The Bridal Guide

MAY 2015 2015 -- 15 15 L.E. L.E. VOLUME VOLUME 10, 10, ISSUE ISSUE 77 MAY WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

Egyptian Designers in the Spotlight

100 + WEDDING

ESSENTIALS

the

Sprint down the aisle with our workout plan Diet Habits Every Bride Needs

bridal guide royal to boho everything in-between

&

PICK YOUR WEDDING THEME

Must See Venue Ideas and Honeymoon 1 Destinations! * identity-mag.com

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IDENTITY editor’s note MAY 2015 2015 -- 15 15 L.E. L.E. VOLUME VOLUME 10, 10, ISSUE ISSUE 77 MAY WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

Egyptian Designers in the Spotlight

100 + WEDDING

Sprint down the aisle with our workout plan Diet Habits Every Bride Needs

ESSENTIALS

the

bridal guide royal to boho everything in-between

&

on the cover

PICK YOUR WEDDING THEME

SPECIAL THANKS TO PRONOVIAS

I’ve been a bridesmaid for enough of my dear friends to watch all the stages of wedding planning. The glow of the initial thrill of the engagement. The starryeyes and bushy-tails as they begin fantasizing the perfect wedding. The shock when they realize it’s an impossible mission to plan every last detail. The sink into the bottomless pit of wedding-planning hysteria, surrounded by half-finished Pinterest projects and floral samples. The transformation into a bridezillaversion of my friend that I don’t recognize unless she is heavily sedated with chocolate and wine. The emergence of a determined, ready-to-finish-this bride. And finally, the restoration of the glowing belle of the ball, as she commits herself to the one she loves, in front of everyone she loves.

Must See Venue Ideas and Honeymoon Destinations!

COVER DESIGN ALIA ELABD

It is always worth all the stress. But I wish, in the midst of all the planning chaos, my friends didn’t have to lose sight of the final goal so often. I wish I could somehow permanently place this thought in the minds of all brides planning their perfect days: The value of your wedding day is not determined by how gorgeous the venue is, by how expensive your dress is, or by how perfectly the decorations match each other. Never forget that the important thing is to enjoy the value of the moment itself. Everything else will fade into the background. The true value is found by everyone you care for coming together to celebrate your new life with the man you love, because they love you. That’s why the day is so special, and one that you will never, ever forget.

Liza Dunham

SENIOR EDITOR PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR ROLA KAMEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NAWAL ISMAIL SENIOR EDITOR LIZA DUNHAM COPY-EDITOR AMINA EL FAYOUMY JUNIOR EDITORS MIRANA TERA, RAGHDA EL-SAYED ON-LINE WRITERS AHMED HICHAM, FERAS ZAIN, MOHAMED GHALLY, HAYA ARAFA, MALAK NAGUIB. ALIA SERRY, JOE@BANATMASR RELATIONSHIP EXPERT MARWA RAKHA SOCIOLOGY EXPERT MICHAEL RYAN JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ALIA ELABD MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER RIHAM YEHIA DIGITAL MEDIA SENIOR NOURHAN YEHIA DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST STEVE NABEEL DIGITAL SALES HAZEM SADEK WEBSITE COMPANY QPIX SOLUTIONS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY AL AHRAM PRINTING HOUSE INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE (IPH) IDENTITY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS ASHRAF FOUAD & ESSAM IBRAHIM Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities.

Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The Subscription rate to Identity is 180 L.E. for one year (12 issues) by Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

IDENTITYMAGEG

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IDENTITY contents

IDENTITY bridal guide

8 THE BIG DAY CHECKLIST 10 ALL YOU NEED TO ASK 12 BRIDAL LOOKBOOK

32 EGYPTIAN DESIGNERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

IDENTITY wedding theme

20 THE DIET HABITS EVERY BRIDE 38 FOUR INSPIRING THEMES FOR NEEDS

YOUR WEDDING

22 ALTERNATIVE BACHELORETTE

46 FITTING YOUR BRIDESMAIDS

PARTIES AND GETAWAY IDEAS

INTO YOUR THEME

26 BEFORE YOUR WEDDING 28 GET READY TO SPRINT DOWN THE AISLE

IDENTITY venues

48 TWELVE AWE-GASPING VENUES FOR YOUR BREATHTAKING

IDENTITY fashion

30 TRACK DOWN THE RIGHT GOWN

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CEREMONY

IDENTITY honeymoon

52 HONEYMOONING IN THE SUN 54 SAIL AWAY WITH ME IDENTITY review

58 #MarryMeAtCairoMarriott 60 DEVARANA SPA AT THE DUSIT THANI LAKEBIEW

IDENTITY bits & pieces

57 SNAPS & LATEST NEWS 64 HOROSCOPES

IDENTITY bridal guide

THE

BIG DAY CHECKLIST

APPAREL Gown Bridal shoes Lingerie Jewellery Bridal headpiece/veil Bridesmaid dresses/shoes Groom’s tux/shoes Groomsmen tuxes Honeymoon clothes

BEAUTY Manicure/pedicure Hairdresser Make-up stylist

FLOWERS Bride’s bouquet Throw away bouquet Centrepieces Flower girl’s flowers

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY Photographer fee Videographer fee Wedding day signature photo Photo album

The countdown is over! Don’t forget these items on your wedding day 1. Have a high protein and complex carb breakfast 2. Double check your list of things to pack 3. Confirm arrangements with your vendors 4. Bring extra cash 5. Collect a wedding day survival kit 6. Pack a pair of flats for the late hours of the wedding 7. Drop off your luggage at the hotel early 8. Assign a wedding-day supervisor 9. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready 10. Take some selfies 11. Wear a loose dress when getting your hair and make-up done 12. Nominate someone to save you from chatty guests 13. Don’t forget to dance :)

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HONEYMOON Any regular taking medicines Extra emergency cash Toothbrush/toothpaste Slippers Aspirin Razor, hair dryer Make-up bag Clothes depending on destination Lingerie Swimsuits Airfare Hotel fee Airport transportation Car rental Camera

IDENTITY bridal guide

ALL YOU NEED TO ASK...

You can get close to the BOUTIQUE FLORIST How many weddings have you done? perfect wedding if you ask Will I need to book an appointment?

Can you drop the flowers at the the right questions before it’s How long is the appointment? venue on the wedding day? too late!

Can I bring someone with me to the VENUE

How many people can this location accommodate?

What is the rental fee and what is included in the price? Is there a discount for booking in an off-season date?

What is the cancellation policy?

How long will I be able to use the place? Is there an overtime fee if I stay longer?

Can the ceremony be held here too?

Is there an additional charge?

Do you have an in-house caterer or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead?

If I hire my own caterer, are kitchen facilities available for them?

CATERERS

Can we do a food tasting to finalize our menu selection? Is there an extra charge for that?

Is there an extra cost for serving staff?

Do you have a separate menu for photographers/suppliers?

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appointment?

Should I know what I want before I try on dresses?

How far in advance do I need to order my dress?

What’s the adjustment fee?

How many fittings will I have?

How long will my dress take to come in?

When do I pay?

Will you store the dress for me?

PHOTOGRAPHERS

How far in advance do I need to book with you?

What style of photography do you specialize in?

How many weddings have you shot?

What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?

Do you have a portfolio I can review?

What type of equipment do you use?

When can we see the images?

Will we have a pre-wedding photo shoot?

Do you shoot in black and white or just in color?

How long can you stay?

Do you provide vases and containers, or will we need to ourselves?

Can you work with my budget?

Do you offer specific packages or is everything customized?

CAKE MAKER

Do you have a portfolio of your work I can view?

What size cake do we need?

Can we try samples?

What are your specialities?

Will you provide a stand?

Can you design a custom cake to match my theme, dress or colours?

When will it be delivered?

ENTERTAINERS:

What music do you play?

How much space do you need for your equipment?

Can you play requests?

How long is the set?

Is there any other service that you provide, such as lighting design?

If the event lasts longer than scheduled, what are the overtime charges?

IDENTITY bridal guide

SOPHISTICATED LOOK www.debenhams.com ANSLEY

This look is sophisticated and sexy. Choose this Pronovias figure-hugging dress with these lace details to intrigue everyone at your wedding, including your man. www.debenhams.com ANSLEY

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www.debenhams.com Matthew Williamson Designer

www.debenhams.com Jasper Conran Designer

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www.christianlouboutin.com Lady Peep

www.debenhams.comSimply Silver Sterling

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www.debenhams.com Silver 窶郎oakum'

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www.debenhams.comSimply Silver Sterling

A W EDDI NG FOR THE YOUNG AT HE ART.

S AY ‘ Y E S ’ A N D L I G H T U P T H E P A L A C E W I T H YO U R OWN MAGIC Write a fresh page in the majestic history of the Gezirah Palace with a wedding for today’s modern bride and groom.

Blend timeless splendor with stylish chic in any of Salon Royal, Eugenie, Salon Vert and the grandeur of Aida Ballroom .. or enjoy the cheerful atmosphere and stunning views of the Nile from Almaz.

Choose from classic cuisine to international fusion, as our wedding planners guarantee your perfect day.

Say Yes to #MarryMeAtCairoMarriott … and follow your heart.

CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL & OMAR KHAY YAM CASINO 16 SARAY EL GEZIRA ST., PO BOX 33 ZAMALEK, CAIRO 11211, EGYPT. T: 00. 202.27.28.3000 CAIROMARRIOTTHOTEL.COM ARABIC.MARRIOTT.COM

IDENTITY bridal guide

CINDERELLA LOOK www.debenhams.com Alan Hannah Devoted Designer

If you are the kind of girl who’s always been dreaming of her fairytale wedding, then this Pronovias princess dress will fit you like a glass slipper. It’s glamorous, elegant, and will enhance your body shape. www.debenhams.com Jon Richard

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www.stevemadden.com

www.debenhams.com Debut Silver

2 www.haircomesthebride.com MALIA

www.haircomesthebride.com JANICE

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www.quizclothing.co.uk Gold Circular

IDENTITY bridal guide

LOOSE LOOK www.debenhams.com Jon Richard

This look is for a bride who is relaxed, casual and easy going. This Oscar De La Renta dress is perfect for a beach or rustic wedding. This bride is all about practicality and simplicity.

www.jonrichard.com Jon Richard

www.jonrichard.com Jon Richard www.jonrichard.com Jon Richard

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www.debenhams.com Call It

www.converse.com Chuck Taylor

www.lyst.com Argento Vivo

www.debenhams.com Jenny Packham

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www.debenhams.com Jon Richard

New Cairo’s Place to Be...

The bar scene of New Cairo is about to get shaken up! Dress to impress, bring on all your moves and get ready to party, only at Vintage Bar & Lounge.

Don’t miss our weekly themed nights starting 8:00 pm: Oriental Nights: exotic belly dancer and oriental tunes, every Sunday.

Jazz Nights: a Jazz extravaganza every Tuesday.

Karaoke Nights: we’re throwing a Karaoke party every Friday.

Our resident DJ will take you to new musical heights everyday.

New Cairo is about to get a lifestyle makeover...

Open daily from 6:00 pm until 2:00 am

©A.R. Adv.

Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel Ring Road, Mirage City P.O BOX 250, 11757, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt t: +202 24 06 33 04 m: +2 0122 394 22 65 rhi.caibr.vintage.bar@marriott.com

IDENTITY bridal guide

BOLD LOOK

If you are a daring bride with a sense of boldness and you don’t mind standing out then you should definitely pick this Yasmin Yeya dress.

www.debenhams.com Quiz Gold

www.haircomesthebride.com ARUNA

1 us.christianlouboutin.com Talitha

www.jonrichard.com Jon Richard

www.debenhams.com Jenny Packham Designer

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www.debenhams.com Alan Hannah Devoted Designer

IDENTITY bridal guide

THE DIET HABITS EVERY BRIDE NEEDS Anyone can look beautiful in a wedding dress, anyone can cover their faces with cosmetics and look like an Angelina Jolie knock off, but your body takes more planning than just the morning of. You can’t hide all your unhealthy habits behind the glory of the dress. A healthy diet not only makes you fit into your dress better, but also gives you energy, supports your mood, and keeps you looking your best on the most important day of your life. Take a look at some tips on how to keep your healthy diet simple and manageable.

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EAT BREAKFAST

Get your metabolism going in the morning by eating a healthy breakfast. Studies demonstrate that people who have breakfast tend to weigh less than those who skip it. A solid breakfast provides energy for the day.

EAT REGULARLY

Going too long between meals can make you feel bad tempered and tired, so plan to eat something at least every three to four hours. Support your body’s natural cycle of energy by eating a rich breakfast, a nutritious lunch, a snack around 2 pm (to compensate for the body’s natural low point that occurs around 3 each afternoon), and a light early dinner.

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CUT THE JUNK

The ups and downs that come with eating sugary snacks and simple carbohydrates cause extreme swings in energy level and mood. Cutting out these foods can be tough, but if you can resist for several days, your cravings will slowly die.

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START WORKING OUT

Add your workouts to your calendar so that other obligations don’t get in the way of your gym time.

When meeting to discuss plans with your fiancee, parents, bridal party or wedding planner, head out for a walk (or pace around the room if you’re on the phone) for a little multitasking. And when your bridal party wants to schedule your bachelorette party, tell them you’ll be there, but not until after pilates class lets out.

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QUIT DRINKING

Until after the wedding at least. If you can relax and loosen up without drinking at all, you’ll be better off.

If you must drink, nurse your glass slowly, limit the number of drinks and shots, especially really sweet cocktails. Oh, and yes, alcohol does contain calories, so add every drink to your Nutrition Tracker.

CAIRO. CITYSTARS MALL - TEL. +2 24802429 - M. +2 01000084818 | ALEXANDRIA. SAN STEFANO MALL - TEL. 03 4690091 WWW.PRONOVIAS.COM

IDENTITY bridal guide

ALTERNATIVE

s e ti r a P e tt e r o l e h c a B

AND GETAWAY IDEAS

Bachelorette parties, or as we call them in Egypt “Laylet Hena,” are becoming a must in recent years. It’s a great thing for the brideto-be to enjoy a final day with her girlfriends and say goodbye to the single days.

As fun as a house party might seem, break out of the safe “same-old, same-old” ideas and take your bachelorette party really far.

Instead of having a one night party, make it a whole weekend or a getaway. Here are some fun activities you could enjoy with your girlfriends, or even your husband-to-be.

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For the Traveler Bride Beach Party

Go for a final single ladies day at the beach. If you have the time, you could head to Sinai for a few days, maybe go diving, snorkeling, hiking, or even party at one of the clubs there. If you don’t have much time, you could simply spend a day in Ain Sokhna and enjoy the beach. Remember to wear lots of sunblock; no one wants to be a bride with skin peeling off!

Recommended place: Kiteloop Ras Sedr.

Camping

Take your friends and go camping. You could spend a whole weekend there, or go for a day and enjoy some of the desert activities. From camping, to sitting at the bonfire, barbecuing, star gazing, or even having a Bedouin dance with the locals, with the right company, you’ll have the time of your life.

Recommended places: White desert, Siwa, Fayoum.

K

“always remember to smile”

Dr. Mohamed Emad

Tel: 01110551777 - 01066777295 Address: 123 Hassan El Ma’mon st., in front of El Ahly Sporting Clup, Nasr City, Cairo

IDENTITY bridal guide

For the Sporty Bride Pole Fitness Class

Pole dancing doesn’t mean stripping. It’s a very good workout, and it’s so much fun. Thankfully, there are many studios opening up in Cairo for pole fitness. You could organize a class for you and your girlfriends to learn a few moves and how to wrap yourself around the pole. It’ll also help with your muscle control and flexibility. It’s a win/win situation for everyone – it’s fun, healthy, will help you on the wedding night, and you’ll bond with your friends.

Sand-boarding

For the Stressed Bride Meditation

You’re constantly stressed, and if the spa isn’t really your thing, you could always meditate. Whether you want to meditate mentally, or get physical with some extreme yoga, you’ll find some great classes in Cairo, and some especially great ones in Sinai. Meditation is always a great bonding experience, so it’ll be great for you and your friends. Not to mention that it’s highly recommended for brides dealing with anxiety. Bonus points: Meditation is also very helpful for sexual healing and performance.

Challenge your friends to a sand-boarding tournament.

The sport is expanding in Egypt, and many companies now offer organized trips to parts of the desert. Make sure you plan it earlier so you have a private trip. Most safari companies also provide zip-lining if boarding isn’t your thing. Just make sure you don’t break a leg, casts don’t go well with heels!

Spa Day

You’re stressed, your friends are stressed, your mother is stressed, and everyone is stressed. We get it, girl! Take your friends and family and spend a day at the spa. Chill in a jacuzzi, and get a facial, massage, and the entire royal treatment. You need it, and definitely deserve it.

For the “Get the Husband Involved” Bride Paintball Fight

Why not have a girls vs. guys team competition? It’s a good way to have fun with both your friends and your groom’s friends. It’s also a good way to get all the anger and stress out caused by never-ending wedding planning – especially if said stress is caused by your fiancee.

Recommended places: Adrenalin Park in 6th of October.

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IDENTITY bridal guide

BEFORE YOUR WEDDING...

BRIGHTER SMILE Clinic: Whity Clinic, Nasr City.

Details: What a beautiful white wedding dress on the wedding night! This dress will look more beautiful when it is topped with a bright smile of shiny white teeth.

The bride’s smile sends happiness to the hearts of all the people around her. We have in “Whity Clinics” specialized doctors in teeth whitening with the latest and safer medical techniques, as well as the physicians’ experience in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Using “Laser technique,” we whiten your teeth in less than 90 minutes without any pain or side effects.

Price: Starting from EGP 2500 Tel.: 01110551777/ 01066777295

I have been passionate about makeup since I was a little girl. I knew I was born to be a makeup artist. When talent is coupled with passion and hard work, the end product is beauty, art and style.

Makeup is far from a one-style-fits-all job. For me, it is all about each bride’s inner beauty and how to bring it out with a touch of glamour and glow! I’m blessed to be doing this for a living.

Contact: 01006606862 Facebook: Fatma Bahgat

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Mandara Spa AT JW MARRIOTT Our mission is simple: We want to help you look and feel absolutely wonderful.

Come and visit the cozy sanctuary of our spa and prepare to be pampered with some of our most luxurious and deeply nourishing treatments. In return, you will receive soft, radiant skin, total physical relaxation, and an allencompassing sense of peace and tranquility.

MANDARA SIGNATURE MASSAGE This magnificent treatment involves two therapists working together in rhythmic harmony, and combines five different styles of massage (Japanese Shiatsu, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Thai, Swedish and Balinese) with a bespoke blend of exotic essential oils and relaxing Thai music to create a sublime spa experience like no other.

MOROCCAN HAMMAM ROYAL RITUAL This deeply nurturing treatment harnesses the elemental healing powers of earth and water to detoxify your body and leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.

Tel: 24115588

IDENTITY bridal guide

Get Ready to Sprint Down the Aisle Every girl out there wants to look gorgeous for her wedding day, and every bride definitely knows that it takes a bit of effort to look her very best for that special day.

We have put together 6 different workout routines that will help you brides achieve your goals and be the best version of yourself in 4 weeks. You get to choose 3 or 4 of the workouts to do every week, depending on the areas of your body you want to target the most.

General warmup

*Before you begin, make sure you warm up.

30 seconds each. a. Butt kicks d. Knee Hugs b. Alternating toe touches e. High Knees c. Mountain Climbers f. Static Plank

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Superset Resistance Training

This Workout focuses on resistance lower body training (hips, thighs & butt), while incorporating some cardio at the same time. *Superset - A set that incorporates two different back to back exercises. ex: 20x Squats followed by 15x Burpees without rest in between. *Rest for 30 seconds between each superset. a. 20x Squats - into - 15x Burpees b. 20x Standing Lunges - into - 15x Power Jacks c. 20x Sumo Squats - into - 15x Mountain Climbers d. 20x Reverse Lunges - into - 15x Star Jumps e. 20x Squat Pulses - into - 15x Plank Jacks f. 20x Side Lunges - into - 15x High Jumps *Repeat This 3 times with 2 minutes rest between each set.

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The Out and About Workout

This workout focuses on steady fat loss, while also promoting blood flow to stimulate recovery. * This workout should be done for up to one hour. a. Walking b. Jogging c. Running d. Cycling e. Swimming *Feel free to do different variations of the list above, rather than sticking to just one of them.

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HIIT Hard Core

This workout focuses on strengthening and toning your core, abs and back in under 30 minutes. *Time each exercise for 50 seconds, and rest for 10 second before the next one. a. Ab Crunches b. Static Plank c. Butt Lifts d. Ankle Touches

e. 15x Elephant Walk f. 15x Sit Ups a. 15x Diamond Push-ups b. 15x Butt Kicks c. 15x Plank Shoulder Taps d. 15x Standing Lunges e. 15x Tricep Dips f. 15x Russian Twists a. 15x Chest To Floor Push-ups b. 15x High Knees c. 15x Alternating Side Planks d. 15x Sumo Squat Pulses e. 15x Box Push-ups f. 15x Leg Raises *Rest for 1 minute between each set.

a. Bent Leg Sit-ups b. Wall Sit c. Russian Twist d. Superman Pulses a. Right Side Elbow to Opposite Knee Crunches b. Right Side Static Plank c. Leg Raises d. Static V Sit a. Left Side Elbow to Opposite Knee Crunches b. Left Side Static Plank c. Hip Raises d. Bicycle Crunches *Rest for 1 minute between each set.

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Full Body Workout

This workout focuses on shaping & toning your entire body. From legs and Arms, to core and cardio. *Perform all exercises back to back. a. 15x Push-ups b. 15x Jumping Jacks c. 15x Comandos d. 15x Squats

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TFA Cardio Blast

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Superset Arms and Abs

This workout focuses on raising your heart rate. It is designed to boost your strength, endurance and muscle definition. *Time each exercise for 50 seconds, and rest for 10 second before the next one. a. High Knees b. Right Reverse Lunge + Kick c. Left Reverse Lunge + kick d. Squat Jumps e. Mountain Climbers f. High Jumps g. Plank Jacks h. Star Jumps i. Jumping Lunges j. Jumping Jacks *Repeat This 3 times with 2 minutes rest between each set.

This Workout focuses on resistance upper body training (Arms & shoulders), while incorporating some abdominal exercises at the same time. *Superset - A set that incorporates two different back to back exercises. ex: 20x Push-ups followed by 15x Crunches without rest in between. *Rest for 30 seconds between each superset. a. 20x Push-ups - into - 15x Crunches b. 20x Tricep Dips - into - 15x Leg Raises c. 20x Comandos - into - 15x Russian Twists d. 20x Box Push-ups - into - 15x Sit Ups e. 20x Plank Shoulder taps - into - 15x Bicycle Crunches f. 20x Forggers - into - 15x Toe Touches *Repeat This 3 times with 2 minutes rest between each set.

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IDENTITY fashion

Track Down the Knowing your body shape and what’s suitable for it is an important part of choosing your wedding dress. There are many types of dresses out there, but you should pick the ones that will compliment your figure the most.

Locate your body shape and find out the different styles that would go with it.

1. Hourglass

The hourglass body shape has equal upper and lower body parts and a much smaller midsection above the waist. The bust and the hips are of equal measurements, separated by a slim waist.

The dresses that would compliment an hourglass body shape are mermaid (also called trumpet) , A-line and sheath.

2. Pear/Spoon

The pear (or spoon) body shape is characterized by a lower body larger than the upper body. The bust is smaller than the hip and the area from the waist down is evidently bigger than the upper body.

The dresses that would compliment a pear body shape are A-line, ball gown and empire waist.

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Right Gown 3. Rectangle

The rectangle body shape is characterized by an equal distribution of fat across the body. The upper and lower bodies are of equal size and the waist is only a little bit smaller.

The dresses that would compliment a rectangular body shape are A-line, sheath and empire waist.

4. Inverted Triangle

The inverted triangle body shape has a wider upper body compared to a narrower lower body. The abdomen/ chest area looks bigger than the hips and thighs.

The dresses that would compliment an inverted triangle body shape are ball gowns, short gowns and mermaid.

by the dress style An A-line dress is fitted around the waist and expands as it continues downward, making an “A” shape. It’s suitable for most body types, especially the plus-sized because it creates a slimming effect.

A ball gown type of dress expands and is “poofy” from around the waist all the way down to your feet; think Cinderella. It’s ideal for slender or pear-shaped bodies.

A mermaid/trumpet dress is closely fitted to the body all the way down to the knees and then expands – either a little or a lot depending on your preference – as far down

as your toes. It’s ideal for tall, slim ladies or the ones who want to show off their curves.

A sheath style of dress is made to fit closely to the body and flows down in sort of a straight line around the figure. It is most suited for petite and small-framed gals.

The empire waist dress has a fitted bodice that ends exactly below the bust.

The waistline starts from there and creates a high-waisted appearance that flatters the figure and makes you look slimmer. It’s the most forgiving style of dress and is mostly worn by pear-shaped body types.

IDENTITY fashion

Egyptian Designers in the Spotlight

S

Norine Farah

ince she was five, Norine Farah has always had a passion for art and music, and fashion naturally followed.

From the very beginning of university, she knew that fashion was her field, so she began exploring her talent by enrolling in courses at the prestigious Marangoni in Milan and Polimoda in Florence.

After university, Farah experimented in other fields until she realized that design will always be her calling. She began working with Davidoff one

summer and later entered Cairo Fashion Festival III, which gave her the push to enter the market.

Her style is constantly changing and blossoming, but she has always had a constant, daring look for her elegant gowns.

Her most recent SS15 looks were displayed in Cairo Couture Collections, creating a buzz about her great attention to embroidery and detail using a variety of romantic elements such as pearls, chiffon, flowers, and lace.

“Norine’s style is constantly changing and blossoming, but she has always had a constant, daring look for her elegant gowns."

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Shaymaa Maher

haymaa Maher has had a passion for fashion ever since she was a child.

She used to put together patterns and dresses for her toys, playing with different textures using any fabrics around her, even paper to create something beautiful. She has continued mixing fabrics into her fashion career, to be unique and to make every dress more special for each woman who wears them. She loves her brands to point to royalty, elegance, richness, and dreaminess, giving any woman the happy feeling of being confident and comfortable in her own skin.

In her exploration of the fashion industry, Maher was selected to participate in MBC4’s MENA’S Next Top Designer, which was aiming to find the region’s next talented designer. The show featured

prominent figures such as Lebanese designer Zuhair Muraad. She then moved to Lebanon to learn about Haute Couture techniques, and had the pleasure to be trained under the umbrella of renowned Lebanese fashion designer Rami Salamoun.

Maher has released her first fairytale mini collection in black, white, rose, and yellow and is soon releasing her second collection. She has started working on pieces for her brand Shay’s Couture this year, and wishes to see her brand widely renowned in Egypt, the MENA region, and all over the world. She wants to help put Egypt on the map of the fashion world, even a fashion capital where she can have stores sprinkled with lovely dresses, ultimately giving women the variety and happiness they can obtain from her designs.

“Shaymaa wants to help put Egypt on the map of the fashion world, even a fashion capital where she can have stores sprinkled with lovely dresses.” identity-mag.com

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IDENTITY fashion

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Shahira Lasheen

hahira Lasheen may have graduated from the Faculty of Engineering and worked as a technical office engineer for five years, but she has stormed into the fashion world since she joined the Italian Fashion Academy in 2010.

Selected by international fashion designer Zuhair Murad in Lebanon as one of the best 10 designers in the Middle East in 2012, Lasheen has worked with many stars. These include Ghada Abdel Razek, Mona Zaki, Najla Badr, Ghada Adel, Yasmin Raisa, Hana Shiha, and Samira Said. She has also spent two years working with the L’azurde Jewelry campaign.

Lasheen designs her line of wedding dresses from her own Atelier, and her favourite fabrics to work with are lace and tulle. Her idols are Valentino, Ulyana Sergeenko, Gambatissts, and Zuhair Murad.

Lasheen hopes that Egypt will become one of the most important fashion centers and that it can have the best fashion designers to compete with the global market. She thinks that it is achieving this dream.

Lasheen believes that a woman is a queen, so all of her designs aim towards creating a sense of pretty, strong, and independent women. “Fashion is not welfare, it is a culture of the people,” Shahira Lasheen.

“Lasheen believes that a woman is a queen, so all of her designs aim towards creating a sense of pretty, strong, and independent woman."

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IDENTITY fashion

Pronovias If you want to skip the couture and still find an awe-gasping dress for your wedding day, check out the selection at a Pronovias store near you.

Pronovias offers gorgeous gowns that will leave your guests breathless.

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IDENTITY wedding theme

4 Inspiring Themes for Your Wedding The keywords to keep in the front of your mind while planning your Bohemian wedding are “bright” and “flowing.” Don’t spoil the look with many dark tones, but rather emanate a carefree look with light colours that will reflect in the sunlight.

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Boho

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Use hanging decorations to emphasize the loose, Boho look.

Planners we recommend: Diva For Events A to Z Maxi Bride identity-mag.com

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IDENTITY wedding theme

Vintage The hues of a vintage wedding are softened with morning light, pale greens and pinks, and a gently offwhite gown. You will smoulder under natural, smoky makeup framed by a loose up-do. For a perfect vintage ambiance, choose between a light gray or light brown undertone for all decorations and styles, complimented by a gentle colour scheme of baby colours.

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Don’t hold back on the bouquets and floral table settings - they will really set the scene.

Florists we recommend: May Flowers La Vase Spring Flower identity-mag.com

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IDENTITY wedding theme

Rustic

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Time your charming rustic wedding for the evening, catching the golden and red hues of the sunset and taking advantage of your creative light fixtures.

Dark tones and earthy colours will make your setting feel natural and authentic. Keep your dress simple, with either a loose braid or loose curls falling off your shoulders.

Nothing says rustic more than wooden decorations, and the dessert table is the perfect place for it.

DJs we recommend: Khaled Hussein Samy El Saadany Yasser Shaker

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IDENTITY wedding theme

Royal

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There is nothing more glamorous than a royalstyle wedding.

Make the royal family jealous of your glistening gold and white decor, sparkling with dancing candlelight throughout the ballroom.

Bold gold eye makeup will match the grandeur of your floorlength gown

Candles are essential to any royal-themed wedding.

Place them on the banquet tables and along the walls.

Photographers we recommend: Guru Furstenberg Esther Karim Roushdy

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IDENTITY wedding theme

Fitting Your Bridesmaids Into Your Theme You need to be picky when choosing your bridesmaids’ attire, because they are in most of the pictures, around the bride all the time, and essentially a part of the décor. You have plenty of options; you can pick the same dresses for all of them, pick the same color with different styles, or use a certain palette that they should follow. Bridesmaids giveaways and accessories ranging from bracelets and cuffs to necklaces, pendants and even headpieces are very trendy right now, and can be a fun way to tie your bridesmaids into your themed wedding.

Boho What’s more bohemian than a beach wedding? When it comes to beach dresses pick pastel shades and the textures should be soft like chiffon and tulle, because the dresses should be flowy.

When you consider a vintage themed wedding like the one in page 40, the first thing that crosses your mind usually is “The Great Gatsby,” with all the feathers and the beads. Dress your bridesmaids in vintage dresses. Black, red, emerald green, plum, and shades of gold should be the colors you pick from. Headpieces need to definitely be involved too.

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Vintage

Rustic Rustic themed weddings are all about simplicity.

Fit your bridesmaids into the theme in page 42 with loose fitted dresses matched with a simple natural hairdo. Earthy shades should be the palette you choose from: mint greens, neutrals, and light pinks.

Royal

When it comes to royal themed weddings, you are looking for dressy gowns for your bridesmaids.

Like we previously mentioned in the themes page 44, royal weddings should always involve gold, whites and neutrals.

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IDENTITY venues

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AWE-GASPING

VENUES FOR YOUR BREATHTAKING CEREMONY

Anyone planning their wedding knows it can be harder to find the perfect wedding venue than even finding the perfect man, especially for those brides who shudder at the thought of a cliche wedding. If you’re getting married, then probably all of your friends are getting married too and you don’t want to repeat any of their ideas. You strive to be unique and have the most remarkable wedding, but how? They booked all the hotels and already did everything you can think of. You don’t want to have a wedding that doesn’t stand out, because the only thing worse than a bad wedding is a wedding everyone forgets.

Calm yourself and save your fears for wedding day jitters; we’ll give you some wedding destination ideas for an unforgettable wedding! Why have a normal wedding when you could blow your guests away with a full experience? Take your guests on the road and have a getaway wedding right here in beautiful Egypt. We guarantee, it’ll be unforgettable and people will wish they could be invited twice.

Anakato Nubian Houses Wedding or not, this place is always extremely special.

With the colorful houses and the Nubian architecture, this is the go-to-place in Aswan. The staff is local, and everything is done with a Nubian culture/flair, even weddings. The pictures will leave all of your friends wishing they had thought of it first.

The facilities have enough room for all of your guests, and while the food is 5 star quality, it is still recommended to bring your own catering for more variety. Your wedding entourage can arrive by train or plane, but we recommend flying to avoid unnecessary fatigue before your big day.

We

The luxury of wedding indulgence at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino -Cairo Whether you are dreaming of a royal or intimate wedding celebration, Sonesta eases the worry of wedding planning. At Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino Cairo, they have the passion to make your dream come true. If you are looking for the ideal location for an impressive wedding celebration they proudly offer you Iris Ballroom. Iris is magnificently decorated with French hand painted tableau as well as beautifully decorated ceilings. It is the perfect venue for your large event, and for a smaller event, the Prince Ballroom is the ideal venue with a seating capacity of 150 persons and a wide array of packages to ensure your satisfaction and indulgence.

From the smallest details to the whole theme of your event, the dedicated team will be happy to serve you to make your dream day truly successful and memorable.

Telephone: 22641111

New Beginnings Start at Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences Hilton Zamalek‘s team will be honoured to take care of your important event details, whether you select one of their exclusive venues, an open air magical night on the pool deck overlooking the magnificent Nile river for up to 180 invitees, or celebrate in a warm romantic indoor venue up to 70 with spectacular panoramic view of the Nile.

Their Executive Chef will be delighted to help you in tailor making your own menu, or just select one of the pre-set special sumptuous menus.

Menus start from L.E 222 (including service charge and taxes) For more information: 02-27370055

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IDENTITY venues

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Memorable and Contemporary Weddings at Renaissance Cairo Mirage City!

If you are looking for something extra special the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel is the ideal choice for your big day. Happy couples can relax knowing their important occasion is in capable hands.

Expert wedding planners will orchestrate your dream wedding so that you can enjoy your bespoke celebration. The lavish ballrooms and event venues present opportunities for the wedding team to transform your ideas and desires into everything you have ever dreamed of.

Luxurious furnishings and attractive décor will set the scene for your celebration. Wow your guests with delicious menus, creative table arrangements, inspirational entertainment options and personalized service.

Telephone: 24063333

Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor’s 5-star luxury hotel was built in 1886, and it definitely shows – in a good way. The spacious hotel has nearly 100 rooms, including 6 suites, so it’s more than enough for everyone important to you to stay. The garden of the hotel is enchantingly magical, and it’s very chic for a classical wedding.

Whether you’re planning a big wedding or a low-key gathering, they have it planned for you. The hotel provides all wedding facilities with extraordinary service and quality; including photography and videography. You could leave everything to them and not be disappointed with the end result. They also have an extensive wedding portfolio, so it’ll be easier for you to pick and choose exactly what you want.

Adrere Amellal For the hipster couple, this is the place for you. Located at the heart of the White Mountain in Siwa, the Eco-Lodge has a breathtaking view. Even though all the buildings are made of earth and crafted in the mountains, it’s still a luxurious setting. What makes it even more unique is the fact that the place doesn’t allow phones outside the rooms and has no electricity. Everything is lit by oil lanterns and candles, which will make your wedding even more romantic.

The lodge can accommodate up to 100 guests, and all the food and drinks you will be served are fresh and homegrown. You have the option of saying your “I do’s” over their pool that is powered by natural springs, or a simple quiet wedding with a romantic dinner and gathering, or even a Bedouin wedding, but first make sure the locals agree and are onboard with the idea.

Fantasea Red Sea The Perfect Setting for Your Dream Wedding Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria brings you the touch of marvelous love celebration in the most luxurious manner, delivering superlative services, a wide array of menus, and vivid views.

The hotel enjoys a unique location at the tip of the Northern Coast road in the heart of the new elegant compound Alex West, which reflects more privacy and flair on the property.

The Hotel features two impressive venues for your memorable day: Fanar Garden overlooking the natural lake “King Mariout” that can accommodate up to 800 guests, and the swimming pool venue for up to 1700 guests. Tel.: +2 03 5896000 Radissonblu.com/hotel-alexandria

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Located in Dahab, and originally a diving center, Fantasea is one of the best wedding destinations in Sinai. They plan everything from the ceremony, to the pictures, to even the honeymoon. The wedding ceremony starts with a simple yoga retreat – or as they call it, pre-wedding rituals – for the bride and groom, then for the guests. This is followed by a traditional Bedouin wedding, complete with the Bedouin women helping the bride with the dresses, hena, and a Bedouin performance.They provide photography to capture these incredible moments and a great traditional Bedouin dinner.

Kiteloop Ras Sudr has recently become very popular for kite surfing, and would make an incredible venue for a close knit, adventure seeking wedding party. It has many edges: it’s only three hours away from Cairo, has beautiful mountain and beach scenery, and has lovely weather nearly year round. The clearness of the sky is unbelievable; it would make a beautiful background for your wedding photos and ceremony. If there are high winds on your big day, you can hold your ceremony in the big main tent. Kiteloop gives you the feeling of simplicity, and has around 15 air-conditioned bungalows for your guests

Arrivals Piazza-Sahl Hasheesh Sahl Hasheesh is one of the trendiest beaches in Egypt, located 18km from Hurghada. It’s well known for its romantic essence and it has actually become one of the best honeymoon destinations in Egypt, but the beautiful sea with the Sinai Mountains appearing in the background is spectacular scenery for any wedding as well. Arrivals Piazza is an open space that is used to hosting a lot of events. It has an array of fountains and an arabesque feel, which will create a nice ambiance for your celebration. Your guests could check into one of the nearby hotels or resorts.

A Fairytale Wedding Night at Radisson Blu Cairo Laughter and music fill the air, smiling faces, a gorgeous bride and a handsome groom, friends and family dance, clap and sing, wedding days are filled with memories and emotions that last a lifetime and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis is an idyllic location to begin married life.

At the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis you can choose a ballroom for a grand and sumptuous occasion for up to 300 guests, sparkling fresh and modern, the ballroom is fitted with up to the minute amenities and facilities to guarantee success of the special day.

For an occasion little more relaxes and easygoing, then pool side on the ninth floor terrace is a wonderful location for between 100 guests or up to 120 inside, for afternoon or mid night celebrations.

For more information, visit www.radissonblu.com

We Chic and Intimate Weddings at the JW Marriott Cairo At JW Marriott Cairo you will have a day of celebration you will never forget. It will be memorable, glamorous, fun and within your budget.

Their wedding planners are referred to as the ‘Dream Team.’ They will turn your dream into a mesmerizing reality, taking care of every detail.

World-class chefs and award-wining catering expertise add another dimension to your celebrations. Varied dinner buffets and à la carte menus will always be special.

The JW Marriott Cairo provides you award-winning cuisine, world-class hospitality, attention to detail, and the promise of an unforgettable wedding day.

Telephone: 24115588

Your Wedding Dream Will Come True at Hilton Alexandria Corniche At Hilton Alexandria Corniche, your special day is their main event. Hold your wedding festivities in one of the luxurious ballrooms with magnificent sea views and let the experienced team create an unforgettable celebration. They are here to make your dreams come true. You can have of a royal wedding at the newly renovated ROYAL HALL with its exclusive luxurious decoration, a modern wedding at IMPERIAL and SUPERIOR Hall overlooking the stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea, or an open air fabulous wedding at the PRIVATE BEACH. Their event planners also have individually tailored wedding packages to accommodate all your needs. For the lovely honeymooners, free your mind and enjoy the fabulous romantic view of the sea while staying two nights complimentary in a tastefully decorated sea view suite.

Telephone: 035490935

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IDENTITY honeymoon

BEST OF JANUARY FEBRUARY

The Maldives The Caribbean

HONEYMOONING IN THE SUN Chase the sunshine, not the rain, when choosing your perfect honeymoon location

BEST OF MARCH Hawaii Zanzibar

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of going to the Caribbean for your post-wedding romantic getaway, but think ahead and don’t let poor planning rain on your parade. Literally. The Caribbean is most beautiful in January and February, avoid it in September during hurricane season.

Fortunately, no

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matter what time of year you tie the knot and sail away together, the sun is always shining somewhere in the world. You can also choose from New Zealand, Mexico, and Argentina. For spring weddings, you should consider exotic destinations like Hawaii, Brazil, Nepal, Morocco, Australia,

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French Polynesia, Cuba, the Maldives, and Thailand. You should avoid the wet weather in Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Tunisia. Zanzibar is great in March, with its white beaches and incredible seafood, but if your wedding is in April you should skip it and head to Costa Rica instead.

BEST OF APRIL Brazil

To catch the sun in May and June, catch a flight to Southern Europe, South Africa, and Japan. Don’t go to India, Sri Lanka, or South America.

The hot destinations in July and August are Europe, Malaysia, Tanzania, Bolivia, and Peru. Stay away from Northern Africa, Florida, and the Caribbean.

BEST OF MAY/JUNE

Fiji The Seychelles

BEST OF JULY/AUGUST Mauritius

BEST OF SEPTEMBER Zimbabwe Greece

Soak up the September sun rays in Portugal, Morocco, and Egypt. Head to Southern China, Mauritius, and Brazil in October and November. Thailand, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka make good December destinations, while Australia is a good choice this entire season.

BEST OF DECEMBER BEST OF OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER India Australia

Sri Lanka

IDENTITY honeymoon

SAIL AWAY WITH ME

How to Get Around

VENICE Venice is enchanting. Given its rich history, Venice is home to a lot of noteworthy locales and historical centers. Once you see the City of Water for yourself, you’ll surely fall in love. Go to the Santa Lucia train station, and you’ll find the breathtaking Grand Canal sprawling before you. You will listen to the sound of violins as you walk around, or is that only your imagination? Romantic gondolas carrying smitten couples coast along the web of waterways. On land, narrow passageways twist over bridges and through Venice’s Old World storefronts and residences. You should note that maps are useless here, getting lost is the norm. If you’re a specialist of the Italian Opera, you may appreciate a night out at the Teatro La Fenice.

Things to See

Losing yourself in Venetian charm is the main reason to visit. But you should also tour land marks like Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. You could take a ferry on a day trip to the smaller islands of Lido, Murano or Burano. You should also make time for art. Don’t miss the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Gallerie Dell Academia.

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The best way to see Venice is by foot. A labyrinth of canals and weaving roads complicate getting around, but getting lost is part of this city’s allure and there is no better company than your honeymoon partner. You can traverse the canals by vaporetto, the water bus/ferry, water taxi or gondola.

Essentials

1. Mapeasy’s Guide to Venice is the recommended guide that comes complete with a waterproof map.

2. You only need a toothbrush with you, because most hotels provide personal hygiene tools.

3. If you’re planning on camping, get your own sleeping bag and camping equipment.

4. Be sure to bring extra memory cards for your camera.

Camera supplies are really expensive there.

5. Bring very comfortable walking shoes, preferably padded.

6. Have good rain gear, even in the summer.

7. A simple bilingual dictionary might be helpful, since most locals don’t speak English.

8. Bring modest clothes if you’re planning on visiting the churches.

9. Make sure your clothes aren’t synthetic, because the humidity is very high there. Opt for light and cotton, something that breathes.

10. Pocket-sized binoculars are always useful.

Cassia EXTRA IMPACT-RESISTANT, EXTRA ROBUST. HYGIENIC.

Flowing, form smooth workflows. special mass for high performance in the kitchen. ceramic materials already demonstrate an impressive robustness in day-to-day use in the bathroom. in the kitchen, however, the ceramic surfaces have to meet additional requirements to those in the bathroom.

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OUR SHOWROOMS Designopolis KM 38 Cairo Alexandria Desert Road, 6th of October - Egypt Phone +2 02 38572041 +2 02 38572042

Sheraton Building Elmosheer Ahmed Ismail st.

Beside Fairmont Heliopolis Phone +2 02 26968700 Fax +2 02 22681298

Hurgada El Nasr St., With El Kahf St. Phone +2 01 001789418 +2 01 002553613

Sharm El Sheikh Naama bay Hill-Sunny Lakes Al Salam Mosque Phone +2 06 93604863 +2 06 93604869 +2 06 93604879

IDENTITY honeymoon

Wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, hippos and gazelles, but it is most famous for the large herds of elephants

KENYA Kenya is a top wildlife destination that will bring out the wild side of you and your groom. Not for the faint of heart, it’s for those who would like to have an adventure, go see the wildlife, and go crazy! But don’t worry, Kenya is recommended for those taking a first time safari, so it’s still compatible as a honeymoon destination and you can mix thrill with relaxation. The Masai Mara offers excellent big cat encounters and is the setting for the yearly wildebeest migration, while palm-lined beaches offer a perfect place to relax after an action packed safari. Kenya isn’t limited to typical hotel reservations, but also offers safari lodges and charming guesthouses. You will come back decorated with pictures everyone will be jealous of.

Things to See

Amboseli National Park lies at the base of snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, hippos and gazelles, but it is most famous for the large herds of elephants. Take your brand new relationship to the next level and go climb Mt. Kenya at nearly 5,000m above sea level. This extinct volcano is the second-highest mountain in Africa. Visitors can choose between scuba-diving, snorkeling, sailing, waterskiing, swimming, or surfing along Kenya’s coral coast. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and float over herds of game in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Tour Nairobi’s museums and browse the ethnographic and archaeological exhibits of the National Museum, which lies within walking distance of the city center.

How to Get Around

The best way to get around Kenya is by bus. There are a lot of taxi’s, but you have to go find them in taxi parks. If you rent a car, be aware that driving on the left side of the road can be confusing, and you must be at least 23 years old.

Essentials

1. If you have an arrival visa, print the application before you go.

2. Have a money-belt and make sure your passport and money won’t easily be pickpocketed.

3. A travel-friendly water filter, because tap water isn’t usable, even with showers.

4. Your own medications, anti-bacterial soaps, moisturizing creams, lip balm, and a first aid kit.

5. Sun-block and after sun cream.

6. Mosquito wipes – not sprays – and portable mosquito repellant.

7. Binoculars.

8. Buy your own snorkeling gear. Rental is available, but not recommended.

9. Combat boots, walking friendly shoes, flip-flops, and jell sandals for the rocky sea.

10. For the beach have a swimsuit, sun-dress or shorts. For the safari, bring a cotton t-shirt, baggy pants, and a safari hat.

most special guests and offers great scenery, year-round perfect weather, and many venues to choose from for your fabulous wedding.

The hotel features myriad settings for your event, including a belvedere ballroom, a coconut and palm tree grove, a large outdoor terrace, and swimming pools deck area for your special day or night. With the culinary staff's professional expertise and genuine creativity, the Sheraton Miramar Resort will ensure your magical day leaves behind lasting memories.

Sheraton Miramar

The resort offers a three night Honeymooners package for only 2800 EGP in a double room, suiting newly-weds’ desire to escape to a world of dreams for their special honeymoon. The package includes a “Bed of Roses,” wedding cake, a romantic candlelight dinner at the Oriental or the Italian Restaurant, two complimentary soft drinks at the Miramar Bar or the Boat Bar, a Shuttle Bus & Boat for the couple and a thirty-minute “Adam & Eve massage.” Honeymooners can also enjoy free access to the health club, sauna, steam room and a 25% special discount on other massage treatments.

Your dream wedding experience begins in El Gouna, where Sheraton Miramar offers an enchanted setting and exemplary service for creating memories that will last a lifetime. The resort treats its wedding couples as its

Sheraton Miramar Resort is highly recommended as the marvelous honeymooners destination.

For more information, call 065-3545606 or visit: sheratonmiramarresort.com.

ATHENS & MYKONOS Spend seven days and six nights with your beloved

5 Stars Program: EGP 16,500 per person Block-out Dates: 16-29/07 & 23-31/08 & 30/07-22/08 The Margi Hotel & Myconian Imperial Hotelá Honeymoon Benefits: 45 minute release massage for two, at the Myconian Imperial Hotel Candlelight dinner at Myconian Imperial (whether dining inside or by the swimming pool)

EL GOUNA Find Your Dream Wedding and Honeymoon in

with this getaway package Tour Validity: Till 30 Oct

Package Excluding Entry Visa

Return flight ticket (Cairo/Athens/Cairo) 3 night accommodation in Athens in a standard room on bed and breakfast basis 3 night accommodation in Mykonos in a classic, double sea view room on bed and breakfast basis 4 way private transfers Athens Airport-Hotel-Athens PortHotel-Athens Airport Round trip private transfers in Mykonos High speed boat ferry tickets from Athens-MykonosAthens Athens By Night tour including a dinner and folkloric show Bouquet of romantic flowers offered to the couple upon arrival in Athens In-room fresh fruit platter in Athens In-room bottle of local wine in Mykonos Assistance of a local destination expert in both cities 4 Stars Program: EGP 12,790 per person Athenian Kallirhoe Hotel 4* & Princess of Mykonos Hotelá4* Honeymoon Benefits: Outdoor massage deck facing the Aegean Sea for two, at the Princess of Mykonos Hotel

Available at: Kimidar Tors For more information, call 33040000

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IDENTITY review

#MarryMeAtCairoMarriott Wedding season is upon us bringing with it joyous tears or bridezilla screams. The Cairo Marriott and Omar Khayyam Casino understand the importance of the big day with the modern bride and groom in mind. With a perfectly convenient position in the heart of Cairo right on the edge of the Nile, the historical significance of the palace adds magic to your special day.

Getting married has never been less of a hassle with the team of event planners who are ready to bring your dream wedding to life. Our detail-oriented team will help you carry out your vision exactly from choosing the right venue, menu, table arrangements, florists, photographers, and entertainment.

For royal queen brides at heart, “Salon Royal” and “Eugenie Ballroom” are perfectly suitable for a wedding with palatial flair thanks to the beautiful chandeliers, marble floors and royal staircase. Both venues connected can accommodate up to 350 guests. The grandeur of “Aida Ballroom” allows for a more diverse decorative concepts whether palatial or

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modern futuristic weddings. Smaller affairs can take place at “Salon Vert” for a spectacular reception or gala complete with lavish marble floors and windows. “Almaz” rooftop offers a fresh outdoor option with a mesmerizing panoramic view of the Nile and a capacity of up to 300 guests.

Our chefs are ready to add the cherry on top of your wedding with a wide selection of set or buffet menus. Sushi stations, hot stations, mini French pastry and small cakes all add a little something extra to the experience. Even your wedding cake can be made in various mouthwatering flavors such as praline cream, raspberry, dark or white Swiss chocolate all covered with a delicious layer of sugar dough.

As a special gift for the newlyweds, the honeymoon treats go over the borders for free romantic getaways in all Marriott Hotels worldwide. For every dollar spent, 3 points are added on their Marriott rewards card which can be redeemed for free nights and upgrades at every Marriott hotel around the world!

What are you waiting for? Say YES to #MarryMeAtCairoMarriott.

IDENTITY review

Opening Soon

Devarana Spa at the Dusit Thani LakeView An authentic corner of Thailand beckons … when mind and body are begging you to de-stress, de-angst and detach yourself from the strains and frustrations of everyday life head for the Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo.

The soon-to-open Devarana Spa at the Dusit is unique in that Spa Manager Sirintra Anusri and her team of eight are all from Thailand.

Sirintra says: “This is what makes the Deverana at LakeView unique – nowhere else in Cairo is there a spa offering the complete Thai experience where the staff are all from Thailand. We use Thai products, Thai music will be gently played and there will be Thai scents and aromas in the air.”

Speaking about the importance of massage and therapy, Sirintra explains: “It is set deeply in the Thai personality that we want to take care of people, to make them feel well and happy with themselves. This is not just because it is a job with us … it comes from inside us, to make people feel better, to feel good.

“Massage is part of family life for everyone in Thailand for the same reason … to feel happy, relaxed and well. And to show and share hospitality is also important to us, part of our life every day and part of our personality.

“Most importantly, our guests will experience and enjoy Thai hospitality from Thai people. This makes us unique in Cairo. Nowhere else has this …”, Sirintra concludes with a smile.

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The contemporary Thai design and décor invites guests to escape from the stressful hustle and bustle of the everyday world and wraps them in a relaxing and welcoming ambience where the magic of premium spa treatments with traditional Thai service and hospitality.

Just as Thailand is famous for its palaces, so the Deverana Spa at Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo is truly palatial. Built over two floors the Spa comprises 13 treatment rooms including six singles, three doubles (for women), and two for specific Thai massage and rooms for manicure, pedicure and facials, all of which benefit from natural daylight.

There are separate treatment rooms for men and women, a large joint pool area plus a spacious, secluded salon for couples.

Deverana Spa is open to guests, outside visitors and has membership packages offering special benefits and incentives such as vouchers and discounted offers for wellness programmes.

The Dusit’s Deverana Spa has nearly 30 treatments, massages, body scrubs, wraps, water treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures to choose from.

The ‘signature package’ is the two-and-a-half hour Heavenly Nantha Garden Experience with lotus and chapaca petals, ylang ylang and jasmine oils, combining Thai, Swedish, Ayurvedic and Shiatsu techniques – the ultimate in luxury and pampering.

IDENTITY bits & pieces

Samsung Electronics Egypt launches the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, with a new design, craftsmanship and performance for an unmatched mobile experience It celebrated its latest ground breaking innovation in the smart phone arena at the majestic Manial palace with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in Egypt, which took top honors as the most innovative and creative products

“Efssel” is a social awareness campaign aiming to get people to decrease their usage of smartphones, especially when they’re surrounded by family and friends.

Created by a group of AUC seniors for their Integrated Marketing Communication graduation project, the campaign is built on the realization that we often neglect those closest to us because we’re too focused on checking social media or playing games on our phones. The group came up with the idea after noticing the negative effects the overuse of phones has on their relationship with those they care about most. They saw how much of a gap smartphones are creating between people and admitted to experiencing this themselves. The more time we spend looking at our phone screens, the less attention and appreciation we have for those around us; that is a problem they want to be a part of solving. The six students created this campaign in order to tell people they shouldn’t take those they love for granted by staring at a screen the entire time they’re together.

The soon-to-be graduates’ research revealed that this

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issue affects people starting from the age of thirteen up to those in their fifties. Both parents and children are alienated from each other because of the new, attractive technologies on smartphones that draw us into using them for a large amount of time. Through their radio and television advertisements and events, the Efssel group aims to send the message across in a way that would reach and speak to people from different age groups and generations. They want to bring people together. Their campaign is all about disconnecting from the device and experiencing life and people to the fullest.

Efssel encourages all heavy smartphone users to disconnect from their phones and live the moment. This includes fully enjoying a meal instead of worrying about photographing it and giving their undivided attention to the people they’re with instead of absentmindedly letting time with precious loved ones pass them by.

We should all try to disconnect every once in a while. To quote the campaign’s slogan, “Seeb telephonak. 3eesh el la7za.”

Braun celebrates beauty with the fashion community in Cairo The fashion community in Cairo, and from across the region, welcomes Braun’s exciting collaboration with Fashion Zone Cairo Couture Collections, its premiere fashion show in Egypt. The annual event is now a gateway to the global and local design talents showcasing their work in the country. Leading the beauty industry in the Middle East, Braun strives to partner with the most talented artists to break free and inspire fashion trends internationally, with its sensational brand ambassador Jessica Alba.

GROHE reveals innovative collections for modern kitchen center-stage at Cairo Bites Fusing award-winning design with innovative functionality, GROHE introduced its Kitchen lines at Cairo Bites, Egypt's biggest food festival, offering an ideal choice of faucets for family kitchens.

SODIC Continues to Build Bridges through Art Westown Hub hosts Caravan’s travelling exhibition “The Bridge,” an unparalleled gathering of 47 premier and emerging artists. Last Saturday marked the opening of the 7th CARAVAN travelling exhibition of visual art titled “The Bridge” at the Westown Hub, SODIC West’s upcoming entertainment hub that will boast some of Cairo’s finest restaurants and entertainment venues.

Kérastase introduces Discipline to Egypt – A Revolutionary Hair Treatment.

Kérastase announced its first revolutionary anti-frizz formula and treatment during it’s official launch event this week at the Fairmont Heliopolis Hotel in Cairo. The new formula, named Kérastase Discipline, works to tame damaged, unruly, exhausted and frizzy hair with no chemical treatments, leaving hair smooth, fluid in motion, and full of life.

Intel Egypt showcases latest Consumer Devices Intel® Core™ M Processor has mixed fanless designs with beauty, performance and great battery life.

Intel Egypt showcased the latest devices based on the Intel® Core™ M processor, which will power new 2 in 1 devices from manufacturers including: ASUS*, Dell*, HP* and Lenovo* in Egypt. Intel’s new processor was purpose-built to deliver the optimal blend of mobility and performance in the thinnest, fanless ultra-mobile devices.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence Receives Award of Excellence The leading luxury hotel was recognized as a top performing hotel on Booking.com, the world leader in online accommodation booking.

The hotel received an overall review score of 8.8 on Booking.com for 2014, taking number two position in Cairo with thousands of reviews by guests from around the world, who have consistently praised the outstanding hospitality, superior comfort and world class facilities of the hotel.

Olympic Group changes the company name to Electrolux Egypt Ahmed Bakry: We will continue to offer innovative and high quality products at competitive prices.

Olympic Group changed the company name to Electrolux Egypt as a final step in the integration following its acquisition by Electrolux in 2011. This comes as part of Electrolux strategy to turn Egypt into its regional manufacturing hub.

African Football Outlook at the Cairo Marriott The Cairo Marriott hotel was the venue for The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2017 draw selecting host country for the 31st edition of the tournament.

The event was organized by The Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Ghabbour Auto and Cisco Join Forcesto Drive Information Technology and ICT Education in Egypt Egypt’s Leading Automotive Assembler and Distributor Calls on Cisco to deploy the latest Network Infrastructure Technology Solutions and to deliver free ICT Skills Training

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IDENTITY bits & pieces

Taurus Strengths Patient and reliable Warmhearted and loving Persistent and determined Placid and security loving

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Aries Weakness Jealous and possessive Resentful and inflexible Self-indulgent and greedy

Most compatible with Scorpio, Virgo, Cancer

Least compatible with Aries, Sagittarius, Aquarius

“ Taurus, the Bull of Heaven, represents a strong-willed character with great perseverance and determination.”

Taurus is known as the Bull of Heaven—because it was the sign through which the sun rose on the vernal equinox.

Taurus was the first sign of the zodiac established among the ancient Mesopotamians, but due to the procession of the equinox, it now follows

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Aries. The Bull represents a strong-willed character with great perseverance and determination.

In Egypt, Taurus was seen as the cow goddess Hathor.

Hathor was the goddess of beauty, love, and happiness, and she represented all of

the wealth found in cattle as the providers of nourishment.

Roman astrologers considered Taurus ruled by Venus, the Greek goddess of love. This means Taurus are more emotional and loving, but also more jealous and possessive.