Jul - Sep 13 Iss 73 by Dazzle Magazine

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Life, Style, and Lifestyle

Summer Special - Issue 73

Carolina Herreraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Summer Brides Summer Special

Womeex 2013 Summer Special

Summer Special

Which Summer Diva Are You? Summer Special

Summer Special

Magical Mykonos Summer Special

Summer S

ISSN 1751-9195 Summer Special

Coming Soon... KSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ultimate Fashion Guide Now In Its Second Year... Nations Of Fashion And Style

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It’s that time of year again, when the sun shines brighter than ever and everything seems so much more full of life - it’s summer time! Somehow, summer makes all those months of hard work worthwhile - it gives you the break you deserve, refreshes you inside and out, and preps you up to get back to your usual routine. And as summer sets in, the clothes get shorter and the makeup gets bolder, allowing every woman to strut her stuff in style - and no day is as important as your summer wedding. So to help you get summer-sultry, we’ve compiled the best in wedding couture in our fashion cover ‘Carolina Herrera’s Summer Brides’. Staying true to the spirit of summer, we’ve packed Dazzle’s summer issue with topics that are fresh, fun, and enlightening, like Which Summer Diva Are You? where we’ve categorised the different personalities that come out in summer, and Work’s Precious 4 Weeks where we suggested ways to make the most out of your summer holiday. As for our usual essential Dazzle insight, we’ve discussed the problems young adults go through in The Quarterlife Crisis, and in Is Your Friend Toxic? you find out if a friend is worth keeping or not. Yet, there’s still so much more in store for you. So, go on, indulge…

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Contents

Summer 2013 Special

Spectacular 10 Sheryl Crow Crosses The Country Divide

Charm 14 The Quarterlife Crisis 16 Which Summer Diva Are You?

Bedazzled 18 What’s He Thinking? 20 Is Your Friend Toxic?

Inspire 22 Work’s Precious 4 Weeks 24 Naming For Power

Glow 26 5 Embarrassing Health Problems 28 Ask Nisrine

Sparkle 30 Henna Handicraft 32 Ask Sonja

Brilliant 48 Back-To-School Tech 50 The Royal Life 52 Magical Mykonos

Amaze 56 Summer Smoothies

Dazztrology 58 Skye Thomas

Last Word 64 Summer’s 10 Commandments

Cover

Carolina Herrera’s Summer Brides

16 20 22 50 Disclaimer Notice

Opinions, estimates and projections herein constitute the current judgement of the author and they do not reflect the opinions of the publisher, Muze Media LLC. Muze Media LLC accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from errors, inaccuracies or omissions or any loss or damages sustained by anyone as a result of information or advice utilized in any manner.

Spectacular Celebs

Sheryl Crow Crosses The Country Divide By Bob Doerschuk

Of course, Crow had certain advantages, having already achieved worldwide superstardom and earned nine Grammy Awards and six Platinum albums, including two that have reached triple and one, Tuesday Night Music Club, that’s seventimes Platinum. Still, when she bought a place outside of Nashville about five years ago, she felt like an outsider, albeit a well-connected one. Drawn to Middle Tennessee by the lifestyle as much as its musical opportunities, Crow began reaching out to some of the folks she knew in town. “I got to know several people through Kimberly

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Paisley,” she said. “She had a girls’ dinner and introduced me around. I started to make friends. Nashville is much like a small town. People don’t show up with casseroles, but they make sure that you’re finding your way.” Kimberly’s husband, Brad, invited her to a writing session with Chris DuBois. “Talk about a crash course in song writing!” Crow remembered. “Brad and Chris work over a long period of time to make sure their songs are right. And you can tell. Some of Brad’s songs are so beautifully crafted that it’s intimidating.”

“In my early days, I masked almost any true emotions in a narrative” Amusingly, DuBois has a mirror image of that first session. “It was very intimidating to write with someone like her,” he admitted. “Brad and I

have always been big fans of hers, so just the thought of sitting down in a room with her was nerve-wracking.” Everyone soon calmed down enough to write a haunting tune, “Waterproof Mascara,” about a mother’s sadness at not being all she should be for her young daughter. That was the start of a series of songs written by Crow with DuBois and other Nashville stalwarts, 12 of which wound up on Feels Like Home, her newest release on Warner Bros. and, by her own description, her first true Country album. “There are songs from my old catalogue that are ‘too Country for Country’,” she said. “All I Wanna Do has that feel from the intro to the outro. It’s the same with ‘If It Makes You Happy,’ ‘Strong Enough to Be My Man’ and ‘Can’t Cry Anymore.’ But there’s also a lot of stuff on the new record that doesn’t sound like Country. One of them is ‘Waterproof Mascara’; another is ‘Crazy Ain’t Original

Sheryl Crow didn’t get off the Greyhound in Nashville with guitar case in hand and a heart full of dreams. Actually, though, in a way, she did. She didn’t arrive by bus, but otherwise she could relate to the excitement and apprehensions that many new arrivals feel as they first set foot in Music City.

“My life informs my art in different ways than it ever has before”

Sheryl Crow performs at LP Field during CMA Music Festival 2013. www.dazzle-magazine.com

Spectacular Celebs

Sheryl Crow performs with Kimberly Schlapman (l), Karen Fairchild and Little Big Town during CMA Music Festival 2013.

“There are songs from my old catalogue that are ‘too Country for Country’,”

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“When I first started, every label in L.A. said, ‘We don’t know what to do with you. You’re too Country. You’re too blueeyed soul,’” she recalled. “I feel like I’ve always been like a suburb of Country Music - and now Country Music has grown and engulfed my suburb.” Crow revels in the freedom she now feels. “A lot of the songs I had written in the name of rock ‘n’ roll were devoid of range,” she observed. “I can sing range; I just haven’t had the opportunity, because I haven’t been able to write those songs. People ask me, ‘Who are your favourite Country singers?’ Well, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly (Parton) and Emmy (Emmylou Harris), who are all big-range singers. Tammy (Wynette) was a big-range singer. So is Connie Smith. So it’s such a treat to go out and play ‘Give It To Me’ (Crow and Jeff Trott) and ‘Waterproof Mascara,’ songs that

have a big range, and pull an audience into a song they’d never heard before.” No stranger to writing with others, Crow had to adjust to methods that are unique to Nashville. “People here write in threes,” she said. “I’d never experienced that before. I think it’s probably because the objective is to get the song finished in order to up the percentage of getting cuts - not in a bad way, but obviously you’re going to get a better chance to get it recorded if it’s finished.” Crow insists that Country has allowed her to put more of her true self into her music. Some of that has to do with how the format mixes the lead vocal. Crow’s coproducer, Justin Niebank, realized the best thing he could do for her on Feels Like Home is let her hear herself as clearly as possible. “I’d gotten so used to producing myself that the last thing I would concentrate on was being a vocalist,” Crow said. “But Justin gave me the freedom to just walk up to the mike and sing. I never actually

heard myself sound so good in my headphones. Who could expect that I’d feel so inspired at a job I’ve been doing for 20 years?” “As simple as it is, the headphone mix is one of the great missing links in making records,” Niebank said. “When people put on headphones, it should sound like a record. Putting up microphones and running them through mike press ain’t the gig; it’s getting the headphones so when people put them on, they’re blown away.” Crow’s embrace of the Country lyric tradition makes Feels Like Home a career milestone. “In my early days, I masked almost any true emotions in a narrative,” she said. “I would create a character and hide behind her. Now I’m older and I love writing from the first person. It doesn’t put me in fear. I feel differently about my art. My life informs my art in different ways than it ever has before. So now, I like making people feel prickly with an emotion.” Connect with Crow on the web at www. SherylCrow.com, or on Twitter: @SherylCrow.

www.dazzle-magazine.com

These Days’ (written by Crow, Al Anderson and Leslie Satcher). And that’s OK too, because the Country format now encompasses a lot of things.

Charm

Mind & Soul

The Quarterlife Crisis

People in their 20’s have a lot going for themselves. They’re young, attractive, free, and they have their entire future ahead of them. Sounds perfect; but is it really? Asks Hafsa Mahfooz… The 20’s can be rather confusing for most of us. You have all these expectations regarding what you want from life, but life doesn’t seem to agree with you and you’re forcibly steered onto a path that you never thought you would take. As a result, all your dreams, priorities, and ambitions change, forcing you to question who you really are and where you’re heading. This baffling phase that you’re

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going through is called the Quarterlife Crisis (QLC), affecting anyone aged between 21 and 29. In her book, ‘Get It Together: Surviving Your Quarterlife Crisis’, Damian Barr sheds light on the reasons for QLC and its overbearing dynamics. She explains, “Physically, socially and sexually, our twenties are supposed to be our peak. We 20-somethings

are supposed to be hopping from gym to party to bed (with pauses in the boardroom), but it’s not like that. It’s like this: you’re 25, but you feel 45. You should be having the

“Feeling you should be having, doing, or being more is the core of QLC”

time of your life, but all you do is stress about your futurefree job, scary debts, alleged friends, and non-existent partner.” When young adults join the real world, they have to come to terms with the responsibilities of adult life, as a result of which they feel a range of emotions and several insecurities begin to creep in. They feel insecure regarding present accomplishments, the near future, their long-term plans, and life goals. Barr states, “Feeling you should be having, doing, or being more is the core of QLC.” Emotions Multiplied Fatima, 23, moved back to Jeddah after completing her degree from the States. Although she knew that her life would be different from her college friends’, she couldn’t help but compare her life with theirs. She explained, “My first job was nothing like I had imagined it to be; it was menial, repetitive, and downright boring. I was extremely jealous of my friends back in New York because they were living large and I was hardly living!” One of the most common emotional implications of QLC is feeling that you’re not good enough because you can’t find a job that lives up to your qualification, let alone expectations. Thus, you look at your friends with envy and make yourself believe that they’re better off. Barr states, “20-somethings feel stressed, inadequate, and somehow not quite as good as their peers. We feel poorer, less successful and less together.” Disappointment from one’s

job often leads to the need to engage in deep selfintrospection. As a result, many young adults seclude themselves from social interactions and prefer spending time alone. They constantly re-evaluate their close interpersonal relationships, reminisce about their school or college life, and feel loss of closeness to their high school and college friends. Fatima concurs, “I was a social butterfly when I was in college; I had a lot of friends and I loved meeting new people. But as I started growing old, I grew out of that whole friends-for-life thing because I had my own issues to deal with and I just didn’t have the energy to work on my personal life. Sadly, I’ve lost too many friends over the years.” QLC often makes people feel like they’re losers because of all the disappointments they face, but nobody likes to admit it. This secrecy leads to frustration, anger, and anxiety within the individual, adding to the stress of dealing with the crisis. Plus, the dynamics of office-life also contribute to QLC. In college, everyone’s around the same age and a common ground exists with regards to thinking and mentalities. But work places consist of people belonging to different age groups, with new graduates being the lowest in the chain. Thus, there’s a difference in opinion every step of the way, making the adjustment process difficult and stressful for young adults. Crisis Control People going through QLC are often silent sufferers, thinking they’re the only ones who’re going through an

identity crisis. But in reality, every 20-something is going through the same insecurities because the world today is different from what it used to be during our parents’ time. It’s now more competitive and less forgiving, with little or zero tolerance towards mistakes. Barr explains, “Ask any 20-something how they’re doing and they’ll bravely say, ‘fine’, but scratch the surface and you’ll see that for many of us all is not fine. No other generation has had so much choice or such great expectations. Being 20-something now is scary; you have to fight millions of other graduates for your first job and find time to juggle all your relationships.” Unlike the midlife crisis, QLC is still not widely recognised and there aren’t any experts who could shed light on this matter. So if there’s no professional help available, how does one cope with it? Well, the key to dealing with QLC is to simply ignore it. You might not know where you’re heading today, but you’ll find out eventually. Reality hardly ever plays out the way you want it to and you have no choice but to deal with it. Don’t fret over the future, don’t give up on friendships, and don’t doubt yourself because everything falls into place. As Barr rightly put it, “The decisions we make now are incredibly important, but they’re rarely irreversible.”

“No other generation has had so much choice or such great expectations” www.dazzle-magazine.com

Charm

Personality

Summer Diva Are You?

Which

Interestingly enough, the scorching summer heat brings out some very interesting traits in women. Discover what kind of summer diva you are, says Amina Mahfooz… Sitting in a café at my favourite mall and sipping on a latte, I watch a sea of women bustling around. It got me wondering how the summer heat has not been able to break their resolve. As women, no matter who we are or where we come from, the one thing that binds us, is that regardless of the weather outside, we will always be at the mall, for that one sale, that one garment, that one shoe. So here, you will find every type of summer diva: Little Miss Sunshine: The eternal optimist! It’s difficult to hold this one down, regardless of the blistering heat, the dry winds or the unrelenting sand storms; our Sunshine gal always looks on the bright side of things. When all you want to do is curl up in the AC with a glass of Pink Cosmopolitan, she wants to be out with her friends in the middle of the afternoon. A quick spray of Evian mist and off we go. Her spirit, her attitude and her appearance all sparkle with an inner joy that leaves you spellbound. Those who bask in her presence are often blessed with a sense of wellbeing and a desire to be like her. Smouldering Suzy: This

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is the hot one. Come hell or high water, nothing can keep this babe from going out. She will don her best summer frocks, pull out her long Roman sandals and be right out there battling the lions of heat and grime and still emerge with the perfect coiffure. Her smouldering presence is often felt before she enters the room, for not a single soul misses the grand entrance of this eternal diva. Her deep kohl lined eyes speak of those whom she has conquered with a glance. This one doesn’t go out looking for prey; the prey comes drawn to her. And it’s not too difficult to spot her, just look for her in Starbucks or The Coffee Bean; she’ll be sipping a piping hot cuppa while ordinary mortals guzzle down chillers. Sultry Siren: As the weather gets dry, so does her sense of humour. This one adds degrees to the barometer with her presence in any gathering. She’s bold, tough, sarcastic, and she definitely knows her mind. The sultry siren often drives the opposite sex mad with her cut and dry style and no nonsense attitude. She’ll make you doubt, wonder, and even whimper and all of this will be done with such ease and subtlety that you wouldn’t

even know how it happened. Beware of this one; her exploits are left with wounds that take long to heal. If you don’t trust me, ask the shopkeepers who tried to snatch a bargain and got a taste of this. Overcast Olive: Just when you think that the skies will shower, you can be in for a surprise. This is exactly how our Overcast Olives also take on the opponents. She may look calm, but there is storm brewing behind the façade, she may appear to break down but she keeps you guessing when. The Overcast Olives are a mixture of gothic goddesses and tangy olives, dark and smooth on the outside but mighty hard on the inside. Challenge this one to duel and you’re in for a long drawn battle that will outlast most enemies. And so with my latte over and biscotti crumbs left, I got thinking, do we all fall distinctly into these categories, or are we as Carrie Bradshaw would put it, “A mixture of all of the above but none in particular.” I guess it’s a bit of all these that makes a woman - a sprinkle of sunshine, a touch of siren, overcast when need be, and smouldering in the desire to be above the rest.

www.dazzle-magazine.com

Bedazzled Relationships

What’s He Thinking? Ever wondered why men do the things they do, or what they really like or hate about women? Well, don’t lose sleep over it because we’re here to help…

Since the beginning of time, women have been labelled as ‘difficult to understand’ by the opposite sex, and for good reason; we’re emotional trainwrecks, moody, and we have the whole PMS thing that inevitably contributes to our bizarre behaviour. But what about men? They don’t have to deal with any of these issues, yet we can’t seem to figure out what goes on in their warped minds. Like the simple task of finding out whether a guy likes you or not; a woman will go out of her way to make it obvious, with the silly giggles, pointless bodycontact, and excessive hair backflips, but the guy just doesn’t seem to budge. One minute he acts like you’re the light of his eyes, and the next minute he gives you the cold shoulder, leaving you baffled and frustrated. It’s instances like these that make us wish we had a mind-reading device that could tell us what exactly he’s thinking, but sadly for us, this amazing gadget won’t be hitting the shelves anytime soon. So what’s the next best option? Well, what you should know is that men might come in different shapes and sizes, but almost all of them have the same mentality. So the best way to figure a guy out is to ask the rest of his species and we did just that. We got some of our favourite men to share their insight on the inner workings of the Martian brain and they had some very interesting things to say… The Girls: What do guys really

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mean when they say they want some time to themselves to rethink the relationship? The Guys: Well, a guy’s action doesn’t always directly relate to what he actually wants to convey. Usually, it means that we need space and we can’t even bear the thought of being around the girlfriend because we’re thinking of calling it quits. It could also be an attempt to make the partner apologise for something she did.

scared of commitment? The Guys: Because most of us have high libido and the thought of committing ourselves to one woman ruins our chances to venture out more. Plus, women crave security and expect a lot from us in a committed relationship, which freaks us out. And contrary to popular belief, we’re not hard-hearted and we’re often scared to take the plunge because we don’t want to get our hearts broken!

The Girls: Why don’t men ever want to talk about relationship problems? The Guys: Because women make a mountain out of a molehill and we’re better off not dealing with their menial issues! We would rather prefer to spend some quality time with them, without having to explain ourselves for every small thing.

The Girls: Do attached men fantasize about other women? The Guys: Yes, and you can’t blame us because it’s in our hormones! Actually, all normal guys fantasize about women, whether they’re in a committed relationship or not. There’s a reason why we’re allowed to make three mistakes, so women should understand that and satisfy us by playing out the fantasies we have!

The Girls: When can you tell if a guy has really fallen for you? The Guys: When he’s willing to ditch his boys to cuddle up with you and watch a boring romantic movie, when he wants to pamper you and give you everything you ever wanted, when he cheers you up not because he has to, but because he wants to, and when he starts making changes in his life to become a better man. The Girls: Should I be suspicious if my man is in touch with his ex? The Guys: To a certain extent, yes, because some of us may be friends with our exes because we share a special bond with them that doesn’t exist with our current partners. But there are a lot of exceptions; some may do it to make their partners jealous, while others may share nothing but a genuine friendship that isn’t the least bit romantic, but these are very few. The Girls: Why are all men

The Girls: Is it normal for guys to use the L-word casually? The Guys: No, love is a big deal for us and we wouldn’t just use it for the heck of it. Love means companionship, support, compatibility, warmth, and passion, so using it casually kind of destroys its purpose. However, some of us do use it casually, but only if the girl uses it first, because then we both know that it doesn’t really mean anything. The Girls: What are some of the things that guys hate about girls? The Guys: We absolutely hate clingy girls! Ladies, please understand that guys need their space and we cannot spend every waking minute with our girlfriends because it’s exhausting and boring! We also can’t stand possessiveness, pretentiousness, constant nagging, loudness, expecting too much, non-stop gossiping, and

dumbness. The Girls: What turns men off? The Guys: Not being able to leave the cell phone alone for two minutes, bad body odour, mismatched clothes, strong perfume, and too much attention-seeking. And of course there’s the makeup issue; hiding your face behind endless coats of makeup isn’t hot, we want to see the real deal! The Girls: What causes men to lose interest in the relationship? The Guys: Well, a lot of us lose interest when there are no more surprises to look forward to. Basically, things start getting too predictable and it gets mentally exhausting to put up with the same issues day in and day out. In fact, one of the biggest reasons for losing interest is the lack of physical satisfaction, which again is because everything becomes too familiar. The Girls: How important is it for guys to have thin girlfriends? The Guys: It’s quite important because a woman’s curves are what make her beautiful and attractive, but she doesn’t have to be stick-thin either. It also depends on what the guy is like; if he cares about his image, he’ll want a hot chick beside him, but if he’s the type that doesn’t prioritise his image, he’ll definitely not care about his girlfriend’s body type. The Girls: What does it mean when a guy introduces his girlfriend to his mother? The Guys: Well, it usually means that we see some kind of a future with the girl and we want her to get to know our family. But this doesn’t mean that we’re dead serious about it either; our advice to you is to just go with the flow and not think too much into it.

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Bedazzled Friendships

Is Your Friend Toxic? Certain friendships start off on a good note, only to turn bitter and negative with the passage of time. Take this quiz and find out if you’re stuck in a toxic friendship… Has your friend ever put you down to make herself look better? A. Yes, she loves to compare her so-called exciting life with my boring life. B. Yes, but it’s always for silly things like gadgets, clothes, and so on. C. Sometimes, but never in front of other people.

when something good happens to you? A. She has to find a glitch and make me feel bad about it. Nothing is ever good enough for her. B. She’s usually happy for me, but I sense some jealousy at times. C. She takes me out to celebrate.

How often does she make fun of you? A. How often? I’m always the punch line of her jokes! B. Quite often, but she usually apologises if she carries the joke too far. C. It’s a mutual thing, she makes fun of me and I make fun of her. We don’t get upset over it.

What’s her typical reaction when something bad happens to you? A. She pretends to care, but it doesn’t even last an hour. B. She gets upset and gives me the whole I-told-you-so talk. C. She sticks by me to make sure I’m doing fine.

How do you both deal with misunderstandings in the friendship? A. It’s beyond her dignity to apologise, so I always have to patch things up, regardless of whether it’s my fault or not. B. We both usually stop talking till a friend of ours decides to intervene. C. We talk the matter out and clear the air before things get bitter.

What’s her behaviour with you like when other people are around? A. She ignores me and tries her best to make sure everyone else does the same. B. She turns very sarcastic and picks on me for every small thing I do. C. She’s pretty much the same.

When was the last time you both spent some quality time together? A. I can’t even remember the last time we hung out and had fun. B. A couple of months ago, we don’t really meet up that often. C. Last week, we can’t go for long without seeing each other.

How good is she at keeping your secrets? A. Terrible! Telling her a secret is as good as getting it published in the newspaper. B. She’s a big mouth, but she tells me if she spills a secret of mine. C. I can trust her completely with my secrets.

How would you describe your friendship with her? A. We both have different interests and neither of us is really getting anything out of this friendship. B. Confusing, she has her good days and bad days. It’s like we’re treading on thin ice. C. It has its ups and downs, but we’ve accepted each other for what we are and we have a pretty steady friendship.

Is she fond of your family? A. Not at all, she has a serious problem with my husband and children. B. A little bit, but she loves to criticise the way I’ve brought up my children. C. Are you kidding me? She loves my family; more than I do! Is she fond of your other friends? A. Not really, she keeps making me choose between her and all my other friends. B. She seems perfectly normal when she’s with them, but she has a bad habit of talking behind their backs. C. She doesn’t like some of them, but she has never imposed her opinions on me. What’s her typical reaction 20

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What’s her normal reaction when you buy something

expensive for yourself? A. She buys something that’s more expensive. B. She always gets the exact same thing. C. She might say she’s jealous, but she never tries to compete.

Toxic Metre Find out which option you’ve ticked the most and read on… Mostly A’s: Break Up Now Your friend is toxic and she has no respect for you or the friendship. Such a friend seeks only one thing from friendships: to feel good about herself by manipulating others and putting them down. Carrying on such a friendship will do you more harm than good, so let your friend know that you’re not a doormat and kiss the toxic friendship goodbye! Mostly B’s: Work It Out Your friendship is definitely headed towards disaster, but there’s still time to salvage it. Your pal could be acting out because of certain insecurities or misunderstandings, so have a heartfelt talk with her and discuss the issues that are bothering you. Furthermore, set boundaries for what you’re willing to take and give in the friendship and establish a common ground of understanding. Mostly C’s: Stick To It You and your pal share a genuine friendship and both of you should be proud of yourselves for handling the friendship with maturity and understanding. The bond that the two of you share is so strong that no misunderstanding in the world could hamper what you have, and that’s the mark of a true friendship.

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Inspire Careers

Work’s Precious 4 Weeks Your vacation is a four-week reward for slaving away the other 48 weeks of the year, so take off in style and do something out of the ordinary, says Susan Bryant… Getting a month off from work isn’t long at all and most of us wish we had some more time off. Until this wish becomes a reality, how can you make the most of your precious vacation? In the book ‘Vacations That Can Change Your Life’, author Ellen Lederman describes more than 200 adventures, retreats and workshops that can turn your next vacation into a life-altering experience. If just reading about these exciting escapades gives you an adrenaline rush, imagine what it would be like to experience them firsthand.

JUL-SEP 2013

Photo Safaris Your co-workers will actually want to see pictures from your vacation if you take this trip. Travel with professional wildlife photographers to the world’s most scenic locations to photograph exotic animals. Tours could take you to Alaska to see humpback whales, Zambia to catch a solar eclipse, or Manitoba to chill with the polar bears. New York Film Academy Do you have an inner Steven Spielberg just waiting to come out? If so, check out the workshops offered at the New York

Film Academy, where you can write, direct, shoot and edit a series of short film projects of your own. By the end of the first week, you’ll be making a movie! National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) If your idea of a fun vacation includes camping in the snow, carrying a 70-pound backpack or honing your survival skills, join other outdoor enthusiasts to test your skills in one of the many wilderness classrooms offered by NOLS. Who says spelunking or sea kayaking can’t go on a

resume? Camp Winnarainbow It’s not too late to run off and join the circus after all. This vacation will find you learning to juggle, walk on stilts, ride a unicycle and swing on a trapeze. The director of the camp, Wavy Gravy, promises ‘big fun’ or you get your money back. This is definitely something you have to experience. Earthwatch Earthwatch allows volunteers to assist scientists on environmental research expeditions throughout the world. You could spend your vacation floating among the mangroves of Belize to collect data on endangered manatees, researching the wild dolphin societies in Florida, or bushwhacking through the backcountry of the US Isle Royale to learn about moose and wolf populations. Global Volunteers

Make the world a better place with this vacation. According to its website, Global Volunteers wants to ‘wage peace worldwide by helping to establish mutual understanding between people of diverse cultures’. Travelling with this group allows you to contribute to human and economic development projects across the globe. Iowa Summer Writing Festival Stretch those creative muscles in this festival’s workshops on writing poetry, fiction, plays, screenplays, children’s literature and more. Who knows? Maybe you can quit your job to write a great, influential novel after this vacation. Hollyhock If you want to return from your vacation relaxed, refreshed and recharged, try going for a holistic experience. This retreat centre, located along the coastline of British Columbia, promises

a warm, supportive environment for relaxation, experiential learning and creative self-expression. Power Places Tours This spiritually oriented tour company allows travellers to experience many mystical places. Upcoming trips include seeing the Sphinx in Egypt at sunrise on the Equinox and experiencing the June Solstice at Machu Picchu in Peru. Trying a unique vacation experience requires a certain degree of risk. Those four weeks are precious and if your choice doesn’t meet your expectations, you will regret it. But returning to your usual vacation spot will probably result in your usual vacation. Consider taking the road less travelled the next time you take time off. You will undoubtedly learn something new about yourself, which may result in going back to a new job altogether!

Before You Go Start your vacation worry-free by taking care of these details first: • Determine who will handle questions or problems in your absence. Brief this person about where the projects are, who might be calling, and why. • Set a reply message on your email notifying people that you’re on vacation and who they can contact in your absence. • Remind your boss, co-workers, and clients that you will be on vacation a week before you leave. • Clean up your workspace before you go. Nothing kills a vacation buzz like returning to an avalanche of papers, mail, and files. • Leave your cell phone, palm pilot, and laptop at home and resist the urge to call and check in with the office.

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Inspire Column

Naming For Power

There is nothing more potent and damaging to a brand than a confining name identity, which is weak in personality, poor in alpha structure, or handicapped by trademark barriers because it eventually closes itself off and dies a slow death. A study, ‘The GCC Business Names Suitability & Global Image Analysis’, indicated that 96% of GCC name-identities have fallen short of a Five Star Naming Standard. This shortcoming leads to prolonged, expensive battles to gain global mindshare and ditching marketing and branding efforts to revive the weak name identity. The findings from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar pinpointed challenges that the GCC faces in maximizing its global presence. These issues are also similar to the West’s problematic period during the 70’s and 80’s, when names consisted of family surnames, geographic locations, or words coined from the dictionary. Family names were eventually dropped due to family disputes, while geographic names imposed self-inflicted regional restrictions, and dictionary words became too commonplace to distinguish the business. These problems, which are commonplace all over the world, have created the need for globally accepted, protected, and suitable names that work as marketing weapons, not odd names tightly wrapped under expensive logo design as an attempt to cover up its inherent flaws. Today, GCC name-identities fall primarily into three main types: Surnames: 41% Although, the use of family names signifies the long traditional history and credibility behind the family name, but much like the West, as families grow and businesses diversify, a family name becomes too complex to manage. Furthermore, there is 24

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the additional problem of identical surnames from different families. Geographic names: 19% Naming a brand after a country, city, or village may sound nationalistic, but the presence of thousands of other similar name identities will make it very difficult to distinguish one geographic brand from another. Globalization and e-commerce demands border-free access that is capable of transgressing any regional boundaries, hence, making such names counterproductive. Dictionary names: 36% They are freely available to the masses and therefore impossible to establish a unique image and claim to complete ownership. With dictionary names, domain names are impossible to attain when names are stretched or initialized. Fabricated Names: 4% A small number of overly creative and unusual sounding names branded in the cyber-cultural trend represent a small group, but such names are often very shortlived. Modern day cyber-lingo and text messaging have created highly abbreviated terms, which again may phase out with the next trend. This study, which was conducted by ABC Namebank International, Toronto - New York, pointed to three solid facts: Names are for the future, not the past The modern market demands a global approach; in this new era, success will be defined by how sharp and capable nameidentities are for transgressing borders and adapting to foreign

regions. Today’s customers are well aware of this and demand accordingly. Names are for the customers, not the CEO Out there is a hidden universe of a billon unknown customers, who are impartial to the stories of how the name was created rather what message it tells them. More often than not, a once successful name-identity of the past becomes unfit for global travel. Names alone will ensure 100% ownership Names like SONY, Panasonic or Rolex are 100% owned nameidentity brands and there is no confusion about that what so ever. Logos and colour themes cannot be 100% owned. So if a corporation can own its head quarter building, why not also 100% of the name? Today in the GCC 95% of name-identities cannot acquire 100% ownership. The Five Star Standard of Naming, www.fivestarstandard. com, awards stars based on stringent principles: uniqueness, ease of use, relevance to the business, a matching dotcom, and a global trademark protection. ABC Namebank introduced this concept two decades ago. Naseem Javed, nj@njabc.com, who founded ABC Namebank International, www.abcnamebank. com, in Toronto and New York, has created global name identities which, when combined, receive a turnover of $40 billion per annum. He is currently lecturing in Dubai and Toronto, www.azna.com.

Glow

5Health Embarrassing Problems

Health

Have you ever been a victim of an embarrassing health problem that made you ask God, “Why me?” Was your problem so humiliating that you had to hide it from everyone and suffer all alone? Well, hiding isn’t the best option, especially when it comes to health issues, because what’s embarrassing today can be lifethreatening tomorrow. This is why we’re shedding light on the five most mortifying health conditions that every woman should know about: Urinary Incontinence Urinary Incontinence is the accidental leakage of urine that happens when you cough, sneeze, or have a sudden urge to go to the bathroom but can’t get there in time. Factors such as pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, and the structure of the female urinary path make it twice as more common in women than in men. Furthermore, sufferers avoid going out in public and become less active because of embarrassment. Why Does It Happen?

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Its main causes are stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence is caused by stretched pelvic floor muscles that result from childbirth and weight gain. When these muscles fail to support the bladder properly, it drops down and pushes against the vagina, preventing tightening of the muscles that close off the urethra. This results in leakage when you exert pressure laughing, coughing, or sneezing. Urge incontinence surfaces when the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily, often caused by age related changes in the muscle, strokes, and kidney or bladder stones. How Can It Be Cured? Stress incontinence can be cured by doing pelvic floor exercises, timed urination training, making lifestyle changes such as diet control and weight loss, and using certain medical devices such as pessaries. If these techniques don’t work, surgery can help reverse the condition. For urge incontinence, the most helpful cure is to learn how to retrain the

By Hafsa Mahfooz

bladder. With bladder retraining, you can increase how long you can wait before urinating by trying to delay after you get the urge to go. Medications can also be used, but they tend to have rather bothersome side effects. Avoidant Paruresis Avoidant paruresis, or bashful bladder syndrome, is a social anxiety disorder that involves the inability to pass urine in the presence of others. Sufferers often panic in situations where they have to use public restrooms as they feel that their personal space is being invaded. It can start at any age and affects mainly boys or men, but the number of female sufferers is also dangerously on the rise. Why Does It Happen? There are three main triggers that influence sufferers in public restrooms. The first is familiarity with other people present in the room, meaning that there is greater inhibition in front of strangers than with friends and relatives. The second trigger is proximity, which includes both

physical and psychological proximity; while the former refers to the closeness of others in the restroom, the latter involves the need for privacy. The third trigger is temporary psychological states such as anxiety, anger, and fear. People who are overly sensitive about the sounds and smells they make while urinating are usually fearful of being criticised and this arouses their nervous system. How Can It Be Cured? Treatment is usually dependant on individual circumstances and a multidisciplinary approach to management is required. Medication is made necessary only in cases where psychological factors such as anxiety and depression are present. Behavioural therapy has been effective in reducing paruresis symptoms, and bethanechol chloride, a drug that prompts urination by contracting the bladder muscle, is suggested to improve results of behavioural therapy programmes for paruresis. Piles Piles are swellings on the inside of the anal canal that can reach the size of a grape if left ignored. Although they develop from inside the anal canal, they can hang down out of their normal place, causing severe discomfort and pain. There are four types of piles, namely first degree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree, each one being a bigger pain in the behind (pun intended!) than its predecessor. Why Does It Happen? The exact cause of piles isn’t known, but it’s suggested that they’re caused by the weakness of the tissue that connects the anal cushions to the muscle layers underneath. Due to this weakness, the anal cushions slide out of their normal place and down the back passage. You may also have an increased risk of getting piles if you have

constipation, diarrhoea, or if you eat a low-fibre diet. How Can It Be Cured? To keep your bowel movements soft, drink plenty of water and stock up on fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain cereals. If these foods don’t help, you could try ispaghula husk, which is a fibre supplement, or mild laxatives such as lactulose as it helps softens the faeces. To ease the pain and itchiness, you can apply soothing creams, ointments, and suppositories, but consult your doctor first. Surgery is also an effective option to get rid of piles once and for all. Anal Itching Anal itching is annoying and downright troublesome as it can literally dominate a person’s life! Because it’s difficult to keep the area around the anus clean and dry, the skin becomes irritated and inflamed, thus resulting in a never-ending itching sensation. Scratching the area does provide temporary relief, but it also damages the skin further and results in a frustrating itch-scratch cycle. Why Does It Happen? While poor hygiene contributes to anal itching for obvious reasons, excessive cleaning, especially with harsh soaps and brushes, is equally responsible. Other triggers include leakage of faeces, using wet tissues that contain perfume, alcohol, or preservatives, and allergies to certain chemicals present in soaps and bubble baths. Furthermore, certain foods such as curry, citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes, coffee, or tea are also likely triggers. How Can It Be Cured? You should wash the anal area after passing stool for no more than three times a day with a perfume-free soap. Doctors also recommend using aqueous cream as a cleanser; apply the cream, massage it gently over the area,

and then rinse off. If you use shower gels, make sure that you rinse thoroughly so that nothing remains between the buttocks. It’s also a good idea to wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tights and elastic shapewear underwear as they cause sweating and moistness in the anal area. Belly Button Infection The belly button can easily become infected by Candida or other fungi because it’s the perfect warm crevice that fungi like to breed in. A fungal infection in the belly button will look red and may also be itchy. Bacteria may also attack the region, often taking advantage of the damage already done by fungi and this leads to scabbing and a smelly yellow discharge. The pungent smell of this discharge is so strong that it clings onto clothes and causes bad body odour. Why Does It Happen? The most likely culprit for a navel fungal infection is Candida, but other fungi love belly buttons too. In addition, yeast and bacterial infections are also likely causes. Scratching the infected area often leads to open wounds and this can also cause bleeding in certain cases. Furthermore, the open sores caused by scratching can lead to a secondary bacterial infection, thus resulting in the smelly discharge. How Can It Be Cured? When cleaning the belly button, don’t try to turn it inside-out and just wash it normally using salty water. Using antiseptics is a complete no-no because they can irritate the skin and make it worse. If the yellow discharge doesn’t disappear within two weeks, consult your doctor as you may require antibiotic creams. No matter how embarrassing the it is, do not hesitate to seek medical help because it could also be an internal infection, so fight it out before it turns into something serious.

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Ask Nisrine Glow

Health Dilemmas

My diabetic daughter is going back to school this September and I’m really worried about her health while in school. Can you give me some advice to keep her safe there? Safa, Jeddah Parents and guardians create many checklists when it comes time to send their kids back to school. These lists include school supplies and clothing to be purchased, setting up schedules for the school year, choosing extracurricular activities, and establishing a school year routine. Parents and guardians who have a child with diabetes need to create an additional diabetes management checklist to ensure their child’s diabetes needs are met in the school setting and to ensure their child is treated fairly. There are 215,000 children in the United States with diabetes under age 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Diabetes Association’s Safe at School campaign works tirelessly to ensure that children with diabetes are medically safe in a school setting and have the same educational opportunities as their classmates.

Ask Nisrine

“Having a plan in place to ensure access to diabetes care at school is essential for all children living with diabetes,” says Linda M. Siminerio, a registered nurse and cochairperson of the American Diabetes Association’s Safe at School Working Group. “When a nurse is not present, and there is no trained staff to provide diabetes care, children are placed in a potentially medically dangerous situation.”

The Safe at School campaign offers many tools and resources for parents, school personnel, and health care professionals that can help with the preparation of going back-to-school at www.diabetes.org/safeatschool. 28

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Answer Source: Brandpoint.com.

Diabetes is a serious chronic illness that must be managed 24/7. Children who are able to self-manage their diabetes should be permitted to do so at school to maximize safety and minimize missed classroom time. Children who are not able to self-manage their diabetes need to rely on a school nurse or trained school employee who can administer the insulin - or in an emergency, a life-saving glucagon injection - and help with other diabetes care.

Email Nisrine Kreidieh at: nisrine@dazzlemagazine.com or by post to the Dazzle KSA office.

Ask Nisrine

Items parents and guardians of children with diabetes should put on their back-toschool checklists include: * Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) or physician’s orders for the upcoming school year developed by the child’s diabetes care provider. The DMMP sets out the child’s diabetes care regimen while the child is in the school setting and provides the foundation for the development of the child’s Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). * Meeting with the child’s school nurse, teachers, and all other staff who will be interacting with the child - including the gym teacher and coaches - to explain and teach the child’s individual diabetes management needs and to make sure they understand how to recognize and treat hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. * Working with the child’s school nurse, principal, and 504 coordinator to make sure each staff member understands his or her roles and responsibilities to meet the child’s needs, as contained in the child’s DMMP and Section 504 Plan/IEP. * Being a valuable resource for the school nurse in helping to identify tools for training school personnel and making sure school staff members have the information they need to recognize and treat diabetes emergencies. * Encourage the child to educate his or her peers about their diabetes. Ask his or her teacher if the child can give a short presentation in class to discuss how they manage their diabetes, perhaps including a demonstration on how the child checks blood glucose or gives insulin. It may also be helpful to teach classmates to notify a teacher if the child is exhibiting symptoms of hypoglycaemia. The more a child’s classmates have awareness and understanding of diabetes, the better they can support them in their management of the disease.

Sparkle Beauty

Henna Handicraft Henna is a form of art that differs from culture to culture, but what remains the same is its ability to make every woman feel beautiful. Find out how you can make the most of your henna experience this Ramadanâ&#x20AC;Ś While Arabic henna designs are usually large with floral patterns on the hands, Indian henna involves fine, thin lines for lacy, floral and paisley patterns covering the entire hand and forearms. In fact, most traditional henna patterns are based on very simple shapes, like circles, triangles, and lines. These shapes are artistically combined to create intricate patterns and designs. The most common designs for hands include flower arches, henna web, flower net, flowery trails, lucky lotus, leaves chains, and so on. Furthermore, different designs hold distinctive meanings in each culture; while some are associated with good health, fertility, and protection, others connote wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Designs for the feet involve painting beautiful and elaborate patterns with a dye made from crushed leaves of the henna plant.

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The Middle Eastern style consists mostly of floral patterns inspired by Arabic carvings, paintings and textiles; this casual style doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually follow a specific pattern. The North American style accentuates the

shape of the feet using geometric floral patterns, while the Indian and Pakistani designs are made up of intricate, repetitive paisley patterns, lines, and teardrops. Some of the popular designs for feet include flowers, leafy tendrils, and abstract shapes. Usually, the side or bottom of the foot is decorated with blocks of colour. Although the application is a little

difficult, you can create gorgeous designs with just a bit of concentration. Surprisingly enough, henna tattoos are immensely popular across all cultures. Essentially, henna tattoos combine traditional designs with the latest trends, thus blending the best of both worlds. From tiny roses on shoulders to full body motifs, these tattoos have made their way into the mainstream life as a modern genre of artistic expression. Furthermore, to get a unique shade, artists mix the paste with the leaves and fruit of other plants, such as indigo, tea, coffee, cloves, and lemon. Sugar and oil are also added to the mixture to strengthen the colour and longevity of the design.

Henna Your Hand Follow these steps to get a flawless henna application for your handsâ&#x20AC;Ś 1. Make a smooth paste by sifting the dry powder to remove any debris and adding to it a hot mixture of tea or coffee and mustard oil until it has a mud-like firmness. 2. After the paste is ready, take a plastic cone with a very fine keyhole at the end and pour the paste into it. Tie the broader end with a rubber band. 3. Hold the cone in the right hand and gently squeeze the paste on the palm and start making patterns. 4. Keep the palm horizontal and let the patterned-paste rest on it till it dries. 5. Warm it near the fire and leave it on for as long as it takes to get the stains deeper. 6. When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost dry, dab a piece of cotton in a sugar and lemon solution and apply lightly on the design so it further darkens to a reddish-brown hue. 7. Wash the hands with plain water after two to four hours. www.dazzle-magazine.com

Ask Sonja

Sparkle

Beauty Dilemmas

I’m always on the run and with college starting soon, it’s even more important that I do my makeup quickly; can you help? Joslen, Riyadh The back-to-school season will hasten the pace of morning routines for everyone, from busy moms to college students. Fitting your makeup regimen into a hectic schedule can make it challenging to achieve just the right look. Moms need a quick, easy look that holds up to daily demands with little maintenance. College girls need versatility that will carry them from the classroom to the club. And first-time makeup wearers will experiment and explore to discover their own personal style. The pros at EcoTools, maker of beauty tools using renewable, recycled, and cruelty-free materials, offer some advice for creating three easy-to-manage looks for mothers, college students, and new makeup wearers as back-to-school season gets underway.

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Mom’s Flawless Face No one wants to pull up to the carpool line with under-eye bags and sallow skin, but painstaking makeup application just isn’t practical. Focus on the products that will provide the most impact in the shortest amount of time, including concealer, mascara, and blush. EcoTools Fresh & Flawless Five Piece Complexion Set speeds up morning makeup application by putting every brush you need at your fingertips. First, apply a coat of your favourite foundation over your entire face. A tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF can be great time-savers. Cover imperfections with concealer, and buff out the edges to seamlessly blend together. Apply translucent powder to eliminate shine and create a smooth canvas, and then eliminate any visible makeup lines with a clean brush. Apply mascara, blush, and lipstick, and you’re ready to head out the door in pulled-together perfection.

Confused about makeup? Having a problem making the most of your features? What products to use? Ask Sonja to solve your problems!

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Answer Source: Brandpoint.com.

To learn more about the looks mentioned and the tools needed to achieve them, visit EcoTools on Facebook.

Ask Sonja

Back To Basics As first-timers begin to experiment with makeup, it’s best to keep things simple. Stick with the adage “less is more” to avoid clownish cheeks, over-lined lips, and embarrassing class photos. The EcoTools Six Piece Starter Set makes it easy for even a makeup novice to achieve an effortless, clean minimalist makeup look. Use a concealer brush to gently dab concealer over blemishes or imperfections. Set in place with a layer of translucent powder, and apply a rosy pink shade of blush to the apples of the cheeks. For the eyes, choose a neutral shadow that is close to your skin tone and apply it to the entire eyelid. A second shadow, two shades darker than your skin tone, can help define the crease of your eyelid. Apply dark brown gel liner close to your lash line and one coat of black or dark brown mascara. Bold brows are in, so don’t over pluck. Instead, use a lash and brow groomer to tame any stray hairs and brush brows into place. A swipe of sheer, shimmery lip-gloss tops off this fresh, youthful look.

sonja@dazzle-magazine.com

Chic College Night Out For daytime classes, concealer, mascara, and blush serve college students well. At night, play up your best features while staying on-trend for fall. The EcoTools Six Piece Day-to-Night Clutch Set makes the transition from demure to diva a snap. Use concealer to touch up any unevenness in your complexion, and stop shine with a translucent powder. A round powder brush can do double duty as an applicator for bronzer or blush. Apply bronzer just under cheekbones and swipe blush just above the bronzer. Metallic eye shadows are hot this fall, and a stay-there shadow brush allows you to give lids a wash of copper tone. Create a smoky effect by applying and blending a darker brown shadow to the outer corners and creases of your eyes. Smudged dark-brown liner and two coats of mascara complete the sultry eye effect. Finally, finish up with a neutral lipstick and let your eyes take centre stage.

Sparkle

Cover Catwalk

Carolina Herrera’s Summer Brides “I had just seen the Cecil Beaton Exhibit in London and was so taken with it that I wanted to design a collection based on the beauty he portrayed - the blacks, the whites, the fantasy of it all.” With an innovative approach to construction and a strong concentration on glamour and individuality, Carolina Herrera presents her Spring 2013 Bridal Collection. “This is not a collection that is occupied by trends, but one with a more personal purpose. Each gown is designed with a specific woman in mind and with the intention of creating something that represents her personal style. There are gowns here for all types of brides and destinations,” says Herrera.

and shapes to suit their personal style.” Embodying the notions of borrowed, blue, old, and new, Herrera accessorized many of the looks with jewellery from her personal collection. “It has to be personal. Without a touch of personality, it’s just a dress.” As always the petticoat of each gown is embroidered with the bride’s initials in blue matching the grosgrain bow stitched into every waist. “I love the hidden details.” Article & Images: Courtesy and copyright of Carolina Herrera.

Introducing playful separates

such as the lace blouse that accompanies a strapless gown to the detachable ball skirt that transitions into a short cocktail style for the reception, an ample range is shown for all types of brides. Offering a juxtaposition of shapes and volumes, the Spring/Summer 2013 collection caters to various aesthetics and tastes. “On her wedding day a woman should be certain that she has found a dress that makes her feel confident and above all else, beautiful. It’s important that we provide women with a range of styles

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Ivy Ivory lace column gown with blue lace detail and matching lace blouse.

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Sparkle

Cover Catwalk

Inga Ivory fully embroidered lace V-neck gown.

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Ingrid Ivory guipure lace column gown with ivory faille overskirt and hand painted veil.

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Sparkle

Cover Catwalk

Ines Champagne satin crepe one shoulder draped gown with brooch.

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Isis Off-white silk mikado strapless peplum gown with embroidered skirt.

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Sparkle

Cover Catwalk

Iliana Off-white silk gazar gown with silk organza band appliquĂŠ.

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Isadora Ivory faille off-shoulder ball gown with ribbon detail.

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Sparkle

Cover Catwalk

Ilyssa Off-white organza strapless ball gown with black picot edge trimming.

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Ilona Champagne and ivory strapless gown with draped pocket detail.

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Sparkle

Cover Catwalk

Iggy Ivory faille strapless bubble dress.

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Indiana Ivory cotton and silk mikado blazer with duchess satin detail, ivory silk crepe pant, ivory lace, and organza blouse with bow detail.

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Sparkle

Cover Catwalk

Iman Off-white silk hammered satin crepe cowl neck gown with embroidery.

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Ina White crinkle chiffon gown with embroidered straps.

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Brilliant

Back-To-School Tech Back-to-school tech trends that keep kids in touch… Chances are your young kids love to play games on their tablets or even your smartphone, and your teens and college students rely on technology to stay in touch with friends. But as they head back to school, keep in mind technology can also help students discover the joy of learning and keep them on track with their schoolwork. “Technology is a natural part of learning for kids today,” says Conor Kearney, VP of

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computing for office supply giant Staples. “And where once teachers might have viewed technology in the classroom as a distraction, today they are finding ways to integrate it into lessons - and helping students connect with material through the technology they already love.” As your children head back to school, here are a handful of tech trends that can help make the school year more productive and fun:

Chromebooks put the shine on learning - Chromebooks are easy-to-use, lightweight laptops that run the popular Google operating system. Their portability and ease of use make them perfect for youngsters just learning how to use technology in the classroom. Samsung, HP, and Acer all offer Chromebooks, and you can find them online at Staples.com. And talking about tablets - Smaller, lighter weight,

Brandpoint.com. Images: Courtesy and copyright of their respective brands.

Technology

and powerful, tablets are a great alternative to full-sized laptops, fitting easily into backpacks and totes. Tablets such as the Microsoft Surface, Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Note 8.0, and Kindle Fire HD help students stay connected online and in and out of the classroom. There’s an app for that - No conversation about technology is complete without the right software to complement your hardware. Learning apps abound, so start out by consulting with your child’s teacher to see if he or she will be working with students using a specific app or website this year. Then head over to pcmag.com for reviews and information on the best learning apps for children. Accessories make the tech Although technology is becoming more durable

every year, most kids can still use some help keeping their tech tools in good shape. Jansport sleeves combine fashion and function in a wide assortment of tablet sleeves and laptop cases. Kids can choose from animal prints to plaids and even neon accents. For those who want to combine the roominess of a backpack with the protection of a laptop case, the Jansport Superbreak Sleeve is a durable and fashionable option. Free university learning Parents who purchase a qualified touchscreen laptop from Staples can also enrol their college-age students in Microsoft Office 365 University for free. The program (usually sold for $79.99) provides students with four years of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote, and Outlook for free. To be eligible, purchasers must show valid college/university identification or an original acceptance letter to a postsecondary school along with their photo ID.

They offer a variety of tech services for just $99 each, including setting up your student’s PC, getting your data vault (including cloud backup, Internet security, and virus protection) up and running or coming to your home to make sure your wireless network is functioning properly.

Making it all easy - Wireless networking, cloud backup, data protection - it can all get pretty confusing for a parent. Fortunately, Staples EasyTech associates have the expertise and answers to help.

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Interiors

e f i L l a y The Ro

The Royal Plaza Hotel in Montreux incorporates overall modernity and tranquillity in its décor. The simplicity of its style makes it a home away from home… Every room in the Royal Plaza Hotel has a personality of its own, yet there’s a similar theme of chic simplicity that brings the entire hotel together as a whole. Shades of orange, green, and white are the most prominent colours in the décor, blending seamlessly with each other to create a lively, colourful, and festive atmosphere. The look is toned down with classy, understated furniture that inevitably

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adds grace and charm to the ambience. Upon entering the hotel, you can’t help but notice the extravagance of the lobby. Different shades of gold, bronze, and brown are meticulously incorporated into the furniture, flooring, and roofing, giving it an unmistakable royal appeal. Furthermore, using marble in the wide, spacious lobby not

only compliments the royal look, but also sets the overall theme of tasteful simplicity. This lavish look is completed with lush plants that extend a warm, relaxing invitation to the guests. The hotel’s criosette and piano area steps it up a notch when it comes to understated luxury. The patterned walls of the room, chair covers, and the hardwood flooring compliment each other

Article & Images: Courtessy and copyright of The Royal Plaza Hotel, Montreux.

Brilliant

in a subtle, yet artistic manner, thus giving the room uniformity. In addition, wall paintings and mirrors are also incorporated and add an element of surprise. You can instantly notice the attention to detail that has been paid to the dining area as contrasting colours compliment each other; white and peachbased linens are paired with contrasting black and red chairs that are smartly matched with the table’s rose arrangement. A very interesting table arrangement is in the hotel’s wedding hall. The satin covered table adorns itself with gorgeous silverware and a colourful centre arrangement that is classy, sophisticated, and elegant. The simple and chic look of the table is not only easy to achieve, but it’s also perfect for all those very special occasions. But if you think incorporating this look will cost you a fortune, think again because there are several options in the market that cater to different price ranges and preferences. So we suggest you shop around because it’s definitely worth it. Rooms Redefined

In keeping with the overall theme of luxurious simplicity, the hotels’ suites focus only on the most basic necessities, enhancing both their beauty and functionality. Different shades of orange and brown dominate the overall look, thus giving it a soothing and mellow appearance. The patterned wall and orange bedding blend with different shades of green in the form of cushions, paintings, and table lamps; this results in a beautiful fusion that surrounds itself in an invigorating and revitalising aura. Furthermore, putting mirrors opposite the window brightens up the room and gives it life. An interesting variation of the suite coucher, this room flirts with bolder colours and fixtures. For instance, the walls are bright and summery with striped yellow wallpaper, enhanced knob detailing adds personality to the bedside tables, and green is more prominently used on the chairs and coffee tables. Furthermore, a bed chest that is a few shades darker than the bedding adds substance to the room and effectively serves both seating and storage

options. Entirely different from the orange themed rooms are the essentially green rooms that consist of a combination of unique patterns and styles. The furniture is kept simple and basic and attention is given to overall uniformity as opposed to colour contrast. The bedding is simple and modern, with the addition of striped cushions that are perfectly matched with the curtains. In addition, plain lampshades in different styles are placed throughout the room, which breaks the monotony. The living room of the hotel’s suite imbibes a royal look with pristine shades of white, brown, and royal blue. The furniture follows a traditional English theme, but hints at modernity. For instance, old English style lamps and traditional drapes are paired with modern fixtures and sofas to give the room a neat blend of both the past and present. Furthermore, the sofas are adorned with different cushions that playfully match the room’s decorative pieces and flower arrangements, which gives it a tasteful personality.

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Brilliant Travel

Magical Mykonos

Mykonos is the Ibiza of Greece. It’s a beautiful island, which looks just like the postcards: white little houses with flowers, blue windows and doors, hand painted streets, windmills, pigeon keepers, chimneys, and wonderful restaurants and cafes Many Greek jetsetters either have a house in Mykonos or visit every summer, and the nightlife there is fantastic. It’s a glamorous place for the rich and famous, which is painfully clear to whoever has a look at the prices on the menus. Surprisingly, the island was once very poor, and the people tried to survive on fishing and stock breeding on the harsh land. However, tourism turned the economy around since it started in the 1950’s. With the exception of Mykonos town, Chora, all over Mykonos you see the typical Cycladic cubist style of architecture. Small, often singlestorey white cubes sprinkled over the landscape like little iced cakes. However, flanking

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the narrow winding streets of Mykonos town, are buildings reminiscent of a medieval style. Every house is reached via a flight of straight steps, parallel to the road, whilst the space underneath these steps was traditionally kept for storage. Atop the steps is a wooden painted balcony that sometimes projects over the road to nearly touch the balcony of the house across the street. The wooden structures of every house are painted in a rainbow of colours; against the whitewashed walls and blue sky, the effect is absolutely delightful. What To Do The town Chora is a place you should really explore. Walk around, go to the windmills,

feed the pelicans, Petros (Rock) and Irini (Peace), have a drink at the harbour, and visit the Parapotiani church. And of course, go shopping. Then there are museums. These are five: an archaeological museum, a folk museum, a maritime, a cultural, and a private one with old rooms and furniture. Most of the museums of Mykonos are located at Enoplon Dynameon Street, which is one of the busiest streets in town during summer. There you will find the Aegean Maritime Museum, next to the Folk Museum and the House of Lena. Another interesting attraction is the house where the Greek Numismatologist and Archaeologist, Giannis

Svoronos, was born. Further down, just before the three wells are the churches of Saint George, which was built in the 15th century BC, St Barbara, and Saint Fanourios, built in 1883. The main square of Chora, ‘Laka’, is a green oasis in the whitewashed Mykonos town with eucalyptus and palm trees and all kinds of shops and eateries around. Walking up from there to the West, you reach the plateau where the famous windmills are located. These are one of the most popular landmarks of Mykonos. In olden times, people from all over the Cyclades would bring their wheat and barley to these mills to be made into flour. And just beneath the windmills is the area of Alefkandra, or ‘Little Venice’. Its original name, Alefkandra, derives from its original use as a laundry and it was here that the women of Mykonos washed their clothes. Continue walking North through the winding small streets of Little Venice, and you will find the Paraportiani church. The church is actually five churches built in a compact complex. It is one of the most photographed buildings of Mykonos because its structure transformed over time into an organic mass that resembles a sparkling white iceberg stranded on the shore. And from another angle, it looks like a huge cake dripping with icing. From Paraportiani, the Kastro and the Western part of the promenade are very close. On the other side of the promenade is the Statue of Manto Mavrogenous, a Mykonian heroic figure of the Greek War of Independence. The best hours to enjoy Mykonos are early in the

morning. Strolling the winding whitewashed streets is an unforgettable experience. Go for a coffee in Little Venice and take photographs of the spotless white church of Paraportiani. As noon approaches, head for a swim at one of the numerous sandy beaches for water sports, diving, or just lazy sun tanning. And if you’ve had enough of the beach, take an excursion to a neighbouring island or the small village of Ano Mera. It’s small, pretty, and quiet. Once there, visit the monastery and the little 15th-century church museum. The Islands Delos, a small island that used to be the holiest island in ancient Greece, is one of the most popular islands. Legend has it, that Leto gave birth there to Apollo and Artemis holding on to a palm tree. You can’t spend the night on this island, but a daytrip is definitely a must: the island is cluttered with archaeological remains. Then there’s the neighbouring island of Tinos, which is the holiest island of modern Greece. The church of the Virgin Mary is a goal for thousands of orthodox pilgrims every year. It’s also a very beautiful place worth visiting. The Beaches The beaches are generally very busy. It’s also worth exploring the little bays on the South side. Platis Gialos and Elia are very popular beaches. Further away are the famous nude beaches of Paraga, Paradise,

and Super Paradise. You can get to them with boats that depart from Platis Gialos. Other beaches you should explore are Agios Stefanos in the North and Kalafatis beach for windsurfing lovers. Ornos, Agios Giannis, and Agrari, are also other beautiful beaches that have made the island of Mykonos the most visited island in Greece. The Nightlife Most of the bars and clubs are in Chora. They’re quite stylish and the prices can sometimes be outrageous. There are also beach parties going on all throughout the summer so keep a lookout for advertising posters. For Greek Music fans, among the most popular are the Thalami, next to the town hall, the Mykonos Bar, the Giuzel 9 Muses, and the Argo bar at the square of Manto. At the Three Wells you will find the famous Aegli, one of the hot spots of Mykonos nightlife. Then there’s the bar-restaurant, Kavos, which stays open twenty-four hours if you want to eat something after clubbing. The partying can last till morning and continue at the famous beach bars like Cavo Paradiso and Tropicana in Paradise beach, Super Paradise bar in Super Paradise beach, Sol Y Mar in Kalo Livadi, and Elia bar in

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Brilliant Travel

Fast Fact According to mythology, this was where Heracles killed the giants. The rocks around the island are supposedly their corpses.

Beach Babe! Imagine people walking around in bikinis or shorts in our hometown or city. It would look a bit strange. The Greeks understand our longing for relaxing on holiday, but they sometimes think we’re a little vulgar! But, we’re excused, we’re foreigners! 54

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Elia beach. The Food There are both Greek and international restaurants and most of them are situated in Chora. The island’s specialty is the Louza Loukaniko, a kind of sausage and Kopanisti, a soft goat’s cheese with lots of pepper. Actually, any kind of eatery can be found in Mykonos, from souvlaki and Gyros to Italian, crepes, fish taverns and cuisine restaurants. A definite must is Vasiliki’s Yalos snack bar, opposite the fish market, where you can enjoy Greek mezedes with ouzo, calamari, and fish at very reasonable prices. The Shopping Folklore shops are everywhere, and a great souvenir is a copy of ancient Cycladic art, little white figures in various positions (playing the flute, praying, thinking, etc) which are more than 6,000 years old. Many fashion shops are along Matogianni Street,

which includes upmarket fashion names like Prince Oliver for clothing, and costume jewellery like Follie Follie. Famous Greek jewellers like Ilias Lalaounis are opposite the Art Gallery of Giannis Galatis in Polykantrioti Street. Another unique shop is The Olive Oil Shop, where all beauty products are made from Greek olive oil. Getting Around There are good bus connections in Mykonos, as well as many car and bike rental places. It’s not hard to get a taxi and there are boat trips to many beaches. The night though is a bit tricky if you stay far from the centre of town; taxis are limited and the people coming out of the clubs, bars, and restaurants are many. If you rent a car, be aware that you can’t drive it through the town and parking is a problem, especially during the high season. Hotels And Accommodation

If you want to use Mykonos town as your base during your stay, which is a good idea as most things happen there, you can find accommodation in numerous hotels, rooms, and apartments. At the edge of the town is the Andronikos Hotel, which is built on a small hill next to town and has a cosmopolitan character. And another is the Zorzis hotel located in one of the most central places, only a few dozen meters from the sea front, in a quiet small lane, Kalogera Street. It’s a small 10-room hotel with extremely reasonable prices. Getting There Mykonos has its own airport. There are also good ferry connections with the other Cycladic islands, as well as with Piraeus Athens and Rafina. Super fast catamarans make the trip to there within a few hours. From the end of April, there are connections with small boats to Paros and other islands of the Cyclades.

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Amaze Recipes

Summer Smoothies Nothing tastes better than a chilled fruit smoothie on a hot summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. All recipes use the Kenwood Smoothie Maker available at retail stores across the GCCâ&#x20AC;Ś

Beetroot Buzz Beetroot is said to assist in reducing blood pressure and was used by the Romans to treat fevers and constipation. Ginger is well-known for treating nausea, amongst other ailments. Ingredients: Apple juice, chilled Freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled Cooked fresh baby beetroot, halved Fresh root ginger piece, peeled and grated Baby carrots, grated Celery leaves to garnish

Serves 2 Directions: 1. Place the apple juice and orange juice in the smoothie goblet. 2. Add the beetroot, ginger and carrots. 3. Blend on MIX for 10 seconds then on SMOOTH for 30 seconds. 4. Serve immediately garnished with celery leaves.

Kenwood Smoothie Maker

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Article & Images: Courtesy and copyright of Kenwood.

200ml 100ml 100g 5cm 3

Berry Smoothie A super smooth blend of red berries with a hint of apple. Rich in vitamins and minerals, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good recipe for a quick energy boost. Ingredients: 300ml Pure cranberry juice sweetened with grape and apple, chilled 100ml Apple juice, chilled 250g Fresh raspberries 125g Fresh blackberries and raspberries to decorate, optional

Serves 4 Directions: 1. Pour the cranberry juice and apple juice in to the goblet. 2. Add the raspberries and blackberries. 3. Blend on MIX for 15 seconds then on SMOOTH for 30 seconds. 4. Check to see if the sweetness is to your liking. 5. Serve immediately in chilled glasses topped with raspberries.

Watermelon Cocktail Light and refreshing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a blend of red orange juice and watermelon. This cocktail will help you unwind after a hard day. Watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C and B. Ingredients: 200ml 450g

Red orange juice, chilled Watermelon Mint sprigs, to garnish

Directions:

Serves 2-3

1. Pour the orange juice into the goblet. 2. Remove the seeds from the watermelon and chop the flesh. 3. Add to the goblet. 4. Blend on MIX for 10 seconds then on SMOOTH for 20 seconds. 5. Serve in chilled glasses garnished with mint sprigs.

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Dazztrology July 2013

Aries March 21 - April 20 Your home/private life is bursting with positive energy; and so is your career/public life. The two often have you in a tug-of-war trying to find the time and energy to focus on both. Finding balance might not be possible; you will have to just bounce back and forth between them. You’re sometimes stubborn and grumpy about the situation, but mostly you’re exhilarated. You also get some lovely opportunities to sneak away for playtime, so you’re not really overly stressed, just overly busy. Taurus April 21 - May 21 With all of the extremely positive energy happening within your social life, your children, pets, hobbies, or me-time could be suffering. Luckily, you find plenty of opportunities to combine activities and your relatives or neighbours are happy to help you. You’re extremely busy, but not unhappy, and somehow, you still manage to find some quiet time for a little rest at home, which is just what you need to keep your energy levels up so that you can continue with all of the social activities occurring. Gemini May 22 - June 21 You’re dealing with financial or romantic trust issues involving your friends, teammates, colleagues, and/or internet entities. Your romantic self-esteem issues or financial challenges at this time can be overcome with the help of your job, coworkers, or parents. Both your ‘daily work’ and your ‘home life’ sectors are blending well with both your financial sectors; hence, even though your social life and your finances are clashing, your professional and home lives are doing well financially. Cancer June 22 - July 23 You’re encouraged to spend a great deal of your time and attention focusing on fun, love, travelling, exploring, academic activities, and spending quality time with loved ones. You’re also meant to work towards achieving your financial and professional goals. There are times when your financial and playtime goals clash, but that’s expected, isn’t it? Just be aware of how much money you’re spending when you’re having all of those fun outings and try not to blow your budget. Leo July 24 - August 23 You’re finding yourself in the mood to travel, explore, and/or go back to school. This is great for you, but not so great for your career. You might be better off doing some online travelling, studying, exploration, etc., and taking advantage of the lovely financial and professional opportunities flowing through your career at this time. The desire to broaden your horizons is not going away any time soon, so you could plan to squeeze bits of it in here and there as you find the time and freedom to do so. Virgo August 24 - September 23 All three of your people-oriented sectors are still working together creating opportunities for partnerships, teamwork, friendships, and family. There are some unexpected financial or romantic trust issues arising from your social activities, and you could feel as if you don’t have time to spend on your family, pets, and hobbies. It’s not that your social life is becoming a burden, only that you have a hard time finding enough time to spend with everyone that wants your attention this month.

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By Skye Thomas Tomorrow’s Edge

Libra September 24 - October 23

Your career is the source of great joy and great debate this month. Your wealth, work, and success sectors are working together and are helping you to focus on achieving your financial, professional, and leadership goals. However, your partnerships and private life sectors are both clashing with your professional success sector. They might just be feeling left out as you focus on your career. Or, you could find that a rival is deliberately trying to get you into a home vs. career battle.

Scorpio October 24 - November 22 As you begin focusing on your professional goals, leadership opportunities, and public reputation, you are seeing the value in being a great team player. You are still capable of achieving your moment in the spotlight, but you’re not in a hard-core “me, me, me” attitude. You are being very open-minded, adventurous, and team-oriented. It actually helps to win you extra kudos this month. Sagittarius November 23 - December 21 Your home life has all kinds of positive romantic, financial, spiritual, and/or emotional healing activities occurring. You also have both of your financial sectors getting along beautifully with your bureaucracy sector and with your professional success sector. So, it should be fairly easy for you to enjoy your public and private life activities. Your financial goals are clashing with your playtime activities, but otherwise things are going really well at this time. Capricorn December 22 - January 20 Despite some issues at home and some problems involving academics, travel, politics, and/or the media, you and a spouse, best-friend, or business partner are doing really well. Your partner is able to help you resolve almost all of these challenges. The two of you are not going to agree about whatever it is at home that has you both upset, but it will pass. Mostly, it’s your problem and your partner is changing focus from worrying about what’s wrong to how to bring more financial and romantic stability. Aquarius January 21 - February 19 Six of the twelve sectors in your chart are opposing each other at various times this month. That’s a lot of strife in a lot of areas of your life. The good news is that most of the time these are short dynamics and you’re able to work through them. Despite a lot of drama in your career or health, you’re going to make some progress towards your financial, professional, and/or fitness goals this month, and you will spend quality time with a spouse or partner. You’re an incredible juggling artist this month! Pisces February 20 - March 20 You and a partner or rival are not seeing eye-to-eye. However, you have quite a few fun, playful, social, and creative outside sources that are helping the two of you to work things out. Your finances are still taking a beating from all of your fun activities and summer splurging. But the good news is that you also have some lovely opportunities in your professional life to resolve your financial challenges.

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Dazztrology August 2013

Aries March 21 - April 20 You’re still having a bit of trouble juggling your wonderful home life with the great opportunities happening in your professional life. Unfortunately, your spouse, best friend, business partner, rival, enemy, or competitor adds to your stress by complaining that you’re not focusing enough on them or that you’re simply doing everything wrong. Luckily, the tough times are not long-term and the positive activities in your career are becoming quite profitable. Taurus April 21 - May 21 There’s still a lot happening in your professional life. Some of it is really great and some of it is really bad. None of it is boring or meaningless. The good news is that you have some lovely playtime energy brewing and some great things beginning to happen between you and a romantic, social, or business partner. Life can seem complicated and crowded this month, but you should be able to juggle everything without losing your mind. Gemini May 22 - June 21 Both of your financial sectors are clashing with your social life and your playtime activities. However, both of your financial sectors are getting along wonderfully with your home life and your work sectors. You’re better off focusing on earning a living, improving your household net worth, and/or working from home. Hold off on the extracurricular activities for now.

Cancer June 22 - July 23 You and a partner or rival are disagreeing about your home life and professional life. You could be having some trouble balancing the two or you might just disagree about each of them as separate topics. The good news is that the two of you have plenty of opportunities to talk things over, enjoy some romantic date nights, and play dates together, and you’re able to remember why you actually like spending time together. You could also find ways to engage rivals and competitors in peace talks this month. Leo July 24 - August 23 Despite all kinds of drama, challenges, and arguments this month, you seem to be doing okay. Your financial sectors take turns working nicely with your home sector, and your work sector is going well despite bureaucratic, legal, and/or cultural battles. No matter how big the issues get, you’re finding ways to juggle, out manoeuvre, brainstorm, and/or plough through them. You end up feeling more exhilarated rather than drained as a result of all of the problems you solve this month. Virgo August 24 - September 23 You have planets encouraging you to have fun, love, spend quality time with family, and to lose yourself in hobbies, vacations, and shopping. You also have planets encouraging a lot of social activities, teams, memberships, and spending time online. At times, these two ideas clash with each other, and one or both of these topics is creating financial challenges. You could thoroughly enjoy yourself this month, just be careful with your budgeting and avoid online financial transactions.

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Libra September 24 - October 23 Your partner or a rival has been complaining about your private and professional lives, but they’re not blaming you for what was bothering them. But this month, the whole thing blows up and you have to deal with everyone’s feelings. Luckily, your ruling planet Venus helps empower you with diplomatic grace, and you get things under control. You have excellent things happening in your private and professional lives, so it’s no wonder that you could have some trouble juggling everything. Scorpio October 24 - November 22 Your career is in quite an uproar. You’re dealing with all kinds of political, legal, bureaucratic, cultural, shipping, and/or telecom problems. It seems as if it’s just one crisis after another. Yet, you’re a beacon of teamwork and clever ideas, negotiating better solutions and persuading people to see things from your point of view. Your people skills, intelligence, and problem solving skills come into great use and you seem to actually be enjoying yourself despite the dramas around you. Sagittarius November 23 - December 21 Despite the fact that both of your financial sectors are clashing with both of your social and playtime sectors, you still have something to be happy about this month. Both of your financial sectors are taking turns getting along wonderfully with your professional goals and aspirations sector and your bureaucracies sector. This is a great time for analysing, negotiating, and working towards achieving your financial and professional goals. Capricorn December 22 - January 20 You and a partner or rival end up in a huge disagreement about your private and public lives. Your boss, parent, home life, retirement plans, home-improvement projects, real estate deals, reputation, etc. are all up for debate and nobody is really happy about how it all plays out. You have to stand up for yourself without being a bully and without being a doormat. There’s some excellent social energy and partnerships energy afterwards for you to begin the “make up” efforts afterwards. Aquarius January 21 - February 19 During most of the month, you’re enjoying professional, financial, and/or partnership blessings. Things are going your way. However, the last 7-10 days of the month are a hectic mess. The various problems are caused by people being narrow-minded, dysfunctional, uneducated, and/ or an inability to break through red tape. These are not things that Aquarius tolerates very well anyway, so it could be really frustrating for you to watch others get themselves worked up into such a frenzy. Pisces February 20 - March 20 You have some excellent romantic, social, professional, and financial opportunities this month. But you also have a huge blow up when all of your playtime and fun sectors clash with all of your financial sectors. Unfortunately, you could spend a few days dealing with some pretty harsh financial or romantic trust issues as a result. But then you get some great opportunities to work things out and you end up having some fun together.

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Dazztrology September 2013

Aries March 21 - April 20 You and a partner or rival are battling. It seems that your father, boss, reputation, professional path, and/or leadership style is the main topic of debate. The good news is that your professional success and profit sharing sectors are working beautifully together on your behalf. You also have some lovely romantic, creative, spiritual, and playful opportunities to enjoy. So, you’re not going to let your partner or rival drive you over the edge emotionally. Taurus April 21 - May 21 You and a romantic, social, or business partner are enjoying all kinds of opportunities to have fun, socialize, travel, learn, explore, shop, and/or work on business deals together. You also have quite a few opportunities to make peace with a rival or competitor. There are times when a partner or rival is upset about something or someone in your home life, but mostly the two of you are getting along well. Things are still stressful at work, but it will be calming down soon. Gemini May 22 - June 21 You still have plenty of good luck and blessings from last month helping you with your financial and professional goals and projects this month. You’re also still struggling with financial and/or romantic aspects of your social life and playtime activities. Your love life could really suffer. It would probably be safer to stay focused on your career for a while longer. Cancer June 22 - July 23 Your public life and your private life are colliding in a big ugly mess and your partner is very upset about it. The good news is that you’re strongly encouraged to play, dance, sing, fall in love, get creative, spend time with pets and children, and to find ways to bring your spouse, best-friend, or business partner along for a good time. You’re still having some financial challenges associated with these activities this month, but not so much that you’re unable to enjoy yourself. Leo July 24 - August 23 You and your co-workers are dealing with a lot of challenges, dramas, and disagreements this month. You’re still able to take on leadership roles and resolve most, if not all, of them. Your home life is becoming a lovely oasis. You’re finding ways to channel more romantic, emotional, spiritual, and financial stability into your private life. Home is where the heart is.

Virgo August 24 - September 23 Your finances, love life, parenting, playtime activities, hobbies, vacations, social life, internet activities, and/or luxury spending are all clashing at various times this month. The good news is that the section of your chart that encourages bargain hunting, negotiations, bartering, trading, compromising, and effective communications is fired up and ready to help you start working on solutions.

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Libra September 24 - October 23 You’re no longer struggling to balance your professional goals with your private life. You’d think that this would help your partner calm down, but no. They’re still angry about something or someone in your private life. You can keep tossing out solutions, but nothing is likely to help. So, smile and nod, keep acting as if you have power in this situation, and maybe you’ll get lucky and find a way to help ease the dramas between your partner (or rival) and your parents, houseguests, home repairs, etc. Scorpio October 24 - November 22 A small handful of planets are moving through Scorpio and adding to your sense of personal power. As they do so, they are connecting positively with planets in your social sectors and in your happiness and knowledge sectors. You’re still dealing with some professional challenges, but they’re not as intensely ugly as they were last month and you’re finding more and more reasons to focus on your own long-term happiness and ability to enjoy life while expanding your horizons.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 21 A small handful of planets have begun to move through the area of your chart that rules over inner peace, spirituality, and secrets. They are helping you to work on romantic, financial, and residential matters. They are trying to bring more trust, sharing, forgiveness, and a sense of healing into your love life, finances, home, private life, and/or relationships with your parents this month. Capricorn December 22 - January 20 You’re still having trouble juggling your home/private life with your career/public life. The good news is that you’re doing an excellent job networking and you’re an excellent team player this month. Look towards your friends, family, neighbours, and/or colleagues to help you figure things out. You can mix work and playtime activities together during social events and ask friends and colleagues to help you brainstorm creative ideas that will help you with your various goals and projects. Aquarius January 21 - February 19 You’re still dealing with an odd blend of wonderful professional and financial energies at certain times and then really depressing political, cultural, religious, academic, bureaucratic, and/or travel related issues at other times. You wish you could just slice through the red tape and create simple, logical solutions, and that’s the reason you’re doing so well at work - because you’re the one that’s taking on smart, productive leadership roles despite everyone else’s dramas and complaints. Pisces February 20 - March 20 You still have a few planets encouraging you to go on vacation, play, learn, love, and explore. You also have some positive developments between your work sector and both of your income sectors helping you to work towards your financial and professional goals. The one thing you need to be aware of this month is your social life, internet activities, and/ or networking projects as they could cause huge financial or romantic issues. Be especially cautious with online financial transactions.

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Last Word

Summer’s 10 Commandments

As soon as the first hot breeze announces summer’s advent, everyone starts obsessing over losing those extra pounds they gained during the cosy winter season. And since I’m Dazzle’s health editor, my inbox gets flooded with last minute questions regarding crash diets, fat-busting exercises, and what-not. Instead of asking how you can lose weight fast, you should be concerned with how you can keep yourself motivated to avoid straying from your fitness regime. Thus, I’ve compiled a list of commandments to keep you healthy, fit, and gorgeous regardless of the weather outside. By Nisrine Kreidieh 1. Thou Shall Fill Your Tummy With Water: We all know that drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated and nourishes the skin, but it also keeps you bloated and full, reducing any unwanted binges during the long sweaty summer. Drink around two to three glasses of water half an hour before your meals to make sure you don’t overeat. 2. Thou Shall Not Starve To Death: Don’t starve yourself because it’s difficult for the human body to adapt to radical changes in eating habits. If you feel like indulging in a chocolate, go ahead, you’ve got my blessings! But remember to eat a piece of it and not the entire bar. The same rule applies to other fatty foods like burgers, fries, ice cream, and so on. 3. Thou Shall Refrain From Gluttony: Don’t ever devour your piece of chocolate at once, cut it into smaller pieces instead and have a portion whenever you feel like it. Furthermore, try to suck on it as long as you can to prolong the silky and indulgent melting effect in your mouth; doing so will keep you content and satisfied for a longer period of time. 4. Thou Shall Be Smart And Reasonable: Don’t keep munchies or unhealthy food in your house because if you don’t have it, you can’t eat it. And when you go out to eat with your friends, 64

JUL-SEP 2013

don’t torture yourself by having salad because you know you’re going to go back home and make up for it. Instead, reward yourself with an unsupervised meal once or twice a week when you’re out with your friends. I abide by this rule and it’s very rewarding when people ask me, “How can you eat so much and still maintain your figure?” Little do they know what my house rule is! 5. Thou Shall Make Healthier Food Choices: Substitute your unhealthy choices with less unhealthy ones, like choosing mustard over mayonnaise, switching from chips to popcorn, snacking on dry fruits instead of biscuits, and so on. You can also substitute healthy choices with healthier ones, such as low fat, high calcium milk as opposed to full cream milk, apples instead of bananas, and whole wheat pasta or rice instead of white pasta and pizza. Remember that if you stay healthy in your casa, you wouldn’t feel as guilty when gorging in a restaurant. 6. Thou Shall Buy Sexy Clothes: I personally find this rule very effective: always buy a sexy clothing item that’s one size smaller than your current size as it encourages you to slim down and look your best at the next party. But don’t buy clothes that are way smaller than your actual size because not fitting into them will lead to major disappointment. The

key is to climb the ladder step by step. 7. Thou Shall Partner Up: Ever heard the phrase ‘it takes two to tango’ or ‘one hand can’t clap alone?’ Even Noah got all the animals on the arc in pairs. So why not pair with a buddy at the gym? A friend will always push you to give your best because deep down you want to show her that you can keep up and work hard. A bit of rivalry can spice up your dreadful exercise! 8. Thou Shall Always Remember Your Goal: Put up a picture of your ideal body on your fridge so that every time you come to open it, you’ll have the incentive in your face urging you to close it! Here’s a little secret: I have a full frontal mirror on my fridge, which makes me think twice every time I think of raiding it. 9. Thou Shall Document Everything: Record or video tape your weight loss battle because it’s worthwhile to watch your progress every time you feel dispirited. If you want to take it a step further, you can even post it on YouTube and let the entire world keep up with your progress. Who knows? They might even send you some encouraging comments. 10. Thou Shall Take It Slow: Statistics show that only 5% of people who follow crash diets (fast weight loss diets) are able to maintain their weight.

But for the rest of us normal beings, losing weight requires a lot of stamina, willpower, and motivation till it becomes a regular part of our lifestyle. Start the process with the intention of making healthy choices in your diet because following a trendy weight-loss diet won’t get you anywhere. Stop Right There! If you even break one of the following No-No commandments, you’ll be condemned to spend the rest of your life in imbalanced-weight-hell: Don’t tell your friends about the fourth commandment, let them die in envy. Just follow the lead of the famous wish, “If I can’t get slimmer, let my friends get fatter.” When you’re at home, don’t ever wander in your pyjamas and when you go out, don’t wear a large Abaya. This is because wearing loose clothes can lead to more weight-gain without you even noticing it. When you dine out, wear tight-fitted pants and don’t you dare unbuckle that belt! Don’t ever buy large clothes when you gain weight because you’ll start feeling comfortable in the skin you’re in, which you’re most certainly not! Ignore the first no-no commandment, I was kidding. In fact, preach these commandments to all your friends to help each other stick to them.

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