Out and About STYLE Magazine Issue 4 Vol. 2
Out and About STYLE Mag. was created out of the need to see more 'real people' in the media. As such, our content is completely celebrity-free. Instead, we focus on "real people living extraordinary lives" - People that can provide real inspiration. Our magazine is big on real stories and relatable topics.
- Marsha Fry, Editor-in-Chief.
Out and About STYLE Mag. was created out of the need to see more 'real people' in the media. As such, our content is completely celebrity-free. Instead, we focus on "real people living extraordinary lives" - People that can provide real inspiration. Our magazine is big on real stories and relatable topics.
- Marsha Fry, Editor-in-Chief.
Issue 4 Volume 2 May 2020 GOING VEGAN IN ABU DHABI: TOP 8 RESTAURANTS SPENCER LODGE SALES STRATEGIST AND ENTREPRENEUR, SPENCERLODGE.TV 7 Benefits of Healthy Abdominals: Think Strong, Not Flat 1
- Page 2 and 3: Consistency is the key to achieving
- Page 4 and 5: Editor’s Welcome A mother’s lov
- Page 6 and 7: CONTENTS MAY 2020 SECTION 1 07 FASH
- Page 8 and 9: 8
- Page 10 and 11: 10
- Page 12 and 13: 12
- Page 14 and 15: 8. DO YOU SEE ANY TRENDS IN THE IND
- Page 16 and 17: 16
- Page 18 and 19: 18
- Page 20 and 21: 12 COST CAN BE SOMETHING THAT HOLDS
- Page 22 and 23: 22
- Page 24 and 25: 24
- Page 26 and 27: Before The Mid-19th Century In the
- Page 28 and 29: Where’s The Virgin? Part of this
- Page 30 and 31: Different Cultures A white wedding
- Page 32 and 33: Beautiful Brides 2020 Models: Poczi
- Page 34 and 35: Glamourous Model : Balogh Eleni Pho
- Page 36 and 37: ELMAX Salon is delighted to offer a
- Page 38 and 39: PETER THOMAS ROTH STEM CELL MASK OS
- Page 40 and 41: FRESH BEAUTY LOTUS YOUTH PRESERVE R
- Page 42 and 43: Get the Milky, Healthy Glow: 10 Dif
- Page 44 and 45: MILK RECIPES FOR YOUR BODY • Mois
- Page 46 and 47: 3 SERVICES FOR Ramadan Offer 220 AE
- Page 48 and 49: 48
- Page 50 and 51: 50
<strong>Issue</strong> 4 <strong>Vol</strong>ume 2<br />
May 2020<br />
GOING<br />
VEGAN<br />
IN ABU DHABI:<br />
TOP 8<br />
RESTAURANTS<br />
SPENCER<br />
LODGE<br />
SALES STRATEGIST<br />
AND ENTREPRENEUR,<br />
SPENCERLODGE.TV<br />
7<br />
Benefits of<br />
Healthy<br />
Abdominals:<br />
Think Strong,<br />
Not Flat<br />
1
Consistency is the key to achieving <strong>and</strong><br />
maintaining momentum.<br />
Dan Hardy<br />
2
Editorial<br />
Editor in chief<br />
Marsha Fry<br />
marsha@out<strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag.com<br />
Editor<br />
Shella l<strong>and</strong>ayan<br />
editor@out<strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag.com<br />
art<br />
advertising<br />
Art director<br />
nakul thanekar<br />
nakul.thanekar89@gmail.com<br />
sales & marketing director<br />
Andre Marshal<br />
+971 50 127 8820<br />
sales@out<strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag.com<br />
general enquiries<br />
On this<br />
month's<br />
cover<br />
hello@out<strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag.com<br />
out<strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag<br />
out<strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag<br />
OaASMag<br />
<strong>Out</strong><strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag<br />
www.out<strong>and</strong>aboutstylemag.com<br />
Interview: Joe Osawaye,<br />
Entrepreneur <strong>and</strong> Managing<br />
Partner, KIZA Restaurant Limited<br />
Photographer: Mr Laah<br />
Styling: David Bowler<br />
Published by <strong>Out</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>About</strong> Style FZE<br />
(Registered at Fujairah Creative City)<br />
3
Editor’s<br />
Welcome<br />
A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world.<br />
It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things <strong>and</strong> crushes down<br />
remorselessly all that st<strong>and</strong>s in its path.<br />
<br />
~Agatha Christie<br />
4
More than a hundred years ago, President<br />
Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation dedicating<br />
the second Sunday of May as an official national<br />
holiday in the United States to honour mothers<br />
<strong>and</strong> motherhood. The tradition took hold <strong>and</strong><br />
eventually spread in most parts of the world, with<br />
most countries celebrating the special day in the<br />
month of May. In the UAE, the holiday is officially<br />
celebrated on the 21st of March, but nonetheless,<br />
many tourists, foreign workers <strong>and</strong> immigrants<br />
residing in the region celebrate the tradition in May.<br />
To our mum who carried us inside their wombs<br />
for nine months, spent countless sleepless nights<br />
<strong>and</strong> gave us all the love <strong>and</strong> care that we needed,<br />
we express our love <strong>and</strong> gratitude. We at <strong>Out</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>About</strong> <strong>STYLE</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> dedicate this wonderful<br />
month to them: a tribute to thank <strong>and</strong> honour our<br />
special heroes.<br />
Features <strong>and</strong> Highlights<br />
In our Featured Editorial, Funmi Oyelayo shares<br />
her personal experience running her events<br />
company, Your Day, Our Time. On Weddings:<br />
Dresses, Ideas, Inspiration <strong>and</strong> Planning, bridesto-be<br />
are encouraged to take down notes to<br />
prepare for their special day!<br />
To follow it up in our Fashion Feature, we researched<br />
the history of donning white wedding dresses in<br />
The White Wedding Dress: The Evolution of a<br />
Timeless Fashion Classic.<br />
Are you looking for the perfect mask to nourish<br />
your skin? Katrina compiled the top quality masks<br />
you can try to Mask the Time Away in our Beauty<br />
section. We got your DIY needs covered if you want<br />
to experiment with natural ingredients to nourish<br />
your skin to Get the Milky, Healthy Glow: 10<br />
Different Ways.<br />
In our Behind the Br<strong>and</strong> feature, we interviewed<br />
Joe Osawaye, the owner of Kiza Restaurant <strong>and</strong><br />
Lounge in Dubai. A good read, especially if you<br />
want to start a business of your own.<br />
Good-looking body <strong>and</strong> healthy mind—both are<br />
things we all want to achieve. In our Lifestyle<br />
section, here’s an article to help you with the<br />
challenges you may encounter on your road to<br />
achieving these goals. Read an inspiring story of a<br />
mother who overcame her obsession with weight<br />
loss in How my Obsession with Weight Loss<br />
Began. In another article, we emphasise yet again<br />
the importance of taking care of your mental health<br />
by Dealing with Stress in the Workplace.<br />
Are you a vegan or planning to be one? We<br />
recommend the 15 Best Protein Sources for<br />
Vegans <strong>and</strong> Vegetarians to get your daily protein<br />
requirement. Looking for different tastes in food?<br />
Moroccan recipes are featured in our 12 Must-Try<br />
Moroccan Tagine Recipes. Plan your next healthy<br />
food trip in the UAE. We recommend Going Vegan<br />
in Abu Dhabi: Top 8 Restaurants.<br />
Bored <strong>and</strong> want to travel? In our Travel feature, feast<br />
your eyes in the beautiful <strong>and</strong> amazing sceneries of<br />
Morocco.<br />
Being fit while in quarantine is possible. In our<br />
Fitness section, we give you the 7 Benefits of<br />
Healthy Abdominals: Think Strong, Not Flat.<br />
In our For the Culture section, Yvonne Mtangwa<br />
writes about 5 Ways to Wrap your Mind Around<br />
the Unknown <strong>and</strong> Keep from Panicking, a<br />
balanced point-of-view to adapt to our current<br />
situation. Likewise, we find that building resilience<br />
brings about greater happiness <strong>and</strong> contentment:<br />
read on A Life of Happiness: Building Resilience.<br />
Small choices may seem inconsequential, but over<br />
time they compound <strong>and</strong> bring about significant<br />
changes. In our Book Review, find out more about<br />
the so-called compound effect through Darren<br />
Hardy’s The Compound Effect.<br />
Love, Mum<br />
In these trying times, the mothers are most<br />
especially hard at work in our homes, keeping us<br />
safe, well-fed <strong>and</strong> clothed! <strong>Out</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>About</strong> Style<br />
<strong>Magazine</strong>, with the team that made this Edition<br />
possible, celebrates <strong>and</strong> honours the special<br />
women of our lives with features <strong>and</strong> stories that<br />
inspire beauty, success, love <strong>and</strong> resilience. Stay<br />
safe, <strong>and</strong> keep your mums close!<br />
5
CONTENTS<br />
MAY 2020<br />
SECTION 1<br />
07<br />
FASHION<br />
• Featured Editorial: Funmi Oyelayo, Event Planner <strong>and</strong> Events Company Owner<br />
• The White Wedding Dress: The Evolution of a Timeless Fashion Classic<br />
37<br />
47<br />
58<br />
SECTION 2<br />
BEAUTY<br />
• Makeup Madness with Katrina: Mask the Time<br />
Away!<br />
• Get the Milky, Healthy Glow: 10 Different Ways<br />
SECTION 3<br />
BEHIND THE BRAND<br />
• Joe Osawaye, Entrepreneur <strong>and</strong> owner of Kiza Restaurant<br />
<strong>and</strong> Lounge, Dubai<br />
SECTION 4<br />
TAKING LESSONS<br />
• Spencer Lodge, Sales Strategist <strong>and</strong><br />
Entrepreneur, SpencerLodge.tv<br />
66<br />
74<br />
SECTION 5<br />
LIFE<strong>STYLE</strong><br />
• How my Obsession with Weight<br />
Loss Began<br />
• Dealing with Stress in the<br />
Workplace<br />
FOOD<br />
• 15 Best Protein Sources for Vegans<br />
<strong>and</strong> Vegetarians<br />
• 12 Must-Try Moroccan Tagine Recipes<br />
104<br />
SECTION 7<br />
FOR THE<br />
CULTURE<br />
• The Reinvented Chronicles with Yvonne<br />
C. Mtengwa:<br />
5 Ways to Wrap your Mind Around the<br />
Unknown <strong>and</strong> Keep from Panicking<br />
• A Life of Happiness: Building Social<br />
Immunity<br />
• Book Review: The Compound Effect by<br />
Darren Hardy<br />
• Going Vegan in Abu Dhabi: Top 8<br />
Restaurants<br />
92<br />
FITNESS<br />
• 7 Benefits of Healthy Abdominals:<br />
Think Strong, Not Flat<br />
SECTION 6<br />
97 TRAVEL<br />
• Morocco: For the Love of Colour<br />
6<br />
<strong>Out</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>About</strong> <strong>STYLE</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> tasks no responsibility<br />
for unsolicited photographs or material. The photographs<br />
in this publication are for illustration purposes, unless<br />
otherwise specified.
Featured<br />
Editorial<br />
Weddings:<br />
Dresses,<br />
Ideas,<br />
Inspiration<br />
<strong>and</strong> Planning<br />
FUNMI OYELAYO<br />
Company name:<br />
Your Day, Our Time<br />
yourdayourtime<br />
www.yourdayourtime.com<br />
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1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.<br />
I was born in Nigeria. I moved to the UK when I was<br />
five <strong>and</strong> grew up in London. In 2012, I moved to<br />
Dubai for a teaching role.<br />
I currently live in Abu Dhabi where I work full-time<br />
on weddings both worldwide <strong>and</strong> locally. We have<br />
planned weddings <strong>and</strong> events (including corporate)<br />
in UAE, London, Lagos, Thail<strong>and</strong>, Africa <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Seychelles.<br />
2. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN WEDDING<br />
PLANNING?<br />
I am a planner <strong>and</strong> meticulous when it comes to<br />
organising events. I enjoy planning parties, dinners<br />
<strong>and</strong> social events for my friends. Back then, I had<br />
never even thought about being an event planner, but<br />
I always knew that I would not be teaching forever. In<br />
2013, I planned my own wedding for about 11 months,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the experience made me acquainted with many<br />
vendors <strong>and</strong> contractors in Dubai. My own first-h<strong>and</strong><br />
experience in planning my own wedding made me<br />
decide to try my h<strong>and</strong> at planning weddings. I was<br />
eight months pregnant in December 2014 when I<br />
was contracted as a wedding planner for a beautiful<br />
wedding at The Waldorf Astoria.<br />
3. WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU THINK<br />
BRIDES SHOULD ASK WHEN LOOKING FOR<br />
A PLANNER?<br />
You must have a phone conversation with your<br />
planner to ensure that your ideas <strong>and</strong> personalities<br />
align. It is better for the bride <strong>and</strong> the planner to<br />
meet in person to discuss matters. If there are certain<br />
‘special’ requests or unique highlights of the wedding<br />
that the bride wants to happen, she should ask the<br />
planner the experience they have with those things.<br />
Brides should also ask matters in the aspect of<br />
planning <strong>and</strong> execution, including an inquiry of the<br />
kind of people or staff that they involve in their team.<br />
Brides should also request ideas that fall within the<br />
budget, or make smart allocations between expense<br />
items, as well as advice on increasing or decreasing<br />
the budget. It’s also great for brides to give their<br />
planners a scenario to assess how they would act in a<br />
stressful situation.<br />
At the end of the day, selecting a wedding planner is<br />
most certainly a ‘job interview’: you are paying for the<br />
service, so you want to make sure you get the right<br />
person.<br />
4. HOW DO YOU GET THE IDEAS OUT<br />
OF BRIDES SO THAT THEY DESCRIBE TO<br />
YOU EFFECTIVELY THEIR VISION FOR THE<br />
WEDDING DAY?<br />
I typically have an initial phone consultation with my<br />
clients, where we discuss the types of things they<br />
like. Afterwards, I send my clients a questionnaire<br />
detailing different aspects of the wedding, asking<br />
them to indicate their preferences.<br />
We use Pinterest as inspiration for colours, florals,<br />
accents, <strong>and</strong> other aspects, <strong>and</strong> eventually work from<br />
there. Both my clients <strong>and</strong> I are active in pinning<br />
suitable themes, colours <strong>and</strong> décor that they like. I<br />
find a common thread in their collection of pictures,<br />
which I translate to a ‘mood board’ that we use as a<br />
foundation of how the day will look <strong>and</strong> feel.<br />
5. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL BRIDES WHO<br />
DON’T THINK THEY NEED A PLANNER?<br />
WHAT ARE THEY MISSING OUT ON?<br />
I specialise in destination weddings, <strong>and</strong> 99% of my<br />
clients do not live in the UAE. It makes sense to get a<br />
planner for brides who aren’t on the ground <strong>and</strong> find<br />
it difficult to look for the ideal vendors without having<br />
a number of trips to the destination country, which is<br />
sometimes not feasible due to money, work or other<br />
commitments. An experienced wedding planner can<br />
bridge brides-to-be with the best vendors within<br />
their budget <strong>and</strong> preferred expertise, as well as offer<br />
them hidden gems in other aspects such as special<br />
contractors or venues. The in-country planner is able<br />
to have meetings with vendors that most clients will<br />
not be able to attend <strong>and</strong> work closely to ensure a<br />
seamless day.<br />
Wedding days can be very stressful. Brides should not<br />
be thinking about things that haven’t been set up, or<br />
hearing about anything that may not be going right.<br />
This is where a planner steps in to ensure the bride is<br />
focused on her prep <strong>and</strong> enjoying her day. We take<br />
the stress <strong>and</strong> pressure, so you do not have to. I also<br />
throw the question out to my brides apart from the<br />
cost: what is stopping you from having a wedding<br />
planner? If there are no other cons, then we can<br />
discuss how we can work on the payments to ensure<br />
it doesn’t break the bank.<br />
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6. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE<br />
PART OF A WEDDING?<br />
I always love the moment when the bride<br />
walks down the aisle, <strong>and</strong> the groom sees her<br />
for the first time in her wedding dress. I can’t<br />
remember a single wedding that hasn’t touched<br />
me. A wedding is a culmination of months—<br />
sometimes even years—of planning to get to that<br />
point. I love it.<br />
7. WEDDING DRESSES: DESCRIBE YOUR FAVOURITES.<br />
My favourite wedding dress has to be the April 2019 wedding<br />
#BOOthewedding19: a lace <strong>and</strong> Mikado custom dress from<br />
Elizabeth <strong>and</strong> Lace Bridal. I have never been a massive fan of lace<br />
until that wedding.<br />
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8. DO YOU SEE ANY TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY<br />
AT PRESENT OR WITH YOUR CURRENT CLIENTS?<br />
To be honest, every wedding is unique, so I don’t espouse<br />
any trend at all. However, entertainment is something<br />
that is quite big, whether it be famous musicians, string<br />
duos, Nigerian live b<strong>and</strong>s, gospel b<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> even worldrenowned<br />
DJs. Entertainment is key as it’s one thing people<br />
will always remember.<br />
9. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE<br />
LEARNED, AND WOULD PASS ALONG TO OTHER<br />
NEW WEDDING PLANNERS JUST GETTING<br />
STARTED?<br />
As clients vet me at the start, the initial consultation is<br />
also for me to check whether the prospective client is an<br />
ideal one. Do your personalities mesh? Are you able to<br />
work with the budget that they are setting alongside their<br />
expectations? Not every client will be the right fit for you<br />
10. ANY GREAT STORIES FROM WORKING WITH<br />
CLIENTS?<br />
Not a story as such, but I love weddings where there are<br />
epic love stories to tell. Two previous clients that come to<br />
mind were weddings we planned in Thail<strong>and</strong> (2015) <strong>and</strong><br />
Lagos (2019). These weddings were significant as they<br />
were 10-year vow renewals, <strong>and</strong> both of these couples<br />
had gotten married pretty young <strong>and</strong> just started their<br />
journeys to success. They didn’t have a big wedding back<br />
then. Fast forward to 10 years, they reaffirmed their love.<br />
One of these couples now has three kids <strong>and</strong> is running a<br />
successful company.<br />
11. WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE<br />
TO COUPLES WHO ARE IN THE MIDST OF<br />
PLANNING?<br />
At the moment with the onslaught of a global p<strong>and</strong>emic, I<br />
would say reach out to your venue <strong>and</strong> vendors, <strong>and</strong> check<br />
what their policies are with postponing the wedding to a<br />
later date. No one knows when all this will blow over, so it’s<br />
best to plan ahead as opposed to waiting <strong>and</strong> seeing what<br />
happens. Once you have that information in writing, then<br />
you can continue planning for the big day.<br />
However, be mindful that there may be restrictions, such<br />
as venues lowering their capacities to ensure that social<br />
distancing rules can be maintained. Venues may possibly<br />
cancel cocktail hours <strong>and</strong> instead have sit-down appetiser<br />
options or buffet options but plated by staff at the venue,<br />
as opposed to help-yourself setups. Venues may even insist<br />
on seated meals for all events.<br />
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12 COST CAN BE SOMETHING THAT HOLDS BACK COUPLES FROM<br />
WORKING WITH A WEDDING PLANNER. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL<br />
BRIDES AND GROOMS ABOUT THE COST?<br />
As I previously said, my answer would be if cost is the only thing that is holding<br />
you back from getting a wedding planner, then we can work on that—for example,<br />
with a payment plan. Another thing I would advise is for them to think about<br />
what they would potentially miss out on without a wedding planner compared to<br />
having one. Couples always forget things in the run-up to a wedding; a wedding<br />
planner rarely misses details. Order, efficiency <strong>and</strong> delivery make planners worth<br />
the money. A planner is able to bring a budget wedding together <strong>and</strong> make it<br />
look like a million-dollar wedding.<br />
13. WHAT OTHER TYPES OF EVENTS DO YOU PLAN?<br />
We plan all events; however, we specialise in weddings <strong>and</strong> birthday parties. We<br />
have planned a lot of milestone ones: 40th, 50th, 60th <strong>and</strong> 70th. We also have<br />
experience in corporate events, like event planning for a company with over 150<br />
staff members for three consecutive years, with one of these trips taking place in<br />
South Africa.<br />
14. HOW DO PEOPLE FIND YOU?<br />
A lot of my clients find me through word of mouth. I am recommended from<br />
previous clients or their family members. Aside from recommendations, my<br />
clients found me through Instagram.<br />
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Fashion<br />
The White<br />
Wedding<br />
Dress: The<br />
Evolution<br />
of a Timeless<br />
Fashion<br />
Classic<br />
While wedding dress styles see<br />
seasonal changes, the timeless,<br />
ubiquitous shade of white has always<br />
been associated with marriage <strong>and</strong><br />
bridal vows. In fact, the majority<br />
considers the tradition of walking<br />
down the aisle wearing a white<br />
dress to be as old as the concept of<br />
matrimony itself. Contrary to popular<br />
belief, tracing the history of this<br />
tradition reveals otherwise: white<br />
didn’t become the popular colour of<br />
choice for brides until the mid-19th<br />
century.<br />
But why white? What does white<br />
actually represent other than what<br />
the general public is led to believe?<br />
25
Before The<br />
Mid-19th Century<br />
In the early days of the 19th century,<br />
white for a bride was not only seen as<br />
non-traditional, but quite an unusual<br />
choice for a wedding. With that in<br />
mind, brides weren’t supposed to<br />
pick anything they won’t wear again.<br />
Instead, they wore their fanciest of<br />
dresses, <strong>and</strong> were expected to repeat<br />
them, even if it meant donning their<br />
best black dress, which the lower<br />
classes often practised.<br />
White posed to be a financially unfit<br />
option for the brides-to-be, since<br />
it isn’t <strong>and</strong> wasn’t the easiest of<br />
colours to care for, but the concept<br />
that a wedding dress was meant to<br />
be worn only once didn’t sit well with<br />
the community. There was freedom<br />
of choice in fabrics, embellishments<br />
<strong>and</strong> colours, unlike the strict rules<br />
followed today not only in regards<br />
to wearing white but all the sartorial<br />
decisions associated with it.<br />
26
Who Started The White<br />
Wedding Dress Trend?<br />
Royal weddings <strong>and</strong> marriages between<br />
the circles of prominent figures garner a<br />
lot of coverage, even more so than today.<br />
The smallest details were the biggest<br />
matters for the publicists as much as for<br />
the common people, considering that<br />
in those times, people led hushed lives,<br />
<strong>and</strong> a famous event was all it took to<br />
cause a stir.<br />
On February 10, 1840, Queen Victoria<br />
married her cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-<br />
Coburg <strong>and</strong> Gotha: a historical wedding<br />
that led to the big boom in the white<br />
wedding dress trend. Queen Victoria<br />
wore a wedding dress crafted in white<br />
Honiton lace <strong>and</strong> chose a flower crown<br />
in place of a tiara for a more realistic<br />
approach.<br />
White on a bride symbolises purity <strong>and</strong><br />
virginity as popular belief has it, but<br />
that wasn’t the reason behind Queen<br />
Victoria’s intention to garb in white.<br />
She wore white to support <strong>and</strong> boost<br />
the declining dem<strong>and</strong> for h<strong>and</strong>made<br />
Honiton lace owing to the rise of the<br />
factory-made textiles in the industrial<br />
revolution.<br />
27
Where’s<br />
The Virgin?<br />
Part of this virginity <strong>and</strong> purity<br />
concept is mainly influenced by some<br />
biblical occasions <strong>and</strong> the Victorian<br />
Era. A lot has to do with newspapers,<br />
magazines <strong>and</strong> well-known<br />
publications of that time. They made<br />
a big fuss over the notion of brides<br />
wearing white <strong>and</strong> cemented the<br />
idea that white always has been ideal<br />
for brides because of the chastity <strong>and</strong><br />
innocence it highlights. There was<br />
more to wearing white other than the<br />
virginity of the bride.<br />
In simple words, white represented<br />
wealth in its purest form. In the olden<br />
days, the norm was to exchange<br />
vows in anything good the bride<br />
owned, no matter how rich or how<br />
poor. Setting a theme to the precious<br />
event of nuptials makes that only<br />
the leisure class could afford a white<br />
dress <strong>and</strong> the maintenance it required<br />
to preserve its snowy hue. Which,<br />
middle <strong>and</strong> lower classes even if they<br />
tried, couldn’t manage to afford.<br />
28
The Popularity Rises<br />
While the truth rests on the fact that<br />
Queen Victoria was the trendsetting<br />
monarch of the white wedding dress,<br />
we also discussed the burning concerns<br />
of the working classes of the society<br />
regarding this whole white view. It<br />
wasn’t until the Second World War that<br />
the middle classes took the wealthy <strong>and</strong><br />
their prosperous concepts seriously,<br />
which included the white wedding<br />
dress, obviously thanks to the end of the<br />
war <strong>and</strong> the increasing prosperity.<br />
Times changed <strong>and</strong> meeting the<br />
expense of a white wedding dress which<br />
is only worn for a day wasn’t the issue<br />
anymore. Plus, the upcoming theatre<br />
<strong>and</strong> media industry showcasing brides<br />
in movies <strong>and</strong> stage, shows concluding<br />
a fairy-tale end to a happily-ever-after<br />
matrimony dressed in dreamy white,<br />
didn’t leave any stones unturned to<br />
solidify that white <strong>and</strong> bride, equalled<br />
in unyielding pride, giving light to this<br />
deep-rooted tradition.<br />
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Different<br />
Cultures<br />
A white wedding dress quickly<br />
became the main part of a wedding<br />
for various cultures, but when we<br />
discuss its history, you must know<br />
we’re referring to the Western <strong>and</strong><br />
the European cultures. In Eastern<br />
cultures, wearing white in weddings<br />
is seen as unlucky; hence, brides from<br />
these cultures showcase varied colour<br />
bridal ensembles, with red being the<br />
most popular choice. India, Pakistan,<br />
China, Vietnam <strong>and</strong> some other Asian<br />
countries go for red bridal dresses.<br />
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Wearing white on your wedding is<br />
perfectly acceptable; conversely, there<br />
is no pressure on any woman to wear<br />
white alone, especially if she wishes to<br />
don herself in something different for<br />
her wedding or simply cannot afford<br />
the former. Nothing should hold a<br />
bride from experimenting with different<br />
colours <strong>and</strong> picking a non-white hue!<br />
Find a wedding dress that suits your<br />
personality <strong>and</strong> style. After all, history<br />
knows that brides of the past didn’t<br />
hesitate to dress however they liked.<br />
What’s The<br />
Harm In Going<br />
With The Flow?<br />
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Beautiful Brides<br />
2020<br />
Models:<br />
Poczik Emilia Zita<br />
Varga Norika<br />
Reka Krizsan - White Model Management<br />
Hanna F. Daranyi - White Model Management<br />
Hair <strong>and</strong> makeup:<br />
Liv Rideg<br />
Nora Erdosi - Lorinc<br />
Photo:<br />
Jozsef Balogh<br />
Dresses:<br />
Daalarna Couture<br />
Location:<br />
Studio Madison<br />
Budapest, Hungary<br />
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Glamourous<br />
Model : Balogh Eleni<br />
Photo & Retouch : Timea Jaksa<br />
Hair & Makeup : Liv Rideg<br />
Location : Studio Madison, Budapest Hungary<br />
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Super Glam<br />
Model : Fanny Muller<br />
Photo & Retouch : Takacs Ferenc<br />
Hair & Makeup : Liv Rideg<br />
Project from : Andrea Marton<br />
Location : Studio Madison, Budapest Hungary<br />
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ELMAX Salon<br />
is delighted<br />
to offer a<br />
25%<br />
discount<br />
on all hair <strong>and</strong><br />
nails services.<br />
USE PROMO CODE<br />
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0544527171 elmax_salon_<strong>and</strong>_spa<br />
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Hotel, JLT, Custer A, Dubai.<br />
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Offer valid until June 15th 2020
Beauty<br />
M A K E U P<br />
M A D N E S S<br />
WITH<br />
Mask the Time Away!<br />
Back when we were free to roam the streets while on the hunt for<br />
skincare products, I would try a br<strong>and</strong> new facial mask (in a jar, not<br />
a sheet mask) at least once a week, preferably on Mask Monday’s.<br />
Now that I am working from home, I am able to dive into my backup<br />
skincare refrigerator to try new masks at least once every other day.<br />
I was also gifted with a few jars before locking doors of The Beauty<br />
Studio last month <strong>and</strong> decided to give them all a try. What else would<br />
a skincare junkie like myself do to pass the time?<br />
With that being said, I decided to share the facial masks I have tried<br />
so far that yield great results. I have spoken with other aestheticians<br />
from all over the world, <strong>and</strong> as a collective, our main focus right now<br />
is to provide each <strong>and</strong> every one of skincare lovers the best product<br />
recommendations as possible. If you follow me on Instagram, you<br />
already know that I have been limiting the amount of makeup I wear<br />
during social distancing simply because I want to take care of my skin<br />
as much as possible. I hope you will do the same.<br />
I’ve listed enough facial masks for you to try for the next six months.<br />
Yes, you read that right! Each mask serves a different purpose. Start<br />
with one that you want to try for a minimum of two weeks. Be mindful<br />
of the masks with active ingredients. You can patch test these products<br />
on a small spot of your skin prior to applying them completely.<br />
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PETER THOMAS ROTH STEM<br />
CELL MASK<br />
OSKIA SKINCARE<br />
RENAISSANCE NUTRI-<br />
ACTIVE BRIGHTENING<br />
AND RESURFACING MASK<br />
MASKTINI TWILIGHT ZONE<br />
TAHITIAN DETOX MASK<br />
ALYA SKIN PINK CLAY MASK<br />
HONEST BEAUTY PRIME<br />
& PERFECT MASK WITH<br />
SUPERFRUITS AND SHEA<br />
BUTTER<br />
FILTHY COSMETICS AHA<br />
RESURFACING JELLY MASK<br />
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KIEHL’S RARE EARTH DEEP<br />
PORE CLEANSING MASK<br />
KIEHL’S GREEN LEAF &<br />
HIBISCUS FIRMING MASK<br />
PEACH AND LILY OVERNIGHT<br />
STAR SLEEPING MASK<br />
LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING<br />
MASK (BERRY)<br />
GLOW RECIPE ROSEHIP<br />
RESTORATIVE SOOTHING<br />
FACE MASK<br />
GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO<br />
MELT RETINOL EYE<br />
SLEEPING MASK<br />
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FRESH BEAUTY LOTUS YOUTH<br />
PRESERVE RESCUE MASK<br />
FRESH BEAUTY ROSE<br />
FACE MASK INFUSED<br />
WITH ROSE PETALS<br />
FRESH BEAUTY BLACK TEA<br />
INSTANT PERFECTING MASK<br />
REN SKINCARE GLYCOL LACTIC<br />
RADIANCE RENEWAL MASK<br />
TATCHA BEAUTY KISSU<br />
LIP MASK<br />
TATCHA BEAUTY VIOLET<br />
RADIANT MASK<br />
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SUMMER<br />
FRIDAYS<br />
R+R MASK<br />
SUMMER<br />
FRIDAYS<br />
OVERTIME<br />
MASK<br />
Katrina is the Creative<br />
Dirextor at The Beauty<br />
Studio, Middle East.<br />
In this article, she<br />
shares her best picks<br />
for invigorating facial<br />
masks to give you that<br />
bouncy, youthful glow.<br />
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Get the<br />
Milky,<br />
Healthy<br />
Glow: 10<br />
Different<br />
Ways<br />
Drink your milk for strong bones <strong>and</strong> teeth. We have all heard this line for as<br />
long as we can remember. Milk is a powerhouse of nutrients, but drinking milk<br />
isn't the only way we can extract its benefits. You may use it for enhancing<br />
your skin <strong>and</strong> hair care routines, <strong>and</strong> you will not be disappointed.<br />
MILK RECIPES FOR YOUR FACE<br />
• Cleanser: Raw milk is amazing as a moisturising food for your skin. B vitamins in raw milk are necessary for new<br />
skin cell formation. Vitamin A treats flaky, dry <strong>and</strong> peeling skin. Vitamin D boosts collagen production, slows<br />
down those wrinkles <strong>and</strong> helps fade dark spots. Dab some raw milk all over your face. Use a cotton ball gently<br />
rub in circular motions to clean all the gunk from your face. You’ll be surprised to see the smooth <strong>and</strong> clean<br />
results!<br />
• Exfoliator: Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) in milk which combats free radicals that<br />
cause skin ageing. Add two tablespoons of milk <strong>and</strong> oatmeal with half tablespoon of honey. Apply evenly all<br />
over your face <strong>and</strong> gently scrub to get that dead skin off <strong>and</strong> reveal a fresh glow!<br />
• Toner: The calcium in milk makes this superfood an excellent toner for your face. Make a natural toner with<br />
a tablespoon of milk <strong>and</strong> a tablespoon of herbal tea. Apply with a cotton ball onto a clean face for a dose of<br />
antioxidant-packed toning!<br />
• Yoghurt mask for sunburn: Yogurt is a natural alternative treatment for sunburns. It soothes the skin after UV<br />
exposure <strong>and</strong> gently exfoliates to reduce any blemishes. Apply a layer of plain yoghurt <strong>and</strong> sugar to make a<br />
scrub-cleanser mixture. The live probiotics in the yoghurt also improve hydration to the deeper epidermal<br />
layers.<br />
• Anti-ageing milk mask: Along with the hydrating power of milk, bananas <strong>and</strong> flaxseeds in this facial mask help<br />
bring to life dead <strong>and</strong> dull skin. Combine one teaspoon of ground flax seeds, half of mashed banana <strong>and</strong> two<br />
tablespoons of milk to make a thick paste. Apply all over your face <strong>and</strong> rinse after 15 minutes. Follow this<br />
regimen regularly each week to control sebum <strong>and</strong> enjoy wrinkle-free skin.<br />
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MILK RECIPES FOR YOUR HAIR<br />
• Moisturising hair mask: Milk is rich in protein <strong>and</strong><br />
biotin. Both protein <strong>and</strong> biotin are necessary for<br />
strengthening roots <strong>and</strong> keeping the hair from<br />
splitting at the ends. Milk is also rich in potassium,<br />
an essential mineral that helps soothe dry <strong>and</strong><br />
irritated scalp. Combine three tablespoons of<br />
milk, a mashed banana, one tablespoon olive oil<br />
<strong>and</strong> one tablespoon honey. Apply all over the<br />
scalp <strong>and</strong> hair like a mask <strong>and</strong> keep it on for an<br />
hour. Rinse thoroughly for instantly softer hair!<br />
• Conditioning hair mask: The fat in milk works<br />
wonderfully as a natural conditioning agent.<br />
Giving the hair the right amount of conditioning<br />
<strong>and</strong> not leaving it too greasy, this hair pack will<br />
keep your hair shining for days. Mix a tablespoon<br />
of full-fat milk, a tablespoon of heavy cream,<br />
<strong>and</strong> a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Apply only<br />
onto the scalp <strong>and</strong> leave in for 45 minutes. Rinse<br />
thoroughly <strong>and</strong> continue your shampoo routine.<br />
Add an egg for that extra dose of nutrients!<br />
• Cleansing tonic for d<strong>and</strong>ruff: Mix baking soda<br />
with milk <strong>and</strong> apply to your scalp. Massage your<br />
scalp to exfoliate <strong>and</strong> wash thoroughly. Repeat<br />
once a week to reduce overall d<strong>and</strong>ruff.<br />
• Replenishing yoghurt hair mask: Yoghurt goes<br />
a step ahead <strong>and</strong> provides those anti-bacterial<br />
agents that work to rid your scalp of any<br />
infection. Take about three inches of aloe vera<br />
stalk. Blend the pulp together with a cup of<br />
yoghurt. Apply generously from scalp to tip <strong>and</strong><br />
leave on for 30 minutes. Repeat weekly to get<br />
thicker <strong>and</strong> voluminous hair.<br />
43
MILK RECIPES FOR YOUR BODY<br />
• Moisturising milk cream lotion: Milk cream has<br />
all the goodness of selenium <strong>and</strong> potassium<br />
that is in milk but in a concentrated form!<br />
Both these minerals are helpful in keeping<br />
the skin firm <strong>and</strong> elastic. A cup of thick cream<br />
with two tablespoons of honey makes a<br />
hydrating body lotion. Apply evenly all over<br />
<strong>and</strong> leave for at least 20 minutes. Begin your<br />
shower with rubbing in the applied cream, so<br />
you get the most out of it!<br />
• Elbow <strong>and</strong> knee scrub: Don’t we all hate<br />
those dry, pigmented patches of hard skin on<br />
our elbows <strong>and</strong> knees? Mix two tablespoons<br />
of heavy cream with two tablespoons of<br />
lemon juice <strong>and</strong> a teaspoon of chickpea flour.<br />
This makes a great scrub for that flaky skin<br />
<strong>and</strong> leaves it supple <strong>and</strong> soft.<br />
• Revitalising milk bath: Feel luxurious <strong>and</strong><br />
rested, as you deserve, by soaking yourself<br />
in a milk bath. To a warm bath, add two cups<br />
of full cream milk, one cup honey, the juice<br />
from one lemon <strong>and</strong> some drops of lavender<br />
oil. Stir it in <strong>and</strong> relax for a full 40 minutes.<br />
The collagen from the milk is extracted by<br />
the acids from the lemon juice, <strong>and</strong> the warm<br />
water opens your skin pores which improve<br />
nutrient absorption. Step into a quick shower<br />
once you are done.<br />
• Milk <strong>and</strong> Epsom salt foot soak: Being on our<br />
feet all day <strong>and</strong> wearing those high heels<br />
can really tire out our feet. Give your feet a<br />
pamper by soaking them in a foot bath of<br />
four cups of warm water <strong>and</strong> milk, a teaspoon<br />
of lemon juice <strong>and</strong> four tablespoons of<br />
Epsom salt. Soak for 15 minutes <strong>and</strong> scrub<br />
on a pumice stone. Rinse off <strong>and</strong> experience<br />
destressed <strong>and</strong> relaxed feet.<br />
Remember that any beauty regimen needs to<br />
be practised religiously for at least six weeks to<br />
experience the best results!<br />
44
Super sensual<br />
Model : Hanna Lilla Toth<br />
Photo : Jozsef Balogh<br />
Retouch : Ory Gabor<br />
Hair & Makeup : Liv Rideg<br />
Location : Studio Madison, Budapest Hungary<br />
45
3 SERVICES FOR<br />
Ramadan<br />
Offer<br />
220<br />
AED<br />
5 SERVICES FOR<br />
330<br />
AED<br />
6 SERVICES FOR<br />
385<br />
AED<br />
BARAVIA BEAUTY DUBAI<br />
Al Wasl Rd, near Enoc Petrol Station, Dubai.<br />
Tele: 04 379 1293, 055 200 1329<br />
@baraviabeautycenter<br />
**Terms <strong>and</strong> Conditions apply<br />
46
JOE OSAWAYE<br />
Company name:<br />
KIZA Restaurant<br />
Limited<br />
Ground Floor, Emirates<br />
Financial Towers, DIFC,<br />
Dubai, UAE<br />
www.kiza.ae<br />
KIZADUBAI<br />
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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.<br />
My name is Joe Osawaye <strong>and</strong> I’m originally from Nigeria. I am the owner of<br />
Kiza Restaurant <strong>and</strong> Lounge in Dubai.<br />
I come from a business-centred family. I can trace my first entrepreneurial<br />
experience to when I used to help my mother with her bakery business.<br />
Later on, I also helped my father with his automotive business.<br />
I am a father, husb<strong>and</strong>, friend, <strong>and</strong> entrepreneur. I see myself as a creator.<br />
Joe is an expression of a creator.<br />
WHAT WAS YOUR KEY DRIVING FORCE TO BECOME AN<br />
ENTREPRENEUR?<br />
To be honest, I truly do not know. I don’t think I set out an initial plan; I didn’t<br />
dedicate serious thought to becoming an entrepreneur. It just happened. I<br />
guess what I carried inside me was a restlessness of some sort: not wanting<br />
to settle for the usual or the ordinary. The driving force could have been<br />
myself, what I could become <strong>and</strong> my imagination with things I could do<br />
creatively without certain limitations.<br />
HOW DID THE KIZA CONCEPT COME ABOUT AND WHAT<br />
SETS YOU APART?<br />
Vision, courage <strong>and</strong> passion sets us apart. Kiza began when a friend of<br />
mine recognised a gap in the market, <strong>and</strong> we decided to fill it.<br />
Kiza Dubai is not simply a restaurant but a premium African hospitality br<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> a place to enjoy phenomenal Pan-African cuisine, Afrobeats music <strong>and</strong><br />
the unique African culture. Our vision at Kiza is “Africa inspiring the world”.<br />
This propels us to put the Kiza br<strong>and</strong> on to the world stage, giving everyone<br />
the joy of experiencing a truly Pan-African adventure globally.<br />
Kiza focuses on bringing the African experience to the world. From music<br />
to the arts <strong>and</strong> crafts scene, the emergence of African culture is clear <strong>and</strong><br />
present. Once we get people through the doors of Kiza, the ambience<br />
gets them. It does not matter which country you’re from; we make sure that<br />
there’s a sense of belonging that transcends cultures. Most people cannot<br />
describe it; we call it the ‘spirit’ of Africa.<br />
WHY IS DUBAI YOUR FIRST LOCATION IN THE REGION?<br />
Dubai is a very dynamic, forward-thinking <strong>and</strong> cosmopolitan city with over<br />
200 nationalities. This attractive setting was ideal for us to set up our first<br />
<strong>and</strong> only location in the region for now. Kiza adds to the diversity of the<br />
city. Dubai has created a fantastic ecosystem that attracts the rest of the<br />
world to come live, work <strong>and</strong> play.<br />
HOW DOES KIZA SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY?<br />
Kiza is at the forefront of anything to do with Africa in Dubai <strong>and</strong> the UAE<br />
53
as a whole. As we say, we are Africa inspiring the world.<br />
We have created a platform that brings together every<br />
African, Afrocentric <strong>and</strong> lovers of Africa under one roof,<br />
where they call it home away from home.<br />
Kiza is the place where the spirit of Africa comes alive. We<br />
are the African community in Dubai <strong>and</strong> the neighbouring<br />
cities. We showcase Africa <strong>and</strong> its culture through sight,<br />
sound <strong>and</strong> taste through different events <strong>and</strong> offerings on<br />
a daily, weekly, monthly <strong>and</strong> yearly basis. We also partner<br />
with other like-minded organisations to achieve this same<br />
goal—a united community. We help foster a tightly-knit<br />
community across the board, which is also key to our success.<br />
WHAT KIND OF CULTURE EXISTS IN YOUR<br />
ORGANISATION, AND HOW DID YOU ESTABLISH<br />
IT?<br />
We practice “Ubuntuism”, which literally means ‘I am because<br />
we are’ or ‘Humanity towards others’. We all succeed or fail<br />
together. We are all connected. We are one big family where<br />
we all pull together in the same direction based on our vision.<br />
The only way to establish this ideal is by personal example <strong>and</strong><br />
exemplary leadership. We observe this closely in our restaurant<br />
operations.<br />
WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF SUCCESS?<br />
Success to me is being able to create an environment where<br />
people can flourish, where they can express their talents, gifts<br />
<strong>and</strong> skills to the limit <strong>and</strong> be rewarded for it—making greatness<br />
out of the seemingly ordinary. This is my passion <strong>and</strong> where I get<br />
fulfilment.<br />
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?<br />
My passion is life itself—what one can make out of it by pursuing<br />
one’s dreams fearlessly.<br />
WHAT ENTREPRENEURIAL TRICKS HAVE YOU<br />
DISCOVERED TO KEEP YOU FOCUSED AND<br />
PRODUCTIVE IN YOUR BUSY DAY-TO-DAY SCHEDULE?<br />
I don’t know if they are tricks, but the two main things that keep me<br />
focused are faith <strong>and</strong> hope.<br />
WHAT KEY ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND<br />
ENTREPRENEURS TO INVEST THEIR TIME IN?<br />
It is quite tough being an entrepreneur, so things that build up one’s<br />
morale spiritually, mentally <strong>and</strong> physically are highly recommended.<br />
Taking time out of your busy schedule to bless <strong>and</strong> support others also<br />
helps.<br />
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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR<br />
20-YEAR-OLD SELF?<br />
Dare to follow your passion fearlessly, never give up; do<br />
not be afraid to fail. Fail, fail, <strong>and</strong> fail early to succeed.<br />
Believe in yourself, as most of the time you will be your<br />
only cheerleader until people start to see results.<br />
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO<br />
SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO GIVE UP THEIR<br />
9 - 5 TO START A BUSINESS?<br />
Know thyself; entrepreneurship is not for everybody. It<br />
is a completely different ball game, <strong>and</strong> you must count<br />
the cost before leaving. I advise you to do something<br />
on the side first, build some sort of competence there<br />
before giving up your 9 - 5 job. Starting a business could<br />
be quite stressful but also rewarding if <strong>and</strong> when you<br />
succeed.<br />
HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL<br />
HEALTH?<br />
I look after my mental health by not taking myself too<br />
seriously, even when I am very serious or focused on a<br />
task. It takes the pressure off, leaving room to be human<br />
<strong>and</strong> vulnerable. One’s mental health should never be<br />
taken for granted. Know where to draw the line, take a<br />
lot of rest, <strong>and</strong> give yourself enough time—great things<br />
take time to actualise.<br />
WHAT BOOK HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST?<br />
The Bible is definitely the book that inspires me the most.<br />
I also find that the self-help classic Think <strong>and</strong> Grow Rich<br />
by Napoleon Hill has left impressionable principles in my<br />
mind.<br />
WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?<br />
“Whatever my h<strong>and</strong> finds to do, I will do it with all my<br />
might passionately.”<br />
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57
Taking<br />
Lessons<br />
Spencer Lodge<br />
www.spencerlodge.tv<br />
spencer.lodge spencerlodgeofficial spencerlodge<br />
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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF<br />
I’m Spencer Lodge. I’ve established myself in the<br />
financial services <strong>and</strong> sales industry as a coach, sales<br />
strategist <strong>and</strong> author. Most people know me through my<br />
website, SpencerLodge.tv, which serves as my platform<br />
to help businesses <strong>and</strong> professionals reach their utmost<br />
potential, as well as through my book Making It Happen:<br />
The Ultimate Guide to Selling.<br />
I was a working-class kid without a fancy degree. I’ve<br />
been fortunate enough to work hard <strong>and</strong> eventually build<br />
businesses. I established the Blue Sky Thinking Group, a<br />
Dubai-based management company worth about $109<br />
million, which we’re very proud of. I also own Make It<br />
Happen University, a sales training business where I help<br />
companies generate revenues for their business.<br />
I’m British <strong>and</strong> I’ve been living in Dubai for 15 years. I’ve<br />
lived overseas for 27 years, coming originally from the<br />
UK. I’m 50 years old <strong>and</strong> I live an active lifestyle through<br />
exciting, outdoor sports such as cycling <strong>and</strong> skiing.<br />
Coaching people <strong>and</strong> helping organisations thrive<br />
through robust sales strategies is a passion of mine, an<br />
advocacy that has always been bigger than me.<br />
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A PODCASTER<br />
AND SPEAKER?<br />
Podcasting started in January 2019. Back then, people<br />
were asking me to do it for a while. I’m just really<br />
interested in learning about people’s lives. I swallowed<br />
my ego, parked my attitude <strong>and</strong> gave it a go. I found out<br />
that I really enjoyed it.<br />
I’ve been a speaker for years. I’ve spoken to audiences<br />
for the last 20 years, so I just kind of fell into it. There<br />
wasn’t any defined strategy around it.<br />
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?<br />
My definition of success is not related to money or<br />
material things; it’s all about making a difference with the<br />
best of one’s own abilities. The true measure of success<br />
is the ability to affect others in a positive light, to actually<br />
help or make things better.<br />
The most successful person I know is Maria Conceicao,<br />
an extraordinary Portuguese woman who holds eight<br />
Guinness World Records in the field of endurance sports.<br />
Conceicao is the first Portuguese woman to conquer<br />
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Everest <strong>and</strong> surmount the Ironman Challenge, one of the<br />
most difficult endurance races in the world, six times in<br />
over six continents. She even swam the English Channel<br />
for over seven hours, <strong>and</strong> she has trekked the North <strong>and</strong><br />
South Poles. Amazingly, Conceicao did all these incredible<br />
feats, not for fame or money: she did it solely for charity.<br />
Conceicao never considered herself an athlete, nor does<br />
she have any prior experience in sports when she took on<br />
these challenges. Having seen the deplorable conditions<br />
of the slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh, she was moved<br />
with a passion for helping poverty-stricken families. She<br />
established a foundation to send hundreds of children to<br />
school. In 2013, when the foundation had to shut down<br />
due to the global recession, she had to resort to other<br />
ways to find funding.<br />
This is where her drive <strong>and</strong> passion took her from a cabin<br />
crew member to a multiple Guinness World Record<br />
holder. Through breaking world records <strong>and</strong> overcoming<br />
globally-acclaimed marathons, she stirred public<br />
recognition for her foundation, eventually raising funds<br />
<strong>and</strong> awareness for the noblest of causes. She is the most<br />
successful person I know in terms of drive, definition <strong>and</strong><br />
determination—truly a great person who I’m inspired by.<br />
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO?<br />
I’m motivated to do what I do because I care very much<br />
about people winning. I’m passionate about people<br />
becoming successful. I’ve got this unshakable belief that<br />
everybody can do it if they know how <strong>and</strong> they’ve got the<br />
right mentoring <strong>and</strong> support.<br />
WHAT IS MOST FULFILLING ABOUT BEING AN<br />
ENTREPRENEUR?<br />
I’m actually not a natural entrepreneur <strong>and</strong> I don’t really<br />
enjoy being an entrepreneur. I like to be one of the team.<br />
The most fulfilling thing is being able to find solutions to<br />
problems, capitalise on them, create fun <strong>and</strong> engaging<br />
businesses <strong>and</strong> spend time with people.<br />
62
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TWO STRATEGIES FOR<br />
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS?<br />
Firstly, I think you have to go through the five stages<br />
of loss—the so-called loss curve. When I deal with<br />
a difficult situation, I go through these thought<br />
processes: denial, anger, bargaining, depression,<br />
<strong>and</strong> then acceptance. I stay calm <strong>and</strong> I believe that<br />
difficult situations can be solved with action.<br />
Secondly, when it comes to strategies, it all depends<br />
on what the situation is, whether it be a difficult<br />
situation with a member of staff, a customer or with<br />
some form of organisation you’re dealing with.<br />
There are millions of strategies for a million different<br />
situations. First of all, keep calm <strong>and</strong> take your<br />
emotions out of it. Try <strong>and</strong> lead with empathy <strong>and</strong><br />
plan your way forward.<br />
63
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR<br />
20-YEAR OLD SELF?<br />
Don’t spend all your money. I think I spent way too much<br />
<strong>and</strong> made a lot of money when I was young; I blew a lot<br />
of money when I was younger, <strong>and</strong> that was up until the<br />
age of 40. Save 50% of everything you earn: that is the<br />
best advice I could have given myself.<br />
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO<br />
SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO GIVE UP THEIR<br />
9-5 TO FOLLOW A PASSION?<br />
I would say don’t give up your 9 to 5. Use your spare<br />
time to follow your passion. Turn it into a business <strong>and</strong><br />
in your spare time, get that business revenue to replace<br />
your income of your 9 to 5. Once you’ve replaced the<br />
income from your 9 to 5, then you can lean into your<br />
business <strong>and</strong> do it full time.<br />
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU<br />
HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?<br />
I’ve been given loads of great advice. Somebody once<br />
said to me that you’ll only make a lot of money if you<br />
work with money, <strong>and</strong> that was something that stuck<br />
with me. Someone also said to me: if you wouldn’t sell<br />
it to your mum, then you shouldn’t sell it to anyone.<br />
That’s the core of what I do.<br />
HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL<br />
HEALTH?<br />
I had mental health struggles <strong>and</strong> tried to harm myself<br />
in 2012. I like to exercise every day <strong>and</strong> I think it helps. I<br />
spend my time with positive people <strong>and</strong> stay away from<br />
negative ones. I always have something to work on<br />
because I can become self-destructive when I’m bored.<br />
Making sure I’m always busy helps me.<br />
WHAT AND WHO INSPIRES YOU WITH AWE?<br />
Tony Robbins <strong>and</strong> Maria Conceicao inspire me. They’ve<br />
done such great <strong>and</strong> amazing things.<br />
WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?<br />
If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re<br />
probably right.<br />
Change the way you think about things. The other<br />
quote that I really love is: It’s not rocket science so stop<br />
overcomplicating things.<br />
64
65
Lifestyle<br />
How my<br />
Obsession<br />
with Weight<br />
Loss Began<br />
Growing up, I always knew I was different. I had the typical<br />
African figure, which was always likened to that of Sara<br />
Baartman, a South African Khoikhoi woman known for her<br />
large buttocks. Back then, for a teenage girl, this seemed<br />
like a curse. We all wanted to look like the typical women<br />
celebrities <strong>and</strong> models on the covers of magazines.<br />
It all began when my cousin <strong>and</strong> I visited my aunt about<br />
twenty years ago. While my cousin was busy in the kitchen,<br />
my aunt passed a comment about my weight that would<br />
change how I viewed myself—“You are so fat, do you not<br />
get ashamed when you are with your friends? Look at your<br />
bum!”<br />
66
EARLY YEARS OF WEIGHT LOSS OBSESSION<br />
I remember when I was at university, especially during<br />
my first year, going home for the holidays was a<br />
demoralising experience for me. The pressure that<br />
came with knowing that everyone I had not seen in<br />
a long time would be commenting on how much<br />
weight I have gained was truly disheartening. I started<br />
looking for weight loss products that could assist me<br />
to shed weight quickly. I found this miracle product<br />
which promised wonders. I used the product for like<br />
a week or so, <strong>and</strong> yes, I did lose weight, but I started<br />
developing migraines. I never wanted to associate<br />
the migraines with the highly caffeinated product I<br />
was taking, because that would mean I would have<br />
to stop taking it. I tried to get a comfortable pillow,<br />
maybe that will help me get a goodnight sleep along<br />
with some painkillers.<br />
Until one day, the migraine caused such dizziness<br />
that I nearly passed out. I knew that I couldn’t call<br />
any of my friends because they would ask too many<br />
questions. I called my pastor, who then rushed me to<br />
the hospital. We got to the hospital <strong>and</strong> my blood<br />
pressure was sky high, causing enormous pressure in<br />
my brain, which led to migraines. One would think<br />
that I would have learned something from this whole<br />
ordeal, but, sadly, I did not. After my recovery, I was<br />
back looking for another product that would get me<br />
to my target weight.<br />
PREGNANCY AND WEIGHT LOSS<br />
I got engaged <strong>and</strong> as our wedding day was<br />
approaching, the stress that came with the planning<br />
<strong>and</strong> the pressure to look your very best got to me. We<br />
then went to Thail<strong>and</strong> for our honeymoon. I bought a<br />
bikini set that I thought I would wear, but I could not<br />
get myself to wear it. I was scared of the stares I will<br />
get—an African girl with a big bum among the Asians.<br />
Mind you, I was at the smallest I’ve ever been.<br />
Soon the kids arrived. I had it all figured out. I planned<br />
on losing 5 kg before getting pregnant. When I found<br />
out I was pregnant, this really scared me, not because<br />
there was a human being growing inside of me, but<br />
the additional weight that I will gain. I really didn’t<br />
enjoy my pregnancy; I was forever stressing about<br />
the weight I was gaining. At around eight months<br />
pregnant, the stretch marks began to show, <strong>and</strong> this<br />
really made me depressed. After the birth of my first<br />
child, I was 30 kg heavier than I was at the start of the<br />
67
68
pregnancy. I thought the weight would just go away as I was breastfeeding,<br />
or so I was told. However, I managed to lose 21 kg within the 18 months<br />
that followed. I was very happy with how I looked <strong>and</strong> this boosted my selfconfidence.<br />
Nonetheless, the fact that I still carried 9 kg from the start of<br />
pregnancy still daunted me a bit.<br />
I was ready to lose the 9 kg. I bought a three months supply of weight loss<br />
products, only to find out that I was pregnant again with our second child.<br />
Since I could not take any of the weight loss products, I told myself that I<br />
would watch what I ate. At the end of the pregnancy, I only gained 15 kg,<br />
which is what doctors say is normal, but the fact that I still had the 9 kg from<br />
the previous pregnancy unsettled me.<br />
I wanted to look my best for our most recent anniversary. I joined the gym in<br />
pursuit to lose weight before our trip to Bali. I searched for all the products<br />
that could help me lose weight quickly. However, whatever I tried, nothing<br />
seemed to work.<br />
MY EUREKA MOMENT<br />
In Bali, the time came to put on my bikini <strong>and</strong> then all of a sudden, the<br />
reason why I was always scared of what people may say about my body<br />
came to me. It was not that I was not happy with my body, but I did not love<br />
myself enough to fully accept at whatever weight I was at. I always looked<br />
at people to validate my beauty <strong>and</strong> how sexy I am. For the very first time<br />
in twenty years, I walked freely with my bikini on the beach without a care<br />
in the world. For the first time, I did not hate my big bum. Until I came to<br />
accept me at my heaviest, I don’t think I was ever going to love me at my<br />
smallest. I wasted twenty years of my life chasing an image I will never be.<br />
Ladies, please remember: you are not your body image—you are more<br />
than the number on the scale.<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
I am a thirty-two-year-old, South<br />
African woman, married to the<br />
most amazing <strong>and</strong> supportive<br />
man, Takie Ramulumo. We have<br />
two beautiful <strong>and</strong> very active<br />
boys, Wavhudi <strong>and</strong> Rivhavhudi.<br />
I am an educator <strong>and</strong> curriculum<br />
designer.<br />
I am a beautiful African woman, with a beautiful mind <strong>and</strong> soul, <strong>and</strong> I love<br />
myself just as I am.<br />
69
with<br />
Dealing<br />
Stress<br />
in the<br />
Workplace<br />
Stress-related illnesses, which<br />
include stress-induced fatigue,<br />
insomnia, anxiety <strong>and</strong> depression,<br />
are on the rise globally. To survive<br />
the technological advancement<br />
<strong>and</strong> exponential industry growth<br />
of the age we live in, we must<br />
adopt new strategies to help us<br />
change the way we work. Workrelated<br />
stress is the product of an<br />
unbalanced lifestyle <strong>and</strong> unhealthy<br />
work habits, which are resultant of<br />
the stressful working conditions<br />
<strong>and</strong> toxic organisational cultures.<br />
It is normal to experience stress<br />
due to deadlines or dem<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Every person who has ever held<br />
a job or role felt work pressure<br />
<strong>and</strong> stress at some point. Every<br />
job has its own dem<strong>and</strong>s, which<br />
may be stressful at times. Even<br />
when you enjoy the work that you<br />
do, there are still some functions<br />
or aspects of the job that are less<br />
enjoyable <strong>and</strong> that is normal.<br />
On the long haul, however, work<br />
should not induce chronic stress.<br />
This is when work-related stress<br />
becomes detrimental to your<br />
overall well-being.<br />
Unfortunately, ignoring the red<br />
flags of chronic stress in the<br />
workplace is all too common,<br />
sneaking up on us without us even<br />
noticing it. Stress at work does not<br />
just stay at work; sadly, we are likely<br />
to bring it home. This can further<br />
contribute to difficulty sleeping,<br />
gastrointestinal problems, lack<br />
of focus, headaches <strong>and</strong> much<br />
more. If chronic stress is left<br />
unattended, it can lead to more<br />
serious health concerns such as<br />
depression, obesity, burnout <strong>and</strong><br />
heart problems.<br />
It is important to underst<strong>and</strong> that<br />
stress itself is not good or bad<br />
for us: it is our perception <strong>and</strong><br />
interpretation of stress that makes<br />
it so. Read on to find out how to<br />
manage work-related stress.<br />
70
UNDERSTAND YOUR STRESS.<br />
To manage the stress around us, we<br />
must first find its root cause. Keep<br />
a journal to track <strong>and</strong> measure your<br />
stress levels. Identify when stress<br />
occurs <strong>and</strong> what happens in those<br />
moments. Was it a conversation<br />
with a colleague? Was it a deadline<br />
for a big project? What were you<br />
feeling? What was the environment<br />
around you? What happened after<br />
you experienced this stressor? Did<br />
you raise your voice? Did you leave<br />
the situation <strong>and</strong> walked out? Take<br />
a moment to reflect your stressful<br />
experiences <strong>and</strong> observe yourself in<br />
that situation.<br />
Once you have established how<br />
the stressors are triggered <strong>and</strong><br />
identified your responses to them<br />
that affect you negatively, reframe<br />
your underst<strong>and</strong>ing towards a<br />
positive response. Accepting<br />
that stress is a part of life is<br />
fundamental; underst<strong>and</strong>ing that<br />
there are positive ways to manage<br />
it is even more important.<br />
Sometimes, we deal with stress in a<br />
way that is not healthy, such as lashing<br />
out on a colleague or binge-eating.<br />
Next time you feel stressed, practise<br />
some healthy responses such as<br />
doing some exercise or taking a few<br />
deep breaths before responding. If<br />
you are working from home, maybe a<br />
quick breathing or yoga session can<br />
do the trick. If you are in the office,<br />
perhaps just stepping out for a walk<br />
or grabbing a coffee can help slow<br />
down the emotional response that<br />
can potentially be detrimental to<br />
your health <strong>and</strong> career.<br />
In the corporate world, embedding<br />
productivity within a well-being<br />
framework is possible. For example,<br />
at Bessern, Dubai, we work with<br />
individuals within organisations,<br />
providing them with tools <strong>and</strong><br />
strategies to manage their stress<br />
levels as well as help them build<br />
productive habits that prevent chronic<br />
stress from taking over. These small<br />
daily hacks really make a difference<br />
to thrive at work, with measurable<br />
impact on their performance <strong>and</strong><br />
personal well-being.<br />
TAKE TIME TO REST AND<br />
RECHARGE.<br />
I know we hear these words over<br />
<strong>and</strong> over again: make time to rest,<br />
recharge your energy, get enough<br />
sleep, <strong>and</strong> similar pieces of advice,<br />
but this proves to be one of the most<br />
essential aspects of managing stress.<br />
You only have one body. It needs rest.<br />
You are not a machine, <strong>and</strong> as much<br />
as some of us wish we could work<br />
tirelessly without consequences, the<br />
body <strong>and</strong> mind need the necessary<br />
downtime to function at its optimum.<br />
When at work, even taking a few<br />
minutes to listen to some music or<br />
a podcast to distract your mind a bit<br />
can do the trick. Perhaps picking up<br />
the phone <strong>and</strong> calling a loved one<br />
could be another way to do a quick<br />
recharge.<br />
71
ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES.<br />
In the world of digital access, especially now that we<br />
will likely be spending more time remote working in<br />
the near future, it is easy to get caught up in work<br />
<strong>and</strong> stay connected way beyond our working hours.<br />
If you don’t make time to disconnect, it will be easy<br />
for chronic stress to sneak up on you. The action<br />
of disconnecting from your work on evenings <strong>and</strong><br />
weekends is a preventive tool to fight chronic stress.<br />
TALK TO YOUR MANAGER.<br />
Employee well-being is essential to the<br />
long-term success of companies <strong>and</strong><br />
organisations, as recent studies on the<br />
impact of work stress on employees<br />
<strong>and</strong> their performance have shown. If<br />
a company’s employees are exhausted<br />
<strong>and</strong> stressed, they are not likely to bring<br />
their best selves to work, consequently<br />
making the business suffer.<br />
Make rules to establish limits. For example, avoid<br />
checking <strong>and</strong> opening work emails after a certain<br />
time of the day. Another example would be to<br />
keep your phone away from you at dinner <strong>and</strong> in<br />
the evenings. If you have a separate work phone,<br />
then completely keep it out of sight post working<br />
hours <strong>and</strong> weekends (unless it is a rare case of<br />
special projects or something similar, use your own<br />
discretion here). Keep in mind that work never ends,<br />
but your health deteriorates. By creating boundaries,<br />
you are not only taking care of your overall energy<br />
<strong>and</strong> well-being, but also spending uninterrupted<br />
time with your loved ones.<br />
Be open to having a conversation<br />
with your manager about your current<br />
challenges <strong>and</strong> stressors at work. The<br />
goal is not to complain but merely raise<br />
awareness of your current situation <strong>and</strong><br />
work on a plan together to manage the<br />
stress <strong>and</strong> prevent it when possible.<br />
Perhaps your company can offer some<br />
tools <strong>and</strong> strategies, such as time<br />
management training or support from<br />
professional coaches or colleagues.<br />
Speaking up on work conditions that<br />
are harming employee morale <strong>and</strong><br />
performance can create an overall<br />
healthier office environment for all<br />
through people-focused management<br />
decisions.<br />
72
GET SUPPORT.<br />
It’s normal to feel anxious <strong>and</strong> stressed.<br />
Know that you are not alone when it comes<br />
to work stress. It is perfectly acceptable to<br />
share your feelings with a trusted friend,<br />
family member, colleague, clergy or<br />
your physician or mental health provider.<br />
Companies provide their employees with<br />
the support they need during stressful<br />
times, <strong>and</strong> we see the difference it makes<br />
in organisations. You don’t have to do it<br />
alone!<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
Elena<br />
Agaragimova<br />
Managing Partner at Bessern <strong>and</strong> Talent<br />
Development Specialist<br />
Elena is an entrepreneur, talent<br />
development specialist, <strong>and</strong><br />
education advocate with a deep<br />
interest in neuro <strong>and</strong> behavioural<br />
sciences. She is known for her ability<br />
to drive change within individuals<br />
<strong>and</strong> organisations that are looking<br />
to reach their potential <strong>and</strong> maintain<br />
their competitive edge in the<br />
business world. She has started her<br />
career in higher education, having<br />
worked across various institutions,<br />
departments <strong>and</strong> regions. In her<br />
recent years, she dove into business<br />
<strong>and</strong> joined Bessern, as well as<br />
founded a learning <strong>and</strong> developing<br />
consultancy, as well as several<br />
other projects within the talent<br />
development arena.<br />
She is an engaging skilled trainer<br />
<strong>and</strong> talent development specialist,<br />
credited with combining operations,<br />
education, <strong>and</strong> international<br />
expertise to design <strong>and</strong> deliver<br />
programs for diverse audiences.<br />
Elena has a strong passion for<br />
L&D, promoting creative <strong>and</strong><br />
engaging workplaces <strong>and</strong> all about<br />
optimising performance through the<br />
development of others. As a career<br />
coach, Elena has over ten years<br />
of experience working individuals<br />
across different generations,<br />
supporting them in achieving their<br />
professional <strong>and</strong> personal goals.<br />
73
food<br />
15<br />
Best Protein<br />
Sources for<br />
Vegans <strong>and</strong><br />
Vegetarians<br />
Apart from fat <strong>and</strong><br />
carbohydrates, we all<br />
know that protein is a<br />
macronutrient essential<br />
for muscle building. For<br />
vegans <strong>and</strong> vegetarians,<br />
it can be challenging to<br />
fulfil the daily protein<br />
requirement from plant<br />
or plant-based diets.<br />
Fortunately, nature is<br />
abundant with plant<br />
choices that are rich<br />
in protein. Most of<br />
these foods are also<br />
easily obtainable <strong>and</strong><br />
affordable. Head to<br />
your nearest grocery<br />
store <strong>and</strong> stock up on<br />
these vegan protein<br />
sources!<br />
74
1. QUINOA<br />
Quinoa is a grain crop grown for<br />
its edible cereal-like seeds. Quinoa<br />
varieties include mixed, red, black<br />
<strong>and</strong> white. If you do not eat meat,<br />
you can include quinoa in your diet.<br />
Just 100 grams of this superfood<br />
can supply your body with 4 grams<br />
of protein. It’s a complete protein<br />
source <strong>and</strong> is also packed with<br />
B-vitamins <strong>and</strong> dietary fibre. It’s<br />
also a great alternative to couscous<br />
or rice.<br />
2. TOFU<br />
Bean curd or tofu is a great protein<br />
source containing eight grams<br />
of protein per 100 grams. It is a<br />
versatile food that you can add to<br />
different dishes. You can also bake<br />
or add it to your favourite stir-fry.<br />
Alternatively, you can add tofu into<br />
soup to make it more nutritious.<br />
3. EZEKIEL BREAD<br />
Every two slices of Ezekiel bread<br />
yields eight grams of protein.<br />
This bread is a combination of<br />
spelt, millet, lentils, beans <strong>and</strong><br />
barley. Since it is loaded with a<br />
good amount of fibre, it improves<br />
digestion <strong>and</strong> aids in weight loss.<br />
4. BUCKWHEAT<br />
A cup of cooked buckwheat<br />
contains about six grams of protein.<br />
Commonly mistaken as a type<br />
of grain, buckwheat is actually<br />
a relative of rhubarb <strong>and</strong> also<br />
cultivated as a cover crop. Owing<br />
to its rutin content, buckwheat<br />
also helps lower blood cholesterol<br />
<strong>and</strong> blood pressure. Rutin is a<br />
phytonutrient that helps stabilise<br />
blood pressure <strong>and</strong> reduce bad<br />
cholesterol.<br />
5. PULSES<br />
Pulses, also known as legume<br />
seeds, are common <strong>and</strong> widelyavailable<br />
food sources all over the<br />
world. Pulses pertain to the edible<br />
seeds of legumes which grow in a<br />
pod, <strong>and</strong> a few examples include<br />
peas, beans <strong>and</strong> lentils. A few<br />
other examples are garden peas,<br />
chickpeas, pinto <strong>and</strong> kidney beans.<br />
You might also try baked beans, but<br />
make sure that you watch out its<br />
salt content.<br />
6. SOY<br />
Soy is a complete protein source.<br />
It contains twelve grams of protein<br />
per half a cup of tofu serving. It<br />
is a go-to veggie protein source<br />
among dieters looking for a healthy<br />
amino acid high food that deserves<br />
an applause. Other popular soy<br />
food products include natto <strong>and</strong><br />
tempeh, a traditional Indonesian<br />
soy product made from fermented<br />
soybeans. If going for tofu, look for<br />
a firm one to ensure it contains a<br />
high amount of protein.<br />
75
7. WHOLE GRAINS<br />
Whole grains are also loaded with<br />
proteins <strong>and</strong> are great sources<br />
of fibre, vitamins <strong>and</strong> essential<br />
minerals. Some sources include wild<br />
rice <strong>and</strong> oats. They can boost your<br />
body’s daily grain <strong>and</strong> fibre intake<br />
<strong>and</strong> can be eaten for breakfast,<br />
lunch or dinner.<br />
8. NUTRITIONAL YEAST<br />
Nooch is a nutritional yeast that<br />
is yellow in colour <strong>and</strong> possesses<br />
a cheesy taste. Two tablespoons<br />
contain as much as four grams of<br />
protein. If you’re a vegan, you might<br />
want to supplement with nutritional<br />
yeasts for this vitamin, which is<br />
typically found only in animalbased<br />
protein sources. You can add<br />
it in dressings or sauces, toss it in<br />
popcorn or sprinkle on pasta.<br />
9. SEITAN<br />
Seitan is a vegan meat alternative<br />
made entirely out of hydrated<br />
gluten, the main protein found in<br />
wheat. It is also referred to as wheat<br />
gluten, wheat protein or just gluten.<br />
Seitan contains an impressive 75<br />
grams of protein per 100 grams,<br />
which accounts for 150% of the<br />
recommended daily intake. For<br />
many vegans, it is a staple in their<br />
plant-based diets. It is described as<br />
having a taste profile resembling<br />
bl<strong>and</strong> chicken or portobello<br />
mushroom.<br />
10. CHIA SEEDS<br />
Did you know that just one<br />
tablespoon of chia seeds could<br />
provide you with two grams of<br />
protein? You can consume it as<br />
an added ingredient in cereals,<br />
soups <strong>and</strong> salads. It is also a great<br />
addition to shakes <strong>and</strong> desserts. If<br />
you’re a vegetarian looking for an<br />
egg replacement, you can use chia<br />
seeds as they are hydrophilic: they<br />
will exp<strong>and</strong> when soaked in water<br />
for 20 minutes.<br />
11. GREEN VEGETABLES<br />
Balance out your plate with green<br />
vegetables, like Brussel sprouts,<br />
green peas <strong>and</strong> spinach. They are<br />
not just excellent sources of protein<br />
but also of vitamins, minerals <strong>and</strong><br />
fibre. Plus, they are low in calories<br />
too. Just half a cup of spinach<br />
contains four grams of protein.<br />
Brussel sprouts, on the other h<strong>and</strong>,<br />
contain three grams of protein per<br />
one-half cup serving.<br />
12. POTATOES<br />
Potatoes serve their purpose not<br />
just for french fries but also for<br />
dishes that offer a high protein<br />
content. A medium-sized russet<br />
potato contains five grams of<br />
protein. Alternatively, you can<br />
also go for sweet potatoes or red<br />
potatoes, although their protein<br />
content is not as high as that of<br />
russet potatoes.<br />
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13. LEGUMES<br />
Legumes, such as lentils <strong>and</strong> beans,<br />
are rich, widely-available protein<br />
sources. Lentils contain as much<br />
as 18 grams of protein per cup of<br />
cooked varieties. Beans, on the<br />
other h<strong>and</strong>, can offer up to 18<br />
grams of protein depending on<br />
the variety. You can use lentils <strong>and</strong><br />
beans as filling for tacos or as a<br />
curry base.<br />
14. SPIRULINA ADDED WITH<br />
GRAINS OR NUTS<br />
Get as much as four grams of protein<br />
per tablespoon with spirulina, an<br />
edible mass of cyanobacteria which<br />
many consider to be a superfood.<br />
Spirulina is a type of algae that<br />
people can take as a dietary<br />
supplement. While spirulina is<br />
not a complete protein, it can be<br />
improved by adding other proteinrich<br />
foods such as nuts, oats, grains<br />
or seeds.<br />
15. HUMMUS<br />
Chickpeas in hummus offer not only<br />
protein but also lysine. Consume it<br />
with pita for a sumptuous meal that<br />
is vegan-friendly <strong>and</strong> high in fibre.<br />
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12<br />
A<br />
Must-Try<br />
Moroccan<br />
Tagine<br />
Recipes<br />
tagine is a cone-shaped cooking pot<br />
traditionally used in Morocco. It is made<br />
with ceramic or unglazed clay which adds an<br />
earthy flavour <strong>and</strong> aroma to native Moroccan<br />
dishes. A tagine, also called maraq or<br />
marqa, also refers to a Moroccan dish which<br />
is named after the tagine pot itself. There<br />
are many variations of this Moroccan dish<br />
that you can try.<br />
Wondering what dishes you can make on<br />
this classic Moroccan cookware? Don’t worry<br />
because we got you covered! If you don’t<br />
have a tagine, you can also use ordinary<br />
cookware.<br />
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1<br />
LAMB/BEEF TAGINE WITH PRUNES<br />
Prunes are great to use in a tagine recipe. Add some<br />
of these dried fruits into lamb or beef cooked in a<br />
tagine, <strong>and</strong> create a sumptuous dish. This combination<br />
is popular among the Moroccans <strong>and</strong> other people that<br />
love the flavour <strong>and</strong> taste of prunes.<br />
Remember to cook your beef/lamb to the desired<br />
tenderness, <strong>and</strong> add Moroccan seasoning before<br />
topping the dish with a generous number of prunes.<br />
Simmer them with honey or cinnamon syrup for added<br />
flavour <strong>and</strong> aroma. Check out this video for inspiration.<br />
2<br />
SPICED VEGGIE TAGINE WITH CHICKPEAS<br />
If you love chickpeas, this recipe is for you. It is full<br />
of flavour <strong>and</strong> comforting at the same time. It can<br />
offer your family with a great crispy dish for autumn<br />
evenings. The hearty spiced veggie tagine calls<br />
for root vegetables for more nutrition. If you want<br />
to make it a traditional tagine, you can replace the<br />
bahārāt for ras el hanout. It is a spice mix with cloves,<br />
rose buds, mace <strong>and</strong> turmeric that can give the<br />
dish a load of flavour. The spiced vegetable tagine<br />
with chickpeas is also with a vegetable stock for an<br />
intensely delicious dish. Serve with flatbread <strong>and</strong><br />
lemon wedges. Check this video for inspiration.<br />
3<br />
BEEF TAGINE WITH ARTICHOKES AND<br />
PEAS<br />
If you’re hitting the grocery store, don’t forget to add<br />
artichokes <strong>and</strong> peas on your list because they’re great<br />
additions to a tagine dish. They are fragrant, flavourful<br />
<strong>and</strong> healthy. Try this one-pot stew that will comfort <strong>and</strong><br />
offer warmth for everyone, especially in the winter when<br />
these ingredients are in-season. Saying so, they’re easy<br />
to find as well. For convenience, you have the option of<br />
choosing the frozen variants if you don’t like the idea of<br />
paring fresh artichoke bottoms <strong>and</strong> shelling the peas.<br />
Here is a version to try.<br />
4<br />
BERBER VEGETABLE TAGINE<br />
If you’re a vegan, you can prepare this vegetable tagine<br />
with turnip, zucchini, carrot <strong>and</strong> potato. For added<br />
flavour, add red bell pepper to the dish. Cauliflower<br />
florets, chickpeas <strong>and</strong> tomato are in this Berber-style<br />
veggie tagine too. You can also add in your choice<br />
vegetables. Check out this video for inspiration.<br />
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5<br />
MOROCCAN CHICKEN TAGINE<br />
This recipe is a classic. If you’re wondering what to make with<br />
your tagine, you can start with this. Use onions, olives <strong>and</strong><br />
some preserved lemons. You can also cook it in the oven or<br />
in the tagine—it’s up to you. Whichever way, you can enjoy<br />
this delicious chicken tagine recipe with the whole family.<br />
Suggestions: You can eat directly into the tagine <strong>and</strong> with<br />
a bread to scoop up the sauce <strong>and</strong> chicken. The locals<br />
sometimes put Belgian fries on top of their chicken, but<br />
traditional French fries or rice on the sides is also perfect.<br />
Here is a recipe for inspiration.<br />
6<br />
LAMB AND CHICKPEA TAGINE<br />
Satisfy yourself <strong>and</strong> your guests with this delectable <strong>and</strong><br />
comforting lamb <strong>and</strong> chickpea tagine! It is a healthy <strong>and</strong><br />
succulent dish that will make everyone ask for more. If you’re<br />
busy, you can also make-ahead this recipe <strong>and</strong> store it in the<br />
freezer. Just put it in the microwave to reheat easily.<br />
This dish is famous, with roots that can be traced to the<br />
cuisine of the ancient Bedouin locals of the Arabian Peninsula.<br />
They add dried fruits, including plums, apricots <strong>and</strong> dates for<br />
added unique taste. Do you want to make lamb <strong>and</strong> chickpea<br />
tagine? Here’s a video for you.<br />
This recipe calls for a chermoulatagra, a Moroccan marinade.<br />
It’s made of cumin, garlic, oil, cori<strong>and</strong>er, salt <strong>and</strong> lemon<br />
juice. Other spices used in the chermoula paste, spice mix<br />
or marinade are paprika, parsley, saffron <strong>and</strong> cayenne.<br />
This marinade is used in dressing seafood <strong>and</strong> fish. You<br />
can also find different variations to a chermoula, so choose<br />
based on your preference. Other variations also contain<br />
more cilantro than the others do <strong>and</strong> can vary in consistency.<br />
Nevertheless, you can use chermoula in preparing this fish<br />
tagine with your favourite vegetables to create a savoury<br />
<strong>and</strong> refreshing dish that also fits vegetarians <strong>and</strong> vegans.<br />
Looking for inspiration? Try this recipe.<br />
80<br />
7<br />
FISH TAGINE WITH VEGGIES AND<br />
CHERMOULA<br />
8<br />
CHICKEN AND APRICOT TAGINE<br />
Apricot tagine is another favourite tagine dish that you<br />
might try. Adding apricots to your chicken dish can make<br />
for a savoury <strong>and</strong> sweet dish that everyone will enjoy. Even<br />
kids will love it! Remember to cook the chicken slowly until<br />
it gets tender.<br />
Use herbs <strong>and</strong> spices, such as onions, garlic, ginger, saffron<br />
<strong>and</strong> cinnamon to enhance the aroma before topping your<br />
dish with dried <strong>and</strong> poached apricots. Try this easy to make<br />
recipe that suits even for those with little kitchen experience.<br />
Use this recipe for a delicious chicken <strong>and</strong> apricot tagine.
9<br />
CHICKPEA AND CARROT TAGINE<br />
If you’re on a diet or simply want to stay fit, you can<br />
also try a vegetarian tagine with your favourite veggies,<br />
such as carrot <strong>and</strong> chickpeas. This dish is super easy to<br />
prepare, yet it can please even picky eaters <strong>and</strong> kids.<br />
You can up its aroma with some honey <strong>and</strong> cinnamon<br />
syrup, or any other spices of your liking. If you like, you<br />
can also add raisins to it. This veggie tagine can be a<br />
side dish or an entrée. Find inspiration here.<br />
10<br />
SQUID TAGINE<br />
Do you love squid <strong>and</strong> you want it for your first tagine<br />
dish? Check out this easy to make Comment start<br />
calamar Comment end i tagine in a generous amount<br />
of tomato sauce. These are the spices that highlight<br />
the seafood taste: olive oil, pepper <strong>and</strong> paprika.<br />
Nevertheless, you can get creative <strong>and</strong> add other<br />
spices of your liking. Check out this video for your<br />
inspiration.<br />
11<br />
SHRIMP TAGINE<br />
Squids aren’t the only seafood that calls for a tagine<br />
recipe! A shrimp tagine tastes even better with tomato<br />
sauce. Many locals eat it communally from the pot with<br />
Moroccan bread. For a more filling lunch or dinner,<br />
others prefer to serve it on top of pasta or rice. Here is<br />
a video for your inspiration.<br />
12<br />
BERBER-<strong>STYLE</strong> TAGINE<br />
Try this easy to make Berber-style tagine in which the<br />
meat, like beef or lamb, is arranged <strong>and</strong> cooked under<br />
seasonal vegetables. To make the dish more exciting,<br />
use a clay tagine for a satisfying <strong>and</strong> earthy flavour. If<br />
you want it a bit spicy, you can also add chilli peppers.<br />
Either way, this tagine dish is great with or without the<br />
extra heat. Here is a recipe video for your inspiration.<br />
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Going Vegan<br />
in Abu Dhabi:<br />
top<br />
8Restaurants<br />
Whether you’re a new or seasoned vegan, finding a wide variety of vegan<br />
cuisine in Abu Dhabi can prove to be difficult at times if you don’t know<br />
exactly where to search. From Afro-Caribbean flavours to Mexican <strong>and</strong> Indian<br />
cuisine, the nation’s capital has some hidden gems that are guaranteed to<br />
leave your mouth watering, belly filled, <strong>and</strong> appetite satisfied!<br />
Tired of searching for healthy plant-based flavourful food? Here is a list of<br />
restaurants in Abu Dhabi offering delicious vegan options.<br />
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West to West<br />
First on the list is West to West kitchen, Abu<br />
Dhabi’s newest Afro-Caribbean restaurant.<br />
This family business of w<strong>and</strong>erlusts is focused<br />
on bringing Sierra Leonean, Trinidadian <strong>and</strong><br />
Jamaican inspired-cuisine <strong>and</strong> culture to the<br />
nation’s capital. Their main effort is to serve<br />
delicious food that brings people together in<br />
celebration <strong>and</strong> leaves them invigorated. West<br />
to West serves a variety of mouthwatering<br />
flavourful vegan dishes such as Awojoh Binch<br />
from Sierra Leone. Awojoh Binch consist of<br />
black-eyed beans soaked for an hour, boiled<br />
<strong>and</strong> then cooked with onions, herbs with a<br />
touch of bonnet pepper for spice, best served<br />
with fried plantain <strong>and</strong> West to West Salad.<br />
Another more popular vegan dish only sold on<br />
weekends or by special request is a Trinidadian<br />
dish known as “doubles.” Doubles is a common<br />
street food “s<strong>and</strong>wich” made of two flatbreads<br />
known as bara, filled with a curried chickpea<br />
filling or channa, as it is known in Trinidad <strong>and</strong><br />
India.<br />
West to West Kitchen is located on Electra<br />
Street behind ADCB headquarters <strong>and</strong> offers<br />
both dine-in <strong>and</strong> delivery options.<br />
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Circle Café<br />
Circle Café began over a decade ago as a love<br />
letter to the true New York bagel. Dubai mums<br />
Mira <strong>and</strong> Rama were in the Big Apple enjoying<br />
the authentic smoked salmon cream cheese<br />
bagel when they realised mid-bite they had to<br />
bring the famous NYC flavour back to the city<br />
of Dubai.<br />
Over the years the menu has evolved from<br />
bagels served with filling, to a menu with a<br />
wide variety of tasty options for everyone<br />
including vegans. Their new vegan menu<br />
includes the beetroot hummus power bowl,<br />
vegan scrambled eggs with tofu, edamame,<br />
pumpkin <strong>and</strong> tomatillos with roasted almonds<br />
<strong>and</strong> an amazing vegan s<strong>and</strong>wich containing<br />
slow-cooked mushrooms served with sweet<br />
potato fries.<br />
Circle Café is located in Al Raha Village,<br />
Mangrove Village <strong>and</strong> Saadiyat Isl<strong>and</strong>. They’re<br />
on several delivery platforms.<br />
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Wild &<br />
The Moon<br />
Wild & The Moon is a lifestyle movement<br />
created by a tribe of food lovers, chefs,<br />
nutritionists <strong>and</strong> naturopaths, based on the<br />
simple belief that food should be good for you,<br />
good for the planet, <strong>and</strong> delicious. With wild,<br />
local, gluten-free, ethically sourced, seasonal<br />
<strong>and</strong> plant-based ingredients, that bring a little<br />
bit of nature to our busy lives. Wild & The<br />
Moon’s food <strong>and</strong> cold-pressed juices are 100%<br />
organic, pure, fresh, <strong>and</strong> unpasteurised, leaving<br />
their nutritive power intact. The popular vegan<br />
cafe opened its first branch in Abu Dhabi, at<br />
the gorgeous Cultural Foundation site. It’s a goto<br />
in Paris <strong>and</strong> Dubai for cold-pressed juices,<br />
smoothies <strong>and</strong> tasty, healthy vegan meals.<br />
Wild & The Moon currently offers dine-in<br />
services only.<br />
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Café 302<br />
Located in Al Maha, Arjaan by Rotana, Café<br />
303 is the casual friendly place to be if you<br />
love vegan cuisine. With nearly 30 plant-based<br />
dishes on the menu, this eatery is a hot spot<br />
amongst vegans in the capital thanks to its<br />
exclusive vegan brunch offered on Thursday<br />
evenings. The menu at Café 302 includes<br />
breakfast, soups, salads <strong>and</strong> huge mains<br />
dishes. They also have a wide array of desserts<br />
from almond brownies to a baked cinnamon<br />
pumpkin tart.<br />
Café 302 offers dine-in, pick-up <strong>and</strong> delivery<br />
options.<br />
86
Shakespeare <strong>and</strong><br />
Co <strong>and</strong> Blooms<br />
Vegan Kitchen<br />
Shakespeare <strong>and</strong> Co is a chain restaurant<br />
conceived <strong>and</strong> developed in Dubai in 2001.<br />
With over 35 stores across the emirate,<br />
Shakespeare <strong>and</strong> Co offer a truly unique dining<br />
experience due to the distinct “Shakespearean”<br />
atmosphere, with each location featuring a<br />
specific colour, décor <strong>and</strong> layout. Shakespeare<br />
<strong>and</strong> Co is a place you can go with vegan or<br />
non-vegan friends, colleagues, <strong>and</strong> family, to<br />
enjoy a good meal <strong>and</strong> relax, knowing there’s<br />
always something to look forward to on the<br />
menu. Now offering a huge vegan menu that<br />
includes dishes like mutabal <strong>and</strong> sautéed vegan<br />
protein bites <strong>and</strong> vegan pesto grilled cheese,<br />
Shakespeare <strong>and</strong> Co is a wonderful place to go<br />
for an overall dining experience.<br />
Bloom Vegan Kitchen is another plantbased<br />
gem in the capital, currently operating<br />
exclusively out of Shakespeare <strong>and</strong> Co’s<br />
kitchen. Born in Dubai with the will of eating<br />
healthy <strong>and</strong> tasty plant-based food, Bloom<br />
Vegan kitchen is a delivery-only restaurant,<br />
offering delivery all over Abu Dhabi. All their<br />
dishes are delicious <strong>and</strong> a must-try for the new<br />
or seasoned vegan looking to try a variety of<br />
food without breaking the bank. Their dishes<br />
range from buffalo cauliflower salad, tacos <strong>and</strong><br />
mac <strong>and</strong> cheese to brownies <strong>and</strong> vegamisu.<br />
You can order Blooms Vegan Kitchen from<br />
several delivery platforms around the region or<br />
go to any Shakespeare <strong>and</strong> Co restaurant <strong>and</strong><br />
ask for the Blooms Vegan Kitchen to go menu.<br />
87
Wheatfields<br />
Wheatfields Gourmet Grocer & Cafe is an<br />
unusual, unique <strong>and</strong> ground-breaking concept<br />
for the region. It is home to vegan foods that<br />
are nutritious, delicious, health-conscious <strong>and</strong><br />
budget-friendly. A gourmet grocer but also a<br />
café, Wheatfields offers options for every meal<br />
including french toast or pancakes for breakfast<br />
<strong>and</strong> pizza, calzone <strong>and</strong> mac <strong>and</strong> cheese for<br />
lunch or dinner. The best part about this café?<br />
You can shop at the grocery store while waiting<br />
for your delectable food!<br />
Wheatfields is located in Khalifa City <strong>and</strong> offers<br />
dine-in <strong>and</strong> pick-up options.<br />
88
Golden Spoon<br />
Vegetarian<br />
Restaurant<br />
“Not everyone’s born with a silver spoon,<br />
but when it comes to experiencing authentic<br />
Indian flavours, the Golden Spoon is enough.”<br />
Golden Spoon is a local Indian restaurant with<br />
several vegan options on their menu. A littleknown<br />
gem, Golden Spoon Restaurant is a<br />
huge hit amongst the vegetarian <strong>and</strong> vegan<br />
community in the nation’s capital. Dishes like<br />
vegan mini samosa, cauliflower <strong>and</strong> broccoli<br />
Manchurian, dal tadka <strong>and</strong> chapati <strong>and</strong> t<strong>and</strong>oori<br />
roti bread are guaranteed to cause a flavourful<br />
mouthwatering explosion in your mouth. Don’t<br />
fret, if spicy food isn’t your cup of tea, Golden<br />
Spoon allows you to choose your spice level<br />
when ordering your dish.<br />
Located in the Madinat Zayed area, Golden<br />
Spoon offers dine-in <strong>and</strong> delivery options.<br />
89
Burro Blanco<br />
Burro Blanco is a home-grown Mexican street<br />
food joint with a focus on high quality fresh<br />
ingredients that make their burritos some of the<br />
best in town. Nestled on a corner in the back<br />
streets of Khalidiya, Burro Blanco restaurant<br />
resembles a stationary food truck with walk<br />
up <strong>and</strong> delivery options. This tiny hole in the<br />
wall restaurant offers healthy options, with their<br />
made to order burritos, tacos <strong>and</strong> bowls. With<br />
the option to customise your food to order,<br />
you can choose vegan fillings such as cilantro<br />
cauliflower rice, beans, roasted pumpkin<br />
squash <strong>and</strong> sautéed peppers <strong>and</strong> onions<br />
with salsa. The vegan-si is also worth a try. It<br />
consists of sweet potato, black bean mash,<br />
green mango, fresh cori<strong>and</strong>er, guacamole <strong>and</strong><br />
pico de gallo. Burro Blanco prides themselves<br />
in offering a no-frills experience that puts food<br />
<strong>and</strong> customer satisfaction first, no gimmicks, no<br />
fancy packaging, just good food.<br />
Burro Blanco is located in Khalidiya next to Bas<br />
Man’ouche restaurant. They offer walk-up, pickup<br />
<strong>and</strong> delivery options.<br />
<strong>About</strong> the Author<br />
MONIQUE L. SPEARMAN is a freelance multi-faceted writer,<br />
curator <strong>and</strong> creator. Blending a passion for content creating, social<br />
media marketing, photography <strong>and</strong> travel, Monique created her<br />
blog website RaineyAmore.com in the spring of 2017 as a hobby.<br />
Raineyamore.com is a lifestyle, fashion, beauty <strong>and</strong> travel br<strong>and</strong><br />
that encourages men <strong>and</strong> women from around the world to live<br />
their best lives, out-loud. Inspired by the aesthetics of different<br />
cultures, Monique wants to show the world, “Everything has<br />
beauty, but not everyone sees it!”<br />
90
91
Fitness<br />
7<br />
Achieving<br />
Benefits of<br />
Healthy<br />
Abdominals:<br />
Think Strong,<br />
Not Flat<br />
flat abs is more than just for aesthetics or<br />
Instagram, but it is also for health <strong>and</strong> strength. If<br />
you’re into working out, don’t miss your abdominal<br />
exercises! Incorporate it into your workout routine<br />
to reap its rewards that we’re discussing in the next<br />
section.<br />
HEALTHY ABDOMINALS BENEFITS<br />
The core or abdominal muscles are your power<br />
centre. They’re a sacred space <strong>and</strong> a vitality source<br />
of your body. They’re also an important centre of<br />
consciousness <strong>and</strong> energy, according to ancient<br />
healing traditions. It is why thinking about <strong>and</strong><br />
working for strong abdominal muscles should start<br />
now. Learn more in the following for the seven<br />
benefits of healthy abdominals.<br />
BACK PAIN REDUCTION<br />
One of the primary benefits of having healthy abs<br />
is back pain reduction. The core anchors the middle<br />
<strong>and</strong> lower back, so it needs to be strong. Otherwise,<br />
your back muscle will work hard to support your<br />
middle back. Too much straining will lead to its<br />
weakening, <strong>and</strong> pain will be a common scenario.<br />
With strong ab muscles, you can improve the<br />
endurance of your back muscles, prevent its injury,<br />
<strong>and</strong> reduce its straining. If you’re suffering from back<br />
pain, you should incorporate ab exercises into your<br />
workout regimen to create a more balanced body.<br />
What to know: Healthy abdominal muscles can<br />
prevent the forward protrusion of your belly <strong>and</strong> the<br />
altering of your centre gravity.<br />
WEIGHT RESISTANCE<br />
Improve your ability to bear weight with healthy<br />
abdominal muscles. Engage in ab exercises that can<br />
provide you with more strength. As you progress,<br />
you can bear more weight because you’ll have a<br />
stronger torso to take on a heavy weight with your<br />
stable lifting base, which is your core.<br />
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93
POSTURE IMPROVEMENT<br />
Promote <strong>and</strong> support your posture by<br />
developing your ab muscles. In case you<br />
don’t know yet, you tend to slouch with<br />
weak abdominal muscles because they<br />
cannot support a good posture. That’s why<br />
you need to develop your core muscles,<br />
which can prop up the spine <strong>and</strong> make it<br />
easy to st<strong>and</strong> tall with your arms <strong>and</strong> legs<br />
aligned.<br />
Simply put, a proper posture will place the<br />
minimum compression on your back, which<br />
in turn prevents early wear <strong>and</strong> tear on the<br />
spine that would otherwise lead to disc<br />
hernia. Your muscles also remain engaged<br />
because of the proper bone <strong>and</strong> joint<br />
alignment. Eventually, it will also prevent<br />
the abnormal joint wearing that can lead<br />
to joint pain <strong>and</strong> arthritis. Strong abs can<br />
reduce ligament stress <strong>and</strong> injury.<br />
If you have a bad posture, you must<br />
strengthen the core so that it can distribute<br />
weight evenly throughout your body.<br />
Incorporate core exercises into your routine<br />
to build a better posture, open your hip<br />
flexors <strong>and</strong> strengthen your lower back.<br />
94
SPORTS PERFORMANCE<br />
You can improve sports performance with<br />
healthy abdominal muscles because they<br />
can help instability, core strength <strong>and</strong><br />
balance. As ab exercises target the core<br />
muscles, they can improve strength as you<br />
progress with the workout activity.<br />
You can also improve performance on<br />
sports <strong>and</strong> leisure activities, such as tennis,<br />
golf, baseball, rowing, biking, <strong>and</strong> other<br />
activities with a strong core, which powers<br />
them all. If you’re an athlete looking to<br />
improve performance, consider core<br />
strength training that improves not just<br />
strength but also balance, endurance, <strong>and</strong><br />
stability.<br />
95
FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH<br />
Healthy core muscles can also help in building functional<br />
strength, not just for supporting your lower back <strong>and</strong><br />
spine. Developing abdominal muscles promotes<br />
<strong>and</strong> develops functional strength useful for everyday<br />
movements, including tying shoes, getting in/out of a<br />
chair, picking up objects <strong>and</strong> lifting heavy weight. With a<br />
healthy core, you can find doing these things easy rather<br />
than seeing them as a chore.<br />
Functional strength also helps you accomplish<br />
movements, such as crouching, st<strong>and</strong>ing, bending,<br />
jumping, <strong>and</strong> walking, <strong>and</strong> more, easier than without it<br />
will be. Having functional strength builds endurance for<br />
daily household chores.<br />
If you’re engaged in jobs involving twisting, st<strong>and</strong>ing,<br />
<strong>and</strong> lifting that rely on core muscles, you can also benefit<br />
from having resilient ab muscles. People working on jobs<br />
from home that involve sitting all day like writing, taking<br />
phone calls <strong>and</strong> other desk jobs, can also take advantage<br />
of a strong core that promotes proper posture.<br />
WEIGHT REDUCTION<br />
Another benefit of healthy abdominal muscles is<br />
reduced body fat. Excessive body fat is no good for<br />
you because it can lead to obesity <strong>and</strong> diabetes, among<br />
other lifestyle diseases. If you increase your abdominal<br />
muscle mass, your body will develop its ability to burn<br />
fat due to improved metabolism. If you would exercise<br />
<strong>and</strong> trim your body weight, you’d have a leaner body<br />
with an improved ability to reduce weight.<br />
BALANCE<br />
Your body will work more harmoniously with developed<br />
<strong>and</strong> trained abdominal muscles. It promotes a balanced<br />
body with your hips, lower back, pelvis, <strong>and</strong> hips working<br />
with coordination. When this happens, you can achieve<br />
not just stability but also a great balance. It is essential<br />
for everyday movements; such as walking, running, or<br />
riding on a bumpy road.<br />
A resilient core, nonetheless, can make daily activities<br />
less disastrous <strong>and</strong> injurious <strong>and</strong> more pleasant. With<br />
it, you can also prevent falls, which are likely to get<br />
you injured with weak abdominal muscles. For seniors,<br />
developing a strong core can make everyday tasks more<br />
pleasant with less chances of acquiring an injury, too.<br />
Healthy abdominals aren’t just for their flat appearance<br />
<strong>and</strong> your added physical attractiveness, but they’re also<br />
for great overall wellness <strong>and</strong> physique. Strengthening<br />
your core muscles, nevertheless, makes you more<br />
resilient against injuries. They also improve your sports<br />
performance, functional strength, <strong>and</strong> overall weight. To<br />
reap these benefits <strong>and</strong> more, start thinking strong, not<br />
flat! Engage in ab workouts that help you gain strength,<br />
achieve an amazing body, <strong>and</strong> increase your endurance,<br />
function, <strong>and</strong> strength.<br />
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Travel<br />
Morocco:<br />
For the<br />
Love of<br />
Colour<br />
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the<br />
west <strong>and</strong> the Mediterranean Sea to the<br />
north the humble treasure of Northern<br />
Africa, the country of Morocco attracts<br />
approximately 11 million tourists<br />
annually <strong>and</strong> is a muse for w<strong>and</strong>erlust<br />
travellers. Whether it be getting lost<br />
in the historic medinas, hiking the<br />
rolling Atlas Mountains, learning how<br />
to cook or savouring the traditional<br />
Moroccan cuisine, one’s itinerary can<br />
be swarming with activities in no time.<br />
Morocco is a country beholding a<br />
rich culture <strong>and</strong> civilisation. Its telling<br />
history narrates its antiquity of hosting<br />
people groups from various nations.<br />
The synthesis of those coming from<br />
the North (Romans, Andalusians),<br />
South (Sub-Saharan Africans) <strong>and</strong> East<br />
(Phoenicians, Jews <strong>and</strong> Arabs) have<br />
composed what is now Morocco’s<br />
social structure. Other influencers<br />
include the countries; Portugal, Spain<br />
<strong>and</strong> France who have conveyed their<br />
traces in aspects of Moroccan life.<br />
Since gaining independence in 1956,<br />
Morocco has journeyed extensively<br />
in its objective to share the wonders<br />
of its soil. Striding successfully, it has<br />
capitalised on its illustrious Roman<br />
<strong>and</strong> Islamic sites <strong>and</strong> the sensation of<br />
its vivacious l<strong>and</strong>scapes. Tourists are<br />
invited to be immersed in a whirlpool<br />
of aureate, coral, brilliant emeralds<br />
<strong>and</strong> whispers of cyan adorning burgs<br />
far <strong>and</strong> wide.<br />
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THE MEDINAS OF MARRAKESH AND FEZ.<br />
The medinas are the antique roots of each city in<br />
Morocco; they are a fusion of residential areas,<br />
shopping centres <strong>and</strong> food markets. If one is akin<br />
to exploration <strong>and</strong> wondering about, they are<br />
subject to being enthralled by the snake charmers<br />
<strong>and</strong> folk dancers gracing the paths of the medinas.<br />
The fascination resides in the twisting <strong>and</strong> turning<br />
streets where brightly lit shops, restaurants,<br />
markets, <strong>and</strong> homes margin the streets. Squeezing<br />
tightly together, they bolt upright with fading<br />
cream paints; ageing timelessly.<br />
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SEE THE ANCIENT CITY OF VOLUBILIS<br />
The excavated Berber city of Morocco, an<br />
ancient Roman settlement <strong>and</strong> a major<br />
trading centre; <strong>Vol</strong>ubilis is one of the wellpreserved<br />
ruins of its kind in the world.<br />
Though its relics remain unrestored <strong>and</strong> it is<br />
normally scarce of tourists one can find the<br />
city open in a way that allows engagement to<br />
come about. Those viewing the dilapidated<br />
structures can do so without the hindrance of<br />
large barriers <strong>and</strong> bustling crowds. One has<br />
the chance to familiarise themselves with the<br />
grainy steps of ancient quads <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong> in<br />
awe of tall <strong>and</strong> greying classical pillars.<br />
ROAM ABOUT KASBAH LES OUDAIAS<br />
Situated in Rabat, this Kasbah is in the oldest<br />
part of the city. Reminiscent of a medina, the<br />
serenity <strong>and</strong> c<strong>and</strong>idness of the narrow streets<br />
of white houses; make it perfect for roaming<br />
about. Its elevation offers magnificent views<br />
of the river Asif Mellah <strong>and</strong> its overflowing<br />
into the ocean. Within the citadel, one can<br />
pay a visit to royalty by viewing the Saadian<br />
Tombs. These are royal graves in chambers<br />
with ornate mosaic tiling <strong>and</strong> stucco- a treat<br />
for the eyes appreciating the decorous<br />
mastery of ancient Byzantine <strong>and</strong> Ottoman<br />
Empires.<br />
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VISIT THE HASSAN II MOSQUE<br />
Named after one of Morocco’s embellished leaders, The<br />
Hassan II Mosque, located in Casablanca, is all the rage<br />
among tourists. The plumb architectural masterpiece is<br />
a display of the dedication <strong>and</strong> dexterity of thous<strong>and</strong>s<br />
of Moroccan artists led by the French designer, Michel<br />
Pinseau. Pinseau is the mind behind the tallest minaret<br />
in the world that crowns this gr<strong>and</strong>iose mosque. It took a<br />
total of five years to build this intricate structure, inside it<br />
is emblazoned with mosaics, plaster mouldings, marble<br />
<strong>and</strong> stone columns; from the floors to the wood ceilings,<br />
the internal is a feast of texture. As it is the 7th largest<br />
mosque in the world <strong>and</strong> the largest one in Africa, a total<br />
of 105,000 worshippers are able to congregate within<br />
the darling mosque.<br />
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LEARN TO COOK<br />
TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN<br />
FOOD<br />
Traditional Moroccan food is<br />
the unification of Berber, Arabic,<br />
Turkish, Middle Eastern, <strong>and</strong><br />
French cuisine. Many Moroccan<br />
houses or palaces called riads<br />
offer cooking classes in big<br />
cities like Marrakesh <strong>and</strong> Fez.<br />
One can relish the satisfaction of<br />
purchasing fresh produce from<br />
the local market <strong>and</strong> then acquire<br />
skills <strong>and</strong> cultural knowledge<br />
whilst making a traditional dish.<br />
A notable mention would be<br />
Cafe Clock which is a Westerninfluenced<br />
café <strong>and</strong> is famous<br />
for its gigantic <strong>and</strong> delicious<br />
camel burger; it has locations in<br />
Marrakesh <strong>and</strong> Fez. It offers some<br />
of the best classes receiving<br />
impressive ratings across travel<br />
blogs <strong>and</strong> websites.
CATCH SOME SUN AND WAVES AT THE TANGIERS<br />
Morocco’s relatively high number of tourists is impelled by its location. As it<br />
is close to Europe, it attracts visitors to its gorgeous beaches. Tangiers is a<br />
major city in northern Morocco, located on the North African coast it is the<br />
western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar which is the barrier that separates<br />
the Mediterranean Sea from the world’s oceans. The history of Tangiers is very<br />
rich, due to the historical presence of many civilisations <strong>and</strong> cultures. These<br />
aspects are conserved by the two museums located in the city, namely; the Dar<br />
el Makhzen which was previously a palace for the sultans but is now a museum<br />
for Moroccan artefacts <strong>and</strong> The American Legation Museum. Centuries ago,<br />
Tangiers was characterised as having international status by foreign colonial<br />
powers <strong>and</strong> became a destination for many American <strong>and</strong> European writers,<br />
artists, diplomats, businessmen, <strong>and</strong> spies.<br />
There is but one destination where one can tuck into their chicken shawarma<br />
whilst sitting between the narrow-spaced medinas <strong>and</strong> reading history off the<br />
walls. A place where the balconies of fortresses boast the spectacular sight of<br />
the sea <strong>and</strong> the town descending below, where the people of Morocco go about<br />
their daily fare. It is indeed a place of colours, both fading <strong>and</strong> bright; preserving<br />
the ancient <strong>and</strong> greying whilst retaining its liveliness.<br />
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102
103
For the Culture<br />
THE REINVENTED CHRONICLES WITH<br />
YVONNE C. MTENGWA<br />
5 Ways to Wrap<br />
your Mind Around<br />
the Unknown <strong>and</strong><br />
Keep from Panicking<br />
Sitting in a waiting room has never been easy.<br />
Waiting for any sort of confirmation on an issue can<br />
most definitely play its part in taking us out of our<br />
mental equilibrium. Whether you are waiting for the<br />
doctor to come back to you with test results or a<br />
notification on whether or not you got the job or<br />
if you passed the most difficult module towards a<br />
certification you are so desperately trying to attain;<br />
we can all agree that minutes, days, weeks <strong>and</strong><br />
even months of waiting for the news or some news<br />
can have you operating in rolling tides of angst.<br />
I’ve had several conversations over the past few<br />
weeks with friends <strong>and</strong> family doing their best to<br />
adjust to a new norm in the world we are living now.<br />
The headlines have a way of prophesying doom,<br />
while others are churning out the rudimentary “use<br />
this opportunity to build your br<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> build<br />
your best life” messaging. Even with this, most<br />
people are simply trying to figure out what their<br />
immediate needs are <strong>and</strong> how they will get those<br />
fulfilled. Many need rest. Others need to get a grip<br />
of their finances after being told their salaries are<br />
taking a hit for the next few weeks. I’m pretty sure<br />
most of us know someone who is being forced to<br />
accept the new reality of having to go back home<br />
unexpectedly or shut down their business. There is<br />
no time for ‘building the new me’ for them because<br />
in all the waiting for some semblance of normalcy<br />
to make its come back, the list of pressure points is<br />
growing. Stuff just hasn’t worked out as they would<br />
have liked, <strong>and</strong> the breaking point is nigh.<br />
If you find yourself in the category of people<br />
struggling to stay sane in light of current events,<br />
here’s my take on how you can keep from folding<br />
by processing that which lies ahead – known or<br />
unknown.<br />
1. GET TO EMERGENCY PLANNING IF<br />
YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY.<br />
We can all agree that nothing prepared us for the<br />
global p<strong>and</strong>emic <strong>and</strong> subsequent shutdowns the<br />
world over. Q2 2020 is here, <strong>and</strong> if there is any<br />
104
ig takeaway from this season; its to always have an<br />
emergency plan ready for a rollout. When nothing’s<br />
moving, it’s more than likely you will still be required to<br />
move. Your family’s needs are a constant; bills don’t pay<br />
themselves, <strong>and</strong> problems don’t necessarily take a leave<br />
of absence.<br />
If you haven’t already, start looking at what changes you<br />
can make to prep yourself for the possibility of things<br />
getting worse than they are, because let’s face it—life<br />
can get like that. Are there costs you can cut like those<br />
subscriptions that add up or that take-out budget that<br />
needs to be redirected to home-cooked meals? Do<br />
you have an emergency fund in place, which ideally is<br />
6 months’ worth of your expenses? Have a think about<br />
this, as most stresses are triggered by lack, <strong>and</strong> lack of<br />
money or resources is never a good thing.<br />
2. REVIEW YOUR GOALS.<br />
The year likely started with you having a set of goals <strong>and</strong><br />
now some of those have been thrown out the window.<br />
Not all hope’s lost, though. Take some time out to revisit<br />
the goals you had laid out for your year <strong>and</strong> look at what<br />
needs shifting. Prioritise what needs immediate focus<br />
<strong>and</strong> attention over what can be pushed back. There is no<br />
sense being frustrated over your travel plans if no one<br />
is going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe now isn’t the<br />
time to enrol into that expensive Master’s programme<br />
if you haven’t got your emergency fund in place. See<br />
where I’m going with this? Oftentimes, it’s not a case<br />
of taking that goal off your list altogether but adjusting<br />
your timelines for execution.<br />
3. ENVISAGE YOUR LIFE AFTER THE<br />
STRESSFUL SEASON.<br />
Survival begins with the right mindset. Don’t stay in a<br />
state of lamenting but rather take to reminding yourself<br />
of the good that will come on the other side of the drama.<br />
Now don’t get me wrong – am not saying spend your<br />
days out with the fairies imagining all sorts of hoopla!<br />
Think about things that bring added reflection <strong>and</strong><br />
meaning to your life. Visualising your desired outcome<br />
conditions your mind to identify what resources <strong>and</strong><br />
actions you will need to see things happen for you.<br />
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4. STICK TO SOME SORT<br />
OF SCHEDULE.<br />
Shooting a bunch of darts at your<br />
task list <strong>and</strong> hoping some will<br />
l<strong>and</strong> is not the ideal way to get<br />
things done with as little stress as<br />
possible. I’ll be the first to admit<br />
that homeschooling <strong>and</strong> the whole<br />
work from home thing hit me<br />
upside my head a few weeks ago.<br />
Fortunately, by accepting that this<br />
was going to be my new norm for a<br />
few weeks, creating a new schedule<br />
has resulted in my being more<br />
efficient in my new daily routine.<br />
Time is money. Wasted time will<br />
present some form of anxiety as<br />
the clock ticks. Schedule everything<br />
– from time spent with family to<br />
meal prepping to getting your<br />
workout in. I even schedule in my<br />
45 minutes “ratchet TV time” if I<br />
feel like getting a dose of mindless<br />
entertainment; quickly getting back<br />
to work or cooking or emailing or<br />
whatever else I have on my daily<br />
plan once done.<br />
5. REMEMBER THAT YOUR<br />
HEALTH IS PART OF YOUR<br />
VICTORY TALE.<br />
In seasons of uncertainty, physical<br />
<strong>and</strong> mental stress can become<br />
a norm, but this is not to say we<br />
are to accept that as our reality.<br />
Pill popping to get some sleep or<br />
binge-eating on all the stuff you’ve<br />
worked so hard to keep off your<br />
body will not serve you in the long<br />
run. It’s important to take control of<br />
what you can, such as your healthy<br />
food intake, infusing some form<br />
of exercise into your routine <strong>and</strong><br />
scheduling in some quiet time to<br />
put your mind at rest. You already<br />
have a lot to deal with, so don’t tack<br />
on discomfort to your physical <strong>and</strong><br />
mental state. Take time out. Rest.<br />
Reset. Practise self-care routines<br />
<strong>and</strong> be gentle with yourself.<br />
Wrapping your mind around the<br />
unknown is about accepting that<br />
in life, there is much we cannot<br />
control, yet we are to do the best<br />
that we can with that which we can.<br />
Panic only creates angst, <strong>and</strong> no one<br />
is out here volunteering themselves<br />
for some ulcers. Please underst<strong>and</strong><br />
that you are never alone when the<br />
going gets tough. Get help <strong>and</strong> be<br />
honest with yourself <strong>and</strong> those that<br />
matter most. The beauty of time,<br />
patience <strong>and</strong> honest reflections is<br />
that it paves the way for you coping<br />
through seasons of transition.<br />
<strong>About</strong> the Author<br />
Yvonne Chiedza Mtengwa is the author<br />
of “Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to<br />
live authentically through faith”, a book<br />
encouraging women to confront their<br />
issues with relationships, insecurities <strong>and</strong><br />
self-fulfilling prophesies, in an effort to<br />
truly discover who they were created<br />
to be. It’s available for download on<br />
https://payhip.com/b/Oi7Y#!<br />
She is also a co-author of Amazon Bestseller<br />
“Dear Fear <strong>Vol</strong>ume 2: 18 Powerful Lessons<br />
on Living your best life on the other side<br />
of Fear”- a compilation of short stories by<br />
American visionary author Tiana Patrice.<br />
Passionate about travelling, writing about<br />
<strong>and</strong> experiencing leisure <strong>and</strong> lifestyle<br />
br<strong>and</strong>s, Yvonne is a marketing <strong>and</strong><br />
communications strategist, is the Cofounder<br />
of www.Quintessentialf.com, a<br />
Christian lifestyle movement for women,<br />
<strong>and</strong> also runs www.yournarratives.com,<br />
a boutique communications agency<br />
specialising in entrepreneurial design<br />
<strong>and</strong> shaping the narrative of women-led<br />
lifestyle <strong>and</strong> social development br<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
106<br />
Check her out on IG on @quintessentially_yvonne or visit <strong>and</strong> subscribe to her website<br />
on www.ReinventedToday.com for more tips on everyday reinvention.
A Life of Happiness:<br />
Building Resilience<br />
I smile at the realisation that<br />
nothing stays the same nor lasts<br />
forever. But what made people<br />
change into what we are now? How<br />
do they absorb the changes in their<br />
culture they knew <strong>and</strong> loved? How<br />
do they accept that their world will<br />
be forever changed? With those<br />
constant changes, how do people<br />
pursue happiness?<br />
The answer is resilience: being<br />
able to recover quickly from life’s<br />
adversities.<br />
As we watch our environment,<br />
cultures <strong>and</strong> lifestyles change, we<br />
need to keep in mind that we need<br />
to take care of our mental health.<br />
Building our resilience requires the<br />
acknowledgement of reality. To go<br />
outside our comfort zones, the first<br />
step is to accept the fact that there<br />
are regions where discomfort exists,<br />
<strong>and</strong> we must face them. By building<br />
a resilient mind, we guarantee a life<br />
well-lived with happiness, gratitude<br />
<strong>and</strong> contentment.<br />
DEEP CONVERSATIONS<br />
First, it is important to have<br />
conversations with yourself <strong>and</strong> with<br />
other people looking for their own<br />
happiness. Sharing your insights<br />
<strong>and</strong> experiences may help build<br />
your resilience <strong>and</strong> may lighten<br />
your emotional burden. Opening<br />
up to other people with a positive<br />
outlook in life is a great help for<br />
you to identify your weaknesses<br />
<strong>and</strong> strengths. You must speak to<br />
yourself <strong>and</strong> put a mindset that<br />
you’re more than the sum of your<br />
parts. Your weaknesses become<br />
your strengths the moment you<br />
recognise them.<br />
Having deep conversations will<br />
allow you to learn more about<br />
growth, development <strong>and</strong> selfawareness.<br />
EXERCISE<br />
Second, having a healthy body<br />
is another key to have a stable<br />
<strong>and</strong> positive mindset. When you<br />
exercise, your body releases<br />
endorphins that gives you a positive<br />
feeling.<br />
Facing our daily challenges <strong>and</strong> life<br />
hardships requires strong physical<br />
<strong>and</strong> mental health. Together with<br />
a balanced diet, exercise can<br />
improve your problem-solving skills<br />
<strong>and</strong> helps you to concentrate more.<br />
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OFFER OTHERS HELP<br />
Third, share your knowledge <strong>and</strong> ideas with people<br />
who are in need of support <strong>and</strong> encouragement.<br />
Simple words may be a big help to others. Lead by<br />
example: you cannot show the way if you do not turn<br />
on the flashlight.<br />
Helping others will give you indescribable happiness,<br />
a fulfilled heart <strong>and</strong> will also help you create a good<br />
social interaction.<br />
SLOW DOWN<br />
Fourth, take time for yourself; remember that the race is<br />
not won at the beginning. It is easy to fall in the crowd of<br />
panic <strong>and</strong> fear. It is important that as you run your race,<br />
you should hone your skills, appreciate your flaws, <strong>and</strong><br />
remember that happiness is not about who achieved<br />
it first but who did it right. Take time to relax, observe,<br />
<strong>and</strong> seek inner peace. Slow down <strong>and</strong> appreciate life's<br />
blessings.<br />
Build your resilience by taking deep breaths of fresh air<br />
<strong>and</strong> savour in the taste of delicious <strong>and</strong> healthy meals.<br />
Step outside the room <strong>and</strong> smile at the sunshine that<br />
wants to bless you with vitamins of bliss <strong>and</strong> gleeful<br />
thoughts. Be one with nature <strong>and</strong> get out of the fast<br />
routine. Enjoy life to the fullest without the hassle.<br />
Remember that change is a story with two sides. Your<br />
mindset defines your point of view, it designs your<br />
reactions, <strong>and</strong> your purpose confirms your end result<br />
whether it's good or bad. A life of happiness means that<br />
you have to commit to being happy. It means you have to<br />
accept the glass as half full <strong>and</strong> not half empty.<br />
There’s always room to grow <strong>and</strong> glow. Build your<br />
resilience with positive thoughts, exercise those thoughts<br />
with purpose. Share your views, try to help others <strong>and</strong><br />
never forget to slow down. Always think that Rome was<br />
never built in a day; time wasted will bring a disaster,<br />
while time spent wisely will bring you closer to mastery.<br />
Jerome Douglas<br />
<strong>About</strong> the<br />
Author<br />
Jerome Douglas is a 27-year old trained teacher, poet <strong>and</strong> writer<br />
from the beautiful isl<strong>and</strong> of Jamaica. His personal philosophy<br />
is “If it is for me to be, then it is up to me.” He attended the<br />
Catholic College of M<strong>and</strong>eville in Jamaica. Additionally, he is a<br />
community builder <strong>and</strong> humanitarian who volunteers his time<br />
to help with the academic <strong>and</strong> social well-being of people in<br />
his Central Jamaica community <strong>and</strong> surrounding areas.<br />
108
Book Review<br />
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy<br />
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy came out in 2010 <strong>and</strong> has been one of<br />
the bestsellers on both The New York Times <strong>and</strong> the Wall Street Journal.<br />
What is The Compound Effect? The book is, in fact, a collection of case studies,<br />
examples <strong>and</strong> real-life narrations. Hardy explains that life’s biggest achievements<br />
are dependent on the tiny things that you do so unconsciously every day. Even<br />
though these small choices seem inconsequential, they compound over time.<br />
Let us dive in <strong>and</strong> have a closer look at how The Compound Effect affects us.<br />
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AWESOME IDEA #1: THE SMALL CHOICES MATTER.<br />
The writer’s formula is “Small, Sensible Choices + Time +<br />
Consistency = Big Difference”. A better way to explain this<br />
concept is given in the book in the form of an example called<br />
‘The Magic Penny Example’. Consider this example: two people<br />
are given the choice between receiving $3 million today or a<br />
magic penny that doubles in value every single day. Let’s say<br />
one of them takes the $3 million because they want to enjoy it<br />
right away <strong>and</strong> the other opts for the penny. On Day 2, the first<br />
person is on $3 million minus their expenses while the second<br />
person is now on 2 cents. Moving onto Day 20, one of them<br />
is still living life with $3 million minus their expenses while the<br />
other only has a little over $5,000. On Day 31, the one with<br />
the magic penny is now at more than $10 million! While the 3<br />
million is instant gratification, the penny is like a small choice<br />
that is performed consistently <strong>and</strong> outweighs the big gains in<br />
the long term.<br />
The secret is a combination of good habits, hard work <strong>and</strong><br />
discipline. Forget instant results. The only path to success is<br />
through the execution of boring, unexciting daily disciplines<br />
over time—whether it is a 30-minute jog, reading for half an<br />
hour day, or even spending an extra 10 minutes studying<br />
business with your partner. The small choices performed on<br />
a daily basis will always outweigh instant gratification in the<br />
long run.<br />
AWESOME IDEA #2: THE COMPOUND EFFECT IS ALWAYS<br />
AT WORK.<br />
According to Darren Hardy, the most interesting part about the<br />
compound effect is that it is constantly working. Therefore, if<br />
you keep making consistent small <strong>and</strong> smart choices, you will<br />
see a radical change in your life that will be either positive or<br />
negative. The book talks about an example about the story<br />
of three friends. Friend 1 does small good actions; say, read<br />
a book. Friend 2 does nothing significant. Friend 3 indulges in<br />
small indulgences that are seemingly harmless, like eating cake.<br />
In about a year’s time, you may not notice much of a difference<br />
in each friend’s lifestyle. However, in three years, the differences<br />
will be staggering. Remember that the compound effect is all<br />
about exponential growth. Friend 1 has started a small business<br />
with all the ideas that he got from reading. Friend 2 is nowhere<br />
in life because he only compares himself to others <strong>and</strong> hasn’t<br />
done anything productive or value-adding. Friend 3 is now, you<br />
guessed it: unhealthy <strong>and</strong> unhappy.<br />
Note that the compound effect doesn’t just add up. That is why<br />
you will not see any major differences even after a year or two. It<br />
is only after some time has gone that the differences are distinct.<br />
The compound effect cannot be switched off. Even if you don’t<br />
notice results, it doesn’t mean that it’s not working. You will get<br />
positive or negative results, depending on the path you take.<br />
AWESOME IDEA #3: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.<br />
The action of taking responsibility for your results is illustrated<br />
with a very good example in the book. A relationship instructor<br />
asks the question, “What is your percentage ratio of giving <strong>and</strong><br />
receiving in a relationship?” Some say 50-50, some 40-60 <strong>and</strong><br />
so on. The relationship instructor walks to the board <strong>and</strong> writes<br />
“100%”. Only when you take 100% responsibility for working<br />
on your relationship, it will succeed. The same goes for life.<br />
The results you have today are all due to your past actions.<br />
Unless you take 100% responsibility for your current <strong>and</strong> future<br />
measures, nothing changes. The writer goes on to note that<br />
there are several events that occur in our life which are beyond<br />
our control. But no matter what we are h<strong>and</strong>ed, there is always<br />
the power of how we choose to respond.<br />
AWESOME IDEA #4: TAKE NOTICE OF YOUR LIFE.<br />
“You make your choice; then the choices make you.”<br />
<br />
Darren Hardy<br />
Our life is really about a million choices that we make every day.<br />
The challenge isn’t that we’ve been deliberately making bad<br />
choices. If this were the case, it would be very easy to fix because<br />
we can then just stop opting for that wrong pick. The problem<br />
is that we haven’t taken notice of our selections. The actions<br />
are so trivial; we don’t even realise the effect that it takes on us.<br />
Sometimes we only notice our bad choices after it’s too late.<br />
AWESOME IDEA #5: THE POWER OF IMPACT.<br />
The last idea described in the book is about influence or impact.<br />
Dan Hardy says that there are three key influences that we need<br />
to watch out for: information, associations <strong>and</strong> environment.<br />
• INFORMATION:<br />
Always remember: garbage in, garbage out. Hardy advises us<br />
against watching the news. Consuming too much negativity will<br />
only make us more scared <strong>and</strong> cautious to move forward. But<br />
he does advocate reading books. Read inspirational, strategic<br />
<strong>and</strong> success stories, <strong>and</strong> we will inevitably become a more<br />
empowered individual.<br />
• ASSOCIATIONS:<br />
Make positive <strong>and</strong> conscious associations, <strong>and</strong> you will be a<br />
long way ahead. What you are, your lifestyle <strong>and</strong> your success<br />
rate depend a lot on the company you keep. Pick your friends<br />
wisely.<br />
• ENVIRONMENT:<br />
The environment includes everything around you. Decluttering<br />
your life <strong>and</strong> designing a positive environment may be<br />
uncomfortable at first, but the consequences of these actions<br />
will compound positively over time, resulting in a major<br />
improvement after a considerable period of time.<br />
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