As if you didn’t already know, I’m big on self-improvement. I much prefer a self-help book over a fiction novel, love a good makeover rom-com, and my daily affirmation is to show up as my highest self. But now that the temperatures are dropping and killer Netflix series are coming out every day (anyone else binge all of Emily in Paris in one day?), it feels like much more of a struggle to prioritize self-improvement and our overall wellbeing. So for you, dear readers (and selfishly for myself), I’ve compiled seven things we’ve been doing every day to keep up our health goals. Here are the hacks and routines our team has been buzzing about that’s helping us all eat healthier, stress less, and feel like our best selves: 

Source: @equilibriawomen

1. Incorporating CBD for stress-relief 
If you haven’t heard, our team is obsessed with Equilibria CBD products. Beth has been taking baths with the Mineral Soak when she needs a little TLC, Abigail puts the Daily Drops in her morning coffee to help stop her mind from racing, and Allyson’s husband loves the Relief Cream so much that he requests it nightly to ease neck tension (Everyhusbands count too!). Whether you want an excuse to fit in a little extra self-care or need some quick stress-relief, CBD is the perfect addition to your daily routine. Not sure where to start? Try the Brilliance Box or Balance Box to try out all of our favorite products. 

Equilibria
Brilliance Box
The Brilliance Box includes Daily Drops for fast-acting, targeted relief, Daily Softgels for a sustained-release, and topical Relief Cream for local discomfort.

Equilibria
Dynamic Duo Roller
Expertly crafted with 75mg of full-spectrum, premium CBD to relieve pressure points, regulate mood and ease topical discomfort.

Equilibria
Daily Softgels
Perfect for all-day balance, Daily Softgels are a slow-release product for long-lasting effects.

Equilibria
Mint Daily Drops
Use Daily Drops to help increase a sense of calm and balance in the face of day-to-day stress.

Source: colorjoy stock

2. Not looking at our phones before 9am
Some of us wake up and immediately scroll through Facebook like it’s the newspaper, while others stay in bed too long because we’re catching up on Instagram stories we missed while sleeping. But for my mental health and overall wellbeing, I’ve been challenging myself to stop looking at my phone first thing in the morning. Not only does checking social media start your day with a focus on what other people are doing in their lives (rather than setting the tone for what you’re doing in your life), but it can waste your precious morning time. Try waiting to check social media until a specific time (like 9am) or an hour after you wake up. You can also try little tricks like not checking your phone until you’ve made a cup of coffee, did some gratitude journaling, or finished your skincare routine. 

Source: @daniellemoss_

3. Making one small change to your diet every day
At The Everygirl, we believe that healthy eating doesn’t have to be difficult or restrictive. We’re big fans of adding more nutritious foods into our routines instead of going on intensive diets or restricting food groups to eat healthier. For a fun challenge that won’t feel too difficult, try making one small change to your diet every day. For example, add kale to your pasta, order a side salad with your takeout, drink an extra glass of water, or replace your afternoon Goldfish snack with carrots and hummus. Making one change a day will feel manageable enough to be sustainable, and you might even find recipes or a new routines you’ll like enough to turn into habits. After all, a healthy lifestyle is just a series of minor habits that snowball into major changes.

Source: @gabbywhiten

4. Waking up (and going to sleep!) a few minutes earlier
If your mornings feel like a race against the clock or an episode of Chopped (anyone else get anxious watching timed cooking shows?), you’re probably setting yourself up for an equally stressful rest of your day. Waking up even slightly earlier gives you more time so you’re not rushed through your routine, and you might even be able to fit in enjoyable activities like stretching, meditating, or gratitude journaling. If you have limited control over your mornings (like a super early work start time or a child to take care of), try waking up just 10 minutes earlier than you need to. Those 10 minutes to yourself can help you feel more in control, centered, and calmer throughout the entire day. Yes, this also means you should try to get into bed a little earlier as well. If that feels impossible, try turning off the lights just five minutes earlier than you did last night.

Source: @alainakaz

5. Managing money based on what sparks joy
If Marie Kondo can do it with closets, we can do it with our bank accounts. Truth be told, as a self-proclaimed “creative,” I never even thought about taking a business course in college, and the extent of my money knowledge upon graduation was how to budget for Starbucks. But I started understanding personal finance in a different way when I realized money was just an exchange of value for the effort and energy that we’re giving about 40 hours every single week. Thinking about personal finances as my life’s energy helps me manage my money based on what’s truly worth spending on and saving on.
For example, does it really bring you joy to get dinner with the friend who always gossips, or to buy the pair of pants you’ll never end up wearing? Managing your money based on what does and doesn’t bring you joy will reduce stress that comes with spending money on the items and experiences that you truly love. That also means you should invest your life’s energy in yourself: get the gym membership, purchase that online course, and open a savings account.

6. Have a workday cut-off
So your office day “ends” at 5pm, but you find yourself responding to emails, finishing projects, or putting out fires well into the night? Been there, done that! But work-life balance starts with leaving work at the office (or at your designated kitchen-table-turned-desk) and using your off-hours for yourself. Especially if you’re working from home, establish a non-negotiable end time, like 6pm (if you need an extra hour), and transition out of the workday with a closing ritual. Whether it’s Slacking your work wife good night, changing into pajamas, or lighting a candle and closing your laptop, a ritual signals to the brain that it’s no longer work time. Not only will establishing a firm end of the workday help with improving work-life balance, but it will prevent you from stressing about your to-do list for the next day. 

Source: @mylittlebooktique

7. Going on more walks
Since being in quarantine, we’ve been adjusting the way we think about fitness. Personally, I’m no longer prioritizing a designated workout time (which meant no exercise at all if I couldn’t fit in a good calorie-burn), and instead, I’m doing what I can to live less sedentary. The easiest (and best) way to be more active throughout the day is to go on more walks. Looks like my Fitbit was onto something: getting in your steps has many physical and mental health benefits.
Plus, it’s not only good for you, but it’s enjoyable and easy to fit into a busy schedule. Especially after being stuck indoors 24/7 for the majority of 2020, I crave being outdoors more than I ever have. I’ve been going on more hikes, using 10-minute work breaks to take a walk around the block, and walking to the nearby coffee shop instead of driving. Cue up a podcast, grab a warm jacket, and get outside for more walks before the weather gets too cold. 

What hacks or routines help you feel your best?

This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
2 hours ago

With the weather cooling down and winter fast approaching in the UAE, soon it will be the perfect time to take advantage of the cooler weather by spending time outdoors.
Encouraging people to embrace their natural surroundings, many different desert dining concepts emerged last season, particularly in Sharjah, and we’ll most definitely be paying a visit this year.
With that, we’ve outlined the very best places to dine in a sophisticated setting whilst basking in the serenity of the desert.
NOT a SPACE

This one-of-a-kind destination is curated with a series of activations in one venue. With the beautiful sunrise and sunset views, this winter experience is designed to bring friends and family together. With a creative set-up and mountainous backdrops, this open-air experience also conducts several activations to celebrate different occasions in an open space. From a ladies parlour to a men’s barber, there are a host of experiences to savour on your visit.
For more information visit notaspace.ae
The Uncommon

If you’re on the hunt for something different, this space is designed especially for you. Created against the backdrop of the picturesque Sharjah desert skyline, there’s a series of delectable hot and cold beverages to enjoy as you take in the beautiful surroundings. Known for its stunning mirrored display, visitors can capture those Instagrammable selfies or unwind at this relaxing spot. Designed to relish an array of delicious bites including baked goods in the heart of the desert, this sophisticated spot is unlike any other. You can book a spot to The Uncommon on the Requeue app.
One Degree Café

Designed with a Bedouin-style camp and as a pop-up experience, guests can enjoy all the dune views in the middle of the desert. Made for the perfect escape, this outdoor venue offers a plethora of delicious dishes and beverages from Spanish lattes to desserts such as tiramisu. The mains include signature dishes such as the classic hot dog and the wagyu burger, with many more options on the menu.
Common Winter

With a minimal aesthetic in the heart of the Sharjah desert, this gorgeous area is converted into a refreshing hotspot with a range of delectable and premium coffee. As an unmissable experience, this winter pop-up is designed with dispersed mirrors, unending views of the scenery, making it another gem in the middle of the desert. Situated near Al Faya Desert, this popular spot has already gained quite a bit of traction, making it everyone’s favourite spot who visits. Located in Al Fayah, it’s open from 3pm to 1am.
Link by Mara

With international fusion street food and a scintillating majlis-style seating area with fairy lights, guests can lay back with the socially distanced seating arrangements for utmost safety. With a plethora of mouthwatering desserts and must-have beverages, this spot has a private bonfire option in an intimate setting to enjoy with all your loved ones.
Coffee House

This sophisticated setup almost gives a wedding-like feel with flowy curtains and rattan chairs that set it apart from the rest. From croissants to carefully prepared beverages ranging from hot chocolates to coffees, guests can surely dine in style with the glistening skies above the setting. With the luxe décor featuring modern-day lights and the sandy desert combined, you’re sure to make multiple visits to this pop-up.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram, Feature image: Instagram @_aljp More

Well, according to Pinterest anyways.
Making travel plans is not as easy as it used to be but it hasn’t stopped avid Pinners from visually planning their dream getaway, and the Middle East has proven to be a popular choice with Dubai taking the third spot as the most pinned city break in the world.

The researchers looked at the boards of users which mentioned ‘holiday’ or ‘vacation’ and out of over 500 global cities, our vibrant home made it into the top five beating the likes of Rome and Barcelona. The UK capital London comes out on top as the most Pinned city in the world, followed by Paris.

Dubai is an overall winner for the Middle East on Pinterest with around 1,911 travel boards dedicated to the city. The main that users seem to love are the Dubai Fountains, Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab and Dubai’s Miracle Garden.
There are also plenty of pins for ideas for budget-friendly things to do in the city, such as a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque, the Butterfly Garden and getting street food at Boxpark at Al Wasl Road.
The capital Abu Dhabi was chosen as the fourth most popular city break in the region with users eager to visit Yas Water World and Ferrari World as well as historical and outdoor sits including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Activities like kayaking day trip amongst the mangroves on the city outskirts and exploring Abu Dhabi Corniche Road have been also added the visual wish list.

The research was conducted by popular hotel chain Premier Inn and here are the top 8 popular city breaks in the Middle East that Pinterest users can’t wait to visit.
Dubai with 1,911 Pinterest city break boards
Cairo with 795 Pinterest city break boards
Istanbul with 330 Pinterest city break boards
Abu Dhabi with 156 Pinterest city break boards
Tel Aviv with 65 Pinterest city break boards
Amman with 31 Pinterest city break boards
Muscat with 26 Pinterest city break boards
Doha with Pinterest city break boards
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram More

There comes a few times of the year when I, a makeup-obsessed beauty writer, dread putting on makeup, and it’s always the first few weeks of winter. The air is dry, our skin is suffering, and the motivation to put something on that will inevitably suck the life out of my already distressed skin is lacking. But this year, I have these eight tricks up my sleeve to tackle those times: 

1. Glowy Foundation
A really fresh base is the start of a solid makeup routine, especially if you have dry skin. Opt for a foundation with a glowy finish. It won’t get stuck on dry patches or make your skin feel tight after you’ve been wearing it a long time. Plus, it might even help hydrate your skin!

2. Creamy Concealer
In the same vein as a glowy foundation, choose a creamy concealer that blends effortlessly. These will usually have a satin/glowy finish, which makes a radiant foundation perfectly or is gorgeous worn on its own.

3. Light Powder
If you can’t get away without powdering your face for long days, there are powders on the market specifically made for dry skin types. These usually have a very light, finely-milled texture and might have pearls or a glowy finish. When used lightly all over the face or just pinpointed underneath the eyes, your makeup will stay in place without getting cakey and settling into any lines.

4. Cream Blush
To keep the glowy look on your cheeks, a cream blush is a great addition. Not only does this blend seamlessly into foundation and other base products, but a little blush will make your winter skin look alive and bright—even when you feel the opposite. 

5. Blendable Bronzer
If you want to use a cream bronzer, that’s great, but if you like the look of a powder one, just make sure you’re using something with a blendable formula. A bronzer that sticks to dry skin or applies in patches all over the face is a no-go, but these three blend easily with a brush over powder and liquid products. 

6. Liquid Highlighter
Highlighter is a secret weapon in the makeup drawers of those with dry skin. Even when your skin feels like a desert, highlighter makes you look like a glowing, golden goddess. A liquid formula will blend into your other products and will look as natural as possible—while still looking blinding, of course. 

7. Face Mist
Refresh your makeup throughout the day with a glowy mist. These help turn a dehydrated, matte face into a revitalized makeup look in just one step. Don’t look to these to keep your makeup on all day though; instead, these keep your skin looking moisturized. Mist as often as you need to keep your skin from getting that “blah” end-of-the-day feeling.

8. Lip Gloss
When your lips need some seriously help after the weather turns freezing, go for a lip gloss instead of lipstick. Not only is gloss seriously trending, it’s ultra-hydrating and never settles into lines or emphasizes chapped lips. If you really want to hydrate your lips, opt for a creamy formula without any glitters. However, shimmery glosses really plump up your lips too. More

Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
1 minute ago

Even before premiering, The Real Housewives of Dubai sparked some strong reactions.
So, this is why it’s come as no surprise conversation surrounding the show following its premiere has been somewhat heated, to say the least.
With an unfiltered side to the protagonists now on show for all to see, viewers couldn’t help but react to all the controversial elements that this show had to offer.
The entire cast features six ‘housewives’, that include Caroline Stanbury; beauty entrepreneur Caroline Brooks; lifestyle content creator Nina Ali; Dubai’s first black supermodel Chanel Ayan; fashion designer Lesa Milan; and Emirati-Bahraini entrepreneur Sara Al Madani, whose strong personalities clash at some given point during the show.
From Ayan’s oh-so-fabulous outfits to Milan’s hilarious comments to seeing some of the best spots in Dubai, this reality TV show has come with a series of unexpected moments leading to a slew of reactions from viewers globally.
After already garnering a massive audience a few days after releasing, Emirates Woman has curated the most interesting reactions recorded so far from the show.

“i’m rihanna. nina’s mashed potatoes.” – @chanelayan i’m obsessed #RHOD
— pool (@chenbot420) June 14, 2022

Idk I feel like ever since I saw the wealth with #RHOD, Beverly Hills looking a little poor 🥴🤭#RHOBH
— Mary’s Bible (@Marysfavorite) June 9, 2022

Ayan brought a goat. Iconic #RHOD #RHODubai
— Joanne Robertson (@revjospa) June 9, 2022

Who is the hair stylist for the Real Housewives of Dubai?? These wigs are horrible. Bravo knows better!!! #RHOD #BravoTv
— DentalDiva (@FlossyHygienist) June 9, 2022

Is Ayan wearing fur in the desert? I’m sweating just watching #RHODubai #RHOD
— Kerra Tener Wellington (@Holla_AtCha) June 10, 2022

While the show came with some severe backlash, a host of people are enjoying RHOD and it’s had a slew of positive feedback.

The Dubai ladies are GORGEOUS. Lesa is STUNNING. 🤩 #RHOD
— S (@SMagnificent10) June 9, 2022

Sara’s son…just adorable and we need more of him on our screens. That is all. #RHOD
— DeeBee (@DWilliamsss) June 14, 2022

Lesa Milan is the prettiest housewife EVER #RHOD
— Kevin (@ATasarov) June 9, 2022

With all these comments, we already can’t wait for season 2.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More