Woman This Month - March 2013

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES

March 2013 | Issue 121 | BD1 / SR10

Sending Messages Wear What You Say

Fashion Theme: Midi Skirts

Find Your Style Dressing For Mums

Cholesterol Control Counting The Numbers

Career Decisions Make The Right Choice www.womanthismonth.com

City Centre Bahrain

00973-17178670 bebe Bahrain

contents | MARCH 2013

Interview

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14 Elizabeth Shaheen: Developing a green thumb 16 Dr Puja Taneja Malhotra: Understanding yourself

Shopping 08 Editor’s Choice: Spread the word 10 Pick of the Month: Smell the coffee 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene!

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Fashion 18 Fashion Forward: Most wanted of SS 2013 20 Celebrities: What the stars are wearing 22 Get the Look: Fashionable mothers 24 Feature: Muscat Fashion Week highlights 26 Theme: A bit of midi skirt

Beauty

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28 Beauty News: The latest products in stores 30 Fragrances: Find your scent 32 Tips: Long-lasting hair colour 34 Feature: Spa treatments

Home 42 Feature: A child’s world

Wellbeing 44 Feature: Watching cholesterol levels 47 Column: Crystal clear

Parenting

44 Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES

woman this month

March 2013, issue 121

Soft pastel shades are prominent in this SS13 outfit from Juicy Couture.

48 March 2013 | Issue 121 | BD1 / SR10

MARCH 2013 ı SENDING MESSAGES – WEAR WHAT YOU SAY ı www.womanthismonth.com

Sending Messages Wear What You Say

Fashion Theme: Midi Skirts

Find Your Style Dressing For Mums

Cholesterol Control Counting The Numbers HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY

Career Decisions Make The Right Choice

ISSUE 121

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| March 2013

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48 Feature: How to make the right career choices 51 Column: Does your child have meningitis?

Regulars 06 Letters: Tell us what you think of this issue 17 Social Butterfly: Who has been seen where?

38 20 Tips: How to stay creative 40 10 Tips: Get photogenic 52 Online: Shop online; shop local 58 Travel: For art’s sake 60 Recipes: Doughnut frenzy 62 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 64 WoMentality: Living life to the fullest

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AMMAN BEIRUT CAIRO CASABLANCA DOHA KUWAIT CITY MANAMA MARRAKECH RABAT TUNIS

M A XM A RA .CO M

Welcome Get Pampered

responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman

chairman & publisher George F Middleton

publishing director

David M Robertson

editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles

assistant editor Elma Bartholomew

fashion and beauty editor Fernanda Langhammer

contributors

Dr Clare beckett-mcinroy george r vaughan James Claire

staff writer

Maryam A Toorani

print production manager Sabu Sebastian

layout & graphics RODOLFO A REYES JR Dalal Al-Sabbagh

media coordinator SARAH ANSARI

G U E S T E D I T O R ' s l etter

W

media executives ESKY Girmay farheen ahmed

sales manager

hether you’re handling a business of your own, tackling an eight-hour shift or managing your family, there is one thing that every woman can agree on — that she could use a break! Now not all of us can just screech halt and go on vacation; that does not mean you cannot get that time off you totally deserve.

Sometimes all you need is a day, or a weekend, to yourself. The key is to make it all about you. This month we give you the best ideas for an escape from the mundane — without having to leave base.

If five-star treatment isn’t your cup of tea and you would rather just find away to get out of a mental rut, our tips on boosting your creativity should be of assistance. We also share our tricks on making amazing photos. Who said you needed to be photogenic?

A lot of women have been experimenting with hair styles and colours. The Beauty section tells you how you can make those makeovers last. Those with an eye for the latest trends should keep a close watch on our pick of designers from the Muscat Fashion Week.

Attention mums! The fashion police are watching. We tell you how to stay stylish without emptying the bank.

Making a statement is taken quite literally these days with slogans and quotes being slapped onto every fabric, be it t-shirts or laptop bags. Have a look at our favourites.

The trend has even found its way into home furnishing; there’s no doubt it’ll look great in the kids’ room. Pick up on some home décor tips from our child-oriented feature this month.

It seems like we’re living the life of an American cop as we talk about our love for doughnuts and coffee as well. While we’re discussing professions, find out how your parenting style affects your child’s decision making process in terms of choosing a career.

Read all this and more in our packed out March issue.

Mayukh Majumdar

circulation

FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI

photography editor anil Ravi Shankar

photographers

Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS

printing press

Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 woman this month is for women in Bahrain wishing to celebrate a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle and community spirit in an objective and proactive manner.

For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request.

Please e-mail sales@womanthismonth.com.

The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. bahrain office address Red House Marketing p.o. box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com website: www.womanthismonth.com published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ, Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing,

Enjoy!

P. O. Box 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Elma Bartholomew Assistant Editor For of the moment news, tips, advice and fun links, follow Woman This Month on Twitter

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Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

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Letters

Write Here Write Now

Wellbeing

Frame of Mind here is probably no more a dreaded illness associated with getting older than any type of dementia. Millions of people around the world suffer from this identity-destroying condition and the numbers keep on increasing year by year.

Far too often we hear about cases where parents can’t even remember their children’s names or find their way back home from the neighbourhood store. The real question we try to tackle is, why is it caused and are we all really helpless in the hands of this mind-robbing horror?

Dementia 101 Our expert: Dr Shahid Khan, internal medicine, American Mission Hospital

Dementia in all its forms is one of the most pressing problems of the world. Woman This Month sits down with experts to find out the truth about the personality stealing disease.

hat can we do about this problem?

One answer is to live by the rule of quality as opposed to quantity. Slow down and savour the moment as opposed to being fast and ferocious, wanting it all.

There are so many activities that are improved by taking things a little slower.

Exercising, eating, speaking, that extra coffee in the morning and the dreaded homework that young people have to endure can all benefit from an unhurried, more focussed attitude.

Simply breathing slowly before you begin a task or when things get tricky can help you centre your thoughts. Try breathing in for six seconds and exhaling for 10 a few times; it really does help and is very calming too.

Teach your children this simple technique because results of many substantial research reports prove that a calm and relaxed mind is the best state to learn new things and solve problems. Think of times when you were trying to juggle too many tasks; there is clutter in your mind. Errands may get forgotten and work may not be completed to the standard you wish whilst energy and time is wasted.

In comparison, think of tasks you do when you are focussed. They are completed methodically, enabling you to achieve quality.

How does this make you feel compared to the irritable voice of a parent who tells their children to hurry up?

Of course, there are deadlines to meet and school bells to beat, but take some time to think about the impact you want as your child enters their classroom. Consider a scenario when the traffic was unusually slow and there was nothing you could do and your child got dressed relatively quickly that morning.

What is the use in stressing and exasperating in such a situation? Is it not better to say, “...oh well...” and then they arrive at their class without shame and anxiety? It’s a choice. All your thoughts, actions and words are a choice.

expectations, do things faster and It’s 2013. People want to live longer, achieve beyond passes you by with a fair share of carry out more things simultaneously. The result? Life depression, anxiety, and ill health.

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Dementia is not a disease in itself, but rather a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability. Any kind of damage in the brain cells interferes with the capacity of the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. When this line of communication breaks (because of old age or a disease) normal actions like thinking and feeling can be affected.

Symptoms vary depending on the cause or type of dementia. These include memory loss where the patient may forget his way back home or may forget names and places.

Moodiness where the person cannot control their emotions can also be noticed sometimes.

Communicative difficulties are usually sure signs that something is wrong and as the disease progresses, their ability to carry out everyday tasks diminishes.

“Diagnosis requires a complete medical and neuropsychological evaluation. After a patient is

By Maryam Toorani

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Your article this month on ‘teaching your children to take their time’ was a fantastic one. With technology having taken over our everyday lives, we have such little time to actually spend with our kids. We see parents in the park, toying with their mobiles and children sitting with their iPad. Entrepreneurial parents are now even giving classes as basic as learning to hula hoop or jump rope! All it actually takes is watching a five-minute self-help video on YouTube.

Technology needs to be used for its benefits and somehow most people are not able to draw the line. We need to counter the advent of the misuse of technology with common sense.

If you could add more articles, which share ideas on fun W stuff to do with Teach Your Children to Take Their Time kids, it would be great.

Let’s encourage parents to give space and time, in return for priceless years well spent.

Best wishes, A mom, by email.

Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy

alzheimer’s 101 Our expert: Qusai Al Haddad, specialist neurologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital

T

STAR LETTER Parenting done right

Parenting

however a few cases that are caused by medical conditions that can be treated. In these cases, most or full mental functionality can be restored. Thyroid disease or Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treatable if diagnosed in early stages. Alzheimer disease is one type of dementia that can be treated by some medications to only slow down the process and prolong a person’s brain control.

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Life balance Creating a better life balance is a fundamental strategy for wellbeing. Yes, speed does have a place but it is very different to rushed or flustered. What exactly should we focus on when speeding up? When it comes to making decisions, which we make all day every day, choices can be faster and less torturous if you set yourself and your children some rules.

For instance, say that we will only be in this shop for only 10 minutes, focus on buying certain items and will select what we want from only three shops. Adding structure, boundaries and focus makes decision-making so much easier. The Internet provides you with the myth that you should search everywhere; look at several brands and compare prices. It

even has tools to help you with this. You can compare gadgets and quality reviews.

As great as this might sound, it has a downside.

You may wish to spend your time doing something different and, on occasions, good enough can be enough. Decide in advance how long you want to search or how many options you want to explore and then be disciplined. Stop browsing by consciously ignoring other possibilities as they can go on forever; so ignore ‘what ifs’.

Ignore the trivial It is a very clever and useful tool to be able to consciously and actively ignore things. We are persistently bombarded with information, a great deal of which is out of our control and irrelevant.

This skill has a whole host of applications. For example, just because you have a phone, it does not mean that you have to answer it or carry it with you. Of course, there are times when this is essential, when things are urgent and important, but on other occasions, think about what you really want to do at that time.

www.womanthismonth.com

Can it be treated?

Some medications can be used to help slow down the process but most treatments can neither reverse nor stop dementia. There are,

February 2013 |

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Change your perspective

A Frame of Mind was an enlightening read that should have been given more prominence in your magazine. I was surprised to see that the piece was not featured in your cover page.

Dementia is an illness that is often ignored by the family. Depression, moodiness, the occasional ‘misplacing items’ and forgetfulness are all attributed to “growing old.” As a result of this, dementia is often left undiagnosed, leave alone untreated, for several people.

Hopefully, when people are made cognisant, the illness can be detected and treated at an early stage. Also, the article should have stressed more on the patience and compassion that is required from close kin while dealing with the person suffering from dementia.

Aside from this, the item was full of useful information. In future, please encourage more of such articles, which will help us careeroriented individuals to stop and take a look at maladies of those near and dear to us. Rao, by email.

Do you want a quick chat with a friend about nothing in particular or do you want to read or play with your child?

Choosing here really will mean that you are focussed on what you are doing instead of doing two things half-heartedly. The same applies to emails. Do you open every email just in case? Do you read emails that you know are not important to you just because they were sent to you? Do you reply immediately? Are you

Food

compelled to reply at all?

If you delete or do not answer to a mail that is not important to you, rather than letting yourself be intimidated into dealing with it, you are making yourself so much more time for more important things. Again, this skill can be shared with your child as they begin to send and receive their own texts and email messages.

Technology tries to convince us that fast is better, easier and more effective. Nevertheless, remember the passion and effort it takes to write a handwritten note or letter which is also usually more memorable to the receiver.

February 2013 |

| February 2013

brought in by their family, the doctor first needs to determine the severity of their cognitive problem,“ explains Dr Khan. A detailed history is taken while a physical examination is carried out along with a few mental status tests and laboratory exams.

Among them is the Minnesota Mini-mental Status Examination where a multiple questionnaire test is given to the patient. The score of the questionnaire evaluates the cognitive deficit of the patient, ranging from mild to severe.

“A Brain CT scan or MRI can help us in determining the cause, which could be a stroke for example. Knowing the cause allows us to recommend the right treatment plan,” he adds.

The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), increases with old age, but developing it is not a part of normal ageing. The exact cause of AD is yet to be clear. Studies show that genes and environmental factors seem to play a role.

Risk factors, although not well proven, include having high blood pressure for a long time and a history of head trauma. Some studies even suggest that women are more likely to suffer from AD than men. Symptoms include difficulty with many areas of mental function like emotional behaviour or personality, language, memory, perception, thinking and judgment.

The early symptoms can include difficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but used to come easily, such as balancing a cheque book, playing complex board games or learning new information or routines.

“Getting lost on familiar routes and misplacing items as well as loss of social skills can be signs to look out for,” says Dr Qusai.

As AD worsens, symptoms become more obvious and interfere with a person’s ability to take care of themselves. This can then result in a change in sleep patterns, delusions, depression and even something as simple as preparing meals or choosing proper clothing to wear. In the most severe case, a person can no longer understand language or recognize family members.

Chive, Cheese and Asparagus Soufflé 500g

For the Love of Cooking

By James Claire

Cooking is a procedure of marrying the right ingredients to produce something better than its parts, a complete dish. It is about love for the art and the culinary adventure; not just for “the one”.

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I

n my mid-forties and still single, I find Valentine’s Day is a time of greater love for the one woman who has remained at my side for four decades and still only has nice words about me — my mother, the woman who during my childhood cooked our every meal.

Yet, even despite all that cooking, I don’t recall her eating with us and when I do, I remember her eating sparingly. For a long while I presumed that she was too full from nibbling as she cooked; but I see it clearly know, she just loved

WRITE IN AND WIN

If you truly love the one you’re with, go out for dinner, allow someone else to enjoy the process and you enjoy the company of each other. Take the time to talk and reminisce; remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place.

If the funds don’t allow, or if you’re flying solo, then find love and comfort in the art and joy that cooking a meal can give. Just remember how good the food tasted when the time comes for doing the dishes.

Happy cooking!

potatoes, peeled and cut into fine cubes 1 tbspn garlic paste 2 tbsns unsalted butter 1 1/2ltrs vegetable stock (or 1.5ltrs water and 4 vegetable stock cubes) 400g frozen peas, thawed 2 tbspns chives, finely chopped pinch salt pinch black pepper, freshly ground

To make the red velvet cupcake batter, place the butter and sugar into a mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat until the mixture is light in colour.

Add the eggs one at a time and combine well after each addition. l In a bowl, mix together the laban, red food colour and the white vinegar and whisk. l Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate soda and salt. l Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and start the blender while slowly adding the liquids. l When all ingredients are added, scrape down the bowl and ensure everything is

Fold into asparagus mixture.

Fold the egg whites into the asparagus mixture in 2-3 batches. With each batch, it is advised to be more and more careful while folding the egg whites in.

Transfer the finished mixture into a greased large ramekin or soufflé dish or individual dishes and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned on top. l Serve immediately. l l

l

l

l

l

thoroughly combined.

Spoon the mixture into cupcake paperlined cupcake tin and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-35 minutes until baked.

Allow to cool before icing.

l

l

l

To make the icing, cream together the butter, icing sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment.

When the butter is completely incorporated add the milk slowly to the mixture and increase the speed of the mixer and beat the icing for 2-3 minutes before removing and using on the cupcakes immediately.

For the icing: 100g unsalted butter 500g icing or confectioners’ sugar pinch salt 1 tspn vanilla essence 65g milk

In a large sauce pan, heat the butter and when hot sauté the chopped potatoes and the garlic paste until lightly brown. l Add the vegetable stock and bring the mix to a boil. l Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and tender. l Add the thawed peas and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the peas are tender. Cool slightly. l Use a hand wand mixer or a stand up blender and process the soup until smooth. l Add the chopped chives, salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately with a small spoonful of sour cream in the centre. l

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Red Velvet Cupcakes Ingredients: 120g unsalted butter 300g caster sugar 2 eggs, large 250mls laban 30g red food colour 1 tspn white vinegar 250g plain (all-purpose) flour 1/2 tspn salt 15g cocoa powder 1 tspn bicarbonate soda

200g

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In a hot fry pan, sauté the onion and garlic until coloured.

In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, cheese, mayonnaise, chives and onion/ garlic mixture. Using a spatula, fold all these ingredients together. l In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar and the salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. l

l

cooking more than she did eating.

I love food and I adore cooking it. Having given 30 years to cooking as my primary career I still adore the process; finding delicious ingredients, contemplating how they work together and finally preparing the meal.

Often though, when I am done and sit before the meal, I am just not desirous of eating it.

This is not because I don’t like my own cooking, but because I adore the process more than the result.

Green Pea and Chive Soup

This month’s star letter will win a bag of goodies from Ford’s ‘Warriors in Pink’ collection. So, to receive these fantastic products, send us your views and options on this month’s edition either by email to editor@womanthismonth.com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461.

frozen cut asparagus, thawed and well drained 100g finely shredded cheddar cheese 75g mayonnaise (store bought) 2 tbspns chives, freshly chopped 1/2 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic 4 egg whites pinch cream of tartar pinch salt

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February 2013 |

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Eating healthy

I usually let my kids choose one recipe from your magazine so we can have some fun together in the kitchen over a weekend. We had a great time following James Claire’s recipes to baking red velvet cupcakes this month.

However, it was obvious that the girls chose that because it was the one recipe that wasn’t green. I’m sure many mothers face the hassle of getting their kids to eat their veggies.

Would it be possible for you to share some recipes that could perhaps ‘trick’ them into getting their daily dose of greens?

Annie, by email.

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Meet Chopra make a difference UNLEASHING YOUR INNER LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL

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Shopping

Editor's Choice

Miss Selfridge

Leave a message! This month, pick up your quotes to wear. Fashion is all about expressing yourself; but if you could add words, the message will certainly be read. It’s time to spread the word with some warm ideas.

River Island

By Malene Birger

Bershka

New Look

Mango

Next

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hams

Deben

ear

Pull&B

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Shopping

Pick of the Month Nothing lets you start off your day on the right foot like coffee does. Immerse yourself in an entirely innovative and up-to-the-minute energy-boosting experience.

Why it was selected A brand that focuses on quality, design and sustainability instantly wins customers’ respect and loyalty. Nespresso is one such company with the added advantage of being related to coffee. For caffeine addicts across the globe there need not be a better reason to be a fan of their coffees or espresso machines than the perfect blends and strong aromas.

The brand has 16 Grands Crus capsules with distinct characters and aromatic notes. Each full set is made of seven espresso blends, three of pure origin (from Brazil, Colombia and India); three for lungos (or long espressos) and three decaffeinated kinds.

The intensity of each type varies from two to 10 units, 10 being the strongest. Challenge your olfactory senses and identify floral and fruity notes as compared to those of wood and wine among many others. Or you could just lay back and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

What we like The designs and the colour-coded capsules are winning features. Balancing the best of innovation and simplicity, their machines are compact enough to fit any space. As it is available in quite a few colours and designs, it makes for the perfect accessory for your kitchen and office alike.

User-friendliness is imperative to Nespresso.

Forget about dealing with space-consuming jars and cutlery as they have managed to fit all you need for the perfect cuppa tightly into a single capsule.

Bid farewell to cleaning woes as well; all it takes is placing the detachable parts under running water. Who knew coffee machines could be so low maintenance?

What else to look for Nespresso focuses on sustainability through the Ecolaboration programme that has three primary commitments: coffee, capsules and carbon footprints. Eighty per cent of the coffee used is sourced from the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Programme which guarantees small-scale farmers higher remuneration when they preserve the fauna and the flora by limiting soil erosion and optimising water management.

Secondly, they have arranged for collection systems to triple their capacity to recycle the used capsules to 75 per cent. Finally, the automatic power-off functions enables them to save energy and thus their carbon footprint by 20 per cent per cup.

Where to find it Shop for Nespresso at Bahrain City Centre.

Call 8000 1999 (toll free).

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www.womanthismonth.com

Shopping

Retail Therapy In our March selection you will find creative ways to spend time as a mum. Gastronomic treats and upping your social responsibility are the best picks.

Sweet Words

Marks & Spencer has a selection of cards dedicated to the person that is always caring for you. This Mother’s Day can be a good opportunity to write down your feelings and send them to your mother, wherever she is. Express your love with a simple gesture.

Store Radar

Soap for Bricks

Crocs opened its first store in Bahrain City Centre. The brand known for its light and comfortable shoes has a range of styles to please adults and kids. With warmer days coming back, a new pair of beachwear shoes would be a starting point to enjoy the season.

March 8 is Women’s International Day; to celebrate L’Occitane will feature a campaign around one of their soaps. When purchasing this product, 100 per cent of the profits from the sale will go to the L’Occitane Foundation, to help build literacy centres for the women in Burkina Faso. Join the cause!

Style Mode On

Outdoor Market

‘Choo 24:7 Stylemakers’ is Jimmy Choo’s microsite to showcase style all around the world. Dubai is represented by Tala Samman and the Cruise 2013 collection. Bahrain is also listed; you can join the Stylemakers and post your image wearing your adorable ‘Choos’.

Manama is the Capital of Arab Tourism 2013 and in celebration, a market at Bab Al Bahrain will take place for five consecutive weekends starting on February 28. The market is an outdoor festival with local designers and creative participants selling products, and engaging in a series of interactive events and workshops.

Fun for Kids Bahrain City Centre has organised a Kids Ville Colouring Activity Station where children can develop their inner creativity when colouring pages, while mum shops! The activity centre is hosted daily and is free of charge, with workshops taking place from 6-9pm.

Clothes Collecting

What do you do with your out of fashion clothes? H&M is launching a global initiative to collect worn out or defective garments in their shops. In return, costumers will get a 10 per cent off voucher on their next purchase. Numbers show that 95 per cent of these garments could be reworn, reused or recycled. In Bahrain, look for the disposal counter within the Seef Mall store.

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Charity Shop

If you have some belongings in good usable condition and want to donate them, go to Second Chance Charity shop, above Tibra’s pet supply store along the Budaiya Highway. All the money collected goes directly to the animals at the Second Chance Animal Rescue Center. Volunteers are welcome! www.womanthismonth.com

People

Design Your Green Patch Gardening enthusiasts need not despair just because they happen to live in Bahrain. With a little patience, it’s possible to build your own tropical paradise, says Elizabeth Shaheen.

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lizabeth Shaheen has gardened in Bahrain for over 30 years. As a self taught gardener, few in the Kingdom can rival her knowledge and passion for the greens.

Elizabeth’s gardening experiments began 35 years ago, when she and her husband built a house in Budaiya amidst a date palm grove with sandy soil.

Elizabeth Shaheen

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Since early days, her ethos rested on working with nature rather than trying to force nature’s arm. “I recommend starting with plants that you know will survive for sure in Bahrain.

Species such as the bohemia, frangipani, bougainvillea, hibiscus and jasmine are a safe bet,” she says.

Elizabeth was raised in the UK where she inherited her green thumb from parents who were avid gardeners. Her grandfather grew sweet pea in abundance and her earliest memories are of the maternal home in Winchester, which was perfumed with the aroma of this plant.

From her travels across the world, she has collected a phenomenal number of plants, bulbs and seeds, which have flourished at her lush garden in Budaiya. From English wildflowers, such as lavender and honeysuckle to pistachio and passion fruit, her acre-wide garden is dotted with hundreds of varieties native to Australia, UK, Egypt and Thailand. To accommodate over 20 varieties of aquatic plants including lotus, water lily and bulrush, she has designed 19 garden ponds and lagoons which now are a haven for frogs and fish alike.

An inspiration to discerning gardeners, Elizabeth is a Fellow of The Linnean Society of London as well as the Institute of Horticulture of London. She has authored two books on trees and exotic plants in Bahrain.

Her lecture ‘All About Bulbs’ at the Bahrain Garden Club on March 5 will educate the audience about the infinite potential of bulbs in planning a garden.

“It’s important for people to realise that certain varieties of plants do grow and thrive in Bahrain. In addition to perfect soil preparation, I prefer to plant where I feel a plant is suited rather than trying to adjust the site to accommodate the plant. However, once they start to taste success, I advise people to keep an eye on other gardens in the vicinity and be experimental in their own garden,” she says.

Elizabeth has lectured widely and has conducted a series of gardening demonstrations on Bahrain Television. An avid environmental enthusiast, she has been awarded by the Ministry of Education for promoting gardening in Bahrain. www.womanthismonth.com

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People

Dr Puja Taneja Malhotra

Tackling Our Egos

We might like to admit that we do not have an ego; the reality is everyone does, and sometimes it gets out of hand. Mind over matter is the subject of workshop this month to better understand and deal with our egos.

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his month Dr Puja Taneja Malhotra, a local health psychologist, brings another unique concept to the island in the form of an ego state therapy course. In over seven years of consulting she has designed and conducted several programmes on matters of the mind.

These range from hypnotherapy to stress and anger management.

Held on March 8-9, the workshop revolves around a powerful and brief therapy. It is based on the premise that personality is composed of separate parts. Using these parts, called ego states, therapists learn to work directly with the state that can best affect the personality

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and bring about positive change.

“The goals of the therapy are to locate ego states harbouring fear or rejection and facilitate expression, release, comfort and empowerment. It is the unresolved states, our tender spots, that come out and make us feel out of control,” Dr Puja explains.

Led by Professor Gordon Emmerson, the course also aims to resolve conflict between ego states and help clients learn how to use their states to their benefit. The instructor, an honorary fellow in the school of psychology at Victoria University in Melbourne is the author of many books and developer of many therapeutic techniques.

“With Professor Gordon’s expertise, participants learn how to deal with issues, perform at a high level and even enjoy life. The clinical training also includes specific techniques that have been proven useful when dealing with addiction, depression, panic disorders and so many other conditions,” she adds.

Currently working at Esho Funi Consultants, Puja has achieved many professional and educational milestones. She is trained in hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming and dance therapy, developing techniques that enable people to heal themselves using the power of their mind. www.womanthismonth.com

Social Butterfly

The Autumn Fair 2013

Under the patronage of HE Hassan Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, the Autumn Fair, Bahrain's largest and most popular consumer products show was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. This annual exhibition consistently attracts over 200,000 shoppers from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. A wide range of products were on display during this 9 day extravaganza, ranging from specialty foods to textiles, and furnishings to electrical goods

Cap

Abdulwahab Al Hawaj, Jassim Al Zayani, Jawad Y. Al Hawaj & Inder

Osama & Faiz

Shoyeb, Bilal & Emad Steve & Nancy

HE Dr Hassan Fakhro tours the exhibition

Vicky Teresa, Farooq & Belen

Syam, Nada, Eman, Khulood & Nicolas

www.womanthismonth.com

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17

Fashion

Fashion Forward

Are you ready for the new season’s collections? We selected a few trends to get you ready to shop for Spring/Summer’s most wanted pieces.

Crayon Hues

Summer is all about colours as they get brighter and bolder. This season bet on the contrasts, black and white, red and pink, orange and green and so on. For a fresh take on colour blocking, pick one colour for the bottom and another for the top, and then mix and match them. You can also add more colour with your accessories.

H&M

Versace Louis Vuitton

Light as a Feather

Chess Inspiration

The geometrical pattern was the highlight in Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer collection. The colour contrast and square shapes give you a sharp look or a picnic style. The chess criss-cross can be easily found in clothing and accessories — it’s trendy and fun.

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Paul Smith Hobbs

Long and fluid dresses are a symbol of warmer days. The light fabric is perfect for the hot weather, but also brings elegance and a mysterious appeal. The new collections are all about sheer and fluid long skirt dresses with soft patterns.

If you are not a big fan of transparency, go for the semi-transparent leg options.

www.womanthismonth.com

Lanvin

Bright New Metal

Mango

Metallics were a big hit in Autumn/Winter collections and they are not off in the new season. You will find a reinterpretation of the trend with colourful metallics.

Pink, blue and green are mostly found in accessories, and it is a good pick when selecting a focal point in your look.

Jimmy Choo

Skin Pattern

Kenzo

Animal prints are amongst the top trends every season, but always with an up-to-date version. This season pick a snakeskin pattern in soft lines and colours. For accessories, it became the new neutral option and for clothing; the sheer and light fabrics translate into a modern elegance for dresses and tops.

Let it Shine If you have to choose only one colour for the new season I would say yellow! Designers and brands are into sunshine and every little fashion piece has a version on the shade. If you are a trendsetter you can wear the bright colour from head to toe, it will be cheerful and you will certainly stand out in the crowd.

Accessorize

Emilio Pucci

Arigato, Sayonara

The Orient made an appearance, and statement, on the runways.

The traditional kimono gets a different interpretation from designers; it’s a fashion piece to wear from beach to an evening meeting. The classic style can be paired with jeans for a casual but tidy look, or used as a dress, for those with long legs, to impress. www.womanthismonth.com

Coach

Michael Kors March 2013 |

19

Fashion

What the

Stars

are Wearing

By Fernanda Langhammer

It is red carpet season and Hollywood actresses are ready to show off their exaggerated or simple choices. Take note: strapless dresses, in reds and pales, are this season’s trends.

Halle Berry A printed Atelier Versace dress was Halle Berry’s choice for the award ceremony. The blush-tone gown with a chiffon skirt gave her a lightweight look. The thigh-high slit was the final touch for her celebrity status, but very difficult to use in a non-red carpet situation.

Reese Witherspoon This Means War actress wore a dark red Zac Posen gown and Christian Louboutin shoes for the Golden Globe Awards. The carmine shade makes a significant contrast in blondes and they stand out in the crowd. The strapless dress is a safe choice for an elegant style.

Charlize Theron The 36-year-old actress wore a dramatic Dior dress for the Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California. The deep neckline and waist volume is not for everyone, but it is a perfect choice to call attention to yourself on the red carpet.

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Kate Beckinsale The British actress looked flawless in her Roberto Cavalli strapless pale blush chiffon and lace dress. The subtle details as the silver embellishments and the skirt ending were the necessary touches for a safe, but up-to-date look. It is the perfect princess style. www.womanthismonth.com

Alicia Keys The singer was spotted at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, carrying a Coach tote. The oversized brown handbag gave a neutral colour touch to her choice of clothes.

As reliable as black and white, black and brown are safe choices when putting your look together.

Anne Hathaway A slim-fitting white Chanel gown was the actress’s choice for the Golden Globe ceremony. The dress was way too simple for the occasion, especially when winning a supporting Grammy for Les Miserables. However, her adorable smile compensates for the lack of style!

Selena Gomez Justin Bieber’s on-and-off girlfriend wore Jimmy Choo pumps for the Warner Brothers Golden Globe party in Los Angeles. The golden baroque strapless mini-dress is a suitable choice if you are a celebrity or if you have a young and tiny figure. Otherwise, it will seem that you have run out of fabric!

Hilary Swank Hilary Swank celebrated the re-opening of Bulgari’s Hong Kong flagship store wearing a coloured gems necklace from the brand.

The statement piece stole the scene and her simple outfit was the best choice to go with this eye-catching piece of jewellery. www.womanthismonth.com

Jennifer Lawrence The winner for best actress in a motion picture musical or comedy for Silver Linings Playbook, wore a red strapless Dior dress with Salvatore Ferragamo swarovski clutch to receive her award. The waist detail is the precious touch in her look; it shows that it goes beyond casual daywear.

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Find

Fashion

Evans

Are you loyal to one way of dressing, or do you just go with the flow We are certainly many women in one, but do you have a prevalent style?

Find out which mum you are and enjoy your day!

By Ma

lene B

irger

Karen Millen

Pull&Bear

Stradivarius

Carolina Herrera

Casual

Marni at NET-APORTER.COM

Dune

This is the style for an everyday look, the one most women tend to associate with. You can also exude a relaxed aura without trainers or heels; flats, ballerinas and comfy boots are the shoes for a natural walk.

An icon in this visual are a good pair of jeans; to pull off the look choose a contemporary cut.

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Vincci

Longiness

Marc by M

arc Jacobs

Jimmy Choo

Classic Most business women put on this style; well-cut trousers, shirts and blazers in sober colours are indispensable in their wardrobes. The main characters in this look are the accessories, from fine jewellery pieces to fun handbags; they are the stars of a traditional, but modern style. www.womanthismonth.com

Your Style Miss Selfridge

Folli Follie

Mango

Juicy Couture at Saks Fifth Avenue

Parfois

Ac

ces

sor

ize

Massimo Dutti

Dorothy Perkins

Coast

Aldo

Bershka

Reebok

Fashionista

It is usually fashionable women who try new cuts, textures, colours, patterns and play with their wardrobe, rather than those who simply wear the latest trend and fanciest brands. This style calls for creativity; be open to new possibilities when dressing-up. It is a big step to being adventurous. www.womanthismonth.com

Sportive

Everybody likes to wear comfortable clothes and, for lazy days, this is without doubt the preferred dress code. But sportive doesn’t have to mean out of style. If you want to update your look, try to innovate with a pair of metallic trainers or a trendy vest.

March 2013 |

23

Fashion

Arabian Style in Vogue

Local designers are starting to make waves not only on the local fashion scene but also around the world. What’s more, an increasing number of regional events are shining a spotlight on upcoming and established Arabian talet.

T

he Middle East is growing as a fashion destination. Well-known brands are placing their stores all over the GCC and are being spotted in the fashion market everywhere. It is a green light to regional designers to show off their work. Events such as the Muscat Fashion Week are an opportunity for local designers to showcase their creations.

Designers from United Arab Emirates, Saudi

Kanzi The collection brought metal embellishments featured in a modern collection of abayas, kaftans and flowing dresses. Long silhouettes alongside fitted jackets in vibrant hues of magenta, pink and turquoise burst through a black and neutral base palette.

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Arabia, Qatar and Oman presented their 2013 collections in a three-day event promoting the region’s fashion roots in the Sultanate.

The region is a frequent inspiration for many western collections; its exquisite fabrics, handwork and elegant shine are present in many seasons. The difference now is that local designers have the confidence to display their original Arabian pieces with contemporary

Nawal Al Hooti Muted grey, deep blue and amber tones were the colours the designer chose as main shades in the new collection. The creations were adorned by traditional Omani beading and embroidery to enhance the flowing dresses.

interpretation to a global audience.

Women in the Middle East adore statement pieces, strong jewellery and colour. For fashion enthusiasts, it is a treasure box with concepts drawing inspiration from the region’s rich cultural heritage.

We feature here some of the designers that stood out with their unique fashion ideas during the Muscat Fashion Week.

Endemage The Omani sisters Lubna and Nadia Al Zakwani explored the traditional motifs of their roots in a collection with vivid colours and sharp cuts.

The creative minds offered a modern view on tradition. www.womanthismonth.com

C’est Moi Rashmi Kumari is the name behind the brand that took to the runway a luxury bohemian feel. Loud colours shaped into an array of silhouettes boasted an intricate beadwork and embroidery to create a structured line. www.womanthismonth.com

Tatyana Aceeva t Glamorous red carpet gowns were presented by the designer on the first day of the show.

Her signature style included lace dresses in bold colours as ruby reds and intense blues paired with softer hues in her evening wear designs.

Dibaj t The brand brought some local spice to the event. Khanjar belts and folklore embroidered cuffs and hemlines gave a distinctly traditional feel to the collection in a selection of rich hues, and featured new styles for pantsuits.

t

Ahmed Talfit t This designer introduced a sculptural, avantgarde collection with powerful silhouettes for his show. Leather, silk and tulle meshed together were used to emphasise the shoulders

DAS The collection presented theatrical shapes in luxurious gold and neutral shades with a pop of bright colours. The multicultural influence translates the creations of the Emirati designers Reem and Hind Beljafla.

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Ladylike Look

Fashion

The midi skirt was a hit in autumn/winter collections and continues into the new season. Its length, around the knees, allows you to wear them for work, weekends or nights out without having to compromise on style. We love the motto, buy now, but you can still wear a midi through the summer as well.

Topshop

Michael Kors

Koton

New Look

Carolina Herrera

Debenha

ms

H&M

Stradivarius

Mango

Fashion tip:

If you choose an A-line skirt, it means volume, so opt for a tight top. But, if you go for the pencil shape, feel free to mix and match.

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Showcase

Shopping Fever BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE

Say goodbye to winter blues and usher in spring; the Kingdom’s biggest mall is offering up some amazing fashion promotions to land you the designer duds of your dreams.

A

sk a fashionista and they will tell you that the best thing about a brand new season is the shopping spree. The temperature is slowly rising and it’s time to put our winter coats back into the bottom drawers and show off some fresh spring attire.

Bahrain City Centre is inviting stylish and fashion-forward shoppers of all ages to join in on all kinds of retail fun at the Spring Fashion campaign. Held throughout the month, the festivities will have you made over from head to toe.

The variety of activities range from exclusive shopping promotions, complementary hair and beauty demos, a special Mother’s Day Zumba fitness party and exciting chances to win BD13,000 in shopping sprees.

In line with the retail therapy theme, the mall’s central galleria will be converted into a seasonal display and feature the brightest and most on trend Spring colours. Shoppers that spend BD30 in one day are eligible for the chance to win one of 10 BD1,000 in gift cards to be given away. www.womanthismonth.com

If you want to win big, you can double your chances of winning by shopping in any of the fashion stores. These outlets include men’s, ladies and unisex fashion, optical, footwear, leather goods, lingerie, watches, sports, accessories and jewellery.

What’s more? If you present a loved one with a minimum of BD30 gift card, you can also get a chance to win the grand prize of BD3,000 in gift cards. All of the campaign draws will be held on the 1st of April.

All about the ladies To help us celebrate the hardworking women in our lives, a special Mother’s Day event will be held on March 16 lined up with exciting activities. A Zumba fitness party will bring together mothers and daughters for an energising, dance-inspired fitness class to encourage health and wellness for all shoppers.

The free of charge event is limited to 200 participants, who will each recieve a free t-shirt upon registration.

For a little friendly competition, the best Zumba

mother-daughter duo will win a BD100 gift card.

If that’s not enough incentive, how about the indulgent Kempinski Grand Ixir Hotel 90 minute spa package?

Not to disappoint the mall’s online fans, the spring fashion campaign will also be available through various social media channels. Use Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for an opportunity to win a BD50 gift card each week until the end of the month.

Visit www.facebook.com/BahrainCityCentre or twitter.com/BahrainCityCtr. March 2013 |

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Beauty News

Beauty

Check the products we chose for this month and treat your skin before applying your favourite shades. The preparation of your skin is the key for make-up success.

Coloured Canvas

Mikyajy’s Groovy Compact Fashionista is a make-up collection that has vivid colours for eye shadows, blushes and the lips. The variety of hues and tints caters for every need; you can go from a natural to a bold look.

Available at all leading retailers.

Angelic Complexion

To illuminate the skin Guerlain brings its legendary pearls with new colours. The green and blue were replaced with pink and silver to brighten dull areas and reflect ambient light and ensure one-of-a-kind radiance. Your face will light up and shimmer.

Available at all leading retailers.

Smooth and Bright

Peach Skin

The Make Up For Ever HD range has a selection of products to give you a flawless and silky complexion. Apply the High Definition foundation on your face and body for a natural look and a sun-tanned effect. Add a primer, powder, elixir and blush for the perfect result.

Available at Make Up For Ever.

Luminous Lips

Following the fuss of BB creams, Bourjois has launched BB Gloss. The 5-in-1 gloss protects the lips and creates an instant healthy complexion effect.

It comes in two shades, orange and pink, to hydrate, smooth and shine.

Available at all leading retailers.

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Reduce the appearance of fine lines and creases around the eye area with Revlon’s PhotoReady Eye Primer plus Brightener. A lightweight primer softens the skin and diffuses light to minimise flaws and even your skin texture.

Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

Epidermal Care

Bioderma has launched the Cicabio Creme, a new product for irritated skin.

The copper-zinc complex prevents bacterial proliferation; hyaluronic acid provides optimal moisturising and the innovative antalgicine complex relieves the sensation of discomfort. The product targets every stage of skin reconstruction to promote its restoration.

Available at all leading retailers.

Make-up Protection

Even Better is a lightweight foundation from Clinique. It helps to cover and also restores uneven skin tone and diminishes the look of discolouration with continued use. The ‘cream rose’ shade is specifically designed for the Middle East, and its SPF helps to prevent hyperpigmentation — a common concern in the region.

Available at all leading retailers.

Glowing Golden

Shea butter and honey are the main ingredients in L’Occitane’s new whipped body cream. The shea butter nourishes and protects the skin while the honey softens and comforts. Air has been incorporated into the texture giving it a lighter and soft touch.

Available at L’Occitane.

www.womanthismonth.com

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Evocative Trail

Beauty

Our olfactory memory can bring back people we love and moments from our childhood. Each mum has a special scent associated with a child. Choose a fragrance and let it last forever.

Home of Love

Shalimar Parfum Initial L’Eau from Guerlain is a reinterpretation of its predecessors. Shalimar was an enchanting garden, the stage of an oriental love, which story inspired Jacques Guerlain to create his first fragrance in 1925.

Available at leading retailers.

Essence of Femininity

The inspiration for Couture La La comes from the classic elegance of the original Juicy Couture fragrance. Bright sparkling fruits blended with water hyacinth and bold white florals reveal a luminous bouquet of waterlilly and muguet. It finishes with notes of smooth woods and liquid musk.

Available at Juicy Couture.

Fruity Wave

The new eau de parfum, Angel Gold, from Victoria’s Secret offers a radiant blend of sparkling bergamot, lush gardenia and musk. As a fruity floral fragrance, it has prickly pear, kumquat, pomelo blossom, red berry sorbet and orange crème as top notes.

Available at Victoria’s Secret.

Romantic Bouquet

Happy Spirit Bouquet D’Amour is the third opus to this fragrance family from the jewellery brand, Chopard. The refined perfume has a fruity aroma of raspberries, woody accord of cashmeran and a final touch of musk — a scent dedicated to love.

Available at leading retailers.

Natural Grace

Narciso Rodriguez introduces For Her L’eau. This new composition subverts tradition by embracing a symphony of floral top notes, foregoing the standard citrus. This perfume radiates simple elegance and transcends the classic version to become a modern facet.

Available at leading retailers.

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Social Butterfly

Osain's Birthday Party

Osain's celebrated his birthday with family and his friends at the Royal Golf Club

Grace, Ally, Osian, Emily, Clentine & Alex Matthias, Lucas, Osian & Matthias

Chris, Osian & Weena

www.womanthismonth.com

Osian, Yousif & Khalid

March 2013 |

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Beauty Showcase

Hair Metamorphose

By Fernanda Langhammer

Are you planning to change the colour of your hair? If your answer is yes, the first thing you should do is to check out the options available to spice up your beloved locks!

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A

lthough dyeing hair provides instant shine, it also leaves hair damaged and dried out.

Also, if your hair is already weak, tinting it is not the solution; its fragile structure means the colour will fade after just a few days.

So keep in mind the tip: the healthier your hair, the longer the colour will last. If you want an intense and long-lasting shade, trim and hydrate your hair before applying any chemicals.

However, the work doesn’t stop there; after adding some light or darkness to your life, whether it’s with highlights, lowlights, streaks or full-on dye, you should consider using special products and solutions too.

After dyeing Coloured hair tends to be drier than usual, so you need to use a deep conditioning treatment as part of your hair care routine.

At least once a week damp it with the best product for your hair type and leave it for 30 minutes to let it be absorbed.

Another important point is that in any part of the world we should be careful with the sun, especially in the Middle East. Sun cream is an essential care for the whole body, even for your locks. Cover up your hair with protective cream, but notice that water-based products

are better for dyed hair than oil-based.

With warmer days on the horizon, swimming in pools and at the beach will be back on the scene; don’t forget to rinse off the salt and chlorine, they make your hair dry and damaged.

New habits Every time you change something in your life, you have to get used to a few other things, so embrace the opportunity to create new ways of conducting your customs.

First of all, drink plenty of water, keep hydrated, it will reflect in your hair and skin, and don’t forget healthy hair will make the colour last.

Secondly, it seems an innocent action, but stop touching your hair; it will make it dirty and will probably damage the cuticle.

Thirdly, go easy with the dryers, strengtheners or curling tongs, it makes your hair more porous and it doesn’t hold the colour so well. Finally, limit the changes; every time you go for the ‘colour of the moment’, more chemicals are needed and this means more damage to your hair.

Take care Any type of hair should get a special treatment, but with our busy and ‘shorter’ days we always leave it for tomorrow. Having colour-treated

hair is a way to ensure we take care of our golden locks every day.

If you are one of those people who choose your shampoo by the smell, you must re-think this habit when dyeing your hair. Many brands dedicate their research to find specific ingredients simply to make their products stand out in the market.

Cleaning the Locks

Initial Care

On the shelves: Vibrant Colour

L’Oreal Mythic Oil is a product to apply on damp or dry hair. The cranberry oil has antioxidants to preserve your hair colour from fading. It also has UV filters to protect it from harmful rays of the sun.

Choose a special shampoo for colour-treated hair. Sunsilk Vibrant Colour Protection gives longer-lasting effect, sealing the cuticle layer to lock in colour molecules. It has amnioshields and UV filter to protect hair from damage and intensify colour.

Initialise is the first Kérastase serum based on native plant stem cells that acts from the birth of the hair, enabling it to grow stronger and brighter. Its Regenerative Complex solution optimises the production of the hair’s biomaterial, thus reinforcing fibre strength.

Enhancing the Shine

The Radiance & Colour Care range from L’Occitane includes five essential oils: Geranium to regenerate; Palmarosa to boost microcirculation; Bergamot to invigorate; Rosemary to stimulate the scalp and Cedar to energise. The accompanying mask protects colourtreated hair without weighing it down.

www.womanthismonth.com

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Beauty

Spoil Yourself

Rotten

Looking to book a spa break? As a voice for all things relaxation, we’ve made it our mission to find you the very best deals at leading spas throughout the Kingdom.

W

hen you’ve decided to pamper yourself, do just that — pamper. Go for nothing short of the best; avoid making excuses. You deserve a break. Don’t let anyone or anything make you believe otherwise.

We’re sure you don’t always have the dream treatment on top of your mind. When the moment comes that you thing nothing can help you but some time off, you can’t be bothered with the hassle of planning. That is where we come in.

We’ve searched high and low for spa breaks at luxurious venues nationwide so that you don’t have to. Just pick your dates, see what offers tickle your fancy and find out what treatments you can enjoy during your stay.

From urban retreats to seaside resorts, Woman This Month has got it covered.

Once you’re muscles have been taken care of, indulge in one of their exclusive facials, which uses Phytomer products that cater to your specific skin type. Whether you’re looking for a soothing, purifying or age defying ritual, this spa has got it all. Finish the experience by pampering your hands or feet to a classic mani/pedi or a complete reflexology session.

Call 17 525-237 or visit www.radissonblu.com/ diplomathotel-bahrain/spa.

What? Bliss Where? Dessange Now when someone offers you six hours of tranquillity, there is nothing to do but accept.

Be treated like a princess for a day long package of pure indulgence at this international wellbeing centre at Adliya. This is the perfect gift for those who really need to rest and recharge. If it means having to treat yourself to some ‘bliss’, so be it.

What? Mix N Match Where? The Diplomat Spa Why settle for what’s on the menu when you can create your own package? This health haven in The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa offers a range of treatments that can be combined to form 160 minutes of complete relaxation.

Start with a full body massage of your choice; the sports massage is highly recommended.

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shed dead skin cells and promote cell renewal for radiant skin all over.

This is followed by a massage that combines the synergy of Reiki, soft and deep tissue massage, and acupressure to rebalance the body and mind. The ritual concludes with a harmonising ‘Elemental’ facial leaving the skin invigorated, harmonised and restored.

Pure Spa is also home to Bahrain’s very own Green Bar experience. Call 17 171-122 or visit www.kempinski.com/en/manama/grand-andixir-hotel/luxury-spa.

Begin with a hydrobath, followed by a Moroccan bath. Unwind with an aromatic body massage, a skin-specific facial, a hair treatment and scalp massage. It doesn’t end there; you’ve also got a spa mani-pedi waiting for you at the end of it all.

The highlight of their face treatments is that it uses the state-of-the-art Dermalogica. This revolutionary face mapping approach analyses every aspect of your skin before a facial. You could also try any of their signature treatments instead. Call 17 713-999 or visit www. dessange.com.

What? Udvartana Where? La Fontaine Spa Tucked within the peaceful setting of La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art is a capacious spa that focuses on all kinds of facial and body treatments. What makes this venue stand out from its competitors, apart from its one-of-a-kind ambience, is the availability of ayurvedic treatments.

Specialising in our inner energies, these procedures use the elements of nature to heal the mind-body system after determining what kind of ‘dosha’ or body type you have. The udvartana is an exceptionally effective slimming treatment that exfoliates your skin and focuses on cellulite build-up.

This improves blood circulation in order to enhance the skin’s structure and appearance.

The treatment is followed by a traditional herbal steam bath which detoxifies the body.

Other equally extraordinary therapies include the abhyanga (an energising massage), the shirodhara (to balance the deepest recesses of the brain) and the njavarakizhi (which helps www.womanthismonth.com

alleviate joint pain and reduce high blood pressure). Call 17 230-123 or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net.

What? Fire and Water Where? Pure Spa Located in The Kempinski Grand Hotel with the convenient entry from Bahrain City Centre, this spa allows you the luxury of a post-shopping respite, giving new meaning to the idea of a day at the mall.

This balancing ritual helps restore a sense of inner harmony in 165 minutes. Your therapist will perform a luxurious sea salt exfoliation infused with a tropical cocktail of mandarin, lime, bergamot and geranium that will help

What? Tale of the Velvet Nights Where? Sparadise It isn’t often that we get to feel like royalty.

However, Sparadise at Elite Resort & Spa in Muharraq is dedicated to pampering their guests. Inspired by the opulence of the Arabian region, this venue boasts a range of luxury packages that ensures you’ll be treated like a queen.

This treatment begins with a bath of your choice. They’ve got the options of herbal, chocolate, milk and Himalayan. This is followed by a complete wellbeing massage.

The highlight of this package is the Guinot Beaute Neuve double-peeling facial which utilises fruit acid and vitamin C to eliminate dead cells and to brighten the skin. The highly effective peel restores radiance and eliminates discolouration on the face and the neck. The fruit acid gel is followed by a gentle mousse that restores smoothness. An antipigmentation mask completes the facial leaving the skin youthful.

Finish off the treatment with a deep moisturising manicure and pedicure.

Call 17 313-131 or visit www.spabahrain.com.

March 2013 |

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Social Butterfly Layla

6th Annual Charity Bazaar

The 6th Annual Charity Sale Bazaar was held at the Shahrazad Hall in Budaiya last month. All proceeds from the sale of donated items will go toward supporting children with cancer and their parents under “Smile� initiative organized by Future Society For Youth

Zahra, Akhtar, Eman, Shahrazad, Sara & Zahar Sahar & Eman

Nada, Daliya & Sara

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Maria & Imbi

Bizladies Dinner

Bizladies held a newtworking dinner for members & guests at the Gulf Hotel's Margarita Mexicana Restaurant Megan, Geraldine, Marian & Jo

Ina, Maria, Amy & Amy

Clare

Jan Noor & Zeenath

Shirley & Linda

www.womanthismonth.com

March 2013 |

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20 Tips

Boost Your

Creativity

By Maryam Toorani

Have you been stuck in a rut lately? Just like any other attribute, creativity needs constant nurturing. Here are a few tips that will help you think like there is no box at all!

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11. Stop telling yourself you are not creative. Sylvia Plath once said that the worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. The famed American writer was right, and if you live by this rule you just might reach her reputation – minus the suicide of course.

12.

Fake the confidence. It’s true; some people are born with it. For many of us, creativity isn’t an overnight acquisition. Break out of your funk by playing the part until you perfect it.

13.

Stay healthy. Yes, we are talking eat right, exercise and the whole shebang. When you feel well, you think well.

14. Spend time with children. Their innocence and curiosity can spark creativity in anyone. Besides, let’s face it, they are so much more fun than your adult friends.

15. Take risks. When you break out of your comfort zone and try 1. Surround yourself with the right crowd. The age-old

saying ‘birds of a feather flock together’ really is timeless. One of the best formulas for inspiration is to be part of a circle of innovative minds.

something you haven’t before, you not only challenge yourself but you expand your own limitations.

16.

Be positive. Your mind is your greatest instrument. Going into a project with a cynical outlook will only leave you with no results.

2. Excercise it daily. Creativity is a muscle. If you want it to grow 17. Overcome your fear of failure. Ask yourself, what is the you will need to consistently work at it. You know what they say, practice makes perfect.

3.

Get exposed. Whatever field you are focusing in, expose yourself to new things. Be it arts or sports or even finance, doing something you are not comfortable with can be a source of inspiration.

4. Learn from the greats. Voltaire once said that originality is nothing but judicious imitation. Take from your idols and heroes and make it your own.

5.

Meet new people. Socialising outside your friends circle plays a vital role in a creative process. Engaging in their point of views can challenge you in ways you can’t imagine.

6.

Clear your mind. You can’t come up with brilliant new ideas if your mind is cluttered. Take a breather every now and then; come back with a fresh perspective.

worst that could happen if you can’t do this? The answer is probably, nothing. This also in effect breaks any confinements you have subconsciously put for yourself.

18.

Read. It stimulates the mind. Books not only exercise your brain and inspire you, but also provide a much-needed escape from our routine lives.

19. Listen to music. You don’t have to have a single musical

bone in your body to be inspired by it. Recent studies even show that music can enhance your level of thinking. Didn’t Albert Einstein say he owed his smarts to listening to Mozart?

20.

Travel. We don’t mean a five-star stay on the French Riviera.

Take it a step further and backpack through South America or immerse yourself in Tibet. Exploring new cultures allows you to think outside the box, literally breaking boundaries – or just travelling over them.

7. Carry a camera with you. A picture is worth a thousand words, it can also be just what you need for a little inspiration. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have a professional SLR, Instagram shots will do just fine!

8.

Keep a notebook handy. Jot down any ideas that come to you throughout the day. This way, your random strokes of genius won’t go to waste.

9.

Set guides. Who says creativity is only for the young, wild and free? If you are the type of person who plans ahead and can’t function without a to-do list, another way to look at it is by creating a framework for yourself. Set aside a day in the week where your only task is to reach your creative goal.

10. Develop new hobbies. Curiosity leads you down new

paths, so make it a point to try out something new every once in a while.

Take a painting class or even a beginners’ golf programme. www.womanthismonth.com

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10 Tips

Strike a Pose

By Maryam Toorani

Recent studies show that to be photogenic means the right side of your face must be exactly the same as your left. Well, since we aren’t all as genetically superior as the likes of Sofia Vergara or Gisele Bündchen, we will have to learn a few tricks to compensate.

1. Act like a model

To channel your inner model, turn your body three quarters of the way toward the camera, with one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the photographer.

2. Eliminate flabby skin

Right before the camera flashes, make sure you focus your eyes slightly above the lens, move your face forward and tip down your chin a little — it’s like instant botox.

3. Avoid cake face

Yes the camera adds 10 pounds to your looks, but it also exaggerates everything else. So, go easy on the make-up and let your natural features speak for themselves.

4. Do your research

Take some shots of yourself or look through old photographs to determine what angle suits you 40

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best — once you’ve found your perfect position, stick to it.

5. Stop slouching

Good posture can dramatically improve your appearance in pictures, making you look slimmer and taller.

This is also a good head tip; the better the posture, the better your health.

6. Relax

That fake smile on your Facebook page is fooling nobody. If you want a genuine shot, just relax. If you force a smile, all you will end up with are odd facial expressions.

7. Perfect level

To eliminate that pesky double chin, have the camera at or just above your eye level. Also, to avoid shadows on your face, don’t stand directly under harsh light.

8. Fake it ‘til you make it

Can’t seem to get a good photo but urgently need to update your social media profile?

Retouch, brighten the image or use filter effects. What, even the models do it!

9. Dress to impress

Avoid wearing stripes, clashing colours or too much pattern. Also, if you’re wearing something sheer, flashing cameras will only result in an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

10. All in the eyes

Famed supermodel Tyra Banks really knew what she was talking about when she stressed the importance of smiling with your eyes. Happy lips and tense eyes make for one awkward photo. To get the perfect shot, relax your eyebrows and don’t look too hard into the camera. www.womanthismonth.com

Home

Child’s Play

Zara Home

By Elma Bartholomew

Littering your favourite things across the master bedroom floor is a no-no. On the other hand, you can set your inner child free when decorating the kids’ bedroom.

T

he children’s den is one place where you can let your creativity run wild, no questions asked. No matter how old they are, you can always find a way to get them involved in the design and décor of their bedrooms.

Remember, it is a space with zero limitations.

So have some fun while revamping this part of the house.

Not everyone is blessed with large houses and most can’t afford to have a play room in addition to a bedroom. It does not mean that your child needs to be deprived of the experience of having a unique personal space.

Another important factor while decorating a child’s room is to have a reality check. No matter how much effort and thought you put into

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creating the perfect look, the customised room is bound to look like the aftermath of a windstorm by the end of the day. Learn to accept that kids will be kids. Those designer catalogues didn’t have any children on site, at least not those that had much to do with the setup.

Pottery Barn

What it takes A clean room is simply a matter of organisation. Make cleaning up exciting and easy with these labelled storage units from Pottery Barn Kids. They can be lined up against a wall or stacked up in shelves.

Although items are just thrown in, it gives an illusion of neatness, which is sometimes more than we can ask for. www.womanthismonth.com

Designing a great room for your child is more than just the perfect bedding set. It’s about having the right accessories. THE One has an interesting range of wall décor including motivational quotes. This unusual clock could get them excited about learning foreign languages, if only to list the numbers.

Lighting is significant while creating an ambience. Debenhams’ lamps boast fascinating concepts, much like this crescent moon hanging that is just too cute.

The little ones often have friends coming over for slumber parties. Allow them their very own lounge in a part of the room with a couch and cushions. This could also double as a reading area on other days. Those meaning to spoil their children could ship in the Wave collection of sofas from Versace Home. Add a few Icone cushions from Roche Bobois and you have the perfect carefree corner.

Like we always say, nothing transforms a room like a rug. If you’d like the central area of the floor to be clutter-free, opt for this one-of-akind doormat from BoConcept. This will be the start of many jokes, no doubt.

Debenhams

Roche Bobois

THE One

@home

Versace

BoConcept www.womanthismonth.com

Loud and clear The first advice we usually get when decorating the kids’ room is that it should be like something out of a dream world. There’s nothing wrong in cluttering up the area with toys and cartoon-themed accessories.

However, not every child hopes to live in a land of unicorns and spaceships.

Some, let’s face it, grow up sooner than we’d like and prefer a more mature space. An easy way to go by this is to have a largely white room. This wins you brownie points as a parent as it shows that you trust them.

To create a playful mood so that it doesn’t entirely look like the master bedroom, you could add key pieces that are extremely colourful. You could use this demo room by @home as a guideline.

Their vibrant new collection, Ole, takes global and local inspiration to create a laidback look, giving the impression of finding and collecting treasures from around the world and building a home that’s both individual and exciting.

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Wellbeing

Controlling

Cholesterol You hear it all the time and everywhere you go — eat healthily and get fit. Then you hear that little voice in your head telling you to lose weight, go on a detox or get to the gym class!

Yet, you do nothing until you get the results back from your blood test revealing high cholesterol. It’s a wake-up call and then and only then, you begin to take charge of matters, as SHAUNA NEARING LOEJ discovers.

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C

ontrolling cholesterol is a serious undertaking requiring diligence and perseverance. We took a morning jog with the Saar Social Runners and met with the experts to find out more about this symptomless condition that can sneak up on you if you don’t get checked and make changes!

Wake-up!

Let’s not mince words, high cholesterol, is indeed as scary as it sounds. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease and stroke. Globally, high cholesterol is responsible for a third of heart disease according to the World Health Organization.

The problem is prevalent in the Middle East and here in Bahrain where our sedentary lifestyles and diets laden with processed foods and animal fats lead to such coronary problems.

Take heart — a visit to your doctor followed by a simple blood test gives you all the information you need to know about your cholesterol levels.

The good and bad Cholesterol is a fatty substance in our body produced by the liver but also found in animal products. Despite the scare factor cholesterol does have some redeeming qualities. In fact, we cannot live without it.

Cholesterol serves an important role in the body to produce cell membranes, some hormones, making vitamin D and aid in the production bile. The problem is in cholesterol’s dual personality.

On the one side there is good cholesterol (HDL or High-density lipoprotein) and on the other is a bad one (LDL or Low-density lipoprotein). The trick is to raise the good and decrease the bad which is somewhat harder than it sounds.

“I was shocked to find out I had high cholesterol two years ago,” says one runner from the Saar Social Runners, who averages 30 km of running per week. The fit and trim mother

of three says she honestly felt she had a balanced lifestyle.

However, after closer inspection she realised there were many ways to tweak her diet to bring down the numbers. Diet is indeed one of the ways of controlling cholesterol but other lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and alcohol consumption as well as genetics can be at play with elevated cholesterol levels.

CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL Our expert: Dr Syed Raza, cardiologist, Awali Hospital Although Dr Raza does see his fair share of patients with high cholesterol he says there are still many people walking around with high cholesterol who don’t know it. “What I am seeing in Bahrain is the tip of the iceberg due to lack of screening,” says the cardiologist.

Our Saar Social Runner mother says she only

decided to include a blood test in her annual smear test because this was routine procedure in her home country. Dr Raza suggests individuals should check their cholesterol from the age of 35 onwards and every one to two years after if the results are normal.

What the doctor is looking for in the screening test is not only the total cholesterol but the breakdown of the HDL, LDL and triglycerides, another type of fat found in the blood which can be elevated due to a poor diet.

“In the past we used to only look at the total cholesterol. Now we are more concerned about the LDL or the bad cholesterol,” explains the cardiologist.

Dr Raza says his patients tend to take the issue of high cholesterol more seriously when he points out that ignoring the problem will lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

“They are then more motivated to change their diet or if they have stopped taking their medication, then they go back on it.”

Two months is the time he suggests to make dietary changes to see if this is the culprit behind high cholesterol. Patients work with the hospital’s dietician to find a suitable programme. “Even then, only about fifty percent of individuals will change their lifestyle,” says Dr Raza.

It’s all in the numbers The initial test results from our fit and trim and 30k/week runner were: Cholesterol Actual Target HDL 1.00 mmol/l > 1 mmol/l LDL 4.9 mmol/l < 3 mmol/l Triglycerides 0.61 mmol/l < 2 mmol/l Total cholesterol 6.05 mmol/l < 5.2 mmol/l

www.womanthismonth.com

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Wellbeing If the high cholesterol numbers persist, the patient has made dietary changes and other factors are ruled out such as diabetes, thyroid problems or medication then that normally suggests the cause is related to genetics. High cholesterol for this reason accounts for approximately 30 per cent of the cases in this region. If genetics are not the cause of high cholesterol and the patient does not make the necessary lifestyle changes, then cholesterol-reducing medication may be necessary.

Awali Hospital is spearheading a programme about the importance of screening for cholesterol and to raise awareness about other issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

“We have already done some work with BAPCO employees and plan to bring the programme to the general public in the next few months,” says Dr Raza.

Dr Raza cautions women to pay close attention to their cholesterol levels before and after menopause. Before menopause, studies have shown women generally have more good cholesterol than their male counterparts.

However, there is a tendency for this number to drop and for the bad cholesterol to rise after menopause.

He advises women to exercise more, eat a diet rich in omega fatty acids, quit smoking and if you drink alcohol, be aware of the recommended daily allowance.

EAT RIGHT Our expert: Alia Almoayed, Nutritional Therapist If you want to control cholesterol then what you eat is essential. It comes as little surprise then that our nutritional expert Alia Almoayed has been busy advising her clients in Bahrain on how to reduce their high cholesterol.

“People think it is difficult to eat healthy,” says Alia. “So I ask, is it more difficult than being sick? Is it more difficult than going to the hospital, more difficult than getting a terminal illness?” The answers should be easy if you want to be heart smart.

If you know you can control your cholesterol then do it. “Elevated cholesterol is your body's way of telling you that it is not happy. Pay attention and start doing something about it,” advises Alia.

Action 1: Lower saturated fats Alia recommends lowering your fat intake and limiting all foods from animal sources. Trans fats or hydrogenated vegetable oils often found in processed foods should also be avoided. Cut out dairy and if you do eat meat, 46

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use low fat varieties and remove the skin from chicken. Broiling and steaming are better choices than frying.

Action 2: Eat oily fish Omega fatty acids (3,6,9) from raw nuts, seeds, fish and supplements are also vital to good heart health. Good fish choices are herring, mackerel or salmon.

Action 3: More fibre A heart smart diet includes lots of soluble fibre, like oats, beans, fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grain cereals and breads.

Action 4: Manage stress While changing your diet is a common mantra when it comes to lowering cholesterol, Alia suggests it is just as important to find ways of managing stress.

Indeed, our Saar Social Runner mother reveals she wasn’t great at handling stress and knew that this was probably contributing to her elevated numbers. “I started to realise what was important in my life and focus on this rather than so many mundane worries that never actually happen,” she says.

Action 5: Exercise regularly Studies show exercise increases good cholesterol and helps maintain an ideal body weight. Our bodies were not designed to sit in front of a computer or TV every day. Get moving! Whatever you choose to do, do it regularly!

Action 6: Take a multivitamin Alia recommends a good quality daily multi-vitamin supplement.

“I believe that it’s difficult in this day and age to get everything we need from the diet alone because of pollution, deficient soil, early harvest, and many more things,” she notes.

What we know from research on the cholesterol is that, if your high cholesterol is not genetic, then you do have control over this condition. You do have the power to change your lifestyle, diet and manage stress. So why aren’t we listening?

Alia suggests people only listen when they have a health problem. Our Saar Social Runner mother adds that many people ask her why she had her cholesterol checked when she was seemingly healthy. The answer is simply that you cannot ‘see’ cholesterol.

Through education and initiatives, such as Awali Hospital’s heart smart programme, perhaps more people will take control over their cholesterol and have it checked.

“With more awareness campaigns, we are trying to teach people that healthy eating can be delicious. Most importantly, you can incorporate it into your daily life without making any major sacrifices,” Alia adds.

Eggonomics Eggs were good; then they were bad, now they are good again. Confused? So were we until we asked our experts. According to Dr Raza, eggs are an important part of our diet providing a good source of protein and many vitamins. The recommended daily limit of cholesterol intake is 200- 300 mg. One egg contains around 185 mg of cholesterol.

Therefore, Dr Raza says you can have an egg a day if don’t have heart, stroke or elevated cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, limit your intake to 3 eggs per week advises Dr Raza. Our nutritional expert adds that eggs should always come from an organic source.

Superfoods: think local!

By now you may have heard about superfoods such as quinoa, the nutritionally-rich, high protein grain-like seed that is fast becoming a household staple around the world. Other superfoods such as goji berries, blueberries, chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, and dark leafy greens like kale and spinach plus many more are readily available at most supermarkets.

Alia reminds us that when it comes to these nutritionally rich and heart smart foods, most regions have their own superfoods.

“Dates, are super foods in their own right because of their nutrient levels and benefits. Some types of honey from this region, as well as Yemeni honey is very medicinal and should also be considered a super food. And so the spice is turmeric… and the list goes on.” www.womanthismonth.com

Crystal Healing

By Maryam Toorani

If you are one for alternative therapies, you know that there has been a revival of crystal healing in recent years. But, where do we draw the line between fact and myth?

W

hile there is no hard evidence to back the theory up, we need to take our bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy fields into consideration to understand how stones can actually heal us.

Crystals are believed to emit different vibrations which influence our energy flow, and as a result affects specific aspects of our lives and health.

The first use of this kind of therapy dates back 5,000 years among ancient Egyptians, Indians and the Chinese. For centuries they have been used not only to heal and restore balance in the body but also to clear out negative energies.

They come in many forms, shapes and sizes; therapists believe that each one has a magnitude of healing properties. However, some have gained a reputation as specialising in certain areas. We look into three major stones that are used to heal physical and emotional ailments.

Amethyst Considered to be one of the most powerful www.womanthismonth.com

healing stones, amethysts are used by healers from around the world for protection from negativity and to provide balance. It is also believed to cleanse the blood and is often used to ail substance abuse and fevers.

Amber This stone is thought to be one of the oldest known to mankind. In fact, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually not a stone, but a fossilised resin. Dating back millions of years, amber is still used in many cultures to treat joint pain, arthritic conditions and even teething pain in children. Its soothing and calming effect is widely used to banish negative influences and energies.

Jade Known as the crystal of tranquillity, jade helps the body self heal. It soothes emotions and helps keep peace in community relations. It has been a part of Asian philosophy for centuries and is said to help you attain your dreams and goals. It has even historically been used to attract love.

Stones for Diabetes Life as a diabetic is a balancing act and is a reason why many crystal healers use their therapies to treat the condition. The stress of keeping an eye on your sugar levels, cholesterol and circulation is enough to get your blood pressure rolling. This is what the crystals focus on.

The main stones used include emerald to aid in recovery, serpentine for its detoxifying attributes and chrysocolla for insulation regulation. So if you suffer from the lifelong chronic disease, there is no harm in trying this out; complementary to your doctor-approved line of treatment of course!

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Parenting

Career Choice

and Change

Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy

Many people now move sideways in a company whilst continually developing skills and knowledge to stay employable. In this respect, what conscious and subconscious influences do you make as a parent in relation to your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career choice and development?

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A

s the world of work is changing, short term contracts are becoming more common. Changing careers a number of times have to be considered. Flexibility, communication skills, interpersonal skills and professionalism are all important too.

There are strong links between career development and such factors as socioeconomic status, parents’ educational attainment and cultural background. However, there is a growing body of research related to the effects of family relationships and career success where close relationships provide experiences of security that promote exploration and risk taking.

Early experiences are a basis for developing career self-efficacy and interests, as well as career goals and choices throughout life. So, how can your parenting styles, family functioning and interaction influence career development?

The role of parenting styles Majority of theorists agree that early childhood experiences play a role in shaping career behaviour. It follows that parent-child relationships influence personality orientations and the development of psychological needs.

Vocational interests and choices are some of the ways in which individuals try to satisfy those needs. The links between parenting styles and children achieving these needs are difficult to pinpoint but research evidence is emerging.

Parenting styles are broad patterns of child rearing practices, values and behaviours.

The authoritative style balances clear, high expectations with emotional support and recognition of children’s autonomy. Studies have associated this style with self-confidence, persistence, social competence, academic success and psychosocial development.

Authoritative parents provide a warm family climate, set standards and promote independence, which result in more active career exploration on the part of children.

Although authoritarian parenting is associated with school success, demands to conform and fulfil parents’ expectations regarding education and careers can cause a poor fit between the individual and the chosen

Parenting Styles The four types of parenting styles are: • indulgent: more responsive than demanding; • authoritarian: highly demanding and directive but not responsive; • authoritative: both demanding and responsive; • uninvolved: low in responsiveness and demandingness. www.womanthismonth.com

career. Children with uninvolved parents sometimes struggle because they do not pursue interests that involve places and persons outside the family as easily. This makes it more difficult for children to develop self-knowledge and differentiate their own career goals from their parents’ goals.

Family functioning and career development A more holistic way to look at this topic is to discuss the roles of the family. Overall family functioning, a broader notion that includes parenting style, includes such factors as support and guidance, positive or negative environmental influences and family members’ interaction styles.

Family functioning has a greater influence on career development than either family structure (size, birth order, number of parents) or parents’ educational and occupational status.

Parental support and guidance can include specific career/educational suggestions or choices, as well as experiences that support career development. These can be family holidays, provision of resources such as musical instruments and books as well as modelling of paid and unpaid work roles.

On the other hand, lack of guidance and encouragement can lead to the inability to develop and pursue a specific career focus

Career Development The evidence shows that, to support career development, families should be: • well-organised • cohesive • expressive • transparent • trustworthy • able to seek ways to develop positively • sociable • democratic decision makers • positive towards individual development • emotional and can also take the form of disagreement, like when a parent pressures a child towards a particular career and may withdraw financial and emotional support for a career path they disagree with. For example, your child wants to study art and you want them to be a doctor.

Family functioning also includes reactions to stressful circumstances by a child. For instance, making hasty, unreflective career choices in an attempt to flee or survive the family environment. On the other hand, life events can encourage learning that can shape a career direction. So, both significant others and critical incidents are all important in career decision making.

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Parenting

Interactions between family members are a powerful influence on future success.

Interactions can include positive behaviours such as showing support and interest, communicating openly, or negative behaviours such as controlling. Parents and siblings can share stories about work and model work behaviours to serve as a context for understanding the realities of work.

Going back to where we started out, connectedness facilitates risk taking and

exploration, which are needed for identity formation, for a child to know themselves.

Siblings can help or hinder this through support or competition/rivalry.

Furthermore, understanding early family experiences and relationships can help adults identify and deal with barriers to their career progress.

Supporting career development You need to be a proactive parent who helps

your child learn to be autonomous and successful in shaping their own lives. Values about work should be transmitted along with opportunities for children to be involved in decision making and conflict resolution through effective communication skills.

Of course, there are other influences to be considered such as gender, race, class decision making and the economy, poverty, lack of access to opportunities, which can help or hinder career development.

However, close family connections and strong role models can break down some of these barriers. In short, secure, comfortable relationships are critical in helping students take the risks necessary in exploring new settings and roles.

Career decision making is complex and there should be a shift where career workers, teachers and mentors should use narrative approaches to ensure the family system is fully utilised and work at helping individuals to become more proactive.

As a parent, you should support learning strategies that promote career readiness, such as encouraging your child to do their best, providing opportunities to encourage confidence and use formal and informal contacts for exploration of occupational choices.

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Trust Your Intuition

Column

Babies, toddlers and young children under five are the most at risk group for meningitis, with over 50 per cent of all cases occurring in this age group.

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eningitis is tricky to spot because it usually comes on suddenly and can be easily confused with flu by parents as many of the symptoms are the same. It should be treated as a medical emergency because bacterial meningitis can lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can be deadly.

For children under the age of five, statistics suggest one out of seven who contract meningitis will die.

What to watch out for The early symptoms of bacterial meningitis are similar to those of many other conditions and comprise a severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and feeling generally unwell. As the condition gets worse, it may cause drowsiness, confusion, fits, being unable to tolerate bright lights.

Less common in young children are symptoms like a stiff neck, a rapid breathing rate and an occasional blotchy red rash that does not fade or change colour.

The symptoms of bacterial meningitis are different in babies and young children. Some babies will develop a swelling in the soft part of their head, the fontanelle. Possible symptoms include becoming floppy and unresponsive, stiff jerky movements or irritable and not wanting to be held. Others to watch for are unusual crying, vomiting and refusing feeds, pale and mottled skin, loss of appetite, a expression and very sleepy with a reluctance to wake up Taking action If you notice any of the symptoms of meningitis, particularly in a young child, seek medical help immediately. This may mean going to the accident and emergency department of your closest hospital in the middle of the night. Do not wait for the purple rash to appear.

In cases of suspected meningitis, treatment will usually begin before the diagnosis has been confirmed. This is because a number of the tests can take several hours to complete and it could be hazardous to hold up treatment for that amount of time. Doctors will carry out a

physical examination to look for signs of meningitis or septicaemia.

Diagnostic tests for meningitis must include a lumbar puncture, where a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken from the base of the spine and checked for the presence of bacteria or viruses. A lumbar puncture will need to be delayed if there are signs of increased pressure on the brain.

Bacterial meningitis can place tremendous strain on the body and the brain. It is estimated that a quarter of people with meningococcal disease (the combination of meningitis and blood poisoning) will have complications like partial or total hearing loss, temporary or permanent learning difficulties, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, speech problems and partial or total vision loss.

There is also the option of a vaccine, the meningitis C vaccination, which you can discuss with your doctor.

The Tumbler Test If your child, or a young adult, is clearly ill and a purplish or red rash has appeared, press the side of a glass tumbler firmly against their skin. If you can see the rash through the glass, the person has septicaemia. Seek urgent medical help at the A&E department of your closest hospital.

For feedback, comments or questions contact Dr Jinan Darwish via email at: editor@womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com

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Online

Exclusivity Epitomised Are you tired of walking into a room and finding someone dressed exactly like you? Well maybe it is time to stop hitting the malls and start clicking some buttons!

B

ahrain is in no shortage of fashionistas and every stylish woman knows that looking just like everybody else is a no-no.

Fortunately for us, one award-wining online page is offering up exclusive designer clothing that will get everyone’s head turning.

Established in 2011, Velloci.com caters to all kinds of fashion and style needs. The name itself is an Italian word that means fast, which rightly represents the stores services — trendy and speedy. What’s more, if online shopping is not your forte, you can also visit velloci’s new shop in Sanad. Deliveries are available in Bahrain and the GCC in addition to international shipments.

Why is it different?

Its unique concept sets the page apart from many international online fashion stores.

Boasting a limited range of products and focusing entirely on exclusivity, the website has established itself as one of the best in the region.

Showcasing Bahraini creativity, the store even collaborates with local designers and offers customised items to its customers. From dresses to scarves and bags, the one-stop shop literally offers you a shopping spree from the comfort of your own home.

They also focus on what’s in demand. So if you like something and can’t find it on their website, all you need to do is fill out a form.

What does the site offer?

Currently velloci.com brings a range of handpicked items from regional and international designers. The page stays in line with up-to-the minute trends with a special ‘What’s New’ section that features all their latest products.

Of course, it’s not all about the ladies. A dedicated men’s section offers up all kinds of unique pieces. The collection includes ties, jeans, footwear, jackets, t-shits and so much more for the fashion conscious.

If you are on the lookout for a gift, this page will definitely make your life easier with a special gifts section. You also won’t want to miss their seasonal sales, featuring designer items at affordable prices.

Is it user-friendly?

The easy-to-use business website is fool-proof and straightforward. You simply register with the page, add items to your bag and pay via MasterCard, Visa or Credimax.

In fact, last year, the page even won an outstanding achievement in web development at the World Media Awards conducted in the US.

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Showcase GERMAN SKIN CARE CENTRE

Squeaky Clean

Health and hygiene go hand in hand; one particular centre goes above and beyond to provide you with only the soundest environment.

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upplying the highest quality of services, the German Skin Care Centre always ensures its customers the best in hygiene and cleanliness. As of this year, all rooms have been installed with additional EU-patented air cleaners that reduce ultra-fine dust, viruses, bacteria and neutralise odours.

Due to their excellent results and some of the best customer feedbacks, the Bahrain branch has recently been titled as the best Farrell Centre around the globe.

Offered treatments include tackling acne, scars, wrinkles, pigmentation, cellulite and stretch marks, in addition to fat reduction and permanent hair removal.

Preventive measures to keep the skin young, tight and elastic are also available.

Treatment methods used range from microdermabrasion, cavitation, ultrasonic and LED light to radiofrequency and infrared. Other techniques implemented at the centre are mesotherapy and lymphatic-massage techniques.

To further maintain treatment results, Farrell uses their very own brand of crèmes "FOR ME" that are free of mineral oils, emulsifiers, preservations, perfume, alcohol and parabens.

The centre is a member of many world renowned organisations such as the International Working Group for Dermatology and Cosmetics, as well as the Aesthetic Dermatology and Cosmetology. More recently, Farrell has been named as part of the German Society of Anti-Ageing Medicine. Call 17 722-696.

YAQUBY STORES

Spy Wear

Want to share your life with friends and family while you are on the go? Looxcie 2 is just what you need.

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occer practise, dinner with friends, a surprise birthday party are all moments that can be quickly snapped with high-quality smartphone cameras that now on the market. The problem, however, is usually getting there in time or, even worse, ruining the moment by pulling out a phone. So, what if you were already wearing the camera and all you had to do was tap to start recording?

What is it?

The Looxcie 2 is a Bluetooth headset, or at least it looks like one. It does actually allow you to make and receive calls over Bluetooth, but there is more to this little device than that. Tap the record button on your device and you are capable of capturing the audio and video around you for at least 60 minutes.

The creators have even made iPhone and Android apps that allow you to use your phone as the viewfinder for the camera, including options to start and stop recording.

The headset offers a small red light under the lens that turns on when it records, but you are otherwise unaware that the device is recording.

Other than its cool features, you can also purchase a number of additional accessories that will allow you to mount the recording device in a place that is not your ear, your car or the bill of your hat for example. Call 17 582-250.

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www.womanthismonth.com

For the Sweet-toothed GULF HOTEL

Executive Chef Louis Von Reenen and Executive Pastry Chef Didier Guyon

Dessert is the best part of any meal. Behind it there is a chef de patisserie who is in essence an artist.

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ulf Hotel’s executive pastry chef Didier Guyon is a man whose life is about producing luxuries, busy with the constant demand for his sweet delicacies.

With a brigade of 15 pastry chefs and bakers, his day is filled with production of desserts for the five-star hotel, and all its outlets’ requirements for bread and pastry items. In addition to this, he caters for weddings, other functions and his personal favourite and ‘piece de resistance,’ Café Délices. Situated inside the Gulf Executive Residences building, this is a modern French café that brings European charm and a touch of Paris to the island.

Voted Bahrain’s best pastry chef in 2012 at the Bahrain Food and Hospitality Expo, Didier has plied his trade since the age of 14, working in Senegal, Belgium, the USA, Greece, Venezuela, China and Dubai. www.womanthismonth.com

At the Gulf Hotel for nearly two years, his international experience and input into the café has lead to its absolute success. A master himself in chocolates, entremets, ice creams and almost anything containing sugar, he produces an astounding array of international patisserie, the finest perhaps on the island.

In addition to coffees and teas, Café Délices also offers a full menu for continental breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon snacks.

Open from 7am until 11pm, the café’s friendly staff and an onsite chef prepares sandwiches and light meals to order. Crisp, clean, and fresh not only describe the outlet but the food served within it as well.

Indulge in delicious pastries, freshly baked cookies, exquisite homemade macaroons and handmade chocolates or order customised cakes, including wedding cakes, from the hands of Didier through this outlet.

New to the hotel’s fold is executive chef Louis Van Reenan; one of his first tasks was to assist in the success of the coffee shop by expanding the savoury menu. Mexican dishes inspired by Margarita Mexicana, Italian dishes inspired by La Pergola and more will boost the international experience at the venue. Call 17 713-000.

Easter Treats With Easter at the end of the month, Chef Didier’s time is again stretched as he whips up Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies. Meet him in person and taste his handmade creations at demonstrations during Easter.

Enjoy the Easter brunch at BD22 or at BD26 if you’d like to add alcoholic drinks to the equation. Children under six years can dine for free; those between six and 12 years can dine at BD11.

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Showcase BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

Just the Way You Are

Striving to reach up to modern ideals, or conform to them, the number of young girls dealing with bulimia nervosa is at an all time high.

A

ssociated with negative emotions such as guilt and self-loathing, bulimia is characterised by binge eating, purging and even fasting over an extended period of time. We sit down with Bahrain Specialist Hospital dietician Danah N Quintana to learn more.

Although the secretive nature of the illness makes recognition of the problem difficult, Dana explains that bulimics do fall under certain criteria. “A sure sign of trouble is recurrent episodes of binge eating, ie eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would be able to. Bulimics also experience a lack of control when eating.” Other primary symptoms include selfinduced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas or other medication.

Discontinuing purging and restrictive dieting habits are the major steps towards recovery but learning to eat three healthy meals a day is also vital. Dana explains four simple steps that can help correct bulimia: • Maintain a well-balanced diet of a variety of foods inlcluding proteins and fats.

• Include raw vegetables and fruits in meals and opt for whole-grain, high-fibre breads, pasta, rice and cereals.

• Choose foods that are naturally divided into portions. For example, one potato rather than rice or pasta that can be overloaded on the plate.

• Practise 30 minutes of physical activity everyday; exercise15:14 is an important tool in C&G-0069 KeyGal Ad 125x94.pdf 1 08/02/2013 defeating bulimia. Call 17 812-000.

Danah N Quintana

Social Butterfly

St Chris School SPARTA Launch

St Christopher’s School in Saar held an event to mark the launch of SPARTA – The Sports and Arts Academy of St Christopher’s. The academy already has over 400 children and adults from St Christopher’s and the wider community benefitting from top-class coaching in the areas of: rugby, athletics, football, cricket, tennis and fitness Ruby

Zoe

Corina & Caroline Rebecca & Rob

Tara & Cheyma

Aysha, Umme & Ayesha

Ian & Ed

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It’s a Dance Off! DESSANGE

Ditch the workout; join the party! Not often do we have fun exercising; with Zumba you won’t even feel like you’ve been burning off all those excess calories.

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ollowing popular demand after their extremely successful venture last year, Dessange brings back the Zumbathon. Join them at Amwaj Marina on February 22 from 9am for a training session like never before.

Not only will you be shedding some weight; you’ll be doing your part for the fight against cancer in children. The fitness centre has collaborated with Bahrain Cancer Society. So you’ll be exercising for a cause.

‘Zumba for Charity’ features 12 hours of backto-back classes. You can pre-register for an hour’s session for BD5. Those who walk in on the day of the event are invited to join in on the extravaganza at BD10 per set.

Make it a family affair; let your kids join in on the fun. The pre-registration fee for an hour is BD2.500. Each session costs BD5 per child on the day.

There will be a lot more for the little ones to do, from face painting and a bouncing castle www.womanthismonth.com

Why Zumba?

to exciting rides. Dessange has also arranged for merchandise like themed t-shirts and training gear, aside from refreshments and raffle tickets.

Spectators will be charged BD5 for entry; children can walk in for free. All proceeds go in as a donation to the children’s ward of the society; so come along and support the cause.

It is advisable to purchase your tickets prior to the event. They can be collected from the reception at Dessange in Adliya.

Call 17 713-999.

Zumba is an exhilarating and easy to follow fitness programme that combines Latininspired dance routines with workout regimes. The contagious steps and international music eliminates the concept of monotony, giving you an hour of complete entertainment. Burning calories has never been so exciting.

If you’re still on the fence about joining a class, these reasons should help you decide: • The huge calorie burn in just 60 minutes • Total body toning without any machines • It keeps you coming back for more • It works for all ages • It is a great tactic for stress release • It can be adapted for any fitness level • It’s social.

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Travel

For Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sake

By Elma Bartholomew

Have you always wondered what it is like to replicate the stunning sceneries before you onto a canvas? Here are three picturesque countries that will get you to pursue in the midst of great food, expert training and fun hosts.

Andalucia, Spain

The Low-down: Uncover your creative side and let the beautiful Spanish landscape inspire you on a painting holiday. Choose from a break at a dazzling creative eco-retreat for some rural escapism or let the hustle and bustle of seaside Andalucia inspire you. You could also head to a natural park near Cadiz for some exciting landscapes. Whatever you choose, the wonderfully sociable and fun painting holidays here are guaranteed to inspire all artists.

X-Factor: Almeria has a lot to offer for one with a keen eye. Travel through breathtaking landscapes from desert-like scenes to rolling hills with wild poppies and almond blossom on a unique paint safari combining the love of the land with passion for art whilst staying in a luxurious eco-retreat. Connect with the landscape on a whole new level with a paint-making workshop here.

Explore the versatile and fascinating medium of watercolour painting and learn how to create masterpieces influenced by the natural scenery of the Parque Natural Sierra Maria-Los Velez.

Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the Andalucian countryside staying in a beautiful converted inn or restored 18th century townhouse, where you will be inspired by the dramatic architecture of the village, the culture in AlcalĂĄ de los Gazules and the landscapes of the Alcornocales Natural Park. The beautiful Andalucian mountain village of Torrox, located between Malaga and Nerja, is the perfect setting for a painting course and holiday.

Best For: Food photographers. Almeria is a region known for its love for food. Take a weeklong creative course perfect for those with a passion for both food and photography. It will cover all activities around food including photography, presentation and illustration. It also includes visits to local markets and food producers.

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www.womanthismonth.com

Languedoc, France

The Low-down: This region was one of the earliest to be inhabited by humans and, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, was an extremely important trade route and passage.

The Roman history of Languedoc-Roussillon is long and has left some spectacular traces. The names of towns, the Catalan language, the region’s heady wines and olive-oil dishes all testify to the lasting influence of 400 years of occupation.

X-Factor: Lodeve is a delightful town to explore. Cathedrale St-Fulcrane, one of the more restrained interiors in this area, is a church which owes much to the upheavals and destructions of the revolution.

Pont de Montifort is a lovely Gothic arch bridge built in the 14th century.

The museum, Musée Fleury, is housed in the Fleury family mansion, a nationally known and major family of Lodeve. It was built in the 16th and 17th century and is a beautiful and impressive building.

Built in 1819, the Hotel Darde has become a museum of the works of local sculptor Paul Dardé as the title gives away. Visit the Atelier to see first hand how carpets were created for the great homes of Paris.

Well worth the drive out of Lodeve, St-Michel de Grandmont Priory is a place of mystery and spiritual light. Here’s the muse you will need for a remarkable painting.

Best For: Historians. Languedoc-Roussillon is also a region where the “Cathars”, named after the Greek “katharos” or “pure”, fought the Catholic church of the time in the 13th century. It took many decades to exterminate this movement whose followers believed the visible world to be the work of the devil. Nowadays, many impressive fortresses perched on dizzying heights and the ancient villages still bear witness to a lost religion.

Italy The Low-down: I know you’re thinking, “Oh not this place again.” Nevertheless, Italy is a country that continues to surprise its guests, offering unique experiences in every visit. Major factors contributing to that is its natural beauty, rich culture, varying lifestyles in each region, amazing cuisine and of course its exquisite landscapes.

You don’t find many places on this planet where art and life intermingles so effortlessly. There is just so much to take in that if you put 100 artists through the same experience, there still wouldn’t be two paintings that are alike. The key is to slow down from the touristy pace and let in the ethnicity of this phenomenal nation.

X-Factor: It doesn’t matter if you’ve been there already. Head over to Tuscany and have a go at their week-long painting courses set in a charming and elegant 17th century palazzo, lovingly conserved to maintain its aristocratic finesse. Be motivated by the outstanding Tuscan landscapes and medieval village of Tavernelle.

Expect great food and wine too.

If you want to be somewhere less crowded, throw yourself into the pretty town of Camerino, where you will be moved by the architecture, impressive landscape, rivers and culture.

Best For: Fitness fanatics. Combine relaxing yoga with painting lessons on a unique yoga and watercolour painting holiday a little north of Rome. Stay in a conventional village house in the pretty-walled village of Casperia and paint the beauty of the surrounding Sabina hills. Just because you’re on holiday, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on a healthy lifestyle.

www.womanthismonth.com

March 2013 |

59

Food

Hole in One

By James Claire

We’ve all been there… that moment when sinking your teeth into a delicious doughnut seems to be just what the doctor ordered. You can’t go wrong with sweet, deep-fried dough, so here are a few recipes for some of the best homemade delicacies.

O

f current sweet trends, the French macaron is one of the biggest although by the time they entered the mainstream, they had already been well-liked in Europe for a good decade and beyond.

The USA claims prize of course for the cupcake. Its hype started when Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made Magnolia Bakery famous in the late ‘90s. Today the cupcake and its successor the whoopie pie are both slowly waning in popularity due to overexposure.

These days, desserts of the Far and Middle East are gaining worldwide recognition as

traditions are reinvented for a more modern and global marketplace. Éclairs and all things made of choux pastry have seen resurgence due to the creative talents of some of France’s best pastry chefs turning it into both sweet and savoury concoctions. Delicacies such as the religieuse, St Honoré and profiteroles have simply been made to perfection thus elevating them to new heights in the culinary world.

Doughnuts too, although never unpopular, are regaining strength and popularity with a wider and more sophisticated palate by being

Yeast Raised Doughnuts

20g yeast, dried 130ml water, warm 500ml milk, warm 175g caster sugar 1 tspn salt 3 eggs 120g unsalted butter, melted 950g plain (all-purpose) flour for frying oil For the glaze: 120g unsalted butter 375g icing (powdered) sugar 10ml vanilla extract 100ml milk, room temperature In a small bowl mix together the warm water, warm milk and the dried yeast. Mix to dissolve the yeast. l Place the bowl in a warm area, covered, until the mix begins to froth and rise. This should take about 40 minutes. l In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, sifted flour and the yeast mixture. l Use the tips of your fingers to start mixing and then gradually combine all the ingredients to form the dough. l

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l Remove the dough to a floured bench top and knead the dough for 2-3 minutes. If the dough is too sticky add more flour. l Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour. l Punch the dough down and knead again lightly. l Roll the dough to about 2cm in thickness on a floured board and cut out doughnuts with a 7cm round cutter. l Use a smaller cutter to cut out the centre. l Place the doughnuts onto a lightly floured

reinvented into more complex and creative flavour combinations.

With a disputed history doughnuts, although considered American, are most probably descendants of the Dutch settlers’ early oil cake recipes.

This month I offer both sweet and savoury varieties of this globally loved treat.

New trends are born from the talents and imaginations of chefs like yourself. So be creative, get in the kitchen and play.

In food, even mistakes taste great and you may end up creating the next trend. tray and cover. Allow it to rise for 45 minutes. l To fry the doughnuts heat the oil to 180 degrees Celsius. Use a deep saucepan to heat the oil, which allows for them to be flipped easily. l Test a small piece of dough first before frying the whole batch. l Carefully place the doughnuts in the oil. Do not overfill the pan for safety. l Cook on each side for about one minute and when golden brown flip the doughnuts with a fork. l Remove from the oil and place on kitchen towel to drain. l For the cinnamon sugar coated kind, roll the warm freshly fried doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and caster sugar immediately after frying. For glazed doughnuts, allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes before dipping in the prepared glaze and setting on a wire rack to drain.

Allow it to cool; serve.

To make the glaze: l Melt the butter and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. l Add milk until desired consistency is reached. l Glaze should coat the back of a spoon and not be too thin. www.womanthismonth.com

Pumpkin Doughnuts with Eggnog Frosting 250g flour 1 1/2 tspn baking powder 1/2 tspn salt 1 tspn cinnamon 1/2 tspn garam masala 80ml vegetable oil 110g brown sugar 1 egg 1 tspn vanilla extract 100g pumpkin purĂŠe, tinned 120ml milk

l l l

l

l

l

l

For the frosting: 120g cream cheese 120g powdered sugar 1 tbspn golden syrup pinch garam masala pinch clove powder pinch ginger powder pinch nutmeg pinch cinnamon 2 tbspn milk

l

l

l

l l l

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Butter individual savarin rings and set aside.

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and spices together and set aside.

In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment whisk together oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk until combined.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the mixture and stir until just combined, careful not to overdo it.

Carefully spoon the batter into the buttered savarin rings, filling each three quarters full.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until doughnuts spring back when gently pressed.

When baked, drop the doughnuts from the rings immediately onto a wire cooling rack.

While the doughnuts are cooling, mix together all the ingredients for the frosting until smooth.

Place the ingredients into a bowl and set over a saucepan of boiling water.

Heat the frosting until it is warm and the cream cheese is liquid.

Add the milk slowly to thin the glaze.

Dip the doughnuts into the glaze and set onto a wire rack to drip and dry. Serve when cool.

Chive and Rosemary Doughnuts with Goat Cheese Frosting 120ml milk 2 eggs 2 tbspns vegetable oil 10g sugar 100g plain (all purpose) flour 120g polenta 1 tspn baking powder 1/4 tspn salt 1/4 tspn paprika 3 tbspns chives, finely chopped 1 tbspn fresh rosemary, finely chopped For the frosting: 180g goat cheese 40ml milk 1/2 tspn black pepper salt to taste 1 tspn fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 tbspn chives, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl whisk together the milk, eggs, oil and sugar. l Gently fold in the flour, polenta, baking powder, salt and paprika until just combined. l Fold in the chopped chives and rosemary until just combined. l Brush savarin rings with melted butter and fill three quarters full with the mixture. l Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes, or until they spring back when touched. l When baked remove immediately and cool on a wire rack. l

l

Let it cool completely before frosting.

l

www.womanthismonth.com

To make the frosting: l Let the goat cheese come to room temperature while the doughnuts are baking. l Whisk in the milk slowly until it becomes smooth and spreadable. l Add the pepper, salt and rosemary. l When the doughnuts are cool, dip each one into the frosting and assist spreading with a knife if required. l Sprinkle the tops with the chopped chives before serving.

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61

Horoscopes

Gazing Star Raphael

Find out what March has in store for you…

Pisces February 20 - March 20

Some of you have been through a trying period of late; much of this could be down to your own failings.

You need to start planning a little better and take your responsibilities more seriously. It’s not just you who will be affected by these actions.

Aries March 21 - April 20

Not a sign to ever stop still, as a major project slowly reaches its conclusion this month, you are already thinking about what challenge to undertake next. A major business investment could land you significant financial rewards later in the year.

Taurus April 21 - May 21

March is going to be all about cementing your future in the business arena as a career ambition is finally realised. It won’t be until the 19th that things are confirmed. It’s going to mean a lot of changes; go with the flow. The long-term benefits are going to be huge.

Gemini May 22 - June 21

It’s no secret that you are struggling with a very difficult dilemma. If it is proving too difficult, get the issue dealt with once and for all. The reason it has such a profound effect is because the problem impacts your relationship with a close friend.

Cancer June 22 - July 23

Health issues could be affecting you and your mood. In truth, any treatment you are receiving may not be providing you with a solution. Don’t be afraid to question the medical course suggested. If you don’t see an improvement, speak up!

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Leo July 24 - August 23

For some of you March will be a month when a relationship goes through a positive high. The next few months should bring about a more balanced and healthy cycle that will see you cementing your ties and planning further ahead into the future.

Virgo August 24 - September 23

Tread carefully in romantic circles this month because eyes are watching. You may think you have covered all your tracks. Unless you want to become the victim of your own desires, analyse whether you can really afford to take the risk!

Libra September 24 - October 23

March sees you thinking back on past romances. This could account for your general dissatisfaction with life, along with the uncertainty that you are feeling about your future. However, your destiny lies in your own hands.

Scorpio October 24 - November 22

With the right strategy in place, you should be able to extend your reach and achieve great things this month on the business front. Good news by post will also spur you on creatively whilst a man in your life could surprise you with a very tempting offer.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 21

Your discovery of an indiscretion in a relationship will test your commitment to a partner and could very well see you deciding to take a step back or even ending a long term marriage or union. Don’t stall on a decision.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20

A face from the past will return to your life, bringing with them a particular opportunity to progress down an altogether different direction. It might not be something you initially feel fits for you. Be decisive and you will be rewarded.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

Your competitive spirit comes to the fore this month as you accept a challenge from a friend, which although made in good humour, soon becomes more serious. It might be wise to talk through your actions together before serious damage is done.

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Listings

S E G A P K IN

Pink pages

Damas Jewellery 17 583-283 Devji Jewellery 17 224-170 Dior Boutique 17 534-160 Kooheji Jewellery (seef) 17 530-411 Swarovski 17 581-021 Yaquby Stores 17 171-800 Cafes and Coffee Shops Pineapple Spa 17 712-000 A Piece of Cake 17 596-055 Princess Palace Salon 17 691-221 Dar Al Bareh Café 17 713-535 Regency Therapy 17 208-355 Al Bindaira Café 17 587-587 Bahrain Taxi/Limo Services Ritz-Carlton 17 586-808 Aroma Café 17 582-711 Bahrain Limo 17 266-999 Sparadise Spa & Salon 17 313-131 Café La Ventana 17 716-711 London Taxi 17 461-746 Sheraton Hotel Spa 17 533-533 Café Lilou 17 714-440 Saudi Bahrain transport 17 321-218 Tip Toes 17 744-175 Café Vergnano 17 178-408 Speedy motors service 17 682-999 Zoya Beauty Centre 17 740-800 Camille’s Sidewalk Café 17 533-808 Hospitals and Clinics Health and fitness centers Caramel 17 797-087 Al-Kindi Specialised Hospital Banyan Tree Spa Al Areen 17 845-000 Casa Blu 17 710-424

17 240-444 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Cinnabon 17 530-010 Al Marafi Clinic 17 585-373 Curves 17 691-496 Costa Coffee (Adliya) 17 749-299 American Mission Hospital 17 253-447 Diplomat Hotel Spa 17 531-666 Delifrance (Budaiya) 17 696-031 Bahrain Defence Force 17 766-666 Dessange Health Club 17 713-999 Dolce Vita Restaurant Bahrain Specialist Hospital 17 812-000 Ez Fit Sportsplex 17 692-378 & Coffe Shop 17 713-401 Dr Enas Surgical Clinic 17 812-195 Equilibre 77 066-033 Don Vito 17 714-464 Dr Tariq Hospital 17 822-822 Fitness First 17 564-005 Dulce Café 17 822-274 Dr Mostafa, Bahrain Psychologist Futureshape Fitness 36 657-059 La Maison du café 17 277-722

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March 2013 |

63

WoMentality

What’s

the Point?

By Hard-headed Woman

“Somebody should tell us right from the start of our lives that we are dying. Then we might live life to the full every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now; there are only so many tomorrows.”

- Pope Paul VI.

I

was thinking about my mother the other day after I got off the phone from our biweekly conversation. She asked me a question that I had no answer for and for the first time in decades the woman actually had me stumped.

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“What is the point to life if waking up every day just brings about the same routine?”

I considered my mother’s age of 72. I guess by then I’ll be asking the same.

Old enough I thought, for some clarity. She really had me thinking, “What am I doing here?”

In my late thirties, single and confused as can be, I find myself standing at a crossroad. In one direction lies a town called Old age and in the other the villages of Senility and Discontentment, where my parents reside.

Are we here to find something — perfection, perhaps? Maybe it’s happiness, bliss and even nirvana? Or is this, what we are already living, really it?

And then I took a flight, for vacation reasons.

And suddenly I was surprised by life itself. At the wrong side of 30, not many things do that.

Most of the trivialities in life have been experienced many times over.

Of things that annoy me, one of the highest ranking is boarding an aircraft to find someone else in my assigned seating. I book a window because I want a window.

So my trip to the Far East started badly when 8K was already occupied by another person.

A show of both boarding passes proved that neither of us was at fault. I relinquished my seat to the lady already occupying it.

Seating sorted, all happy, I proceeded to comfort myself when lady in my seat began to talk. This is the second thing that really ticks me off.

Of all my flown miles, one thing I have never done is to talk to the person seated beside me even during what seemed like certain doom.

We are merely seated beside each other by chance, not choice. Massive difference!

At first I tried not to listen, but eventually and strangely I found myself intrigued, interested, amused and laughing along with her life story.

The flight took six hours. I slept for one; we talked for five.

On my bucket list, I had among my entries the feat of holding a conversation with a total stranger about nothing in particular. That box has now been checked.

8K is no longer a stranger, but a wonderful acquaintance. What is the point to all this?

Well sometimes, stop and smell the roses. You never know when your life will come to a screaming halt, and unlike my mother, I can now answer her question.

Vincent Van Gogh stated, “One must work and dare if one really wants to live.”

Sometimes we may need a reminder. I just had mine on the aircraft. The world is full of amazing things and amazing people and if you shut yourself off you just never know what you’re missing out on. I’m only sorry I haven’t struck up conversations on every other flight I’ve been on. From now on I’ll chat like a parrot. www.womanthismonth.com

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