FEBRUARY 2011 Vol 8 No 94 EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Salman Ibrahim Al Balushi GROUP EDITOR Mayank Singh DEPUTY EDITORS Rekha Baala Rana Alawneh ASSISTANT EDITOR Deepa Rajan
COVER DESIGN: MINAAL G. PEDNEKAR ON THE COVER: SOFIA ASLAM
CORRESPONDENTS Sushmita Sarkhel Myssaa Said Al Hinai DESIGN SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Sandesh S. Rangnekar ART DIRECTOR Minaal G. Pednekar SENIOR DESIGNERS Aliya Al Waheibi Rashida SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Rajesh Burman PHOTOGRAPHERS Sathyadas C. Narayanan Motasim Abdulla Al Balushi PRODUCTION MANAGER Govindraj Ramesh ADVERTISING & MARKETING BUSINESS HEAD Mimi Deb ADVERTISING MANAGER Chandni Maniar ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGER Fareeda Sulaiman Al Balushi MEDIA EXECUTIVE Benaifer CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Sandeep Sehgal EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Alpana Roy VICE PRESIDENT Ravi Raman SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Radha Kumar
FROM THE DESK
MARRIAGE OF THE MINDS A wise person once said, “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” Indeed, marriages are made very much on earth, between people who are as real as the air they breathe. So, then what makes a good marriage? There is no definite roadmap and there are no signposts along the way either. But there are few things that might help you chart this beautiful journey together. M is for mutual respect. No relationship survives without respect. No one partner can assume the role of a superior. A is for arguing and it is not always bad. Arguments will happen. A healthy argument can clear the air and remove resentment. Bottling up your feelings is a stop-gap arrangement. R is regular conversations. Arguments do not make up for a good conversation. Communicate and do it effectively. Lack of communication breeds apathy and mistrust, which over a period destroys the best of marriages. R is for respite from each other. Learn to respect each other’s space. His football buddies are not your enemies and neither are her shopping trips and girls’ night outs. Sometimes, familiarity does breed contempt. I is for impromptu things you do for each other. Bring spontaneity into your marriage. Plan surprises for each other. Keep the romance alive. A is for adapting to changes. People change and you will find as time passes, your likes and dislikes may also change. Learn to accept these changes in yourself and your spouse and you’ll see how the going gets better.
BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Zuwaina Al Rashdi
G is for grudges that must be left behind. Live in the present. Do not rake up the past. Holding grudges only makes you bitter.
DISTRIBUTION United Media Services LLC
E is for emotional security. Remember, marriage is an emotional relationship that is always on trial. You have to learn to be emotionally secure if you want to have a marriage that can survive the ups and downs of everyday life.
- An Al Mar’a presentation Published by United Press & Publishing LLC A Renaissance Services Company
P.O. Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Tel: 00 968 24700896 Fax: 00 968 24707939 e-mail: almara@umsoman.com website: www.umsoman.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers. Copyright © 2011 United Press & Publishing LLC Printed in the Sultanate of Oman at Oman Printers & Stationers
Above all, remember every marriage is a celebration of life. So enjoy it like every day is your wedding day. Hope you enjoy our Wedding Special. See you next month, until then stay cool people!
e-magazine – logon to www.oeronline.com or email us at almara@umsoman.com to get your personal e-magazine.
CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2011 Vol 8 No 94
17
WEDDING SPECIAL
18 The perfect beauty regimen for the beautiful bride.
22 How to choose that perfect
LOVE’S IN THE AIR VALENTINE’S DAY
wedding gown.
24 Traditional Omani wedding –
45 Three couples on why ‘love is a
a lowdown.
28 Two fabulous looks for D-Day. 32 Bridal fashion from top
many splendoured thing’!
50 Valentine’s Day gifts for your loved one.
international designers.
52 What to do, where to go this
36 A slice of tradition – Bridal dresses from different regions in Oman.
Valentine’s Day.
FEATURE TRAVEL
66 Presenting some off-beat destinations for you to explore in 2011.
SOLUTIONS
PEOPLE WHAT-A-MAN
Why Ryan Reynolds is Hollywood’s ‘Most Wanted’!
54 FASHION & BEAUTY BEAUTY PLUS 70 Dr. Fatma O. Ali lists some do’s and don’ts for a
clear, glowing skin…
BEAUTY ZONE 74 The beauty check-list.
58
76
PARENTING
Sibling rivalry – how to help your kids get along!
CUISINE
60 WORKWISE
Chefs Mohamed Ettaib and Rachida of Shahrazad, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa talk of their sweet love story. Three special recipes for Valentine’s Day.
72 WELL-BEING
EVENTS 42 Jordanian designer Nadia Dajani showcased
10 commonplace work habits that you should get rid of immediately!
Be realistic about your expectations from marriage, says Dr. Prema Seshadri.
IN EVERY ISSUE
Your Say Life, etc News, etc
her latest jewellery collection at the Infiniti showroom.
44 Country Club welcomed 2011 in style. 63
The OER CEO Golf 2011 promises to provide an exciting time for golfers and non-golfers.
your say
Address your letters to: The Editor, Al Mar’a, United Media Services, P.O. Box: 3305, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman or fax us at 24707939 or e-mail us at almaraoman@gmail.com
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FEBRUARY 2011
NEW BEGINNINGS
THE GREEN TRAVELLER
First of all, a very Happy New Year to Al Mar’a and all its readers. I loved the Cover Story on resolutions for the New Year – as well as the wonderful poem before it. I’ve made it a point to follow most of them (especially the ones Anuya mentioned) and I really hope I don’t falter. I also enjoyed reading the interview with on Nawal Al Hooti. She seems like such a talented designer. Some of her works shown in the magazine were extraordinary. On a slightly different note, I’d like to add that I really enjoy reading the pieces on various cars. Although I like cars, I’m not completely savvy with all the terminology. I love the way your articles describe the cars without all the verbiage. This, and many other reasons are exactly why I love your magazine. You guys are doing such a wonderful job! Congrats! You should to be proud. Aliya Al Riyami Qurum
Wow, the piece on ecotourism was incredible! And might I add, packed a few surprises (in terms of destinations) as well. Not only is the concept very topical, but it’s something people should start considering very seriously. Sometimes however, I feel that even while travelling people should think hard about the environment and not only while picking the destination. Picking out sustainable hotels and lodges is one such option. There are many hospitality providers out there who promote energy efficiency, water recycling, etc. and create economic opportunities for the local/indigenous community. As a person who is very serious about preserving the environment, I was very glad to read the article. I hope Al Mar’a continues to publish such interesting and eye-opening articles in the future as well. Well done! Christina Smith Qurum
LEA ROCKS!
Since the time my daughter was five, she’s wanted to join the aviation industry. She’s in her final year of high school and lately we’ve been talking a lot about what her options are. Initially I was a bit hesitant about my daughter going into the aviation industry but she seemed quite confident about her choice. Then, quite randomly, I picked up the January issue of Al Mar’a and came across the article on women in the industry. It was heartening to read about the women and their determination was really inspiring. I immediately showed the story to my daughter who was also delighted to read the article (although she gave me the ‘I told you so’ lecture). It is true, women today have really started crossing all types of barriers and there’s nothing they cannot do! Radhika Iyer Darsait
I’m writing to you guys to let you know how much I loved the feature on Lea Michele. I really think she plays the role of Rachael very well and can pull off some of the pretty bizarre yet hilarious scenes in style!! As a teen, I’m sick and tired of TV serials portraying high school girls as flaky, air headed drama queens who don’t care about their future nor have any ‘serious’ ambitions. Glee, as a show, is not only awesome but also comes closer to portraying ‘real’ high-school life as compared to the others. And Lea is a great role model. I think she’s very aware of where and how she started and what made her a star. She seems like a nice, down-to-earth person. She’s a beautiful, talented, and I love her! Thanks for putting her on your cover! Rahil Khan Ghubra
HIGH HOPES
interview
ALL THATS
NEW& HAPPENING IN THE
CITY...
WHEELS RIDE OF A LIFETIME
DRIVE THE CHANGE The all-new Renault Safrane is here! Get a load of this beauty that is all set to make waves on Oman’s roads. The car is akin to a relaxed and well-appointed private business lounge, offering relaxation, comfort and luxury thanks to the high standards of innovation and quality utilised in its development. The All New Safrane’s high-end appointments incorporate comprehensive audio systems, including the core-range 3D Sound by Arkamys and the high-end Renault Bose Sound System. An efficient new chassis including the Nissan multi-link rear suspension arrangement for enhanced ride comfort and driving pleasure along with a choice of three enjoyable, fuel-efficient petrol powertrains has been incorporated into the Renault Safrane: 2.0 16V (140hp) mated to Nissan XTronic Continuous Variable Transmission; 2.5 V6 (180 hp) with automatic six speed transmission and 3.5 V6 (240 hp) also fitted with an automatic six-speed transmission. All this and more in the new Sarfrane. Book a test-drive, rightaway!
WHAT A FAN! Now this is one loyal fan who’s not going to let go of his Mitsubishi Pajero for a long time to come! Mohammed Issa Salim al Rawahy has now accumulated over 320,000 km on the clock since he purchased it from the Mitsubishi Oman showroom in Azaiba in Muscat six years ago. Mohammed and his family have used the car to safely travel all over the region visiting countries such as Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. During weekends Mohammed and his family have enjoyed the Pajero to explore every inch of the Sultanate during trips to Salalah, Wahiba Sands, numerous Wadis and mountains such as Jebel Akhdar. Way to go!
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What do you call a car that has halogen headlamps, a roof spoiler, CD (MP3) player, dual front airbags, alloy rims, ABS breaks with EBD and intrusion minimising brake pedal and most importantly fits in your budget as well as lifestyle? We call it the sizzling new 2011 Mazda2! Available at an incredible price of Rials 65 per month onwards, the Mazda2 completely fits into your budget and lifestyle. Mazda2 is available in 1.5 litre engine with the whole lot of advanced features which are not currently being offered by other competitive models in its class. Talk about a great deal!
R 3008 is now available in Omanand. GEA TOP a new d Peugeot uch awaite r represents
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interview
ALL THATS
NEW& HAPPENING IN THE
CITY...
GRAND OPENING Residents of Mumtaz Area have a good reason to rejoice. Last month, Khimji’s Mart, the largest supermarket chain in Oman d opened up a new store in the locality. It spans over 1500 sq. ft and houses a wide range of products that cater to the daily essential needs of the consumers. The store also provides regular grocery products including a fresh produce section that allows customers to buy fresh vegetables and fruits. Khimji’s Mart at Mumtaz area is open seven days a week from 6am to midnight.
MA MAXIMUM MA MAKE-UP Mango, cucumber, cu rosehip, jojob Your skin loves jojoba! these super supe hydrating, ultra moisturising and often revitalising ingredients, and the Xperience collection from Max Factor has them all. The Xperience Foundation’s formula contains jojoba, cucumber water and rose hip, instead of the often-used heavier synthetic polymers and emollients. The result is a naturally lightweight, luxurious foundation that goes on smoothly, covers evenly and leaves skin feeling soft and silky. Xperience Sheer Gloss Balm’s formula is enriched with mango-butter and shea-butter - renowned for their fast-action conditioning benefits, which create a dazzling, naturally luxurious pout with soft supple lips. Xperience Mascara has an innovative formula with carnauba wax that volumises lashes up to times times versus bare lashes. Coupled with Max Factor’s award-winning IFX brush for sleek and smooth application from root to tip, it leaves your lashes feeling lightweight, lifted, and free to flutter. The Xperience collection’s foundation and sheer gloss are also equipped with SPF 10 to help protect your skin against the sun’s harmful rays throughout the day.
SPLENDID FARE If you are a foodie who is a fan of big buffets, you must head to Spicy Village to sample its sumptuous fare! Available at all Spicy Village outlets in Al Khuwair, Rusayl, Sohar, Nizwa and Sur, the Spicy Village lunch buffet is available from 11am till 4pm every day, including weekends. The menu comprises 30 delicious items, ranging from Arabic to Indian, Continental to Chinese. The generous spread, consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. And all of this is available at an amazing price: just Rials 2.900 per person! What’s more, Spicy Village also has a special promotion. When you pay for four, the fifth person eats for free! What are you waiting for? Head to Spicy Village and tickle your taste buds, rightaway!
LLOVE STORY B BreadTalk, the multiple-award w winning Singaporean boutique b bakery located in Bareeq Al Shatti M is celebrating Valentine’s Day by Mall int introducing two exclusive custom-made cake under the theme ‘Story of Love cakes V This Valentine’s’. The two specially crafted c chocolate cakes will be available at BreadTalk Februar 1 and will offer a rich assortment of starting February flavours and sensations including the ‘Bliss’ cake and the ‘Our Hearts’ cake, which promises to present lingering tastes of berries layered with vanilla chiffon and other unique ingredients that make them both visually appealing and aromatic. The Bliss Chocolate Cake is priced at Rials 2.900 and the Our Hearts Chocolate Cake at Rials 3.900.
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FEBRUARY 2011
A REFRESHING CHANGE Panasonic Middle East has introduced nanoe™ as the coretechnology integrated in its new series of air purifiers. nanoe™ is a water based ion having a longer life and it does more than just air purification; the OH ion can penetrate into fabrics and deodorise unpleasant smells imbedded in clothes. The nanoe™ air purifiers target areas where air impurities like house dust lie abundant and is known to be the major cause of breathing disorders. These innovative machines are brought to you by Oman Marketing and Services Company (OMASCO). So visit the nearest Panasonic Retail Showroom now!
SINFULLY YOURS! On January 3, 2011 Cake Gallery celebrated their first anniversary and presented customers the opportunity to try some of their amazing goodies made especially for the occasion. After receiving a huge response from their outlet in Al Khuwair, Cake Gallery expanded to new locations in Muscat and plans to open more outlets this year. So those who are still untouched by the heavenly charm of the gallery can now experience it, possibly next door!
LIFESTYLE DESTINATION ART
TECH TALK For all your tech needs, here’s a hot new address in town. Located at the heart of Muscat, SwitchOn provides electronic lovers a never like before atmosphere! Bright colorful orange, combined with lady shade of gray along with masculine black creates the eyecatching atmosphere of SwitchOn. For all your electronic needs from a smart mobile phone to a USB, iPad or adaptor, SwitchOn is the right destination. It not only provides a wide collection of gadgets but also offers ways to save money. You could also join the SwitchOn network to receive discounts, plus a bonus discount on the week of your birthday and much more.
With art making waves in Oman, the opening of Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art is a welcome addition on the cultural scene. Located near the Muttrah Fort, the museum is a dream project of Her Highness Sayyida Dr. Ghalya bint Fahr bin Taimoor Al Said. The museum is a group of typical Omani houses from the period 1950 to 1975 and tells different stories – of the rich heritage, customs and traditions of Oman. The main draws include the Musabbeh’s room, the Majlis, the winter room, the children’s room, the exhibition room and much more. It is a wonderful depiction of Omani culture and lifestyle and showcases art in myriad forms. Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art also aims at holding artistic exhibitions and workshops as well as other creative events.
LIFE’S A PARTY… Move over Mondays Blues, for the ‘Zouk Girls Night’ is on in full swing! And, what a party it has been so far! Starting at 8pm every Monday, the night has been an extravaganza of free-flowing beverages, foot-tapping music and of course Fashion Nights, which has been a great success with as many a fashionista walking the ramp in hope for making it to the grand finale, which will be held on February 14 at the most happening place in town ‘Zouk’. The 20 participants have already been shortlisted by a prominent jury and have moved into the semi-final rounds. The winner will be given the title, ‘Ms Zouk 2011’ and a further 11 will be selected to feature in the Zouk Calendar 2011. The girls will also be given a thorough grounding in fashion, walking on the ramp and makeup by CB Modelling Agency before the grand finale. The models also have the chance to win exciting prizes, including prestigious modelling assignments with CB Modeling Agency. That’s not all! You
can also look forward to entertainment with performances from celebrities and local talent! And, we save the best for the last! In celebration of this divine emotion that makes the world go around, all the couples, who walk in to Zouk during the entire month of February, will stand a
chance to win ‘The Signature Couple 2011’ award. Sponsored by Signature magazine, this coveted title offers exciting prizes to behold! For more details write to aabhatia@gmail.com is a media partner of the event
FEBRUARY 2011
11
interview
ALL THATS
NEW&
LIFESTYLE
HAPPENING IN THE
CITY...
WHAT A DRAW! National Bank of Oman (NBO) recently held its December 2010 Al Kanz Mega Prize Draw for Rial 1 Million, at the Palm Gardens, Intercontinental Hotel Muscat. The highlight of the evening was the Al Kanz Mega Draw for Rial 1 million. The lucky winners of the draw for Rials one million (four winners of Rials 250,000 each) are Nasser Ali Mohammed, from NBO’s Al Kamil Branch, Mohammed Saleh Abdullah, from Sohar Industrial area branch, Sheikha Mubarak Musabah, from Ibri Branch and customer (name withheld on request) from CBD Branch. Congratulations!
PACKAGE DEALS This is welcome news indeed. Omantel has a announced a series of new fixed broadband offering better value pricing plans, unlimited usage and improved download speeds. A new low level entry pricing plan with speeds up to 2 mbps is being introduced priced at Rials 7 per month with a usage rate of Rials 3 per GB, and the existing plan at Rials 12 per month with a usage rate of Rial 1 per GB will continue. The most attractive offer will also be the introduction of the new Rials 20 flat rate charge that will provide unlimited usage per month at a faster download speed of 2 mbps. There are other high-speed packages too! Get connected, soon!
FAMILY FUN
TERRIFIC DUO
Here’s a skincare range that beats the signs of ageing in two different ways. The Anew Platinum Serum from Avon is a silky-smooth nourishing serum with Patent Pending Paxillium Technology, designed to help restore youthful cell shape. It makes skin feel saturated in creamy comfort. For best results, use morning and night before applying moisturiser. Also use the Anew Platinum Night Cream, formulated with the safe technology that drapes skin in a veil of softness. For best results, use after Platinum Serum every night. Two super ways to super-looking skin!
If you are looking at a family holiday, look no further than Disneyland Paris. And making it all easier is Khimji’s House of Travel. Al Tayer Travel Agency, Dubai, the distributor of Disneyland Paris for the GCC region has appointed Khimji’s House of Travel (KHOT) as its sole representative for the Oman market. KHOT will promote, distribute and market all Disneyland Paris products including Disney Cruises. With the Disney Magical Moments Festival commencing on April 6, it’s time to make your travel plans! Get on it, soon!
HIGH LIVING Is the Omani real estate industry experiencing a boom or what! Oman is truly witnessing a spate of property development all over. Alargan Towell Investment Company has launched its mixed-use development, Beyout AlFaye in the well-developed area of Al Khoudh, and announced 75 per cent completion of the project’s first phase.. The project, worth Rial 11.9 million covers a gross land area of 54,800 sq.m. Beyout AlFaye consists of a residential component, featuring three to five bedroom villas, a park, and a commercial component which will comprise of a number of services and facilities to cater to the residents of the development. Sounds real good!
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FEBRUARY 2011
interview
ALL THATS
NEW& HAPPENING IN THE
CITY...
ACCOLADES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPDATES
VALUE FOR MONEY Now this is news you could use! Nawras Select for residential customers and Nawras Carrier Select for business customers, are the latest convenient new services from Nawras designed to make it easy for customers to choose Nawras for competitively priced international calls, without changing their existing fixed line from the other operator. These new postpaid services are simple to use. By dialling the prefix 02 (instead of 00) before the international dialling code, great value from Nawras can be selected on a callby-call basis. Alternatively, with a free auto-dialler, the prefix will automatically dial the 02 code to deliver optimum savings on every international call. Business customers also have the option of having the code programmed into their PBX. Residential customers can gain additional savings using this home voice service throughout the exciting promotional launch period by subscribing to ‘My Favourite Countries’, a permanent service giving 10 per cent discount on all calls to two preferred destinations. Wonderful offers, we must say!
EMPOWERING WOMEN This is education for a cause! A graduation ceremony was held recently under the auspices of Her Highness Sayyida Muna Al Said to recognise the efforts of 27 female students – sponsored by Dar Al Atta’a – who successfully completed the first Montessori Methods of Education course in Oman. All 27 of the women chosen to take part in the course were sponsored by Dar Al Atta’a. This alternative method of teaching was introduced to Oman by Zuhoor Hammed Al Saleh, and is practised in her school located in Qurum; the system relies on students’ senses in order to prepare them for life’s experiences outside of the classroom.
BE AWARE When it comes to breast cancer awareness, information is key. From February 12 – 14 the ‘Controversies in Breast Cancer’ conference will be held at the Al Bustan Palace hotel. The initiative to organise this conference – modeled on one held annually in Europe – comes from Dr. Adil Al Ajmi, a renowned breast reconstructive surgeon attached to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The event will not only bring together experts from all over the world, but also Omani women as one of the objectives is to encourage them to perform self-examination an and to seek medical help in the Sultanate. A woman y Omani breast cancer survivor who got successfully treated at SQUH will be among the speakers to sharee n her experience. Another woman will give advice on how to do self examination.
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SIGNIFICANT STEP Have you heard of the Dar Al Hanan (Home Away from Home) project? It is the latest outreach initiative of the National Association for Cancer Awareness (NACA). Dar Al Hanan is a home for children undergoing outpatient treatment for cancer, catering primarily to families who come from outside the Muscat governorate area. Dar Al Hanan will be a facility where these young patients while on outpatient treatment can stay with their family members for free during the period when they come for their treatment and follow-up. The children who will be able to stay at the home are those who are under treatment and need to have treatment and follow up to avoid further complications. The home will offer meals and accomodation for the patients and their families. A play area for the children which is outfitted with computers and toys; and a library housing books for both the patients’ entertainment and families’ education and information. Additionally, in order to facilitate hospital visits and appointments, Dar Al Hanan will provide a free shuttle to and from the Royal Hospital that will cater exclusively to Dar Al Hanan occupants. Truly a great initiative!
FEBRUARY 2011
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Marriages are made in heaven …and celebrated here For that most important celebration in your life, you want everything to be just perfect. The choice of banqueting facilities at The Platinum & The Crystal Suites make sure that your celebrations linger in the memories long past the event. Forever. Available in a choices of sizes & decor, they are ideal for all kinds of events like receptions, anniversaries, birthdays or corporate events like company annual meetings, awards ceremonies, etc.
Jashn at The Platinum
Sapphire Ballroom at The Crystal Suites
Ruby Ballroom at The Crystal Suites
The exquisitely designed, luxurious new banqueting facility, accommodates up to 200 guests.
A multi functional banqueting facility ideal for meetings, seminars, celebrations & events of up to 350 people.
The ornate venue for weddings, receptions & large corporate get-togethers, holds 400 guests comfortably.
THE
Opp. Court, Next to Oman Oil Petrol Pump, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Oman T:+968 2439 2500 F: +968 2439 2501 E: info@theplatinumoman.com W: www.theplatinumoman.com
Crystal Suites: Wadi Kabir, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman T: +968 24826100 F : +968 24826116 E: info@crystalsuitesoman.com W: www.crystalsuitesoman.com
shellsindia.com
PL ATINUM
Guide for Brides FEBRUARY 2011
17
Get Gorge
And here comes the bride, beautiful, glowing and looking out of this world. What makes her so? Read on to find more…
us!
Y
our wedding is the most important day in your life. Where ‘simply looking your best’ does just not make the cut! You need to get that fabulous and awesome ‘one-in-alifetime’ look! Getting the glow is not easy! And does not come in a day. It’s all about months of preparation and hard work. And believe us, all the careful planning and pampering certainly pays off! Here’s how you can look your best on your big day with a beauty regimen that you can work on well in advance. Three to six months before the wedding is the ideal ‘working on’ period!
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FEBRUARY 2011
wedding special – beauty plus
For the skin •Try and not go out into the sun too much. This can cause skin to become dry and discoloured. • Sunscreen is a must, at least one with a SPF15. Dab on liberally. It helps prevent skin damage and fights the signs of ageing.
• Moisturise so that your skin looks healthy, young and soft.
• Cleanse your skin taking into account your skin type. Choose products for dry, oily, normal or combination skin. • Visit a dermatologist if you have skin problems so your skin will be blemish-free before the big day. • If you smoke, quit immediately. Smoking dramatically ages skin, apart from other healthrelated effects. • Apply an eye-cream before you sleep every night. This will moisturise the eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles. • Drink plenty of water. It detoxifies and helps in making the skin look young and beautiful.
• Every month, treat yourself to a facial.
• Use a good exfoliant to exfoliate your skin at least three times a week. • Sleep well. You need your beauty sleep to keep your skin looking fresh and energised. • Wax for smooth hair-free skin. If you do not want to go the long-term (read laser removal) route, get a professional to wax your legs, underarms and other unwanted hair on your skin. m • Don’t forget your lips. Keep applying lip balm or Vaseline so they don’t dry up. • Include a lot of fresh fruit juices and fruits in your diet. Tomato juice is good for the skin too.
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For the nails • Moisturise your hands daily and as often as possible. • Set aside 20 minutes each week for a good manicure. You can do this at home or take the help of a professional. • Apply cuticle oil to your nails every night before bedtime. This helps to soften and moisturise the cuticle area. • Condition your hands by massaging in a hand cream every night.
For the hair • First understand what category your hair falls into; oily, dry or normal. Treat it accordingly. If you have hair that is too oily, consider using special products or treatment from an expert so that they look healthy on your big day. • Avoid constant and regular use of blow-dryers or straightening irons. Stay away from gels, creams and sprays that are chemical-based. Opt for products that have natural ingredients. • Do not brush your hair when it is wet. Comb your hair by dividing into different sections. • Towel dry your hair by gently squeezing it in between the towel. • Always use a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles from your hair. Don’t use a brush as it may cause excessive breakage of hair. • Try and wash your hair at least three times in a week. Make sure to use a good
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FEBRUARY 2011
shampoo and a conditioner every time. Opt for herbal conditioners instead of the chemical-based ones. • Avoid going out in harsh sunlight or heavy wind. If you must, wrap a scarf or wear a hat. This will help protect your hair. • Do not go in for any drastic change in your hairstyle or colour just before the wedding. If you want to experiment, try it at least six months before. • If you suffer from hair fall, consult the doctor for treatment and multi-vitamins. • Trim your hair regularly to avoid dead ends. • Finally, choose a reliable hair-stylist and discuss options for wedding day hairstyles well in advance. See what works best with your hair, your wedding dress and makeup. Care for your hair well in advance to support the style you wish to have during your wedding.
• If you are planning on wearing extensions, start at least two months before. This will give you time to experiment and see what is right for you.
wedding special – beauty plus
On D-Day
• Don’t wash your hair. Yes, you heard it right! Experts say that you should not shampoo your hair on your wedding day but just let your hair’s natural oils make it look shinier and healthier and therefore make styling easier. • If your hair is oily, try and use a tinted hair powder to absorb the oil. • Wear sunscreen under your make-up. It protects skin in harsh light, especially during those photo sessions. • Avoid heavy creams and moisturisers as they would make you perspire after a while. • Use moisture absorbing powder all over your body after your shower. It will keep you fresh and dry throughout the day. • Use a strong deodorant for all-day protection. • Make sure you test the colour of your foundation and concealer days before the wedding day. Mix a bit of the concealer with your foundation to make sure that the tone and shade is consistent and then apply to problem areas. • Play with your eye-lashes and your eyeliners so that your eyes look beautiful in pictures. • Apply your lipstick in layers. Start by powdering your lips, and then use a lip pencil to outline your lips and to fill your lip. Then apply lipstick, blot, dust with powder and apply again. Make sure to use longlasting lipstick. • Try using waterproof eye make-up because you never know when the tears will flow. Don’t just be a bride. Be the cynosure of all eyes! Be a beautiful bride! ■
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Steal the show! Your wedding dress reflects YOU on your wedding day. It just does not have to be special; it has to be one in a million. Here’s how you can choose that gown that’s just ‘perfect’ for you…
C
hoosing a wedding gown is an arduous process. And if you have a huge family to please, it makes it doubly hard. There are a lot of things to keep in mind before choosing the dress for the most important day in your life.
It goes without saying, that it has to be the dress that will show off the kind of image you want to create whether ‘drop dead gorgeous’, ‘romantic’, ‘enchanting’ ‘vintage’ or the ‘glamorous doll’ type! Whatever it is, you certainly need the type of dress that suits your body type!
Here’s how you can pick a dress that accentuates your figure and body features. IF YOU HAVE AN HOUR-GLASS FIGURE • Those lucky enough to have a perfect figure should choose a gown with a halter-style neckline. An A-line gown with a dropped waist works the best. A two-piece ball gown is best suited for this figure. • Avoid straight cut gowns as they could over-accentuate your figure and make your hips and bottom look heavier IF YOU ARE PEAR-SHAPED • Look for a skirt with a flare-out in A formation from the waist to the floor. This will highlight the narrowness of the mid-section. A full ball gown is also a great choice with an accented waistline and brings focus to the upper part of the body. • You should stay away from sheath gowns as a fuller bottom will be more pronounced with this design.
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wedding special – style
IF YOU HAVE A THICK WAIST • Choose empire gowns that have a high waistline. These gowns have waistlines right below the bust line and gradually fade to an A-line skirt. • Stay away from waistlines that emphasise the waist. IF YOU HAVE BROAD SHOULDERS • Gowns with spaghetti straps or a scoop neckline would work best for you. • You should stay away from oversized sleeves or off-shoulder sleeves with ruffles. IF YOU HAVE LARGE HIPS • Opt for a roomy cut but choose an enhanced bust line if you’re small busted or a deep-cut bust line if you’re large busted. • Avoid skirts. IF YOU HAVE FULL OR FLACCID ARMS • A long-sleeved bridal gown will take the focus away from your arms. But if you are having a summer wedding, you could opt for a sleeveless dress and cover your arms with a decorative shrug or a pretty little lace jacket. • Avoid plain sleeveless gowns. IF YOU ARE TALL AND THIN • You’d look great in sheath gowns that are gowns that are straight up and down. This will show off your full figure. • If you do not wish to appear any more thinner than you are, avoid long vertical lines, gowns with high necks or long sleeves. IF YOU ARE SMALL AND PETITE • Princess style gowns give you that ‘lengthy’ look while the empire waist gown is another excellent choice. The A-line skirt is much more proportional to a petite frame than a very full ball gown. • Avoid gowns with too much fabric and dropped waistlines because they tend to make short brides look shorter.
In the end, wear whatever suits your figure the best. You should also take into consideration the following: • Begin your search for that perfect gown atleast six to nine months ahead of the wedding. Give enough time for alterations as well. • Do a thorough research on the kind of dress you are looking for. Go through bridal magazines, catalogues and keep track of promotions, if any. • Choose a style that is appropriate for the ceremony. Take into account whether the ceremony would be indoors or outdoors and the season as well. • Try on a few designer gowns first. Recognise the one that is right for you, looks good on you and fits your budget as well. • The budget is most important. A custom-made dress can cost much more than the one you’d buy off the rack.
Now that you have all the info, all we can do is wish you luck! All the best and happy shopping!■
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M
arriage is not just a union of two souls, but the coming together of families, a time to rejoice and celebrate.
A traditional Omani wedding is all about fun and family fervour. It is a wonderful showcase of the rich culture and heritage of the land. Where traditions still hold their own, despite the growing influence of modernity. In Oman, a wedding is a huge affair and celebrates different occasions spanning many days. The whole process, from ‘arranging’ the marriage to the final wedding comprises small events that call for celebration from both sides of the family. Myssaa Said Al Hinai provides an insight into a traditional Omani wedding, the intricacies, details, family drama, et al…
A Family Affair
A typical Omani wedding is a wonderful mix of traditional rituals, pomp and gaiety… Myssaa Said Al Hinai gives an interesting account on the entire process…
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wedding special – feature
The engagement The engagement usually takes place through a mediator between the two families. After the bride’s family gives their initial approval, the bridegroom comes with his parents and other family members to ask for the bride’s hand. After that a group of ladies from the bridegroom’s family will visit the bride’s mother to negotiate the dowry and other requirements of the bride.
The dowry Dowry is an integral part of an Omani wedding. And this warrants an entire event in itself. Relatives of the groom are usually invited to the bride’s home where they would present the dowry to the bride. A traditional musical troupe accompanies the party belting out popular Omani folk songs. The wedding chest (mandoos) is filled with various items of dowry which are opened by an elderly relative from
the bride’s family and shown to the older members of the family first.
Mulkah The Mulkah takes place at the mosque. After the person in charge of the wedding gets approval of the bride to marry the bridegroom, he will declare that both are married. After this, Omani halwa and kahwa is served to all present. The bridegroom will then go to the bride’s house, and songs special to the occasion are sung.
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The Wedding The wedding ceremony extends to over a week with various occasions that brings together many families for a period of enjoyment and celebration.
Al Jaluw It is an exclusive event only for ladies. Sandalwood paste is smeared on the bride’s body to make her skin glow. This is part of the beauty regimen to make the bride beautiful for marriage.
Henna Earlier, the henna ceremony included both men and women but in the past few decades, this has become a ‘ladies only’ ceremony. It usually takes place at the bride’s home. The bride sits on a specially decorated chair called the ‘Hajla’. Then henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet. A box is placed beside the ‘Hajla’ where those attending the event may gift money.
The wedding ceremony (Zafa) This is the long-awaited event for both the bridegroom and the bride. The bride wears the traditional Omani dress with jewellery gifted to her. She will be surrounded with the scent of the finest incense and wear the most expensive perfumes. A traditional dance troupe will accompany her to the bridegroom’s house. One of the bride’s relatives usually places a copy of the Holy Quran on her head before she enters the new home to protect her against envy.
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wedding special – feature
Day after the wedding g The day after the wedding, lunch is served to the family and neighbours of the bride who visit the bridegroom’s house to congratulate the couple. Throughout the day, family members of the groom will welcome the bride’s relatives, enhancing the ties between the two families.
Zuwarah Three days after the wedding, the bride will visit her family. Her relatives as well as her husband’s relatives will have lunch together, further strengthening the family bonds. It should be noted that wedding customs differ in different regions of Oman. But ultimately, they all reflect the warmth and friendliness of the Omani people and a wedding is an occasion that reflects these in full measure. ■
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Trés jolie! For non-stop glitz and glamour on your wedding day, get intimate with the hottest trends, colours and styles of the season… We have a team of experts who create two fab looks just right for the bridal season up ahead!
Casual Chic You don’t have to always go heavy on the make-up to be the ‘beautiful bride’. This look accentuates the face, eyes and lips with subtle but striking shades. The hair-do however is elaborate and embellished with flowers creating a ‘an innocent girl’ effect. The look perfectly suits brides who hate to be OTT with make-up but yet want to achieve the ‘million-dollar look’ on the big day!
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wedding special – makeover
Classic Beauty This is a time-and-tested formula that makes most brides look beautiful and radiant! The make-up is dramatic with full lips and dark shades, heavy eyes and an accent on the face as well. A simple hair-do and a glittering tiara make the bride a show-stopper!
Co-ordinated by: Rana Alawneh Photographers: Rajesh Burman, Sathyadas C. Narayanan Make-up expert: Mayada Al Maimani – Maraya Muscat Beauty Centre Hair: Malika, Maraya Muscat Beauty Centre Model 1: Ami Model 2: Nayab Jewellery: Gallery Argan (Qurum City Centre, Bareeq Al Shatti, Muscat City Centre) Tiara: Fancy World, Markaz Al Bahja Digital imaging: Nisreen Al Ghalani
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From Carolina Herrera’s Spring-Summer Collection
Dreams in white The best in bridal couture from top international designers‌
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wedding special – international bridal wear From Amato Haute Couture Furne One’s latest collection www.amatohautecouture.com
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From Noha Karam - Si Fashion Galerie’s latest collection showcased at Al Mar’a Festival 2010
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wedding special – international bridal wear From Rahil Hesan - Warda Haute Couture’s latest collection showcased at Al Mar’a Festival 2010
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From Boutique Grand Spa a.grandspa@gmail.com
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wedding special – international bridal wear
From Rosa Clara 2011 Collection
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The Beautiful
Bride Oman has a rich tradition of bridalwear, with each region having its own unique bridal dress. From Dhofar in the South to Musandam in the North, wedding dresses take on different hues, cuts and styles to reflect the rich culture and heritage of the country. Renowned fashion designers Amal Al Raisi and Badriya Al Zawawi bring you traditional bridal designs of Oman, each distinct and wonderful in its own way!
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wedding special – traditional bridal wear
This traditional bridal dress in turquoise and pink embellished with rich embroidery is a combination of Balushi and Dhofari styles. Amal Al Raisi has used contrasts in a modern style and is perfect for a bride looking for luxurious colours in her wedding dress without compromising on tradition.
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Badriya Al Zawawi uses flowing, bright purple and a green veil for the ‘bold’ bride of today. The design is a take on the traditional Dhofari dress.
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wedding special – traditional bridal wear
Bright red, black and orange stand out, influenced by traditional Omani styles. This dress by Amal Al Raisi has a veil that is distinctly Dhofari!
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wedding special – traditional bridal wear Badriya uses pink and gold to shimmering effect in this bridal dress that is commonly worn by brides in Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah and some wilayats in the Sharqiyah region. Traditional Omani gold jewellery with turquoise beads called Miriyana completes the ‘gorgeous bride’ look.
Model Sofia Aslam Make-up and hair Ibtisam Al Maimani (Crystal Beauty Centre) Cosmetics Miryana for Art and Cinema Make up Location Jibreen Fort (Bahla) Designers Amal Al Raisi, Al Aseel House Badriya Al Zawawi : Layali Al Asalah Photography Rajesh Burman Sathyadas C. Narayanan Coordinated by Myssaa Said Al Hinai Special Thanks Ministry of Tourism
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event
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adia Dajani’s latest collection focuses on art jewellery; her pieces find their inspiration in natural forms, in the vitality of the symbolism of the written word, and in the art of Arabic calligraphy. They present a unique fusion of East and West which reflects Nadia’s individual life experiences. The unique and elegantly crafted pieces experiment with different materials such as leather and hand woven fabric originating from Najaf in Iraq. Being responsible for the work from the initial stages, Dajani enjoys the process of interacting with her clientele, advising them on the different ways to experience her designs and reinterpreting trends with her own personal touch. Dajani’s products are entirely hand made by local ladies from Amman, who are extensively trained in basic jewellery techniques. Their dedication and skills have made the work reach high levels of quality and excellence. This has brought Dajani’s work international recognition; being featured in local as well as international press and in social scenes with Hollywood stars and royalty both at home and abroad. Her influences vary from ancient glory of the Byzantine Jerash to the elegantly faded grandeur of Nabatean Petra; the theme for her upcoming collection, which had its debut at the ‘Petra Rocks’ Premiere by the Performing Arts Centre, Noor Al-Hussein Foundation.
TIMELESS
APPEAL Jordanian jewellery designer Nadia Dajani showcased her latest collection at the Infiniti showroom at Qurum. Al Mar’a was there...
The event in Oman also marked the first time any automobile dealer combined auto with art. “A person who drives an Infiniti is someone who values the refined pleasures in life, art being the prime example of this. We intend to create a series of events and activities that reflect that affinity,” said a senior Infiniti spokesperson. Nadia Dajani has proved that when art meets tradition, the possibilities are indeed endless. All you need is the passion and the will to give wings to your dreams! ■
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event interview
Scintillating Show
Country Club welcomed 2011 in style with an evening of music, fashion, food, fun and frolic‌
It
was an evening to remember! Indian celebrities like Mohammed Aslam and Roma Asrani accompanied by a number of stars from Bollywood brought in the New Year in a special show on December 31 at the Muscat Club, Wadi Kabir. The event was organised by the Country Club, Country Vacations International as part of a global programme where a number of stars performed
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in Country Club destinations in Oman and abroad. It was aimed at existing and potential Country Club members. The event also had loads of spot-on prizes to be won by the audience. All in all, an evening of wholesome family entertainment; a perfect way to begin the New Year with a bang.â– was a media partner of the event
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valentine’s day special
Let’s Talk About Love… On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, three of the city’s hottest couples talk to Rekha Baala on life and love…
Musicians sing about it, poets wax eloquent about it, and philosophers think about it. But despite being in existence since the dawn of man, no one’s been able to ‘define’ what love truly is. It’s love when a mother holds her new born close, when friends unite, in giving and sharing, and then there’s love between man and wife. Yes, love indeed is a many-splendoured thing! Over the years, romantic love has been a favourite among playwrights, songwriters and even scientists. But flowery prose and philosophical introspection aside, we, as ‘normal’ human beings often wonder what makes love blossom – and then, how does one make it last? If men really are from Mars and women from Venus, how do couples work things out? This month, as the world celebrates this oh-so wonderful emotion, Al Mar’a decides to delve into the lives of some real-life couples and find out their take on love and marriage…
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valentine’s day special
Krupa and Mihir Khimji
HOW THEY MET… The couple first met in Boston, where they were both pursuing their undergraduate studies. They met through a common friend at a friend’s house party. They remember talking a lot during this party specifically in the balcony.
FIRST THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIM/HER… Krupa: “The first thing I liked about Mihir was his simplicity and innocence. Also, he is not a very wordy person and seemed like an introvert at first and I being the more social one, definitely wanted to know him more since there was definitely some sort of mystery to him that I wanted to solve.” Mihir: “That she was so friendly, approachable and fun to be around.”
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LOVE IS… Krupa: “Love is the highest strength, yet it makes you absolutely weak” a quote by Sri Sri Ravishankarji (Guruji), which is the exact way I would like to describe love.” Mihir: “Love is the reason that other emotions exists.”
THE MOST MEMORABLE GIFT HE/ SHE HAS GOT YOU… Krupa: “While we were at University, during one of the breaks, all our friends planned a trip to Vegas. During this trip, one evening Mihir and I decided to go out on our own since all our friends were going to a show for which we did not have tickets. That evening we did everything that was not what people do in Vegas. We went on the roller coaster at the hotel “New York New York”, which was exciting and after we got off it, he bought me a number plate which stated “Spoiled” on it. This is the first and the most special gift that he ever gave me.” Mihir: “On my 21st birthday, she made me 21 different cards of different times/events we shared together and a series of events on how she got to know me.”
FUNNY WEDDING ANECDOTES… Krupa: “Mihir decided to make a grand entry at the wedding venue on an elephant. The elephant was fine and was looking grand until a certain point, but then after seeing about 1000 people he was surrounded by and the number of cameras flashing constantly at him, he got a bit overwhelmed and started running the opposite way through the crowd. Mihir, I believe was in state of shock and could be seen constantly praying for his life on the elephant, and the crowd went totally quiet. This is now the funniest episode from the wedding. (It probably was not then!)” Mihir: “I got onto an elephant to get to the wedding, the elephant decided to turn around and go back up the hill because it did not like the music and band. This was scary at first but however turned funny later.”
SOME QUIRKS YOU HAVE GROWN TO LOVE ABOUT HIM/HER? Krupa: “After our wedding (which has now been a year), I have grown to love how sensitive he is towards his family and how possessive he is about everyone he cares about.” Mihir: “That we both do not like sharing food with each other.”
SECRET TO A LASTING MARRIAGE IS…. Krupa: “I guess it’s too early for me to say as its only been one year since our wedding, however, as of now I believe that for me the secret to a lasting marriage is to be best friends with your partner before being a wife or a husband. It’s very important to have common interests, a bit of compromise and a lot of respect for each other.” Mihir: “Get married early. It is easier to settle down as a couple. The later you leave it, it will get more difficult.”
LOVE IS… Huda: “It is a strong emotion that makes you care about someone when he is around and missing him when he isn’t around; you can never stop thinking about him. It also means accepting the person the way he is, as well as being yourself. Rami: “Love is when your heart beats so strong whenever you see the person you love. Also, you miss him while he is next to you.”
Huda and Rami Al Lawati
valentine’s day special
HOW THEY FIRST MET… The couple first met at D’Arcy’s Kitchen.
FIRST THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIM/HER… Huda: “He has a sense of humour and is also handsome.” Rami: “Her big smile and beautiful eyes.”
THE MOST MEMORABLE GIFT HE/SHE HAS GOT YOU… Huda: “A diamond necklace in the shape of heart was the first and the most memorable gift he gave me.” Rami: “A ring that has never left my finger till today.”
FUNNY WEDDING ANECDOTES… Huda: “When more than 200 uninvited people showed up for the ladies’ party!” Rami: “Ordering food to the room at 4am as we both didn’t have dinner at our wedding.”
SOME THINGS YOU HAVE GROWN TO LOVE ABOUT HIM/HER? Huda: “He is a caring and optimistic person who likes to share everything.” Rami: “Detailed planning, being organised and getting things done.”
SECRET TO A LASTING MARRIAGE IS… Huda: “Trust, respect, sacrifice and compromise.” Rami: “Trust, sacrifice and having fun.”
HOW THEY MET… The couple met in September 2000 on work-related business and were really good friends before anything romantic happened between then.
FIRST THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIM/HER… Rebecca: “I’d like to say his boyish good looks. But really it was the fact that he was really friendly (without being overly friendly) and just really easy to talk to.” Will: “From the moment I was introduced to Rebecca it was everything about her and something told me that this was the woman of my dreams (and still is).”
THE MOST MEMORABLE GIFT HE/SHE HAS GOT YOU… Rebecca: “That’s easy - a Russian wedding ring which I still wear now and is my favourite piece of jewellery because of its sentimental value. He gave the ring to me before we were married - he bought it for me back when we used to have ‘monthly anniversaries’ and at the time he was barely earning any money and he’d spent it all on this ring.” Will: “There is not one gift that sticks out (apart from our two children) as it is every gift I am given – each and every one of them has a meaning to me.”
FUNNY WEDDING ANECDOTES… Rebecca: “That has to be when the vicar that was marrying us called me Nancy - he basically said ‘Do you Nancy take.......’ at which point the congregation started laughing and I asked Will who the heck was ‘Nancy’. In addition to that, some of our wedding guests surprised us during the evening party by having T-shirts made with a print on the back of them saying ‘Nancy, Nancy, who the heck is Nancy?’ We still have the T-shirts as a reminder Very funny!” Will: “Well, yes, I have to agree with my wife as I could not think of anything else but what happened on our wedding day at the altar with the vicar coming out with the name Nancy!”
SOME QUIRKS YOU HAVE GROWN TO LOVE ABOUT EACH OTHER… Rebecca: “His ‘spoonerisms’ - he always gets his sayings mixed up and comes out with the daftest things for example instead of saying ‘like a bull in a china shop’ he’d say (by mistake!) ‘like china in a bull’s shop’” Will: “Well, I suppose it was my nickname that Becky came up with that I have grown to love. ‘Bear!’”
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Rebecca and Will Blake
LOVE IS… Rebecca: “It is like everything encompassed into a relationship - it’s a bond that’s really hard to break but can bend under severe pressure and still come out on top.” Will: “Just one element of a marriage, it is something that one cannot describe as everyone has different emotions and feelings on this.”
SECRET TO A LASTING MARRIAGE IS… Rebecca: “I’m not sure how qualified I am to say this but probably understanding, ability to agree to disagree, compromise, hard work and team work and your husband always being able to say ‘yes dear’!” Will: “For me it is a partnership of love, trust and honesty. You are a team that develops together and has highs and lows throughout life, but at the end of the day no matter what, it is a bond and a special friendship that you know from the very first day.”
It’s Valentine’s Day… and love’s in the air! How did you spend it? Was it romantic, unique and truly special? Tell us all! And if your story touches our hearts, it calls for a double celebration.
You will win a PANASONIC Wellness Gift Hamper for you and your spouse! E-mail us at almaraoman@gmail.com and do not forget to include your full name, e-mail id, phone number and postal address.
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valentine’s day special-good things
DOUBLE TREAT This is perfect for Him and Her! Amouage brings its new Small Leather Goods Collection, with crocodile prints and patent leather with vibrant nappa leather contrasts. The Collection comprises a contemporary and distinctive variety of small leather goods from wallets, credit card holders, business card and key cases to women’s cosmetic bags, luggage tags, men’s wash bags and passport cases. The apogee of the Collection are a one-of-a-kind Domino and Backgammon set in a sophisticated leather case stamped with the House’s exclusive and signature jacquard.
SYMBOLS OF LOVE Pure Gold Jewellers has introduced a special edition of diamond crusted heart pendants in white and yellow gold as a perfect way to express one’s love on Valentine’s Day. The elegant new collection features a quarter carat solitaire in a heart shaped gold pendant on a beautiful gold chain, both 18 kt; and also another pendant with interlinked hearts, finely crafted with several diamonds. Affordable and exquisite, the new collection is the best romantic token of love for this Valentines’ Day.
For someone SWEET HEARTS This Valentine’s Day present a romantic mouth melting pleasure to your special someone with personally created haute couture French chocolates introduced in an exclusive Valentine’s Day 2011 collection by an award winning chocolatier - Forrey & Galland. The assortment of treats represent sweet hearts made in milk, white and dark chocolate filled with tender flavours of Rose, Passion Fruit and hazelnut praline, or pamper your valentine with a chocolate Vanilla Sablet in four different lovable colours of pink, white, milk and dark chocolate.
OH! JOY Joy of Pink is the vibrant new fragrance for women from LACOSTE. It is a delightfully uplifting scent built around a lively and luminous cocktail of grapefruit and Blue Curacao. Colourful, sparkling and full of energy, this vivacious new scent inspires the same contagious feelings of joy and excitement that are evoked by a girl’s most cherished friendships.
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HAPPY TIMES Fullness and femininity are the signatures of the Happy Spirit Elixir d’Amour fragrance from Chopard – a lush floral composition in which the voluptuous heart note of noble Jasmine Sambac is enlightened by delicate touches of Yellow Freesia, and rounded out by a lingering dry-down of Amber, White Musk and Cashmere Wood. Sparkling, sensual, utterly irresistible, Happy Spirit Elixir d’Amour expresses like no other the happiness beyond words of a romance that has blossomed into true love.
PLAY ON! From Paco Rabanne, comes two gift sets, just perfect for this Valentine’s Day. It comes with the promise of strong sensations and with a musical accompaniment. These perfumed gift boxes come in the shape of audio cassettes even more trendy than vinyl records, with concealed earphone bobbins. Occupying centre stage for the occasion is Gold for 1 Million and Lady Million and silver for Black XS for her and him. Flamboyant and excessive or rock ‘n’ roll style, each playfully presents its earphones bearing the Paco Rabanne label.
FLORAL MAGIC From The Body Shop comes Strawberry Hearts, a gift set for Her, presented in a box with a heart-shaped theme. The Body Shop has selected the very best ingredients to benefit your skin, many sourced through the Community Fair Trade programme. In the box are Shower Gel, Body Butter, Soap, Body Polish and Bath Lily. A fabulous treat for mind, body and soul!
you love... Here are some unique Valentine’s Day gifts – some for Him, some for Her to make the day truly special!
ART INSPIRATION Nina Ricci marks Valentine’s Day with an arty touch. A graphic and creative inspiration depicting a luxuriant natural decor that conceals the delicious Nina and the mischievous Ricci Ricci. Each set contains a 50ml bottle and its miniature, adorned by a botanical world full of contrasts and colour. A new graphic inspiration in perfect harmony with the artistic values cherished by Nina Ricci. For the more romantic, Nina Ricci has the Nina Eau de Toilette set. FEBRUARY 2011
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valentine’s day special-hot spots
Hot Haunts The season of love is here... and it’s time for celebration! Choose from one of these for a romantic rendezvous with your special one on this special day...
GET INTO THE MOOD Romance is in the air at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa ! Guests can enjoy dedicated Valentine’s Day set menus in each of the resort’s four specialty restaurants, whether it be Italian at Capri Court, fresh seafood at Bait Al Bahr, Moroccan at Shahrazad or international fine dining at Sultanah. Outdoor seating in each of the restaurants will inject an extra bit of romance to the evening with romantic settings under the starry skies and views across the Gulf of Oman. The two all-day dining restaurants will also offer special buffet dinners from Samba’s romantic Asian buffet beside the pool, or Al Tanoor’s special Valentine’s Day buffet with Arabic background music entertainment under the night skies.
LOVE ABOUNDS Love is poetry for the senses at Grand Hyatt Muscat this February 14 with the ‘With Love from Hyatt’ specials sure to create an unforgettable evening for you and your beloved. For a night like no other Tuscany offers traditional Italian fare prepared by Chef de Cuisine Fabrzio Valdetara in a classically romantic setting. An extravagant five course dining experience has been prepared for this Valentine’s eve. An indulgent buffet is on offer at Mokha Café under the starlit sky, with music from a live pianist to set the mood. At Marjan guests can dine by candlelight by the seaside with freshly prepared Indonesian Rijsttafel by Chef Rudi Yudiana. The Batak Duo will perform classic love songs as you enjoy dishes such as coriander marinated beef sirloin, prawns and black pepper sauce, and coconut and jack fruit pancake. The Safari Rooftop Grill House offers an ‘Anti- Valentine’s Dinner’. For a fun filled night an all-inclusive package includes grilled fare such as Angus beef, Omani prawns, salad and dessert stations. A surprise gift will be given to all couples on the evening to continue the night in Muscat’s premier piano lounge the John Barry Bar, or to dance the evening away in Copacabana Nightclub. Prices range from Rials 23.000 to Rials 37.000, including taxes and service charge.
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A CELEBRATION Park Inn is offering a memorable evening for couples at its signature outlet the RBG Grill. An extravagant Valentine’s Day themed four course set menu will be served to indulge taste buds and engage the senses. The meal will start off with deep fried Brie cheese coated with sesame seeds, served with cranberry dipping sauce. This will be followed up by a chilled avocado soup, served with smoked salmon. For the main course dine on either honey mustard lamb rack served with roasted vegetables, baked red snapper with passion fruit sauce and green salad or cheese ravioli with roasted tomato sauce. Finish off with an indulgent strawberry gateaux for dessert. Tea and coffee at the end of the meal are also included. Open from 7 pm to 11 pm, the restaurant will require booking in advance at Rials 35 per couple, inclusive of taxes.
what-a-man
’ n i k o Sm R
emember that hot guy from Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place? Well, he’s just not ‘that hot guy’ anymore. Today Ryan Reynolds, is the ‘it’ guy of Hollywood - and of course, our pick for what-a-man this month! Born to Jim and Tammy Reynolds, Ryan Rodney Reynolds is the youngest of their four boys. Reynolds’ father, a retired Royal Canadian Mounted policeman (who later became a food wholesaler) met his mother, a retail saleswoman in high school in Vancouver. Two of his three elder brothers are policemen and naturally, Reynolds was expected to do something similar. But he surprised his whole family by becoming an actor. His first stint was a series about 15-year- olds called Fifteen with a Canadian production company. Each local school picked four of its best drama students to put forward and although Reynolds wasn’t one of the selected, he went for the auditions anyway. Out of 4000, only 13 remained -
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and Reynolds was one of them. And while his father may not have empathised with Ryan’s acting dreams, Ryan knew he’d like the idea that his son had beaten out the thousands of other aspirants. He was then cast in a series of made-for-TV movies like Ordinary Magic, My Name Is Kate, and In Cold Blood. It was only after he ran into fellow Vancouver actor and native Chris Martin that he decided to move to Los Angeles and seriously pursue his acting career. While looking for work he also became involved in a famous comedy improvisation troupe, The Groundlings - this would ultimately prove to be quite handy for his acting career. Finally, after months of auditioning, Reynolds landed a role as “Berg”, a quirky medical student in Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place. The show - which was about the lives of three 20somethings who share a Boston apartment and work at a pizza joint - went on to become a huge hit. Needless to say, this led Reynolds to film roles including some independent ones like: Finder’s Fee and
an
! e c A
d ht goo ig r n w o ad ’s itty and is Hollywood e’s all w , g in Charm an Reynolds ays and her d y guy, R anted’ these ut him. o ‘Most W d to know ab e e you n
Buying the Cow and subsequently his first truly huge hit, Van Wilder. “My career has been an inch at a time,” notes Reynolds. Sure, his rise to fame has taken time but it has been well worth it. Today Reynolds has quite successfully managed to rise through the ranks and has had big hits like The Proposal, Just Friends, Buried, Adventureland, Wolverine, Blade: Trinity and The Nines under his belt. And this year, he’s out with yet another promising blockbuster, The Green Lantern in which he stars opposite Blake Lively. To this day Reynolds maintains that discipline and sheer determination has got him to where he is. “I have a discipline that has served me very well in my career and in my personal life... and that’s gotten stronger as I’ve gotten older. I’ve always felt if I don’t just have a natural knack for it, I will just outdiscipline the competition if I have to -work harder than anybody else.” And his work is the ultimate testament to this. But for a guy who’s said to have failed drama class, he sure knows how to act. His performance in Buried, a 94-minute film revolving around a man buried alive
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what-a-man
in a coffin has won much critical acclaim. The movie is also an abrupt deflection from his usual roles. “It’s one of those rare movies that you experience more than you watch it. The selling point to me was that script had both a narrative challenge and a technical challenge. It’s rare to find a script that has both,” says Reynolds. However, this wasn’t exactly a glamorous role and filming wasn’t a walk in the park. Reynolds recalls the problems he had during filming, “I wore away a hole in the back of my hair because of the sand. Rubbing against the sand constantly just sort of wore it away eventually. I looked pretty hideous when I got home. I had lost a lot of weight. It’s a great diet, by the way – coffins.”
(Picture credit: Australpress)
Whether appearing in emotional dramas or romantic comedies his wit and makesyou-go-week-in-the-knees smile is always on display. So it’s of little wonder that this ridiculously good-looking man was named the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ by People magazine in 2010. But underneath that hot-bod and charming demeanour lies a sensitive guy with a heart of gold. Throughout tinsel town, Reynolds is known to be one of the rare good guys in the often shallow industry and has been involved with many charitable activities. In November 2008, Reynolds ran the New York City Marathon on behalf of the Michael J. Fox Foundation even though he never really liked running. He did it only for his father, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1995.
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An audience favourite, Ryan Reynolds has stood the test of time, wisely expanded his career across different genres and has won plenty of hearts along the way. All that’s really left to say is: Kudos, Ryan! ■
FEBRUARY 2011
RO.105/-
www.damasjewellery.com Tel.2478 0036
parenting
GETTING ALONG... If you have more than one child at home, you can be sure life’s full of excitement! There’s never a dull moment and each day brings with it challenges of a different kind. Rekha Baala tells you how you can manage sibling rivalry to a large extent… 58
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If
there are children in the family, there’s bound to be sibling rivalry. It’s natural and normal! An odd argument here, an occasional spat there or even a cold war at times! Tell me, who hasn’t fought with their sibling/s? It’s an inevitable part of growing up. But sometimes fights do get out of hand;
jealousy rears its head too many times especially when one child feels that he is receiving less attention from you and that you are taking sides. It’s a difficult path to tread and you must do so with caution! Endless fights and arguments can leave you tearing you hair out in frustration. You cannot prevent sibling rivalry, but you can certainly learn
to manage it! Yes, there is a positive way out of every nagging situation. Here are a few tips that will make you emerge ‘feeling good’ following a sibling conflict of interest.
DON’T PLAY FAVOURITES Playing fair is perhaps the first lesson in parenting. Remember that all children are not the same. So recognise each child’s individual skills and abilities. Focus on their strengths and achievements. If a child starts feeling that a parent is playing favourites, it will lead to more fights and disappointments.
MUTUAL RESPECT IS KEY If your kids are insulting each other all the time, it can damage their personalities deeply. Don’t think it’s all a part of growing up. What happens during childhood normally shape the process of becoming an adult. Small fights are okay and can be ignored. But what is important is that you teach them to respect each other.
BE FIRM Most often, kids are too adamant to come to a compromise. At these times, don’t
SPEND QUALITY TIME Life’s hectic and we understand that you are juggling different roles and trying to find that sometimes elusive work-life balance. But you must find the time to communicate with your children. It’s really important that each child receives an equal amount of time from you. Individual but equal display of affection and attention is important for them to feel important. You should also spend time together as a family and reassure them that there are no favourites and mom and dad love each one of them equally.
take anybody’s side. Give them consequences if they’re unable to come to a solution. Or simply ignore the situation for some time. If it does get out of hand, step in.
INSTILL CONFIDENCE No two children are the same. Maybe one of your kids is outgoing and a popular personality at school while the other may be shy and reticent and may find making friends really hard. Here, sibling rivalry may raise its head and it’s your duty to instill confidence and make every child aware of his qualities by praising and making him feel secure. This way, they will feel totally included in the family.
SET HOUSE RULES Making rules is important for children to know how to behave with each other and with parents. It is a set of guidelines for them to follow and know how to carry themselves. Have a division of chores; who should walk the dog; fold the laundry or lay the table. Enforce them with firmness
so that there is no chaos at home. It will also help them to be disciplined as they grow older. Parenting expert Adele Faber puts it very succinctly. “From their struggles to establish dominance over each other, siblings become tougher and more resilient. From their endless roughhousing with each other, they develop speed and agility. From their verbal sparring they learn the difference between being clever and being hurtful. From the normal irritations of living together, they learn how to assert themselves, defend themselves, compromise. And sometimes, from their envy of each other’s special abilities they become inspired to work harder, persist and achieve.” So take sibling rivalry in a positive light and move forward with your children. Happy parenting! ■
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workwise
Blunders @ Work 10 workplace habits you should avoid or if you have them, try to break immediately…
W
e all have our bad habits. But the workplace is just not the ‘place’ to exhibit them… For this is where tact, diplomacy and good behaviour can take you places. Everyone has weaknesses, but they should not be overbearing enough to become a nuisance for those working with you. We’ve listed 10 common workplace habits and even if you have one of them, start working to rid of it immediately. All the best!
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1 PROCRASTINATION “Never leave for tomorrow what you can do today.” Remember these words when you were growing up? We probably didn’t heed them back in high school when finishing assignments at the last minute was the norm. But let’s face it; we’re no longer in school and work’s definitely not like a term paper which we can complete by pulling an all-nighter. Sure, it’s easier to leave things till the last minute - and some people even claim to work better under pressure - but what happens when you face an unexpected hurdle? Don’t risk missing a vital deadline and letting your team down just because you couldn’t be bothered to plan out your schedule in advance and complete your assigned task on time.
2 BAD E-MAIL
ETIQUETTE
E-mails are the new-age post-its. Even if your colleague sits two cubicles away, you will most likely like than not, send her an e-mail instead of having a face-to-face chat. But sending out an e-mail for official purposes is a whole different ball game. Skim through your e-mail once you’ve composed it to ensure that there aren’t any typos (a lady once got a recommendation letter for a job applicant who was reported to be a fat and accurate typist instead of a fast and accurate typist). Perhaps the most embarrassing ones are where the person hits ‘Reply All’ to an e-mail without thinking and the next thing you know, the whole office is talking about the private joke which was only meant for your friend at work.
3 BEING TOO CASUAL Gone are the days when bosses were considered uptight and stern. These days bosses are friendlier and calling them by their first name might be commonplace. However, no matter how informal the workplace is, remember that your boss is your superior at the end of the day. Don’t go overboard with the jokes and certainly do not be disrespectful. He / she is your boss and not your best friend.
do not have strict guidelines about the time you clock in and out. But try to keep in mind that tardiness is always frowned upon. Not only does it reflect a sense of unprofessionalism but soon your colleagues (and even your boss) will begin to question your commitment towards your job. So think twice before you decide to sleep in or take an extralong lunch break. Likewise for dress codes. Your office might promote business casual work attire but wearing your sneakers and ripped jeans to work is a definite no-no!
5
BEING THE OFFICE GRINCH
Sometimes it’s wise to skip the afterhours socialising and sometimes it’s not. You might not want to mix your personal life with your professional one but attending the annual office party might just help your career. It helps build camaraderie and makes for a happier work life. So next time you decide to skip the office pot-luck, think about how it can help your career and attend one with a big smile and even bigger dessert. Trust us, you will have a good time!
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BEING RIGID
You may have years of experience working for you, but if you are rigid in your ways and not open to new things or taking on a little extra at times, you will never ‘grow’ at work. So long as
BEING LATE Being consistently and constantly late for work, meetings or keeping up appointments with clients will do no good to your image. Ultimately, everyone will associate that trait with you. However hardworking you are, being punctual is important. In fact, keeping time is associated with trust. So, remember that when it comes to appraisals and promotions at work, punctuality is definitely an overriding factor.
7 BEING
OPINIONATED
You opinions are important, and add value to the work you do. But be careful while offering an opinion on everything, especially on things that you know little of. Most workplaces have people who are eager to please their supervisors and say ‘yes’ all the time. At the same time, there are others who pull down every other idea as ‘dumb’ and push their own ones as ‘intelligent’. Acquiesce when you feel it is right and be assertive when the need arises. Don’t just try and be the loudest voice in the room.
8 BEING DISLOYAL You can’t always be happy with your work and there are times when you’d want to vent out your frustration, especially when things are not going your way. But make sure you do it in private and only with those you feel comfortable with. Do not use social media like blogs, Facebook or Twitter. The Internet is a public domain and even your comments in open forums can come back to haunt you. As long as you are with a company, please be loyal and of course, careful in expressing your true thoughts. Unless, you want to leave, and that too on a bad note!
10 IDLE GOSSIP
4 TAKING IT
(A BIT TOO) EASY
Again, with corporate houses changing their management styles, some companies
your supervisors don’t make it a habit, you can always pitch in when extra help is needed. During those times, refrain from saying that ‘you are not paid more to work more’ or these are ‘outside your parameters of usual duties’. Be a team player when it is required of you.
9
Who does not like a little gossip? But when gossip turns into politicking, it can suck the heart out of the workplace. Make sure you’re not the one spreading rumours or indulging in petty politics. It can work against you! If you are not the one instigating it, but are caught in the crossfire, make sure you try to get out of it as fast as possible. Know whom to trust and whom to steer clear of! Notoriety will not take you up in the corporate stakes! Especially if it’s got to do with that sixletter word, GOSSIP! ■
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life, etc
Love is what makes life worth living. It is a strong positive force and the cause of everything good in this world, says Dr. Nada Al Ajmi.
LOVE = LIFE “If you have love you don’t need to have anything else, and if you don’t have it, it doesn’t matter much what else you have.” - Sir James M. Barrie, British playwright
W
henever we watch romantic movies or read about the magic of love, we find stories of passion, devotion, tenderness, faith, patience and of trust. We witness stories of renewal, discovery and redemption. In a world that is turbulent and often filled with confusion, love is the light that gives us joy and makes living worthwhile. We get mesmerised with the magic of how just a few loving words from our beloved, can heal all the pain, or when we witness how love is powerful enough to transform us in a moment, and offer us more joy than any material possession could. I would like to invite you to take a moment with me, and bring all the above into your life and look more deeply into understanding ‘love’, and see a perspective beyond only the love of family, friends and favourite things. A perspective beyond what most people would think that, love is weak, feeble, soft or vulnerable. Love is the strong positive force and the cause of everything good in the world. Love is the cause of existence. Every single invention, discovery, and human creation came from the love in the human heart. It is the positive force of love that inspires us to move and gives us the desire to be, do or have anything. Use this power and fall in love with life! Make a conscious effort to notice as many things around you that you love, as much as you can, every day. As much love as you give, you will receive. Relationships are your biggest channel to giving love, and so you can change your entire life simply through the love you give in your relationships. The power of love works positively whether the person is a friend or a foe, a loved one or a complete stranger. When you love others, you will receive the life you deserve. Give love through kindness, encouragement, support or gratitude and it comes back to you multiplied and into every area of your life, including your health, money, happiness and career. Demonstrating lack of love to others through criticism, anger, impatience or any bad feeling and you will receive that negativity back. Trying to change another person, criticising, blaming, complaining, nagging or finding faults in another person is not love. The solution is to train yourself to turn away from what you don’t love in someone and instead, choose to focus on what you love in those people.
(Dr Nada Al Ajmi is Assistant Professor, Sultan Qaboos University, Certified Trainer – Springboard Women’s Development and Life Coach – Aspire Training and Consultancy. You can write to her at life-almara@umsoman.com)
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Everyone has good qualities and all you have to do is to focus on the things that you love in them. If life challenges you with experiences that takes away things or people you love, don’t lose the “love”: It is what makes life worth living!■
event
OnThe
Greens!
Get ready for the seventh edition of OER CEO Golf, the most happening event of the year…
T
here are a few occasions in the crazy hustle of corporate life when CEOs get to leave the brainstorming of the boardroom and settle in for some quiet relaxation. But for Oman’s head honchos, OER CEO Golf 2011 has other plans. The seventh episode of the country’s elitist leisure golfing event will be a day of recreational reckoning that will pit CEOs in a battle of guts, grit and glory on the greens. Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club plays host, while Nawras Business Solutions is presenting the corporate networking event of the year. Ray Stopforth, Director of Golf (and a PGA Professional) – Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, says, “We are proud that the OER CEO Golf has chosen Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club to host this prestigious event. Events such as this give Muscat Hills greater exposure to Golfers and Non Golfers throughout the Middle East.” According to Markus Golder, Business Segment Director – Nawras, “We are enthusiastic about supporting activities that appeal to our customers and events that help to spread the excitement and innovation of the Nawras brand to an even wider audience,” says Markus Golder, Business Segment Director. Adding to the power-packed performances on the greens, will be the debut of the INFINITI high-performance range of cars from the renowned Suhail Bahwan Automobile stable. INFINITI is the associate presenter. “This marks INFINITI’s entry into OER CEO Golf and we are happy to showcase our line of performance driven vehicles,” says Bibhudendu Pattanaik, Head of Marketing – INFINITI, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles LLC.
of luck and hope that they play hard to win a Rolex,” says Madhursinh Jesrani, General Manager, Khimji’s Watches. Sandeep Sehgal, CE of United Media Services says, “With each edition of CEO Golf we strive to incorporate new and exciting elements in the game and this time is no different.” And, indeed this edition of CEO Golf has lots to keep you on your toes. The action will tee-off with a round of rapid-fire Power Play Golf, followed some light-hearted SNAG. Participants will also get to see a pro in action – world renowned Trick Shot specialist, Jeremy Dale. It’s no less than a red-carpet cultural extravaganza in the evening featuring electrifying performances by the UK-based, all-girl string quartet, Asteria. Rounding off the event is a gourmet banquet and glittering awards ceremony with an array of exciting prizes. Publicity partners are Times of Oman and Al Shabiba; Media sponsors include Hi, and Al Youm Al Sab’e; prize partner is Samsung. Category partners are Signature (Luxury) and AXA (Insurance), Reach (Activation), Oman Printers & Stationers (Printing), OUA (Beverage), Infoline (Call Centre) and Aggreko (Energy). Prize partners include Samsung, Micromax Mobiles, Damas, Millennium Resort, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Travel City and Graphic International Centre.
The official timekeeper of the event is ROLEX from Khimji’s Watches. “We are very happy to be part of this prestigious event. It is the best event in Oman. We wish all players the best
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travel
A WORLD OF YOUR OWN On your next vacation, ditch the same old, touristy destinations. Veer off the beaten path and enjoy the sights and sounds of some exotic locations around the globe, says Sushmita Sarkhel.
S
ome countries across the world have become firm favourites among vacationers. And, might we add, rightly so. However, there comes a time when one wonders
if there are more options - something even more exotic or perhaps even more daring? We at Al Mar’a decided to give those seeking that extra-special holiday a few destinations worth checking out.
NEPAL NEW GUINEA LHASA, CHINA
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NEPA
Only recently have tourists begun to discover the gem that is Nepal. Home to unique artistic and architectural heritage, Nepal has something for everyone. This landlocked land is flanked by the Himalayas, China and India and its culture draws extensively from these places. Kayaking, bungeejumping, white-water rafting, trekking, mountain biking - you name it and Nepal’s got it. Wildlife enthusiasts can spend countless hours tracking animals at the Chitwan National Park to later sit down for a laid-back meal at a palace restaurant while enjoying some great classical music. Nepal promises to take your breath away every time you visit.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA Papua New Guinea is perfect for those looking for an adventurous holiday. Diving, snorkelling, bird watching, and kayaking are just a few of the things to do there. Popular as a trekking destination and home to the world famous Kokoda Track, this picturesque destination offers a variety of treks for all fitness levels. With plenty of readily accessible peaks such as Mt Wilhelm, Mt. Giluwe and Mt. Ialibu, Papua New Guinea is also the place to be if you’re an ardent mountain climber. And it doesn’t just end there! Papua New Guinea has an eclectic mix of cultures and it is said that more than 800 local languages are spoken there (which does not include the minor dialects) and at least as many traditional societies. This country has plenty to offer but however still remains the least explored.
LHASA, CHINA The administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and a spiritual and cultural hub, Lhasa is a must-see for all travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The city houses some of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the region. Prime examples are the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Take your time and explore this city which lies at the cusp of modernity and tradition. At Lhasa, you will find spinning prayer wheels and Buddhist monks amidst a skyline dotted with high rises and karaoke bars. Despite the contrasting lifestyles, everything blends in perfect synchrony and puts Lhasa in a league of its own. Rest assured, your Tibetan experience will be one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
NAMIBIA COPENHAGEN KHAJJIAR CUBA
CUBA Cuba is a whole world by itself. Think old men playing dominoes, young men and women sitting around playing musical instruments, people enjoying in cafes - yes, Cuba is certainly a place like no other. Take a leisurely walk along Prado street or El Malecón. Soak in some history at the Plaza de la Revolución, with its famous monument of Jose Marti and Che Guevara. Escape to the quiet beach town of Baracoa and enjoy some great food, music and salsa in the evenings. If you’re looking for something more upscale and exclusive, head over to Varadero and indulge in some R&R at some posh private hotels, luxurious beaches and golf course. The best time to visit Cuba is between December and April.
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EN NHAG COPE Copenhagen is rapidly making its way up the list of the ‘hippest’ cities across the globe. This city is famous for its expansive parks, fun bicycle tours, eco-friendly living, high-end boutiques and urban-chic lifestyles. Expand your art-quotient by visiting the Statens Museum for Kunst, the Danish National Gallery that features works spanning 700 years. Or hop over to the Lousiana Museum of Modern Art which houses works by renowned, international artists. Tivoli Gardens (one of the oldest amusement parks in the world), Kronborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace and Strøget (a pedestrian street in Copenhagen’s famous shopping district) are all worth a visit.
JIAR
KHAJ
HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA Nestled at the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas, is the small town and resort of Khajjiar. Surrounded by pine and deodar trees and set amidst lush green meadows on a high plateau, Khajjiar is perhaps India’s best kept secret. Often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’, this tourist resort (which is also an islet) houses the popular Khajji Naga shrine which dates back to the 10th century. Travellers headed to Khajjiar may also wish to halt at Kalatop, the famous wildlife sanctuary.
IA
NAMIB
Namibia is often overlooked by travellers because of its more prominent neighbouring countries. However, there’s plenty to see here if one just gives it a little time. Its rugged mountains, expansive deserts, and long coastlines make Namibia any photographer’s dream. Famous for its wildlife reserves (Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft Park, NamibRand Nature Reserve); water-related sports at Swakopmund; and ethnically and culturally diverse demographics, Namibia is like a dream within a dream. Whether you’re looking for a back-packing adventure, an exclusive tour steeped in luxury or something in between, we are certain that you won’t be disappointed.
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beauty buzz
B
lemishes or pimples often appear on your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders, where skin has the greatest amount of oil glands. Few of us are immune to breakouts, but you can prevent or get rid of most acne. For a clear complexion, follow the do’s and don’ts given below for best results.
DON’T OVERWASH YOUR FACE Dirty skin does not lead to acne or blemishes. Frequent and vigorous washing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. So can scrubs and soaps with harsh chemicals. Instead, wash acne-prone areas twice daily with a mild soap and warm water.
chocolate cause pimples. Acne occurs when pores are blocked by oils, skin cells, and normal bacteria, causing inflammation. If certain foods seem to cause you to break out, try to avoid them. But you don’t need to shun pizza or chocolate for clear skin.
DO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER Drink water throughout the day to keep your skin well hydrated. Also, eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, two vitamins known to benefit your skin. Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin A is found in colourful fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cantaloupe, peaches, and peppers.
Get the You have to work on your skin for it to look good and feel good all the time. Proper care and a few changes in your lifestyle will go a long way, says Dr. Fatma O. Ali, CEO, Emirates Medical Centre.
DON’T USE HEAVY COSMETICS Avoid oil-based cosmetics. How can you tell? Follow this simple guideline: Creamy foundation or blush generally can clog pores. Mineral-based cosmetics, which are light and powdery, may be less likely to do so.
DO CHOOSE OILFREE SOAP
DO USE AN OILFREE FOUNDATION
Oil-free soaps won’t clog your pores or cause blackheads, acne, and whiteheads. Choose products that are labelled ‘oil free,’ ‘nonacnegenic,’ or ‘noncomedogenic.’ Apply the soap and wash with your fingertips. Washcloths, mesh sponges, or other products may be too abrasive and can irritate the skin and cause breakouts.
If you wear make-up, do use an oil-free foundation. To help close your pores, splash your face with cold water before applying your foundation. Also, no matter how tired you are, wash your makeup off before bed.
DON’T AVOID FAVORITE FOODS It’s a myth that oily foods or
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DON’T SUNBATHE OR TAN It’s a myth that tanning clears up your skin. It’s a fact that UV rays put you at risk for skin cancer, premature ageing, and wrinkles. Don’t lie in the sun or use a tanning
DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE Touching or rubbing your face can worsen acne. Also, don’t lean your face on your hands. And try to keep your cell phone from touching your face. Our hands and phones may carry oils and germs that can irritate blemishes. Sweat can also make acne worse. After sweating, gently wash your skin.
booth. Also, some commonly prescribed acne medications, including topical retinoids, can make you more sensitive to damage from the UV rays.
DO USE OIL-FREE SUNSCREEN Wear an oil-free sunscreen or moisturiser with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher that provides broadspectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Look for products labelled noncomedogenic that won’t clog your pores. Reapply every two hours.
creams or make-up to your skin. If you use your hands, apply these products only with your fingertips. Our hands carry oils and germs that can worsen acne and blemishes. If you wear make-up, be sure to apply it on clean skin.
DO USE OIL-FREE MOISTURISER Healthy skin is moist. Choose an oil-free moisturiser that says ‘noncomedogenic’ on the label. This means it won’t clog your pores. You may hesitate to apply moisturiser to acne-prone skin, but a good moisturiser can actually help calm your skin and keep acne at bay.
DON’T POP YOUR PIMPLES Squeezing pimples or blemishes just creates more problems. Resist the temptation. It will only delay healing and increase the risk of scarring. Squeezing pimples may also push infected material into the skin, where it can cause additional inflammation and scarring.
Glow! DON’T USE GREASY HAIR PRODUCTS
DO USE ACNE MEDICINE AS DIRECTED
Products such as pomades or gels can clog your pores when your hair brushes against your face. Keep your hair clean using an oilfree, acnegenic, or noncomedogenic shampoo. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily. Shield your face when applying any sprays or gels to your hair.
Acne medication doesn’t work overnight. Most treatments take up to eight weeks of daily use before you see an improvement. It may take as long as six months for your skin to totally clear up. Sometimes your doctor will recommend using the acne medicine even when your skin clears. Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions. Overuse of medicine can irritate skin, while underuse is not effective.
DO KEEP HAIR OFF YOUR FACE Pull long hair back when you sleep so it doesn’t aggravate your skin. Try to keep your hair away from your face during the day as well. Remember, hair contains oils that can block pores and cause breakouts - even if you don’t use hair products.
DO APPLY CREAM WITH APPLICATORS Use cotton balls, cotton swabs, or applicators when applying
LOOK INTO ALL ACNE TREATMENTS Don’t just live with acne, blackheads, and blemishes. If your current treatments don’t seem to be working, see your doctor or dermatologist to discuss other treatments. There are many types of medicines to help clear your skin. Some are available with a doctor’s prescription. ■
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well-being
WEDDING WOWS
Times have changed and so have women’s expectations from a partner and marriage. But be realistic about your expectations, as it is a continuous learning process, says Dr. Prema Seshadri.
O
ver an evening coffee, my daughter had got into a shocked tirade about a young girl she had met recently. The girl in question was in her mid-teens. And my daughter was completely at a loss to understand how a girl of that age could be so obsessed about marriages and weddings and, heaven forbid, babies! At a time when girls have their sights set on careers and climbing the ladder, could there really be a place for something as archaic and stereotyped as marriages and wedded bliss? I do believe that is a tradition that is here to stay. And if it’s all for the right reasons, why not? It is hard to really know the reasons, the right reasons, for a marriage. I guess no reason has to be the right reason. For generations, getting them married young was believed to be right thing to do. And there were plenty of reasons for that, some made sense and others seemed vaguely illogical. However, times have changed as have the perceptions and needs of women. Priorities have changed as have women’s expectations from a partner and marriage. The outlook, I believe, looks healthy. Women have begun to look more inwards and found themselves seeking situations that foster their inner growth. They have begun to look for opportunities to educate themselves and have sought higher education in their own lands and elsewhere. Armed with impressive qualifications they aim to find a career for themselves, with many of them dreaming of becoming entrepreneurs in the very near future. It now only stands to reason that a woman with such a profile would look to have a relationship with someone who comes from a similar standing, more importantly a progressive attitude. All the essence of a drama come up only once the knot is tied. The demands will be
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many. Some would be the easy-to-handle ones and the others perhaps not so. But apart from a strong belief in a woman’s inner strength, I also believe that nature never really gives you anything that you cannot handle! So believe in that energy and stay on the positive side as much as possible. One sure way to finding that happiness, which otherwise might well threaten to teeter and collapse, is to walk into a relationship with two elements in the trousseau chest. Be realistic in your expectations. Better still don’t bank on expectations at all. Surprises will keep your smile stretching forever! Its human to expect but to hang on it and let it anchor is a recipe for disaster. The second element is one of infinite patience. Women need to have an unlimited reservoir of fortitude. Flying off the handle, walking out in a huff, or bemoaning one’s fate has never helped any woman in this existence. Be patient. Listen well both to your partner and to yourself. You will get there, for sure! People often ask us to understand. I find that very hard to comprehend. How much experience or skill could a young bride have to understand? So, don’t worry if you cannot understand. Just be prepared to learn, because that is something that you are going to have to do all your life – married or otherwise. And as we learn, we will learn to understand as well. When we make our life with another, there is bound to be great number of shifts in one’s personality. And when it’s a good shift, we have no cause for concern. It’s when it causes confusion in the woman, that’s when we need to heed those red alerts. Self-dignity and self-respect are great ornaments that adorn a woman. Stripped off them, she is just a mere shell. Treasure them at all costs. More women than men are known to feel suffocated in a relationship. This really
is not necessary and can be avoided if women believe in themselves, and communicate their concerns to their partners. The earlier this foundation is established, the more the chances of success. Never ever be afraid to voice yourself. Remember you have the right to do so. Also remember that in all fairness to the man in a relationship, if you don’t tell him, he is not going to know. It’s equally important for a woman to know what the man is trying to say. Men have refined the art of hiding their actual emotions. It would be wise to keep in mind that women are highly sensitive and men need to be aware of it. And women need to accept that men have an ego that needs to be nurtured and nourished! I have always believed that women must have one part of their lives which is just their own. It belongs to nobody, neither the spouse nor the children. That space is made to accommodate her interests, her skills, and her time. Keeping that space intact will give her enormous energy to deal with all other responsibilities happily and selflessly. To all those women readers who are about to tie the knot, congratulations and the very best! ■
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beauty zone SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE We all love Love Etc, the lovely perfume from The Body Shop. Now, your favourite fragrance comes with some value additions as well. The Body Shop introduces a compact, portable solid perfume, a purse spray and larger-size eau de toilette to the collection. Love Etc Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette contain sugarcane that’s organically grown on farms in Ecuador. Begin with Body Wash, seal in moisture with Body Lotion or Body Butter, and apply scent to pulse points. And step out in style!
AM says: Love ‘em all!
beauty
ALL THE BEAUTY STUFF YOU SIMPLY MUST HAVE…
Your
checklist... SCENT OF A RO ROSE S
Get a whiff off the Chloe Eau de Parfum Intense, a new ew fragrance built around rose notes, presenting a small rose garden in the winter. Along with a floral tact of rose, se, it also includes accords of pink pepper, pper, sandalwood and tonka. This gorgeous scent is encased in a charming ng bottle adorned with a delicate gold ribbon. Get it, now!
AM says: A flo floral l rall sc scent cen e t to t captivate te thee sens senses. ses es.
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SOFT AND FEMININE Enter the world of Daisy: fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence. At the heart of Daisy is a floral with vintage edge: violet. Sophisticated, with a touch of whimsy, violet captures the eclectic, vintage flavour of Marc Jacobs’ feminine, edgy designs. Always elegant, always enchanting - but not too serious Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth.
AM says: Bright, alluring and eternal!
GREY TONES Check out ‘Gris Montaigne’, the new nail enamel from Dior. Grey affirms its status as a Dior symbol. The emotional grey of the satin curtain that separated the couturier from the reception rooms like Christian Dior’s anxiety and filtering the expectations and ovations that welcomed each collection! Trianon grey is the colour of the Louis XVI-style bourgeois interiors; it remains present in its many forms at Dior, like an intimate and infinitely elegant backdrop. A ‘grey’ to totally dig and drool over!
AM says: Grey is cool and ‘in’!
EYE ‘EM The Orchidee Imperiale range from Guerlain now introduces the Eye and Lip Cream, skincare specifically formulated to target the common origin of premature ageing of the eye and lip contour area. With it incredibly subtle texture, this cream acts in multiple ways to ‘restore’ plumpness and vitality. The eye contour appears redefined, smoother and brighter. Lips regain their curves and shape and their contours appear more defined. A double action cream with multiple results!
AM says: Look forward to a new, stunning you!
SUPER DEFENCE Your make-up should be healthy too! Bourjois has created the Healthy Mix Powder, a natural, vitaminenhanced loose powder with vitamin-enhanced fruit therapy that acts as a complexion ‘radiance booster’ through the combined action of four active ingredients – apricot, melon, apple and ginger. An ultra-fine texture blends into the skin for a very natural and luminous matt finish. Choose from two attractive shades!
AM says: Make-up that takes care of your skin too!
WAKE UP Yes, you can now wake up to skin that looks fresh and glows throughout the day. Estee Lauder introduces the Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Crème, a powerful formula that works to hydrate skin and dramatically reduce the look of lines and wrinkles for radiant, younger-looking skin. The combination of Sirtuin EX-1 Technology, a new Amino Acid Complex and a new concentrated Tri-Hyaluronic Night Complex helps to ‘revive’ ageing cells during the restorative hours of sleep, so in the morning, skin feels pumped and toned with a naturally more volumised look from deep within.
AM says: Skin never looked so radiant before.
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On a sweet roll cuisine
Chefs Mohamed Ettaib and Rachida talk of life and love in the kitchen and off it… Rekha Baala has all the ‘cute’ details.
As the saying goes, marriages are made in heaven! But you have to find your love here, on terra firma! A hotel kitchen may not be the ideal place for romance. If you thought balancing the pots and pans, the smoke and fire, instant pressures and deadlines would leave one with very little time to find love, you need to think again!
you as an odd couple. He is very tall and she just about reaches his shoulders. He talks a lot while she is shy and reticent and just keeps smiling throughout the interview, content to add in a few words when her husband mixes up dates or forgets something.
This chef couple found each other in a hotel kitchen in 2002, more specifically the Royal Mirage, Dubai – a story that is endearingly cute and makes one all mistyeyed.
But their love for each other is evident throughout. In the look, the demeanour and the way he completes her sentences… In the way, she gives him a little pinch, probably embarrassed by his dramatic narration of how he first charmed her – truly a wonderful couple blessed in both home and hearth.
At first glance, Mohamed Ettaib, Chef De Cuisine at Shahrazad, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and his wife and assistant Rachida Jouaoudi would strike
Mohamed and Rachida are both from Morocco but have worked in different parts of the world. Mohamed left for London in 1989 to study and worked in
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different hotels before moving back to Morocco. He had stints in Pakistan, Dubai (where he met Rachida) and Libya and came to Oman in 2005 when ShangriLa first opened. Rachida has been in the industry since 1999 doing stints at Sheraton Marrakesh and Sheraton Cairo and later at the Royal Mirage. The couple did work for a short while in New Zealand but came back to Oman where Mohamed worked with the Crowne Plaza Sohar and later moved back to Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. And after a round of introductions, we were itching to come to the point straightaway. Where did the couple first meet and fall in love? “At the Royal Mirage, Dubai, Rachida and I were both in charge. I remember it was
the understanding husband. If Mohamed is boss in the kitchen and his wife second-in-command, who wears the apron at home? “I don’t cook at home,” says Mohamed adding that he simply loves whatever his wife makes, especially her Harira (a traditional Moroccan soup). She in turn loves the way he makes Chicken Khamama (a Moroccan chicken dish). And it’s evident that they have learnt to strike that perfect balance when it comes to home and work. The couple are happy with their present but would love to go back home to Morocco some day. Would they like to open their own restaurant together? “Maybe,” says Mohamed. “God marries people up there. A good person will always get a good person!” Mohamed could not have described his life better. As we bid adieu, we couldn’t help humming the classic Beatles number, ‘All you need is love!’ Here’s wishing Mohamed and Rachida a life full of ‘love and togetherness’ always!■ a very busy day and I was very stressed out. I shouted at Rachida and she spilt hot sauce all over her jacket. She was not very happy but silently continued her work. She left at 11.30pm after her shift. I went down for a tea break and saw her waiting for the bus. I felt really bad at having shouted at her. I said sorry and kissed on her the cheek. She did not say anything but smiled. I later called and asked her out to dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. Three months later, we were married,” says Mohamed. After a great deal of prodding, Rachida says that ‘she is lucky to have Mohamed as a husband and they also bond over a common love’. Mohamed continues in the
same vein thanking ‘destiny for getting him such a great life partner’. Is being together all the time really good for a relationship? “Rachida complements me and we work very well together. She can take up any challenge and keeps her cool at most times. I am the one who gets worked up and so she is a calming influence,” says Mohamed. So they don’t get on each other’s nerves at all? “Of course, we do! I think that’s a part of married life. Even last night, she came home all hassled and took it out on me. But I understand that she was under a lot of stress and so left her alone,” says
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cuisine
Calamari Cigars Serves: 6
10 gm Harissa dip 100 gm chopped red onion 100 gm flour 100 gm vegetable oil 30 gm fresh coriander, chopped 2 egg yolks 1 fresh lemon 300 gm calamari cut into small cubes 300 gm hammour cut into small cubes 50 ml olive oil 5 gm cumin powder 10 gm salt 10 gm black pepper 1 gm saffron 10 sheets filo pastry 500 gm red, green, yellow and orange capsicum 2 fresh tomatoes cubed 20 gm tomato paste In a saucepan, bring water to the boil and add a lemon cut in half. Add the fish cubes, strain and set aside. In another saucepan, heat some oil and add half the quantity of spices and the harissa dip. Cook for a few minutes stirring constantly and add chopped coriander at the end. Take two sheets of filo pastry and cut out two rectangles (one, 10cm by 5cm and the second 5cm by 5cm). Place one sheet on top of the other forming a cross. Whisk flour and egg yolks in a bowl to make a paste. Add a small amount of fish mixture to the centre of the cross, brush some paste on the ends of the filo pastry, fold towards the centre and roll like a cigar.
Chef couple Mohamed Ettaib and Rachida Jouaoudi whip up three special Moroccan recipes for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy!
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For the dip Gently fry the capsicum, peel off the skin, deseed and cut into small cubes. In a saucepan, sautĂŠ the onions in olive oil, add fresh tomato, capsicum, spices and tomato paste. Fry the calamari cigars and serve with chakchouka capsicum dip.
Jawhara Serves: 6
4 sheets filo pastry 100 gm butter 100 gm brown sugar 500 gm raspberry 1 tsp rose water 50 gm crushed almonds 40 gm crushed pistachios 2 tsp honey 1 tsp icing sugar In a bowl, crush the raspberries slightly using a fork. Add brown sugar and a splash of rose water. Mix and let it rest for 15 minutes. In a saucepan, cook the raspberry mixture for a few minutes. Strain and keep the coulis to use later on for decoration. In a bowl, pour the honey and add the pistachios and almonds. Brush some melted butter onto a filo pastry sheet and press the sheet inside a ramekin. Repeat with two more sheets. Pour a small amount of honey and nuts mixture and add raspberry mix on top, repeat until the ramekin is almost full. Cover the ramekin with a buttered sheet. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees and cook for 10 minutes. Decorate with icing sugar and the raspberry coulis.
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cuisine
Moroccan Fantasy Serves: 6
2 pieces fresh lemons 2 cinnamon sticks 1 litre orange juice 300 gm beetroot 300 gm carrot 300 gm cucumber 3 tsp orange blossoms 1 tsp cinnamon powder 500 gm castor sugar 1 litre water In a saucepan, pour the water, add sugar, lemon halves and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously until it reaches a syrup consistency. Boil the beetroot and carrots. Peel the cucumber and deseed. For the first shooter: Blend the carrots together with the orange juice and orange blossoms. For the second shooter: Blend the beetroots together with some syrup and orange blossoms. Fort the third shooter: Blend the cucumber with some syrup and orange blossom. Pour them into three separate Moroccan tea glasses, arrange them on a plate and sprinkle cinnamon powder on the carrot and beetroot shooters.
Co-ordinated by: Rekha Baala Photographs: Rajesh Burman
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