Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES DECEMBER 2011 | Issue 106 www.womanthismonth.com Time to Celebrate! Let the Festive Month Commence For all Man-kind Fashion Gets Masculine Fitness Frenzy Countdown to our December 10 Event A Wandering Eye The Travelling Lifestyle Perfect Parenting? There’s No Such Thing!
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2 | December 2011 | woman this month 16 68 18 80 60 contents | december 2011 Shopping 08 This Month’s Most Wanted: Christmas Delights! 10 In the Red: Hot Seasonal Dresses 12 Glitz and Glamour: Party Shoes 14 20 Tips: Gift Advice Features 16 Wistful Wanderer: Alessandra Rocchi Fitness 18 Ten Tips: Get all the Gear Fashion 32 Fashion Forward: December Picks 34 Celebrity Fashion: As Seen on the Stars 36 Blogger’s Delight: Best of the Bunch 38 Masculine Tailoring: Anything the Boys Can Do Beauty 48 News: December Picks 50 Tips: That Perfect Party Look 54 Fragrances: Presents Galore Wellbeing 60 Campaign: The Kids are Alright 62 Feature: At Home Advent Parenting 68 Feature: Perfect Parenting 71 Column: Bringing up Change Regulars 6 Write Here, Write Now 78 Recipes: Healthy Seasonal Delights 80 Travel: Alternative Christmas 82 Horoscope: Your future in the stars 88 Columnist: Give me the Prada DECEMBER 2011, issue 106 Oasis does seasonal glamour. More inside. Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES DECEMBER 2011 | Issue 106 www.womanthismonth.com Time to Celebrate! Let the Festive Month Commence For all Man-kind Fashion Gets Masculine Fitness Frenzy Countdown to our December 10 Event A Wandering Eye The Travelling Lifestyle Perfect Parenting? There’s No Such Thing! 12 10
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4 | December 2011 | woman this month Welcome EDITOR's letter O f all the seasons, winter is probably the one most full of reasons to celebrate. For the Christians among us, we have Christmas and New Year to look forward to. For the Bahrainis, we have National Day as cause to host a party or two. For the Americans, there is that scrumptious Thanks Giving dinner with all the trimmings on the horizon. There is also the Islamic New Year, Bodhi Day and St. Stephen’s Day, among others. So, all in all, we have a lot of reason to eat well, enjoy each other’s company and give thanks for everything we are lucky enough to have. Let’s make sure that this is exactly what we do. All too often we lose sight of what is important in the world —good friends, close family and all the experience that life has to offer. We get bogged down in the less agreeable details of our latest work assignment, spend too much time ruminating over a row we had with an acquaintance or feel jealousy for those who have more than us. I urge you to leave all this behind in December and concentrate on the plethora of causes for celebration instead. To help you with this, we’ve put together some brilliant fashion and shopping sections, full of gift ideas and advice for achieving the perfect party look. We also have a fun interview with Alessandra Rocchi about the thrill of the open road and what we ladies can look forward to at Bushido in the coming months. If you are looking for something a little bit more serious, be sure to check out our campaign and parenting sections, where we help to ensure that your children are getting the attention and treatment they deserve. And don’t forget — we are still in the middle of our Woman This Month Fitness Campaign. The countdown has begun to our December 10 Fitness Day out at the InterContinental Regency health club. Free fitness classes, free advice, free refreshments — what more could you ask for? Happy Holidays! Natasha Bird Editor For of the moment news, tips, advice and fun links, follow Woman This Month on Twitter @WomanThisMonthB responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman chairman & publisher George F Middleton publishing director David M Robertson editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles editor NATASHA BIRD contributors Dr Claire McInroy george r vaughan James Claire staff writers Elma Bartholomew Maryam A. Toorani ALISON COLDBRIDGE print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics RODOLFO A. REYES JR. ROBYN VAN DER MERWE Dalal Al-Sabbagh RomEO San Miguel media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media executives ESKY Girmay SHANI DAVEL sales manager Mayukh Majumdar circulation FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI photography editor anil Ravi Shankar photographers Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS printing press Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 woman this month is for women in Bahrain wishing to celebrate a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle and community spirit in an objective and proactive manner. For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected]. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. bahrain office address Red House Marketing p.o. box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: [email protected] 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 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide to be Jolly Tis the Season
6 | December 2011 | woman this month Letters Female Fun STAR LETTER Write Here Write Now 21 woman this month | November 2011 | split into 100 chapters, each one no longer than 100 words. So, essentially, it is a collection of little nuggets of information, which makes it really easy to dip into and pick up and put down whenever you have a spare five minutes. It’s certainly not War and Peace, but then it isn’t trying to be. In one of our favourite chapters, titled “Candyfloss”, she laments the use of a particular shade of pink, claiming that it is the “colour of newborn baby girls, bubble gum machines and accessories for Chihuahuas” and might leave you looking a bit like you are “competing with Barbie for Ken’s affection”. In another, she likens some people’s posture in high heels to a cavewoman who has “just clubbed a small goat and is dragging it back to [her] cave”. It isn’t all about laughs though, as Natasha tells us. Some of the chapters contain genuinely insightful bits of information, aimed to improve the way women think of themselves. She lambasts the idea that women need to become more conservative, as soon as society tells them they are “old”. In the “Dress Your Age Myth” chapter, she says, “If you are happy and healthy, self-assured and confident, then don’t let out-dated rules govern your wardrobe”. When asked about these more self-help chapters, Natasha says, “Well it’s just so silly to let worries about our appearance stand in our way. Women still have a long way to go to achieve equality, so if we are too busy apologising for ourselves and the way we look; we’ll never concentrate on the things that really matter. So I put together a few quick rules to help make sure that women not only make the best of themselves, but also to help make sure they feel good about themselves in whatever they are wearing”. Natasha’s book 100 Lessons on Style in 100 Words or Less is available to buy for kindle, ipad and your computer at Amazon.co.uk, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Smashwords and Kobo. Check out the facebook page www.facebook.com/100lessons, and the website www.100lessons.com for more details. 20 | November 2011 | woman this month Interview in Style A Lesson She might be the editor of Woman This Month, but Natasha Bird has more than one string to her bow. She’s recently seen her first eBook published, so we grabbed five minutes of her time to talk about it. Natasha Bird has a few tricks up her sleeve. The latest rabbit she has pulled out of her surprisingly deep hat takes the shape of an eBook on style. Part self-help, part fashion, this book is an easy but delightful read. We sat Natasha down to have a chat about her latest project. Approached by a design and publishing company to be part of a series of digital books called100 Lessons in 100 Words or Less, Natasha jumped at the chance to realise one of her longstanding ambitions. “I just saw it as this great opportunity to combine three of the things I love most in the world — fashion, women and writing. I am a fashion addict. I am up early every morning, trawling all the best blogs, watching the trends like a hawk”, she told us. Many of the results of her obsession with fashion can be seen between the pages of this very magazine. She is adamant, though, that this book is not simply about fads and trends, whether brown is the new black or how high your heels should be. “My interest in fashion and style has never been restricted to what the designers dictate. I have always been passionate about women. I am a strident feminist, who believes that women are simply great and are way too often made to feel insecure or less significant than they should be. The female psyche is an amazingly intricate thing, but it is riddled with problems”, she told us. “I think low self-esteem is one of our biggest and most unfortunate failings. There is so much pressure out there — from men, from gossip magazines, but also from ourselves and our peers — to be thinner, taller, better endowed, smaller footed and so on. Everyone has their insecurities, but among women, you often find that these fears are so consuming that they actually stand in the way of our achieving something important for ourselves”, Natasha elaborates. So, enthused by her love of women and her passion for fashion, Natasha decided to use the 100 Lessons series as a platform for helping women to feel better about themselves. “This sort of thing has had a surge in popularity, what with the likes of Trinny and Susannah and Gok Wan, so I had to make sure that I had something different to offer”, Natasha explains. “ I have always admired Gok — he’s done brilliant things for the women of Britain — but I thought that there was probably space for someone a little bit younger, but also an experienced writer who might be able to inject a bit of humour into the topic because, let’s face it, if we can laugh at ourselves and poke fun at our own insecurities, then we have as good as conquered them”. “It is a book with three main ingredients. It’s one part self-help, one part style advice and one part comedy”, says Natasha, “or at least I hope it’s funny! My friends have said it makes them laugh, but I hope it’s not lost on other people”. We were lucky enough to have a preview of the book, before it hit the shops and we are inclined to agree with Natasha’s friends. The book is It is a book with three main ingredients. It’s one part self-help, one part style advice and one part comedy. 24 | November 2011 | woman this month Feature 25 woman this month | November 2011 | Women may not always have power and public recognition handed to them on a plate, but it certainly hasn’t prevented them from demanding it. Here is a look at some of the most influential women to grace the earth in the last hundred years… Influential Women A Century of Rosa Parks 1913-2005 Rosa stunned the world when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, at a time when black people were still supposed to occupy a different section of the bus to their white counterparts. It was this which sparked the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, led by Martin Luther King Jr. Her actions became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. Sonia Gandhi 1946-Present The Indian national and politician landed in the top 25 of the Forbes 100 Influential Women list in 2010. After being elected for the fourth time in a row as the president of the Indian National Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi became the longest serving president in the party’s 125 year history. She was elected as president of India, but deferred to Sikh economist Manmohan Singh. She is, unequivocally, one of India’s most influential women. Sheikha Lubna 1968-Present Sheikha Lubna is the Minister for Foreign Trade in the UAE. This makes her the first woman to ever hold a ministerial post in the UAE. She has a globally recognised voice and, according to CEO Middle East magazine, she persistently “challeng[es] traditional opinions about women in business”. She also sits on the board of directors for the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She’s also pretty high on the Forbes 100 list. Marie Curie 1867-1934 Marie Curie is the Emmeline Pankhurst of the scientific world. She blazed a trail for thousands of other brilliant female scientists, proving that women can be just as daring and just as excellent in traditionally male disciplines. She co-discovered the elements radium and polonium, coined the term “radioactivity” and was one of the first to suggest radiation as a cancer fighting tool. What’s more, she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in two areas. Princess Diana 1961-1997 Although some might think it rather twee to include the people’s princess, or feel that her tabloidfodder social life somewhat eclipsed her good deeds in people’s minds, there is no doubt that her influence runs as far as it runs deep. She has become emblematic of the charities and causes that she dedicated life to — such as campaigns for the acceptance and care of AIDs victims, the homeless and the elderly. Germaine Greer 1939-Present Greer is one of the biggest feminist icons to have graced the earth in the last hundred years. Her book [ITALS] The Female Eunuch became somewhat of a feminist manifesto in the 1970s. To this day, she is still very much in the public eye and although many of her views are contentious, the work she has done on behalf of women is undeniable. Virginia Woolf 1882-1941 The famous novelist and essayist changed the face of literature and discourse. She popularised the continuous train of thought process for writing prose and allowed us to enter her protagonist’s minds in ways that other authors hadn’t managed to achieve before. She also reminded us, in A Room of One’s Own, the burdens of the female condition and what women ought to be able to achieve, should society’s restrictions not stand in our way. Hillary Clinton 1947-Present The Secretary of State and former First Lady has won more primaries and gathered more delegates than anyone in U.S. history. She is the first former First Lady to ever have been elected to national office. As head of the Task Force on National Health Care reform she proposed the first national healthcare system in the U.S. As Secretary of State she has a key say in Barack Obama’s foreign policies. Natasha Bird A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform. — Diane Mariechild 64 | November 2011 | woman this month 65 woman this month | November 2011 | Wellbeing Alison Coldridge Scientists and doctors have been debating for years over how much of our brains we use and how much remains untouched and dormant, yet still there seems to be no definitive answer. However, one thing is clear — we certainly do not use all of our brain’s potential or even fortify the parts we do access on a daily basis. By simply adopting specific routines and exercises, you will be overwhelmed by how improved your memory will become, how much information you can store, how alert you remain and how fast your reactions are. Boosting your brainpower really is the fastest and, ironically, the least taxing way to achieve a better and happier you. The brain plays such a crucial role in every aspect of our lives. Obviously, it keeps us alive by acting as the central nervous system and through communicating with the rest of the body. Essentially, it is the boss of the body; it keeps all the other parts in check and knows everything that is going on. The flipside is that once the brain starts to disintegrate, it all goes wrong from there. Often, brain-related illnesses can not be foreseen or stopped at all. However, by boosting your brain’s power constantly during your life, you will undoubtedly prevent these issues and improve your quality of living as a whole. Exercise As well as ensuring a toned and fit body, regular exercise also has the additional bonus of exercising the brain. When you work out, the heart rate is increased, meaning that more oxygen is pumped throughout the body and to the brain. Oxygen is a crucial element in the whole body, but the brain alone uses 20 per cent of the entire amount. You will know when the oxygen levels in your brain decrease, as you will start feeling tired and sluggish and thoroughly uninvolved in whatever you are doing. Exercise has the double benefit of triggering the production of endorphins to the brain, which act as natural pain killers and lift your mood considerably. Sleep Without a doubt, the best way to rejuvenate and refresh yourself is by getting a really good The brain is our most impressive tool, but how much of its power do we actually harness? There are many simple ways to improve its functioning, to ensure you remain sharp, alert anad on top of things. Boosters The Brain night’s sleep. This gives the brain a great chance to recharge its batteries, so to speak, as it gets a little nurturing. It has been said that sleep also improves memory, as often memoryenhancing activity occurs during the deepest stages of sleep. Socialise All human beings love to be surrounded by others. We are all social beings at heart and thrive in an environment where there are many people to provide conversation, debate and new knowledge. We absorb huge amounts of new information from the people we are around and each different person’s personality acts as a different stimulant for the brain. Laugh Funnily enough, laughter is an action that involves the use of multiple regions of the brain. It also helps bring about a healthy balance in the brain and melts away stress and anxiety whilst heightening energy levels. Jokes are the perfect way to both laugh and test your brain, as the creation of jokes inside your head requires a certain level of thinking and consideration with regards to your audience and surroundings. For this reason, it is good work for your brain if you spend time with children as they are constant bundles of laughter and you often need to think on your feet. Relax When stressed, concentration levels are poorer, as are reasoning, learning and creativity skills. You will find it extremely hard to retain or even digest any new information as your mind will be entirely fixated on whatever it is you are anxious about. Meditation is a very simple and productive way to help manage stress and there are plenty of different styles so you are sure to find one that suits you. The act of meditation increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex and encourages more connections between brain cells — ultimately boosting both mental and memory skills. Eat There is a whole wealth of brain boosting foods out there for you to get stuck into. Omega Three, found in fish, is probably the most commonly known food for increased intelligence levels and it is also thought to reduce risks of senile dimension illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Fruit and vegetables are another food group which, in addition to being a great source of nutrients and minerals for the body, assists the brain in its productivity. They are busting with antioxidants, which act as a cleanser for the brain, ridding the organ of any free radicals and acting as a protector for the delicate tissue. You can even indulge in a nightly glass of wine (preferably red and small!) to boost the blood flow in the brain. Workout If you really want to stretch your brain and see what it can do you should try to mix up your routine. Just like our body, our brain can get lazy if trapped in a monotonous routine, unchallenged by anything fresh or new. A new hobby promotes new learning skills, increases thinking speed and builds up short-term memories by repeatedly training and testing the mind. Your creativity will also be confronted and ultimately built upon. If you don’t have time to do this, then grab the newspaper on your coffee break and bash out some good old-fashioned crossword puzzles or try a Sudoku grid. Women Rule It is always nice to be reminded of the great women that exist among us and have gone before us. I liked the “Century of Influential Women” article that appeared in the WTM November issue. It was good to see such a spread of great thinkers, artists, inventors, politicians and charity workers among the females in the world. It made me think about all the things I have been meaning to go out and do. I am going to use the November issue of WTM as inspiration. Seeing as Christmas is coming up, I am going to see what I can do to make somebody else’s life better. There are many initiatives to get food, aid and gifts to children in less well off countries. Shreya, by email. WRITE IN AND WIN Send your letter to editor@womanthismonth. com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461, Manama. The star letter will receive a voucher to the tune of 25BD for the Celebrity hair and beauty salon, located on Old Palace Road. Choose from a variety of treats for hair and nails and get pampered for the holiday season! I found Alison’s article about different and unusual ways to boost your mental wellbeing really fun and interesting to read. It’s great to be told that we have a good excuse to joke, laugh and have fun — as if we needed one anyway! I have never really considered meditating before, but having read Alison’s account of how good it can be for encouraging more connections between brain cells and increasing the thickness of the cerebral cortex, I plan on giving it a go. I just think it is good to be reminded every now and then that our bodies aren’t the only thing that need work-outs, rest or relaxation — our minds need some attention too! Dalia, by email. Getting that Boost! I want to congratulate Natasha Bird on the publication of her first book. I think it is great to see someone young and motivated and with more than one trick up her sleeve. It was a great interview with her as it highlighted her passion for making sure women achieve all the success that they deserve in life. It is about time that someone stuck up for the girls like that! It is always good to see a young and popular feminist at work. I have downloaded the book for my iPad and I can tell the WTM audience that it is a great read — it is really fun and accessible. Many of the chapters have some really good hints and tips about smart dressing and the rest of them are either funny or feel good. She certainly has a sense of humour. Go on ladies, get buying! Lisa, by email.
8 | December 2011 | woman this month Shopping Noël, Noël. It’s December, the choirs are learning their carols, colourful trees are springing up all over the place and the fruit is already soaking for the pudding. Get yourself into the festive spirit by checking out some of the Christmas themed gift items and decorations in store around the Kingdom. From cute babygrows to porcelain animals, Bahrain has everything to offer! Carolina Herrera national day bracelet. Available at CH retail outlets. Marks and Spencer. Available in City Centre and Amwaj. Mamas & Papas Christmas Collecton. Available in City Centre. Debenhams. Available in City Centre Office. Available online. Next. Available in City Centre.
Book now: +97339945208 radissonblu.com/diplomathotel-bahrain The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel is hosting the Fire & Ice Ball at the Grand Ambassador Suite. Be inspired by the great decoration and let us entertain you. Our very special guests the Boxtones back in Bahrain for this special night at The Diplomat. Celebrate in style the way it should be and start 2012…with friends. Tickets are BD 75 net per person incl dinner buffet and selected beverages.
10 | December 2011 | woman this month Shopping As much as bordeaux is the colour of the season, there is another hue that continues to faithfully serve us in the glamour stakes. Red dresses are all over the place this winter and we couldn’t be more pleased. There is nothing more stunning than a woman in a clinging scarlet number. So feast your eyes upon these gorgeous offerings. Red Seeing Miss Selfridge Warehouse Oasis Reiss Coast Top Shop People Tree Very.co.uk.
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12 | December 2011 | woman this month Shopping Perfect Party With Christmas and National Day just around the corner, the partying and merrymaking is going to be at an all time high. Celebrate this fact by treating yourself to the perfect party footwear. There’s nothing like a jazzy pair of heels to give you a spring in your step and to ensure that all eyes are on you throughout December! ASOS Christian Louboutin Hoss Intropia Dorothy Perkins Nine West Seventh Heaven Ralph Lauren Miss Selfridge Carolina Herrera Reiss Nina Ricci Jimmy Choo Vincci Salvatore Ferragamo Dior Top Shop
14 | December 2011 | woman this month 20 Tips Christmas shopping can be a tricky business. It can be tough cooking up great gift ideas for each one of your loved ones, which is why WTM is here to help with 20 suggestions to get you inspired. Alison Coldridge Christmas Gift Ideas Tips:
15 woman this month | December 2011 | 1. Vintage Classics. Search for a truly traditional gift to ignite nostalgia. Perhaps a polaroid camera, a film from the ‘50s or an old pinball machine. 2. Homemade Delights. Making something shows thoughtfulness and is a winner with parents and grandparents! Plus, it’s inexpensive. 3. Gems and Jewels. A single piece of jewellery can be all it takes to light up a face at Christmas. Shop for a birthstone or favourite colour. 4. Personalised Presents. As cheesy as ‘his’ and ‘her’ towels are, personalised gifts are cute. Go for something more classy like engraved champagne glasses. 5. Fashionable Gear. Clothing is always an easy option — everyone wears it! Follow the top trends of the season, and if in doubt, confer with WTM. 6. Reading Material. Everyone loves reading. Choose a classic for the oldies and a more modern such as a kindle for the younger ones. 7. For the Foodie. A hamper packed full of Christmas sweets, snacks and condiments is a mouth-watering treat for the eyes and the taste buds. 8. Geeky Gadgets. Cameras, iPads, and smartphones…there are loads of electronics out there. Check out what’s the newest launch and go for that. 9. Fragrant Pleasures. Perfume is a considerate gift and shows the world how well you know the person you are buying for. 10. Purrfect Surprises. Surely there is nothing cuter than opening a box to see a little furry face staring back at you, but gauge if it’s a good idea first! 11. Homely Touches. Any house owners would love a beautiful new dining set or aromatic candles to enhance their home for the festive season. 12. Happy Viewing. Everyone loves to pop in a movie. Buy a Christmas DVD or any other genre that you know your loved one will enjoy. 13. Unique Experiences. Give a day to remember by purchasing a balloon ride, a cookery class or a white-water rafting experience. 14. Toys Galore. It’s not just little ones who love spending hours constructing a Lego fort, its something the whole family can take part in. 15. Simply Artistic. For all art lovers, a beautiful book or painting or sculpture would appeal. For something less expensive, try your hand at a collage. 16. Such Sentiment. A scrapbook of memories or the framing of a hilarious photograph will highlight your gift as the most considerate of all. 17. Home Spa. There is a reason there are so many pampering products around — we love them! Choose a selection for your loved one to indulge in. 18. Time Keepers. A watch is a long-standing and long-lasting gift which is sleek, stylish and useful. Personalise it with an engraved message on the back. 19. A Stocking Full. Rather than one present, why not buy a selection of smaller items and cram them into a stocking. More to unwrap is always a positive. 20. Charitable Attitude. If you are still stuck for ideas then why not make a donation to a local charity and make someone else’s Christmas a little bit better.
Interview Wandering Ways These They say that home is where the heart is — but what if you fall in love with the whole world? A traveller’s life is a wonderful one, but it poses a few dilemmas. What with the population of Bahrain being so dominated by expatriates, these dilemmas are an all too familiar concept. Still, by all accounts, once you’ve caught the travelling bug, that’s it, you’ll have it for life. Alessandra Rocchi, Bushido’s glamorous sales and marketing executive, knows only too well the benefits of seeing the world. Having lived in Italy, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, New York and Bahrain, among other places, she’s pretty qualified to talk about the highs and lows of the nomadic lifestyle. Born in Como, Italy, the life that Alessandra now leads is a far cry from the small-town existence she once knew. “It was very small and very different. Everybody there lives the same type of life. You have the same friends from kindergarten right through to adulthood and everybody knows what you are up to all the time”, says Alessandra of her Italian past, “Your future is somewhat mapped out for you”. 16 | December 2011 | woman this month
17 woman this month | December 2011 | and our team to ensure that Bushido is living up to the international precedent.” One of the things that Alessandra is most passionately committed to is the increasingly famous Pink Fridays at Bushido Lounge. She jokes: “We all know that the world is run by women”, and goes on, “so we want to offer a proper environment for ladies to enjoy a nice evening out. This is why we offer such a luxurious prize each week — girls deserve to be pampered! Also, I have come to realise that if you want change to happen, your best place to start is with the women. If women like something, the men are sure to follow.” Also, for the health conscious women out there, it is worth mentioning that Bushido have introduced a new, light Bento Box on their lunch menu — we all know that Japanese food is the skinny girl’s secret! At the moment, Alessandra’s lust for the open road is somewhat sated by the friends, culture and fun that Bahrain has to offer. So while we have her here, pouring her energy into Bushido, we’d better take full advantage, because you never know how long it’s going to last. At fourteen, Alessandra’s chances of being happy to settle into predictability slimmed dramatically. Disillusioned with the way life was going she took a daunting, but ultimately brilliant chance to move to Sri Lanka to live with her father. “I saw a good opportunity to broaden my mind and to learn more about the sorts of cultures I had never been exposed to before”, Alessandra explains of the transition. “I was slightly out of my depth. I spoke no English at all when I arrived and I found myself in South Asia during a civil war,” she continues, “but, unquestionably, it changed my life for the better”. The move to Sri Lanka opened up a door to the world that Alessandra found impossible to close. Whilst at school she travelled far and wide with her sports teams — “I went twice to Bangladesh by the time I was sixteen, which is bizarre for someone from where I born. I also went on trips to New Delhi and Nepal to play basketball.” Post school she moved to Switzerland to complete a degree in hospitality, which saw her taking up internships in Monaco and New York, not to mention embarking on some epic road trips with her friends. From Switzerland to St. Sebastian or from Munich to Greece and beyond — the location seems to have been only partially important; the thrill of being on the move and seeing new places was the real motivation. Alessandra, like many before her and many since, has caught what we like to call the “travelling bug”. It is an infection that grips tightly and can never be fully cured, for you rarely find someone who feels they’ve really seen enough of the world. I asked Alessandra what she thought it was about travelling that inspired such compulsion. “You end up with this huge package on your shoulders,” she says, “your worth, the depth of your conversation, your ability to relate to people just increases endlessly when you go out into the world and see new places and meet new people. For example, if I meet someone from Albania tomorrow, I will immediately have something to talk about with them, because I can say that I have passed through their country and know what it is like”. It is a popular suggestion that travelling goes some way to reduce prejudice and stereotyping — this is something that Alessandra firmly believes. “So many problems between people are created because we are scared of the unknown and what is not familiar to us. Only sticking to what you know is so restrictive. What happens, for example, if you suddenly get the opportunity to sit down with the Japanese ambassador in your home country and you have never even tried sushi before? Travelling is the best way to challenge fears, stereotypes and misconceptions. It acts as such an eye opener and I think this is why it is so addictive.” There are a few downsides, of course, but Alessandra seems convinced that these are more than made up for by the positive aspects. “You can get really close to people really quickly and establish a connection and then you can lose them again just as fast when you leave.” Once you’ve enjoyed the nomadic life, the ability to settle anywhere permanently seems like a far off prospect: “I sometimes think maybe I should just stay in Italy or somewhere, but as soon as I go back for a month I feel I need to leave again. Now that I have seen the world, I could never be satisfied to go back to such a sheltered existence. Home, for me, is wherever I am at the moment. Italy, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, they have all given the word ‘home’ a different meaning.” Now, here she is in the Middle East, bringing her cultural knowledge and hospitality skills to none other than one of our favourite restaurantlounges. “I Love Bushido and I think that many people are beginning to appreciate what it stands for; the fact that it is a concept venue, so it is about more than just delicious food and drink. It is about the whole environment, the atmosphere and the experience.” And Bushido is certainly the richer for her presence: “I have been lucky enough to experience great club and lounge venues all over the world — I did an internship at the Bar Americain in Monaco and I have been out in the Côte D’Azur, Cannes, St Tropez, Paris, New York, London, so this all helps me PINK FRIDAYS
18 | December 2011 | woman this month 10 Tips 1. Spotting the perfect pair It all begins at finding the right footwear; this cannot be emphasised enough. We’re sure you aren’t strapping on stilettos, but most people assume they are set when they find a pair of old sneakers in the closet. Be aware that shoes made for running are very different from those made for basketball, tennis or even walking. 2. Get a grip Studies have shown that 70 to 80 per cent of women are wearing the wrong size sports bra. Tackling this is key to reducing restricted breathing and poor posture, apart from shoulder, neck, and back aches. Let’s not forget the nightmare of sagging breasts. It might be a daunting task to hit upon the perfect fit; but it is well worth the effort. 3. Stuff a sock in it By “it”, we mean your gym bag, of course. Socks are extremely important. They help your feet stay warm, dry, supported and cushioned. It isn’t too much trouble to find a sportswear outlet that offers padded socks, preferably with a tight weave in the middle and in wicking materials that help keep sweat and blisters at bay. 4. To top it off T-shirts that ride up aren’t quite the in thing just yet. Longer tops are more unflattering as they accentuate extra curves in your midsection. Look for tops that end just above the widest part of your hips and slightly below the top of your pants. 5. Rock bottom Don’t forget to support your lower half as well. Look for bottoms that give your buttocks a lift and offer compression for your thighs. Not only will they feel great on a run, but you will look amazing too. Avoid loose capri pants and very low-rise waists. 6. Comfort = ability What you wear during your workout is just as important as the workout itself. An ill-fitting outfit can make or break a routine. Besides, a huge part of feeling good is looking good. Believe it or not, comfortable clothes help enhance your performance. 7. Breathe, breathe Give your skin a breather. Different brands make workout clothing with high-tech fabrics that are lightweight, stretchable and repel moisture. Not only do they prevent weighing you down with sweat, it also increases the airflow. 8. Suit your needs One size does not fit all kinds of exercises. Something more rugged like rock climbing demands thicker fabrics that might protect you. If you plan on doing zumba or yoga, you are going to need very light, flexible clothing that allows you a full range of motion. 9. Changing with the season The ideal workout clothes should help you resist temperature alternations. Cold weather is very tricky. It is important to layer your clothing when you exercise outdoors. Wind cheaters and track suits are your best friends this time of the year. 10. Miss Versatile Pick up a range of cute clothes. Bin tacky colours and prints. Don’t forget to have fun with your workout fashion. Treat your gym wear with as much care and attention as you do the rest of your wardrobe. Your body will thank you. The last thing you want to be worried about during the perfect workout regime is your clothing. Here are a few simple tricks to choosing the right outfit for your exercise routine. Sportswear Secrets 10 Elma Bartholomew
Do you care about looking good and feeling healthy? We know we do! Join us on December 10th at the health club in the The Intercontinental Regency, Manama, for a one-off fitness extravaganza hosted by none other than your favourite women’s magazine! From 10am onwards you can participate in a great range of FREE fitness classes, including zumba, karate and pilates. You can also explore a selection of stalls — talking to fitness experts, seeking health advice and trying out some cool products. Getting fit and feeling great has never been so fun! Chat to us on the Woman This Month facebook page and visit www.womanthismonth.com/fitnessdayout for more details. A Complete Workout for Body and Mind FITNESS DAY OUT! Calling all smartphones! Scan this for details about the event or visit the WTM website.
20 | December 2011 | woman this month Showcase A Kinetic Experience ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE AND HOTEL Kinetix Health Club’s new health club manager — Kate Jelley — will be introducing a new concept to fitness during WTM’s fitness day event. Kate is a multi-talented fitness professional and will be giving our December 10 event participants a unique insight into the world of Tabata training. “It is one of the single best fat burning workouts. It’s not long, but it keeps you sweating, breathing hard and teaches the mental focus needed to complete the sets. You won’t get bored as there isn't enough time and it’s so effective,” says Kate. Tabata training is an intense interval program that lasts only four minutes with a single excersice or combine it with more excersice to achieve a strenous circuit to enhance results. Having a BSc in sports science, along with YMCA and Paul Chek certifications, Kate plans to introduce a greater variety and range of new fitness and wellness techniques for gym members. The manager explains that working out not only controls your weight and mood but you also gain a sense of well being. “Working out reduces stress, strengthens and tones the body and enhances cardiovascular ability and flexibility.” Kate also insists that the most important thing to concentrate on, initially is developing the right attitude and incorporating exercise into your daily routine. “Even if it’s the smallest thing, like taking the stairs, not the lift. Park further away from your desired area and walk more. House work can also burn calories. Develop healthy eating patterns and turn activities into a habit not a chore.” Kate has successfully been working in Bahrain since 2005, training clients, teaching exercise classes, organising and conducting fitness seminars and boot camps that focus on getting the body to its fullest potential through exercise and correct nourishment. The modernisation of the gym at the Elite Seef Residence and Hotel includes a wide range of sophisticated Technogym equipment; cardio machines, free weights and the new kinesthesis studio. The fresh faced gym is dedicated to making gym goers achieve all of their individual goals — whether you are a beginner or advanced in fitness or if its cardiovascular gains, muscular strength and toning that you are looking for, from losing that first pound or your last pound in order to achieve your goal weight. If that isn't enough you can then head downstairs and use the heated pool and its new poolside facilities to kick back, relax and socialise whilst having some fresh juice and food from the poolside menu. So, if you’re looking to spruce up your fitness routine then head down to the fitness event — you never know, Tabata could be your thing. Call 17 583-388. Kate Jelly
22 | December 2011 | woman this month Showcase Sweat Break a DESSANGE It’s the new thing in town and the most exciting among workout regimes known to man. We sat down with Lelani Vrey, the health club manager at Dessange, to discuss their popular Zumba classes. WTM: According to you, why must one workout? LV: Exercising increases your quality of life. You see people at the age of 40 who can’t spend quality time with their dear ones because they’re tired or weak. Working out offers you several benefits, like lifting your mood due to the release of “happy hormones.” You’re more focused at work; you sleep better. It improves your social life as well. When you look better, you feel more confident. It helps bring down stress levels and even motivates you to take up more challenges and be more goal-oriented. WTM: Why do you think your Zumba sessions have gained success and popularity? LV: To begin with, it appeals to a big market. Anyone, from a professional background dancer to a beginner, can be a part of the same class. Even the less co-ordinated ones can follow the instructor easily. Secondly, it is a good workout from which you can learn a lot. Zumba incorporates hip-hop, salsa and other Latin forms of dance. It includes faster tracks as opposed to recovery ones and works on different muscles in a single session. Thirdly, it is a lot of fun. The variety keeps it interesting. WTM: Is it enough to lose weight, tone your muscles and get a complete body makeover? LV: Zumba sessions change every month. For the best results, attend three classes a week. After two months, combine it with an exercise where you use more muscle. Combine it with yoga or pilates to improve flexibility. I also recommend body pump or free motion, uniquely at Dessange, at least once a week. Just as important as it is to stay motivated, you must also listen to your body and know when to stop and give yourself a break. WTM: Is there a right age-group to practise Zumba? LV: No; that’s the beauty of it. Last summer, we had a camp where we organised Zumba for teens. We even had kids from the age of six participating. This has no impact on growth and doesn’t cause any damage. So, it is safe for all ages. We even conduct “mother and daughter” private sessions; it offers a new kind of bonding time. WTM: Do you require any special gear? LV: No, not beyond cross-trainer shoes. These provide more support for the ankle and more balance for faster movements. WTM: Do you have any fitness myth busters to spare? LV: Women generally believe they shouldn’t work with weights as it gets them all buffed up and they thus rely solely on cardio. This isn’t true; you need both muscle endurance and strength. Also, people think low intensity workouts for a longer period helps you burn more calories. That isn’t going to get you anywhere. I’ve heard people are advised to walk and not run. If you’ve noticed, those running are usually more fit than those walking. And, no, cycling does not make your behind larger! WTM: And finally, what, in your opinion, are the fitness essentials? LV: Firstly, nutrition, hydration and proper sleep. Secondly, hit the gym at least thrice a week. Thirdly, have the right workout kit — shoes, clothes, sports bra and other gear. I always stress on the importance of knowledge. If you aren’t sure, get professional advice. Do not follow random suggestions blindly. Call 17 713-999 or visit www.alghalia.com. Lelani Vrey
24 | December 2011 | woman this month Showcase The Total Experience THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA Natasha Bird heads down to the Diplomat’s gym and spa to check out their programme for getting you fit and healthy this winter. You might not imagine the winter to be an ideal time to begin a health and fitness regime. Christmas and New Year are just around the corner and with them beckons the temptation to gorge yourself on sumptuous food and get in a last hurrah before embarking on New Year’s resolutions. However, you’d be wrong. In Bahrain, the winter months are the ideal time to get into gear. The weather has cooled, which makes running and exercising outside so much more pleasant. It is also extremely valuable to set yourself goals and to get into a pattern of exercise and dieting in the lead up to the end of the year’s festivities, because this means that your body will not receive so much of a shock when you want to burn all the eggnog off come the New Year. In light of this idea, I headed down to the Diplomat to check out their facilities and to experience a complimentary, tailor made exercise routine from one of their qualified fitness professionals. Upon entering their mixed gymnasium I was greeted by Nestor, an instructor with over six years of experience in the Philippines and the Gulf. He completed a thorough fitness assessment, which took into account both my body mass in relation to my height and my body fat percentage, from which he was able to gauge what sort of workout would suit me, in view of my particular goals. We decided that I really needed to improve my muscle tone, so we got to work on a routine that combined interval training with some cardio in order to get my blood pumping and to make my muscles feel the burn at the same time. The interval training consisted of sets of three exercises, each repeated a number of times with pauses between each and I have to say that this was the perfect workout for me. I felt like my muscles were working, but without being over strained. I could tell that my heart rate was being kept up, without feeling drained, weak or out of breath. It is definitely something I can see myself continuing to do every time I go to the gym. Happily, after my session with Nestor, the Diplomat treated me to one of their full-body sports massages in the ladies only spa. The spa is a wonderfully tranquil place, with a whole host of individual treatment and relaxation rooms and a beautiful Japanese pool complete with wooden bridge. Krittika’s massage was both thorough and relaxing. She managed to massage my whole body, whilst at the same time concentrating on the particular muscle groups that needed more attention. I thoroughly recommend the whole experience! Call 17 525-237 (SPA), or 17 531-666 (Hotel).
25 woman this month | December 2011 | Flab Be Gone! INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY Are you about to install magic mirrors in your bedroom for the illusion of a flawless figure? We say don’t bother! You can have the real thing. Three words — power abs sessions! If there’s something that convinces you that your body is imperfect, it has got to be those nasty love handles, which is really just a cute name for stubborn fat or blubber located in your mid-section. Ryan Gelderbloem, personal trainer at the Regency Health Club, opens the secret doorway to the world of surfboard abs. “You need to have a strong core to establish control over your upper and lower parts. Everything you do on a normal day incorporates the abdominal muscles. Thus, it is important to focus on this section,” Ryan explains. The power abs sessions are safe for anyone above the age of 16. To begin with, you are using your own body weight to tackle the most problematic region. It also includes cardiovascular exercises, which increase your heart rate helping you strip layers of fat before you actually start toning that tummy. Also, focusing on your oblique muscles is significant to keeping it flat. “Its best feature is that it is advised for both first-timers and professional gym-goers alike as it offers various levels,” he says. Couple these sessions with toning exercises for the perfect workout. It helps keep other muscle groups like the chest, back, arms and legs strong as well. Another benefit of this programme is that it does not burn a hole in your pocket with a list of expensive gear. Walk right in wearing comfortable workout clothes, a good pair of cross-trainer shoes and a gym mat if you’d like to bring your own. Remember to show up on time for the warm-ups and to stay at the end to cool down. This promises to be 60 minutes well spent. Try out a free session at our Fitness Day Out on December 10. Ryan’s fitness tips l A moderate to high-intensity workout for half an hour three or four times a week is sufficient to maintain your body. For weight loss, double up the time and exercise at least five to six times a week. l With our current lifestyle, it’s important to move more often. Walk or take the stairs. If you don’t like to hit the gym, take up a sport or swim. l Remember fitness goes with nutrition. Ideally, you should lose 700 calories per workout to burn fat. Eating healthily makes sure it isn’t for nothing. l Don’t diet, eat right. When you diet, you lose body fat and muscle mass. Once you’ve stopped, you develop twice the fat you had in the first place. Fat-burning pills dehydrate your body and increase the heart rate unnaturally. l Muscles have memory. Change your routine on a weekly basis. Keep it interesting. l People ignore cardiovascular exercises when it is the most important part of working out. It helps regulate respiration and blood circulation. l Standing in the office helps you burn more calories than while you’re sitting. Every half hour, move around and drink water. l Stretch when you get up from your sleep. Squeeze in half an hour for push-ups or squats while you are at home. l Most importantly, get a health check-up before you get started. Call 17 208-355. Ryan Gelderbloem
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