Out and About STYLE Magazine Issue 11

Issue 11 Volume 1
December 2019
DR. ENG. SUAAD
SULTAN AL SHAMSI
FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI AIRCRAFT ENGINEER
FINDING A LOST VOICE:
A MOTHER’S QUEST TO FIND HER
DAUGHTER’S CURE
20
HOLIDAY FOODS
AROUND THE WORLD

Quote
of
M onth
the
May light always surround you;
Hope kindle and rebound you.
May your hurts turn to healing;
Your heart embrace feeling.
May wounds become wisdom;
Every kindness a prism.
May laughter infect you;
Your passion resurrect you.
May goodness inspire
your deepest desires.
Through all that you reach for,
may your arms never tire.
~ D. Simone

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Outandaboutstylemag
Published by Out and About Style FZE
(Registered at Fujairah Creative City)

EDITOR’S
WELCOME
The wind is telling us that the holiday season has
officially arrived. Cool drafts and chilly morning gales
are beginning to greet us through our windows, and
the mild, sunny weather is inviting everyone to walk by
the beach to enjoy the soothing late afternoons and
majestic sunsets.
This particular time of the year is perhaps the busiest,
most generous and most convivial. Families from around
the globe are preparing for the season’s holidays for
reunions and intimate gatherings. Perhaps many of us
are also looking forward to seeing the year conclude
with success, happiness and contentment sowed—
raising our glasses to toast to the achievements and
learnings we have gained.
Out and About STYLE Magazine proudly welcomes you
in our First Year-End Special, featuring an Edition that
highlights and celebrates new beginnings. We feature
celebrated, remarkable and enduring individuals and
stories, as well as our dedicated sections, to end your
year right and begin anew in 2020! December is the
month of beginning’s ends leading to new beginnings:
a season of reflection, renewal, reconciliation and
remembering.
Every new beginning comes from
some other beginning’s end.
~ Seneca
Features and Highlights
Feiruza Mudessir takes us to her well-established niche
in the fashion industry. In our Fashion feature, she
reminisced about her inspiring story and her beginnings
when she launched her very own brand, Finchitua, a
Dubai-based brand of modern streetwear inspired by
African-retro fashion. Make sure that you will get the
memo on The Trendy Take On Winter Holiday Fashion
For Men & Women as a practical guide for fashion and
styling this season!
Starting out on a new primer or foundation? Check
out Katrina’s advice on how to Match ‘Em Primers +
Foundations for the flawless, fuss-free look in our Beauty
section. Everyone deserves to give their eyelashes a new
life too, so our 3 DIY Secrets To Grow Your Eyelashes is

here as a handy guide!
Capture inspiration from the first female Emirati
aircraft engineer who embarked on a journey
from aviation school to being one of the country’s
highly-respected women in the aircraft engineering
industry. Dr Suaad Sultan Al Shamsi shares what it
means to pursue your dreams in our special section,
Taking Lessons.
Gracing the cover of this Edition is the popular and
versatile TV and media personality, Lara Tabet, who
generously reveals how her rise to fame started from
a simple, unexpected phone call, and finding her
destined path along the way to become the country’s
top show host and interviewer! In our Talent Pool
feature, Lara shares her current engagements, as
well as personal favourites and opinions on how the
media has changed through the years.
We also feature a special section this month:
Voices, which will take us to the story of a mother,
Andrea Valle, and her daughter, Isabel. Finding a
Lost Voice is a story of hope and resolve in the face
of pain and difficulty, as Isabel courageously fights
Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation
(NBIA), a progressive illness of the brain.
Our Lifestyle section is sure to bring you a
new, refreshing take on starting the year right
in 2020! Find time to fulfil Self-Reflection and
Goal Setting For the Year Ahead to revamp your
mindset. In a practical sense, we should recognise
that It’s Complicated to deal with finances, so
Deconstructing our Relationship with Money is
a pragmatic and responsible action to add to our
New Year’s resolutions!
This Edition is not complete without the
gastronomical goodness of yummy and mouthwatering
food! Browse our lists in our Food feature
for Heartwarming Soups To Try This Winter, as well
as 20 Holiday Foods From Around the World to
complete the holiday vibe this December. Naturally,
we follow that up with great advice in the Fitness
section: How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals and
Achieve Them will be your guide to shed those fats
after the holiday. Emily Ranani will accompany us to
a more productive, healthier lifestyle in our Yummy
Mummy regular feature.
Travelling the world can lead to new realisations
and experiences. Travel with Aahna, the
RedRidingWanderer, and Sonal, our visiting Travel
writer, to The Pink Sands of Pantai Merah and South
Africa: The True Adventurer’s Paradise.
For the Culture features Yvonne Mtengwa who
writes about her life coaching advice on how to
Reset & Reinvent for a better, stronger year ahead.
She tells us that “we do have the power to shape our
lives, and we do carry the capacity to push harder!”
Beginnings also require taking newer, unfamiliar
risks, so Jerome Douglas discusses the importance
of Taking Risks in the Middle. We conclude the
Culture section with a review on the book written
by Don Miguel Ruiz entitled The Four Agreements:
A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, which sets
four guiding principles to lead a respectable, moral
life.
New Beginnings for a Better and Stronger You
This Edition is brought to you by the wonderful
and diverse people behind Out and About STYLE
Mag: bringing your monthly dose of insights, ideas
and advice to help you become the better and
stronger you! Wherever you are, whatever you want
to achieve, we are here to walk with you to new
beginnings and challenges ahead: cheers for the
amazing year we shared together, and here’s a toast
to a new year with us—Happy Holidays and Happy
New Year!
Feel free to message me anytime via our social
media channels. Enjoy, loves!

CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
FASHION
• Finchitua by Feiruza Mudessir
• The Trendy Take on Winter Holiday Fashion for Men and Women
BEAUTY
• Makeup Madness with Katrina - Match ‘Em Primers + Foundations!
• DIY Beauty - 3 DIY Secrets To Grow Your Eyelashes!
TAKING LESSONS
• Dr Eng. Suaad Sultan Al Shamsi, Aviation consultant,
First female aircraft engineer in the UAE
TALENT POOL
• Lara Tabet, TV Personality and Brand Ambassador
VOICES
• Finding a Lost Voice: A Mother Seeks to Find Her Daughter’s Cure
The Story of Andrea Valle, Mother of 15-Year Old Isabel Diagnosed with
Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA)
6 LIFESTYLE
• Self-Reflection and Goal Setting for the Year Ahead
• It’s Complicated: Deconstructing our Relationship with Money
FOOD
• Heartwarming Soups to Try This Winter
• 20 Holiday Foods From Around the World
FITNESS
• How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals and Achieve Them
• Yummy Mummy - Emily Ranani
7
8
TRAVEL
• Travel with Aahna - The Pink Sands of Pantai Merah:
A Beach Like No Other
• Travel with Sonal - South Africa: The True
Adventurer’s Paradise
FOR THE CULTURE
• Reset & Reinvent: 5 Tips For a Better, Stronger Year Ahead
• Taking Risks in the Middle: How Risk Aversion Hinders the
Path to Success
• Book Review - The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to
Personal Freedom

FASHION
FEATURE
FINCHITUA BY
FEIRUZA
MUDESSIR

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Feiruza Mudessir, a fashion
designer specialising in African-retro
designs which I feature through my brand
Finchitua. I hail from the beautiful African
country of Ethiopia, but I was brought up
in an Indian boarding school in my younger
years. I moved to Dubai after I finished
higher education.
I’ve lived in Dubai for many years, and
naturally, it has become my second home.
Dubai is an incredible city, eclectic and
cosmopolitan, and for this reason, many
cultures converging in this part of the world
inspire me to create designs that are more
culturally-inclusive than ever; of course,
mainly inspired by my African roots.
2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BRAND
FINCHITUA.
Finchitua is an Ethiopian word with the root
word ‘finchit’, which means ‘the girl with a
gap between her teeth’. In Africa, a ‘finchit’
is considered to be a unique beauty.
Finchitua, as a label, aims to showcase a
unique, distinctly style—precisely like a
‘finchit’.
The Afro-Retro collection became one
of the pioneering designs that embody
Finchitua as a brand. It’s a versatile denim
collection that reflects my Ethiopian roots,
with the retro vibe that never gets out of
style. The Afro-Retro collection features
hand-woven detailing and embroidery,
with pieces that cater to both men and
women.
Today, my Afro-retro line has definitely
progressed to the next level: a truly
edgy modern streetwear inspired by
African-retro fashion that reflects my chic,
streetwear fashion. My main clientele is
mostly Africans and Europeans, as well as
trendy individuals who love wearing street
style clothing. I figured I also had to design
an abaya in my Afro-retro collection. It took
off, quite surprisingly, and now my GCC
clients are my best customers.
3. WOULD YOU SAY YOUR DESIGNS
REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I started conceptualising my authentic
styles when I ventured into the world of
fashion designing, finding the best designs
that express who I am as a person. I’d say
whatever design I’d put out for everyone to
see and wear is something I’d confidently
want to wear myself.
Before I ventured into the fashion industry,
I did hostessing and promodising. We
wore black outfits, including black trousers
and black dresses. I remember wanting to
wear funky little dresses, wanting to add
something that accentuates a rather plain
outfit. Years after, having established my
own brand, I did it by fusing my designs
in such a classic clothing mainstay. I added
a personal twist to the so-called women
classic, ‘LBD’ or the ‘little black dresses’.
You’ll find a Youtube feature of Little Black
Dresses by Finchitua. The designs have
been there for some time now, but I’m still
proud of it, having done it mostly by my
creative intuition alone.
Ballroom gowns also showcase my taste in
Western styles that are incorporated in the
African culture in interesting circumstances.
Today, most nations in Africa are becoming
more influenced by Western styles.
Weddings in Ethiopia are done differently
now. Brides wear the Western white
wedding gown. This inspired me to create
my own signature collection for ballroom
gowns featuring traditional Ethiopian
materials. For some time in the past, I
accepted customisations for wedding
gowns. It was good, but it became too
busy to handle on the daily because of the
amount of work required. I don’t have a
tailor that exclusively works for me, so I’ve
done the designs and created the dresses
on my own. I focused on the Afro-retro line
instead.

4. WHO WEARS FINCHITUA?
You know what, this question comes up a lot. I’ve been
asked before, “Can you please give us an age bracket?”
My answer is definite: no age. I don’t put an age bracket,
and I don’t even think that there should be a specific target
market. Most people associate the kind of fashion that they
should wear with respect to their age. I think this shouldn’t
always be the case.
I’m in my late 30s, but nobody can tell, and that’s because
of the fashion I wear. I have very young customers, young
adults and even senior clients who are definitely into street
style. It’s not about age then; it’s about personality. Dressing
up should be in a way that strikes your level of comfort. Be
it dressed down or dressed up, it’s always up to us to sport
the styles that match our personalities and level of individual
expression. So who wears Finchitua? They are people who
want to show the world that they are unique and are not
afraid of rocking the eclectic, African-inspired streetwear
fashion.
5. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN DESIGNING?
Designing is a personal hobby I acquired growing up. I used
to be interested in interior designing. At that time, I didn’t
even know what fashion designing was in the strictest sense,
but I’d cut fabrics and clothing, doing various stuff with
garments, even breaking apart home materials to add to my
experiments.
When I was 13, I moved to India, and I was living in a
boarding school with my sister. Living in boarding school, I
didn’t have the luxury of getting the materials to break and
whatever, right? All I had to experiment on were my dresses
and my sister’s clothes.
After living in India, I decided that fashion is the field where
I should go. My parents took me back to Ethiopia after
high school for further education, and eventually to go to
Australia. That didn’t work out, but instead, a new door was
waiting somewhere else.
My cousin owned a business in Dubai. He asked me if I
wanted to come to the UAE. I was the youngest sibling in
the family, and naturally, they didn’t agree. I just decided on
my own anyway, and I came to Dubai without knowing what
I’m going to do. So I started out as my cousin’s secretary. He
eventually went to China, but I insisted on staying in Dubai.
Eventually, I landed a job in Mango as a visual merchandiser.
After a year and a half working for Mango, I transferred to a
French brand that moved from France to Dubai. I managed
luxury brands in Ventilo in Emirates Tower and Village MalI.
While I was working there, I went to a fashion school in the
Global Village, where I graduated in 2007. To start building

my own brand and collections, I needed to free up my time. I
resigned from my full-time job and instead started doing parttime
promotional jobs, hostessing, modelling, and whatever I
could get at the time where the money was really good.
Finally, in 2012, I launched collections after collections, but I didn’t
know what I wanted back then. I didn’t know what my personal
style was, and I was just designing and making it. I started going
out with a guy who asked me, “What are you doing sitting on all
these collections you need to launch?”
I had to learn many things about the fashion industry, not simply
as a creative field but as a line to business for my brand to grow.
As soon as I started selling my own creations, I gained more
confidence. I was treading slowly, but surely. I learned from many
people, and one practical advice I kept was to veer away from
boutiques. I had to market my own brand, and it took off well.
Now, Finchitua has a niche of its own, and I’m very proud that I’ve
come this far.
So like I said, I started this line of work as a hobby. I did not know
exactly what I wanted to be. Eventually, I transformed my passions
into a profession that I’m looking forward to doing every day with
contentment and happiness. Sometimes, there are ups and downs
when you’re doing your own business, especially now that I have my
own place of business where overheads must be taken into account
and inventory must be managed diligently. Still, I think of myself as
very lucky to be doing what I’m doing: literally, I’m living my dream.
6. WHAT’S THE DREAM?
My dream is to see my brand and my collections grow. Every
season whenever I create a new collection, I see that my designs
and styles are getting more mature. I, too, am becoming more
confident.
I find that there are many people who would stop by and look at
my collections as if they’re in an art gallery, and they’d say, “This
is really cool, but I can’t rock this!” I would reply, “Why not?” So
this is also my goal as a fashion designer and brand owner: I want
to see my brand become a fashion staple that people would not
simply see as something cool and edgy, but as something that
they can wear every day so they can express their individuality.
You see, if I simply acquiesce to what people say I should do,
I’ll lose my vision and authentic styles. Why should we change
simply because we’re out of the ordinary? Is it the case that the
norm should always prevail? Fashion, in this sense, affords us the
freedom to channel our creative expressions.
I also can’t stress enough that creating quality pieces entails more
value and effort. Some people told me that I need to start doing
simpler things or make things easier by buying cheap. I don’t
abide by this point of view. I’m not going to diminish the quality
of the items by incorporating cheap or substandard material
simply to cut costs.

7. DO YOU TAKE CUSTOM ORDERS?
At this point, I do not take custom orders.
Although for my close friends and loyal clients,
yes, I have made a couple of exceptions for them;
for example, a shirt in a different wash, like a very
white wash, or without the wash. I have done it
because I know they represent Finchitua.
8. HOW DO PEOPLE GET AHOLD OF YOUR
DESIGNS?
Finchitua has active pages and followers on
Instagram and Facebook. My online boutique
www.finchitua.com is also active, and we deliver
worldwide. My new collections are not online yet
because we’re still finalising the photoshoot. Plus,
we’ve just opened a store, Finchitua Boutique, at
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort &
Marina, Shop Number 5.
9. BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR IS TAXING,
HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MIND,
BODY AND SOUL?
Yes, that’s true, an entrepreneur’s life is exhausting;
there is no off-duty time; there are no days off. There
are no holidays even. What I mainly do to combat
stress and exhaustion is to keep a balanced, healthy
lifestyle. I work out, eat healthily, and meditate in
the morning. As a Muslim, I also pray diligently.
When I’m very stressed, I either listen to or read the
Quran, and that’s how I feel at ease.
Other than those, I bake in my free time. It’s
like therapy for me. Now that I’ve started eating
healthy, I’ve started baking vegan cakes and
other stuff. Having friends come over for tea is
also therapeutic. Besides that, I like to go to the
beach—not to swim—but simply to watch the
sunset and listen to the relaxing crash of waves
against the shore. These are the simple things that
I do to relax.
10. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO
SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO QUIT 9-5 TO
BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Being an entrepreneur is not a title nor a privilege.
It’s not something you want to start just because
you’ve seen somebody else doing this or that and
it seems easy to do. It’s more than earning money
or managing a business: it’s something you do
because you genuinely love it.
Nobody sees what goes behind the scenes
when a brand features its products online. What
I’m saying is, the amount of work that gets into
doing something is invisible to other people.
If you want to become an entrepreneur, you
must accept that you’re going to make a lot of
sacrifices along the way.
You will also encounter people who will tell you
to do things differently. While some of them may
have a valid point, don’t feel obliged to follow
the thoughts of the crowd and the musings of the
few. Set reasonable expectations and informed
choices, but when it comes to decisions concerning
tapping the voice of your own creative spirit, go
ahead and follow your intuitions, your personal
preferences and what your heart tells you to do.
You need to be true to yourself and understand
what you stand for and go for it. Otherwise, there
is no point leaving your 9 to 5!
11. WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?
I’d love to share not just one, but two quotes that
define my journey right now:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
— Gandhi
“Where you stand depends on where you sit.”
— Nelson Mandela
With my business and my journey right now,
I do have a few leaders in mind that I regard as
inspirational figures. I have the utmost admiration
for Gandhi and Mandela, whose faces have graced
my previous collections.
Gandhi’s words are succinct yet deeply meaningful.
The reason I chose his famous quote is not so
hard to figure out. We know a lot of people who
tend to preach what to do and how to live. When
you look at them, however, they’re not actually
an ideal example of what they’re telling you to
be or to do. I find it hard to follow these kinds of
people. Mandela, on the other hand, meant that
we should always mean what we say, and taking
an informed stand not simply based on your own
perspective, but considering the perspectives that
are also for the common good.

THE
TRENDY
TAKE ON
WINTER
HOLIDAY
FASHION
FOR MEN
& WOMEN!
Winter is finally here, and with the
holiday vibes in every corner of
the city, it’s about time to venture
into the latest holiday fashion to
remain warm with lightweight,
crisp garments offering protection
against the chill. We’d be
suggesting an easy way out of
the warmer shades of summer
and autumn, transitioning into the
laidback winter-appropriate hues.
FASHION
In the UAE and the Middle East,
you don’t have to bundle up or
put on thick outerwear since the
weather in the region hardly goes
on the extreme, or be referred to
as ‘so cold.’ This makes it simple
to pick out outfits without making
major changes to your wardrobe.
We’ll be focusing on how to rework
old pieces and what winter trends
can be paired with to pull up looks
that count as both dressed up and
dressed down. Plus, learning how
to manage with new staple pieces
that go with anything in your
closet is a good start!

PATTERNS FOR
HIM & HER
Get to choose those bold
patterns: whether floral,
checkered, striped, animal
prints and patterned flannel
shirts. Patterns are moodboosters
during the winter
season. It’s a great way to mix
and match plain colours and
neutrals, especially the plain,
boring blacks and simple
whites.
Pair your printed skirts and
blazers with plain shirts, or opt
for printed dresses with plain
scarves and boots to complete
the winter vibe. Combining
light denim jeans with printed
blouses and a light jacket
to gear up against the chill
is another recommended
way to sport the mild winter
look. Long-sleeved shirts and
full-length bottoms are also
comfortable pieces of clothing
to warm you on a cool winter
day, day and night.
The same styling guide goes
for the men. Keep it cool and
try a combination of khaki pants
and printed shirts. Patterns can
look warm and evocative for
men, exploring their creative
side and chill when the holiday
season is around!

If wearing patterns is not your
thing, suit up with a patterned
tie, or at least consider lightly
concealing a patterned shirt
with plain bottoms and a good,
tailored coat. Have you ever
considered sporting plaid coats
over plain shirt and pants? The
winter feel can be added with
perky patterns alone without
having to layer up or wear fur
coats.
For women, shawls, capes and
ponchos are trendy items with
which to incorporate patterns
in your outfits. Men may opt for
printed bandanas and mufflers.

THE COSY
COOL EFFECT
Staying warm and cosy when
spending the cool holiday season
with your loved ones is a must
to enjoy outdoor bonding and
other social activities. You’ll need
something to withstand the cold and
light material to guard against the
chilly breeze. Oversized styles, knits,
turtlenecks, denim, loose frocks, and
long body-hugging slip dresses are
the basic garments you’ll need if you
plan on spending more time in the
outdoors.
Body-fitting turtlenecks look
classically fabulous paired with belted
trousers, jeans, suits, and even long
denim skirts. The shade range could
either be muted neutrals or deep
bolds like berry, plum and maroon.
Shades of mustard, red, violet and
emerald also hint the Christmas feel
for those who celebrate Christian
holidays. Light but warm outerwears
are best apparel choices for the cool
weather as they are not bulky and
can be easily taken off when the
temperature gets warmer outside.
Men look utterly sexy in turtlenecks,
and pairing one over casual jeans
looks suave and comfy. It also pays
to invest in leather and denim jackets
as they are style staples for a perfect
weekend getaway look. Lighttextured
knitted sweaters over pants
or trousers can also make up for a
casual but comfortable style. Cream,
beige, black, brown, dark blue, and
grey are perfect colours for men
during the winter holidays.

THE
FESTIVE
GLAM
For dinners, parties and other
formal and casual holiday
gatherings, you need to put
a bit more effort in pulling
off a look that’s in sync with
the winter and holidays.
Celebrations call for bodycon
dresses, knitted skirts and tops.
Dresses that are long-ribbed
or two-tone dresses are huge
trendsetters this season, with
colours ranging from deep
reds to exotic greens and
deep, calming blues.
Sometimes, you can just pair
plain solid-coloured dresses
with festive heels: a minimalist
statement with a sophisticated
flair that’s perfect for the
holidays. Small handbags
complement latest winter
fashion trends, elevating the
party-mode look.
We do recommend embracing
winter pastels with metallic
touches or go for major metallic
pieces with black pants if you’re
feeling extra daring!

Men could either choose bold
colours, like layering a red shirt
under a black suit, or a rich,
maroon blazer over a black shirt
and plain, tailored bottoms. A
golden tie, anyone?
We must say that any festive
attire with the right accents and
details can truly bring about
the holiday spirit.
Think patterned shirts under
suits, as well as patterned
blazers and plain tees with
suits. Silk shirts with metallic or
plaid-pattern ties would make
for an attractive holiday look
that sits well with office parties
too.

ACCESSORIES &
FINISHING TOUCHES
Acrylic-patterned earrings add
glam to plain, laidback styles
this winter, injecting new life
to any outfit. We’d highly
recommend investing in these
little, trendy accessories!
Sock boots and bucket hats
also let you step up your winter
holiday game and can work on
any occasion. However, don’t
over-accessorise, or you may
end up creating a discordant
clash of loud designs and
conflicting designs. Opt for
low-key approaches that are
versatile enough to work for
casual and office fashion.

Statement watches are always in no
matter the season, and men will never
go wrong in accessorising through
these classic fashion mainstays. Go for
watches with metallic leather belts to
accentuate your look. Leather bracelets
and rugged leather boots look excellent
in the wintertime, and even patterned
mufflers around the neck could be all
you need to help tie your winter look
together.
Holiday winter fashion is all about
textures, colours and accessories,
staying on top of the trend and dressing
for comfort. Choose wisely and create
a holiday look that’s comfortable yet
nothing less than sexy and party-ready!

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BEAUTY
M A K E U P
M A D N E S S
WITH
MATCH ‘EM PRIMERS
+ FOUNDATIONS!
Have you ever mixed a new primer with your usual foundation and it ruins the entire look?
Girl, we’ve all been there. Prevention is better than cure, as the adage goes, so why not go
ahead and read on to make sure this never happens again?
First things first: the most basic step is to find matching primers and foundations. Cosmetic
labs and dermatologists go to great lengths to master the science of makeup, making sure
that they develop products with compatible ingredients. Not all primers or foundations are
created equal, and so no matter how great the reviews are when used stand-alone, it is
important to find synergistic pairs that complete the flawless, poreless look.

UNDERSTANDING LABELS AND INGREDIENTS
Unravelling product labels and ingredients is a
necessary skill of a hardcore beauty enthusiast!
Understanding how to read labels and identifying
compatible ingredients in formulas will help you
maximise the benefits of the products you are using
or planning on using. I have tried and tested rules for
reading labels, so remember to keep this article handy
whenever you’re planning for a trip to your favourite
makeup boutique!
WATER-BASED PRIMERS AND FOUNDATIONS
Water-based foundations are lightweight foundations
typically perfect for oily skin. They utilise a formula
which blends pigments with a higher proportion of
water than oils, emollients or fatty alcohols. With waterbased
foundations, the first ingredient that is usually
listed on the product information in the packaging is
water. They are almost always easy to apply and are
designed to give you a hydrating, fresh skin look.
When you pick a primer to go along with a waterbased
foundation, make sure that the primer will allow
the product to seamlessly sit on the skin, maximising
its hydrating effect without the heavy feel. If you use
a matte primer, achieving a dewy, moisturised look
is possible by ensuring that the primer has the same
base ingredient with the water-based foundation.
I find it easiest to apply water-based primer and
foundation with my fingers. Your fingers will actually
help in making the ingredients adhere to the skin
quickly, allowing for comfortable, fuss-free blending.
Try this technique and let me know how it goes!
SOME WATER-BASED PRIMER OPTIONS ARE:
Too Faced
HangoverX
Replenishing
Primer
Lancôme
Prep &
Hydrate
Primer
Maybelline
FaceStudio
Master
Prime Blur
+ Defend
Primer
POWDER-BASED PRIMERS AND FOUNDATIONS
Powder-based foundations are pretty old school
and are easier to spot than other types. They are
characterised by a powdery consistency, formulated
with emollients or binding agents to help the
product adhere to the skin.
When I was 13, my grandmother gifted me a
translucent powder foundation by Fashion Fair
Cosmetics that comes with an entire application kit
including primer and brushes—the first cosmetic
set I’ve had in my life. From then on, I’ve always
had the same foundation, and even when I went
straight into college, to every frat party, and even
as I did running on the tracks as a school athlete, I
wore it without fail. In my wedding back in 2007, I
even hired Fashion Fair Cosmetics to do the official
makeup for me and my Maid of Honours I! That’s
how much I trust their formulas.
FLY POWDER/MINERAL PRIMER OPTIONS:
Hourglass
Veil Mineral
Primer
E.L.F
Cosmetics
Mineral
Infused
Primer

SILICONE-BASED PRIMERS AND FOUNDATIONS
Now let’s move on to silicone-based foundations:
a so-called problem child in the beauty consumer
world because typical consumers do not understand
why this foundation type does not settle well into
the skin, or “roll-up” during the application process
or quickly afterwards.
The reason might be oblivious to many. Mainly,
when a silicone-based foundation does not adhere
seamlessly, chances are you might be using
incompatible skincare products or primers. Keep
in mind that silicone-based foundations are the
trickiest foundations to wear, so be mindful when
mixing your skincare products with them.
Whenever I use a new silicone-based product, I
perform a simple spot test: choose a spot on the
chest just below the neck area where you will test
how your current skincare products or primers are
going to blend with the foundation. If the foundation
applies smoothly and dries down normally after
putting on skincare and primers, you have chosen
the right fit! This product test will save you time and
money, especially when testing products during
your shopping in a physical store!
SOME KILLER SILICONE-BASED PRIMER OPTIONS ARE:
Dermalogica
HydraBlur
Primer
MakeUpForever
Shine Control
& Smoothing
Primers
Urban Decay
Optical
Illusion
Complexion
Primer
OIL-BASED PRIMERS AND FOUNDATIONS
Last but certainly not the least, oil-based
products! Oil-based foundations are somewhat
harder to find these days. They contain oils listed
as the second or third ingredient listed in the
formulation. It’s great for people with combination
or dry skin types, as the product may seem thick
and require a good amount of application to
allow the product to penetrate well. Oil-based
foundations perform at their best when you use
them with matching primers that are also oilbased.
Keep in mind that wearing them may feel
heavy on the skin, so wear them on the proper
occasion.
OIL-BASED PRIMERS:
NYX
Professional
Makeup
Hydra Touch
Oil Primer
MAC
Cosmetics
Prep + Prime
Essential Oils
Katrina is the Creative Director at The Beauty
Studio, Middle East. In this article, she shares
the recommended beauty routines to achieve
dewy, glowing skin perfectly prepped for
everyday makeup.

AVANT-GARDE GODDESS
Model: Lili Nagy
Photo: Jozsef Balogh
Retouch: Ann Peskisheva
Headpiece: Evi Kelemen Milason ja Couture
Hair, Makeup and Concept: Liv Rideg
Location: Studio Madison, Arden Budapest, Hungary.

DIY BEAUTY
Wouldn’t it just be wonderful to wake up to gorgeously long
lashes every day? Sounds too good to be true, right? Think of
what a relief it would be from the pain of maintaining falsies
and lash extensions on a daily or monthly basis! Needless to
say, relying on these ‘quick hacks’ damages your eyelashes
and potentially disrupts their growth process in the long run,
easily adding up at the month’s end extra maintenance costs.
However, fret not because there are a couple of natural ways
to get naturally long lashes! We have effective DIY recipes
to naturally expedite the growth of your eyelashes, making
them long and strong.
DIY SECRETS
TO GROW YOUR
EYELASHES!
Before you resort to any of these methods, find out exactly
what you are doing wrong to your lashes to identify the
causes behind their lack of growth, fall out and weakening.
Once you have a better understanding behind the anatomy
of your lashes, experimenting with these DIY recipes would
make more sense. Besides, these recipes will quickly become
the ‘saving grace’ of your precious eyelashes!

GET TO KNOW YOUR LASHES
Don’t take your lashes for granted:
they exist for good reasons!
Eyelashes protect the eyes from
dust, dirt, sweat and even sun
exposure. The eyelashes are made
from the same substance as the hair
on your head; consequently, lashes
are also prone to thinning, falling,
brittleness and accumulating dirt.
It’s not surprising that eyelashes
require the same amount of ‘TLC’
as the hair on your scalp!
The same might be true for falsies: the adhesive contains
a known skin irritant called formaldehyde which can irritate
the lash lining and strip the skin of its barrier. In the process
of taking the falsies off, you can also run the risk of losing
your real fringes too!
Curlers aren’t harmless either. If used aggressively, you can
potentially break your eyelashes. To make matters worse,
lashes that are broken mid-way do not grow back normally
like the ones that fall off from the roots.
THE IRRITANTS & HOW TO ELIMINATE THEM
No matter how many times makeup artists sing the praises
of waterproof and lash-enhancing mascaras, remember
that these products contain ingredients like dimethicone
copolyol and silicone. These synthetic substances are used
to enable a waterproof effect. However, they potentially
clog the lashes, diminishing their ability to breathe and
bat away daily irritants. It may also cause breakage and
unwanted fallout, so use waterproof mascaras with caution!

DON’T COMMIT THESE LASH SINS
Yes, you heard us: lash sins exist, and you
must not commit them! To have long fringes
that you can flutter effortlessly as you like, be
mindful of these golden guidelines.
• No matter how satisfying eye rubbing may
be, stop the act—especially when you tend
to rub harshly! The eye region is extremely
delicate. Vigorous rubbing in these sensitive
areas could cause premature wrinkles around
the eyes and damage eyelashes.
• Always remove mascara with makeup
remover before sleeping! Sleeping with
mascara on makes the eyelashes stiff,
stopping the repair and renewal process
during the evening. Having stiff eyelashes
may also cause lash fall-out due to more
friction against the pillow or bedding.
• Just like your hair needs oiling and
combing for blood circulation and nutrition
to stimulate hair growth, lashes need
conditioning and combing, too. This keeps
them nourished and healthy. For this, you
can use disposable mascara wands and any
oil you like, particularly, coconut oil, vitamin e
oil, castor oil or olive oil that soften, moisten,
and improve lash growth.
• Never remove your lash extensions on
your own, or you may end up pulling out your
natural lashes. Always book a professional to
take care of the removal job.

THE LASH
STRENGTHENING
GROWTH SERUM
Castor oil has been well-documented to aid
with lash growth, and that’s not just an old tale!
Castor oil is a natural ingredient rich in Vitamin
E, proteins, minerals, antioxidants and essential
fatty acids which reduces lash loss and thickens
them over time. Vitamin E, on the other hand,
repairs against oxidative damage and stimulates
hair growth from the roots.
Of course, eyelash growth relies on many
factors, with diet and genetic factors as the
main determinants of the rate of growth. A diet
without enough fatty acids may not be helping
at all in increasing your lashes. Good news: this
eyelash growth serum gives remarkable results as
it is rich in fatty acids. Applying this serum daily,
coupled with a good diet, fuller and lush lashes
are achievable in a short time!
INGREDIENTS
1. Castor oil, 2 tsp.
2. Coconut oil, ½ tsp.
3. Vitamin E oil, 2 capsules
METHOD:
• Combine all the oils in a dark bottle with a dropper.
• Mix thoroughly by swirling the ingredients or rolling
the bottle gently.
• Take a drop of oil and massage it gently on the
lash line, or use a cotton swab to dab the oil on the
lashes. Do this every night before going to bed.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the lid tightly closed always. This serum lasts
for a year.

THE LASH
CONDITIONING
GROWTH SERUM
This recipe uses two easy-to-find, natural ingredients: glycerin
and egg whites. Glycerin is a natural humectant or a substance
that attracts moisture, which will keep your lashes hydrated. Egg
whites, on the other hand, are known for their high protein content
and naturally promotes hair growth and reverses lash loss. Creating
this concoction is as simple as ABC!
INGREDIENTS
1. Glycerin, 2 drops 2. Egg White, 2 drops
METHOD:
• Add the ingredients in a small bottle.
• Mix them gently.
• Use a clean mascara brush to apply this homemade
serum to your lashes. Follow this routine before
sleeping. For the best results, leave on for a couple
of hours before rinsing with water.
• It takes about 2 - 6 months for this serum to work and
see visible changes. So be patient!
THE EXTREME LASH
GROWTH SERUM
Yes, this serum recipe specialises on extreme and speedy lash
growth owing to the three oils used in this blend, namely: sweet
almond oil, argan oil, and avocado oil—all of which work to stop
lash loss, promote dense lashes, and encourage lash hair growth!
INGREDIENTS
1. Sweet Almond oil, 1 tsp.
2. Argan oil, 1 tsp.
3. Avocado oil, 1 tsp.
METHOD:
• Combine the oils in a tiny bottle with a pipette.
• Shake well to mix.
• Apply the oil with fingers or by using a clean mascara
brush, combing through your lashes before bedtime.

Before using these natural serums, make sure to check for any
allergies or sensitivities to the particular ingredients. You must also
keep in mind that other factors such as certain health conditions,
intake of medicines, poor diet, skin problems, and even your
makeup products can contribute to problems with lash growth and
maintenance. Always consult with a medical professional before
experimenting with DIY recipes for your safety!

The rising strategists and exceptional visionaries in
the field of business and entrepreneurship will
take centre stage in a special, momentous event to
celebrate creativity, innovation and outstanding
leadership.
FEBRUARY 21, 2020
BEHIND THE BRAND :
THE HONOUREES’ BALL
CELEBRATING
THE PEOPLE AND
PERSONALITIES
BEHIND THE BRANDS
WE KNOW AND LOVE.
Mark your calendars on February 21, 2020, at one of
Dubai's most luxurious hotels, from 7 in the evening
for the awaited The Honourees' Ball, an event
celebrating the people and personalities behind
the brands we know and love. In 2020, we will have
a toast for the original and inventive with the theme
'Authenticity in Business'.
This will be a unique gathering of business leaders
from across the globe to participate in a night of
camaraderie and conversations of successes,
insights, and new connections. The event will be
hosted by Leisa Grace, the Editorial Director and
founder of Teach Middle East Magazine, which is
UAE's most respected educational publication
since 2014.
THE BALL’S MISSION
Behind the Brand: The Honourees' Ball recognises
the outstanding business personalities who have
made achievements and contributions in their
trades and industries, with special honours
accorded to the exemplary leaders behind the
brands included in the 'Circle of Excellence'.
Behind the Brand – The Honourees' Ball is an
Out and About STYLE Magazine Production.
REGISTER AT
www.behindthebrandme.com

TAKING
LESSONS
DR. ENG. SUAAD SULTAN AL SHAMSI
AVIATION CONSULTANT,
FIRST FEMALE AIRCRAFT ENGINEER IN THE UAE

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I am Suaad Sultan Alshamsi, a proud woman and Emirati
thriving in an exciting field dominated by men: aviation
and engineering. I am a passionate aircraft engineer,
hailed as the first woman in the UAE to land in this
profession. Currently, I am an aviation consultant for
Abu Dhabi’s new Midfield Terminal, one of the biggest
airport terminals in the world. I am also married to a
wonderful husband and we’re proud parents of two
adorable boys.
I am the youngest of four siblings. I grew up under
the loving guidance of my mother and older siblings
because my father passed away when I was only a year
old. Looking back at my childhood, I remember how
different I was compared with other children of my
age. I used to play with toy planes and cars instead of
dolls and toy make-up kits. Somehow, this hinted that I
will be pursuing an unlikely profession for women. My
family also knew that I am unwavering—persisting until
I get things done.
My dreams morphed into a more concrete objective
when I pursued Aviation Management as a field of study.
I didn’t stop there: I built a steady fire, growing bigger
as the years pass. I finished my Bachelor’s degree and
MBA in Aviation Management at Coventry University,
UK. Taking my studies to a higher level, I also took up
a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Hertfordshire
University. Currently, I’m pursuing a Doctorate in Public
Administration (DPA) in Aviation Management at the
American Academy for Special Studies, which I will be
completing on December 16 of this year.
Today, I stand as one of the proud founders of the
Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation. I received
an honorary PhD from the American Academy for
Special Studies in line with my advocacy to support and
empower women in the field of aviation. My success
is founded on the support of my family and the UAE
government because they believed in my dreams and
respected the path that I’ve taken.

2. WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON A CAREER
IN AVIATION?
On a personal note, I entered the world of
aviation because I truly loved planes. Even in
my childhood, imagining the level of engineering
and science involved in making these amazing
machines fly thousands of feet above the ground
fascinated me. Something about taking flight—being
able to transcend and defy gravity—leaves a feeling of
awe that I cannot simply describe.
I also want to change the perception of society on the roles
that women should take. Despite the global modernisation
and availability of education for everyone, many are still not
open to believe that women can venture in fields considered
monopolised by men. I want more women to realise that they
can dream differently.
3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE FIRST FEMALE
EMIRATI AIRCRAFT ENGINEER?
Back then, no one dared to think that a woman can be an
aircraft engineer specialising in aircraft landing, brakes and
wheels. I defied this notion, and for this reason I am proud as
a woman.
Being the first female Emirati to become an aircraft engineer
also makes me proud as an Emirati, and I am glad that
through my role in the profession, I am able to inspire my
fellow countrymen, especially women, to raise the bar in
acquiring higher professional expertise and competence in
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
fields.
I also have the honour of pushing the progressive advocacy
of advancing the role of women in the UAE. Women are as
capable as men in fields once thought as only fit for men. We
are able to take flight, and if the sky’s the limit, then we should
not be simply confined in our homes. We are strong in mind
and heart, and that makes us competent too.
4. HAVE YOU FACED ANY CHALLENGES BEING A
WOMAN IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY? IF SO,
WHAT WERE/ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES?
Yes, there are many challenges, both professional and
personal. In the field, you must be ready to work long hours.
Most people will also find that the working conditions in the
aviation industry are uncomfortable and hazardous. Noise
levels, in particular, are high and distracting. As an engineer, I
am also exposed to extreme temperatures depending on the

weather. Working in cramped or narrow spaces
is also typical. Aircraft personnel, in general,
are also at risk of being exposed to hazardous
chemicals, fuels and equipment.
Personally, I’ve also encountered hostility and
antagonism because of my gender. I aim to
maintain professionalism at all times despite
these challenges, outdaring unhelpful criticism
by doing my best every single day. We should aim
to produce results regardless of the challenges
we encounter at work—but this should not
mean that we must tolerate matters arising from
discrimination.
5. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO WOMEN,
ESPECIALLY EMIRATI WOMEN, WHO
WANT TO GO INTO ‘A MAN’S JOB’?
My message to every woman—whether you
are an Emirati, Arab or of foreign descent—is
succinct and simple: trust yourself and your
passions. Veer away from the common opinion of
what a woman should be and do—for you alone
as a person can define your identity for yourself.
6. WHEN I AM THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE
ROOM I __________…
I do not allow myself to be dominated. I stand as
a leader, especially when I’m the one in charge.
I wear my best smile as I always do. And does it
really matter if I am the only woman in the room?
7. WHAT IS YOUR ‘SECRET SAUCE’?
I pride in looking my best everyday: I wear my
best clothes and comfortable heels coupled with
my usual perfect smile. I start my day with an
energising cup of coffee, ready to take on the
challenges of the day with enthusiasm.
and more conscious of our rights.
The key for the next generation of female
leaders and visionaries is to find their passions
and build their foundations of knowledge upon
their subjects of interest. Knowledge, I should
say, is the most formidable asset that no person
can ever take away from you. And if you learn
and study more about your passions, work will
become second nature to you.
As you grow and find stability in your chosen
field or career, build your own personal brand
and invest in building strong professional and
business relationships. Attaining your life’s
balance will surely follow after finding your own
niche.
9. OUTSIDE OF AVIATION, WHAT ARE YOU
INVOLVED IN?
I established my own learning and consulting
company called L2L, which stands for ‘Learn to
Live’. Through L2L, we help and inspire other
individuals to pursue their goals and dreams.
We organise lectures and public speeches in the
UAE and in other parts of the world.
As a creative thinker and a natural lover of
knowledge, I have also written and published
four novels depicting life as a woman in the
Middle East, as well as romance, namely: I Wish
to Kill My Man: How to Kill your Man with no
Evidence, Barcode, Lovers between Dubai and
Egypt, and Crazy World. Notably, my book with
the title I Wish to Kill My Man will be translated in
English soon. Two of these novels are based on
true stories of real people. Currently, my novels
are available in Arabic.
8. WHAT ARE THE KEY POINTS FOR
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF FEMALE LEADERS IN YOUR WORLD?
Today, women are at the forefront of changing
the modern landscape of business, science and
society. We are more involved today than we were
decades ago: stronger, more knowledgeable
Most importantly, I also consider being a wife and
a mother as a so-called ‘area of preoccupation’.
I am a doting mother to two adorable kids, as
I’ve said earlier. With all the busy schedules and
appointments, we must allot time for the family,
even in the midst of our hustle and professional
undertakings.

10. WHAT QUESTIONS ARE YOU ASKING YOURSELF
LATELY?
I’ve been asking these questions to myself:
• WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I TOLD MYSELF,
“I LOVE YOU?”
Oftentimes, we are unforgiving to our own selves.
We must step back to assess the degree of self-care
we actually provide to ourselves, especially in times
when we most need it.
• AM I A BETTER PERSON TODAY THAN I WAS
YESTERDAY?
If our goal is to grow and learn relentlessly, this is
one question we should always ask ourselves.
converse inside our heads about the spectrum of
choices and decisions we can make at any given
time. I like to wonder, from time to time, if I am
truly living my life to the fullest. If there were no
limits at all, where is my path going to take me?
It’s an interesting question to pose, especially when
we experience existential crises. It’s a way for us to
extract or assign meaning into our lives.
11. HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL
HEALTH?
I take deep breaths. It is important for me to keep myself
active while maintaining a balanced diet and adequate
hydration. I also think it helps to talk about my feelings,
but the most important stress outlet for me is reading.
• AM I GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THOSE AROUND
ME?
I think it is not enough to be successful for your own
sake. Success is best enjoyed when shared with the
people around you, and that means you must be
willing to be a good example.
• WHAT WOULD I DO WITH MY LIFE IF I KNEW
THERE WERE NO LIMITS?
We are always free to imagine possibilities and
12. WHAT IS ONE QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
“You have one life to live.”
Live life to the fullest, and aim to have a balanced
lifestyle where you can have the least worries. This might
mean that you might have to work harder than everyone
else, but at the end of the day, your efforts will bear fruit.
You have to trust that everything is going to work out,
even though there are difficulties and challenges along
the way.

POOLara
TALENT
Tabet

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m Lara Tabet. Most people in the UAE have probably seen me or heard
me in a TV interview, as I’ve worked with the media industry for most of
my career. I consider myself as an artist with a penchant for all things
elegant and refined. I’ve established myself firmly in the beautifully
chaotic and glamorous world of television, fashion and media in
the Middle East, but most especially here in Dubai—the region’s
melting pot of diverse cultures and tastes.
Our family originally hails from Lebanon, but I grew up in Dubai,
which I consider as my true home. I’ve experienced what it’s like
to live in different countries. I’ve resided in the US for two years,
and in the UK for four years. I undertook my university degree
in Switzerland, where I stayed for three years while studying
Hotel Management.
I came back to Dubai to work for my father, an entrepreneur
and owner of a group of hotels in Dubai, London and Lebanon.
I then went on to get married and had my two boys, Roberto
and Antonio.
I have been working in the media industry for more than a
decade now. It’s by far the most exciting time of life, growing
and establishing myself as a household name. For ten years, I
was involved in a variety of shows, loving the flair and colours
of the popular media, fashion scene and lifestyle segments.
I decided to take a break because my kids were getting
older, so I stayed home with them for two years until they
completed their International Baccalaureate.
Not too long after my break from the media industry,
I was invited by different luxury brands to be a brand
ambassador. To date, I’ve associated with Michael
Brüggler watches from Zurich, Margy’s Monte Carlo
luxury skincare line from Monaco, Esmeralda Luxury
Real Estates, William Wagner pendulum clocks, and
The Arab Fashion Council, who I also work with as its
official spokesperson. Under my official umbrella,
LuxuryWithLara, I represent different brands, and
I love every single one of them.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Rarity and authenticity are qualities that I highly
prize, and for this reason, I’ve always been
enamoured with haute couture fashion. At 18,
I dreamt of being a fashion designer. My dad
actually supported me when I was on the verge of
starting a project, but at the last minute, I did have a
change of heart! The world of aviation is promising, I
thought, so I embarked on a journey to get there while
working with my dad in the hospitality industry.
I love Haute Couture—the long gowns, the glamour, the
improbably ethereal designs from the world’s best-gifted
fashion designers. Among my favourite designers are Elie
Saab and Zuhair Murad. For prêt-à-porter look, I definitely
love Zahra. I consider myself a trendy person who never
misses out. When I’m not into my haute couture mode, Zahra
is definitely the way to go.
I also love Maje, a French brand with incredibly pretty and

chic designs, and even Barbie-style dresses — they are awesome. I also like
sporting Melon, which features designs with executive impressions. My style,
deconstructing my tastes, is a combination of prêt-à-porter and a bit of haute
couture. I also believe that it’s important—and necessary—to feel comfortable
in your clothes.
FIVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I’m going to start with what I use for maintaining my hair silky and
manageable because the hair is the crowning glory of a woman! Two
years ago, I discovered this miracle hair ‘salve’—Revlon Leave-In
Conditioner. I’ve hoarded a whole cupboard of this conditioner for
fear that this elixir for the locks might run out! I apply it after every
shower, smoothing and detangling any unruly strands. I love for the
hairbrush to slide effortlessly when I’m combing, and to have a sleek
shine after blow-drying. So definitely, this is number one on my list!
The second one on my list is for the eyes, and I think I can’t live
without it: Benefits black eyeliner! I don’t know what I’d do if they
ever changed or discontinued it. Same thoughts with Mac Studio
Fix Fluid, specifically of the colour NC40 that fits my skin shade
perfectly, and its compact powder version, the MAC Studio Fix
Powder. And falsies! Yes, my false eyelashes, which I totally
cannot live without, like it’s a part of me. Lastly, I definitely
adore Reminiscence Patchouli, my favourite fragrance that
speaks about my sophisticated vibe as a career woman:
elegant, intense, powerful and influential.
BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT OF ALL TIME?
Oh, I have only one in mind, and yes, I’ve also shared it
with you in my previous answer: it’s the ethereally beautiful
French fragrance known as Reminiscence Patchouli which
was launched here in Dubai in 1970. Most women in
Dubai dons this fragrance; it has a beautifully sweet
exotic appeal that feels very Arabian, yet surprisingly
French-like. I don’t think any patchouli fragrance can
rival its splendour and enigmatic ubiquity.
Patchouli is an aromatic herb with an intense, earthy
quality, which makes for a long-lasting fragrance, and
a highly-impressionable one. I used to get stopped
in London and New York, with people stopping me in
the streets to say, “Excuse me, what fragrance are you
wearing?” It’s incredibly appealing, and so for me, this
is the product of all time! I wear it almost on the daily,
and even after a couple of years, I don’t think I will get
tired of its allure. I’ll continue to use it for as long as I
live, except when the time comes that I’ll have to create
my own fragrance, which is something I look forward to
doing!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET YOUR START IN MEDIA?
On an unexpected day, I received a phone call telling me that
they’re setting up the first English language channel in the
region known as INTV, and they’re looking for a TV presenter.
I told them that I have nothing to do with television or the
world of media. I’m a hotelier by profession, and that’s what
I do. They’ve been asking around in Dubai, and they told me
that many people are recommending me for the job: an ideal
and perfect TV presenter. “So could you come in for a casting?”

Lara

I told them yes, but little did I expect
that it was the beginning of my career
in media and TV. Then for ten years,
I produced and presented in seven
shows of my own. One of these shows,
Societe, was the most popular show
in the region and also a personal
favourite of mine. In Societe, I had
the opportunity of interviewing over
4,000 celebrities from the local and
international scene, mainly from Arab
Cinema, Hollywood and Bollywood.
Another one of my shows, The Hotel
Show, featured hotel owners of
major five-star hotels in the region.
I also hosted a once-a-year show
for yacht owners in the Yacht Show,
together with its founder, where big
yacht brands were showcased as
well. Among other shows are In the
Know, highlighting the recent trends
and launches in jewellery, sports,
cars and fashion, and Article Chair,
showcasing art galleries, gallery
owners, and artists both locally and
internationally.
HOW HAS MEDIA CHANGED SINCE
YOU FIRST STARTED?
In the UAE, the world of media has
significantly changed in a progressive,
modern sense. In the past, we were
slightly more restricted. Today, thanks
to the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, he has created a more open
culture allowing more expression,
and through his vision, he’s probably
created the most beautiful and vibrant
metropolis in the world.
With regards to local programming,
unfortunately, many segments have
been eliminated from a number of
TV stations here in the region, be it
NBC, Dubai Fashion TV, or City 7 TV.
City 7 TV closed down recently, but
even Dubai TV has reduced the local
programming. And as we know, local
programming is all about the glitz and
glamour of Dubai, promoting what
Dubai has to offer. Big events that
are hosted in Dubai, like the Davos
conference, which takes place here on
a regular basis, or the World Tolerance
Summit, or other big exhibitions that
are regularly taking place here in the
region, are frequently featured in the
local programming.
So I’d say there’s less local
programming, but more towards
business and tourism. That’s how the
world of media has changed before
my very eyes, whether it’s the Arabic
media or the English media, and
whether it’s print publication or TV
stations. And of course, as we know,
the whole world is going online, so
there are fewer TV programs and more
online channels.
FAVOURITE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?
My favourite quote is to live every day
like it’s your last. Make the best out
of every second that you have in this
world because life is beautiful; it has so
much to offer. Carpe diem!
TOP CAREER TIP?
My top career tip for anybody out
there is, never surrender, never give
up. You’ll face a lot of obstacles and
challenges along the way. Don’t let
anything stop you and don’t listen
to negativity. Don’t listen to people
telling you that you can’t or that you’re
not going to make it. You have a
passion. You have a vision. You have
targets and goals: pursue them and
try to fulfil them. You might fail, but
learn to stand up again and continue
because you’ll make it at the end. If
you have the passion and drive, with
hard work and determination, you’ll
definitely make it.
TELL US ABOUT G-HOSPITALITY.
G-Hospitality is a hospitality company
that’s been around for over 40 years. It’s
owned by a Lebanese family known as
the Farha family. Basically, the company
operates award-winning restaurants.
One of their restaurants which features
authentic Lebanese cuisine is Al
Mandaloun, a top Lebanese restaurant
in Bldg. No. 3, DIFC, which is regularly
frequented by Royals, bank owners
and DIFC businessmen.
G-Hospitality is also known for
operating Tomo, one of the highlyrated
Japanese restaurants in Dubai.
Tomo is the Japanese word for ‘lifelong
friend’. Make sure to try this Japanese
restaurant located on the 17th floor
of the Raffles Hotel, where you can
also dine with the stunning view of
Dubai skyline. Tomo imports their fresh
fish and other Japanese ingredients
from Japan on a regular basis. The
marination technique that they use is
unique. Chef Nobu himself is a regular
there, and 90% of their clientele are
Japanese nationals residing in the
region.
The company also operates a franchise
of the renowned Entrecote Cafe’ de
Paris located in Dubai Mall, Shangri-
La Hotel Dubai and Souk Qaryat Al
Beri in Abu Dhabi. Entrecote is a
Swiss brand from Geneva famous for
the secret ingredients that lie in the
butter sauce. The set menu consisting
of steak with butter sauce, fries on the
side and delicious salad is a must-try!
Entrecote’s delectable desserts are
also a hit, like their profiteroles.
Prior to operating these top-rated
restaurants, the owner of G Hospitality
used to own a group of hotels here
in the region, including London and
Lebanon. Currently, I work on doing
business development for them.

TELL IS ABOUT THE BRANDS THAT YOU BACK
AND WHY?
LuxuryWithLara represents many brands that reflect my
personal tastes. I also do business development for the
brands that I work with, besides being the face of the
brand.
Firstly, I’m very proud to be associated with Michael
Brüggler watches from Zurich, Switzerland. Michael
Brügggler is a renowned watchmaker, and interestingly,
he is also one of the leading polo players in the region.
His watch designs are unique and customisable. You
are free to set your own preferences when it comes to
many aspects of the design like the strap material, strap
colour, dial, and even the diamonds! Your customised
watch will be delivered to you wherever you are in four
to six weeks.
I also have the honour of working with the world’s
most luxurious skincare brand: Margy’s Monte Carlo.
Margy’s spas are located in many branches globally,
with its Flagship Store and Institute based in Monaco.
Her spas are frequented by royalty and celebrities from
different parts of Europe, and for good reason: Margy’s
Monte Carlo skincare line is absolutely impeccable. In
Dubai, the skincare products from this amazing brand
are available in Talise Spas in Jumeirah Hotels.
I am also the brand ambassador of Esmeralda Luxury
Villas, a company priding itself in luxury property
rentals and sales of the best resorts in the world. Their
clientele, which is high-end and exclusive, originates
mainly in Europe and the Middle East. Esmeralda has
impressive and opulent villas and properties in Italy and
Switzerland, and in the spellbinding Mediterranean
islands of Mykonos in Greece and Ibiza in Spain.
I’m also the official spokesperson of the Arab Fashion
Council, the official organiser the Fashion Week which
takes bi-annually in Dubai during March and October.
Designers from around the globe flock to this aesthetic
event to showcase their designs and collections. The
Council teamed up with Meraas recently, opening a
new boutique in City Walk known as 1422, branded as
the world’s first ‘Ready Couture’ store.
DESCRIBE YOUR GET UP AND GO LOOK.
If I had to get up and go quickly, I’d definitely have my
makeup on without a doubt because I feel completely
naked without it. I can’t leave the house without it. I
think the only people that have seen me without my
makeup are my husband and my kids. So my makeup
is extremely important. I wouldn’t be able to leave the
house without a shower, that’s for sure. I can’t really
wear flats, but shoe comfort is also important to me.
So these items complete my go-to look: a refreshing
shower, flawless makeup, a simple black dress, and a
comfortable pair of high heels.

FIVE ITEMS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN:
The five things that every woman should have are
a big bag, something that freshens or perks you
up (like chewing gum, and perfume, or whatever
that freshens how you feel), mobile charger and
power bank, a hairbrush and last but not the least,
a perfect smile to seize the day!
A big bag is a must so she can fit everything in:
her mobile, hairbrush and perfume. Never leave the
house without your mobile, a hairbrush to detangle
and tame those tresses, and a perfume that you
love and comfortable wearing during the day.
And lastly, I don’t forget to carry a smile wherever
you go. It’s the most important thing. It’s a good
feeling when you smile at people, and they respond
by smiling back at you. It’s a contagious feeling
when everybody’s happy, and that’s what life is all
about.
THREE LOCAL FASHION BRANDS TO LOOK
OUT FOR:
The three local fashion brands that are definitely
making waves in Dubai Fashion District—and
I’m sure you’ve probably heard about them—are
Michael Cinco, Amato and Mirna El Hage
Amato and Michael Cinco are amazing Filipino
fashion designers based in Dubai for the last
15 years. They have tremendous following and
an impressive clientele. They have designed
captivating gowns and outfits for many Hollywood
celebrities. Amato and Michael Cinco are known for
their intricate, outstandingly original designs, and
the amount of embroidery, detailing and handwork
that they do is absolutely breathtaking. Mirna El
Hage, on the other hand, is a beautiful Lebanese
fashion designer who established her name in
Dubai in 2003. Her designs are soft and feminine,
with an understated statement of innocence and
elegance.

Lara

VOICES
FINDING A LOST VOICE:
A Mother Quest to Find Her Daughter’s
Cure
With Andrea Valle, Mother of 15-Year Old
Isabel Diagnosed with Neurodegeneration
with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA)

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Andrea Valle. I am a widow, and
I’ve lived in Spain for the last twenty years. I
am currently unemployed, but I am dedicated
to caring for my dear Isabel, my daughter. She
was diagnosed with Neurodegeneration with
Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) last 2016. It is a
debilitating and progressive illness of the brain
which took Isabel’s voice.
My daughter’s agony pains me too. Every day,
I look at her and muster all my strength to find
the courage and persistence to care for her
without fail. I am looking for a cure. One day,
we will find Isabel’s voice and give it back to
her.
2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAUGHTER,
ISABEL.
Isabel is a very cheerful 15-year-old girl, active
and full of energy. She was an athlete: an
outstanding football player who had already
won three medals. She was the best on the
team. They nicknamed her “Ronaldinha”
because she was an avid fan of Cristiano
Ronaldo, a Portuguese footballer. Isabel was
perfect and normal—until tragedy came to us
three years ago: NBIA afflicted her, and from
then on, my daughter’s life was never the same.
We were never the same.

3. HOW HAS ISABEL’S DIAGNOSIS
IMPACTED THE FAMILY?
Isabel’s diagnosis was emotionally
difficult for the whole family. The
doctors gave us the hardest diagnosis
a mother can receive, and those words,
no matter how carefully said and
explained, was devastating: they say
that Isabel’s illness will give her a very
short lifetime.
4. HOW HAS LIFE CHANGED SINCE
ISABEL’S DIAGNOSIS?
Isabel’s life changed dramatically. All
her life enjoying in a normal school
surrounded by friends and her interests
with sports became a humdrum of
hospital life: being surrounded by
hospital rooms, entrances and exits,
and attending a special school for
children with motor disabilities.
5. TELL US ABOUT ISABEL’S BUCKET
LIST AND WHAT SHE’S TICKED OFF
SO FAR.
My daughter has only the simplest
and most innocent of wishes. In these
difficult times, she has never lost her
smile and resolve. She wishes to return
to her old school. She dreams of
playing football again. Amongst other
simple wishes, she wants to meet her
idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. And perhaps
her deepest wish, as we also do, is for
her to regain her voice.
6. HOW DID ISABEL GET INVOLVED
IN RUNWAY DUBAI?
We were watching TV on a typical
day, witnessing a fashion show. Isabel
started to imitate the girl that was
modelling on TV. I was inspired by the
idea that Isabel can be the first model
with NBIA Disorders.
I got in touch with Modupe Omonze,
founder of Runway Dubai. I’ve known her
for ten years now. Modupe and I talked
about how Runway Dubai can be an eyeopening
event about NBIA, letting more
people be informed about the disease as
well as the advances of scientific research
in Spain. Isabel was featured as the
model that opened the Runway Dubai
2019. She was ecstatic, and her smile
radiated for everyone to see.
7. WHAT’S YOUR WISH FOR ISABEL?
No mother will ever want to see her
own children suffer. My deepest and
most desperate wish is to find a cure
for Isabel and hear her voice again.

9. HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR
MENTAL HEALTH?
It can be emotionally draining to face this
kind of adversity, but I try to be grounded.
I keep myself sane and stable by talking
to my family, especially my mother and
brothers, and my own immediate family
and friends. I always imagine the moment
when we can tell everyone that there is
already a cure for NBIA.
10. HOW DO PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE
ABOUT NBIA DISORDER?
Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron
Accumulation (NBIA) is a group of
neurological diseases that occur with brain
iron accumulation. There are many dedicated
resources and websites on the internet about
NBIA and current research about it. You may
find out more about NBIA research in Spain
through the website www.enach.org. Spanish
researchers have developed personalised
therapies for Isabel, which improved her
stability and overall condition.
8. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO
OTHER PARENTS OR GUARDIANS
LOOKING AFTER LOVED ONES WITH
LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES?
They should stay strong, not only for their
own sake but for their children who are
suffering. Our children draw their resolve
and strength from us. Display courage for
them, and assure them that everything is
going to be alright.
I also recommend that they also join a
group or association of parents who are
fighting the same battles as theirs. They
can find relief, empathy and understanding
from other people, knowing that they are
not alone in this struggle.
Parents should also trust science and
modern medicine in fighting these
debilitating illnesses. We must keep in
mind, however, that science must be at
the service of our children, and not that
our children must answer at the service of
science.

HOW TO REFLECT FOR GOAL SETTING
The perfect time to reflect is the time when you
can stop without worries and sit in silence. Firstly,
you need to acknowledge that you’ve grown
as a person: be it through new learnings and
experiences, hardships and successes, as well as
gains and losses.
LIFESTYLE
SELF-REFLECTION
AND GOAL SETTING
FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
Tempus fugit.
Starting on a positive note will help you in setting
more positive goals, so unleash the power of
gratitude: be thankful for all the things that
you’ve learned and made you a better person. By
doing so, you’ll be able to set goals and use your
success-building habits to achieve better things
in life.
Otherwise, when we are not thankful enough,
our capacity for growth is limited: past upsets
and unintended results, instead of using them as
motivating tools, can become bitter pills of the
past you’ve regretted doing or experiencing.
Start on the right path and hone a positive
mindset by doing the following meaningful and
tested habits.
Life moves fast, and so is time. Year after year, we hear ourselves
and our peers say, “I didn’t notice that it’s been a year already.
Time flies fast!” With our daily storms, hectic schedules and busy
lifestyles, we find it hard to focus and look back on how the days
have gone by. Even simply thinking about the list of things to be
thankful for at the end of the day seems to slip out of our minds.
With our fast-paced lives, we forget to reflect on achievements,
failures and misgivings, as well as self-assessments for the
purpose of self-improvement and setting long-term goals. Our
missions should be defined by the things we value; hence, we
must keep in mind that there are things that we should keep,
improve or to let go. Doing this entails self-reflection, an act of
self-awareness describing your state as it is, free from your own
ideations and expectations. It’s a higher thinking process that
forces you to assess yourself on a more grounded and realistic
perspective.

REVIEW AND REFINE YOUR VISION STATEMENT
AS NECESSARY.
This is an important step in goal setting because it
helps you align what you envision as your ideal life
in different areas of your life: financial independence,
business and career goals, health and relationships.
Having a clear statement or set of statements
declaring what you want to achieve and what you
value as a person is the first step of goal setting!
REFLECT ON THE YEAR’S BEST!
Think about the highlights that happened throughout
the year. It is helpful to keep a journal or diary to
keep track of the important events. Look into those
moments in your memory and replay the great
things that happened and the achievements you’ve
accomplished. To commence your self-reflection,
include this reflection to have insights on the next
level you want to go.
GRATITUDE, WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
One of the best ways to start a new year is to have a
grateful heart, and self-reflection is a way to achieve
this!
Obstacles along the way may have prevented you
from reaching a specific goal—it can be a disaster,
a lost job or any other setback—but despite these
challenges and setbacks, you must still hold on to
the positive things. Not only does gratitude help in
reframing your situation, but it also helps in accepting
the things we cannot change, and changing those
that we can.
WHAT CHANGES DID YOU UNDERGO
RECENTLY? WILL THOSE CHANGES BENEFIT
YOU FOR A LIFETIME?
Did you invest in improving your skill set? Did you
try losing weight? Did you spend more time and
rekindle your relationship with your partner? Think
about the changes you’ve made recently. Go ahead
and reflect how these changes may impact your life
in the long run.

WHAT WORKED (REALLY) WELL?
Take note of the things that worked to your benefit and helped
you achieve a goal. Chances are, you may still use or follow
them as a heuristic to help you in reaching your future goals.
They are your personal wins: you deserve the credit for the
hard work. Take note that circumstances may change, so you
must adapt the things or ways that worked in the past with the
current goals you’re looking forward to achieving.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU NEED TO IMPROVE?
Well, let’s admit it: this is not about failure, but about selfimprovement.
For example, you are yet to develop a perfect
work routine. You might still miss some deadlines, but that
does not mean that you failed. The best way to frame it is to
say that you still have to find the best or optimal processes—
say, time management or activity scheduling. Reflect on the
goals that you didn’t achieve, as well as the plans or changes
that did not work. This will help you reassess your footing and
give you a better perspective in case you want to pursue these
goals again in the future, if still possible.
They say that history repeats itself—but for those who
reflect and assess their pasts can confidently rebut this trite
statement. Don’t wait until the year is over. Sit down in silence,
self-reflect and write down your future goals on your road to
higher success.

IT’S COMPLICATED:
DECONSTRUCTING OUR
RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY
When I was a kid, I was told that
it was rude to talk about money.
Money is the root of all evil, and
we have to stay away from it.
Money symbolises worldly desires
and excessive hedonism and is
seen as inherently evil. These are
the messages we most likely grew
up with, hearing from our elderly
and figures of authority. Were we
truly raised under the concept that
money worked for in an honest,
humble and hardworking manner is
a virtue in itself?
My relationship with money was
very dysfunctional until I began
my true love story with financial
independence. Money is important,
and we should agree on this
basic assumption. Everyone has a
relationship with money. It is one
of the most crucial, perhaps even a
basic need, playing an important role
in an individual’s physical, mental,
economic and general well-being.
Most of us are concerned about our
finances, but an unfortunate few
willfully ignore theirs.
While it might be the case that an
unhealthy obsession with money
or material wealth may motivate
materialistic people to do acts
of greed for their own financial
benefit, we can’t blame money for
this. Money is nothing more than a
means of exchange.
Money can’t buy happiness,
but it can buy good welfare and
protection for you and your loved
ones. People need money to pay
for necessities such as shelter, food,
health care, and good education.
The resulting social and economic
benefits of financial independence
encompass the ability to seek other
fulfilling experiences like travelling
abroad and buying properties,
which contributes to satisfaction
and personal happiness.
The rich are rich because they
know the true value of money and
therefore run their own enterprises
and businesses. Money will remain
in the hands of those who know its
value, as they say.

WHY DO YOU NEED MONEY? FIVE REASONS.
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that there are five main
reasons why people need money. Since it takes money to
procure the goods and services you need to survive, it is
important to understand personal finance. You need to be
responsible for the money you earn to save enough for the
future. The sooner you start saving, the more likely you’ll never
face financial stress. The road to financial freedom opens wide
when you save enough, make informed money decisions, and
invest wisely.
1. FREEDOM
Being financially secure allows one to choose from many
options and alternatives without worrying about the financial
consequences. In this sense, money provides freedom: if you’re
financially stable, you can live wherever you want, or perhaps
pursue any activity or hobby. Money can also buy you time: if
you are able to have the financial means to live without a job,
you’ll have more time to spend on other life-enriching activities.
2. LIFE GOALS
For most, financial independence enables one to attain the
major goals that mark a new stage of life. For example, having
enough finances to start a new business, build your dream
home, start a family, or accomplish higher professional is an
indicator that you’re ready to take on the next stage of life.
3. HEALTH COVERAGE AND INSURANCE
Health coverage and health insurance are perhaps one of the
most necessary financial commodities today. Having adequate
health services coverage to provide for you and your family’s
immediate health needs, as well as future health concerns, will
save you from anxiety when emergencies arise.

4. FITNESS
Having a gym membership, as well as personal trainers
and nutritionists, are expensive. Fitness equipment
too, if one can afford them, are also material items
that can be considered as personal investments. Being
financially stable allows one to pursue his or her fitness
goals without worrying about expenses on the monthly
statements.
5. EXPERIENCES
Money, or the love of it, won’t create happiness in itself,
but having the freedom to embark on new experiences
will. We all dream of travelling and bag-packing to
other countries, or having a taste of other cultures
and going to the most beautiful places on earth. The
truth isn’t pretty, though: these experiences, however
charming and innocent they can be, require financing.
Financial independence, therefore, can bring about
unforgettable experiences too.
It is essential to build a healthy relationship with money
if you want to build your personal wealth. Make the
choice to change your mentality: the sooner you
realise that money is not the end, but simply a means
to acquire happiness and overall life satisfaction, life as
you know it will improve for the better.

FOOD
7 HEARTWARMING
SOUPS TO TRY
THIS WINTER
January is just around the corner and winter
is bringing the early chill in the temperate
and arctic regions. Even in tropical and
subtropical places, temperatures are
beginning to whisper cool mellow notes in
the skin. To prepare for the cuddle weather,
we prepared filling, sumptuous soups best
served warm and steamy. Check out these
seven heartwarming soups to try this winter!
1.
OLD-FASHIONED BEEF
AND VEGETABLE SOUP
Who wouldn’t say no to a hearty bowl of tomatoes, vegetables and tender beef?
This tender and warm recipe is perfect for family bonding in the winter. Moreover,
this dish is amazing for children who love the combination of hearty and colourful
ingredients. Yes, it’s definitely a mom’s favourite: nothing is as comforting as a
thick soup loaded with rich, hearty goodness of slow-cooked beef and veggies.
Newbies in the kitchen don’t have to fret as this delectable soup is easy and quick
to prepare.
Ready the soup pot, fresh veggies and chunks of beef—and prepare the perfect
dinner that the whole family will love! Here is an inspiration video to get you
cooking!

2.
BEEF BARLEY SOUP
This beef barley soup recipe is an all-time family comfort food packed with healthy
goodness of barley and lots of vegetables! The secret is in the barley, of course,
giving that rounded, nutty flavour and ideal soup consistency. For the meat
ingredients, beef shins, oxtails or chuck roast are recommended. This one-pot
dish will surprise you with whatever meat you use. To enhance the base flavour,
bay leaves, fresh thyme and rosemary fuse together give that comforting, hungerinducing
aroma.
Check out this video for inspiration and try a heavenly bowl of this soup!
3.
CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Make your soup a bit more creative and try this cheeseburger soup! Meaty,
creamy and cheesy—the classic cheeseburger comes with a soup version that’s
sure to win palates from all ages. You may substitute turkey if you want to go lean.
Alternatively, you might also want to use leftover meat in the fridge.
Warm-up in this cool weather with this easy to prepare cheeseburger soup and
see this video for this recipe idea!
4.
CREAM OF POTATO SOUP
Looking for a filling recipe on a cold day that’s easy to whip in the kitchen? Try this
filling and easy to prepare potato soup that everyone will surely love! No other
soup is easier to prepare—in our humble opinion—than this dish! It will take less
than an hour to make, and all you need are potatoes, regular milk, warm water,
butter and other ingredients that you may find here.

5.
CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
Maybe you remembered your mother preparing a tortilla soup whenever you
were having a bad day. It is such a savoury, comfort food that feels homey. If you
are feeling lethargic or having the winter blues, a warming tortilla soup is your
best friend! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, use it to top this dish, finishing
it together with cheese toppings. Do you want to try it for dinner?
Here’s a recipe to check out.
6.
VEGETABLE SOUP RECIPE
If you’re trying to lose weight or avoiding meat, this veggie soup recipe is perfect
for you! The dish can be cooked and served in less than an hour. Enjoy your
favourite veggies like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and celery with the silky,
protein goodness of tofu as a meat substitute. Have as many servings as you want
without feeling guilty! Here’s an inspiration on how to make clear vegetable soup.
7.
CREAMY TOMATO SOUP
If you’re a dieter who doesn’t want to miss on your antioxidant dose, you might
want to try this tomato soup or serve it to guests on any given day. Tomatoes
are great for the skin and are loaded with vitamin C that also fights ageing and
reduces wrinkles. There is nothing quite like a bowl of homemade tomato soup,
with its rich, savoury base that’s just bursting with natural umami flavours. Go
grab some super red tomatoes, all-purpose flour and fresh cream, along with
other spices and condiments, and have this soup ready in minutes. Are you having
guests tonight? This soup sounds perfect for warming them up! Get it here.
Cold nights are best spent with a comforting bowl of good soup. With our seven, easy to prepare soup selections, go ahead
and delight your family and guests, making sure to share good old stories at the dinner table!

20
HOLIDAY FOODS
FROM AROUND
THE WORLD
1. KŪČIOS (LITHUANIA)
Kūčios is a strong Christmas tradition still
followed by most Lithuanian families today.
It is a traditional Christmas Evening dinner
that is meant to draw family members
closer together. Some families make
the preparations for kūčios one week in
advance.
In certain regions of Lithuania, apples make
an appearance on the table. The tradition
requires refraining from eating meat. There
are twelve different dishes that include fish,
vegetables, and bread.
Christmas is around the corner!
Many countries and regions
practise their unique holiday
customs and traditions during this
time of the year—and that includes
traditional seasonal delicacies and
dishes! Tour the globe in three
minutes or less and learn more
about the twenty holiday foods
from around the world!

2. FRUIT CAKE (JAMAICA)
Fruit cakes are holiday favourites in Jamaica.
This cake is flavoured with cinnamon and
nutmeg—giving that earthy, nutty kick—
with the main flavour profile consisting of
the thrilling blend of various fruits soaked
in white rum. Some recipes soak the fruits
in rum a year in advance to achieve a more
intense flavour!
3. CHRISTMAS GOOSE
(GERMANY)
Weihnachtsgans, or Christmas goose, is
roast goose stuffed with chestnuts, apples,
prunes and onions, served alongside
dumplings and red cabbage. This tradition
can be dated back as far back as the Middle
Age, living on until today! Originally, eating
Christmas goose was a holiday practice
during St. Martin’s Day, but it later on,
became a Christmas dinner tradition.
4. PANETTONE (ITALY)
In some parts of Italy, most Italians celebrate
Christmas with the Feast of the Seven Fishes,
often including calamari and salted cod. In
other parts, the locals dine on roasted or
boiled poultry or roasted lamb.
The star among Christmas food is panettone,
a sweet bread loaf loaded with raisins,
chocolate and nuts. It is one of the best
pastry treats not to miss when celebrating
Christmas in Italy!
5. KOLIVA (BULGARIA)
Koliva is a Bulgarian dish consisting of
boiled wheat. Traditionally, koliva is used
liturgically in the Eastern Orthodox Church
to commemorate the dead, but it is widely
being served as a Christmas dish as well.
The dish consists of a sweetened mix of
walnuts and boiled wheat. It can also be
prepared with other types of grains, beans,
dried fruits or rice.

6. MINCE PIES (ENGLAND)
On Christmas Day, mince pies grace every
family’s table in most English homes. Mince
pie is a sweet pie filled with dried fruits and
spices called ‘mincemeat’. A tradition from
the Middle Ages goes to say eating a mince
pie every day from Christmas to the 5th of
January will bless one with happiness for
the next 12 months.
Mincemeat is essentially a mixture of dried
fruits, groundnuts, spices, sugar and fat.
There are many versions of this crumbly
and sweet pie that the English adore. For
example, there is a version mainly flavoured
with cinnamon and nutmeg notes and
paired with a rich, jam filling.
7. CHRISTMAS FRIED
CHICKEN (JAPAN)
KFC shines in this time of the year, at
least in Japan. It has become a Christmas
tradition in Japan to flock to KFC to dine
on Christmas Eve, even going into lengths
to make a reservation. Today, KFC Japan
includes not just fried chicken but also a
Christmas cake and other delicacies in their
set meals.
9. PUMPKIN PIE (USA)
8. MELOMAKARONA
(GREECE)
Melomakarona is also a traditional staple in
Greece during the Christmas season. This
popular cookie recipe is a must-have holiday
treat, which tastes like baklava. The cookies
are soaked in a mixture of honey, water and
sugar before sprinkling with walnuts.
A Christmas feast in the USA is not complete
without this dessert pie! Pumpkin pie is a
rich, savoury pie consisting of a pumpkinbased
and spiced custard filling. This pie is
generally flavoured with powdered ginger,
cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Pumpkin
symbolises harvest time and widely eaten
during the later months of the year.

10. CEIA DE NATAL
(BRAZIL)
Ceia de Natal, literally ‘Christmas Dinner’ in
Portuguese, is widely known as ‘Christmas
Turkey Feast’ originating from Brazil. The
roasted turkey is flavoured with a rich,
hearty marinade of citrus juices, spices and
cachaça, a light rum that can only be found
in Brazil.
11. SACHERTORTE
(AUSTRIA)
Sachertorte is a unique chocolate cake or
torte invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for
Prince Metternich. It is one of the most famous
Viennese culinary delicacies. The flavour
profile of this torte is described as elegant and
refined, with the decadence of fine chocolate.
Sachertorte is traditionally made with three
layers of chocolate sponge cake with apricot
jam thickly spread between the layers, as well
as on the top and sides. The whole cake is
covered with a mousse-like chocolate icing
and usually served with a side of whipped
cream.
12. COQUILLES
SAINT-JACQUES (FRANCE)
Literally, Saint Jacques’ scallops in French,
coquilles saint-jacques is a famous appetiser
that is always present at the tables. This
delectable seafood dish is made with fresh
scallops cooked with herbs and cheese
before being served in shells. Maybe it’s
enough reason to go to France for a holiday
vacation!
13. KOŁACZKI (POLAND)
Don’t be surprised to find cookies on the
menu if you’re in Poland. Kołaczki is a Polish
cookie known for its jelly-filled and buttery,
flaky cookie. The dough may contain cream
cheese or sour cream. The Polish use
different fillings, such as poppyseed nuts,
sweet cheese, nuts, raspberry or apricot.

14. BACALAO (MEXICO)
Bacalao, or salted cod, originated in
Spain, but Mexicans made this dish even
more special by adding spices and other
ingredients. It is a common dish served
during Christmas Eve Dinner, and the
leftovers are used to make sandwiches.
Once de-salted, bacalao is boiled and
drained, shredding into bite-sized pieces
and taking the bones out. The meat is
sauteed with onions, garlic and tomatoes
in olive oil, finishing with potatoes, parsley,
pepper and olives.
15. SAFFRON BUNS
(SWEDEN)
Swedish people are not only known for
their rice pudding treats but also for these
sweet and yellow buns. Saffron buns, also
known as lussebulle or lussekatt is a rich,
spiced sweet bun flavoured with saffron,
cinnamon or nutmeg. The S-shaped buns
are traditionally served by a household’s
oldest daughter.
16. SOCHIVO (RUSSIA)
In Russia, many people fast on Christmas
Eve and wait to see the first star in the sky.
Afterwards, they eat sochivo, a porridge
made from rice or wheat and served with
seeds, nuts, fruits and honey. This food
symbolises unity of the family. The tradition
of the locals of the past includes throwing a
spoonful of sochivo onto their ceiling, and it
is considered a good omen for a bountiful
harvest if the meal get stuck!
17. KJÖTSÚPA (ICELAND)
In Iceland, people most often eat smoked
lamb, ptarmigan and turkey during the
yuletide season. The kjötsúpa, or traditional
Icelandic lamb soup, is also served during
Christmas dinner as the main meal. This soup
is a hearty combination of lamb meat and
lamb bone cuts, rutabaga, potatoes, carrots,
onions, and various fresh or dried herbs.

18. COOKIES (CANADA)
Many Canadians love to have a baking party
during Christmas: a time when the entire
family bakes cookies and eats together
afterwards. They even call it the cookie
exchange! What’s more interesting is that
each member should have a recipe of his
or her own. At the end of the gathering,
everyone brings home cookies!
19. ‘RIS Á LA MANDE’
RICE PUDDING
(DENMARK)
Ris à l’amande is a traditional Danish dessert
served during the Christmas season. It is
made out of rice pudding mixed with whipped
cream, vanilla, and chopped almonds usually
served cold with cherry sauce. If you love rice
pudding, you might appreciate this Denmark
tradition!
20. TURRÓN (SPAIN)
Turrón, the Spanish word for nougat, is a
traditional dessert which is a mixture of
almonds, egg whites, honey, almonds and
sugar, typically shaped into a rectangular
tablet.. It is usually given as a favour or gift
to loved ones and relatives on Christmas.
is a very old, traditional sweet of Moorish
(Arabic) origin. Turrón has been around
centuries, even beyond the country of
Spain. It is generally held that the Moors
invented turrón in Jijona, a small Spanish
town.
The diversity and richness of the world’s
cultures is incredibly fascinating! Always
make time to explore the local gastronomic
delights whenever you step in a new country
or region. Which among these traditional
holiday foods do you think is the most
interesting?

FITNESS
HOW TO SET REALISTIC FITNESS
GOALS AND ACHIEVE THEM
The Christmas and New Year holidays
are one of those wonderful times of the
year. However, when it comes to setting
New Year’s resolutions, the wonder is
most often turned into a challenge.
We’re caught up with the question,
“What’s your New Year’s resolution?”
Whether at the office, at home, or at
a café conversing with a friend over
coffee, the dreaded question is sure to
pop at our faces. More often than not,
we find ourselves making lofty, vague
and unsustainable goals, especially in
relation to fitness!
Overeating and overindulging during
the holiday feasts will likely get you
more inches in your waistline. It’s a
common phenomenon, as they say, and
surely enough, most people can’t wait
to subscribe in gyms and enlist in fitness
classes. Unfortunately, the motivation
seems short-lived.
Don’t let that happen: avoid ending the
next year with frustrations and follow
these tips on how to set realistic and
sustainable fitness goals.

1. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER.
Determine what and why you want to achieve your goals,
starting now. Don’t wait until the holiday feasts, parties and
all-night drinking sessions finish before setting your fitness
goals. Get a pen and paper, write down your fitness goals,
and start now!
2. SET YOUR FITNESS TARGETS.
Next, what is it that you want? Do you want lean muscles?
Do you want to lose weight? Knowing what you want to
achieve will serve as your guiding light. It will help you get
started and work towards that goal.
3. DETERMINE THE REASONS FOR, OR PURPOSE
OF, YOUR FITNESS TARGETS.
Why do you want to achieve your fitness goals? Are you
preparing to get that summer body? Do you want to
reduce blood pressure or simply manage weight?
When you know the reasons for wanting these fitness or
lifestyle changes, you can stay motivated because those
are the prizes you’re eyeing on!
4. ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE OBSTACLES ALONG
THE WAY AND UNDERSTAND YOUR GOAL DRIVERS
(AGAIN, WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE FIT?).
Everyone faces hurdles, which can either be challenges in
your personal life, work or career or relationships. These
things may keep us from dieting, exercising and staying
fit. You also have your weaknesses and reasons for not
achieving a fitness goal. Needless to say, circumstantial or
personal barriers may occasionally get in the way of your
fitness targets.
Know and address those issues first. For example, how can
you improve time management so that you can spare a few
minutes a day to exercise?
5. TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME.
Do not try to do so much at once! Otherwise, you’ll be
overwhelmed easily only to end up quitting too. It is one of
the biggest fitness mistakes that you should avoid.
Small goals are not bad. After all, the goals can be
milestones for bigger ones later. Making many significant
lifestyle changes all at once may drain or easily exhaust
your motivation. For example, try getting at least eight
hours of sleep for a week or so. In the following weeks,
once you’re comfortable with the new lifestyle change, you
can add a new routine of going to the gym three times a
week for thirty minutes a day.
6. IDENTIFY THE FITNESS GOALS THAT ARE
ACTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO YOU.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and envious of the
fitness images you see online. However, most of these
images are often unrealistic and ‘filtered’, and these images
only instil unhealthy expectations.
You should not set your goals based on what you see from
other people! Instead, identify the fitness practices that are
actually good for you. Do not try to do what top athletes
do, like doing 100 pushups or professional running in
incredibly difficult terrain. It may be great for them, but
those are not your goals. Your goals must be your own. It
must be achievable and sustainable: something you can
realistically achieve.

7. SET A WELL-STRUCTURED PLAN.
Make specific and measurable goals. In the process,
you can monitor your progress more easily than having
a vague, generalised goal which is hard to measure and
sustain. You must also set time-bound goals, which
helps in focusing your efforts through a structured plan.
Setting deadlines also let you create a sense of urgency
that can motivate you as well. Set the bar low at first
to keep your goal within reach. At the end of the day,
small wins leave a positive feeling, making you feel
better and more confident. You will stick to your goals
if you achieve successes that can motivate you to push
harder and gain more confidence.
THE KEY IS DISCIPLINE, CONSISTENCY AND
ROUTINE.
Take action every single day! Fitness is one aspect of our
lives that we should never take for granted, as having a
healthy and fit body makes us more productive, letting
us enjoy life to the fullest.
Small but realistic fitness goals can propel you to make
bigger ones in the future. They open new and better
lifestyle opportunities, as well as create badly-needed
momentum that ignites your body and mind. To achieve
your fitness goals, make them realistic and sustainable
first, so you’ll be able to stick to them in the long-term.

YUMMY
MUMMY
Yummy Mummy, a recurring
feature in the Wellness
section of Out and About
STYLE Magazine, shines the
spotlight on the amazing
supermoms who balance
managing their career,
pursuing their life goals and
raising their families—all while
being FABULOUS.
BALANCING IT ALL
Name: Emily Ranani
Age: xx
Marital Status: Married
Number of children: 1

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Emily. I’m an Australian and is a happily married
stay-at-home mum of two and a half-year-old toddler and a
pet pug.
I used to be a flight attendant, but I became a fashion
designer before becoming a mother. I’ve always lived a
busy, active life. I have always wanted to be a mother, which
can be super challenging at times, but is by far the most
fulfilling job role I have done.
I try to be extremely active with my daughter, trying new,
different activities and things to do. I have recently started
a personal mum blog on Instagram called mum.code.dxb—
which is all about things to do, places to go, as well as tips
and tricks for parents to keep their children entertained!
2. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN FIT?
I have always been into sports from an early age. I used to
play netball in my home country. I became preoccupied with
group classes like those teaching Pump and RMP. I used to
go to the gym or run outside at least four times a week.
Exercise is very important to me. I feel like it gives me the
extra energy, and makes me feel happier and more relaxed.
3. DESCRIBE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO STAY IN
SHAPE OR GET IN SHAPE?
I had an unplanned C-section so it did take me almost a year
before I felt like I could work out like I used to. Becoming a
mother has so many challenges, especially when it comes to
being motivated to work out.
I found that by doing classes like Pump and RPM really
helped me back into shape while staying motivated and
actually seeing results. (I always feel that once you are in
a class, it is harder to be lazy!) Dubai summer is hot, so I
normally try to do classes four to five times a week in the
evening once my husband is home from work to look after
my daughter.
However, the older my daughter gets, I find that I’m
constantly on the go and actually burn more energy by just
doing the normal day-to-day things—running after a toddler
is hard work! Normally in the evenings, we take our dog for
a walk. Since the weather is better at night, I try to jog or
walk or run outside for forty-five minutes at least three times
a week. It helps me clear my mind too. At home, I try to do
a few simple exercises like squats just by watching Youtube.

4. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE?
I have never been into a strict diet. I have always
believed that if you work out on a regular basis, then
when it comes to food, you should always try to eat a
balanced diet and indulge in moderation.
For breakfast, I normally have boiled eggs, fruit and a
cup of coffee. If I am very hungry, I will have toast with
avocado. Lunch always changes depending on what I
am doing. For dinner, I always try to eat salads, adding
whatever I have in the fridge.
5. HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?
At times, it can be very hard to be motivated to work
out—especially after a long day with a toddler. But I
try to think of how good I feel after exercising, and
actually working out gives me a lot more energy. I
also put small goals ahead to keep me motivated, like
prepping my body for a friends wedding, a special
occasion or holiday.
6. DO YOU HAVE ANY MENTAL TRICKS
THAT YOU USE WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE
WORKING OUT?
I always like to have a cup of coffee and put on some
music videos on Youtube, and that always gets me in
the mood to exercise.
7. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR
MOMS WHO SAY THEY DON’T HAVE TIME FOR
EXERCISE?
I fully understand what it is like to feel like you have no
time to exercise! However, starting with small targets,
like ten squats, three times a day at home, is a step in
the right direction. You can even put Post-It notes next
to your basin, fridge and bed with a simple exercise
to do.
Another thing that helped me a lot was watching
Youtube! You can find a whole range of different
exercises, from short to long exercises, all the way to
full intensity workouts. There is even a Zumba and a
Kids Zumba channel, and watching it with your kids
can turn into a fun activity with your child at home.
Once you start moving, you will feel better and more
motivated to try to find the time.

8. THINGS YOU’VE TRIED AND HATED-DIETS AND
WORKING OUT?
I have never been a fan of strict diets. I find it too hard to stick to
and stressful. I just find that when I work out, I become motivated
to eat healthier and cleaner.
I once tried a smoothie replacement drink. It did work when I stuck
to it. However, I was constantly hungry and craving solid food so
it didn’t last.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 TIPS TO HELP WOMEN GET
INTO SHAPE POST-PREGNANCY?
Start by getting out every day, either for a slow stroll to get some
fresh air, or go to a shopping mall to relax. Dubai has some of the
biggest malls in the world, and walking around in one of those
shopping places is a work out in itself!
Try to join a Mummy and Me yoga or pilates class, and you will meet
other mums in the same stage! Support from other mums going
through the same thing is great. Swimming is also a fun activity to
do with just a few laps.

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
WITH
AAHNA
THE PINK SANDS OF PANTAI MERAH: A BEACH LIKE NO OTHER
Did my yacht experience allure you to plan a trip? If not, here’s another one! How about we
travel to Southeast Asia? Well, I don’t blame you for having a hard time choosing between
Thailand or Bali: that’s one tough decision.
For this month, I’ll tell you another interesting attraction that is sure to make you fall in love
with. Welcome to Komodo Island!
KOMODO ISLAND
Komodo Island, located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is the island
habitat of the Komodo dragon, a type of a large monitor lizard. The entire region is covered
by Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to thousands
of Komodo dragons.
Komodo Island is considered to be a volcanic island, consisting of rugged seaside cliffs,
reddish volcanic hills and forests. The island is surrounded by good diving spots where
seagrass beds, mangrove forests and coral reefs abound.

PINK BEACH, OR PANTAI MERAH
Komodo Island is also known for a unique beach—
and for a good reason: it is home to one of the
world’s seven pink beaches called Pantai Merah,
or Pink Beach. This Instagrammable beach gets its
pretty pink hues from microscopic animals called
foraminifera which produce a red pigment on the
coral reefs. The waters are incredibly clear, with
nearby diving spots perfect for beginner divers.
Tourists take a moment to enjoy the priceless views
of turquoise seas, lush green hills and blue skies
contrasting with the fascinating pink sands. There
are many hotels and travel companies that also offer
other activities, such as kayaking and snorkelling.
Once you have marvelled in its magnificent
surroundings, go ahead and take a dip in the pristine
waters of Pantai Merah and discover the unique
marine beauty that this pink beach has to offer!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit is from April to June. This
period does not coincide with the monsoon season,
coupled with a mild temperature. September to
December is also a good time because of the mild,
cool weather.
HOW TO REACH
The best route to reach Komodo is definitely through Bali. Bali has
a well-connected airport with international flights available from
across the world. Domestic flights are available from all major cities
of Indonesia. From Bali, a local airline has daily flights to Labuan
Bajo. Once you are there, you can head to Komodo by speedboat.
The port is a ten-minute drive from the Labuanbajo airport.
You can either choose to dock straight on the fabled Pink Beach
or do the four-hour trek through the coral cliffs and mangroves to
reach the beach.
WHERE TO STAY
La Boheme Hostel offers both private and dorm-style
accommodation. You can also enjoy free banana pancakes, 24/7!

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
WITH
SONAL
SOUTH AFRICA: THE TRUE ADVENTURER’S PARADISE
Instead of family vacation, my husband and I—both self-confessed soul travellers—planned to
have a couple’s vacation to South Africa. It coincided that my husband had some official work
there, so we planned to visit Cape Town and Johannesburg.
South Africa is a vast, diverse and incredibly beautiful country. Known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’,
South Africa is something of an enigma. The adventurous traveler will most likely fall in love
with this exotic destination, as it has so many amazing experiences on offer: from off-roading
on a safari to diving with great white sharks. With its wonderful array of wildlife, beautiful
beaches, divine vineyards and magnificent mountains, there’s no doubt that South Africa is a
land of diversity.
Located on the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa is one of the largest countries on
the continent. The cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town have become popular tourist
destinations for travelers from around the world.

CAPE TOWN
Known for its cultural diversity and social
tolerance, Cape Town is a trip highlight for many
visitors to South Africa. The so-called ‘Mother
City’ is blessed with a variety of great sights,
experiences, dining destinations, and outdoor
activities perfect for travelers of all ages and
interests.
While in Cape Town, you can enjoy breathtaking
scenery—from the white-sand beaches of the
Cape Peninsula to the iconic cliffs of Table
Mountain—or a whole selection of world-class
restaurants and local wines. You can also spend
leisurely mornings browsing beachside farmer’s
markets or shopping at the V&A Waterfront,
while warm afternoons are ideal for hiking,
surfing, scuba diving, or making friends with the
penguins at Boulders Beach. Cape Town is also
full of important cultural sites, including Robben
Island, the famous site where Nelson Mandela
was imprisoned for 18 years, and the apartheidera
ghettoes of Bo-Kaap and District Six.
JOHANNESBURG
South Africa’s biggest city and capital of Gauteng
province began as a 19th-century gold-mining
settlement. Its sprawling Soweto township was
once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Mandela’s former residence is now the Mandela
House museum. Other Soweto museums that
recount the struggle to end segregation include
the somber Apartheid Museum and Constitution
Hill, a former prison complex.
To the northeast, Herman Eckstein Park
encompasses a boating lake and Johannesburg
Zoo. The Gold Reef City theme park combines
thrill rides with mining history and an underground
tour. The Johannesburg Art Gallery features
contemporary local work and 17th-century Dutch
paintings. Notably, Arts on Main is a trendy
studio development in a converted industrial
precinct, part of the up-and-coming Maboneng
district. Upmarket stores cluster at the Sandton
City mall and Sunday’s Rosebank Rooftop Market
showcase African crafts, food and entertainment.

WHAT TO PACK:
Get your packing sorted with this list of essential items
for your trip to South Africa :
• Comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers
• A couple of pairs of jeans
• Warm jumpers
• A good quality coat for chilly evenings
• T-shirts and long-sleeved or button-up shirts
• A few nice outfits for dinner at nice restaurants
• Swimmers to take advantage of the hotel pool or spa
• All your essential medicines, including prescriptions
TOP THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SOUTH
AFRICA:
• Don’t be flashy.
• South Africa is a large country with diverse cultures.
• It is safe to travel in South Africa!
• There’s more than just safaris (but a safari trip is still a must)!
• South Africa is one of the adventure capitals of the world.
• Make sure to hire a car and do an unforgettable road trip!
I hope that you will have an incredible time exploring this
magnificent country as it will certainly be a trip of a lifetime!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sonal is a Dubai-based expat and mom to three gorgeous kids.
She enjoys penning down her thoughts on travel, expat life,
parenting and lifestyle, sharing them generously with the world.

FOR THE CULTURE
RESET & REINVENT:
5 TIPS FOR A BETTER,
STRONGER YEAR AHEAD
BY YVONNE C MTENGWA
“Stay true to yourself, yet always
be open to learning. Work hard,
and never give up on your
dreams, even when nobody else
believes they can come true but
you. These are not cliches but
real tools you need no matter
what you do in life to stay
focused on your path.”
~ Phillip Sweet
I love this quote. 2019 is closing shop
while 2020 is fast-rolling through the
back door. I stashed the notion of New
Years’ resolutions three years ago when
I realised that sitting down and writing
down a whole list of goals for the new
year almost always resulted in total fails.
“Eish, oh well!” is a common interjection
blurted on the inside by January 22nd.
Life is a series of decisions that motivate
our actions. We have what we pray for,
work towards and wait patiently on. But
in the spirit of self-improvement and
personal reinvention, allow me to share
my approach for resetting and reinventing
yourself while working towards your “Next
Big Thing” for 2020.

1. GET READY TO SWEAT AND WRECK YOUR BRAIN IF
YOU WANT TO SEE REAL RESULTS NEXT YEAR!
Radical transformation is hard. Getting out of debt entails you’re
going to have to endure seasons of sacrifice with beans and toast
for dinner before the steak dinners, drinks and a night out on the
town.
Raising enough funding to make a lucrative investment may
have you skip out on a holiday or two, while everyone in your
circle is seemingly catching flights. I hate to break this to you,
but no sacrifice, no victory, friends. If you want to see some real
changes in your life, you need to be comfortable with doing the
uncomfortable, which necessarily requires skipping on some fun so
you can work your way towards success.
2. FOCUS ON THE THINGS YOU WANT.
Others call it “prioritising.” I call it focusing on the things I want to
see happen in the immediate future. The world is super noisy, and
most of that hullabaloo adds no value to your life. Trust me.
This year I spent many man-hours researching markets and
investment opportunities because I had my eyes set on making
an investment move before the year is out. I could get anything
else done this year, but if I didn’t focus on this one thing that had
been a prayer point for years, I wouldn’t feel as though I had won
at 2019. And so that that’s what I did. Any spare moment I had, I
spent in learning more about this particular thing of interest.
And you know what, in July 2019 I witnessed its manifestation.
I always knew GOD was going to answer my prayer and reward
me for working at it, but focusing on this thing took my attention
away from the stress of waiting for it to come alive. Each day, my
goals got bigger, and my knowledge increased. It was so much fun
playing and winning that this will definitely be a repeated exercise
for 2020. If you’ve got something you’ve been meaning to achieve
for the longest, now is the time to apply that surgical focus.

3. CONNECT WITH PEOPLE RELEVANT TO
YOUR PURSUITS.
This should be a big one for all of us wanting real
change. We all have set motivations behind the things
we seek in life. Marketers will tell you that consumers
have a set of reference groups they turn to in their
decision-making before they purchase a car, a house,
or anything else designed to satisfy a want or a need.
As you build your ‘Connection Circle’, ensure that
this is aligned with your vision of the future. You have
no business connecting with the neighbourhood
bricklayer unless he’s your uncle, or is about to lay
down the foundation to a house you are building.
4. MANAGE YOUR TIME LIKE YOUR LIFE
DEPENDS ON IT.
As with everything else, time is money, and we don’t
have all day. Planning counts for nothing if we then don’t
execute with the awareness of the limitations associated
with time. Wasted time is wasted money.
We usually have pretty tight windows to be able to do
more things. To avoid wallowing in the strain of getting
started, simply list your action points for each day and
hash them out in the best way possible. Eventually, it all
comes together. You may be knocked out for six after all’s
said and done—but it’s done, and that’s the goal right?
Now, I’m not saying people having some sort of
connection to your pursuits should be a barometer on
striking up your relationships. I’m simply saying that
you should move with people that share your same
mind and tenacity. People who go hard at hustling
as you do will understand you when you say you’re
working on something or need help with ideas for
growth. They’ll also likely know someone you need to
know for your next move—which is oftentimes a winwin
for everyone. A relevant circle is a good circle.

5. CELEBRATE THE SMALLEST OF
WINS THIS 2020.
The key to keeping the momentum is
encouraging yourself along the way.
Getting what we desire is often an
arduous task, and effort doesn’t always
mean you reach the finishing line right
away. Whatever you have set in mind to
achieve in the coming year, do it while
acknowledging that you’re doing the
best you can with it. Focusing on what’s
going well as opposed to what hasn’t
happened yet makes all the difference
in keeping your mind right in the midst
of pressure. No win is ever too small.
Celebrate your way to total victory and
completion.
Now friends, while all of the above
may be good and dandy, I’m sure there
are some things you would have liked
to have changed about 2019. We are
often encouraged to not focus on our
past, to take our failures as learning
moments and so on. I’ll leave you with
four words that will help you not to
waste time chasing the same mess and
expecting a different result.
KNOW WHEN TO FOLD.
We are often told never to quit.
Quitting isn’t ideal, but is necessary
when something’s simply not working,
or won’t work. You simply cannot be
in two places at the same time, and
neither can you please two people
with opposing views. Doing better in
2020 will require you to know which
battles to fight and which side you’re
on when fighting them. If you are
haemorrhaging money and there’s no
sign of a turnaround anywhere on the
horizon, perhaps it’s time to cut your
losses and keep it moving. Along the
way and with whatever decision you
make, remember to communicate with
everyone who is a part of what’s going
on. Acceptance and communication
are two of the most critical elements
of getting ahead and maintaining your
focus.
As we press towards the New Year, may
we hold on to the fact that we do have
the power to shape our lives and we do
carry the capacity to push harder. We
can absolutely RESET AND REINVENT
if we desire real and meaningful
change. Having focus after pressing the
reset button is directly correlated with
how much we get done as we do life.
The question begs then: what will you
be doing differently to witness visible
progress in the year 2020?
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Yvonne Chiedza Mtengwa is the author
of “Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to
live authentically through faith”, a book
encouraging women to confront their
issues with relationships, insecurities and
self-fulfilling prophesies, in an effort to
truly discover who they were created
to be. It’s available for download on
https://payhip.com/b/Oi7Y#!
She is also a co-author of Amazon Bestseller
“Dear Fear Volume 2: 18 Powerful Lessons
on Living your best life on the other side
of Fear”- a compilation of short stories by
American visionary author Tiana Patrice.
Passionate about travelling, writing about
and experiencing leisure and lifestyle
brands, Yvonne is a marketing and
communications strategist, is the Cofounder
of www.Quintessentialf.com, a
Christian lifestyle movement for women,
and also runs www.yournarratives.com,
a boutique communications agency
specialising in entrepreneurial design
and shaping the narrative of women-led
lifestyle and social development brands.
Check her out on IG on @quintessentially_yvonne or visit and subscribe to her website
on www.ReinventedToday.com for more tips on everyday reinvention.

TAKING RISKS IN
THE MIDDLE:
HOW RISK AVERSION HINDERS
THE PATH TO SUCCESS

A positive mindset is the breeding ground for positive
results. At the same time, a positive attitude will also bring
about favourable change. Positivity, to some, can be seen
as unguarded frolic or folly, without respect for the stern
demeanour of being anxious about the future. In particular,
it does not appeal well to the strata of people who are in
the ‘middle’: the savers, the safe thinkers, the ones clouded
with myopia, the risk-averse individuals, who, to classify
under one label, may be thought of as defensive thinkers.
These safe thinkers are concerned with security, oftentimes
without sacrificing things that will bring about security.
They think with a sense of purpose, but are never willing to
take risks; results are most often etched in their minds, but
they move away from the process of self-creation.
How can we change the mindset of defensive thinkers
and help them move forward? What traits set a successful
individual apart from others? Let’s take a step out of the
middle.
THE NEUTRAL ZONE
Staying in the middle may seem like the most comfortable
place to be. It is akin to being secured and protected from
change coming from above and below. Be it working in
a safe, stable job with low income, or being content with
the status quo, people who are in the middle get these
feelings of security from the absence of adversity, in the
good and bad sense of the word. This particular attitude is
known as risk aversion, the economic behaviour of humans
which is shown as the doubtful attitude of an individual
to agree to a situation with an unknown return or reward,
rather than another situation with a more predictable but
lower expected return. In fact, this phenomenon has been
widely studied in psychology, economics and finance,
as part of the subjects of the utility of money, modern
portfolio theory, behavioural economics, and related topics
of interest.
Risk aversion may be seen as the natural implication of the
inherent negativity bias present in the human mind. This is
exhibited by the phenomenon of remembering negative
events vividly than positive ones. People generally recall
the worst thing that has happened to them better than
the happiest ones. Psychological studies find that this is
simply because our minds demonstrate a partiality for the
processing of negative information. Compared to positive
memories or stimuli, negative information receives a larger
allocation of attention and a faster response in the brain.
Given that a greater amount of attention is allotted to the
processing of negative information, the negativity bias may
also be indicative of attentional bias. Thus, the negativity
bias is demonstrated in many situations that are related to
the formation of risk-averse behaviour. Any stimulus that
evokes the expression of doubt, uncertainty, anxiety or fear
encourages risk-aversion.
However, risk aversion is not without merits. For example,
a risk-averse investor will often put their money into an
investment with a low but guaranteed return, rather than
into an investment that may have high expected returns,
but also involves a chance of losing money. In other words,
we may see risk aversion as a sign of discipline, control
and temperance. This trait is not often seen in people who
gamble or make bets.

WHEN RISK AVERSION LIMITS GROWTH
At the extreme end of the spectrum, being too risk-averse
is self-limiting. It hinders the capacity to grow, and the
resulting tunnel vision will most likely give rise to a culture
of conservatism that shuns the progressive and innovative
ways.
The growth mindset requires a healthy amount of risktaking
in our everyday lives to pave the way to higher
levels of success. Stepping out of your comfort zone is
perhaps the best phrase that lives to this day to express
the importance of taking risks. Without the courage to face
or resist the inherent uncertainty or being uncomfortable
with change, no progress can ever be made. We are often
resistant to change because of our attachment to safety
and closure. To rise from the middle, however, requires us
to become open and accepting.
FROM ‘THE MIDDLE’ TO ‘NEW HORIZONS’
To move out of being in ‘The Middle’, despite increased
risk-taking and facing more challenges ahead, the
disciplined attitude of being risk-averse must still be
enforced in having to live within your means and accepting
only reasonable and attainable goals.
You will have to accept that failure may sometimes ensue,
and this is only another path to improvement and learning.
A wise man once said, “The more you learn, the more you
earn.” Some risk-averse individuals focus on earning only,
and not so much on learning. Successful people who are
calculating risk-takers ensure that they are also providing
investments for the development of their skills, talents
and other traits that will add to their productivity: they
earn more when they learn more.
In conclusion, develop a strong mindset of going
outside your comfort zone. Appreciate the fact that the
greatest achievements in life are borne from the riskiest
challenges. Be ready to invest in yourself. Be positive
about the challenges and be strong to take leaps of faith.
It is time that you stop being a defensive thinker. Instead,
become a proactive thinker that dwells on the positive
side of things: taking calculated risks one day at a time.
JEROME
DOUGLAS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerome Douglas is a 27-year old trained teacher, poet and writer from the
beautiful island of Jamaica. His personal philosophy is “If it is for me to
be, then it is up to me.” He attended the Catholic College of Mandeville
in Jamaica. Additionally, he is a community builder and humanitarian who
volunteers his time to help with the academic and social well-being of people
in his Central Jamaica community and surrounding areas.

BOOK REVIEW:
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS:
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO
PERSONAL FREEDOM
Perhaps one of the best self-help books around is the one
written by Don Miguel Ruiz entitled The Four Agreements: A
Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. Published in 1997, The
Four Agreements has always been cited in popular media
for its simple and concise principles based on ancient Toltec
wisdom. The book advances the principle that our own selflimiting
beliefs cause our own suffering and downfall.
It is one of my favourite books. The code of conduct that The
Four Agreements espouse are values that form the basis of an
inherently good, ethical and respectable life. The story of the
author himself could also say something about this book. Don
Miguel Ruiz, who was born into a family of traditional healers
in Mexico, chose the path to become a medical surgeon.
However, he was forced to re-examine his life and values after
a near death experience.
The four agreements, which constitute the guiding principles
that can be learned from this book, are as follows:
AGREEMENT 1: BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD.
This agreement is about avoiding gossip, empty promises, lies and
other ways that cause or bring about problems with our words
alone. Most people do not realise the impact of their words, and
they do not see the damage that can be done by talking recklessly,
or aggressively. This agreement tells us to say what you want to say,
and realise that if you don’t pay attention to what you say, you can
cause harm.
AGREEMENT 2: DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
This agreement is about understanding how the behaviours of others
reflect their nature or personality. When other people comments
on our behaviour or personalities, it is important to remember that
there are no factual but only subjective opinions: we all have our
own prejudices, and our own filters define how we see the world.
This is a sound and practical advice to help you become less
aggressive, defensive and vindictive, and keeping your emotions
under control. You can curb your negative patterns and partial
perceptions by trying to develop healthy habits without taking
anything personally.
AGREEMENT 3: DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
Assuming what others are thinking about you without actually asking
or confirming with them can generate a lot of mental pressure and
anxiety. Rather than assuming that someone could argue in a way
that creates division or animosity, reach out to them to eliminate
any misunderstandings.
However, if you take this advice to the extreme, you may ignore
your intuition about other people, or your common sense about the
behaviour of someone who might be abusive and controlling. This
might risk you being subjected to manipulation.
AGREEMENT 4: ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Ruiz means doing your best at all times and you will have no regrets.
Your best might not be as good as the other days, and that’s fine.
As long as you make an honest effort in life, you will not have to be
ashamed of anything.
This is good advice because it will help you make further progress
towards your goals and avoid unnecessary regrets. This does not
mean that you are looking for perfection: it simply means that you
value continuous improvement and learning.
Overall, The Four Agreements is a wonderful book for personal growth and stress management. It is written in simple language, although
it deals with morally complex topics which in examining further can help bring radical changes in your life. Being a small, voluminous book
that packs great ideas, keeping in mind the ‘Four Agreements’ will greatly improve your life and help manage stress by avoiding thoughts
and behaviours that create frustration and other negative emotions.

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