APRIL 2010 3

From the Desk

ConneCtingthe WorlD We often hear raging debates on how social networking websites like Facebook, Orkut and Twitter have taken the ‘humaneness’ out of our lives, making all things virtual and unexciting. Last month, we’re sure, some cynics had a change of heart... that typing out what they call ‘inane’ 140 characters on Twitter can actually translate into both ‘thoughtful’ and ‘thought-provoking’ communication.

We were part of the proud team of Twitter users that took part in the Oman Twestival — along with Tweeps in 200 other countries of the world! On board the Hormuz, the fastest catamaran in the world, Oman Tweeps not only Tweeted and streamed live the happenings on board, but came together for a wonderful cause as well. An impressive Rials 1,350 were collected in a span of a few hours to support the cause of Twestival 2010 — ‘Education for underprivileged children’.

More importantly, the camaraderie had to be seen to be believed... Those who knew each other until then, only by their Twitter handles, connected in the ‘real’ world in a spirit of warmth, fun and togetherness. The online world blended in seamlessly with the offline... as if it were waiting for something like this to happen.

One can never ever discount the power of communication, in whatever form it may be. And effective communication is necessary to bring in change, every time, all the time.As we commemorate World Health Day this month, we reiterate the importance of looking after ourselves. As multi-tasking women, we often neglect those tiny little signals our bodies give us and in turn we suffer in the process. So, we have for you a series of health-related articles from doctors and experts that touch important health aspects of your daily lives in more ways than you can imagine. Read...understand... assimilate and bring a difference to your life.

And as for the communication between us... may it continue in the same spirit.

Enjoy the issue; we’ll see you next month. Until then... stay cool, people.Published by

United Press & Publishing LLCA Renaissance Services Company

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Copyright © 2010United Press & Publishing LLC

Printed in the Sultanate of Oman atOman Printers & Stationers

EdItoRIAL

EdItoR-IN-CHIEFSalman Ibrahim Al Balushi

CoNSULtING EdItoRPriya Nair

ASSIStANt EdItoR (CoNSULtING)Rekha Baala

ASSIStANt EdItoRRana Alawneh

PRINCIPAL CoRRESPoNdENtDeepa Rajan

dESIGN

ARt dIRECtoRSSandesh S. Rangnekar

Minaal Pednekar

dESIGNERS Aliya Al Waheibi

Rashida

SENIoR PHotoGRAPHERRajesh Burman

PHotoGRAPHERSathyadas C. Narayanan

PRodUCtIoN MANAGERGovindraj Ramesh

AdVERtISING & MARKEtING

GRoUP AdVERtISING MANAGERMimi Deb

SENIoR MEdIA EXECUtIVEFareeda Sulaiman Al Balushi

CoRPoRAtE

CHIEF EXECUtIVESandeep Sehgal

EXECUtIVE VICE PRESIdENtAlpana Roy

VICE PRESIdENtRavi Raman

SENIoR BUSINESS SUPPoRt EXECUtIVERadha Kumar

dIStRIBUtIoNUnited Media Services LLC

APRIL 2010 Vol 7 No 84

CoVER dESIGN : MINAAL PEdNEKAR PICtURE CoURtESy: MANGo

e-magazine – logon to www. oeronline.com

54

26SeaSon Special — World HealtH day — april 7.55 Ten ways to lose weight at work…

56 Ten different ways to chill out...

58 Ten things you should never keep from your doctor...

60 Ten reasons to stay hydrated...

62 Ten healthy breakfast options...

64 Ten common questions and concerns about skincare…

66 When acne is a serious problem..

FeaturesContest

33 Simple answers to simple questions get you a gift hamper from The Body Shop!

the lighter siDe

Five women reveal the contents of their handbags... and it’s one interesting story!

44top Drive

Al Mar’a test-drives the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus.

38

‘Changing the FaCe oF Business —

Women as an Economic Force’. That’s the theme of the 4th Women in Business

Conference. Al Mar’a presents a profile of the speakers...

NoVEMBER 2009 5

exClusive50 Meet the

‘Prince of Pasta’, Vincenzo Spinosi!

persona 32 Meet Oman-based

film producer — Akshay Kumar Parija.

solutions people

In EvEry IssuE> Your Say

> News, Etc.> Books, Movies and More…

> Stargazing

health plus68 A Q & A session with

Dr Smita Lulla, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.

WorkWise46 Once defined, values

impact every aspect of your life says Sabah Al Farsi.

WellBeing

48 Dr Prema Seshadri on why it’s important that we women

listen to our own bodies.

at home53 Practical ideas for your

home and you.

Fashion & BeautyFashionSpring/Summer Collections from the top brands in the fashion world...

Fashion plus 40 The story of Elizabeth Arden, the brand and the indefatigable spirit of the woman behind it.

Beauty Zone76 The beauty booty checklist…

proFileMeet UNICEF’s Regional

Director Sigrid Kaag... 34

78

FooDCuisine70 Italian food is soul food! Serena Gentili Capitani, wife of H.E. Cesare Capitani, Ambassador of Italy to Oman introduces us to the wonders of Italian cuisine.

6 APRIL 2010

Celeb WatCh Even after all these years, Ashton and Demi’s relationship never fails to amaze me. In a world where divorce is commonplace, and sometimes based on downright frivolous grounds, Demi and Ashton have made it work despite their age difference. Goes to show that love, really knows no bounds. I’m glad that Al Mar’a decided to feature them. I also enjoyed reading about the beautiful and talented Mallika Sarabhai and her dance troupe ‘Darpana’. I was extremely disappointed to have missed the show, but thanks for giving us such an interesting and

thorough report on it.Khadija Al RiyamiQurum

equal OppOrtunitiesWomen today work just as hard to achieve their career goals and most often than not, they are passed over by bosses who are prejudiced and feel that women aren’t capable enough. The proverbial glass ceiling is ubiquitous irrespective of country or region. Hence, it was heartening to read the view-points of prominent businessmen in Oman on equal rights and opportunities. We could

certainly do with more individuals who share the same ideals. On the brighter side, a lot has changed since I first started working (back in 1992). Men are more open to having women as bosses and the percentage of females across the boardrooms are increasing. We still have a long way to go and I really hope to see more positive changes in the future.

PRIZE-WINNING LETTERS

your say

Soul-lifting Readi have always enjoyed reading dr. Prema Seshadri’s columns. they are always extremely insightful and she has a beautiful knack of reeling the readers in with her words and analogies. last month’s column ‘What Women Really need...’ was no exception either and it prompted me to finally write to you and thank you for publishing such inspirational pieces. i strongly believe that all women today need to get their daily dose of ‘me-time’ to just unwind and rejuvenate. Whether you’re a high-flying career woman or a homemaker, we should all take some time off to do the things we truly enjoy. the effects are incredible (and i say this from experience). thanks al Mar’a for always providing us with such great reads!Rahima Al RiyamiAl Khuwair

the ‘e’ WoRdoh, how i dislike exercise! and any woman in her right mind would definitely agree with me. however, i have realised that it is essential for me (and my flabby bits) and i try and workout at least four days a week. last month after reading the article ‘double Whammy’, i decided to give Youtube a try. and boy, you’ve got me hooked!! i have tried belly-dancing exercises, some funky ab workouts, dancercises — and even some tai chi for beginners. i’m even trying to get my best friend to join me (we both want to get in shape for a mutual friend’s wedding later this year). So thanks al Mar’a for that clever idea!Shahana RahimMuttrah

CorrigendumIn the last issue, Heena Kothary (Persona) was wrongly mentioned as Nisha Kothari in the Contents page. The error is regretted.

bby_sport_ME_adv_1.30.indd 1 21/10/09 19:26:00

neWs, etC.

Wheels

Hot PromotionIf you are looking to buy a GMC vehicle, this is the right time to do so... Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co. is offering a special promotion on all GMC Terrain compact SUVs in its showrooms across Oman. The Terrain is now available for only Rials 7,999.Taking up no more space than a mid-size passenger car, the (3.2 litre V6) GMC Terrain provides generous interior space with a trunk capacity of 370 litres, an 865 litre cargo capacity with the rear bench seat folded down and up to 1420 litres when loaded to the roof. Terrain also offers numerous smart features, for an outsize impression as a practical, everyday vehicle. Good value for money... so go for it!

Lots of funFor someone as spirited and youthful as you, here comes a car that embodies everything that is fun, vivacious, liberating and sporting. The Chevrolet Aveo is a combination of modern design, generous standard features and roomy interiors. A small car that’s big on space and equipment, the Aveo has a number of standard features that are generally found in higher-end vehicles. These include tilt steering, seat-belt height adjusters, power windows, power door locks, intermittent wipers and remote keyless entry. Book a test drive, rightaway!

Gen nextAs next generation cars go, the Nissan Altima stands out top when it comes to performance. The ‘next generation’ Nissan Altima has a rigid new chassis with extensive use of lightweight aluminium components, advanced friction-reducing technology to help the engine spin freely, a virtually ‘gearless’ Xtronic CVT transmission for a seamless rush of power, a suspension design inspired by the legendary Z and advanced stability and traction controls for 4-season mastery. And it’s all right under your index finger. The Nissan Altima, it’s not just new generation, it’s the next generation vehicle that’s perfect for you in every way.

safety firstSafety is of utmost importance when it comes to choosing a car. BMW understands that and very well… The BMW’s flagship 7 Series offers a host of industry-first driver assistance technologies that bring unmatched driver engagement, handling and safety features to the luxury performance segment. Amongst these are Adaptive Headlights with Variable Light Distribution. On a winding road at night, Adaptive Headlights move in harmony with the bend ahead: the beams of the 7 Series headlights stay on the road and the light beam is adapted according to the vehicle’s speed. When driving in the city, a low beam is used to better illuminate the road immediately ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers. And when driving at higher speeds, the Xenon headlights are raised to increase visibility.

Thinking of matching your nail paint with your Volvo S60? We are not kidding you! The all-new Volvo S60 is an eye-catching car packed with attitude and driving pleasure. It was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show at the same time as the wraps came off an

exclusive collection of selected accessories — such as an

exquisite pair of tooled goatskin gloves or a pack of three nail paints in striking Ember Black, Vibrant Copper and Cosmic White. The three shades of nail paint echo three of the colour options offered on the all-new Volvo S60. Vibrant Copper is one of the new model’s launch colours. At the Geneva motor show, visitors to the Volvo Cars stand were greeted by a nail artiste and given an offer to get their nails painted in one of the three special colours.

CooL aCCessories

What an exciting experience it was! The Zubair Automotive Group recently hosted an exciting desert adventure to Sharqiya Sands for an off-road driving experience of some of the world’s most high performance SUVs in the Omani desert. The Mitsubishi and Jeep 4X4s that participated in the desert off-road adventure included the Mitsubishi Outlander GLS, Pajero 3.8, Pajero Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler. The exciting desert adventure began from the Zubair Automotive showroom in Azaiba and included urban on-road cruising towards Sama Al Wasil Village before tackling the spectacular sand dunes of Sharqiyah Sands. The Pajero Sport’s powerful 3.5 litre V6 ECI-Multi engine supported by the rugged 4WD and suspensions proved that few places are out

of its reach — including the Omani desert. The Pajero 3.8 -litre also offered a great balance between off-road handling capabilities with on-road smoothness. The 3.0 litre Mitsubishi Outlander GLS’ four wheels are controlled independently to ensure superior handling in all driving conditions. The Jeep Wrangler, with its 3.8 SMOI V6 engine, also gives the power and confidence for tackling dunes. The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee also boasts the most powerful options of its class — the Traction System maintains forward momentum through the tires staying in contact with the untamed desert terrain on the steep grades present in Omani desert landscapes. Overall it was a great day in the desert with fun vehicles and a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

Desert ADventures

10 APRIL 2010

neWs, etC.

lifestyle…

Kids StuffIt’s time to treat kids like adults... We are talking about the launch of Nando’s first-of-its-kind dining experience that aims at ‘treating kids like adults’. Now, at Nando’s you get a new selection of nutritious and balanced meals complimented by a number of special non-spicy basting sauces created especially for kids and surprises fit to entertain both children and parents alike. The campaign was inspired by the fact that children love to ‘act like’ their parents and want to be treated like adults. It goes the extra mile by empowering them to make mature decisions like menu selection and bill settlement while exploring future professions. We sooo like it and so will the kids, we are sure!

BaG it Now this is news you could use! The White Gallery, the only exclusive designer handbags boutique in Muscat has been relocated to the front of Said Plaza in the Qurum Commercial area. The outlet offers designer handbags, wallets and accessories. Do hop over and check out the new season collection of brands like Aigner, Fendi, Dior, Bonia that has been recently launched at the boutique.

LooK GoodAs far as new beauty products go... Panasonic has just launched a new range that’s certain to catch your attention. These include Ceramic Straighteners, three blade shavers and wet/dry epilators. During the event, Panasonic introduced the new Hair Styler which comes with eight attachments, an Epilator with a noteworthy feature of wet/dry function and ceramic straighteners with steam function and Negative Ion technology. Apart from these models, Panasonic also introduced the new multi-functional, photo-ceramic straighteners and new Platinum Negative ion straighteners which will be launched in the market from May onwards. All great beauty tools!

A GlitterinG tributeNow this one is a great tribute to women! We are talking of the first

credit cards for women launched by the National Bank of Oman (NBO). Named ‘Dana’, it will be available in two variants — Classic and Platinum. Both variants come with a number of unique features

such as exclusive privileges at key retail establishments in Oman which will include spas, beauty salons, exciting lifestyle offers together with a

number of exclusive dining offers. The key difference between the two variants is that a Platinum card member will earn two ‘Pearl Points’ on

all spends while a Classic Card member will earn one ‘Pearl Point’ on all spends. The card will be ‘free for life’ and can be applied for by all

women who have a salary account with NBO. And the best part is that 0.5 per cent of all card spends (retail) on this product will be donated to

the National Association for Cancer Awareness. Now that’s a smart way to spend and show you care too...

Shop In Luxury Welcome to a great new shopping experience! Perfumes & Cosmetics, a division of Muscat Pharmacy has opened its exclusive luxury boutique at Sahwa Towers, Al Athaiba. The 650 sq m, aesthetically designed Perfumes & Cosmetics store showcases an extensive range of fragrances and cosmetics from top international ‘Parfum Houses’ as well as from the region. In addition, the new boutique will also have a separate Lounge section where visitors can experience products in a relaxed ambience. In addition, Perfumes & Cosmetics has also opened

another luxury boutique at the Al Mazar Souk at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa which will allow tourists and guests to enjoy an exclusive range of products at Perfumes & Cosmetics while shopping at the Souk. Enjoy the experience!

12 APRIL 2010

neWs, etC.

lifestyle…

Summer esCaPeLooking for a natural way to beat the stifling summer heat? Head to the Al Nahda Resort & Spa in Barka this summer, and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with great offers and wonderful service. The offer, valid from March 15 to August 31 will cater to both singles and couples. Singles pay Rial 79 nett on a package that includes breakfast in an executive suite for one person and is inclusive of dinner, breakfast and one spa treatment. Couples pay Rial 99 nett which includes accommodation in an executive suite for two persons with dinner, breakfast and one spa treatment. Go on, make this summer truly special!

Colour me Good The colours of the season are grey, red and orange... And these shades resonate in the new Makeup Factory collection which offers professional make-up products in daring colours. We like these — the grey Mono Eyeshadow No. 04 that adds a special flair to the eye area; the colours No. 27 and No. 35 lend blazing highlights in red and orange; the grey Eyestyler No. 54 allows for the expressive shaping of the eye area... And what better way to show off your lashes than with the All in One Mascara No. 2 in noble dark-grey. Other products include the velvety soft True Lip Color, the High Shine Lip Gloss No. 96 or 98 and different Nail Colours. Here’s to a

colourful season!

redefininG moodSDifferent moods. Different emotions. That’s what the new fragrance from Versace is all about. The new Versus fragrance combines contrasting characteristics in a game of opposites, in the core spirit of the brand. From romantic to aggressive, from punk to melodious, from tough to feminine, it’s synonymous of evolution, style and creativity. The colour of the fragrance, the ‘fifth essence of violet’ evokes modernity, mystery and freedom. The top notes feature Kumquat, star apple, and lemon; the heart is floral and feminine with Orange flower, Stephanotis, Rose Centifolia while the dry down reveals Patchouli, the depth of Musk combined with Ambrette seeds. Truly vibrant and powerful!

a HAppy WorLdIf you want to be a true fashionista, you simply have to own at least one bauble from this collection... We are talking about Chopard’s Happy Darling, from the sparkling world of the Happy Diamonds. All those who love dainty jewellery will fall for the adorable chain link ring; the delicate pendant bracelet; the long necklace and spectacular matching earrings. A lovely combination of precious discs and mobile diamonds, the Happy Darling line is like a sparkling constellation linked by lengths of shimmering rose gold chain. Whilst some planets of this fine constellation glint in simple rose gold, others are formed of onyx and gold and shine like shooting stars with mobile diamonds set against their black-as-night backgrounds. Truly exquisite! For more details, contact Khimji’s Watches.

stress-free CooKinG

For multi-tasking women, this one is a real boon. Moulinex has launched the Minut Cook

— a new electric pressure cooker that is easy to use and takes the stress out of cooking due to its unique temperature and pressure control feature and the additional keep warm function. There is no need to watch the pressure cooker as it stops by itself and goes to the keep warm function at the end of cooking, no spillage and no continued steam release as there is automatic control of temperature and pressure unlike a regular pressure cooker used with a gas cooker. In addition it is

capable of three pre-cooking modes: browning, simmer and sauté. There’s also the digital timer with countdown, starting automatically when under

pressure providing automatic control of temperature and pressure during cooking. It is distributed in Oman by Khimji Ramdas LLC.

LG brings you a never before burst & win offer where EVERYBODY IS A WINNER!

Buy LG TV, Washing Machine, Air Conditioner, Refrigerator, Laptop, Home Theatre, Dish Washer

or Kitchen Appliance, at any LG showroom, and you get a chance to win great gifts! All you

have to do is make a purchase worth 100 rials or more, prick a balloon, get your scratch card

and the winning begins. The more you buy, the more you win!

Rush to the nearest showroom today, start the summer with a bang!

Also get a chance to become a Privileged Platinum Club member and avail special benefits!

Lots of attractive giftsLG 50" Plasma TVsLG Front Load Washing MachinesLG Home TheatresLG RefrigeratorsLG Microwave OvensLG Digital Photo FramesLG DVD PlayersLG Vacuum Cleanersand many more

Buy LG products worth RO 100 or more,burst a balloon and win assured gifts!

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14 APRIL 2010

neWs, etC.

a proud moment Now this is something we womenfolk should be proud of... Ladies, let’s hear it for Maitha Al Mahrooqi, who has become the Country Manager of the national career, Oman Air. Born, brought up and partly educated in Oman, Maitha brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge that she acquired within the span of a decade. She also carries with her the tag of perhaps being the first female cartographer from the region, and the first Omani cartographer as well. As Country Manager for Oman Air, Maitha will be responsible for the target of the key hub station — Oman, optimising the sales revenue and seeking ways and means of promoting Oman Air through various sales channels. Al Mar’a wishes her the very best!

BirtHday treAtS!It’s indeed an important milestone. Nawras, Oman’s customer friendly communications provider marked its fifth anniversary in a pleasingly different way by thanking every customer with the gift of a free national SMS bundle. A celebratory event for the Nawras family, customers and media took place outside the company’s main building in Al Athaiba while

the occasion was also celebrated at the 22 Nawras stores across the country where coffee and halwa was offered to all visitors. Every one of the more than 1.8 million members of the fastest growing family in Oman had their account credited on 16 March 2010 with a free SMS bundle to allow them to get closer to friends and family on the fifth anniversary. Such a nice way of saying thanks; we like!

ACCOlADes, AChieVeMeNts AND UPDAtes...

a GAlA affair On the occasion of International Women’s Day, H.E. Malika Berak, the French Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman hosted a reception in honour of prominent women from political, economic, academic, cultural and artistic milieus in Oman. Around 100 women attended the event, including H.H. Dr Sayyida Mona bint Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University of External Co-operation, H.E. Dr. Rawiya Al Busaidi, Minister of Higher Education, the women members of the State Council, Amal Bahwan from the business sector and others. During the evening, Shakoor Al Ghammari-President of the Omani Women’s Association, Azhar Al Harthy-writer, Suha Al Rukeishy-journalist, Haiba Mohamed-violinist and Murielle Salem-Director of the French School shared their talents with the audience. Here’s to women power!

Art in motionNow, this is very interesting… Intelligent art, we would like to call it… ‘Safe Landings’, Radhika Khimji’s first solo show in Oman was inaugurated last month by H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Barka Fort. Radhika’s work describes a body in motion through drawings and installations that incorporate cut-out shapes, which are then positioned in different spaces. These cut-outs, which Khimji describes as ‘shifters’, are constantly dislocated from their backgrounds and compelled to renegotiate their existence in new environments. At Barka Fort, she added a second narrative layer by introducing large parachutes, which are attached to these cut-outs. The artist’s site-specific installation draws on the history of Barka to address issues of contemporary cultural identity within a globalised society. Novel and creative, indeed!

Joy of SHArinGOman’s innovative mobile company, renna, recently organised an entertaining evening for 67 young members of the Child Care Home at its headquarters in Athaiba. The event was designed in a signature renna aesthetic and included fun and exciting games as well as interactive performances for the children to share their joy. As a socially responsible company, renna has taken it upon themselves to lead by example through collaborating with various associations in order to give back to the community and help better the life of society. A wonderful thought!

16 APRIL 2010

Woibex celebrated 100 years of women empowerment by hosting the biggest event for women achievers in the ‘12th Woibex —

Global Businesswomen and Leaders Summit’ held at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai last month. Organised by Datamatix, this gathering commemorated a century of remarkable contributions of extraordinary women who revolutionised the global society as a whole.

The event began with the keynote presentation of Dr. Eiman Saud Abokhodair, Institute of Public Administration, KSA, on the future challenges and opportunities for women leaders. This was succeeded by the presentation of Sarah Lord CFP, AIFP, APFS, Financial Planning Director of Killik & Co (Middle East & Asia), which focused on providing insight as to how businesswomen can be empowered to make the right personal finance and investment decisions.

Laura Martorano’s presentation (CEO and Founder of Leo Sterling) stressed on the importance of positioning young women leaders in transforming economic growth and stressed that women need role models and support to develop their experience, establish networks to step into senior positions and then to be treated and paid fairly, as equally as their male colleagues for the same comparable positions. She was followed by Oluwatoyin Saraki, First Lady of Kwara State & Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation, who presented a case study of Kwara State of Nigeria focusing on women being key to the prosperity of the world.

The second half of the day witnessed the presentation of another case study by Ruth Field, CEO of Joshua Group LLC, about Coco Chanel as an independent, determined, risk-taker and a successful businesswoman. The last speaker for the day was Dr. Carmen M. Castro, D.B.A., Founder & CEO of Aurora International Executive Solutions, LLC, who spoke about exploring the many business opportunities that are available for Middle-Eastern women in the field of international business consulting and international corporate name branding.

The day concluded with the hosting of the 9th Middle East Businesswomen and Leaders Achievement Awards, organised by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute.

Al Mar’a was proud to be associated with the prestigious event.

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FilmFare

The sixth Muscat International Film Festival 2010 enthralled cinema lovers in Oman with its lively mix of regional and

foreign films. Here’s a report.

Does art reflect life? In movies, yes. Because more than any other art form, films have been a

mirror held up to society’s porous face. - Marjorie Rosen

It was a celebration of life and cinema at the eagerly-awaited Muscat International Festival 2010 held from March 13 to 19. More than 20 countries participated in the Festival and a total of 45 films were entered for screening. What made the Festival even more special were the sparkle of film personalities at both the inauguration and the closing of the festival.

H.E. Hamad bin Mohammed bin Mohsin Al Rashdi, Minister for Information and Hamad bin Hilah bin Ali Al Ma’amari, Cultural Affairs Undersecretary, Ministry of Heritage and Culture and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

This 6th Muscat International Festival was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture in cooperation with the Oman Film Society (OFS) and the International Film Fraternity of Oman (IFFO).

Some of the top stars present at the function included the icon of the Indian film industry Amitabh Bachchan who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion. The other stars who were honoured were Madkour Thabit from Egypt, Hollywood director Antonino Sucameli and Egyptian actress Magda Al Sabahe.

APRIL 2010 19

On your first visit to Oman...“I had heard a lot about Oman from friends. And to be here personally and see its natural beauty, and more importantly, the beauty of its people is wonderful. The people are very warm, loving, friendly, hospitable and very caring. I have to come back here again...”

Would you be keen to act in any Arabic production?“If there is a suitable offer and if there is something which is creatively okay, then why not?

What keeps you going?“If there is work and I am healthy enough to do it, I’ll do it. I just follow a very normal routine, there is nothing special about it...”

Indian cinema then and now...“Many times, cinema is a reflection of how society behaves. So what may have been more staid, lyrical or poetic in the early years, especially in the 40s and 50s, you may not find that kind of writing now. But you have to move with the times. The speed of communication has increased so much that we don’t have time to think and ponder. Having said that, we should acknowledge the fact that times have

changed. In the earlier days, there was no television, mobile or FM radio, everyone was more at leisure and would look forward to going to the theatre and watching a movie. Now it has all become rapid because of communication and some of that will reflect on how your content is made. It is more progressive, technically more advanced than what it was earlier on...

Are you critical about your son Abhishek’s work?“We discuss our films, each other’s work and he is equally critical about me as I am of him. We are artistes and sometimes we disagree and that I think is very healthy.”

At the inauguration, Dr Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Zadjali, Chairman of the Oman Film Society said, “The Festival is a door that opens up the experiences of films from different parts of the world.”Amitabh Bachchan also expressed his appreciation and gratitude at being honoured by the Muscat Film Festival. More than 85 films were screened during the week and the closing ceremony saw the distribution of awards to winners in different categories. The stars at the closing ceremony were Kuwaiti actor Abdul Hussain Abdul Radha, Indian actor Sanjay Dutt and Egyptian actor Ezzat Alam Al Alalayali.

Egyptian film ‘One Zero’ took home the top honours by winning the Golden Khanjar in the Arabic films category; the Silver Khanjar went to the Iraqi film

Indian screen legend Amitabh Bachchan, in a quick ambush interview spoke to Al Mar’a on his first visit to Oman and Indian cinema...

‘Kick Off’; the Bronze Khanjar was won by Syrian film ‘Al Layl Al Taweel’ and the jury’s award went to Egyptian film ‘Mausuam Mchouchi’ and the special jury award to Moroccan film “Kazanigera’. The best actress award was bagged by Yasmine Al Masri for the Palestinian film ‘Al Murr Wal Rumman’ and the best actor award went to Anas Al Bazfor for the Moroccan movie ‘Kazannigara’. The audience award went to Egyptian film ‘Asafeer El Ineel’.

The 6th Muscat International Film Festival was a wonderful opportunity to witness the best of regional and world cinema right here in Muscat. And the stars present only added to the glitter and sparkle!n

20 APRIL 2010

event

It was a sweet but simple affair! We are talk-ing about the Mother’s Day Bazaar held at the Bareeq Al Shatti mall. It was also empowerment of a different kind, with women working from home getting an opportunity to display their creations. Here’s a report.

BazaarBounties!

We know we don’t need a special day to celebrate the importance of our mothers in our lives. It is

necessary that we tell them how much we love them and appreciate the significant role they play in our lives... all the time!

But once in a while, it is wonderful to in-dulge them with a few material things for thoughtful gifts do make a difference and when the occasion is Mother’s Day, there’s simply no stopping you from showering your mother with gifts, letting her know how much you love her!

To commemorate and celebrate Arab Mother’s Day, the Bareeq Al Shatti Mall organised a special Mother’s Day Bazaar on March 17 and 18, in which women showcased different products and wares specially made by them. Special tables were arrange in one section of the mall where ladies displayed different items like hand-painted shaylas, confectionery, home-made chocolates, traditional Omani

fabrics, traditional jewel-lery, cosmetics, jalabiyas, paintings, framed Omani dolls, and much more.

A huge crowd of women attended the Bazaar on both days. Many of them were delighted by the sweets, clothes, tradition-al jewellery and the wonderful bargains on offer.

The participants were also quite thrilled by the turnout and the opportunity the Bazaar provided to display their special talents.

“My friend Ahlam and I specialise in hand-painting shaylas. She designs them while I do the actual painting. We work from home and therefore this is a good platform for us to display our handiwork,” said Mahfooda who had a table displaying lovely hand-painted shaylas.

Maria Ahmed, a banker by profession had on her table, a wide assortment of sweets that included exquisite cupcake bouquets, double chocolate chip cookies, brownies and much more. “The response has been very good. Baking has been a passion with me. Combining a career with a hobby was difficult in the beginning, but now I’ve got the hang of it,” she said.

Another confirmed sweet addict (she calls herself a chocoholic) was Suha who has been

baking since childhood. Her

preparations were quite different from the usual and

there was quite a crowd at her table. “This is the third Bazaar I am participating in and I am happy with the response,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kailash Gidwaney of Bareeq Al Shatti spoke about the aim behind or-ganising the Bazaar. “The main aim behind organising this fair was to give a platform to women, who are working from home to reach more people. We are continu-ously striving to work on different ideas to expand the exhibition theme and hope to have at least one every month. You can look forward to the next bazaar and children’s carnival on April 24.”

Well, we enjoyed ourselves and are already looking forward to the one next year. If you were there, super, you know what it was all about. But if you weren’t, don’t even think of missing out on the next one.

APRIL 2010 21

Virendra Agarwal, CEO of Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co LLC, was the last man on stage

to receive his award for the day. And rightfully so! The announcement of the winner of the coveted top prize in the 6th Edition of OER CEO GOLF was kept for the very end of the prize distribution ceremony.

Before the announcement of the Champion of the Day, Hayyan Al Lawati was declared the Most Promising Golfer-To-Be, and was presented a Rolex wristwatch by Khimji’s Watches.

Contacted later, Virendra said, “I play golf only on the green. And considering this debut of OER CEO Golf on the greens here at the amazing Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club, for me this win means much. We’ve had a great day, and a wonderful evening, and I am sure all of us look forward to being together again

next year, with more people joining in.” That was pretty much the general sentiment at the end of a day that began for many as early as 6.30 am. Given the inaugural tee off by H.E. Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Rumhi, Minister for Oil & Gas, was scheduled for 8.30am, all the pros

were keen to take positions early and be ready to move on to the greens.

By 9.30 am, they were off. For them, the steadily rising sharpness of the sun’s rays, just beginning to hint at the onset of summer days in Muscat, were

event

In Full SwingThe sixth edition of the OER CEO Golf was a whole new ball game! Al Mar’a presents a report.

22 APRIL 2010

to be relished stroke after stroke. As they made their way towards the end of their respective score cards, points and positions occupied lower positions, as compared to the thrill of playing on the green; the corporate bonhomie firing each one of them to do better with

every hole over the 18-hole championship course.

Over lunch, some said their game could have been better. Others were mindless of the scores, more enthusiastic about exchanging notes of a different kind with the many corporate honchos — now the hallmark of OER CEO Golf.

Alongside, Muscat Hills had their star trainers run newcomers to golf through a golf clinic. Teeing off, putting and driving — there were lessons that took nearly 200 participants through just practice, practice and practice.

Before the evening celebrations, again, there was a spot of fun for the pros and their spouses. For the first time in Muscat, people got a taste of Water Golf.

With golf clubs stowed away for the day, it was time for people to unwind and enjoy the evening. The

entertainment and awards ceremony venue was decked colourfully with most of Oman’s best brands, all ardent supporters of OER CEO Golf in one way or another. And, as foot-thumping music filled the ears, there were breaks for the eyes to feast on too. From a wondrous

performance in martial arts traditions from Kerala in India, to whirling dancers from Dubai, Caramba (!), guests wove their way between tables to friends ‘on the other side’ and back to their own via the elaborate buffet and refreshment centres. It was time to let one’s hair down. ‘Tomorrow’ was a Friday!!

The revelries went on for a while before the curtain came down on the 6th Edition of OER CEO Golf, played for the first time on the greens at the Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club. Apart from the venue partner, a host of big brands also supported the most glamorous networking opportunity of the year.

Nawras Business Solutions were official presenters of this year’s OER CEO Golf in association with the National Bank of Oman. The event was partnered by BMW; Rolex from Khimji’s Watches were again the time keepers for the event. Other brands that proudly participated as category partners included the Times of Oman and Al Shabiba (Publicity); Hi, Al Youm Al Sabe and Faces (Media); Jet Airways (Travel); Capital Stores & Samsung from SARCO (Prizes); Al Turki Enterprises, Green Olive Enterprises & Matharoo Trading & Contracting (Venue & Décor); OUA (Beverages); Signature Magazine (Luxury); Buzzword (PR); Reach (Activation); AXA (Insurance); Infoline (Call Centre); Oman Printing & Stationery (Printing); Aggreko (Energy); Al Sawadi (Hospitality), Cybex (Fitness), AATCO, Al Marai, Tahini & Muscat Sports.n

26 APRIL 2010

Driv

ing

F r

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Cover story

The Women In Business Conference 2010 focuses on the growing emergence of women as an economic

force. Al Mar’a presents some of the key speakers

at the Conference.

Th

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APRIL 2010 27

28 APRIL 2010

It’s a quiet revolution... but it’s happening nevertheless. We are talking about the

increasing role women are playing at the workplace and their emergence as a growing economic power, changing the face of business and businesses worldwide.Consider this... Women have crossed the 50 per cent threshold and become the majority of the American workforce. Women run many of the world’s great companies, from PespsiCo in America to Areva in France. And women are starting and growing businesses everyday with a lot of success. Whether they are head honchos, ‘MOMtrepreneurs’ or fighting corporate battles in the boardrooms, they are even more passionate about what they do and what it means for them.

It is heartening that economic empowerment of women has been one of the biggest social changes of our times. Qualitative research reveals that women when given the opportunity can be influential and make real change happen. Also, countries and companies will become stronger and more competitive if they have more women operating as managers and decision-makers — whether in developed or emerging markets.

In Oman too, women are at the forefront of a silent transformation; making inroads in every field possible, inspired by equal rights and opportunities. The empowerment

of women in Oman and their crucial role in the country’s Renaissance was

highlighted by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s directive last year. As a result, a three-day symposium on women was held in Seeh Al Makarim on October 17, 2009 and an annual National Women’s Day named.

The fourth Women in Business Conference organised by Envent under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Aliya bint Thuwaini Al Said, to be held on April 25 and 26 at InterContinental Muscat will focus on the theme, ‘Changing the Face of Business — Women as an Economic Force’. A panel of high profile and inspiring women speakers, both local and international, from a range of business sectors and industry will talk about their experiences and offer insights into the diverse roles women can play in business.

The Conference will also have a special focus on the use of IT as a tool in business and the Information and Technology Association will use the Conference to platform their ‘Women and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)’ initiative. There will also be the opportunity for business ‘matchmaking’ with similar businesses overseas providing the chance of sharing information and developing international contacts with women in a similar field.

Al Mar’a is a proud partner of this prestigious event. In the run-up to the Conference, we present to you the profiles of the distinguished and renowned speakers at the Women in Business Conference 2010.

“The truth is women in the workplace don’t have to fight nearly as hard as for opportunities, or to dispel stereotypes, as they did before...” — Suze Orman

APRIL 2010 29

susAn LAnsingShe is the Director of Corporate Development at the Qatar Finance and Business Academy and has more than 17 years of experience on four different continents, in the areas of business development, public relations and executive education in the academic world as well as the private sector. Before joining QFBA, she worked as Director of Partner Development at INSEAD where her role was to engage INSEAD’s partners in a continued search for innovative, tailor-made programmes ensured by powerful designs, thought-leading content, world-class teachers and original pedagogical approaches. Susan was a former Senior Consultant at the HEC School of Management in Paris where she was responsible for management training solutions for international clients. Susan’s professional experience has taken her from working with an NGO in Africa to running a graphic design studio in New York and Boston. At QBFA, Susan is responsible for the generation of new business for the corporate programmes as well as designing and crafting solutions for the top management of GCC companies.

Winning is a habit; whether it’s in her role as an entrepreneur or a battle of wits in a quiz contest, Archana has a winning streak that is admirable. This Founder and Director of Touchstone Gems & Jewellery is well-known for her semi-precious and fashion jewellery retail brand. The brand is retailed across India with all major retail groups. Archana has an impressive resume; she was ranked in the top 15 in the MBA programme from the Indian Institute of Business Management, Ahmedabad and is part of many professional organisations in India like the FICCI Ladies Organisation (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry), Indian Industries Association, besides others. And yes, she also won the battle of minds at the 2001 Mastermind India 2001 on BBC World...

ArchAnA gAroDiA

AshLey hunterShe is the owner of HM Risk Group, a risk management and insurance brokerage firm with locations in Austin, Texas and Bahrain. The organisation specialises in insurance and the risk management needs for commercial contractors and developers as well as self-employed start up business owners. It also currently focuses on business located in the Middle East. After completing her graduate degree in Management and Marketing, Ashley joined the insurance industry. Prior to opening HM Risk Group Hunter, she worked for several insurance companies as an Independent Claims Representative including AIG, The Hartford and Lloyds of London. She is also a classically trained violinist and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theory and Composition from the Centenary College of Louisiana and an MBA in Management and Marketing from Texas A&M University. She also holds the designation of a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist.

30 APRIL 2010

Dr AsyAh AL BuALyDr Al Bualy, Advisor for Culture and Humanities, Research Council, Oman, was born in Zanzibar on March 15, 1962. She obtained her PhD in criticism with Honours from the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts, Cairo University. She worked as Assistant Professor at the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of

he AngeLikA storz-chAkArjiShe became the German Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman in 2009. HE Angelika Storz-Chakarji has 30 years of experience in the diplomatic service with positions held in the Federal Foreign Office, German embassies in Paris and Tokyo as well as the German Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. She completed her studies in law from the Universities of Freiburg and Tubingen and also studied at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Bologna Centre.

renu kApoorDirector of the Indian Institute of Jewellery, Renu Kapoor is one of the most sought-after consultants in this field and has been responsible for setting up vocational education institutes in the areas of fashion, design, media, management, jewellery, para planners for the finance sector and hair-dressing. She also recently engineered the technical collaboration of the Indian Institute of Jewellery with the University of Mumbai for the launch of a Post-Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Management. After completing her BA (Economics), Renu subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and was a practising CA for 20 years. Her areas of expertise were foreign exchange, company law affairs and appearing in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. She has 28 years of experience in project conceptualisation and development, strategy implementation and systems with special expertise in education, joint and collaborative ventures.

Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University. Since June 2006, she has been working at the Research Council as Advisor for Culture and Humanities, upon a Royal Order by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. She has prepared research papers in criticism of the novel, short stories and folk literature, published in periodical journals of the American University in Beirut, Petra University in Jordan, Mansoura University in Egypt, Magalat Al-Funoun Al-Sha’biyah in Cairo, Majalat Al-Turath Al-Sha’bi in Ras El Kheyma and Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat. One of her most famous research papers is a 350-page book titled, ‘The Pioneer — Professor Fatma bint Salem bin Seif Al Mammary (1911-2002), a Historical Documentary and Academic Study’ issued in February 2008 by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture in Muscat.

LyDiA rouxShe is the founder of Gauteng Talent Management Solutions, a respected business school in South Africa that focuses on the development of leadership skills and the empowerment of women in business. She has hosted various radio talk shows and regularly appears on South African television speaking about issues facing women in business. She was also a finalist in the Mrs. South African Business Executive of the Year Competition for Outstanding Entrepreneurship and Business Acumen as well as being nominated for the Checkers/SABC2 Woman of the Year Award in 2004. Lydia’s passion is the empowerment of women in business, and she offers courses on relevant topics. Her courses for women provide them with tools to improve their skills and confidence, and helps enhance their careers.

Cover story

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RAYMOND WEIL BOUTIQUESabco Commercial Centre

Al Qurum - 1st FloorMuscat - Oman

Tel: 24567638, 92802128

persona

The MediuMis The

Message

It is an incredible achievement for Indo-Oman friendship and for meaningful cinema as well. Oman-based film producer Akshay Kumar

Parija recently received the prestigious ‘Silver Lotus Award’ for the ‘The Best Film on Environment Issues’ and a cash award from the President of India for his film ‘The Living Ghost’. The plot of the movie is about a tribal community in India being threatened to the brink of extinction due to the selfish policy of the local government in the name of industrialisation.

This is one of the latest accolades to come Parija’s way. In an interview with Al Mar’a he talks about what the recognition means, his future plans and socially relevant themes in cinema...

How does it feel winning one recognition after another... and now the National Award for Best Feature Film on Environment?“It feels great! Each one of us has a particular path or ambition in life. I always aimed to be successful and achieved all I had to in a material sense. But that I would one day get an award from the President of India never even came as a dream to me. For this, I must express my deepest gratitude to two people; my

director Prashant Nanda who created a marvel and the significant role played by Ashok Suvarna of NPA Events who was with me from day one with his invaluable inputs. I would like to say that all the teamwork has paid off.”

Where have all the accolades left you, on an emotional level?“Twenty years ago, when I came to Oman, I was really bowled over by the simplicity, humility and honesty of its people. The importance given to the environment and the ecology in Oman was farsighted and far-reaching. Oman is a country where there is value for human beings and for environment protection too and that is what we are supposed to be leaving for the next generation. When I got the storyline for the ‘Living Ghost’ I compared it to my life in Oman. I got my shelter, accommodation and livelihood from this country. I was not deprived in any way. Through this movie, all we wanted to do is really touch the hearts of the people.”The film also has a strong social message...“The storyline basically focuses on the fact that some human beings have no defence and they are deprived of protection from the judiciary, executive and legislature and have nowhere to go! ‘The Living Ghost’ means that these people would be happy to live as ghosts — undisturbed and misunderstood. Their faith and belief is shattered and they are exploited in many ways, and these things have come into the limelight through this movie.”

So what’s next?“In the pipeline are two films on subjects that are socially relevant. The first is called ‘Riot’ and is based on the premise that humanity is far above any social, cultural or religious divide. We have requested Amitabh Bachchan to play a role in the film, if he agrees it will be good. I am also working on another idea simultaneously on the sad practice of female child sacrifice prevalent in many remote places in India.”

Are you doing anything to further the cause of women’s empowerment?“The money we have received from the National Award has been put into a social organisation called WE (Women’s Education) that furthers the cause of girls’ education in my home state of Orissa, India. I personally feel if the future of the world has to be good, it should start with the educated mother. Then everything will fall into place. We have around 300 volunteers working towards this.”

Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in life?“I learnt from a senior colleague of mine that if you believe in something, then go for it! I need to be convinced of what I am doing and then I go for it. One of my inspirations has been Amitabh Bachchan and not because I want to be a big star like him. He is someone who has gone through many ups and downs and has the courage and conviction to pull himself up from any difficult situation. I have realised that life does not just stop at a destination, but is a continuous journey.”

Oman-based film producer akshay Kumar parija’s ‘the living Ghost’ recently won the ‘silver lotus award’, one of india’s most prestigious awards. he talks to al Mar’a

about his achievement...

34 APRIL 2010

It was a happy coincidence. We’re talking about Sigrid Kaag’s, (UNICEF Regional Director-Middle East and

North Africa) official visit to Oman on International Women’s Day. Needless to say, she was impressed by the significant gains made by the country for children. She also commended Oman for its impressive progress in the areas of protection, health and education.

Both at the press conference held at In-terContinental Muscat and later during a short interview, Sigrid Kaag touched upon the rights of women and children, the changes seen in the region and the role of UNICEF in helping others advance in their lives. Here are the excerpts...

Are you happy with the progress Oman has made when it comes to issues con-cerning women and children?“I would like to take this opportunity to commend and congratulate Oman on the sustained leadership, commitment to the wellbeing and rights of women and children. The data that exists for women in these areas is very strong. There are more children in school today than ever before; there are more health centres and better access to facilities... Under-five mortality rates have decreased by more than 60 per cent between 1990 and 2008, from 31 to 12 per 1,000 live births. What is of interest to us is the partnership with the govern-ment and that Oman keeps up the rate of progress and looks forward to develop

and expand in these two key areas.”

What kind of collaboration are you look-ing at in Oman?“We will be looking at new areas that include:• Child Education: We are looking at the establishment of child-friendly schools which means the quality of education can further be improved keeping in mind what the economy needs and what young people are asking for. It is important that when you graduate you have both the relevant skills and an understanding of the labour market and be able to make your own choices.• Health: There are new emerging health issues which we would like to focus on. While UNICEF’s mission in other countries is based on child survival, Oman provides a range of child-friendly services. To be born as a child in Oman today... gives you a fairly good chance of reaching adulthood. But the issues we need to face are ‘over-nutrition’ and poor nutritional choices and the dangers of childhood obesity and diabetes.• Child protection: Violence against children happens in all countries across all layers of society. We are very blessed that in Oman, the government has always been open... here issues are not considered as sensitive and are tackled well... and this is responsible governance.”

But one of the worrying problems you have recently talked about is road ac-cidents. They are the leading cause of

proFile

UNICEF’s Regional Director Sigrid Kaag talks to Al Mar’a about women’s and children’s rights and the progress made by Oman and the Middle East in this direction and the way forward...

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APRIL 2010 35

When women make it and stay there, they become very powerful models of change.

36 APRIL 2010

morbidity and mortality among young people... What can be done here?“When it comes to road accidents, we have always been in the forefront of launching a number of campaigns on road safety. We have decided to do this as a sort of be-havioural communication... starting with schools, health centres and on television as well. We need to find new messages to make the fact hit home. The point is everyone is aware of the dangers. If we go out into the street and conduct a poll ask-ing what would happen if you don’t wear a safety belt, we are sure we would get the right answers every time. But we need to change the way we campaign, perhaps, provide bolder messages and starker images. There is also another idea to incor-porate these messages into popular soap operas with social themes. Also, we under-stand that children are most responsible when it comes to passing this message. If this becomes part of regular classroom discussions, we will see change. We can’t afford to wait though... the numbers for such a small population is too high.”

What is your take on the empowerment of women in the Middle East, especially when it comes to their involvement in the

workforce?“The Middle East is scoring globally in its entry into the labour market, and more importantly, their retention. Globally, girls are doing well in school and doing better than the boys. But to be employed and keep that employment is also vital. When women make it and stay there, they become very powerful models of change. There are fantastic businesswomen in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries and when they speak out, they create opportu-nities for other women as well.”

What is UNICEF’s role in the empower-ment of women in the region?“In the Middle East, our primary focus is through education and that means quality learning. We are making sure that girls have access to schools. We also do a sus-tained analysis of what keeps girls out of school and try to include protective meas-ures. Poverty is another factor, it’s usually the girls who are first taken out of school and boys are allowed to continue because there is a perception that if a boy is better educated, he can help support the family, while a girl would have to be married off. In the Middle East, the schools are avail-able and what should matter is quality

learning. With regards to health too, it is the same... girls are provided quality care and there are really no barriers. I feel that it all depends on the status of the mother in society and how she is treated; a better educated mother is likely to provide better care and educate her child well.”

What are the challenges you have faced in your work in the Middle East?“We face challenges all the time. I think it’s the people of these countries who face different challenges. As a result, we face them too. But we are there to only basically serve mankind, womankind and humanity. We are here in the service of women and children and we do face dif-ficulties in zones of conflict. Our mission is not always understood; we have practical problems too. Some of them are funding, some of it is capacity, geographical dis-tances, having access and having the right people... If you are focussed in your mis-sion and you believe in it, there is always a way to help overcome it. Our mission is apolitical and neutral and it’s purely to help others advance in their lives.”

It all depends on the status of the mother in society and how she is treated; a better educated mother is likely to provide better care and educate her child well.

proFile

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Aliya bint Thuwaini Al Said

To Register| Tel +968 24693133| Fax +968 24607717| Email info@enventoman.org|

www.enventoman.org

Changing The Face Of Business - 'Women As An

Economic Force'25th & 26th April 2010,

Intercontinental Hotel Muscat

Mrs. Lydia RouxFounder of Gauteng Talent Management Solutions

Renu Kapoor, FCAProject and Strategic Consultant and Director Indian Institute of Jewellery

Angelika Renate Storz-ChakarjiGerman Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman

Asli BilginWeb Strategy Lead, Middle East & Africa, Microsoft Corporation

Ms. Ashley M Hunter President of HM Risk Group

Dr.Asyah Al- BualyAdvisor for Culture and Humanities, Research Council

Archana Garodia GuptaDirector, Touchstone Gems and Jewellery (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Susan LansingCorporate Development Director

Muna Al HosniSenior Manager-Marketing Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Company

Mrs. Hanan Saab, R.Ph.Managing Director PHARMAMED

38 APRIL 2010

Bag

So what’s in your handbag? Al Mar’a peeks into

some handbags to find some stuffed with some

really incredible... well... stuff!

Your handbag says a lot about you. Did you think it did? Yes people, they do tell many a story

about its user… i.e. you. Whether you’re organised, sloppy, creative, practical, intellectual or expressive, it reveals more than you know! But a handbag, designer or otherwise, is also the most important accessory for any woman on the move. We spoke to five women who readily agreed to reveal the contents of their handbags. And here’s a very interesting story...

it’s Who i Am “At any given time I carry the following in my handbag. A handbag hook so that it never touches the floor, a mini speaker attached to my iPod, my purse, sunglasses, headache tablets, Max Factor’s Burgundy Balm Lip Gloss, Sensai The Lipstick #09 and Lasting Lip Colour Matured Pink, my business cards, my Corby Phone, chewing gum and/or lozenges, my flash disk and an application form to become a member of the Centrepoint Privilege Club. I often carry hand-cream and sunscreen lotion. Handbags are one of my favourite accessories and I have a hat-stand of a variety of bags. I feel that my handbag is an expression of who I am and it depicts my personality quite clearly.”Sarah Corbett Brand Manager

‘creAtive’ comfort “When I was asked what I carry in my handbag, the first thing I did was I weighed it and guess what? It was about 2.5kg! Shocking! I have always loved big bags hence this means more opportunity for more clutter. My bag always has at least three compartments, Just like a typical working lady, I carry many

Baggage

Feature

ALL the essentiALs“My handbag seems to have doubled in size if not tripled since I began living in Oman. As a beauty therapist by trade, my steadfast must-have includes my sun protection cream. I never leave the house without it, as I want to ensure my hands and arms are protected whilst I’m driving. I also need to reapply during the day to combat the signs of aging. I keep a protective lip balm as well as it stops me from chewing my lips… My camera is also always with me as I often get out and about in Muscat and am amazed to see something different that I want to ‘snap’. And most importantly my phone so I can keep in contact with my husband and friends and my diary just so I can remember all the things I have to do on a daily basis.”Charlotte VarleyBeauty therapist

things from a phone, car keys, cosmetics and beauty products to sweets, snacks and magazines, not to mention an iPod, a camera and a notebook. You can also find old receipts, a phone charger and medicine in my bag. Is this all necessary one might ask? But of course! I could never leave the house without it. I am not a practical and minimalist person and so my bag is full of random clutter. However, I would like to believe it’s all ‘creative’ even though my bag is so full that it may appear chaotic to the casual observer. The contents are still relatively organised; full but functional I can say. My colleagues can always depend on me to have all the essentials. Surprisingly even in the evening, where it’s trendy to carry a smaller bag, I go out with two bags, I take the smaller one with me and keep the big one in the car. Every once in a while I go into minimalist mode and try to streamline the contents of my handbag. No sooner do I do this, than I discover myself in desperate need of the liquid soap or knee-highs that I jettisoned.”Haifa Al MaskriAssistant Director of Sales & Marketing

stAnDArD issue “The moment I was asked the question I searched my handbag. I realised I always carry an extra baby bib and rattle in my bag! Besides that, I have the standard items:A pursePerfumeHand creamPhoneBasic makeup set (powder, lip gloss, lip liner, eye liner)Cleansing wipesSun glassesIf I was carrying a large handbag I will tend to fill it with more items. It is handy when it comes to shopping as I will avoid

carrying bags and fit whatever I can into my handbag.”Nashat Al RiyamiProduct Manager

the BAre necessities“Guys mostly joke about women carrying bags larger than them and also refer to it as ‘luggage’ but always end up asking for something we have in our bags. “Can you keep my wallet with you?”, “Can you keep my phone with you?”, “Do you have lotion in there?” Here are few items both genders will find useful:• A compact mirror, to make sure I’m always looking presentable.• I love onions and garlic. The combination can really ruin your breath. In these situations, breath mints become heroes.• Pen & Notepad — numbers and names two things I cannot keep in mind.• Antibacterial Hand Gel/Lotion/Tissues, with nowadays fast life, they are practical for the days• BB charger, if you got a Black Berry, you would understand!• Nail Clipper/ File, I can be really clumsy sometimes • Body spray; to feel refreshed during the day.• Sunglasses case with having all those things in the bag, protecting the sunglasses is the best.• Hand bag holder. A lady never leaves her bag on the floor• Business Card Holder as a PR person never leaves the house without them• Wallet ID card, driving licence, ATM cards….etc “Rasha Al MadaniCommunications Manager

40 APRIL 2010

Beauty plus

“To be beautiful and natural is the birthright of every woman!”A simple statement. But an extremely powerful one... that became the watchword for a legendary beauty house that celebrates 100 years of being known all over the world as a universal symbol of beauty...We are talking about Elizabeth Arden, the US$ 1.3 billion company with products sold in more than a 100 countries. And a company known throughout the world for superior product innovation, quality, luxury and the iconic Red Door. The entrepreneurial spirit and uncompromising focus on the concept of Total Beauty, established by Miss Arden a century ago, remains the soul of the company. The company takes pride in creating advanced products that include cutting-edge skincare, on-trend colour looks and the finest fragrances sold in the most dynamic venues around the globe.

And to think, it all began 100 years ago... The story itself is magical and mesmerising... of a woman who literally

Beautiful JourneyA

Iconic brand Elizabeth Arden celebrates 100 years of beautifying and changing women’s outlook towards beauty. Al Mar’a takes a walk down memory lane...

APRIL 2010 41

created the American beauty industry. It is also the story of a legendary innovator, uncompromising in her goal to create the new and the absolute best! Elizabeth Arden was a true entrepreneur; organising, managing and deftly assuming the risk of not merely a business, but rather the creation of an original industry.

Hundred years hence, it is interesting to retrace the steps to where and how it all began. We present to you, the story of Elizabeth Arden, the brand and the indefatigable spirit of the woman behind it.

the Birth of BeAutyElizabeth Arden was born Florence Nightingale Graham... In 1908 she arrived in New York City from rural Woodbridge, Canada. Having left school before she turned 18, she dabbled in several careers from nursing to accounting. Once in New York, she took a foot-in-the-door cashier position at an upscale skin-treatment parlour, where she appointed herself an eager apprentice, quickly learning every nuance of the business.

She borrowed US$ 6000 from her brother, and opened her first salon just two years later and christened it — as well as herself — ‘Elizabeth Arden’; a name that was inspired by the title of a Tennyson poem, Enoch Arden. And then, she painted the door of that first Salon, located on the fashionable Fifth Avenue, a bold red hue to ensure that it stood apart from the already crowded, street of retail shops. In that three-room beauty salon, Arden created an environment of complete luxury while offering remarkable beauty treatments. She did everything herself; and soon started an expansive line of luxurious, effective ‘Total Beauty’ products and novel marketing initiatives quickly established Elizabeth Arden as a top name in the industry.

BeAuty, totALLy!Elizabeth Arden’s fundamental belief was that beauty should not be a veneer

of make-up, but an intelligent co-operation between science and nature. Unsatisfied with the heavy and greasy creams available at the time, Arden became the first to bring a scientific approach to skincare formulations. She employed a chemist to develop a product with the light texture of whipped cream... and thus came into being a highly efficacious beauty cream with a texture of meringue and an appealing scent, the Venetian Amoretta. Since the lotions of the day were harsh, Arden went on to develop a soothing product called Elizabeth Arden Ardena Skin Tonic.

Influenced by a trip to Paris in 1914 where she saw fashionable young ladies attending the theatre and opera wearing lacquered lashes and cheeks tinted with rouge, she hit upon a new idea. Upon her return to New York, she began formulating the first rouges and tinted powders as well as mascara and eye shadow for American women. Soon, make-up moved beyond the realm of the stage and became the height of fashion.During the same time, Arden recognised an opportunity amid the desire of American women to escape the Victorian attitudes of the era that discouraged women from wearing make-up. Noticing that the suffragettes wore red lipstick as a symbol of their movement, Arden tapped into her entrepreneurial instincts and provided them with Elizabeth Arden lipstick.

But she was not just not content with creating one innovative product after the other... she began to search for new ways to promote her products as well by offering travel sizes and also became the first in the cosmetics business to

train and send out a team of travelling demonstrators and saleswomen.By 1925, her business was grossing US$ 2 million in domestic sales each year! Revenues doubled just a few years later. In 1929, she was offered US$ 15 million for the company, which she refused. In 1930, she boldly acknowledged her accomplishments by proclaiming that there are only three American names known in every corner of the globe: Singer Sewing Machines, Coco-Cola and Elizabeth Arden.

BuiLDing An empireAmong the most enduring of Elizabeth Arden’s innovations was the creation of the ‘makeover’. In the 1930s Arden introduced one of her most revolutionary ideas: colour choices in mascara, rouge, lipstick and powder. She pioneered co-ordinating nail lacquer and lipstick, was the first to match make-up to skin tone and created the Total Look — complementary eyes, lips, cheeks and nails.

In 1930, Elizabeth Arden created her legendary Eight Hour Cream. It became an instant and overwhelming success. The combination of petrolatum, beta hydroxy acid and Vitamin E made the apricot-hued balm extremely effective. Even today, the Eight Hour Cream maintains its cult status and remains the favourite of stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Victoria Beckham,

42 APRIL 2010

Cate Blanchett, Thandie Newton and Emma Thompson.

Not content with expanding her beauty line, Arden went a step further to introduce the destination spa concept. Located near Mount Vernon in the American state of Maine, the luxurious Maine Chance spa offered well-to-do clients indulgent pampering, but guidance in diet, health and fitness.

She also entered the fragrances business with the launch of Blue Grass — born in the fragrant flower fields of

Grasse, France and named for the rolling meadows of Kentucky’s Blue Grass country.

To further make her mark in colour cosmetics, Arden used what she called ‘imagination in business’ to go beyond merely matching make-up to eye and hair colour, and offered shades to complement the colour of women’s clothing. A novel concept, it created a need for a varied palette of eyeshadows, lip colours and blushes. And in doing so, she reinforced her mantra, ‘to be beautiful and natural is the birthright of every woman’.

In 1938, ‘Fortune’ magazine lauded Arden for being, “tops — absolute, unqualified, unarguable tops — in the ‘treatment’ cosmetics business,” recognising not only unique and effective spa services, but also her deft ability to expand and outpace the growing competition within the prestige beauty arena. At the height of her success, Fortune summed up her drive and dedication, stating, “She has probably earned more money than any other business woman in history...” and, “No

other woman of this generation has built a business like hers.”

She was also inducted into the US Business Hall of Fame, posthumously receiving the honour in 1977, three years after the Hall’s founding.

the shoW must go onShe was often fond of saying, “The show must go on!” After her death in 1966, her corporate successors continued taking her legacy forward with inventive, brand-building products entrenched in luxury, while continuing to push the envelope of scientific innovation in beauty.

French Fragrances, Inc (FFI), a leading manufacturer and marketer of prestige fragrances, purchased Elizabeth Arden in 2001 and assumed the company’s name, with E. Scott Beanie, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer leading the company through a modern transformation of this iconic American beauty brand. The company’s current portfolio includes Elizabeth Arden skincare, colour and fragrance products, PREVAGE anti-aging treatments, the celebrity fragrance brands of Elizabeth Taylor, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, Danielle Steel and Usher; the designer fragrance brands of Juicy Couture, Alberta Ferretti, Alfred Sung, Badgley Mischka, Bob Mackie, Gant, Geoffrey Beene, Liz Claiborne, Halston, Lucky Brand, Nanette Lapore, Rocawear; and the lifestyle fragrance brands Curve, Giorgio Beverly Hills and PS Fine Cologne.

Continuing Elizabeth’s tradition of driving innovation within the skincare arena, Elizabeth Arden introduced the first true cosmeceutical product, PREVAGE Anti-aging treatment in 2005. And the next 100 years are going to see the company take the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder to even greater heights!n

(Elizabeth Arden is represented in Oman by Perfumes & Cosmetics - Muscat Pharmacy.)

A proDuct for everyone In order to simplify its offerings to the consumer, Elizabeth Arden has aligned its products into three distinct pillars: skincare, cosmetics and fragrances. Here are a few of the core drivers leading the brand into tomorrow...eight hour cream: A combination of petrolatum, a skin-smoothing beta-hydroxy and Vitamin E.prevage: Each formula contains the cutting-edge ingredient Idebenone, one of the most powerful anti-oxidants for protecting skin from oxidative stress, a leading cause of visible ageing signs.ceramide: In 1990, Elizabeth Arden started a skincare revolution with the creation of the first single dose skincare capsules to deliver bio-engineered, skin-identical Ceramides to the skin.intervene: Formulated for the specific needs of women ages 25 to 39, Intervene was launched in 2006 and offers pre-emptive skincare with advanced technology.mineral make-up: Crafted in the 1930s the newest colour innovation of the line also includes a unique grinder compact for a mess-free, skin-smoothing and flawless complexion.5th Avenue: A sophisticated scent, it was introduced in 1996 as a homage to the most stylish street in the world. It is an evocative floral blend, featuring top notes of sparkling mandarin and bergamot, and finishing with exquisite, lingering notes of tuberose and ylang ylang.red Door: A scintillating fragrance, it is a luxurious marriage of fantasy and magic, glamour and elegance. It is the ultimate compliment to a woman’s femininity — witty and sophisticated, exciting and intriguing... a delicious bouquet of deep, rich florals and more!

Beauty plus

APRIL 2010 43

Beauty plus

The highlight of the Spring Look from Bourjois is nature celebrated by way of light, fruity colours. Pale yellows, anise greens, sparkling pinks and invigorating oranges bring the essential browns to life, creating a perfect balance between intensity and softness.

Bourjois international make-up artist for the Middle East, Sibille Buchhlozer-Juen gives us the lowdown on the new collection and a few tips as well...

What are the ‘in’ colours this season?“From light brown, golden, warm brown and yellow, the eyes take on a wonderful hue. For the lips and nails, strong coral is in... Black and smokey eyes are out... but staying on with the black mascara, other popular shades for the eyes include lime green-yellow. The lips are going in for nice ‘waking colours’.”

What are the must-have products from Bourjois?Our blusher is an iconic product since 1863 because it is baked in the oven and gives off a very light texture. You’ll find a shade for every complexion from dusty pinks, orange to bronzing colours... Another fast-selling product is the Bourjois Waterproof Eye Pencil that is long-lasting.

What colours best suit women in Oman?“First of all, one must remember that the foundation has to always match the skin. In this region, they prefer to go light. But one that is closest to your skin colour will give you the most natural make-up result. For eyes, a good blue pencil brightens brown yes... stay away from the exact shade of your eyes.

A few make-up tips we can use?“If you are using a concealer and it is thick, apply with your fingertips as it will warm it up and make it easier to blend. When you use a foundation, do not forget that it has to blend into the neck areas as well. Try looking down at a hand mirror when you apply mascara... it helps makes the lines perfect.”

Parisian chic and spring-time breeze brings a

fresh and invigorating look to the Bourjois

Spring Make-up collection for 2010

Lookin’ Feelin’ Good! Lookin’ Feelin’ Good!

APRIL 2010 43

44 APRIL 2010

Your car deserves your attention. We know that. But you deserve a lot of attention from your car too! We’re not talking about

a reversal of roles here, it’s all about attention to the last detail...

And that comes from a vehicle that’s innovative, purposeful and offers you some brilliant features that no other car in its class provides.

Ladies, and ladies... presenting the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus! A good looking, eye-catching dream machine on the road and off it! At the showroom, we took in the new model with a lot of interest. And our first impression was that it has a radically different and altogether new and confident design. On the looks front, the much-needed update has finally happened. It looks contemporary yet muscular and somewhat aggressive as well. Another macho car for the road? Not really, but definitely great looks that are defined and distinctive in every sense whether it is swept-back headlamps, lovely creases that add a nice touch to the design and the raised hood that adds a sense of character and performance to the car.

Once inside, you’ll be bowled over by how much the car has changed. It is roomy and a snug fit for the driver and passengers alike! Inside, the pleasurable details are a soothing influence on your senses, especially in the night when the

mood lighting is switched on. We found that the stress

of the day dissolve and you certainly find

new focus. So what are the features of attraction? Well, we liked the fact that the seating is pulled taut and

form-fitted. A lot of thought has been given to convenience as well... For example, the shifter is carefully placed toward the driver, with tidy storage spaces to dismiss clutter. The boot release is thoughtfully placed next to the centre dash for easy access to the driver or passenger. The controls are kept minimalistic and easy to use. All the dials are easily readable, individually recessed into the dashboard and the ease of driving is further accentuated by the soft blue calm lighting.

On the long road to Qurum, we were able to get a feel of the Microsoft Sync software, one of the most outstanding features of the car we drove. For in-car infotainment, this is the best! This means you can bring nearly any mobile phone and some digital media players into the vehicle and operate them using voice commands, the vehicle’s steering wheel or radio controls. Cool, isn’t it?

Whether you’re going to use the Ford Taurus for a daily commute or try some adventurous cruising on the highways, the 2010 Ford Taurus with its 3.5 litre V6 engine offers more than adequate performance to match your needs. While it may not be the fastest car in its class or the quickest to halt from highway speeds, it feels planted and perfectly controllable when needed.

When it comes to safety, the 2010 Ford Taurus offers all the standard features that is expected from a car of this kind. These include 4-Wheel ABS, Advance Trac with Electronic Stability Control, Airbags and Anti-Theft Securilock... for a safe and secured experience.

Our take on the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus? It is an ideal combination of class and superior driving experience... A perfect car for those seeking attention!n

top Drive

DefineD

sOMe Key features• Taurus is fitted with a six-speed selectshift automatic featuring racing-inspired shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel. selectshift offers the convenence of conventional automatic operation, or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection.

• SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad enables vehicle access by unlocking the driver’s door using a five-digit code on the new keypad system flush-mounted in the driver’s side b-pillar.

• MyKey allows parents or fleet administrators to activate a restricted driving mode. When enabled, MyKey features a persistent belt-Minder with audio Mute until safety belts are buckled, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged advancetrac stability control.

APRIL 2010 45

DistinctiveMalcolm X. Crasta test-drives the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus and comes away impressed with its striking new design and impec-cable driving dynamics...

46 APRIL 2010

Value is a concept that describes the beliefs of an individual or culture. A set of values may be placed

into the notion of a value system. Values are considered subjective and vary across people and cultures. Your values are made up of everything that has happened to you in your life and include influences from: your parents and family, your religious affiliation, your friends and peers, your education, your reading, and more.

Effective people recognise these environmental influences and identify and develop a clear, concise, and meaningful set of values/beliefs, and priorities. Once defined, values impact every aspect of your life.

Values areas are divided into four areas: World/ CommunityWorkyourselfrelationships

Value could be thought of as preference; for example; I could say that I prefer it when I experience ‘Achievement’ and ‘Creativity’ at my work. But your core values are priority preferences. For example if ‘health’ is a priority value for you, you will be more likely to try and keep fit and eat well. But if it is twelfth

on your list, you will be far less likely to do that. Therefore values are defined as Preference X Priority.

Why you should understand your value:If you don’t think of what you want out of life; you run the risk of not getting it. By having a strong sense of self and purpose we are better able to recall our most valued directions at critical moments of life.

In practical terms this means that if we know our values and keep them on top of mind, we will be more likely to act in accordance to them.

Knowing your values helps you to understand yourself so you know what is important for you and if you don’t know what is important for you then you will probably become what others want you to be. This may provide you a reward but you are paying a price for it… yourself! Therefore if there is no ‘self’ in your value decision there will be little meaning in them.

You run the risk of your life drifting away, in a direction you don’t want to go. Defining your value allows you to stop drifting and start navigating; surely life is too short to leave it innocuously.

Knowing your core value is a very

important fact; that fact can guide you to take decisions based on things you believe in and will not harm you.

Value and decision-making:So how can we benefit from this interaction between personal values and decision-making? Well firstly, if you want to know what your personal values are, you only need to think about some of the decisions you have made. What was important to you at the time? What other factors did you consider? Of all these factors, which was most important? Which was the least important?

Sometimes it’s easier for other people to point out to you what they think your values are. It may be helpful to you to ask others about your personal values and decision-making. Why? Because when you know what you’re personal values are, your decision-making becomes infinitely easier.

A person’s identity and personality is ‘held together’, you could say, by their values and beliefs. And we know your personal values and decision-making are intimately connected. Knowing how to make decisions that satisfy your personal values means that your sense of self is strengthened by every decision. As opposed to making decisions that somehow weaken or fragment who you are.

WorkWise

Value Additions

Know your values, understand them and use them to make the right decisions says Sabah Al Farsi, Instructor at the British Council’s Springboard programme.

APRIL 2010 47

Consider how this might happen in a group, where different people hold different values that are at odds with each other. Or even the same value, but expressed differently. Unless there’s a fundamental shift, any decision will mean that somebody’s values are not being met. A useful strategy here (or indeed in any teambuilding) is to get each member to identify with particular shared values. Defining shared values is a powerful method to generate cohesion in groups.

Similarly, knowing your own values means that should there ever be a conflict, you can quickly and easily reorganise your value set to allow yourself to make an effective decision.

Here are some questions to ask yourself that will produce more value-based decisions:

What is the breakdown you are addressing? What is the initial cause of your concern? Monetary issues? A weakened economy? Take time to identify what is causing the most headaches for you and your team.

What is the desired outcome? Is it simply money you want to deposit into your bank account? Or would you rather begin now to forge lasting client relationships based on trust? The perfect time to create strong bonds between you, your clients, and team, is during an economic slowdown. This gives you the time to concentrate on building solid relationships that will continue to grow once the economy shifts.

how will it serve you, the company or business? Making a quick decision will always create destruction within your company. For example, before laying off members of your team, look at other unexplored avenues of generating income, or get creative in your advertising efforts. Carefully examine the long-term effects of

any drastic decisions you make in order to simply save money. How will cost-cutting measures affect your levels of customer service? If you lose valuable people through layoffs, will you be able to hire them back at a later point?

is the decision in keeping with company’s core values and visions? When making decisions that will affect others, pay close attention to what your core values are telling you. ‘Gut instinct’ is seldom wrong. You know when you’re going against everything you and your company has stood for many years, there might be a little voice telling you, “Hang on a second. This decision doesn’t feel right.” Listen carefully and act wisely.

Will it produce long-term sustainable results for the business? What will be the impact of the decision you make today in one year, two years or five years down the road? Will today’s clients still be doing business with you in the future or will they have gone the route of the dinosaur and disappeared? Or will implementing a change in the method of how you do business bring you continued client growth well into the days of tomorrow? Every action has long term implications, so be sure to gauge the potential future outcomes before you make your decision and act upon it.

Can you stand in your integrity if you make this decision? This is the kicker. Can your heart and conscience live with the decisions your head has made? That’s what decision-making boils down to. If the decisions and actions you take affect your whole sense of well-being, something is off, and that means your integrity has been compromised. If you are unable to make a decision, implement the action, and stand by the results with quiet dignity, don’t do it. Look for another solution to your problem. n

48 APRIL 2010

As a woman who has her fingers in several pies, I understand other women. We are given to

nurturing. That is a woman’s innate nature and probably her prerogative too. She will worry about others, she can sense another’s pain, and she will not hesitate to dig into her deepest reserves, which, more often than not, is like a bottomless pit, to protect those who belong to her.

A woman is also a natural multi-tasker. She can and will take on countless responsibilities and execute each one of them satisfactorily. But the one area that she fails in is taking responsibility for her own health and safety. And that, to me, is an enigma. And, it’s not only unacceptable but it’s dangerous too.

Most men and children, over a period of time, begin to think the woman of the house is a warm, loving and caring android! And more often than not, it’s the woman who is responsible for projecting this image. Just as men have been conditioned to believe that they have to deliver at their work-place and keep their position safe, women too are conditioned to believe that they have to deliver at home without compromising their position. Hence they don’t complain or draw attention to what they may see as a weakness in themselves. Like other patterns formed in life, this too becomes a habit. We keep stretching ourselves till we reach a point when we can’t do anymore. And that is the point when we are no longer healthy.

We cannot deliver what we do not have. If we are to make others happy and healthy, we need to be healthy and happy ourselves. And happiness is a by-product of mental and physical health. If we don’t give this the importance that it deserves, the inevitable breakdown is just waiting to happen.

As a first step, it’s important that women listen to their own bodies. The body is constantly sending out signals. To listen to those signals, it is imperative that we hear our minds first. Is the mind feeling guilty about expressing tiredness or pain? If it is, then it will never be able to listen to the signals emitted by the body and will remain in a state of denial. If the mind is receptive, it can, not only interpret body signals, it can also suffuse the body with the strength that it needs to cope and in fact to heal. The mind is subtle but potent and has an

immeasurable depth. Condition and fine-tune the mind well, and it will fine-tune life itself.

If it is important for a woman to be seen as strong and competent it’s even more important for a woman to see herself as strong and competent. And it’s even more important to see herself as a human being given to discomforts, pain, fatigue and everything human! Compassion towards herself is the first step towards compassion for others. Forgiveness towards herself will make her forgive others. And without these essential values, there is no health. A woman’s self esteem and self-confidence comes only with self-acknowledgment.

We underestimate the importance of regular detoxing for good and sustained health. Life’s events leave impressions in the mind, which constantly cloud our perception and attention. The resulting stress is debilitating and affects every aspect of our lives. It is important to inculcate a consistent and goal-oriented exercise regime into our lives. It is equally important to find ways of relaxing the whole system through a gentle but powerful routine like yoga, some breathing exercises — a time-tested way of de-stressing — and deep relaxation.

Above all, it’s important for women to be in touch with themselves, to value and cherish themselves. That would be more than half the battle won for a healthy and thus happy living.n

WellBeing

Healthy, HappyLiving

Good health and healthy living is by far the greatest wealth

that we could ever want and have, says Dr Prema Seshadri.

50 APRIL 2010

exClusive

Specially,SpinoSi!

The ‘Prince of Pasta’, Vincenzo Spinosi of the famed Spinosini pasta, was in town recently… Al Mar’a joined him and a few select others

for an all-out food celebration!

The Capri Court at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa played host to a special pasta week this

February and to Vincenzo Spinosi of the traditional brand of pastas Spinosini and Guest Chef Mauro Taufer from Hotel Excelsior in Venice.

Spinosi’s special Italian flair was also evident at a special luncheon organised for the wives of the Ambassadors to the Sultanate at the Capri Court. They also held a cooking demonstration, or one could aptly call it a show… where the Master Chef Vincenzo Spinosi accompanied by Chef Taufer dished out some wonderful delicacies, radiating warmth and cheer all round with his unique conversation style that was full of culinary wisdom, wit and humour.

The guests enjoyed some fun moments in the kitchen as well, helping out with the chopping of the vegetables and with the arrangements. And not only did he wax eloquent about the special qualities of his Spinosini pasta but he regaled the guests with many an anecdote while whipping up a fine and delicious meal.

The man and his pasta… There are so many interesting things about both. Did you know Vincenzo Spinosi hails from the well-known Italian Spinosi family

APRIL 2010 51

that has been making pasta from as early as 1933! Vincenzo took the traditional family business and built it into an empire — he created the Spinosoni pasta in 2000 and it is widely regarded as its greatest achievement.

So how is Spinosini pasta different for your regular pasta? For one, the special superfine flour used for the dough comes from rigorously selected hard wheat and only whole fresh eggs are used. These eggs are still hand-broken in the company’s kitchens in the traditional manner and are enriched as the hens are fed on a diet that includes vegetable oils, natural sources of Omega 3 and vitamin E. To ensure quality and authentic Spinosi characteristics, Vincenzo maintains a small, but pure production of pasta using only 14 employees to product 70 kgs of delicate pasta per hour, making it truly unique and rare to find.

Needless to say, the guests were delighted by the entire experience. “I managed to learn the proper way to boil pasta and make some wonderful dishes… and also learnt the fine art of chopping vegetables,” said Bushra Fayyad, wife of the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

This special promotion at the Capri Court saw food lovers sampling some of the choicest Italian delicacies such as Honey and Dill Scented ‘Black Spinosini’ Pasta with Squid and Orange Confit, Roasted Lobster with Thyme and Sweet Garlic on Fried Bread and Spinosini Omega 3 with Artichokes, Spinosini Pasta tossed with Celery Pesto, Tuna and Sesame Seeds and Fettucine, ‘Vincenzo Spinosi’ with Sweet Peppers, Anchovies and Taggia Olives.... and enjoying the experience as a whole.

Al Mar’a is proud to present three signature recipes from Vincenzo Spinosi himself… Bon Appétit, people!

Mozzarella with waterMelon, Cherry toMatoes and Basil spinosiniServes: 4

500 gm watermelon 250 gm buffalo mozzarella 8 cherry tomatoes 100 gm Spinosini (pasta) Sakura (cherry blossom) for garnishingA few basil leaves2tsp extra-virgin olive oil Ground black pepper and salt to taste

Cut the watermelon into rectangular slices. Cut the buffalo mozzarella into wedges. Sauté the cherry tomatoes, seasoning with salt, pepper and olive oil. Cook Spinosini pasta in salted, boiling water. When ready, strain it and mix the Spinosini with chopped basil leaves and extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with Sakura. Place all on a plate and serve.

52 APRIL 2010

spinosi’s Cannolo with Fresh riCotta, leMon zest, dates and pineappleServes: 4

100 gm Spinosini pasta 120 gm fresh ricotta cheese 1 fresh lemon 10 dates 400 gm pineapple 25 gm custard sugar Peanut oil for frying

Cook Spinosini pasta in unsalted water. Strain and leave to cool under running water. Roll the pasta onto a stainless tube to get a round shape and deep fry in peanut oil until golden-brown to make a cannolo. Mix the ricotta, dates, sugar and lemon zest. Slice the pineapple. Fill the cannolo with the ricotta mixture and place on top of the pineapple slices. Sprinkle with some ice sugar and serve.

spinosini pasta with VegetaBles, Fresh tuna and sesaMe seedsServes: 4

300 gm Spinosini pasta 120 gm fresh tuna 10 gm sesame seeds 100 gm red and yellow capsicum 2 pieces zucchini 1 piece carrot 5 shallots1 piece celery stalk 2 egg yolks 150 gm fresh cream 4 tsp grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste

Cut the vegetables into small cubes and brown in a frying- pan with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cut the tuna into cubes and sauté in olive oil along with the sesame seeds and set aside. Cook the Spinosini pasta in salted boiling water and strain. Mix the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese and fresh cream in a bowl. Sauté the pasta with the vegetables and tuna. Pour the mixture of egg yolks, Parmesan cheese and fresh cream and serve.

ExclusivE

APRIL 2010 53

Homeremediesfor everyday troubles…• If you are suffering from hair loss, do a vigorous rubbing of the scalp with your fingers after washing the hair with cold water.You can prepare a homemade shampoo by adding 5tbsp of yoghurt, 1tbsp of lemon juice and 2tbsp of gram flour. Apply on the hair for an hour and then wash. Grind fenugreek seeds with water and apply on the hair. Leave for atleast 40 minutes before washing. Continue for a month.

• If you are suffering from insomnia you can try the following. Take two teaspoonfuls of honey and mix in warm water before going to bed. Boil one tablespoon of lettuce seeds in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one-third and use as a useful home remedy for insomnia. The time-and-tested method is drink a cup of hot milk before going to bed.

• If you have dark circles under your eyes, try the following. Place cool teabags over closed eyes. Applying crushed mint leaves for around twenty minutes is another simple treatment. Drinking cranberry juice twice a day accelerates the process of curing dark circles. Drinking a mix of tomato juice, mint leaves, lemon juice and salt can also help solve the problem.

• Suffering from the blues? Too tired after work? Get rid of the lethargy by having a hot water bath. Citrus oils can be added to steam baths to cure fatigue as naturally as possible. Lack of sleep may also result in lethargy. So taking a power nap is often

considered one of the simplest home remedies for lethargy. Massaging the body with rosemary or eucalyptus oil is a useful method of treatment for lethargy. Consuming sprouts also help reduces lethargy as they provide protein and energy to the body.

• Got acne problems? Try this for best results. Apply a mixture of olive oil, honey and sandalwood powder. Aloe vera gel can be applied on the zits to heal them and aloe vera juice can be taken internally for effective results. A combination of one teaspoon of coriander juice or mint juice and a pinch of turmeric powder can be safely applied on the affected area to heal them.

Do share your fine housekeeping and personal grooming skills with other Al Mar’a readers.Write in to Al Mar’a, At Home, United Media Services, P.O. Box: 3305, Ruwi 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman or email us at almara@umsoman.com, Subject: At Home or fax us at 24707939. Do give us your name, address and GSM number.

To get rid of dandruff, try this. Mix beetroot juice with vinegar or crushed ginger and apply daily on the scalp for one week continuously. After that, reduce the application to three times a week. Alternatively, you could also try a mixture of lemon juice and coconut oil. Aisha Ali Al KindyMuscat

w I n n I n G T I P

THE BEST TIP wILL wIn A GIFT FROM MOULInEX -

KHIMJI’S LUXURY & LIFESTYLE

AT HOME

54 APRIL 2010

It’s World Health Day this April 7, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) is all set to commemorate it with a campaign ‘1000 cities. 1000 lives’ where events will be organised worldwide between April 7 to 11.

The global goals of the campaign are: *1000 Cities: To open up public spaces to health, whether it be activities in parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorised vehicles.

* 1000 Lives: To collect 1000 stories of urban health champions who have taken action and had a significant impact on health in their cities.

In Oman, Nizwa, Sohar and Sur join the campaign... with dedicated activities on these days.

Apart from these, you can make a pledge to make a change for the better — or simply

maintain a healthy choice you’ve already made.

• I will make health a priority• I will maintain a healthy weight• I will eat healthy foods every day• I will not smoke • I will exercise regularly• I will be more informed about my own health and health issues

Health for All!

The Al Mar’a Health Special helps you reiterate the importance of good health in your lives. Here’s wishing

you a healthier, happier life!

APRIL 2010 55

LoseWeight@ WorkHow to cut out the calories and lose the pounds as part of your daily routine…

Take The sTairs

Even if you work on the tenth floor, try to walk up

and down at least once a day, if health permits.

You’ll be surprised at how much weight you can lose,

over a period of time.

HealtH Special

There is a myth surrounding working women who lead multi-tasking lives… It says that they are the

last people to pile on the pounds… Well, it is only a myth… and working women too need to take care of their calories… especially if their work is of a sedentary nature and involves being chained to the desk most of the time.

There’s a lot you can do to lose some weight and drop some calories at work. Here’s how!

LOLLaughing burns the calories… We are not suggesting that you laugh out loud during work time… but use the break to share lighter moments with your friends and col-leagues at work… It helps ease the tension and helps you lose weight too!

WaLk The TaLk Research suggests that standing burns more calories than sitting. And walking while doing different things helps even further. So ditch those emails and walk over to your colleague’s cubicle to discuss… use headphones and walk while talking on the phone… take short breaks to drink water… the possibilities to walk around the office are endless.

rOLL OuT sTressDid you know stress can actually pack on the pounds… Many people store a large

amount of stress in the neck. A simple way to release stress is to roll your neck which is said to release fat storage in the tummy.

Green yOur drinkKeep sipping your green tea throughout your working day… It contains anti-oxi-dants… has diuretic properties and helps in weight loss.

Pack a LunchInstead of heading out to lunch or grabbing a burger or sandwich, pack a sensible lunch that includes healthy choices like salads and greens.

WOrkOuT aT The deskThere are some simple stretching exercises that you can do at your desk. One is to work your legs by bending your knees over your toes. Straighten the leg by pushing through the feet. Keep repeating atleast eight times.

Find a dieT buddyFind a colleague to keep a diet for you. Work on a diet plan that both of you could follow. If time permits, join a gym togeth-er… You’ll be surprised at how you can encourage each other!

snack OnInstead of bingeing on a heavy lunch spread out with little meals throughout the day. Healthy options include nuts, sprouts and small salads.

be disciPLined Whatever you do, you must ensure that you do it in a focused and disciplined way. Whether diet or exercise, do things the way they must be done.

You can try and lose weight anywhere - at work, at home… You just need to know how! And have the will to do it.n

APRIL 2010 55

HealtH Special

56 APRIL 2010

Face OFF Take a relaxing facial or a massage. Facials can range from a simple skin clean-up to more medicated peels and polishes. These make worries go away and help you get some me-time. Additionally, you get yourself a glowing face, healthier skin and a nimble body. Massages are also said to help circulation, ease aches and pains. With aesthetic clinics and spas all over the place, it’s an easy way to chill.

dO sOmeThinG neWStretch out with yoga, sing along to music, learn to paint, plant a garden, try your

hand at pottery... Do what does not make you fret much about the results. You will feel lighter, better and it adds to a sense of joy and well-being.

sLeePWhether it’s a dreamless slumber or one full of dreams, sleep rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Ideally, a person must sleep between six to eight hours a day. It also helps keep off the dark circles around

Chill-Ax!Dr Sahana of Kaya’s Skin Clinic suggests ten different ways on how you can chill out and relax

APRIL 2010 57

Chill-Ax! the eyes. Avoiding too many late nights and following the biological clock of the body is important. Sleep also restores the body’s internal rhythm so that you can wake up to the next day’s activities with

vigour.

eaT WiseLy

Gorge on fresh fruits, try

organic foods or make new salads. Enjoy

good taste with not much toil. Fruits contain a whole list of micro nutrients which safe guard our health. Berries are known to have the highest anti-oxidant content among all the fruits and are recommended in all balanced diets. Seasonal, locally grown produce are rich in taste, economical and they are a sure-fire way of leading a healthier lifestyle.

be a sPOrTOne need not pump irons and get sweaty to be a sport! You can tone down on adventure sports and go for a simple walk on the roadside or a stroll on the beach and feel the breeze. A few stretches, jiving to a song, fusion dances which combine exercises and dance all are light activities which boost our energy levels. At least half an hour of exercises must be included in your daily activity list.

brainsTOrmSolving puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, etc., ups our mental agility. It’s also

a good group-activity, keeping many involved. Catching up on books that you always wanted to read or a movie you’ve missed makes for quality-time. And it’s a different kind of relaxation.

GeT a PeTPets come in all shapes sizes and species, so you have a wide choice there. The psychological benefits of having a pet are well known, they are supposed to offer a sense of stability to the mind. Pets are something you can cosy up to and

they help banish feelings of loneliness. A family pet also helps in bonding, especially where kids are concerned. Nurturing a pet is an activity that gives you simple satisfaction and pleasure.

be mOre sPiriTuaLDelve deeper into yourself, meditate, deep breathe, and suspend yourself in that world. You will emerge cooler and calmer. In today’s corporate world, holistic healing has a definite place, so take advantage of it. Even listening to soothing instrumental music can help one get more peaceful.

TraveLMake a quick getaway whenever possible. Go along with close friends and family. You don’t have to fly across oceans for that perfect holiday. Oman has beautiful places of interest, which can be reached in a few hours. Short trips are less tiring, require less planning and are more spontaneous.

use a sunscreenAnd finally, please use a good sunscreen wherever you go. It’s protective, anti-ageing and helps keep wrinkles at bay. Applied 15 to 20 minutes before stepping out, it forms a film on the skin. Make it mandatory if you plan to sunbathe.

You don’t need too much; it’s the simple ways and easy things that ensure you have a chilled-out, relaxed time. So relax, unwind and enjoy life like it is meant to be.

58 APRIL 2010

Medicine has evolved dramatically over the past twenty years and encompasses major

technological advances as well as the emergence of new diseases such as AIDS. The challenge for your doctor during a consultation is to piece together many fragments of information and develop a mental image on which to base a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. In order to do that he needs as much information as possible. You should therefore tell him:

if you have ongoing medical problems – In determining the cause of the symptoms

hardTruths

Always tell your doctor the truth... It helps him towards an accurate diagnosis and

develop a treatment plan.... Dr. David W. Saxton, Medical

Director of Muscat Private Hospital outlines 10 important things you should never keep

from your doctor...

HealtH Special

58 APRIL 2010

APRIL 2010 59

you have, your doctor will need to know of pre-existing medical conditions that may be partly responsible. In addition, his choice or dosage of drugs for treatment will be influenced if you have for example a liver or kidney complaint.

if you have a family history of illnesses – Some diseases or illnesses are inherited and this will help your doctor to make a diagnosis.

if you have had any surgical procedure in the past – Sometimes surgery can lead to ongoing residual problems even when the desired outcome has been achieved. If you have had complications related to the surgery or the associated anaesthetic, you doctor also needs to know. Such information will determine whether or not surgery is a treatment option for your current problem. The benefits and side-effects of such interventions need to be carefully weighed up before a decision can be made.

if you already take regular medications – Your doctor will need to know this if he is considering using a new drug to treat your condition. Medications are very complex and some have the potential for interaction with other drugs. They can interfere with the desired effects of the drug or even lead to unwanted and dangerous side-effects.

if you are taking herbal remedies – It is assumed that because they are natural in origin they are harmless. In many cases there has been little research into the effects of such substances, in comparison to the strict regulations in the development of conventional medicines. Some natural remedies have significant side effects and can potentially interfere with conventional medicines. This is important if your doctor wants to prescribe medications for you, and he may ask that you stop the herbal treatment, at least temporarily.

if you have a past history of allergy or adverse reactions – This can be related to medicines or your environment (for example, pets, pollens, industrial chemicals) and in itself can be responsible for or aggravate your current problem. Your doctor will also avoid prescribing for you drugs or substances that have led to allergic reactions in the past. This is particularly important if you have had a bad reaction to a transfusion of blood or blood products.

if you are a smoker – Your doctor may attribute chest symptoms to your smoking habit and then be able to advise you. Smoking is certainly implicated in heart disease and cancer. Smoking is also harmful in pregnancy and may lead to restricted growth of the foetus.

if you drink alcohol – For most healthy people a small intake of alcohol can be tolerated without adverse effects. In the long term or in excess alcohol can affect the function of your major organs particularly the liver

and brain. It can also interact with the therapeutic effects of some drugs.

if you think you might be pregnant – A doctor may want to arrange for X-ray tests to aid in diagnosis. X-rays are known to be potentially harmful to the developing foetus, particularly in early pregnancy. Similarly, some medicines have a potential for harm during pregnancy and your doctor may wish to choose an alternative.

And finally…

if you have any concerns or uncertainty in accepting the advice given – The doctor will ensure that you fully understand the condition you have and the intent of the treatment options available. In this way informed consent can be obtained from you. It is vitally important that you have confidence and trust in him so that you will be comfortable complying with his instructions, and thereby receive effective treatment.

HealtH Special

60 APRIL 2010

We’ve heard H2O is the healthiest drink on the block and since time immemorial our doctors

have been trying to get us to guzzle the drink by the gallons. Move over apples, it seems like six-eight glasses of water a day, definitely keeps the doctor away. And if the doctor is ‘Doctor Cullen’... but I digress.

We know, in the vague recesses of our minds, that water’s good for us. But what exactly is so good about it? It’s not a fizzy cola and it certainly looks... boring... but beneath the cool, calm exterior, water IS Mother Nature’s ultimate gift to us. This month we bring you ten reasons to stay hydrated.

1. FOr heaLThy skin Nothing motivates like the promise of beauty. Ask any women and she’ll tell you that! But ladies, you don’t have to invest in any more ‘I know these will pay off but ouch that was expensive’ facials. Drinking six-eight glasses a day and keeping at it gives you a naturally healthy glowy, dewy look. J-LO skin isn’t unachievable after all!

2. FOr WeiGhT LOssNot only does water replace all those fizzy drinks we’re all so fond off, but drinking a glass or two before or during meals also helps you eat less portions of a meal. Often what we mistake for hunger pangs are just thirst pangs. Try a glass of water before going on a binge fest. It’s likely that you’ll decide to save that piece of cake for another day.

3. TO exercise LOnGerKeeping yourself hydrated means you don’t have to stop in the middle of exercising to drink water. Chances are you can run/swim/stretch longer and harder before you need to stop and have a drink. It also makes it easier to lift weights. And who doesn’t need a toned body?

4. TO cLeanse OuT TOxins It’s scientifically proven that water is used by the body to get rid of toxins. It’s a great natural detoxifier. In addition to that, keeping yourselves hydrated also helps get rid of digestive problems such as constipation. Often constipation and other simple stomach troubles can be cured by drinking lots of water.

5. TO beaT cancerResearch shows that drinking the recommended six-eight glasses a day can

reduce the risk of you being diagnosed with colon cancer by about 45 per cent. Guzzling gallons can also reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 50 per cent. So get drinking ladies (and gents)!

Water World!

Mahreen Sohail gives you ten reasons to guzzle by the gallon and stay hydrated...

6. FOr a heaLThy hearT Drinking water can also lower your risk of having a heart attack. A six year study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2002 found that people who drink more than 5 glasses of water a day were 50 per cent less likely to die of a heart attack than those who drank less than two glasses a day.

7. TO save ThaT mOOLahWater is cheaper than all the drinks out there in the market. Save some serious cash by only buying water when you go out and need a drink. This way you kill two birds with one stone — you save money AND drink more water!

8. Where’s The TOiLeT? Seems like a silly reason but believe you me, IT IS a reason. Drinking lots of water everyday will mean you will have to also let it out. And this means you figure out where the toilet is located everywhere you go... and fast. Not convinced it’s a good reason? Well then, you’ll find out soon enough when you’re in a rush to go and keep having to ask perfect strangers for directions. Just trust me on this one.

9. FLuid reTenTiOn Drinking more water helps reduce fluid retention. Most women retain fluid, especially during the time they menstruate. Drinking more water generally reduces that bloated feeling you get during and right before your periods.

10. enerGise yOurseLFDrinking more water also translates into lots more energy during the day. If you’re even a little thirsty it means you’re dehydrated and that can mean muscle fatigue, headaches, dizziness and all sorts of ills! Stave off fatigue by drinking water throughout the day.

So there you have it folks; ten convincing reasons to drink more water. Go out, buy a water bottle and keep it with you. Keep guzzling during the day and watch this natural hydrant work its magic. You’ll notice a difference in your energy levels and your look within a week- I guarantee it.

And remember drink more, live more.n

62 APRIL 2010

If you want to make the most of your day, you must start

with a healthy breakfast. Jishy Seby, Diet Consultant at the KIMS Oman Hospital gives you 10 interesting ideas for your first meal of the day...

HealtH Special

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is the meal which breaks the fast since the previous

day’s last meal. If you have a healthy breakfast, it will help you concentrate better, be more productive, enhance your problem-solving skills and keep you alert, creative and physically active. It will also help in lowering your cholesterol and controlling your weight.If you skip your breakfast, you are likely to feel tired because your brain and body will run short of energy.Remember this. A healthy breakfast should include whole grains (whole grain rolls, hot or cold whole grain cereals, low fat bran muffins, etc), low fat protein (hard boiled eggs, lean slices of meat, poultry or fish, peanut butter, almonds, walnuts, etc.), low fat dairy (skim milk, low fat yoghurt and low fat cheeses) and fruits and vegetables or 100 per cent fruit juice without added sugar. This combination

will provide complex carbohydrates, fibre, and protein, a small amount of fat and vitamins and minerals… Apart from the health benefits, it will give you enough energy to keep you energised throughout the day.

Here are 10 healthy breakfast options to kick-start your day with:

a cereaL, nuT and FruiT cOmbinaTiOn: A bowl of whole grain cereal with low fat milk and chopped fruits like apples, berries or bananas gives the breakfast bowl a fresh feeling. Top with crushed almonds or walnuts for a protein boost!

WhOLe Grain bread and juice: You could have two slices of whole grain

Poweryour Day!

APRIL 2010 63

bread toast with low fat peanut butter and a slice of low fat cheese. Complete the breakfast with a glass of fresh orange and carrot juice.

OaTs: Make porridge with oats and milk. It makes a quick and healthy breakfast option. Bring in the goodness of fruits by adding chopped berries and nuts of your

choice.

yOGhurT: Add your favourite fruits to a bowl of low fat fresh yoghurt. Have a toast with peanut butter. This option will keep your appetite under control.

baked beans and TOasT: These are high in protein and low in glycaemic load. It is the best way to start the day. Have baked beans on whole grain toast. Complete the breakfast with

a glass of banana milkshake. It provides extra potassium which keeps you alert the whole day.

scrambLed eGG and WheaT rOLLs: Scramble an egg with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped bell peppers, onion, broccoli or any other vegetable of your choice. They provide the right anti-oxidants to kick-start your day. Have it with wheat rolls. You could have a cup of tea or coffee with low-fat milk.

a WhOLe WheaT sandWich: A whole wheat sandwich with lean meat or fish and low fat cheese is another good breakfast idea. A glass of fresh fruit juice adds to the nutritional value of the meal.

bran muFFins, eGG and miLk shake: A low fat bran muffin with a hard-boiled egg and a glass of strawberry milk shake will replenish your body’s energy.

GriLLed WhOLe TOmaTOes WiTh OranGe juice: Grill whole tomatoes and fill with sweet corn and top with grated low fat cheese. Have it with toast and a glass of fresh orange juice.

smOOThies: A smoothie blended with your favourite

fruits, some low fat fresh yoghurt and a spoonful of wheat germ is the easiest and healthiest way to start a busy day. Also it will load you with nutrients.

So eat up, as long as you eat right! n

64 APRIL 2010

HealtH Special

Skin DeepSkin Deep

What are the common problems

affecting your skin? Dr. Rahul Patil, Resident

Dermatologist at Al Hayat Polyclinic

addresses 10 common questions and concerns about

skincare…

The sun and my skin... are they really such enemies? A: The sun is potentially your skin’s worst enemy. In fact, skin cancer, largely caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays, is the most prevalent form of cancer in the world. And it’s on the rise — recent studies suggest that depletion of the earth’s

ozone layer makes shielding the skin more important than ever.

What is sensitive skin, and do I have it? A: No other skin condition is more misunderstood than sensitive skin. In fact, almost 90 per cent of the population report having sensitive skin at one time or another. To

understand whether you have sensitive skin, you first have to understand what causes it.

Sensitive skin is a genetically-inherited condition that predominantly affects very fair-skinned individuals, usually of Northern European ancestry. Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing, has a very fair complexion and may experience hay

APRIL 2010 65

fever, allergies or asthma.What most people suffer from is actually

sensitised skin. Rather than a result of genetics, sensitised skin is a reflection of your environment, lifestyle and physiology. Pollution, stress, fragrances, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic allergies, a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all trigger the sensitised skin condition.

The good news is that sensitised skin can be treated. The bad news is that, left untreated, the skin’s response can actually result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging.

What is premature aging and how do I avoid it? A: The natural aging process is dictated by our genetics, resulting in the complex hormonal and physical transformations that take place over your lifetime. Premature aging refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural aging process, primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle. While the natural aging process cannot be slowed, most people who exhibit signs of aging are actually suffering from premature aging. Sound far-fetched? Consider this: not only are over 99 per cent of wrinkles caused by sun exposure, but premature aging can add up to twenty years to your appearance.• Taking care of your skin early on can help your skin stay healthy well into your golden years. It’s an investment that only takes minutes a day.• Avoiding unprotected sun exposure is the most important measure you can take to protect your skin. General lifestyle factors are also important — a diet too rich in highly-processed foods and lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods, can have a significant impact on the health of the skin.

Do topical vitamins work? A: As far as your body is concerned, your skin is the last in line when it comes to getting its share of nutrients. Over time, fewer of your ingested vitamins ever make it to the skin because they are diverted to the internal organs, leaving the skin starved. Applying potent vitamin complexes topically can make up for this lack of nourishment, helping to

address the signs of premature aging at the cellular level and neutralise dangerous free radical activity. I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult? A: Usually, acne begins at puberty and is gone by your early twenties; however, in some cases, acne may persist or even begin in adulthood. For many women who are in their mid-20s or older, acne is associated with the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, as women age, they may experience hormone fluctuations which trigger outbreaks of acne. Some common causes of hormone fluctuations are ovarian cysts and pregnancy. In addition, women may develop acne when they discontinue birth control pills as such medication can keep acne at bay. The use of certain cosmetics is also associated with adult acne. When selecting cosmetics, be sure to look for products that are labelled ‘non-comedogenic’ — which means that the product will not clog pores.

Is it harmful to squeeze my pimples?A: Yes. In general, you should not pick or squeeze pimples. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing your pimples is harmful because it forces infectious material deeper into the skin, leading to additional inflammation as well as increasing the risk for infection and permanent scarring.

I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get pimples?A: Many people are under the impression that pimples, also known as acne, are caused by dirt on the skin. However, acne is actually caused by a variety of biological factors which can’t be corrected simply by washing your face. Because the causes of acne are numerous and vary from one individual to the next, it is important that you consult with your Dermatologist. A Dermatologist can evaluate your circumstances and prescribe a customised regime to treat acne. While your cleansing routine alone won’t cure acne, it is still important to wash your face regularly. Doing so will help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. For most people, washing the face twice daily with a mild cleanser and water will suffice. Many people use lots of harsh products like alcohol-based cleansers

or scrub vigorously, both of which will further irritate the skin and worsen existing acne. When consulting with your Dermatologist about acne problems, be sure to discuss your daily skin care regime and the products you use.

I have a dull complexion. What treatments will improve the appearance of my face?A: There are several treatment options, including, light chemical peels, microdermabrasion, trichloroacetic acid peels — all of these will help to brighten and smoothen your skin. I regularly perform these procedures for patients complaining of dull skin. Also, certain skin lightening products can be used at home to help maintain the effects of the treatments.

What is skin polishing & brightening? A: Microdermabrasion is one method for polishing and brightening the skin. It involves a controlled flow of crystals onto the skin that painlessly but thoroughly exfoliate the upper-most superficial layers of the skin. This exfoliation treatment is effective for removing dead skin cells, which cause the skin to look dull. After using microdermabrasion, patients should see improved skin texture, softness, and brightness. Microdermabrasion has added benefits in that it stimulates cell and collagen production and reduces the appearance of large pores. Microdermabrasion is an effective remedy for a variety of defects on the surface of the skin. The result will be fresher, clearer and younger looking skin.

Why do some people break out in their thirties and forties? A: Stress and hormonal changes are the primary cause of the re-emergence of acne well after puberty. Recent studies indicate that 40 to 50 per cent of adults between the ages of 20 and 40 are diagnosed with persistent, low-grade acne. Along with several lifestyle changes, including reducing stress and improving diet, there are several products designed to address these problems. Your Dermatologist can provide you with information about possible treatment regimens.n

66 APRIL 2010

So many of us complain at some point in time about ‘acne’, but what most of us are experiencing is simply an

annoying pimple or two! For real acne can be a debilitating problem that can leave a sufferer emotionally and physically scarred.

Acne is essentially a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. What this means is that the human body, through evolution, is covered with millions and millions of hairs. These hairs come out of a follicle. Over time, these hairs have become miniaturised. Some are so small you can’t see them, but you certainly can see the follicles in the skin where the hairs protrude. These are commonly referred to as pores. At the bottom of the pore, there is an oil gland called a sebaceous gland. The pore itself is like a tube, and the hair comes out of it. Sebaceous glands are found in high concentrations on the face, chest, shoulders, and the back. And these are the most common areas where acne can occur.

Over time, the cells that line the follicular tubes where the hairs come out don’t behave properly. This usually occurs under hormonal influences. Hormonal changes occur during adolescence, and that’s the reason why acne tends to occur at the beginning of adolescence. The skin cells in the pores will stick together and form clumps. These are often known as comedones, or white heads. Sometimes

the material in the clump will oxidise and become dark. These are known as blackheads. When the oil tries to escape from the follicle but can’t because there is a plug in the way, it will build up and form a nodule. Bacteria that live in the skin migrate into the area and use the sebum as a food source. By-products of this bacterial presence will often cause inflammation.

This is why acne is really a wide variety of disease states, from small bumps to nodules to red inflammatory nodules and pustules. As you can see, acne is a very sophisticated disease and different components of the pathway are present to different degrees in different people. That’s why there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all approach to the treatment of acne.

Many of the treatments used to treat acne are designed specifically to address different stages in this pathway causing the skin cells to mature properly, addressing the bacterial component with antibiotics. Addressing the anti-inflammatory component, and addressing the production of oil in the skin.

I tend to be very aggressive in my acne treatments. My philosophy is, if you are going to spend the time, effort energy, and money to treat a condition, let’s use the best possible tools to get the best results. I tend to have the best results when I design an overall programme that

encompasses many smaller treatments that will work together in a synergistic manner. I use a combination of these treatments that normalise the way the skin matures under the influence of hormones. I also use treatments that will break up any of the newly forming plugs and comedones, attack the bacterial presence in the area, address the inflammation, and sometimes treatments that will calm down the oil production in the patient’s skin.

I look at patient distress, how long they have had the acne, what effective treatments they have tried in the past, whether they are starting to form acne scars and whether they have a family history of acne. I also evaluate the type of acne that they have, be it comedonal, popular, inflammatory/pustular, or nodulocystic. This will assist me in selecting the right combination of therapies to treat them.

Everyone’s skin chemistry is different, it’s important that a board-certified Dermatologist manages the treatment of complicated acne. Patients’ responses need to be monitored carefully and medicines need to be adjusted accordingly. Because medications can have side-effects, it is important to balance the positive and negative to make sure that the benefits of acne therapy and the results outweigh the risks of treatment.

HealtH Special

aboutAcne

All

APRIL 2010 67

What can be done about acne scarring?I am often confronted with distressed patients who ask for help with their acne scarring. Unfortunately when I look at their face, in addition to seeing acne scarring, I will often find active inflammatory acne. I explain that my approach is to first clear up any acne, otherwise, we will only end up chasing our own tail. If we treat the scars and the patient develops new ones at the same time because their acne is not addressed, our efforts will have minimal results. Clearing the acne is thus step one. After that, there are various very effective procedures available for treating the scarring.

Affirm Laser is one of the many solutions offered at Emirates Medical Center. As the laser energy is directed through the outer layer of your skin into the inner layer of your skin, energy, or heat, from the laser stimulates your natural collagen, which gives the skin its natural texture and fullness. The activated collagen responds by renewing itself and gradually plumps up your skin to fill out shallow or superficial scars or fine lines.

So don’t worry, there is a solution to every problem. If you have acne that could cause scars, or have scars caused by acne, you don’t have to bear it and hope it goes away, simply get yourself the right treatment.n

Acne is not just a pimple or two… it is

a much more serious problem than that,

explains Dr. Fatma O. Ali, CEO,

Emirates Medical Centre.

68 APRIL 2010

HEALTH PLUS

I have been suffering from irregular periods since the age of 13. However, my doctor has advised me to induce periods with Myrcogynon. When I

stopped, I did not get my periods for six months. Then, I took Duphaston for three months. I have not got my periods for the last three months. I want to get pregnant. Please help.

Have an ultrasound done to determine whether you have PCO (polycystic ovaries ) . Also have your thyroid hormone (TSH)

checked. An abnormality in this can also cause irregular periods. On day 3 of your period, do a serum FSH and LH . This would also determine what sort of treatment you would require to get pregnant. Let me know the results, so I can advice you further.

I have had two miscarriages. After the second one, I got some blood tests done. The results for antibodies showed that my anti-cardiolipin IGM was 3.8 MPL/ml and it should not

exceed 3. My doctor has advised me to take Ascard (75 mg) as soon as I conceive next time along with foilc acid. I want to know is it safe to take Ascard during pregnancy as it is aspirin which should not be taken during this time.

Ascard is a low dose aspirin and has found to give good results in preventing a miscarriage. Several

studies have been done and it has been found to be safe in pregnancy when taken as one tablet a day of the 75 mg tablet.

I was pregnant in 2009 and had a still birth at 40 weeks. During the early stage, I was given progesterone injections. Now I am five weeks pregnant and

the doctor have placed me on Primulot Depot injection. I read on the net that the injection has side effects especially on female babies. Could it have contributed the death of my first baby as it was female baby? What are the risks involved in taking this injection as I do not want anything to happen to my second baby.

Sorry to hear about your stillbirth. I do not think the stillbirth was related to your progesterone injections. Did

you have high blood pressure or diabetes during that time? Was the growth of the fetus normal? Regarding this pregnancy, if you are afraid of the Primolut depot, ask your doctor if you can take HCG injections- 5000 units twice a week instead of the Primolut. HCG is the pregnancy hormone, so absolutely safe and is found to be helpful in preventing a miscarriage. Why had you been given the injections in

the first pregnancy anyway? Did you have bleeding or any previous miscarriage? If you have any more queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please ensure that your blood sugar is normal throughout the pregnancy. All the best!

I would like to know what effect do Modus 10 tablets have if used once pregnant.If used during early pregnancy,

it can cause masculinisation of the female fetus in some cases. It may

cause Hypospadias in the male offspring.

I am 34 years old and have been having a brown discharge for 15 days. The doctor has suggested Duphaston, Glucophage, Juspirin and Cyclogest. Would you please tell me

whether these medicines are safe for my baby?

All these are safe in pregnancy. However, both Duphaston and Cyclogest are progestational agents, so you would usually

require one of them.

Find more questions and answers Fielded by dr. smita lulla at www.omanaccess.com

YOUR HEALTHave all your gynaecological queries answered by Dr. Smita Lulla — MBBS, M.D, D.G.O. (Gold Medallist), Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Qurum Clinic, Muscat. The veteran doctor has had advanced training in the UK in Obstetric & Gynaecological Ultra-sonography & Infertility.

APRIL 2010 69

REVIEWS

The Bridge By Melanie Fiona [CD]This debut album by Melanie Fiona features sultry vocals and soulful instrumentation at its best. You will instantly fall in love with ‘Give It To Me Right’, the first single. Tambourine clings and hollow drums follow in ‘Bang Bang’. ‘Teach Him’ is a lesson on healthy relationships while ‘It Kills Me’ reveals the singer’s vulnerable side! The 13-song first effort is a masterpiece!

i look To you By WhiTney housTon [CD]Nine years between two albums is what we call a really long gap! ‘I Look to You’ attempts to wash this all away with a ‘return to roots’ album! You will really like the sweet, ‘Worth It’ or the spirited ‘A Song For You’. Other delights in the album include ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ and the ‘Nothin’ But Love’. What a comeback!

Books, movies more…

FirsT FaMily By david Baldacci [Book]There’s nothing like a thriller to pep up a lazy weekend afternoon and a David Baldacci book is the best way to liven up your spirits. His latest, ‘First Family’ is an absolute page-turner! Baldacci’s favourite detectives, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell return in another ‘King & Maxwell’ thriller. The story begins at a children’s birthday party, not ordinary though, held at Camp David, the US Presidential retreat. The party ends with a daring kidnap of the First Lady’s niece. The FBI don’t want the detective duo to interfere, but the First Lady wants them to... and so they join a desperate search to rescue the kidnapped child with Michelle battling demons of her own in the process... Who

is friend and who is foe? What happens in the end when the detectives are pushed to the limit? This page-turner is an absolute delight... and makes for unputdownable reading! Available at Turtle’s for Rial 4.500

Takers sTarring Joe saldana and hayden chrisTiansen [Movie]A notorious group of criminals continue to baffle the police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low in between heists. But when they attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, their plans go haywire… Why? Watch the movie for some thrilling action.

Walled in sTarring Mischa BarTon and caMeron BrighT [Movie]An engineering graduate goes to a remote location to supervise the demolition of a mysterious building. She soon discovers there is something horrifying about the building and its past inhabitants. Is there a killer lurking somewhere... Will she become his latest victim! A movie guaranteed to send many shivers down your spine. Don’t miss it!

WWW.epicurious.coM [WeBsite] It’s everything to do with cooking... menus, articles on cooking and food guides! Your ultimate resource to a variety of cuisines with a vast range of recipes, primers on baking bread and making pies. And what’s best, an iPhone application to create shopping lists from recipes! What more could you ask for!

70 APRIL 2010

CUISInE

ood forthe Soul

Italian cuisine is not just pizzas and pastas. It is food for

thought, food for comfort and food absolutely divine! Rekha

Baala speaks to Serena Gentili Capitani, wife of H.E. Cesare

Capitani, Ambassador of Italy to Oman to learn more...

APRIL 2010 71

One of my absolute all-time favourite books is ‘Eat, Pray, Love – One Woman’s Search

for Everything’. Apart from being a delightful read, it is also food for the soul. In the book, the author, Elizabeth Gilbert devotes an entire section to the ‘Art of Pleasure’ where she discovers the beauty of learning Italian and finding comfort in Italian cuisine. She writes, “I came to Italy pinched and thin, but soon filled out in waist and soul.”

That’s what Italian food does to you... It not only tickles your taste-buds but touches your heart and soul as well. With its delicious pastas, scrumptious pizzas and melt-in-the-mouth tiramisus, gourmands even liken it to ambrosia. One can sing paeans about Italian food and never tire of it.

This month, we take a gastronomical journey to Italy to introduce you to the wonders of its cuisine, through the kitchen and the expertise of Serena Gentili Capitani, wife of H.E. Cesare Capitani, the Ambassador of Italy to Oman.

Serena gave us a warm welcome and was happy talking to us about the wonders of Italian food and her love of for cooking. Serena hails from Rome and was married soon after finishing her studies in Natural Science and Biology. She thereafter, worked for two years teaching before she began travelling all over the world with her husband.

“I am very happy with the life I lead,” says Serena at the outset and it is evident that she is comfortable in her role as an Ambassador’s wife. “I began following my husband since 1971 and since then have been travelling all over the world with him on his diplomatic assignments.”

The Capitanis have been on postings in eight countries across Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East. And in every country, Serena is proud to ‘have had interesting experiences in all spheres of life whether it is culture, philosophy of life or food’.

“We started off in Thailand which was a very exciting assignment and then moved on to the fascinating city of London where I did a course in Art at Christie’s for a year. After that, it was Afghanistan which was a great opportunity in the sense that we were the centre of the attention of the world at that time. Also in Afghanistan, I could teach at the UN school. We then went back to Italy and I stayed there till my son finished part of his studies. At Buenos Aires, it was a wonderful experience to be in contact with families of Italians who had emigrated there a century before. In Nice, France, life was comfortable and easy and because of its close proximity to Rome, travelling home was easy. Burma/Myanmar was all about enjoying the philosophy of life, I was touched by the people’s kindness and the fact that they were always able to find their serenity and pass it on to other people around them. After Burma/Myanmar, we went to London again and finally came to beautiful Oman in 2007.”

Serena is equally enthusiastic about her current posting. “In Oman, you immediately get a sense of security, you feel safe and the life here is so wonderful. You can also be one with nature which is not easy to experience in other countries. We have gone on many camping trips and I must say that you cannot live in Oman and not see the Rub’ Al Khali (The Empty Quarter).”

Totally engrossed in our discussion, we

only realised after a while, that we needed to talk about food too!

Serena admits that she began cooking only after she got married and her travels to so many places honed her skills and interest in every way. “I love to cook because I have this good disposition about cooking. It is also very important in the life of a diplomat considering that there is so much entertaining to do.” she says.

We ask her about the most important things needed for a perfect Italian meal. Her answer is simple. “You need to have only the best and original Italian pasta, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and the finest Italian coffee.”

She goes on to tell us more about Italians and their food habits. “When we want to celebrate something, we do lasagna. It is a bit complicated but when there is time on hand, it is a refreshing experience. Also Italians use a lot of tomatoes, fresh vegetables and meat as part of their meal.”

“For people on the go, breakfast is usually a cornetto (croissant) with a cappuccino. A typical family lunch would include pasta with tomato sauce, a salad and some fruit. Dinner is mostly meat and vegetables, sometimes roast potatoes and fruit. Italian food is extremely satisfying,” she explains.

We totally agree... and the bruschetta, lasagne and the tiramisu we lunched on afterwards only reinforced the belief that when it comes to soul food, there is nothing like Italian food!

So, welcome to the wonders of Italian food and as the Italians would say, ‘Buon Appetito!’ Happy Eating!

72 APRIL 2010

Serves: 48 pieces of round Bruschetta bread1 pod of garlic1 tomato, finely chopped4 leaves of basil, finely choppedSalt and pepper to taste2 tsp olive oil

Toast lightly the bread slices in the oven. Remove and rub them with garlic. Mix chopped tomatoes with salt, pepper and basil. Use this as topping. Drizzle a little olive oil and

serve.

BruschettaCUISInE

APRIL 2010 73

LasagneBolognese Serves: 6250 gm readymade pasta (lasagne sheets)For the white sauce:50 gm butter 50 gm flour 500 ml milkSalt to tasteA pinch of ground nutmeg

Warm the milk. Melt the butter in a thick-bottomed saucepan, add the flour and mix well.Add the milk, while mixing continuously; do not add more until the first quantity of milk is absorbed evenly. Continue to add the milk slowly, until the white sauce is homogeneous and has taken the heat. The white sauce must be smooth, homogeneous and velvety. When cooked, add salt, nutmeg and leave to simmer for another minute, stirring constantly.

For the Bolognese sauce:1 onion1 carrot1 stalk celery60 gm butter400 gm minced beef800 gm canned tomato piecesSome meat stock for thickening50 gm parmesan cheeseSalt and pepper to taste Mince together, carrot, onion and celery. In a pan, add 50 gm butter and soften this mince for about 15 minutes without letting it change colour. Add the meat (beef) and stir until the liquid from the minced meat has dried up. Add the tomatoes and cook for at least three hours at minimum heat. If necessary add some meat stock. At the end, the sauce should appear thick and creamy.

To prepare the dish: In a round-baking dish, about 25 cm in diameter, spread some meat sauce and on top of that add and spread some white sauce. Then sprinkle some grated Parmesan and add a layer of lasagne. Spread over this first layer of lasagne some more meat sauce, white sauce, Parmesan and add another layer of lasagne. Continue until you finish with the meat sauce, white sauce and parmesan. Put the dish in the oven at 180° C and leave to cook for about 20 minutes or accordingly the instruction on the box of the readymade lasagne. Cut into slices, sprinkle with some grated Parmesan, drizzle a little olive oil and serve hot.

74 APRIL 2010

300 gm biscuit Savoiardi/Lady Fingers or slices of sponge cake450 gm mascarpone cheese5 egg yolks150 gm sugar12 cups bitter espresso coffeeCocoa powder for garnish

In a food-processor, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until you get a creamy, spongy texture. Add the mascarpone and fold with a spatula. Quickly pour in the cooled coffee. In a rectangular baking dish, spread some of this mix at the bottom. Wet the Savoiardi/Lady Fingers biscuits in the coffee and then arrange the biscuits in a single layer, side by side. Spread some of the creamy mix over the first layer of biscuits. Add another layer of biscuits wet in coffee and again spread some of the creamy mix over it. Layer until done, finally ending with a layer of the creamy mix. Sprinkle with some cocoa powder to garnish. Allow to chill in refrigerator. Serve cold.

Tiramisù CUISInE

76 MARCH 2010

All the beAuty stuff you simply must hAve…

Your beauty checklist...

Beauty Zone

Ice, Ice BaByIt’s cool... and it’s hot as well! Carolina Herrera presents 212 ICE, a new limited edition fragrance that reveals the more sensual and provocative side of the 212 universe. It is a delicate and extremely feminine fragrance with fresh citric top notes of bergamot and grapefruit with sweet floral middle notes of rose and red forest fruits, and delicate and sensual base notes of sandalwood and musk... elegant, sophisticated and very feminine.AM says: It’s the coolest one!

RavIshIng RougeDid you know striking lips, intense

femininity and brightly coloured lipsticks are back in style? Sephora Rouge offers

a selection of 24 rich vibrant colours and interesting names like ‘Rendezvous’,

‘Valentine’, ‘Love Test’ and ‘Charmer’. Moreover, Sephora Rouge comes armed

with Omega 3 and guarantees comfortable wear all day long. In one quick and simple

application, it leaves a vinyl film on the lips for a flamboyant finish...

AM says: Now here’s how you get a real pout.

sweet sophIstIcatIonDesigner Anna Molinari dedicates her

new fragrance to women, an ode to feminine harmony and gorgeous natural

beauty. Bellissima from Blumarine is a perfect reflection of the personality

of the Blumarine woman: romantic, sweet, seductive and sophisticated. At

the heart of the fragrance are Peony Petals and Passion Flower while the

top notes spark attention... fresh drops of morning dew make an irresistible

impact and announce a Wellness accord where wonderfully exotic

Ginger, reminiscent of far-off lands, meets succulent Orange and vivacious

Grapefruit.AM says: The true essence of

beauty!

Black BeautyNeed a fragrance that is magical and mystical at the same time? Try the Black XS for Her — from Rock ‘n Collector. It is spicy and captivating, impulsive and fiery with scents of Tamarind Blossoms, Pink Peppercorns and Liongonberries. Its heart soars into an accord of Black Violet, Cocoa Blossom, Black Hellebore and light and insistent Rose. Excess and power are revealed in a base note of bewitching and sensual Massoia Wood, Patchouli and Black Vanilla. The collector’s edition takes up the timeless symbols of rock; the bottle is adorned with a silver rose and a glittery ribbon.AM says: Rock on!

But, natuRally!It is a celebration of wood in an absolutely spectacular setting… It’s the Dsquared2 ‘Nature always wins’ collection. Inspiration for

this beautiful fragrance SHE WOOD Velvet Forest Wood comes from the majestic beauty of pristine nature. The velvet notes have violet leaves and violet wood, wrapped in musk, creating an enveloping

accord, timeless, mysterious and rare evoking a singular insulation of velvet. The forest notes include Leaves Accord, Pine Needles and

Galbanum bonding in a bright and unusual fresh accord sparking images of endless Canadian forests. The wood notes are patchouli,

vetiver and vegetal amber characterising the essence awarding true sense of intensity and character.

AM says: Ah, the wonderful scents of nature!

BRIght & cleaRWant a range of skincare products that takes the best from nature to protect your skin in every way and prevent age from creeping in too quickly? L’Occitane has been using Immortelle from Corsica for its exceptional anti-ageing properties and the plant finds radiance in its new Immortelle Brightening range for women looking to maintain the youth and radiance of their skin. A new ingredient Bellis Perennis more commonly known as the daisy has also been introduced. The range includes Brightening Water, Brightening Moisture Cream, Brightening Essence and Brightening SPF40.AM says: Brighten up, people!

Ma cheRIe The magic of flowers in a bottle... Dior tells it like no other... Stroll through a French garden with Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Toilette, a fragrance with floral accents that beckons the imagination to take flight in an Haute Couture garden. Orange essence, Neroli, Turkish Rose, vibrant notes of Gardenia, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang and Patchouli dazzle with joie de vivre in this exotic fragrance.AM says: A fresh, floral fragrance perfect for the Summer.

cause & effectIt is beauty with a cause! The M.A.C Aids fund and the Viva Glam programme are the heart and soul of M.A.C

cosmetics. Established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV and Aids globally, Viva

Glam I, II, III, IV, V and VI were launched as continuous shades... Spring 2010 sees two new lipstick shades

introduced as limited life for 12 months on the counter. Presenting Viva Glam Cyndi (for Cyndi Lauper) and Viva Glam Gaga (for Lady Gaga) for two whole new

glamorous looks... Perfect for all skin tones.AM says: Up the glam quotient, guys!

78 APRIL 2010

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From the H&M Spring Collection 2010: this

Collection offers a diverse mix with ethnic influences from all over the world, old hollywood

fashion classics and college styles. sharp silhouettes boast

angular lines with an 80’s influence and in contrast there

is soft feminine draping. fabrics have new blends,

structures and surfaces.

Fashion

APRIL 2010 79

From the Mango Spring/Summer Collection: Named pure light, the new Collection plays with two key elements — pureness and simplicity. the search for comfort and functionality leads to the male wardrobe with more fluid suits that contrasts with very feminine shapes resulting from draping, gathering and pleating.

80 APRIL 2010

From the See By Chloé Spring-Summer 2010 Collection: this

season, see by Chloé drops anchor and revisits seaside ‘cool’. inspired

by florida, the archipelago of the Keys and its high coloured tropical

climate, the Collection cheerfully fuses seventies influences, sailor

look references and military detailing, resulting in a romantico-pop, ultra

feminine and playful wardrobe where combinations and subtle contrasts

underline the easy-to-wear allure cherished by Chloé’s little sister.

APRIL 2010 81

Accessories : boasting rounded volumes in soft-hued, vibrant or delicately metallic tones, this season’s bags are cut in exceptionally soft skins. the ruffles, bows and pom-poms and stitched embroidery effect accentuate the femininity of the line. enlivened by contrasting leather pouches, the designs with geometric contours reveal a more adventurous and intrepid allure.

Accessories : effortless, fun and trendy, the shoes combine crochet

and coloured patent, leather and denim, leather and canvas or suede.

from ultra supple ballerinas to fluorescent plastic beach sandals,

flats hold pride of place. square heels remain modest and discreet

wedges give added height to sporty lace-ups. heart print lining highlights

the fresh and kittenish spirit of the collection.

82 APRIL 2010

APRIL 2010 83

From the Bride Show Abu Dhabi: A host of models stormed the catwalks during 14 fashion shows featuring the latest haute couture dresses and ‘abayas’ designed by regional and international fashion designers. there were elaborate bridal gowns by Arushi, sposa by shiva taba and Ghawashi to bright eveningwear by old house heritage, mozghan and manal & Aartivijay Gupta. stunningly embellished ‘abayas’ by smooth lady, beauty Queen and princess were also well-received.

84 APRIL 2010

AriesYour personal influence and charm will bowl everyone over this month… and so ask for what you want… and you shall get it! All the hard work of the past will reap benefits in the present. Those is travel, promotion or publishing will benefit. A friendly connection can be made with someone who lives far away.

TAurusYou need a break and April is the right time to take it. Take some time off for rest, relaxation and introspection... This will help you come out of your shell towards the end of the month. This ‘me-time’ will give you the energy to face life and its challenges head-on! You will also find happiness and fulfilment through the expansion of your mind and connecting to people of different backgrounds.

GeminiRomantic opportunities abound and the focus on your partner becomes more expansive, warm and affectionate... Plan a quick getaway with your loved one... On the money front, watch out for impulsive spending. At work, your mind is especially bright, alert and active and you will have a lot of ideas to share with your colleagues. This is the time to sow the seeds towards long-term happiness!

CAnCerCareer matters are strong for you this month, dear Cancer. Work requires more communication than usual and you speak with more authority. Your ideas may come into public view. You are likely to be multi-tasking regarding career and business matters. Relationship ups and downs are likely. Financial benefits could come through partnerships.

LeoLook out for adventure this month... both in work and out of it. This is the time when others will recognise your talents. Good tidings will also come your way this month... when you will receive a bonus or a promotion, financial backing or other support that will boost your sense of security.

VirGoYou will find great joy and reward in creative projects and hobbies. You will discover a new creative talent that you never knew you had! You will make new friends... and everything in life will have a nascent quality about it. Socially, there will be a lot of parties to attend... so get ready to be noticed!

LibrAFlattery will get you everywhere this month, so make the most of your charm! Professionally, you will feel independent and ambitious. April also brings romantic opportunities. You will also be a kind of peacemaker, bringing about negotiations at home and at the workplace. Physical energy, however may be a little on the low side.

sCorpioCommunication occupies most of your time this April. You will play different roles; that of a teacher, adviser or guide... But make sure your advice is not of the preaching kind. Those with children will spend a lot of time with them. You will be bubbling with a lot of energy... make wise use of it!

sAGiTTAriusApril is all about having a good time, dear Sagittarius. So enjoy yourself to the hilt! Travel and educational plans are beginning to show movement forward. Family matters tend to be laced with a touch of drama, but it’s not something you cannot handle. Travel and educational plans will take top priority.

CApriCornSocial matters are of great importance to Capricornians this month. You are feeling empowered and productive with energy to spare. You will find yourself more involved with your immediate environment, community and neighbourhood. But the home front may not be as exciting. Take care to steer out of unfriendly discussions or arguments.

AquAriusThe focus continues to be on finances, possessions, comfort and practical matters this month. Pleasant financial surprises may be in store by the middle of the month. You are likely to discover resources that you never knew you had. You may be required to play the mediator while sorting out certain relationships. A career revelation is also likely to occur.

pisCesApril is a confidence-boosting month for Pisceans. Others are paying special attention to you and you definitely like it! You will also especially value people who make you feel comfortable. Friendships can be supportive and a special friend may be integral in achieving your goals. You will also succeed in getting into a more practical routine that will make you feel enthusiastic about the future.

staRGaZinG

What the stars foretell ...