bazaar May 2022 issue by bazaar magazine

May 2022 | Issue #268 w w w.ba z aar.town

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Int The bazaar team... Boss Ahmed El-Adly

Editor Alia Al Duaij Is it my imagination, or is time flying faster than ever before? It’s hard to believe that Ramadan is over (or at least will be by the time you get your hands on this issue of bazaar!). It’s suddenly May, it’s suddenly almost the end of the school year, it’s suddenly hot, it’s suddenly beach weather, and more importantly than all that, it’s suddenly time to plan your summer holiday, which for many of us here, will be our first real summer holiday since Summer 2019 BC (before covid).

Operations Manager

We’re actually grateful for time flying by so quickly, simply because we are counting down for the upcoming Kuwait opening of luxury designer jewelry label Kismet by Milka! Born in Turkey and amassing a global cult following, we speak with the designer behind the brand, and the star of our spectacular May issue cover. Shot by local talent Abdullah Alsaleh, you don’t want to miss this incredible cover feature interview.

Mixed Media Solutions

In a world that is constantly changing, one of the few constants that keeps us anchored is meeting people who inspire us and remind us that’s there more to life than surrendering to the everyday grind. For Truth or Dare we met Huda Faraj, a yogi who is on a mission to bring movement and mindfulness to the masses in Kuwait using adaptive practices that are tailored for each person to achieve an upgraded lifestyle. We got Up Close and Personal with Caroline Havers, a Dutch visual artist who has been documenting her life with specific shapes, striking color combinations and the rhythms of nature as she travels the world as the wife of the Ambassador to the Netherlands. There are many ways to create art from painting to using thread, wood and nails, just as Maisam Qassem does. She holds the record for biggest string art canvas in the world at 218 meters wide with over 14,000 pins used and more than 30,000 meters of thread. Art inspires us, but so does science, and this month we met with Fadia Al Abbar, a Kuwaiti Marine Biologist and an advocate for conservation of our beautiful shores and seas. We’re taking you from the beaches of Azores to the French Riviera for our most exciting bazaar tries yet! One of our own got the celebrity luxury treatment experience at Hotel de Paris and came back to tell you all about it. If you’re not ready to book a flight just yet, you can experience the world right here in Kuwait by living vicariously through food and sampling global delights in good old K-town. You can enjoy authentic Japanese yakitori at its finest at Bonjiri Yakitori. Chef Maryam “Mimi” Al Nusif wants to share her love of Japan and its cuisine with a new concept that celebrates chicken and duck in its entirely. Her sustainable take on cooking up fresh favorites at Bonjiri is only a natural progression to the magic she comes up at sister concept Tampopo Ramen Shop, flip through to learn more! Still in Asia but moving on to India, we tried Asha’s new wraps and instantly fell in love, and we say hello to breakfast once again with our favorite fatayer favorites at Novo Pizza. Happy Eid, and Happy Reading! Ahmed El-Adly

Ihab Youssef

Content Manager Yasmine El Charif Jennifer Cádiz

Design Shadi Mofeed

Cover by Abdullah Alsaleh

Staff Writer/Online Media Mariam Raslan Yasmin Gamal Yasmine Dalloul

Contributing Writers Craig Loomis

Contributing Photographers Muneera Alkhulaifi

Communications Hala Y. Sharara

Syndicates & Sources Fast Company LA Times MCT International Newsweek

Printing British Industries for Printing and Packaging 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).

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INDEX MAY 2022 36

CAROLINE HAVERS

KISMET BY MILKA

YOGIATION

From passion for art and design as a little girl to pursuing it as an adult, Caroline Havers is spending her days painting beautiful pictures inspired by her travels. Check out her Up Close and Personal to get to know her a bit more - and don’t forget to check out her gorgeous paintings.

62 MAISAM QASSEM

Milka Karaağaçlı İnce wows us with her bespoke, luxurious talismen, and the ability to tell a story through each design she creates. Get to know the vision behind the luxury jewelry, Milka, and how she uses beautiful pieces to celebrate empowerment, culture, nature and creativity.

102

String art - it’s a thing, and not to be cheeky but we’re hooked. Maisam Qassem specializes in this innovative and fun form of art, introducing us to her talent while explaining how she takes string, canvases and pins to make images come to life.

MIA’S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN

The return of lunchtime calls for a gorgeous Mediterranean meal at MIA, followed by a stroll at the Assima Mall. Ready to make it a reality? Read up our review on Al Hajery’s latest concept first - we know just what you should order.

Are you constantly tired? Have things been bothering you or are you struggling to find your energy or just aren’t feeling well lately? Huda Faraj can help you with that, because she went through it herself. Learn more about Huda’s journey in this month’s Truth or Dare.

108 BONJIRI YAKITORI

Have you tried Chef Mimi’s latest concept yet? The local Japonophile has graced our taste buds with another authentic Japanese dining experience, featuring traditional Yakitori. Find out what Mimi can do with quality chicken and duck, a skewer and an open flame in this month’s issue.

114

WRAPPED UP IN ASHA’S

Suppose Asha’s and shawarma were to have a baby, what would it look like? Spoiler alert: the result is delicious. Asha’s caters to its Kuwait market with these brand new wraps that are exciting and mouthwatering to say the least, and we got to go try them. Read about how they tasted and get ready for lunch at Asha’s after learning all about them.

124 BAKERS’ POINT

Home bakers, professional bakers, cafes, bistros whoever you are, and if you like to have fun with batters and your oven, then do we have news for you. Read all about Kuwait’s newly opened premium destination for all things baking. When will you be visiting Bakers’ Point?

MIA’S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN P. 102 26

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MAMMA MIA

Start the summer with the fan-favorite musical By bazaar staff

The rumors are true! “Mamma Mia!” the musical is coming to the stage in Kuwait to kick start Summer 2022! Brought to you by the community theatre team at Staged in Kuwait, Mamma Mia promises to banish the pandemic blues and help you jump start your summer vacation.

Barely needing an introduction, MAMMA MIA! is the jukebox musical written by British playwright, Catherine Johnson, and based on the songs of ABBA, composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The title of the musical is taken from the group’s 1975 chart-topper “Mamma Mia”. It has gone on to become the world’s sunniest, smash-hit musical! Since premiering in London’s West End over 22 years ago, ‘the ultimate feelgood show’ has thrilled over 65 million people around the world. Staged in Kuwait’s Artistic Director, Tim Waddell, who helms the local production team made up of passionate theatre volunteers, commented. “After two years of theatre’s being closed, and such difficult times for everybody, we are excited to reunite as a community and bring a few nights of joyous optimism to the stage to end our tenth season. Really, there is no better show 32

to do just that, and we have been having so much fun in rehearsals with the material. The music, the story, everything is magical. We can’t wait to share it.” The Staged in Kuwait production will be staged for 8 performances from May 26 to June 4 in the beautiful Performing Arts Centre auditorium at AUS, Sabah Al Salem. Fall in love with the irresistible tale of a mother and daughter on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless songs. Connect with the classic and timeless themes of growing older, raising children, maintaining bonds with old friends, and reconciling with the past. Celebrating its Tenth anniversary this year and continuing the long history of English Language community theatre in Kuwait, (that began with Kuwait Little Theatre in Ahmadi in 1950), Staged in Kuwait is one of the few remaining community theatre groups active in the country today.

The group is made up of volunteers of a wide array of nationalities who, through a shared love of theatre, come together to create staged events and performances. From the person who checks a guest’s ticket on arrival, to the leading lady on-stage in the spotlight; everyone involved in a Staged in Kuwait production has given freely of their time to create - as a team. Something momentary. Something magical. And we believe that’s what makes our shows special.

Tickets are available at www.siktkts.com. Getting involved in Staged in Kuwait is open to anyone and everyone who has a passion for theatre and can make time to get involved. Find out more on the website stagedinkuwait.com or find them on social media @stagedinkuwait.

Introducing the first Arab Aerie Role Models @ascia @loginasalah @hadeelmarei Find out more about the Aerie Role model program at @aeriemena

THE JARRACHAARA

The Dry Season Wind of Australia arrive in Kuwait by bazaar staff

“The Jarracharra: Dry Season Wind” exhibition opened on Saturday April 16 bringing the work of 25 artists from the Bábbarra Women’s Centre located in Maningrida, in the Arnhem Land region of Australia, to Kuwait. The Australian Embassy has collaborated with Sadu House to present over 40 designs of Australian Indigenous craftsmanship. For the Burarra tribes in Australia’s Northern Territory ‘Jarracharra’ signals the arrival of the dry season winds, which have brought people together for ceremony, dance, and rituals to celebrate the ripening of bush foods, medicines, and plants for tens of thousands of years. The women of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, representing 12 language groups in the Maningrida region, design and handprint textiles which they sell around Australia and the world as a way of achieving financial independence. Each length of fabric tells ancestral stories of Arnhem land country and culture. “I am absolutely delighted to be able to bring this exhibition to Kuwait. The artists of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, as Indigenous Australian women from Maningrida in the Northern Territory of Australia, have brought their rich, ancient, but still living culture to bear through these artworks. These pieces tell the stories of their lives and history, much in the way that Sadu tells the story of Kuwait,” Australian ambassador to Kuwait Jonathan Gilbert said. The Sadu House has also invited three local Kuwaiti designers to work with the Indigenous Australian fabric designs and showcase their work giving a vibrant cross-cultural dimension to the exhibition. The Kuwaiti designers include Bibi Al Ghanim, a furniture designer and owner of Maze Creative Concept; Haya Al Abdulkareem, an accessories designer and owner of Folklore the Label; and Souad Al Sabah, a fashion designer and owner of Sirdab 6. Bibi Al Ghanim’s upholstered her walnut wood and cane chairs in the Jarracharra fabric for the exhibition, Haya Al Abdulcareem created bags with the fabric and Souad Al Sabah creates stunning garments with the silk screened Jarracharra materials and beautiful hand-crafted beadwork. “We welcome and celebrate cultural exchange in all its forms, especially that which enhances the evolving role of crafts as strong cultural symbols and contemporary forms of inspiration, creative expression, and identity,” Sadu House founder, Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah said.

Photos by Christopher Johns. To stay up to date with future exhibitions follow @saduhouse on Instagram. 34

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THE PAINTED LADY

A look into artist Caroline Havers’ work, process and global inspiration By bazaar staff

“I have lived all over the world since 1990: Manila, Washington D.C., Prague, Brussels, London, Riyadh and Cairo were considered home for many years.” Caroline Havers tells me, recounting all the places she has lived during her adventure as a diplomat’s wife. This all led up to the summer of 2020, when she moved to Kuwait in the middle of Covid. “Like anywhere else in the world, because of Covid restrictions the beginning of my stay in Kuwait has been pretty unusual to say the least. The time to discover Kuwait just started.” But, that did not stop her from doing what she always does in every city and country she has lived in over the past 30 years. Despite being restricted in movement and unable to discover the country, she kept painting.

Complementary to her husband’s profession as The Ambassador to the Netherlands to Kuwait, Caroline practices her own form of diplomatic “work” wherever the two travel to and call home, as a visual artist. “The only constant in this life is change, this especially rings true in my experience as an artist and a traveler. The longer you work, the more your painterly lexicon grows and will morph into your very own style.” Every foreign country, along with the experiences and unique encounters with local culture and

nature, trickles into her artwork. Through painting, Caroline has documented her life with specific shapes, a striking color combinations or the rhythms in nature. In fact, she’s been working on a series for a big solo show in Gallery Naila in Riyadh, which is due to premiere in October of this year. A narrative in shapes from her perspective of the local souks, this show is another facet of Caroline’s longtime dedication to melding her artistic persona with the beauty of each respective culture she encounters while living abroad.

But how did her journey star t? And who has she taken along with her brushes, canvases and travels to accompany her on the images and flow of her ar tistic expression? Caroline’s favorite things to do since her childhood in The Netherlands were drawing and painting. “I actually knew I really wanted to [be an ar tist] since the moment I was born” and many in her life encouraged her to continue an education in ar t, But, she neglected the encouragement she received during her school

years to continue pursuing an education in Museology. During her years of study at the Reinwardt Academie and throughout her professional career, Caroline’s childhood love for the visual arts was unwavering. “I took many courses in painting, drawing, etching, photography and printmaking. In the early 90’s I started working as a freelance illustrator. While living in the United States, I realized that my true creative passion was in the field of painting.” And by the mid-nineties, she dedicated herself to pursuing a career as a full time professional artist.” Caroline’s work has been exhibited internationally since 2003 and can be found in various private and corporate collections worldwide. Asking Caroline to choose a piece of work she prizes the most is a question that poses as problematic for the artist. “I always like my latest work the best. Until there is a new one.” she laughs. “Ever y work is a part of a time capsule. I paint with heart and soul. There is a lot of me in ever y work. So ever y work is connected to certain memories, a period in my life. That’s my relationship with the artworks. The viewer will hopefully pick up on the energy of the work and will subsequently come up with his or her own stor y.” But one work, after much prodding, was named as one that stands out to her significantly. “Maybe it’s the Diptych Dutch Summer,” Caroline admits, placing her painting that depicts

summers spent in the countr y of her youth at the top of the hierarchy of paintings she holds near and dear. “It has moved with us all over the world. It always finds its place on the wall. It never gets boring.” While Caroline hasn’t had a show yet in Kuwait, she aspires to have one in the future. Her ver y first show was held in Prague as a solo exhibition in 2003 entitled “Fruits and Flowers”. This was a nod to one of her many artistic influences, fellow Dutchman Vincent Van Gogh. Others include Vincent Van Gogh, Bonnard, Vuillard, Cy Twombly, Joan Mitchell, Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn. “In the course of time and during my career I have studied the work of several artists and they have been instrumental to my becoming the artist who I am today.” She’s also been playing around with Canada, in the form of a transatlantic collaboration with an artist from British Columbia. “We are working together, producing the same works then shipping the artwork back and forth. It feels like an exciting adventure.” What else is next for our color ful Caroline? She also has a series of Botanicals in the making and she’s been thinking about the Arabian Gulf a lot. “I like to sit at the edge of the water. I think that capturing the sea is an interesting challenge not only to think and ponder but also to paint about.” Something tells us there’s a series in the making there. [Continued...]

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do you most value about your friends? Honesty and being non-judgemental. Which living person do you most admire? Jane Goodall. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Sitting on a beach on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. What is your greatest extravagance? Buying cameras and cowboy boots. What is your most treasured possession? A baby picture of me and my sister, Ariane. What is your greatest fear? Losing my loved ones. What is your most marked characteristic? Creativity and curiosity. Which talent would you most like to have? I would love to be a good dancer. What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for? Humor and wonder. What is the human trait you most dislike about others? Dishonesty and jealousy. What is it that you most dislike? Cauliflower and snakes. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Agile and nimble! What are your favorite words to live by? The only certainty in life is change. Where would you most like to live? With my loved ones and my dogs. If you could have any job, what would it be? An artist. What would you consider your greatest achievement? Giving birth to and raising my wonderful daughters. What do you hope for in the future? Peace and happiness for everyone, and may the truth prevail.

Enjoy Caroline’s art by visiting www. carolinehavers.com and follow her on Instagram @carolinehavers. 38

[...Continued]

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THE WORLD’S TALLEST STACK OF M&M’S JUST GOT HIGHER

Ibrahim Sadeq scores his second Guinness World Record By bazaar staff

Over the past couple of years, Guinness World Records witnessed an exceptional interest in the world record title of Tallest stack of M&M’s, which has just been topped up by an additional piece to become 7 in total, as achieved by Ibrahim Sadeq, a 29 years old from Iraq.

In a video of unbelievable gravity-defying way, Sadeq was able to stack the 7 chocolate sweets on top of each other in no more than 2 minutes. An attempt that took so much more to be achieved by the previous record holders over the years. “I am using a mix of mind and body focus but people usually define it as a gravity defying act,” said the Iraqi national from his hometown in city of Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar Governorate in Iraq. Sadeq is the current record holder for the Most eggs balanced on the back of hand, an achievement in which he equalled that of Jack Harris (UK) with a total of 18 eggs. “It takes extreme patience and dexterity to put an object in a state of equilibrium in an upright position. So, by finding the center of gravity of an object, or its balance point, you are practicing the ‘art of balance’,” added Sadeq. The tallest stack of M&M’s® has a long history on Guinness World Records™ systems, and it is getting higher every year. People at home thought such feat is fairly easy to achieve, however, people who actually tried it know it takes months of practice to add one additional piece on the top of that stack. 40

The title came to light in December 2016 when an Italian man, named Silvio Sabba, managed to balance 4 M&M’s® on top of each other. Tonnes of applications were received since then with the aim to break this title, including one in November 2020 by a 22-year-old Brendan Kelbie (Australia) who is a serial record breaker and managed to equal the title with 4 M&Ms®. Less than 3 months later, during the UK’s third lockdown, a British civil engineer, named Will Cutbill, tried his luck for fun and managed to balance 5 M&Ms® bringing this record title back to the lights. Couple of months later, this was then equalled by Rocco Mercurio in Villa San Giovanni, Italy, until the familiar name of a previous record holder, Brendan Kelbie, had another go on the record title smashing it with a stack of six in total in October 2021, and the rest is history. Sadeq started balancing objects 6 years ago after he saw videos online of people balancing rocks on a running river. “I could possibly balance anything, but it gets really tough with light objects or liquids,” said Sadeq. On his social channels, Sadeq appears

standing a chair on one leg, propping two gas canisters on a slanted pipe wrench and balancing an upside-down TV screen on the rim of a Coke bottle. This has made him a popular entertainer for many followers online, and secured for him multiple live entertainment segments on TV. “My achievements in Guinness World Records changed my life for the better. The sense of fun and global recognition is exceptional. I now have many friends, which I have never met in person, sharing the same passion I have for this art,” concluded Sadeq. These kind of ‘balance acts’ gets really competitive and has its own ‘artists’, including one of Sadeq’s fellow Arab Mohammed Muqbel (Yemen) who broke his own title twice for Tallest stack of eggs, which currently stands at 4 in total.

Next time you are munching through a bag of M&M’s, think how higher this stack could get? And maybe give it a try!

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The Youth Student A+ account makes you have all the fun you deserve By bazaar staff

When you’re young, the world really is your oyster. You are still discovering who you are and want to experience everything all at once so you can grow into the wonderful person you are going to become. Here to empower your journey is the Youth Student A+ account from Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), so you can have more fun, explore with confidence and feel supported through it all! If you are aged 16 to 25, you can open an account with only KWD 10 and get all the benefits of the account that is suppor ted by one of Kuwait’s leading banks that has been providing customers with the best ser vice in retail banking, since its inception. 42

Opening a Youth Student A+ account gives you a KWD 50 cash gift after your first allowance transfer, to start you off on your new and exciting journey of financial independence as a young person. Being able to track your expenditure using the ABK’s app will also help you learn how to budget, save up for that amazing thing you have been coveting and even have enough left over to give back to the community. The Youth Student A+ account was designed by the banking experts at ABK to provide students with amazing deals, offers and discounts that fit your lifestyle, needs and wants. If you’re a regular cinema goer, ABK’s Youth Student A+ account is the only account that offers customers the exclusive VOX offer of ‘Buy 1 and Get 2 Tickets Free’, giving you an incredible value offering which you can enjoy with your friends! The debit card has been redesigned to look modern and snazzy. With so many ATM machines all over Kuwait you can always access your

cash and can use your card to make electronic transactions using the KNET. So whether you’re ordering from Talabat or enrolling for an online course to learn something new, your ABK Youth Student A+ card will make your life easier. The account comes with many more benefits like being automatically entered into the annual prize draw to win a Fiat 500 car and a free prepaid card for all kinds of purchases without ever worrying about the safety of your funds. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself to new kicks or pay for your online gaming platform subscription. Understanding banking is the first step towards adulthood and embarking on that journey with a bank like ABK means that you will always be taken care of and safe. For more information about ABK, please visit eahli. com or contact an ABK customer service agent via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899899 and follow the bank’s socials @Abk_Kuwait for their latest updates.

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Behind the iconic luxury jewelry label Kismet by Milka with Milka Karaağaçlı İnce By bazaar staff

“Destiny and self-determination intertwine in otherworldy creations from Kismet by Milka. Milka Karaağaçlı İnce’s jewelry collections are soulful yet glamorous. Presenting bespoke, luxurious designs, each piece tells a story by Milka, from the power of the protective eye, celebrating female empowerment and creativity in all of its forms, the abundance of nature, to referencing cultural symbols from her home country of Turkey and the rest of the world. Milka Karaağaçlı İnce’s vision to create pieces that captivate all began with her first design of the iconic evil eye fourteen years ago, and the designer continues to find inspiration from her adventures as she grows Kismet by Milka.” Since her departure from the corporate world more than a decade ago, Milka looked inwards, channeling her innate passion for creativity to amass a cult following of Kismet lovers from all over the world with the biggest celebrities donning her pieces, from Madonna to Meghan Markle. With her first stand-alone store in the Middle East opening its doors in Kuwait next month in partnership with Trafalgar Luxury Group, Milka is ever-so-excited. The designer flew in to Kuwait to be a part of the massive campaign video that was shot last month alongside the golden dunes of Subiya. The desertscape served as a stunning backdrop for a powerful tribe of creatives, all coalescing to celebrate the brand’s approaching arrival to Kuwait. We sit down with the incredible designer for this special interview as she tells us more about her journey, her enchantment with destiny, and what’s to come for Kismet by Milka. Tell us a bit more about the inception and creation of Kismet, how did it all begin for you, and why the name, Kismet? It all began after I left my corporate career behind. I really did start small, crafting a piece or two and sharing them with my friends. Actually, the first piece I created featured our classic evil eye, which really caught the eye of my foreign friends. After receiving such positive feedback, I decided to create a bunch of other designs and introduce them under the name Kismet by Milka. Kismet represents a higher power that is believed to control what happens in the future. It is something bigger than us, but I interpret Kismet differently. I believe that it is in our power to build the future of our dreams. It is our choices that move us towards our Kismet, meaning the power actually lies within you. It is up to you to channel that drive to a direction that fulfills your wishes, and shapes your Kismet positively. I really believe in the power of positive energy, and I wanted my brand to be related to something close to my heart and culture. Kismet is a word that has a huge place in Turkish culture. I wanted to use a familiar word that can also be pronounced easily by foreigners. 44

Milka Karaağaçlı İnce

Your departure from the corporate world to pursue a career in luxury jewelry design required a great leap of faith. What pushed you to finally make that decision? I was always a creative person, ever since I was a kid. I thrived in creative environments and always made time for my creative interests, but my career evolved in quite a different direction. As you said, leaving my career in advertising did require a great leap of faith, but at that time, I knew it was the right decision, because I felt like I had so much more to discover. At that point, after spending 14 years in a certain field, I started to feel like I was stalling in my comfort zone, which made me drift away from the path I was in. It came to the point that I no longer felt inspired, and once I got into that mindset, I knew had to focus on my personal growth and make major changes in my life. From change comes growth, and although change might be painful and challenging, it has always gotten me miles further. So I really do believe that everything beautiful that we create in life requires a leap of faith. Right now, I can easily say that I’m on a journey that excites me every single day from the moment I wake up. What was your first jewelry collection about, and how did the design process at Kismet evolve since you started your own brand? My first collection, Protect Me features the iconic evil-eye with the lashes. The collection was really minimal, playful, and fun. Although I created Protect Me over a decade ago, it’s still one of our forever favorites, and women still email me from all over the world to grab a piece of their own. We began with a sleek and simple design that was unique yet understated. Gradually we added on to the initial design during the creation of Protect Me as well. Lashes started to get bigger, gems started to change color, and sizes grew, but the original form wasn’t altered that much. With 10th Eye, our ten-year anniversary collection that revisited the evil-eye, we definitely evolved in terms of design. We began to create more sculptural, risqué pieces. We can never overlook the importance of craftsmanship, and the incredible talent our jewelry makers bless us with. Back in the day, I used to work with a much smaller team, on more toned down designs. But the trends have changed, and so have I. I can easily say that I have a team that overflows with talent. Right now, we’ve expanded and established our own atelier, which is really incredible just because I can go to our atelier and directly start the design process of a new idea that I came up with. My entire team consists of artisans from Istanbul, that practice their craft as if it was decades ago. The most old school jewelry making techniques give life to our designs. It is the imperfection, the slight differences that every piece has, that brings a rawness to design. We, of course, benefit from technological advancements, but we never completely rely on to them. I think 45

The Kismet by Milka tribe (left to right): Ahmed @ahmedeldin, Beatriz @beatrizsd3, Munirah @manayer.co, Stephanie @stuffy_tuffy, Mel @mel_pereira26, Marilyn @marilynjp, Krati @krati_porwal, Sondos @s_pumpkins, Hamad @freckledlightskin. that’s what keeps our brand sincere. Returning to the design elements of the eye and other collections in general, I don’t even know where to start in terms of how much the design has transformed. Right now is, everything is bolder, bigger, and unapologetic! We’ve incorporated different textures and rhodium techniques. We’ve added even more shimmer to our designs. Although our designs make more of a statement right now, they still haven’t drifted away from Kismet’s signature style. What constantly drives you to design and create? What have you learned about yourself since you began Kismet by Milka? The very first thing that motivates me as a designer is my own creativity and imagination. Each collection expands my horizon. It helps grow my brand while adding so much to me as a designer and a person. The search of inspiration makes me feel alive. My brand is so much more than a job to me, it is a form of expression. I find inspiration in everything that surrounds me, from the colors in a sunset, to a pattern on beautiful tiled floor, and taking those feelings and reflecting it into the design is really motivating. The urge to improve and get better is also a factor that constantly drives me to work harder. The more I use my creativity, the more I find. I don’t think that I could ever stop, I mean, it definitely is true that creativity feeds even more creativity, so once

you’re in and you’re passionate about what you do, finding motivation should be the easy part. It’s been quite a decade for Kismet by Milka, and every collection released is a departure from the one before it, yet all your pieces share a bold and captivating aesthetic. Can you tell us about some of your favorite collections or pieces throughout the years? Thank you for your kind words. It’s really hard to pick one or two pieces from my collections, but if I absolutely had to, I’d definitely pick our 10th Eye Ring. The eye has moved us forward to the future, and it always will have a special place in my heart. We’ve celebrated our 10th year while paying homage to my first design with the 10th Eye ring, so it will always be one of my forever favorites. Besides its sentimental value, I also love this piece because of its bold design elements. Another piece I’d pick is our Arrowhead Necklace from the collection Victory. It is one of both ours and our customers’ favorites. It is a powerful design that is still adored to this day. It definitely is a gorgeous piece that decorates your body while bringing you the energy of a warrior goddess! This heroic piece features our interpretation of an arrowhead and is decorated in white diamonds. It is a piece that celebrates design and craftsmanship. Anytime I put on this powerful necklace, I feel as radiant and powerful as an Amazon woman. The No.43 necklace from

the collection Balconies is super personal as well. Its name comes from the door number of our house on the island. As you may see, it has this super structured aesthetic with a never-beforeseen pattern. The pattern is an interpretation of the rococo-style wrought iron railing that our very own balcony had. We added a modern touch to the design and darkened the plain gold parts with black rhodium. This technique makes each and every white diamond glisten even more due to the striking contrast. Another unique part about this necklace is that it doesn’t consist of a single pattern. While the center of the necklace features a rather ornamented aesthetic, the back part highlights a completely different geometric pattern that’s quite sleek. I can name so many other designs and this could go on and on. I’m also really excited about our new collection Open Sea. There are unique pieces to be discovered, which I’m sure will become part of our legacy in the future. Breaking out of Istanbul and reaching an international audience to build the loyal fanbase you have today is a massive feat. What do you think makes Kismet a cult favorite amongst celebs your international clientele alike? It honestly is a blessing to see the celebrities that I’ve dreamt of wearing designs from Kismet by Milka. It is an incredible feeling to see my pieces come to life on famous names such as Madonna,

Meghan Markle and Scarlett Johansson. As for this success… I believed in myself and never allowed myself to become discouraged beginning from day 1. I had confidence in my ideas, but I would also like to thank my amazing team. Our mutual efforts got us to where we are right now as a brand. I believe that the road to success is based on a great idea. If you have one, make sure to bring it to life. Finding the smallest idea and adding on to it, perfecting it, differentiating it paves the way to success, I mean, this can be applied to life in general, not only design. You have to work very hard and develop yourself constantly. When you combine your ideas with touches from your personality, the outcome always is extremely special. Once you have that sincere outcome, I think people react really well. I have always set my goals high and have dreamt of the best for my brand while always remaining positive. I’m really grateful for where I am now, and I’m actually incredibly motivated to be even more productive rather than being content with my current success. We absolutely love that Kismet by Milka is empowering young women in Istanbul by supporting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Women’s Ice Hockey team. Can you tell us more about this initiative? This is our first sponsorship as a brand, and it’s extremely exciting and joyful to be supporting such talented, fierce young women. Through sponsoring [Continued...]

IBBSK (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Women’s Ice Hockey ) Women’s Ice Hockey Team, we aimed to convey the message #letsmelttheice while standing together with everyone who is determined to put their own identity and dreams forward. This sponsorship enables us to defy societal norms and stereotypes that surround both men and women. Our higher purpose with this sponsorship was to contribute to changing the world for the better while paving the road to a better future. The Women’s Ice Hockey team consists of free, goal-oriented, powerful, confident women who know what they want, who symbolize those who defy the judgments and impositions created by society, so it’s an absolute honor to stand besides them. We’re also very excited to witness the team grow and develop. We are super excited to finally experience your design vision in Kuwait! Can you tell us about your current experience in partnering with Trafalgar Luxury Group to bring your gorgeous pieces to Kuwait? So am I! I met with Trafalgar Group years ago in Kuwait. That I think, was the first step in our partnership. Years later, we got in touch again and began working together! I can definitely say that they might be the best partners I’ve ever worked with! I’m really happy to be working with Trafalgar Luxury. We understand each other perfectly, that’s why it’s really easy to work with them. We’re like

[...Continued]

a team right now, and I really do trust them as a partner. They support us tremendously, and we get along really well. What should local customers expect from your latest collections? What do you think will be their experience when they first witness your pieces in real life and not just on social media? So many questions just pop into my head… These types of questions come to most people’s minds. Everyday, about absolutely everything…I always think of this situation as sailing into the open sea. I don’t know what lies ahead. That’s true. But what I see, is the way the vast, naked horizon greets me, how the clouds dance over me. It’s like I’m out on this thrilling quest. Underneath me lies the unknown, dark depths of the ocean. Tales, stories, reality, and dreams… They’re all intertwined. A sense of excitement and nervousness rises within us. But despite it all, we move forward. Nothing is guaranteed. But there is life. There is knowing that you will succeed, that you will live to the fullest, that you will not give up. These are the thoughts that pushed me to create the collection Open Sea. Now, it is time to share it with you. Another reaction we hope for is for customers to see something out of the ordinary! I’m hoping that they’ll love our new collection Open Sea as much as we do. It is a new journey for us, and we’re super excited. These new pieces are truly something

when you see them in person. The unique Kismet by Milka touch can once again be seen in Open Sea, but with each collection, we try to surprise both ourselves and our customers. It is always amazing to be able to improve ourselves and create brandnew pieces without repeating ourselves. From starting with your debut line, growing your network of artisans with Kismet’s own specialized atelier to opening over 50 sales points worldwide, what would you like to do next? The sky is the limit for Kismet by Milka! I believe that I’ve come to this world to constantly better myself both mentally and creativewise. Improving things, investing in myself, being a better version of myself are amongst my main goals, which I believe translates into my brand. One of my main goals this year is to connect with more people from Kuwait and from around the world. Inspiring others motivates me so much. It’s one of my driving forces. Discovering new territories and new people definitely feeds my creativity. This idea of exploration and self-discovery is an important concept for me which can also be seen in our brand new collection Open Sea. For more, please visit KismetbyMilka.com, and follow @KismetByMilka, and @KismetbyMilkaKuwait on Instagram. Photography by Abdullah Alsaleh, @iambooda_.

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IKEA HOSTED A POST- IFTAR WALK IN THE ASSIMA MALL TRACK “Us & Our Planet: This Is How We Live” - A book about life at home and sustainable living By bazaar staff

IKEA proudly presents Us & Our Planet: This is How We Live, a book produced in collaboration between PHAIDON and IKEA. Together they have teamed up to explore one of the biggest challenges of our generation: sustainable living. Us & Our Planet looks at the life at home of twelve everyday people including activists, artists, athletes and gardeners as well as young families across the globe. From Mexico to Moscow, Bali to Beirut, the book shines a light on the small things one can do to make our world a little better. “This is an inspirational study of the home, as the most important place on earth, and how we all, with small steps, can make the world a better place”, Tina Petersson-Lind, Communication Manager, Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Since the 1950s IKEA has conducted home visits all over the world to find out more about the way people live and investigate how daily life at home can be improved. This feedback informs product development and is mirrored in new generations of the IKEA range. Inspired by the IKEA’s life at home visits, Us & Our Planet presents case studies of twelve diverse individuals and families around the world. The book also highlights some of the IKEA’s most iconic products born from this approach over the past 70 years. In the occasion of launching “Us & Our Planet” book in Kuwait, IKEA organized a post- Iftar walk in The Assima Mall Track, by inviting a variety of the media, non-governmental organizations’ representatives and environmental activists. The event took place at a new IKEA lounging area in The Assima Mall, titled “When Change Happens”. This campaign is part of the bigger movement within IKEA where we are shedding light on the IKEA sustainability agenda and work around enabling a healthier and more sustainable living. “We want to build trust for how IKEA is approaching sustainability. Both the book, “Us and Our Planet” and this campaign “When Change Happens” show that by working together – many small changes will result in big impact. Living a healthier and more sustainable life remains a top priority to people. We want to bring closer strong aspirations of people, such as going on a short daily walk, and making significant changes,” said Tarek Al Anazi, IKEA Assima Mall Store Manager. The overall IKEA ambition is to become people and planet positive, and to inspire and enable the many people to live a better everyday life within the boundaries of the planet by 2030. “The IKEA People & Planet Positive 2030 strategy” describes the sustainability agenda and ambition for all of us in IKEA. Because living sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive, IKEA aims to help everyone to have a 50

more sustainable life at home that they can afford. Over the past seventy-odd years, IKEA continued in developing products that everyone both love and can afford, and inform a range that includes beautiful, meaningful, long-lasting and affordable solutions to everyday problems, with a positive impact on people, society and our planet. “At IKEA we work to develop and offer products, services and home furnishing solutions to inspire and enable people to live a healthier and more sustainable life at home. Our work is focused on five areas where the IKEA offer (both products and services) has a direct impact on people’s health and ability to reduce their environmental footprint at home: energy, air, water, food, and waste.”, Lena Julle, Sustainability Manager, IKEA of Sweden. IKEA, as a brand and business, is on a journey to reach 3 billion of the many people, to interact and inspire people with home furnishing products and solutions. This book is one of many new ways where we hope to reach and inspire to reach more of the many.

Us & Our Planet is structured into six thematic chapters: Time, Space, Food, Rest, Play, and Togetherness. Each chapter features three iconic IKEA designs, two life visits – interviewed and photographed by local writers and photographers – plus one photo essay by a photographer who has interpreted the theme of the chapter. This book wants to inspire the many people and serves as a call to action for each one of us to take small but important steps at home to make our world a little better.

Us & Our Planet: This is How We Live will be available at phaidon.com or elsewhere where books are being sold, starting on March 10, 2022, and will be available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

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LEARN SOMETHING NEW

This strategy can impact an entire organization, fast By David Rock and Katherine Milan

I recently did something I hadn’t done in two years. I put on a collared shirt, slipped on a sports jacket, and stood on stage in a hotel ballroom to deliver a presentation. After what felt like an eternity on Zoom, it was fun to connect with the crowd, share a laugh, and debrief over a nice meal together afterward. And yet, this positive experience masks a darker insight. In many parts of life, just because something feels good doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Think of opting for a cocktail or exercise after work, or ordering a big plate of nachos instead of a salad. It turns out that in-person classroom learning is the same: It feels better to most people than learning online, but when done well, online learning wins hands down.  After four years analyzing thousands of data points across hundreds of behavior change initiatives, I’m watching with concern as some companies shift their learning activities back to in-person workshops. This is a terrible loss now that we’re in the habit of learning online and because virtual learning may be a key to helping companies adapt faster to our rapidly changing times. If an organization wants to enact culture change at scale, it can’t just rely on top leaders to implement new behaviors. Instead, such change requires employees at every level to build new enduring habits by thinking and acting in new ways, literally every week.  To measure this kind of change, we developed a way to track how many people do something new on a weekly basis, over time, after a learning session. We call this the “behavior change percentage,” or BCP for short. We found that the average BCP of our own in-person workshops was 54%. That’s a strong result: Getting half a large audience to do something new each week, several weeks after a learning experience, is no easy feat. And yet, the same content delivered virtually had a BCP of 84%. Out of curiosity, we also captured and averaged net promoter scores (NPS), which measure the likelihood of people encouraging others to engage in such learning. Any score above zero is considered good, and online deliveries had an NPS of +12, while in-person events averaged -6.  To simplify, this means virtual learning in our case was over 50% more effective than inperson learning at driving real behavioral change. Imagine a workforce of 10,000 employees. That means that 8,400 individuals would change how they work with a virtual experience, compared to only 5,400 if the learning was done in person. And that’s before we even think about the costs, effort, and disruption associated with bringing 10,000 people together in person. Our data is the opposite of what people predict. Most people think in-person learning, 52

CMY

which is usually done in hours-long blocks, is better than spacing out learning in, say, 60-minute sessions over multiple weeks. To test our hypothesis further, we recently went back to more than 500 people in one organization who had activated new habits around having a growth mindset, using a virtual solution. Two weeks after the program, we found BCP was around 90%. Six months later, the BCP had only dropped to 85%. Why does learning virtually work so well for cultivating new habits? To start, learning in small chunks over time allows you to learn one thing, apply it, and then come back and learn the next thing. This can’t happen during an in-person workshop, where you leave with pages of todo’s. Second, the act of spacing learning out has a strong positive effect on memory, meaning even a one-time virtual workshop wouldn’t be as effective. And finally, learning over time, especially if the learning is made to be social in nature, increases the likelihood you’ll take some kind of action. When we did a thought experiment that looked at the effectiveness of a single,

three-hour workshop delivered online or in-person versus three, one-hour events over three weeks, we concluded that people on average took seven times as many actions.  A lot of learning design follows a top-down model. The theory goes, train top leaders, and the effects should trickle down. That’s why we still see companies try to get the top 100 executives of a 10,000-person firm into a learning experience in person, and watch half a year go by before getting only 60% of them into the classroom.  But research shows the biggest factor in why people change is that they think other people are changing. Instead of a top-down model, we believe in an “everyone to everyone” model. Using a virtual approach in far less time than it would take to wrangle top executives, the majority of 10,000 employees could be doing something new every week. With the half-life of many skills shrinking fast, virtual learning enables an entire company to change in weeks instead of years. Photo by J. Kelly Brito on Unsplash.

truth or dare

YOGIATION Huda Faraj on movement and mindfulness for the masses bazaar staff

We all experience it. Burnout, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed and not understanding what’s been going on. So you try to find the answers to make yourself feel better but end up looking in the wrong places, or you just end up as confused as ever. It’s a part of life, isn’t it? Huda Faraj knows the feeling all too well, and she approaches it with a gentleness and kindness that existed far before her yoga practice (which this writer can say with absolute confidence) but has been enhanced throughout her entire journey. “I didn’t set out to become a yoga teacher when I decided to do my yoga teacher training in Bali” she confides in me. “I just wanted to find myself.” And find herself she did, or rather, she advanced in finding her true purpose, or dharma as the yogis call it, at least. After 10 years of working corporate jobs in luxury and F&B marketing, Huda’s burnout led her to an intensive 200 hour course in Bali that would change her perspective on life as she thought she had always known it. “When I came back, I felt different, and saw things in a way I never had before. And that was just from a month of being away. It was a huge turning point in my life which made me want to dive deeper into it and research more to understand what it is that’s so amazing about this.” Huda’s diving led her to understanding that the things she put so much weight on before did not actually matter - where you are in your career, what you do, whether or not you’re married - the race of comparing oneself to other people. “I realized that none of it mattered, and that is how I changed so drastically. I thought no way is the YTT the end of my journey, and so I did my research and came across the Yoga Therapy Institute and I was like ‘yoga therapy, what is that?’” So, Huda began to teach small classes to friends and family free of charge at home in order to gain the experience she needed to get into the Yoga Therapy Institute. Posting information from her studies under the moniker Yogiation as a portmanteau of “Yoga and Nation” - a term she made up herself to mirror her practice’s ethos that yoga indeed belongs to everyone. She 54

experimented by teaching Yin classes to friends and family at home in order to expand on her teachings, she topped it off with a 300-hour Advanced Integrated Training course online during the height of COVID (while the rest of us were eating chips) and kept teaching herself through obser vation and experience. “My practice is adaptive”, she explains. This means that Huda gets to know each of her clients and what their unique needs are, adapting sessions and practices to ser ve them. “The way I work is bio, psycho, socio and spiritual: the bio par t focuses on your body, psycho focuses on your mind, socio is your environment and social surroundings and spiritual is your belief system. All of these factors play a role in your well-being and that’s also what yoga therapy tackles. It’s about the whole body, not just individual par ts of it.” Huda’s practice also strays away from singling out any body par ts, even when patients of clients come to her with a clear ailment or maladie. “The difference between yoga therapy and physiotherapy, for example, is that physios will draw attention to that one body par t that’s bothering you, and work on strengthening it. Yoga therapy differs by making you in tune with your body and your mind, shifting your attention away from what’s hur ting you, and helping you focus on how you feel on the inside. Ever ything is connected, and we dig deep into your lifestyle in order to help you discover solutions that may lead towards upgraded living.” And how does Huda guide people towards an upgraded lifestyle? Through empowerment. Her strategy is to break the barriers when it comes to mindful movement practices and really dig deep into what’s going on with them. So much so that when I asked her to give me a sample session, she looked at me seriously and answered “I don’t think you understand

how long my sessions usually are” and that’s only because she’s so thorough. “During the first session, we talk about your lifestyle, your relationships, your habits, your goals and wishes and aspirations. Then, we work on instilling movement which is compatible with any ailments you have. Ever yone has ailments, but there isn’t a one size fits all solution for ever ything that causes trouble in the body.” Besides an engaged conversation surrounding the inner-depths of your body’s well-being, Huda also sends you back with homework to create strategies that may help find solutions for your ailments. “Yoga therapy is a form of self-empowerment because we encourage you to discover what works for you through asking questions and working together.” Admittedly, after finally getting to experience a “yogiation” class for myself (though huda does not teach under the name Yogiation and makes it a point when she does choose to teach group classes to keep it capped to six people in order to keep the intimacy and focus on other students’ body work) I could

see what she meant. Even the most cynical of people towards the yoga practice would find this enjoyable, complete with huda’s adaptive instructions such as keeping all movements exclusively on or close to the floor, a meditative savasana “the most impor tant par t” she tells me, and the soothing sound bath that accompanies her practice. I personally saw blue and purple hues in time to the sound bath, and as she told me that I might want to check in on my communication, I knew I was hooked. Yogiation and yoga therapy in general by Huda is something we can all greatly benefit from. “Just give me a bit more time,” she tells me with a smile. Huda is at the last leg of her accreditation journey, having just finished up her last module at the Yoga Therapy Institute and is star ting her next mission: collecting 22 Case Studies before writing a thesis in order to obtain her yoga therapist license. “And then, I’ll be able to work at any specialized clinic in the world.” If that means you can help me fix my anxiety and my bad back, then by all means, Huda. [Continued...]

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word? Passionate. How would you describe your mother in one word? Pure. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? ”Where are you from?” I’m from Mother Earth. “Okay but what’s your nationality” I’m a citizen of the world. In my eyes, this dialogue is ridiculous. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Quitting my corporate job and deciding to go to the other side of the world on my own to “find myself”. It was totally unplanned and I’m thankful for taking that leap of faith because that’s when my life took a 180 degree turn. What is your theme song? I Like to Move It - Real to Reel. What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Yogiation: a combination of yoga and nation. I already use this made-up word as my Instagram account handle. Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location? Bali, or anywhere that is full of nature; something I completely feel at home with. What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein. Which animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in? A fox: They are curious and clever, and they analyze and influence others while being understanding. What do you miss about your childhood? Being creative with outdoor games without needing to use excessive props, just our imaginations. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Honestly, I never thought about another name for myself because I love mine. 56

[...Continued]

How would you describe your handshake in one word? Firm. What is the toughest part of your character? Being extremely direct. It can sometimes come across as being rude. Who is your favorite historical figure? Carl Rogers: A psychologist who developed the client centered approach. His approach is empowering by helping people find their own answers to their own questions rather than the therapist coming up with solutions for the patient. This encourages people to reach their full unique potential. What in the world do you least desire? Greed.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place? Awareness and self inquiry. Why do you think most girls/guys like you? Because they feel comfortable around me. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” Contentment.

Empower yourself and discover Huda’s unique therapeutic practices by following her on Instagram @yogiation.

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THE SAGA OF MR. TINY BARBELLS By Craig Loomis

With the seaside to his right, a cluster of dusty palms and no-nothing grass to his left, he strides down the Corniche, snorting like some water buffalo, clasping those tiny barbells in both hands, swinging his arms mightily. The cats come out of their rocky seaside houses to stretch and lick themselves, to watch him, and of course he cares nothing for people who must make way for his exercising, not to mention cats that have nothing else to do but watch walkers, joggers and assorted bicyclists. Talking to himself as he strides along the Corniche, but always those tiny barbells. Sometimes he will stop abruptly to take a selfie: him on the Corniche with rocks behind him, him in front of a dusty palm, him with the sea at his back, a flat gray stretching behind him, and so on.

That was the first and second and third time I saw him, moving quickly out of his way as he charged by. Much later, a Wednesday at the café, and paying no attention to anyone, anything, except the newspaper in front of me, reading about a plague making its way from the north, I suddenly hear a tremendous clatter of utensils behind me that makes no café-eating sense. Half-way through reading about the approaching plague, I wait for the noise to stop, and it does, but not for long, and when I finally turn to see what is what, I immediately spy the two fist-size barbells on the tabletop, and it all begins to make sense. Of course, by now his plate is empty, and nothing like leftovers. As I look for clues of what food could have warranted such a scraping, he sees me even though I was ever so nonchalant—pretending to be intrigued by the blank wall behind him--and with a bit of egg yolk dangling from his upper lip, he asks, “Don’t I know you?” Much later, and yet another Wednesday, by now 58

[Continued...]

the plague has arrived, and we all have to do our part to keep it at the windows looking in. But he with the barbells has other thoughts. This time I watch the nametag that says Jamie—who is cook, cleaner, host, who is the only one who answers the telephone that never seems to stop ringing-approach him, asking, “Sir, if you would be so kind as to wear a mask?” He looks Jamie up and down. “Do you know who I am?” Today he is facing me and for the first time I can see him fully motionless. He has tiny eyes. I wasn’t prepared for that. His baldness, moustache and hunched shoulders, yes, but not bead-like eyes. Jamie moves this way and that to get a better look, until, saying. “No, I don’t know.” And he sighs, as if to say, ‘and therein lies the problem’. “I’m from one of the oldest, most respected civilizations on the planet.” Holding up both hands to show him what a respectable civilization looks like. “One of the oldest, if not the oldest.”

We wait to see if he is joking, as if this is his way of coping with the plague but there is no hint of a smirk, nothing like a grin, and Jamie has no choice but to say, “Yes, well, that certainly is something. Having a history goes a long ways these days, sah?” He frowns at this. “Are you making fun of me?” His hands flat on the tabletop, alongside his barbells. “Lah, lah, no, the last thing on my mind, the very last thing.” “Good, because I don’t like being made fun of.” Meanwhile, I am mildly offended that he does not recognize me; after all, we did have that one minor introduction not too long ago in this very café. How easily he forgets. I continue to watch him, as if, in some way, my staring will force him to remember. “I am Egyptian, from Cairo, a magical city by anyone’s standards, ask anyone who has been there: dancing fountains, lush parks, a river of

people, mysterious alleyways, the orient, not to mention more mummies than you can shake a stick at.” Snorting at his own joke. All of this from Mr. Barbells is, I must admit, a pleasant surprise, and I can’t help but be impressed. I stare at the two of them. “Sir, with all due respect to you and your civilization, your city, can you please wear a mask? We have a sign on the door. You have seen it. And so, if you don’t mind.” “A mask? Like a robber, a bandit? Like that?” And, he takes a cigarette out of his shirt pocket, lights it, blowing smoke between his legs. “Well, yes and no, but a mask to keep the plague away, if you don’t mind. By the way, we also have a no smoking sign, in fact two of them.” “You think I have the plague, is that what you’re saying, Me? Of all people, me?” “Not exactly.” “By the plague you mean this nonsense that has been going around for the last six weeks. That plague?” 60

[...Continued]

“The very same.” More cigarette smoke is blown downward, then upward, before he stops to pick a flake of tobacco from his lip, sputtering. “Sir, a mask if you please. I just so happen to have one right here.” He, once again, sighs a sigh that could mean: What will they think of next, or Really, or You can’t make me, and so on. This is when he takes the time to take a good look at me, asking, “Don’t I know you?” “Sort of.” He nods in consideration. In the end, having made some kind of point, he puts out his cigarette and grabs the mask that Jamie has not stopped holding out to him. Although he refuses to wear the mask rightfully— more a scarf than a mask--never mind, he must be taken slowly, in small doses. I will see him one last time, mid-plague, at another café, with friends, same coffee and cakes, but different chairs and tables. The

weather was friendly and he had angled himself perfectly, aimed at the cobbled-stoned walkway, giving his friends his shoulder to talk to. He wore a back vest over a white t-shirt, his tiny barbells at his feet. When he did chance to speak to them, giving them his full attention, he offers his ideas on the catastrophe that is Lebanon, not to mention Yemen, “What’s to be done about the Ukraine?” yelling and pounding his chest as if opinions are all about the stuff of noise. Don’t see Mr. Tiny Barbells much these days, or to be more precise, I’ll almost always hear him before I see him.

Photo by VD Photography on Unsplash.

STRINGS AND PINS BY MAISAM QASSEM A new way of artistic expression By bazaar staff

We’re not just stringing you along, here. Kuwait has an immensely talented art community, but there’s one particular artist who stands out. Maisam Qassem thinks outside the brush and uses materials that deliver an entirely different type of impressive aesthetic.

Armed with wood, pins and threads, Maisam strings her art together while adding her own touches like luxur y leather and high quality threads. The result is always a masterpiece. “The leather I use allows me to create art canvases with unique colors and soft sur faces”, she says, walking us through her artistic process. She explains how she first cuts the wood and the leather at specific measurements to cover the face of the wood. “Using a hammer, we then outline the shape [of the image] with pins and leave equal space between each pin 62

in order to neatly apply the threads and connect them together.” Though the process sounds a lot like geometr y, the finished product is actually mindblowing. So, we had to sit down and talk to the artist behind the lovely pieces made with mixed media that create gorgeous and intricate images, thoughtfully woven out with lots of detail. After all, her art has been featured around Kuwait and gifted to many important figures, including Ali Mohammed Thnayan Al-Ghanim. Maisam’s string art also proudly holds the record for biggest

string art canvas in the world at 218 meters wide with over 14,000 pins used and more than 30,000 meters of thread. How did you first discover making beautiful images out of wood, pins and threads? The first string canvas I made was in March 2018, drawing out the name “Yousef”. Eventually, I realized the wood and pins I was using weren’t suitable, so I kept practicing. After a month, a horse riding event commissioned me along with other acr ylic artists to create live artworks in

front of the audience. I wanted to stand out and do something new, so I bought different types of wood and tried making the string canvases again. Are you a full-time artist, or is this a passion you have to make time for? After receiving so much positive feedback, I thought it was worth starting a business and customizing canvases for corporate clients. When I started, I was a student and an employee, working at a call center, then marketing and PR. I had my small business on the side, but I couldn’t take more than 50 orders monthly because I was doing ever ything myself. After graduating and gaining valuable work experience, I decided to quit my job and focus on my business. I started inter viewing employees and training them. The designs are made by me, but under my tutelage, my employees learned how to do the hand work because many people started ordering and we needed a bigger team. Where do you usually sell your pieces, and what type of orders do you take? I usually sell them on social media, especially Instagram, but I noticed that when guests see the canvases in real life during events or after receiving their orders, they’re more connected than when they see them online. The type of orders I take are usually gifts. People love gifting these canvases because they can be customized based on the event and based on the personality of their loved ones. Some clients order portraits, names, shapes, horoscopes, logos et al. Have you ever had them displayed in a gallery, or is that a goal of yours you aspire to achieve? My canvases have been displayed in many galleries and events in Kuwait, but my main goal is to have an art galler y of my own, so people can visit any time to see the canvases in real life. I also want to join more events in GCC countries to connect with my other clients from the region. We have an increasing following from other GCC countries. In fact, we’ve been shipping them weekly. Another goal of mine is to regularly host a workshop where we can teach people this type of art. When I wanted to learn this type of art back in 2018, I didn’t know anyone in Kuwait who could teach me. I have recently been seeing a few accounts in Kuwait and GCC countries that are starting to make this type of art and it makes me happy. I want to teach people the best material they could use to make it easier for them, and so we can see more from these canvases. Discover Maisam Qassem’s artwork on her Instagram page @maisam_qassem and online at www.maisamqasem.com. You can order her work through social media or her website. 63

DON’T CONFORM

6 ways to shine as a workplace rebel—and not be a jerk By Andrew Binns

Corporate life is known for its love of conformity. Everything gets turned into a rule. How much you can spend. What size office an employee of a certain grade is entitled to have. What computer you can use. Many of these regulations keep employees safe and the company out of court. However, the love of conformity bleeds into how we are expected to behave. We are asked to obey rules and do what we are told. Be a good corporate citizen and we will get ahead.

The trouble is that when we look at the most celebrated managers in the world, we see a different picture. Leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are not rule followers—they bend the world to their will. They are workplace rebels. Musk has turned the rules of the automobile industry on its head. It’s almost impossible to count how many companies have suffered in competition with Amazon. If you are building your career, this presents a problem. Employers want you to conform, but your role-models are rule breakers. What should you do? Play it safe or get ahead as a workplace rebel. Nobody wants an employee who is reckless or unethical. Musk’s dislike of rules has not 64

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always worked out for him, as he continues to battle the consequences of ill-considered Tweets. However, my research suggests that there is a path for rebels who push the rules. The secret is how you do it. CEOs like Jim Peck at market research firm NielsenIQ show what can be achieved. Peck got his start by persuading managers at his former firm LexisNexis to back him in a bid to create one of the world’s first ‘big data’ analytics firms. This was a bold step, well outside Peck’s day-to-day responsibilities. But, having seen the opportunity, he couldn’t let it go. The business has become a multi-billion-dollar revenue firm. Peck was its first CEO and has gone on to lead two other firms

since. He is not alone. There are rebels like Peck pushing the boundaries of established firms all over the world. At European insurance company UNIQA, Krisztian Kurtisz proposed a radical new business model that his CEO said would put a “nuclear bomb” under the insurance industry. At the time, Kurtisz was a middle manager responsible for the company’s Hungarian business. He got his funding and is now rolling out his new business across central and eastern Europe. There are similar stories at Japanese firm Panasonic, where Yoky Matsuoka is creating groundbreaking new businesses, defying the norms of a hundredyear-old electronics giant.

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What can we learn from these rebels? Six lessons stand out for anyone who wants to be a successful workplace rebel. Get your energy from solving a problem for your customers Corporations, like all large organizations, get comfortable. They know how to get things done. When things go wrong, it is usually easy to find out why and fix it. They are confident. Unfortunately, this makes them more internal in their thinking. Rebels point to what is happening outside the firm. What are customers talking about? What do they need? How can we do more of what they want? One of my favorite rebels is Sara Carvalho at the engineering firm, Bosch. She saw how difficult it was for people in developing countries to get access to hot water. She mobilized her company to develop a solar power solution, paid for via mobile phone, that she took into villages in Kenya. This was an insight about real people with a real problem she felt the company could solve. Set a scale of ambition that makes following your idea worthwhile It seems natural not to set your sights too high, a small, cheap idea is surely easier to adopt than a bigger, more expensive one. The reverse is true. If you want to be a rebel who moves the needle for the team, department, or company of which you are a part, you need to solve problems that matter. Jim Peck proposed creating a new category of company. There were no ‘data-led’ businesses when he started his journey to 66

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create LexisNexis Risk Solutions in 2001. The boldness of the idea reflected the scale of the opportunity, and it was big enough to matter to his bosses. Have a compelling story with vivid imagery, so that people ‘get it’ Krisztian Kurtisz presented his vision for a new insurance business model in dramatic terms. He presented a slide with a large and densely populated office building side by side with the image of the two people he proposed to employ in his new call center. This image, comparing the cost of administration in a traditional insurance firm with that of performing the same task in the digital era, relayed a simple message: our model is broken, and we need to reinvent insurance before others do it for us. Build a movement behind your ideas Kurtisz did not get the opportunity to present his concept on day one. He had to build a network of supporters around him. Some of these would be allies, ready to pitch-in resources to help him get started, others would be advocates, who he could persuade of the value of his idea. Rebels are not loners. Over invest your time in getting others to see the opportunity. Gather their feedback and adapt what you are saying to reflect their input. Be humble, letting others feel that they made you successful Successful rebels are rarely egotists. They

are ready to see others feel pride for what you achieved. It is not about getting the attention, but about achieving something that is new and different. This is probably a contrast to the great entrepreneurs like Elon Musk. Attention seeking behavior pushes people away and makes them feel unsafe. If you are going to build a movement behind your ideas. Don’t wait to be asked We all have a critique of what is wrong with large corporations, what senior managers need to do. Most of this is probably accurate. Rebels see it too. What’s different is that they do not waste energy on it. Nobody appointed people like Peck and Kurtisz to the job of inventing radical new business opportunities. They saw the opportunity and got started on building support for ideas to capture it. Rebels do not always succeed. Large corporations can be tough environments. However, remember that all great new ideas face opposition at first. Even the Apollo lunar landings were not popular at first, it seemed incredible to most people that we could land a person on the Moon and return them safely to Earth. Rebels should not expect to be popular with everyone. What matters is the quality of your commitment to your purpose and willingness to stand out from the crowd.

Photo by Joyce McCown on Unsplash.

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FREEING WILLY IN REAL LIFE Fadia Al Abbar on marine life’s vulnerable fate and why we need to act now By bazaar staff

“Ever since I was young, I have been in love with the sea. I think it is the most beautiful treasure that Kuwait has,” Fadia Al Abbar gushes. She has recently returned to her half-native Kuwait amidst her research journey as a marine biologist. While conducting research on the well-being of vulnerable ocean mammals, Fadia also dabbles in wildlife photography during her adventures, taking her camera with her whenever she sees the chance of taking some pictures in nature. “Growing up in Kuwait means being close to the sea, which made me want to protect what I love.” This is the ethos which fueled Fadia to finish her Bachelor’s degree in environmental science and obtain a masters degree in Marine Ecology. But for Fadia, this wasn’t enough. There are still many questions she had regarding the well-being of the more vulnerable ocean mammals, specifically whales and dolphins. Fadia had a better picture of which natural areas have been most in trouble. Unfortunately, her favorite areas, seas and oceans, including her hometown’s were of the most threatened. “Trash and in particular plastics, pollution, noise, habitat degradation, mining, and industries are threatening marine life. This shock made me want to protect what I love most.” And so, her research journey began. These days, while Fadia is working on her PhD in the Azores, an archipelago of islands off Portugal, researching the most vulnerable species such as dolphins, she has also been casting a wider net with her research, finding ways to explore further and discovering the trends of troubled mammals among other shores. During our sobering (and we won’t lie, slightly terrifying) conversation filled with factoids about marine life and the dangers they are facing in their livelihood at the moment, as well as the possible extinction of certain marine animals and the age-old question “what are we doing wrong?” Fadia educates us in a way that makes us realize we need to re-evaluate our choices when it comes to keeping the serenity, beauty and magic of the ocean alive during our time. Hi Fadia! What’s the main focus of your studies right now? In the Azores, I am studying the common dolphins’ behavioral reactions to boats, particularly the tourist boats. I am using a drone and acoustic instrument (like an under water microphone) to study their behavior. Whale and dolphin watching trips are incredibly great ways to get close to animals in their natural habitat. This option is much more ethical and dolphinfriendly than to buy a ticket to captivity where dolphins suffer in a small tank. 68

and called them duqs. Today, this is extremely rare. Today we need to go out further offshore to see the dolphins. Why is this? Is there something disturbing them near the coastline? These are questions that we can ask ourselves in Kuwait. Wouldn’t it be amazing to bring the whales and dolphins back near the beaches of Kuwait? Have you been studying the shores of Kuwait, as a Kuwaiti marine biologist? I have connected with a scientist Yusuf Bohadi, who is currently the only person in Kuwait doing his PhD on the population of dolphins in Kuwait. He is identifying each individual dolphin, and he studies the dead whales and dolphins that strand on the beaches to understand why they have died. I went on a boat trip with him in April this year to see if we could find some dolphins and explore new ideas. We have started a collaboration and hope to expand the research on dolphins in Kuwait!

Sperm whales traveling. Drone photo by Fadia Al Abbar

Dolphins traveling fast after being approached by boats. Drone photo by Fadia Al Abbar However, even tourism can get out of control and pose a threat to dolphins when there are too many boats. So where is the balance? How can we make sure we go on holiday without harming the animals that we love to see so much? This is something that I am interested in understanding, by studying their behavior. Is your work exclusive to oceans, or do you think there’s room to extend research to the Arabian Gulf, more specifically the shores of Kuwait? Definitely! Kuwait has dolphins, just not so many

people know about it! In my research project for my PhD, we use an under water microphone acoustics device that we pull behind our boat. By a boat, and pulling the acoustic device behind us, we can tell what noise levels are found in the Gulf, and we can also detect whistles and clicks of dolphins if they are nearby enough. By listening under water, we can detect where the dolphins are up to 2km in distance! My father has memories of seeing whales and dolphins just from the beaches in Kuwait when he was a child, in the 1950s. He described them as rounded black backs sur facing in the distance,

How do you think your work can help Kuwait in the long run? My work can help Kuwait by bringing awareness to the beauties that are in nature, and to understand more about the effect of human activities on dolphins and other animals. I believe that Kuwait has a lot to still explore, and there are not many countries in the world where dolphins remain entirely unexplored, as in Kuwait. So, Kuwait is definitely a hot spot for future research. As a scientist, I am intrigued by the unknown and what has not been studied before. Who knows what goes on in the lives of the dolphins in Kuwait. Kuwait has many gems in nature that deser ve way more importance than they are currently given. People worldwide would die to see dolphins in the wild, to see Kingfishers and Parrots in their backyard, and to see Flamingos along the coast. Yet, in Kuwait, they are just there! Tell us something extremely special about marine life that we wouldn’t know. Did you know that dolphins are extremely intelligent? They have the capability of recognizing themselves in a mirror! The only other species that are capable of doing this are great apes and, well, us humans! This incredible capability shows that dolphins are aware of themselves. This is partly why it is so cruel to have dolphins in tanks. That is the same as keeping a human in prison where they are not free. Dolphins are too smart, and truly deser ve protection and freedom. Dolphins, such as orcas (yes they are a dolphin species too!) and bottlenose dolphins are intelligent top predators that hunt fish, squids and other marine life, and do not have any natural predators (apart from the fact that orcas can technically kill any other animal in the ocean, including other dolphin species). [Continued...]

Top predators have ver y important roles in keeping an ecosystem in balance. Since dolphins are mammals and need to breathe air at the sur face, they can be considered species that are accessible for us to study. Dolphins can be used for us to understand how healthy the sea is. For example, if a dolphin is skinny, it could be that there are not enough fish to keep it healthy, which might mean there are also not enough fish in the sea for us. If many dolphins strand themselves, or come to the beach to die, it can be a sign that something is threatening them, such as loud noises under water. If dolphins are found entangled in nets, it can mean that the fisheries are not using legal nets, or that many nets are lost at sea, called ghost nets, threatening dolphins and other wildlife. So you can see that there are countless ways that we can study dolphins, and that we can help to protect them and the sea by understanding them better. What advice can you leave us with when it comes to being mindful about the well-being of marine life, especially the dolphins? Keep the dolphins free and in the wild! Keeping dolphins enclosed in walls, or in captivity, is an extremely torturous thing to do. Dolphins can travel hundreds of kilometers in a day and swim up to 200m in depth. No such tank can compensate for the space that dolphins need to sur vive. Dolphins also communicate by emitting echolocation, these are sounds that they also use to find their way and to find fish. In a tank, their echolocation continuously echoes back on the walls, driving them mad. So instead, dolphins turn silent. Dolphins are social animals that need to live in groups and communicate amongst each other, just as humans do. Dolphins are sentient animals and, just as humans who are enclosed in a small space, dolphins have shown to become depressed and pose selfharm in captivity. If you want to see dolphins, go out on a boat, and enjoy them in their natural environment from a distance, and do not disturb them, it is possibly the best thing that you could do for dolphins. If you truly love dolphins, avoid going to see dolphin shows in a tank.

Follow Fadia’s wild and marinelife photography on Instagram: @fads.sea.photography, and her PhD project on dolphins on Instagram: @azores.delphis.project. And website: https://azoresdelphisproject.wixsite.com/ project You can also follow Yusuf Buhadi’s research @wdpt_q8.

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Orcas under water, taken from the side of the boat. Photo by Fadia Al Abbar

Greater Flamingo in Kuwait during a dust storm. Photo by Fadia Al Abbar

Common dolphins in the Azores. Photo by Fadia Al Abbar

CO-WORKING IS THE NEW BLACK

5 essentials to look for in a coworking space By Kaleigh Moore

As a freelance writer, I know the benefit of getting away for a retreat. However, though retreats are great for getting some fresh scenery and doing deep work, there are times when an extra dose of alone time isn’t exactly what I’m looking for. Sometimes, I crave being surrounded by like-minded people and a sense of collaboration that comes from working in a shared space.

Working from home has plenty of advantages— including convenience and flexibility—but it can also get lonely. Research shows that working remotely long-term increases social vulnerability and makes two in ten workers feel lonely. The fix? I suggest in-person coworking sprints. Knowing that getting out of the house for some face-to-face collaboration could make all the difference, I recently joined a friend for a few days working out of the Hoxton, a coworking space in Chicago where I live. Here’s what I learned from the experience of coworking. I’ll share the benefits I discovered, as well as some tips to consider when choosing a collaborative workspace for yourself. Beating the remote work blues As a freelance writer, I work independently. The lack of interruptions keeps me highly efficient, but it can also be fairly isolating. 72

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I’m not alone in feeling this way, either. Despite technology making communication easier, 64% of freelancers still report feeling lonely ever y day. While we can join industr yspecific Slack groups or chat with our friends and colleagues on Zoom, nothing can replace face-to-face interaction. This is exactly why I decided to seek out a coworking space and to meet up with a fellow freelancer for a few days of remote work in a lively, people-filled setting. Benefits of coworking spaces For professionals who work remotely, coworking spaces offer many benefits. With 1.08 million workers working in these spaces within the U.S., it’s clear that today’s remote workforce is taking advantage of them. My friend and I both accomplished a great

deal during our time at the coworking space in Chicago. This raised productivity isn’t novel. In fact, 74% of people feel more productive when they work in a coworking environment. There are several factors which contribute to getting more work done among others—here are a few. The change can make you happier. Newlyreleased research shows a change in scener y and routine can be uplifting. If you feel like your workdays at home are blending together into one endless mass, consider changing your workspace for a few days. If it’s any more motivation: Researchers have found that a happy worker is a more productive worker. You can explore new surroundings and meet new people to find new ideas. Coworking spaces can inspire creativity. Changing your location means meeting people with diverse backgrounds and seeing things you will never see at home.

It becomes easier to hold yourself accountable. Heading for a quick break at a cafe in the middle of the day can be a pleasant change of pace–but working in one (or a restaurant) presents some challenges. Routine tasks are no longer an issue. Mundane tasks eat up your time when you work from home. You need to remember to replenish the printer paper and toner, brew some coffee, and prepare some midday snacks. None of these were my concerns when working in a collaborative workspace. Working From offered free snacks and drinks, so I didn’t have to prepare them myself and could focus more on my work. Well-designed spaces breed satisfaction. I love my home office, but coworking spaces offer a different work environment. Working From is elegant, spacious, and well-maintained. An organized and clean workspace can make anyone feel more productive and efficient. Aside from increased productivity, coworking spaces allow you to network with professionals from other niches. Eighty-six percent of people report expanding their personal networks just by joining collaborative working spaces. Growing your professional network is key to a successful 74

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freelancing business. In fact, I get most of my gigs through referrals. What to look for in a coworking space Coworking spaces are popping up everywhere: they’re projected to surpass 40,000 by 2024. My friend and I did some research before finding the right one. If you’re planning to join one, here are some things to keep in mind. Location. Choosing a coworking space in your vicinity makes for an easy commute. But besides distance, you also need to check the neighboring area. Amenities. For maximum productivity, the coworking space you choose should offer everything you need. Coworking spaces vary in terms of amenities, and some may require an additional fee. In our experience, we had easy access to printers, top-speed WiFi, and plenty of charging ports. Facilities. Each coworking space is uniquely designed. Beyond aesthetics, practicality should be your priority.

Extra perks. Apart from working in an environment that allows you to focus, it is equally important to choose a coworking space that meets all your needs. Gym, patios, and complimentary drinks often come as part of the package. Cost. Consider the membership rate if you plan to use the coworking space frequently. In my case, a day pass was just $30 and included access to two floors of beautifully designed workspaces. Visiting a coworking space is a perfect way to break up the monotony of working from home. This new type of collaborative environment may offer just the right mix of benefits for your workdays.

Photo by Shridhar Gupta on Unsplash.

A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE IS NOT OUT OF REACH

Sustainable Living Kuwait celebrates upcycled art, local earth-conscious vendors, and the wonderful world of sustainability By bazaar staff

Whenever the topic of employing ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle pops up, I’ve grown quite accustomed to hearing the cons before the pros. “I can’t recycle, I don’t know where to take the items,” “I don’t have time to order from this sustainable vendor,” and this one is my absolute favorite, “vegan food doesn’t taste good.” I get it, I really do, and I am not particularly asking you to change every aspect of your life, but perhaps we all could make better choices when it comes to your everyday shopping habits, and it all begins with educating yourself about the subject before making the switch. This is what Sustainable Living Kuwait Founders Hawazen Albuaijan and Samia Alduaij aimed to present at Kuwait’s largest congregation of eco vendors, speakers, artists, and foodies last March at DAI’s Yarmouk Cultural Center. Arriving as a collaborative endeavor between Hawazen and Samia, the Sustainable Living Kuwait event is a new chapter for these eco-lovers. Each uniquely talented, Hawazen is a well established businesswoman with a deep passion for the environment and has been an animal rights activist from a very young age and always advocated for a more compassionate and sustainable view of the world. Samia is an esteemed, highly regarded senior environmental specialist and an eco-warrior at heart. With almost 20 years of experience in international development, environmental policy and management, and scientific research institutions, Samia has worked for the World Bank and United Nations Development Programme in the Middle East and North Africa region. Together with Hawazen, they launched Sustainable Living Kuwait as an initiative to better communicate and share insights on how to live more sustainably and contribute, however modestly, to the rehabilitation of the planet on a more personal level. Considered the biggest of its kind in Kuwait, the Sustainable Living Kuwait Event marked a new chapter for the initiative that first began on Instagram via its eponymous handle. Local and global news, tips, and ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle are constantly communicated online, but the event marked the first time the founders took to an interactive, public forum that brought together vendors from various industries in Kuwait. Sustainable Living Kuwait also presented beautiful arts and fashion via an upcycled fashion competition sponsored by Nass Boutique, who graciously donated materials for the competing teams, and other participating artists. The competition was also guided by local artists Amira Behbehani and Abdullah Alawadhi, with judges Hussain Jassim of The Sanity Store, Tasneem Roowala of Hind Clothing, and Sama Alwasmi of Quinn Hop and Dear Nin. 76

Art installations regaled visitors in the indoor hall, where the beautifully ornate Kimonos hung low from the ceiling by the fashion competition winner Suhaila Al Attiya were illustrated with old Kuwaiti folk characters. As the winner of the upcycled fashion competition that kicked off prior to the pandemic taking hold in 2020, Suhaila employed a zero-waste process when using the material provided by the competition sponsor Nass Boutique. The Kimonos’ craftsmanship, marketability, and usage further exemplified Suhaila’s chances of winning. Sustainable Living Kuwait also hosted an impressive roster of speakers, with panels planned throughout the entirety of the special, one-day event. Panelists included Trashtag Kuwait Founder and Director Carina Maceira, Manager of the Coastal Management Program at KISR Dr. Bassam Shuhaibar, Founder of Kuwait’s first textile recycling factory Dr. Sadeq Al Naser, Award-winning Environmental expert Anas A. Burahmah, PT BSC, PDC, architect, urban development expert Sharifa S. Alshalfan, Retail expert Sama Al Wasmi, Food Safety Law activist Hamad Al Kulaib, retired Petrochemical Engineer Mohammed al Qenaie, and Head of United Nations Human Settlements Program in Kuwait and the GCC Dr. Ameera Al Hassan. The biggest takeaway from the day-long panels, Sustainable Living Kuwait tells me, is that Kuwait’s running water is quite clean, that simply installing a water filter can significantly cut down and eliminate single plastic use, and that filtered water is actually much better for everyday consumption from a health perspective. Addressing the ongoing weather changes in Kuwait, with a particular focus on the increase in dust storms and pollution, the panelists also urged visitors to plant more trees at home, whether in our gardens, balconies, or neighborhoods, to counter this phenomenon and to help purify Kuwait’s air quality. Finally, in addressing the advent of increased consumption of fast fashion, I learned more about the negative effects of the fast fashion industries from a social and environmental perspective. When it came to educating visitors about greener, more sustainable businesses, Sustainable Living Kuwait’s event truly shone a light on a spectacular array of vendors, from fashion, lifestyle items, children’s toys, and everything in between, we learn that there are so many eco-friendly businesses in Kuwait doing their part and working hard to make Kuwait a better place. In the outdoor courtyard, wholesome vegan vendors delighted visitors with delectable goodies. [Continued...]

The leisurely event is sure to be repeated next year, and in closing, Sustainable Living Kuwait tells me that they were impressed by how people were eager to shop from eco-friendly vendors and learn more about the environment and how this affects their everyday lives in Kuwait. “We hope they realize that being sustainable is not as difficult as some imagine. Going green in Kuwait has become easy due to the plenty of wonderful eco-friendly businesses and great environmental initiatives available here. We hope to have more events that can engage the society and allow us to reflect on our consumption.” Sustainable Living Kuwait would like to thank its sponsors for bringing this amazing initiative to life: ABK, EPSCO, Explorer’s Base, Al Sayer Holding, Nass Boutique, Mullenlowe Blu, bazaar Magazine.

For more information, please follow @SustainableLivingKuwait on Instagram. 78

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DON’T SNOOZE TO LOSE

6 aspects of your life that suffer when you don’t get enough sleep By Diana Shi

It’s a well-known fact that many of us are sleep-deprived. We try to convince ourselves that doing with a few hours less of sleep each night can add up to increased productivity, or at least a little more free time to continue scrolling TikTok. But the benefits of sleep cannot be understated. The dream-conducive REM stage of sleep is critical for helping our brains process and organize relevant information from our waking hours. To put it simply: What we do during our sleep is what makes what we take in during the day useful. According to a Gallup study, 16% of Americans get six hours of sleep or less. There are plenty of distractions, with constantly evolving technology making it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep; and added pressure, especially as so many employees are logging more hours working than they did pre-pandemic. Parents and caregivers have been especially squeezed. But the truth remains, when we neglect to bank the seven to eight hours of nightly snooze time recommended by experts, many aspects of our life are affected: Your focus Without sleep, our minds get foggy, and we struggle to form mental connections. In the short term, we may turn to coffee and other stimulants to help get through the day. Unfortunately, this is no match for sufficient rest time. Your creativity When we’ve received enough sleep, we not only feel more awake during the day, but we may also be more creative. Research from Cardiff University, as covered by The Atlantic, suggests that the two stages of sleep (non-REM and REM) help us make connections between concepts that do not immediately appear related, which is important for creativity. When you wake up from a good night’s sleep, you may suddenly be able to see things differently and more clearly. Dreams are another essential aspect of creativity. Back in 2014, Fast Company spoke with Stephen LaBerge, a Stanford academic who studies dreams, who explained the phenomenon of lucid dreaming and its connection to stoking creativity. LaBerge described lucid dreaming as, essentially, “dreaming while conscious.” By lucid dreaming, LaBerge argued we’re opened up to a new, judgment-free and even physics-defying playground in which to explore new ideas and thereby help us “hack” our creativity. Your performance at work This is another instance when getting insufficient sleep can hurt how well you carry out your work. Multiple studies show there are real eye-popping 80

economic costs to workers not sleeping enough each night. One 2017 study estimates a cost of $411 billion in 2015 dollars, or a 2.28% dip in the U.S. economy, due to loss of productivity from inadequate sleep. (The number is comparably substantial in the other developed countries studied, such as Japan and the U.K.) Your mental health Our mental health can gradually become worse with insufficient sleep. Even worse, the act of worrying about not receiving enough sleep can lead to more stress. A recent Gallup and Casper survey revealed that women and young people are most prone to feeling anxious if they anticipate getting insufficient sleep in the night ahead. The same study also notes that insufficient sleep can lead to a rise in absenteeism in the workplace. Your emotional regulation Your tendency to act impulsively can increase without sleep. Insufficient sleep can also deplete your typical levels of sociability and optimism, which are important for good mental health. Robbins notes that insufficient sleep can cause us to act without thinking. “Unfortunately, [lack of sleep] places the fight or flight response in the brain on high alert. Research shows the

amygdala—the brain region responsible for emotions—is simply much more active in sleepdeprived participants compared to well-rested participants.” Your physical safety Going through a day with very little sleep can impair your ability to do physical tasks safely, including driving, and operating heavy machinery. In fact, driving while sleepy can be just as harmful as driving while drunk. In a study from the British Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers found that driving after staying awake for more than 17 hours was the equivalent of driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.05% (which, generally speaking, translates to 2 drinks in the first hour). An effective way to get yourself into a habit of good rest is to develop good sleep hygiene. This includes setting up a routine each night, situating your bed in a soothing space, and avoiding bluelit screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime, according to recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation.

Photo by Kate Stone Matheson on Unsplash.

Brighten up their space with this Retro Rainbow Bedroom.

SEND THAT EMAIL LATER, NOW

Why you should schedule all your emails By Deb Tennen–Zapier

I can’t remember the last time I clicked plain old Send on an email. And it’s not because I’m neglecting my inbox—I’m actually at inbox zero and have very strong opinions about emailing people back. It’s because I schedule almost all my emails. Why you should schedule emails for later Of course, there are times when scheduling an email to send later doesn’t make sense. If you’re trying to close a deal or come to a quick decision about something over email, you can happily click Send in the moment. But if your email or reply isn’t super time-sensitive, consider scheduling it for later. Here’s why. 1. It gives you time to change your mind Past me used the Undo send feature in Gmail all the time. But that only gives me a few seconds to realize I’ve sent the wrong information or didn’t include the necessary attachment or forgot to cc the person I said I’d cc’ed or fix any other howdoes-this-always-happen mistake I made. Even scheduling your emails to send five or 10 minutes from now can help prevent that nonsense. But it also works for bigger picture things. Think about the coin flip effect. (Did I invent this phenomenon? I hope so.) You can’t decide about something, so you flip a coin. The moment the coin lands—regardless of how it lands—your gut will tell you which outcome you’d been hoping for. Clicking Send on an email has the same effect. Let’s say you’re not sure if you want to speak at a webinar that someone asked you to do. To help you get clarity, respond to the email (either yes or no—doesn’t matter), and click Schedule send. You’ll either feel a sense of relief or a sense of dread. You now know your answer. The difference between this tactic and just “sleeping on it” or writing it as a draft is that it feels more like a real decision. You have a deadline: that email will send at the scheduled time unless you actively change it. 2. You can work whatever hours you want I often time shift, working an hour at night, for example, because I went to my kid’s school singalong during the day or just decided I needed a long break for an iced mocha. (The joys of flexible work hours.) That means that sometimes I’m sending emails at 9 p.m. my time. And if people know where I’m located, that’s not always great. 3. You can respond to people immediately Imagine you send someone an email asking their opinion on something small, and 10 minutes later, you have a response with their opinion. Ten minutes is a decent amount of time to think about something small, do some quick research, and 82

write back (especially if you follow my five-minute email rule). But your first reaction is going to be: wow, they didn’t really think about that enough. If the person took the exact same amount of time, but the email showed up in your inbox six hours later, or even the next day, you’d think they’d put more thought into it. They didn’t—but perception is reality. 4. You’ll have less email stress Email stress is the main reason I schedule emails for later. And in this case, “later” isn’t some fuzzy amount of time—it’s a really specific time when I know I’m ready for the recipient to read the email. That time is decidedly not at the end of my workday or in the last hours before my weekend. It’s not only helpful for those kinds of bad-news emails, though. Maybe you just want to schedule an email for after someone’s back from vacation, so you don’t clog their inbox; maybe you want to send someone a link to new content, but the link won’t be live until after you’re offline; there are a lot of reasons to do this. Whatever the reason, it means you get to check emails off your to-do list when you’re ready to write them—even if the recipient isn’t ready to get them. A few email scheduling caveats Scheduling emails only takes a few clicks in most email clients, but you’ll want to finesse the practice.

Schedule the email for a random time. If people keep getting emails from you at 1 p.m. on the dot every day (Gmail’s suggested send time), it might become obvious what’s happening. So schedule your email to go out at a slightly more random time—follow your heart. Unschedule the message if you change your mind. As you get started, it’s easy to confuse the Schedule send feature with a Drafts feature. Your email is going to get sent if you don’t do anything about it, so if you change your mind or need to add or remove something from the email, do it before the scheduled time. Remember that “tomorrow” might not mean tomorrow. If you use time-based language, make sure it’s lined up with the scheduled email time. I recommend removing “today,” “tomorrow,” and terms like that from your email lexicon entirely and using exact dates instead. Email is already asynchronous, so why not use that to your advantage? If you’re ready to start delaying your emails, here’s how to schedule an email in Gmail.

Photo by Stephen co.uk on Unsplash.

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RANIA ABULHASAN EXHIBITS AT VIV TERMINAL First ever art exhibition to be held at KWI (yes, the airport) By bazaar staff

We’ve been longtime fans of Rania Abulhasan’s work. And now we can experience the contemporary Kuwaiti artist and designer’s work in a completely new way. She has just inaugurated her latest art exhibition at the VIV Terminal, the first private terminal to offer a luxury experience in Kuwait. Waiting at airport terminals can be boring even if you’re flying first class. But starting now and until the end of the summer season, if you are traveling through the VIV Terminal you can use your time to enjoy Abulhasan’s artworks. The exhibition is the first to be curated at the Terminal as well as in a terminal at Kuwait International Airport. It comes as part of the VIV’s aim to promote local artists and engage its guests with new unique experiences. Rania Abulhasan is a contemporary Kuwaiti artist. Her artwork is strongly influenced by her experience of fashion and product design: she emphasizes life and movement, using shapes and vibrant colors to express her ideas and communicate her message. Professionally working in Art and Design since 1998, Rania finds that her passion for her work, and for sharing her love of beauty, continues to grow. Rania holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from The New School at Parsons School of Art and Design; she started her university education at Parsons in Paris, then moved to New York to complete her degree. She majored in Fashion Design, while continuing to explore her passion for design and Fine Arts: she attended a fine arts program at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and minored in Product Design at Parsons. Throughout her studies, Rania worked with many influential artists and designers in New York, Paris and Milan. The VIV Terminal is operated by Kuwait national carrier, Jazeera Airways. Services are presently available for passengers traveling from Terminals 1 and 5 and will be made available to passengers traveling from other terminals at a later stage. Available for departing and arriving passengers traveling on airlines operating from Terminals 1 and 5 and for general aviation and private jets. The VIV Terminal offers passengers the comfort of a private check-in reception, concierge services, personal meet and assist agent, private customs and immigration area, luxury amenities, and chauffeured transportation to and from the aircraft in a BMW 7 series limousine. The VIV facility comprises two private suites and a large lounge. According to the VIV Terminal General Manager, Laila Al-Mukhtar, the art exhibition at The VIV gives our guests an even more unique and exclusive travel experience through Kuwait International Airport. 84

Rania Abulhasan inuagurates exhibition at VIV Terminal, KWI

Rania Abulhasan with VIV General Manager Laila Al-Mukhtar She added: “The VIV Terminal is all about making our guests’ travel journey faster and more comfortable by taking care of all their airport procedures in one place. Guests are therefore left to enjoy the unique services and facilities we offer, including such beautiful exhibitions in which we connect artists with our guests.” Abulhasan is showcasing a selection of her contemporary art. It is very modern yet respectful of Kuwait’s heritage and the past. Her work is strongly influenced by her experience of fashion and product design: she emphasizes life and movement, using shapes and vibrant colors to express her ideas and communicate her message. Speaking of her art, Abulhasan explained: “I like to create timeless pieces that can go on and evolve with time. All the pieces that I work on are special to me. They start with an idea, emotion or just a visual inspiration and go from there.” The VIV Terminal is the ideal start and end to a business trip or holiday getaway with services that make the travel journey easier and faster by ensuring that all airport procedures are taken care of by the VIV team while guests enjoy the privacy and safety this service provides.

From Rania Abulhasan’s artwork

Find out more about Rania and her art by following her on Instagram @3plus5dots and visiting her website raniaabulhasan.com. 85

TRANSFORMATION, IDENTITY AND VISUALS

How to avert a branding identity crisis By Deroy Peraza

Rebranding–which can include updating your positioning, messaging, visual identity, website and more–is a big investment of time and capital. To the outside world, it signals an intention to mark a new moment in your organization’s history and to be perceived differently. When done effectively, an updated brand can undoubtedly create powerful new opportunities for impact that more than justify your investment. But a rebrand, in and of itself, is not transformative: It will not change your organization. Rebranding is actually a record of a transformation that has happened or is already underway. In other words, rebranding doesn’t cause transformation; transformation inspires rebranding. And this transformation comes from within. In our experience, most rebranding projects are rooted in one thing: Your current brand simply isn’t a reflection of who you are as an organization anymore, and that’s a big problem. Some clients can articulate this. Others feel it, but can’t quite name it. Clients often come to us and say, “We want to look more modern,” “we need modern tools,” “we want to be relevant,” “we’ve secured funding to do it,” or “we need to engage our audience in the digital space.” Yep, totally. These are well-intentioned asks, but are often an effort to treat the symptoms and not the root cause. In fact, the greater the distance between who you are and how you’re perceived, the greater the dissonance. The identity crisis might be so great that each member of your team has a wildly different description of what your organization does and, most important, why. They might have trouble articulating these things at all. Your communications team might feel like their efforts are the equivalent of wearing old gym clothes to a nice theater. They’re kinda comfortable, but you know they’re probably not going to come off as ironic or cool. Instead, they’re going to make you stick out for all the wrong reasons. If only you’d planned for enough time to go home and change first. Is your current brand creating friction that works against your potential impact? Organizations, the people that make them up, the world they exist in–all these things are constantly evolving. Imagine how silly you would sound if the voice of five-year-old you was the same as the voice you have at 25 or 40. That would be weird, right? You are still you; in your core, you’re the same person, you have many of the same values, beliefs, and personality traits, but you’ve also grown and changed. Your brand is your organization’s voice. You know your organization isn’t exactly the same at 5, 10, 25, and 50 years. Its core purpose might remain fundamentally unchanged, but the world it exists in is different, and that might require your organization to behave differently than it did in the past. Your brand needs to keep up with all that change to actually do its job. If it’s the wrong pitch, you’re going to get a lot of head scratching and raised eyebrows at best–or dead silence at worst. There are moments of dramatic change and 86

periods of subtle, gradual change. Think about how much has changed inside and outside your organization over the last five years alone. You might have a new leader. There are likely new people on your leadership team. More likely than not, half the staff has turned over. Many of them are from another generation, with different values, workplace behaviors, expectations of leadership, and politics. There are new words and phrases blowing up in the public discourse. The party in political power has changed. The country and the world have added a few triumphs of humanity, and a few more painful wounds that have scarred our society. Despite all of this change, you are still the same organization, but your brand needs to reflect your evolution. This doesn’t mean you throw it all away every few years and start over. Do it once, and do it right. Then nurture it, watch it grow, prune it, update it. The “it” of course is “your brand.” But

if you’ve never done it right, you’ll probably find yourself in the habit of throwing out your clothes and constantly reinventing yourself every couple of years. Which means you are either squandering your reputational equity or there never was any to begin with. This is all inevitable. It is the nature of the passing of time at the speed of life. Transformation is already happening within your organization. It’s always happening. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower. Sometimes it’s a seismic shift, sometimes it’s glacial. Your transformation is not a rejection or deletion of the legacy you’ve already created–it is an evolution, a correction of past missteps, a necessary adaptation to remain in touch with the moment. The reward is a brand that resonates both inside and outside of your organization, and it is rocket fuel for impact. Photo by Faizur Rehman on Unsplash.

WE’RE GOING TO (ALMOST) SPACE BABY

This giant balloon will take you to the edge of space—for just $50,000 By Mark Wilson

Traveling is wonderful, but an eight-hour flight often equates to numb legs, an aching back, and terrible snacks. Pennypinching airlines have ruined the experience of air travel. But what if you were taking an eight-hour flight into space? That’s the promise of World View, a startup that plans to use a helium balloon to lift you 100,000 feet above the earth in flights that launch from the Grand Canyon starting in 2024. For $50,000, you can enjoy the slow ascent into the atmosphere, while taking in extraordinary views through a 5-foot-wide window that puts the view of any dinky window seat to shame. The capsule and its interior are being designed by PriestmanGoode, a UK design firm known for its work on airline interiors for Airbus, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines. World View is the latest entrant into the burgeoning space tourism industry, which includes Virgin Galactic’s zero gravity plane flights ($450,000 a seat) Blue Origin rocket trips (tickets still unpriced), and fellow space balloon competitor Space Perspective, which is charging $125,000 to lift a a 360-degree viewing room into space. It’s a young market, but you can already see a line of differentiation: Some companies are selling a relaxed journey to reach the tip of nature, whereas others promise high-g adventure out of The Right Stuff. Technically, World View never reaches the true altitude of space, but it goes high enough to see the curved edges of the earth from above, and to see our world from another perspective. That formed the central design challenge: “What we don’t want to do as designers is go in and spoil that experience for the passenger,” says Daniel Macinnes, design director at PriestmanGoode. While World View balloon has been in development for nearly a decade, Macinnes and his team have been working for the past six months to translate this flight technology into a sensation of travel like none other. The images you see here are renderings that don’t yet depict the final design. That sensation starts with the capsule design itself. The cabin features a hexagonal geometry that’s optimized for pressurization—which will allow people to fly without getting nosebleeds. PriestmanGoode has been working with engineers to hone everything that’s malleable beyond that basic shape. That includes figuring out the material and shape of the capsule’s fairings—or the paneling on the outside of the craft to give the capsule a unique look and improve aerodynamics. It also carries over to the windows. Passengers will be free to walk around the cabin during the journey, but the windows are really the core of the passenger experience during flight.

PriestmanGoode’s earlier design experiments featured many small, irregularly shaped windows through the cabin. The design reminded me of sci-fi space fighter. The designers have since eliminated the smaller windows, placing each pair of seats in front of a single, circular window. Part of the decision to have fewer windows comes down to the same problem that airlines face in every design decision they make: weight. Windows are heavy, and every ounce of weight in the capsule either slows its ascent or requires the use of more helium (which is expensive and wasteful). However, as Macinnes explains, giving passengers a single, five-foot-wide window focuses the experience on that singular view. “We love aviation and light…but this takes it to another level. You look at the window [out of a plane] at 30,000k feet and it’s nice but it’s a really restricted view,” says Macinnes, referring to the 9-inch-wide window on most commercial jets. “What we’re trying to do is to make sure everyone is just totally blown away…nobody has experienced that size of a window on an aircraft. You’ll hopefully be gobsmacked when you look out.”

Part of that gobsmacking comes down to balancing the distraction from that window at any given time. That means as PriestmanGoode iterates its design, it has been cutting LCD screens out of the cabin. (Travelers will likely just be handed tablets instead.) It also means that as people walk into the cabin for the first time, a unique lighting array will create a “vivid, blow your socks off” feel to stepping on board, according to Macinnes. But shortly after boarding, the lighting will get out of the way. “We want to make it dramatic when you walk in, but then just disappear, enhancing the viewing pleasure when looking out that window,” Macinnes says. “It really is a spaceship,” says Macinnes. “It needs to be as lightweight as possible to get to that type of altitude, but we don’t want to scrimp on the luxuries that the customer would expect.”

Photo by Ivan Diaz on Unsplash.

THE ART OF LIFE

How Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer gets it right every time bazaar staff

It isn’t often that bazaar tries accepts venturing off to foreign lands to sample something new, but when the offer of visiting Monaco’s iconic Monte-Carlo landed on our desks, this was an offer from Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer that we couldn’t refuse! Think Monte-Carlo and what immediately comes to mind? Luxury shopping, celebrity sightings and five-star service? Bazaar explored Monte Carlo for you, and gives you some tips and tricks to enjoy a thoroughly pampered stay when residing at any of the Monte Carlo SBM properties. It’s a press trip, we’re not celebrities nor influencers per se, so I wonder how I’m going to make my way from the airport to the Hotel de Paris after a long journey. With great care, as the hotel has already arranged a knowledgeable driver to collect a group of us coming from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait and the travel itineraries have been organized so that we’re all arriving together. This is precision planning that is indicative of the customer experience being foremost in the minds of those providing service across the Monte Carlo SBM portfolio. A short drive later and into view comes the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea that lap along the coastline of Monaco, impressive architecture emerging from below Maritime Alps which overlook the only 500m deep quartier of Monte-Carlo. How did this tiny little strip of land become such a bastion of luxury, famous for being the ultimate playground of the rich and famous? Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, owned through partial majority by the Royal Family, are the caretakers of several properties including Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Country Club, MonteCarlo Golf Club, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo, and the Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo which is where bazaar will be staying. As we exit our limousine, assisted by the beautifully dressed doormen of the Hôtel de Paris, one can’t help but be enthralled at the Place du Casino, beautifully set like an emerald 90

Place de Casino with Hôtel de Paris in the background

cut diamond, if the shoulders and shank of that diamond were inlaid with uber luxury cars beyond that of your typical sports car. This is European luxury that is a world apart from what can be seen in Kuwait or Dubai. It just feels different. Much of that must be a conscious bias, an innate respect of history and glamor, the stories and dramas that make up Monaco and the people who revel in it. Four bi-color columns boast ionic designs, the shaft made of what looks like to be polished pink granite, and mark the hotel entrance. One column proudly announces that Edouard Niermans in 1909 was the architect of Hôtel de Paris, actually built in 1864 and heavily revised in 1878, 1910, 1950; most recently through a 93 million KD refurbishment completed in 2019 which took the hotel back to its late nineteenth century roots. As you enter via the tall, wood, glass and brass revolving doorway pushed for you by gloved, attentive doormen, a vast foyer, hall and rotunda are revealed. Dressed by the fragrant blooms of florist Marco Traverso, the eye is presented with features of marble columns, sweeping arches, and intricate carvings which are a sight to behold. There may be a sharp intake of breath as you look upwards, your eye caught by the richly dark shells of giant tortoises held into place by claws of alabaster. But, whip out your cell phone to zoom in using your camera and it’s a relief to find the ‘relief’ is just cleverly painted. No animals were harmed in the depiction of these carvings. The dome is topped with Art Nouveau stained-glass that houses a central, dripping chandelier. This is stunning. Huge exotic plants bury roots deep in weighty Chinoiserie ceramics, fine lacquered and inlaid wood screens hint at travels to the Orient which brought back these antiques, the marble floors hold oversized velvet thrones and luxuriously upholstered couches and this feels like a heady cocktail of travel, adventure and luxury all in one beautifully curated belle époque scene. With the promise that our luggage will make it safely and accurately to our apartments – a feat of logistics in itself and completed faultlessly, the group heads to their assigned rooms to settle in. Monte Carlo SBM has made sure that each one of us on the press tour has a sea view. bazaar’s suite, no. 554, is perfectly placed to watch the Grand Prix (if it was F1 season) and when stepping out onto the balcony to take in the vista there is a thrill which cannot be emphasized enough, especially for this bazaarite who grew up in the nineteen eighties heyday of Formula One. Ayrton Senna would battle across the chicane and through the famous tunnel eventually establishing a record of the greatest number of wins for an F1 driver in Monaco that still stands to this day. Noticing that the Hôtel Hermitage diagonally opposite holds similar views, these are without doubt two hotels that are ideally placed to enjoy Formula One in comfort, while enjoying room and concierge services that are second to none.

A plate of les biscuits that look too good to eat declares, “Welcome Bazaar Magazine” but we’re on holiday so they are eaten, and the textures and tastes produced by the hotel’s patisserie are nothing but indulgence itself. Within the room you can find an incredibly well-stocked fridge, with all manner of delights, and in the drawers too there are nuts, crisps and chocolates. A large bottle of mineral water is there for the taking and smaller bottles are dotted around the apartment. These can be used to fill the coffee maker, or kettle supplied for the tea to be found in a presentation chest with ample flavors to choose from, or the mineral water can even be used to fill the iron should you need it. I did have to request an iron and board be sent to the room…I don’t think Beyoncé and the like do their own ironing, so no need to have these items taking up valuable real estate in the suite.

It is a large fifth-floor suite though, with plenty of space in which to store the luggage you’ve brought with you, and room enough to stash the shopping you’ll be tempted to splash out on. Practically on your doorstep in the Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade, you can find Balenciaga, Céline, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. There are over 40 luxury houses close by, as well as…Zara. But this is not like any Zara you’ve ever seen, this is, “Bougie, yo!”, and the prices are even better than here in Kuwait! Getting back to exploring the Hotel de Paris, settle into your plush towel robe, slip on your blue faux-velvet and gold embroidered room slippers and dig around in the drawers, cupboards and shelves to discover various gadgets, gifts for purchase or provisions. Points for finding the bottle stopper the size of a doorknob, charming cufflinks [Continued...]

and a delicate hand fan, which can be used to hide your blushes and alleviate the vapors when further explorations unearth the box for adults only. The next day there is a sit-down interview with Pascal Camia, the Directeur Général of MonteCarlo SBM, and he is certainly charming as well as accomplished. The three-time ex-Olympian bobsledder has vision and welcomes a challenge. We spot Camia in the corridors of various properties throughout our short stay and he always stops to say hello; the hands-on approach is refreshing, and means as a leader he must be observing and maintaining standards constantly. In our discussions Camia reveals that the famous Lebanese restaurant Em Sharif will be opening soon, and at time of printing the popular Levantine gastronomic experience will have been enjoyed by guests for six weeks already. Frustratingly, in talks with most of those who arrange high-level planning for MonteCarlo, they can only be circumspect when hinting at the fabulosity of events, offerings and celebrity performances to come, a tantalizing taste of the absolute discretion observed by those that serve the Principality. No wonder people feel safe here. The best tip bazaar has discovered is signing up for and subscribing to the emailshots form Monte-Carlo SBM. These are beautifully curated with excellent links and offers and keep you informed of the latest calendar scheduling so you can perfectly plan your vacation time. Within Hotel de Paris you can enjoy a varied choice of restaurants, each with their own distinct vibe. We were grateful to be fêted with dinner at the Michelin starred Le Grill, and if you’ve never had sea bass melt in your mouth then you must try the epicurean delight, Loup de Méditerranée marine à cru, agrumes de Menton the name of which is larger than the portion but the taste of which is beyond huge. It’s subtle yet robust and if you take your time to truly enjoy your food and the company you keep, you’ll discover why the natives from these parts can be so gastronomically indulgent and yet so thin. “A little bit of what you fancy does you good” is certainly the philosophy here. If you really want to experience something good for your health, the spa Thermes Marins has many services that are guaranteed to make you feel phenomenal. You can literally walk from the Hôtel de Paris to Thermes Marins via an underground corridor, so you see guests already clothed in their spa wear walking around from place to place, secure in the knowledge that they won’t be seen by prying eyes. You can spot the regulars as they each have gray and aqua blue Thermes Marins holdalls in hand and they are confidently striding towards the floor they need to be on. There are several treatment areas over quite a few floors, but at least the staff are friendly and no doubt used to lost first-time guests asking for directions. Thermes Marins Head of Spa Christophe Fautrier is keen to discuss with bazaar the experience of Thermes Marins therapists. He himself has a medical background as a physiotherapist, leading his 92

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Distinctive design by Gustave Eiffel in Hôtel Hermitage team for the last decade. Health and wellness are the orders of the day for preventive healthcare, and stress reduction for guests is a priority particularly after the global experience of the last two years. Fautrier says that “I just want to relax” is the main request made to therapists these days going on to explain that Thermes Marins uses the synergy of cosmetics, technology, nature and personalization of the treatments to provide the ideal treatment for guests in the time that they have to receive services. So, if you have a few hours free, your therapist will suggest which treatments would work best for you in that time, and the therapist will consult and work with you to deliver on your wellness goals. Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo also generously provides guests

with aftercare guidelines to maintain the advised regime wherever in the world guests may be. Very handy for the global jet set. After eating a light, healthy lunch in L’Hirondelle connected to Thermes Marins, bazaar explored Hotel Hermitage a bit, and played with the sound amplification under the stained-glass cupola supported by the same kind of ironwork as the Eiffel Tower, no doubt because it was also designed by Gustave Eiffel. Going through to the fountain outside at the front of the hotel, there is a delightful little mini-hermitage, stuffed with straw, various bricks, and little alcoves and this home is specifically built to attract bugs and insects so that they can naturally pollinate the gardens. What divine attention to detail.

It’s the details that count Wandering back over to the Hôtel de Paris it’s time to discover the Diamond suites of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The latter suite is occupied by a Monegasque whose apartment is being refurbished so he’s moved in for a few months, as one does. The Grimaldi Royal family has a long history with Hôtel de Paris, hosting the wedding reception of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco, who also celebrated twenty years of marriage here so it is fitting that they have “his & hers” suites. Each is decorated with personal items of their namesake, and within the two-floor, nearly one thousand squared meters suite, the oshibana or pressed flower artwork of Princess Grace adorns the walls, as well as letters, books, photographs, and oil paintings of the glamorous Hollywood icon-comeprincess. The balcony wraps 180 degrees around the Diamond suite Princess Grace, meaning the port views of Monte-Carlo are second to none. There are two terraces, a heated infinity pool, jacuzzi, gorgeous bathrooms, two bedrooms, two sitting rooms, a living room, study, kitchen and privileged contact with the Guest Relations Manager. There is even in-suite check-in for this apartment which sounds discreet and luxurious. Something that really stands out to bazaar is that the staff of the hotels, no matter their position or role, do not shy away from greeting guests. They look you in the eye, with confidence, and this gives you absolute confidence in your experience too. There isn’t much reason to ever leave your hotel; service is first class, the restaurants and cafes 94

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Enjoy a breakfast buffet in Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse at Hôtel de Paris are excellent and you can absolutely luxuriate in your surroundings within the Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage and Thermes Marins without ever needing to step foot outside. This would be an absolute shame however, and while a quick weekend getaway may be what you’re looking for, bazaar would recommend staying a minimum of one week and exploring all the restaurants and facilities that Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has to offer. There is Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and Monte-Carlo Beach to visit too, and anyway, you need at least one whole day to people-watch from the tables of Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, ideally situated to voyeuristically peruse those coming in and out of the Hôtel de Paris or Casino de Monte Carlo- which is home to a restaurant designed like a train car, and watch the bollards that delineate the place itself, lower electronically for the limited few luxury vehicles which are allowed access to park within Place du Casino. It is a completely different way of life in Monte-Carlo and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has the provision of services down to a fine art which is a joy to experience. And they are always striving to be better so you can be guaranteed a wonderful stay.

To book your stay at any of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer properties, resorts or restaurants visit www.montecarlosbm.com and make sure to subscribe to the e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on all offers and events.

Some of Princess Grace’s favorite books in her namesake Diamond suite

DO MORE BY WORKING LESS

You just might be more productive if you work less By Art Markman

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how to know whether you’re working too many hours. But, thinking about working too many hours conjures up images of arriving at the office early and staying late. Certainly, it means something more than the standard 40-hour workweek. So, are there situations in which it might actually be more productive for you to work fewer hours? How can you figure out what is the ideal workday or workweek for you? What is your task mix? The roots of the workweek emerged from manufacturing, where the longer you spend on a shift, the more products you help to build. For people doing knowledge work, there is a less direct relationship between time spent at work and productivity. In general, there are five main types of work people do: • Transmitting information within the organization (meetings, email, calls) • Engaging with customers and clients • Developing work products (reports, orders, coding, analysis) • Ideation • Enhancing knowledge and skills The proportion of time people have been spending on the first of these elements (meetings and emails, in particular) has been growing substantially, given the rise of email and team messaging apps. This shift has three drawbacks. It reduces the time available for more future-focused activities, like generating ideas and learning new things. Emails and other text-based communications are always available, and so they invite a continuous workday. They also create an illusion of progress, in which a lot of time is spent passing information around, rather than generating new business. It’s worthwhile to consider what your optimal mix of tasks would be if you could choose. Focus on creating a good mix of communication, focus on current business and development of future opportunities. Find ways to cut back on aspects of your work that do not enhance the quality of your work. Where are your biggest challenges? There are some work challenges that are best met by putting your nose to the grindstone and pushing forward. Popular approaches like Angela Duckworth’s Grit tend to focus on cases like this. For example, after having an insight about how to build a vacuum cleaner that didn’t need a bag, James Dyson spent five years developing prototypes. He knew he had a good idea. He just had to find a specific configuration that worked well enough to be used in a reliable product. Other work challenges are unlikely to yield long 96

hours alone. When the problems you solve routinely require a creative extension of current work, then just sitting at your desk waiting for inspiration to strike may not be the best path. Get out of the office. Exercise. Walk away from the problem for a while. Read in areas unrelated to the specific problem you need to solve. This time away from the problem can be transformative. You will describe the problem differently when you return to it than you did before, which can lead you down new paths. The paradox is that when you have to be creative as a significant part of your job, then time away from your work can make you more productive. What is your source of growth? No matter how many years you have been working, you should always be focused on your future growth. The business world changes rapidly, and you will need new knowledge and skills to adapt. But, much of what you will need to know (and know how to do) goes beyond what is directly relevant to your job as it is set up now.

Indeed, there are times when things that you think of as hobbies right now can feed back on your professional life. For example, I took up the saxophone in my mid-thirties because I had always been interested in learning to play the instrument. Clearly, this was not related to my job as a psychology professor; yet, there were a number of lessons I have taken away from my experiences playing jazz that have fed back into the way I write and talk about the psychology of leadership and careers. Had I not taken the time away from work to pick up this new skill, I would never have found these parallels. The fact is, you never know where your next great idea is going to come from. You’ll only know that you needed expertise in area after you discovered it was relevant to a project you’re working on. Working long hours has an opportunity cost. Some of that time could be spent on other experiences that may very well feed back into your future productivity. Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash.

AERIE OPEN ITS NEW STORE IN AL KOUT Find your favorite Aerie outfits now at Al Kout Mall By bazaar staff

We can’t get enough of Aerie’s amazing ethos of power positivity and no retouching, as we are able to express ourselves in the most authentic way possible. And now with their latest location in Al Kout Mall, Aerie realness is accessible to more women in Kuwait!

2022 surely is the year of comfort with a splash of confidence, and Aerie knows it. Judging by the brand’s feel good emblems all over the store promoting body positivity and comfort, the Aerie mission is to empower women while encouraging them to move, enjoy life and look good in their own unique way while doing it. The store is bright and air y with inspirational messages and gorgeous sporty outfits ever ywhere. From a comfortable collection of intimates which you can stock up on and save, 98

to cutting edge activewear and apparel. We loved their velour sweatsuits, with pants and matching sweaters that are ribbed and fitted with modern flared cuts. This loungewear is attractive enough to wear at home, for sport, out to lunch, while travelling - whatever your fashionista heart may desire. Aerie’s collection of leggings is giving us a spring in our step! We cannot get enough of Aerie’s legendar y Real Me fabric, which feels like the real you. It’s ultra light, soft, supportive and

truly weightless. Go from class to gym and a lunch date with your girls, whatever the occasion, and wherever you go, Aerie’s leggings will confidently move with you. Whether you choose the ultra hip super flare cuts, the Offline leggings, ultra high waist cuts, or prefer cross over styles, Aerie’s range of versatile leggings will be your new BFF. Aerie’s latest collections are resplendent with bright colored sweatshirts and crewnecks illuminating the racks like flowers. Are you a little more inclined to basic shades and want to blend

in? While Aerie does believe in letting your true self shine, that does not always mean standing out - because we’re all just doing our own thing here and being ourselves, right? So if your vibe is less about patterns and words and more about neutrals, Aerie has got you. We love Aerie because it is ultimately a brand that keeps women feeling confident while encouraging them to be their true selves. Gone are the days where unrealistic fashion and beauty standards were the norm and everyone was expected to stuff themselves into unrealistic outfits with button and zipper closures, only to be shamed for not being able to pull it off (or for needing a bigger size.) With AERIE, everyone is real, nothing is airbrushed, and you will always find your power positive fit, no matter who you are.

Be sure to check out AERIE’s new store in Al Kout Mall in Fahaheel, Kuwait. Follow their regional page on Instagram @aeriemena for updates about the AERIE stores in the MENA. 99

THE BRIGHT SIDE AND THE BOTTOM LINE

The power of optimism in the workplace By Tony Safoian

What makes an optimist? Is it a “glass-half-full” person who expects good outcomes? Is it a person who, as Winston Churchill once said, “sees the opportunity in every difficulty”? I think an optimist believes tomorrow can be better than today— and they take an active role in making it so.

This commitment to actively working toward a better tomorrow is a prerequisite for working in the technology field. In fact, technology is basically science and information put to practical use to solve problems. Think about the various applications, software programs, and devices devoted to mental health, physical wellness, and workplace productivity. Most people who work in the tech field are optimistic and believe that technology has the power to make people’s lives better. So, how does optimism manifest in the tech workplace? For one, optimistic employees are “all in” when it comes to effort. Research proves this: Optimistic employees are 103% more inspired to give their best effort at work. But hard work is only part of the optimism algorithm. Let’s take a closer look at what an optimistic workplace looks like, how you can nurture optimism at work, and the benefits of an optimistic workplace. Make optimism part of your hiring criteria Just like negativity, optimism is contagious. That’s why it’s key to hire those with an optimistic outlook. Look for initial signals of excitement, a sense of purpose, and an awareness of why they want to work at your company. Remember that most 100

new hires are coming from another exciting, wellpaying job. They should be joining your company to do more, transform more, and innovate more. This “more, more, more” sentiment increases the capabilities of other people on your team, and boosts the level of service you provide to customers (more on that in a moment). You want people who are multipliers—people who work toward solutions rather than saying, “We can’t do that because no one has ever done that before.” Optimists work to expand their circle of influence One book that inspired me 20 years ago is Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People— and Covey’s “circle of influence” concept. Your circle of influence includes the things you can do something about, while your circle of concern encompasses things you have no direct control over (economy, global pandemic). Optimists focus their time and energy on the factors they can control. By focusing on that which we can control, we can indirectly make an impact on a larger scale. For example, while I can’t personally stop or prevent a global pandemic, I can take measures in my own life (social distancing, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces) that will help me (and may influence the larger community).

Think solutions, not complaints In the technology industry, change is a constant. I like to say we are always operating at the tip of the sphere. IT services and cloud tech, especially, evolve more quickly than just about any other industry (including healthcare or financial services). How teams respond to all these changes (many of which we can’t control) is what matters. You don’t want a team that complains (about customers, fellow team members, or partners) for the sake of complaining. Optimists still complain sometimes—but there’s a high degree of “solutioning,” collaborating, and suggesting within the complaint. A team should work to isolate an issue with the purpose of solving a problem rather than simply venting. There are three constants in life: change, choice, and principles, according to author Stephen Covey. If optimism is a guiding principle within your company, your teams will be best equipped to tackle unexpected changes with actionable choices that create positive results. And over time, these cumulative positive results build a stronger company—internally for employees and externally for customers, partners, and everyone who interacts with the business. Photo by Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash.

It’s All About

BIG WRAPS Dine in or Order now

bazaar goes dining

A MIA MOMENT

Locally crafted, modern Mediterranean flavors in the heart of The Assima Mall By bazaar staff

Is there any type of food that hits better than Mediterranean food? Call me biased but nothing beats fresh flavors and shareable plates, all over chilled glasses of fruity cocktails and the sound of laughter with a group of friends. Throw in a stunning ambiance and your night out is absolutely set.

This sums up the experience we had at Chef Mohammed Fahad Al Hajery and Chef Ziad Al Obaid’s latest concept, Mia. Al Hajery Group are known for pioneering the Turkish gastronomical market in Kuwait, and so the Mediterranean Mia did not seem like such a far stone’s throw away from their specialty. How does it differ from other concepts such as Solia? Guro, the friendly and competent manager at Mia, told us “Solia is delicious, but Mia’s concept is altogether different with a more sophisticated and imaginative menu”. We did not know what that meant until the curated dishes Guro ordered for us began to fill up our rustic wooden table. “Modernly Rustic” is exactly how we can describe Mia’s menu, decor and ambiance as a whole. Adorned with details of copper and clay 102

pots, olive trees, plants and real wood touches throughout the restaurant, you feel as though you’re back in the mountainous region of southern Cyprus about to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal made by Yia Yia. And to add to that feel, the terrace is reminiscent of a taverna without knowing it is. Pleasant and overlooking the hub of the city, it serves as a haven within the hustle and bustle of The Assima Mall, transporting you to an ambient evening of dining in seconds. Speaking of “seconds”, this meal starts with delicious in-house baked from scratch sourdough bread and a silky parsley infused butter served on a breadboard from a local wood smith who makes beautiful pieces for the home. This complementary starter was difficult to stay away from, and we were also happy that it was accompanied by a

thick, Palestinian green olive oil, which filled our hearts with joy as it was such a nod to the eastern Mediterranean theme. The team at Mia prides itself on prepping almost everything in house, from bread to butters and marinades, no detail is spared to create this inimitably contemporary Mediterranean dining experience. One of the most innovative dishes we had brought to our table was the White Chocolate Baba Ganoush. Infused with white chocolate which unexpectedly waltzed with the smoky eggplant in contrast to the crunchy toasted pine nuts that finished off the dish, it was a pleasurable experience that had taken all of us by surprise. Other starters that were sent to us were the Truffle Croquettes (a personal favorite), Naked Burrata served with a Turkish fig jam and flaked sea salt

(a close second), a supremely moreish Pistachio Soup, Pink Cauliflower and Beef Gyoza. Our table was sinking with fresh flavors that took us around the Mediterranean region with each dish. After pulling myself away from the ritual of burrata on sourdough with a dollop of fig jam and sea salt (a combination that Guro kept raving about as “so simple but delicious!”) I tucked into the other starters that whisked me away to our different Mediterranean memories, yet presented in a sleek, modern light. Every dish we sampled pays homage to the flavors of the past, yet powerfully celebrates the future of Mediterranean dining. Pistachio soup; whose unconventional combination of nuttiness, creaminess and slight hint of saffron made me want to turn it into a pasta dish; Pink Cauliflower, with the tanginess of tahini, beetroot and dukka that made me miss late dinners in Beirut, and very well rolled Beef Gyoza dumplings which were reminiscent of the Syrian shish barak my Nabulsi grandmother used to make. Paired with Mia’s cool cocktails; Funky Farawla, Simple Cherry and Verde Cucumber, all of which were beautifully [Continued...]

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garnished with fresh botanical touches like sprigs of rosemary, maraschino cherries and edible flowers. If the menu at Mia is an ancient Grecian play, then the main courses would be the chorus. As delightful as they are, they seem to act as a supporting role for the starters. Shashlik with Green Mabouch, thinly sliced beef marinated in a blend of sweet and savory spices and topped with pine nuts, was a favorite of one of my dining partners. It smartly brought together everything we enjoy about a well sliced beef tataki plate, with a local hit of maabouch, brightened for a Mediterranean palate. The layered Chicken Schnitzel, whose breading was admittedly exquisite despite my apprehensions

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about chicken, was very well thought out. I enjoyed the aspect of mashed potato and cheese that oozed out and the pesto that was served with it made the dish sing. But, my favorite main dish was the Margherita Pizza: Simple, classic and made to share, the smart switch from a classic pizza dough to croissant pastry was a twist I wish I’d invented. . I munched on that happily while holding myself back from slapping the waiter’s hand away whenever he asked if he should clear the plates for dessert. . No dishes went to waste at our table, for every dish shone on its ownI would go back and try the Smashed Burger, however. Dessert was homemade Tiramisu that was so light and fluffy it was exactly what I thought a

cloud would taste like. If a cloud was lightly dusted with coffee and sugar and a rich mascarpone kissed with chocolate shavings and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. But, there were one too many spoons attacking the dessert, so after two bites, I gave up and moved onto one more piece of that heavenly sourdough dipped into pure Palestinian olive oil. Because just like Mia, I’m a true Mediterranean girl at heart.

Mia is located on the ground floor of The Assima Mall in Kuwait City. Follow @MiaKuwait for their latest updates on Instagram. Photography by Muneera AlKhulaifi, @I9ora on Instagram.

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YOU MIGHT BE GETTING YOUNGER SOON

Anti-aging technology is coming. Here’s how you can be ready for it By Peter Diamandis—Minutes

The world’s billionaires are pouring money into age-reversal investments. Last September, it came out that Jeff Bezos had invested in Altos Labs, a company pursuing biological reprogramming technology. “Reprogramming” is the scientific term for turning old cells young again. It was discovered in 2012 by Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka, who called it a potential “elixir of life.” The Nobel Prize in Medicine Committee seemed to agree. Bezos—and Altos—aren’t the only ones. There’s Google-backed Calico Labs, also focused on longevity via reprogramming. And Lineage Cell Therapeutics, backed by BlackRock, Raffles Capital Management, Wells Fargo, and others. Coinbase Co-founder and CEO Brian Armstrong recently invested in a company working to radically extend human healthspan using epigenetic reprogramming therapies. Altogether, the anti-aging industry is expected to grow to over $64 billion by 2026, a 45% increase from its 2020 value ($44 billion). So, why are billionaires like Jeff Bezos investing in age-reversal or “anti-aging” tech? Because they have a Longevity Mindset. What Exactly is a Longevity Mindset? One way to understand the Longevity Mindset is by looking at its opposite. Most people take the aging process for granted. If they’re disciplined, healthy, and lucky, they’ll get 20 or so years of youth, start declining in their 40s, and die sometime between 60 and 80. They accept that life expectancy is 81.2 years for females and 76.4 years for males—nothing they can do, just take the lemons and make lemonade. And who can blame them? Nearly every human institution—governments, the insurance industry, medicine, religion—is organized around this mindset. The anti-Longevity Mindset is: mortality is inevitable, youth is fleeting. So, the Longevity Mindset is: mortality is avoidable, youth is extendable. If that sounds shocking to you, you’re not the only one. For years, scientists supporting a Longevity Mindset were shunned, and as a result longevity studies were tabled for fear of losing grant funding. But medicine has evolved. We’ve entered a period of exponential medicine: Innovations like genome sequencing, RNA transcriptomics, Wnt pathway modifiers, vaccines, CRISPR, liquid biopsies, CAR-T cells, Gene Therapy, exosomes, and stem cells are just a sampling of the technologies that the world’s billionaires are fast-tracking. Free from the narrow paradigm of academia, 106

these scientists earn as much as five to ten times a top professor’s salary by working for Altos and others. Ultimately, aging is a disease—a disease that many of the most powerful people on the planet believe can be slowed, stopped, even reversed. That’s the spirit of the Longevity Mindset. How to develop your own Longevity Mindset Examine and assess the six basic areas of life that everyone, whether you live on the margins or in a mansion, must negotiate. Beliefs. At one end of the spectrum are people who see age 75 as the end. At the other end are people who see aging as a disease, and who actively track breakthroughs in biotech that have the potential to slow or even reverse aging. Which are you? Media diet. The films, books, articles you consume have a deep, direct impact on how you think. Does your media diet reinforce the antilongevity mindset? Or are you reading books like David Sinclair’s Lifespan, blogs like mine, newsfeeds like www.LongevityInsider.org? Community. The people we spend time with also shape our mindset. Do you spend time with people who constantly worry about death? Or do you hang out with a younger, more vital crowd who surround you with optimism and a youthful vision of the future?

Sleep habits. We physiologically need eight hours of sleep per night. Do you burn the candle at both ends? Or do you prioritize this most valuable resource, using the best techniques to help you? Your diet. You very literally are what you eat. The nutrients (or non-nutrients) you consume become your body, your mind, your spirit. Do you overindulge in good-tasting (sugar-rich) but destructive foods? Or do you craft a sensible diet and practice intermittent fasting to maximize your energy and longevity? Exercise habits. Exercise—especially that which increases muscle mass—is crucial to longevity. Do you exercise a minimum of three times a week—perhaps taking peptides to maximize growth hormones and increase muscle mass? Mindset. Do you cultivate your Longevity Mindset? Do you see your future as bigger than your past? Laying the foundation of a Longevity Mindset doesn’t take any capital investment. Everyone has beliefs, a media diet, and a community. Everyone has to sleep, eat, and move around. In the background, billionaires like Bezos are accelerating the industry, working to bring cuttingedge longevity tech to human beings. When they do, will you be ready?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.

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BON APPÉTIT AT BONJIRI YAKITORI An authentic experience by Chef Mimi By bazaar staff

Bonjiri is the second tasty shack to house local chef Maryam “Mimi” Al Nusif’s passions for food, culture and clean, sustainable cooking. Mimi’s main objective and contribution to the people of Kuwait is to expose them to different cultures, specifically that of unwatered down, unadulterated and non-touristic Japanese yakitori. “I love Japan. I love its food, I love its people. Their art, their culture, their manners… I suppose this is how I became passionate about learning how to cook and prepare Japanese food.” This she did by opening up her first independent ramen shop, Tampopo Ramenshop. The sister concept to Bonjiri, ser ving up chicken and duck yakitori delights. The term “yakitori” roughly translates to “grilled (yaki) bird (tori)” as Mimi explained to us, demonstrating how to skewer a chicken using ever y part of the bird so that nothing goes to waste. The effort is showcased behind a glass enclosure separating the diners from the friendly, well-versed staff who grill up bite-sized yakitori skewers to ser ve alongside buttered rice and delectable tare. What is tare, you ask? We wondered the same thing, as we watched the grill masters baste various menu items with this gorgeously seasoned sauce, which Mimi told us has been collecting flavor from the ver y first skewer that was cooked on the grill. She calls this “rolling aged tare”, explaining how re-using the tare delivers ultimate umami, as well as an authentic experience since aged tare is quintessential to traditional yakitori. We hungrily watch the flavor drip onto the skewers, and when we’re finally able to sink our teeth into this style of cooking, the earned umami is indeed palatable. Believe us when you say that tr ying tare will make you leave Bonjiri wanting to put tare on ever ything you eat in your life. Tare potatoes. Tare fish. Tare chips. Need we go on? Bonjiri’s menu is simple yet flavor-packed, offering an experience that leaves little room to veer back into a ‘comfort’ zone. But the menu does have different sections of skewers, dividing the proteins among levels of braver y, if you may. Those who are squeamish might opt to stick to plain chicken and duck breasts in the beginning, but may find themselves wandering over to the far right hand side of the menu, where the bold skewers live in forms of knee cartilage, chicken tail, heart, liver and skin. At 1.75KD a skewer (with the exception of the truly exceptional Tsukune chicken and duck meatball skewer which sits at KWD 2.50 per ser ving) there’s room to play and work your way up to a bolder palate.

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Before we discuss how succulent and smoky the tender chicken and duck breasts were, we need to talk about the Tsukune. Delectable and cooked to per fection, every morsel of the meatball was satisfying and filled with flavor. When paired with the egg yolk dipping “sauce” served with the meatball, the result was heaven. Just mix up the yolk and the sauce it’s swimming in to turn it into a rich, light brown custardy dipping sauce that brings the whole dish together. As for the duck, quality shines through in the way the meat was selected and cooked. Mimi exclusively uses local duck that’s brought in

weekly from Alsaada Farm, and is proud to report most of the duck, including its organs is utilized in her skewers in order to stay true to the yakitori experience. Though poultry isn’t necessarily my protein of choice, I tend to enjoy duck since its dark meat makes me feel as though I’m eating lamb. But Bonjiri’s take on duck does not need to be masked for even the most finicky of eaters, because it will absolutely melt in your mouth. The flavors were so pleasing, as well as the texture, that beef and seafood were not missed. In fact, the only seafood that makes an appearance on the menu is a fire-smoked oyster served as a

small plate and whatever locally caught wild fish such as sheem whenever it’s available to put on the specials menu. We weren’t able to try the fish during our visit, but if Mimi can do to fish what she can to chicken and duck, then we’re all in! Alongside the various yakitori offerings and small plates is a constantly evolving specials menu. Bonjiri’s specials are always changing according to whatever ingredients Mimi can get her hands on, staying true to her ethos of clean and sustainable cooking. But one special that makes a fairly regular rotation on the menu is the truly stellar Okonomiyaki: a Japanese

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cabbage based pancake with different fillings like noodles and mushroom, drizzled with sauces like Japanese mayo and topped with flakes of smoked tuna that dance for you when they come into contact with heat. It’s a total crowd pleaser and only whets your appetite to want to dive into other offerings on Bonjiri’s menu. From grilled veggie skewers to udon noodles, you are still spoilt for choice although the menu isn’t grandiose and veers more towards the simple more traditional side. For a sweet ending to Bonjiri’s thoughtful menu, Chef Mimi has included an Eton Mess: a nod to Japan’s appreciation of the layered dessert, along with the pivotal role that British culture has played in Mimi’s life. Homemade crumbled meringue and bits of ginger, strawberr y coulis and hand-whipped cream. The flavors are so refreshing between yuzu and strawberr y notes, and the crunch of the meringue gives it the satisfying factor of a truly multifaceted dessert. The Eton Mess has a layer of taste with ever y bite, giving you hints of so many different pleasant flavors. Pair it with a cup of Jasmine green while sitting in their little terrace adorned with little crate seats and small tables and you have yourself the formula to a successful Bonjiri experience. Bonjiri is open again for lunch and dinner on Sun, Mon, Tues and Wed, from 3-9 pm. Get the details by following them on Instagram @bonjiri.yakitori. 110

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WOK 2.0

Microsoft’s hottest new product is . . . a wok By Nate Berg

Microsoft has a bold new release. It was years in development and required all the beta testing and version tweaks one would expect of a hot new app or software package. But this new product is no app. It’s a wok. Yes, one of the world’s leading technology companies has spent the past two years developing a new way to stir-fry. And though that might sound low-tech and perhaps low-priority, it’s actually part of a radical rethinking of how kitchens operate. The wok is part of Microsoft’s brand new all-electric kitchen at its headquarters outside Seattle, where nearly 50,000 employees are based. The company is adding 3 million square feet of offices and facilities, and the entire project is being designed to be powered by a vast geothermal system and produce zero carbon emissions. A big part of getting there was eliminating fossil fuels from its energy portfolio. And one of the biggest users of fossil fuels were the company’s kitchens. “Commercial kitchens use about five times more energy than an office building,” says Katie Ross, global real estate and facilities sustainability lead at Microsoft. About 80% of the cooking equipment in Microsoft’s kitchens relied on gas, so all that cooking and the huge energy suck translated into a lot of greenhouse gas emissions. “So we had a pretty big hill to climb to make that switch,” Ross says. This first phase of Microsoft’s all-electric kitchen transition has just opened. It’s a 13,000-square-foot LEED Platinum-rated green building, with 400 pieces of electric kitchen equipment capable of preparing about 1,000 meals a day across 9 dining concepts featuring different cuisines. The space is being used to test out products, processes, and menu items before spreading to more than 77,000 square feet of food preparation and kitchen space for upward of 10,000 meals a day when the full campus expansion begins opening in 2023. Jodi Smith Westwater is senior services manager for Microsoft’s dining operations, and she oversees more than 100 dining operations across Microsoft’s campus, as well as all its catering and events. “We have hundreds of different menu concepts and thousands of menu items,” she says. “We wanted to make sure that we could still cook it in a way that paid homage to the genre of the food and the flavor profile.” That’s where the wok comes in. Wok cooking is all about heat, fire, and motion. Chefs keep these pans smoking with hot oil, moving almost nonstop and tipping their edges to touch the flames of the stovetop, giving food a characteristic sear and char. In an all-electric kitchen, there’s no flame 112

to touch. And the most energy-efficient form of electric cooking equipment uses induction technology—a transfer of energy that requires the pan to be in constant contact with the cooktop below. With no flame and no motion, how could a wok even be used? “That was a nervous point early on,” Westwater says. Finding an alternative proved to be one of the project’s biggest challenges. To figure out a solution, Microsoft partnered with the commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer Jade Range. Over the course of two years they codeveloped a new kind of wokcooktop combination that allows both the motion a chef needs and the constant contact induction cooking requires. The novel wok system, with a pan that fits inside a bowl-shaped cooking surface, has stood up to side-by-side taste tests among Microsoft workers, comparing gas and induction wok dishes. “We were really pleased with the results,” Westwater says. “Nobody could tell visually or through the flavor profile or even say, frankly, which one they liked best.”

Aside from codeveloping brand-new kitchen equipment, another major challenge for this transition was retraining chefs how to cook without gas. “We have hundreds of culinarians trained in historic methods of cooking,” Westwater says. “Certainly cooking on an induction wok is different and requires different therm times and techniques to cook the same foods.” But the company still has a long way to go. When its full campus expansion is complete, the different types of cuisine and the number of menu items will grow. Westwater says that pre-pandemic, the company’s food services had 40,000 transactions a day, from meals to graband-go snacks. This first kitchen, with its 1,000 meals a day, is its own kind of beta test. Not just for how to handle a much bigger daily lunch rush, but how an all-electric kitchen can, as Westwater hopes, “disrupt the industry.”

Photo by Cooker King on Unsplash.

WRAP UP YOUR HUNGER Asha’s new BIG wraps By bazaar staff

If you’re anything like us, you have a true appreciation for food that’s complex and absolutely sings. What type of cuisine can do this other than Indian, specifically Indian food from Asha’s? Asha’s has been a mainstay favorite for contemporary Indian cuisine for a long time. And now that the restaurant has opened a branch in a prime, beautiful location overlooking Kuwait’s scenic coast, what better way to enjoy the view than with a colorful meal filled with exciting flavors?

Asha’s new BIG wraps

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Asha’s ser ves up a delicious fusion of Indian cuisine, and among the paneers, bir yanis and masalas, we’re always looking for an excuse to head over and enjoy the food as well as the renowned vibe. So, when we heard that their latest range of menu items were a family of fusion wraps paired with gorgeously cut French fries (or shall we call them, Indian fries), we were sold on a visit - not that we needed much convincing, anyway. Visiting any of Asha’s locales is always a treat, but their water front location is especially captivating. Nestled right by the Kuwait Towers along the Arabian Gulf road, Asha’s sits in tandem with Dean and Deluca, taking over the upstairs par t of the structure and with seats against the vast windows that make you feel as though you are dining directly atop the Gulf’s blue waters.

Known for their impeccable hospitality, the Asha’s team were pleased to welcome us. We ordered a sneaky star ter of Aloo Mattar Ki Tikki potato cutlets stuffed with mashed green peas, ser ved with tangy chickpeas. We also tucked into some Garlic Naan and Paneer. But the wraps, they were something else. Our competent and helpful ser ver Sachin recommended the Lamb wrap, explaining that its full body made it his favorite and insisted that we would celebrate its authentic taste. He was right. The slow cooked, tender shreds of lamb inside the sandwich delivered a sweetness that was not enough to cut the spiciness that is essential to Indian cuisine. I personally love spicy food, but if you don’t, then steer clear. If you do, this wrap is yours. The prawn wrap was also a lovely choice, providing a bit more of a crunch and a bite.

This wrap was reminiscent of a shrimp po’boy from Louisiana. It lacked Indian influence, but it was still delicious and mild on the spice factor. For an extra kick, I paired it with drizzles of the mint chutney that Asha’s provides each of their guests’ tables with, along with pickled mango, tamarind and poppadoms. The result was wonder ful, and dipping the wraps’ accoutrement, masala-spiced fries into the tamarind sauce was a great idea, as well. The last wrap we sampled was the butter chicken. The great thing about the butter chicken vs. the lamb wrap is that they provide a win for team chicken and team mutton. If you have a greater affinity for the leaner proteins in life, or if you absolutely love butter chicken, this wrap will give you a satisfying experience. Its cucumber-esque after taste offers a cooling effect to an authentically Indian spice factor. [Continued...]

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But if you’re looking for something a little more substantial or are just a meatier person in general, the lamb wrap is one that is difficult to forget or let go of. Despite chef Rhavi’s persistent invitation, we were too full to even enter tain the idea of sampling other wraps, forgoing the oppor tunity to tr y the halloumi and tomato wrap as well as the egg wrap - though mental notes were cer tainly taken for us to return to Asha’s for breakfast come Ramadan’s end. If the dair ybased wraps are as good as their meatier counterpar ts, we’re there. But we were cer tainly not too full to sip on Asha’s beautiful Rose Jam iced tea alongside our meals. With all that spice, they were refreshing and just too beautiful not to finish. “These remind me of a beautifully designed room, or a lavish lifestyle” I told my dining par tner, hoping she would understand what I meant. I don’t think she did, but she did agree that the iced teas were indeed a vibe. And while I sipped happily on my iced tea, she lapped up our milk-and-cheese based Rasmalai desser t. Its delicate cheese dumplings reminded me of ricotta and the saffron that kissed them elevated their flavor, but I was just too full to continue, and was excited to go back home and sink into a delightful sleep with Asha’s culinar y masterpieces dancing in my head. So, needless to say, the wraps wrapped up my dining experience at Asha’s quite nicely. Check, please! Asha’s is located in Waterfront (22214891),The Avenues (2228 3503), 360 Mall (22081322/3) Boulevard (2208 1374/5) and Spoons (2225 4097). Asha’s is also available for delivery on Talabat and Deliveroo. 116

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YOU ARE

WHAT YOU

EAT

bazaar movie night May Movies

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

OPERATION MINCEMEAT

Release Date: 3 May Genre: Adventure, Family Cast: Eddie Redmayne,Mads Mikkelsen,Alison Sudol Synopsis: Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

Release Date: 3 May Genre: Animation Cast: Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Tika Sumpter, Jeff Fowler, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally Synopsis: The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA

MEMORY

TOP GUN:MAVERICK

Release Date: 5 May Genre: Drama, Romance Cast: Maggie Smith,Tuppence Middleton Synopsis: The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess’s newly inherited villa.

Release Date: 5 May Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Elizabeth Olsen,Benedict Cumberbatch Synopsis: Dr. Stephen Strange casts a forbidden spell that opens the door to the multiverse, including an alternate version of himself, whose threat to humanity is too great for the combined forces of Strange, Wong, and Wanda Maximoff.

Source: cinescape.com.kw 118

Release Date: 12 May Genre: Drama, War Cast: Colin Firth,Kelly Macdonald Synopsis: Operation Mincemeat is set in 1943 as the Allies are determined to launch an all-out assault on Fortress Europe. But they face an impossible challenge - to protect a massive invasion force from entrenched German firepower and avert a potential massacre.

Release Date: 26 May Genre: Action, Drama Cast: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly,Val Kilmer Synopsis: After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him.

Who said money can’t buy happiness? www.novopizzakw.com

22091190

novo.pizza

BREAKFAST IS BACK! Have fun with fatayer from Novo Pizza By bazaar staff

Mouthwatering, satisfying, fluffy. Fatayer, manakish, flatbread. However you choose to describe it, the Middle Eastern staple always hits the spot for breakfast. And now that breakfast is back, we know what our inaugural meal is going to be to welcome it back into our daily routines.

What better way to celebrate the return of breakfast than by biting into a freshly baked man’ousheh hot from the oven? How about celebrating it with several different flavors: zaatar, halloumi, four cheeses and scrambled eggs sound good to you? Novo Pizza has them all on offer and ready for you to tuck into starting the early hours of the morning (post-sunrise!) come Eid Al Fitr! Just like we love Novo Pizza’s delectable pizza pies, their manakish (or Fatayer, if you’re going by their menu name) hit similarly. After all, the restaurant is using the same delicious homemade dough they use to make their pizzas to make their savour y flatbreads, only with different fresh toppings that give it the Levantine look that makes fatayer so regionally loved. 120

Novo’s fatayer menu has all of our classic favorites: Za’atar, halloumi and four cheese which includes two of the necessities when it comes to fatayer-ing: Halloumi and kashkaval, plus two modern favourites for binding and tanginess: mozzarella and feta. But, it’s also included some creative additions: Spinach Feta and Kashkaval, Veggie Fatayer, Spinach Fatayer (made specially by Mama Afaf and the flavor is truly unforgettable), Pepperoni Fatayer and get this - scrambled eggs! Can you think of a better way to welcome back breakfast than by combining your two favorite breakfast foods? Speaking of which, if you’re all about the combinations, then feast on half and half options. Novo Pizza lets you choose any two toppings to put on one fatayer, creating a half-

and-half dream come true. The law of probability applies here in that your options are endless. So, what will you choose? Pepperoni and Halloumi? Kashkaval and Spinach with Za’atar? Za’atar and Spinach? Mix and match to your heart’s content and enjoy your fatayer your way. If you’re a purist and want a variety of fatayer without having the different toppings share the delicious, pillowy dough base, you can get 3 different fatayers for 3KD or 5 fatayers for 5KD. This also works if you’re feeding a family, having a breakfast gathering, or if you just like to have lots of different fatayer around you. If you ask us, that’s a good deal! Because committing to only one fatayer for breakfast is so pre-2020 (Just kidding. We never did it before 2020 either.)

You can also end your return to breakfast with a celebratory sweet note and treat yourself and your family to Cinnamon Pie or Cinnamon Crumble. Both delicious concoctions are the sweet, sugary cinnamon-heavy fatayer you wish you would’ve invented, each topped with a vanilla glaze. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a Mexican twist (literally!) and get some churros! Hot, sugary, rolled in cinnamon and perfect when dipped into vanilla sauce. Picture how great that would be with a nice steaming cup of tea, all while the sun is out and shining. Get back on the breakfast train and ring it in the best way during the long Eid break and all summer long. Just order your favorite familiar flavors through Novo Pizza, lay out a spread of fresh tomato, labneh, zeit and za’atar, olives and mint and enjoy!

Order Novo Pizza from novopizzakw.com, or find them on Talabat, Deliveroo, or through their call center at 22091190. Follow @Novo.pizza on Instagram to get their latest updates and deals. 121

bazaar books

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

HOLLOW FIRES

by David Sedaris, Essays

by Samira Ahmad, Young Adult

Back when restaurant menus were still printed on paper, and wearing a mask—or not—was a decision made mostly on Halloween, David Sedaris spent his time doing normal things. As Happy-GoLucky opens, he is learning to shoot guns with his sister, visiting muddy flea markets in Serbia, buying gummy worms to feed to ants, and telling his nonagenarian father wheelchair jokes. But then the pandemic hits, and like so many others, he’s stuck in lockdown, unable to tour and read for audiences, the part of his work he loves most. To cope, he walks for miles through a nearly deserted city, smelling only his own breath. He vacuums his apartment twice a day, fails to hoard anything, and contemplates how sex workers and acupuncturists might be getting by during quarantine.

TWO NIGHTS IN LISBON

Safiya Mirza dreams of becoming a journalist. And one thing she’s learned as editor of her school newspaper is that a journalist’s job is to find the facts and not let personal biases affect the story. But all that changes the day she finds the body of a murdered boy. Jawad Ali was fourteen years old when he built a cosplay jetpack that a teacher mistook for a bomb. A jetpack that got him arrested, labeled a terrorist—and eventually killed. But he’s more than a dead body, and more than “Bomb Boy.” He was a person with a life worth remembering. Driven by Jawad’s haunting voice guiding her throughout her investigation, Safiya seeks to tell the whole truth about the murdered boy and those who killed him because of their hate-based beliefs. This gripping and powerful book uses an innovative format and lyrical prose to expose the evil that exists in front of us, and the silent complicity of the privileged who create alternative facts to bend the truth to their liking.

THE HACIENDA

By Chris Pavone, Thriller

By Isabel Cañas, Fiction

During the overthrow of the Mexican government, Beatriz’s father was executed and her home destroyed. When handsome Don Rodolfo Solórzano proposes, Beatriz ignores the rumors surrounding his first wife’s sudden demise, choosing instead to seize the security that his estate in the countryside provides. She will have her own home again, no matter the cost. But Hacienda San Isidro is not the sanctuary she imagined. When Rodolfo returns to work in the capital, visions and voices invade Beatriz’s sleep. The weight of invisible eyes follows her every move. Rodolfo’s sister, Juana, scoffs at Beatriz’s fears—but why does she refuse to enter the house at night? Why does the cook burn copal incense at the edge of the kitchen and mark the doorway with strange symbols? What really happened to the first Doña Solórzano?

You think you know a person . . . Ariel Pryce wakes up in Lisbon, alone. Her husband is gone― no warning, no note, not answering his phone. Something is wrong. She starts with hotel security, then the police, then the American embassy, at each confronting questions she can’t fully answer: What exactly is John doing in Lisbon? Why would he drag her along on his business trip? Who would want to harm him? And why does Ariel know so little about her new―much younger―husband? The clock is ticking. Ariel is increasingly frustrated and desperate, running out of time, and the one person in the world who can help is the one person she least wants to ask. With sparkling prose and razorsharp insights, bestselling author Chris Pavone delivers a stunning and sophisticated international thriller that will linger long after the surprising final page.

CITY OF ORANGE

MURDER FOR THE MODERN GIRL

By David Yoon, Thriller

By Kendall Kulper, Young Adult

A man wakes up in an unknown landscape, injured and alone. He used to live in a place called California, but how did he wind up here with a head wound and a bottle of pills in his pocket? He navigates his surroundings, one rough shape at a time. Here lies a pipe, there a reed that could be carved into a weapon, beyond a city he once lived in. He could swear his daughter’s name began with a J,but what was it, exactly? Then he encounters an old man, a crow, and a boy—and realizes that nothing is what he thought it was, neither the present nor the past. He can’t even recall the features of his own face, and wonders: who am I? Harrowing and haunting but also humorous in the face of the unfathomable, David Yoon’s City of Orange is a novel about reassembling the things that make us who we are, and finding the way home again.

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Source: Goodreads.com

Gatsby-era glamour, a swoon-worthy love story, and an indomitable heroine dazzle in this romp that capturesthe extravagance of the Roaring Twenties and the dangers of vigilante justice. A ravishing young mind reader stalks the streets at night in kitten heels, prowling for men to murder. A soft-spoken genius toils away in the city morgue, desperate to unearth the science behind his gift for shapeshifting. It’s a match made in 1928 Chicago, where gangsters run City Hall, jazz fills the air. Until now, eighteen-year-old Ruby’s penchant for poison has been a secret. No one knows that she uses her mind-reading abilities to target men who prey on vulnerable women, men who escape the clutches of Chicago “justice.” When she meets a brilliant boy working at the morgue, his knack for forensic detail threatens to uncover her dark hobby. Even more unfortunately: sharp, independent Ruby has fallen in love with him.

bazaar staff

Bakers, rejoice! The market has acknowledged your need for a place to source all your supplies, ingredients and more, and has answered all our baking prayers. 124

Bakers’ Point has just opened as a brand new all-inclusive concept that houses ever ything you need for baking: from premium ingredients to ingredients that are specifically for the cake, pastr y, bread or whatever else you had your eye on baking. This means that if you’re a home baker or are even considering star ting a small business revolving around crumbly croissants, butter y baguettes or crafty cakes, you’re

completely covered and can cut your journeying time to a fraction of the errands. Bakers’ Point’s selection of baker y and pastr y ingredients surpasses those of any other grocer y store in Kuwait. These ingredients are super high quality and many of them are exclusive to Bakers’ Point. Competitive prices and shoppable items are abuzz at this brand new location, filling the industrious-sized

warehouse with enough to make the Shuwaikh store an ultimate baketopia with price points and products only found at Bakers’ Point. Are you thinking of embarking in a homebusiness baker y, or are you just super into baking? Bakers’ Point also has professionalgrade items for you. With professional baking & decorating tools such as mixes and bases as well as equipment, passionate bakers can reach for the stars (or star-shaped baking pan) when embarking on their baking journeys without having to compromise on quality or aspirations. Speaking of quality, nothing beats the specialty mixtures that Bakers’ Point already carries: Different types of mixes live on the shelves from sponges to decadent chocolate. Ready-made cakes and pastries are also available. These cakes are decadent in their own right, and can be found in the freezer section alongside other goodies like donuts and luxe branded cakes that are ready to ser ve, whether you’re hungr y, or just doing some market research - wink! And don’t forget to pair it with the most fabulous selection of coffees in all of Kuwait: coffee products and capsules that include L’or, Starbucks and Illy. This only makes up a small fraction of why Bakers’ Point has the best freezer section in Kuwait for bakers and [Continued...]

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desser t and pastr y aficionados alike. Don’t have much of a sweet tooth? No problem! The freezer also has croissants, pie crusts, pizza dough and more for you to choose from. And don’t forget the impressive stock of fruit purees fit for your baking needs. Specialty flours are another big plus at Bakers’ Point. Whether you’re a breadmaker or prefer to play with pastries, you can find the type of flour that will give you the best results for your creation. Don’t just settle for basic allpurpose flour that won’t give you a good result! Explore ever ything they have to offer in order to create true masterpieces. Make your oven happy with their foods and non-foods sections alike, star ting with their complete selection of tools, disposables and moulds. as well. You can even top off your creations with endless toppings that are also exclusive to Bakers’ Point - like that obscure chocolate topping you’ve been looking for. With Bakers’ Point’s large selection of chocolate and toppings in Kuwait, you can bet that it’s probably stocked on their shelves. So, are you ready to discover the most sophisticated baking experience in Kuwait? For the amount of professional and amateur bakers we have here, we know that this haven is sure to be a hit and ser ve many as a one-stop-solution for all things baking related. Bakers’ Point has even bigger plans in mind, including training sessions and a full-fledged in-store baker y. But not yet! Good (and delicious) things come to those who wait, so for now, we’re happy to just get into the stunning aisles that hold Bakers’ Point’s offerings. Are you ready for it?

Unleash your inner baker (or feed your current one!) and visit Bakers’ Point in Shuwaikh. Scan the QR code to find the exact location. Follow them on Instagram for updates @bakerspoint.kw. 126

[...Continued]

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bazaar techno

POPSOCKETS JUMPSTART

The JumpStart is a portable battery pack that doubles as a PopSocket grip for your smartphone. The only catch is that it requires you to have the company’s PopGrip, which is sold separately, to work. Once attached, the 2,200 mAh battery plugs into your smartphone via a hidden charging cable — both Lightning and USB-C models are available — and, according to the company, can provide up to 50% of extra juice.

BEYERDYNAMIC SPACE

Beyerdynamic is best known for its high-end studio and gaming headsets. However, this week it announced its first every portable Bluetooth speaker. The Beyerdynamic Space is a 360-degree speaker that’s unique because, thanks to a four-microphone array, it also functions as a speakerphone for your home office. It’s available in three colors: black (charcoal), white (nordic grey) and light teal (aquamarine).

SATECHI 30W USB-C PD GAN WALL CHARGER

ACOUSTICSHEEP SLEEPPHONES

Satechi announced its latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) charger, which is a material that’s significantly more energy-efficient and space-efficient than silicon, allowing the charger to be small and powerful. It’s capable of charging most of your Apple devices at full speed, including an iPhone 13, M1 iPad Pro or 2020 MacBook Air.

Need to catch better zzzzs. AcousticSheep released a new-and-improved version of its sleep headphones, the SleepPhones Wireless. The headband-style headphones have the exact same design as their predecessors — there are flat speakers that slip into padded slots on either side of the headband — only the 2022 model is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and a much longer 24-hour battery life.

STARKVIND

INSTA360 ONE RS

You might not associate IKEA with tech stuff, but the STARKVIND is what happens when furniture meets health tech. Both a side table and an air purifier that improves the indoor air quality. STARKVIND can be adjusted manually, set to auto mode or be connected to the TRÅDFRI gateway for full control via the IKEA Home smart app.

Source: bestproducts.com 128

The Insta360 One RS is a tiny action camera that’s essentially an upgraded version of the company’s One R (released in 2020). The One RS has the same three-part modular design — featuring a battery, processor and swappable lens — but now comes with a bigger and longer-lasting battery, a better 4K lens with a larger 48MP sensor, and a snappier processor. It’s available now.

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bazaar music

MAY MUSIC Every summer has its own soundtrack, especially when you are young. We remember the seasons by the albums and singles that were playing while we enjoyed the beach or explored new countries over summer vacation. So we’ve put together a mishmash of old school and classic summer tunes.

Title: A Summer Song Artist: Chad & Jeremy Release date: 1964

Title: Here Comes the Sun Artist: The Beatles Release date: 1969

Title: Walking on Sunshine Artist: Katrina and the Waves Release date: 1983

“A Summer Song” is a 1964 song by the English pop music duo Chad & Jeremy. The song was written by duo partner Chad Stuart with Clive Metcalfe and Keith Noble. This song has some real sixties summer vibes.

George Harrison wrote the song in early 1969 at the country house of his friend Eric Clapton, where Harrison had chosen to play truant for the day to avoid attending a meeting at the Beatles’ Apple Corps organization. The lyrics reflect his relief at the arrival of spring and the temporary respite he was experiencing from the band’s business affairs.

“Walking on Sunshine” is a song written by Kimberley Rew for Katrina and the Waves’ 1983 eponymous debut full-length album. The song is very popular in commercials, and advertisers typically pay $150,000 to $200,000 per year to use the song. But more importantly it always makes us feel good when we hear it.

Title: Nightswimming Artist: R.E.M. Release date: 1992

Title: In the Summertime Artist: Mungo Jerry Release date: 1970

Title: Peaches Artist: The Stranglers Release date: 1977

The song’s circular structure, which never resolves into anything like a chorus, evokes the feeling of being trapped in a sweet memory, jibing well with Stipe’s improvisational lyrics. Spurred by a photo on the dashboard of the vehicle he’s driving, the narrator remembers youthful evenings spent near the water, swimming in it, musing on it, watching the moon reflect off it.

“In the Summertime” is the debut single by British rock band Mungo Jerry. Written and composed by its lead singer, Ray Dorset, it celebrates the carefree days of summer. In 1970, it reached number one in charts around the world, including seven weeks on the UK Singles Chart, two weeks on one of the Canadian charts, and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the US. It became one of the best-selling singles of all-time, eventually selling 30 million copies.

The lyrics to “Peaches” featured coarse language and innuendo to a degree that was unusual for the time. The song’s narrator is girlwatching on a crowded beach one hot summer day. It is never made clear if his lascivious thoughts (such as “there goes a girl and a half”) are an interior monologue, comments to his mates, or come-on lines to the attractive women in question.

Sources: wikipedia.com 130

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Meet Doneit, a feature packed daily planner that focuses on simplicity and organization. With Doneit, you don’t need to worry about your tasks lists ever being messy because it was designed to help you better organize all of your daily to-do’s.

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bazaar around town PORSCHE’S REGIONAL OFFICE RECORDS 25% INCREASE IN DELIVERIES Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, enjoyed a buoyant start to 2022 with a 25 per cent increase in new car deliveries between January and March when compared to the same period in 2021. The results marked also the region’s highest first quarter order intake since the foundation of the Dubai-based office in 1999. In total, the regional office delivered 2,572 new cars in the first three months, the highest result since 2013. With 1,051 new cars handed over to customers in March alone, the organization also recorded its best March results over nine years. Dr. Manfred Bräunl, Chief Executive Officer at Porsche Middle East and Africa, said the strong start to 2022 is encouraging and continues the drive from a solid 2021: “Last year we saw a great demand for our products that accelerated the strong start leading into this year. Our first quarter results show the potential of the region thanks to our innovative, exciting and desirable products that fulfil the dreams of many customers, one at a time.” Continuing its sales momentum from 2021, the Cayenne premium SUV gained further ground over last year with an 86 per cent increase in sales over Q1 of 2021. A total of 1,140 units were delivered to customers across the region representing 44 per cent of total deliveries. The SUV segment overall has shown no signs of relinquishing its popularity among buyers; the Macan remained its rank as the second best-selling model recording 32 per cent share of total deliveries. In total, the Macan saw an increase of 16 per cent over the first three months compared to last year. The iconic 911 was Porsche’s third best-selling model with a model share of 11 per cent, followed by the all-electric Taycan which enjoyed a stable trajectory. The Panamera, showed significant growth over the first quarter of last year with deliveries up by 92 per cent. The recent launch of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS has further boosted the appeal of the 718 model range and concludes the ranking. South Africa was the top-ranking country within the region followed by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and India. This came off the back of a strong dealer development plan that recently saw the opening of new dealerships in Bengaluru and Chennai as well as the final completion of the workshop in Delhi. Dr. Bräunl added: “The last three months have been exhilarating resulting in an impressive business performance. Our importers have done an absolutely fantastic job once again and I would like to thank them for their commitment that goes beyond the here and now, with a clear mindset directed towards the future.” 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.

ALSHAYA’S NEW EGIFT UPGRADES THE GIFT-GIVING EXPERIENCE As customers increasingly go digital when they shop, Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international franchise operators, has launched a seamless and convenient online gifting experience, perfect for treating family and friends whatever the occasion. The cards can be gifted by SMS or emailed to the lucky recipient who can spend the value in full or spread its use across multiple purchases. They can also use the eGift card as a digital wallet that they can top up anytime they want. Available in a choice of denominations and valid for a year from the date of issue, eGift cards can be used online and in-store by using the card’s QR code at the till point for redemption. Cards can be linked to the customer’s online account for quick and easy shopping. Branded eGift cards for Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret are available today in Kuwait, KSA and the UAE, with further brands going live shortly including American Eagle, Debenhams, COS, Boots, Foot Locker, H&M, Mothercare, Muji, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm. eGift cards are the latest product emerging from Alshaya’s Digital Hub which is driving ongoing digital transformation in line with changing consumer shopping habits. Complementing its portfolio of thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, Alshaya now has the largest digital footprint in MENA, with over 100 websites and apps and a growing range of new digital solutions including new payment tools and new loyalty programmes. This latest launch of eGift cards reflects Alshaya’s commitment to providing personal, relevant and effortless shopping experiences. Commenting Paul Morris, Chief Digital Officer at Alshaya Group said, “Our focus is on meeting the wants and needs of our customers to ensure effortless experiences and serve them in the way that is most natural to them. We want to delight our customers every day, whether they choose to shop in-store, on a mobile device or through a browser. By extending our already popular Gift Cards into a digital format we give customers the option to instantly gift their loved ones and celebrate special occasions.” Customers can access their preferred brand site directly or visit the Customer Zone on Alshaya.com to discover availability.

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bazaar scopes

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 A creative idea could be pushed in front of some influential people and you now have the confidence and courage to insist on an answer. It will be one that redirects your future. A foe will turn into a friend and you’ll find so many points of contact between you. Your love life will also offer you new choices. Don’t be tempted to share secrets you should really keep to yourself.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20

A special role in the community can change into something much more demanding and this time you’ll say yes when before you have said no. This could catapult you into the center of a group that is really going places and can start some lifelong bonds of loyalty. Your creative talents are set free as your ability to turn ideas into words, pictures, or both intensifies.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 Whilst you may be the last to see just how strong your ideas and actions are, admiration from others just cannot be ignored this month. You can remodel your life into something so much more comfortable yet challenging. Love stays close to home and even the wildest of hearts is now ready to settle down.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22 Your mind is a formidable tool this month. Quick answers and snap decisions are your strength right now and this time you will only look for ward, not back. The focus is all on words, communication, and pictures this month, and a new career beckons. Partners could be writing their own script for a ver y special and romantic ceremony. Do allow extra time for journeys, as last-minute changes can disrupt schedules.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 This month, you could have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to earn money by choosing a job that makes you proud of what you do. When you show you are ready to give more to love relationships, a partner’s response could be ver y heart-warming. News about twins is on the way – and this could bring two families together. But don’t be tempted to spill a deep family secret.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 This is your month to shine! You’re now able to turn good ideas into great ones and with your irresistible charisma, you can draw family and friends close and end opposition to a major change.A brilliant job opportunity opens up, and your calm confidence impresses – so does the readiness to admit what you don’t know.

Aim as high as you can in love, work and education this month and you will succeed. The part of yourself you have always hidden away is ready to be shown and appreciated. When you channel energy into a community or charity project, it reveals even more than you expect. All self-doubt disappears and if a fitness project has slipped, now is the time to restart it. Don’t let a family fall into lazy communication habits.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19 You are set to revisit a place you only recently left and this time with a ver y different role. And you will make so many good contacts who share your view of life and your ambitions. What you have wanted and worked towards for several years falls into place. A partner may not ask but needs to know that you still think they are a great catch. Don’t expect others to guess what is on your mind – talk.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 This is a month of transformation, taking you to new personal highs. First, you can look at finances in a much smarter way and win respect. The only person you need to rely on is yourself – then you can make a life-changing decision about family life and taking on a property. You have never been more sure about what you want and who you are. A legacy of talent deser ves your full attention. People take you at your own valuation, so forget any modesty.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 Harmony and happiness make this the per fect time for a wedding – or a retaking of vows in a luxur y style that was not possible the last time around. There seems to be real magic for a couple – even if you have only just met. You are now free from doubts and ready to take a bold step for ward in your exciting new life. Whilst money is easy to give, your time could do even more.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19 Your psychic abilities are really switched on this month – you can read minds and motives so accurately and make shrewd decisions. You can also see deep into your own heart to understand what you need to feel complete and how to get it. By the end of the month so much can change. You’ll be inspired by new and amazing passion moves and are ready to switch to an extra healthy lifestyle. Carefully introduce any new ideas to your partner this month. Source: wisehoroscope.org

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 Your confidence and energy are set to maximum this month and you’ll impress ever yone you meet. If you ever wanted to be your own boss, this is the per fect time to start. Venus could be turning you into a love psychic and you’ll really understand the secret desires in other people’s hearts. Don’t be tempted to start a drastic diet – you don’t need it!

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Source: wisehoroscope.org

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