bazaar February 2021 issue by bazaar magazine

February 2021 | Issue #253 www.bazaar.town

1st Avenue - The Avenues 2 WhatsApp: 9651821212

Scan QR code or visit:

www.potterybarn.com.kw

#BEDELICIOUS 3

Vase Vase

KD KD5.500 5.500

Customer Customer Service: Service: 182-12-12 182-12-12 4

Table

KD 49.990

A great interior experience is on its way at 1st Avenue - The Avenues, February 18 5

Customer Service: 182 -12-12 6

Wear. Care. Recycle.

NOW OPEN IN GRAND AVENUE

ALYASRA 1820012 9

SOME THINGS WILL NEVER CHANGE OUR INNOVATIONS WILL ALWAYS BE EXCEPTIONAL

At Lexus, we believe the bigger the idea, the bigger the rewards. So, we strive to think in ways that we never have before. Go beyond traditional methods of doing things. And realize we're not just here to test cars, but to test ourselves. With us, the impossible is never impossible.

MOHAMED NASER ALSAYER & SONS EST. CO. W.L.L. 10 A SUBSIDIARY OF ALSAYER HOLDING.

ÂŠ Inter IKEA systems B.V.2021

By your side to make the most of home

Even lower price MALM

Ottoman bed, black-brown, 160x200 cm

129

Last year price: KD159

Scan the code to see the brochure!

Now even more products with lower prices 12

Even lower price HEMNES

TV bench, black-brown, 148x47x57 cm

Last year price: KD69

IKEA Avenues and IKEA 360

By your side 13

Stay Flexible.

COLEHAAN.KW

50444226

SHOP ONLINE

DROP BY OUR STORES IN AVENUES PHASE 3 & 4, AL KOUT MALL, HAMRA MALL & 360 KUWAIT

Int

About the Cover: We’re calling it: It is the year of the Kashta! We love ourselves a good throwback, and nothing is more fitting that bringing back the Kuwaiti tradition of picnicking outside for the day or setting up camp in the great outdoors. We’ve got so many Kashta-centric features in this issue, from how to prepare and even what to wear! Our cover image is inspired by none other than our favorite thouqers. We first spotted the visual on @Thouq’s Instagram feed, and their drive for bringing Kuwaiti culture at the forefront through creativity is what led us to this wonderful cover. Stay tuned as we speak more to Thouq about their latest creative endeavor, Thouq Studio, in our upcoming March issue.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been exactly one year since the nightmare called Coronavirus, later rebranded as COVID-19, reared its ugly head and changed our lives forever. I still distinctly remember planning my National Day vacation to Thailand (we had gone skiing in lovely Lebanon the year before and wanted a beach holiday this time), and I remember the various conversations about how safe or unsafe it might be over there, and ultimately, we cancelled the trip a few days before flights to Thailand were cancelled. Who knows, if we had gone, we might have still been there today, selling coconuts on the beach or something. It’s even harder to believe that it’s been one year since any kids here have physically gone to school, or university for that matter. I especially feel sorry for all the seniors out there who are missing some of the best days of their lives, but what to do….it is indeed a brave new world. However, it’s not all gloom and doom, and Kuwait has navigated these uncertain waters very well indeed, and now that there are multiple vaccines out, hopefully it’s simply just a matter of time until things kind of go back to normal.

The bazaar team...

In the meantime, let’s focus on the more positive changes that have already started. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S has arrived in Kuwait and we are absolutely psyched about the powerful beast that delivers mind-boggling power with an electric engine. Sustainable products are changing the world for the better from cars to fashion like The Giving Movement, a UAE-born company that focuses on athleisure and modest wear made from materials that don’t harm the planet as well as giving back to the community through various charities and is now available in Kuwait through Milano. For more chic looks, check out the new sustainable COS Active collection, elevated essentials that will have you comfortable at work, home, kashta or wherever you need to be.

Yasmine El Charif

Bellies full of delicious food make us feel even more hopeful, so our visit to Amiti Noura to try out their new limited time light and sharing menu was one of the highlights of our month. Platters and dishes that are meant to be savored together yet still light so you can get up and go feeling ready to conquer the day. Our friends at Deliveroo shared their annual round up of last year’s top dishes as well as their predictions for this year. They’re telling us we’re going to be seeing more “build your own” options from restaurants which we love!

Boss

Ahmed El-Adly

Editor

Alia Al Duaij

Operations Manager Ihab Youssef

Content Manager Mixed Media Solutions

Shadi Mofeed

Staff Writer/Online Media

CMY

Mariam Raslan Yasmin Gamal

Online Producer/Project Manager Umika Pidaparthy

Communications

All of this excitement means we need to wind down and chill. This issue we explore how to find inner Zen and balance using the range of essential oils from MUJI. And since it is the month of love, why not treat yourself and your special someone to a day of pampering and great food at the Four Seasons Burj Alshaya Hotel Kuwait. With different options, restaurants, and spa treatments, you will leave feeling more in love with your partner, yourself and life.

Contributing Writers

Interns

Ali Mikhail Fadi Moukalled

Contributing Photographers Abdullah Alsaleh Hyper Ali Craig Loomis George Tarabay Jennifer Ivory

Syndicates & Sources Fast Company LA Times MCT International Newsweek

Printing

British Industries for Printing and Packaging 16

Design

Hala Y. Sharara

Ahmed El-Adly

Jennifer Cádiz

However, our real motivator has always been meeting inspirational people. This issue is no exception. We spoke to Ooredoo’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications Mijbil Alayoub who told us more about the company’s response to the pandemic and how they’ve changed the way they do business, protect their employees, and also support their customers to be more connected to the things that matter to them. Illustrator, animator and artist Sulaiman AlZuhair allowed us to get Up Close and Personal with him to find out more about his work and how he hopes to mentor and support up and coming artists. And we discovered the wonderful world of Three Minutes Marketing. Bite-size videos, created by marketing gurus Rimon Tawadros and Nadeem Awad that help you figure out how to sell your services or products easily.

Happy reading!

members of:

w w w. b p aw w. c o m The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

tel.2571 6122 info@bazaar-magazine.com www.bazaar.town | Zahra Complex, Salmiya. 8th floor, office 35 @bazaargram bazaarmagazine @bazaartweets

No one likes to be dumped;

recycle me, please.

INDEX FEBRUARY 2021 24

THREE MINUTES MARKETING

MOHAMMED JAFFAR

We’re all selling something, be it services, products or even our times as employees in corporations and understanding how marketing works is no longer a luxury! RImon Tawadrom and Nadeem Awad are dishing out their expertise in three-minute videos that are super fresh, entertaining and educational.

Trailblazer and full-time motocross champion Mohammed Jaffar is unafraid of a challenge. He tells us about his most recent life-changing experience at The Dakar rally which is easily the most treacherous and challenging test of endurance in the world of motorsports.

TRAVEL WITH THE FOUR SEASONS Valentine’s Day this year feels more important than previous years because we now realize how precarious life can be. Celebrate it with great meals from a choice of luxury restaurants, amazing spa treatments or specially designed staycations at Kuwait’s premium hotel.

MIJBIL ALAYOUB No one has better insight on the world of communication like Mijbil Alayoub, Ooredoo’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications. He told us how the company responded to the pandemic and were able to protect their employees as well as keep their customers connected to what matters.

THE X PORTRAIT

PORSCHE TAYCAN TURBO S

Culture is fluid and ever-changing. And while we often think that we have little in common with the people who lived hundreds of years before us, the creative team behind The X Portrait disagree. They’re creating new art by combining old paintings and new photos to start a conversation about life, people and culture.

What happens when you take timeless iconic Porsche design and marry it with the future of electric engineering? You get performance like never before. Mind-boggling electric capabilities and beautiful design that will make your heart skip a beat. Find out more about the all-new electric car that will change the way you think of cars.

104 #XCITEDFORKASHTA Kashta season is the best! We get a chance to reconnect with nature, our heritage and friends and family. Having the right tools, gear and accessories can really level up your game. From the perfect grill to the best entertainment and games you can find it all at Xcite this season.

120 AMITI NOURA Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to delicious food from Amiti Noura and with the new limited-timeonly menu full of light delights. From Hot Mezze to the Grilled Shrimp, you are going to find that happiness can be multiplied when it is shared with friends and family.

THE X PORTRAIT P. 66

bazaar connect Freedom to find us

30,000 readers

With a bilingual audience of both English and Arabic, we cover everything from what’s on, to the bizarre. We print and distribute 10,000 copies of bazaar every month; each copy is read by an average of 3 people, giving us a total readership of over 30,000. bazaar is published every month (with a double issue for July/ August), delivered free of charge to a large subscriber database, and distributed free of charge in all of the following locations: Cafés & Eateries

Baker & Spice Café November Casper & Gambini Chocolate Bar, Al Bida’a, Marina Crescent, Spoons

Costa Coffee Outlets: Argan Square Marina Crescent Miral Mall, Mangaf Kuwait Airport Saqran Mall Ghawalli Mall Sahara Shaab

Starbucks Outlets: Abdullah Mubarak Adeliya Airport Mall Al Mowasat Hospital Al Shaya Head Office Aliya & Ghalia Complex Andalouse Coop AUK Bairaq Mall Baitak Tower Behbehani Complex Bida’a Complex BMW Showroom Daiya Co-op Dar Al Awadi Divonne, Abu Hassaniya Four Points by Sheraton Hilton Resort Jabriya Kaifan Khalifa Resort

Kout Mall Marina Crescent Marina Mall Mishref NBK Nuzha Co-op Plaza Hawalli Rosa Castle Salhiya Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak Salmiya Co-op Salwa Co-op Scientific Center Seif Hospital Shaab Shamiya Co-op Sharq Co-op Sheikha Complex Sheikh Saed Al Abdullah Terminal Shuwaikh Zain Headquarters Souk Sharq The Avenues The Palms Hotel Zahra Co-op

Other Outlets:

Crumbs, Shaab Dunkin Donuts, Mall 360 Elevation Burger, Abu Halifa, Al Bida’a, Al-Hamra, Avenues, Mishref, Alseif Haagen Daz- Souk Sharq, Arraya Johnny Rockets- opp. Salhiya Complex, Marina, Salmiya, The Avenues, Alia & Ghalia Complex Made Caffe Al Salam Mall November Bakery P.Q. - The Palms, Marina Mall Paul - The Avenues, Marina Mall Prime & Toast - Al Bida’a, Seif Strip

members of: www.bpaww.com

Scoop-A-Cone - Egaila, Fahaheel The Early Bird - Fahaheel, Jabriya Upper Crust Pizzeria

Clinics & Hospitals

Al Mubarakiya Dental Clinic - Egaila, Salmiya Al Safat American Hospital Boushahri Clinic Dasman Diabetes Institute Diet Care Center Gulf Clinic International Clinic Maidan Clinic - Fahaheel, Farwaniya, Hawalli, Sharq, Subah Al Salem Noor Clinic Salam Hospital Seif Hospital Soor Center Taiba Clinic The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Hotels & Health Clubs

Crowne Plaza, Farwaniya Hilton Kuwait Resort & Spa Holiday Inn, Salmiya Inspire Pure Fitness Jumeirah Messilah Beach Resort Hotel & Spa JW Marriott – Residence Inn, Sharq Millenium Hotel & Conference Center Pilates & More - Salmiya, Mahboula Spaloon The Palms Beach Hotel The Yoga Center

Malls

Galleria Al Hamra Elevation Burger Boulevard Starbucks Costa Coffee The Promenade Caribou Mall 360 Dunkin Donuts Marina Mall Marina Crescent Casper & Gambini Chocolate Bar Johnny Rockets P.Q. Paul Souq Sharq Starbucks Haagen Dazs Symphony Mall Juan Valdez The Avenues Elevation Burger Johnny Rockets Paul Starbucks Airport Mall Starbucks Dar Al Awadi Starbucks Spoons Chocolate Bar Salhiya Complex Starbucks

4 Boutique Alghanim Marine Alghanim Showrooms - Safat Al Rai, Shuweikh, Sharq, Fahaheel beau-tique cosmetics British Embassy US Embassy Brush Salon CAP Gallery Cookie Dough Dar Al Funoon Dar.Nur Gold Class Lounge - Grand Cinemas Al Hamra TONI & GUY- Al Corniche TONI & GUY- Cliffs Kuwait Airport Business Class Lounges Finesse Nail Lounge Media Elephant Shuwaikh Market Sultan Gallery THE One The Chairman's Club

Schools & Universities American International School American University of Kuwait Australian College Kuwait Bayan School (Hawalli) Boxhill College BSK - British School of Kuwait Universal American School

Kuwait University Starbucks Starbucks Starbucks Starbucks

Stand Alones

Al Salam Mall Arraya Haagen Dazs

Virgin Megastore Artspace Kuwait

Khaldiya Adeliya Jabriya Shuwaikh

bazaar magazine became a member of BPA Worldwide in June 2010, a renouned agency which ensures complete transparency, and verifies bazaar as an audited publication which distributes 10,000 copies on a monthly basis. To access our BPA report, please visit www.bpaww.com or log onto our website www.bazaar.town for a downloadable pdf version.

Freedom to surf us

www.bazaar.town

200,000 unique monthly visitors

In addition to delivering our readers with our monthly print installment of bazaar, we’re here to pick your brain daily with www.bazaar.town–The ultimate guide to Kuwait! Packed with a little bit of everything for everybody, with daily updates on events in Kuwait, tips for life, inspiring interviews, competitions, reviews, a classifieds section, and of course a comprehensive dining directory including addresses, telephone numbers, and links to each restaurant’s location on Google Maps, it will not disappoint!

Freedom to share us

50,000 fans and followers

We get closer to our readers through our vibrant social media channels on a daily basis. With more than 50,000 collective fans and followers, we love starting different conversations, sharing music, jokes, photos, competitions, and much more. From live Insta-stories to live tweeting at events to give you minute-by-minute coverage and commentary so you'll never miss a beat!

facebook.com/bazaarmagazine

Freedom to flip us

twitter.com/bazaartweets

instagram.com/bazaargram

issuu.com/bazaarmagazine

bazaar Newsletter

bazaarTube

20,000 monthly readers

Too busy to go pick up bazaar from your local café? Now you can browse through the entire magazine online via issuu.com and on www.bazaar.town. Featuring our in-depth interviews, reviews, stellar photography, and the latest ads showcasing what’s hot in the market right now; you can browse through bazaar freely and securely, whether you're on your PC, laptop, Smartphone, or tablet.

what's trending February 2021

What: @ten.toz Info: Get your shoes cleaned and painted with custom designs. Editor’s Note: We love the mandalas on worker boots!

What: @stelliaq8 Info: A wide range of manga and anime stuff Editor’s Note: There is so much variety, you will find something you love

What: @divaspace2021 Info: Colorful hooded sherpa-lined fleece blankets Editor’s Note: As cozy and colorful as you can get

www.bazaar.town What: @penguaboo Info: A softie that turns into a hoodie Editor’s Note: They are all SO cute!

What: @almrsam.q8 Info: A mobile art studio in a truck! Editor’s Note: Let the art come to you

What: @goodtreatskw Info: All natural dog treats and chews Editor’s Note: Your furry friends deserve the best

What: @mch.kw Info: A boutique store for art lovers; all of our products are originally made by aspiring artists Editor’s Note: Tell the world who you are with a zodiac sign tote

What: @rstuff.kw Info: Unique gifts and items Editor’s Note: Get your own mani/pedi tool clutch

As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it! Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more.

facebook.com/bazaarmagazine

twitter.com/bazaartweets

instagram.com/bazaargram

bazaarTube

THREE-MINUTES MARKETING Learn the tricks of the trade from bite-sized snappy videos created by Nadeem Awad and Rimon Tawadros By bazaar staff

Whether you are selling a product or a service, you need to understand how best to promote it on today’s media channels. Experts also argue that even job-seekers are marketing themselves and skills when they apply for a job. What used to be a magical skill that only a select few understood has become an integral part of almost any role you play. And while you can find many resources on the internet, few have been tailored to the local market, speak our language, understand our specific needs or were even created by experts from the region. Except, now there is. Nadeem Awad and Rimon Tawadros are changing all of that and in 3-minute chunks! The Marketing Whiz and digital geek of the dynamic duo is Nadeem. He is an accomplished marketer with over 15 years of experience in marketing in which he won more than five regional awards. Nadeem holds a B.E from Beirut Arab University and recently has been certified by BITA as a Trainer. He follows the latest trends in digital marketing, AI, and writes continuously on how to maximize ROI using the most up-to-date marketing trends and approaches. Rimon on the other hand is the Marketing Sage and science geek. He is an award-winning marketer with over 12 years of marketing experience in world-class brands in the automotive business, consumer goods, and the entertainment industry. Rimon holds an MSc in Global Marketing from the University of Liverpool along with a BSc in Business Administration from AAST. Both presenters have many interests other than marketing like reading, photography, art and travel which adds to their depth and understanding of the world and how it works. Already, five episodes of the first season are live on YouTube and Instagram and one more is on the way. Each season will be six episodes long and will focus on one topic within marketing. Season one starts with the basics of marketing while Season two will take a look at Consumer Behavior and season three will delve into digital marketing and the list goes on. What inspired you to start Three Minutes Marketing? And why only 3 minutes? Rimon: Lack of scientifically-backed content. So many people claim that they are marketers and end up leading people in the wrong direction. So 24

[Continued...]

we wanted to give back to the world by sharing the knowledge we gained through years of education and experience. Nadeem: YouTube defines short videos as less than 4 minutes and long videos that are longer than 20 minutes. According to their latest statistics, for a video of 4 to 5 minutes fewer than 60% of viewers will still be with you against 75% for a 1 to 2 minutes video. Hence, we decided to go for 3 minutes to give our audience short yet rich content. Rimon: That’s the scientific part behind it which we took into consideration. But we also thought from the audience perspective, people are no longer interested in long lectures and videos that take a long time to explain simple concepts. Hence, we decided on giving people “a marketing quickie”.

You are posting on YouTube and IG TV, why did you choose those two platforms? Nadeem: YouTube is the second largest search engine next to Google, people upload more than 100 hours of video per minute to YT which makes it one of the best ways to communicate to a wide audience with specific interests such as marketing. As for IGTV, having another platform to share video content means another place to be seen. We can’t ignore the success of IG in general and its wide audience base. Your videos are both English and Arabic, and are always subtitled, why did you make that choice? Nadeem: This is what makes us unique, Three Minutes Marketing is the first and probably the only dual-language that caters to both English and

YOUR HEART TO JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

This Valentine’s Day follow your heart to Jumeirah and experience an extraordinary romantic getaway for just the two of you. Create everlasting memories with Valentines’ offer of Grand Deluxe Room or Deluxe Suite decorated with rose petals in breathtaking details, promising a remarkable night with your loved one. Grand Deluxe room Deluxe Suite • • • • •

KWD 303* per night KWD 353* per night

Romantic Dinner for two at Salt Restaurant In-room breakfast for two Decorated cake to suit your special occasion Complimentary flowers Access to pool and beach area

*Prices are valid on 14th of February 2021

+965 222 69 601 | jumeirah.com @jumeirahmessilahbeach

/JumeirahMessilahBeach

@JumeirahMB 25

Arabic speakers. We took this decision after hours of discussions and research, we found out that there are very few professional and scientific-based Arabic content about marketing and hence we wanted to create something for the Arabic-speaking community around the world and at the same time English is one of the most spoken languages in the world so by having both and keeping the subtitles on we are maximizing our potential of reaching a very wide audience base. Is learning or understanding marketing accessible and important for everyone? Why? Rimon: The answer is definitely yes, we all need to understand marketing in a way. Marketing is part of our daily lives; we are continuously exposed to some sort of marketing or trying to market something. It is accessible, there is a lot of free content across the different platforms, but the only problem is how reliable the information is. That’s why we use books, articles, and case studies when developing our content and not depend on our knowledge and experience only to guarantee that we share 100% reliable content as it’s a great responsibility. Your videos are very professionally made, are you doing that yourself or are you outsourcing it? Nadeem: Well that is flattering! We do everything from scratch. Rimon takes care of the videography and setup and I take care of the post-production. We did seek guidance on equipment and setup from one of Rimon’s dear friends who happens to be a director that recently graduated from New York Film Academy.

Rimon Tawadros

What has been your biggest challenge so far? Nadeem: Time! We both have full-time jobs, families, and other commitments. Time has been our main challenge. Creating content for one episode can take up to 10 working hours, shooting takes 4 hours, and sometimes we have to reshoot if we don’t like the outcome, and then post-production takes 2 weeks. What else do you hope to teach in future videos? Rimon: Marketing, marketing and more marketing! Marketing is very dynamic and keeps on changing. Hence, there is always something new to talk about. We started from scratch and we will keep on digging deeper in marketing, I believe it will take us years before we run out of content.

VIsit bazaar.town to read the full version of this article. You can find Three Minutes Marketing on YouTube: Three Minutes Marketing, @3minutesmarketing on Instagram, on LinkedIn and on the website threeminutesmarketing.com. You can also connect directly with the Rimon Tawadros on @rimontawadros on Instagram and with Nadim Awad @nadeemeddinawad. Photos by Fawaz Kraidees – Stduwi. 26

[...Continued]

Nadeem Awad

up close & personal

SULAIMAN ALZUHAIR

Art in motion By bazaar staff

One of the biggest benefits to come from the internet has been the increased access to art. As consumers, we are now exposed to so many mediums, styles and messages without needing to visit museums or purchase expensive books. It has also opened the door to being able to watch artists like Sulaiman AlZhuhair create interesting, out of the box and thought-provoking work. Sulaiman AlZhuhair is a freelance artist, designer and a creative consultant who considers himself not just an artist but a creative in general. And while he has formally studied art, he has also pushed himself to delve deeper into areas that may not have been offered at school. “School is overrated though. Don’t waste your time and money on it,” he explained. A quick browse on his Instagram page, and you will notice that the body of his work is stylized and unique. He has a clear yet varied and diverse voice that is consistent throughout his illustrations and animations. He attributes this to a lot of exploration and drawing comic characters as a child. AlZuhair comfortably switches between still drawings and moving images. “I like both. Animation is more challenging obviously because it’s more work. When I’m feeling micro I like illustration. When I’m feeling macro I like animation,” he says. A challenge isn’t something that stops him, he actually enjoys it as much as he enjoys bringing a character to life. Yet he does acknowledge that it is very time-consuming and requires better drawing skill. Another common element in his short video animations is collaboration. He works others for things like music or typefaces. AlZuhair jokes that working with other artists means that there’s less work for him. But he is also serious about it, “No honestly I think the best work can be brought out in collaborations. Not forced ones of course but when it clicks and you get in the zone a nice collab or partnership can be very inspiring,” he explains. He’s also quite happy and excited about where the art community in Kuwait is going. He finds that a lot of it inspires him and feels that “we’re getting there”. He also finds inspiration in everyday life, the things he sees, reads and hears. But his real trick, is how he stays motivated, “By not reading the news,” he confesses. 28

To get more technical, his animations are also labor intensive and can take weeks to complete. And he uses different tools and techniques to finish what we as viewers consume in 30 seconds to a minute. “I animate on Procreate on my iPad, then I export the footage to Adobe After Effects for compositing and other details. I don’t recommend it for serious animation though. It’s a good tool to start on or teach yourself on but eventually you want a Wacom and a proper animation program like TV Paint or Toon Boom,” AlZuhair describes his process and tools. He is very interested in constantly trying new things skills especially to prove to himself that he can do it. AlZuhair is also community minded, which can be seen in the free Art Club that he hosts on Telegram. There he shares his thought processes and explains all the steps he takes and answers questions. So far, he has been doing most of the sharing but would love to see it become a place where people show all shorts of work and get direction and useful feedback from other artists, not just emoji responses. If you’re into art, want help or guidance or to want to be part of an online art support community, check

it out. You can find the link in his Instagram bio below. He hopes to add a premium tier to this for members who wish to be more involved. When we asked him what his favorite piece was he told us that he doesn’t think he has created it yet. We know that he would like to get back into games and also wants to produce a mini animated series that he has had on the shelf for some years. Who knows his favorite thing might be one of those. Currently, though he is focused on creating an entity for his branding consultancy service. So, stay tuned for that and hit him up on Instagram in the meantime if you are interested. To budding artists and animators he says that their best weapon is practice! “The more you do it the better you get, the less u do it the rustier you’ll get. It sucks but it’s really that simple. Also use the internet to your advantage. Find artists you like and see what they offer in terms Of courses or tutorials. Or just learn for free on YouTube like I did. People are literally giving away free information in exchange for your attention,” he says. We can’t wait to see more of his lively and dynamic work.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do you most value about your friends? Honesty. Which living person do you most admire? My parents. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Vacation with the family. What is your greatest extravagance? Rib eyes. What is your most treasured possession? My cat. What is your greatest fear? The world permanently becomes a Black Mirror episode. What is your most marked characteristic? Temporarily obsessing over things. Which talent would you most like to have? Music. What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a quick learner. What is the human trait you most dislike about others? Entitlement. What is it that you most dislike? Wet socks. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Innit. What are your favorite words to live by? Don't be a bit$#. Where would you most like to live? On an island or mountain top somewhere secluded. If you could have any job, what would it be? Those guys on YouTube that travel the world and eat everything. What would you consider achievement? Selling my art internationally.

your

greatest

What do you hope for the future? A mountain or island to retreat. To find out more about Sulaiman and his art follow @salzuhair on Instagram. 29

bazaar weekends

PLANT A GARDEN Who needs big life goals when you can grow herbs By bazaar staff

It is a new season and a time to think of new beginnings. I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in life and growth. So instead of committing to losing weight or learning a new life, why not try to start a small indoor garden. Plants are the perfect metaphor for life. They need the right environment, attention and perseverance to grow. It is a hobby that will give back and help you grow (literally!). Even if you live in an apartment you can still stick your (soon to be green) thumb in some soil and plant some seeds. You can choose from decorative house plants to vegetables and herbs. According to WebMD houseplants can help relieve allergy, make you happier, purify your air and even help you focus better. If you go a step further and choose to grow veggies or herbs then you will reap what you sow (#sorrynotsorry) and eat it too. Gardening is not complicated and doesn’t need any magic. But it does require an investment of time, effort, money (but not a lot) and knowledge. As with all things, start with your why. If your end goal is just to have some more green at home and improved air quality then go for the most robust and easiest to care for houseplants that require minimal effort. This will help you get started without being too challenging. If you are the kind of person who is laid back, then find a plant that isn’t fussy and doesn’t need more than an occasional watering. If you like structure and schedules, then a plant that needs regular care is the one for you. Basically, find a plant that mirrors your lifestyle. You can find any of these plants at the nurseries in Shuwaikh. Aglaonemas (Chinese Evergreen) love water and will be ok if you over water. Jade’s on the other hand retain water in their leaves and will survive if you forget them for up to a month, but they do like their sun. Yuccas, love the sun too and don’t need a lot of watering. A spider plant is a great option too, because they are very fast growing and you can re-pot the baby shoots for more spider plants. There are also some great apps available that can help you manage your new plant life. Florish is a great free app for iPhones that helps show you how your plants should look when they are healthy, provides care instructions and can even remind you when you should water your plant babies. But the best feature is the light meter that can use the camera to estimate light intensity and recommend plants for the space.

Once you feel ready to level up, plant some herbs. Who doesn’t want freshly picked basil or mint sprinkled on their salads? Herbs do need more sun, so make sure to find a really well lit area. The pots will need great drainage so the roots don’t rot and don’t over water. We got you started with ideas and inspiration

but you will need to get your hands dirty for this one. Plants really are a wonderful addition to any home, whatever you decide to grow.

What are you excited to grow at home? DM us on @bazaargram on Instagram to let us know.

NEW CO L L EC T I O N Grand Avenue - The Avenues 31

LET’S TALK ABOUT MICRO-NICHE CONTENT The rabbit hole deepens. Buckle up guys, this is going to get weird By George Tarabay

If someone told me three years ago that soon there will be a brand-new breed (here’s a tongue twister) of content creators in four years (that’s right, I’m talking about the breed we will witness in 2022, I am foreshadowing for next year). I would have probably answered: Yes, I think people who leave things in random locations at the supermarket should be arrested. Sorry, I kind of lost track of my thought with all the self-interruption. But I would also say: There is no way on earth! Before I dive deep, a fair warning, if you’re one of the people who thinks that it’s cool to hate on “Tik-Tok” just because you never even tried to get on the app to see what it’s about and think that everything new should be made fun of. Here’s my advice, flip the page now. This article will mention “Tik-Tok” more than a watch does in 60 seconds … if it’s analog … because digital watches … don’t. 2020 happened to the world and people were forced back into their caves but this time, and unlike the great Ice Age where your diet Pepsi stays at a perfect freezing temperature all day, we still had a way to communicate: le smart telephone. And so, it happens, that phone had an app that is so loose, so fast paced and so engaging that people decided to dump their mini-interests, mini-talents, mini-knowledge on it and people were so bored on the other end, that they stuck around to watch it. On the surface, it looks like the same story of any content creator. They have an interest, they share it with the world and so it happens, people of the same interest find them and follow them. But this is different. It’s uber-different! The conventional creators we know are all, myself included, what I like to call nowadays “Broad-ators” (not my brightest attempt at moshing broad and creators together). There is something about how we were raised and shaped that made us believe that more is better and that your skillset should be an endless list of stuff that you know how to do no matter where your level lies in each and every one of those skills. But … again … these people are different. These people are the “yo-yo players”, the “excel-hacks guy”, the “look-at-all-these-weirdwebsites-I-found guy”, the “photoshop-tricks guy”, the “one-joke-that landed guy”. I know, it sounds repetitive to be known for one thing … but believe me, the moment you see these Micro-ators (don’t ask) fighting their own reflexes at falling into repetition under the same umbrella, you will be fascinated. You can literally watch them propel through that space with fresh and new ideas at executing and delivering their content that is still essentially about that one thing they know, love or want to share.

What is even more fascinating is seeing these Micro-ators (I almost never back down from my mistakes) cross-pollinate their content, like when a dancer issues a new challenge that goes viral and we see different specialty channels try to incorporate some creative iteration or variation of that same challenge but in a different universe that is their content page. Soon enough, mark my words … seriously go get a marker and mark these following words with a half dried up yellow neon marker so you can revisit it in a year: The future of content is micro-ating (I won’t apologize) and not because short form content is becoming the trend, and not because of attention spans.

It is in my opinion, probably, due to the fact that what happened in 2020 made us realize how much we miss the details about our own lives. So maybe, just maybe, by micro-ating and consuming it, we are trying to make sure we never make that mistake again. I don’t see it stopping soon and I hope it doesn’t. And you bet I will be speaking about “Tik-Tok” soon … it’s a matter of time before I tick to talk about it again or … Tick-Talk. Okay … now I am sorry. George Tarabay is a marketing expert Filmmaker/ Comedian/Podcaster. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud @GeorgeTarabay. Photo by Vera Gorbunova on Unsplash.

THE ROAD TO DAKAR WITH MOHAMMED JAFFAR

The Red Bull athlete talks motocross, challenges and his goals for the next Dakar Rally by bazaar staff

The Dakar rally is easily the most treacherous and challenging test of endurance in the world of motorsports. The fortnight-long challenge is part race, part festival, and the vibes are thrilling—it’s like watching a live rendition of your favorite scenes from a dystopian desert action thriller, and we’re not even kidding. For Kuwait’s first full-time motocross champion Mohammed Jaffar, it was a life changing experience.

The seasoned motocross rider took to the dunes of Saudi Arabia alongside 107 other professional riders competing in the same category. To say that his experience was exhilarating is an understatement, as the athlete was injured on his very first day, but he persevered. “The Dakar experience was beyond my imagination. I would have never anticipated what was going to happen. This was my first time to participate, and while I was expecting it to be hard, it was 100 times harder, more dangerous, more challenging and even more treacherous. The terrain we covered were really mind-bending. The conditions were beyond my expectations, and the moving camp meant different conditions every day.” In his five days of competing, Mohammed Jaffar remained focused and well organized for each day. Even after his first injury, he simply

treated himself and continued. You can’t help but want to keep pushing on at Dakar. Maybe it’s the desert air, the stunning dunes, and the competitive vibe where everyone is pushed to their limits, there is something incredibly special about the Dakar Rally. Unfortunately, Jaffar hit a snag, literally and professionally. He was injured in an accident while competing and was air lifted out of the competition. When he came to, he didn’t even realize it had happened. He told bazaar, “Accidents happen, they are part of the competition. When I spoke with fellow riders, they agreed with me that it was sheer luck. I wasn’t being reckless, I wasn’t speeding incorrectly, I was paying attention. But the terrain at Dakar is extremely rocky, I hit a snag on the road, and I was badly injured.” What happened with Jaffar actually happens with 90% of the top riders competing—it’s all part of the never-ending action at Dakar. Completing the

longest stage in the rally, a total distance of 800 kilometers, what he did produce was astounding for a first-time participant, and he returned to Kuwait more energized that before to better train for his return to Dakar. “I can’t wait to go back next year!” He said, with an ambitious glimmer in his eyes. For Jaffar, competition isn’t simply about being recognized for your rankings, but it is rather about the quality of what you bring to the table. We asked him how he felt as the third Kuwaiti to participate at Dakar, and he kept on referencing the importance of quality when he answered us, “It’s about how you represent yourself, your sponsors and your country.” He said, “I believe that is my key emotional trigger, I constantly think about the experience I will get out of the competition and what my next steps will be, as well as what I had learned. I wanted to represent Kuwait the best he can, and I believe I did.” Jaffar

[Continued...]

has his eyes, and mind, firmly set on the prize— he’s already thinking about his return to the biggest race in the world, the International Dakar Rally, next year. When it comes to preparing for Dakar, or any race for that matter, Jaffar credits his experience as his greatest strength. He stated, “With thirteen years of riding experience, I do not doubt my skills, as it is my experience that earned me the place to compete. I always want to learn from every race I participate in so I can better train and better prepare for the next challenge. It’s always rewarding to come back with a new set of skills and a medal.” 2020 was an off year for most people, including the motocross athlete. And while he didn’t get the opportunity to prepare as well as he wanted to for Dakar, he did his best to make the most out of a year of interrupted trainings and activities. He laughingly said, “2020 had no mercy on anyone!”, and added, “Health is a

[...Continued]

blessing, and I am blessed that the virus didn’t affect me or my family. I feel so bad for everyone who is struggling with this pandemic. We all are.” Instead, Jaffar channeled his energy into growing his passion project, The Moto School, which aims to build a strong community of young riders from Kuwait. Given travel restrictions, so many people stayed in town, and many who first showed interest in riding approached Jaffer for his expert guidance. “I had a great time doing this. I wanted to give back to the community by teaching local amateur riders the tricks of the trade.” He considered the experience as a growth opportunity for him more than the eager learners. When times get tough, we look to the toughest of competitors for inspiration, and Mohammed Jaffar is no exception. He has endured so much and sacrificed his time with his family to be where he is at today. Staying motivated is no easy feat, but it comes with the territory. “When I think of all of my efforts, the support of my sponsors and

my family—all of that matters and all of that has to be considered. You stay motivated, no matter what. Every time I leave my kids and family behind to go and cover insurmountable distances to compete, I want to always make it worth it. I don’t want to go through all of these challenges without a real end goal in mind. “ Winning his very first championship in 2011, Mohammed Jaffar has gone on to win 13 motocross championship titles. His passion for motocross racing began at 14 years of age, and armed with myriad experiences he is posed to take on the Dakar rally next year. And while he hit a literal hitch this year, the athlete’s love for the sport is unstoppable. We can’t wait to see what he does next! For more on Mohammed Jaffar, follow him on Instagram @Mo_Jaffar. For more on Red Bull, please visit redbull.com and follow @RedBullKuwait on Instagram and Twitter. Photography by Abdullah Alsaleh @Iambooda_ on Instagram.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONLINE EDUCATION! By Jennifer Ivory

This February marks ONE YEAR since schools in Kuwait moved online. Will you be celebrating or commiserating? We Didn't Know We Needed You Until You Arrived Hala Feb celebrations were in full swing. Flags fluttered on corridors, homophonic beats accompanied by the sound of youthful giggles flowed from classrooms, and aromas of cumin, coriander and curry called to the passers-by to join in the celebrations. We didn't know it at the time, but these would be the final face to face interactions between student and teacher in 2020. The bell clanged and off they went National and Liberation Celebrations offering them a well-deserved break. Teachers still had a couple of days left, and as they plodded and trudged into school for professional development, nobody thought to leave their resentments behind and appreciate the camaraderie they enjoyed with their colleagues - usually only felt when rested and refreshed! Let's be honest, most teachers can't even remember what they did on that last collegial PD day. When all the learning was done and duties were completed, teachers "legged it" from school to relish in their few days off - due to return to work on March 1st. Then, the news stations went into overdrive and on the 27th of Feb we received the email - "school closed for the next two weeks." We couldn't believe it! AN EXTRA TWO WEEKS OFF - boy, oh boy, we're so lucky (not many people were selfless enough to think of the deaths occurring around the world)! It soon became very obvious that this wasn't going to be just two weeks off. We were moving our lives online, but our future world leaders still needed their education and so E-Learning, on a national level, was born in Kuwait. What a journey it has been watching it grow and flourish! I Celebrate You, Online Learning and I Believe Others Should Too With the birth of online schooling, technophobes grimaced, students trepidatiously got used to being

seen on screen, parents panicked, administrators went on 24-hour call, and many teachers, such as myself, grew more and more excited, as we leapt at the chance to adapt and overcome a new (and for most, a welcome) challenge in our careers as a teacher, delivering the same lessons yearon-year can get monotonous, but we were about to embark on innovative and creative ships that allowed us to float gently among the sea of students we cared about, to ensure their breath and depth of knowledge continued to expand. Online schooling has become part of our day-today lives now. Students need to be commended on their triumphs! We should be celebrating the opportunities online learning has given them. While our kids spend most of their free time facing a screen, they are now using screen time productively. They are adapting to virtual social gatherings and using the new tools they learn with in an innovative way to create new, and exciting, demonstrations of their learning. NONE of us know the type of jobs that will be available to our children when they leave school (some of them probably haven't even been invented yet!), but you can guarantee that virtual meetings and online tools will be a major component of their work. So, if your child's spelling is not too great, or they're not advancing quickly enough in Math, they are still being prepped for their futures. How can this NOT be celebrated? Parents, (I am not a mother, and I don't pretend to know what it has been like) I suggest you celebrate too! The birth of online schooling has lessened your burden of school drop-offs and pick-ups (any way to avoid the traffic at 8am and

3pm should be celebrated), you can see exactly what your child is doing in school instead of being told "I left the book in my locker", there is no risk of your son or daughter getting into fights or falling down the stairs, uniforms don't have to be prepped and teachers are better able to communicate with you via virtual meetings rather than you having to make your way into the school. On Your Birthday, I Want To Say Thanks.. None of this is to say that I don't miss my daily interactions with students - I still have last years time capsules sitting in my cupboard, but it is what it is, and has been invaluable. My sentiments won't be shared by all, and I completely understand and empathize. However, for the month that's in it, I want to say thanks to online school. Thanks for allowing me to discover passions, interests, talents and a new-found love for my profession. Thanks for showing me my human ability to adapt and overcome. Thanks for reminding me that my students will always rise to the occasion with the right encouragement. When you think about the year that has passed us, in academic terms, will you celebrate our achievements, or will you commiserate with your family and friends that we are still online? Jennifer is a full-time teacher, hundrED ambassador, ed-tech enthusiast and UNSDG advocate. Follow @msjenq8 on Twitter and Instagram to get in touch or her website www.msjenq8.com. Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash.

@XciteAlghanim

XcitebyAlghanim

1803535

www.xcite.com

TRANSFORMING COMMUNICATIONS Interview with Ooredoo’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications Mijbil Alayoub By bazaar staff

If we learned anything from last year, it’s the importance of positively utilizing technology during times of crises. We turn to organizations pioneering the way in tech for guidance, and we can look no farther than to Ooredoo. We’ve adjusted to work from home situations, and social distancing meant more time communicating with loved ones online, let alone how we’ve even shifted our buying habits from physical to virtual. We spoke with Mijbil Alayoub, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Ooredoo to better understand how the telecommunications giant is paving the way for a better future for its customers and employees alike.

Mijbil Alayoub, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Ooredoo Kuwait

With over 25 years of experience in the fields of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Mijbil Alayoub is a seasoned expert who began his professional career as a TV Director and Producer at the Ministry of Information in the State of Kuwait. With a strong growth path that took him from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) as a Communications Manager to becoming Group Director for Corporate Communications at Zain Group, today Mijbil is continuously raising the bar at Ooredoo Kuwait. Mijbil successfully raised and sustained the corporate identity at Ooredoo Kuwait through adapting the best communications strategies, making the right timely decisions with the greatest value, and balancing between globalization, localization, and learning experience.

How did the pandemic affect Ooredoo’s communications strategy? The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed new rules, and forced companies to undergo major transformations into their business process and strategies. Companies worldwide started depending more on technology to sustain their operations whilst adhering to the new procedures imposed by governments. Internally, we at Ooredoo Kuwait, always seek to safeguard our employees, so we immediately shifted to a remote work policy, we demonstrated best communications practices in order to manage such a work-from-home culture. Employees were given intense online trainings in order to be prepared to manage such a change. Our employees’ safety was a top priority to us, so we also ensured that each and every employee receives consistent and accurate information and guidance to deal with the pandemic. Externally, without a doubt, our business performance and operations were influenced by the COVID-19. However, we took proactive steps and consistent external communication strategies to maintain our business continuity. We conducted strategic partnerships with national and international companies to bring new products and services to our corporate customers. We also took a serious role in helping businesses thrive through launching exciting offers targeting companies in the country with the aim of helping them run their business smoothly and to stay connected. We also incorporated CSR communications around COVID-19 efforts such as; providing customers with free 5GB internet and free calls for one month, and we gifted our customers in Ministries and Governmental Organizations which include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense, Kuwait Police, Kuwait Airways and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation free internet valid throughout the month of March in appreciation for their great efforts during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. We were optimistic knowing that this won’t last forever. What is Ooredoo doing to bring people closer together at a time when we are asked to physically and socially distance? People had to stay home and away from others during the outbreak of COVID-19, yet, it was important for them to stay connected with their family and friends. As a pioneering telecoms company in digital transformation in Kuwait, we took serious steps towards bringing people together since the onset of COVID-19. Hence, Ooredoo’s core values are; caring, connecting and challenging, while also upholding its commitment to providing customers with products and services that meet their expectations and lifestyle at home.

Collective work engagement

Motivation through creating meaningful moments with employees We developed safe social activities such as; launching the ProPing online gaming tournament, and the launching of our ‘Be Safe. Be Home. Be Online’ campaign which featured an array of digital offers and services designed to support customers and to ensure they are well connected and informed during the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. We also provided our customers with free 5GB internet and free calls for one month. How does this trickle down to corporate policy? During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not look at numbers, instead, we were keen on supporting the government to ensure the safety of

the public. At Ooredoo Kuwait, we work with ethics and empathy, and people’s lives is our priority. And as a responsible company we take responsible actions towards our society, and so we work for the social betterment. Thus, our corporate policy is developed to mainly accomplish social benefits along with the traditional economic gains which the firm seeks. Did Ooredoo’s relationship with the local community change? In fact, I am proud to say that we have always had a strong bond with our community, we have always took serious steps towards our society.

[Continued...]

Mijbil Alayoub hands out the gift to the winner during the iPhone 12 launch event Although 2020 was a challenging year, yet, we believe that tough times bring people together, and so our relationship with our community has positively changed. We engaged more with the public through the CSR initiatives including sending informative SMS with tips to stay safe and healthy, providing Ooredoo customers with free internet and calls, gifting all mothers under health quarantine and the medical staff at Sheikh Jaber Hospital on the occasion of Mother’s Day, and more. The community’s interaction spurs us to devote greater energies and resources to CSR initiatives. What are some of Ooredoo’s CSR goals for this year? 2020 was the year of challenges, change, and progress. COVID-19 was a challenging test for all companies for proving their ability to sustain. Through our CSR initiatives we were able to work together and support each other with the hope of building a safer, and brighter future. 2021 will be another uncertain year with uncertain events, yet, one thing that is as clear as crystal to us, is that we will continue devoting our efforts and resources to support the community, ensure the safety of its people, and strengthen our relationship with customers. 42

Ooredoo Tower at Kuwait City How would you say your company handled the Covid-19 situation overall? We were efficient and effective. We were not looking at numbers and sales, instead, we were as supportive as possible to all; employees, customers, businesses, governments, and those in need. For corporates, we offered them efficient solutions when most of them implemented the “working from home” strategy. We offered them a reliable, fast, and stable connectivity which was critical for their business continuity. From another side, we offered our customers

exceptional packages at exclusive prices to encourage them to stay at home safely, last but not least, our employees were working safely from their homes, and government officials were given all the support from our side through offering them free SIM cards, internet, and calls to stay connected with their families and friends. What were your key customer-focused initiatives of 2020 and what impact/results did you see? Our customers are at the forefront of our priorities, and meeting their expectations and needs is not

a choice anymore. Thus, we are always keen on providing them with the latest smart devices to satisfy their modern lifestyle, and offering them digital services and offers with the greatest value. As a customer-focused company, we place the customer experience as the most important part of doing business. For instance, we have upgraded MyOoredoo app in which customers can conduct almost any kind of activity from recharging, to paying bills, redeem their Nojoom points and more. In other words, customers do not really have to spend extra time on roads to visit any of the company’s branches to finalize any purchase order. Hence, since the launching of MyOoredoo app until today, 88% of the company’s services are being activated through the application. We have also launched ANA, which gives customers the ultimate freedom to pick and choose what they need in their plan. In short, customers can customize and build their own plan. I can proudly say that we are mastering the digital transformation game with a proven track-record. What has been Kuwait’s response to 5G especially that more users are now purchasing the new iPhone? Ooredoo Kuwait announced the launch of its new 5G commercially that supports 5th generation of cellular network technology. The 5G network was a major upgrade in Ooredoo’s portfolio that offered customers superfast mobile broadband Internet to deliver incredible download speeds; bringing our mobile broadband experience to unparalleled new heights. With the 5G network, customers witness ultra-low latency times meaning easier and more stable gaming and streaming. According to studies, Kuwait is one of the countries set to benefit from the delivery of 5G technology. Moreover, since we launched the iPhone 12 line, we witnessed massive turnout which proves the public’s interest in new technologies and 5G network. We’re seeing a lot of new subscriptions and media offers from Ooredoo. How does that play into Ooredoo’s vision as a whole? Ooredoo’s vision represented by enriching people’s digital lives, mirrors a roadmap of the future, and wild aspirations of the company. Our unique offers differentiate us and set us apart from the competition, in fact, we create and provide a value to our customers with every subscription or promotion. Our well-articulated vision originates from innovative imagination that is translated into a mission, which indicates tasks to be achieved. Has Ooredoo updated the Nojoom program? How does it differ from other programs? Nojoom is Ooredoo’s loyalty program and the biggest and only one of its kind in Kuwait by a telecom operator with free enrolment for all

Ooredoo Kuwait Recognized by Kuwait Red Crescent Society Ooredoo customers. Customers can earn points based on their Ooredoo spending to benefit from an attractive range of rewards, services and experiences. Customers can then redeem their points for cash vouchers from Ooredoo’s network of partners such as Kuwait Finance House, eureka, and west elm, exchange their points to miles with leading airline companies such as; Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways, select specific Ooredoo services and top-ups and transfer their points to friends or charity donations. The newest redemption option is Nojoom Deals, offering the chance to unlock unique merchant discounts and deals. The Nojoom Rewards Program stands out due to its consistent growth, unique offerings, exclusive rewards, and exceptional experiences and benefits to customers. I would like to highlight that we have been awarded the “Best Loyalty and Rewards Program” at the 14th edition of Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, the ICT industry’s biggest and first hybrid event in the Middle East, in November 2020. With that being said, we constantly update the program to upgrade the customer experience through partnering with more brands, bringing new exciting offers and benefits. With work from home formats being encouraged, can you tell us more about some of Ooredoo’s offerings that are making this possible? Ooredoo Business offers SME a package of 3 month free services to provide them with a full support through these challenging times. In

addition, customers will get an extra value on their virtual wallet which can be used to pay their bills or purchase new handsets. The offer allows customers to enjoy more benefits by doubling their local data and local minutes on mobile voice plans ensuring the smoothness in running their business. Ooredoo Business is also launching new splendid offers to Employees in the government sector and all associations catering for all type mobile devices such as Apple, Samsung, and Huawei with affordable prices making sure that all the business sector is staying connected with the latest devices in the market. Amidst the disruption and challenges caused by COVID-19, Ooredoo Kuwait offered an array of resourceful and efficient solutions to companies in the country. These solutions included free trials on virtual meetings, business continuity solutions, and smart solutions to help enterprises and business customers to stay resilient during this challenging period and to ensure their safety as well as their business continuity.

For more information, please visit Ooredoo.com.kw, and follow @OoredooKuwait on social media. [...Continued]

LEAD WITH TRUST

5 leadership tactics that build trust By Amy Stanton—Minutes

You never master the art of leadership.This is something that seems to be missing from the public conversation around how to be an effective leader. In the workplace, in the world at large, and even at home with family and friends. Leadership isn’t a destination, it is a process: a never-ending practice that takes years to develop, and at any moment can feel like a massive fail. We all, at some point or another, forget how to be great leaders. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about leadership over the course of my career, it’s that the soft skills are what matter most. It’s really not about being seen as the person in charge, or dressing a certain way, or reminding the people around you that you’re the final decision-maker. It’s about learning how to communicate in a way that other people trust. Here are five small ways you can start doing that right now. 1. Change up your feedback style, so people know you mean what you say If you say, “Good job” to every person you work with, for every single thing they do, those words are going to lose their meaning. Effective leadership isn’t about singing people’s praises all day long. In fact, studies have shown it’s the “negative” feedback (when communicated appropriately) that ends up being most helpful to people—not necessarily positive reinforcement. People want to learn, and grow, and feel challenged to be better today than they were yesterday, and so finding ways to facilitate that growth by giving constructive feedback is a crucial soft skill to learn. The sandwich method here is popular (positive, constructive, positive). But so is just having regular, honest conversations that end with actionable steps forward. Remember: It’s one thing to critique. It’s another to give constructive feedback with a path to improvement. 2. Look for leadership examples outside of work I run a PR firm called Stanton & Company. I have also been taking dance lessons for a few years now. Teaching dance and teaching someone how to do PR, on the surface, are two completely different things. But there is something to be said for observing different teaching styles and seeing how you can incorporate new approaches and motivation techniques. That said, I personally think you become the best version of yourself as a leader when you are being authentic to who you are when you speak from the heart, when you aren’t trying to be someone (or something) you’re not. When you aren’t putting on an act, but are instead showing up in a way that’s connected to your own vulnerability. 44

3. Whenever something goes wrong, take accountability first One thing I say to my team constantly is that whenever something goes wrong, ultimately the buck stops with me. I’m the owner of the company, and so anything that happens is my responsibility. In leadership positions, it can be easy to fall into a mindset of “being the victim.” If a series of things go wrong, you might start to feel like these obstacles are happening to you and are outside of your control. But giving this sort of mentality any amount of meaningful attention only makes the problem worse. You then start to see everything that happens this way. Instead, it’s important for you to be the one who takes accountability first. No matter what happens, even if it’s clearly not your fault, it’s important that you take a moment to question the role you played. Maybe you’ve been more absent than normal. Maybe you were tending to other issues, which caused you to be distracted. Maybe you’ve been so busy that things fell through the cracks. Whatever it is, great leaders lead by example—and own what they brought to the table before criticizing others. 4. Allow others to make their own mistakes Micromanaging people is rarely effective. The reason being, people need to make their own mistakes in order to learn. Obviously, you want to put guardrails in place and make sure those mistakes happen in a controlled setting, but your goal is to get them to a place where they feel comfortable and confident operating on their own. That’s how you get

someone to move from being just an employee to a real team member. This takes a lot of patience on your part. You have to take the time to teach, train, and guide the other person. You have to be there to pick them back up when something goes wrong. Most of all, you have to be okay with the fact that they will make mistakes along the way—while simultaneously remembering the short-term cost is worth their longterm knowledge and independence. 5. Actively self-reflect, and ask for feedback often Leadership must shift and evolve with the environment and that means we need to be keeping an eye on things and making changes accordingly. The best organizations are ones where the employees feel comfortable giving their managers and leaders direct feedback. There has to be a loop: a way of knowing if people are hearing each other and if the communication style or approach is effective. And the only way to create this loop is to foster a nurturing environment where an employee telling their boss or an executive or company owner something they feel, or something that bothered them, or something they noticed, is received. And not just received but appreciated. As a leader, the last thing you want is to work in a vacuum of your own thoughts. You have much more to gain by hearing other people’s perspectives than you have to lose. While the leadership journey will have its ups and downs, if we embrace it, it’s a constant learning opportunity and a source of growth. Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash.

STARTUP ADVICE IS CONFUSING

Here’s how to make sense of 6 common contradictions By Andrew Vasylyk

Founders looking for guidance are faced with too much information. Google any startup related question and open up a few links, it’s quite likely that you’ll find conflicting advice. Similarly, there’s a good chance that if you go out and ask people yourself you’ll hear opposing thoughts. To add to the confusion, two contradictory approaches can both seem sound and come from reputable sources. What should founders do? Who should they listen to? Let’s look at a few examples. Following customers vs. following a vision Should you follow your heart or give customers what they ask for? Do customers even know what they want? While it would be ridiculous to not listen to the people that give you money, don’t take everything that customers tell you as gospel. What matters much more is what customers do, especially with their wallets. If people back in Henry Ford’s time said they wanted faster horses, their wallets certainly said otherwise. Weathering a storm vs. beating a dead horse Perseverance, grit, and tenacity are some of the most important traits of successful entrepreneurs. At the same time, having enough self-awareness to say “no” or “enough” is just as crucial. As paradoxical as this may sound, having a “never quit” attitude certainly doesn’t mean that you should never quit. Quitting is important. It allows you to direct your limited time and resources to other, better things. Impact vs. effort matrix Unfortunately, there is no universal list of things that are or are not worth chasing. It’s a call that founders have to make, usually relying on two things: Effort: How difficult is it to achieve a certain goal? Impact: How mission critical is the goal? While this approach is sound, it’s not always easy to follow because quitting can be perceived as failure, and nobody likes to fail. So it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. To win a war, you may need to lose a battle. Quitting something may be a necessary sacrifice in order to achieve a greater goal. Innovating vs. imitating To outsiders, Silicon Valley is synonymous with innovation. Startup founders are seen as contrarian geniuses who create unique solutions and first-of-a-kind products. But in reality, the world of tech is full of copycats. For example Instagram Stories and Snapchat, Uber and Lyft, Apple and Xiaomi, Indiegogo and Kickstarter, etc.

Should you take the lead or follow others? Ideally, do both. Your product should be familiar, but different. Too early vs. too late Timing is tricky. The line between being too early and too late is very fine. Being first can carry a lot of risks. While you may benefit from the first mover’s advantage, you will inevitably make a lot of mistakes that those that come after you can avoid (imitation is highly effective, remember?). You also run the risk of being too early. The idea for Instagram is obviously very valid, but if it launched five years earlier than it did, it probably wouldn’t have taken off on flip phones. You don’t want to be too late either. An oversaturated market may leave no more room for new players. Perfect timing, if it even exists, is when the market is small, so it’s easier to dominate due to lack of competitors, but is expected to grow rapidly, which gives dominant players the ability for large scale.

Failure as motivation vs. fear of failure Everybody is afraid to fail. This fear can be a strong motivator that can push you to go above and beyond and to be irrationally persistent. At the same time, such fear can be crippling. Should you be scared to fail? If you fail, embrace it and move on. For many, failure is an important part of success. Founders of failed startups have a 20% higher chance to succeed in their next venture. So dive headfirst and don’t look back. People who offer advice are rarely right all the time, and rarely wrong all the time. So take any advice you can get, but filter it through what you know and what you already believe. Just because somebody else did it their way, doesn’t mean that is necessarily the best way for you. But it might be. And even if it’s not it might trigger ideas that you haven’t considered.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash.

Debenhams - Grand Avenue - The Avenues debenhamsmiddleeast

PORSCHE LAUNCHES DRIVE DEFINES HER CAMPAIGN Stories of inspiring women of the Middle East marks Panamera release By bazaar staff

Driven. Unique. Ambitious. These are just some of the words that can be used to describe the female role models that can be found in the region. Women who have chosen fields that have been traditionally reserved for men. Porsche Middle East and Africa recognized the importance of their integral role in the community and featured a select few for their latest campaign, #DriveDefinesHer, which also marks the regional release of the latest Panamera. 48

Nayla Al Khaja The campaign showcases a group of inspiring women from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait and celebrates the determination of female leaders across the Gulf region. Building on the model’s tagline of Drive Defines Us, Porsche created beautiful short videos that tell the inspiring stories of these highly ambitious women who are unafraid to smash the glass ceiling. #DriveDefinesHer shines a spotlight on their achievements and aims to encourage other women in the Middle East to pursue careers in maledominated professions. As an active supporter of female leadership and entrepreneurial mindset, Porsche shows its commitment to support women’s empowerment within the company and beyond through its latest campaign. In what is widely considered to be an industry for men, more than 30 percent of roles within the company are occupied by females and range across a variety of functional levels, including Senior Management. “#DriveDefinesHer focuses on celebrating the achievements of some of the Middle East’s most ambitious and inspiring women. These women are trailblazers within their industries and are paving the way for the next generation of females to follow their lead. Through uncovering and celebrating these stories, we hope to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and embark on a career path of their choice, irrespective of whether or not it’s a male-dominated industry,” explained Dr Manfred Bräunl, Chief Executive Officer at Porsche Middle East and Africa. Featuring in the campaign is Nayla Al Khaja, the first female film director and producer in the UAE. Her drive to succeed, combined with her sacrifices along the way, is what motivates her to tell her stories through film. Al Khaja believes she is now in a fortunate position where people look to her as a role model; a responsibility she relishes as she works to lead the next generation of female Arab directors. “Being part of this campaign has been an unforgettable experience. To work alongside other driven females has been extremely inspiring and something I will never forget,” Nayla said. Teaming up with Porsche is Saudi Arabia’s Adwa Al Dakheel. One of the most prominent female figures in Saudi, the 28-year-old is an entrepreneur who has already acquired a long list of impressive achievements during her 13-year career to date. From Forex trader to author, musician to pilot, squash champion to jewelry designer, Al Dakheel is redefining what it means to be a young Saudi woman.

Adwa Al Dakheel

Hend Almatrouk

[Continued...]

Shurooq Zainal

“As women, we have all the potential and skills required to enter and excel in any field,” Adwa explained. Closer to home, Hend Almatrouk, Kuwaiti architect and owner of the urban design firm, Studio Toggle, has quickly forged a reputation as a true trailblazer in the world of architecture and was awarded the “Young Architect of the Year” Award at the Middle East Architect Awards. “Design is powerful, it can change perceptions and it can inspire. I want to get my story out there with the aim of inspiring the next generation of young females – not just in the Middle East but across the world,” Hend said. Porsche also features two exemplary women that are part of their organization in the campaign. Porsche Middle East and Africa’s very own Shurooq Zainal, Legal & Compliance Director for the MEA Region, and Aileen Fahr, Head of Region Africa. Born and raised in Dubai, Shurooq is the organization’s first Emirati in the Director team and has previously been awarded a full scholarship for her academic and professional achievements by the current Ruler of Dubai. Meanwhile, German-born Aileen joined the organization in 2020 and holds one of the most senior positions in the regional office. The motoring companion for #DriveDefinesHer is the new Panamera. Set to be launched in the coming months, the latest variant of Porsche’s sporty saloon boasts best-in-class performance, enhanced comfort and chassis management and a sharper, sportier visual appearance. With 630 PS, the new Panamera Turbo S is a segment leader with 80 PS more power and 50 Nm more torque than the previous flagship Turbo. In Sport Plus mode, the Turbo S model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a jawdropping 3.1 seconds. Visit www.newsroom.porsche.com to find out more about what drives these women every day, and follow the conversation across social media with #DriveDefinesHer. For more information about the Porsche Panamera in Kuwait contact Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, call 1870 870 or visit www.porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Instagram @PorscheCentreKuwait and Facebook: PorscheCentreKuwait. 50

[...Continued]

Aileen Fahr

CONFIDENT. SPARKLING. BEAUTIFUL.

The Avenues Mall • Marina Mall • Al Fanar Mall • The Gate Mall • Souq Sharq • Mishref Co-op • Qortuba Co-op Al Kout Mall • Mubarak Al Kabeer and Al Qurain Co-op • The Promenade • Hateen Co-op • Khaldiya Co-op • Shamiya Co-op • Awtad Mall • Rawda Co-op • Abdullah Al Mubarak Co-op bathandbodyworksarabia • www.bathandbodyworks.com.kw Customer Service: 182-12-12

CRAFT AN ELEVATOR PITCH

How—and why—to craft an elevator pitch for your job search By Judith Humphrey

These days there’s not much need for an elevator pitch—at least not a real elevator pitch that’s delivered when your CEO steps into the elevator. After all, remote working has kept most of us out of our offices, not to mention elevators. But there is still a need to have a concise pitch when you’re searching for a job. It will focus your thinking, center you on your value, and save you from delivering messages that are too general or too scattered. It’s your go-to script when networking or pitching yourself in an interview. The following five steps will enable you to craft a first-rate pitch that can be customized for each encounter. 1. Create your message Begin by writing out in one sentence why you are deserving of the job you have in mind. This message is the heart of your elevator pitch. All good pitches boil down to one idea. For example, yours might be: “I have a strong track record in HR, and I believe my accomplishments will be an asset to your firm.” Another might be: “I’m a sales executive with extensive retail experience of the kind this role requires.” Still another: “As a CFO in three consulting firms, I bring strong industry experience to this key role.”

2. Design your opening Next, create an opening that builds rapport with your audience. This will precede your message and be customized for each occasion. If you’re talking to the recruiter, your opening might be: “I’ve studied this position and your company, and I am excited by what I see.” If you’re talking to a family friend who’s an executive in the company you’re applying to, you might begin, “I appreciate your meeting with me. I would welcome any advice you can give me about how I might nail a job I’ve applied for in your company’s HR department.”

CMY

3. Add proof points Once you’ve created your opening and message statement, you’ll want to provide proof that you are indeed well-positioned for the job you’re applying for. Give two to four reasons why you feel qualified for this role. For example: “My track record includes administering our benefits program.” “It also involved designing and overseeing an employee satisfaction program.” “Finally, I have led a team of 12, and we have surpassed all our targets.”

Let’s say you are talking to someone who works in the same firm you’re applying to. Your call to action might be a request for him to provide a reference, or make a call on your behalf.

4. End with action The last component of your elevator pitch is the call to action. It describes next steps. This is perhaps the toughest part of your elevator script, because it involves an “ask.”

5. Put it all together The final step in crafting your elevator pitch is to put all these components together. For each encounter it will be customized. And you won’t necessarily deliver the entire script all at once. You may deliver

the opening, and two minutes later deliver your message, and a few minutes later your proof points, closing off at the end with your call to action. What the elevator pitch does is provide you with a narrative thread that successfully sells you and your worth.

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash.

TRAVEL THE WORLD OF LOVE WITH FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KUWAIT Experience romance, magic, exciting cuisines and unforgettable experiences this Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, the time when we show feelings of love, affection and bare our souls to our significant other. Pampering your partner is one of the most romantic gifts, which can take a new relationship to a new level or rekindle a long burning flame. This Valentine’s Day take some time off to explore the world! Get ready to visit the most renowned cities for romance with your beloved at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait and rediscover your wanderlust. We Will Always Have Paris The l’amour capital of the world has always been Paris. At Elements restaurant you will be wowed by a virtual show and the restaurant’s aura of passion. They will take care of all the details to make this day special and memorable for both of you. Packages starting from KD 50 per person

For The Love of Rome If it’s true romance that you seek, Rome is your destination! Rome is synonymous with romance, it’s all in the name where feelings bloom just like that and where couples in love can get lost in a dreamy experience. At Dai Forni, recreate the magic with your dream date by first setting the scene with a spectacular topfloor view glowing with Kuwait City’s twinkling skyline and live a romantic fairy tale with every bite of exceptional Italian cuisine offerings. Packages starting from KD 90 per person.

From Tokyo With Love If the Far East excites you, then head to Tokyo! The fascinating city, is unique, modern and bold but firmly holds on to the traditions that matter, exactly like Sintoho restaurant. Savor the flavor of the Far East with a panoramic view and romantic decorations to set your heart fluttering with every heartbeat. Packages starting from KD 80 per person. 54

Let’s Meet Under The Stars If you are after an al fresco experience you can celebrate a stylish Valentine’s Day at Al Bandar in the private Cabanas at the special resort-style restaurant, where you will savor an exquisite gastronomic experience with your sweetheart and relax in the outdoor terrace settings on the fourth floor, while enjoying the music beat and tasty dinner. Just remember to look up at the stars to commemorate your special night. Private Cabanas package starting at KD 250 per person. Al Bandar outdoor lounge package starting at KD 35 per person.

Loved Up In Lavender En Provence The dinner date has always been a fantastic way to spend time with your cutie, but why stop there when you can try one of the Four Seasons Hotel’s amazing spa treatments. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself in Provence, France for a romantic aromatherapy experience inspired by the beautiful Valensole Plateau lavender fields. The 120-minute journey begins with an organic lavender-infused salt body scrub followed by a relaxing massage with lavender oil, leaving you completely rejuvenated in a romantic setting. Packages starting from KD 90 per person.

Let’s relax in the East For connoisseurs who appreciate what the Asian continent has to offer in terms of relaxing experiences, the Oriental Essence spa treatment inspired by traditional therapies from the Far East is a must! The deeply relaxing 75-minute experience combines dry massage with Thai stretching techniques followed by a nourishing massage with aromatherapy oils and foot acupressure to ease all stress and aches and reinvigorate your passions Packages starting from KD 65.

A Suite Escape at The Four Seasons Make this celebration like no other and treat your loved one and yourself on the most romantic day of the year to something that will bring you even closer. We might not be able to book a weekend getaway but the Romance and Suite Dreams packages are even better than jet-setting far away. Spend some quality time together and experience the world right in the heart of Kuwait City. Create new memories and relax with your loved one in true Four Seasons style with the Romance Package, which comes complete with a range of [Continued...]

themed amenities. Celebrate the occasion in your room with a special cake and a bottle of Zahara or step outside for a dinner date with 15% savings at Sintoho restaurant (promotional discount at Sintoho restaurant is not applicable on February 14th) as well as The Spa. Treat your spouse to an exceptional stay at Four Seasons with the Suite Dreams package and enjoy 25% savings when you reserve one of the spacious suites for two or more nights to celebrate the occasion. This Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, embark on a journey with your sweetheart and discover the magic of love in Paris, Rome and Tokyo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; brought to life in the comfort and care of exceptional Four Seasons hospitality. Indulge all your senses as they recreate the charm of these destinations to instantly transport you there. Cherish sweet memories of this one-of-a-kind experience. For reservations at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, call or WhatsApp 2200 6000 and visit fourseasons.com/Kuwait/offers. 56

[...Continued]

EARLY, … … the Security Guard By Craig Loomis

His nametag said Early, and in the beginning I had to stop and squint, even resquint, to make sure I was reading it right. Early? If he was or wasn’t, I can’t be certain but I do know that he was always there when I arrived for my 8:30 class. As a rule, over the years, security people come and go—here one day, gone the next—and every now and again a new company takes charge, which means, of course, new faces, new soldierlike uniforms with golden epaulettes, a broad blue stripe running down the seam of their trousers, like something out of the Bengal Lancers, walkietalkies that beep and buzz, not to mention that I must show, yet again, my ID card, as they turn it this way and that, holding it up to the light because you never know, until they will shrug, saying, “Thank you, Sir.” But back to Early. In the morning, in the bathroom, I watch him go from sink to sink to sink, letting each faucet run first cold then hot, and then, just for good measure, hold his hand in the water, because when it comes to security you can never be too safe. Once satisfied, he steps to the next sink and faucet and so on down the line. That done, he then goes to the five stalls, flushing each toilet. And yes, I watch as he intently watches each toilet flush properly, frowning into the toilet bowl as the water does its duty before moving on to the next stall. But not so fast, because there is more as he patiently waits, arms folded, hiding his nametag, for each water tank to refill. That done, he then looks to see if there are enough paper towels, to see if the silver hand-blowing machine is in proper blowing order. “Why are these urinals built so high?” I heard him say one day to someone on his walkie-talkie. “Some very tall men must have installed them. Too high for most men, not to mention boys.” Taking out a black notebook from his shirt pocket, with ballpoint pen that he clicks to life, he writes. As he heads to the door, he can’t help but scan the ceiling, looking at the lights, and sure enough one florescent light is flickering, and so with notebook still firmly in hand, he writes. Before he leaves, he studies the flickering light one last time before sighing and moving on down the hallway, his walkie-talkie crackling. After two weeks of this, one morning as he is doing his security check of the 4th floor bathroom, I give him a good morning with handshake and say, “Early, can I ask you one question?” He smiles and says, “Surely,” not surprised that I knew his name because, after all, what are nametags for. “Well, you are a security guard, right?” “This is true.” “Yes, well, as security guard why do you feel the need to check the plumbing? I mean, don’t we

have maintenance for that? It’s not your job, Early, this running water and flushing toilets. Not your job. Security and plumbing are different animals. See what I mean?” “Animals?” His hands taking a firm grip on his walkie-talkie. “Where? Where are they?” “Not animals animals. I mean duties. Different duties.” There is a small pause as he cocks his head to hear his radio crackle. Once the crackle is finished, he smiles, followed by, “Yes sir, you are not wrong but security is security. It is all in the details, don’t you think? In fact, excuse me for saying but that is the problem these days, nobody cares a fig for details.” “A fig?” “Yes sir, a fig. Everybody thinks that being precise is wrong, a waste of time, the faster the better. More flaw than fanfare.” “I like that: more flaw than fanfare. Where did you hear that?” His hand is once again at his walkie-talkie, fingering the buttons. “My mother is a school teacher. She knows things like this: more flaw than fanfare, thoroughness is a virtue, always be punctual. She is the head teacher for three villages.” Now he motions to the row of porcelain sinks with one hand, the line of stalls with the other. “And so, here I am, watching over you, this building, this university, even the country, do you see? And yes, you are entirely welcome.” The very next day, since we are now earlymorning friends, Early tells me be owns a degree in psychology. That’s what he said, ‘own.’ “No, I didn’t know that,” I say genuinely surprised. “Your mother must be very proud of you.” “Do you want to see it? The degree? I have a folded copy of it in my wallet.” And he starts to pull out his wallet. “No, no, not necessary. I believe you.” “Yes, but sad to say, who needs a college degree these days?” And he laughs as if it were a joke and I am sure to miss the humor of it but never mind because he will laugh for the both of us. Holding his hands out. “Sir, if truth be told, none of this security requires a college degree, not even a high school diploma.” “Still, you are putting your college degree to work?” I say jokingly. But when he looks at me I can see there is nothing like fun in his face, more like a grimace.

“Cameras would make it easier, you know.” “Where?” “Here.” “In the bathroom?” He shrugs, “Certainly, we all are the same here, in the bathroom.” I think about saying something about his mother, the head teacher of three villages, but decide against it. “All part of being precise, is it?” He waves a hand that could mean yes, no, why not, don’t be silly. I watch him finish his security check but before leaving he returns to one of the sinks, washes his hands with much soap and lather before pulling out two, three paper towels to dry his hands. Almost out the door now, he leans into his walkietalkie, declaring, “All clear with 4th floor toilets.” Somebody somewhere answers him with an official “Roger that” crackle. “And yet you carry a copy of your college degree, just in case? A college graduate guarding the toilets. Well done.” It is meant to be funny, I final barb of humor before he goes, but it comes out sounding all wrong, strangely angry. “Somebody’s got to do it, professor.” “Think so?” “Absolutely, somebody.” In a feeble attempt to get the last word in, the last noise, the best I can do is click my tongue. When Early turns to look at me one last time, there is a hint of sorrow in his face as if he expected more, something bigger and better, before he lifts the walkie-talkie to his lips, announcing, “Going to the fifth-floor bathroom now.” “Roger that.” As he takes the stairs, I want to apologize but don’t. Photo by Collin Armstrong on Unsplash.

WELCOME HOME, KUWAIT! H&M HOME launches concept store at The Avenues, and Head of Design & Creative at H&M HOME Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg is here to tell us all about it By bazaar staff

It’s time to make your living space a place you can confidently call home. We hinted at some big H&M HOME news last month, and we’re so pleased to share that H&M HOME is set to open their very first concept store at The Avenues this month! Complete with an in-house florist, a vast assortment of dry foods from favorites like Le Pain Quotidien, and bespoke customization services, this design destination is a must-visit for all home design lovers. The concept store will showcase a Home edit like no other, complete with endless design inspiration on how to utilize your home space to maximize your enjoyment. The latest edit is all about embracing tranquility, with home accessories and carefully thought-out pieces to make you rediscover your passion for working from home, the importance of chilling out and most importantly, finding joy in every little corner of your living space. Sculptures and sculptural shapes are key features of the spring collection, and textural contrasts are key. Discover a beautifully curated assortment of select small furniture pieces, lighting, H&M HOME's famous bedding, and accessories at the new H&M HOME concept store. The special customization area, titled the ‘Take Care Room’, will allow customers to repair, remake, or refresh pre-loved garments through personalized monograming and tailoring services for a creative clothing care experience, echoing the brand’s ethos and commitment to sustainability. We spoke with Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, Head of Design & Creative at H&M HOME. With an impressive journey with H&M that started in 1986, her seasoned eye for design is definitive of what the concept store is all about. She tells us all about the exciting details we can expect to see at the store that is opening on the 18th of this month.

What excites you the most about the H&M HOME Concept Store that is opening in Kuwait? We are truly super excited to launch our second Concept Store in the Middle East. We are excited to be able to give our Kuwaiti customers a physical place where they can take part of and enjoy the full H&M HOME experience. A place that feels like a home and where they will be able to get inspired for decorating every room in their house. Personally, I am extra excited about this store, as I was visiting Kuwait for the first time in 2014, prior to launching H&M HOME in the Middle East. I was struck with the grandness, the diversity and the energy of the city and therefore I am very happy that Kuwait will now get the interior energy and diversity of H&M HOME. What kind of an experience does it bring to the Kuwaiti customer? I hope it will bring an inspirational atmosphere and give customers inspiration on how you can decorate your own home. There will be

inspirational areas and designed products with amazing prices for every room in the house. I hope customers will feel at home in the store and that they will never want to leave. How many other H&M HOME Concept Stores are open all over the world? The Middle East? We currently have 19 Concept Stores in ten different markets, including the new store in Kuwait. Last year we opened our first Concept Store in the Middle East, in Dubai, so we are very excited to extend even further with this store. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very excited about seeing an in-house florist in the store, and would like to know more about it. What other special services or products will also be available? Can your staff offer design tips? Plants and flowers are so very important in the home interior as science shows that bringing fresh nature inside makes us feel better and improves our health. So, we are very

proud of our in-house florist that can enable customers to get seasonal, on-trend flowers and matching vases and pots at the same place. The flowers are sold in bundles, so they can be mixed and matched to each customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste and personality, and to secure freshness, the assortment will vary depending on season and availability. Our staff is very passionate and engaged and have a great knowledge on interior design, so we hope the customers will interact with them and get valuable interior tips and insights. Besides expert guidance, we also offer home delivery and monogramming services, allowing customers to customize their towels, bathrobes or even linen napkins. Customers will also be met by a curated selection of items from other brands, along with our full assortment, including our range of furniture and lamps that offers a diversity of styles and materials, from curvy shapes and natural materials to modern lines and powdercoated steel.

[Continued...]

What is the inspiration behind the Spring 2021 collection? The collection is casual and rustic in style, inspired by countryside living and nature. We celebrate natural materials like cotton, linen and wood and have taken inspiration from the colors of nature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; warm neutrals like beige, sand and off-white are so important in interior now, as they give us security and calm. Blue is also in focus, as it is the color of the ocean and the sky. And green, the color of plants, is such an important interior color for every spring collection. Sustainability is always a big focus in our collections. We have products made from recycled glass, textile products made from PET bottles, FSC labeled wood and all our cotton is organic or sustainably sourced. Living consciously and in sync with nature is at the core of our Spring 2021 collection. What is your personal favorite thing about the new H&M HOME Concept Store? I just love everything about it! I am very proud of the inspirational experience that you get when walking into the store, the inspirational areas for every room, the flowers that add beauty and joy and the staff that are so very passionate and kind. I also need to mention the assortment and the amazing products that are in the store. They are made to be on-trend, very qualitative and designed to last. Diversity is also key in our product range, so no matter what personal taste you have, you should be able to find something you like at H&M HOME. Mark your calendars for the opening of the H&M HOME concept store at First Avenue- The Avenues on February 18. You can shop H&M HOME furniture on the H&M MENA app and kw.hm.com.

[...Continued]

YOUR COOKBOOK LIBRARY IS GETTING BIGGER

The 11 best new food books to add to your collection By Bill Addison

Cookbooks are always about connection — written to share the love of a cuisine or celebrate ancestry, or sometimes to eulogize broken bonds and safeguard history. If you’ve run out of ideas or motivation for preparing your next meal, if you’re longing to be somewhere far away or want to explore fresh approaches to comfort food at home, or if you’re thinking about the broader context of food in our troubled culture, take heart and inspiration from 11 standout books of the season. Baking at the 20th Century Cafe “Admit it,” begins the jacket copy of Michelle Polzine’s hefty, handsome book. “You’re here for the famous honey cake.” Well, yes and no. The 10-layer version of the Russian cake that Polzine serves at her cafe in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, given mysterious depths by caramelizing the honey and lightened by dulce de leche in the frosting, deserves its legendary status. Honestly? I likely won’t bake this opus myself, nor roll out strudel dough thin enough to cover a table, as Polzine instructs; I will go eat them immediately on 20th Century Cafe’s marble counter the next time it’s safe to head north. The Flavor Equation I can envision Nik Sharma — a molecular biologist turned pastry chef, columnist and author — lying awake at night, arranging and rearranging the elements of flavor in his mind the way Beth Harmon imagines moving chess pieces on the ceiling in “The Queen’s Gambit.” In his second cookbook, Sharma invites readers to consider recipes through the lens of science. Engaging charts on food pigments, aromas by chemical structure and the functions of taste buds lead to chapters grouped by aspects of flavor. Among them are “brightness” (spareribs in malt vinegar and mashed potatoes), “sweetness” (saffron swirl buns with dried fruit), “richness” (crab tikka masala dip) and “savoriness” (Goan shrimp, olive and tomato pulao). A Good Bake When Sadelle’s, a re-imagining of a Jewish deli from New York’s Major Food Group, opened in 2015, the buzz hummed loudest over Melissa Weller’s pastries: the exceptionally delicate dough of her rugelach, the crackling layers of her salted caramel sticky buns, her plush take on chocolate babka. Behind the comforting sweets is a mind of science. Weller was a chemical engineer before switching careers, and she brings the discipline to breads and viennoiserie — and also to layer cakes and brownies. The Good Book of Southern Baking Gently sweetened buttermilk cornbread. Angel biscuits (and drop biscuits and sweet potato biscuits!). Peach, blueberry and bourbon cobbler. Hummingbird cake brimming with pecans, pineapple, banana and warm spices. The world can use more top-notch Southern sweets right

now. Kelly Fields — owner of Willa Jean, a bakery and restaurant in New Orleans loved as much by locals as visitors (which says a lot) — is one of this generation’s virtuoso pastry chefs. Good Drinks Non-alcoholic drinks concocted by our savviest bartenders have made quantum leaps since they first began appearing on menus under the winceinducing label of “mocktails.” Julia Bainbridge took a cross-country road trip in 2018, collecting recipes and tracing schools of thoughts around the subject (a big one: imitate classic cocktails or no?) into a compendium that considers every angle. In Bibi’s Kitchen Hawa Hassan — a native of Somalia who modeled in New York before founding the bottled sauce company Basbaas — has assembled a project that is equal parts vital documentary, compelling scholarship and cookbook. With food writer Julia Turshen, she collects stories and recipes from bibis (grandmothers) who represent eight countries in East Africa that touch the Indian Ocean: Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa and the islands of Madagascar and Comoros. Milk, Spice and Curry Leaves Ruwanmali Samarakoon-Amunugama grew up in Canada; her parents immigrated to Toronto from Sri Lanka, and her mother prepared family recipes from the island’s lush, central hill country to keep her children connected to their heritage. As a teenager, Samarakoon-Amunugama began taking detailed notes on her mother’s cooking and on dishes she tasted during trips to Sri Lanka. After decades of observing a lack of Sri Lankan cookbooks on Canadian store shelves, she decided to help fill the void with her own collection of recipes. Parwana I’ve been longing to visit Parwana Afghan Kitchen in Adelaide, Australia, since ex- L.A. Weekly restaurant critic Besha Rodell wrote about it for her Australian Fare column in the New York Times in March 2018. The restaurant’s cookbook — written by Durkhanai Ayubi, who runs the restaurant with her mother, Farida Ayubi, father, Zelmai Ayubi, and four sisters — conveys far more than escapist fantasies during a pandemic.

The Rise The most important cookbook published this year begins with a manifesto: “Black food is not monolithic. It’s complex, diverse and delicious — stemming from shared experiences as well as incredible individual creativity. Black food is American food, and it’s long past time that the artistry and ingenuity of Black cooks were properly recognized.” Megawatt chef Marcus Samuelsson teams with James Beard Award-winning writer Osayi Endolyn to frame the stories and cultural contributions of more than 50 Black chefs, journalists and activists . TWO NOTEWORTHY NON-COOKBOOKS: Fermentation as Metaphor Sandor Katz calls himself a “fermentation revivalist.” He’s spent the last 25 years learning and practicing the microbial transformation of foods into sourdough starters, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, beer, wine, cheese and cured meats. His dedication meets a moment in America when the food world has embraced fermentation as an aspect of culinary reclamation — which is to say, as a reaction against industrialized food systems. An Onion in My Pocket Since publishing “The Greens Cookbook” in 1987, Deborah Madison has been one of America’s guiding thinkers and instructors around modern plant-based cuisine. She cooked at Chez Panisse before becoming, in 1980, the founding chef at stillthriving Greens in San Francisco. Her books mirrored the evolving California culinary ethos: eat what grows close to home, study the world’s cuisines for unending inspiration. Any serious cook should own her two knowledge-packed masterworks, “Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone” and “Vegetable Literacy,” if only to crib her gifts for flavor combinations.

Nurture your kids in the very best way with naturally soft organic bedding

1st Avenue - The Avenues WhatsApp: 9651821212

Scan QR code or visit:

www.potterybarnkids.com.kw

truth or dare

THE X PORTRAIT

AN INTERSECTION OF CULTURE, ART CONSUMPTION AND SEEING THE WORLD By bazaar staff

When we first came across The X Portrait we thought the X alluded to collaborations. Turns out we were wrong. The team behind the project are using the x as a mathematical symbol to denote the unknown.

The team is secretive about their members and prefer that the attention is focused on their art and not on them. Luckily for bazaar we got to speak to them to find out more about who they are and what drives their thought-provoking fusion style portraits. Right now, they are a twoperson team who create new art by combining old portraits with new concepts, photos and ideas. We were surprised to learn that they were both self-taught artists with full-time careers in non-artsy industries too. Part of their tagline on Instagram is ‫ٕاستيراد و‬ ّ َ ‫ثقافه‬ ‫تصدير‬ ّ which roughly translates to importing and exporting culture. The other part mentions culture shock. And their entire body of work revolves around the idea of merging very different things in time, space and culture. They take century-old paintings and overlay them with very modern-day imagery. It drives the point home that we might be different, but we are all still very human and more alike than we imagine. The X Portrait team are intentionally trying to shock their audience with an atmosphere of fusion. They believe that we are all living in a state of confusion, or a feeling that we are mixed up about our culture somehow, and by sharing their

visuals they want to show us that the sentiment is rather a universal one, and that it is ok. The artwork is sneaky in a way that if you don’t really look at it, they just look portraits from a bygone era. And then you take a closer look and notice that there’s a restaurant sign that you know or a coffee shop that you frequent. There’s a subtle complexity to the approach because every time you look at the art you notice something different. The artists use a combination of photoshop, hand drawings and photos to create the finished object. We’re definitely not art experts, but we feel confident enough to label it as mixed-media post-modernist art. There is a faint implication of our over consumption as a culture and materialism that is also prevalent, telling of a current era where mall outings are the norm and consumption is no longer an extravagance like it used to be. They started the project as a fun side-hustle and a creative outlet to release pressure and explore a range of their emotions, which has since grown into something larger. Brands are now approaching them to create bespoke portraits for them. And while they don’t like turning people down, they’re still selective

about the projects they undertake because they don’t want to produce work they aren’t intensely proud of. Lucky for us, we can all own a limited edition piece of art, since they do sell hoodies. The drops are quite small and sell out fast. The team found it challenging sourcing high-quality materials and printing, which for them was a top-priority. But the real challenge is dealing with copycats. Other companies are using X Portrait designs to sell their own products without permission or license. Which takes us to the issue of copyright. The X Portrait only uses art that has entered the public domain as a base and make enough additions to it, so it is transformative. The theft and misuse of intellectual property has long been a problem locally and around the world, which has forced The X Portrait to add a watermark to all the images that they share online as a result The X Portrait team are still surprised at the amount of attention they’ve gotten. When they started they had no idea that people would so easily see and find themselves in their art, but it goes to show how much we, as humans, just want to feel connected and part of something bigger. [Continued...]

truth or dare

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word? Neat and Sleepyhead. How would you describe your mother in one word? Our World. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? So you’ll have ONE cheeseburger? What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? An unplanned traveling/road trip. What is your theme song? The Final Countdown. What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Epiphany. Where would you like to live? In a pineapple under the sea! What is your dream retirement location? Somewhere that is quiet with a great landscape view and coffee ... a lot of coffee. What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? ‎ ‫تجري الرياح كما تجري سفينتنا نحن الرياح و نحن البحر‬ ‫و السفن‬. Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life? Koala. Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it? 90’s happy meal toys. If you could change your name, to what would you change it? The Y Portrait. How would you describe your handshake, in one word? A secret handshake..It’s like a normal handshake, but cooler. What is the toughest part of your character? Very detail oriented. Who is your favorite historical figure? Let’s say Tesla because Edison is getting all the attention. 68

[...Continued]

What in the world do you least desire? The morning alarm.

Why do you think most people who do, like you? Can you blame them?!

What do you think is lacking in the world, [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place? Understanding, and also normalizing chocolate cake for breakfast.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” “... is simple ! Enjoy the small victories of life.” Follow @thexportrait on Instagram to find out more.

‫اﻧﻌﻢ ﺑﺎﻻﺳﺘﺮﺧﺎء واﻟﺮاﺣﺔ‬

Rest with MUJI

‫ﺧﺼﻢ‬

OF F

On selected items only

www.muji.com.kw

SOUL,

ELECTRIFIED DISCOVER AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE PERFORMANCE LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH THE PORSCHE TAYCAN TURBO S

We’re ready for an electrifying journey, and the Taycan is writing a new chapter in Porsche’s history as it welcomes in an era for sustainable electromobility for the luxury sports car manufacturer. Discover the soul of a true Porsche, with mind-boggling electric capabilities. Arriving at the very top of the current Taycan range, the Turbo S will leave your heart at the start line before it’s had time to make it around the corner. It delivers everything we love about the powerful performance of Porsche in a sustainable manner, all beautifully presented in iconic Porsche design. Speed underpins the Porsche Taycan Turbo S’s performance. It’s fast around corners for racing enthusiasts, already breaking Guinness world records, recharging the car is now faster than before with optimized technology, and get prepared for the most powerful gut lurch as the Turbo S flies off the ground and goes from 0-100 km in a mere 2.8 seconds.

The Porsche Taycan 4S, Turbo and Turbo S are available from Porsche Centre Kuwait. For more information visit Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, please call 1870 870 or head to porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow @PorscheCentreKuwait on Instagram and Facebook. Photography by Hyper Ali for bazaar Studios, @Hyper_Ali on Instagram. With thanks to Alargan and Argan Square. For more details on the trendy lifestyle center and destination of choice in Salmiya follow @argansquare on Instagram.

CREATE EVERLASTING MEMORIES THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT JUMEIRAH Discover decadent dining escapades and indulgent spa experiences to share with your loved one By bazaar staff

From tantalizing dining experiences to crafting the perfect spa day, the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa has something for everyone this Valentine’s Day. If all you want to do is to spoil your significant other, then look no further, as the hotel has planned a special roster of activities and experiences that will make for an unforgettable February 14th.

Salt Restaurant Nothing says love more than sharing a great meal, and Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is a magical touch to delight your loved ones for this Valentine’s Day. Discover a vast array of romantic dining options and lavish treatments at Talise Spa to celebrate the most romantic day of the year with your loved one. The Perfect Intimate Hideaway for Two at Pepper Steakhouse Couples can enjoy a truly unique dinner this Valentine’s Day with the finest cuts of meats flame-grilled to perfection. An enticing dining experience awaits, with a special five-course set menu, unlimited drinks and bottle of nonalcoholic champagne. What’s not to love about the spectacular Pepper Steakhouse? With bespoke design and a fantastical atmosphere, you will feel like you’ve escaped with your loved one to a mystical place complete with the most lavish steak dinner to spoil your senses. They’re so ready to help you set the mood, and are ready to set up additional cakes and roses at an additional KWD 10 and KWD 30, respectively. Packages starting from KWD 60 per person and

Pepper Steakhouse Restaurant private dining venue is available at KWD 300 per couple. Romantic Moments at Salt Restaurant Lit by glowing candles and a mesmerizing set up, guests can gaze into each other’s eyes while enjoying a sensory inspired superior five-course set menu that has been carefully crafted for this special day. Cakes and roses can be ordered at an additional cost of KWD 10 and KWD 30. Starting from KWD 60 per person and private dining venue is available at KWD 300 per couple. Venetian Love at Olio Trattoria Italiana This perfectly romantic spot combines the Italian devotion to food with Venetian hospitality, leaving you devouring only the best Italian cuisine while embracing the view over the Arabian Gulf. Inspired by one of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice, Salt brings that vibe to Kuwait and helps you create everlasting memories beneath the glittering stars with your loved one this Valentine’s.Cakes and roses can be added at an additional cost of KWD 10 and KWD 30. Starting from KWD 60 per person.

Valentine’s Day at Garden Café Terrace Gardens are a place of magic, growth and nurturing, where we can almost see little fairies lighting twinkling in the beautiful green space.Add a touch of romance to your Valentine’s Day with our unique dreamy setting at Garden Café Terrace, under the sky amidst the beautiful alfresco ambiance. Cakes and roses can be added at an additional cost of KWD 10 and KWD 30. Starting from KWD 70 per person. Dinner by the Waves with Valentines’ Cabana Right by the sea, you’ll discover a romantic escape unlike any other. Savor every bite with an exquisite five-course set menu as you look across to the gentle waves hitting the shoreline for a relaxing ambiance created by nature. KWD 400 per couple. Valentine’s Day in the Secret Garden! Treat your loved one to a luxurious private venue at the romantic and private Secret Garden. Enjoy personalized service and exquisite menu prepared by our talented brigade of chefs with complimentary non-alcoholic champagne, bouquet

The Secret Garden

Olio Trattoria Italiana

of fresh roses and a heart-shaped cake while you relish among palm trees and lush garden plants and foliage under the canopy of million stars. KWD 350 per couple. Indulge at Talise Spa Pamper your special someone this Valentine’s Day with a dreamy spa session for two at Talise Spa. Begin your journey to ultimate bliss at the Private Suite with many facilities including the Salt room, unwind and enjoy a 60-minute couple’s massage of your choice followed by an indulgent 30-minute Ghassoul, which purifying and hydrating your body for only KWD 150. Cozy bathrobes await to then relax in comfort and style, while making the most of one another’s company following the treatment. Discover ultimate indulgence this Valentine's Day. With numerous options, there are endless opportunities to make some magical moments happen this Valentine’s Day at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa. Whether you are wanting to dine in with your someone special, or spend the night overlooking shores of the Arabian Gulf, speak to the experts at reservations to secure your spot and plan this wonderful night. All restaurants will be serving from 19:00 to 23:30 with the exception of Olio Trattoria Italiana which will be starting at 18:00. Offers available on Sunday 14 February 2021, for more information, visit Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa’s Instagram @jumeirahmessilsahbeach. Reservations can be made by calling 2226 9666 for dining and 2226 9688 for Talise Spa or email jumeirahrestaurant@jumeirah.com.

Beach Cabana Experience

TOO MANY WOMEN ARE LEAVING THE WORKFORCE DURING THE PANDEMIC

It’s time for men to lean in and help By W. Brad Johnson and David G. Smith

Men who thought the COVID-19 “she-cession” was misnamed should take a look at the recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. After disproportionately losing jobs during the early shutdown, women are now leaving the workforce at nearly four times the rate of men. With so many women laid off, sidelined or stepping away to manage remote schooling or care for their families, men have to stand up as allies to ensure that gender equality in the workplace isn’t set back a generation. The corrosive effect of this downturn is already evident. The wage gap is widening toward where it was nearly 20 years ago by some economists’ estimates. Men, meanwhile, are 2.3 times more likely than women to say that working from home during the pandemic has been positive for their careers. These are not “women’s issues.” These are issues that demand men play a role in disrupting the status quo. We have spent the last seven years researching how men can effectively promote gender fairness at work. We often find that men believe in gender equality but are missing when it comes to taking action. And there are evidence-based strategies that men can employ now to advocate for women in their workplace. First, men need to proclaim their own family priorities. For too long, men have been reluctant to leave work loudly when they have obligations such as parent-teacher conferences or a sick child at home. Slinking out the side door instead of being public about where they’re going and why is a missed opportunity to level the playing field for women and embolden other men. Men need to be transparent at work about family responsibilities, including taking full parental leave, sick leave and requesting flextime arrangements that support their partner’s career and household demands. When men publicly embrace these benefits, they destigmatize the domestic work that is linked to a motherhood penalty for women. Additionally, men need to dedicate time for mentorship in the virtual workspace. Remote work could remain the norm for months to come. That puts women at higher risk of becoming invisible. Men should check in with the women they mentor and reach out to help female colleagues whose mentors may have voluntarily or involuntarily left the workplace, leaving them without a coach or adviser. These offers should also go to women who may not yet have established any mentorships. In all cases, men should contextualize their motivation for a mentoring check-in. This includes affirming strong job performance and offering an open door for career conversations and advice about advancement tracks at their company. Additionally, men mentoring women need to listen and validate their colleagues’ challenges and concerns. Men can also support female colleagues by championing flexible work. During the pandemic, more leaders have observed the benefits of adaptable 80

hours and locations, especially for working parents. Men in decision-making positions — and they do hold 75% of C-suite jobs — need to lend strong backing to initiatives such as paid parental leave, creative telework arrangements and childcare consortiums. When men advocate for such policies and benefits, they become destigmatized for women and other men. Reevaluating job performance criteria is an additional step men can take in their organizations. In reviews, women are generally evaluated with more negative language, offered less direct and useful feedback, judged more harshly on mistakes and penalized for using flexible work arrangements. Reduced face-to-face time opens the door for even more biased assumptions and negative evaluations. Women are clearly feeling this. McKinsey’s “2020 Women in the Workplace” research finds that mothers are twice as likely as fathers to be worried about being evaluated negatively because of their caregiving responsibilities during the COVID-19 crisis. This compounds stress and burnout. Managers should look at their job performance benchmarks and adjust for pandemic challenges. Then they should rewrite performance review criteria,

in conjunction with their companies’ human resource departments. McKinsey’s research found that only 30% of companies had done so this year and just 5% had suspended performance reviews altogether. Finally, companies need to track gender as it relates to important employment outcomes like promotions and raises, as well as furloughs and layoffs. This data can heighten awareness of, and mitigate, systemic bias. And when workplaces look to increase hiring, especially once the pandemic ends, men at those companies should forcefully advocate for employing women, and creating strategies to pull women back into the workforce without loss of rank or pay, including reaching out to those who left or were laid off. Men in hiring positions need to practice this, not just preach it. At the end of last year, more than half of U.S. jobs were held by women. That means the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t just a disruption for women, but also critical to women’s roles in the whole economy. As we contemplate returning to re-envisioned workplaces in 2021, men should look at what this crisis has shown them about the challenges women face at work — and do something about it.

SIMONE ROCHA X H&M Don’t miss the landmark collab with the London-based Irish designer By bazaar staff

To wear an original Simone Rocha design is to celebrate art, history and craftsmanship. When we heard that the London-based Irish designer is collaborating with H&M, we knew that this collection will be one for the metaphorical books. H&M just dropped BTS footage for the virtual announcement, and you can read all about the details below.

Continuing a long tradition of acclaimed designer collaborations, the Simone Rocha x H&M collection will include Simone Rocha’s signature womenswear, alongside menswear and childrenswear. This marks the first time that Simone Rocha has offered a wardrobe for the entire family. Each category combines a full wardrobe; special occasionwear, including tulle dresses and tailoring, alongside knits, shirting, outerwear such as trenches, casual t-shirts, accessories, including Simone Rocha’s signature sparkling jewelry and pearl-embellished footwear. Simone Rocha is the first Irish designer to undertake such a collaboration with H&M. This collection, like all her work, celebrates her personal inter-ethnic heritage and the myriad inspirations which have defined the growth of her label, from the traditions and crafts of Hong Kong through to the greats of art history. Commenting on the collaboration, she said, “I am so thrilled to be working with H&M on this very special collection. It truly is a celebration of the signatures of my brand, and the influences that have shaped me. As a designer, and as a customer, I’ve been such a 82

fan of the H&M collaboration concept. Margiela, Alber Elbaz, Comme des Garcons – it’s such an amazing list of alumni to be a part of.” For H&M Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson, this is the collaboration that has been on her wish-list for some time now. “This collaboration offers a new audience the chance to own a very special piece of design history. All of us at H&M have been so inspired to work with a female designer who spends so much time thinking about contemporary femininity, and womanhood, and who is so committed to excellence in craft and design, from the process of developing special fabrications, to pushing silhouettes, shapes and embellishments. Every garment within this collection is unique, special and the result of years of work and meticulous research.” The Simone Rocha x H&M collection considers the many silhouettes, fabrications, embellishments shapes and influences that have defined the Simone Rocha world. It offers new twists on signatures and pays homage to key collections that have defined the Simone Rocha brand story. We see glimmers of Tudor courtiers,

of wild florals, of portraits and photographs, of dolls and playthings. The collection features tartan, beading, florals, pinks, reds, and bespoke fabrications developed in-house. In forming this collection, Simone Rocha spent time reflecting on her brand’s archive, by carefully reworking past favorites into dynamic new propositions that feel right for today. The collection, which will be released in stores and online on the 11th of March, also celebrates a decade of the Simone Rocha label – a great achievement for an independent Londonbased brand. Simone Rocha’s label is acclaimed for the strength of its vision – and a consistency that runs throughout each new garment, allowing wearers of the brand to mix and match pieces across seasons. This collection is informed with a similar desire to create hard-working pieces to be loved, cherished and worn again and again. It is an invitation into the Simone Rocha world, extended to all. The collection will be available March 11 exclusively online at kw.hm.com and the H&M MENA app. Follow H&M on Instagram @hm. 83

2020 WAS THE YEAR OF CHEESEBURGERS Deliveroo reveals 2020 trends and makes 2021 predictions By bazaar staff

At the end of every year, Deliveroo Kuwait releases its annual list of the most popular food items of the year and casts its predictions for upcoming food trends in the region. It is fun looking back on the year through a different lens. Across all Deliveroo markets, cheeseburgers have taken over globally, scoring the top spot on the list. Beloved burger chain Five Guys dominated the charts not only in Kuwait, but across the world, with their Cheeseburger as the most ordered food item globally, and the second most ordered product in Kuwait. EXCLUSIVE PARTNERS WIN BIG Multiple dishes from restaurants and cafes that customers can find exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait make Deliveroo’s global top 25 list. Deliveroo has proven to partners that it pays to be exclusive. Earlier this year, Deliveroo Kuwait added Starbucks to its growing list of exclusive restaurant partners. Customers enjoyed their favorite coffees from the global coffeehouse, with Starbucks’ White Mocha as the most ordered item in Kuwait, and the third most ordered item across Deliveroo’s 12 markets. Other restaurant partners that customers can find exclusively on Deliveroo also made Deliveroo’s global top 100 list, including Swikhat Al Muharraq, Five Guys and Meme’s Curry. ENJOYING THE MOVIES… AT HOME Although movie theaters have been closed since March as part of national efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, that hasn’t stopped customers from enjoying their favorite movie-style nachos at home, complete with cheese sauce, salsa, and spicy jalapenos. This year, Cinescape’s Nachos was the fourth most ordered food item in the Kuwaiti market. Based on this year’s results, the food delivery platform also shared key food trends for the upcoming year. BUILD YOUR OWN With more restaurant partners adding options for people to customize their food items, it’s no surprise that “Build Your Own Bowl” from The Bowl, customizable Poke Bowls from JOA, and the “Create Your Own” option from Slice were among the most ordered dishes in Kuwait. As customers increasingly enjoy creating new favorite food combinations and experimenting with new flavors, this trend is poised to do well in the upcoming year.

Other Kuwaiti favorites on the regional list include:

1 White Mocha - Starbucks

6 Meme›s Special - Meme’s Curry

2 Cheeseburger - Five Guys

7 Lime Tikka - Swikhat Al Muharraq

3 Original Yo - PICK

8 Wacha Burger - Wachamean

4 Nachos - Cinescape

9 Chicken Royale Meal - Burger King

5 Shack Burger - Shake Shack

10 Build Your Own Bowl - The Bowl

CUCKOO FOR CHICKEN Whether it’s fried, grilled or baked, one thing’s clear: people love chicken! Globally, a poultrybased sandwich from Sydney, Australia took the fourth spot on this year›s list. Locally, chickenbased items from Swikhat Al Muharraq, Burger King, Beak, and Raising Cane’s were among Kuwait’s top ordered dishes. VEGAN VIBES Deliveroo has yet again seen a huge increase in demand for vegan food in the last twelve months, with orders of plant-based dishes up 115% compared to the previous year proving veganism isn’t just another here-today and gone-tomorrow

food trend, and indicating this is a strong consumer favorite and an area of potential growth for the platform. The number of restaurants that offer vegan menus has more than doubled within the last year, as a reflection of demand from those that have committed to this lifestyle. In Kuwait, vegan, vegetarian, and “flexitarian” restaurant OVO’s “Kale Tabbouleh Salad›› was this year’s most ordered vegetarian dish. Follow Deliveroo on Instagram @deliveroo_kw or visit deliveroo.com.kw for more information. Download the app, on the App Store or Google Play for quick and easy delivery from all of your favorite restaurants.

Delivering All Your Cravings

Order Now Scan to view the Menu

Grand Avenue - The Avenues • Arabian Gulf Street, Dasman • Sidra Restaurants, Mahboula TheCheesecakeFactoryME

TheCheesecakeFactoryMiddleEast 85

THE GIVING MOVEMENT IS HERE Milano brings the UAE’s hottest new sustainable lifestyle brand to Kuwait By bazaar staff

It’s no secret that our misuse of the planet’s resources is an issue that we need to deal with. And while we can reduce our consumption we definitely need to rethink how we use what we already have. Thankfully brands like the UAE’s The Giving Movement are popping up to show us how it can be done and Milano is making it even easier to shop from them. The collections are available in select stores in the Middle East as well as directly from their website milanomena.com.

The Giving Movement is committed to manufacturing sustainably. Their blend of active and street wear is designed and made in the UAE. Not only are they working towards a better environment in the future but also donating to charities right now to improve the present. Four dollars are donated to help children in need for every single item sold. They chose the amount because it is enough to provide food and shelter for one week for a child in need. That means every purchase is an immediate and positive impact in one person’s life. The brand is directly partnering with Harmony House and Dubai Cares to make sure that their donations are impactful. There are two main sustainable materials that are used in The Giving Movement’s designs; recycled nylon which is made from waste plastic water bottles and certified organic bamboo which is made from biodegradable bamboo pulp. Their philosophy is simple: “Small acts multiplied by many people can transform the world.” And we agree, which is why we were super excited to learn that you can now shop the collections in Kuwait from the Milano website as well as inside Milano stores. Sustainable clothing isn’t just about how they are made, it is about conscious consumerism which is another important pillar for The Giving Movement. The brand’s garments are well constructed and are made well so you will not need to replace your leggings after a couple of workouts. Because the collections are mostly made up of neutrals you can also easily mix and match with any item from the collection or already in your wardrobe making them versatile. Items like on-trend sweatsuits, modest workout gear and reusable masks are athleisure at its finest. It looks, feels and does good for us and the world. We are still spending more time at home than at the office and are in need of loungewear that can take us from Zoom meetings to time on the Yoga mat for a quick stretch. You will find joggers, leggings, vests, hoodies and more that are comfy but still very stylish that you can go to brunch in them. We have already fallen in love with the Thinking Hats that are made from 100% recycled polyester that was made from drinking water bottles. These are sustainable, smart and come in baseball cap style and beanies! From modest athleisure to caps made from recycled bottles, and soft skin recycled leggings to comfy hoodies your wardrobe will be getting an upgrade from Milano and The Giving Movement.

Shop The Giving Movement collections in select Milano Stores, on milanomena.com or using the Milano App available for iOS and Android. To learn more follow @milanomiddleeast on Instagram. 87

H&M EDITION BY HÉCTOR BELLERÍN Discover laidback style with attitude that pushes for change by bazaar staff

Edition by Héctor Bellerín is a collection entirely made from more sustainably sourced materials that captures this season’s key men’s messages, mixing street with utilitarianism and oversized silhouettes, just like Bellerín’s own personal style. Every detail counts, from the sustainability of the materials to the authenticity of the design features, all made in close collaboration with Bellerín. Edition is the beginning of a brand-new chapter for directional men’s style at H&M. Sustainability is at the heart of this project; Cottons are either organic or recycled from postindustrial waste, nylons and polyesters are 100% recycled and man-made fabrics like Evovero Viscose and Tencel are created from sustainable fibres. Bellerín asked for as many pieces as possible to be single fabric, to make recycling easier. Oversized silhouettes dominate Edition by Héctor Bellerín, a look that gives both streetwear edge and a laid back feel for the new season. A lightweight parka, one of Bellerín’s favourite pieces, is cut in nylon, with a minimalist edge leaving only the details that matter: a hidden hood; tab-front neck fastening; concealed fastenings and drawstrings at the waist and hem. The trend for matching sets is crucial to the collection. It’s a unified look that’s there in the unstructured beige blazer with a boxy shape, matching the wide-cut beige cropped pants. It’s also in the grey denim jean jacket, cut with drop shoulders, that matches the grey denim jeans, or the fluidity of one of Bellerín’s favourite looks: the Tencel navy resort shirt that matches with loosecut Tencel joggers. Fine-knit shirts and Tees have perfect springtime ease, while an oversize striped cotton poplin shirt takes a traditional menswear classic and turns it casual. It’s one of Bellerín’s favourites, complete with oversize functional chest pockets. Jersey pieces are printed with graphics that encapsulate Bellerín’s sustainability beliefs, the hoodies and sweatshirts cut with drop shoulders and exaggerated ribs for streetwear authenticity. We spoke to H&M’s Head of Design of Menswear Ross Lydon to find out more: What is ‘Edition’ at H&M and what does this mean for H&M menswear collections moving forward? Edition is the beginning of a brand-new chapter for directional men’s style at H&M. It is our first 100% sustainable collection at Menswear and strongly supports our vision to create a sustainable fashion future. Collaborating with an athlete for the very first ‘edition’ collection is a bold move! Why was 88

Ross Lydon Héctor Bellerín chosen as the key collaborator for this new chapter? Hector is a true ambassador for everything we stand for. He is not only a fashion icon but also an inspiration in the way he lives his life and what he believes in. What was it like working with Héctor Bellerín? How involved was he in the collaboration process? Héctor worked in close collaboration with the design team at every stage of the process. From the beginning, he worked on the look and attitude of the collection, sharing ideas on some of his favourite wardrobe pieces, as well as the sustainable commitment. As the collection evolved, he had input in graphics and print, as well as the colours and silhouette, right down to the styling of the pieces when all was finished.

Héctor Bellerín What are the key pieces from the collection that make it in-tune with how men are dressing right now? The eclectic mix of references throughout the collection, the juxtapositions between sartorial and casual. What is your future vision for ‘Edition’ at H&M Menswear? How many collections will be released per year? An Edition collection will be released each season, so twice a year. Each season the collection will conceptually highlight important trends and point of views. We might work with different collaborators for it, but know we focus on this first capsule collection with Hector. The first collection, Edition by Héctor Bellerín, will launch on kw.hm.com and in selected stores from February 18 with prices starting from KD 5.500.

LET’S MOVE COS presents new active collection designed for everyday movement By bazaar staff

Athleisure is here to stay, and for a good reason! With life changing around us, allocating one or two hours a day to simply go to the gym for a workout isn’t the case anymore. We work out at home, go for walks around the block, get in those steps at the mall before meeting up with friends for coffee, and carve out mindful moments to practice yoga when we’re on the go. This is why we’re loving London-based fashion brand COS’s latest launch of its second sustainable Active Collection, available at COS at The Avenues.

The new COS Active assortment highlights core seamless base layers alongside technical, lightweight layering pieces in new colorways. Think: Sleek leotards styled with oversized Bishts for easy Kashta adventures, and stylish gear to take you from that run in your neighborhood park to coffee at the local Starbucks with the guys. Each style is designed to take the wearer beyond their workout. Unique details and seamless technology form the basis of the collection, crafted to embrace everyday movement. COS Active incorporates considered performance design alongside elevated silhouettes made from recycled and sustainably sourced fabrics. This season, the collection presents key statement pieces such as a smooth jersey racer back jumpsuit with built-in support pared-

back with a sheer recycled nylon skirt. For Menswear, a textured padded vest made from recycled polyester is finished with functional reflective piping, whilst technical pieces such as the waterproof wind breaker and paneled performance joggers are styled with versatile base layers for a seamless fit. Elevated essentials in brushed cotton, relaxed textured sweatshirts and functional padded outerwear complete the assortment offering maximum comfort for both womenswear and menswear. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re worried about getting those steps in while wearing your office gear, elevate your wardrobe this season with smart Active pieces to give you the versatility that you deserve with COS.

The COS Active Collection is available only at COS at Grand Avenue- The Avenues. Check out @cosstores on Instagram for inspiration.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST COOKIES

Because who doesn’t love a perfect cookie? By Ben Mims

To ensure your cookies come out perfectly, follow these tips: Room temperature ingredients: This perennial plea is probably the most important. When creaming butter and sugar to make cookie dough, you’re doing more than simply getting the two ingredients to a similar, smooth consistency. You’re also creating an emulsion so that all the ingredients stay together when baked, giving you a homogenous dough for your cookie. If you use cold butter, it takes longer and will be more difficult to combine with the sugar. Likewise, if you use cold eggs, it can seize the butter when you add them, causing the mixture to appear split and lose its emulsion. If you plan ahead, the easiest way to get room temperature butter and eggs is simply to leave them out overnight on your counter the day before you plan to bake (I promise, it’s safe). But if you didn’t plan ahead, here are the methods I use to quickly get “room temperature” butter and eggs. For butter, place the stick, still closed in its wrapper, in the microwave and heat in 5-second bursts until it’s just soft to the touch; this usually takes no more than two or three bursts for one stick. For eggs, place the eggs, still in their shells, in a bowl and cover them with hot tap water. Let sit for 1 minute, then pour off the water and cover the eggs again with fresh hot water. Let sit for at least 5 minutes — or while you prep the rest of your ingredients — until they lose their chill and are room temperature throughout. Use cookie scoops: While it may seem that scooping dough from your dinner spoon is easy, it comes with a host of issues, from uneven cookie sizes to messy fingers. Do like the pros and buy a set of cookie scoops (my favorite are from OXO). They keep your hands clean, but most important, ensure even, consistent sizing of dough balls so all your cookies bake at the same speed and give you the proper yield. And while you’re using them, make sure to level the scoop — and all measuring spoons — off flat. For measuring spoons, this ensures you don’t use too much of an ingredient, causing your cookies to malfunction from too much baking powder or soda. Likewise for cookie scoops, you get the proper yield of dough for your cookies — the difference between leveling off scoops and not can add up to 5 to 8 lost cookies in the final yield. Use bread flour where indicated: It may seem counterintuitive to use bread flour for cookies, but some cookies — like the Giant Ginger Molasses Cookies and Alfajor de Nuez — need that extra protein and gluten to keep the cookie from falling apart or bending. You can use all-purpose flour, if you must, but know that the results will be less crisp and/or snappy without bread flour. Chill your dough: You may notice that a lot of cookie recipes call to let the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator. This does a couple things: One,

it allows the flour to fully hydrate in the dough, resulting in better textures, especially in cookies where a chewy texture is desired. And two, the temperature of the dough is just as important as that of the oven. If you bake a chilled ball of dough, it will spread more slowly and bake up with a crisp edge and soft middle, qualities desired in certain cookies. Whereas, if you bake room temperature dough, the cookies may spread too fast and overcook. Similarly, the order of chilling and scooping the dough matters too. Some doughs you will want to scoop, then chill because they would be too firm to scoop in their chilled state. On the other hand, some doughs need to be chilled first because they’re too soft to handle at room temperature. Pay attention to the order so you’re not faced with either a cement block of dough that even the best scoop can’t break through or a mess that sticks to your hands and collapses into a blob on the sheet. Take care with placement of cookies on baking sheets: Some cookies spread more than others. So while it may seem like you can fit 15 dough balls on a baking sheet, once they bake, you’ll be met with a single cookie the size of your baking sheet. Pay attention to the number of dough balls per sheet in

the recipes, whether it’s three or 15, and make sure to give them equal space between so they bake evenly and don’t end up touching. Consider salt differences: Some recipes call for kosher salt, while others call for fine sea salt or table salt. It may seem like salt is salt, but each weighs differently, and its volume measure can’t be swapped one-to-one. Since we at the L.A. Times test kitchen use Diamond Crystal kosher salt as our default (like the majority of the cookie contributors), we give that measurement for the cookies. We give it as an alternative in the few recipes that call for a different salt. How you measure matters: Some ingredients, like the espresso powder in the Browned Butter Espresso Cookies, calls for a rather odd “4 tablespoons” measurement. If you’re an experienced cook or baker, you know that’s equal to 1/4 cup, so, why not use that instead? Please don’t. Powdered ingredients like espresso powder, dry milk powder and cornstarch measure differently between these two methods, so always stick with the measurement stated in the recipe to ensure you get an accurate yield. Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash.

H&M STUDIO SS21 An adventurous, vibrant collection of treasures awaits by bazaar staff

Infused with the timeless appeal of enchanted explorers and daring dreamers, H&M’s SS21 offers strong sartorial hits with versatile modern casuals. Aptly named “Treasure Forever” it is created with adventure and self-expression in mind. Permeated with the seizethe-day spirit of treasure-seeking explorers, the collection pays homage to whimsical and carefree fantasies and fairytales. Crafted, in the majority, from sustainablysourced materials, this collection’s key pieces consist of the jacquard knitted sweater; the crushed velvet fringed black sweeping dress and the over-the-knee black boots in VEGEA leather. An electric color palette of coral-orange and neon yellow, inspired by treasure and aquatic creatures, is balanced by neutral tones of beige and black. H&M Studio pieces are designed to be cherished forever and so, for the first time, H&M Studio will be inviting customers to discover treasured pieces from past collections. An exclusive selection of archive pieces will be available to buy in two H&M stores globally: Berlin’s Mitte and Stockholm’s Sergels Torg stores. Across H&M’s social media channels, customers are also invited to revisit their favorite pieces from previous Studio collections or style their new-found SS21 treasure with a previous Studio look. The SS21 campaign mirrors this enigmatic energy with a film that sees ten talents embody self-love, power and individuality as they traverse both real and fantasy worlds. Additionally, the campaign’s exclusive social media filter brings the adventure into the home, as users can engage with the collection’s cockatoo motif and hold their own adventurer sidekick. ‘We wanted to capture the attitude of a confident and self-expressive explorer, so there are lots of bold pieces with under-the-sea references. The fringed skirt feels almost octopus-like, whereas the cropped 94

Ann-Sofie Johansson

Hi Ann-Sofie, tell us what’s new with H&M Studio for this season.  Ann-Sofie: We have lots of new additions and styles this season; the beaded body jewelry, the multi-wear black hat, our layer-able, modern classics, our wonderful treasure-seeker print. But the collection isn’t solely about what’s new; we’re celebrating the old too. This season’s collection is one that revolves around the idea of treasures – we not only created pieces to treasure and keep forever but we’re revisiting Studio pieces from the past too. Bringing incredible design concepts to life must be such an exciting job, Moa! Can you please tell our readers about the role of a Print Designer and what it’s like to work with H&M on this special Studio collection?  Moa: Working with H&M Studio is brilliant because it’s where H&M’s most fashion-forward design ideas stem. For me, I have the privilege of bringing those ideas into life. I work closely with all of the design team, and together we decipher what works with what piece, what embodies the narrative best and what our customers will love. It’s all about experimentation and expression.

painted leather jacket is a modern take on a maritime classic. Similarly, we added elements, such as tendril-like curls and irregular buttons, so that pieces feel as if pulled-from-the-ocean.’ Says Angelica Grimborg, Concept Designer at H&M Studio. Nods to fairytales can be found throughout the collection, as enchanted explorers and mythical mermaids are imbued in the strong tailoring, tentacle-like fringing and cockatoo print motif. The collection’s adaptable styles - frilled shirting, modern casuals and luxury leathers - invite the wearer to express themselves and make a statement. ‘The SS21 collection muse finds adventure and fantasy in the everyday. The collection is a concise edit of optimistic looks to feel comfortable and confident in. Versatile silhouettes go hand in hand with strong tailoring to create playful pieces for our customers to treasure forever.’ says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M. Versatile layers and curated silhouettes create a fresh, buoyant mood. Key pieces include the fringed dramatic black sweeping

dress; the luxuriously tailored cream blazer with raw buttons and the coordinating informal voluminous trousers with drawstring waist. Sustainably-sourced crushed velvet adds a liquid-like texture, while Tencel, organic cotton and recycled polyester instils a relaxed feel to skirts, shirts and fine knit cropped-top. Bold, adaptable jewelry introduces a poetic glamour to the collection’s punk-ish undercurrent. Shoes make a statement as knee-high black leather boots with organic sculptural heels meet goldfringed pineapple leather sandals. “Fantasies and fairytales were the starting point for the colors and details. The photos of trinkets - such as a boat in a bottle and seashells - and a cockatoo were inspired by fabled voyages and have been printed or embroidered on key pieces. I wanted the print story to give life to mermaids, explorers and sea creatures in a purposefully bright and charming way,” says Moa Bartling, H&M’s Print Designer. We spoke to Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor and Moa Bartling, Print Designer at H&M Studio to find out more.

There is a very strong reference to treasures, fantasy and fairytales for this collection. Can you tell us more about why these themes were chosen as inspiration for this collection?  Ann-Sofie: The design team were all looking for a sense of escapism after such a tumultuous year. We had been thinking about strong, bold adventurers and that sense of freedom that comes with reading fairy tales. We wanted this collection to be a bolt of fresh air and incite a sense of self-expression and optimism. Moa: We wanted to embody a fearless adventurer’s energy whilst keeping the collection modern and fresh, so we worked with bright, vibrant colors and under-the-sea pops of coral and blue first. I then worked on a maritime-themed digital print, based on treasures found at sea and an adventurers’ accomplice, the cockatoo, which was a more explicit nod to our fairy-tale theme. We wanted the latter to feel like a collectible print, so it’s dated with the season – it becomes a treasure-themed piece to treasure forever. In your opinion, which are the most memorable design elements of this collection?   Ann-Sofie: Keeping the theme of treasures in mind, we’ve worked hard to make sure that this collection is timeless overall. A particularly memorable element; the pineapple leather on the gold-fringed sandals is a brilliant fabric innovation that we’re proud of! Moa, can you tell us more about how you translate your vision to fabrics?  I will often use a mixture of digital print, handcrafted prints or color patterns, depending on [Continued...]

the Studio’s seasonal narrative. At H&M, we are continually developing or collaborating on new sustainablysourced fabrications, so I often try prints on recycled polyesters, nylons and cotton, seeing how the fabric moves and how it sits with the print design or how the color appears. The patterns and colors are probably the most explicit reference to the collection’s theme, so it’s essential to balance right. What comes first, the sketch or the print? Is there a creative process that you usually follow?  Moa: It depends on the season. Some seasons I instinctively reach for my sketchbook and others are about working from point A to B. My creative process stems from our collective starting point. If we’re looking at expressing self-reflection and optimism in our collection, I will think about how I can best reflect that and begin experimenting with colors and shapes. 96

[...Continued]

We love H&M Studio, and if we were put in the position to choose which pieces to bring back from past collections for this special launch, we would never be able to choose! How did you and the team narrow down the selection for H&M Studio ss21?  Ann-Sofie: It’s such a joy and a privilege to look back at the previous Studio collections. It’s fantastic to see how much we have grown and developed our ideas, concepts and fabrications. Unsurprisingly, we all had favorites that popped to mind or memories from specific development processes, but we went with pieces that struck a feeling – that felt nostalgic yet timeless. When looking back at past H&M Studio collections, which are your favorite pieces and why?  Ann-Sofie: I have many favorite pieces; I find I’ve always had a soft spot for our tailored pieces over the years – I love the flexibility they give to a

look. The blazer from this SS21 season is a firm favorite, but I gravitate toward the Studio SS18 collection. It had a strong workwear influence, with some brilliant utilitarian tailoring. It was the last time we showed a physical show, so it marks a milestone for me. Moa: Tough question, as we’ve had so many significant collections, but I think these past two seasons have had a lot of symbolism. This season was so energetic and playful and working on the adventurer prints, with our fantasy theme, was almost therapeutic in these uncertain times. Last season, AW20, was a riot of party-fun and a great mix of digital prints and photographic scenes. Both seasons have small, symbolic details in the prints that are a joy for me to work on. Shop the H&M Studio SS21 collection exclusively online at kw.hm.com and via the H&M MENA app starting from February 18.

bazaar music

FEBRUARY MUSIC It may be a cliché to repeat it on this music page, in February the month with Valentine’s Day, but perhaps Shakespeare’s the Duke of Illyria, Orsino, said it best when musing, “If music be the food of love, play on”. Who doesn’t have a soundtrack to their love lives, filled with Barry White and Marvin Gaye or perhaps even Abdel Halim Hafiz. This month there are a slew of albums coming out that may be the soundtrack for singletons falling for each other over Zoom. Blast and enjoy these tracks from your car speakers in socially distanced lanes cruising down the Gulf Road, because who knows where you’ll meet the love of your life these days? Or play some golden oldies with your spouse and remember the good times when you used to enjoy date nights out.

TINDER IS THE HEART

JIMI SOMEWHERE

Album: Nothing Gold Can Stay February 5, 2021 Jimi Somewhere’s debut album consists of 12 tracks from the 22 years old Norwegian artist, real name Benjamin Schandy. His music is influenced by the imaginative work of renowned filmmaker Spike Jonze and the eminent artistry of Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Abstract, and Frank Ocean, and he ties his contemplative lyrics with frenzy electropop, ornate hip-hop beats, trippy pop, and multilayered vocals to produce his very own signature resonance. The singer has accumulated over 14 million Spotify streams and has been featured on the “New Music Friday”, “Oyster”, “Fresh Finds” and “Lorem” playlists.

NUBIYAN TWIST

Album: Freedom Fables February 5, 2021 Nubiyan Twist is a Leeds-London UK collective producing jazz-leaning neo-soul. New album Freedom Fables is a project built around inter-weaving stories, it’s a dense but immediate affair. “[The album] reflects on the power of narratives. Each vocalist on this record explores their own memoirs, a freedom of expression underpinning their belief that music is the ultimate narrative for unity,” explains Tom Excell continuing, “The record references a lot of music that we all loved during our formative years; you can hear touches of broken beat, blunted hip hop, highlife, Latin, jazz and UK soul running through the tracks.”

THE WANDERING HEARTS

Album: The Wandering Hearts February 26, 2021 The Wandering Hearts first comprised of AJ And Tim (the boys) and Chess and Tara (the girls). They have been compared by other writers as the ABBA of Americana even though this now trio after Tim’s departure actually hail from Great Britain. By bringing in the influences of Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac, a band that these upand-comers have also frequently been compared to, the sound that came out of their initial song writing sessions took on a life of its own and left them squarely rooted in a folk-Americana category. This is only their second album and great things are expected..

SMITTEN KITTENS

ROD STEWART

Album: An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down February 13, 1970 This is Stewart’s debut solo album, the LP also features the Scottish artist’s writing skills on tracks “Blind Prayer,” “An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down,” and “Cindy’s Lament.” The music and the songs are vivid and rich with detail, reflecting a whole way of life, blending folk, blues, and rock & roll establishing that rock can sound as rich and timeless as folk, and that folk can be as vigorous as rock. Known as The Rod Stewart Album in the USA, here you can find a groundbreaking cover of “Handbags and Gladrags” originally written by Chris Farlowe in 1966.

BLONDIE

Album: Call Me February 1, 1980 Mostly known for singing “Call Me” on her appearance on The Muppet Show in 1981, lead singer of Blondie Debbie Harry also co-wrote this track with European disco producer Giorgio Moroder. It was written for the infamous Richard Gere vehicle American Gigolo played in a scene when the lead character is working. “Call Me” was the most successful of all Blondie singles in their native USA, where it was the best-selling single of 1980. The New Wave rock band became noted for its eclectic mix of musical styles, incorporating elements of disco, pop, reggae and early rap music.

JOHNNY CASH

Album: Boom Chicka Boom February 1, 1990 Get your mind out of the gutter thirsty readers, this album is named for the trademark guitar rhythm of Luther Perkins, and Boom Chicka Boom reflects a mellower Cash who has no illusions about the world but seems to have reached an uneasy peace with it. He still sings of hard luck stories and unhappy endings, but his somber tone is softened by a sense of life’s absurdity. Singing since success in the 1950’s, Cash’s voice hardly seems to have aged, and on Boom Chicka Boom the singer has learned to accept, and even laugh about, adversity.

Source: albumoftheyear.org, rollingstone.com, songfacts.com 98

Kuwait City, Khalid Ibn Al Waleed St, Mazaya Tower 01, Floor 01

www.bfc.com.kw

DEFINED AND TRANSFORMED BY LANGUAGES

Learning a new language unlocks endless opportunities By Fadi Moukalled

Since the dawn of time, languages have been essential to the development of societies. One of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important aspect in our development as civilized individuals is searching to adapt to the evolution of mankind. Communication and the exchange of ideas are the foundations of this pluricultural world we live in. Languages are hence at the center of these advancements that shape our identity and strengthen our relationships as individuals. Weather it is in business, articles, or TV shows, understanding the language that is spoken and being able to engage in conversation is a feature that is both useful and interesting. Born to an Arab family and having had the opportunity to attend a French school, I learned to juggle between multiple languages early on and this has always been a huge asset. From a young age, I studied both English and French with Arabic as my mother tongue. Although I was brought up being educated exclusively in the French school system, I was exposed to English very often on daily basis through the TV shows I used to watch, toys I played with and the environment in which I grew up. In fact, English was omnipresent. This certainly enabled me to become as fluent in English as I am in French. Attending a French school since the age of, four has made me quite plurilingual thus at some point I came to realize how truly privileged I am. French, English, and Arabic are taught from kindergarten whereas Spanish is introduced in year 7. Indeed, one is taught to valorize languages so personally I have been working hard on perfecting and polishing my Spanish. Speaking multiple languages helps improve your thinking skills and build up a mental capacity that cannot be matched. Being able to think in French, process in English and then speak in Arabic is utterly unique. Being able to engage in conversation without having to struggle to find your words, helps with the way others perceive you. Knowing a foreign language and being able to interact at ease, shows that you are indeed a cultured, and sophisticated intellectual. Traveling around the world and mingling with people you do not know may just become easier for you. A language is the key to a new culture! It is a weapon that breaks down barriers and creates a sense of unity and inclusion in a diverse and multicultural environment. My advice to everyone right now, especially during these tough times our world is going through, is to immerse yourself into another language. A language is a personality that has its own world. It manifests its words and evolves through time. It helps you enhance your memory, reflexes, and enlightens your chain of thoughts. Knowing how to speak another language is a passion on its own. It makes you unique and helps you integrate in other societies easier and faster. Photo by Soner Eker on Unsplash.

100

101

bazaar movie night FABULOUS FILMS WE'RE WATCHING IN FEBRUARY

IN DARKNESS

Release date: February 7th Service: OSN Kuwait Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery Cast: Natalie Dormer, Emily Ratajkowski Synopsis: Following a blind pianist called Sofia, played by Natalie Dormer, we slowly start to see an intertwined storyline that might at first cause confusion, but have you saying “Ah, now it all makes sense” at the end. Sofia is confronted with the death of her neighbor Veronique who had an altercation with a suspicious man. Trying to solve her murder, Sofia contacts Veronique’s father who is not only a Serbian businessman but also a war criminal. As the storyline unfolds, Sofia ends up finding several links to her own past as she uncovers the truth behind Veronique’s death.

MALCOLM & MARIE

Release date: February 5th Service: Netflix Genre: Drama, Romance Cast: Zendaya, John David Washington Synopsis: Netflix scooped the distribution rights to this black and white film for an incredible $30 million. The movie follows an insecure filmmaker returning home to his girlfriend after his film premiere, and they’re waiting for the first reviews to come out. His initial excitement over what he perceives to be the film’s imminent success is ultimately toppled as scarring truths about their relationship come to the surface during this tense evening. Directed by Levinson, he was inspired by the occasion he failed to thank his wife after the premiere of Assassination Nation.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: SUMMER VACATION

THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME

Release date: February 15th Service: OSN Kuwait Genre: Family, Kids, Animation Cast: Selena Gomez, Adam Sandler, Kevin James Synopsis: The franchise’s beloved Dracula character, his half-human daughter Mavis and his monster pals go on a luxury monster cruise vacation. With action, comedy, and an EDM soundtrack, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is guaranteed to entertain. The movie gets heightened with a few intense crashes, chases and a confrontation with a huge sea monster but Count Dracula and his family come together to embrace diversity, overcome grudges, embrace love and strengthen communication all while on vacation!

Release date: February 21st Service: OSN Kuwait Genre: Comedy, Action, Adventure Cast: Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon Synopsis: This film has a great balance between action and comedy due to the hilarious storyline. James Bond may have popularized the idea of spies and the CIA, but this action movie is one that we might relate to. The movie follows two best friends who are chased from country to country by several assassins in search of something valuable, which is in their possession. Mila Kunis, who plays Audrey Stockton, receives this very valuable document and is told to give it to the CIA, by her boyfriend who turns out to be an undercover CIA agent too.

SPACE SWEEPERS

I CARE A LOT

Release date: February 5th Service: Netflix Genre: Foreign language, South Korean, Sci-fi Cast: Song Joong-ki, Jin Sun-kyu, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Hai-jin Synopsis: In what is arguably the biggest budget release for Netflix from South Korea ever, we follow the fictional adventures of a ragtag crew that makes their living on space salvage, and there’s a cute robot called “bubs” too. Netflix said the new film will demonstrate the challenges that the four main crew members — encounter while they work together on the spaceship Victory. Set in 2092, the crew are salvaging space debris but in one of their finds, come across a completely unexpected but ransom worthy passenger.

Release date: February 19th Service: Netflix Genre: Comedy, Thriller Cast: Rosamund Pike, Eiza González, Diane Wiest Synopsis: A crooked, morally bankrupt legal guardian is played by Pike to perfection. She persuades the courts to place senior citizens in her care who are incapable of looking after themselves. She then abandons them in care homes, while draining them of their assets. But not everyone is as incapable as Pike’s character makes out, and she meets her match when a woman she tries to swindle turns out to be more than she first appears. This savage black comedy, and exhilarating thriller, is a critique on latestage capitalism.

Settle in on the sofa with your favorite cinema snacks from Cinescape using talabat or deliveroo, and don’t forget to watch the OSCARS on February 25th at 4am! Sourced from osn.com, netflix.com, guardian.com 102

103

#XCITEDFORKASHTA The Ultimate Kashta Essentials Guide with X-cite! By bazaar staff

Kashtas are having a massive moment this year! An age-old local tradition most favored during winter and springtime, the word denotes the activity of camping outdoors for the day or picnicking outside. We’re living for those weekends spent basking under the glorious sun and enjoying everything that Kuwait’s nature has to offer. With so many suitable destinations to drive to and set up for the day from the Mutla’a Ridge to Subiya (the drive alone across the causeway is worth it!), you can discover Kuwait like never before with an authentic Kashta experience. Whether you choose to go all out with your Kashta set up or you prefer to simplify, we’ve rounded up our favorite Kashta essentials to give you our ultimate guide with help from our friends from X-cite. But remember though, you have to clean up your Kashta site when you’re all done. Deal? Deal.

Movie night in the great outdoors!

Make it yummy!

A portable projector is perfect for watching movies and challenging each other to PlayStation showdowns. And they have come a long way, they are now smaller, lighter and much easier to use. The Anker Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector is one of the best options. It comes with Android TV so you can stream your favorite channels without needing to set anything up. Our other favorites include the Anker Nebula Apollo 200 ANSI Pocket Projector and the Acer P1155 4,000 Lumens SVGA Wireless Projector.

Cooking juicy delicious dishes on an open fire is a time-honored kashta tradition. It also helps that even if your kitchen skills are limited, you can still create a magical meal with some charcoal and carefully timed flipping. We love the Weber Compact Kettle BBQ Grill because it is compact, has wheels so it is easy to move around and comes with a lid to protect the precious food from the elements. Alternatively, you could use the Rinnai 3 Burner Portable Gas Stove to cook everything else that doesn’t fit on the grill. Other great options are the Wansa Camping Stove and the Portable Cobra grill.

Portable Speakers are a Must!

Let there be light!

What do you need when you have friends, delicious food and are living your best life under the great blue (or starlit) sky? Great music playing in the background of course! Link up one of these awesome bluetooth wireless speakers to your phone or device and get ready to dance like no one’s watching or just vibe to whatever tunes float your boat. The Bose Soundlink Revolve Bluetooth speaker looks fabulous and seamlessly integrates with Siri and Google so you don’t even need to touch it to switch the music. The JBL Pulse is another great option because of its fun light display.

Don’t get caught out in the dark! A camping light is a must-have, if you are planning to stay out after the sun sets. The Varta Outdoor Sports LED Lantern has a runtime of upto 200 hours, is water resistant and built for the outdoors. We also love the Varta XS camping light because it looks very cute and does a great job too!

104

9 Other Kashta Must Haves!

There are lots of other things that you should pack for an exciting time spent outside. Power Banks are a no brainer, use them to charge phones, speakers and other devices. 1) The Zendure A8 is a “four-day weekend warrior” and can be used to charge four devices at a time. Speaking of power, you might need a portable generator if you are planning a longer or more intense trip. 2) The Honda Portable Generator is perfect, easy to carry and use. Board games are another fun thing to do with friends and family, and there are so many great options at X-cite, but we really love 3) Escape the Curse of the Temple and 4) Family Feud. If you're packing hot food and snacks, don’t forget an insulated food bag to store ingredients on your way out to the desert and to keep your leftovers fresh so you can enjoy them all day long. 5) The Reisenthel Coolerbag looks edgy, is easy to clean and keeps everything insulated all day. We all know that creepy crawlies come with the territory, and Bug-killer is one of those things that you would hate to forget. 6) Pack the Wansa Mosquito Swatter to make sure no flying pests bug you (sorry not sorry for the bad pun). The whole point of Kashtas is to make fun memories so don’t forget your 7) Polaroid Pop instant camera and the 8) Magic Sing Karaoke Mic because you need to document your singing adventures in printed photos. Finally, enjoy the great outdoors and marvel in the beauty of nature using the 9) Steiner Sky Hawk Binoculars, perfect for simple stargazing and spotting wildlife.

For a comprehensive list of X-cite’s 42 store locations and to shop online for the latest deals visit www.xcite.com. Download the X-cite app for Android on Google Play or iPhone on the App Store. Follow X-cite social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, @xcitealghanim and Facebook XcitebyAlghanim. Call 180 3535 for further Inquiries. 105

bazaar techno

YUBIKEY

VIRTUIX OMNI ONE VR TREADMILL

ZENDURE SUPERTANK PRO

VAONIS VESPERA TELESCOPE

LIMODO WINDOW WIZARD

ZOOX

If you are worried about your digital security, then you need a YubiKey. The YubiKey 5 Series is a hardware based authentication solution that provides superior defense against phishing, eliminates account takeovers, and enables compliance requirements for strong authentication. It uses superior security by combining hardwarebased authentication and public key cryptography to effectively defend against phishing attacks and eliminate account takeovers. It offers multiprotocol support including FIDO2, Yubico OTP, OATH HOTP, U2F, PIV, and Open PGP. Users have the broadest options for strong authentication including not only two-factor authentication, but also support for single factor passwordless login and multi-factor authentication in conjunction with user touch and PIN .

The Vaonis Vespera lightweight telescope suits all levels of astronomy enthusiasts. This compact and powerful exploration station is both a telescope and a camera. Reconnect with the stars, observe the cosmos, and share what you see with your family and friends. All you have to do is use the connected app to take your own photos of the moon, galaxies, nebulae, and more. This small telescope measures just 15 inches tall and weighs only 10 pounds, so it can fit in your backpack. It boasts a powerful optical design with zero distortion and a Sony sensor that’s especially designed for low-light conditions. Explore the world and beyond with this easy-touse lightweight telescope. Simply adjust the tripod, and it’ll calibrate itself using your GPS and starfield recognition. 106

Make your home virtual reality experience as great as possible and move all over the place. With the Virtuix Omni One VR treadmill, you can do just that. In fact, this home VR treadmill lets you move up, down, side to side, and in all 360 degrees. What’s more, it can even detect if you crouch or kneel, as you’re probably known to do during your games. Furthermore, the Virtuix Omni has a diameter of only four feet. So it won’t take up much space in your home. And you don’t have to worry about getting hurt because you strap yourself into the vest first. With an adjustable height, this gaming gadget is suitable for a wide variety of users, feeling like an extension of your body.

Cleaning your windows manually deserves to be left behind in the past. Do yourself a favor and get the Limodo Window Wizard Smart Window Cleaning Robot. This clever robot uses a powerful suction system to attach to your glass windows and doors. Armed with smart sensors, the Window Wizard scrubs away smudges and dirt. It can even determine its own path and detect edges to ensure efficiency with every clean. Using both an app and remote control, you can also dictate where you’d like the Window Wizard to clean. Under the sleek exterior, the Window Wizard works diligently on even the grimiest of surfaces. It gets its power from the cord or relies on its 30-minute backup battery if an outlet isn’t nearby.

We’re all slowly transitioning to life outside of our homes, so now might be the best time to invest in the powerbank that renders all the others obsolete. It is the perfect companion for coffee shop work sessions or kashta days out. With 100W USB-C Power Delivery output, SuperTank Pro can provide full speed charging for most of USB-C laptops, including MacBook Pro 16”. Power your phone for up to a week with a fully-charged SuperTank Pro or share power with other while collaborating. The OLED display on SuperTank Pro gives you real-time information about your power usage and remaining charge. Don’t forget to keep your SuperTank Pro compatible with the latest devices just by updating the firmware.

The Zoox autonomous personal vehicle is a new way to hail rides. This personal transportation vehicle is designed to make the future safer, more fun, and cleaner for everyone. In fact, this ondemand autonomous taxi takes care of navigating through traffic while you sit back and relax on your journey. Designed with a spacious interior cabin with two benches, the Zoox autonomous vehicle ensures everyone inside has the same amount of comfort and space. No more asking the person in front to move up their seat. Made with comfortable materials, the seats also have cup holders and wireless chargers for your phone or other gadgets. There are even built-in displays on the seats that show arrival time, location, and route. You can also use them to control the air temperature and music playlist. Get around cities so much easier than before with this autonomous personal vehicle.

107

RELAX WITH MUJI ESSENTIAL OILS Sweet scents that can transform your mood and productivity By bazaar staff

We go through life creating memories and associating the feelings and moods that go with them with scents and how we smell the world. Some things make us happy, remind us of summer or just help us feel an extra jolt of energy. “Odor molecules flow to the limbic system in the brain, where feelings, moods, emotions and memory are processed,” explains Karen Gilbert, perfumery expert in her book The Art and Craft of Fragrance.

Which is why using essential oils can be like a quick one way ticket to a state of mind like relaxed or happy. We love the collection at MUJI because they have a wide range of different oils which are pure and natural, from flowers and fruits harvested in areas they are famous for, such as Lavender from Provence, and Lemon or Blood Orange from Sicily Islands in Italy. Essential oils are the volatile molecules of a plant that most commonly provide it with fragrance, flavor and often therapeutic or aromatherapeutic properties. They are extracted either through steam distillation of the leaves, wood and/or flowers, or cold expressed from the rind or peel. The amount of oil extracted varies from plant to plant depending on the number of oil glands and method of extraction. For instance, it will take between 18 - 16 oranges to produce 10ml of essential oil; however, approximately 100 kg of rose flowers will make 10ml of essential oil. There are three large scent families at MUJI; Herbs and Flower, Citrus, and Mint and Wood. Herbs and Flower aromas are great if you are a little stressed and want to relax. You can choose 108

from Lavender, as its woody-based gentle floral scent eases tension and has a calming effect, or Geranium that gives out a sweet and deep aroma similar to a rose which helps to stabilize the mind and brightens your mood. Alternatively you can give Lemongrass a go with its sharp refreshing scent that produces a cooling sensation or Rosemary, which delivers a clear and cool scent that’s both refreshing and energizing These oils can also be useful in outdoor areas to repel insects without using any chemicals.

The second family of oils is energizing Citrus. Try Sweet Orange smells upbeat and cheerful and will leave you feeling bright and ready to take on the world. With a slight bitter edge to it, Grapefruit smells familiar and light, just like a great breakfast. Lemon, Lime and Bergamot are all very lemony but are unique and distinct. We think that you should experiment with all of them until you find your favorite scent that leaves you feeling full of energy.

Mint and Wood scents instantly leaves you feeling refreshed. It is something we associate with toothpaste in the morning and the feeling of being ready to tackle the day. Eucalyptus is minty sharp and helps you stay focused. Tea Tree is a clear and clean scent, almost medicinal and will transform your mood. It is extra handy during pollen seasons in spring and autumn, too. Peppermint’s refreshing menthol scent helps you stay focused. And Japanese Cypress has a woody scent that has been used in Japan for centuries, but is quickly becoming well-loved and appreciated all over the world, but everyone feels the instant mind calming effect. Using any of these oils on its own has great benefits but if you want to unlock their true powers try making your own blend! First, select an essential oil according to the benefit you would like to produce. Smell the oil, and if you like it then put it to one side. Next, hold the two selected oils in one hand and waft the scent towards your nose, if you are happy with it proceed, if not try a different combination. Finally, once you have selected your oils, smell each individually and compare strengths. If one is a lot stronger than the other, use less drops. If they are both equally strong, use equal amounts. This is subjective, you may prefer the fragrance of one oil over the other and decide that you would like to increase the strength of that oil by using more drops. You can use your new oil blend in the MUJI Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser. The device transforms a mix of water and essential oil drops into a light mist that easily and quickly wafts through the room and makes it smell lovely. There are two sizes to fit your needs. There’s also a portable USB version that makes on-the-go essential oil use a breeze. Find your new favorite essential oil blend at MUJI stores in 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues and Al Kout Mall or shop muji.com.kw. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast 109

bazaar books

MY YEAR ABROAD

THE GILDED ONES

by Change-rae Lee, Fiction

by Namina Forna, Young Adult Fantasy

In the breathtaking, “precise, elliptical prose” that Chang-rae Lee is known for (The New York Times), the narrative alternates between Tiller’s outlandish, mind-boggling year with Pong and the strange, riveting, emotionally complex domestic life that follows it, as Tiller processes what happened to him abroad and what it means for his future. Rich with commentary on Western attitudes, Eastern stereotypes, capitalism, global trade, mental health, parenthood, mentorship, and more, My Year Abroad is also an exploration of the surprising effects of cultural immersion— on a young American in Asia, on a Chinese man in America, and on an unlikely couple hiding out in the suburbs. Tinged at once with humor and darkness, electric with its accumulating surprises and suspense, My Year Abroad is a novel that only Chang-rae Lee could have written, and one that will be read and discussed for years to come.

THE GIRLS I’VE BEEN

Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death. Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki–near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire’s greatest threat. Deka decides to leave the only life she’s ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be.

KLARA AND THE SUN

by Tess Sharpe, Thriller

By Kazuo Ishiguro, Dystopian Fiction

Nora O’Malley’s been a lot of girls. As the daughter of a con-artist who targets criminal men, she grew up as her mother’s protégé. But when her mom fell for the mark instead of conning him, Nora pulled the ultimate con: escape. For five years Nora’s been playing at normal. But she needs to dust off the skills she ditched. Her ex walked in on her with her girlfriend. Even though they’re all friends, Wes didn’t know about her and Iris. The morning after Wes finds them kissing, they all have to meet to deposit the fundraiser money they raised at the bank. It’s a nightmare that goes from awkward to deadly. Right after they enter the bank, two guys start robbing it. The bank robbers may be trouble, but Nora’s something else entirely. They have no idea who they’re really holding hostage .

LET ME TELL YOU WHAT I MEAN By Joan Didion, Anthology

These twelve pieces from 1968 to 2000, never before gathered together, offer an illuminating glimpse into the mind and process of a legendary figure. They showcase Joan Didion’s incisive reporting, her empathetic gaze, and her role as “an articulate witness to the most stubborn and intractable truths of our time” (The New York Times Book Review). Here, Didion touches on topics ranging from newspapers (“the problem is not so much whether one trusts the news as to whether one finds it”), to the fantasy of San Simeon, to not getting into Stanford. In “Why I Write,” Didion ponders the act of writing: “I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means.” From her admiration for Hemingway’s sentences to her acknowledgment that Martha Stewart’s story is one “that has historically encouraged women in this country, even as it has threatened men,” these essays are acutely and brilliantly observed.

110

Klara and the Sun is a magnificent new novel from the Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro–author of Never Let Me Go and the Booker Prize-winning The Remains of the Day. Klara and the Sun, the first novel by Kazuo Ishiguro since he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, tells the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her. Klara and the Sun is a thrilling book that offers a look at our changing world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator, and one that explores the fundamental question: what does it mean to love?

MUSE

By Brittany Cavallaro, Alternate History

The year is 1893, and war is brewing in the First American Kingdom. But Claire Emerson has a bigger problem. Claire’s father is a sought-after inventor, but he believes his genius is a gift granted to him by his daughter’s touch, so he keeps Claire under his control. As their province prepares for war, Claire plans to escape, even as her best friend, Beatrix, tries to convince her to stay and help with the growing resistance movement that wants to see a woman on the throne. When her father’s weapon fails to fire on the World’s Fair’s opening day, Claire is taken captive by Governor Remy Duchamp, St. Cloud’s young, untried ruler. Remy believes that Claire’s touch bestows graces he’s never had, and with political rivals planning his demise, Claire might be his only ally. The last thing that Claire has ever wanted is to be someone else’s muse, but she finally has a choice: Will she quietly remake her world from the shadows—or bring it down in flames? Source: Goodreads.com

111

THE NEW GOPRO HERO9

Get your hands on the camera that will take your active photos and videos to the next level at Virgin Megastore By bazaar staff

GoPro has been empowering creatives and athletes to become their own videographers. The small yet very mighty GoPro has reshaped how we think about active and lifestyle photography completely. Professional and amateur athletes, travelers and photographers have been showing us how they surf, dirtbike, hike, and explore the globe through their point of view and using a new lens that has been wowing us and changing our perception of possibility. You no longer need expensive, bulky, and complicated cameras to capture life. You can grab the latest HERO9 at Virgin Megastore right now!

112

The new HERO9 is taking all of that several steps into the future. Mostly it is providing creatives with more power, more clarity and most importantly more stability. The groundbreaking HERO9 Black sports a beastly 23.6MP sensor for ridiculous 5K video and stunning 20MP photos. The dazzling new front display delivers a live preview for easy framing, while a large rear touch screen with touch zoom provides fast, intuitive control. Making it much easier for the person using the camera to get the money shot from the first try. HERO9 Black boasts a powerful new feature suite, including HindSight, and supports live streaming and Webcam7 mode as well. Add in HyperSmooth 3.0, built-in mounting and 30% more battery life1 for more of everything—in a camera that’s tough as nails and waterproof as ever. Available mods including the ultra-wide Max Lens Mod, Light Mod, Display Mod and Media Mod expand your creative options even more. Photos can now be shot at 20MP, 2x zoom, single photos, night photos, LiveBurst, 25 fps burst and RAW; giving photographers so much more control and options so they can choose the perfect mode for their content. There are also several time lapse options; TimeWarp video, time lapse video, time lapse photo, night lapse video and night lapse photo. Which means so much more fun and exciting content for us! The battery is removable and rechargeable at 1720mAh, so it lasts a long time and if you know you are going to be out and about you can have a spare on hand. And it is fastcharging ready so there’s no wait. The little camera also packs some pretty

neat and intelligent features that make using it a breeze and a delight. It is rugged and waterproof up to 10m, so it is perfect for water sports as well as scuba diving and capturing colorful fish and reefs. You can control it with your voice, there are 14 available commands in 11 languages and 6 accents. The three built-in microphones come with advanced wind-noise reduction so you can live stream without worrying about having to fix the sound in post-production. If you need to add some editing magic on the camera you can use the already installed Presets or create your own custom presets. If you need wider shots you can use the new Max Lens Mod which delivers unbreakable Max HyperSmooth stabilization and Max SuperView, their widest-angle perspective yet. That’s not the only exciting Mod. There is the Media Mod which adds a directional mic, HDMI port and more and the Light Mod, a light weight, tough and waterproof light that will help all of your shots shine. And just in case you need an extra-large flip scream for framing or vlogging then the Display Mod is for you. The sleek HERO9 Black Camera comes with a carrying case, rechargeable battery, curved adhesive mount, a mounting buckle and thumb screw as well as a USB-C cable; everything you need to start shooting amazing footage right away. You can find the HERO9 Go Pro for KWD 164.9 at Virgin Megastore is located at Phase 2 in The Avenues. For more information, check out @VirginMegastoreMe on social media. Shop online at circle.virginmegastore.com.kw! 113

live like the 1%

NARKE GT95 ELECTRIC JET SKI

DRAKKAR S SMARTYACHT CONCEPT

JACOB & CO DIAMOND FACE MASK

AURORA DIAMANTE PEN

AERIN SHAGREEN CHESS SET

THE ESSENCE L’ESSENCE

What could be more fun than annoying beach goers and bathers by buzzing them incessantly on an electric jet ski. For only 14,236 KD you can ride 95 horsepower, with a top speed of 70 kph and a range of 50 km. Measuring an inversely proportional 13 feet in length, the GT95 can seat up to three groupies on an all-new carbon-fiber-reinforced hull design. The hull utilizes deflection technology to make the ride stable and smooth for operators of nearly any skill level. A seven-inch customizable digital display displays the remaining charge, milage, distance from port, and can take incoming calls.

Instead of subjecting the object of your affections with poor penmanship on endless love notes, why not just gift them the pen instead? A collaboration with Mont Blanc, the Aurora is crafted from pure platinum, encrusted with 1,919 De Beers diamonds (that’s more than 30 carats), and topped with an 18-karat gold nib. Only one pen is hand crafted each year and can be yours for just under half a million dinars. The Italian-based Aurora Company, established in Turin in 1919, is willing to personalize this gem with your portrait, signature, or coat of arms. How very bourgeois.

Be your own captain and crew with this smart yacht. The 85-foot concept is equipped with an autopilot system that is controlled by artificial intelligence technology, eliminating the need for an experienced captain, even better for those who like to show off but not put in the time to learn anything because you know, privilege and entitlement. While sailing, the boat will approach a berth at the right distance for mooring and identify surfaces or underwater obstacles by itself. An electric motor powered by solar panels will propel the yacht while the interior provides two master cabins, two guest cabins, and a spacious salon.

While half of this contemporary chess set’s streamlined pieces is only gold plated and, much to one’s chagrin, the other half isn’t even that, this 1145KD chess set is still beautifully presented in a somewhat luxurious looking shagreen box featuring brass detailing. It’s fun enough for two and a lovely gift for any one of the nigh on a hundred genders your partner may identify as, so even if you are stuck in your heteronormative gender stereotyping ways, the receiver of this chess set will happily be none the wiser.

Just because we have to cover our faces to virtue signal doesn’t mean we have to be cheap about it. So, why not do so with diamonds. Generations of breeding to keep old money in the family most likely means that hideous in the eye of the beholder no longer need be with this face mask awash with 3040 diamonds. Entirely hand-made, the Diamond Face Mask is a white gold diamond mesh, that gives the effect of a real fabric, to create a supple and silky mesh that covers the face. Perfect for upgrading your daily look, and designed to be worn over your preferred PPE. Try the N99 to get one over on the N95rs.

Currently more precious than platinum or gold at 725KD for 45ml ‘The Essence’ is a skincare treatment designed to sooth, moisturise and rejuvenate the complexion. Housed in a glossy resin box, each of the three magnetised glass vessels contains the brand’s Miracle Broth to boost skin activity at cellular level; Dormancy, a ferment with Rosemary, Narcissus Bulb and brightening Vitamin C; and Mariponic, created from nutritional Sea Parsley. Post-treatment. It’s advised to complete this 775 KD treatment twice a year, when you check yourself into Betty’s for “exhaustion”.

live like the 99%

BFGKuwait

Not everyone has someone to love for Valentine’s Day and if you are looking to dole out all the love you have inside you, why not do so by sponsoring, fostering or adopting from an animal rescue? Become a Foster Guardian is run by the wonderfully colorful Leila Musaeva who can be seen often in Friday Market rescuing animals for sale. In the description of the Instagram account @bfgkuwait they say, “We are a non-profit group of humans that help rescue abandoned animals in Kuwait.” Their priorities undeniably are for the animals first, and indeed when most people were stocking up on toilet paper and food in supermarkets at the start of lockdown, bazaar came across Leila and her partner in Pet Zone desperately buying supplies of cat and dog food, concerned about not being to get around to rescue animals they knew would be in trouble particularly because of the hardship brought on by the pandemic restrictions.

Sources: uncrate.com 114

115

For more information, please visit your local Bath & Body Works or go to bathandbodyworks.com.kw or116call 182 1212. Find out more on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @bathandbodyworksarabia.

“YOU’RE THE ONE”, THE PERFECT FEBRUARY GIFT By bazaar staff

Discover the global launch of the most indulgent fragrance yet The search for the perfect gift for the season of love is officially over! With the global launch of the gorgeous “You’re The One” fragrance range from Bath & Body Works, the iconic fragrance will make for the perfect gift. You’re The One is the newest iconic fragrance in the brand’s portfolio of more than 20 beloved Signature Collection favorites. This latest addition to the Signature Collection features a luxurious blend of soft rose, white birch, and a drop of strawberry. Other favorites include Gingham, which is Bath & Body Works’ heritage fragrance, and Japanese Cherry Blossom, a customer favorite for more than a decade. Fragrance from Head-to-Toe The You’re The One collection introduces an extensive range of creams, scrubs and lotions, including Eau De Parfume, Glowing Body Scrub and Bubble Bath – perfect for to feel extra special and for gifting! Celebrate the day with the best Eau De Parfume, made with a higher concentration of fragrance oils - this perfume gives a more intense, longer-lasting scent for the ultimate, most luxurious indulgence. Give the gift of radiant skin with New Glowing Body Scrub, made with glow-enhancing ingredients like pampering shea butter and vitamin E. This gentle scrub softens while it smoothens to reveal radiant, healthier-looking skin. The perfect selfcare gift is You’re The One Bubble Bath, made with luxurious shea butter and cocoa butter, the rich, creamy foam envelops you in lasting, ultrapampering bubbles to leave your skin beautifully scented. Bath & Body Works truly has fragrant body care options for the perfect February gift for every customer! About the Skin-Nourishing Formula You’re The One collection now includes New Moisturizing Body Wash that gently cleanses and instantly hydrates skin with a rich, creamy lather. Infused with shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter, it’s clinically tested to moisturize after just one shower. Craving more hydration after your shower routine? You’re The One includes New Whipped Glow-tion, infused with Shea Butter and cocoa butter, and provides 24 hours of nourishing moisture to soften even the driest skin and gives skin brilliant shimmer. The whipped, fluffy, and fast-absorbing formula melts into skin to provide beautiful fragrance and all day, all night hydration. 117

bazaar Apps

COOLORS

MOCKUP GENERATOR

GOODNIGHT JOURNAL

1 SECOND EVERY DAY 4.0

TEXTCRAFT

PHYSIQUE AI

Coolors is a super fast color schemes generator for designers. Create, save and share perfect palettes in seconds! You can use the palettes in apps like Photoshop and Illustrator but you can also get more creative and use them as a jumping point for outfit planning or decorating your room.

Personal journal app for everyone where you can get connected with others! Goodnight Journal is the only personal journal app that offers modern design that works the same on any device, with the community, chat and features to boost your mental health.

This app does one thing only. It transforms your text into different formats. Some of them are useful like changing the capitalization to others that are completely ridiculous turning all of it to uppercase to like adding underscores between each letter. It might be a little bit gimmicky but it is a lot of fun.

This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t technically an app, but a web-based tool. Mockup Generator is a DIY tool to create attractive product screenshots. You can choose suitable mockup template/image, add text, background and other graphics to download the mockup in highest resolution. Perfect for showing the world your ideas and pitches visually.

1 Second Everyday is a video diary that makes it easy to take your day-to-day moments and create a meaningful movie of your life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a home for all your notable memories, not just the Insta-worthy. Your life is worth remembering, document it. Get started with 1SE today!

This is the kind of app that gets us excited. It uses artificial intelligence (their words, not ours) to help improve your posture. The software looks at your bodies alignment while you are working out and provides real time voice feedback to improve your posture and encourages you to keep going.

play.google.com itunes.apple.com 118

119

SHAREABLE MEALS AND LIGHT OPTIONS AT AMITI NOURA

Discover the special limited-time-only menu full of delights By bazaar staff

We all have a Amiti Noura in our lives. She’s usually your favorite auntie who makes the best food, and makes sure that your favorite dish is always on the table when you come over for a visit. Located at The Avenues, a visit to Amiti Noura is like being invited to your Aunt’s home and a visit to the restaurant is like being invited to your family home and being pampered and overfed by your favorite auntie. She wouldn’t dream of letting you leave the table before you have tasted everything and had seconds (and sometimes even thirds). And while we do love doing this, we sometimes want something lighter, and as usual, Amiti Noura is happy to oblige your every craving.

120

For a limited time only you can now get just that at Amiti Noura. The restaurant has just launched a new and specially designed menu full of flavorful dishes that will satisfy your craving and leave you feeling happy, satisfied and full but still light on your feet so you can enjoy the rest of your day. This menu is perfect after a shopping marathon at The Avenues, when you’re in the mood to nibble with family and simply want to share your favorite bites with your loved ones. We love that they added soup to the menu, because we feel it is often underappreciated as a concept. The creamy chicken soup is flavored with whole spices that will warm your soul and belly and will set the mood for the meal to come. Two more appetizers have been added with sharing in mind: Laham Bi‘ajeen, a homemade dough topped with minced lamb meat, sumac and pomegranate seeds and the Hot Mezze Platter which is perfect if you’re in the mood for trying out lots of different items. They have loaded the plate with a selection of their favorites; cheese and vegetable sambusa, meat and potato kubbah with khobz eroug. Now that you’ve had your fill of starters, it is time to get cozy with the main dishes. There is

the shredded chicken with mashed potatoes and mushrooms in a creamy white sauce enriched with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. Or you could go down the classic but always flavorful route and order a Shish Taouk made from marinated chicken grilled skewers served with fries and garlic sauce. Keep the meal even lighter by ordering the Grilled Shrimp marinated with dill and coriander and served with fries and garlic sauce. If you are looking for a dish that is perfect for sharing, look no further than the Mixed Grill Platter. A selection of lamb chops, lamb kabab and shish taouk served with fries and garlic sauce, ideal for sharing. And you must order at least one serving of the Sumac Fries (we suggest more than one). It is always a hit with guests since the fries are dusted with the unexpected but delicious combination of sumac and herb oil. There’s also a Kid’s Menu, so the little ones can join the fun too and won’t feel left out. They have three options to choose from; Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese and our favorite the Macaroni Bolognaise. The latter has a special Amiti Noura twist; it is macaroni with minced lamb meat, tomatoes and Arabic spices, topped with

Parmesan cheese. Which is the perfect way to introduce a picky eater to local dishes and flavors without overwhelming their sensitive taste buds. All the kids dishes are served with orange juice or lemonade, so they will be getting a boost of vitamin C too. The best thing about a light meal, is that there is always more room left for dessert. And who can resist a Brownie A La Mode? A classic chocolate brownie topped with a scoop of scrumptious vanilla ice-cream. But the real pièce de résistance is the Om Ali. The classic dessert has been given an upgrade - puff pastry baked with flavored milk, raisins, hazelnuts and pistachios to end your meal on the highest of notes. Amiti Noura is one of those magical places. It is cozy and welcoming and always feels familiar. It is like going home every time and we’re happy that we can now do it more often with this special limited time menu!

You can find Amiti Noura in the Souk in The Avenues. To stay up to date with their news follow them on Instagram @amitinoura. 121

bazaar around town

Bazaar Ad 26x31 - Rose Gold 2021.pdf

1/21/21

11:17 AM

THE ALL- NEW ROSE GOLD MASTERCARD CREDIT CARD FROM GULF BANK Talk about a glimmering launch! Gulf Bank is proud to introduce the all-new Rose Gold Mastercard credit card. The first credit card of its kind in Kuwait is built with the modern woman in mind with features and benefits tailored to her lifestyle. It begins with a warm welcome where she earns 15,000 points. She then collects double the points when spending with discounted prices at selected spas, salons, gyms, and restaurants. All of these benefits packaged in a sleek, rose gold colored credit card. Sometimes, she chooses to pay over 12 months with 0% interest using Gulf Bank’s Easy Pay service. When she travels, she gets complimentary travel insurance and lounge access, plus attractively discounted hotel prices. When she’s home, she gets a free coffee from Costa every Sunday, just when she needs it most. No credit card can suit her better than Gulf Bank’s Rose Gold.

CMY

For more information on this service, please visit e-gulfbank.com/rosegold-en or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @Gulf_Bank or Facebook and LinkedIn @GulfBank.

PORSCHE REVEALS SOLID BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IN 2020 WITH BUSY YEAR AHEAD Porsche delivered 272,162 new vehicles worldwide in 2020, just three percent off the record year 2019 despite all headwinds. In the Middle East and Africa region, the sports car manufacturer recorded 6,202 new car sales and enjoyed an encouraging post-lockdown upturn with the best second half result in five years. Dr Manfred Braeunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, says 2020 provided its share of hurdles and positive results: “Last year, we turned many challenges into opportunities that lead to us recording several important milestones, including the highest second half order intake in six years and the largest order bank since 2015. Global Taycan deliveries totalled 20,015 in 2020, despite a six-week stop in production just as the new model was ramping up. The Cayenne led international demand at 92,860 sales, with two-door sports car generating continued success. A total of 21,784 vehicles from the 718 model lines found new owners – six percent more than in the previous year. The iconic Porsche 911 was delivered to 34,328 customers. Across the Middle East and Africa region, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were the top selling countries. Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar achieved their highest retail figures in five years, while Kuwait and Abu Dhabi enjoyed their best order intake in more than five years. In addition to several new model launches, Porsche Middle East and Africa has a busy schedule with network expansion in key markets including the new Porsche Centre Shuwaikh (Kuwait), a state-of-the-art Porsche Centre in Riyadh and the first ever Porsche Studio in India, all ready to be opened this year. For more information, check out @PorscheCentreKuwait on Instagram and Facebook and contact Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company at 1870 870 or visit www.porschekuwait.com.

STARBUCKS EXPANDS PLANT-BASED FOOD CHOICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Available across all Starbucks stores in the UAE and Kuwait, the Beyond Meat Triple Cheese Wrap and Beyond Meatball Arabian Ciabatta is now part of a new plant-based menu that builds on Starbucks global aspiration to become a resource positive company. The move comes in response to increasing customer demand for more plant-based protein options in the Middle East, with the two new sandwich additions specially developed with Beyond Meat to suit local tastes and preferences, and to continue offering customers increased choice and personalization in their Starbucks Experience. The Beyond Meat Triple Cheese Wrap is a mouth-watering tortilla wrap filled with plant-based Beyond Beef, with a blend of three cheeses including red cheddar, mozzarella and feta, topped with herb-roasted bell peppers and marina sauce, all garnished with soft basil, and the Beyond Meatball Arabian Ciabatta is filled with plant-based Beyond Beef on a bed of fresh labneh and baby spinach. Currently, Starbucks EMEA offers a selection of dairy alternatives, including oat, coconut, soy, and almond, in addition to the reformulation of popular beverages such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte to make them dairy-free. Visit your closest Starbucks to try out the exciting new plant-based offerings!

122

‫التـيـه بـالـكـارامـيـل المـمـلـح‬ SALTED CARAMEL LAT TE

‫التيه بالكاراميل المملح‬

‫التيه مثلج بالكاراميل المملح‬

Salted Caramel Latte

Iced Salted Caramel Latte

‫تواصلوا معنا عبر‬ Like us

facebook.com/StarbucksMiddleEast Follow us

@starbucksmiddleeast

1821212 :‫ اتصلـوا بنا علـى‬،‫ لمزيد من التفـاصيـل‬.‫متوفـر لـدى كافة مقـاهي ستــاربكـس‬ Available at all our Starbucks stores. For more details contact us on 1821212

123

bazaar scopes

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 Finances may be shifting and you may need to gather your funds quickly so you can reinvest in other options. The planets are making things you value successful. A wide range of opportunities will present themselves now. You may have recently decided that your path in life is one that should include more travel and higher education. You need to investigate the self through study of higher realms.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 Romance beckons you to join in and seek the company of others in the community that might interest you. This can provide you a bit of distraction and excitement very much overdue. Beginning a new health regimen will be high on the list of things to do. The solutions may be quite obvious but unique just the same.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18

Some of your life goals may come under review now giving way to more modern attainable ones. Keep a record of your plans for life in a journal. You may find it very useful in the coming months. A wonderful opportunity awaits you abroad. Visit distant places and return to your past heritage to see a beauty not yet experienced. Dreams and messages will guide you to the right place. Take note of all your perceptions .

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 This month brings many new ideas that are received through dreams or perceptions not conceived of before. You’re about to make new changes that can include your own appearance and how others perceive you. Don’t get too drastic with your change of appearance or you may live to regret it. Use this crafty time to study things you are curious about. There will be an extra amount of travel around your birthday. Telephone calls and messages can be especially meaningful now.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19 Mars remains on your midheaven stirring up the work environment a bit. Avoid power struggles and even possibly aggressive moves from others. Recently reprimanded or verbally confronted by an authority figure you seek the opinion of others. Things are still a bit rough and may weigh heavily on your mind effecting conditions on the home front.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 You start off on a rough note. Don’t fret just take time off and don’t stress yourself. Things steadily improve until the end of winter. Your profession and social standing in the community is under fire now as a stellium of planets visits your 10th house. A new job or position may require most of your time. A parent may become especially needy now.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 Take time off to get away from it all for the dream weekend of your choice. Intuition is at its best now. Color and sound experiences provide the background for expanding your awareness, healing you in the process. This month brings creative inspiration your way that is perhaps ahead of its time.Unusual and inventive ideas flow easily and your choice of medium is unlimited.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 Your residence may change and you hold the dream key to the undertaking. Your understanding of relatives both here and recently passed becomes apparent. You realize the decisions you need to make and what you’ll need to do about getting the proper housing. You may find yourself developing a wonderful flare for some unusual decorating abilities.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21 Make it a point to visit siblings in there home. They will play an important part in the sudden events that occur. A change in residence is in the offing and it may come as quite a surprise. Friends help you conquer all obstacles. A welcome change of events brighten your days. Despite working hard for your money you could actually get recognition in some form. A cash settlement or raise may surprise you.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19 Much can be accomplished. Don’t push yourself or others too hard now. Keep up with current trends in your profession and keep communications active with those you work with. Be sure to maintain a healthy relationship between personal and professional life. Satisfying your current goals you take the initiative and encourage others to join in this wonderful new opportunity.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 Let the fresh air and wind improve your chances for good health. You’ll pick up some wonderful new ways of improving your situation that are quite unusual and may include humor. You’re very talkative and informative now so others will want to hear what you have to say. You could be asked to speak at a seminar or special teaching event. Your creative images come across quite nicely.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22 Don’t seek too many favors from others. Maintain a calm disposition and behave independently from others. This month brings the much needed spiritual uplifting you’ve been looking for. A well-educated companion can do much to arouse your dreary demeanor. Romantic encounters can be found in social groups as well as in creative projects. 124

Source: wisehoroscope.org

Accounts

Terms and Conditions apply 2011101494 | 2011101493

TRANSFER YOUR SALARY TO ABK AND EXPERIENCE THE CHANGE Experience market-leading benefits with ABK: • Cash gift up to KD1,000 or • Interest-free loan up to KD10,000 • Monthly draw to win back your salary – 4 winners every month

Simpler Banking

125

126