Woman This Month - November 2020

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

November 2020 | Issue 212

BEAUTY

Beauty MustHaves

PEOPLE Expressing Emotions Through Art Yasmin Drummond

LIFESTYLE

Accessorising your home

Delicious Autumn Inspired Tacos

The Sweetest Thing Melitta Lopez

PARENTING

Virtual School and Brain Breaks with Ouiam

FASHION

INSPIRED BY THE ANIMAL KINGDOM www.womanthismonth.com

r u o Y sh a e l n s t U c n i st n I l a m i An FASHION | trend

T

he best way to warm up this winter is to take a page from the animal kingdom and warm up with lush faux shearling, furs and feathers too! Delivering yet another exciting season of fashion, the biggest of brands had sultry models dawning looks that greatly inspired our inner fashionistas with looks that were dramatically elegant. For a powerful over-sized overcoat, you can take some inspiration from Givenchy’s mysteriously dramatic black and brown look, or perhaps go brighter as seen with Bally and Boss. Some 70s inspiration could also be seen across runways as seen with Stella McCartney and Tory Burch.

Boss

Givenchy

BALLY

Our editor’s picks this month are Givenchy’s stunning structure suit and dress which both feature light plumes of feathers. Remember to really enjoy this trend, play with the length, structure and silhouette of your outfit to keep it fun, flirty and feminine.

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Tory Burch

Giorgio Armani

Coach

Givenchy

Stella McCartney

Tory Burch

Givenchy

FASHION | trend

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PEOPLE | interview

EXPLORING EMOTIONS THROUGH ART Woman This Month has a conversation with contemporary painter, Yasmin Drummond.

Delving into the world of emotions and issues that connect us to each other and humanity, Yasmin Drummond expressively blends both: abstract and figurative elements in her work to create significant visual representations. Born in Germany, Yasmin is a British artist of Middle Eastern origin and has lived in 14 different cultures which have influenced her work.

H

ow long have you been painting for? What inspired you and how much has changed since?

I have always painted and been inspired by colours and a desire to convey my own emotional response to life through abstract painting. I find abstract art to be very similar to classical music where the listener is given the freedom to perceive each piece on a deeply personal level depending on their mood of the moment; with some pieces evoking anger, frustration, fear, passion, love, serenity or just pure beauty to meditate to.

How would you describe your art?

I am a contemporary painter. I blend both abstract and figurative elements in my work to explore emotions and issues that connect us to each other and our humanity. I focus on spontaneity and the intensity of emotions in the moment. I prefer not to start with an agenda and allow my painting to develop organically.

I believe that art, like life, is full of unknowns and surprises when explored in detail.

You have experienced 14 different cultures to date. How has this influenced your art?

Having lived in so many different countries I have realised that humans have more commonalities

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PEOPLE | interview than differences. We often share senses of humour, emotions, and respond in the same way to music, colours and to the natural world and environment. We are all impacted by major changes, like the pandemic and climate change.

What mediums do you work with?

I work mainly in acrylics and different mixed mediums with oil, charcoal, and pastels. My most recent works use iron and copper. These oxidise, or rust, as the paintings develop, which gives them an organic quality.

What can you tell our readers about your most recent exhibition and the factors that influenced it?

COVID-19 has affected us all in many ways, and reduced our social interactions. Globally, there are increased mental health pressures affecting many people because of the pandemic. I wanted to do something that not only tackled those issues, but also raised money for the UK mental health charity MIND. In the end, the only way to mount the exhibition safely was to do it in my home – where it was possible to share more of my works, including some addressing issues raised

by COVID-19, such as how we can adapt to the new normal.

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Have there been any influences from your time here in Bahrain?

I have tried to embrace the colours of Bahrain in my work, and the richness of its art and culture. My first half year in Manama was very busy getting out and about, trying to get to know people, and Bahrain’s rich art and culture scene.

Has any of your current art been influenced by the current pandemic that the world is facing?

I am not sure there is ever going to be an artist who has lived through the pandemic whose work does not reflect the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has created huge changes in the way we relate to one another and our lives. Inevitably, these changes in our lives are reflected in the mood of my paintings, my choices of colour, and the themes I develop.

Tell us about some of your past exhibitions.

It has been fascinating exhibiting in different parts of the world. I enjoy receiving feedback from viewers who engage with my work, and their responses often make me reflect on my work again. This reinforces my view about commonalities across cultures, and that deep down we are all very similar. London was interesting because it is so cosmopolitan, with artists from everywhere enriching the art scene. Joint exhibitions in Fiji helped me get to know local artists, and I was pleased when my collaborations helped prompt

the government to found a Fijian National Contemporary Art Museum.

What are your plans for the future when it comes to your art?

I don’t really plan but I want to continue producing art. Indeed I feel compelled to, since the creative process is an important part of who I am as a person.

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BEAUTY | news

A ROMANTIC ODYSSEY WITH AMOUAGE

Amouage has revealed its Renaissance Collection which features four alluring fragrances: Enclave, Crimson Rocks, Ashore and Meander, each depicting Amouage’s romantic interpretation of encountering pure joy.

Drawing inspiration from its home country, the Sultanate of Oman, these sophisticated blends of exquisitely contrasting scents are a liberating force of imagination. The range of fragrances contain a variety of unique keynotes including cardamom oils, amber, jujube honey and more. The unique experiential aesthetic of the fragrances is further accentuated by beautifully coloured translucent bottles and artistic boxes, presenting their owners with a work of art.

The Renaissance Collection is available in all Amouage boutiques and distributors worldwide and can be purchased online at www.amouage.com.

THAT MAKE YOU GLOW Whether it’s skincare, makeup or a fresh new fragrance that puts a skip in your step, we’ve got you covered! Here are our top beauty essentials from leading brands this month.

A BAROQUE DREAM WITH DOLCE AND GABBANA FLUSHED PINK WITH CHANEL

Chanel has launched its beautiful Fall-Winter 2020 makeup collection and let us tell you - it’ll have you being pretty in pink!

The collection plays with different ideas of character and femininity mainly through the medium of the colour most associated with the gender: pink.

Here, the duality of women and femininity is emphasised, from innocence to experience. The collection includes three eyeshadow palettes, two waterproof stylos, a lip and cheek tint, six shades of lipstick and two stunning shades of nail polish.

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Looking for a fresh new makeup palette? Check out Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s new Mysterious Baroque Make Up Essential Palette. This limited-edition Palette is inspired by the fascinating atmosphere of the Middle East, bringing to life colours and motifs of intriguing elegance. This all-inone premium palette is dressed in a golden and intense blue damask motif, inspired by the sumptuous Baroque tradition.

Like a precious jewel box, the palette opens to reveal deep shades of blue, amethyst and dahlia, each one an invitation to embark on a vibrant journey.

The Mysterious Baroque Palette brings together all the makeup essentials: four eyeshadows, two lip powders, highlighter and bronzing powder. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news

H & M DELIVERS A SHADE FOR ALL

H&M Beauty has launched an excellent hybrid foundation range in 26 shades (divided into cool, neutral and warm undertones) to help you find your perfect shade! We all know what a challenge it can be to find a foundation that matches our skin tone, but this product doesn’t do just that.

The Perfect Hydrating Foundations are infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, restorative vitamin E and SPF 15 for everyday sun protection, so acts as a sheer liquid foundation with skincare benefits. This hybrid solution is for anyone dreaming of a natural look with a healthy glow.

It’s available at all H&M stores in UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman markets that carry H&M Beauty.

LANCÔME’S INTENSE GROUNDBREAKING

In 2019 Lancôme created Idôle, a groundbreaking fragrance, inspired by today’s female pioneers. From its fresh clean trail, to its iconic bottle, Idôle set a new paradigm in the world of fragrances. One year on and the captivating essence of Idôle returns in the form of Idôle l’Intense which fuses its predecessor’s ‘Clean and Glow’ accord with a more sensual, more flamboyant Chypre floral scent.

Based on three pillars, Idôle l’Intense amplifies the natural beauty of flowers.

The rose – an iconic symbol for Lancôme – plays out through the deliciously honeyed Grasse rose absolute and fresh green scent of Isparta rose petal essence. A jasmine trio adds a velvety texture and light fruit accents while the white chypre base enhances the sophisticated woody notes.

LUXURIOUS LASHES WITH LANCÔME’S

These days lash extensions, lifts, tints, curlers and false lashes are all the rage, but with the quick fix comes the ultimate price of sometimes irreparable damage. These procedures — as well as natural aging — are known to compromise the length, thickness and density of lashes. Lancôme is excited to propose a repairing 4-week cure to women with its New Lash Revitalizing Serum. Inspired by pioneering keratin science, the super innovative formulation will condition, revitalize and fortify lashes.

The result is stronger, denser-looking, thicker-looking lash–fringe in just four weeks. Built on Lancôme’s unique savoir-faire, new Lash Revitalizing Serum is ophthalmologist tested and suitable for even sensitive eyes and damaged lashes. With a twicedaily application, Lancôme Lash Revitalizing Serum is said to deliver a total lash turnaround in just 4 weeks.

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interview

! g n i h T t s e t The Swee There’s no shortage of great causes on the island that could use some funding including animal shelters, organisations that support low income workers, cancer awareness campaigns and more. With the world currently facing the challenges presented by the coronavirus, a long-term resident of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Melitta Lopez, took it upon herself to come up with an innovative way to encourage continued charitable giving all while sweetening the deal! The International Relations Coordinator combined her love for charitable giving with her passion for cooking and launched The Misu Project (TMP) through which she raises funds by selling her own delectable dessert.

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interview

What can you tell us about TMP? What led to you starting the concept?

As someone that was raised in Bahrain, this island is home to me and I have so much gratitude for all the things it has offered me.

TMP started off as a new way for me to raise awareness towards causes I believe in and to give back to the community. I am constantly raising funds for different causes, and I recently started feeling like my friends and family were experiencing a bit of “donor fatigue”, so I had to come up with an innovative way to start raising funds. So, I started TMP just over a month back, with the intention of selling it and only being operational for a month.

Is there a particular reason why you chose to sell tiramisu?

Yes! Cooking is a passion for me. I’ve been cooking for friends and family for a long time now and lots of people would ask me to start selling some of the things I make. One of my dishes that was a crowd pleaser was my Tiramisu. So, I decided to make a pudding version of the classical Italian dessert and sell it for a month in order to raise money for charities I support.

What makes your Misu special?

With TMP I am very mindful of where our ingredients come from. For instance, we source our coffee directly from Colombian farmers, ensuring that our money and profits directly benefit the farmer and his community. Our fairtrade coffee is strong, bold and most importantly, ethical! We also use a blend of high-quality Dutch cocoa and organic dark chocolate that comes from a Bahraini local business. They are the Middle East’s first organic, fair-trade chocolate company, and we are so proud to support local businesses.

see so many people suffering financially so it was only natural that I supported organizations that helped such people.

Animals have always been close to my heart, and I’ve always been a supporter of BARC. Going forward, I am excited at the prospect of being able to help a few more charities in whatever little way I can.

Is charitable giving something you’ve always done and how does it make you feel?

Yes! Like I mentioned earlier, I am always fundraising for something or the other and am a strong believer in putting other’s needs before my own. I have been an advocate for Shamsaha, the Middle East’s first and only women’s domestic violence crisis center for a few years now. I also enjoy volunteering my time and resources towards other causes like beach clean-ups, feeding neutered strays, food drives, etc.

I did not expect this project to blow up and become as popular as it did. Since I was adamant about a few things like being mindful of the environment and upcycling the packaging myself, the whole process to get one Misu tub ready is quite tedious and labour intensive. Juggling all the different parts of my life and TMP has been difficult, but very, very rewarding.

Will TMP be an on-going concept? Any plans on changing up the dessert around the festive season?

As I mentioned, TMP was meant to be a 1-month project. However, due to the unexpected demand, I have had no choice but to extend the date. I am taking a short break for a week in early November to recuperate, but I will be in operation for a little while longer. I am planning a few limited-edition versions of the Misu too so stay tuned!

How has the response to your initiative been so far?

Honestly, the response has been phenomenal. I didn’t expect the public to be this receptive of TMP. I was sold out for the whole month within a week of operation! It was surreal and I couldn’t believe the power of word-of-mouth.

I had people ordering and reordering, and so it has been an extremely, extremely busy month.

What have your biggest challenges been so far?

I think the biggest challenge was just managing all of the operations myself: creating and maintaining a social media presence, taking orders in, interaction with my followers, actually making the Misu, keeping a tab on the stock and supplies, packaging and delivering. All of this while also working full time.

Which charities will you be donating the funds to and how often do you distribute them?

To date, my model has been to support one charity every two weeks. I’ve raised funds for different causes including One Heart Bahrain which distributes boxes of groceries to people who’ve been unemployed and are struggling to make ends meet. In addition, I’ve raised funds for Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre (BARC) which is Bahrain’s largest no-kill shelter that completely relies on the public for funding. Most shelters have recently seen an increase in animals, as people flee the country in a hurry and abandon their pets. I’ve also been raising funds for Think Pink which raises awareness and funds for Breast Cancer in Bahrain. I plan on distributing the funds at the end of the month.

How did you choose the charities you donate to?

I chose charities based on their needs and how I feel about their cause. Due to the current pandemic situation, it was heart wrenching to www.bahrainthismonth.com

If you’d like to order your very own Misu (for a good cause, of course!) be sure to check out @v on Instagram.

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LIFESTYLE | home

Let’s Accessorise!

Very often, one overlooks the power of accessories to elevate the home setting to a whole new level. Mirrors to give your spaces depth, lamps to ‹enlighten›, and stylish clocks for a timeless feel. Throw in some statement vases, planters, frames and various other home decor knick knacks to brighten and jazz-up your interiors.

Oriental Opulence Vases

THE One

Home Centre

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LIFESTYLE | home Not So Stone Age Vase

Home Box

Geometrical Dimension Picture Frame Home Box

Floral Reflections Mirror

Insidherland

In Full Bloom Accessory THE One

Ambient Glow Wall Lamp Insidherland

Less is More Wall Clock

Tonin Casa by Western Furniture

Delicate Foliage

Amber Elan

Console

Table Lamps

Lifestyle

Tonin Casa by Western Furniture

Sketchy Pink Cushion

namshi.com

That Zen Feeling Tealight Holder namshi.com

Black and Gold Tray

Lifestyle

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November 2020

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

VIRTUAL SCHOOL AND BRAIN BREAKS OUIAM EL HASSANI TELLS US HOW TO HELP KIDS THRIVE DURING VIRTUAL SCHOOLING

V

irtual learning is the reality for many families right now, and the question most of us are asking is: How can we help our children thrive during virtual school? As you may know virtual school has some unavoidable developmental downsides for children, including less in-person interaction with teachers, a smaller range of visual focus (a side effect of increased screen time) and less physical movement throughout the day.

We know children need to move and play as part of their learning. Children can't concentrate for hours on end in one position. So, what can we do?

We can introduce what I call: Screen Breaks - a way to fill the gaps both in children's daily school schedule, and in their developmental needs.

Knowing what your kids need most can help you pick the right break time activities. Remember that kids, like adults, have good days and bad days, tired days and energetic days… and the weather affects everything of course, so needs will change.

However, here are some brain breaks that will help you and your child: MOVEMENT BRAIN BREAKS

To facilitate movement, you can plan an obstacle course using whatever you have in your home. Mark out the course with tape. Encourage kids to jump, crawl, spin, hop, run and roll.

Jumping jacks, bear crawls and crab walks can help further challenge your child's strength. Hide and seek, tag, races or dance parties are also awesome ways to get children moving.

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

MINDFULNESS BRAIN BREAKS To help a child who has been struggling emotionally consider activities that help build them up. You can do mindfulness exercises where you encourage your child to be present in the moment, focus on their surroundings and feel some mental clarity. Sometimes chores for kids, like folding laundry or preparing snacks, can be restorative breaks and simultaneously facilitate fine motor skill development, provide sensory play and knock out some of a parent's work.

Other more everyday activities like a snuggle on the sofa while reading a favorite book, listening to music or making some artwork may also fill your child's cup.

BRAIN BREAKS THAT TEACH SKILLS

If your child is struggling academically to grasp key concepts, it's important to still allow academic breaks. Children need time off to learn, just like adults do. But you can find ways to reinforce literacy or math skills in your play. Choose board games with number concepts. Send your child on a flashlight guided hunt to find letters or words in the house.

SCREEN-FREE BRAIN BREAKS If children are negatively reacting to all the screen time of virtual school, they may be under- or overstimulated. Being bored or overwhelmed undermines learning. Some children may experience eye strain and complain of headaches, excessive blinking or rub their eyes. For all of these screen-associated problems, getting unplugged and outdoors is really critical. Going for a walk or bike ride, or gardening, can all be cures for too much screen time. If you're stuck indoors, a sensory experience like working with playdough, kinetic sand or water play can help children recalibrate their level of stimulation.

Finally, let's not forget that kids should be encouraged to have ideas and opinions about how they spend their off time, too. If you can, find a compromise where some of the breaks are used towards goals you think are important and some allow your children to choose. For example, if you want your child to get energy out, write down four active ideas and let them pick. When children get to decide, the activity will be more engaging and fun for everybody involved.

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y l s u o i c i l De toxifying De

LIFESTYLE | food

This month Laetitia and Theresa of Live and Taste share their delicious, detoxifying and healthy recipe for homemade tortillas with an autumn twist. Give them a try and let us know what you think on our socials.

AUTUMN SPELT TORTILLAS WITH PUMPKIN PUREE FILLING MAKES 4 portions

SPELT FLOUR TORTILLA

Ingredients 2oo gms spelt flour (whole grain) + extra 150 gms coconut yoghurt (or any other non-dairy yoghurt) 3 pinches of Himalayan salt 1 Tbsp olive oil 1-2 pinches dried thyme 4 pinches fresh ground pepper 2 to 3 Tbsp water

Instructions 1. Pour 200 gms of spelt flour into a mixing bowl. Add the coconut yoghurt, salt, olive oil, thyme and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, mix it together.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of water first and mix it again. Add another tablespoon of

water and use your hands to mix well until you have a slightly sticky dough.

You may need only 2 Tbsp of water or you add another tablespoon of water if it does not form a nice dough yet. Then, knead the dough for a minute or so.

3. Let the dough rest for 15 to 30 minutes (cover with a kitchen towel). In the meantime, prepare the pumpkin puree and the extra topping.

4. After 15 to 30 minutes, divide the dough into 4 balls.

5. Dust a work surface with extra spelt flour and flatten one ball with your hands.

Use a rolling spin to roll it into a tortilla.

6. Heat a non-sticky skillet on medium heat. Cook the tortilla for about 45

seconds on each side (or until you see air bubbles forming). Repeat it for the 3 other balls.

7. Keep them in the oven (50C fan), while you finish the filling and serve it warm.

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PUMPKIN PUREE

Ingredients

400 gms pumpkin, peeled and cut into cubes 2 pinches pumpkin spice Himalayan salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions

Peel and cut the pumpkin into cubes.

Steam the pumpkin until soft.

Mash the pumpkin with a hand blender or in a small blender until it is soft.

Season with pumpkin spice, salt and pepper.

EXTRA TOPPING

Ingredients

1 avocado sliced 1 ½ tomato sliced 1 tbsp hemp seeds (optional) 1 lime squeezed (optional) Sprinkle with some chili flakes, Himalayan salt & pepper

Instructions

Arrange the 4 tortillas with the delicious pumpkin puree and the extra topping, enjoy ! tbsp : tablespoon / tsp : teaspoon More healthy recipes on www.liveandtaste.com Instagram-Facebook : live.and.taste www.womanthismonth.com

In Her Shoes

This month we delve into the exciting world of Zilia Monteiro, Managing Partner at Bahrain Ballet Centre and music enthusiast.

What song would you sing at Karaoke?

What's your proudest achievement?

YYYYYYMCA!

Being an independent woman!

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"If it is to be, it is up to me!" and "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not ok, it's not the end!"

What's your favourite film?

There's so many… but let's start with Casablanca!

Zilia What skill would you like to learn?

Definitely get better at swimming!

What is your dream holiday destination?

Any place with less people and a lot more nature!

What would your life be incomplete without?

Bubbles (my dog)... and a drink in hand!

Cats or Dogs?

I’m an animal lover, so both! But as a dog owner, I'm honestly partial to the second. In fact, I love dogs so much that I started a healthy doggie treat business with my friend, Carolina. Check out @bubblesmiche on Instagram! www.womanthismonth.com

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