Woman This Month - March 2013

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2 | March 2013 22 Interview 14 Elizabeth Shaheen: Developing a green thumb 16 Dr Puja Taneja Malhotra: Understanding yourself Shopping 08 Editor’s Choice: Spread the word 10 Pick of the Month: Smell the coffee 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene! Fashion 18 Fashion Forward: Most wanted of SS 2013 20 Celebrities: What the stars are wearing 22 Get the Look: Fashionable mothers 24 Feature: Muscat Fashion Week highlights 26 Theme: A bit of midi skirt Beauty 28 Beauty News: The latest products in stores 30 Fragrances: Find your scent 32 Tips: Long-lasting hair colour 34 Feature: Spa treatments Home 42 Feature: A child’s world Wellbeing 44 Feature: Watching cholesterol levels 47 Column: Crystal clear Parenting 48 Feature: How to make the right career choices 51 Column: Does your child have meningitis? Regulars 06 Letters: Tell us what you think of this issue 17 Social Butterfly: Who has been seen where? 38 20 Tips: How to stay creative 40 10 Tips: Get photogenic 52 Online: Shop online; shop local 58 Travel: For art’s sake 60 Recipes: Doughnut frenzy 62 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 64 WoMentality: Living life to the fullest 42 34 48 44 contents | MARCH 2013 March 2013, issue 121 Soft pastel shades are prominent in this SS13 outfit from Juicy Couture. Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES March 2013 | Issue 121 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com woman this month MARCH 2013 ı SENDING MESSAGES – WEAR WHAT YOU SAY ı www.womanthismonth.com HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY ISSUE 121 Sending Messages Wear What You Say Fashion Theme: Midi Skirts Find Your Style Dressing For Mums Cholesterol Control Counting The Numbers Career Decisions Make The Right Choice www.womanthismonth.com

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4 | March 2013 Welcome GUEST EDITOR's letter Whether you’re handling a business of your own, tackling an eight-hour shift or managing your family, there is one thing that every woman can agree on — that she could use a break! Now not all of us can just screech halt and go on vacation; that does not mean you cannot get that time off you totally deserve. Sometimes all you need is a day, or a weekend, to yourself. The key is to make it all about you. This month we give you the best ideas for an escape from the mundane — without having to leave base. If five-star treatment isn’t your cup of tea and you would rather just find away to get out of a mental rut, our tips on boosting your creativity should be of assistance. We also share our tricks on making amazing photos. Who said you needed to be photogenic? A lot of women have been experimenting with hair styles and colours. The Beauty section tells you how you can make those makeovers last. Those with an eye for the latest trends should keep a close watch on our pick of designers from the Muscat Fashion Week. Attention mums! The fashion police are watching. We tell you how to stay stylish without emptying the bank. Making a statement is taken quite literally these days with slogans and quotes being slapped onto every fabric, be it t-shirts or laptop bags. Have a look at our favourites. The trend has even found its way into home furnishing; there’s no doubt it’ll look great in the kids’ room. Pick up on some home décor tips from our child-oriented feature this month. It seems like we’re living the life of an American cop as we talk about our love for doughnuts and coffee as well. While we’re discussing professions, find out how your parenting style affects your child’s decision making process in terms of choosing a career. Read all this and more in our packed out March issue. Enjoy! Elma Bartholomew Assistant 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 assistant editor Elma Bartholomew fashion and beauty editor Fernanda Langhammer contributors Dr Clare beckett-mcinroy george r vaughan James Claire staff writer Maryam A Toorani print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics RODOLFO A REYES JR Dalal Al-Sabbagh media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media executives ESKY Girmay farheen ahmed 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 Get Pampered www.womanthismonth.com

6 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com A Frame of Mind was an enlightening read that should have been given more prominence in your magazine. I was surprised to see that the piece was not featured in your cover page. Dementia is an illness that is often ignored by the family. Depression, moodiness, the occasional ‘misplacing items’ and forgetfulness are all attributed to “growing old.” As a result of this, dementia is often left undiagnosed, leave alone untreated, for several people. Hopefully, when people are made cognisant, the illness can be detected and treated at an early stage. Also, the article should have stressed more on the patience and compassion that is required from close kin while dealing with the person suffering from dementia. Aside from this, the item was full of useful information. In future, please encourage more of such articles, which will help us careeroriented individuals to stop and take a look at maladies of those near and dear to us. Rao, by email. Letters Parenting done right STAR LETTER Write Here Write Now www.womanthismonth.com 37 February 2013 | | February 2013 36 www.womanthismonth.com Wellbeing Mind Dementia in all its forms is one of the most pressing problems of the world. Woman This Month sits down with experts to find out the truth about the personality stealing disease. By Maryam Toorani T here is probably no more a dreaded illness associated with getting older than any type of dementia. Millions of people around the world suffer from this identity-destroying condition and the numbers keep on increasing year by year. Far too often we hear about cases where parents can’t even remember their children’s names or find their way back home from the neighbourhood store. The real question we try to tackle is, why is it caused and are we all really helpless in the hands of this mind-robbing horror? Dementia 101 Our expert: Dr Shahid Khan, internal medicine, American Mission Hospital Dementia is not a disease in itself, but rather a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability. Any kind of damage in the brain cells interferes with the capacity of the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. When this line of communication breaks (because of old age or a disease) normal actions like thinking and feeling can be affected. Symptoms vary depending on the cause or type of dementia. These include memory loss where the patient may forget his way back home or may forget names and places. Moodiness where the person cannot control their emotions can also be noticed sometimes. Communicative difficulties are usually sure signs that something is wrong and as the disease progresses, their ability to carry out everyday tasks diminishes. “Diagnosis requires a complete medical and neuropsychological evaluation. After a patient is brought in by their family, the doctor first needs to determine the severity of their cognitive problem,“ explains Dr Khan. A detailed history is taken while a physical examination is carried out along with a few mental status tests and laboratory exams. Among them is the Minnesota Mini-mental Status Examination where a multiple questionnaire test is given to the patient. The score of the questionnaire evaluates the cognitive deficit of the patient, ranging from mild to severe. “A Brain CT scan or MRI can help us in determining the cause, which could be a stroke for example. Knowing the cause allows us to recommend the right treatment plan,” he adds. Can it be treated? Some medications can be used to help slow down the process but most treatments can neither reverse nor stop dementia. There are, however a few cases that are caused by medical conditions that can be treated. In these cases, most or full mental functionality can be restored. Thyroid disease or Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treatable if diagnosed in early stages. Alzheimer disease is one type of dementia that can be treated by some medications to only slow down the process and prolong a person’s brain control. alzheimer’s 101 Our expert: Qusai Al Haddad, specialist neurologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), increases with old age, but developing it is not a part of normal ageing. The exact cause of AD is yet to be clear. Studies show that genes and environmental factors seem to play a role. Risk factors, although not well proven, include having high blood pressure for a long time and a history of head trauma. Some studies even suggest that women are more likely to suffer from AD than men. Symptoms include difficulty with many areas of mental function like emotional behaviour or personality, language, memory, perception, thinking and judgment. The early symptoms can include difficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but used to come easily, such as balancing a cheque book, playing complex board games or learning new information or routines. “Getting lost on familiar routes and misplacing items as well as loss of social skills can be signs to look out for,” says Dr Qusai. As AD worsens, symptoms become more obvious and interfere with a person’s ability to take care of themselves. This can then result in a change in sleep patterns, delusions, depression and even something as simple as preparing meals or choosing proper clothing to wear. In the most severe case, a person can no longer understand language or recognize family members. A Frame of Change your perspective This month’s star letter will win a bag of goodies from Ford’s ‘Warriors in Pink’ collection. So, to receive these fantastic products, send us your views and options on this month’s edition either by email to [email protected], by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461. Your article this month on ‘teaching your children to take their time’ was a fantastic one. With technology having taken over our everyday lives, we have such little time to actually spend with our kids. We see parents in the park, toying with their mobiles and children sitting with their iPad. Entrepreneurial parents are now even giving classes as basic as learning to hula hoop or jump rope! All it actually takes is watching a five-minute self-help video on YouTube. Technology needs to be used for its benefits and somehow most people are not able to draw the line. We need to counter the advent of the misuse of technology with common sense. If you could add more articles, which share ideas on fun stuff to do with kids, it would be great. Let’s encourage parents to give space and time, in return for priceless years well spent. Best wishes, A mom, by email. WRITE IN AND WIN I usually let my kids choose one recipe from your magazine so we can have some fun together in the kitchen over a weekend. We had a great time following James Claire’s recipes to baking red velvet cupcakes this month. However, it was obvious that the girls chose that because it was the one recipe that wasn’t green. I’m sure many mothers face the hassle of getting their kids to eat their veggies. Would it be possible for you to share some recipes that could perhaps ‘trick’ them into getting their daily dose of greens? Annie, by email. 42 | February 2013 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 43 February 2013 | Parenting Teach Your Children to Take Their Time What can we do about this problem? One answer is to live by the rule of quality as opposed to quantity. Slow down and savour the moment as opposed to being fast and ferocious, wanting it all. There are so many activities that are improved by taking things a little slower. Exercising, eating, speaking, that extra coffee in the morning and the dreaded homework that young people have to endure can all benefit from an unhurried, more focussed attitude. Simply breathing slowly before you begin a task or when things get tricky can help you centre your thoughts. Try breathing in for six seconds and exhaling for 10 a few times; it really does help and is very calming too. Teach your children this simple technique because results of many substantial research reports prove that a calm and relaxed mind is the best state to learn new things and solve problems. Think of times when you were trying to juggle too many tasks; there is clutter in your mind. Errands may get forgotten and work may not be completed to the standard you wish whilst energy and time is wasted. In comparison, think of tasks you do when you are focussed. They are completed methodically, enabling you to achieve quality. How does this make you feel compared to the irritable voice of a parent who tells their children to hurry up? Of course, there are deadlines to meet and school bells to beat, but take some time to think about the impact you want as your child enters their classroom. Consider a scenario when the traffic was unusually slow and there was nothing you could do and your child got dressed relatively quickly that morning. What is the use in stressing and exasperating in such a situation? Is it not better to say, “...oh well...” and then they arrive at their class without shame and anxiety? It’s a choice. All your thoughts, actions and words are a choice. Life balance Creating a better life balance is a fundamental strategy for wellbeing. Yes, speed does have a place but it is very different to rushed or flustered. What exactly should we focus on when speeding up? When it comes to making decisions, which we make all day every day, choices can be faster and less torturous if you set yourself and your children some rules. For instance, say that we will only be in this shop for only 10 minutes, focus on buying certain items and will select what we want from only three shops. Adding structure, boundaries and focus makes decision-making so much easier. The Internet provides you with the myth that you should search everywhere; look at several brands and compare prices. It even has tools to help you with this. You can compare gadgets and quality reviews. As great as this might sound, it has a downside. You may wish to spend your time doing something different and, on occasions, good enough can be enough. Decide in advance how long you want to search or how many options you want to explore and then be disciplined. Stop browsing by consciously ignoring other possibilities as they can go on forever; so ignore ‘what ifs’. Ignore the trivial It is a very clever and useful tool to be able to consciously and actively ignore things. We are persistently bombarded with information, a great deal of which is out of our control and irrelevant. This skill has a whole host of applications. For example, just because you have a phone, it does not mean that you have to answer it or carry it with you. Of course, there are times when this is essential, when things are urgent and important, but on other occasions, think about what you really want to do at that time. Do you want a quick chat with a friend about nothing in particular or do you want to read or play with your child? Choosing here really will mean that you are focussed on what you are doing instead of doing two things half-heartedly. The same applies to emails. Do you open every email just in case? Do you read emails that you know are not important to you just because they were sent to you? Do you reply immediately? Are you compelled to reply at all? If you delete or do not answer to a mail that is not important to you, rather than letting yourself be intimidated into dealing with it, you are making yourself so much more time for more important things. Again, this skill can be shared with your child as they begin to send and receive their own texts and email messages. Technology tries to convince us that fast is better, easier and more effective. Nevertheless, remember the passion and effort it takes to write a handwritten note or letter which is also usually more memorable to the receiver. It’s 2013. People want to live longer, achieve beyond expectations, do things faster and carry out more things simultaneously. The result? Life passes you by with a fair share of depression, anxiety, and ill health. Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy 52 | February 2013 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 53 February 2013 | Food Chive, Cheese and Asparagus Soufflé Green Pea and Chive Soup For the Love of Cooking In my mid-forties and still single, I find Valentine’s Day is a time of greater love for the one woman who has remained at my side for four decades and still only has nice words about me — my mother, the woman who during my childhood cooked our every meal. Yet, even despite all that cooking, I don’t recall her eating with us and when I do, I remember her eating sparingly. For a long while I presumed that she was too full from nibbling as she cooked; but I see it clearly know, she just loved cooking more than she did eating. I love food and I adore cooking it. Having given 30 years to cooking as my primary career I still adore the process; finding delicious ingredients, contemplating how they work together and finally preparing the meal. Often though, when I am done and sit before the meal, I am just not desirous of eating it. This is not because I don’t like my own cooking, but because I adore the process more than the result. If you truly love the one you’re with, go out for dinner, allow someone else to enjoy the process and you enjoy the company of each other. Take the time to talk and reminisce; remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place. If the funds don’t allow, or if you’re flying solo, then find love and comfort in the art and joy that cooking a meal can give. Just remember how good the food tasted when the time comes for doing the dishes. Happy cooking! Cooking is a procedure of marrying the right ingredients to produce something better than its parts, a complete dish. It is about love for the art and the culinary adventure; not just for “the one”. By James Claire 500g frozen cut asparagus, thawed and well drained 100g finely shredded cheddar cheese 75g mayonnaise (store bought) 2 tbspns chives, freshly chopped 1/2 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic 4 egg whites pinch cream of tartar pinch salt l In a hot fry pan, sauté the onion and garlic until coloured. l In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, cheese, mayonnaise, chives and onion/ garlic mixture. Using a spatula, fold all these ingredients together. l In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar and the salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. l Fold into asparagus mixture. l Fold the egg whites into the asparagus mixture in 2-3 batches. With each batch, it is advised to be more and more careful while folding the egg whites in. l Transfer the finished mixture into a greased large ramekin or soufflé dish or individual dishes and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned on top. l Serve immediately. 200g potatoes, peeled and cut into fine cubes 1 tbspn garlic paste 2 tbsns unsalted butter 1 1/2ltrs vegetable stock (or 1.5ltrs water and 4 vegetable stock cubes) 400g frozen peas, thawed 2 tbspns chives, finely chopped pinch salt pinch black pepper, freshly ground Ingredients: 120g unsalted butter 300g caster sugar 2 eggs, large 250mls laban 30g red food colour 1 tspn white vinegar 250g plain (all-purpose) flour 1/2 tspn salt 15g cocoa powder 1 tspn bicarbonate soda For the icing: 100g unsalted butter 500g icing or confectioners’ sugar pinch salt 1 tspn vanilla essence 65g milk Red Velvet Cupcakes l To make the red velvet cupcake batter, place the butter and sugar into a mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat until the mixture is light in colour. l Add the eggs one at a time and combine well after each addition. l In a bowl, mix together the laban, red food colour and the white vinegar and whisk. l Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate soda and salt. l Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and start the blender while slowly adding the liquids. l When all ingredients are added, scrape down the bowl and ensure everything is thoroughly combined. l Spoon the mixture into cupcake paper- lined cupcake tin and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-35 minutes until baked. l Allow to cool before icing. l To make the icing, cream together the butter, icing sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. l When the butter is completely incorporated add the milk slowly to the mixture and increase the speed of the mixer and beat the icing for 2-3 minutes before removing and using on the cupcakes immediately. l In a large sauce pan, heat the butter and when hot sauté the chopped potatoes and the garlic paste until lightly brown. l Add the vegetable stock and bring the mix to a boil. l Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and tender. l Add the thawed peas and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the peas are tender. Cool slightly. l Use a hand wand mixer or a stand up blender and process the soup until smooth. l Add the chopped chives, salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately with a small spoonful of sour cream in the centre. Eating healthy

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8 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Shopping Editor's Choice Leave a message! This month, pick up your quotes to wear. Fashion is all about expressing yourself; but if you could add words, the message will certainly be read. It’s time to spread the word with some warm ideas. Bershka By Malene Birger Mango Next Debenhams Pull&Bear River Island Miss Selfridge New Look

10 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Shopping Why it was selected A brand that focuses on quality, design and sustainability instantly wins customers’ respect and loyalty. Nespresso is one such company with the added advantage of being related to coffee. For caffeine addicts across the globe there need not be a better reason to be a fan of their coffees or espresso machines than the perfect blends and strong aromas. The brand has 16 Grands Crus capsules with distinct characters and aromatic notes. Each full set is made of seven espresso blends, three of pure origin (from Brazil, Colombia and India); three for lungos (or long espressos) and three decaffeinated kinds. The intensity of each type varies from two to 10 units, 10 being the strongest. Challenge your olfactory senses and identify floral and fruity notes as compared to those of wood and wine among many others. Or you could just lay back and enjoy a good cup of coffee. Nothing lets you start off your day on the right foot like coffee does. Immerse yourself in an entirely innovative and up-to-the-minute energy-boosting experience. Pick of the Month What we like The designs and the colour-coded capsules are winning features. Balancing the best of innovation and simplicity, their machines are compact enough to fit any space. As it is available in quite a few colours and designs, it makes for the perfect accessory for your kitchen and office alike. User-friendliness is imperative to Nespresso. Forget about dealing with space-consuming jars and cutlery as they have managed to fit all you need for the perfect cuppa tightly into a single capsule. Bid farewell to cleaning woes as well; all it takes is placing the detachable parts under running water. Who knew coffee machines could be so low maintenance? What else to look for Nespresso focuses on sustainability through the Ecolaboration programme that has three primary commitments: coffee, capsules and carbon footprints. Eighty per cent of the coffee used is sourced from the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Programme which guarantees small-scale farmers higher remuneration when they preserve the fauna and the flora by limiting soil erosion and optimising water management. Secondly, they have arranged for collection systems to triple their capacity to recycle the used capsules to 75 per cent. Finally, the automatic power-off functions enables them to save energy and thus their carbon footprint by 20 per cent per cup. Where to find it Shop for Nespresso at Bahrain City Centre. Call 8000 1999 (toll free).

12 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Sweet Words Marks & Spencer has a selection of cards dedicated to the person that is always caring for you. This Mother’s Day can be a good opportunity to write down your feelings and send them to your mother, wherever she is. Express your love with a simple gesture. Charity Shop If you have some belongings in good usable condition and want to donate them, go to Second Chance Charity shop, above Tibra’s pet supply store along the Budaiya Highway. All the money collected goes directly to the animals at the Second Chance Animal Rescue Center. Volunteers are welcome! In our March selection you will find creative ways to spend time as a mum. Gastronomic treats and upping your social responsibility are the best picks. Outdoor Market Manama is the Capital of Arab Tourism 2013 and in celebration, a market at Bab Al Bahrain will take place for five consecutive weekends starting on February 28. The market is an outdoor festival with local designers and creative participants selling products, and engaging in a series of interactive events and workshops. Fun for Kids Bahrain City Centre has organised a Kids Ville Colouring Activity Station where children can develop their inner creativity when colouring pages, while mum shops! The activity centre is hosted daily and is free of charge, with workshops taking place from 6-9pm. Store Radar Crocs opened its first store in Bahrain City Centre. The brand known for its light and comfortable shoes has a range of styles to please adults and kids. With warmer days coming back, a new pair of beachwear shoes would be a starting point to enjoy the season. Soap for Bricks March 8 is Women’s International Day; to celebrate L’Occitane will feature a campaign around one of their soaps. When purchasing this product, 100 per cent of the profits from the sale will go to the L’Occitane Foundation, to help build literacy centres for the women in Burkina Faso. Join the cause! Shopping Style Mode On ‘Choo 24:7 Stylemakers’ is Jimmy Choo’s microsite to showcase style all around the world. Dubai is represented by Tala Samman and the Cruise 2013 collection. Bahrain is also listed; you can join the Stylemakers and post your image wearing your adorable ‘Choos’. Retail Therapy Clothes Collecting What do you do with your out of fashion clothes? H&M is launching a global initiative to collect worn out or defective garments in their shops. In return, costumers will get a 10 per cent off voucher on their next purchase. Numbers show that 95 per cent of these garments could be reworn, reused or recycled. In Bahrain, look for the disposal counter within the Seef Mall store.

14 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com People Design Your Green Patch Gardening enthusiasts need not despair just because they happen to live in Bahrain. With a little patience, it’s possible to build your own tropical paradise, says Elizabeth Shaheen. Elizabeth Shaheen has gardened in Bahrain for over 30 years. As a self taught gardener, few in the Kingdom can rival her knowledge and passion for the greens. Elizabeth’s gardening experiments began 35 years ago, when she and her husband built a house in Budaiya amidst a date palm grove with sandy soil. Since early days, her ethos rested on working with nature rather than trying to force nature’s arm. “I recommend starting with plants that you know will survive for sure in Bahrain. Species such as the bohemia, frangipani, bougainvillea, hibiscus and jasmine are a safe bet,” she says. Elizabeth was raised in the UK where she inherited her green thumb from parents who were avid gardeners. Her grandfather grew sweet pea in abundance and her earliest memories are of the maternal home in Winchester, which was perfumed with the aroma of this plant. From her travels across the world, she has collected a phenomenal number of plants, bulbs and seeds, which have flourished at her lush garden in Budaiya. From English wildflowers, such as lavender and honeysuckle to pistachio and passion fruit, her acre-wide garden is dotted with hundreds of varieties native to Australia, UK, Egypt and Thailand. To accommodate over 20 varieties of aquatic plants including lotus, water lily and bulrush, she has designed 19 garden ponds and lagoons which now are a haven for frogs and fish alike. An inspiration to discerning gardeners, Elizabeth is a Fellow of The Linnean Society of London as well as the Institute of Horticulture of London. She has authored two books on trees and exotic plants in Bahrain. Her lecture ‘All About Bulbs’ at the Bahrain Garden Club on March 5 will educate the audience about the infinite potential of bulbs in planning a garden. “It’s important for people to realise that certain varieties of plants do grow and thrive in Bahrain. In addition to perfect soil preparation, I prefer to plant where I feel a plant is suited rather than trying to adjust the site to accommodate the plant. However, once they start to taste success, I advise people to keep an eye on other gardens in the vicinity and be experimental in their own garden,” she says. Elizabeth has lectured widely and has conducted a series of gardening demonstrations on Bahrain Television. An avid environmental enthusiast, she has been awarded by the Ministry of Education for promoting gardening in Bahrain. Elizabeth Shaheen

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16 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com People Tackling Our Egos We might like to admit that we do not have an ego; the reality is everyone does, and sometimes it gets out of hand. Mind over matter is the subject of workshop this month to better understand and deal with our egos. This month Dr Puja Taneja Malhotra, a local health psychologist, brings another unique concept to the island in the form of an ego state therapy course. In over seven years of consulting she has designed and conducted several programmes on matters of the mind. These range from hypnotherapy to stress and anger management. Held on March 8-9, the workshop revolves around a powerful and brief therapy. It is based on the premise that personality is composed of separate parts. Using these parts, called ego states, therapists learn to work directly with the state that can best affect the personality and bring about positive change. “The goals of the therapy are to locate ego states harbouring fear or rejection and facilitate expression, release, comfort and empowerment. It is the unresolved states, our tender spots, that come out and make us feel out of control,” Dr Puja explains. Led by Professor Gordon Emmerson, the course also aims to resolve conflict between ego states and help clients learn how to use their states to their benefit. The instructor, an honorary fellow in the school of psychology at Victoria University in Melbourne is the author of many books and developer of many therapeutic techniques. “With Professor Gordon’s expertise, participants learn how to deal with issues, perform at a high level and even enjoy life. The clinical training also includes specific techniques that have been proven useful when dealing with addiction, depression, panic disorders and so many other conditions,” she adds. Currently working at Esho Funi Consultants, Puja has achieved many professional and educational milestones. She is trained in hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming and dance therapy, developing techniques that enable people to heal themselves using the power of their mind. Dr Puja Taneja Malhotra

www.womanthismonth.com 17 March 2013 | Social Butterfly The Autumn Fair 2013 Under the patronage of HE Hassan Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, the Autumn Fair, Bahrain's largest and most popular consumer products show was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. This annual exhibition consistently attracts over 200,000 shoppers from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. A wide range of products were on display during this 9 day extravaganza, ranging from specialty foods to textiles, and furnishings to electrical goods Cap Abdulwahab Al Hawaj, Jassim Al Zayani, Jawad Y. Al Hawaj & Inder HE Dr Hassan Fakhro tours the exhibition Syam, Nada, Eman, Khulood & Nicolas Osama & Faiz Vicky Teresa, Farooq & Belen Shoyeb, Bilal & Emad Steve & Nancy

Fashion Fashion Forward Are you ready for the new season’s collections? We selected a few trends to get you ready to shop for Spring/Summer’s most wanted pieces. Light as a Feather Long and fluid dresses are a symbol of warmer days. The light fabric is perfect for the hot weather, but also brings elegance and a mysterious appeal. The new collections are all about sheer and fluid long skirt dresses with soft patterns. If you are not a big fan of transparency, go for the semi-transparent leg options. Chess Inspiration The geometrical pattern was the highlight in Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer collection. The colour contrast and square shapes give you a sharp look or a picnic style. The chess criss-cross can be easily found in clothing and accessories — it’s trendy and fun. Crayon Hues Summer is all about colours as they get brighter and bolder. This season bet on the contrasts, black and white, red and pink, orange and green and so on. For a fresh take on colour blocking, pick one colour for the bottom and another for the top, and then mix and match them. You can also add more colour with your accessories. Louis Vuitton Paul Smith H&M Versace Hobbs 18 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com

Skin Pattern Animal prints are amongst the top trends every season, but always with an up-to-date version. This season pick a snakeskin pattern in soft lines and colours. For accessories, it became the new neutral option and for clothing; the sheer and light fabrics translate into a modern elegance for dresses and tops. Let it Shine If you have to choose only one colour for the new season I would say yellow! Designers and brands are into sunshine and every little fashion piece has a version on the shade. If you are a trendsetter you can wear the bright colour from head to toe, it will be cheerful and you will certainly stand out in the crowd. Arigato, Sayonara The Orient made an appearance, and statement, on the runways. The traditional kimono gets a different interpretation from designers; it’s a fashion piece to wear from beach to an evening meeting. The classic style can be paired with jeans for a casual but tidy look, or used as a dress, for those with long legs, to impress. Bright New Metal Metallics were a big hit in Autumn/Winter collections and they are not off in the new season. You will find a reinterpretation of the trend with colourful metallics. Pink, blue and green are mostly found in accessories, and it is a good pick when selecting a focal point in your look. Accessorize Emilio Pucci Coach Michael Kors Mango Kenzo Jimmy Choo Lanvin www.womanthismonth.com 19 March 2013 |

20 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion It is red carpet season and Hollywood actresses are ready to show off their exaggerated or simple choices. Take note: strapless dresses, in reds and pales, are this season’s trends. are Wearing What theStars Halle Berry A printed Atelier Versace dress was Halle Berry’s choice for the award ceremony. The blush-tone gown with a chiffon skirt gave her a lightweight look. The thigh-high slit was the final touch for her celebrity status, but very difficult to use in a non-red carpet situation. Kate Beckinsale The British actress looked flawless in her Roberto Cavalli strapless pale blush chiffon and lace dress. The subtle details as the silver embellishments and the skirt ending were the necessary touches for a safe, but up-to-date look. It is the perfect princess style. Charlize Theron The 36-year-old actress wore a dramatic Dior dress for the Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California. The deep neckline and waist volume is not for everyone, but it is a perfect choice to call attention to yourself on the red carpet. Reese Witherspoon This Means War actress wore a dark red Zac Posen gown and Christian Louboutin shoes for the Golden Globe Awards. The carmine shade makes a significant contrast in blondes and they stand out in the crowd. The strapless dress is a safe choice for an elegant style. By Fernanda Langhammer

www.womanthismonth.com 21 March 2013 | Alicia Keys The singer was spotted at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, carrying a Coach tote. The oversized brown handbag gave a neutral colour touch to her choice of clothes. As reliable as black and white, black and brown are safe choices when putting your look together. Jennifer Lawrence The winner for best actress in a motion picture musical or comedy for Silver Linings Playbook, wore a red strapless Dior dress with Salvatore Ferragamo swarovski clutch to receive her award. The waist detail is the precious touch in her look; it shows that it goes beyond casual daywear. Anne Hathaway A slim-fitting white Chanel gown was the actress’s choice for the Golden Globe ceremony. The dress was way too simple for the occasion, especially when winning a supporting Grammy for Les Miserables. However, her adorable smile compensates for the lack of style! Hilary Swank Hilary Swank celebrated the re-opening of Bulgari’s Hong Kong flagship store wearing a coloured gems necklace from the brand. The statement piece stole the scene and her simple outfit was the best choice to go with this eye-catching piece of jewellery. Selena Gomez Justin Bieber’s on-and-off girlfriend wore Jimmy Choo pumps for the Warner Brothers Golden Globe party in Los Angeles. The golden baroque strapless mini-dress is a suitable choice if you are a celebrity or if you have a young and tiny figure. Otherwise, it will seem that you have run out of fabric!

22 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Find Are you loyal to one way of dressing, or do you just go with the flow We are certainly many women in one, but do you have a prevalent style? Find out which mum you are and enjoy your day! Casual This is the style for an everyday look, the one most women tend to associate with. You can also exude a relaxed aura without trainers or heels; flats, ballerinas and comfy boots are the shoes for a natural walk. An icon in this visual are a good pair of jeans; to pull off the look choose a contemporary cut. Classic Most business women put on this style; well-cut trousers, shirts and blazers in sober colours are indispensable in their wardrobes. The main characters in this look are the accessories, from fine jewellery pieces to fun handbags; they are the stars of a traditional, but modern style. Evans Dune Stradivarius Marc by Marc Jacobs Marni at NET-APORTER.COM Pull&Bear Carolina Herrera Karen Millen By Malene Birger Vincci Jimmy Choo Longiness

www.womanthismonth.com 23 March 2013 | Sportive Everybody likes to wear comfortable clothes and, for lazy days, this is without doubt the preferred dress code. But sportive doesn’t have to mean out of style. If you want to update your look, try to innovate with a pair of metallic trainers or a trendy vest. Your Style Fashionista It is usually fashionable women who try new cuts, textures, colours, patterns and play with their wardrobe, rather than those who simply wear the latest trend and fanciest brands. This style calls for creativity; be open to new possibilities when dressing-up. It is a big step to being adventurous. Miss Selfridge Parfois Bershka Dorothy Perkins Coast Mango Massimo Dutti Folli Follie Juicy Couture at Saks Fifth Avenue Accessorize Aldo Reebok

24 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Arabian Style in Vogue Local designers are starting to make waves not only on the local fashion scene but also around the world. What’s more, an increasing number of regional events are shining a spotlight on upcoming and established Arabian talet. The Middle East is growing as a fashion destination. Well-known brands are placing their stores all over the GCC and are being spotted in the fashion market everywhere. It is a green light to regional designers to show off their work. Events such as the Muscat Fashion Week are an opportunity for local designers to showcase their creations. Designers from United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman presented their 2013 collections in a three-day event promoting the region’s fashion roots in the Sultanate. The region is a frequent inspiration for many western collections; its exquisite fabrics, handwork and elegant shine are present in many seasons. The difference now is that local designers have the confidence to display their original Arabian pieces with contemporary interpretation to a global audience. Women in the Middle East adore statement pieces, strong jewellery and colour. For fashion enthusiasts, it is a treasure box with concepts drawing inspiration from the region’s rich cultural heritage. We feature here some of the designers that stood out with their unique fashion ideas during the Muscat Fashion Week. Kanzi The collection brought metal embellishments featured in a modern collection of abayas, kaftans and flowing dresses. Long silhouettes alongside fitted jackets in vibrant hues of magenta, pink and turquoise burst through a black and neutral base palette. Endemage The Omani sisters Lubna and Nadia Al Zakwani explored the traditional motifs of their roots in a collection with vivid colours and sharp cuts. The creative minds offered a modern view on tradition. Nawal Al Hooti Muted grey, deep blue and amber tones were the colours the designer chose as main shades in the new collection. The creations were adorned by traditional Omani beading and embroidery to enhance the flowing dresses.

www.womanthismonth.com 25 March 2013 | Tatyana Aceeva t Glamorous red carpet gowns were presented by the designer on the first day of the show. Her signature style included lace dresses in bold colours as ruby reds and intense blues paired with softer hues in her evening wear designs. Ahmed Talfit t This designer introduced a sculptural, avantgarde collection with powerful silhouettes for his show. Leather, silk and tulle meshed together were used to emphasise the shoulders Dibaj t The brand brought some local spice to the event. Khanjar belts and folklore embroidered cuffs and hemlines gave a distinctly traditional feel to the collection in a selection of rich hues, and featured new styles for pantsuits. DAS The collection presented theatrical shapes in luxurious gold and neutral shades with a pop of bright colours. The multicultural influence translates the creations of the Emirati designers Reem and Hind Beljafla. t C’est Moi Rashmi Kumari is the name behind the brand that took to the runway a luxury bohemian feel. Loud colours shaped into an array of silhouettes boasted an intricate beadwork and embroidery to create a structured line.

26 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Fashion tip: If you choose an A-line skirt, it means volume, so opt for a tight top. But, if you go for the pencil shape, feel free to mix and match. The midi skirt was a hit in autumn/winter collections and continues into the new season. Its length, around the knees, allows you to wear them for work, weekends or nights out without having to compromise on style. We love the motto, buy now, but you can still wear a midi through the summer as well. Michael Kors Koton Stradivarius Mango Debenhams Carolina Herrera H&M Topshop Ladylike Look New Look

www.womanthismonth.com 27 March 2013 | Showcase Shopping Fever BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE Say goodbye to winter blues and usher in spring; the Kingdom’s biggest mall is offering up some amazing fashion promotions to land you the designer duds of your dreams. Ask a fashionista and they will tell you that the best thing about a brand new season is the shopping spree. The temperature is slowly rising and it’s time to put our winter coats back into the bottom drawers and show off some fresh spring attire. Bahrain City Centre is inviting stylish and fashion-forward shoppers of all ages to join in on all kinds of retail fun at the Spring Fashion campaign. Held throughout the month, the festivities will have you made over from head to toe. The variety of activities range from exclusive shopping promotions, complementary hair and beauty demos, a special Mother’s Day Zumba fitness party and exciting chances to win BD13,000 in shopping sprees. In line with the retail therapy theme, the mall’s central galleria will be converted into a seasonal display and feature the brightest and most on trend Spring colours. Shoppers that spend BD30 in one day are eligible for the chance to win one of 10 BD1,000 in gift cards to be given away. If you want to win big, you can double your chances of winning by shopping in any of the fashion stores. These outlets include men’s, ladies and unisex fashion, optical, footwear, leather goods, lingerie, watches, sports, accessories and jewellery. What’s more? If you present a loved one with a minimum of BD30 gift card, you can also get a chance to win the grand prize of BD3,000 in gift cards. All of the campaign draws will be held on the 1st of April. All about the ladies To help us celebrate the hardworking women in our lives, a special Mother’s Day event will be held on March 16 lined up with exciting activities. A Zumba fitness party will bring together mothers and daughters for an energising, dance-inspired fitness class to encourage health and wellness for all shoppers. The free of charge event is limited to 200 participants, who will each recieve a free t-shirt upon registration. For a little friendly competition, the best Zumba mother-daughter duo will win a BD100 gift card. If that’s not enough incentive, how about the indulgent Kempinski Grand Ixir Hotel 90 minute spa package? Not to disappoint the mall’s online fans, the spring fashion campaign will also be available through various social media channels. Use Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for an opportunity to win a BD50 gift card each week until the end of the month. Visit www.facebook.com/BahrainCityCentre or twitter.com/BahrainCityCtr.

28 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com BeautyBeauty News Coloured Canvas Mikyajy’s Groovy Compact Fashionista is a make-up collection that has vivid colours for eye shadows, blushes and the lips. The variety of hues and tints caters for every need; you can go from a natural to a bold look. Available at all leading retailers. Peach Skin The Make Up For Ever HD range has a selection of products to give you a flawless and silky complexion. Apply the High Definition foundation on your face and body for a natural look and a sun-tanned effect. Add a primer, powder, elixir and blush for the perfect result. Available at Make Up For Ever. Luminous Lips Following the fuss of BB creams, Bourjois has launched BB Gloss. The 5-in-1 gloss protects the lips and creates an instant healthy complexion effect. It comes in two shades, orange and pink, to hydrate, smooth and shine. Available at all leading retailers. Check the products we chose for this month and treat your skin before applying your favourite shades. The preparation of your skin is the key for make-up success. Smooth and Bright Reduce the appearance of fine lines and creases around the eye area with Revlon’s PhotoReady Eye Primer plus Brightener. A lightweight primer softens the skin and diffuses light to minimise flaws and even your skin texture. Available at all leading retailers. Angelic Complexion To illuminate the skin Guerlain brings its legendary pearls with new colours. The green and blue were replaced with pink and silver to brighten dull areas and reflect ambient light and ensure one-of-a-kind radiance. Your face will light up and shimmer. Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com 29 March 2013 | Epidermal Care Bioderma has launched the Cicabio Creme, a new product for irritated skin. The copper-zinc complex prevents bacterial proliferation; hyaluronic acid provides optimal moisturising and the innovative antalgicine complex relieves the sensation of discomfort. The product targets every stage of skin reconstruction to promote its restoration. Available at all leading retailers. Make-up Protection Even Better is a lightweight foundation from Clinique. It helps to cover and also restores uneven skin tone and diminishes the look of discolouration with continued use. The ‘cream rose’ shade is specifically designed for the Middle East, and its SPF helps to prevent hyperpigmentation — a common concern in the region. Available at all leading retailers. Glowing Golden Shea butter and honey are the main ingredients in L’Occitane’s new whipped body cream. The shea butter nourishes and protects the skin while the honey softens and comforts. Air has been incorporated into the texture giving it a lighter and soft touch. Available at L’Occitane.

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