Woman This Month - December 2022

FOR YOUR WISHLIST

Tis the season for all things exquisite. This month, the extraordinary Jewellery Arabia 2022 took place and reminded us why we love all things luxury. If you plan on spoiling yourself, take a page out of our favourites and treat yourself to our top choices from JaegerLeCoultre or Roberto Coin.

THE ONLY ACCESSORY YOUR WRIST NEEDS

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Since 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has created over 1200 calibres that are truly sophisticated through their technical creativity. While all of the brand’s creations are truly sensational, there’s no denying that whether draped in enamel, engravings or gemstones, the Reverso is unfailingly unique representing the very best of JaegerLeCoultre. Since its creation in 1931, Reverso has created many timeless stories, establishing it as the icon of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The newest timepieces from the Reverso line such as the recently launched Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar, preserve the legendary spirit of the original 1931 model whilst incorporating the contemporary aesthetic cues of 21st-century watchmaking. Greater depth of detail, refined execution and subtle textures define this latest release which brings a subtle touch of modern elegance to its reinterpretation of two iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre complications — the triple calendar and the Duoface. If you plan on investing in a truly iconic watch, this is definitely the way to go.

Art Decò is one of the most successful lines in Roberto Coin’s creative spectrum. The pieces in the collection are made of geometric lines that are repeated with precision and symmetry. Tassels and chains made of irregular little spheres add a delicate touch to the collection. This mix of severity and softness makes the pieces in the Art Decò collection something unusual in the world of fine jewelry, without taking away from its aura of exclusivity.

Roberto Coin has dressed these pieces in the brand’s typical colours so that each design can convey a different style. Yellow and rose gold are the soul of every piece, decorated with mysterious black jade, delicate mother-of-pearl, intense lapis lazuli, malachite or joyful turquoise; the most opulent, haute couture version is covered in white diamonds. Just like the Art Deco movement in the 1920s, these jewels have a character that is both revolutionary and curious.

ROBERTO COIN’S EXQUISITE COLLECTIONS

A Must Have!

The celebrated luxury Italian jewellery brand, Roberto Coin, has created true masterpieces over the years. Their attention to detail and uniquely modern designs have captured our attention again with their stunning Art Decò and Venetian Princess collections.

Princess, on the other hand, is the most romantic family in Roberto Coin’s creative universe. It includes Princess, Princess Flower, Diamond Princess and Royal Princess collections and, of course, Venetian Princess.

The Venetian Princess collection has a complex structure of twisted threads that are almost hidden, revealed only to the wearer. On the outside, the design is a re-interpretation of the decorations found on Venetian palaces. The play of black and white diamonds evokes a vision of the faint lights of the street lamps as they reflect off the dark waters of Venice’s canals, creating a fascinating effect.

Here, too, we can find the same twisted thread detail that decorates all the jewels of the Princess family and the Barocco line, produced in 3D, to guarantee perfection and maximum solidity. The diamonds are calibrated to ¼ of a millimeter in both diameter and depth and set by hand using a microscope. The bracelet has a double click safety clasp, to insure maximum security and solidity.

Flipping Awesome

Behind red gates in a house in Muharraq we find the Flip Diva's home. The eclectic space is well decorated - covered in art, refurbished furniture, a mannequin light and a small workstation. Nuts, bolts, shelves and drills cover the workstation while a spirit level hangs on the side. This is where masterpieces are created… and Shoug Alainati is at the heart of it all.

She is warm and welcoming while making tea for the Woman This Month team as we delve into our interview. We are celebrating Bahrain as National Day takes place on December 16, and what better way to pay homage to this island nation than to sit down with Bahrain's favourite carpenter?

Shoug talks openly about her journey to getting into carpentry and refurbishment.

"It started by chance. I was redecorating my room… I had one of those hormonal episodes where I needed to change my room. Back then, I didn't have much of a budget, so I Googled, started researching on YouTube, and learned how to repaint some furniture. As time passed, I realised I didn't like this piece or wished it was shorter or higher. I even had to learn how to fix furniture. After a few months of trial and error and buying a bunch of tables to paint them and try it out, I found my passion," says Shoug.

From redecorating her bedroom to experimenting with a few tables to turning a hobby into a business, Shoug has managed to go from fab to Flip Diva - her online persona and company. The Flip Diva has collaborated with big names such as IKEA, turning her "side hustle" into a full-fledged career.

"My friend said to me one day, why don't you develop your hobby into a business? So, I created a tray collection. I was so scared because nothing had sold for one month,” she says. “At the time, I was still working a corporate 7-to-2 job as an executive secretary.

So, I gave the tea boy the trays and told him to serve tea to all the employees in the trade. I was doing my marketing! People began asking where he got them, and I sold my tray collection!”

“I told my parents, and then I went ahead. Some people thought I was crazy, but others like my dad were like a gift. He's my biggest supporter,” she says.

According to reports in the United States, only 5.2 percecnt of carpenters are women. In this region, reports of female carpenters have emerged from the Middle East and North Africa as anomalies. Shoug says about her trade: "I don't want to call it breaking the mould. I'm making a new one: a woman can be and do anything she wants. I've had a few doubters, people who would shake my piece to see if it's sturdy enough or ask me

technical questions about how long a screw is and things that are not common for men. Sometimes the questions feel almost like an interrogation,” she laments.

"The only thing that will lead you to know what you want, who you are, and what you are capable of is trial and error. So, from the first couple of years I started, I tried everything,

including construction, welding, electricity, and carpentry; I tried taking a lot of courses with carpenters, electricians, and painters. So, it's just about building your community," she adds.

As we sip cups of tea and try to give her rescue cats, Harvey and Domino, equal attention, Shoug says when passions become businesses, and big-name corporations start getting involved in collaborations and commissions, it’s important to stick to your guns. "Eventually, you lose your church, and you become the merch. By this, I mean that merchandising doesn't become artisan work anymore. That's why I only do one piece. I don't do repetitive pieces, and I use recycled wood,” she says.

“So recycled wood is never repeated. Any table I make, even if I make the same table with the same measurements a million times, will never be repeated because the wood I've used is recycled. Stick to your principles. Just write up it and stick to them,” she adds.

For those looking to try flipping and refurbishing locally, Shoug advises starting small with a table or chair. As for finding pieces to flip, she says: "You have to start with your neighbourhood and your house first because I am sure there are a million hidden pieces somewhere in the house that you think you should replace, but you don't need to. Ask around in your neighbourhood or local community. If you're going bigger, try thrift shops like the one run by BSPCA. Alternatively, make your thrift shop with your family and friends by swapping things. And don't think of pieces as being used; think of them as vintage!”

If you would like to know more about Shoug and check out her work, you can follow her on Instagram @theflipdiva.

Being a first-time mother can be challenging; for first-time mothers going through the experience during COVID-19, it was even more so. The renowned fashion, lifestyle and motherhood influencer Roshini Daswani Kewalram not only rose to the occasion, but also conceptualised the luxury baby lifestyle brand Milk It Baby. She tells Farah Baig her story.

Being an international influencer, Roshini Daswani Kewalram is no stranger to the vast majority of people. The visionary young woman has amassed over 59,000 social media followers spread all across the world over the years.

Roshini was born and raised in Hong Kong, one of the most fast-paced and inspiring cities in the world, and ended up doing her undergrad in London where she met her husband, Raj Kewalram. “Following our marriage, I moved to Bahrain where I started off as a model which quickly evolved into influencing,” she says, adding that she believes it is important for an influencer to be responsible about what they promote online.

Aside from sharing products that fit her ethos and personal style, her innovative content and fun transitions grew her following. After the birth of her daughter, her content resonated with a new demographic: young and first-time mothers.

“I was in Hong Kong with my mother and daughter at the time. Due to COVID restrictions, we ended up being apart from my husband for a year, and other mothers felt for us and would often connect with me,” she says.

While on the hunt for baby products, she struggled to find necessities which would match the aesthetic of her neutral-toned house. “We also weren’t travelling during the pandemic and I’d imagine what it might be like to take my daughter to cities like London where I’d met her father. I thought ‘How cool would it be to make a playmat where your child could have their first adventure from the

comfort of their own home?’ and that’s where it all started,” she explains.

Roshini set out to find manufacturers, came up with designs and ultimately co-founded Milk It Baby with her brother, sister-in-law and husband. Milk It Baby has several unique and beautiful products but its reversible play mats inspired by cities (Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York and Paris) are the most coveted. “Beautiful illustrations of landmarks, food, and people dressed the way they do allow your child to experience these cultures without having to travel. These can be reversed to a more neutral, rug-like design too,” she says.

“They’re the safest choice for babies and toddlers as they are made from sustainable and non-toxic material, and are free from PVC, BPA and latex,” she adds.

Milk It Baby’s teethers are equally unique with their fun designs of milkshakes, coconut water, lattes and more. “I got the idea for them when I was out getting coffee with my daughter and asked her to cheers. I’ve also designed sleeved bibs, and bibs with bowls on the bottom,” she says.

This is in addition to the suction bamboo tableware to avoid spills at meal time. The brand is clearly not only aesthetic, but caters to the needs and concerns of parents.

Milk It Baby ships worldwide and has been launched by Kewalram in the region. “We’ve had a great response from all over the world and are also very popular among people in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and more. Going through a list of things you need as a firsttime mother can be overwhelming, but with a baby lifestyle brand like ours, you don’t need as much as you have essential, high-quality products for your child,” she says of the brand made by a mother for mothers.

The products are available at www.kewalrams. com, at Kewalram stores and at Baby Essentials in Seef Mall. The products will soon be also be made available at other physical stores across the region. Be sure to follow @roshinidaswani on Instagram for updates.

Titan National Dealer Meet 2022

Titan company Ltd. and Kewalram & Sons held the Titan National Dealer Meet 2022 at Downtown Rotana. The event featured a spectacular display of a collection of lifestyle products available at Kewalram.

A SPRITZ OF ELIZABETH ARDEN

From Elizabeth Arden, the creator of several iconic and bestselling fragrance collections, White Tea is the perfect gift of simple joys and private pleasures. A deeper concentration of the beloved scent, White Tea Eau de Parfum is composed by master perfumers. The scent at its heart is rose, both in the rare forms of rose oil and upcycled rose water, as well as hand-harvested mate leaves from South America which lend a fresh, herbal tea signature. It’s rounded out by Venezuelan tonka bean, picked by hand and sun-dried to release its nuanced warmth, Amberwood and a trio of musks. Available at www.namshi.com.

FESTIVE

It’s the time for giving. Check out Farah Baig’s Festive Gift Guide which includes some sensational beauty products that will make excellent stocking fillers or more luxurious beauty gifts.

AGIFTGUIDE

If you’re on the lookout for pressies for some of the most special women in your life, we’ve got just the thing for you! There’s a certain sense of excitement when receiving a self-care gift so we rounded up a selection of the very best fragrances, cosmetics and more.

YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH CHANEL!

For 2022, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has captured every facet of the moon in an exclusive collection steeped in reverie and mystery. The collection includes a sensational body oil, body gel, eyeshadows, nail polishes and luminating face powders too. Shades of amber, red and gold come together to embellish the eyes, cheeks, lips and nails this holiday season with a celestial shimmer. The skin is enveloped in fabulous, scented oils studded with golden and pearlescent particles. Available at all leading beauty stockists.

GOOD HAIR DAYS WITH BEAUTYTRIBE

Keep hair young and vibrant with the Kevin Murphy Rejuvenation Regifted Kit. This limited-edition hair care set is deal for strengthening and smoothing ageing and brittle hair, this set contains the bestselling YOUNG. AGAIN wash and rinse, designed to restore youthful lustre and shine and combat stresses on the hair. This luxury set also contains a FREE dry conditioner, a unique reviving spray that helps to refresh the hair between washes and give a fresh styled look in seconds. Great as a gift or treat for yourself!

Available on

THE BODY SHOP’S PINE & DIVINE

A great vegan Christmas gift, stocking filler or Secret Santa surprise, this is a special edition invigorating fragrance they’ll love. This seasonal gift doesn’t just bring joy to its recipient; it supports The Body Shop's Community Fair Trade partners who helped make it. The bottle and tub are made with 100% recycled plastic, including Community Fair Trade recycled plastic collected off the streets of Bengaluru, India.

Available at The Body Shop stores.

BDK PARFUMS’ DIVINE NEW FRAGRANCE

Independent French perfume house, BDK Parfums has launched their latest creation, Ambre Safrano, from the Collection Exclusive. This luscious fragrance combines the strength and warmth of ambered spice with a leathery accord to create a sensual fragrance that is both burning and enticing, it explores the different facets of its emblematic raw material to create an intense and voluptuous scent.

The perfume opens with blended notes of saffron, Madagascar black pepper and plum, which create a deep and spicy fragrance that is both earthy and floral. At the heart, a duality between Turkish Rose and an intense black leather accord brings forth refinement and nobility before wrapping up with Vanilla, which adds warmth to the composition with woody undertones that evoke sensuality through Sandalwood and Oakwood.

Available at www.bdkparfums.com.

DE MOI: THE KEY TO LUSCIOUS LASHES

Who doesn’t love having long, healthy natural lashes and brows? Produced and packaged in Switzerland, DE MOI’s Bio Serum is formulated with potent and active ingredients to stimulate the growth of delicate lashes and eyebrow hairs, while increasing its volume and length, to allow you to see the world with naturally tantalising eyes.

Available at www.demoi.ae.

CELEBRATING BAHRAINI WOMEN’S DAY

Bahraini women have made tremendous progress in all facets of society over the years. On the occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day, Eman Deabil shares her thoughts, and verified facts and figures, in relation to some of their most recent achievements

It’s no secret that the Supreme Council for Women under the royal presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has dedicated December first of every year to be Bahraini Women’s Day.

On this occasion, I would like to congratulate all Bahraini women on their notable accomplishments. Whether you are a woman striving to thrive and advance in your

career, a mother taking care of the future generations, or a student fighting to equip yourself with knowledge, you all deserve a warm round of applause and a sincere appreciation for all the efforts you’re making to further develop this country.

The Supreme Council for Women, which was established in 2001, consists of 16 members who are public female figures experienced in women's affairs and various other activities. The main aspiration of the Council is to

empower women and help them prosper in a healthy environment governed by justice and enabled by equal opportunities. Since its inception, the Council has worked on setting a promising national strategy to enable the advancement of Bahraini women which can be attained through effective partnerships with all official institutions. I would also like to congratulate the Supreme Council for Women on its 21st anniversary and stellar achievements.

Recent developments in the Kingdom are in line with the Council’s aspirations, and in light of the royal directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain:

• The Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Rasheed Al-Maraj issued provisions related to enhancing the representation of women on the boards of directors of listed companies (the percentage of women representation is currently at 5.9 percent – highlighted in the September edition of Woman This Month).

• The former Minister of Industry and Commerce, Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayani, issued a decision to amend the provisions of the Corporate Governance, taking into account the representation of women in the formation of the board of directors of listed companies.

• Disclosure of membership statistics

classified by gender for the company’s board of directors should be made available in the company's annual report, annual corporate governance report. In addition, it’s one of the key metrics that should be reported as part of the annual sustainability/ESG voluntary reports (a reporting guide was issued by Bahrain Bourse).

What’s more, in the last decade, we were able to observe how Bahraini women were shining in various fields and at different levels. For instance, we were able to see three Bahraini businesswomen in the Forbes Middle East list for the year 2022: Mona Yousuf Almoayyed, Managing Director at Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons (#13), Najla Al Shirawi, CEO at SICO BSC (#45), and Narjes Farookh Jamal, COO at Bahrain Bourse (#50).

The Council of Representatives is another recent example of how Bahraini women have paved their path, climbed up the ladder and positioned themselves in the community. The table below illustrates where we were and where we stand as of now (an increase of 20 percent over 20 years):

Year Male Female Percentage Growth

Aurora50 is a Gulf-wide social enterprise helping to create inclusive workplaces with a series of diversity and inclusion programmes for businesses. Diana Wilde, the founder of Aurora50, shared her thoughts on the occasion: “The theme for this year’s Bahraini Women’s Day is ‘Read - Learned - Participated’ and we can see that this is being enthusiastically adopted. Bahrain now insists on equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of gender. This has seen it leap 18 places up the World Bank’s international Women, Business and the Law index this year. Worldwide, it has made the most progress on the index’s pay indicator.

The increase in percentages indicates many meanings; but mainly the following:

• Women over the years were able to build and accumulate the required competencies (eg. community serving) to be confident enough and nominate themselves for such responsibilities.

• Women were able to establish the required trust between them and the people, and between them and the government. They were able to stand out and make a difference.

• The number of supporters (be it men or women) to women (with the right capabilities) have increased exponentially, and gender is no longer a prevalent factor to vote as long you vote for the right person.

“Like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has also eliminated restrictions on women working in jobs previously considered dangerous for them. And the Supreme Council has mandated Equal Opportunity Committees at all Bahraini public- and private-sector organisations”.

“As we celebrate the women of Bahrain today, the progress in gender equity at work is clear. Aurora50 believes that organisations will thrive if they champion diversity at all levels - from the board and senior leadership to the newest recruits. The phenomenal changes made to offer equal opportunities and pay in Bahrain this year will help both women and the companies they work for to thrive,” concludes Ms. Wilde.

For the people who think that we have reached our limits and ‘women empowerment’ is just a fad that will fade away, we say: “The story has just started, it has no end… and we have no limits!”

Dining in the Dark

Rotary Club, in support of the association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, held a Dining in the Dark experience at Golden Tulip Bahrain.

Learning HOW TO LOSE

All our lives, we’ve been taught that winning is the key to success. Quite the contrary to this popular teaching, Ouiam El Hassani explains how teaching our kids how to lose can be the best thing we do for them.

Whether it’s a fierce family board game or cheering from the field’s sidelines, it’s fun to watch your kids learn to compete. Games and competitive sports are fun, and they can help foster self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment for children. But what happens when your child responds to a victory by bragging—or a loss with a tantrum? I am certain we were all there at some point, but what to do?

As parents, it can be hard to see your child act like a so-called “sore loser,” but the truth is that teaching children to lose graciously is an essential part of growing up. It’s a developmental milestone that can take some time and practice for children to master (and let’s face it, some adults could use a little refresher too).

It’s normal for kids to have feelings about losing, but how you respond to those feelings can shape their future attitude. No one likes to lose, not our children and not us. But as parents, it is vital that we validate their feelings too and model desirable behaviours. So, what are you supposed to do when your child throws a tantrum after losing?

Empathising and making your child feel understood is the first step. Still, it’s important to set boundaries around acceptable behaviour or what’s off limits for your family: name calling, physical aggression or any other destructive behaviour. Let them feel all the feels, then help them find healthy ways to deal with their emotions. Some coping strategies include using words to express their feelings or breathing exercises (mamas can use these too).

Teaching this behaviour starts with parents because those little eyes watch everything we do. Model good sportsmanship yourself and manage your own emotional response. Congratulate the winner even if it’s not your player or your child’s team, cheer on other players, and don’t yell if you don’t agree with the call.

Letting your child win all the time doesn’t teach them how to lose, in fact, it doesn’t teach them anything at all. We’ve all been there, especially with younger kids. You want them to succeed so badly that you give them an extra turn or let them win, maybe to avoid a tantrum, but it’s not doing them any favours. Letting your child win sometimes is OK, but if they never experience losing then you might be actually harming them. We falsely inflate their ego and forfeit teaching

our children some critical life lessons, like learning how to fail.

Life is full of failure, that’s how we grow and learn, and we want our children to have the tools to deal with it. Our job as parents is to prepare our children for the real world. Our children need to know that they are good, capable and smart, whether they win or they lose.

Sports teams are a great way to learn about cooperation and competition, but a child’s age can dictate how they understand and process the concept. Preschoolers and young children are more likely to have a tantrum or pout after losing. Younger children are egocentric, so they believe the world revolves around them. Teaching them about the importance of teams and cooperation in a group setting can be fun, but a noncompetitive environment is best.

However, with older children, it is best to offer them all kinds of opportunities and to gently push them to try different things even if the outcome is uncertain. Highlight that the efforts made during the game are the real achievement and they should be proud of that.

In general - as with any other skill - time and patience should be your best friends when teaching your kids how to lose gracefully.

DISCOVER GERMANY

no secret that

and it’s clear why. The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) recently revealed Germany’s Top 100 tourist spots which include Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland and Rust’s Europa-Park. The rankings are the result of more than 15,000 travellers from 30 countries voting between December 2021 and June 2022.

Here are the ‘Top 10’ destinations, according to the list, which should help you plan a fantastic vacation:

#1 Miniatur Wunderland

This is quite possibly one of the most unique tourist attractions you will ever visit. In the year 2000, brothers Frederik and Gerrit Braun set out to build the largest model railway system in the world. Today, this attraction covers 1000 square metres and includes different countries and even a miniature airport.

It features miniature versions of Hamburg, the mountainous German region of the Harz, the Austrian Alps, France, Italy, North-America and Scandinavia too. The ever-expanding attraction recently dedicated a space to the various landmarks of Italy. Small-scale versions of Monaco, Provence and South America are scheduled to follow.

#2 Europa-Park

Being the largest theme park in Germany, Europa Park is the second most popular theme park in Europe, after Disneyland Paris. The attraction, which is located in Rust, has over 100 attractions, 18 themed areas, six themed hotels and even its associated water world Rulantica for those wishing to take a dip. Europa-Park will undoubtedly be a great addition to your travel itinerary!

#3 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Located in northern Bavaria, this quaint German town is known for its unique medieval architecture. Colourful half-timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. There’s plenty to be discovered with its preserved gate houses and towers. In fact, we’re positive you’ll enjoy a visit to the covered walkway atop St. Jakob’s Church which houses an intricate, late Gothic altarpiece by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider.

#4 Phantasialand Brühl

Approximately two million visitors are attracted to this theme park in Brühl every year. You’re sure to find Phantasialand magical with its world record holding attractions. Be sure to experience their six different themed worlds: Berlin, China Town, Deep in Africa, Fantasy, Mexico and Mystery. Artistic shows and a variety of themed oriented snacks and restaurants are sure to keep you busy too! If you plan on having an extended trip to the expansive venue, you’ll be happy to know that they have two hotels: Hotel Ling Bao in ‘China Town‘ and Hotel Matamba in ‘Deep in Africa‘.

It’s

Germany is considered one of the top tourism destinations in the world,

Winter break is almost here and it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway by yourself, with your significant other or with family and friends! Check out some of the top tourist destinations in Germany. Whether you visit this season or during summer, we’re positive you’ll have a good time.

#5 Berlin

When visiting any country, it only makes sense to check out the capital at least once! Berlin is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe with its variety of dining, entertainment and shopping venues. It’s also one of the region’s top-rated cultural destinations with several fantastic art galleries and museums, some of which are located on Museum Island. For entertainment, you’re sure to enjoy the worldrenowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, or enjoy strolling around visiting historic landmarks such as the Berlin Wall.

#6 Black Forest National Park

The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. Situated in the south-western corner of Germany and extending 160km from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it‘s a hiker‘s dream.

On the west side, it descends steeply to the Rhine, crossed by lush valleys, while on the east, it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys. Popular spots include Germany‘s oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden, and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell.

#7 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Criminal Museum

The Medieval Crime Museum is located in the former St. John's Commandery in Rothenburg. This museum was built between 1393 and 1410 together with the neighbouring St. John's Church. The building currently has baroque style architecture. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure is a unique experience!

The Medieval Crime Museum, features over 50,000 “exhibits” from a time when peculiar and particularly harsh punishments were implemented in Germany.

#8 Dresden

Dresden is the capital city of the German state of Saxony and is the 12th most populous city of Germany. This beautiful city is rich in art and history and is a delight for people who enjoy discovering towers, spires, domes, palaces, churches and other breath-taking architecture.

Notably, Dresden remains a major cultural centre of historical memory, owing to the city's destruction in World War II. Hence on February 13 every year, the anniversary of the British and American fire-bombing raid that destroyed most of the city, tens of thousands of people gather to commemorate the event.

#10 Neuschwanstein Castle

#9 Moselle Valley

If you love nature, you’ll find that the spectacular Moselle Valley is a treat for the senses. River Moselle, a tributary of the mighty River Rhine, winds through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Germany making it the perfect district to recharge your mental battery. Lush vineyards, river promenades, little villages, rolling hills and ancient castles make it the perfect vacation destination.

Germany is home to some of the most impressive castles in all of Europe and has an estimated 20,000 castles across the country. Of these, the Neuschwanstein Castle is said to be one of Europe’s most famous and picturesque. The towered fortress was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and is interestingly the inspiration behind Walt Disney‘s famous theme park castles. If you’re looking for a starting point for your visit, consider the old town of Füssen.

ALL

Its that time of year, finally, and reasons to rejoice are aplenty. Cool winter evenings are here to snuggle up, wind down, have cosy gettogethers and all-out festive bashes at home. Subtle home décor additions give your interiors a festive do-over for that ultimate feel-good factor.

JUST THE REMEDY!

Lavender has been a staple ingredient in beauty products and traditional medicine for centuries. Its fresh, alluring fragrance is well known for its relaxing and soothing powers. We explore five beauty benefits that lavender oil has on skin and hair. Recent research conducted by the team at WeThrift revealed that over the last month, searches for lavender oil have increased by 68 percent. This may be due to the fact that other than being a wonderfully fragrant oil, it has medicinal and healing properties which do wonders for your skin and hair. Here are some reasons why you should add lavender oil to your beauty bag:

SOOTHES ECZEMA AND DRY SKIN

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that is characterised by itchiness, inflammation, swelling and cracked skin on your body. Due to its antifungal properties, lavender can reduce inflammation and help soothe eczemaprone skin.

Additionally, the antiseptic properties of lavender can help to speed up the headline process of burns and treat acne and eczema scars. To reap the benefits of lavender oil, gently massage directly onto the affected skin.

DETOXIFICATION AND ACNE REDUCTION

Since it has anti-bacterial properties, lavender oil can prevent and heal acne breakouts and improve overall skin health. Acne typically forms when your skin doesn’t produce enough natural oil. Dry skin can be a result of low or depleted oil production, and can often lead to clogged pores and acne. Using lavender oil can gently moisturise the skin.

To use the essential oil, dilute it with coconut oil or another carrier oil and apply a small amount directly to your skin after washing your face.

STIMULATING HAIR GROWTH

Hair thinning and hair loss can be caused by several factors, including over-styling, genetics, hormones, medications and stress. The anti-microbial properties in lavender can help create a cleaner scalp, which is essential for hair growth and be beneficial to alopecia. The chemical compounds within the oil can also ease inflammation and promote hair growth. The oil can keep your scalp healthy, nourish hair follicles, fight breakage and split ends, keeping locks strong from root to tip.

TREATS DANDRUFF

Dandruff is a chronic condition that occurs when the scalp becomes dry, red, itchy, and produces dead skin cells. It can worsen during periods of stress, sickness and can even be triggered when the weather changes. Lavender oil’s natural antifungal and antiseptic properties can prevent bacteria and fungi from growing on your scalp. Combined with anti-inflammatory benefits, it can help soothe itchiness and dryness on your scalp and fight dandruff or common scalp infections. For the most effective results, mix a few drops of lavender oil with coconut oil, massage into the scalp and hairline and then rinse.

HELPS PREVENT WRINKLES

Lavender oil’s skin rejuvenating properties can effectively delay the appearance of fine lines, age spots, wrinkles and sunspots when directly applied to the skin. It’s rich in antioxidants which help stimulate the activity of your body’s natural antioxidant processes and help to tackle free radicals. Give it a try and you’re sure to notice a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, under the eyes, forehead and chin, providing it with a more youthful appearance.

In Her Shoes

The beautiful Kingdom of Bahrain gives us the opportunity to be introduced to women from all over the world who surprise and inspire us. This month, we give you a glimpse into the life of a unique young professional, the Director of Public Relations Communications at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Tugce Goksel.

When asked who she is, she responds “This is a difficult question to start with.” What she could tell us though is that she considers herself to be a down-to-earth, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and realistic person who is always curious to learn new things. And, of course, she can be pretty fun when she wants to be.

What is a cause you are passionate about and why?

Girls’ education because I believe it is the biggest asset one can get in life. If provided the same opportunities, women can achieve anything in life.

What would your life be incomplete without?

My family of course, like most of us. But if we are speaking of belongings or activities, my life would be incomplete if I didn’t travel or read. My home is where my books are, so I have already made a library for myself in Bahrain.

Your go-to flavour of ice cream is: Strawberry

What is your favourite movie?

I can’t name a single movie, but The Prestige and Inception are some of my favourites.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received?

That small but continuous efforts make a difference, and one should take one day at a time.

What is your favourite song to sing at karaoke, and why?

I am not a karaoke person. :)

Name three things you never leave the house without. I always have my sunglasses, lipstick, and perfume with me.

Where are you from and what’s your favourite thing about home?

I am from Istanbul. Whether it is cultural diversity, immense history, nature, delicious cuisine, or entertainment you are looking for, the city has it all. Istanbul never stops fascinating and inspiring you, which is my favourite thing about my hometown.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs. I’ve never had one, but I plan to adopt one someday. Or maybe two!

Hotels

Motoring

Others

Restaurants & Cafes