Woman This Month - April 2020

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

April 2020 | Issue 205

FASHION SS20 TRENDS REPORT PART 1

BEAUTY

GYM BAG MUST HAVES SUMMER TRENDS

HOMES

SPRING CLEANING ZAP THOSE GERMS!

PEOPLE RAZA BEIG

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

PSYCHOLOGIST ASNA AHMED

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BAHRAIN WORKSHOP

DALAL ALSINDI

REPRESENTING BAHRAIN AT THE GLOBAL WOMEN’S FORUM

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | trends report

FASHIONABLY FABULOUS

WTM brings you the first of a two-part report detailing the hottest trends from the SS20 runways.

SHORT AND SWEET Coach

Chloe

At last, a trend that feels as if it was created with our climate in mind.

Shorts hit the runways from Chloe and Coach to Etro, Lanvin and Longchamp – and they were a particular feature at Dolce & Gabbana where they appeared in everything from disco-bright sequins to casual khaki and even as part of a rather striking business wear suit, which we love!

D&G

Shorts are a great way to adapt your wardrobe for summer, and remember, it’s not all about your trusty denim cutoffs – though, of course, there’s always a place for those. Experiment with different lengths and shapes; mid-thigh is great for lengthening legs, just above the knee if you’re not so confident in your pins, and supershort to show off glam gams on a night out.

Check out our street style option for perfect summer workwear – opt for a dark colour and a great cut and pair with enclosed sandals in a neutral shade.

Chloe

Etro

D&G

Baggy shorts are a no-no, unless you’re on a board at the beach!

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Longchamp

Dolce&Gabbana

street style

Kristina Fidelskaya

FASHION | trends report

Top Tip

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Longchamp

Versace

Dolce & Gabbana

THEOUTNET SS20 - Iris & Ink

After several months undercover, get your legs summer ready with a good body scrub and some fake tan. And don’t forget, if you’re outside in shorts, slather on the sunscreen.

April 2020

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Luxaether Le

FASHION | trends report

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Coach Givenchy

Berluti

Mango

Longchamp

Lacoste

Boss

Chloe

Ingie

W

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Paule Ka

Gucci

Rubeus Milano

Coach

FASHION | trends report

H&M

Top Tip

Kate Spade New York Mango

Coach

Kate Spade New York

Berluti

If you’re not keen on real skin, there are some great faux leather options out there from brands such as Mango, Stella McCartney, Matt & Nat and Riona Treacy, who is on the Forbes Watch List for her range of vegan leather clothing.

www.womanthismonth.com

April 2020

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Chloe

Temperley London

Lanvin

Etro

FASHION | trends report

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rom ghostly Japanese-style prints at Chloe to graphic cartoon separates at Lanvin, exaggerated prints are really having a moment. And this is a trend that everyone can adopt whether as a whole outfit or just a signature piece, such as the gorgeous Longchamp bag which, coupled with an otherwise plain look, really does the talking.

If you’re going all-out, there really are no rules. Bit, if you want to tone it down, take a tip from Kate Spade New York and pick one shade from your vibrant separates to use as a block colour counterbalance. These maximalist materials can also benefit from neutral accessories, if you don’t want to overdo it.

Ingie

Rubeus Milano

Giambatista Valli

Givenchy

Osman

On the other hand, contrast is always good and we particularly love this Temperley London look pairing a demure but interesting dress with fierce footwear.

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www.womanthismonth.com

Top Tip

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www.womanthismonth.com

Longchamp

By Far

Temperley London

Rubeus Milano

Etro

Kate Spade New York

Etro

Ritu Kumar

Kate Spade New York

FASHION | trends report

April 2020

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FASHION | trends report

Osman

Kristina Fidelskaya

Lanvin

Berluti

Chloe

The New Whites

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rom ethereal to blinding to soft and romantic, white is one of the most versatile colours in the fashion world and is rarely absent from the runways. For this season, designers have adopted new takes by adding floral borders to classic white pieces¸ turning to ecru as an interesting alternative and going for workday whiteouts with smart suiting.

Take a tip from Osman and add a classic blazer to a tutu-style net skirt or adopt the simple elegance of an excellently cut piece with a pop of colour, like this gorgeous dress from Lanvin.

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Ingie

Versace

Ted Baker

Kristina Fidelskaya

However you wear it, white is definitely a smart choice for our long, hot summers.

www.womanthismonth.com

Ingie

Lacoste

Ted Baker

DKNY

Attuale - Jacinta James

Ted Baker

FASHION | trends report

Top Tip

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Les Benjamins

Rubeus Milano

Rubeus Milano

Topshop @ Namshi

Les Benjamins

Make sure your whites are bright, use a professional cleaner to avoid colour runs and greying, or go for off-white which looks equally as impressive but is somewhat more forgiving on the laundry front!

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PEOPLE | interview

W

FEASIBLE FASHION

hat prompted Splash to take the sustainable/eco-friendly route?

The fashion industry is the second most polluting in terms of overall environmental impact, using an exorbitant amount of resources for raw material, production, logistics and warehousing, sales and distribution, and garment care.

In times when consumers have become increasingly conscious towards the cause of preserving the planet, Splash Fashions, being one of the Middle East’s biggest retailers, believes it a moral obligation to reduce the impact of our business on the environment.

We are stepping up our sustainability game simply because it’s the right thing to do, while bringing consumers fashion in an affordable way.

What are the sustainable initiatives undertaken?

We have a 360-degree approach towards sustainability; from product design, selection of raw material, manufacturing practices, supplier selection and packaging material to warehousing and retail.

More than 80-per-cent of the Splash product line will be made using sustainable raw material this year by collaborating with international agencies and industry experts to support our initiatives. We are the only homegrown brand in the Middle East to be a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the first to be a part of the

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Better Cotton Initiative.

In 2019-20, Splash stood first for having a sustainable business model and third for its Environmental Sustainability Programme at the Gulf Sustainability and CSR awards.

We also came first as the most responsible retailer in 2019 at the RetailME awards.

What kind of eco-friendly fabrics do you use?

Besides sustainable cotton (grown without pesticides or synthetic chemicals), we use plant-based fibres such as Viscose, Rayon and Lyocell, that originate from certified sustainable forestry plantations, helping conserve and protect natural forests.

A large part of our polyester comes from recycled PET bottles, leading to less plastic ending up in the ocean. All of the denim at Splash is sustainable either by way of raw material or by garment processing techniques that use 70-per-cent less water and 30-percent less energy.

Our design teams are spending more time researching and sourcing sustainable fabrics and manufacturing methods to significantly decrease the brand’s carbon footprint.

How do you think this impacts young people?

Today’s youth are extremely conscious about environmental sustainability, and it influences their buying behaviour. In times to come, sustainable business practice will become a norm governed by the demand from

Splash Fashions was one of the first labels in the region to adopt better business practices for environmental conservation. Behnaz Sanjana quizzes Splash CEO and Fashion Director Landmark Group, Raza Beig, on the youth brand’s sustainability initiatives.

consumers and the government regulatory and statutory policies.

How is Splash aiming to go plastic-free?

All our carrier bags are oxy-biodegradable and we have initiated trials to replace them with paper bags in the future. Splash has prevented 200 tons of plastic lying in landfills annually by replacing plastic tags and accessories with Forest Stewardship Councilcertified paper tags and accessories.

We have trialled recycled plastic for product trims like buttons, and are exploring options to use the same across the business.

What’s the way forward?

Splash Fashions is striving for 100-per-cent sustainability in product offering by the end of 2020. More than 80 per cent of our products will be manufactured using sustainable and ethically-sourced materials, significantly decreasing the brand’s carbon footprint.

Going forward, we will define sustainability targets for every aspect of the business and departments to make our eco-friendly initiatives comprehensive and holistic.

Having taken the lead in doing our bit for the planet, we hope to inspire and encourage other brands to adopt eco-friendly practices to achieve the larger goal of preserving the environment for our future generations.

Read the full interview on www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

WELL-BEING ON THE CARDS

Woman This Month speaks to Asna Ahmed, a leading counselling psychologist, about her career and her upcoming seminar in the Kingdom.

Tell us about your background in counselling psychology and what first piqued your interest in the subject?

I did my undergraduate degree in psychology in Delhi and then completed my postgraduate training in rehabilitation psychology in Kolkata. I then started working in the UK within addiction services, qualifying in 2012. It’s an extremely long and difficulty journey, but I’ve always had a fascination with understanding humans, people and behaviour.

What are you currently working on?

I work for a private hospital focussed on rehabilitation and recovery, so essentially I work both directly and indirectly with patients on their overarching goal of recovery. This includes designing a recovery path for the client with them. In private practice, I meet clients who come to me with myriad issues from addiction, depression, stress and trauma to self-esteem and relationship problems. At the heart of every case is to establish a therapeutic alliance and understand the client’s ‘model of understanding’ even if it clashes with my understanding.

awareness, honest conversations and a non-judgemental attitude can make a difference.

Finally, can you tell us about your ‘Therapy Cup’ idea? Would you like to bring sessions like these to Bahrain?

Therapy Cup was born, unsurprisingly, over a few thousand cups of tea that I have shared with individuals from London to Rome to Bahrain. I noticed that most individuals would talk endlessly and more openly over a hot drink, subsequently associating that cup of tea with a feeling of postcatharsis calm. I am definitely intending to bring my skills (and hopefully pick up some new ones!) to Bahrain.

Asna can be contacted on asna.ahmed@yahoo.co.uk www.thetherapycup.com

What’s your history with Bahrain and the GCC?

I love Bahrain! Manama reminds me of my childhood memories of growing up in Dubai, which was very different to the Dubai of today.

Bahrain appears to be at a perfect meeting point between being the megacity of the Middle East and a unique cultural sanctuary that is raw, untouched and undiscovered. I have enjoyed the overwhelming shopping arcades, talking to the locals at Haji café in Manama Souq or just absorbing the different culinary smells in Juffair. Bahrain seems to have it all without the arrogance! I do have family in the Kingdom, which is an added bonus for me to love the country and revisit it often.

Can you give us a taster of what subjects will be approached in your upcoming seminar in association with Woman This Month?

With the current coronavirus situation, it would be ironic to host a conference on well-being! My seminar in Bahrain, which will raise awareness of mental health, is planned for summer post-Ramadan, all being well. I believe and strongly advocate the need for raising awareness about the significance of mental well-being. Most of us, including me, spend so much time being independent that, through fear of feeling like a failure, we are hesitant to ask for help. Mental health is not something that is visible, so the world goes by without realising or offering support. My main purpose is to break the barriers and encourage the conversation.

Do you feel enough is being done within Bahrain and the Middle East to combat mental health issues?

Talking to my colleagues in the Middle East has provided me with some insight that although Islam speaks about psychological well-being and advocates its significance, many practicing Muslims are not as aware or open to conversations. I have a few clients who raise the issues of spirituality in sessions and how divided they feel in admitting their psychological vulnerability in their culture. Interestingly, psychology as a field recognises the strength of religion and is starting to encourage the use of spirituality in recovery. My fundamental belief is that raising www.bahrainthismonth.com

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PEOPLE | interview

ART TO THE RESCUE Dalal AlSindi tells Behnaz Sanjana about her experience of being the only Bahraini at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 and her Art Therapy Centre in Bahrain.

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or art therapy experts like Dalal, a person’s doodles and drawings can provide insight about their life’s experiences. “Art therapy is a professional psychotherapy discipline that uses art as an extra mode of communication to access hidden or unconscious thought patterns and emotions,” she says. “It is directed towards individuals who have mental, emotional or developmental difficulties and tackles the difficulties of trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, schizophrenia and other psychological issues.”

Dalal believes that art in itself has healing properties, being a creative language that is understood worldwide. “Personally, art is a way to disconnect from stresses and be in a meditative state while drawing. It helps me understand my own psyche better, widens my imagination and also acts as a healthy way for me to express my emotions, whether negative or positive.”

After a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Loughborough University and then a Master’s in Art Psychotherapy from the University of Hertfordshire, Dalal worked at King Fahad

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Medical City’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Amazed by the benefits of the practice in terms of enriching and empowering adults and children with emotional and mental needs, she achieved her goal of establishing the Art Therapy Centre in Bahrain in 2013.

“The greatest challenge was to prove how effective this modality is, more so because it is a psychotherapy practice and results for any experience need time and patience. But I can confidently say that people’s perception towards mental health, particularly art therapy, has changed over the years,” she says, adding that there is more openness in asking for psychological help, be it through psychiatry, psychotherapy or its creative branches.

So, it was fitting that Bahrain’s pioneer in art therapy was invited to the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai this year. Dalal, along with a UAE-based art therapist, Sara Powell, spoke about its clinical and non-clinical benefits, her experience in the field and the discipline’s use with children and adults suffering mental health issues, trauma and war. “I felt proud and humbled to represent Bahrain at this esteemed forum, as a Bahraini woman who has introduced a fairly new profession to

the nation,” says Dalal, who considers it her good fortune and honour to have met and networked with women from around the globe who are experts and pioneers in their fields.

“Listening to their inspiring stories, I returned feeling elated with passion and drive.”

Setting new goals, Dalal plans to liaise with the educational and medical sectors to include art therapy for hospital patients, and art therapy groups or individual sessions for students with behavioural or mental difficulties. “My vision is to have a comprehensive centre that includes all kinds of licensed and qualified creative therapists in music, play and drama besides art. Furthermore, there is hope for a creative therapy association to spread awareness and protect patients as well as professionals in the field,” she says.

For those seeking therapy, she adds: “It is of great importance to ask to see proof of the qualifications of your therapist and keep in mind that they would require a minimum of a master’s degree to be qualified in any creative therapy or psychotherapy practice.” www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | trends

Classic Lips

Embellish It

2020 is asking us to up the beauty stakes with stickers that glitter. Dot your eyeliner with crystals, or put a tiny star or two just below your outer lower lids. You could also sport the shimmer-encrusted eyebrow look or, for ultimate all-out, get creative with diamonte along the hairline.

Well, in good news, classic is back with a bang.

Amongst all that colour blocking and overlining, the timeless red lipstick takes pride of place in 2020’s spring-summer styles. The return of the matte, red lip needs to be complemented with flawless skin (with natural pigmentation like freckles showing through) and bold, bushy eyebrows.

This is also a phase that’s turning the spotlight on evergreen products, so go borrow from Mama.

NJANA BEHNAZ SA

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Slick Skin

The matte, powdered look is so last season. So, repeat after us: dewy skin is in.

It’s easy to hop onto this beauty bandwagon; ditch the heavy-duty foundation and choose something that may be medium-coverage, yet gives you that angelic glow. The secret is to use a strobing cream after your moisturiser and before your foundation for that ‘litfrom-within’ look. Follow up with just a touch of high-beam highlighter and dewy skin mist for a glam glow that’s not too metallic.

Oily-skinned girls can lightly powder the T zone to keep the grease away.

www.womanthismonth.com

Experimental Eyes

Going with Pantone’s colour of the year, makeup gurus are big on blue for the eyes. Not that we’re complaining, it’s a versatile hue that goes with most eye colours, as long as you use the right shade. What was also trending on the catwalks this season was a play of fun pastels for lining the upper lid, and everyone’s applauding the advent of the floating eyeliner. Another way to grab attention is dressing the eyelids with a nude shadow and using a fluorescent pop of colour on the inner corners. Want to make heads turn? Black mascara can take a hiatus while you coat your lashes with pinks, emeralds or lilacs.

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BEAUTY | tips

GYM BAG MUST-HAVES BEHNAZ SANJANA

It’s one feat to be motivated enough to get to the gym, but another to leave it looking like a toned prima donna. Especially important if you’re heading to the office, for coffee with friends or even to the supermarket right after a session of hardcore HIIT. Your athleisurewear, towel, water, favourite playlist and protein shake may have a permanent place in your gym bag, but here are the beauty essentials you need to throw in for that ‘I-came-out-of-thegym-looking-like-this’ effect (wink, wink).

Deodorant

Burning calories comes with a hefty side of perspiration, after which people might want to keep arm’s length distance from you. Spare yourself any embarrassment with a good deodorant that won’t block your pores, but masks any odour, keeping you smelling fresh as the day.

Dry Shampoo

Speaking of perspiration, it doesn’t spare the scalp, so a bottle of dry shampoo will keep your mane bouncy enough for that post workout selfie.

Hand Sanitiser

Zap potential bugs transferred from gym equipment onto your hands. Enough said!

Lip Balm and Moisturiser

Air-conditioned environments, typical to the gym, can dry out skin faster than you can say ‘incline bench press’, so slather on a light moisturiser all over for soft, supple skin.

Keeping lips cocooned in the goodness of a chapstick or lip balm helps in easy lipstick application when you step out.

Tinted Base

You don’t want the blemishes to rain on the parade of your killer abs and glutes, and who has the patience for foundation, ergo a good BB cream. A tinted moisturiser will also stand you in good stead.

Face Cleanser

The 10 or 15 minutes you take to head home for a

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quick shower is enough for germs to penetrate your skin and clog pores leading to blackheads and acne, especially if you were already wearing a base during your workout. Washing the gunk off right after your exercise session has huge payoffs.

Hair band

Bad hair days are never in one’s control.

Here’s where a stretchable cloth headband comes to the rescue. Hide sticky roots under one that doubles up as a scrunchy for a messy ponytail or bun.

Mascara

Of course, this one is not essential while you’re busting some exercise moves (unless you want to bat your eyes at that cute instructor), but one coat goes a long way in making you look ‘put together’ for the day or evening ahead.

Rose Water Toner

This helps calm all the redness and aggravated blemishes after an hour of sweating it out, besides quenching the face with hydration.

Hand Cream

All the pulling, pushing, hanging and lifting can cause unsightly calluses, but not if you pamper your hands with a heavy-duty hand cream afterwards. A pair of workout gloves could also save your palms from pain.

Lip Gloss

Because sheer lips only do you good!

www.womanthismonth.com

news

FOR THE PRINCESS IN YOU

GO TROPICAL

Last year, Ashley Graham partnered with Revlon to release two lip kits, both of which sold out in just three hours. The duo now introduces the Tropical Vibes Collection, which includes the Tropical Pop Kit and the Tropical Heat Kit. The first includes the Tropical Vibes Post Beach Glow Face & Eye Kit, a face and eye palette with 10 shades, both shimmery and matte textures, all hand-selected by Graham, as well as the Tropical Vibes Lip Highlights in Island Hopping, which is a sheer gloss. The Tropical Heat Kit includes the Tropical Vibes Golden Lava Face & Body Bronzer, a liquid bronzer that gives skin a wet, dewy look. It also includes another Lip Highlights in the shade Gold Rush, a golden lip gloss that will amp up any look.

Colourpop has launched the Mulan collection in collaboration with Disney.

The collection features makeup from Colourpop and two skin-care products from Fourth Ray Beauty (Colourpop's sister brand). The Mulan Palette is warm-toned, featuring a mix of 15 matte, metallic and foiled shadows; made for a princess. The Honor To Us All Lux Lip Trio, Colourpop's first-ever, includes a bold red liquid lipstick, a gold gloss, and a lipstick. Matchmaker (a pale nude) and Good Luck Charm (a soft terracotta shade with gold shimmer) are pressed powder blushes that are great for adding a soft flush to your cheeks. Fourth Ray’s Beauty Face Milk and Lip Mask Bundle comprises Jasmine Tea Face Milk and the Gold Lip Mask.

STEPPING UP

The L’Oreal group, which owns brands including La Roche-Posay and Garnier, announced a Europe-wide programme in late March to do its bit in the Coronavirus pandemic. The cosmetic conglomerate is using its factories to produce hand sanitiser and hydroalcoholic gel, distributing it to French and European authorities. LaRoche Posay is supplying free hand sanitiser to its partnering French pharmacies, hospitals and care homes. Garnier is supplying several million units of free hand sanitiser to its European food distribution stakeholders. L’Oreal will be donating almost USD1.1 million to its partner non-profit organisations, which are helping the most vulnerable during the pandemic. www.womanthismonth.com

BACK TO THE ‘90s

Salt-N-Pepa fans were recently on an all-time high when the female rap group jammed with Milani to present the limited edition Collector's Bundle featuring four items in a 100-per-cent recycled paper custom box set. The Shoop Lip Kit is a lipstick and lip liner in a deep, rich nude tone, while Push It is a lip kit which is a nod to a bold red lip. The collection also has two eyeshadow and highlighter palettes; Hot, Kool and Vicious, and Very Necessary.

MUSICAL EYES

Ahead of the new movie, Trolls World Tour, releasing in April, the PÜR X TROLLS WORLD TOUR: Classical Palette is all glitter and happiness. This neutral, travel-sized, pressed pigments palette comes with an array of expressive colours with high pigment payoff designed with the classical Trolls tribe in mind. The six unique shades work together in harmony for award-worthy makeup and stay true to Ü looks that deserve to be on top of the classical charts. Also in the collaboration’s collection are the Charts Face Trio that brings natural shine to your face, and the Lip Gloss Kit creates plump, sparkling lips.

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LIFESTYLE | well-being

WELL-BEING

SANITISE RIGHT EXERCISE LIKE THOR

In light of the global situation, actor Chris Hemsworth has announced on Instagram he is offering a free trial of his fitness app to new users. He said: “I think now more than ever, is when we need to focus on what I believe to be the three key pillars to living healthier and happier – movement, nutrition and mental fitness. Centr (his fitness website) was founded to make health and happiness

accessible to all, and I hope that this will make that access even easier during the current global health crisis.” In recent weeks thousands of Centr members aound the world have shared how the programme has brought them positivity and support during these difficult times. Check out centr.com. thenewdaily.com.au

It is recommended to rub on hand sanitisers with at least 60-per-cent alcohol when you aren’t able to wash your hands in times of Covid19. But some hand sanitisers rely on benzalkonium chloride instead of alcohol as the active ingredient. Such nonalcohol antiseptic products may not work as well for many types of germs, or may merely reduce the growth of germs rather than killing them. They may be better than nothing, experts say. But people are buying them without knowing the difference.

The recommendation for hand sanitisers is based on the fact that an appropriate percentage of alcohol kills all of the coronaviruses we know about. www.propublica.com

DON’T FORGET YOUR PHONE SAFE RECEIVING

Whether it’s food delivery or something ordered from Amazon, your delivery packages were put together at some other location and passed through many hands before arriving at your doorstep.

Although the risk of transmission through food is very low, epidemiologist Stephen Morse says: “Cooked foods are unlikely to be a concern unless they get contaminated after cooking.” But as the infamous virus can live on plastic and cardboard for long hours, once you’ve taken your items out of the box or bag they were delivered in, get rid of the packaging — that’s what was out in the world the longest. After that, sanitise any of the surfaces in your home that the packaging touched, and of course, wash your hands www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

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Coronavirus can survive on surfaces for two or three days, including on your phone, which we take everywhere and constantly touch.

Apple advises to use a 70-per-cent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox disinfecting wipes. The alcohol quickly evaporates from the surface of your phone and kills all the microbes. Any other type needs to be left on the surface for a certain period in order to work, because this will interfere with the phone’s functioning. If wipes are scarce, moisten a cloth or a paper towel with washing-up liquid or hand soap – something that foams, with a detergent in it. Wipe it over the phone, then wipe that off with a cloth or paper towel moistened with water.

You might have to do that a couple of times to get rid of the soapy bits. Then let dry. www.theguardian.com

WHY THE DISTANCE?

The USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes social distancing the need of the hour, and here’s why. When someone coughs or sneezes, small drops of liquid spray from their nose or mouth. If you're standing too close, you can breathe in the droplets, which may contain the coronavirus if the person coughing is infected, according to the World Health Organisation. Says Dr William Schaffner, infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University: “Without a cough or a sneeze, if we exhale, the distance of 1-2 metres from each other is called the breathing zone.

So, if you're standing within my breathing zone, you may well inhale some of what I exhale. And, of course, if I have the virus, what I'm exhaling microscopically contains the virus." www.edition.cnn.com www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | food

RAZAN’S RECIPES

A food and wellness writer, fish lover and pescatarian recipe developer, Razan Al Arabi is certified in cuisine techniques by Le Cordon Bleu (London) and in nutrition for everyday living by London’s College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Her passions, alongside health, well-being and teaching yoga, include indulgence in super-nutritious healthy food. If you’re lucky enough to be invited into her kitchen, you’ll experience a real treat both for the taste buds and the senses.

If not, check out her monthly recipes to produce flavourful combinations at home.

ORANGE, GARLIC AND HONEY FISH

MUSHROOM SHAWARMA Ingredients: 250g shiitake mushrooms Juice of two lemons 1tbsp fajita spice 3 garlic cloves, minced 1tbsp tahini 1 tbsp garlic mayonnaise 2 pieces of small Lebanese bread (white, or wholegrain)

Method:

Chop the mushrooms into small pieces, place in an oven dish with olive oil, garlic, fajita spice, sea salt and lemon juice. Cook at 180˚ Celsius for 20-30 minutes. Layer half of the tahini and garlic mayonnaise on each piece of small Lebanese bread. Then layer the cooked mushrooms, finish with a tablespoon of chopped white cabbage on. Enjoy my vegetarian take on chicken shawarma!

Ingredients: 250g white fish (cod) Juice of one orange 1tbsp honey 3 garlic cloves, minced 1tsp onion powder

1tsp sea salt

1tsp sea salt

2tbsp olive oil

2tbsp sesame oil

2tbsp chopped white cabbage www.womanthismonth.com

Method:

Replacing the traditional lemon with fish is spring/ summer’s latest food trend; orange with seafood! Similar to Mandarin orange chicken, but made with fish! Season the fish with sea salt and onion powder. Then place in an oven dish with sesame oil, garlic, orange juice and honey. Cook at 200˚ Celsius for 20-30 minutes. Enjoy with rice and crunchy vegetables or a large green salad.

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LIFESTYLE | home

TIME FOR THE REAL DEAL

Home improvement with new eye-catching, statement products is one way to brighten your spaces with beauty and colour. But there are phases in the year that call for an overhaul of your existing belongings, sans spending any dinars on new things. Ditch the thought of a new futon, console or yet another floral tablecloth to lift your home’s spirit. It’s the time to look inwards – rather than outside – to create a serene environment at home.

Before you go all Marie Kondo on your house, reflect on how your home makes you feel. Does it need a serious dose of decluttering (err, hello stacks of magazines and paper-work from 2015), or some serious heavy-lifting to raise its spirit? With the idea that your interiors reflect your life, go forth and make your private sanctuary one that you will love spending more time in.

An Effective Deep Clean Clean the Cleaners

Remove dust bunnies from the broom and disinfect it by soaking in antiseptic solution at least once a month. Giving the mop and the toilet brush a wash after daily use is the best way to ensure they are free of bacteria and that mouldy stench they can sometimes develop.

Empty the vacuum cleaner's dirt bag regularly. Run the washer and dryer on a cleaning cycle and sanitise or discard well-used sponges and brushes.

Wipe Down

Going over door knobs, handles, chairs, tables and taps regularly with a disinfectant-soaked microfibre cloth or wipe is effective in evacuating the bug colonies from them.

Don’t forget the walls, windows and bathroom tiles for your big deep clean.

Upholstery and Mattresses

Invisible dust mites love your mattress and sofa as much as you do. To stop sharing your comfort with them, vacuum the mattress top and sides, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the top and let it sit for a good few minutes before going over it with suction again. To lift mattress stains, spray with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and a few drops of dish washing liquid. Blot with a clean towel and let it air-dry thoroughly.

One Area at a Time

Trying to deep clean the whole house at one go may require time and immense stamina. Not to mention patience and emotional endurance. Don’t buckle under being overwhelmed by a single, mammoth task. Tackling individual rooms, or specific areas in large rooms, is the secret to successful (and effective) spring cleaning.

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April 2020

Doing the Purge

Rummage through kitchen and bathroom cabinets, wardrobes, shoe racks, book shelves, filing cabinets, makeup kits and storage cupboards to identify anything that is either at the end of its life (the comfiest scruffy tee-shirt that is tearing at the seams) , or you know you will likely never need again (here’s looking at you, green leprechaun hat) and say goodbye. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | home

REMOVING NEGATIVE ENERGY FROM YOUR HOME Open Up

Firstly, open up doors and windows regularly to let in fresh air and keep the home atmosphere light and airy. Give your curtains and rugs a good shake to give any dust and ‘trapped vibes’ a heave-ho.

Your inner emotions affect your personal environments too. So, if you feel your home has been hanging onto unpleasant vibes thanks to its residents, there are practical ways to uplift its energy, without being too mumbo-jumbo about it.

House Plants

A little greenery is all it takes to brighten up dull corners, no wall-to-wall forest required.

Plants like Snake Plant (aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue), Ficus, Peace Lily, Bamboo and Aloe Vera will remove household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene as well as any glumness hanging around the place.

Fill up With Fragrance

Salt it Up

Considered a cleansing and protective agent, salt can ‘absorb’ negativity (read home pollutants and toxins).

While a Himalayan salt lamp could look fancy in your drawing room, small bowls filled with salt placed strategically in corners can have the same effect. Choose raw, unrefined varieties like rock or black salt, and add some lemon, lavender or tea tree essential oil. Replace every few days.

Fit In Feng Shui

Using an oil burner or diffuser is a smarter way to infuse your surroundings with a refreshing fragrance instead of using synthetic room fresheners. A cheap but safe (especially for homes with kids and pets) DIY alternative is filling a spray bottle with water mixed with a few drops of essential oil. Spray around with abandon. Enjoy the effects that the scent of lemongrass oil has.

Burn Some Incense

Fragrances like rose, lavender, frankincense and patchouli are said to be cleansing, but you could choose a scent that calms your senses.

Whether you light up some incense sticks, locally available bakhoor or bayleaves, channel your inner good witch and let the smoke swirl all over your home and its periphery. Lighting up some sage is said to be a native American way of removing ‘bad’ energy.

Feng Shui is the ancient system of ensuring cohesive energy flow through spaces by specifically arranging or placing household items. Try your hand at optmising well-being and your home environment by following some do-able Feng Shui pointers. www.womanthismonth.com

April 2020

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last word

In Her Shoes We go behind the scenes with Dr Saba D Parkar, Vice Principal, Al Wisam School.

If your house was on fire, what would you save?

As long as my loved ones are safe, nothing. If it can be burnt, it can be rebuilt.

Do you have a secret talent?

Cooking is more than my talent; it's my stress buster. Every time I'm upset and need to focus inwards, it liberates me and aligns me. I also make really funny memes under a pen-name.

What skill would you like to learn?

What would be your dream holiday destination?

Gamification programming; it's the future of education. I believe adaptive testing is the way to go and gamification will become the new norm.

Dr Saba

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

What’s your all-time favourite book or film?

As a teen, I loved the Harry Potter books but my favourite book is The God of Small Things

by Arundhati Roy. My favourite movies are, without a trace of doubt, the Iron Man series.

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April 2020

I would love to tour the museums of the world.

What’s your favourite food?

Salt and Pepper Prawns and Biryani

The best piece of advice probably comes as an old saying from my father: “Have you ever seen a monkey living in a house?

That's because a monkey always says that he will build his home tomorrow. Whatever needs to be done needs to be done today.

Keep building." www.womanthismonth.com

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