Woman This Month - March 2016

Bahrain Edition

March 2016 | Issue 157 | BD1 / SR10

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

www.womanthismonth.com

FABULOUS AT 50

Part three of our wellness campaign, how to keep your sparkle!

HOME

How to get a healthy home

BEAUTY

The importance of moisture

PARENTING

Can coaching help?

TRAVEL

A touch of the Irish, where to spend Paddy’s Day

FOOD

A pinch less salt

Dr Lana Peters

Osteopathy pioneer

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on this occasion For more details, visit our nearest outlet

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MARCH 8 Diary 10 News: Hot Shots

SHOPPING

12 Editor’s Choice: Monochrome Frenzy 14 Pick of the Month: Striking Add-ons

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FASHION

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16 Fashion Trend: Street Style 22 Fashion Forward: SS2016 Forecast 24 Style Radar: On the Red Carpet 28 Get the Look: Freedom Wear

PEOPLE

36 Lana Peters: Osteopathic Pioneer 37 Zahra Al Shaikh: Superfoods Guru

WELLBEING

41 Exercise without agony 42 Fifty and Fabulous

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BEAUTY

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50 News: The latest products in the stores 52 Beauty Review: Not Just Skin Deep

LIFESTYLE

58 Home: Come Home to Wellness 63 Parenting: Kids’ Playground 64 Parenting: Not Your Mum, Not Your Milk 65 Parenting: The Coaching Approach 66 Travel: Gaelic Gaiety 68 Food: Chef’s Special 69 Food: Review 71 Horoscope: What to expect this month 72 Last Word: In Her Shoes – Varsha of Devji Since 1950

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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 editor@womanthismonth.com. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN

W

elcome to the March edition in which we’re celebrating the fabulous 50s (and beyond), those who’ve made it to half a century and are still inspiring us with their fitness, drive and general fabulousity. Check out expert tips and wise words on how to maintain your sparkle from two of our favourite 50-plus ladies.

In the final part of our three-month wellness campaign, we’ve also got advice on how to get started with exercise, whether you’re heading into your sixth decade or simply haven’t taken up the fitness challenge yet.

Our interviews this month stick with the fitness theme with both Lana Peters and Zahra Al Shaikh sharing their passion for businesses that help them make a difference to people’s health. And in the homes section, Ankita Mamgain takes a look at ways to bring wellness into your living space.

Don’t panic though, we haven’t gone completely fitness crazy. The travel section brings you the ultimate party with ideas on where to spend St Patricks Day – you might find some of them surprising. And Ankita also went to Amsterdam this month, the restaurant not the city, for a taste of pure indulgence.

In the parenting section, Dr Jinan brings up an issue experienced by man parents – lactose intolerance and how to deal with it. And our guest writer this month, Caroline Beckett, explains how coaching, more commonly used by adults, can have a great impact on your kids too.

As always we’ve rounded up the latest fashions and there’s a sneak peak at the new season’s trends, which we’ll be covering in more detail next issue. But while the cooler weather’s still with us, I’m rather taken by Fernanda Langhammer’s selection of the best bomber jackets to beat the wind’s chill.

For our beauty review Ankita visited the indulgent Al Areen Palace & Spa to try the latest treatment, a hot candle massage. It’s the very latest offering and I have to confess, it’s rather tickled my fancy.

Hope you find something in this month’s issue to tickle yours too.

Enjoy!

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

Bubble High Jewellery Skeleton Corum

Ted Baker phone case

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY marketing & electronic media director DEEPA SIVA fashion & beauty editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER assistant editor ANKITA MAMGAIN contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA DR JINAN DARWISH GHADA SALEM RAPHAEL creative director ANDRE BIGG print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL JAYATH TEKI media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media manager FARHEEN AHMED circulation TARA VAMADEVEN PILLAI photography editor ZILIA MONTEIRO photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN

Contents copyrighted 2016© 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 here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

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 P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Aqua Butterfly Kitten Heels

I’m not really a very girly girl but I’m inspired by spring and I’ve fallen a bit in love with these gorgeous butterfly kitten heels from notonthehighstreet.com. I’m also rather taken with Corum’s new take on the classic Bubble watch, the Bubble Diamond. And last, but not least, on my lust list this month, is the Ted Baker phone case featuring an adorable French bulldog.

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

Bahrain Edition

March 2016 | Issue 157 | BD1 / SR10

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

www.womanthismonth.com

FABULOUS AT 50

Part three of our wellness campaign, how to keep your sparkle!

HOME

How to get a healthy home

BEAUTY

The importance of moisture

PARENTING

Can coaching help?

March 2016, Issue 157 On the cover: Fabulous Fifties

TRAVEL

A touch of the Irish, where to spend Paddy’s Day

FOOD

A pinch less salt

Dr Lana Peters

Osteopathy pioneer

4

March 2016

www.womanthismonth.com

letters Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING

Write Here Write Now

| PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES

www.womanthismonth.com

February 2016 | Issue 156 | BD1 / SR10

TRAVEL

ANKE BRANDT

Lights Camera Action

New Record Attempt HOME MATERIAL WITNESS

Food

BEAUTY

THE HEALING POWER OF MASSAGE

PARENTING Learning Apps

Get in touch by email, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

A Very High Tea

Fitness BRING ON THE

FEATURE | health & fitness

SUPERFOODS – OR NOT! Part two of our T wellness campaign

Over the past few years we’ve been bombarded with lists of, so called, superfoods whose health benefits have been extolled. But what is a superfood and what’s next on the list? In the second three-month fitness focus, Liz O’Reilly part of our itakes a look at the store cupboard must-haves for 2016.

Letter

he term superfood, a bit like supermodel, is bandied about quite regularly but what exactly are superfoods? According to livescience. com, they are foods, mostly plantbased but also some dairy and fish, thought to be nutritionally dense, nutrient rich and, thus, considered to be beneficial to health.

In the past few years we’ve been instructed to eat avocados, blueberries and virtually everything coconut, whether we’re drinking the water, eating the flesh, spooning the oil into our food or rubbing it onto our skin and hair. And, to be honest, the idea that any of these things would be good for us is not all that suprising.

But sometimes new additions to the list come as a bit of a shock such as black pudding, the much-loved British blood sausage, without which no ‘Full English’ would be complete.

Apparently the humble sausage is rich in protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc as well as being practically carb free. It’s just typical that the one ‘healthy’ ingredient on that oh-so-sinful breakfast plate is the one I usually leave on the side, but maybe in the future I’ll try and stomach just a little of the rich pud for its health benefits.

And then there’s bone broth! Yep, sounds pretty unpleasant but some experts swear

by it for its combination of protein, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and potassium as well as collagen and gelatin – both of which are lauded by anti-aging experts.

You can make it by simmering bones, veggies and herbs for six to 12 hours. Some drink it for breakfast to get the day off to a healthy start but if you haven’t got the stomach for that, try using it as the base for a soup.

The UK’s Glamour magazine predicts that 2016 will be the year of the Brussels sprout.

These little green bundles of goodness are packed with vitamin B and glucosinolates that protect our DNA from damage, as well as vitamin K, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium and magnesium. Brussels are a bit like Marmite, they provoke a strong reaction and people seem to either love them or hate them. I’m a big fan and, for anyone who’s not keen, I’d say try them sautéed with a bit of bacon and onion – yum.

Another rather odd one is Betonite Clay. Yes, you read that right, some sources are now suggesting we should eat mud (though, to be fair, some have been consuming diatomaceous earth for years).

According to bodyandsoul.com.au the clay is praised for its cleansing and detoxifying qualities, it’s “highly absorbent, negatively charged and beneficial both internally and externally”. However, made from volcanic ash, there are those who caution against its use claiming mineral levels could be potentially toxic.

And that brings us to an important consideration when looking at superfoods. There is no official classification for these trends; they’re hardly, if at all, recognised by nutritionists and, a bit like fad diets, they are often not all they’re cracked up to be.

At the end of the day, if you eat a balanced diet, with a few treats along the way, take some exercise and get enough sleep and hydration, you’ll be doing fine.

Bring on the Superfoods or Not! This article actually came at a great time as I have been trying to put together a new diet plan for the family, incorporating the various superfoods that frequently appear online. I was not very convinced about sausages actually being a ‘healthy choice’, and had reduced buying them. I have however spotted a deli that makes good quality ones and I guess some sausage for breakfast on Saturdays will be a big hit with the kids. Bone broth is another surprise for me. The combination of minerals in it seems to make it just perfect for cold winter days. It was great to see how the fashionable superfoods aren’t the only nutritional powerhouses available. I’d like to thank Liz O'Reilly for sharing such valuable information.

Dalya www.womanthismonth.com

February 2016

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The Most talked about Picture on WTM’s Instagram WTM Feb Cover was the most liked picture on Instagram.

WOMAN THIS MONTH

CONTEST WINNER

#WTM Cover Contest asked the fans on social media to Tweet about Sheraton Hotel Bahrain Chocoholic brunch on #WTM FB, Instagram & Twitter and 2 lucky winners won a free Chocoholic Brunch at Sheraton Hotel Bahrain.

The winners are Nisha Punjabi and Shareen Parveen

Congratulations!

Let’s Move, Baby I would like to thank WTM for providing me with such immensely helpful information regarding pregnancy. One of my friends is in her first trimester and has started feeling quite fatigued already. I have been really worried for her.

But after reading and sharing this article about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, she is now open to the idea of incorporating a mild workout and even yoga to strengthen her body. There is a lot of information available on the subject on the Internet, but getting it from a credible source is really important.

showcase BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

LET’S MOVE, BABY

Obstetrics and gynaecology specialist Dr Vandana Kumar explains the benefits of exercise both in pregnancy and postpartum.

P

regnancy might seem like a good time to relax and put your feet up but it's important to be active and keep moving.

If done correctly, exercise does wonders during pregnancy.

Becoming active and exercising at least 30 minutes most days can benefit your health during pregnancy in multiple ways.

Exercise can help reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling. It may also help prevent or treat high blood sugar.

Regular activity increases energy, improves mood and posture and promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance. It even helps you sleep better.

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier you will find adapting to your changing body shape and weight gain. It will enhance your ability to cope with labour and to get back into shape after childbirth.

Initiation of pelvic floor exercises in the immediate postpartum period may also reduce the risk of future urinary incontinence.

Certain sports are safe during pregnancy, even for beginners, such as walking, swimming and aquanatal classes. Low impact aerobics and pilates are a good way to keep your heart and lungs strong.

Reasonable goals of aerobics in pregnancy peak fitness. should be to maintain a good fitness level Yoga induces flexibility and helps breath throughout the term without trying to reach control and pain management.

Also, moderate exercise during lactation does not affect the quantity or composition of breast milk or impact infant growth.

Activities in which there is a high risk of falling such as gymnastics, water skiing, and horseback riding as well as racquet sports, should be avoided. Pregnant women should not engage in contact sports such as hockey, basketball and soccer. And scuba diving can put your baby at risk of decompression sickness.

Exercise is contraindicated if you have high blood pressure, low placenta, twins or triplets, ruptured membranes, preterm labour, an incompetent cervix, bleeding at any stage or any serious medical problems in present and past pregnancies.

It is also prudent to contact your obstetrician before attempting exercises.

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Dr Vandana Kumar

Adequate hydration and proper ventilation are important to prevent the possible effects of overheating. Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards.

The intensity, duration and frequency of exercise should start at a level that does not result in pain, shortness of breath or excessive fatigue.

Exercises performed in the supine position are inadvisable after the first trimester, as are prolonged periods of motionless standing.

Whether you were active before pregnancy or not, it is wise to start some sort of moderate activity regularly to keep fit in pregnancy and afterwards.

Call BSH on 17 812-000.

February 2016

www.womanthismonth.com

Nirmal

Playing Safe Whether it is team sports or just a run in the park it is really important to do some sort of physical activity, especially now since our lives have become excessively sedentary.

But with sports, come the inevitable injuries and Behnaz Sanjana’s article was a crash course in understanding them.

This extremely informative piece illustrated how to protect ourselves from getting injured. I am a lot more careful now, about how I run on the treadmill or do my squat routine. I mean, just by being cautious we can avoid many trips to doctor.

FEATURE | health & fitness

Playing Safe

Many of us resort to a favourite sport to pack in some fun and a cardio-like workout. For a safe game or workout, Behnaz Sanjana looks at how to dodge and tackle sports injuries.

A

round of tennis, golf or basketball or even just cycling by the beach after a long day at work can be a great stressbuster.

Being active goes a long way towards keeping your circulation from getting sluggish, your ticker healthy and your bones in top condition.

Not to mention the rush of endorphins that puts you on a happy high and the sense of achievement and heathy competition that come with it. This holds true for children as well. But, as with all things in life, this has a flip side to it – injuries.

Dr Maik Priester, orthopaedic consultant at the German Orthopaedic Hospital, specialises in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine.

He tells us how we can continue playing and classified as acute or chronic. An acute keeping healthy without the danger injury of injury. happens suddenly while playing sports; “Sports injuries are injuries related it is to usually associated with a traumatic playing sports or exercising. Sometimes event. they A chronic injury can also be defined happen when people are not fit enough as an for overuse injury. It normally develops the activity they choose or did not slowly, warm up is persistent and lasts for a long time. properly before playing. Sometimes they The pain is less compared to an acute happen even to the fittest of athletes injury – due to one of the reasons it is often ignnored. trauma or interaction with other players,” Dr Priester warns that, over time, the says Dr Priester. symptoms build up to a point where Sports injuries vary in forms and they grades of could restrict a normal lifestyle. severity such as sprains and strains, muscle So what can a sports enthusiast do tears, dislocations and fractures. They to avoid can be injuries? “Prevention is an important part of

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February 2016

Sports injuries vary in forms and grades of severety; like sprains and strains, muscle tears, dislocations and fractures

sports medicine. The risk of getting injured can be reduced by warming up properly before doing exercises,” says the doctor.

He also goes on to warn that one must not push the body beyond its current fitness level.

Incorporating strength training and stretching into your exercise programme helps to prevent injury. Adequate hydration maintains health and minimises muscle www.womanthismonth.com

Reem

The Most Liked Post on Facebook WTM Cover post on #WTM is the most liked post on FB. Bahrain International Airshow contest post was the most liked post on FB

The following #WTM post got favourited and Retweeted on Twitter most Sheraton Hotel Bahrain #BTM Contest was the most favourited and retweeted post.

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We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at editor@womanthismonth.com

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BAHRAIN: Bahrain city centre • oasis mall, east riffa • oasis mall, muharraq • seef mall

SEASON

MAKE IT YOUR

diary

MARCH

SAVE THE DATE From amazing after-hours parties to international exhibitions, the island’s events roster has something for everyone this month.

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THURSDAY

4 FRIDAY 15 TUESDAY 18

FRIDAY

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THURSDAY 8

March 2016

Glow It Up Get your glow on and dance under the night sky at The Ritz Carlton Bahrain’s first beach party of the year on the impressive property’s private island. Grab your dancing shoes, dazzle the night away and enjoy a delicious buffet and live cooking stations accompanied by the tunes of saxophonist Franky Flowerz and the electrifying beats of DJ Sami. Party starts at 8pm and entry is priced at BD20 for members and hotel guests and BD30 for non-members. This includes unlimited house beverages till 11.30pm. Call 17 586-499.

Jazz Ball In the dead of night, one address in town will come alive. Drop in at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay as it hosts an exciting night of jazz.

Share a taste for fine food and raise a toast in true mobster style while a six-piece jazz band plays in the background. Soak in the cool vintage melodies with a three-course culinary treat and an after-dinner rendezvous of cigars and beverages, all for BD 40++. Call 17 115-500.

Jazz night The Four Bay Seasons Hotel Bahrain

Mickey Mouse and friends

Disney Musical Mickey Mouse and his band of friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, will be starring in a music mash-up when Disney Live!

Mickey's Music Festival debuts in Bahrain. The performance will include greatest hits from blockbuster movies such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney-Pixar's Toy Story remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country, among other jams. Catch this musical till March 19 at Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. Visit www.disneyliveme.com

Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales Here’s a selection of some of the best-loved stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler brought to life on stage through music, puppetry, vibrant characters and more. A perfect show that entertains people of all ages, it will be staged at the Alumni Club on the 18th and 19th. Tickets can be bought from the Spring of Culture stand at City Centre Bahrain’s Entrance 1 and online at www.springofculture.org.

Visit www.springofculture.org.

17th Bahrain International Book Fair Great news for all book lovers; the annual book fair is back again, showcasing the latest publications in all subjects and covering a broad spectrum of the publishing industry in the Arab World, along with foreign titles, children's books, teaching and e-leaning resources. It will be held at Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre till April 3. Visit www.bookfair.bh

Book Fair

www.womanthismonth.com

NEWS | hot shots

DRIVING EXPERIENCE BMW is celebrating 30 years of its all-wheeldrive models, the first of which was the BMW 325i. The idea behind this system was to improve cornering dynamics.

Today the technology has evolved and the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheeldrive system takes typical driving dynamics to new levels.

TRADITIONAL WEARING Not only are Western designs transformed for the new season. The brand specialised in abayas, Adore, is presenting a coloured abaya collection for the vibrant months ahead. The dresses are specially tailored for local ladies in chic designs and good quality fabric with intense colours applied in eye-catching details for a dazzling look.

Celebrations and spring collections are in our monthly selection. Get updated and enjoy the new fashionable pieces in the market.

PLUS SIZE STREET FASHION Violeta by Mango is the brand’s collection dedicated to curvy women. To celebrate its second anniversary and in response to popular demand, the range has been extended up to size 54. The aim is to offer garments designed to be comfortable, feminine and modern to a sector of the market that ofen can’t put together a wardrobe with trendy pieces tailored to their body shape.

EXPANSION MILESTONE The beauty and home décor brand, Lifestyle, recently opened its 200th store. The newest shop was launched in Nigeria, establishing a presence across 15 countries in the Middle East and Africa. The store offers a wide range of gift items, home decoration, home furnishing, fashion accessories, fragrances and spa products.

COSY AND INTIMATE The underwear and sleepwear brand la Vie en Rose has unveiled its spring 2016 collection. Flowers are the main pattern this season next to tribal and nautical prints applied in an array of comfortable fabrics.

The sleepwear collection has different themes that can be mixed and matched to create unlimited outfits. It’s time to renovate your lingerie and nightwear drawer!

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Debenhams

SHOPPING | editor's choice

6 7

2

8

MONOCHROME

FRENZY

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The classic black and white gets creative in graphic patterns. It can be applied in stylish clothes, accessories and home décor. If teamed up with solid bright colours, the result is an intensified print that pops. Go all out for visual effect!

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1. Top: Bershka; 2. Beachwear dress: Oysho; 3. Drawstring bag: New Look; 4. Kids’ skirt: River Island;

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5. Pillow cover: H&M; 6. Clutch: Next, 3

7. Coffee cup: Marks & Spencer; 8. Scarf: BHS; 9. Handbag: Tod’s; 10. Swimsuit: M&Co.

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k Boo

a

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sp r u o

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OW N e c

Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre April 19th - 21st 2016

Contact: Ali Al Shehabi : 17558816 Anas Al Amer : 17558854

1 www.healthexpo.bh

SHOPPING | pick of the month

Striking Add-ons

Accessories are indispensable to create a fashionable look. This brand has a wide selection of handbags and shoes to please all tastes and styles with its eye-catching new collection.

C

oral is a brand launched in 2010 and today it has been established in the Middle East and Asia. It has its own designing team based in Malaysia creating up-todate footwear and trendy handbags. The brand follows the motto of ‘design to inspire’ as its guiding principle to create pieces for a girl with an active mind, a woman with attitude and a lady with class.

The designs mix glamour and a quirky sense of wonder and sophistication. Its easyto-wear styles are favourites with urban ladies and can be found in trendsetters’ jazzy

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March 2016

wardrobes all over the Kingdom. The variety of colours, textures and concepts make Coral the right destination to find the missing piece for any outfit, from casual to formal wear.

The various types of footwear range from killer heels and booties to comfortable flats and sandals. The handbags are cosmopolitan and in sizes and shapes to fit all occasions.

The selection features clutches, saddlebags, wallets and many more. To keep up with the latest trends, the stores across the island

monthly receive new pieces that are added to the existing collection. From time to time, special offers are created to pamper customers with irresistible items at affordable prices. The stores are located in Seef Mall Muharraq, Enma Mall and Isa Town. For more information visit www.coralshoes.com. www.womanthismonth.com

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Dorothy Perkins

FASHION | trend 8

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ChloĂŠ

STREET STYLE

A cool jacket is an essential item the whole year round and the new season sees the bomber jacket as the chosen one. You can carry it with you to fight the chill breezes outside or to avoid freezing up when the heat is on outdoors and the air-con is blowing full blast inside.

3 4 7 6

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1. Pink: Miss Selfridge; 2. Black and white floral print: New Look; 3. Black and blue: Marks & Spencer; 4. Black: Topshop; 5. Patchwork: River Island; 6. Military green: Zara. 7. Olive green: Bershka; 8. Brown: Next; 9. Quilted: H&M.

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March 2016

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Discover Dilmun

A Discover Dilmun event was hosted at the Alliance Francaise, in collaboration with the French Embassy. The evening featured a presentation

by French archaeologist, Pierre Lombard, and French cuisine prepared by chef Jean-Pierre Renaud, from Al Bander Hotel & Resort.

Patrice, Josephia & Christoph

HE Bernard RĂŠgnauld-Fabre & Pierre

Jean-Pierre

Opheli & Leila

Art Gallery hosted the solo exhibition Solo Exhibition Albareh titled Suakin by Mohammed Omar Khalil.

Mohammed & Mohammed Khalil

Nausheen & Asif

Hayfa, Sulaf & Jehan

Wedad & Sabiha

Sinan

Faika

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Salwa & Yusra

March 2016

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Parfume Opens Al Sharif Group launched its new store, Parfume, at Enma Mall.

Waleed Al Raees, Abdulla & Khalid Al Raees

Management at the ribbon-cutting

Saleem & Khalid

Rania & Suhair Al Raees

Tariq & Ali Al Raees

Manar & Farheen

Mubarak, Yousif & Abdulla

Shaker

Farooq, Eman, Yousif & Fadal

Mohammed & Jassim

Ameera & Shahad

18 March 2016

Hanoof & Fatema

Mohammed & Khalid

Abdul Hakim & Othman Sharif

Hezam & Mohammed

Waleed, Suhair, Jassim & Manar

www.womanthismonth.com

Pamper yourself this Mother’s Day Re-discover the Queen in you...

Happy Mother’s Day

Joz Salon and Spa: Trendsetter hairdressing & theraputic wellness to take care of all your beauty needs.

For Appointments, Please call Awali 1775 6449 | Juffair 1736 9133 | Amwaj 1603 1120 www.jozgroup.com | facebook - JozSalonsSpas

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Fitness First Opens Fitness First inaugurated a new centre at Juffair Mall.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Dinesh, Sunil, Vikas, Jayram & Russel

Making the cut

InterNations Fun

Denisa & Dina

Fahad, Ali & Hussain

Ricky & Khlaid

InterNations Manama held a social gathering at Brazil Rodizio Grill and Lounge in Adliya.

Inasif & Tahir

Clara, Sandiago & Sergio

Salina & Burak

Leo, Richard & Kasthuri

20 March 2016

Sergey & Kate

Surangi, Eleni & John

Mo & Burak

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

A Night at the Oscars

The AWA hosted “A Night at the Oscars” at the ART Rotana, Amwaj.

Dinah, Ruby, Anette & Gel

Shakeel & Cris

Diana & Liz

Charmaine & Beverley

www.womanthismonth.com

Jac, Fabi & Silvana

Petteri & Sarianna

Camilo & Gabriela

Ires, Valeria & Marise

Midori & Bill

Eman & Laila

March 2016

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FASHION | fashion forward

SS2016 FORECAST The warmer weather is on the way and the fashion world is all about what to wear during spring and summer. We’ve selected a few pieces and trends to help you turn up the heat!

ROOMY SILHOUETTE

This might be not the easiest trend to wear, but the paper bag waist is here to stay. The high waisted style in trousers and skirts, comes with a belt, usually made with the same fabric, and is best paired with a piece that is tighter on top. Tod’s is one of the brands that embraced the design, its trousers are ankle length to making them a perfect summer choice.

SHOW OFF YOUR BONES

A trend easily spotted in many spring and summer collections is the ‘show off that shoulder’ idea, spotted in this Chloé look. Tops and dresses with a low collar leaving the shoulders exposed or the currently named ‘X factor’, where you have the fabric crossing over your chest, are the styles to follow. The design highlights the collar bones for a subtle sexiness, setting the mood for the coming hot days and nights.

CROOKED STYLE

WALKING TALL

The platform sandal is the piece to look out for in the new season. The block sole is the perfect way to add height without losing comfort. Platform wedge sandals are a great choice for either work or evening wear.

Michael Kors has come up with a cord detail to make the look even more summery, a great choice to go from a daytime stroll to a casual evening.

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March 2016

The asymmetric hemline skirt has been out there for a few seasons and it will hold its place this spring and summer. The detail can also be spotted in dresses. The unusual cut adds some creativity to both everyday wear and evening gowns.

M Missoni painted its skirt with colourful hues and a geometric pattern. Wear it with a basic white T-shirt for a cool and casual look.

www.womanthismonth.com

HALF-MOON This handbag shape is one of the ‘it’ bags of the season. In extra large or small size, the graphic format gives character to any outfit. It comes in a cross-body style or even as a clutch. Victoria Beckham and Michael Kors are the ones swearing by it!

Victoria created an oversized version that is drawing everyone’s attention.

VINTAGE REVISITED

Looking for a classic handbag that stole the show at many fashion parades? Go for a chain bag! Fashion houses such as Chanel, Emilio Pucci, Elie Saab and Dsquared2 featured this style in their spring and summer collections. Jimmy Choo also embraced the concept and many of its creations come with a long and sophisticated chain.

Al Areen Palace & Spa Membership

The Spa Experiences

Introducing an exclusive membership at the award winning Al Areen Spa *Annual membership with an exciting range of benefits *Enjoy privileged rates on all treatments & discounts on hotel services

Tel: +973 17845000 Ext No. 605 www.womanthismonth.com

www.alareenpalace.com March 2016

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FASHION | snaps

Style Radar This month, it is all about the dress. Our favourite celebrities picked feminine gowns to attend the red carpet events around the globe.

Check them out!

NAOMIE HARRIS

The actress wore a blue, red and silver gown from the Lanvin Été 2016 pre-collection to attend The Lady Garden Gala hosted by Chopard at Claridge’s Hotel in London. The shift dress has a clean cut leaving all the attention on its embellishments. The brand followed the golden rule that says if you’re going maxi with add-ons, opt for a simple, yet elegant, design.

NICOLE KIDMAN

For the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, the nominee chose a Gucci number to showoff her slender figure.

She wore a pale pink, lavender and rose metallic gown fully embroidered with sequin paillettes and trompe l’oeil details.

The ruffles are an eyecatching element that takes this gown straight into the new season.

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www.womanthismonth.com

BRIE LARSON

Atelier Versace embraced one of the colours of the year, according to pantone, to paint its dress. The pale blue gown was chosen by Brie to attend the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles. The beautifully draped silk gown has a Swarovski knot embellishment and a jawdropping, revealing cut-out chest detail.

OLIVIA WILDE

A funky dress from Marc Jacobs collection was the actress’s choice for the Elle 6th annual Women in Television dinner in West Hollywood. The printed number features a lightweight fabric that smartly contrasts with the heavy leather biker jacket.

This cool look works for many different occasions, showing off personality and unique style.

www.womanthismonth.com

PRIYANKA CHOPRA

The Indian actress and singer picked a daring cocktail dress from Versace to attend the ABC Television Group’s 2016 Winter TCA Tour in Los Angeles. The black number is from the autumn and winter 2015 collection and has an eye-catching slit, sheer cutaway at the neckline and green detailing throughout.

Her chic hairstyle complements the look and it’s worthy of copying.

NOÉMIE LENOIR

The French actress and model wore a Paule Ka Pre-Autumn 2016/17 dress on the occasion of the Sidaction Gala Dinner in Paris. The brand is known for its solid bright hues and structured designs.

Orange is a strong trend making its début this season and will apparently remain a top trend in the next autumn and winter collections.

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showcase DEVJI

FIT FOR A PRINCESS

What is the best gift for a newborn bundle of joy, or a young one who is special to you?

This jeweller has been crafting precious pieces that say it all.

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ewellery is the most timeless gift for newborn babies and little ones, something that they will cherish and remember you by forever. But finding the right piece can be quite a challenge. Besides being aesthetically appealing, it is important that ornaments for tiny tots are child-friendly.

The make and finish of the piece; whether it be earrings, a chain or a pretty pendant, has to be smooth, without any sharp edges that can hurt delicate, baby-soft skin.The weight

of the jewellery has to be light enough to be comfortable to wear, while being visually appealing to kids. For the right kind of children’s trinkets, look no further than Devji located at City Centre Bahrain.

The store has the latest designs within the specialised kids’ collection, all of which are attractive, appealing and completely child friendly. A combination of bright and pastel enamels and cute cartoon figures makes this collection as special as the little princess they

will adorn. The collection comprises earring and pendant sets in various combinations and shapes. Crafted in pure 18 karat gold, these pieces are affordable as gifts. Pieces from this exclusive collection are apt to be gifted at baby showers, birthdays and as return gifts too. Visit Devji at G-25, City Centre Bahrain to check out this exclusive collection.

Call 17 179-881 or visit www.facebook.com/devjisince1950

Bahrain’s first official urban concept store, Tilly’s Concept, was inaugurated at Seef Mall.

Tilly’s Concept Launch

Hassan Jawad, Judith Jawad, Faisal Jawad, Sophia Jawad, Mai Al Moataz & Hana Tawfiqi

Ruby & May

Wafa

Raneen

26 March 2016

Haseen & Mudreka

Muna & Yasir

Mohammed, Ahmed & Adel

www.womanthismonth.com

Our most fragrance ever!

STORE LOCATIONS • City Centre Bahrain • Seef Mall • Muharaq Shopping Mall

Customer Service: 8000-1320

FASHION | get the look

FREEDOM WEAR 1

Kendall Jenner

BCBG Max Azria spring 2016

Skinny fever is again giving way to wide-leg trousers. The loose cut is a comfy choice and can be worn in different ways to please all tastes and styles. Be inspired by our ideas.

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1. Handbag: Dune London; 2. Watch: Emporio Armani; 3. Earrings: lolaandgrace at A La Mode;

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4. Trousers: CH Carolina Herrera; 5. Shirt: Next; 6. Sandals: Michael Kors.

SOPHISTICATED TWIST

Amal Clooney

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March 2016

ixing and matching patterns is a risky thing to do with your wardrobe, but totally worth it when the result is a creative and jaw-dropping look. Pairing floral with stripes is a classic combination that works well if you give enough attention to your colour palette. You can create an elegant outfit without having to compromise comfort. This is a great option for work or to enjoy a stylish summer evening. Long legs definitely wear this style best, however the cropped options available this season can be embraced even by petit girls. If this is you, make sure to check out the next option with vertical lines too. www.womanthismonth.com

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1. Handbag: Bershka; 2. Top: Miss Selfridge; 3. Sandals: Hobbs; 4. Hat: Debenhams;

1. Sunglasses: I AM;

5. Earrings: H&M;

2. Moon-bag: Victoria Beckham;

6. Trousers: New Look.

3. Trousers: River Island; 4. Slip-ons: M Missoni;

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5. Necklace: Parfois; 6. Top: Stradivarius.

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RELAXED MODE

ide-leg trousers find their perfect match in a great pair of high heels, however you can also team them with cool trainers or slip-ons for a more casual look. The cropped cut is best when going for this kind of footwear. You can opt for a longer style, but it won’t look as summery and stylish. This cut is also the best choicer for shorter ladies as the high waist and vertical stripes give the illusion of longer legs. This outfit is a great option for disguising a bit of a tum, just pick a tighter top such as the one in the picture, with some loose fabric around the tummy area. www.womanthismonth.com

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HIPPIE FLAIR

hese kind of pants are a contemporary interpretation of the bell bottoms, so popular in the ‘60s and the beginning of ‘70s. The winter collections found inspiration in this style and the new summer shows also feature it heavily. Embrace this modern twist for an updated look. Going for black and white helps make the style less hippie chic and more classy. To highlight the beatnik influence, choose accessories such as a wide-brim hat, an ethnic top and platform sandals. Striped black and white trousers are a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe, which can be paired with an array of patterns to take you from very casual to a refined look.

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showcase A LA MODE

SPARKLING EXPLOSIONS

From winter days to the warm summer nights this collection adds radiant light to every season.

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rystal clear water and sparkling stones – these two elements are fundamental to the latest ESPRIT collection. Glamorous drops and explosions of glittering stones will brighten up your days adding the scintillation and fascination of classic style.

The Glamour line presents precious pieces with a touch of sophistication featuring refined workmanship.

Exclusive stone settings are the indispensable design language of this segment.

OPEN NECKLACE This resplendent pendant in an open drop shape stages the seasonal highlight of the line, Glamorous Drops, to full advantage. A series of little zirconia stones graces the sweeping rose gold line and the loop of the pendant is likewise studded with glittering stones.

NECKLACE AND RING Women who adore glamorous styles will love this stunning family, comprising ideally interacting gems in a necklace and earrings in sumptuous drop shapes and an opulent ring, all studded with dazzling zirconia.

Elegantly sweeping lines, soft shapes and warm rose gold make for subtly restrained pieces which hug the skin.

RINGS Re-interpreting classic shapes is an art in itself. An art, masterfully commanded by those extravagant rings. Smooth rose gold surfaces are combined with zirconia pavé in different stone sizes and shapes. The design steps out of line by adding a yellow gold ring among the rose gold and rhodium splendor and, in an added twist, one of the rings is adorned with sparkling pavé.

Perfect for style-conscious women with a sense for extravagance.

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March 2016

NECKLACE AND RING Covering the entire surface with different sized zirconia stones in a sophisticated, expressive pavé configuration, the necklace with round pendant and the broad ring, both in rose gold plating, are at the same time both wonderfully timeless and glamorous.

BRACELET Consummate beauty needs no frills – as best demonstrated by this noble bracelet of stylish simplicity. Several perfect rings in rose gold plating engage to form a circle to loosely embrace the wrist of the wearer.

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase AL RASHID GROUP

CELEBRATING SPRING TO THE MAX It’s spring time and this brand’s new collection is right on track for the season’s must-haves, reaffirming its tagline “fashion for real people”.

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ax, the popular fashion store for all, is celebrating its Spring 2016 collection, which was carefully designed to reflect a sense of individuality. The line showcases a combination of trends, blending understated elegance with a touch of modernised style.

A minimalist 70s’ approach pervades this season, brushed with originality for a neonostalgic look that is dreamy and pensive.

The women’s collection has a strong nautical message this season, featuring classic maritime with revamped classics, evolved spots and stripes combined with simplified styling. Nautical colours with bright highlights in quirky, conversational prints and oversized polka dots show a more modern take on this evergreen trend. Key shapes such as culottes, tubular maxis, rollup chinos and resort polo T-shirts play a big role in updating this classic look.

Black and white tailoring with proportion play and typography stay on trend from the past for spring 2016. Stencil florals, linear markings and simple horizontal stripes update the classic monochrome trend with key shapes like long-line cardigans, slimleg pants, wrap-front jumpsuits, boxy shift dresses, kimonos and kick-flare trousers.

For the men’s collection, preppy resort wear is the new nautical for spring 2016. This classic trend is updated by focusing on resort

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styling with sailor stripes and colour pops.

Simple typography, yacht referencing anchor motifs as well seaside conversational prints bring that fun, modern edge. Core classic shapes, such as the single button blazer, tipped polo shirt, cricket sweater, the fivepocket chino and tailored shorts are given a fresh renewed look.

Monochrome sportswear continues to have the biggest influence on the season with proportion play, oversized fits, longer hemlines and Bauhaus typography.

Simplified graphics with easy slogans continue in neutral shades, found in shapes such as slim-fit joggers, active inspired T-shirts, longer length shirts, cut and sew polos and slouchy crew neck tops, to name but a few.

Max Fashion loyalists can support the new campaign by using the hashtag #BeReal across social media platforms.

Max Fashion is part of Landmark Group, one of the largest retail and hospitality conglomerates in the Middle East and India.

It currently operates in 16 countries across MENA and India.

Visit www.maxstores.com, like Max Fashion Facebook page (www.facebook. com/MaxFashionMENA) or follow Twitter and Instagram @maxfashionMENA.

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase AL RASHID GROUP

STYLE YOUR SEASON

Channel your inner trendsetter as one of the region’s largest fashion retailers brings you its latest collections for the season.

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he time for freshness, fashion and fun is here, as Centrepoint’s latest spring summer collection gives you the trendiest looks to style in your own personal way. The brand’s fashion options let you transform everyday basics into statement styles with a collection of strong ontrend choices for the entire family.

MOTHERLY LOVE This spring, Mothercare collection for tots and teens will have both kids and mums excited to shop. Little girls can play with a fresh colour palette of earthy green, soft yellow and feminine peach. Floral patterns remain a spring staple along with flora and fauna imagery.

Key shapes include front-knot shirts, relaxed pull-on pants, denim dungarees, two-tier, prom and skater-style dresses and angel sleeves.

Dress your little lads in bold, bright shades of vermillion orange, bright and navy blue and softer greens and greys. Main collection pieces include slim-collared shirts and tees and Henley neck T-shirts. The casual spring look is accentuated by chinos and jogging pants. Denim continues to make a dominant statement and multi-stripe panelling and prints feature in staple pieces.

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SPLASH OUT Splash’s seasonal selection includes trendy silhouettes in shades of pink, coral and blue with monochrome adding depth and subtlety to the range.

Womenswear styles are showcased in a range of summer dresses, skirts, tops and comfortable pants that will keep fashionistas on-trend through the day. The collection also unveils bright hues and rustic tones ranging from orange and red, infused with cooler blues. Black, blue and white stripes add a contemporary touch to the nautical styles.

For the stylish and sporty man, Splash has a range of T-shirts, parka shirts, long sleeveless sweats, grid checks, knee-slit denims and ripped shorts in subtle colours of ivory, grey, blue and beige. Still big this season is the 70s’ style, with a reinterpretation of wardrobe staples such as classic blue jeans, textured blazers, summer jackets and floral printed polos.

SOLE-LY SHOES Shoe Mart’s latest footwear and accessories collection has a range of boho chic and mod styles. Ladies can choose from a variety of

styles, such as denim, floral prints and a line-up of neon shoes. The men’s selection has comfortable summer sandals, leather moccasins, and laced formal footwear. The children’s range has fun and comfortable styles in trendy summer colours.

LIVEN IT UP Lifestyle brings you an assortment of fresh and fashionable accessories to make your spring outfits pop this season. Trendy bags and jewelled pieces will elevate your style-quotient.

For fun and fabulous make up styles, try bright summer hues like oranges, pink, gold and cool blues from popular cosmetic brands like NYX, Misslyn and Make up Factory. Lifestyle also has a selection of tasteful and elegant home décor products such as charming tea sets; scented candles and home fragrance assortments; lamps and chandeliers; as well as cushions and bathroom accessories. All of this and more is available at great prices, to spruce up your home or gift to friends and family.

Visit Centrepoint at City Centre Bahrain (38 819-328), Oasis Riffa (38 813-595) and Oasis Muhararq (38 807-413).

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase DEVJI

SHOW HER YOUR LOVE

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Her love has nourished you, comforted you and infused life into you. Now it is your turn to make your mother feel loved and cared for with an elegant piece from this reputed jeweller.

other’s Day is fast approaching and it is the time to show your mother, grandmother, sister or a dear friend how much you appreciate their unconditional love and care.

Jewellery has always been the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. It serves as a wonderful, lifelong memento, and will always bring a smile to the face of the one you love so dearly. Devji at G-25, City Centre Bahrain has a vast range of collections to pick from for this symbolic day.

You will be spoilt for choice with Devji’s dazzling selection of designer jewellery. Ranging from stunning mother of pearl adorned with diamonds in rose gold to contemporary and classic designer diamond jewelry, Devji at City Centre Bahrain showcases an exciting new range just for this special occasion.

Mother of pearl is a naturally occurring material that is obtained from the nacre of

the oyster. The iridescent, lustrous material offers a perfect backdrop to the brilliant diamonds that embellish the pieces, making them a matchless addition to your armoury of ornaments.

The mother of pearl collection is created with a three dimensional perspective; the elements used in the ornaments come alive with this technique, making the pieces beautiful and elegant, while being distinctly different. The designs showcased for Mother’s Day are a testimony to Devji’s brand promise of providing purity, quality, craftsmanship and value. At Devji, utmost care is taken at every stage to ensure the final piece is a treasure to behold for years to come.

Call 17 179-881.

BSPCA Dog Walk The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held its annual ‘Strut your Mutt’ dog walk.

Steve, Elyse & Denise

Danielle & Ben

Lenka

Fatima & Nebras

Anastasia

www.womanthismonth.com

Greg

Carmen, Alex & Reginald

Surya, Sajna & Shanoop

Pauline & Louise

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PEOPLE | interview

Blazing Her Own Trail

Bahrain has Dr Lana Peters to credit for introducing the science of osteopathy to its people.

Behnaz Sanjana caught up with this pioneer to learn more about how she started off and where she’s heading to.

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hen Dr Lana Peters stepped onto the shores of Bahrain as a fresh graduate in 1986, she had great hopes for the future of osteopathy on the island. She was confident Bahrain would take to the branch of medicine that she felt so passionately about. After all, she knew the country well; it had been her home since she was 11 years old, till she took off for the UK to study further.

“Osteopathy, at the time, was generally unheard of and definitely not licensed in Bahrain,” says Dr Peters. “One of the orthopaedic surgeons of the BDF Hospital, who knew all about osteopathy, asked me to work at the Isa Town Sports Centre.” After five years of consulting in osteopathy in Bahrain, life’s course took her to Australia by which time she was a mother of two little boys.

She had a successful stint in Australia, where she ran two practices simultaneously. But the year 2006 was a turning point. “I lost my husband very suddenly. I had my family there and my practice was booming, but nothing had the same meaning. I felt the need to move out of my comfort zone,” she reminisces.

To find her purpose, she decided to reconnect with the Gulf island she’d built many memories on. “I had met my husband in Bahrain, my children were born here and my own formative years were spent here. So I returned with a mission. It was very important for me to

Ongoing study at the clinic

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It was very important for me to formally introduce osteopathy to Bahrain’s population, and I just knew I would be the one to achieve it www.womanthismonth.com

Osteopathy looks at the whole picture; all parts make one. You cannot look at the foot without looking at the knee, hip and the back – it is all related

Dr Peters at work formally introduce osteopathy to Bahrain’s population, and I just knew I would be the one to achieve it. I was familiar with the ways of Bahrain and had tremendous faith in its people and culture. It was my unfinished business,” she says.

In spite of all the support and guidance she had along the way, obtaining a licence to practice osteopathy was an uphill task. “The National Health Regulatory Authority did not exist at the time and it took me time to convince the concerned ministry about the importance of providing my practice to the population. Licensing was important to protect my profession, as well as patients, by bringing in more responsibility and accountability. And besides, why should Bahrainis go to Dubai for osteopathic treatments when they could be available right here?” www.womanthismonth.com

In the six years it took to get osteopathy recognised as a respected branch of mainstream medicine, more and more individuals went to her with their niggles, coming away happy and healed. Seeing the tremendous potential that osteopathy had in the Kingdom made her resolve to license it even stronger.

Speaking of her practice, Dr Peters says, “Osteopathy is not fringe medicine; it is allied healthcare. In countries like Australia, osteopaths work alongside doctors of mainstream medicine and are very much part of the healthcare system covered by the government.

“Osteopathy has been around since the 1800s, and its principle is that the structure governs the function. If the structure of an entity is compromised by anything, it is going

to affect its function. So, osteopathy is a manual medicine which involves adjustment of the spine and the joints, while looking at the whole picture. The spine is all-important; the nervous system exits from the spine and every nerve impacts the organ and muscle it is associated with.”

Dr Peters established Back on the Move Osteopathy in Bahrain, the centre that runs her busy practice. Her goal to introduce Middle Easterners to this therapy has been fulfilled.

“Patients know of me by word of mouth. Eighty per cent of my patients are Bahraini and I get people from Saudi, Doha and Kuwait as well,” she says.

The centre treats people with a host of conditions: from headaches, back and joint pains to asthmatic problems. “Osteopathy looks at the whole picture; all parts make one.

You cannot look at the foot without looking at the knee, hip and the back – it is all related. My hands and visual observations are diagnostic tools in relation to working with soft tissue and muscles to identify problems affecting the spine and the rest of the body, and then I make adjustments wherever necessary,” she says.

In keeping with the various requirements of patients, Dr Peters plans to bring on board more osteopaths, massage therapists, nutritionists, acupuncturists and podiatrists to make Back on the Move a one-stop shop for health improvement. “I aim to integrate other modalities to offer a holistic approach to health, in keeping with the fundamentals of osteopathy. Bahrain is a progressive society and has embraced it beautifully. I am prepared to offer it more; it is such a pleasure to be here,” she says with ambition.

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PEOPLE | interview

The Dynamic Duo

Zahra Al Shaikh and Manal Al Zayani have recently kicked off their new enterprise, Verve Superfoods BH. WTM caught up with the duo and learnt that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

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ahra Al Shaikh and Manal Al Zayani met way back in 2002, and have since become best friends for life. They found that they have many things in common, and topping the list was a passion for a healthy lifestyle, workouts, and spirituality. After years of brainstorming for a suitable idea for a joint venture, their shared interests and solid friendship translated into the birth of Verve Superfoods BH. Zahra is mother to two girls and a boy. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from India and an Islamic banking diploma from Bahrain. “I have worked in the banking sector for more than 10 years and quit my job in 2011, after finding out about my third pregnancy,” she tells us.

A few blissful years into the throes of domestic life, and Zahra felt the need to do more. “I was very happy with my decision to stay home and be a full-time housewife, but I realised after a couple of years that staying home and not being productive was not my cup of tea. So I began exploring my options and attempted a few business projects on my own, but did not pursue any of them,” she reveals.

“On Manal’s recommendation, I decided to join the Institute of Integrative Nutrition of New York to become a holistic health coach. I will be graduating in March 2016,” she says.

On the other hand, Manal, a mother of two boys, has always been sports-oriented.

“I have been into fitness since school days; playing basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis - you name it, I’ve played it! I even won

Verve creations

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The partners show their wares a gymnastic championship at intermediate school! But I never thought of considering fitness as a career.” Manal worked in the banking sector for 14 “long” years, and finally decided that it wasn’t her calling. “I took a big step and went on to study personal training and fitness coaching in the UK. I graduated from the European Institute of Fitness in Lilleshall, UK, as a master personal trainer and weight management coach in November 2013, and started fitness coaching since then.

Immediately after I got back, my next step was to study nutrition. I graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in February 2015 as a holistic health coach.”

Armed with their respective qualifications, this duo is upbeat about the venture they’ve started together. Zahra says: “Based on our studies, we have chosen a business that we are both passionate about, and we started Verve Superfoods BH, specialising in making healthy, natural, sugar-free granolas and snacks using organic and superfood ingredients without any artificial flavouring. We

wanted to introduce superfoods and their health benefits to the region and that is what we are working on.”

In keeping with healthy eating trends, the ladies have received a fantastic response to their business enterprise. “People have begun to understand the importance of eating clean and the benefits of organic food. We have participated in the Amwaj Colour Marathon StrEat market and recently the Sports Festival at the Bahrain Stadium. Both events were a huge success; we got the opportunity to interact with athletes and non athletes, and everybody really liked and appreciated our products and are now our customers. As health coaches, we enjoyed having healthrelated conversations with many. A lot of people were excited about our products and happy that these are finally available in Bahrain,” says Zahra.

This two-member team has big dreams for the future. “One day we want to see our products in the supermarkets and in other GCC countries. We want to hold health-related workshops where we can help other people reach their goals. We also plan to launch a book on healthy cooking. Our goal is for people to have easy access to super-healthy food, rather than junk food,” she adds. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

WEDDING SPECTACULAR

Crowne Plaza Bahrain will be running an exclusive two-day boutique event for brides- and groomsto-be with a single visit guaranteed to save you months of planning and stress and leave you with endless ideas and inspiration for your big day.

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e will bring you a unique selection of wedding specialists and suppliers you need for your special day, all under one roof. From established local wedding designers, to ordering your cake, booking your photographer, choosing your stationery and lots more, The Crowne Wedding Show 2016 is the only show for brides- and grooms-to-be,” a spokesman says.

The Crowne Wedding show 2016, will be filled with exciting events, discounts and daily draws. Exclusive shows include Malikan, showcasing her new fashion collections, and hair and make-up by La Belle Femme Salon. There will be a special performance by the pianist Salah Isa, experience Arabic coffee services from Friends Women service and see the wedding stages created by Red Carpet, Yes I do and Dan events, so you can choose the dream stage for your

www.womanthismonth.com

special day.

As a special promotion to launch the Crowne Wedding Show 2016, those who book their wedding between February 1 and March 31, 2016, have a chance to enter a draw to be held in April*.

The grand prize (value approx. BD2,000) includes: • Wedding dress from Malikan – Bridal Atelier • Full bridal package from La Belle Femme • Flower bouquet from Daskadlides • Jalabiya from White Jewel • Groom’s attire from Al Kabak • Full groom package from Panche Salon & Spa • Stretch limo for the bride from Europcar • His and hers perfume from Wahat Al Oud • DJ Um Fahad services • Scope photography package And lots more goodies including a wedding cake, bridal suite, dinner vouchers and a gift voucher from Nayomi.

The show takes place on March 10, 10am9pm, and March 11, 3pm-9pm.

Register on Facebook or send mail to receive your personalised invitation to eyad.sharaf@ ihg.com or sameera.albalooshi@ihg.com * Terms and conditions apply.

March 2016

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I AM TRAINING FOR

Kick start your fitness journey and train for a reason!

Call for more details Bahrain World Trade Centre +973 17131499 East Riffa, Oasis Centre +973 17620005 Now Open in Juffair Mall +973 17467044

SCAN ME

Official Outfitter

#IAMTRAININGFOR www.fitnessfirstme.com

62 clubs in 49 locations across the Middle East UAE · SAUDI ARABIA · JORDAN · BAHRAIN · QATAR · KUWAIT

FEATURE | health & fitness

Exercise Without Agony Fifty is officially the new 40 (or possibly even 30, depending on who you believe) but that’s only the case if you manage to stay fit and active.

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n the last part of our three-month wellness campaign, we take a look at ways to get fit without feeling the burn. For those of us whose body is more disco than temple, a slow introduction is very definitely in order. These five options will have you building your fitness in no time without the agony of a strenuous gym visit.

WALK YOURSELF FIT You don’t need any special equipment, just some comfortable clothing, a pair of trainers and perhaps some earphones so you can stride out in time to your favourite tunes. As with all exercises, make sure you warm up and cool down with gentle stretches and take water with you to stay hydrated. Start at around 20 minutes and work up from there, as your fitness increases include bursts of fast power walking to build stamina.

YOGA This ancient practice is one of the best and most gentle ways to get fit and it’s something you can take at your own pace. The only equipment you’ll need is a mat for the floorbased moves. There are classes all across the island from Bayoga in Juffair to Namaste on the Budaiya Highway. For something different why not try Anti-Gravity Yoga at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay. PILATES Known as the art of controlled movements, pilates involves a series of exercises, almost like slow gymnastics, which helps build strength and flexibility. You can take it at your own pace building up as you go along until your session feels like a real workout. Well-run classes will have an extensive warm-up and cool-down section so you shouldn’t ache the next day. You can find classes at Equilibrium in Saar and Dessange in Adliya.

SWIMMING One of the best exercises for those who are www.womanthismonth.com

starting out on their fitness journey. The water’s resistance means you will experience no stiffness after training and, once again, this is a discipline where you can build up as you go along. There are plenty of different strokes to work the various muscle groups and with most apartment buildings and compounds having pools, there really is no excuse not to dive in.

ONLINE WORKOUTS If you want to get fit but really can’t find the time to establish a regular exercise routine, checkout the Fitness for the Over 50s series on YouTube which has a range of videos that are easy to follow and varied in both length and intensity.

Whatever you choose, enjoy!

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FEATURE | health & fitness

Fifty (plus) and Fabulous When a woman has walked this Earth for over half a century, she is a fountainhead of wisdom, experience and faith, but sometimes needs little reminders on how to stay stupendous. Behnaz Sanjana sets out to do just that.

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his month, we celebrate women who have been there, done that. We not only give you some practical pointers on how to take care of yourself better, but also speak to two women who will inspire you to take life by the horns and hug it tight.

NURTURE WITH NUTRITION Clinical dietician at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Danah Quintana, says: “The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and other nutrients. Older adults need fewer calories than others. Making smart food choices can help you stay healthy, manage your weight and be physically active.” The key, Danah says, is to focus on variety and make your calories count. A multivitamin tailored for your age group will fill any gaps in your nutrition, she adds.

Enjoy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and stay low on saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, to help reduce the risk of

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The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and other nutrients heart disease. A sedentary lifestyle needs 1,600 calories per day. Moderately active and very active women need 1,800 and 2,000 calories respectively per day.

This is also the age where perimenopause or menopause strike, and food can help alleviate its effects. Small changes in your diet can help

prevent menopausal weight gain. “Menopausal women should watch their sodium intake and remember that caffeine and spicy foods can trigger hot flashes,” advises Danah.

Healthy, whole foods like fruits, berries, dark leafy greens, salmon, whole grains, yogurt and water help your body to deal better with menopause.

LOOKING GREAT Dermatologist Dr Bhartendu Mehta, of the American Mission Hospital, has come up with some simple, effective ways to slow down skin aging. “Protection from the sun forms the foundation of every anti-aging skin-care plan,” he says. “There is evidence that the sun causes photo-aging — premature ageing of skin.”

He maintains that sunscreen and moisturiser form your most effective anti-aging arsenal.

“Using these every day can make a noticeable difference. Select a broad-spectrum, waterresistant sunscreen, SPF 30 or more. Be sure to www.womanthismonth.com

cover up when out in the sun. Eye serums and other anti-ageing products can help diminish signs of ageing.”

Dr Mehta recommends you skip the indoor tanning and smoking; they do no good for youthfulness. But eating healthily, sleeping enough and washing away facial grime with a mild cleanser (not soap) twice a day go a long way.

Women in this age bracket sometimes notice a waning crown of hair. Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is usually the most common cause of hair loss in older women. “FPHL begins in midlife, and is a progressive condition. Women do not lose all of their hair, as do men. Instead, your parting often gets wider and hair near your temples may recede,” says Dr Mehta.

Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss. See a dermatologist to make sure that you have FPHL — and to rule out any other condition that may be causing your hair loss.

MEET OUR LOVELY LADIES They’re fun, fearless and well into their 50s.

Debbie Al Asfoor and Shubha Damani tell us how to meet aging with panache.

DEBBIE Debbie has just returned from a holiday skiing in the Alps, and feels lucky to be able to enjoy such an activity when she’s just shy of 60. “When I think of my chronological age I panic slightly, but I actually have more energy and zest for life than I did in my 20s,” she tells us.

She believes that ageing is a mindset and the older one gets, the more one has to do to stay fit and healthy. “You may not feel bouncy every day, but engage in learning something new, focus on something larger than yourself.

Connect with people close to you, take up a new hobby, read more, swim, move or meditate.

Your wellbeing is more than just a state of mind. Learn to love yourself and be grateful for all that is good in your life however desperate it might seem at times,” she says.

Debbie is a staunch exponent of stretching, which she deems the most underrated component of fitness and feeling good. “It’s something I have done all my life. Keeping the body flexible prevents unnecessary injuries, improves muscle endurance, making everyday duties easier, helps balance and elongates your muscles to improve posture, which is the bestkept fitness secret. If you can no longer touch your toes, don't give up; you can soon get back in the game!” she says. www.womanthismonth.com

“I suffer from the debilitating rheumatoid arthritis and underwent various surgeries some years ago. I pushed my body to the limits with unsuitable fitness activities which caused further deterioration. Luckily, I came out of it. I now treat my body with the utmost care and never embark on activities that will cause long-term negative effects,” she says of her learning experience.

To conclude, Debbie emphasises the importance of having good friends to keep you afloat during rough times. “Embrace and enjoy what is around you and the years that pass you by. Every birthday is a blessing. Never fret about getting older, you're as young as you feel, as the saying goes.”

SHUBHA A few years ago, Shubha suffered severe joint pains and feared she was ‘getting old’. The orthopaedists gave her some dos and don’ts which she wasn’t thrilled about. “I didn’t want to limit myself so early on in life. I turned to gentle yoga and joint strengthening supplements to help myself. I had been practising yoga for a long time, but this push I gave myself rid me of my pain. You can start yoga at any point in your life; it can be as easy or intense as you want it to be. Along with medical orders, it’s also important to listen to your body,” she says.

Shubha relates this incident to highlight that knowledge is power. By being well informed, women can have self-confidence, thereby empowering themselves to make the right choices. She believes in the instinctive intellect of women, which matures only with age.

On the subject of looking and feeling one’s best, Shubha believes being completely involved in the welfare of the family, and especially the children, without sparing a thought for herself, is a woman’s biggest shortcoming. “Women

make themselves second best; we all make that mistake. We often let ourselves go by not taking good care of ourselves. We’re already unselfish by caring well for our husbands and children, so we mustn’t feel guilty for focusing on ourselves either. Once a woman falls into the abyss of low self-esteem, it’s difficult to get out of that groove.”

Pursuing a career or a hobby is her panacea to the rut of not being good enough that some women fall into. Shubha’s favourites are experimental cooking, dancing and gardening.

“It’s never too late! Being active keeps your spirits up and keeps your body from creaking.

Nothing like it to make you feel young and lively,” she says.

Pursuing a goal gives you a sense of direction, she believes. “My husband and I scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008. To prepare for the climb, we needed to boost our fitness levels, strengthen our hearts, muscles and core. I can’t tell you how many ‘jebels’ we climbed in Bahrain over the weekends to practise mountain climbing. We were busy focusing on fitness to successfully climb Kili, and it felt great.”

Asked if stepping outside your comfort zone makes you feel mentally younger, she agrees.

“Push your limits. Be excited by new ideas. It doesn’t have to be mountain climbing; even in fashion, cooking, planning your interiors or whatever you are doing, push boundaries.

That’s what gives you that ‘oomph’; that zest for life.” She accepts that you can’t get everything in life right, but the sheer desire to succeed will get you there.

Whether you’re already in your 50s, pushing your half century or have years still to go, take a leaf out of our ladies’ books to live life to the fullest, with no regrets and what ifs.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Nor Hayati Abdul Ghani, wife of HE Dato Ahmad bin Abdul Samad, Malaysian Ambassador, hosted a Get-Together & Brunch Datin get-together and brunch at Rumah Malaysia, the ambassador’s residence, in Jasra.

Ratna, Omruthai & Fummi

Junghee, Mandy, Ratna, Nor Hayati, Charmaine, Georgett & Tosin

Naja & Fatema

Nor Hayati & HE Dato Ahmad Shahizan

Mother & Child Expo

Jin, Tania, Mamta & Haleem

The 2nd Bahrain Schools Expo and the Mother and Child Expo 2016 were inaugurated under the patronage of Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Shaikha Hind cuts the opening ribbon Jack, Joe, Erica, Lucy & Paul

Melissa, Lyn & Shahrazad

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Soraya, Antoine & Vanessa

Mariam & Alessandra

Dunya & Elaine

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showcase OPTICA

CARING FOR YOUR PEEPERS Our eyes are the windows to the world, and we depend on them to savour life’s experiences and witness the wonders of this Earth. They deserve some tender, loving care from time to time.

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pril being Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Bahrain’s leading eyewear boutique, Optica, encourages women to pay attention to the health of their eyes.

Come April, all lady clients will receive complimentary vision screening at Optica outlets across the Kingdom.

Women tend to undergo vision changes during different stages of their lives.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can lead to dry eye syndrome and fertility treatments may cause light sensitivity due to migraines, dry and puffy eyes and changes in eyesight.

Optica urges all women (and men, as well!) to make an annual eye exam a health priority.

Women are more prone to eye disease than men, and it is important for them to know how to protect their sight, even if they haven’t noticed any symptoms. Two-thirds of blindness and other visual impairments worldwide occur in women. Those above the age of 40 must make sure to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam once a year.

Glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are more likely to be an issue for women. The primary

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reason for this is that women generally live longer than men, and have hormonal fluctuations during their lives that negatively affect their eyes. Birth control or hormone replacement treatment (HRT), pregnancy, menopause, fertility drugs, breast cancer and autoimmune diseases are factors that can impact the eyes negatively.

Although many of the factors are unavoidable or beyond one’s control, there are ways to lessen or even prevent future vision problems.

Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. It is important to have an eye-healthy diet. Studies have shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein,

zinc and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Regularly eating foods like green, leafy vegetables, oily fish like salmon and tuna, eggs, nuts, beans and other non-meat protein sources as well as citrus fruits or juices can help maintain good eye health.

Eating a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which makes you less likely to get obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in all adults; women and men.

It is wise not to put off your annual eye exam for later. Regular dilated eye exams help monitor your vision status. Pregnant women should definitely see their optometrist regularly to discuss any vision changes and to get the correct prescription change, if needed.

Smoking vastly increases your chances of eye disease. Quit smoking today to ensure a healthy body and eyesight.

Your health is your own. Taking the necessary steps today will provide your eyes with a bright and clear future. Optica wishes all women a clear and healthy vision!

Call 17 000-250. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

CALLING THE STORK

Newly appointed obstetrics, gynaecology and IVF consultant Dr Mohamad Al Halabi explains his approach to infertility.

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Dr Mohamad Al Halabi

orn and raised in Syria, Dr Halabi was trained in Syria and France and worked throughout the region before joining Bahrain Specialist Hospital. A specialist in all IVF-related procedures (ovum pick up and embryo transfer) and surgical sperm retrieval, he explains how some things we consider unimportant can have an affect on fertility.

“Certain lifestyle choices, be it our career, diet, exercise, health or smoking, can affect fertility in both men and women. Although they are a smaller percentage, compared to women who can easily conceive, the 10-15 per cent of women who cannot get pregnant are suffering and need care, support and, above all, time,” says Dr Halabi.

“An IVF consultant does not just deal with the physical aspect of infertility, we also deal with the social and emotional aspect.

An IVF consultant needs time with the patient to analyse their history and lifestyle.

The patient needs a specialised doctor to listen to their concerns and worries and take certain things into consideration and deal with every step with delicacy, ultimately to help the patient have their own offspring.

“By the time a couple come to see an IVF specialist, there is a history of unsuccessful attempts at conceiving and maybe even unsuccessful pregnancies, this results in a lot of frustration, sadness and usually some resentment and blame towards the other partner. We also need to take into consideration the effects of pressure from family and friends. Once we have addressed every relevant issue, then we can help the couple to accept the challenges that lay ahead.”

Call Juffair 17 812-000, West Riffa 13 381-339, Gynaecology Clinic 17 812-188. www.bsh.com.bh

Strathclyde Graduation Strathclyde Business School held its students’ annual graduation ceremony at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.

Helyn & Mariam

Ravindra, Ronald, Alan, Helyn & Tun

Janak, Mufazel, Menos & Daniel

Mohammed & Muhammed

Abdul Rahman & Mohammed

www.womanthismonth.com

Milu, Elvin & Lovella

Mohamed, Mohammed & Hussain

Fatima & Fakhra

Nayla, Ibrahim & Ibrahim

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showcase ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

MATTERS OF THE HEART

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Prevention is better than cure. Routine check-ups can significantly help prevent heart disease and are the key to living a long and healthy life.

ith busy day-to-day lives, most people tend to put regular health checks on a back burner. Royal Bahrain Hospital’s consultant cardiologist Dr Levent Ozdemir explains when and who should get cardiac check-ups.

“Once anyone crosses 20 years of age, tests like cholesterol, sugar and blood pressure should be measured routinely even if no symptoms have been felt,” he says.

“If you are leading a healthy lifestyle, then a check-up is needed once every three to five years, until the age of 40. However, over 40 years, it can be done every one to three years, according to the risks. If you are over the age of 40 and are planning on starting a new exercise programme, it is best to check your cardiac condition and have your cardiologist recommend exercises that would be good for your heart.”

It might be time to see the cardiologist if you suffer from any of these symptoms: pain

or discomfort in the chest that may spread into the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw; shortness of breath; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting; unexplained weakness or fatigue; hoarseness of Dr Levent Ozdemir voice; difficulty swallowing; palpitations; anxiety; and low blood pressure.

Moreover, there are factors that add up to increase your risk of heart disease, such as family history, meaning if anyone in your family has suffered from heart problems, then it puts you at a greater risk of cardiac illness.

High cholesterol and high blood pressure also increase the possibilities of heart ailments.

Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes,

obesity and gum disease.

Apart from family history and age, all the above factors can be controlled and modified through lifestyle changes and medication.

Consult with Dr Ozdemir for more details and information on the prevention of cardiac disease.

Call 17 246-800 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com

Around Town

The Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority in collaboration with Feld Entertainment announced the tour of Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival in Bahrain.

The second edition of ArtBahrain, to be held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of the King of Bahrain, was announced at a press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Almoayyed Motors launched Ford Trucks at its showroom in Ma’ameer.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay held a blood donation drive in coordination with Salmaniya Medical Center.

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www.womanthismonth.com

showcase BAHRAIN EXHIBITION & CONVENTION AUTHORITY

HEALTH IN FOCUS

All things healthy will go on show at the latest edition of one of Bahrain’s biggest wellbeing events in the coming months.

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he 6th Annual Health & Wellness Expo, organised by Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, returns to the island this year. The exhibition, which aims to raise awareness about healthy living, will be held from April 19 to 21 at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The event aspires to promote wellbeing and holistic lifestyle practices that will make a positive transformation in people’s day-to-day lives. The objective is to increase awareness for the residents of the GCC on how to live a good and a healthy lifestyle, with various problems such as obesity and other common lifestyle-related issues being addressed.

At the same time, industry professionals will have the option for business-to-business get-togethers which will serve as a platform to achieve maximum exposure for their brands, enabling them to gain better networking opportunities and increase revenue.

The event will showcase a variety of live demos for the public as well as helping to promote local and regional businesses including fitness clubs and spas.

Last year’s international and regional exhibitors included representatives from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, USA, Jordan, India,

Thailand, Turkey, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hong Kong, with a huge range of buyers, retailers, importers, exporters, distributors and medical professionals from all sectors.

Bahrain is a multi-national kingdom with

many organisations offering a wide selection of health services and products to the public.

Most of these institutes are of high quality, providing authentic advice and remedies wherever and whenever required. By bringing together an international group of health and wellness industry professionals, this key event will encourage exhibitors from different parts of the world to consider investing in Bahrain and using its strategic location to enhance their image.

This year Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is also offering an opening for local companies to sponsor the event and gain more market coverage locally and regionally.

Media sponsors include Bahrain This Month and Woman This Month. Last year’s event received positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors equally and the expo is growing in strength year after year.

The event has the support of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, Ministry of Health and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Admission is free to the three-day show, opening daily from 10am to 7pm.

Visit www.healthexpo.bh for more information.

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BEAUTY | news

TOO FACED BORN THIS WAY. This oil-free foundation promises an undetectable make-up that covers all imperfections for naturally radiant skin.

The product is infused with a combination of coconut water, to replenish moisture levels, and alpine rose, that brightens the skin’s appearance. Available at Sephora.

MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD CONCEALER AND ULTRA HD STICK FOUNDATION. The Ultra HD product range prolongs the art of second skin correction, leaving you with a natural and luminous finish. The innovative 4K complex-enriched formula improves skin texture and brightens the eye contour.

Available at all leading retailers.

SHISEIDO WHITE LUCENT BRIGHTENING SERUM FOR NECK AND DÉCOLLETAGE. This serum helps prevent and reduce the appearance of aging and sunspots in this specific area.

It also removes dead surface cells for better luminosity and is formulated with Asian plant extracts to help refine the skin’s texture. Available at all leading retailers.

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BATH & BODY WORKS DARK KISS. This fragrance is an exotic blend of blackberry, plum and smoky dark vanilla. The scent can be found as a shower gel, moisturiser, fragrance mist and in the new version, eau de parfum. It’s perfect to accompany you both day and night. Available at Bath & Body Works.

Beauty

Essentials

Enjoy our selection of new and must-check make-up, cosmetics and fragrances to identify the missing item in your beauty cabinet.

SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURE NAIL POLISH. The nail care brand has six new shades, Au Nature-al; You Glow, Girl; Hat’s Off to Hue; Aflorable; New Flame and New Suede Shoes. The polishes feature a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, colour, top coat, chip resistance and a glossy gel-shine finish. Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

TRUSSARDI MY SCENT. The perfume has a bouquet of vivacious flowers and noble sensuous ingredients mixed with serenolide. This special molecule leaves the fragrance with a fresh and effervescent trail. The olfactory family is crisp floral musk. Available at all leading retailers.

CLARINS INTENSE BLACK LINER. Created to meet the expectations of the Middle Eastern woman, this eyeliner is vibrant and comes in an intense black colour. Its liquid gel formula has concentrated pigments that deliver richness and depth to the eye contour with a long-lasting result.

Available at all leading retailers.

VICHY NORMADERM BEAUTIFYING ANTI-BLEMISH CARE. The new addition to the Normaderm line is enriched with phe-resorcinol, that fights bacteria and de-pigments acne marks, and air licium which guarantees clean skin with blurred pores. It also has anti inflammatory ingredients. Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

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BEAUTY | review

Not Just Skin Deep “Moisture is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty," said Derek Zoolander.

Ankita Mamgain finds out, that he wasn't so wrong.

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ne of the things I found particularly annoying while reading or watching celebrity interviews was their pat reply about the secret of their flawless skin; “drinking lots of water”. Come on! It can’t be that simple; if it was so, everyone would have the perfect airbrushed complexion. Why don’t they just mention the zillion-dollar skin care products they use or the frequent trips to the dermatologist? It used to infuriate me every single time. Well, this was my reaction till I got an acute skin problem myself and the first thing the dermatologist asked me was how much water was I consuming per day.

Our skin is largely composed of water and has its own natural mechanisms to maintain correct hydration levels and protect against external elements. Staying hydrated is vital not only for the health of your skin but without enough water, our body simply won’t

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function properly.

When the skin isn’t hydrated it becomes dry, which is a problem if you suffer from acne, dermatitis or eczema, because dry skin can worsen the condition. Neglecting such an important part of your skin health can also result in wrinkles and blemishes.

When you workout and when the weather is warmer, you will naturally become more dehydrated. This is when you should increase your water intake.

When skin is well-hydrated, it is more plump and resilient. This is partly due to an ingredient in the skin called hyaluronic acid. Its job is to hold water. When there is adequate water from inside and out, the skin looks healthier and more vibrant and is less prone to wrinkles.

It is important to drink lots of fluids throughout the day for the best results. You’ve probably heard that drinking six to eight www.womanthismonth.com

AL AREEN Palace and Spa is a regal fortress that is home to one of the most grandiose spas in the world. I headed out there to try out one of its most popular treatments, the Hot Candle Massage. It is a brand new offering at the spa, and this is the only place you’ll find it in Bahrain. Lek, the spa director greeted me at the reception and made me feel right at home. She left me in the able hands of my masseuse, Sunshine.

The treatment room was generously filled with a relaxing

aroma, which I soon found out was coming from a burning candle.

After a gentle foot scrub, I was asked to lie facedown on the bed; my face being illuminated by the warmth of the burning candle. Sunshine sprayed some invigorating grapefruit oil around my body, rubbed some of it on her hand and asked me to inhale it deeply. She then took the burning candle, which is actually made of coconut oil and shea butter, and poured its delightfully hot molten constituents on my back and started the massage.

The combination of

were thoroughly impressive.

Follow this with a super saturating Exotic Moisture Dew facial and your skin will feel deeply replenished and baby soft. Take advantage of the venue’s new Spa Members Plus Programme which gives you a prepaid card, starting from BD300, and a host of discounts and other benefits. the ingredients and their temperature gives skin a more intense hydration than conventional massage oils. The strokes used are an unusual blend of techniques created especially for the candle wax massage, and

What: Hot Candle Massage Where: Al Areen Palace & Spa Favourite feature: Many, but the exceptional service given by my masseuse tops the list. Also her name; ‘being massaged by Sunshine’ does have a certain ring to it!

glasses of water a day is a good idea, but you may need more or less depending on your activity level. Coffee and sodas do not count, because they contain caffeine, which is a diuretic, meaning that they draw water out of your system and your skin. The best way to know that you are drinking enough water is to take a look at your urine when you next visit the toilet. If it’s clear or a pale yellow then you are well-hydrated.

Healthy skin is a reflection of your overall health and keeping your body hydrated improves circulation, digestion and toxin removal.

Drinking fluids is just one way of keeping the skin hydrated. We are now fighting against strong external elements like harsh sun rays, being in air-conditioned environments for prolonged periods and pollution. Here are some other ways that help skin retain moisture.

EAT HEALTHY Adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts, olive oil, soybeans, navy beans, kidney beans, winter squash and ground flaxseeds, can improve the condition of your skin remarkably, often in a matter of just a few weeks. That's because omega-3s are responsible for keeping skin cells well lubricated, thereby contributing to a rejuvenated appearance.

USE HUMIDIFIERS Although Bahrain gets excessively humid during the summer months, during winter it can become uncomfortably dry as well, especially when it gets really windy.

Humidifiers are ideal for reintroducing moisture back into the air inside your home, www.womanthismonth.com

where the bulk of dry skin problems originate during this time of the year.

ADD MOISTURE BACK Moisturise immediately after showering by patting the skin dry with a towel so that it is left slightly damp. Immediately seal in that dampness with your lotion or body oil of choice. Apply the body oil all over, massaging gently. Note that the oil won't "sink in" the way a lotion will; you can expect to feel it for

a little while.

If your skin is exceptionally dry, you can apply a coat of a rich body cream after a few minutes.

By keeping your skin hydrated and making sure its moisture isn’t lost easily, you will notice that it becomes plumper, smoother and has a radiant glow. The next time you feel thirsty, instead of reaching for that soda, grab a glass of water instead. Your skin, and the rest of your body, will thank you.

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showcase

JOZ SALON & SPA

MANAGING MICRO BRAIDS If you can carry it off, micro braids are one of the coolest looking hairstyles. However, there is a lot of care that goes into maintaining these plaits.

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icro Braids, also known as mini-braids or invisible braids, are a popular look for many African-Caribbean women and some men as well. Many consider this style to be highmaintenance, with importance placed on hair care not only while you have the braids in, but also before and after removing them.

Joz Salon & Spa tells you how to prep your hair for this style.

Caring for Hair Prior to Micro Braiding Determine if your hair is healthy enough for doing this. If your tresses are already damaged, then you should concentrate on making them as healthy as possible first. Get a hot oil treatment to help moisturise and replenish damaged hair. Performing this treatment once a week for several weeks, prior to getting your braids, is a common recommendation for healthier locks from the start.

Moisturise your hair by using a deep conditioner from label.m; trim to get rid of any split ends that may exist; and then make sure

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your hair is long enough for micro braiding.

Finally, shampoo and condition thoroughly before getting your braids done.

Caring for Hair While Micro Braided Follow the advice received from your stylist. If you have any questions, be sure you fully understand how to care for micro braids both while you have them and after they’re removed.

Wash your hair and scalp regularly with the proper shampoo for your hair type, and always use conditioner while your hair is micro braided.

Many stylists recommend waiting four weeks before the first wash, and then washing and conditioning at least once a week while you have

these plaits.

Spray on a light, leave-in conditioner from label.m, braid spray or hair oil to keep the plaited hair moisturised. Use enough so that the hair doesn’t feel brittle or dry when you touch it. Utilise a light scalp conditioner from label.m, especially around the edges of the scalp, where the most damage can occur when hair is micro braided.

You can also use aloe vera gel, olive oil, liquid vitamin E or products containing these substances to keep the scalp well lubricated.

Be careful not to use a heavy conditioner that can cause a flaky scalp, which is hard to treat when hair is micro braided.

Visit your stylist or a salon professional if necessary, to help maintain your braids or if you feel that damage or breakage has occurred.

Call 17 756-449, 17 369-133 or 16 031-120 for consultations and more information. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase BATH & BODY WORKS

CHEERFUL PLEASURE

It’s time to add a new fragrance to your beauty routine. This brand specialises in unforgettable scents to indulge your body.

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ath & Body Works is known for its body care products in a wide range of fragrances to please all tastes. Founded in New Albany, Ohio, USA, the brand prides itself on innovation, quality and the performance of its products. For the past decade Bath & Body Works has reinvented personal care with fragrant and flavourful shower gels, lotions, candles and accessories.

Its latest aroma bursts with happiness and joy. Be Joyful is a blend of sparkling clementine, golden mango and frosted jasmine. The new signature collection fragrance is a citrus-led scent that is lighter and brighter than any other fragrance this season. Perfect for the warmer weather that is right around the corner. The packaging has a beautiful design, making it the perfect gift for you and the ones you love most.

The top notes are fizzy clementine, winter melon and sparkling mango. The mid accents are blooming honeysuckle and frosted jasmine, while the dry accords are dulce de leche, golden amber and shimmering sugar.

Call 17 178-627 (City Centre Bahrain), 17 580-177 (Seef Mall) or 17 495-801 (Seef Mall Muharraq).

www.womanthismonth.com

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showcase ASGHARALI

MAKE MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL Everyone considers their mum the best in the world and there is no better national celebration than this one as the island marks Mother’s Day.

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xceptional perfume and beauty brand Asgharali knows this is a time when we all want to treat our mothers and is celebrating the day with a range of special offers from perfumes to skin care products to suit every budget.

Seeking gift ideas and want something to show your mum how much you care and appreciate her role in your life? Or perhaps you just want to treat yourself? These deals will fit the bill.

Be inspired to find the best presents in any of the Asgharali outlets across the GCC and, instead of flowers that will fade, give her the bouquet of a scent that will linger and last.

“Perfume fragrances and skin products are the perfect gift to give for mothers as they add a personal touch. We all can recognise a scent we know our mothers would like and this will make the gift truly reminiscent of you,” says a company spokesperson.

In the Middle East perfumes and beauty products are recognised as being important for women because they are all about beauty, confidence and feeling good about yourself – just how every mother should feel.

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Asgharali has special offers running for the whole month of March, just in time for this wonderful occasion!

For BD27, reduced from BD33, get the spicy floral ambry scent

of Samia perfume spray plus the feminine scent of joy in Shaza perfume and complete the package with Samia glitter gel.

At an exciting price of BD26, reduced from BD32, pick up the

elegant best seller of Lulu Tul Bahrain perfume spray and the beautifully embossed Yazan perfume spray.

Asgharali also offers a discounted package suitable for both genders with Danat Al Khaleej, a unisex perfume spray with rich floral, Oriental notes, and Jamouh perfume spray for men, a fragrance with woody, floral and fruity accents. The pair are priced at BD40 instead of the usual BD50.

Ballerina Pour Femme, with scents of floral rose and jasmine, and Adele Pour Femme, with its captivating floral, Oriental, fruity fragrance, are French-inspired creations which both radiate grace and love and would make perfect gifts at just BD10, down from BD14.

With these and other special offers to choose from, Asgharali is the place to find the perfect Mother's Day gift. And there’s more exciting news, Asgharali also has a range of buy-one-getone-free offers throughout the month to help you celebrate Mother’s Day. Call 17 179-584 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 002-790 (Seef Mall Muharraq).

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Ladies Bollywood Night

A Bollywood-themed night for ladies was held at the EKKO Lounge, Adliya.

Deepa & Reema

Kavita & Vimala

Rumy & Naila

Ameena, Sana & Shalu

Anshu, Divya, Ayushi & Neha

Sunita, Janavi & Anu

Kanchan, Mina & Charu

Food is Culture Festival

Hesa Humood Al Khalifa delivered a talk at the Bahrain National Museum on ‘Synesthesia – People who Feel, Hear and Taste Colour,’ as part of the Food is Culture Festival being hosted by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Shini, Cini & Remya

Sowmya & Seema

Khushboo & Harsha

Film Screening

Alliance Francaise held a film screening of Le Petit Lieutenant, a Bahraini short film by Salman Yousif.

Hesa Humood Al Khalifa Ibrahim, Salman & Sherifa Mazen & Fidele

Shaikha Khalifa & Khalifa Al Khalifa

www.womanthismonth.com

Elie

Farah & Shouq

Edward & Yelsie

HE Bernard Régnauld-Fabre & Sylvie

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LIFESTYLE | home

COME HOME TO WELLNESS

Home decor is often viewed as simply a matter of aesthetics – what looks attractive. Ankita Mamgain explores how the space you occupy affects your overall wellbeing and how to achieve it.

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t’s often said home is more of an idea than just a physical space. But look beyond this overused cliché; an impeccably decorated and seemingly comfy place can still make you feel unsettled and ill at ease. Home, for sure, is an enclosure that protects you from the elements, but it is also your sanctuary when you relax, rest and dream.

In addition to providing a good-looking space for you to be in, indoor environments have strong positive effects on your wellbeing and functioning as well. Attributes such as the amount and quality of light and colour, the sense of security and privacy, access to window views, connection to nature, sensory variety and personal control over the environment are especially important. Not dwelling on the technicalities (right away), haven’t there been times when a certain space just brightened your mood while another just didn’t feel right?

Designing to enhance psychological wellbeing has therefore become increasingly important for many decorators. Just a few things in their right place can go a long way towards establishing complete harmony in your home.

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DECLUTTER We touched upon this topic a few issues ago, but instead of how to declutter, let’s address how this can be the starting point of

making your home a wellness zone. It is now scientifically proven that clutter has a direct effect on your stress levels, as you are likely to feel out of control and be made anxious by the www.womanthismonth.com

disarray. Research shows that clutter affects your brain’s ability to concentrate and process information. UCLA’s Centre on Everyday Lives and Families, after a detailed study, concluded that clutter has a strong effect on mood and self-esteem.

Clearing up does not just get your house in order but sets your head in order, too. You feel fresh, calmer and happier. Ridding clutter from your life can make you more focused, relaxed and productive. Some cultures believe unwanted and unused items give negative energy a comfortable resting place.

Try this out – in an untidy room, you’ll find it hard to even read a book. You clean up the place and instantly the energy shifts. Another thing that clutter does is waste your time, since you are often looking for things, which also leads to frustration.

‘Clear as you go’ is an attitude that may take some time to become a habit. Enable quick clearing in your living space so organising doesn’t seem like a giant task every time.

Establish designated spots for items like mail, newspapers and magazines, keys, bags, jackets etc. Make ‘clutter preserves’ – well-concealed nooks where you can collect things over some time and sort them out later. The ‘one in, one out’ policy keeps you away from hoarding and also results in refreshing the look of your home from time to time. www.womanthismonth.com

GO GREEN Indoor plants are a great way to bring nature into your home or office space or add much needed colour to a room. But houseplants can more than beautify a space. Research shows that indoor plants offer a host of physical and mental health benefits. They can reduce stress and lower blood pressure, alleviate headaches, fight colds, and, believe it or not, even make you happy.

Plants such as English ivy, golden pothos, florist’s chrysanthemum and peace lily pack a powerful air-cleaning punch, ridding the atmosphere in your house of pollutants and toxic airborne chemicals.

Not only can plants clean the air, they can create a more relaxing, restful ambience in any room. Studies show that the mere presence of plants in an office can boost an individual’s ability to concentrate longer.

According to a 1998 study at the University of Agriculture in Norway, indoor plants can even reduce the incidence of colds, sore throats and dry coughs by more than 30 per cent, partially by increasing humidity levels and reducing dust.

The right indoor plants can also help you

unwind and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. While most plants give out carbon dioxide at night, gerbera daisies continue to release oxygen which helps you breath and sleep better.

Odours have a significant effect on the nervous system and a sweet-scented jasmine plant in your bedroom can lead to a better quality of sleep, reduced sleep movement and lower anxiety levels the next day.

HEALTHY HUES Colour is a powerful tool that can be used to inspire emotions, create space illusions or simply set the mood and atmosphere for any particular room. Proponents of colour psychology believe the colours you use to decorate your home can have a profound effect on the emotional well-being of you and your family. Although there are only three primary colours, they can be combined in different proportions to create a vast galaxy of wonderful shades. If you know what to look for, some of these hues can help you relax and add to your general wellbeing.

Red and orange are associated with passion and vigour, and can lift your spirit instantly.

Pink, on the other hand, is soft and tranquil and promotes a general balance of energy in a space.

Yellow brightens up the mood and has a cheery vibe and green has a soothing effect that invites harmonious feelings and diffuses anxiety. Blue has a tremendous stress management quality that encourages calmness and decorating with violet can give your space a peaceful feeling that relieves stress. Symbolic of clarity and freshness, white can prove to be quite versatile as well; however it needs to be a clean, bright white. Dull whites can lead to dull emotions.

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showcase GULF INTERIORS

BACK BY DESIGN The island’s biggest interiors event is back at Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre in April with more participants and big-name exhibitors lining up to showcase their products.

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rganised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) and held under the patronage of HRH Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, gulfInteriors Exhibition 2016 is a dedicated showcase of luxury, creative and designer products for the home or commercial space at which participants and visitors can enjoy a range of networking opportunities to develop their creativity and experience the innovative atmosphere.

The show takes place from April 26-28 and hosts the leading brands in furnishings and designs from around the region and the world.

Kuwaiti Manager Building Materials and Equipment (KMC) recently renewed its strategic sponsorship for the event with Eng Fadi Al Shaikh, the group’s deputy GM, saying: “KMC Building Materials and Equipment is an ISO 9001-certified company built on a mission to provide efficient and elegant designs for our regional and international clients. gulfInteriors is a first-rate platform providing us with the opportunity to promote quality design values and capabilities.”

KMC Building Materials represents some of the world’s leading brands in the interiors sector including Babini Spa – office furniture from Italy; Wagner, from Germany; Topstar; LE-AL Executive Office Furniture; Hermann Miller; Steelcase and Kimball; Poltrona Frau; and Humanscale.

“KMC’s strategic sponsorship of gulfInteriors provides exciting, innovative products for our visitors from Bahrain and around the GCC,” says HCE managing director, Jubran Abdulrahman.

Hempel Paints, one of the world’s leading coatings suppliers, will join KMC Building Materials as a strategic sponsor. A regular exhibitor at the show, Hempel Paints has used the event to launch some of its most innovative products for the world of décor colour and interior design.

The company’s list of clientele within Bahrain includes the elite of the industrial sector, such as Bapco, Alba, ASRY and GPIC as well as other companies within the private and government sectors.

“The importance of gulfInteriors for us is very much built on the advantage of being able to meet our existing and potential customers as well as to provide a strong brand presence

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Jubran Abdulrahman signs sponsorship deals with Jamal Matraji and Eng Fadi Al Shaikh

to our key targets in the real estate and construction sectors of the Middle East,” says Jamil Matraji of Hempel Paints in Bahrain.

“Hempel’s products are manufactured in our factory in Mina Salman, Bahrain. We will be taking the opportunity, as strategic sponsor, to highlight our ‘made local but selling global’ credentials.” “gulfInteriors is a platform for architects, interior designers, importers and dealers to network and market their products,” says Mr Abdulrahman.

“The show experiences a unique advantage, compared with other exhibitions in the region, because it takes place along with two other major exhibitions – Gulf Property Show and gulf BID, the only integrated B2B and B2C platforms for the construction, interiors and property sectors in the Northern Gulf.” gulfInteriors 2015 hosted a range of designs and products from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Germany and Italy, among others; taking advantage of 7,200 visitors attending the three shows.

Last year’s event was also selected

by the Furniture Federation of Italy, FederlegnoArredo, to welcome and introduce trade delegations from five of Italy's leading interior companies to the Bahrain and Saudi markets in which constant developments in the real estate and housing markets increase both consumer and contractor demand in the interiors design industry.

“Customising one's space is a timeless trend for people looking to individualise their home and office environment to reflect their personality and lifestyle. Even if some prefer to have a furnished option when buying or renting, they still expect to invest in quality furniture and designs. These interiors brands have the advantage of marketing their products and services through gulfInteriors’ dedicated B2B and B2C showcase,” adds Mr Abdulrahman.

Further big-name exhibitors are being confirmed daily, such as Zoffany wallpaper, Mulberry Home and Armani.

For further details see www.gulfinteriorsexhibition.com.

Call 17 299-123. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase AL RASHID GROUP

THE SEASON’S LATEST! Live it up like Arabic superstar Nancy Ajram as she picks stylish new designs to brighten up your home this season.

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ome Centre, the largest home retailer in the Middle East, rolled out its hottest brand campaign ‘The Season’s Latest’, with a vibrant collection handpicked by its brand ambassador and renowned Arabic personality, Nancy Ajram.

Featuring a wide range of furniture and home accessories, it offers a revitalising spectrum of the latest trends and colours, comprising classic and contemporary styles.

This new campaign reflects Home Centre’s principal message of “making people love coming back home”. The stylish selections by Nancy Ajram mirror the themes – Avant Pop and New Classic – both of which guarantee to bring a splash of colour and novelty to homes across the region.

Avant Pop, an ultra-contemporary and quirky collection, is characterised by abstract shapes, bold colours, polka dots and small geometrics, bringing a colourful, fun and summery feel to the home. New Classic, on the other hand, sees the blend of the past and future in a classic European style, embracing opulent décor with a modern twist.

“Home Centre strategises ahead in order to meet the expectations of the global audience shopping in the region, who seek to refresh their homes,” says Home Centre CEO Médéric Payne. “We are excited about this campaign and especially delighted by the selections made by Nancy Ajram, as they not only reflect Nancy’s

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exceptional style, but Home Centre’s as well.”

Commenting on the brand campaign, Nancy says: “I’m happy to be associated with a brand such as Home Centre because of what they represent. Being a house-proud individual myself, I take special care in regularly decorating my home. With new styles, colours and designs, Home Centre’s latest collection is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to sharing my favourite choices from their newest collection

with customers across the region to enjoy and introduce into their homes.”

The collection hit the stores last month and those looking to rejuvenate their homes can now opt from pristine choices to uplift their rooms with the season’s joyful colours and trends.

Visit Home Centre in City Centre Bahrain (17 172-355) or Oasis East Riffa (17 140-116). www.womanthismonth.com

Marks & Spencer

LIFESTYLE | parenting

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7

8

KIDS’

PLAYGROUND

2

It’s time for fruit salad! The farmer’s market can kick start inspiration for your little one’s wardrobe and bedroom décor. Bright yellow bananas, green pears and red strawberries are perfect for a colourful and fun look.

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1. Pineapple long-sleeved T-shirt: Matalan; 2. Dress: Next; 3. Watermelon pyjamas: The Children’s Place; 4. Strawberry lunch box: Tiger Stores.

5. Soft crochet pear poufee: cuckooland.com; 6. Long-sleeved T-shirt: BHS; 7. Strawberry hooded towel: Carter’s;

4

8. Pineapple bag: Accessorize; 9. High chair: Mothercare.

3

9

6

www.womanthismonth.com

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LIFESTYLE | parenting

Not Your Mum, Not Your Milk Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in young children, affecting roughly two per cent of under fours. CMA does not include other adverse reactions to milk, such as lactose intolerance, which are non-immune mediated. Dr Jinan Harith Darwish explains the condition.

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ow's milk is the third most common food, after peanut and tree nuts, responsible for food-induced anaphylaxis in children and mixed-age populations. Milk is also the third most common food responsible for fatal or near-fatal food-induced anaphylactic reactions.

Broadly speaking there are two types of CMA: immediate – symptoms classically begin within minutes of exposure to cows’ milk protein; and delayed – symptoms typically begin several hours or even days after exposure. Some cases of CMA may show mixed features of both types.

Casein and whey proteins are the milk proteins accountable for the bulk of milk allergies. Cooking diminishes the allergenicity of whey proteins, this may clarify why extensively heated milk is better tolerated by many patients. Similarly, yoghurt cultures, which ferment and acidify milk, diminish the amount of intact whey protein and may result in tolerance of yogurt-based dairy products by individuals with CMA exclusively sensitised to whey proteins.

The diagnosis of CMA is based upon history and laboratory testing, when available. The symptoms will usually develop within the first week of starting cow’s milk in the diet. Most infants will show signs that involve the skin or the gastrointestinal system, which can include vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in the stools and diarrohea. Skin manifestations include hives and eczema. Infants can also present with wheezing, irritability, facial swelling and poor growth due to poor absorption of nutrients.

The treatment of CMA includes eliminating

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cow’s milk protein from the infant’s diet.

Elimination diets are typically started with extensively hydrolysed formulas made up of broken down proteins which are able to be digested without an immune reaction. These formulas will work in 90 per cent of those with CMA. In some infants, it is necessary to use amino-acid-based formulas, which contain the individual building blocks of proteins.

In breastfed infants with CMA, the mother must eliminate all dairy and soy products from

her diet if she continues to breastfeed. This may be tricky and is helped by having a dietitian discuss hidden sources of dairy and soy prior to starting the elimination diet.

Giving infants goat’s milk or sheep’s milk will not improve CMA. Soy milk also is not recommended. Many infants will have similar allergic reactions to the proteins in these milks or soy-based formula.

Fortunately, cow’s milk allergy resolves in 90 per cent of children by the age of six. Half will have tolerance when they reach a year and more than 75 per cent will have resolution by three years of age.

Most infants that are started on cow’s milkfree formulas or breastfed by a mother on a cow’s milk-free diet will need to remain on the diet for about six-12 months. At that point, the child can be challenged with cow’s milk, and if they have no reactions, milk can be put back into the diet. g www.womanthismonth.com

showcase MINI

A STYLISH UNDERSTATEMENT

The commanding, elegant and matured third generation MINI Clubman is to arrive in the Middle East later this year.

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his sleek third generation model has grown both inside and out and is sure to set hearts racing with its impressive list of features.

MINI has long been regarded as a little car with a big personality and there’s no sign of that changing as the marque moves into the future. Fortunately, the brand retains its trademark features while introducing a plethora of new options and a moderately larger design.

Just over 32cm longer and around 12cm wider than its predecessor, the new model provides plenty of space to meet the demands of youthful, urban mobility. Classic MINI design cues, such as wheels at the far corners of the car, short overhangs and the incipient wedge shape of the side, signal the dynamic driving experience before a wheel has even turned.

Other style-defining details such as the side scuttles with indicators have also been redesigned. Horizontally aligned as before, the indicator unit no longer emerges from the side scuttle join and now stands alone.

The interior has also expanded and the cabin’s new dimensions are made palpable through a generous sweep, clear surfaces and a more ‘grown-up’ sense of space. The defining element of the interior is its broad instrument panel, which adopts the generous surface areas www.womanthismonth.com

of the exterior and brings them inside the car.

As in the new MINI three-door and fivedoor, the instrument cluster is positioned on the steering column. The round centre console now comprises all entertainment and navigation functions, as well as further infotainment options.

Smart solutions, including a multi-adjustable rear seat and a load space that can be made level when required, all ensure segment-style functionality. Another striking feature is the emphatic single-seat concept of the five-seater that extends its athletic character into the rear of the vehicle.

The new Clubman will launch with a choice of

12 exterior colour variants, with the powerful Melting Silver Metallic and Pure Burgundy Metallic making their world premiere.

For the ultimate in personalisation there is also a choice of nine seat covers, including the new variant Leather Chester in an exclusive Indigo Blue shade. With their diagonal quilting, these new-generation seats evoke the classic Chesterfield sofa. The design of the sports seats thus cites the British heritage of MINI while delivering a contemporary interpretation of its characteristic diamond pattern for the automotive context.

Call 17 750-750.

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LIFESTYLE | travel

Gaelic Gaiety St Patrick’s Day is a huge celebration around the world.

Ankita Mamgain tells you where to head to paint the town green.

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hen you think of St Patrick’s Day, there are a few things that instantly come to mind: the colour green, a gloriously dark beverage that we are forbidden to name and tiny leprechauns. One of the most celebrated cultural festivals worldwide; this pure Irish tradition, which started in Dublin, has certainly conquered the world and many famous landmarks turn green on the day to commemorate Ireland’s patron saint every year. March 17 marks the day Irish descendants – and everyone else, for that matter – celebrate all that good old St Patrick represents. Whether it be drinking green ale (or something else that starts with ‘g’) or wearing tall leprechaun hats and yelling the official slogan of the parade – “Kiss me, I’m Irish!” – this is one occasion when, no matter whether left of centre or right, everyone agrees, green is good.

So while the Emerald Isle would be an excellent choice if you want to be part of the celebrations, there are certain cities elsewhere that have taken St Paddy’s festivities to a whole new level.

The Opera House

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA At one point, the Irish Australian population outweighed the Australian population in Sydney, so it’s no surprise that it takes St Patrick’s Day celebrations very seriously. The sun-kissed city revels in a sea of green and hosts a massive parade that, according to some reports, is ranked fourth biggest in the world

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St Patrick's Day parade

The Sydney Opera House also participates and shines bright green upon nightfall. We all know how proud the Australians are of their staple brews, but this is one time good old Irish stuff flows endlessly through the taps.

Pop into any local watering hole and enjoy a pint of happiness.

Once the hangover wears off, and it might

Coogee beach

take some time, hit the city’s legendary beaches. There are several beaches near Bondi that are just as beautiful, including Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee. Then, of course, take the customary pictures in front of the Opera House, go up the Harbour Bridge, camp on Cockatoo Island and take time out to indulge in the many gastronomic gems of this wonderful city. www.womanthismonth.com

Akafuku, the 300-yearold sweet shop

St Paddy's Geisha

ISE, JAPAN You probably didn’t see this one coming but Japan is one of the major destinations to celebrate this Irish tradition. In the city of Ise, the St Patrick's Day parade Japanese and Irish flags fly side-by-side as hundreds of people gather at the Ise include an Irish music dedication concert, Shrine to participate in the day’s activities. A which takes place at the Ise Shrine pond, where non-profit organisation called Irish Network you can catch live performances by violinists, Japan is in charge of facilitating all events cellists and fiddlers. in what is considered to be Asia’s largest St After the party, try the confectionary at the Patrick’s Day parade.

300-year-old sweet shop, Akafuku Mochi, the Japanese residents flood the streets, signs of which you’ll see everywhere in Iseperforming jigs and playing bagpipes while Shima. When not visiting the Shinto shrines, dressed like leprechauns. Celebrations also

CHICAGO, USA New York and Boston might be close contenders when it comes to the scale of their St Paddy’s celebrations, but what beats them fair and square is the mega carnival that Chicago stages.

The Saturday before St Patrick’s Day, spectators from all over the country gather in the Windy City to watch the annual Chicago River dyeing. After the river turns a bright green, a parade commences that includes colourful floats, Irish step dancers and marching bands of bagpipers. Every year an average over 400,000 people attend the festival, creating a sea of green bodies to match the river.

After the parade, there is a ceremony in which ‘The Parade Queen’ is named and there’s cabbage and corned beef dinner for everyone to enjoy. The Irish American Heritage Centre of Chicago also hosts an event that features contemporary Irish music and dancing.

One of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago’s urban landscape, arty nooks, heritage buildings and a bustling eating-out and nightlife scene provide a long must-see-and-do list.

Millennium Park

Chicago river dyed green People join in the parade

www.womanthismonth.com

you can take a fishing trip or have a beach barbecue and explore the many wonders of this quaint seaside town.

You can catch the parade in Tokyo as well which features more than 1,500 participants and 50,000 visitors who show up for this event, which is sponsored by the Irish Embassy.

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LIFESTYLE | food

CHEF’S SPECIAL With World Salt Awareness Week just around the corner (February 29-March 6) here’s a healthy recipe by one of the island’s leading dieticians.

PENNE WITH CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS

A light and tasty pasta dish low in salt (sodium), with fresh asparagus cooked in broth with sautéed garlic and seasoned chicken.

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: Six

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16 ounce) packet of dried penne pasta • 5tbsp olive oil, divided • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes • ½ pinch of salt and pepper • Garlic powder to taste • ½ cup chicken broth • 1 bunch slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut diagonally into oneinch pieces • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced • 1tsp grated parmesan cheese

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hat excess salt consumption is bad for our health is a well-known fact; hence many of us are actively looking to reduce our intake. That said, given our lifestyle, dependence on ready-made, packaged foods and restaurant cooking, most of us regularly go over the global maximum salt limit of five grams per day.

There’s certainly a need for more awareness in terms of different cooking ingredients and methods.

Danah Quintana is a licensed dietician at Bahrain Specialist Hospital and emphasises how important it is for us to take to a low sodium diet.

Having worked for many years in Bahrain and the GCC, she is well aware of the local cultural dietary habits and is committed to helping us incorporate better nutritional habits into our hectic and busy lifestyles.

“Many foods are already rich in hidden salts, even those that don't necessarily taste salty,” Danah says. “A good place to start is to carefully read the labels on packaged foods

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METHOD:

and choose the ones with less sodium content.”

She shares a tasty and low-salt recipe that will satisfy any palate.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook for about eight to 10 minutes, till al dente. Drain, and set aside. Warm three tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook for about five minutes, until chicken is cooked through and browned.

Remove chicken, and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Then stir in asparagus, garlic and a pinch more garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Cover and steam until the asparagus is just tender, which may take about five to 10 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet and warm through. Stir chicken mixture into pasta and mix well. Let it sit for about five minutes.

Drizzle with two tablespoons olive oil and stir again. Garnish with parmesan cheese and serve.

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | food review

I

Amsterdam

The land of tulips, bicycles and wooden shoes has made a small home on our island and plays host to Ankita Mamgain as she discovers its many delicious treasures.

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msterdam – I once used to associate it with quaint houses, Anne Frank, beautiful flower buds and lovely canals. But, after a while, that changed and my pre-teen notion of the city was replaced by something entirely different. Each time the name was mentioned, it was accompanied by an underlying sense of perverse excitement; with that knowing look on the face, as if it could mean just two things.

Its no secret, the city belongs to indulgences of all kinds and forms. Be it the breathtaking landscape, art, music, history, the not-socontrolled substances and, yes, food.

Café Amsterdam, in Block 338, brings you a slice of its enormous culinary repertoire packaged in a plush capsule that transports you instantly to the city.

The restaurant has been one of the most happening dining venues ever since it opened in 2014 and now enjoys a large and loyal customer base.

With a new chef in the kitchen, it is in the process of introducing new items to the menu and I went in to have a taste.

Each corner of this airy space is inspired by a different part of Amsterdam. It welcomes you with its fresh and airy interiors and quirky design elements such as bicycles and floral patterns. The restaurant also boasts a beautiful garden terrace that it shares with sister venue, La Vinoteca Barcelona.

The food is still mainly European but www.womanthismonth.com

the new additions bring in other global influences as well, which perhaps is a great move given Bahrain’s diverse population. I started off with avocado tempura, a really interesting dish that came alive with the nutty flavour of the sauce that accompanied it. Next, I tried stuffed calamari, a remarkable dish that bears Moroccan influences. The squid is packed with a rice and pistachio filling and a delicious dark sauce made of black olives, mushrooms, olive oil and balsamic vinegar is generously drizzled all over it. This dish literally flirts with your taste buds, teasing you with a bit of sweet, salt and tang.

I am always a little wary of eating restaurant risotto because I’ve seldom had a good one, so

when I was told this was the next course I wasn’t looking forward to it much. However the new tomato and mushroom risotto, is an absolute must have. It has a wonderfully creamy texture and is bursting with flavours.

Then of course there are some regulars on Café Amsterdam’s menu that no one should dare remove. The Wagyu sirloin is certainly one of them and, cooked medium-well, it was enormously juicy and absolutely delicious.

This decadent affair came to an end with dessert which comprised of three refreshing sorbets – green apple, pear and banana, all made in-house with fresh fruits.

Café Amsterdam impresses at multiple levels with attentive service, creative cuisine and a pleasing ambience. Add to this a regular dose of weekly events and parties; it surely is one place where you can truly indulge.

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showcase MJ’S BOWLING LOUNGE

BOWLED OVER The Kingdom gets a brand new bowling alley and entertainment centre thanks to the relentless efforts of this bother- sister duo.

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oung entrepreneurs Yara Jameel Salman and her brother Mohamed Salman have turned their dream into reality in the form of MJ’s Bowling Lounge. This facility has generated a lot of excitement among bowling enthusiasts and provides an affordable yet top-of-therange gaming environment.

MJ’s Bowling Lounge, located on Budaiya road, is a high-end gaming arena that brings in international level facilities. The bowling alley itself has big LED screens and soon, replicas of Formula One cars will also be installed.

A restaurant serving gourmet food is planned for the venue along with a separate café.

“Our aim is to use only the finest, high quality ingredients sourced from Italy such as air-dried beef breasola, fior de latte mozzarella,

Yara Salman

single-origin coffee from Costa Rica and fresh fruit for our iced drinks and home made

shakes,” says Yara.

Yara points out that she and her brother are aware of the discerning tastes of their customers and hope their premium quality will set them apart from the rest.

The facilities at MJ’s are supposed to be the first of their kind in Bahrain, featuring one of the most innovative sound and light systems that will give customers the feeling of being in Las Vegas. The centre will also include a professional recording studio and some fine RnB beats from DJ Arvind.

Professionally trained staff have been employed to deliver seamless customer service. MJ’s Bowling Lounge can also be booked to host private events and provides DJ and catering services.

Call 77 557-777 or 33 857-777.

THE K HOTEL

A VIBRANT VENUE K

One of the Kingdom’s most popular restaurants has now made way for a brand new venue that is all set to extend a colourful welcome.

nown for its world-class culinary offerings, The K Hotel has unveiled its latest contemporary dining concept. Kolors, which has now replaced the popular Klouds restaurant, is set to appeal to the hotel’s guests and the island’s discerning diners who are always looking for something different and delectable. Portraying a vibrant new look and feel, the restaurant décor resembles an artistic gallery with colourful blinds and brightly decorated fixtures and artefacts.

“The evolution of any business is mostly market-driven, and having studied the demands of the market and the feedback of our most regular guests, we embarked on this project,” shares general manager Volker Mandlowsky.

Many surprises are in store in the menu

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as well and the restaurant is introducing a fresh-brew coffee option and new weekly theme nights.

An expansive brunch is served every Friday for BD16.9++ with soft drinks and an additional

cost of BD6 with selected beverages.

Drop in every Wednesday for fresh Italian delicacies and on Thursdays for a Tex-Mex fiesta for BD9.5++.

Saturdays are reserved for an Arabic buffet, with authentic flavours from around the Gulf, Mondays feature barbecue and grills and on Sundays you can savour some authentic Indian food. Kolors offers a Business Lunch for BD 5.5++.

The menu consists of authentic dishes with a modern touch, rare barrel-aged beverages, an extensive vintage list and great draught pours from around the world.

Located on the ground level, this restaurant offers a mix of both casual and exquisite dining experiences.

Call 17 360-000. www.womanthismonth.com

horoscopes

Star

Gazing Raphael brings the latest on the stars’ radar to your zodiac sign.

Pisces

Someone who likes to stir trouble has set their eyes upon you so you need to prepare yourself for some fairly disruptive weeks ahead as they set about blowing rumours concerning your love life out of proportion. It seems you have been spending a great deal of time with someone of the opposite sex on a professional basis and this has caused gossip amongst those closest to you.

Taurus

Good things are promised to you in this month’s prediction as you see your life return to some semblance of order and normality – mainly because you will have found the effort of will to pick yourself up from what was looking to most like the edge of disaster. Financially, you will receive a welcome boost in your bank balance as extra funds make their way into your pocket through your own initiative and hard work.

This in turn should elevate your confidence and inspire you to better things.

Gemini

Sometimes the people we care about most are those we take for granted and never make any particular effort with. This month, you could still be feeling emotionally low although things will feel like they are picking up a little and you will receive an offer to go away for a few days by someone who has been asking for a while now.

If this person happens to be of the opposite sex there is also the chance an unforeseen romance could develop. www.womanthismonth.com

Libra

Finances could be a little tighter than usual this month and you can attribute much of this to the fact that you’ve had many more things to eat up your income of late. Particular strains have come from the education demands of a child and you may have to consider a loan. On the health front you should not ignore a persistent back pain and you’re advised to look at getting a check up sooner rather than later.

Scorpio

March is going to see you relocating due to work and you may have to say some painful goodbyes as you come to terms with a new job meaning a new location and a new way of life.

Under particular threat is a close relationship that will now be put to the ultimate test as a partner announces his or her reluctance to follow you. Whether you can continue a serious romance with a sizeable distance between you is very much the topic of debate.

Aries

March continues the romantic theme that has dominated your sign over the last few weeks and seems set to run for a while yet in your reading this month. You are in a very confident mood about the future and your current relationship, even if things still appear to be stacked against you. Something suggests that forces beyond your own control are at work here. Some of us only truly love once in life and without overstating the point, now could be that moment for you.

because there is no smoke without fire and these accusations are founded on fact. So don’t let a loved one suffer in silence.

Sagittarius Cancer

The subject of romance and love is never far from your thoughts but your emotional state of mind is likely to be fragile after a possible split and that is going to make this month difficult.

Don’t be afraid to talk to a colleague or family member, there is every chance the answer will come from talking rather than bottling it up.

On the work front you may find a rival for a new position suddenly pulls out of the running, leaving the way open for you to take advantage.

Leo

A time of change is coming when you need to take more responsibility for your actions and grab the reigns of your life to start driving it where you want to go. For many months now you might think you’ve been living your life but in truth you’ve just been ghosting your way through an existence that has little depth or substance. The promise of so many things is waiting out there but you need to go and find it.

Virgo

Sometimes your sign can give the impression it is detached from emotional matters and a particular family member could be feeling quite hurt by your apparent lack of engagement.

What you do about this is very much in your hands but you need to be honest with yourself

It appears that you have not been looking after yourself lately and the consequences of your actions are only now becoming apparent. A recent medical check-up will have spotted the problem but if you leave matters they could soon go beyond the situation where treatment will help. No one likes hospitals and no one likes being ill. But at least admitting to yourself that there is a problem will help you deal with it.

Capricorn

It’s been a tricky, painful road to the place that you are currently at but soon you will realise it has been worth it. This may not be immediately obvious but for once you should listen to your impetuous heart because it has all the answers.

Your future happiness lies in your hands but you must be willing to exercise patience and believe in yourself and the person to whom you have obviously entrusted your love.

Aquarius

You may find this month will see you walking back into a conflict you thought had been resolved but really had just been left to simmer until it was released again. Sure enough, you will be dragged – however reluctantly – into the very heart of a problem that does involve you but will soon consume your thoughts at lot more than before. Choose your words carefully because there are many parties who will not find favour with all you have to say.

March 2016

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last word

In Her Shoes This month, Varsha, accountant from Devji Since 1950, shares bits and pieces of her life with us.

IF YOU HAD TO, WHICH OF THE FIVE SENSES WOULD YOU GIVE UP?

The sense of taste. I couldn’t do without anything else.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM WOULD YOU SHARE WITH YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

WHICH THREE ITEMS WOULD YOU TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND?

It’s never too late to start something.

Believe in yourself, never give up. Enjoy every moment while it lasts, because nothing lasts forever!

Chocolates, drinking water and a blanket.

WHAT ANIMAL BEST REPRESENTS YOU?

A horse, magnificent in its form, driven by pride. They are free spirited, extremely supportive and ready to go that extra mile for the good of any relationship.

AN UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATION?

We made a family trip to Disneyland Hong Kong. It was a dream come true for my kids.

Seeing them enjoy every moment made the place unforgettable for me.

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March 2016

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR? Chocolate chip cookie dough.

WHICH FLOWER WOULD CATCH YOUR ATTENTION IN A GARDEN? Orchids.

IF YOU COULD LIVE IN A BOOK, TV SHOW OR MOVIE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I’d love to live the life of Julia Child from the movie Julie & Julia. She is so inspirational, a great cook, fearless and determined to keep going on and never give up.

IF YOU WERE ON DEATH ROW, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FINAL MEAL?

Pasta, garlic bread and some good grape.

www.womanthismonth.com