Archive for October 2008
November 2008 Where To: Get a Manicure & Pedicure
| Healing for your hand and sole By: Sumaiya Ali |
| Tired of flaky fingers and cracked feet? Your hands can be the biggest age give away — so it’s time to seek refuge from the captivity of the dry devils by soaking your thirsty hands and feet in moisture rich potions, hydrating those dead cells and thus treating them to some much needed TLC.
Whether you are a corporate woman constantly tapping at your Blackberry and keyboard, a housewife indulging in all the possible household chores, sinking those hands and feet into soil due to your love for gardening, a full time fashionista, a person who is constantly behind the wheel, an exercise freak or a lucky person who does simply nothing other than balancing your weight on your feet, we all do need to spend some time on pampering our much used parts, the hands and the feet. What better way than smoothing away those jagged edges and spoiling them once in a while to reveal silky smooth skin with services offered at salons?
From the French manicure method of cutting and filing of the nails followed by a moisturiser massage and nail polish, manicure and pedicures have gone a long way.These days we find ourselves indulging in a wide variety of services ranging from paraffin wax to hot stone, hot oil, luxury, spa and detox treatments. Wherein a paraffin treatment N Style Nail Lounge A manicure or pedicure with antioxidants, a grape seed oil massage, a pomegranate and cranberry scrub, infusions of paraffin, a deluxe treatment for the feet with soles soaked in milk and honey flakes followed by a sugar walnut scrub mask of oatmeal and apple, moisturising finishing creams and massages including reflexology and hot stones for the hands and feet are just some of its luxuries. Dessange Enjoy a citrus scented spa manicure where citrus crystals gently exfoliate the hands and ceramides improve hydration and softness, or try the raw earth spa pedicure that uses sandalwood oil, raw sugar and an AHA foot scrub followed by a volcanic clay foot masque and ultra moisturisers. For a cooling effect try the marine spa pedicure which exfoliates with marine salts and natural crystals and then cools off with natural menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint and spearmint oils followed by a cucumber moisturiser. Head To Toe Head to Toe uses Perfect Sense, which is a warm physiotherapeutic paraffin infused with eleven vitamins vital for healthy skin to finish off that perfect manicure or pedicure. It delivers heat and hydration for soft, smooth skin and protection from dry, achy or irritated hands and feet. Lovely Lolita The Jessica products and antioxidant paraffin used for the manicures and pedicures are specially imported from the United States and have moisturising as well as anti aging properties. Following a manicure or pedicure, the hands and feet are dipped in paraffin and warmed in heated boots until they are supple and moisturised.
Perfect Nails Upgrade your pedicure with effervescent tablets and dissolving leaves of Tuscan citrus herbs of bergamot and clary sage and turn it into an extraordinary and luxurious experience. Nothing says it better than giving the gift of pampering. Gift certificates can be customised for any treatment you want for any amount and are valid for one full year. Bellacura Beauty Lounge A hot oil manicure cleans the cuticles and softens them with oil and works well for dry skin and brittle nails, by leaving them soft and pliable. Soothe the nerves throughout your body by opting for a reflexology applied foot massage. While catering to most of the basic beauty needs like hair, makeup, manicure and pedicure, Bellacura has henna, nail art, waxing and aromatherapy too. With a mileage of around ten miles per day our feet are often the last part of our body that we remember to look after unless they begin to hurt or develop calluses. Healthy feet are a sign of a healthy body. With the current footwear trend focusing on open toed and strappy sandals it has become a need to show off beautiful feet rather than hiding them within your sneakers. The cheapest and best pedicure is probably a barefoot walk down the beach. You get to relax in the breezy surroundings and also have an instant pedicure wherein the grains of sand slowly exfoliate your skin and the healing sea water unfolds miracles to erase dead skin off your feet. A good manicure or pedicure promotes blood circulation, provides relief from stress, prevents fungus, nail chipping and cracking, nail diseases or disorders and naturally bestows the much needed aesthetic appeal! Along with being fresh and rejuvenating they are also a great way to boost self esteem! Hygiene is a vital factor when you decide to go for a manicure or pedicure. You do not want to be infected with somebody else’s skin infections or fungus so make sure the instruments used are disposable or thoroughly sterilized. Our modern day lifestyles leaves our hands and feet overworked and chapped, so this time around treat those tired cells to a little luxury and leave yourself feeling like a diva! |
utilises warm paraffin with rich essential oils and fragrances, spa manicures or pedicures use hydrating masks and aromatic salt rubs.
Lovely Lolita also offers foot and hand spas, wherein the hands/feet are scrubbed, exfoliated and then a moisturizing and rejuvenating masque is applied before they are placed in electric mitts. It is followed by a spritz of refreshing spray and moisturising lotion to remove any left over dead cells.October 2008 Where To: Find Eid Gifts
| Find that perfect EID gift By: Sumaiya Ali |
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| As we bid farewell to this year’s Ramadan, it is time to rejoice as Eid-al-Fitr is once again with us, and a host of festivities are unleashed. But with Eid almost in full swing, do we have time to decide on a gift at absolute last minute?
Eid is the time to offer unconditional love and charity. It is also the time to share happiness, forgive and reconcile feuds and bad relations. Dressed in new attire and savouring a sweet dish before the Eid prayers, it becomes a day of feasting with family, relatives and friends and remembering the deceased. The air of festivity and celebration can be felt on the night before Eid when frenzied shopping and Éid preparations are at its height. Since Éid is celebrated with gift-giving, the highly decorated shops and markets are open till late at night for last minute shoppers.
Everybody loves to shop for gifts and more to receive them! With eleventh hour shopping, cooking and painting your hands with Henna, it is always better to be prepared with Eid gifts in advance. After the month long fast and self control it is time to indulge in a little vanity for the sake of Eid. In this feature we showcase where to find that last-minute Eid gift for that someone special in your life. Damas Jewellery Inspired by the beauty and grace of the Arabian woman, the Al Manthourah collection wonderfully weaves dream designs in 21k yellow gold and rich hand-painted enamels. The collection presents the rich Arab tradition in gold executed with the greatest attention to detail and features minute links forming chains, tassels and intricate embroidery patterns. From traditional to modern, ornate to minimalist, formal to casual, there is always a glittering piece of Jewellery in Damas to suit every mood and occasion!
Treat yourself to the plush fabrics or gift your loved one as well as the opportunity lasts! Bateel Ajmal Perfumes
Sparadise
With gift vouchers that can be customised to any range of services or products, Sparadise gift vouchers are the best pampering gifts to give! Eid Holiday Packages With five days and four nights in any of these destinations and prices starting from BD100 inclusive of airfare and hotel you are bound to return as a happy soul. So if you have been dreaming of savoring the Turkish delights while relishing Turkey’s sun kissed lakes, sea and mountains, frenzied shopping in the souks of Damascus, visiting the pyramids of Egypt or a family adventure with your favourite Disney characters in Paris Disneyland, this is the time to make your dream come true!
Children can be given gifts of the latest games or educational books and toys. Gifts for elders can be chosen to reflect the spirit of Islam like exotic ittars, prayer rugs, Islamic CDs or craftworks. Make your gift extraordinary with an attractive greeting card that well complements the gift as well as your thoughts. Taking time out for a picnic or dinner to bond as a family is also a gift in itself. Celebrate the triumph and accomplishment of fasting during the month of Ramadan by reaching out to the hearts of your loved ones through a gift this Eid. Eid ul Fitr comes just once a year, so plan early and gear up for fun filled celebrations over Eid — live it up to the fullest! |
Highlighting the month long observance of Ramadan, the 101 year old jeweler makes gifting even more memorable during Eid by presenting Arabic and Islamic inspired jewels crafted in gold and precious stones with discounts ranging from 30 to 70%. The exclusive Crystal Aya pendant collection bears the world’s smallest complete rendition of the Holy Quran laser inscribed in high-grade crystal, framed with 18kt white or yellow gold and embellished with sparkling diamonds.
Nayomi
Having been in the aroma business for over five decades, Ajmal Perfumes have welcomed the Ramadan and Eid period with special discounts and gift hampers ranging from BD10 to BD50. Sets of five popular fragrances are put together to be given as gifts and are priced lower than the combined prices of the three. With guaranteed gifts with every purchase or gift vouchers you may look forward to receiving anything from sachets of Oudh to fragrances or purses and watches for both men and women. What better way to express your ’scentiments’ this Eid than saying it through something that leaves a lingering feeling of freshness and energy!
Create your own Eid package by choosing any three of the quick fix treatments which includes an express back massage, Guinot express facial, an instant body scrub, a holistic head massage, and a wash and blow dry at BD45 for 90 minutes. The ideal way to get ready for Eid is to pamper yourself with the Eid Indulgence package of a luxurious royal bath of an Oriental Hammam followed by Guinot aromatic facial, wash and blow dry, manicure and pedicure at BD80 for 240 minutes.
The traditional practice of giving gifts during Eid is a token of money called the ‘Eidi’ often given to children. But why give an Eidi when you could invest some time in choosing a unique gift and thus make the person feel special? The best time to give an Eid gift is soon after the morning prayers to instill an element of surprise and excitement. A gift gets closer to the heart than money and is definitely treasured and remembered for longer.September 2008 Where to: Find Arabian Perfumes
| The Allure of the Arabian Scent |
| Something that captivates our mind, rejuvenates our senses and bestows a feeling of freshness and energy just through its fragrance is perfume. The influence of perfume has been felt throughout the history of Arab civilization.
Incense and perfume are a part of daily Arab life, born with spicy and herbal scents Arab fragrance grew to discover the sweet flowery scents of saffron and rose. Further with the discovery of woody oils like sandalwood and agarwood a tantalizing new era was begun. Since then the Arab perfume industry has evolved and made certain changes to accommodate the varying tastes of their clientele. In this feature we take a look at some Arabian perfume manufacturers and their enduring fragrances. Syed Junaid Alam  Celebrated by the names of ‘Junaid for Perfumes’ and ‘Attar Al Bahrain’, Syed Junaid Alam WLL is the oldest and largest manufacturer of perfume in the GCC and has three perfumery units in Bahrain. Founded by Syed Junaid Alam the brand which began as a small shop in the Manama souk at the beginning of the 20th century has transformed itself into a scentsational trendsetter. It has more than 120 retail outlets spanning the Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey and plans to spread out to North America and the Far East.
Junaid Perfume brands are sold exclusively at its outlets and also include solid and oil perfumes, bakhoor and bridal gift sets. “We have introduced fragrances that have a French feel such as Fanan which is the first shimmer-based perfume in the Gulf. Apart from that we also have introduced gel-based fragrances that not only appeal to the women of today but also to youngsters”, says Hamad Fuad, director sales and marketing. “Each product is carefully developed to reflect its name and is in accord with its design, colours and aromatic characteristics, resulting in a distinctive brand,” explains Hamad. Junaid Perfumes outlets in Bahrain can be found all over Bahrain. A Ramadan collection is planned to be launched during the Holy Month and the products are priced in such a way that there is one for everyone!
With exclusive showrooms at the Sheraton Complex, Dana Mall, Gold City and Riffa Bukuwara, Reehat Al Atoor have also been successful in unveiling their own line. With the onset of Ramadan, Reehat Al Atoor will be launching its seven latest products. Every month there are product launches and the company plans to set up a larger plant to satisfy the growing demand of its consumers. Newly appointed general manger Shahnawaz who is experienced in the business expansion of perfumery in the Middle East aims to increase the outlets in Bahrain to ten by the end of the year and expand to other GCC States over the next year. The company owns more than 100 brand names and sells well-known perfumes both Arabic and French. Amouage Their fragrances use a number of significant indigenous ingredients such as the finest Silver Frankincense, and the incredibly rare Omani Rock Rose. The first Amouage fragrance was created by French master perfumer Guy Robert who scoured the world for the finest ingredients, over 120 of which were used in his masterpiece ‘Amouage Gold’ which is still their best selling fragrance. “I am convinced that Amouage has huge potential to be the first internationally distributed luxury brand originating out of the Gulf region. At Amouage our goal is to take the wonderful fragrances of the East, and to transpose them into internationally acceptable fragrances that have the ability to sell around the world.” says David Crickmore, CEO of Amouage. To celebrate the Holy month of Ramadan and Eid, special gift sets with limited edition attar sprays will be introduced. Amouage products are available at Al Hawaj stores and its first shop-in-shop in the kingdom will be located in Al Aali Mall.
“We combine western ideologies with oriental elements providing our consumers with a unique brand of fragrances, a brand we like to term as “Ethnic Chic.” This is what the young consumers of today demand, individuality and through our varied product offering and our blends we are able to provide it to them.” Explains Ajmal. Ajmal outlets can be found all over Bahrain and through retail shops. Designer Shaik People buying a Designer Shaik product feel they are buying a piece of ancient mythical Arabia. The beautiful and sensuous fragrances include the opulent and chic range with the purest essential oils from France blended with exquisite elements from Arabia. These Arabian scents are hand-made using the finest and rarest of ingredients. “Global giants offer a wide range of products whereas ours is limited, but we offer tough competition. Our reputation is growing and that shows credibility. Each product has a theme and a story.” says Mohammed Al Asfoor the CEO and founder. Designer Shaik’s actions are inspired by its vision to create arrays of timeless gifts to be cherished, admired and desired by all but attainable by only a few. Designer Shaik has a range of perfume gifts by the name of ‘Jewellessence Blue’ which is a fusion of jewels and essences and the handcrafted elements make them artifacts to be cherished and admired for centuries to come. It’s perfumes are available at Bahrain Mall, Seef Mall, Bahrain Duty Free and Al Hawaj outlets. Musical Aromas |
Reehat Al Atoor
Ajmal
September 2008 Product of the Month: Nadiya Chocolate Dates
The Nadiya Luxury Arabian Dates brand has been successful in picking the best of the customary Arab fruit from the Desert sands and converting it into a sweeter, luscious and smoother end product. Nadiya aims in connecting the consumers to the region’s heritage through the most traditional product whilst meeting contemporary tastes.
What’s it all about?
The Nadiya brand includes date bars, pitted, unpitted and stuffed dates with fruit & nut stuffing like candied citrus peels, almonds and pistachios. The Aromatic Chocolate Dates is their newest range of stuffed dates that comes coated with the finest milk, white or dark Belgian chocolate. The Chocolate dates are also available with a delicious stuffing of roasted nuts.
Why was the product selected?
The dates in the Nadiya brand are individually hand picked from the best of the Saudi Arabian and Emirati dates and subjected to the latest rehydration technology to make them softer and individually stuffed with nuts. Nadiya ensures strict hygiene throughout the process from when the dates are picked by the producer till they reach the consumer.
What we like?
The Chocolate Dates come swirled with white and dark imported Belgian Chocolate. Apart from delighting our taste buds with its rich taste they are also natural, nutritious and have a longer shelf life.
The wow factor
Nadiya provides special gift packages based on the occasion. It has various pack formats to suit each customer, from stay fresh packaging for chef to luxury presentation boxes and trays for hospitality and VIP guests. These packages make an elegant presentation of Arabian Hospitality. Nadiya recently launched a range of three decorative and collectable luxury packing, containing whole luxury dates, stuffed dates and a unique combination of six chocolate coated stuffed dates. These products are ideally suited to be offered as gifts during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Hajj and New Year.
Where its found?
Nadiya supplies its date products throughout the GCC and now to Europe. It is currently available in all the leading supermarkets.
August 2008 Where to: Find Online Jobs
| Make money without going to work! |
| Love making money? What if it is within the comfort of your own home with time also to finish off your household duties? SUMAIYA ALI has tested out some of the options available from the web and gives us the lowdown. Welcome to the era of ‘Work at Home Mums’ and ‘Work at Home Jobs’ where you choose when, where and how much you want to work. Work at Home Jobs are mostly targeted at women staying home to look after their kids but it is also a good source of income for anyone looking at making some extra money. You could choose to tutor online, provide customer support for a company or do some of the data entry work, set up your own business or just buy and sell online. All that is needed is a computer with Internet access and for customer support jobs a telephone is also is required. Several companies in the United States provide employees with an option of working from home. This not only helps them to cut down on office space but also saves the employee travel time and gas costs. If you are in the US there are oceans of opportunities at your fingertips. Google them out with catchwords like telecommute, legitimate work at home jobs and you get pages of results. But work at home jobs that can be done from Bahrain and other parts of the world are limited. Yet there are certain jobs that are available to people across the globe and not just for women; anybody with a creative mind, anxious to make some quick money online can try these out. In my quest to find a successful work at home job for Bahrain I’ve come across several websites that either take in your email ID or begin spamming you or ask you to pay to know how to make millions a month. Point to note: if any of the websites/work at home job asks you to pay for you to be eligible to work for them, then STOP! It could be a scam! With lots of trial and error I have finally come up with a handful of legitimate ‘Work At Home Jobs’ that you could try at home. But again a word of caution, making money isn’t that easy, you need to be patient at times. Mystery Shopping: In Mystery Shopping you visit the target shop, just as any other customer — that’s why it’s called Mystery Shopping. You check both the behaviour of the staff towards you (greetings, service) and the cleanliness of the shop and return back home to fill in the questionnaire sent to you by the mystery shopping service and email it back to them. Some assignments require you to buy any item from the store as a proof of your visit while others just ask you to browse through the shop as any customer would, while keeping the questionnaire in your mind. On completing your assigned shop you can be paid around US$15-20 and sometimes more depending on the brand for whom you’re conducting the research. I carried out two checks in Bahrain, of course as a mystery shopper, by registering in internationalservicecheck.com. The first time I wasn’t too sure; I was just trying out if it was legitimate and not a scam. I had nothing to lose except a few minutes of my time. I went back home, sent in my completed questionnaire and a month later the money was credited to my account! Another trusted site is baiservices.com but I would recommend the former over the latter as the chances of being allocated shops are greater. Write Online: This is where you come in. You choose a topic you like or you think you could write about, covering all the aspects requested and submit your work within the deadline stated, which is usually around a week. Once your article is published on the site you start to earn money every time it is read! Moreover if the organisation (employer) decides to buy your article you could be paid from anything between US$15- 100. From my personal experience I’ve seen that articles based on gaming and other technology trends are paid much more. Designing: This website lets you have your own online shop within it and you can choose which products you want your designs to be showcased on and for much you choose to sell them. There are people who make their living just by designing and selling at this website! Affliate Advertising Websites like cj.com have sponsors who want their businesses to be promoted. You chose the product/business you want to promote and put up the HTML provided on your site. You are paid every time someone clicks, leads, registers or purchases the product. I would suggest promoting products that are paid based on clicks or free registrations as not everyone may be interested in buying the product but will be curious enough to click and find out more. Another method to advertise on your site or blog is through Google Adsense. These are a group of tiny adverts that are seen placed horizontally or vertically on certain websites. Upon signing up for Adsense, you chose what size of banners you want to be put up on your site. You are then provided with some HTML code which you paste in your page and whenever someone clicks on any of those ads you are paid. Domain Names Domain name marketing is profitable. Celebrities these days reserve the domain names of their babies even before they are born, in case it’s reserved by someone else they may have to buy it back for a larger sum. Sell your idea and products If yes, contact the company saying you have an idea from which you think they will benefit and to ask them to get back to you if they are interested. You should make a point of submitting the idea in writing and stipulate that they will not divulge the secrets behind your idea before you are paid or if they decide not to accept it. The traditional way of making money online which works is by selling your stuff on Ebay. Some of these sites send you cheques every month but a majority of sites pay you through Paypal, which is a secure payment system where your credit card number is not exposed online. If you do not have a credit card you can choose to apply for an internet prepaid credit card through Credimax, where you can buy only if you have money in your card balance. Once you get your card go online and sign up for a Paypal account. Registering for a prepaid card is very easy and I did it online sitting at home just as I did trying out the jobs mentioned above, and again you don’t have to pay! |
