A BRIGHT LIFE STYLE
June 2015
Distributed with
Top 5, Million Dollar Watches of 2015
Summer Must Haves
A BRIGHT LIFE STYLE
June 2015
Distributed with
D
ear readers, another month came upon us with a new edition of bloom magazine. We hope this issue keeps you entertained and informed. For this month, we have decided to provide you with articles that’ll enrich your knowledge, yet entertain you at the same time. As a working woman myself, i can understand how difficult it is to manage work as well as other responsibilities, such as being a mother. For that, we have provided tips on how to juggle between motherhood and work. In the fitness section, we have tackled calorie inaccurate count issues, which is something i myself struggle with as well. Finally, we have provided you with latest fashion trends, most selling makeup products and discussed some hair myths that many of us believe in. All to always keep you healthy, beautiful, bright and stylish. And don’t forget to solve our beauty quiz to find out just how much you know about beauty health!
6 Top 5, Million Dollar Watches of 2015
inside
Published by
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Summer Must Haves
Hanan Ghazwani , Dima Aljogol Editorial
Beauty
Ravindranath Koonath Design
Maria Carbungco Sales & Marketing
• Hair Myths You Should Stop Believing
Style Recap
• Cannes Film Festival 2015: Red Carpet
11 Beauty
For contributions and advertisements please contact:
Tel: 4000 2156 (Editorial) / 4000 2155 (Sales) Email: bloom@qimqatar.com
• It’s the season of bloom Top makeup trends for spring 2015
Office address:
P.O. Box: 22345, Barwa Commercial Avenue, Safwa Block, Landmark 6, Abu Hamour, Doha, Qatar
Quiz
28 Little Trends
• Why Our Calorie Count is Inaccurate
• Antiaging Quiz: Do You Know How To Stay Young?
• Sweet Retro Inspired Kidswear in Marie-Chantal Spring-Summer 2015
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Nutrition
12
31 34
Fitness
• How Often Should You Change Your Workout Routine?
Interior
• Rustic Chic Collection - A Touch to bring luxury and nature together
CAT WALK
Jean Louis Sabaji
On-Trend -Spring/Summer 2015 Raised by a fashion designer, his designing mission initiated at childhood. Following his graduation from the Lebanese American University in 2009, Jean Louis’ motivation and creativity led him to Milan Domus Academy; which gave him the opportunity to share his creations with famous Italian designers.
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“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” - Bill Cunningham Fashion design has always been his passion. The family’s practice initially seeded his interests and prompted him to dive into the world of Couture, where the demand for the epitome of the best production is a natural outcome.
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STYLE RECAP
Julianne Moore in a bedazzled, feathered, and textured dress by Giorgio Armani Privè.
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2015:
Red Carpet The best red carpet looks from this year’s star-studded film festival
Doutzen in a white gown from Atelier Versace. She complemented it with Chopard jewelry and Jimmy Choo sandals
R
ed carpet style at the Cannes Film Festival
is
always
breathtaking,
but in year’s past it has verged on
predictable. Usually, the outfit formula for attendees looks something like this: Long hemline, dramatic embellishment, vibrant color, plunging neckline. This year though, the fashion crowd in attendance is serving up some very real, very cool, outfit inspiration.
Salma Hayek chooses a ruffled, tiered, black and gold embellished gown by Alexander McQueen.
Charlize Theron in Christian Dior couture gown paired with Chopard jewelry.
Lupita Nyong’o in a one-of-a-kind, jade chiffon plisse gown by Gucci, featuring floral embellishments, crystals, and hand-painted silk decorations complete with a cape detail.
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Katrina Kaif selects a black lace Oscar de la Renta Strapless gown.
Sonam Kapoor in a Ralph & Russo couture gown paired with Giuseppe Zanotti sandals and Chopard jewelry. Noomi Rapace in a Vivienne Westwood red silk jacquard gown Aishwarya donned a a sea-green, sequinned Elie Saab gown with DeGrisgono jewellery
Naomi Watts in a powder-blue, sleeved gown from Elie Saab
Actress Fan Bingbing brings spring with a Marchesa gown
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Top makeup trends for spring 2015
BEAUTY
It’s the season of bloom Y
our first thought when you hear “spring makeup” would probably include pastel colors, neutral lip gloss, but this year this is not entirely the case. Spring or no spring, Smokey eyes are still hot, as are bright red lips, but at the same time, ‘no makeup’ makeup look is in as well. Confused? Don’t forget that fashion trends are rarely uniform. Here are some interesting makeup trends we saw on the runways recently.
‘No makeup’ makeup No makeup is still a makeup trend, and it’s a good one to start with. After the nude look it was only logical to expect fashionistas to take it one step further to no makeup at all. Don’t be surprised this is the freshest trend in the field for a long time. On the one hand, it’s healthy for your skin. On the other hand, the no-makeup look could serve to remind us what we actually look Orange is Slick like without the enhancements, and the new red why not start liking what we or undone? see. Another popular makeup When it comes to hair, the trends trends for spring is orange, which we witnessed at recent fashion shows can be considered as the new red. could be grouped into two: the slick look If you can’t see yourself in electric and the undone look sometimes combined on orange. You can go for “quieter” the same head. While a lot of designers went shades but if you are set on being for straight hair, slicked back, left to look like it trendy, make sure you’ve got hasn’t been washed recently, or flowing with a orange lipstick in your middle parting, others combined some slickness makeup bag. Line away with waviness at the back. It seems that in hair this spring it’s all If you’re not used to applying about an effortless, free look, which, if eyeliner you need to start practicing you think about it, is great, saving now, to stay trendy. Some of the tips you a lot of time and hassle to here include using a pencil liner heated style your locks every day. up for a couple of seconds with a lighter, to make it into a gel and apply more easily and for a thicker line. The good news: if you’re not such a fan, you can just go for the thinnest line or, alternatively, you can use your eyeshadow as liner.
Pastel colours Appropriately for the spring, many makeup artists opt for light, pastel colours, in some cases, very bright pastel tones.
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BEAUTY QUIZ
Antiaging Quiz: Do You Know How To Stay Young?
1
Which of the following has been scientifically proven to treat the signs of aging? a. Retinoids b. Alpha-hydroxy acids c. Azelaic acid d. All of the above
2
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments can help get rid of puffiness of bags under your eyes a. True b. False
3
Topical creams can get rid of cellulite.
a. True b. False
4
Which of the following products is helpful for dark circles?
a. b. c. d.
Laser therapy Skin-lightening agents Wrinkle injections All of the above
5
Which of the following treatments help tighten sagging skin in the chin and neck area? a. Chemical peels b. Collagen creams c. Laser procedures d. Antioxidants
6
Which of the following skin care ingredients is most effective for age spots? a. Hydroquinone b. Niacinamide c. Coenzyme Q10 d. Alpha-lipoic acid
7
You should never combine skin treatments containing retinoids with skin treatments that contain vitamin E. a. True b. False
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8
Which topical skin treatments can stimulate collagen generation in the skin, giving skin a firmer appearance and fading wrinkles? a. b. c. d.
Antioxidants Retinoids Alpha-hydroxy acids Peptides
9
If alpha-hydroxy acids irritate your skin, which of the following is a good substitute? a. b. c. d.
Beta-hydroxy acids Antioxidants Polyhydroxy acids Retinoids
10
Over-the-counter acne products marketed to teens are just as effective for adult acne. a. True b. False
11
Which of the following teethwhitening methods is least likely to provide consistently satisfactory results? a. b. c. d.
Whitening toothpastes Whitening rinses Whitening strips Whitening gels
12
When choosing a color treatment for gray hair, you should choose a color that is: a. b. c. d.
Close to your natural hair color Much darker than your natural color Much lighter than your natural color None of the above
13
Which of the following can help most cases of fragile nails?
a. b. c. d.
Gelatin supplements Biotin supplements Nail hardeners All of the above
14
Which of the following slows hair loss in men?
a. Minoxidil b. Finasteride c. Quitting smoking d. All of the above
15
Which of the following is critical to keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger looking? a. Vitamin D b. Omega-3 fatty acids c. Phytoestrogens d. Selenium
Question 1 = D Products with retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, kojic acid, and salicylic acid as active ingredients have been shown to treat signs of aging and make aged skin look younger.
Question 2 = A Over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments may help deflate under-eye bags, helping to tighten and smooth the skin. Also, green tea bags contain a natural anti-inflammatory chemical, which can reduce fluid buildup that contributes to puffiness. But these are temporary fixes at best. More permanent solutions include injectable wrinkle fillers or a surgical eyelift.
Question 3 = B While some creams can help diminish the appearance of cellulite temporarily, no cream can dissolve and remove cellulite from the body.
Question 4 = D Lots of things contribute to dark circles, including heredity and genetics, and fatigue makes dark circles look worse. Excess pigmentation and dilated blood vessels under the skin are often the underlying cause. The best treatment for your dark circles depends on what type you have. If you have dark circles caused by thinning skin, laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments can vaporize the blood vessels that are the underlying cause of the discoloration. If they are due to pigmentation issues -- a common problem for both African-Americans and Asians -- skin-lightening treatments, such as hydroquinone, can help. If your problem is the result of shallowness beneath the eyes that casts a dark-circle shadow, your best bet is wrinkle fillers.
Question 5 = C Laser rejuvenation procedures, such as CO2 laser skin resurfacing, YAG (Yttriumaluminum-garnet) laser surgery, and intense pulsed light, can rejuvenate and tighten the skin. There are several types of nonsurgical treatments, used either alone or in combination that can help tighten skin in a sagging neck and jowl. Botox can be used to diminish the visible bands on the neck, and products that contain skin-firming ingredients, such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and hexamidine, can be helpful in treating milder signs of aging. Chemical peels and antioxidants can be useful for rejuvenating the look and feel of the skin, improving the appearance of skin discoloration, sun spots and dull skin texture, but they are not as helpful for improving sagging skin. And dermatologists say that collagen products that are applied to the skin will not penetrate and remain as intact collagen.
however, the FDA has been considering a ban on the ingredient in over-the-counter products because of concerns about toxicity. Chemical peels and light and laser treatments also help treat age spots.
Question 7 = A Products containing vitamin E combined with retinoids may provide additional skinsmoothing effects.
Question 8 = B Topical retinoids - derivatives of vitamin A are among the most common treatments for wrinkles and other signs of aging skin and can help with a wide variety of skin issues. They work by increasing skin turnover and increasing collagen in the skin, making it firmer and plumper. Antioxidants like vitamin E, alphahydroxy, and beta-hydroxy acids can improve the appearance of skin and reduce the signs of aging.
Question 9 = C People with sensitive skin may want to avoid alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid. Beta-hydroxys, antioxidants, and retinoids also can cause irritation. Instead, consider products that contain polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which may be less irritating. If your skin is excessively dry, you should decrease your daily use of alpha-hydroxy acids and apply moisturizing creams. Also, be sure to use daily sunscreen when using any of these products.
Question 10 = B Adult acne differs markedly from teen pimples, both in how it appears and how it’s treated. Teen skin tends to be a little stickier and they’re more likely than adults to get clogged pores. Most of the over-the-counter products involve salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are good for whiteheads and pustules, but not as good for deeper adult acne.
Question 11 = B Some experts say rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products, because a whitening rinse is in contact with the teeth for such a short time -- only two minutes a day, compared with 30 minutes for many strips.
Question 12 = A Some experts say rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products, because
a whitening rinse is in contact with the teeth for such a short time -- only two minutes a day, compared with 30 minutes for many strips.
Question 13 = B Several studies have shown that supplements of biotin (a B vitamin) increased nail thickness and prevented splitting and breaking. On the other hand, gelatin and nail hardeners don’t do much.
Question 14 = D Minoxidil is an FDA-approved over-thecounter medication men can apply to the scalp. It slows the rate of hair loss in men, and some men even grow new hair. But once you stop using it, hair loss returns. Finasteride is a prescription drug that slows hair loss by slowing down the body’s production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink. Like minoxidil, it works only as long as it’s used. And several studies show a significant relationship between smoking and how fast male-pattern baldness gets worse.
Question 15 = B Essential fatty acids like omega-3s -- and omega-6s -- are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes and, consequently, healthy skin. While most of us have diets rich in omega-6s from such sources as baked goods, cooking oils, grains and poultry, our diets tend to be short on omega-3s. For healthier skin, eat more omega-3s from salmon, mackerel, flax, safflower oil, walnuts, sardines, soy, and fortified eggs.
(Source: webmd.com)
ANSWERS
Question 6 = A Hydroquinone is a one of the most effective treatments available for age spots. This topical bleaching agent is available in prescription strength and as an over-the-counter cream,
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HAIR BEAUTY
Hair Myths You Should Stop Believing
DEBUNKING HAIR MYTHS
WHETHER YOU’VE GOT LONG LOCKS OR A TRENDY PIXIE, YOU PROBABLY HAVE YOUR OWN UNIQUE HAIR CHALLENGES— MAYBE IT’S A WEIRD COWLICK OR UNRULY CURLS. IN ANY CASE, SEPARATING HAIR FALLACIES FROM FACTS WILL HELP YOU CONCENTRATE ON THINGS THAT WILL ACTUALLY HELP YOUR HAIR GROW HEALTHIER AND LOOK BETTER. HERE, MYTHS ABOUT YOUR HAIR, AND HOW YOU CAN USE THE TRUTH TO YOUR (BEAUTIFUL) BENEFIT:
Cutting your hair frequently makes it grow faster
to colour their hair, as long as they’re going darker.”
“Trimming your hair doesn’t affect growth,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “That happens at the scalp.” But there’s a reason experts suggest trimming your hair every six to eight weeks: “Frayed ends make hair look thinner and cause breakage, so when you cut them off, your hair appears fuller,” says Melissa Piliang, MD, dermatologist and hair specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.
Switching shampoos is good for your hair
The more you brush your hair, the healthier it will be If you’ve ever groaned at the idea of running a brush through your hair 100 times a day, you’ll like this one: there’s no value in brushing your hair more than you already do. In fact, excessive brushing may do more harm than good. “Over-brushing can damage your hair’s cuticle,” says Dr. Piliang. (That’s your hair’s outer, protective layer.) Brush your hair when it’s knotty, but leave it alone otherwise.
Colour-treated hair is unhealthy Bleaching is indeed one of the worst things you can do to your hair, but not all types of colour treatments should have a bad rep. “Removing colour from the hair makes each strand thinner and more prone to breakage,” says Dr. Piliang. But adding colour actually plumps up your strands, making your locks look thicker. “I tell my patients that it’s okay
“It’s fine to switch shampoos, if you like different effects (one is anti-dandruff, one is volumising, and so on), but it’s perfectly fine to use the same shampoo every time you wash,” says Dr. Piliang. As for that my hair looks so great with this new shampoo feeling? You’re probably just liking the novelty: Shampoos do have different effects, says Dr. Piliang, but it’s not necessary to switch unless you want something new.
Air-drying is healthier than blowdrying Yes, you should spare your hair the blast of hot air, but sometimes you just need it to be dry in 15 minutes. But what if we told you that air-drying isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? An Annals of Dermatology study comparing blowdried hair to naturally-dried hair found that blow-drying causes more damage to the hair’s surface (as expected), but air-drying can create damage deeper within strands. Researchers say that the interior of the hair swells when exposed to water for extended periods of time, which possibly creates more damage than heat styling (Yes, our minds were blown, too.) Your best bet, according to this study, is to use the lowest heat setting on your dryer (or hold it at least six inches away from your hair), making sure to move the dryer continuously, so you don’t concentrate heat on any one spot for too long.
Oils are a no-go if your hair is greasy Only if you apply oil to your scalp: “Oils applied to the ends of the hair will add shine and lustre,” says Dr. Piliang. Even better: Unlike products that sit on the hair’s surface creating the illusion of healthy hair, some oils have the ability to penetrate the hair’s cuticle and actually make it healthier. Coconut oil was shown to protect against bleach, heat, and UV damage in a Journal of Cosmetic Science study; and argan oil was shown to protect against hair lightening-induced protein loss in a Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications study. Mix 20 drops of pure argan oil with 3.5 fl oz. conditioner (about the size of a bottle you’d carry-on a plane) for the benefits without the grease, says Robson Miranda da Gama, professor of cosmetology at Santo Amaro University in Brazil, and author of the argan oil study. He suggests this mixture for all hair types. (Source: Kiera Aaron - health.com)
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WATCHES
TOP 5 MILLION DOLLAR Watches of 2015 1
2 Jacob & Co Billionaire Watch
Hublot Big Bang Unico “10 years” Haute Joaillerie
T
T
he $18 million “Billionaire” watch, introduced by the brand during Baselworld 2015, officially became the most expensive timepiece combining a diamondset timepiece with a tourbillon.
en years after the launch of the first Hublot Big Bang, the now iconic design was once again the star of the show at the Hublot booth with new models led by the Big Bang Unico “10 years” Haute Joaillerie, an exceptional collection of 10 high jewelry watches, each priced at $ 1 million.
5 3
4 Graff Diamonds Serpentine Watch
Breguet “B” Crazy Ladies Watch
eaturing a total of 1,264 perfectly white diamonds, the Graff Diamonds Serpentine is a one-of-a-kind high jewellery watch. Designed to wrap elegantly around the wrist, each one of the serpent’s scales is represented by a sculturak mosaic of pear shape and brilliant cut diamonds.
he enchanting “B” Crazy ladies invites collectors into Breguet’s wonderful Eden. The strap, dial and case of this $1.8 million are all adorned with baguette-cut diamonds and come to life as the watch is flaunted on the wrist of the wearer.
F
18
T
H. Moser & Cie Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time Sapphire Skeleton
A
n immediately striking feature of H. Moser & Cie’s Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time Sapphire Skeleton is its case, which was created entirely out of sapphire crystal. The transparency of the case and dial highlights the piece’s sensual curves and grants the wearer an unfettered view of the HMC 803 calibre, and also makes the perfect visual showcase for its tourbillon allowing the traditional watch complication to shine in a whole new way.
MAKE-UP
New Beauty Products to Try ...........................................................................................
A
cross between lip gloss and lip balm, the new RADIANT LIPS BALM UNE nourishes, softens, smooths, and illuminates the lips in one application, without stickiness. This addictive product combines pleasure and lip care. Take it with you anywhere!
Transform your hair with L’Oréal Professionnel’s new salon-exclusive Mythic Oil Serum
L
’Oréal Professionnel, one of the leaders in in-salon treatments and professional products for hair, is launching its exclusive Mythic Oil Serum – an exquisite, renewing hair serum designed for professional use.
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A natural, nourishing formula Radiant Lips Balm from UNE
Chanel Mediterranee Makeup Collection
H
ere is a preview of Chanel’s summer 2015 makeup collection – MÉDITERRANÉE. The brand brought back their popular eyeshadow sticks, and released some new summery shades of lipsticks, glosses and nail polishes. The star of the collection is the Lumiere D’ete golden bronze illuminator which will instantly warm up your complexion.
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Aerin Rose De Grasse
T
he notes: rose centifolia, Bulgarian rose, rose absolute, violet wood, ambrox, musk It smells like: Standing in the center of a rose garden after a rain and inhaling really deeply.
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Michael Kors Into The Glow Makeup Collection for Summer 2015
H
ow cool is this Michael Kors summer 2015 Into the Glow makeup collection? Mr. Kors does know glamour and glow. Just look at those juicy and sparkling lip glosses and nail polishes. And those shimmering bronzers and body oil
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JEWELS
T
he diverse, colourful and ever so mysterious world that exists beneath the waves has long captivated artists, sculptors, photographers and directors alike, inspiring many of their greatest masterpieces. And this fascination has not been ignored by jewellery designers. Without doubt the most comprehensive collection on this theme was Palmiero’s Underwater World, inhabited by fish brooches, a quirky octopus which wraps itself around your finger, earrings, and a multi-coloured ring with fighting fish. They also designed several rings to create the effect of raging waves, using pearls to recreate the foam. The aquatic Marinelle collection by Chantecler was also fairly, and it depicted sea life in every piece.
Alessio Boschi, the master of recreating nature in jewellery, had his very own version of this underwater beauty in the form of earrings featuring pear-shaped tanzanites . Paolo Piovan and Jacob & Co. brought their own cocktail ring versions of this multi-legged mollusc to Baselworld as well. Watches were not exempt from being submerged into the sub-aquatic world. Chopard featured the new Happy Fish editions , which was made from rose gold with eye-catching fish designs on the watch dial. Boucheron also released a wristwatch at Basel with decorative elements involving a fish motif.
This year the Italian Design surprised Baselworld visitors with the incredible Princess Coralia necklace featured that was made with an impressive Australian opal. The jewel was designed to symbolize the Ocean and it is worth mentioning that the Italian Design team spent two and a half years on the creation process.
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Express Your Creative Side with DSquared2’s Arts and Crafts Accessories Collection
ith DSquared2’s festive and fun new Spring/ Summer 2015 accessories collection, patrons are taken back to the nostalgic days of arts and crafts classes. Of course, designers Dean and Dan Caten’s take on the subject is far more sophisticated and injected with modern notions, but the feel of childlike exhilaration remains the same. Bags and shoes are covered in a mosaic of glittering sequins, sky-high, multi-colored heels feature complicated cutouts, and adorable color-blocked top-handle totes are finished with a row of yarn-like fringe along the bottom.
SeeByChloe
with an independent carefree sense of individuality.
T
his collection from See By Chloé girl embodies a new, carefree spirit - exploring individuality and eclecticism matched with a clean, urban sensibility. Soft, tiered shapes reflect an innate femininity accented with moments of artisanal texture; from accents of braided denim, ruching, broderie anglaise, and tasselled fringe. Building on the elegant base of warm navy blue, a dusty palette colours the See By Chloé collection through shades of blush pink, raspberry, nude, ivory, white and faun to pops of pale yellow and bright chartreuse. Textures abound, as the utilitarian silhouette of a parka and collarless, quilted coat are rendered feminine in blush-coloured cotton gabardine, blanket checked lining and panels of bouclé tweed.
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TRENDS
Summer Must Haves W
PARENTING
How to Juggle Work and Motherhood • Let Go of the Guilt
BEING A FULL-TIME WORKING MOTHER CAN LEAD TO FEELINGS OF GUILT AND STRESS BECAUSE OF DIVIDED ATTENTION BETWEEN WORK AND FAMILY. THE KEY IS TO FOCUS ON A PLAN, GET ORGANIZED, AND FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSION AND PARENTHOOD. HERE ARE 10 WAYS TO HELP MAKE SURE BOTH YOUR CAREER AND YOUR FAMILY FLOURISH.
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Rather than dwell on how you’re not with your child, think about how your role in the company is benefitting the family. Perhaps you can afford certain classes or educational opportunities for your children or you’re able to put away savings for college. “The most successful career moms have found ways to be efficient in both worlds -- and that requires being able to come to terms with choices and focus on the priorities that are in the moment,” says Lisa Pierson Weinberger, a lawyer and the founder of the website Mom, Esq. Accept that there will be good and bad days. Mothers should know they are not alone and they should discuss their feelings with partners or support groups. Local mom blogs, such as Working Moms Against Guilt, are a great way to reach out to others trying to find the same work-home balance.
• Find Quality Childcare Ask your network of friends and family for references to nannies, babysitters, and daycare centres. Create a list of criteria that are important and then schedule time to interview qualified childcare providers or to tour local day-cares. Sharon Tepper, the president of Brownstone Nannies, Inc., recommends hiring nannies with a history of long-term
commitments to families. This shows they have excellent experience and are adaptable to various age groups, caring for new-borns and older children who need homework help. Tepper also encourages families to schedule a paid playdate with the candidates, because “this playdate (typically two to four hours) allows the family to evaluate how the nanny interacts with the child in a less formal setting.” A good childcare provider should have extensive experience, excellent references, and a record to prove it. A good daycare facility should have flexible hours, a low teacherto-student ratio, outdoor space, up-to-date licenses, and employees who have had their backgrounds checked.
• Make the Mornings Easier Avoid starting the day on a frazzled note by getting organized the night before. Pack the kids’ lunches, lay out their clothes (plus your own), and have everyone shower. “You should also decide what to make for breakfast, and repack the diaper bag, backpacks, purses, or work bags to be placed by the door, right next to your keys, so you can grab them and lock up on your way out,” suggests Amanda Wiss, the founder of Urban Clarity, a Brooklyn-based organizing service. Look over the next day’s to-do list and divide the schedule, determining which parent gets the kids dressed, buys
SETTING ASIDE 15 MINUTES EACH SUNDAY TO REVIEW AND PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK’S SCHEDULE. HELPS ELIMINATE SURPRISES DURING THE WEEK
necessary groceries, and cooks the meals. This is also a good time to discuss any changes to the family schedule. Knowing that a lot of the mundane tasks are completed will allow you to spend a few minutes eating breakfast with the kids without rushing out of the house.
• Create and Organize a Family Calendar Figure out your family’s priorities. A calendar can include dates when bills are due, a chore chart for the kids, a list of school and family events, extracurricular activities, birthdays, and more. Wiss suggests using Google calendars, which can be easily shared and synced on smartphones, because “they are color-coded and get superimposed on each other, so you can always be on top of scheduling challenges.” Fran Durekas, Founder and Chief Development Officer for Children’s Creative Learning Centre, suggests “setting aside 15 minutes each Sunday to review and prepare for the upcoming week’s schedule. This helps eliminate surprises during the week. Families should share the calendar with their babysitter or nanny so that everyone is up-to-date on activities.” Staying organized is also about having a clean environment. Wiss advises having a “family command station” near an entranceway, where important papers and documents are placed, along with keys, chargers, batteries and petty cash. Carving out dedicated spots will save time and improve efficiency in your home.
questions when speaking with a supervisor. The two biggest questions to ask are “How much time can I take off?” and “How much of that time will be paid?” Discuss using short-term disability or vacation/sick time to cover some of your time away from the office. Weinberger adds, “It’s best to know those answers to avoid any confusion during your leave.”
• Stay Connected During the Day Stay connected with your children even when you’re not together. For moms with younger kids, consider recording yourself talking or singing on a video or record your voice reading along to a children’s (Hallmark has a series of recordable storybooks). If you’re going to miss or be late to an older child’s event, give her something special in the morning, like a good-luck charm or a personal note. Look into options for filming the event so you can watch it later and not miss a moment. Hang pictures of yourself and your partner so the kids can see your faces. During your breaks at work, call your child; hearing her can help you get through a rough day, and she’ll be comforted to know you’re near.
• Limit Distractions and Time Wasters Be disciplined and set time limits when
checking email or making phone calls, things you can do when the kids are sleeping. Reduce TV watching to once a week to maximize time with your partner during the evenings. Try to avoid multitasking, especially when spending time with your children. At your workplace, try to avoid wasting time. Of course you want to have a rapport with co-workers, but numerous email exchanges, casual Internet surfing, gossiping, and long lunches are distractions that will make you less productive. Focus on your tasks at work and talk to co-workers during breaks or lunchtime.
• Create Special Family Activities Making time for your kids is crucial, both during the week and on the weekends, to nurture your family dynamic and allow everyone to bond. If you’re pressed for time, have a family breakfast or a family night with board games or movies. “Create activities that regularly fit into your schedule so everyone knows what to expect and what to look forward to,” Wiss suggests. When you do have family outings, avoid talking about work or checking your phone. Instead, focus on your kids’ interests such as friends, classes, and hobbies. With older children, ask for their activity suggestions and try to meet their needs. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you do it together. (Source: parents.com)
• Communicate with Your Employer Before talking to your employer or HR representative, construct a written plan detailing what you need. Weinberger suggests “researching whether other employees have flexible arrangements and using this information to your advantage... This information will help tailor your proposal to the terms that your employer has already embraced with your co-workers.” Every employer is different, and only you will know how much to share, but try to be as open and honest as possible. Be prepared to present alternative solutions, such as a trial period of your projected work schedule so you can show how the arrangement won’t restrict productivity. Moms seeking maternity leave should ask
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Tips to Stop Your Child from Swearing I
t can be quite a shock when you first hear your child swear. You might be wondering where your child learned that kind of language – and whether he really understands what he’s saying. How you react to your child’s swearing now will influence his future swearing behaviour. Swearing: why children do it
Young children often swear because they’re exploring language. They might be testing a new word, perhaps to understand its meaning. Sometimes swearing happens accidentally when children are learning to say words. Children might also be trying to express a feeling such as frustration. Or they might simply be saying the word because it sounds funny or gets a reaction. Children might also be imitating others when they swear. What to do about swearing: immediate action
The most effective way to deal with your child’s swearing is to ignore the swearing completely. No talking, no eye contact. If the behaviour is attention seeking, this is often the best way to stop it. Your reaction will influence whether your child swears again. Staying calm is the key. This will go a long way towards preventing further swearing. If your child continues to swear, or you feel it’s a good opportunity to teach her about swearing, try talking to her about her choice of words. For example, you could say, ‘We don’t use words that upset people’. Preschoolers might not fully understand the words they use, but they can understand that swear words can hurt or offend others. If the swearing has happened because your child is trying to say a new word – so ‘sit’ and ‘truck’ come out sounding more like swear words – it’s a good idea to gently correct your child’s pronunciation. Should you explain what the word means? Generally, toddlers and preschoolers don’t need explanations of swear words. They’re too young to understand some of the concepts behind the more common swear words. It’s enough just to say, ‘That’s not a nice word’. Children over the age of four years can get some good out of a simple explanation. If you think your child might have some understanding of the meaning of the word, you can ask him what he thinks the word means. Then use general terms to explain why it’s not appropriate. For example, you could say, ‘That is a word for private body parts, and it’s not nice to use’. What to do about swearing: longer term
• It’s a good idea for the adults in your home to discuss and agree on acceptable language. For example, in some families, expressions such as ‘damn’ are OK, but other words are not. • Discuss your family rules about acceptable language with your child. For example, you might say, ‘Please use a nicer word’, or ‘We don’t use words like that’. • If you find it difficult to stop swearing yourself, try to find alternative words to use or another way to deal with the situation. Adults often swear when they’re frustrated or angry. Instead of swearing, try to say something like, ‘I feel really frustrated or angry’. This way you are modelling better ways of expressing feelings.
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• Teach your child alternative ways to deal with anger and frustration. This could include counting to 10, taking deep breaths, or talking about angry feelings. • Be aware of what your child watches, listens to and plays with. That means supervising and checking the ratings on TV, movies and other multimedia and music. Our child-friendly movie reviews look at movies and DVDs to help you decide what’s suitable for your child. It’s also a good idea to have the computer and TV in a part of the house where you can easily see them. • Praise your child when you notice her dealing appropriately with anger or frustration. For example, if your child tells you that a playmate was using swear words to tease her, praise your child for walking away from the situation and not using those words herself. Preschoolers (and some toddlers) can be intrigued by private body parts and bodily functions. They might start to use words such as ‘bum head’, ‘poo face’ and ‘farty’. Although some of these words might be unacceptable in your house, this is a phase that most children go through. They’re just testing out the words and your reactions. Ignoring the words or letting your child know that they can’t be used will help curb this behaviour. (Source: raisingchildren.net.au)
BETWEEN STIMULUS AND RESPONSE, THERE IS A SPACE. IN THAT SPACE LIES OUR FREEDOM AND POWER TO CHOOSE OUR RESPONSE. IN OUR RESPONSE LIES OUR GROWTH AND FREEDOM.” --Victor Frankl
How to love your child when you’re angry
I
know, you never actually stop loving your child, even when he acts like monsters and you can’t stand being with him another minute. But unfortunately, the love you feel isn’t the most important factor in your children’s emotional development. The most important factor is whether your child feels loved, unconditionally. Even when he’s acting like a monster! Does he know that you love him, exactly as he is? That he isn’t always expected to be perfect? That his anger, disappointment, frustration and sadness are just part of being human, and that he can count on you to help him learn to manage those feelings so he doesn’t have to act on them? You may be wondering how you teach your child those things. The answer is easy, but oh so difficult. Why? Because your child knows you love him when he’s being sweet, generous, and obedient. He’s not so sure you love him when he’s feeling angry, or jealous, or greedy. When he acts like a monster, he’s afraid he really is a monster. But when you: • Can stay lovingly connected to him even as you set limits on his behaviour? Your child learns that he’s not a bad person, just human. • Can resist lashing out at him even when you’re “justifiably” angry? He learns from your modeling how to regulate his emotions. • Can remember to empathize as you set limits, so your child would want to follow these limits? He learns self-discipline. • Can accept that he’s an immature human who naturally make mistakes? He learns that mistakes are part of growing, and what matters is noticing, repairing, and planning ahead to avoid the same mistakes next time. • Can love him through his upsets? He learns that feelings are manageable, not dangerous, and that he’s ok, complete with all those inconvenient feelings. It’s that self-acceptance that helps the child manage those feelings so he doesn’t have to act them out. Healing our ability to love unconditionally means that we commit to parenting from love, not anger. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t get angry at your child. And we all know we don’t feel very loving at those moments.
Loving unconditionally when you’re furious isn’t easy. In fact, it’s such heavy lifting of the heart that it builds real love muscle. But nothing changes your child’s behavior quite as quickly. Instead of unloading your anger on this small person entrusted to your care and guidance, can you teach yourself to take a deep breath and a few minutes to calm yourself? The key is to enlarge that space between your child’s stimulus and your reaction, so that you have the freedom to choose a response that heals. Then you’ll be able to show up as a real teacher for your child, and help him process his upset constructively. How?
1. When you’re angry, shift your attention away from your child and concentrate on calming yourself. Forget about teaching your child lessons unless you’re in a state of love and can teach lovingly. A teachable moment is always when both people are receptive and positive. Anger and punishment are never based in love, because your child never feels love when he’s feeling your anger. (In fact, he’s in fight, flight or freeze, which means the learning parts of the brain shut down.)
2. What if your child “deserves” your anger? You’re always entitled to your anger, but it’s always YOUR anger, not the other person’s responsibility. In any case, that’s not a judgment you can make while you’re angry.
3. What if your child’s behavior requires “discipline”? Discipline means guidance. Your guidance will be a lot more effective once you’re calm. It’s our job as parents to be our child’s role model in handling emotions constructively. That means never acting on our anger from that “fight, flight or freeze” place where our child looks like the enemy and we have to “win” while our child has to “lose.”
4. But isn’t it healthy to express your anger? Dumping your anger on another person is never healthy; it just reinforces your rage. What’s healthy is to acknowledge how you feel -- angry -- and then be brave enough to pause and notice what’s under your anger -- hurt, fear, sadness, disappointment. Once you’ve calmed down, you’ll be better able to take care of your own hurt places, and also intervene so your child learns how to manage her behavior better.
5. Doesn’t he need to learn a lesson? Of course, but rage is not the lesson you want to teach. If you make your teachable moments into learnable moments by waiting until your child is receptive, your teaching will stick. Your child will get something even better than the lesson about behavior -- lessons about self-regulation. And just as important, the unshakable conviction that he is wholly and unconditionally loved exactly as he is, including all those messy, passionate emotions that make us human. Notice I didn’t say this would be easy. But every time you manage your anger instead of dumping it onto your child, it gets easier. You’re actually re-wiring your brain! Just keep practicing, finding that moment of freedom between the stimulus (your child’s behavior) and your own response. Noticing is what gives us a choice next time. Loving unconditionally is “Win-Win” parenting. That’s because not acting on your anger creates more space for love. And where there is more love, there is always more room for miracles.
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RELATIONSHIP
How Does Marriage Affect Your Health? Want a longer and happier life? Then get married! We all know the divorce rates are high, but 90% of young people still want to tie the knot. In fact two out of every three first marriages will last until one partner dies, and one in two second marriages will also last a lifetime. Organiser of the annual “Marriage Week UK”, Dave Percival says, “Wake up and realise how special and important your relationship is and cherish it.” Health Benefits
You live longer - One study has gone so far as to say the impact of marriage on health and life expectancy, particularly in men, is almost equivalent to giving up smoking. Professor Andrew Oswald, lead researcher of the University of Warwick study says, “Smoking takes on average seven years off a man’s life and marriage gives him an extra seven years.” For women marriage gives you an extra three years. It’s not fully understood why this is but one reason is that marriage protects against death by warding off feelings of isolation.
It makes you happy - There seems to be a really strong link between love and joy. Married people are twice as likely to be “happy with life” and less than half as likely to be “not too happy” compared to either single, cohabiting, separated, divorced or widowed people. A study in the Journal of Family Psychology shows happiness depends more on the quality of family relationships than on the level of income. So money doesn’t always make you happy but a good marriage just might! Less depression and fewer mental health problems - It’s not just your physical health that marriage protects. It makes people far less likely to suffer mental health problems too. A US study found mental health improves consistently and substantially after marriage and deteriorates substantially after divorce or separation. According to the report by the US department of Health and Human Services, getting married and staying married reduces depression in both men and women. This finding is not surprising, Dr Reis says, because social isolation is clearly linked to higher rates of depression. Reduces stress - Lowers blood pressure - Research from the University of Warwick suggests marriage may reduce stress, help couples develop healthier habits and suppress bad ones. A happy marriage is good for your blood pressure too. That’s the conclusion of a study in the Annals of Behavioural Medicine. Researchers found happily married people had the best blood pressure, followed by singles. Unhappily married participants fared the worst. Keeps bugs at bay - So marriage can make us happier and less stressed which may help us deal with bugs better. Professor Oswald says, “Marriage has some remarkable physical benefits which aren’t fully understood, but it does seem to boost our immune systems.” In a study of people over the age of 65, it was found that those who said they were happily married had much higher levels of antibodies in the blood. Married people, therefore, could be more likely to fight off flu viruses and other common bugs. Fewer trips to the doctor - One study in the US reviewed a bounty of studies on marriage and health. One of the report’s most striking findings is that married people make fewer doctors’ visits and have shorter average hospital stays. “Nobody quite knows why loving relationships are good for health,” Dr Reis says. “The best logic for this is that human beings have been crafted by evolution to live in closely knit social groups. When that is not happening, the biological systems ... get overwhelmed.” Marriage involved physical intimacy, which is good for us - When we’re married it’s quite likely that we’ll be physically intimate which is good for our health too. It reduces stress and it boosts self-esteem. Being physically intimate increases levels of the hormone oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, which helps us bond and build trust. Marriage has to be happy to be healthy After all that scientific evidence it seems as though being married is the panacea for a healthy life but it’s not that simple. If you have problems, such as arguing, not talking…etc., marriage can feel more like a burden than a joy. Health benefits can evaporate if the marriage itself is causing you stress and unhappiness. However, all is not lost. The experts tell us we have to work at marriage. It’s not just the wedding and the rest is all plain-sailing. The more you put in the more you get out. It’s good to examine our relationship, think about how to improve it. (Source: WebMD Feature)
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What Determines a
Healthy Marriage? H
ave you ever considered how to determine how good or healthy your marriage is? There isn’t a lab test or a thermometer that gives you a reading to tell you how you are doing. So, how do people know if their marriage is healthy or not? Unfortunately, for some people, they have no idea what their own determining factors would be, say nothing about their spouse’s determining factors. Sometimes people are completely blown away when their spouse mentions divorce. They thought things were going just fine, but apparently their spouse didn’t.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO EXAMINE HOW YOU WOULD KNOW IF YOUR MARRIAGE IS GOOD OR BAD AND TO SEE IF THESE THINGS ARE IN LINE WITH YOUR SPOUSE’S VIEW OF THE RELATIONSHIP.
We Have Fun Together There are couples who really enjoy one another’s company and they like doing a lot of activities together. They gauge their marital satisfaction based on how much fun they are having. Going on fun dates, exciting vacations, and finding new adventures mean they are over all satisfied with their marriage.
We’re Accomplishing Things Together Accomplishments can signal happiness for some people. They think that if they have children, a nice house, enough money, and all their goals are being reached, their marriage must be a good thing. They credit their success to having a good marriage and think things must be good if they are doing well.
Behaviour or Feeling? It’s important to take a look at whether you determine the health of your marriage based on feelings or behaviours. For some people, they just feel good, feel lovingly toward their spouse and feel their spouse loves them. For these people, they just feel like their marriage is good. For others, it is based more on behaviours. If their spouse does the chores, buys them presents or gives them attention, they feel like their marriage is good. They also feel like the best way to show their love is to do things for their spouse. Most people believe in determining the health of their relationship based on a combination of feelings and behaviours. For example, my marriage is good when we are
helping each other and when we help each other; we feel more love between us. The good news is, you can behave lovingly even when you don’t feel like it and these behaviours can change how you feel.
Find Out Your Spouse’s Thoughts about Marriage Health Find out your spouse’s definition of a healthy, satisfying marriage. You may find that it differs slightly from yours. Men and women’s brains work differently. They think and feel things in different ways. So therefore, their definitions of a successful relationship may vary. Ask your spouse’s opinion on the current state of your marriage. Don’t let your spouse get away with something like “it’s alright.” Find out what that means. Ask what a great marriage looks like.
Set Goals for Yourselves Once you compare notes on the state of your marriage, discuss what types of things would make your marriage better. These can be small things, like “kissing me goodnight” or “greeting me when I come in the door.” Try to set some goals for yourselves that are realistic and obtainable. Identify one small thing you can start doing for your spouse regularly that would make your spouse feel like the marriage was better. Offer one thing your spouse can do for you. Keep communicating about the state of your marriage and how healthy or unhealthy you feel it is and make adjustments as necessary. (Source: marriagecounselingblog.com)
I’m Happy so It Must Be Good Some people judge their marital satisfaction based on their happiness with their life in general. They think, “If I’m happy then my marriage must be good.” Their sources of happiness may be their work, extended family, or other external factors and they assume is going well.
We’re Weathering the Good Times and the Bad Other people don’t think that happiness equates to marital satisfaction. Instead, they look for how they are handling the bad times. If they are taking the good and the bad and making it through together, they assume their marriage is in a good place. The general thinking is that if my spouse is here for me when I’m dealing with grief, tragedy and problems, we must have a good marriage.
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LITTLE TRENDS
Sweet Retro Inspired Kidswear in
Marie-Chantal
Spring-Summer 2015
T
he warm season’s collection comes with fresh and fun looks. Indeed, the mood of the showcased collection is nostalgic, echoing memories of long summer days, when kids spend their time playing outdoors or having fun at the beach. This collection is trendy and timeless. Marie-Chantal has a classic cool kids fashion look for spring 2015. The London based label always produces a luxury line with a classic boys offering in modern colourways and beautiful girls dresses for both social events and upmarket urban days out. Every staple is beautifully crafted from the finest fabrics with high attention to quality and details. We see beautiful jersey tees, printed blouses, peplum tops, sweet cardigans paired with casual skirts and shorts, rolled up chinos, skinnies in summery colors.
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BLOG
Make Room
(on the Web) for Dad
A
few years ago, when Avi Moskowitz wanted advice about which highchair, stroller and car seat to buy for his first child, he didn’t turn to Consumer Reports or let his wife handle the research. He posted on Daddit, a part of the social networking site Reddit that was formed in 2011 to meet the growing demand of fathers seeking their own cozy corner of the Web. “On Daddit, you get the geekier side of the Internet, where people have done technical research about why this product is better than another product, but I think it also shows that dads are taking on more roles and responsibilities when it comes to parenting,” said Moskowitz, 27, who works at a security technology company in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Now, he also volunteers as a moderator for Daddit, which has more than 34,000 subscribers - almost twice that of Mommit, Reddit’s site for moms. Copious evidence online suggests that dads want their own space there, whether public or private, to talk about their larger roles in the family (and to sometimes joke about them). “Daddy bloggers” have already earned large followings. But now there is also a growing number of Internet communities, networks, forums and email lists delving into the joys, trials and even public-policy aspects of being a father. “No one teaches you how to be a dad,” said Bre Pettis, 42, a New York-based entrepreneur who turned to an invitation-only email list of hundreds of fathers from the technology and media worlds, called Nuevo Dads, when he had a harrowing experience with his premature daughter in the neonatal intensive-care unit. “Many people shared stories of their experience in the NICU, and it made me feel less alone,” Pettis recalled in a phone interview before excusing himself to garden with his daughter, who will turn 4 in July. Along with advice and comfort, dad-only forums also offer a “safe space” to blow off steam. Josh Levs, a journalist for CNN and father of three, posted, “When you have a
nightmare that you’ve had another kid, it might be time to get a vasectomy,” on his closed dad-blogger Facebook group. Levs, 43, said he interacts with his dad group more than with his private friend group. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 48 percent of marriedcouple families in 2014 had both parents working. Along with that, “you have a younger generation of dads creating new demands for what they want online,” said Simon Isaacs, a founder, with Michael Rothman, both 34, of Fatherly, a mash-up of BuzzFeed and Vice for dads. Its content runs the gamut, from a Q-and-A with Ziauddin Yousafzai, titled “What’s It Like to Raise a Nobel Peace Prize Winner? Ask Malala Yousafzai’s Dad,” to a two-minute therapy video on what to do if your partner thinks you’re working too much. But Isaacs, the father of 2-month-old Kaia, said the No. 1 question dads seemed to have is relatively mundane: “What should I be doing with my kid today?” To answer, Fatherly devised a series called 940 Saturdays - the number of Saturdays between when a child is born and when he or she turns 18 (a conceit borrowed from the author Dr. Harley Rotbart) - with advice on topics like sand-castle building and learning to ski. The brotherhood of fathers has migrated to Twitter, where there were 112 million dadrelated tweets in 2014, compared with 212 million about moms. (And about 2.5 million active Twitter users mention dad or father in their Twitter bio, the company said.) “It’s like a warm blanket to be able to bond with other dads,” said Andrew Adashek, 38, Twitter’s director of television partnerships and a father of two. He uses the service as a “modern-age Dr. Spock” (not surprisingly, there is now a Dr. Spock website, and Twitter and Facebook accounts). He has sourced advice from other dads on what instrument to get for his 4-year-old son, Dylan (“whatever the grown-ups can tolerate!” one dad tweeted), and what children’s basketball league to join.
Famous athletes and movie stars are also using social media to share their experiences of both the banal and the larger injustices surrounding fatherhood. In November, LeBron James tweeted to his millions of followers about spending the early-morning hours with his newborn daughter. In March, Ashton Kutcher, who became a father last year, took umbrage at public restrooms. “There are NEVER diaper-changing stations in mens public restrooms. The first public men’s room that I go into that has one gets a free shout out on my FB page!” he posted to his millions of Facebook followers, leading to the creation of the popular hashtag #pottyparity. “I see dads moving from blogger mode to activist mode,” said Doyin Richards, 40, the author of “Daddy Doin’ Work: Empowering Mothers to Evolve Fatherhood.” On Twitter, Richards, who lives in Los Angeles and has 12,900 followers (and two children), recently started #FatherhoodFriday to encourage fathers to share photos and stories. “It’s a very simple concept, but the idea is to show the father’s role in the family is now recognized,” he said. And when Levs, the author of the forthcoming book “All In: How Our Work-First Culture Fails Dads, Families and Businesses and How We Can Fix It Together,” filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Time Warner, the parent company of his employer, CNN, over its paternity-leave policy, he outlined the case on Tumblr. (As a result of the filing, Time Warner changed its policy, offering biological fathers six weeks of paid leave instead of two.) But it’s not all Sheryl Sandbergs out there rallying for equality. “About 90 percent of the posts on Daddit are those posting pictures of their cute kids,” Moskowitz, now the father of two, said. “We tried to ban pictures or say only post pictures here, but that didn’t work. I think it speaks to how much dads want to show off their kids.”
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FINE LIVING
Organizing Mistakes That Clutter Your House Your house may look clean, but these common organizing mistakes can make it hard to maintain order. Professional organizers share their top pet peeves and how to solve them.
The Mistake: Confusing “Clean” and “Organized”
The Mistake: Messy Under-Bed Boxes
“Having piles neatly lined up on the counter doesn’t mean you’re organized,” says professional organizer Linda Rothschild. If you find your flat surfaces filling with clutter, it’s time to designate a spot for everything coming into your home. Once you get the hang of it, the piles will disappear.
Under-bed storage is a great space-saver, but exposed boxes and bins can make a bedroom look cluttered. The fix? “Add a bedskirt, or make the stuff on the edges of the bed look more contained or organized,” says professional organizer Alejandra Costello. Or, opt for a bed with built-in under-bed storage.
The Mistake: Keeping Counters Too Clear
The Mistake: Stuffing Small Spaces
Once you’ve cleared off what doesn’t belong on the kitchen counter, don’t forget to leave room for things you use every day. If you make daily smoothies, make a spot for the blender. It’s easier to keep the surfaces clean and organized if you have what you need at hand and everything has a designated spot.
“Be realistic about the space you have and how you use it,” says professional organizer Nancy Heller. “If you are in a small home, you really have to be realistic about how much you can really have there without it being cluttered and overwhelming.” Opt for hidden storage under the bed or stairs, but know when to minimize your stuff, too.
The Mistake: A Full Refrigerator
The Mistake: Being Spontaneous
“A big, messy focal point is a refrigerator tacked with magnets and reminders and notes and letters and photos and wedding invitations and art projects and shopping lists,” says professional organizer Jeni Aron. “Instead, keep one clipboard on your kitchen wall with all of the reminders and lists you need. When the clipboard is full, that’s your maximum number of papers you can keep.”
When it comes to organization, predictability rules. “I am a firm believe of putting things in the same place all the time,” says professional organizer Kendra Stanley. “My checkbook is in the same place. My wallet’s in the same place. Flashlights, tools, everything in the kitchen — put things back in the same place every time. You’ll condition yourself to be organized.”
The Mistake: Disorganized Kitchen Shelving
The Mistake: Waiting Until Tomorrow
Glass-front cabinets or open shelving can look messy if dishes are piled at random. “The solution? Add fabric or contact paper inside the glass cabinets. A better solution: Setting up a way to keep dishes organized,” says professional organizer Alejandra Costello.
Staying organized is easy if you do something every day. “It’s continuous maintenance. For every hour we spend organizing we save 3-4 hours,” says professional organizer Nancy Heller. “Spend 5 minutes tidying up your junk drawer...just 20 minutes here, 10 minutes there will make all the difference.” ( Source: HgTV)
The Mistake: Choosing Closet Form Over Daily Function We all dream of a chic walk-in closet, but think about what you really use before devoting tons of space to baubles and high heels. “Things you wear on a regular basis need to be accessible,” says professional organizer Linda Rothschild. “If you go running everyday, those shoes should be in the front,” she says. Wear boots to work? Keep those out and stow away heels. Being realistic about your real-life closet needs makes it easier to keep the space neat.
The Mistake: Out-of-Order Containers Throwing your stuff in a box or drawer doesn’t make it organized. “Every drawer, cabinet and shelf is a container, but consider taking it a step further by using additional containers within those storage areas to organize your things even more. Use bins, baskets, cups, tin cans, stackable bins and dividers to help keep your items better contained and visually appealing,” says professional organizer Vanessa Hayes.
The Mistake: Shopping First, Organizing Second “The biggest mistake I see is that people think buying a bunch of organizing products will solve their clutter nightmares, but it usually just adds to the frustration,” says professional organizer Vanessa Hayes. “Instead, you need to edit your stuff first, then decide on products to help you organize what’s left.” That way, you’ll buy only what you need.
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INTERIOR
Rustic Chic Collection A Touch to bring luxury and nature together Moods
As vintage minimalism takes the interiors market by storm, Bloom selects the Rustic Chic collection that adds a romantic and nostalgic zeal to any home. With three families within their new collection –being the Moods, Cities and Romance families –the Rustic Chic collection has sepia and greyscale undertones that brighten up any nostalgia-themed home.
Feel Blue Duvet set in the moods collection with natural setting to any room looking for some rustic appeal. Gatsby Duvet in Blue set is a gunmetal, tones of grey and blue duvet cover set that sets beautifully in any environment, giving any room a playful, suave atmosphere. A more sunny counterpart to the original Gatsby is the Gatsby Duvet in Red set that exemplifies the look of its predecessor with a fun twist of numerous red shades and overtones.
Romance Nendra, the satin duvet cover 6 pieces set in purple with a soft floral design is add a soft sensuality to any bedroom. Elisa, a 6-piece kingsized floral set with a bright and romantically patterned duvet cover is a delightful pop of color in any monochrome setting. Emma, with her rich red tones, geometrical and regal patterns, is a royal addition to any monotone room.
Cities The Barcelona Duvet Cover single bed set comes in a rustic sepia theme laced with beautiful bursts of magenta pink that adds the persona of the romantic city to any bedroom. The Big Ben Duvet Cover single bed set comes in a greyscale pattern with hints of red that exemplify the look and feel of London in any bedroom. The Erguvan Duvet Cover set is a queensized sepia beauty with splashes of bright purple throughout complete with a cityscape of Istanbul for the lover of all things Turkish.
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PRESS RELEASE
Corporate Statement KAHRAMAA has the privilege of being the sole transmission and distribution system owner and operator (TDSOO) for the electricity and water sector in Qatar. Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation “KAHRAMAA” was established in July 2000 in terms of Law # 10 to regulate and maintain the supply of electricity and water to customers. Since its inception, KAHRAMAA has operated as an independent corporation on a commercial basis with a total capital of eight billion Qatari Riyals.
Core areas of Business KAHRAMAA buys, distributes and sells electricity and water as follows: 1. Formulate Power & Water Purchase Agreements (PWPA) and provide necessary technical and corporate support for establishment of generation & desalination ventures 2. Own, construct and operate electricity & water transmission and distribution networks in the State of Qatar. 3. Set-up plans and programs for development of electricity & water transmission and distribution networks, 4. Lay out regulations, standards and codes of practices for electricity & water supplies to buildings and facilities 5. Provide consultancy services related to its activities and operations.
Mission Providing High Quality and Sustainable Electricity and Water for Better Living in Qatar
Vision By 2030 our people, assets, systems and processes will set a global benchmark for performance, technological innovation, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in electricity & water Sector
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Values 1) Customer Centricity : Placing the customer at the heart of decision making to ensure a relentless focus on the customer’s needs 2) Performance and Responsiveness: High standards of efficiency and effectiveness to meet the needs of KAHRAMAA and its stakeholders 3) Team work : Working with colleagues in an open, collaborative and trusting way to deliver Corporate Objectives 4) Transparency : Undertaking business activities in an open and transparent manner that fosters trust 5) Loyalty : Remaining faithful to KAHRAMAA, supporting its objectives, and being proud of its achievements
Corporate objectives 1. Excel at Customer Services 2. Provide High Quality Water and Electricity 3. Increase Social Advocacy and Environmental Compliance 4. Promote Regulatory changes in the Energy, Water and District
Cooling Markets 5. Strengthen Financial Performance 6. Improve Corporate Governance and Risk Management 7. Enhance Processes and Systems 8. Optimize Asset Performance 9. Ensure a Safe and Healthy Working Environment 10. Attract, Develop and Retain a High-Performing Workforce and Support Qatarisation
INNOVATION
16 million color pen
can match its ink to the shade of any real world object
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hile the 3Doodler has already enabled users to draw new objects into existence with just a pen and some 3D printing technology, translating the qualities of physical objects into digital materials is a bit more tricky. Scribble is a pen that can scan the color of any object and immediately begin drawing in that color. The pen features two ends — one with a nib and one with a scanner. Users can press the scanner against any surface to capture its color, which is translated into a sixcharacter hex code that stores its RGB value. The pen also
features five refillable cartridges that are made up of cyan, yellow, magenta, black and white inks. When an object is scanned, the pen mixes the right amount of each ink to replicate its color and enable users to immediately draw in it. Alternatively, the pen can be connected to a device via Bluetooth or micro USB and the color can be used for digital work, while a stylus version of the device is also available for drawing tablets and touchscreens. Scribble’s sensor can detect up to 16 million colors, and up to 100,000 scanned colors can be stored on the pen at any one time.
Smartphone app can easily identify billions of pill types
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atients with complicated medicine regimes often find it hard to keep track of which pill is which, since most pills are only identifiable via tiny engravings. This is especially true for those who are visually impaired. A new android app called TruScan from TruMedicines hopes to help end this confusion by enabling patients to identify their pills audibly via their smartphone. TruScan will reveal everything the patient needs to know about the pill in question, from the name of the drug and its strength to its expiration date, drug warnings and even alternative options. The information is available in 52 spoken languages.
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FITNESS
IF YOU RUN ON THE TREADMILL, YOU COULD RUN SPRINTS ONE DAY AND A SLOW AND STEADY RUN THE NEXT
How Often Should You Change Your Workout Routine?
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witch up your workout. Shock your muscles. Keep your body guessing. When trainers talk about workouts, it starts to sound a whole lot like your muscles have their own little brains and are constantly plotting to figure out your next exercise move. In a way, they are. Your fitness results comes down to one simple fact: The more you do something, the easier it becomes, says certified personal trainer Nick Tumminello, owner of Performance University in Fort Lauderdale and author of Strength Training for Fat Loss. It doesn’t matter if it’s running 10-Ks, performing squats, or holding Warrior I without shaking. “During exercise, you’re putting a stress on your body, and during your recovery, your body is improving its ability to handle that stress.” The result: You burn fewer calories and build less calorie-torching muscle with every workout. That’s why you need to switch up your workouts on the regular. While the exact amount of time it takes for your body to fully adapt to an exercise varies between women, you should typically switch up your workouts every four to six weeks, says Tumminello. “Our bodies are fairly smart, but it’s also pretty easy to trick them with slight modifications, also known as microprogressions,” says certified personal trainer Carl Helmle III, vice president of training at DavidBartonGym. “I like to change as little as necessary to get a response. Eventually you will need to make bigger changes, but first, start small.” For instance, in the weight room, you can perform more reps or sets using the same
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amount of weight that you typically use. You can perform the same amount of reps with more weight, or you can completely switch up your number of reps and sets, he says. Or, at the end of each workout, you could throw in one of two new moves you haven’t tried in a while, says Tumminello. If you run on the treadmill, you could run sprints one day and a slow and steady run the next. Meanwhile, performing a workout class a couple times a week is a guaranteed way to keep your workouts varied, says Helmle. After all, you never go into the same class and do the exact same thing as you did the day before—instructors like to keep their classes slightly different from day to day. Besides helping you progress and mixing things up, it’s vital to keeping things interesting. If you’re an exercise class junkie, though, eventually you will need to step things up in the studio to keep losing weight. Donavanik recommends talking to the instructor before class even begins. “Most good instructors will give you progressions if you ask for them,” he says. “Still, even if your instructor gives you progressions, it’s up to you to actually complete them,” he says. “Sometimes it’s daunting to take that next step and move up to that next level, but your body will continually see gains if you promise to continually push it. Worst-case scenario, if you can’t handle a progression, you scale back. But you’ll never know if you’ve met your limit unless you try to push your boundaries.” (Source: womenshealthmag.com)
ALL EXERCISE IS NOT CREATED EQUAL. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FAT-BURNING EFFECTS OF CARDIO AND WEIGHT TRAINING.
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ardio has many benefits, including many related to weight loss; it also supports your ATP production (think energy for your workouts), aids in recovery, and even can help you relax and sleep better (by shifting your sympathetic drive in your autonomic nervous system; i.e. longer, slower cardio can help you chill out.) But if you’re trying to create the fastest path to dropping a few extra pounds, here’s why prioritizing weight training is important:
The Argument for Cardio (And Why It Isn’t For Everyone) Just for the sake of learning, remember, cardio is not bad. It just doesn’t burn fat as quickly. In an ideal world, you’d combine metabolic and high intensity workouts (think moderate-to-heavy weights combined with short rest periods) with longer, slower, less intense bouts of cardiovascular activity. The short bouts of training would send your heart rate soaring, increase metabolic activity, and crush fat cells. The slower cardio would aid with recovery and make sure you don’t walk around exhausted, but would also improve your heart efficiency. When you perform slower, longer cardio, you actually are able to force more blood into your heart and expand the walls. This renovation means your heart can pump more blood and oxygen with each beat, making you much more efficient. Rather than becoming gassed as you push harder, you can do a better job of fighting off fatigue and maintaining a higher intensity.
Why Weights Are Better Than Cardio for Fat Loss While it is easy to see why it’s ideal to perform both a mix of lower intensity cardio and weight training, the reality is most people are pressed for time and impatient. You want results as fast as possible with the least amount of work needed. Not to mention, you might not have time for a little extra cardio. You can call it an excuse, but it’s also a reality for many people. So why build a training plan you might not be able to maintain? That’s why if you had to choose between weights and cardio, weights would be the more direct approach.
Mastering the Muscle-Metabolism Connection The majority of calories you burn in a day are not through activity, but instead through your resting metabolic rate (RMR). For example, a 200-pound man might have an RMR of 1600 to 1900 calories, which is about 2-3 times the amount of calories burned in a typical workout. The point? Weight training is better at preserving your RMR by preserving lean body mass (LBM), which is a significant contributor to RMR, or the calories you burn in a 24-hour period independently of physical activity. Research has shown exactly why strength training does such a good job of being the top priority on fat loss plans. West Virginia University researchers used obese female subjects to assess LBM and RMR and compared 12 weeks of resistance
versus aerobic training on LBM and RMR. Despite an 800 calorie liquid diet, the resistance-trained group had no significant LBM losses while the other group lost 4 kg of lean mass. Think about that for a moment. Eating 800 calories per day is low enough that people would fear the dreaded “starvation effect.” And yet, that’s not what was found. [Note: this is not an endorsement to eat 800 liquid calories per day.] You, the resistance-trained group also lost significantly more body fat (around 2 kg) and the RMR increased by 4 percent. In comparison, the aerobic group experienced a 13.4 percent drop in RMR. The resistance group also had greater endurance capacity in the time-to-fatigue test. This study supports the idea that untrained obese subjects dieting severely will get across-the-board better benefits from strength training instead of aerobic training. But the benefits aren’t just limited to those that are overweight or obese. Strength training allows you to maintain a better muscle-to-fat ratio, which not only helps with the way you process food, but also ensures that the amount of calories you burn outside the gym are enough to support all the hard work you dedicate inside the gym. (Source: bornfitness.com)
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• • • •
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Ramada Junction Furousiya St. Rayyan Woqod Hyatt Plaza
• • • •
Barwa Village Wakra City Centre - Cinema City Centre - Extreme World Al Khor - Lulu Mall
Call : 4401 56 56
NUTRITION
Why Our Calorie Count is Inaccurate
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ood labels seem to provide all the information a thoughtful consumer needs, so counting calories should be simple. But things get tricky because food labels tell only half the story. A calorie is a measure of usable energy. Food labels say how many calories a food contains. But what they don’t say is that how many calories you actually get out of your food depends on how highly processed it is.
Processed Food Makes You Fatter Food-processing includes cooking, blending and mashing, or using refined instead of unrefined flour. It can be done by the food industry before you buy the product, or in your home when you prepare a meal. Its effects can be big. If you eat your food raw, you will tend to lose weight. If you eat the same food cooked, you will tend to gain weight. Same calories, different outcome.
More Processed = Digested More Completely Animal experiments show that processing affects calorie gain whether the energy source is carbohydrate, protein or lipid (fats and oils). In every case, more processed foods give an eater more energy. Take carbohydrates, which provide more than half of the world’s calories. Their energy is often packaged in starch grains, dense packets of glucose that are digested mainly in your small intestine. If you eat a starchy food raw, up to half the starch grains pass through the small intestine entirely undigested. Your body gets two-thirds or less of the total calories available in the food. The rest might be used by bacteria in your colon, or might even be passed out whole. Even among cooked foods, digestibility varies. Starch becomes more resistant to digestion when it is allowed to cool and sit after being cooked, because it crystallizes into structures that digestive enzymes cannot easily break down. So stale foods like day-old cooked spaghetti, or cold toast, will give you fewer calories than the same foods eaten piping hot, even though technically they contain the same amount of stored energy.
Softer Foods Are Calorie-Saving Highly processed foods are not only more digestible; they tend to be softer, requiring the body to expend less energy during digestion. Researchers fed rats two kinds of laboratory chow. One kind was solid pellets, the type normally given to lab animals. The other differed only by containing more air: they were like puffed breakfast cereal. Rats eating the solid and puffed pellets ate the same weight of food
and the same number of counted calories and they exercised the same amount as each other. But the rats eating the puffed pellets grew heavier and had 30% more body fat than their counterparts eating regular chow. The reason why the puffed-pellet-eaters gained more energy is that their guts didn’t have to work so hard: puffed pellets take less physical effort to break down. When rats eat, their body temperature rises due to the work of digestion. A meal of puffed pellets leads to less rise in body temperature than the same meal of solid pellets. Because the puffed pellets require less energy to digest, they lead to greater weight gain and more fat. Our bodies work the same way. They do less work when eating foods that have been softened by cooking, mashed or aerated.
Why Food Labels Don’t Tell the Full Story Unfortunately, of course, in today’s overfed and under-exercised populations, nature’s way is not the best way. If we want to lose weight we should challenge our instinctive desires. We should reject soft white bread in favour of rough whole wheat breads, processed cheese in favour of natural cheese, cooked vegetables in favour of raw vegetables. And to do so would be much easier if our food labels gave us some advice about how many calories we would save by eating less-processed food. For decades there have been calls by distinguished committees and institutions to reform our calorie-counting system. But the calls for change have failed. The problem is a shortage of information. Researchers find it hard to predict precisely how many extra calories will be gained when our food is more highly processed. By contrast, they find it easy to show that if a food is digested completely, it will yield a specific number of calories. Our food labelling therefore faces a choice between two systems, neither of which is satisfactory. The first gives a precise number of calories but takes no account of the known effects of food-processing, and therefore inaccurately measures what our bodies are actually harvesting from the food. The second would take account of food-processing, but without any precise numbers.
Time for a Change? Given the importance of counting calories correctly, it’s time to re-open the discussion. We need a major scientific effort to produce adequate numbers on the effects of food-processing. (Source: discovermagazine.com)
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CUISINE
Mango Ice Means Summer Is Now Mango Lime Sorbet Time: 10 minutes, plus overnight rest and about 25 minutes in ice cream maker Yield: 1 quart, serving 5 to 6 Ingredients • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar • 4 cups (750 grams) diced mango (3 to 4 large mangos) • 2/3 cup (150 grams) fresh lime juice (about 6 limes) • 2 tablespoons (50 grams) corn syrup Method 1. Combine 1/2 cup water and sugar in a small saucepan and stir. Bring to a simmer and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. 2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and purée until completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl or container and chill overnight in refrigerator. 3. (Chill a 1-quart container in the freezer while you spin the sorbet.) Remove bowl from refrigerator and blend the mango purée again for 1 to 2 minutes in a blender or with an immersion blender. Add to ice cream maker and spin for about 25 minutes. Transfer to chilled container and freeze for 2 hours or longer to pack. 4. Once frozen solid, allow to soften in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
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Summer braised chicken with tomatoes
Mid-Summer Italian Bread Salad A simple light casserole with cannellini beans, basil and green chilli served with gluten-free Parmesan cornmeal Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 3 banana shallots, finely sliced • 4 chicken legs • 300ml gluten-free chicken stock • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled but left whole • a few lemon thyme sprigs • 400g cherry tomatoes • 3 plum tomatoes, quartered • 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • 1 green chilli, finely sliced • 175g quick-cook fine polenta • 85g finely grated Parmesan • knob of butter • small bunch basil, leaves picked and torn, to serve Method 1. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a shallow flameproof casserole dish over a medium heat. Throw in the shallots and soften, then remove and set aside. Season the chicken, turn up the heat and add to the pan with the remaining oil, browning all over. Return the shallots to the dish, pour over the stock and add the garlic, thyme, tomatoes, beans and chilli. Bring to the boil, cover and put in the oven for 30 mins or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the lid and cook for 10 mins more to reduce the sauce. 2. Meanwhile, pour the polenta into 700ml boiling water while whisking. Cook for 2 mins (or according to pack instructions). Season generously, remove from the heat and stir through the Parmesan and butter. Serve the polenta with the chicken on top, scattered with basil.
“Everything in this salad is fresh, except the bread! Prepare this salad by using a loaf of artisan bread or rosemary bread that is a touch stale. If your bread is too fresh, toast it until it is about half as dried and crunchy as a crouton.” Ingredients • 1 clove garlic • 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread • 1 cup chopped tomatoes • 1 cup cucumber - peeled, seeded and chopped • 1 cup chopped red onion • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 cups chopped fresh basil • 1/8 cup chopped fresh thyme • 1/4 cup olive oil • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Method 1. Rub a peeled clove of garlic around a wooden salad bowl. 2. Pull apart or chop the bread into bite-size pieces. 3. In the prepared salad bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, garlic, basil and thyme. Add enough olive oil and vinegar to lightly coat, toss and serve.
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TRAVEL
Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, the Bahamas
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f the workday grind has you dreaming of paradise, you might be surprised to learn that it’s closer than you think. A direct flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and a 25-minute cab ride will get you to Paradise Island in the Bahamas in less than four hours. Formerly called Hog Island, Paradise was given its more tourist-friendly name in the late 1950s. It’s connected via two bridges to the Bahamian capital of Nassau on Providence Island. Two James Bond films—Thunder-ball and Casino Royale—were filmed on Paradise Island, as was part of the Beatles’ movie Help! But it’s probably best known for being home to Atlantis Resort, a 141-acre vacation mecca built in the late 1990s and given a $1 billion expansion in 2007. With an array of hotels on site, Atlantis lets you customize your travel experience. If you’re looking to go the family-friendly route, book a room in the iconic Royal Towers, situated in the middle of the resort and offering easy access to the waterpark, beaches, and kids’ and teen clubs.
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I opted to stay at the Cove, an all-suite hotel where every room has an ocean view. At its 21-and-up pool, one can gamble, soak up the sun, and imbibe tropical drinks—all at the same time. The resort’s Aqua-venture Waterpark isn’t just for children. I spent an afternoon trying out some of the more adventurous waterslides—including “The Leap of Faith,” a 60-foot, nearly vertical, open-air slide; and the “Serpent Slide,” a five-story inner tube slide that passes through an acrylic tunnel in a shark tank. A word of warning: These rides had me shaking in my swimsuit and are not for the faint of heart. A trip to the resort’s Mandara Spa was the perfect way to calm my nerves and cap a long day in the sun. Along with spa staples like Swedish massages, body scrubs, and manicure/pedicures, it also offers a seaweed detox massage. The 75-minute treatment involved multiple body wraps, masks, and a 25-minute massage that left my skin feeling smooth and my body feeling refreshed. Atlantis provides more than 21 dining options. The food at the lower end of the restaurant spectrum, however, leaves much to be desired. Instead, stick to the eight more upscale offerings, like the Southwestern-style cuisine from Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill, fresh sushi at Nobu, or French-Asian fare from Jean-Georges Vongeritchten at Dune. Each
t. Resort guests also slips available for ren Club Golf Course, an an Oce the have access to designed by Tom rse cou f 18-hole, par-72 gol Weiskopf. the Straw Market To shop, take a cab to handmade goods. sell in Nassau, where locals odcarvings, and wo s, ket bas ven wo Browse s. When you’re nge spo l ura nat souvenirs like skills to work. g glin hag r ready to buy, put you real attraction the e, asid ies ivit All these act the turquoise , rse cou of at Paradise Island is, , the island ect exp ’d waters of the sea. As you h white, powder y wit s che bea of offers miles Cove Beach and two sand. Atlantis has three: where snorkeling, , others at Paradise Lagoon water sports are er oth and ts, boa paddle bay. available in a protected r trip to paradise, you ng nni pla en Wh are two seasons in re The go. to know when . The wet season dry and the Bahamas—wet son, run from June as well as hurricane sea height of tropical the h wit , ber vem through No en August and we bet ing urr storm activity occ id dry season hum less October. The cooler and y. Even then, Ma to ber cem De m runs fro below 70 degrees. temperatures rarely dip of the restaurants features its own spin on by Atlantis Resort, Trip and photos provided locavore, with options like Bahamian lobster Paradise Island. zine.com) tail and conch. To fully embrace the island life, (Source: travel.dmaga try a glass of sky juice, a potent combination of gin, sweetened condensed milk, coconut water, and lime. If you want to venture off campus, go where the locals go: Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. The colorfully painted booths along the shore sell everything from traditional Bahamian dishes to tropical drinks and local beer. Kick back and enjoy the music, a game of dominoes, and a plate of conch fritters in the Bahamian sun. For nightlife, it’s hard to beat Atlantis’ Caribbean Casino, where the gambling options range from slot machines for beginners to high-roller tables for the pros. Millions of dollars’ worth of art hang on the casino’s walls, including glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly. Various bars and clubs line the perimeter and help guests get in the mood to make a bet. Having never visited a casino before, I spent an evening parked at a slot machine, and am proud to say I only lost $14.68 in the process. The table buy-ins ($10-$15 minimum) kept me from trying my hand at craps, poker, or blackjack. Atlantis’ multimillion-dollar marina was designed to attract the jet set and accommodate large yachts. If you like to B.Y.O.B. (bring your own boat), you’ll find
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CHAT
Empower Yourself with Patience
P
atience can be regarded as a decisionmaking problem: eat up all the grain today or plant it in the earth and wait for it to multiply. Unfortunately, human beings evolved not as farmers but as hunter-gatherers, and have a strong tendency to discount long-term rewards. Our ancestral shortsightedness is borne out by the Stanford marshmallow experiment, led by Walter Mischel in the late 1960s and children, involved a simple binary choice: either eat this marshmallow, or hold back for 15 minutes and be given a second marshmallow. Having explained this choice to a child, the experimenter left him alone with the marshmallow for 15 minutes. Follow-up studies carried out over 40 years found that the minority of children who had been able to hold out for a second better life outcomes, including higher test scores, better social skills, and less substance misuse. Even so, patience involves much more than the mere ability to hold back for some future gain. Exercising patience (note the use of the verb ‘to exercise’) can be compared to dieting or growing a garden. Yes, waiting is involved, but one also needs to have a plan in place, and, moreover, to work at that plan. not amount to mere restraint or toleration, but to a complicit engagement in their struggle and welfare. In that much, patience is a form of compassion, which, rather than disregarding and alienating people, turns them into friends and allies. If impatience implies impotence, patience implies power, power born out of understanding. Rather than make us into a
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hostage to fortune, patience frees us from frustration and its ills, delivers us to the and perspective to think, say, and do the right thing in the right way at the right time—which is why, with psychotherapy, both patient and therapist can require several years together. Last but not least, patience enables us to achieve things that would otherwise have been impossible to road too long to the man who advances deliberately and without undue haste; there are no honours too distant to the man who prepares himself for them with patience.’ Exercising patience does not mean never protesting or giving up, but only ever doing so in a considered fashion: never impetuously, never pettily, and never pointlessly. Neither does it mean withholding, just like ageing a mean withholding from wine during all that time. Life is too short to wait, but it is not too short for patience. Patience is much easier, perhaps even pleasant, to exercise if one truly understands that it can and does deliver much better outcomes, not just for ourselves but for others too. In 2012, researchers at the University of Rochester replicated the marshmallow experiment. However, before doing so, they split the participating children into two groups, exposing one group to unreliable experiences in the form of broken promises, and the other to reliable experiences in the form of honoured the children exposed to honoured promises waited an average of four times longer than the children exposed to broken promises. In other words, patience is largely a matter of trust, or, some might say, faith. (Source: psychologytoday.com)
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