Published by Sabaya Company for printing & Publishing ISSN 1985 – 8353 Chairman Abdul Samad Al Nashaba
to chew on for Eid when you read the story of Fatima’s Eid by Rohini Sunderam. Finally, we leave you with thoughts on what the clichéd term ‘beauty’ really stands for you through a few select poems in our Last Note. Wish you all Eid Mubarak and a very happy and sunny summer ahead and hope to see you back soon. Until then, happy reading!
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Sabaya is a monthly publication Tel: +973 77100022 Fax: +973 77100021 www.sabayamag.com Email: info@sabayamag.com Facebook: SabayaMagazine Twitter: SabayaMag
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TIDBITS
Celebrity TIDBITS
CELEBRITY
The Clooneys get into their dream house soon
The small Berkshire village of Sonning is gearing up to receive its high-profile residents, George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney as they move into their nine-bedroom marital house in the UK. George, 54, and Amal, 37, bought the £10million Grade II listed manor house on the River Thames in October 2014, one month after they tied the knot in a lavish Venice celebration. The house has its own library, gym, spa and steam room, along with a cellar and a boathouse, and a separate cottage for guests or staff. It is set in four acres of land, surrounded by trees and expansive gardens, offering the A-list couple seclusion and privacy. George and Amal are believed to have had a swimming pool and pool house added to the property, along with a large terrace and a private cinema. Apparently, George was drawn to the area after visiting the nearby Oxfordshire village of Fingest last June to shoot scenes for The Monuments Men. Its locale is ideal for human rights lawyer Amal, with the advantage of easy access to London.
It’s not a cake walk for Caitlyn Jenner
While Caitlyn Jenner seems happier than she’s ever been living freely in the spotlight, the buzz of the town is that her family and people around her are starting to miss her old personality. Brody, her son, and the rest of the Jenner kids are currently feuding with her, and now sources say that several members of the Kardashian clan are turning against her too! “Caitlyn is so far removed from the person that she was prior to the transition that some of her step-daughters cannot even stand to be around her right now,” a family insider claims. According to the source, after the 65-year-old star of the upcoming reality documentary series ‘I Am Cait’ revealed her new identity on the cover of Vanity Fair at the beginning of this month, “She is living for the spotlight now, whereas she always used to hate it.” 8
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Courtney Love and her taxidriver: Held hostages
Courtney Love has revealed she and her taxi driver are being held hostage by picketers in France. The rocker tweeted that she felt “safer in Baghdad” as she documented taxi protests against UberPOP in Paris today. In a series of tweets she appealed to François Hollande AND Kanye West as her car was being beaten by “metal bats”. Amid the panic she wrote: “Dude @kanyewest we may turn back to the airport and hide out with u. “Picketers just attacked our car #ParisUberStrike. They’ve ambushed our car and are holding our driver hostage. “They’re beating the cars with metal bats. this is France?? I’m safer in Baghdad.”
Celebrity TIDBITS
Dean Gaffney splits from childhood sweetheart Sarah Burge
For Dean Gaffney it’s a new beginning with an end as just around when he is about to make his TV comeback has the actor split from his long-term love Sarah Burge over cheating claims. With this, TV favourite Dean, 37, has moved out of the home he shared with his childhood sweetheart and gone to live with his mum. Dean, who is returning to Walford as Robbie Jackson, met Sarah 22 years ago and the pair have twin daughters aged 18. Two years ago, Sarah was left heartbroken by pictures of Dean holding hands with 24-year-old dancer Maddie Stephens. The split is an outcome of this. At the time Dean said: “We are in a place where we don’t know what the future holds. No one wants to see pictures of someone that’s been in their life for so long with someone else. No one wants to be humiliated.” Dean is currently spending a month in Ibiza to get over his heartbreak.
Britney Spears and Charlie Ebersol Go Different Ways
Nick Jonas Breaks Silence over the Olivio Culpo Split
For Charlie Ebersol and Britney Spears, those eight months witnessed how a relationship can be every lover’s dream come true! While though at first it seemed that the duo’s breakup was a real shocker, it later turned out that the news was not ‘new’ to anyone— Though it may have surprised us—it appears that the breakup didn’t shock anyone, including the A-list couple. “It was obvious to everyone that it was going to happen. They’re still friends,” said a family member. Well, that’s good to hear! “Nonetheless, we’re still shocked since there were once rumors that Charlie had intended to ask the Pretty Girls performer to marry him.’’ Another source relayed: “Relationships are hard sometimes and they just don’t work out. They are two busy people leading two very busy lives, and they decided they would focus on other priorities.” TV producer Charlie Ebersol and pop icon Britney first started back in October and seemed perfectly happy just last month at the Billboard Music Awards. Well, let’s hope the two see this storm through but that only time will tell!
All’s well that ends well they say. That is probably why there doesn’t seem to be any bitterness on Nick Jonas’ end when it comes to his breakup with Olivia Culpo. The hot singer broke his silence with his ‘“I wish the best for her in the future and we had a great two years.” Jonas has declared that he’s not exactly in any rush to get into another relationship with anyone any time soon. “I don’t know, it’s too early. I’m focused on my work and that, to me, is the priority right now”, he had said in a recent interview. That of course doesn’t stop his admirers to hope they have a clear entry into his heart! Nick undoubtedly is gainfully occupied. From preparing to go on tour to starring in Ryan Murphy’s Scream Queens to his Kingdom TV series getting picked up again, this 22-year-old has his hands full. Mentionable is the fact that Jonas juggles it all while having Type 1 Diabetes and using his continuous glucose monitor, but the handsome star explains, “I made a commitment to myself when I was first diagnosed that I wouldn’t let it slow me down. It’s been about just managing it every day and finding tools that make it easier.” Perhaps his busy schedule may also have something to do with the young couple’s decision to part ways. Who knows? JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Celebrity TIDBITS
Rumer Willis Suffers Foot Injury
After a recent foot injury, Rumer Willis has no choice but to shove her dancing shoes back into the closets for now. The Season 20 suffered a foot injury forcing her to sit out from the show’s summer tour, Dancing With the Stars Live! Perfect 10 Tour. “I have to hang up my dancing shoes for a little bit because of a few stress fractures in my foot,” Willis told her fans. “But it›s not gonna stop me from singing for you guys on the #DWTSlivetour.” Demi Moore and Bruce Willis’ daughter, 26, shared the news via Instagram recently alongside a photo of her right foot in a boot. The news is a disappointment for the singer, who told fans earlier this week that she was having an “amazing time” on the live tour with her DWTS partner Val Chmerkovskiy. “I am so grateful to be able to keep dancing not only for myself but for all of you guys,” she wrote three days ago. “Feel so lucky to be sharing the stage with such incredible people and a huge thank you to @iamvalc for continuing to help me grow as a dancer every day.”
Bristol Palin is Pregnant Again and Doesn’t Want Any Lectures
Baby again declared Bristol! The Alaska native — already mom to son Tripp, 6, from her relationship with ex Levi Johnston — announced the news in a blog post “sooner than [she] ever expected due to the constant trolls who have nothing better to talk about.” She did not specify how far along she is or name the father. “Honestly, I’ve been trying my hardest to keep my chin up on this one,” Sarah Palin’s daughter, 24, wrote in her post. “At the end of the day, there’s nothing I can’t do with God by my side, and I know I am fully capable of handling anything that is put in front of me with dignity and grace.” Bristol was due to marry Marine Dakota Meyer in late May but cancelled her Memorial Day weekend wedding about a week before. “I know God’s plan is greater than anything else,” she wrote at the time, “and Tripp and I are in Alaska beginning to rebuild our lives under much different circumstances than we anticipated.” Bristol pre-emptively addressed her critics in the post, writing, “I know this has been, and will be, a huge disappointment to my family, to my close friends, and to many of you. But please respect Tripp’s and my privacy during this time. I do not want any lectures and I do not want any sympathy.”
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Congratulations Noah Wyle and Sarah Wells for your daughter!
A beautiful daughter was born to Noah Wyle and Sarah Wells. The Falling Skies star, 44, and his wife, 35, welcomed their first child together on Monday, June 22. They named her Frances Harper Wyle. According to his rep, mom and baby are doing well, and the ER alum is “over the moon.” The couple wed at their farm in Santa Barbara in June 2014. They announced their pregnancy news at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. Wyle is already dad to daughter Auden, 9½, and son Owen, 12, with ex-wife Tracy Warbin.
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Celebrity TIDBITS
‘Skinnier than Skinny’ is A Baby boy it will be Kim! what models have pressure to be says Tyra Banks On the eve of Happy Father’s Day, and at the stroke of midnight, Kim Kardashian broke the news that she will give birth to a son! Get ready dolls! “Precious moments like this when we were travelling on tour with you are what I live for,” Kim wrote on Instagram with Kanye West reading to North West. “You’re such a good daddy to North & you will be the best daddy to our new son too!” Yes, you read that right! Nori is going to have a baby brother this December! Interestingly, this announcement comes just a couple of weeks after the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star told her Twitter followers that she was keeping some big news a secret. “So many rumors,” she shared on social media. “We are not having twins, yes I am carrying my own baby lol & we have not told anyone the sexy of our baby yet!” She added, “Nothing is confirmed unless you hear it from me!” Another rumor she recently had to squash was all the reports that baby No. 2 could actually be called South West. Well that is for time to tell!
Model Tyra Banks is certainly angry as says her lengthy Instagram post about the great expectations that models have to endure. “Models have so much pressure today. They have to look good on AND off the set. They have to arrive backstage at fashion shows looking and dressed as if they are already ON a runway. They have to be slimmer than slim. Skinnier than skinny,Banks, 41, wrote. “They have to compete with actresses, recording artists and reality stars for magazine covers and ad campaigns. They have to have tons of followers on social media to book top notch jobs.” Tyra started modeling at just 15 years of age while going to school in L.A. Since then to today, there has been a dramatic change in the world of media with the social media kicking in. The actress-author, who made a point to share a no-makeup photo last week, also noted that even taking selfies can cause problems for models.
Jennifer dishes out homemade pizza and ‘Maternal Advice’ to Selena
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Selena Gomez raves about the homemade pizza that Jennifer Aniston whips up for her and garnishes it with useful boy advice and beauty tips! The “Good for You” singer opened up about the former Friends darling during a recent radio interview with KTU’s Carolina Bermudez and described how the two unlikely friends got to meeting one another in the first place. “We met through my Management,” the brunette beauty shared. “They manage her as well, so it was kind of like a friendly meeting and instantly she’s, like, inviting me to her house. She has a pizza oven. Like, we’ve made pizzas at her house “I have not only been following her career as a fan since I was 8 and now get to watch her completely transform in her new movie Cake, I have gotten to have real conversations with such a real heart, made my entire year. #cake #goseeit.” And just days later, Aniston returned the love and told E! News, “[Selena’s] just like a little cherub that I feel like I wanna take care of... She’s been extremely supportive and wonderful.” Well that’s what the girl power of standing by each other is all about!
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A Class Apart
The Man behind the Scene Director Mr Mohammed Bu’Ali
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A Class Apart
ahrain’s cinema world has been deluged by the ripples created by the masterpiece feature film, The Sleeping Tree. A profound reflection of the life and cultural heritage in Bahrain, the film is an exquisite example of master craftsmanship by the director, Mr Mohammed Bu’Ali. Sabaya speaks to Mr Bu’Ali to understand the man who called all the shots to help this great work of art see the light of the day.
Tell us something about yourself your early life, educational and professional background. Any special childhood memories? I’m a partner in a film production company I co-founded in 2012 with my lifelong friend, Fareed Ramadan. Nooran Pictures is an incubator agency and production house for aspiring filmmakers in Bahrain and the wider region. I was a Muharraqi boy in essence. I grew up in Hidd within the folds of a family home deeply engaged in traditional culture and folklore. As a filmmaker today, I draw heavily on my upbringing and background, reflecting on both my childhood memories and the stories of my forefathers. At the same time, my intrinsic cultural identity can’t be separated from my legal background and education. Practising the law and conducting investigations for years at the Central Bank of Bahrain required extreme attention to detail and the analysis of people and situations – all skills which have aided my personal development as a filmmaker. My characters are considered to the smallest detail and this helps me develop them further with the actors on the set as well. How were you initiated into film direction? Were you interested right from the beginning? Did you complete any professional film-making course? It all started during my high school days when I decided to break away from my friends on a cinema outing and watch The Green Mile instead of their choice of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The End of Days. This was a life changing experience because The Green Mile changed my entire perspective on cinema.
I had no knowledge about filmmaking at that time. I started to read about film and went to the cinema every other day. I learned about actors, directors and screenwriters and after some time, I began to write about film in online forums. Tell us how Sleeping Tree came your way and what about the script attracted you most? Discussions about the story and the development of a feature film started between Fareed Ramadan and myself in 2008. The script was developed between 2008 and 2014. We wanted to make a film which was rooted in Bahraini identitytraditions and culture, and which could be screened in international film festivals. At the same time, the story is very much linked to our family memories and we both wanted to reflect on the dilemmas associated with disability in local society. We tried to get support from film funds around the world, but the project kept getting rejected because Bahrain is considered a rich country. But in 2012 the script and story of The Sleeping Tree was nominated for the IWC Filmmaker Award in the Dubai International Film Festival. This was a tremendous honour as our project was chosen from 125 feature films and although we did not win, it helped us get support from the Information Affairs Authority and the Bahrain Development Bank.
How did you decide to do the casting for Sleeping Tree? Casting for The Sleeping Tree took place over various stages with the casting for our youngest actress taking the longest time. The role of Amina needed to be cast to a young girl who was adept and interested in acting and who had the time for training alongside her school work. We published our interest in auditioning girls for this role in all the local press and reached out to primary schools until I met Hawra whose energy and build was perfect for the role. Any other film that is in the pipeline for you? Through my company, Nooran Pictures, I have been producing a number of local and regional short films while overseeing the circulation of The Sleeping Tree amongst international film festivals. What is your message to aspiring filmmakers? Bahraini filmmakers need to be persistent in the pursuit of their passion and patient because filmmaking and production funds are a long drawn out process that require good communication and the raising of awareness about the importance of filmmaking as a cultural and historical tool. They can do it, but they need to be realistic about the challenges ahead and look to the examples of success around us for inspiration.
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Art-Spect
Beautiful destruction lines
Art of Photomontage
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rtist Tamara S. Al. Pachachi tells us how every bit of the world around us is beautiful! Artist She sees beauty in what others may pass by every day (e.g. a wall, the sidewalk, deteriorating materials). She is a writer, a mother and a humanitarian in addition to her role as an artist. The camera has been her choice of creative tool for the last few years as she has progressed steadily in the art world. Meet Tamara to discover more about her journey as an artist as she speaks to Sabaya: 16
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Tell us briefly about yourself: where you were born and raised, any special childhood memories, etc. I am originally from Iraq but grew up in Kuwait, Austria, London and Bahrain, which makes me a ‘third culture kid’. I was lucky enough to spend my early childhood in beautiful Vienna, which is a city rich with culture and nature. Vienna memories include wearing a snowsuit and wading through knee-high snow in the chilly winters, and picking plums straight from trees, rolling down hills and going up to the restaurants up high in the forest in summers. The rest of my childhood years were spent in London, which involved a lot of rainy days, Hyde Park and the best memories were of our annual family trip to centre parcs (a resort in the forest) which had a mad indoor outdoor water slide.
Art-Spect Take us briefly through your academic background. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Bath in the UK. I had always been creative and loved art so I took a gap year after my degree to do a diploma in Interior Design at the London College of Communication (LCC) and a Graphic Design Portfolio course at Central Saint Martins (CSM) in London. After coming back to Bahrain in 2001 I worked in branding and Public Relations and Management Consulting, both rely heavily on writing skills. Can you give us some background on your journey in photography? I fell in love with photography whilst at the University in Bath (UK) being surrounded by the most breath-taking Roman scenery. In fact I spent the majority of my first monthly allowance on a point and shoot Nikon camera and seeing as it was the first time I was responsible for myself, was too embarrassed to ask my parents for more money to last me till the end of the month. This was the start of my fascination with photography although I didn’t pursue it until I settled back in Bahrain in 2001. My father bought me an SLR that year but I didn’t know how to use it in manual mode. I looked for courses or people who taught photography in Bahrain but at that time there wasn’t much available. I approached the commercial photographer Shukri Rasool who was kind enough to show me the ropes back in 2001. Still I struggled with controlling the camera and I remember once going to receive my films from a photography print studio and having to pay for two blank rolls of film (as all the photos were underexposed!). Years passed and I was only taking photographs sporadically until a year after I had my first child, at which point I decided to take a digital scrapbooking course at Celebrations in Budaiya and this decision ended up being a turning point for me. At the course, I met some lovely ladies who invited me to join the AWA’s (American Womens Association’s) newly formed photography club at the time, which regularly met to give advice, critique work and to go on photo-walks. This pushed me to learn more about manual modes and look for courses on photography. Also the workshop taught me graphic design skills that became essential for photomontage and design related work later on. Knowing photoshop seems to be essential for most photographers these days. In the last couple of years I have become an active participant of the Artists Leadership Programme (ALP) organised
be found in the natural decomposition of surfaces.
Shrouded in white
by Al Bareh Art Gallery in association with the Economic Development Bank (EDB). The aim of this programme is to develop the skill-set of Bahraini artists by enriching their knowledge on contemporary art practices. Also joining some photography groups (eg. Bahrain Street Photography) motivated me to explore various photography styles. Do you consider yourself a photographer or an artist? I consider myself both. Many people feel the need to classify themselves as one or the other but why can’t they be both? I am a humanitarian and both are my tools or outlets. What according to you are the primary requisites of being an artist? I believe as an artist it is very important to stay true to yourself and your belief system. Art is a catalyst for change and should be taken seriously. Also if someone has a sense of aesthetics, there is a large chance they are artistic in some way. It is up to that person then to pursue an artistic path or skill. If you persevere no matter what the bumps are on the way, you will make it. Personally I am extremely sensitive and have a great sense of empathy for others, which as an artist maybe considered an advantage. What exactly does photomontage mean? Photomontage involves the cutting and pasting of parts of images and layering them to make a ‘new’ seamless image. It can be regarded as ‹compositing’, which has become very popular in fine art photography these days. Why/how have you been attracted towards photomontage? I was first introduced to photomontage as a result of a workshop conducted by the renowned artist Camille Zakharia in 2012. It was a real turning point and ‘aha’ moment for me. I had been collecting images of textures for years, attracted to ethereal beauty of withered surfaces. When incorporating cut sections of texture and reconstructing them into new images it amplified their beauty. Ironic I know, beauty in decay, but there is great beauty to
Tell us briefly about the type of art exhibitions you have participated in so far? Some of the group exhibits I have participated in are as a result of specialist workshops, some have been project-based public art exhibits such as the annual Alwan exhibit displayed throughout the Adliya restaurant district and some planned exhibits that follow a common theme. What other areas of interest do you have besides art and photography? I enjoy creative writing and am a member of the Bahrain Writers Circle that have monthly critiques. I have a background in PR but my favourite part is editing written material. Lately I have gotten into vegan cooking and juicing, lets hope it sticks! Tell us something about the First Group Exhibit ‘Cut and Paste’ that you presented in 2012. Surfaces are altered in the same way ones experiences shapes our actions and views. They resonate impermanence yet beauty, analogous to life with its ups and downs, hurts and happiness, beauty and sorrow. They will eventually be discarded or turned into dust; reflecting the transient state of everything in this world. I aim to capture pieces of this evidence, which I find becomes even more pronounced and beautiful in part as an abstract form. Pieces which when repeated in a pattern or used in conjunction with a complimentary piece become complete. The ‘surfaces’ artwork series is representative of both the irony and brevity of life; wherein good and bad or beauty and vulgarity coexist sometimes even in the same instant. What is your aim for the future? I am hoping to build up a body of work for a solo exhibit sometime in the next year.
Withered JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Story Time
“The mourning period of a year was more than over, she should be able to feel and join in life again but she couldn’t. She missed her mother so much that all she felt was a permanent tightening in her chest. It was as though her heart had shrunk into a solid piece of granite”. 18
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Fatima’s Eid
By Rohini Sunderam
n 2007 Fatima had approached Ramadaan with the usual mixture of love and dread. She tempered it as she always did, by quoting a daily reminder from the Quran, as she prepared for the Fajr prayer, “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).” It was her rock and sustenance through the day, it helped her as she organised the chores around the house and continued with everyday life to suit the demands of a modern world. Today, it was Thursday, the 11th of
October, and the end of the season was approaching, the end of the nightly merrymaking and feasting. The end of making all the popular dishes: harees and mahalabia, khumfaroosh and ligamot, those rich delicacies that this year Fatima had made as she always did, following her mother’s traditional Bahraini recipes but her heart hadn’t been in it. All she could think of was her mother who had passed away two years ago now. Fatima recalled her mother’s strong arms as she beat the harees until it became a porridge and telling her the same tale she
Story Time told her every time about how in her day and age all the adults took turns at beating the harees and no one did that any more. She almost smiled as she remembered her mother’s agile fingers deftly spooning out the ligamot dough rolled into little balls before deep frying them and dunking them in syrup. Fatima didn’t have anyone to watch her as she made these dishes. She had two sons and although she loved them dearly they were never with her in the kitchen. All she had was her maid and that wasn’t the same. How she longed for a daughter!
She sighed. “Perhaps” but she was in her late thirties and these days there was no chance that that would happen. The numbness of losing her mother was only just lifting. It was a numbness that had shut down Fatima’s emotions to a flat immobility. The mourning period of a year was more than over, she should be able to feel and join in life again but she couldn’t. She missed her mother so much that all she felt was a permanent tightening in her chest. It was as though her heart had shrunk into a solid piece of granite. She closed her eyes and held her breath. On cue the front door banged open and the men in her life rushed in having returned from the Isha’a prayer at the mosque. “Are the trays ready, Mama?” Yusuf the younger one demanded, his wild curly black hair bobbing with the excitement of going out again. “Yes, of course.” “Are you coming with us, Ma?” Mohamed added rushing in, his slender face and dark brown eyes clouded with concern. “No, no, I have a headache.” Fatima resorted to the age-old excuse to get out of going to yet another evening of meeting the same people and drinking endless cups of tea or coffee. Her husband, Tariq, came in, “Dana is
doing a traditional al-widaa to Ramaadan party tonight, they’re expecting to sight the Eid moon and she’s doing it on their rooftop.” Fatima smiled grimly, “I know, she called and told me. I said I’d think about it.” She sighed, “Really, I can’t. The trays are ready, just please take them.” “You really need to pull yourself together. It’s time you joined the world of the living.” Tariq was short and sharp. She turned and looked at him square in the eyes, “The trays are ready.” Her voice was soft, yet firm, “I’ll help you take them to the car.” “Aaarggh!” Tariq’s guttural exclamation was accompanied by an equally challenging look back at her. “I think you need to see a doctor.” “I just need time.” She said through gritted teeth. “How much time?” Tariq shot back, “I mean enough, already!” “Please,” she whispered, “Please. I can’t.” He shrugged, “Okay! Okay!” They took the trays out to the car and the boys clambered in as Tariq eased into the driver’s seat, “You sure?” he asked leaning out of the car his voice gentle by now, “They could announce Eid tonight.” “I’ll be fine. I’m going to do a Tarawih prayer tonight.” “You?” Tariq asked taken aback. “Oh, good for you!” he smiled. “I’ll be on the roof.” Her face was drawn. “I think I need to.” He reversed the car onto the street and in minutes they were gone melting into the violet twilight. The Tarawih prayers, the long prayers of twenty Raquaas instead of the usual four. Fatima wondered why she’d said that. It had only occurred to her as the family was leaving. She had her meal in solitary peace, surveying the table and enjoying the quietude of an empty house, even the domestic help had left for the day. She sat motionless at the table for a long time. Memories, like dust eddies, swept through her mind, her mother’s strong comforting embrace, her brothers’ laughter, her father’s twinkling eyes and encouraging nods when she did well at school. The house grew dark around her. She jumped up and put on a few lights. “Well” she said out loud, “I said I’d do it and do it I shall!” She bathed and went up onto the roof
to say the Tarawih prayers. These prayers are so called because between each set of Raquaas the devotee takes a rest. And, she thought this is probably the last night of Ramaadan. The night was clear and pleasant. For once the stars could be seen in all their sparkling splendour over the Bahrain skyline punctuated with silhouettes of skyscrapers in the distance. She gave herself up to the intention to pray and then the prayers. With each prostration and each rest Fatima felt the tightness in her chest ease. Soon the tears that she had kept in check for two years flowed freely. By the time she was done, the tears dried and she looked up wiping the last of the wetness from her cheeks. ‘I needed that’ she thought and looked up at the deep indigo sky, “Mama,” she said one last time and then she squinted. Again she rubbed her eyes and looked harder. There it was, the tiniest, finest nail paring of a crescent moon the blessed Hilal with a star beside it. As classic as any card only tonight it was for real. And to her it seemed like a benediction from above. “Oh my heavens!” She whispered, “Eid Mubarak!” she whirled around on the rooftop in a dance of pure joy, “Eid Mubarak everyone!” She wished the entire country as it revelled on this last night before the beginning of Shawal: a new month, a new beginning. She turned around as the door to the rooftop opened and Tariq came onto the roof. “Look,” she said smiling, as he put his arms around her, “A perfect Hilal. Eid Mubarak.” “So it is,” he replied drawing her closer into his arms, “Come, it’s late now.” Fatima nodded and gave him a big smile. She was ready to live again.
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Glitz & Glam
Red Carpet Writes Back
While the fashion queens walked the red carpet at the 2015 Glamour Woman of the Year Award, the Sabaya fashion police picked up her binoculars to find out the best and the worst dressed ones!
Alesha Dixon
Whooo! We got completely swept out of our feet by the shimmering emerald hue of Alesha’s Michael Costello gown ! Hypnotic ‘twas certainly! But the sheerness of it all only merits an eye-roll.
Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson’s nude caped gown by Australian couturier Paolo Sebastian did breathe in the drama and passion that the event lacked before she arrived. The red carpet certainly was on fire as the sizzling diva made her entry!!
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Glitz & Glam
Nicola Roberts
Ahem! Surely the singer’s style is usually more cutting edge than this! Despite the medieval bridal vibes of this lace Luisa Beccaria, one can’t really turn a blind eye to the boho nature of it all!
Gemma Chan The British actress was an unquestioning visual splendour wearing a Mary Katrantzou’s intricately printed ‘Cassandra’ dress. What was best was the fact that she kept the spirit of this look alive with a moss-green clutch.
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Glitz & Glam
Amanda Holden
She is natural, spontaneous and disamrmingly charming! While some might be put off bold print of her Rami Kadi Fall 2015 gown, we continue to love Amanda’s fearless and non-predictable approach to red carpet dressing.
Suki Waterhouse The red carpet sizzled as the model stepped in with her dark mysterious look courtesy of Elie Saab with a touch of sultry appeal via the deep cut-out.Ooo! The heat was on!
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Vox Pop
What Eid Means to Me
They are young, dynamic, successful and amongst the most eminent women in Bahrain. Sabaya gets to know from them the significance of Eid in their lives. in Bahrain especially our distinguished Leadership continued prosperity, blessings and success in all your future undertakings”.
Ms Huda Janahi
Founder, Global Group of Companies
“As a Muslim businesswoman, Eid is a good chance to re-establish cooperation and rebuild relationship with employees, colleagues, other businesses including one’s competitors. Celebrating Eid suggests giving emphasis on enriching strong positive values and doing more good deeds in your daily dealings in order to bring joy and happiness to the hearts of other people, not only Muslims. Eid gives one an opportunity to rethink about one’s business, plan for expansion and finding ways to improve products and services. Personally, my heart is constantly filled with gratitude that I was blessed with a wonderful and kind husband as well as dutiful and educated children. Moreover, our family is surrounded by supportive family and friends. Eid is an occasion to celebrate the gift of family. That is why, the first day of Eid is spent on family visits, simple get-togethers and spending some time with our close family relations and friends. The succeeding days are usually busy with social gatherings and festivities. Bahrain, though small, is economically successful being one of the world’s fastest growing financial centre. This is a reason to celebrate. As Muslims, we should set an example of tolerance, kindness and generosity. I take this opportunity to wish on this important occasion all Muslims 24
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“This is usually my ‘wonderful time of the year’. I love to go to EID prayers with my family, all dressed in new clothes and feeling grateful for being together. I then like to take my boys for a walk with a box of chocolate to share it with people in the street. Then, we head home where my boys will find their Eid presents waiting for them. Eid is time to share love and happiness with family and friends and i wish all families in Bahrain have a great Eid”.
Ms Layla Al Shariff
Owner and Cake Artist, Sugar & Lace
“Eid means family, togetherness, and of course a hefty feast… It’s a celebration to mark the end of, Ramadan, a whole month of fasting and worship. It’s a new chapter and a new beginning. It’s a day where we visit our extended families from the morning, dressed in new fancy garments that have been carefully selected weeks prior. The children carry bags that match their outfits to collect Eid money, generously given out to them by their elders. Stories and laughter are shared over a table adorned in the most delicious lunch meals and scrumptious desserts. The ending of Ramadan is bittersweet every year as it is a month I truly look forward to, but there isn’t any other ending I would rather have”.
Ms Ghada Salem
Founder, Mums in Bahrain
Ms Muna Rabieh Author, Child Fiction
“The spiritual experience that the holy month of Ramadan offers is a truly humbling one, as it draws attention to the multitude of blessings that are often easily taken for granted. After habitually stripping ourselves of ill thoughts, excessive foods, and time wasted on unhealthy habits for an entire month, we are able to celebrate life with a more grateful and appreciative mindset. The commencement of Eid is usually met with new attire to reflect that the soul has been newly cleansed and disciplined during the holy month of Ramadan. That is what Eid is to me. A chance to live life in a more grounded and spiritually awoken way; a chance to truly own and appreciate all the blessings that surround me; a chance to cherish and express love and kindness to my family and loved ones. May you all have a Eid Mubarak.”
Vox Pop
Ms Nawal Joz
Managing Director, Joz Beauty Division
“Ramadan holds so much beauty enriched with abundant blessings that the need to cherish it is immense. As the days of Ramadan begin to wrap up, everyone looks forward to celebrating Eid. Eid is a time where Muslims engage in thanking Allah for giving us strength to fast through the month and bestowing his blessings on us. But to me Eid means more than just being able to spend time with family, exchange presents and of course, eat as much as I like. Eid and Ramadan have a joint significance. I take Eid as a time to reflect on how Ramadan has helped me to strengthen my faith, myself and my character as a whole. Feeling the satisfaction of fasting for a whole month and then thanking Allah, for helping me to get through it with ease really makes me feel closer to Allah, and in effect somewhat cleansed”.
Ms Wafa Al Obaidat
Creative Director, Obai & Hill
“With Eid Al-Fitir approaching and everyone preparing their clothes and feasts, our holy month of Ramadan is over. Eid for me is best described by its literal definition; a joyous celebration that brings families and loved ones together. The excitement of Eid is apparent the night before, with families anxiously anticipating the crescent to show which signifies the end of the month of Ramadan. The day starts out at the crack of dawn for Eid prayers, where all preparations are made
from wearing new clothes, to getting dolled up. More often than not, I would see family members that I haven’t seen since last Eid, and we would spend the time we have catching up. Probably the best part of Eid, for any Bahraini is gathering around for Eid lunch. Bahrain as a whole celebrates Eid with each citizen, either in its streetlights and decorations, or its public events and exhibitions held by several different organizations. In the spirit of Eid and spreading happiness, theatre shows play exclusive to Eid, and cinemas and malls fill up with families. Needless to say, coming into Eid with a cleansed soul after Ramadan is utterly refreshing and puts any Muslim’s mind at ease”.
Ms Batul Dadabhai Director, Arabian Neon
“Eid Al Fitir is one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic calendar. When we were kids, we use to look forward to it because we use to get Eidi – the money we receive from loved ones – which was as good as winning the lottery. We counted our money and usually compared it with each other to see who got the most. At this stage in my life, we give Eidi to our children, nieces and nephews (Alhamdulla), and I believe it is a major family occasion, which we look forward to every year. We have a family lunch on the Eid day where the entire family gets together, and bond in a very special way that can’t be described in words. We decide on the first week of Ramadan who’s house Eid will be celebrated in, so all the preperations are made accordingly. Eid brings family, friends and loved ones closer, and it is not celebrated by Muslims only but many with the knowledge of Islamic culture. I personally look forward to Eid celebrations as I feel the overwhelming positivity of the occasion that surrounds all of us.” “Many Muslims across the globe celebrate eid Al fitra on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic Calendar. It marks the end long month of Ramadan, and starts with a feast that goes up to three days. Eid to me is something very precious! It’s not just a scene where we wear new clothes and adorn and beautify our homes,
Ms Farheen Ahmed
Writer and Poet, Bahrain Writers’ Circle
and eat good food. To me, eid is a celebration from within. The spark that ignites within me after 30 days of fasting. It’s a feeling of gratitude for the wonderful life that He has blessed us with. Eid to me is finding and giving happiness to others. Especially the lesser fortunate who want to celebrate Eid but do not have the materialists means or funds to do so. Eid to me is Sharing my joy and smiles with them , by creating opportunities for them that would make them happy like supporting a girl child in her education , or giving a basket of fruits to the dedicated car washer or sharing a cake with the shiny souls in the orphanage. That is what Eid means to me ! And each year, I evolve more !! Let’s bring out the best in each one of us and I am gleefully looking forward to Eid this year and the joys that it will unfold !!”
Ms Weam Zaber
Founder, Namaste Bahrain
“Namaste. After going through a whole month of cleansing our digestive system through fasting, our minds through prayer, I feel that Eid is very much about celebration of that purification. It often feels like a fresh start, a chance to try again to be as loving as we possibly can. Eid is an excellent time to make amends, forgive and be forgiven and start again. Eid is also about renewing my vows with my inner child, to remember innocence, simplicity, and the great joy that comes from the simple things in life. I used to, as a child, wait anxiously to put on a new pair of shoes, a nice dress, and show off my groomed hair and red stained lips. I am blessed as I get to re-live that joy through my daughter’s eyes.” JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Beauty
Nail It Down in Style!
Nail painting is no rocket science—Try it at home to get those fabulous claws that will grab all hearts!
Y
our nails do count in when you do yourself up for a party or a get-together. A good hairstyle or a fabulous face and eye-make-up stands incomplete until you ensure that those ten little shiny plates at the tips of your fingers look clean, well polished and beautiful. What’s more, you can weild your creativity full steam to get the most elegant, chic, retro or arty look to simply let your fingers talk for you! Here’s how you can do up your nails at home:
Step 1: Basic Care
Ensure that your nails are properly trimmed and filed, and the cuticles are pushed in with an orange stick. You can choose any shape of your choice to trim them: almond, mountain peak, square, rounded, squarely rounded and oval. You can also experiment with non-conventional shapes like stiletto, ballerina or lipstick shapes. Dry your nails completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Nail Art and Painting
Use a base coat first. You can choose a neutral coat or a coloured one depending on the design that you want to create. Pick up the shades of your choice and start painting them as per the design that you choose. There is a host of designs and methods available on the Net for guidance. You can also experiment with any design that suits your fancy.
By placing a French manicure sticker across your nail, leaving the tip of your nail exposed. You can also experiment with circular stickers that reinforces punched holes in paper. Paint the tip color above the sticker. Don’t worry if the paint overlaps with the sticker a bit. Remove the sticker while the paint is still wet, so you don’t pull off chips of paint with it when you take it off. Allow the design to dry completely and finish it off with clear top coat. Add glitters to add bling to your art if you want.
Apply a base coat colour or a clear base coat. Allow the polish to dry. Now place a dab of nail glue or nail gel on your nail. Put it high on the nail, toward the tip, or in a lower corner. Think about where it will look best. Pick up the jewel or sticker with a pair of tweezers and drop it onto the gel or glue. Use the tweezers to gently press it into place. Allow the glue to dry. Paint a clear top coat over the nail to keep the sticker or jewel from falling off.
Let it glitter! Add glitter to your nails and let them shine! Follow these steps: Smear some loose glitter on your nail
Add a jewel or sticker to your nail
Here are a few easy ones to start with: Easy to Try Nail Pianting Designs:
Paint your nails and do the tip in a contrasting shade Here’s how you can get creativity at your fingertips most simply: Choose a shade for the nail base. Let it dry completely. It could be a neutral base too to accentuate the painted tip.
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Start with a coat of your favourite nail polish and accentuate it with a pretty decoration.
gel or clear polish and apply it to your nails. When the application has dried, add a top coat. Cover one or more of your nails with nail gel or polish. Dust the nails with glitter and allow them to dry before finishing off with a top coat.
Beauty Use Polka dot designs
your fine-tipped implement to drag the paint out from the wet dot to create rays, swirls and other designs. When the dots are dry, finish with a clear top coat.
Swirl it in Style! Create a magical and smoky effect on your nails by swirling your shades together. This is how you can do it:
Choose three or more different colors: a base coat plus other colors that will look fabulous when swirled together on top of the base coat. Now apply the base coat colour and allow it to dry. Seal the base coat now with a clear top coat to seal in the base coat, and allow it to dry. Place a dot of the first swirl colour using a toothpick. Use another clean toothpick to plonk a dot of the second swirl colour on top of the first dot while the first dot is still wet. Now blissfully drag the colours outward together and create swirls using a clean toothpick, a striper brush or other implement.
Here’s how you can blob dots to your heart’s content to create breathtaking floral designs, simple or leopard prints to keep them gaping! Pick up any two or more colors of your choice, a base coat and a dot color. If you’d like, you can use multiple colors for the dots. Apply the base coat color. Allow it to dry completely. Dip a small brush, toothpick or pin into the polish you chose for the dots and lightly tap the implement on your nail. Continue doing this until your nail has as many dots as you want. For other effects, you can create dots of varying sizes by using thinner or thicker-tipped implements. To make fading or trailing dots, dip the implement in the paint once and apply several dots with it without reapplying paint. You can also use
You can also create a marble effect by randomly placing several dots of the first swirl colour on the nail, then placing several dots of the second swirl colour around and on top of the first set of dots. Swirl the dots around to create the pattern that suits your fancy or frivolousness!
And now, some healthy tips to solve some of the most common nail-related problems that we face. For dull nails: Eat folate-rich stars like
lentils, beans, and spinach. Other foods that can bring a natural shine to your nails are legumes, dark-green leafy vegetables, and peas.
For brittle or flaking nails: Make sure to include essential fatty acids in your diet to help keep your nail beds moisturized. Add two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or ground flax seed to your cereal or smoothies. Also, make sure your diet includes iron-rich foods (fortified cereals, eggs, spinach) and pair them with vitamin C–rich foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers) to help the body absorb iron.
For soft nails: To develop keratin, which is a tough protein and a major component in hard, strong nails, the body needs highquality protein like cornish hens, pork loin, and lower-sodium deli-sliced roast turkey. Other foods that heal: Fish (especially salmon and mackerel), lean meat, and poultry. Shoot for about six ounces a day to prevent weak nails. For dry nails: Rub a little olive oil around your nail beds every evening to hydrate dry nails. JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Health
Skin Care for Summer
T
Kiss your skin good health this summer!
ime out for your worries about your dull lack-lustre skin. Follow our expert advice and go all out to steal the show this summer with your beautiful and radiant skin.
For glowing skin: 1. Save yourself from the sun
Long-time exposure to the sun can cause dark spots, wrinkles and even skin cancer. So make sure you use appropriate sun protection in the following way: Use a broad spectrum sun protection lotion of a minimum SPF of 15. Apply 28
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the sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. You can also use laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.
2. Don’t smoke
If you really want beautiful skin, you need to say no to smoking. Smoking causes untimely ageing and wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can
Health contribute to wrinkles. If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.
3. Pamper your skin
Remember that your skin is very sensitive and can be spoilt by daily cleansing and shaving. You have to ensure gentle measures to keep your skin soft and supple. Here are some ways to do that: Cut down your bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water. Keep strong soaps at bay. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers. Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it. Pat dry. After washing or bathing,
gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.
4. Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.
5. Manage stress
Stress not only affects health but can also spoil your skin. Uncontrolled tension can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. For healthy skin, you need to manage stress effectively. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.
If you have any queries about your skin, hair, or health, write to us at editor@sabayamag.com We shall soon revert with expert advice in our forthcoming issue.
JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Fashion
MICHAEL KORS Transeason Trends
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Fashion
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Fashion
MICHAEL KORS Summer Trends
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Fashion
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Fashion
Ralph Lauren
Pre-Spring 2016 Women’s Collection
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Fashion
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Style
All about Accessories
We often lay more focus on clothes and less on accessories. What we should always remember is that both clothes and accessories team up to create an ensemble that defines our style. No matter how well we dress, if our accessories don’t compliment our attires, we remain utterly defeated in creating the impact on others that we intend to! So here are some very useful tips on how to accessorize well and steal the show! Choose just a few at a time!
Remember, when it comes to accessories, few is always more! If you pile on all sorts of accessories on yourself like earrings, necklaces, scarves, hat, bracelets, etc, you only end up with a cluttered look. So choose just a few things each time you dress up. For the jewellery get-up, leave the necklace at home if you have worn a chunky earring. It is absolutely disastrous when all the adornments compete for attention! Match your metals well with the colours you wear so that they gel well and don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Pair up the Bold with the Boring!
When you throw in a few bold accessories, you breathe fresh life into the neutral clothing in your wardrobe. Experiment with colours and have fun with all the black, white, beige, olive or navy outfits that you have! Neutral clothes look great with any colour accessories. Here are a few tips to boost the boring shades: Wear a red or hot pink belt with your black or navy dress and get the hearts to simmer. Team up your khaki or olive-coloured clothing with a splashy orange or yellow scarf or shoes and turn all the heads around! Zest up your white blouse with a 36
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multicolored statement necklace or big drop earrings.
Matching Mars More than Makes!
Don’t look like a kid by trying to play off the red polka dots in your dress with matching red earrings, a red necklace and red shoes. It certainly looks old-fashioned! Weild your creativity by teaming up colours that compliment and contrast. Here’s how: Use the colour wheel to help you. For example, if you’re wearing a purple shirt, try adding something mustard
or lemon-colored to your outfit instead of hunting down the same shade of purple. Since yellow is opposite purple on the color wheel, your outfit will be appealing to the eye. Crank up your black and white with a dash of colour! If you’re wearing a black and white flowered top, then you could pop in an electric blue medium sized beaded necklace and some cute blue earrings. While going overboard with matching is usually ill-advised, it can also be a lot of fun when you do it deliberately. Wearing red pants and a top with red
Style
sunglasses and a red scarf could look vintage and chic. Your monochrome look will be sure to turn heads.
Balance those pieces
Choose the size and nature of your pieces carefully. If you decide to wear chunky earrings or danglers, don’t pair them with an oversized statement accessory. Your look will be more balanced if you wear a smaller necklace (or no necklace at all) so that your face isn’t overwhelmed by too much large jewelry. Keep the size of your various accessories in mind when you decide what to wear together. Also: Accessories can also be used to balance details on your clothes. If you’re wearing blouse with intricate embroidery near the collar, you wouldn’t want to wear a big scarf to cover it up. Instead, choose a thin chain that will accent but not hide the details you want to show off. Let one item be the star of your look. If you’re excited to wear an adorable new hat you just bought, keep your bold new belt at home for another day.
Accessorize with your make-up
Your make-up can go a long way in being your accessories too! If you’re wearing a shade of knockout red lipstick, or you’ve lined your eyes for a vintage cat eye look, you probably don’t need too many accessories to complete your look. Let your make-up itself be the accessory. Just make sure the colors you choose complement the colors in your outfit and help tie your look together. Here are a few other unexpected items that can count as accessories:
Nail polish and nail art False eyelashes Tattoos Glasses and colored contacts Hair extensions or weaves
And finally, the million dollar question: ‘Do shoes and bags have to match?
If you, like most women, are usually stumped by this question then know that the answer is simple: You don’t always need to match them but you can mix them well to look coordinated all the way!
Here are a few tips:
Try your pony hair flats with a a glossy, croc-print tote, or a pebbled leather shoulder bag with fringed suede booties. With a black bag, footwear in any dark neutral shade will work. Printed shoes and bags can be mixed with neutrals and solid bright colours. Leopard print and red is an incredibly chic combo So next time you step out, accessorise in style and lap up all the admiration !
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Globe Trotter
Sail off to the Seychelles
As summer sets in the Island, and suitcases are packed to set off to various holiday destinations, Sabaya picks up the binoculars to zoom into the delectable islands of Seychelles cradled in the laps of the western Indian Ocean, around the east coast of Africa. 38
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Geography
A collection of about 115 granite and coral islands, Seychelles with its capital Victoria, lies between 4 to 10 degrees to the south of the equator, and between 480 km and 1600 km from the east coast of Africa. An archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and eternal beauty, Seychelles tops the list of holiday destinations for its breathtaking beaches and great diversity that ranges from
lush green forests on one side to the warm azure ocean on the other.
Rich Heritage
It is interesting to note that 41 of the inner islands of Seychelles are the oldest midoceanic granite islands on earth. Also, 74 of the outer islands form 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets. Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the
Globe Trotter
legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and the fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century A.D. One of the word’s very last frontiers, Seychelles promises adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounds still untouched by man and the ravages of time.
Best Time to Visit
Blessed with a year-long of warm tropical climate, Seychelles is practically favourable for tourists all throughout the year. However, you can still note that the easterly Trade Winds blowing over the archipelago from May to September make it a perfect summer destination for sailing. Conditions for swimming, snorkelling and especially diving are superb during April/ May and October/November when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29ºC and visibility is often 30 metres plus. MaySeptember is also ideal for various activities like bird-watching, hiking, walks, trail,
snorkelling, surfing as well as wind-surfing.
Special Attractions
Seychelles provides a host of attractions: beaches, forests, sanctuaries, art museums, restaurants, sea sports and events. Aride Island Natural Reserve Some parts of our planet are still virgin, pure and untampered by the ravages of civilisation. The Aride Island of the Seychelles is sure to count as one of them. It is simply rich in turtle beaches and rich marine life. It’s fascinating to note that no vessels other than those of the reserve are allowed to land on Aride Island. As such, Aride Island, one of the finest jewels in the Indian Ocean, is also one of the world’s most important nature reserves. Blessed with a wealth of natural treasures, Aride has remained a wild and beautiful paradise. The island was bought as a Nature Reserve in 1973 by Christopher Cadbury, and today is managed by the Island Conservation Society. Aride is home to one million breeding seabirds of ten species, endemic birds such as Magpie Robins, Fodies, Brush
Warblers and Blue Pigeon, Endemic Plants like wrights Gardenia and visitors will have to disembark from their vessel and board the islands› boat for transfer onto the island. Dauban Mausolem The Dauban Mausoleum is an imposing architecture built in a serene and secluded spot of Silhouette amid luxuriant vegetation of mainly coconut trees. It is a special landmark of the island, and ranks high among the work of its kind in Seychelles. One of its most distinct features is a set of six proportionally massive columns which are aligned on the façade and on part of the lateral sides. Besides its appealing structure, the mausoleum gives an insight into a series of social and economic aspects highlighting both the status of the Dauban family and the level of economic prosperity of the island at that time. Cousin Island Special Reserve One of the world›s very first island reserves, the Cousin Islands is an exquisite ecotourism site. This granite island was first created a nature reserve in 1968 by the JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Travel
International Council for Bird Preservation (now Birdlife International) to protect the tiny endangered population of Seychelles Warblers. The entire island, including the reef around it to a distance of 400m, is a Special Reserve. It is managed by Nature Seychelles (formely Birdlife Seychelles), a local nonprofit non-governmental organisation. Cousin is an island totally reserved for conservation and the only granitic island in Seychelles totally rehabilitated with natural vegetation. It is one of the most exquisite protected sites for nesting Hawksbill turtles in the world and boasts the highest density of lizards per hectare in the world. Cousin is visited by 300,000 nesting seabirds each year and is home to five endemic land birds. It also has the best protected and most diverse fish population of any reserve in the granitic islands. Domaine de Val des Près (Craft Village) Domaine de Val des Près (Craft Village) forms part of the Patrimwann. The village embraces you with the traditional Creole culture showcased at Domaine de Val des Près. You canyour own history by getting married, Creole-style on this beautiful property!. Domaine de Val des Près consists of five attractions highlighting Creole architecture, arts and craft, and gastronomy: the ‘Gran Kaz’ Plantation House built around 1870; ‘La Kaz Rosa’ a typical 20th century working class home, 12 craft workshops that host local crafts; and finally; the ‘Maison de Coco, a house built of coconut products in which you will find gifts made from all things coconut. Anse Forbans Perhaps, in the age of the corsairs, pirates did indeed visit this beautiful beach on the south-eastern coast of Mahé. Nowadays, Anse Forbans is popular with visitors from
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nearby hotels along the shoreline. For the most part, the beach is considered safe for swimming except for the southern part that leads to Anse Marie Louise (past Anse Forbans Chalets). Anse Source d’Argent Delectable and picturesque, the Anse Source d›Argent is reputed to be the most photographed beach in the world. With its soft white sand, clear turquoise water and huge granite boulders sculptured by the elements and time itself, it is not difficult to see why photographers and film makers still love to come here. The sea is sheltered by the reef, and is very calm and shallow, with only sand underfoot which makes is safe for children.
People
The strong Seychellois population of about 90,000 continues to reflect its multiethnic roots. Traditionally, the islands have attracted a broad diversity of people from the four corners of the earth that has included freed slaves, European settlers, political exiles, adventurers, and also traders of the Arab and Persian origin as well as Chinese and Indians. Open to new people and cultures, Seychelles has been a melting pot in which practically every nation on earth has found its own representation. Today, they all contribute in harmony to the diversity of Seychelle’s vibrant yet tranquil society.
Languages
There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, Frenchbased patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.
Culture The
cosmopolitan
Seychellois
are
a
colourful blend of peoples of different races, cultures and religions. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture. One can see these influences at work throughout the domains of local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture. The architectural design of some of the grand old houses with their steep roofs are representative of a style adapted for comfortable living in the tropics that displays influences from Seychelles’ French and British colonial heritage. Modern architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles with practical features designed to capture the island breezes. Local artists continue to exhibit diverse
Travel
styles that echo the multi-ethnic backdrop of the islands and bear testament to the various influences which have come to bear. Creole music and dance have their roots in African, Malagasy and European cultures with rhythms traditionally accompanied by simple drums and string instruments which,today, include such recent imports as the violin and guitar. The traditional moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery and still
features today, together with the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kanmtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the Kontredanse, an import from the French court. Together with the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kanmtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the Kontredanse, an import from the French court.
Food
Echoing the grand assortment of people who populate Seychelles, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavours of the Orient. If you have your own travel story to share, please write to us at editor@sabayamag.com.
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Restaurant Review
Treats Galore at THE Lemon Tree of Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s Restaurant
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R
Restaurant Review
amee Grand Hotel & Spa’s restaurant Lemon Tree is all out to pamper the taste buds of a true foodie with its elaborate dining offers ranging from casual to fine, and quick nibbles too! Featuring a dynamic menu, the Lemon Tree, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s all-day dining restaurant, is the place to indulge in international delicacies. Diners can enjoy signature casual dining, delicious breakfasts, Friday family brunches, scrumptious dinners and those day-long quick nibbles!
Eid Brunch at Lemon Tree
Feast your eyes on our ‘Special Eid Brunch at Lemon Tree during the second day of Eid. Families and friends are invited to enjoy a delectable buffet spread overflowing with Middle Eastern favourites, fresh juices and classic dishes from around the world with live cooking stations along with live entertainment. The Special Eid Brunch will run from 12:00pm- 4:00pm, priced at BD18++ and half price for kids. To enhance the mood of festivity, Lemon Tree has arranged for special entertainment and activities. As regulars, the restaurant offers a wide variety of culinary choices for all its dining options. If food delights you then dive into the wide range of international tastes with palate-pleasing flavors and textures drawn from the very best of Mediterranean, Indian, Arabic and Asian cuisines.
Friday Family Brunch
Lemon Tree’s spectacular Family Brunch spread is an absolute feast for the eye. Available every Friday from 12pm–4pm, this family brunch offers a delectable buffet spreads overflowing with Middle Eastern favourites and classic dishes from around the world with live cooking stations and live entertainment. The wide rangeof delicacies include hearty breakfasts, and crunchy salads with a special buffet for the kids. A perfect place to sit back and enjoy while your children will also be taken
care of while they enjoy activities and entertainment designed just for them. The Friday family brunch is priced at BD 18++ for adult and half price for kids.
Seafood Night
Lemon tree offers a delightful range of seafood every Thursday at its Seafood Night that is priced at BD 14++ only . Tease your taste bud with mouth-watering lobsters, sensational shrimps & appetizing octopuses.
Besides these, Lemon Tree also offers the following: Wine Buffet
Every Thursday, BD 10++ Enjoy unlimited wine when dining for at the Seafood night.
Executive Lunch Buffet
Weekdays, BD 9 net From 12:30pm- 3:30pm Pep up your business meet with a lavish spread of delicacies catered to stimulate your palate enough to go through the day with zest! JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Techno Talk EOS 750D and EOS 760D
Let Canon Make Your Summer Stylish
Canon is all set to spruce up your summer holidays with its latest launches of five most innovative gadgets which include the EOS 750D and EOS 760D—the two high performance DSLR cameras. These cameras are designed for hobbyists and entry-level photographers. Featuring a new 24.2 MP sensor with a fast 19 point AF system. Both models combine superb quality results alongside enhanced connectivity. The EOS 760D also includes a top LCD panel and rear dial-giving additional creative control for considered, more impactful photography.
realize their own passion for image. So go all out and freeze those special moments and unforgettable sights with the latest combination of technologies packed into these elegant cameras by Canon!
Final verdict
Your backpack will remain incomplete if you start off on a holiday without either of the EOS divas. Canon has been a well-known name in the world of cameras and photography. The innovative designs of all its products stem from the fact that Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers’ creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to
Techno Logic Latest Gadgets and what you will love about them! Satellite Click Mini
Small is a Revolution
They say great things come in small packages, and the Satellite Click Mini is a classic example of that. Toshiba is genuinely breaking new ground with this micro laptop/touchpad hybrid. It boasts a detachable full-HD, 1920 x 1200 pixel-resolution touchscreen tablet, two batteries, and Windows 8.1. Firmly pitted up against the smaller Chromebooks, this thing is tiny and has all the advantages that a full Windows system can bring, such as Microsoft Office 365 (a yearlong free subscription is included) and other software. This isn’t just an internet browsing machine, it’s a fully fledged touchscreen laptop, just reduced in size.
Final verdict
The Satellite Click Mini is far more than just a tablet. It also undercuts both the iPad and Surface by a hefty margin. With a chunky design and a detachable keyboard, it is truly a neighbour’s envy and the owner’s pride!
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Techno Talk Danalock BT 100BC Bluetooth Smart Lock
Stay Safe the Smart Way How often have you carelessly locked yourself out of the house and waited indefinitely for a family member or friend who has your house’s duplicate key to come and rescue you? Well, if you are among those who very often carelessly walk out of your house and realise only after pulling the door shut that you have forgotten the keys behind, then you have help that makes life easier for you! The Danalock BT100BC Bluetooth smart lock allows you to use your phone as the key so that you can easily lock and unlock your deadboltequipped doors without a physical key. It has an auto unlock feature that activates when your phone is sensed. It can unlock at your request or you can turn on auto-unlock to send a signal to the door whenever you›re within range. It still allows you to enter with your existing key. What’s more, with this smartlock, you can give someone access to your house for a few hours window and the Danalock logs their entries and exits. And the best bit is that it fits over your existing hardware and installs with a screwdriver or two.
in your absence. With a life like today’s which is fastracked in several ways, this app-controlled lock that works with your current deadbolt and compatible with Bluetooth® 4.0 will soon become indispensable.
Final Verdict
In this age of modern living, the Danalock Bluetooth Smartlock Wireless is a must-have that protects your house the way you want it to yet takes care of your forgetfulness, or the access to your home by housemaids, plumbers, should you need them to come and take care of something
SuperNova Light Cube LED Bluetooth Speaker
Let Lights and Sound Do the Talking! Drown all the noise and brighten up your world with jazzling music and light duo combination of the SuperNova Light Cube LED Bluetooth Speaker. So first, you get the amazing sound of the SuperNova. Pair it with Bluetooth (or use the auxiliary input, for non-Bluetooth music devices), and your ears will be dancing with the skillful way the SuperNova vibrates the particles that surround you. But we couldn›t stop there. On top of the SuperNova are a whole bunch of
super bright LEDs, on top of which sit an array of prisms. Each light prism simultaneously transmits, refracts, and projects the LED light below it, creating a mesmerizing light show. And the SuperNova›s two mode buttons give you control of the pattern and colour pallet, so you pick the flavour of light show you want to see. With a SuperNova Cube Light Show Speaker connected to your tunes, your music will outshine the entire galaxy!
Final verdict
SuperNova Light Cube LED Bluetooth Speaker is undoubtedly a revolution in the world of music and sound. Loaded with a 2 Mode buttons give you control of the pattern and color pallet, each light prism simultaneously transmits, refracts, and projects the LED light below it, creating a mesmerizing light show that will transport you to a completely different level! Splash in the colours of the six different ultra bright light show modes and let your colour-drenched soul dance to the beat of the music this magic speaker breathes.
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Cars
Be Stylish, Be Dynamic
With the new 2016 Toyota Camry 46
JULY / August 2015
Cars
T
more direct-feeling steering inputs.
oyota has raised the bar yet again
doors and rear quarter panel, conveying a
redesign of the Toyota Camry for
Sleek new headlamps are the eyes in a
comprehensive approach to safety to ensure
impression. The 2016 model Camry XSE offers
coming equipped with an array of safety
with a bold, bumper-to-bumper 2016 to add a new chapter in the
illustrious history of the world’s
most popular mid-size sedan.
According to the car’s Chief Engineer
Masato Katsumata, the new-look Camry was
developed for customers who want a car with more emotional styling and greater driving enjoyment. “We wanted to produce a Camry that appeals to its traditional customers as well
as to younger buyers,” he said. As a result,
sense of motion.
new Camry face that makes an immediate
LED low- and high beams with front turn
signal indicators and LED DRLs integrated for an elegant appearance with a sleek centre
console stack with a 4.2-inch TFT-screen.
The new model offers 17-inch wheels and an available dual exhaust signals impressive performance.
Sit inside the 2016 Camry and you will
the latest Camry is the boldest-looking Camry
very quickly see and feel the difference.
and more confident.”
throughout the cabin, and trim elements are
ever. The car is more expressive, more athletic Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative,
Middle East and North Africa Representative
Office, TOYOTA Motor Corporation, said,
“The new Toyota Camry blends an evolution of the car’s values – such as comfort, efficiency,
reliability and safety – with a more appealing design and engaging driving experience. With
cushion shape have been modified. Adding to class-leading comfort and utility quotient of
the new Camry, it includes a 6-speaker audio system.
The 2016 Camry is available in 10 colours,
Light Blue. Four interior colours are also If the new Camry looks like a stunner, it
to thank our customers in the region for their
drives like a dream. The car features a new 2.5
Camry is our way of repaying their trust by
horsepower and 235 Nm of torque, allowing
The 2016 Camry is offered in four variants
the GL, GLX, SE, and the newly added sportier grade XSE.
An aggressive looking front bumper and
grille and side character lines give the new
Camry a far more expressive style. In profile, a
pronounced body line starts from the Camry’s
muscular front fender and spans across the
Toyota’s
peace of mind for customers, with the car features, including Enhanced Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and more. The new Camry also employs
advanced collision safety technology designed
to not only ensure occupant safety but also to reduce pedestrian injuries.
Bold, aggressive and stylishly modern, the
upper grill, piano black lower grill and dark
chrome. The front seatback height and the
available: Ivory, Grey, Black, Grey & Black.
making a truly special vehicle for them.”
continues
finished in wood-grain-style accents and satin
dare to be bold, and combines refinement and
loyalty and support over the years. The new
Camry
new sport model (XSE) makes an immediate
including two new colours - Dark Blue and
performance like never before. I would like
2016
Genuine leather-trimmed surfaces are situated
its striking hood lines and statement-making
front grille, the car is designed for those who
The
design statement with its smoked chrome chrome coated headlamps. The car’s edgy look injects some serious high-end sportiness to
the Camry nameplate. The XSE grade comes loaded with a raft of exclusive features in the
form of automatic air conditioning control panel, sporty seats dressed in Alcantara and
genuine leather, a newly designed two-dial
Optitron meter, and race-inspired paddle shifters that put the power at customer fingertips.
The Camry XSE also features 17-inch
litre four-cylinder engine that produces 181
wheels and a more sharply tuned suspension
it to deliver best-in-class engine performance
ornamentation with an enhanced quality feel
and quietness. The engine employs Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual
VVT-i). A 6-speed automatic transmission is complemented by an innovative flex-start
control contributing to excellent fuel economy.
The newly developed Electric Power Steering
(EPS) on all 2016 Camry models is tuned for better on-road feel, enhanced stability and
and
steering
along
with
satin
chrome
that helps reduce light reflecting from each
part. Additional under covers fins have been adopted leading to excellent aerodynamic
performance & handling stability. A total of 9
exterior colours are available for the XSE grade.
For more information, visit the showroom in Sitra, call 17730730 www.toyota.com.bh JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Out & About
3rd Annual Gergaoun Bazaar support of Child’s Wish society
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Out & About
Batelco & Gulf Air Ghabga at Sofital
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Out & About
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Out & About
arg Ghabga at Bushra
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Out & About
Italy National day celebration
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Out & About
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Out & About
Al Hadad Motors & Mercedez Benz premiere of Jurassic World movie
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Out & About
Cake boutiqe afternoon tea party at Seef corner
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Out & About
St. Christopher’s School End of Year party
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Out & About
Four Seasons Media Ghabga
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Out & About
Ramee Grand Media Iftar
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Out & About
The Mexican folklore dance show at the Cultural Hall
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Out & About
US Ambassador Youth Iftar at Ramee Grand
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Out & About
House Boat Resturant menu preview
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Out & About
Fashion Time exhibition
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Out & About
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Out & About
Launch of Brazalian Bond Builder
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Out & About
Lulu Internation Exchange opening at Seef Mall Muhareq
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Out & About
One with Magic at Nicole’s Restaurant
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Out & About
Viva and BT press conference to announce “GIPX’
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Out & About
Beauty Spot Salon at Hamala
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Out & About
Opening of Wojooh at seef mall
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In The Press
Canon wins five Winter Pick Awards for its ‘Outstanding’ MFPs and Document Imaging Solution Suite
Canon Middle East, worldleader in imaging solutions, today announces that it has received five 2015 ‘Winter Pick of the Year’ awards, including an Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficiency and an award for Outstanding Document Imaging Solution Suite from testing and research organisation, Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI). Recognising Canon’s commitment to delivering the very best hardware and software solutions for both consumers and business users, BLI has presented the company with the following awards: • BLI Winter Pick of the Year for Outstanding 51- to 60-ppm A3 Monochrome MFP—Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE 6255i • BLI Pick of the Year for Outstanding Entry-Level 21- to 30ppm A3 Monochrome MFP—Canon imageRUNNER 2202N • BLI Winter Pick of the Year for Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficiency—Canon i-SENSYS MF6180dw • BLI Winter Pick of the Year for Outstanding A4 Monochrome—Canon i-SENSYS MF229dw • BLI Winter Pick of the Year for Outstanding Document Imaging Solution Suite—Canon uniFLOW V5.3
Gulf Hotels Group donates BD 1,000 in support to Child Care Home
A Check of BD 1000 was donated by Gulf Hotels Group to Child Care Home in support to their activities .The donation check was presented By Mr. Aqeel Raees, Chief Executive Officer & Board Member Gulf Hotels Group to Prof. Dr. Akbar Mohsen Mohammed – Vice Chairman of the Board, in the presence of Mr. Garfield Jones, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Gulf Hotel’s Group.
Al Rashid Group Opened Its 14th Bahrain City Centre store!
Marking City Centre’s 20th anniversary, City Centre Bahrain provides Ramadan treats for visitors
Al Rashid Group opened its latest store in the Kingdom in Bahrain City Centre, Carpisa. Carpisa is an Italian renowned bags and accessories brand, offering a wide range of glamorous handbags as well as travel luggage and accessories. With a passion for fashion in leather bags and quality accessories, Carpisa has become a business phenomenon with a franchise network of over 600 stores across 35 countries including Bahrain, Italy, Germany, UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Caprisa in Bahrain City Centre is now the 3rd outlet available in the Kingdom, after Seef Mall and Seef Mall Muharraq.
City Centre Bahrain, the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in Bahrain, treated visitors with special prizes on June 20, 2015, as part of this year’s celebrations of Majid Al Futtaim City Centre brand’s 20th anniversary. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, lucky shoppers at City Centre Bahrain received vouchers for complimentary Iftar and Suhoor from the mall and participating F&B outlets. Majid Al Futtaim, which has a vision is to create great moments for everyone, every day, is marking this year the 20th anniversary of the City Centre brand, and for the occasion, will offer suprises, special promotions and activities every 20th day of every month.
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In The Press
Motorcity partners with British Club Bahrain
Motorcity, the sole distributor of wide range of world class passenger vehicle brands including Volvo, Subaru and Citroen in the Kingdom has tied up with the British Club in an official partnership that commences this June. As part of this association, the British club received two vehicles from Motorcity; a Volvo S60 sedan and Citroen Berlingo. British Club members will be able to benefit from exclusive offers and discounts on Motorcity brands which will be communicated within the club’s venues and outlets regularly. Mr. David Endall, General Manager of the British Club was handed the vehicles as part of this association. On this occasion he said: “We are very pleased to have this association with Motorcity, the distributor of many premium brands. Our members can now benefit from the exclusive offers on Motorcity brands and services”.
Bahrain Cinema Company Invests $6.5 Million in a New 6 Screen Cineplex iWadi Al Sail Mall, Riffa Bahrain Cinema Company, market leaders in the entertainment industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain, also known as Cineco, announced the signing of a major corporate deal with the Wadi Al Sail Mall in Riffa that entails the leasing of space in the Mall for the setting up of a new 6 screen Cineplex and a branch of Rendezvous Restaurant. The initiative for the new Cineplex comes as part of Cineco’s extensive expansion plans in the Kingdom of Bahrain and it substantially increases the number of its screens that are already showing movies in the Kingdom. The total value of Cineco’s investment in this project is $6.5 million and it further consolidates the company’s current position as leaders in the entertainment industry in Bahrain.
Batelco Wins 5 Brand Awards at The Transform Awards MENA
Bahrain Society of Engineers Announces BIPEX 2015 Launch
A key press conference on June 8th 2015 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay saw the launch of Bahrain International Property Exhibition, BIPEX 2015 with a renewed emphasis. BIPEX is the Kingdom’s pioneering property show that has served the community for several years, and it is back with greater focus and vigor. BIPEX 2015 is scheduled for November 5th - 7th at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center under the patronage of H.E Shaikh Khalid Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister. One of the results of the resurgent real estate sectors and growing economies of Bahrain and the GCC has been to revisit the BIPEX expo calendar. It is noteworthy that the government of Bahrain is undertaking several plans including road network developments, public transportation improvements, construction of three major power plants and a plethora of housing projects to ultimately elevate the standard of the country. Bahrain’s consistent growth and development in recent years is evidenced by the revival of interest in its real estate market. These events are not coincidental but are closely correlated and interlinked.
Batelco, Bahrain’s leading communications solutions provider has won five major accolades for excellence in branding at The Transform Awards MENA, which took place recently in Dubai. The accolades, which include three gold awards, one silver and one highly commended are in recognition of Batelco’s innovative visual brand identity and strategic brand development programme, created in partnership with branding and communications consultancy, Unisono. An international jury selected Batelco for one of the show’s highest accolades‘Best Overall Visual Identity’in the technology and telecommunications sector,and also for 2 further gold awards for ‘Best use of a Visual Property’ and ‘Best Visual Identity’. In addition, the company received a silver award for the ‘Best Implementation of a Brand Development Programme’ and was highly commended for ‘Best Brand Evolution’. Batelco A/General Manager Consumer Division Ebrahim Al Sayed said that Batelco was very proud of this outstanding achievement and “These awards recognize our success as a brand, and further reinforce our reputation as a leading telecommunications company in the region.” JULY / AUGUST 2015
73
In The Press
Hyundai Service Guide App Connects Africa and Middle East Customers Anytime, Anywhere Hyundai Motor Company has announced that Africa and Middle East will be the first regions to launch Hyundai Service Guide, a new application which enables customers to gain fast and easy access to one of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturer’s services on the go.
Once downloaded via the Play Store or App Store, the Service Guide App allows users to
take advantage of a whole host of helpful services at the touch of a button. Always one step
ahead of the competitors, Hyundai’s App is one of the only automotive brands to offer a test
drive booking facility and alert users of required vehicle checks whilst providing up to date model information. Additional offerings include dealer location services, road side assistance,
direct service centre contact and an owner’s manual in addition to enabling optimized management of vehicles through a maintenance function.
Available now on Android and iOS in 14 Africa and Middle East markets, the new
application highlights Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its customer-oriented
services and to launching state-of-the-art technologies for stability and the ultimate driving experience.
Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover Hosted Ramadan Ghabga for Guests and Media in ‘The Glow-Ramadan Lounge By Jaguar Land Rover’
Euro Motors, the exclusive dealer and distributor for luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, hosted a Ghabga in ‘The Glow-Ramadan Lounge by Jaguar Land Rover’ for VIPs, corporate guests and members of the Bahrain Media Community on Sunday, the 21st of June, 2015. ‘The Glow-Ramadan Lounge by Jaguar Land Rover’ is a state-ofthe-art, dome-shaped pavilion, that rests on the grounds of The RitzCarlton, Bahrain and serves as a mobile showroom that will reveal a different vehicle each night from Jaguar and Land Rover’s elite collection of cars and SUVs that are available in the Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover Showroom in Bahrain. 74
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InterContinental Regency Bahrain Hosts Charity Iftar in coordination with Al Sanabel Orphans Care Society
InterContinental Regency Bahrain, one of the leading 5 star hotels in the Kingdom, hosted a special charity Iftar welcoming 70 children from the Al Sanabel Orphans Care Society on the 30th of June 2015 at the Al Rifaa Ballroom. The special Iftar was organized in the presence of Mr. Jan Ifcic, General Manager and the Hotel Team. As part of their responsible Business Ramadan activities and a gesture of their interminable goodwill, InterContinental Regency Bahrain held the special Iftar to draw a smile on the faces of all the children who are in need of attention and care. On this special occasion, Area General Manager of InterContinental Regency Bahrain, Mr. Jan Ifcic said: “The Holy Month of Ramadan corresponds to care and sharing and we would like to take this opportunity to do the extra little bit that we can for those in need within our community. Children are an integral part of our society and are our future. We are delighted to be able to contribute to such a noble cause and it was sheer pleasure to see pure happiness beaming from the faces of the children as they left the hotel wishing all the staff Ramadan Kareem.”
In The Press
Kanoo Paint Centre concludes “Buy & Get” promotion
Kanoo Paint Centre has concluded its successful “Buy & Get” promotion, which ran from March 1st until May 31st 2015. Mr. Mazher I Khan, Kanoo Paint Centre Manager handed over the prizes to the winners at the premises. During this promotion, customers were able to collect points with every purchase at Kanoo Paint Centre of BD 10 and exchange them for coupons with a chance to redeem against valuable prizes from LED TVs, Home Theatre systems to Microwave Ovens, Juicers and more.
MasterCard Reinforces Its MENA Presence
MasterCard has appointed Khaled Abdulkarim as the Country Manager for Bahrain – with a focus on developing new relationships and enhancing MasterCard’s existing engagement with stakeholders in the country. MasterCard recognizes the importance of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) as its fastest-growing region. In recent years, MasterCard has been investing in expert resources across the region, and in the Middle East in particular, in order to drive innovation and expand financial inclusion by providing pioneering technology to governments, merchants, and consumers. “In order for us to be closely aligned with the diverse needs of our markets, it is imperative that we build a robust and empowered team on-ground across the Middle East, with continued support from our regional hub in Dubai,” explained Girish Nanda, Area Head, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen, MasterCard. “We are committed to driving the payments industry in the market along with our key partners and customers.”
Mercedes-Benz Bahrain Won the Sales Funnel Cup of the Middle East
Al Haddad Motors proudly announces that Bahrain won the 6 month sales competition among all other Middle Eastern competitors. The Sales Funnel Cup is an international sales competition that challenges Mercedes Benz distributors around the world. Al Haddad Motors is honoured to show its unwavering dedication and commitment to its respected brand. The Cup utilizes a strict grading methodology to measure the efficiency of sales, effort and awareness amongst distributors, classified by geographical region. Throughout the race, each participating team was required to submit a detailed action plan that gave insight into the sales funnel process, data quality and lead management. In only the second year since its inception, the strategic process and sophisticated development of the competition already motivated sales teams across the globe to work hard, represent their respective regions and earn the prestigious title.
NET-A-PORTER.COM Adds Balmain Paris Hair Couture to Net-A-Porter Beauty
NET-A-PORTER.COM have partnered with Balmain Paris Hair Couture as the first global online retailer to stock the line from June 29. The 10-piece set includes the essential products to achieve Balmain’s glossy runway locks, from Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, Repair Mask, Leave-in Conditioning Spray, Dry Shampoo, Texturizing Salt Spray, Argan Moisturising Elixir and Silk Hair Perfume – the entire range is designed to suit all haircare needs. David Olsen, vice president for beauty and grooming for the NET-APORTER Group says, “Balmain Paris Hair Couture is the perfect extension of the French luxury house. The line was in huge demand from our top spending customers, so we couldn’t wait to get it on our site. It is the ultimate haircare line for fans of the brand and for those who love both fashion and beauty.” Nabil Harlow, Balmain Hair Master Hair Designer says, “Balmain gave me the line I was dreaming of as a hair stylist – complete, efficient, and elegant and with a beautiful fragrance that everyone adores. It gives an incredible texture to the hair, which makes it perfect to work on and to create any style I want” JULY / AUGUST 2015
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In The Press
Unisono Wins Thirteen International Branding Awards at the Transform Awards MENA
Unisono, one of the region’s leading strategic creative consultancies, has been awarded with three gold, four silver and four bronze accolades, as well as two “Highly Commended” at this year’s Transform Awards MENA in Dubai, UAE. The outstanding achievement at this year’s awards recognises Unisono’s brilliance in branding and strategic brand development, making the Bahrain and Dubai based agency one of the most highly awarded regionally. Liam Farrell, Unisono’s founding partner and executive creative director, says: “These thirteen international branding awards celebrate our successful partnership with our clients, proving team work is the foundation for brilliant results. Without the support of our clients and our dedicated team of creative and strategic professionals such outstanding global recognition would not be possible.” Gold was received for Batelco in the prestigious category “Best overall visual identity”, the second highest prize overall in the show after the Grand Prix, followed by further two Golds with Batelco for “Best use of a visual property” and “Best visual identity from the technology & telecommunications sector”. Silver accolades were awarded for four projects including: “Best implementation of a brand development program” for Batelco, “Best brand development project to reflect changed mission/ values/positioning” for GFH (Gulf Finance House), “Best use of copy style/tone of voice” for Rukn, and ”Best visual identity” from the professional services sector for Streetlight. Bronze trophies recognised the brand architecture work as well as the visual identity for GFH in the financial services sector, as well as the visual identity for Enerji in the energy sector, and for Rukn in the technology and telecommunications sector. Highly commended was awarded for “Best creative strategy” for GFH and “Best brand evolution” for Batelco.
REDTAG Celebrates Middle Eastern Cooking & Home Styling Talent
REDTAG has recently launched a dedicated online Cookbook, Cook with Love, featuring Iftar recipes by six talented cooking and home styling bloggers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, the UAE, Morocco, and Palestine. Assia Othman, Dalia Shabana, Kulsum Kunwa, Nisreen M. Shawwa, Nour AlQahtani, and Sawsan Abu Farha have taken part in this project, putting together a stunning array of recipes designed to inspire ladies to explore their passion of cooking during the festive season. Every recipe includes a three-course menu that has been selected and executed with REDTAG homeware, showcasing unique cooking styles and preferences, and giving cooking fans a variety of choices for a rich, delicious, and beautifully presented Iftar table. Mohammed Khalid, Head of Merchandise – Non Apparel, at REDTAG said: “This project was launched to celebrate the amazing Middle Eastern talent, while inspiring REDTAG customers across the region to discover their cooking and styling skills during the Holy Month of Ramadan.” 76
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Starbucks Supports Al Rashad Centre for Autism as Part of Global Month of Service
Starbucks partners (employees), customers and suppliers celebrated Starbucks’ fourth annual Global Month of Service by renovating the facilities at the Al Rashad Centre for Autism in Saar. A total of 38 Starbucks partners, customers and suppliers spent an estimated 259 hours renovating the centre’s garden and the children’s play area. They were joined by 20 volunteers from surrounding Autism centres, who played with the children while renovations were carried out. The Global Month of Service is part of Starbucks’ company-wide commitment to help create flourishing neighborhoods wherever it does business. Held every April, the initiative invites partners and customers to roll up their sleeves and participate in community service projects that help create positive and sustainable change.
In The Press
JULY / AUGUST 2015
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Fortune Teller
Here’s what the stars have in store for you this month!
July 2015
Cancer 21 June to 22 July Got a little fire in your belly there, Cancer? You’ve got the megaphone now, Crab, so what do you want to announce to the world? Even without saying a word, though, your presence will be palpable, so get used to the attention. The spotlight is on one particular bond, or perhaps on your approach to partnering overall. Is everything feeling fair and mutual between you? You’re in no mood to wait around for permission to make your big moves, and your confidence will be through the roof.
Virgo 23 August to 22 September
Getting together with your tribe makes your heart sing, so don’t miss a chance to get together! At work, a team project could make headway, as you inherently understand that there is both power and enthusiasm in numbers. You›re in the mood to be your authentic self, and to share your quirkier colors. The more comfortable you are in social settings, the more likely you are to let your true nature be known. Keep it real, Virgo!
Aries 21 March to 19 April
Sit back and relax, Aries. For the first three weeks of the month, you’re in the mood to nest and rest, to connect with family and cherished friends, and to draw your circle in tight. Love is certainly in the air for the first three weeks of the monthSo, Aries, take a chance! Whether that means being more outspoken about your desires, being honest about your feelings or making a move, there’s no holding you back now.
Taurus 20 April to 20 May
Gemini 21 May to 20 June
Your mental wheels are turning non-stop! It is a great time for brainstorming, problemsolving and all kinds of cerebral activities . Conversations can be both fun and productive you have wit and intelligence in spades. Immerse yourself in culture and media. In matters of the heart, there is sentimental summer ahead! The biggest turn-on for you this month is the spirit of friendship: hanging out, being yourselves, exploring new activities and ideas.
Settle into your groove, Gemini. July is a grounding month a great time to simplify and establish regular routines. Perhaps one of your recent birthday resolutions starts to take concrete form. This could be a busy month, too. The more in charge you are of your money situation, the greater your self-esteem. Cut out a few of the pricey extras. What seems “small” could really add up in the long run.
Libra 23 September to 22 October
Scorpio 23 October to 21 November
While your sensual sign enjoys living in the moment, you›ve got your eyes on the prize now, so organize your time, energy and resources to forward that agenda. You could have an intense moment of connection with a relative, or you might become aware of just how desperately a certain cord needs to be cut! A powerful and influential woman could play into events at this full moon.
A month of growth, expansion and widening of the horizon. Expand your reach, Scorpio! Come out from Scorpio tunnel-vision mode and look around: A ton of opportunities await you. Step back and look at the big picture, and let your visionary ideas out to play and dream big. In matters of the heart, this is a month of the happily-ever-after!
Aquarius 21 January to 18 February Let the midsummer detox begin. Getting healthy, organized and streamlined is the order of your days. So roll up your sleeves and get busy decluttering and systematizing. Mid month is an especially good time to tackle any major projects or to start a fitness routine in earnest. Although it is the latter half of the year, it’s still not too late to begin.
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Sagittarius 22 November to 21 December Turn inward, Archer as it is going to be an intense time. While everyone else is in the midst of a summer frolic, you’re burrowing into your cocoon, spending time with your closest connections or letting the wheels turn in your brain. Emotions can get intense with the Sun traveling through this psyche-plumbing zone of your chart!. Your focus is incredible! An ideal time for joint ventures, so pour your attention into a partnership, be it romantic or business-based.
Leo 23 July to 22 August
Slow your roll, Leo. Until July 22, the Sun is in Cancer, your restful twelfth house, making you sleepier or more languid than usual. For the first three weeks of the month, go at your own unique pace. Deadlines and schedules may need to fall by the wayside and that’s fine. Your own intuition is your best guide, so work a little, nap a little. Your bold and fearless personality is utterly magnetic, so don’t tone it down one bit.
Capricorn 22 December to 19 January Flying solo yet again, Capricorn? No need to go it alone this July. A month of partnership and intimacy is written in the stars! For the first three weeks of this month, work on gaining more balance and harmony within all unions, personal and professional. You will find yourself fitted well in the divine scheme of things.
Pisces 19 February to 20 March
Sit back and relax, Aries. For the first three weeks of the month, you’re in the mood to nest and rest, to connect with family and cherished friends, and to draw your circle in tight. Love is certainly in the air for the first three weeks of the monthSo, Aries, take a chance! Whether that means being more outspoken about your desires, being honest about your feelings or making a move, there’s no holding you back now.
Fortune Teller
Here’s what the stars have in store for you this month!
Leo 23 July to 22 August August 2015 will be a positive time, but not without its surprises. However, some problems are meant to arise in the sphere of personal relationships and emotions. Fill your time with your own initiatives. If you are trying to start your relationship with someone, do not even think that everything will be so simple. However, that is not the reason to put your hands down or to wait for a more appropriate time. No matter what, do not think of such an option – otherwise you will lose all opportunities! Just relax and do what you think is necessary.
Virgo 23 August to 22 September If you wanted t o start your business for a long time, then right now is the best time to do so: all of the circumstances will fall right the way you want them to and no one will be capable of stopping you. Moreover, since you need your financial resources you will be capable of double downing your expenses. However, we should note that if you will not be realizing your opportunities, then your inaction may cause an avalanche of problems.
Aquarius 21 January to 18 February A month of moving forward and progress. You will have plenty of opportunities to lay a solid basis for the development of fruitful future trends. Make no mistake: you will solve all problems that you planned to resolve this month. There will be many pleasant moments in personal relationships. In the first place this will be connected with your partner so don’t worry about loneliness.
August 2015 Gemini 21 May to 20 June
Cancer 21 June to 22 July
Your love life or an artistic calling could blossom, and your appetite for adventure is insatiable. His month will be spent with family and friends. You are likely to put your vital decisions vis-a-vis career, finance and professional decisions will take a back seat.
You will perhaps have to assume the role of a leader in August 2015. First, it is necessary to note that the influence of Venus, traditionally playing the role of the planet-ruler .You do have the wherewithal to overcome all of your current problems but your life strength will be clearly insufficient to risk and commit anything thoughtless.
Look closer and think – perhaps you spend too many resources lately on things that you do not need? Since not every adventure, not every partnership agreement or deal will end up being the way you want them to. While everything is indeed in your hands, various external factors may mix the cards that are in them.
Cancer will have a complicated August 2015 that is for sure. At the same time, the representatives of this sign will face an especially significant life stage, filled with important, fateful events. The love front will blow up in August 2015 with a cascade of new colors. It may seem that everything is happening the way it should, but do not make a mistake since this is not due to blind luck, but someone’s mischievous plans
Libra 23 September to 22 October
Scorpio 23 October to 21 November
Sagittarius 22 November to 21 December
Capricorn 22 December to 19 January
Scorpio can await a nontrivial time in August 2015. It will be a bright, but mostly a negative life stage, mostly contrasting and non-trivial, confusing and with a feeling of being unable to escape. It is best that you cancel them or transform them in such a way so to decline the romantic aspect as much as possible.
August 2015 will be a time that is incredibly positive and fulfilled for the Sagittarius. You can bravely go on vacation or take a rest, leaving your business to your colleague, your friend, or any other trusted person. Do not be afraid that some bad situation may occur. Overall, do not doubt your strength and pay attention to your relationship with partners.
If you have your own business, then you should not rely on anyone but yourself. It is best that you stop at what you reached before and move ahead with small steps, carefully feeling the soil in front of you. At the same time, you should not stay idle as the influence of your stellar antagonists will fully ruin your life.
Aries 21 March to 19 April
In August 2015 Librans will have to truly sweat in order to achieve their desired results. The situation that will occur in August is fully corresponding to your abilities. If you have your own business, then pay attention to how your direct competitors work. It is likely that right now you will have a great possibility to learn something.
Taurus 20 April to 20 May
Pisces 19 February to 20 March
Pisces in August 2015 will see a lot of positives and a large number of real opportunities, many of which can be decisive at this stage of life. This is very important and stars recommend the Pisces to be particularly attentive to what is happening around them. Regarding the scope of finance and entrepreneurship we can say one thing for Pisces – August 2015 will be stable and confident step.
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Last Note
Beauty
‘Beauty’ as a concept has always been debated upon. While some believe that beauty is skin deep, others feel that it lies in the eyes of the holder. Yet others think that beauty dwells somewhere in the mind and the soul making a person beautiful from what lies within. While beauty of a single lady (Helen of Troy) was the reason for the great Trojan war, it is the love of beauty that often becomes the muse for various artistic creations that foster harmony. Intriguing that ‘beauty’ is, we leave you with your own thoughts and two poems on the subject contributed by poets of the Bahrain Writers’ Circle members.
Images of beauty By Nilanjana Bose
A feather fallen from an unknown bird; the last of skies when the sun’s reeled in; the tall, unfurling white sail of a word billowing with love, bold yet uncertain. A tiny seashell left on windswept stone; the clouds swept up after a sudden squall. The splendid silence of a desert dawn. A rainbow mist trapped near a waterfall.
Your Visions Standing Here By David Hollywood
Mine eyes beheld your beauty, My thoughts remember how, Your loveliness I cherish, Where ever you are now, And in my heart I know you, Always to be near, Because your vision glories, My picture of you clear, And while this life we passage, Your bloom will help me bear, My feelings for you, waiting, Until your standing here. 80
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The poem lurking in the turn of page, the season revealed by a single leaf; the calligraphy of oceans, and of age traced on the face of happiness and grief. Beauty is a dewdrop on a flower – coalesced at the coming of the dawn. Dewdrops dry, vanish within the hour, so too the blossoms; but the tree goes on.
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