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    in lifestyle and culture

    8 outdoor activities to try in the UAE this winter

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    As temperatures drop in the UAE, outdoor activities are again on our radar.
    From zip-lining to glamping the options are endless as each outing is complemented with a hint of nature.
    To plan ahead, Emirates Woman has curated a unique guide for all the best outdoor activities you don’t want to miss in the UAE.
    Go sky high

    The first to operate balloon flights in the northern Emirates, ActionFlight, has recently launched in Ras Al Khaimah. The flight will take visitors soaring over the rolling terracotta dunes for awe-inspiring sunrise views of the Emirate’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Operating seven days a week during the ballooning season, the picturesque experience sets afloat in the Al Wadi desert, where guests will board the 450,000 cubic feet balloon standing at a colossal 34.6m. Taking flight just before sunrise, the journey lasts approximately 60-minutes where visitors can marvel at the illuminated desert dunes, majestic Hajar mountains and glistening coastline and might even be able to spot special appearances from the indigenous wildlife. The full package includes complimentary transportation from anywhere within Ras Al Khaimah and transfer options from other Emirates with an additional fee. Guests can relax and unwind as they indulge in a decadent selection of dishes and be treated to a fascinating bird of prey show with native Arabian falcons, owls and hawks. Post-trip, all passengers will take home a souvenir flight certificate signed by the Balloon Pilot as a memento from the extraordinary experience. The full package includes complimentary transportation from anywhere within Ras Al Khaimah and transfer options from other Emirates with an additional fee. The family-friendly flight has the capacity to carry up to 20 passengers and for those looking for a more intimate experience, private compartment and flight bookings are available on request. ActionFlight will run flights seven days per week, flight availability may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Kids under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at Dhs1,315 per adult and Dhs1,155 per child inclusive of the flight and return transport.
    For more information visit actionflight.ae
    Book an alfresco dining experience

    It’s the season to be outdoors again. As the weather cools down, alfresco Dubai dining is firmly back on our radars. From beach clubs to sky-high restaurants, each venue ensures scintillating views of Dubai’s skyline accompanied by a delectable menu crafted to perfection. From bohemian décor at Bar Du Port to being surrounded by nature at Bussola, there are plenty of restaurants on our guide for you to book ASAP with your loved ones.
    Try a glamping experience

    If you want to immerse yourself in nature, there’s no better way to do it than by escaping to the desert. While now being home to the region’s first trailer hotel, guests can camp alongside the banks of Hatta Dam with these innovative trailers to have a truly memorable experience. With luxurious facilities on board, it’s all set to feel like a thrilling adventure with all the necessary amenities provided as you’ll be nestled in the heart of the mountains starting at Dhs986 with prices varying.
    For more information regarding booking and details head to visithatta.com
    Visit this famed desert café

    With a quirky bohemian charm, One Degree Café is the latest off-the-grid pop-up for guests to retreat amid the dreamy desert sunsets. 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. Located in Musherief, Ajman, this desert pop-up is situated 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. Visitors can approach the venues by following the map here.
    For more information visit onedegree.ae
    Hone your equestrian skills

    From a spacious paddock to qualified instructors, the UAE is well-known for this exhilarating sport which is available all year round for you to enjoy. From state-of-the-art polo and equestrian communities to professional instructors to help fine-tune your skills, each stable is situated in a family-friendly oasis to train beginners and offer a tranquil desert escape. As here at Emirates Woman we are quite the fans of horse riding, here’s a curated list of stables with fully equipped facilities for you to embrace throughout the year.
    Swing your best shot

    For golfing enthusiasts, Top Golf is set to welcome guests this season. With 96- hitting bays, this expansive venue spans across 60,000 square feet with high-tech interactive games and a one-of-a-kind experience to experience with your friends and families. For a break between each game, the restaurants present the region’s top culinary talent with their signature burgers and sides. Located at Emirates Golf Club, this venue is a must-visit.
    For more information visit topgolf.ae
    Go ziplining

    Glide along the world’s longest ziplining spanning across 2.83 km. This gripping experience features breathtaking views of the UAE’s natural beauty and a bird’s eye view of the Hajar mountains. After the activity, guests can experience at one of the most popular havens, 1484 Puro and grab a bite with their loved ones.
    It’s time to trek

    Pack your water, snacks and a fully charged phone and get ready to embark on a journey depending on the level you wish to go for. Whether easy, moderate or extreme, each trek includes rocky outcrops and a wadi terrain with scenic views of the Hatta mountains. Located at Hatta Wadi Hub, guests can opt for the two-hour guided hiking tour.
    To make a booking head to visithatta.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram and Feature Image: Instagram @dashatravels More

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    Lindsay Lohan shares her pregnancy news via a heartfelt post on Instagram

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    Lindsay Lohan is soon going to be a mother and we couldn’t be more excited.
    Taking the news to Instagram, the actress shared the news with her 12.5 million fans in a sweet post that read “coming soon.”

    The caption said, “We are blessed and excited! 🙏🤍👶🍼,” she captioned a photo of a white baby onesie with the words “coming soon…” laid out on a bed.
    Lohan is married to businessman Bader Shammas with this baby being their first child together. The couple, who met in Dubai, have been incredibly private about their relationship and Shammas is not in the public eye.
    When did they tie the knot?

    Lohan revealed she secretly wed Shammas back in July in an Instagram post to mark her 36th birthday, where she referred to the financier as her “husband”.
    Lohan shared a photo with her now-husband, saying she was the “luckiest woman in the world”. The star also appeared to be wearing a diamond wedding band paired with her engagement ring.
    “You found me and knew that I wanted to find happiness and grace, all at the same time,” she said in the caption. “I am stunned that you are my husband. My life and my everything. Every woman should feel like this everyday.”
    The couple had first made their red-carpet debut in New York City for the screening of her highly anticipated Netflix release Falling for Christmas in November, 2022.
    Congratulations to the lovely couple for this joyous news!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    This Mother’s Day treat your Mum with a series of exquisite gifts from Flowwow

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: With Mother’s Day soon approaching on March 21, 2023, it’s time to shop for the most important woman in your life.
    Whether a small token of appreciation or something practical for her to cherish forever, Flowwow is a website with local online stores where you can order flower delivery in Dubai and mother’s day gifts with same-day or next-day delivery.
    If you’re looking at what to purchase as a kind token of appreciation, scroll through our editor-approved guide to make your shopping experience a whole lot easier.

    With a host of luxurious bouquets curated by local artisans, there’s an exquisite selection of arrangements varying from roses to hydrangeas, to make the celebration memorable.

    No special day is celebrated without a cake to mark their love and experience the joyous occasion. A custom cake or a box of craft chocolates is a simple yet stylish present, guaranteed to be enjoyed by your mother. With a meaningful phrase or an inside memory, this day can be cherished for years to come.

    For a long-lasting keepsake, dried flowers are the perfect option to showcase endless love as a precious memoir. With delicate lavender accompanied by its impressionable scent, mothers can feel at ease after a long day and embark on a calming journey from the minute they enter their room.

    If you’re on the lookout for gifts to complement the bouquets, opts for the customised balloons to make her feel loved. Whether red balloons to complement the red bouquets or bespoke confetti rose gold balloons, there are a plethora of hues and patterns to choose from as you scroll through this platform.

    For an elegant possession to gift your mother with, jewellery always works wonders. As a universal gift idea, there are various designs from dainty necklaces to bold pieces to fit your mum’s individual aesthetic.

    To add a hint of greenery at home, indoor plants work as the best option to redecorate any specific area and work as a sign of love and care when treated with love.

    To bestow her with natural scents, there’s an array of handmade soaps that will always allow the gift giver to be remembered with their warm delicate scent.
    So, if anyone deserves to be showered with love on this special occasion, it’s all the mothers and to guide you the process, Frowow, has a wide range of products starting from Dhs80 with same-day delivery and hassle-free shopping from the comfort of your home. For more information visit flowwow.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    What We Can Learn From Keeley’s Career Growth in Ted Lasso

    Ted Lasso‘s Keeley Jones can do no wrong in the worlds of fashion, beauty, relationships, friendships, and career, so obviously, I consider her an icon. She’s a loyal friend and loving girlfriend who has nailed her personal style, prioritizes her self-care (I would kill for a bubble bath like hers), and now, is working her way to the top of her self-started career in public relations. IMO, she has everything going for her, and that’s only going to continue in season three as she takes on her very own PR firm with the help of Bantr, the dating app she successfully promoted while she was the Head of Marketing at AFC Richmond.
    At the end of season two, her career storyline really picks up, but if you think that Keeley’s career growth from influencer and model to CEO happened quickly, you weren’t watching close enough. The slow and steady build of Keeley’s success is directly related to the unwavering determination she’s had since the pilot. There is a lot we can learn from her—aside from her ability to rock a pink power suit and heels and make it look easy. From Keeley’s humble beginning to how she leveraged her connections to become a CEO, here is everything we can learn from Keeley Jones’ career growth:

    1. Doing what you’re passionate about leads to success
    As an influencer and a model, Keeley is naturally savvy when it comes to brand deals, social media, and public relations. She managed her own, helped her ex-boyfriend Jamie with his when they were still together, and even was able to help Ted manage negativity from the media when he first became the football coach. When Keeley was offered the job as Head of Marketing at AFC Richmond, she was able to take a step back from modeling jobs (remember when she was dressed as a lion for a vodka commercial?) and focus her efforts on marketing and public relations, which she is not only naturally good at but that excites her too.
    Finding out what you’re passionate about doesn’t always come easy, but it should happen naturally as it did for Keeley. Think about the things in your job now (or even something you do on the side!) that you are good at or that excite you. Then, ask your manager if you can take on more responsibility in that area or start doing more work on the side to gain more exposure and experience. Little by little, you’ll be in a position where you’re doing more of what you love, and TBH, that’s the key to success.

    2. Small steps yield big results
    When Keeley started at AFC Richmond, there was not a single brand deal in sight for most of the players, so she had to start from scratch. She set up times to talk to each player so she could figure out what would be a good fit for them before reaching out to the companies for deals. With a unicorn notebook in hand, Keeley started small and created opportunities for the club and herself one step at a time. By the end of season two, one of those brands (Bantr) noticed the effect of her efforts and was impressed with her enough to offer to fund a PR firm for her. This is all to say that success doesn’t happen overnight; It’s a slow build. It takes showing up each and every day and chipping away at your goals—even if some of those days turn into late nights (which we saw Keeley working in many episodes). Each step builds off of the next, so even if it doesn’t always feel like you’re making leaps and bounds of progress, your momentum will pick up, and you’ll start to see that the small things add up to be something bigger.

    3. Networking is crucial for career growth
    When Keeley met Rebecca, the owner of AFC Richmond, Keeley was instantly in awe of Rebecca’s success and badass attitude. She learned from Rebecca how to be a strong and accomplished woman in a place of leadership and their mentor-like relationship has significantly contributed to Keeley’s confidence in herself and in her role. And if it weren’t for Rebecca seeing Keeley’s potential, Keeley wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to work with Bantr. Keeley has surrounded herself with people that build her up and create opportunities for her, which is something we should all be doing in our lives and careers. This is the perfect example of how networking and nurturing relationships can change the trajectory of your entire career. After all, she was featured in Vanity Fair as a powerful woman on the rise.

    4. Short-term sacrifices are necessary for long-term gain
    Arguably the biggest cliffhanger at the end of the second season is where Roy and Keeley’s relationship stands. She turns down an opportunity to go on vacation with him in Marbella so she can start her new company and hit the ground running. I don’t know about you, but I don’t consider turning down a vacation with a partner an easy thing to do. But for Keeley, it’s what she has to do to become the kind of CEO she wants to be. Making sacrifices is common and often necessary in these situations, and they can come in all forms. When we are going after something we want, we have to recognize what sacrifices are worth making for our end goal. Maybe that looks like skipping a vacation or working late nights like Keeley, or maybe it means letting go of people in your life that don’t support your goals. Whatever it looks like for you and your career, stand firm in what you want, and don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of following your dreams. It will pay off in the end.

    The Big Career Goal You Should Tackle in 2023 More

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    in health and weelbeing

    The 15 Best Fitness Apps, Based on Your Goals and Workout Routine

    You know the all-too-common “I don’t have enough time to work out,” “Exercise is boring,” or “The gym is too expensive” excuses? Well, those no longer apply, thanks to the bevy of fitness apps that make just about any type of workout a download and click away, no matter where you are. Yes, there’s an app for at-home workouts and gym rats, for weight training, Pilates, dance cardio, for quickie 10-minute to hour-long sessions, you name it. While some will set you back a few bucks, others won’t cost you a thing. Hot tip: most offer a free trial.
    The endless fitness platforms at your fingertips can be overwhelming, so we’ve done the work for you and narrowed down the top picks to sweat it out with. Consider your phone (alongside your fave water bottle) your must-have fitness accessory. Without further ado, let’s get to hitting our fitness goals with the best fitness apps of 2023.   

    If you’re a gym rat…
    Alive by Whitney Simmons

    Whether you’re a newbie or a pro at lifting weights, this app will get you pumped (literally and figuratively). Choose from different strength training programs that vary in length (i.e. 6, 8, 10 weeks) and skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) or over 100+ daily workouts that target every major muscle group. 
    Cost: $14.99/month or $119.99/year; 7-day free trial

    FitOn

    Want to work out with celebs and celebrity trainers alike without paying the hefty price tag? Look no further than FitOn. Take your pick from live-streamed classes or its catalog of on-demand options (think: strength, HIIT, Pilates) with the likes of Jeanette Jenkins (she’s trained Pink, Alicia Keys, and Mindy Kaling) and Gabrielle Union.
    Cost: free

    FitBod 

    Bid farewell to stale, same ol’, same ol’ gym routines and the intimidation factor that often comes with hitting the gym. FitBod customizes workout plans based on your recent workouts, current strength-training level, and gym equipment you have on hand. Oh, and it includes recovery time every week to ensure your muscles get the TLC they need. 
    Cost: $12.99/month or $79.99/year; three free-trial workouts

    If you have minimal equipment…
    Sweat 

    Sometimes all you need is a workout buddy to keep you on track with your workouts. This app, created by Insta-famous Australian trainer Kayla Itsines, serves up a built-in community of women to cheer you on every step of the way, not to mention a 16-week, zero-equipment plan called “BBG Zero Equipment” that includes 70 bodyweight exercises—that’s right, sans dumbbells, resistance bands, and bench.  
    Cost: $19.99/month, $54.99/quarter, or $$119.94/year; 7-day free trial

    Body by Blogilates

    Chances are you’ve heard of influencer and certified fitness instructor Cassey Ho (Blogilates ring a bell?). Well, say hello to her Pilates-based, no-equipment classes led by Cassey herself, categorized by target area so you can easily find the type of workout you’re looking for. What’s more, you’ll have her interactive workout challenges and calendar at your disposal to stay motivated. No losing steam here.
    Cost: $3.99/month or $39.99/year

    Nike Training Club 

    “Just Do It” takes on a whole new meaning with Nike’s very own fitness platform. Along with more than 185 workouts to choose from—from strength-based routines to mobility and yoga sessions—the app features at-home workouts that require minimal to no equipment. But don’t let that fool you—the strength-building circuits, HIIT, and total-body burns pack a punch. The live mindfulness sessions and guides on mindset, nutrition, recovery, and sleep are just added perks. 
    Cost: free

    If you prefer quickies…
    MWH (Melissa Wood Health)

    An all-in-one health, wellness, and lifestyle platform, MWH makes fitness accessible, flexible, and inclusive for all. “No matter what time you have available to you (yes, even 5 or 10 minutes has an impact), there’s always something you can do to take care of YOU,” expressed Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, Founder of MWH. With a weekly schedule of efficient and effective Pilates and yoga-style flows designed to sculpt long, lean lines (and grouped by beginner, intermediate, and challenging levels) you can’t go wrong. 
    Cost: $9.99/month or $99.99/year; 7-day free trial

    Seven

    With this aptly-named app, all you need is seven minutes (and no equipment) to effectively break a sweat. Based on scientific studies to provide the most bang for your buck in your workouts, this app gives you access to a plethora of exercises, plus over 200 seven-minute, full-body workouts if you subscribe to its 7 Club Membership.  
    Cost: free; $9.99/month or $79.99/year for 7 Club Membership

    Aaptiv

    This audio-only app makes you hyper-focused on the workout you happen to be crushing on any given day (it’s like having your #1 cheerleader in your ear). With 2,500 trainer-led, music-based workouts ranging from running and elliptical to stretching and yoga, you’ll never get bored. 
    Cost: $14.99/month or $99.99/year; 7-day free trial
     
    If you’re looking for more variety… 
    obé Fitness

    If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we can sweat it out with the best of them from the comfort of our own homes (and save some dough), and obé continues to prove that. Consider your fitness routine covered because obé Fitness offers 10,000+ on-demand workouts, with 20+ class types that feature both no equipment and full gear exercises. Workouts for the next week, next month, and next year? Check.
    Cost: $24.99/month or $169.99/year; 7-day free trial 

    Peloton 

    No longer just a stationary bike trainer, the Peloton app boasts thousands of live and on-demand classes with or without equipment that you can do at home, at the gym, or on the go. We’re talking a selection of indoor cycling, running, walking, bootcamp, strength, and outdoor (audio-only) classes. Got a competitive side (even if it’s just with yourself)? Use the metrics and performance tracking feature so that pesky motivation doesn’t wane, and participate in challenges to focus on specific goals and earn achievements.
    Cost: $12.99/month; 30-day free trial

    BODi 

    BODi is ditching the perfection mindset (read: failure is inevitable, but we keep going anyway) to dish out 100+ workout programs—from cardio to strength and dance to yoga—for all levels. Sure, it may be on the pricier side, but the app’s extensive range of workouts with varying levels of intensity arguably makes it worthwhile. 
    Cost: $119 for 6-month membership or $179 for 12-month membership; 14-day free trial 
     
    If you’re all about low-impact workouts…
    Alo Moves  

    What’s a girl to do when she wants to level up her fitness, mindfulness, and overall wellness? Cue up Alo Moves, of course. With bragging rights that include a repertoire of over 2,500 classes (that are all available for offline download, BTW)—from yoga to full-body HIIT to sound baths—taught by over 60+ instructors, a strong community of users with whom you can connect based on similar goals and workout styles, and a mix of IRL backdrops in its workout videos (see: Alo in the Wild), what’s not to love? Sunrise meditation in Hawaii, anyone?
    Cost: $20/month or $199/year; 14-day free trial

    The Sculpt Society

    When in doubt, dance it out—with celebrity trainer Megan Roup, that is (she counts Shay Mitchell, Miranda Kerr, and Karlie Kloss as her devotees). Offering five different programs (like Beginner-Intermediate and Slow + Controlled), over 400 on-demand workouts, and multiple live classes each week, you’ll find everything from dance cardio, lightweight, low-impact sculpting, yoga, stretch, and meditation classes. The best part? You’ll get a great workout in less than an hour. Pssst: Listen to founder Megan Roup on The Everygirl Podcast.
    Cost: $19.99/month or $179.99/year; 7-day free trial  

    The Class

    The Class’ MO is “The workout where fitness meets mindfulness,” and with live-streamed and on-demand offerings and programs that combine strength-training, cardio, and mindfulness to help you feel better, clear your mind, and release emotions, it more than delivers on its promise. Mat-based and music-driven, you can expect guided instruction and a carefully curated playlist to exercises such as squats, jumping jacks, and burpees in each Class. The result? A cathartic workout experience that guides you to restore balance and build a resilient body. In LA or NYC? Try it IRL at their studios.  
    Cost: $40/month, $36.67/quarter, or $33.33/year; 14-day free trial 

    I Asked Hollywood’s Favorite Trainer How Celebrities Get in Shape More

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    3 Valuable Career Lessons for Women, According to Kendra Scott

    Welcome to The Everygirl Podcast. Whether you’re looking for insider secrets from successful women that have your dream job, are interested in expert advice to transform your health and feel your best, or just want to be entertained and laugh along with us on your commute, we’ve got you covered.

    Once upon a time, when The Everygirl had just barely hit the internet (think: ballet flats are trending, but like…for the first time), we published a fun little career profile on jewelry designer Kendra Scott. Ten years later, Kendra’s career advice is even more valuable than it was back in the ol’ days, which is why we’ve reunited with her for this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast. As a mega-successful jewelry designer, empathetic entrepreneur and philanthropist, and involved parent, Kendra Scott has brought a revolutionary customer-first approach to the world of fashion and jewelry.
    From her first failed attempt at launching a hat company at the age of 19 all the way until publishing her memoir Born to Shine, we can all learn something from Kendra’s fascinating career story. Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship yourself or just want to learn some lessons from one of the most successful women in the country, read on for three valuable career lessons from Kendra Scott that every woman should know, and listen to her interview on The Everygirl Podcast.

    1. Build a community of support, and don’t be afraid to ask for help
    96% of Kendra Scott employees are female, and Kendra sees this internal makeup as a huge strength to her brand. Part of that is the community of support that she has built among her employees; as a mom and a CEO, Kendra has a lot to do in her day, so she isn’t afraid to ask for help. “I really believe that we are stronger as women when we can be vulnerable with one another,” Kendra said on The Everygirl Podcast. That kind of vulnerability is what has made Kendra the CEO that puts the work-life balance of her employees first, while also running a billion-dollar business.
    If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your career, whether it’s about balancing work and life or completing an important project, asking for help can be a revolutionary positive act. When you ask for help in your career, it allows others who are feeling the same way to feel okay asking for help, too. This is what creates a community of support in your workplace that can carry you on to the next big thing.

    2. Emotion, compassion, and sensitivity are secret weapons for women leaders
    Given her massive success, Kendra spends a lot of time mentoring other young female jewelry designers in order to launch them to success in a challenging industry. She says that it’s important to her to never see other female designers as competition, and instead to look upon their success with an abundance mindset, because the empathy that women leaders have is capable of changing the world. “We lead with a lot of compassion, and it’s not a weakness,” Kendra said. “It’s not a weakness to have heart, to be thoughtful about things, to be emotional.” As a woman in the workplace, seeing empathy as a superpower instead of a weakness can launch you to new heights in your career.

    3. Learn to harness the power of being told “no”
    We all know that rejection in your career can really sting. When she first started out, Kendra was told “no” a lot: by potential buyers, by critics of her decision to invest in brick-and-mortar stores, and the list goes on. Through these rejections, Kendra developed a system: whenever she’s told “no,” she flips it around and says it’s “on.” She uses every “no” as an opportunity to learn why she received that rejection, and to ask questions about how she can do better in the future. “I become a sponge of information, I want to learn from this. And then I say to them, ‘Thank you so much for this great information,’” Kendra explained. Thankfully, hearing the word “no” never slowed Kendra Scott down, and now it won’t slow you down, either. More

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    Follow This Weekly Routine If You Want to Feel More Toned

    With so many types of workouts to choose from, deciding what to do and how to structure your weekly sweat sessions can be overwhelming and confusing AF. So what’s the sweet spot when it comes to divvying up strength training, cardio, recovery, etc. Sunday through Saturday? It goes without saying that varies from person to person, but as a general rule of thumb, there are a few basic components that strike the right balance for a well-rounded weekly workout routine. We asked fitness trainer Gabrielle Bolin to do the heavy lifting (pun intended) for us and create a week’s worth of sweat that will help you feel toned (ICYMI, we’re flipping the script on any outdated connotations of “getting toned” and reclaiming it to mean feeling strong and confident in your body, not a certain ab count or pants size). The result? Major #fitspo.
    Whether you need a fresh perspective or you’re feeling lost on how to build and maintain a fitness schedule, consider this your Everygirl-approved week’s worth of workouts. BTW, it’s not meant to be a strict plan that you have to follow to a T. Use this plan as inspo, and make it work for you. The best type of workout is the one that you enjoy, and honoring your body and moving it in a way that feels best for you is the primary goal. With all that in mind, it’s time to get your sweat on. 

    Meet the expert
    Gabrielle Bolin
    Fitness Trainer
    Gabrielle Bolin is an ACE-certified personal trainer, RRCA-certified running coach, and a strength & conditioning coach at The Fort in NYC. With years of experience as both an athlete and a coach, Gabrielle’s mission is to empower women to find strength and confidence through movement.

    The weekly routine

    Why this routine is so effective
    Not a cardio queen? Same. Lucky for us, a couple days of cardio (AKA aerobic exercise) is all that Bolin prescribed for the week. Getting your heart pumping through cardiovascular exercise may help reduce chronic pain, aid in sleep, regulate weight, strengthen immune system, and boost mood–besides you know, just the cardiovascular benefits. Sandwich it with three days of strength training and you can expect a leg up if your goal is fat loss, and more importantly, strength workouts may also help to improve your body image. Alternating between lifting weights and cardio throughout the week ensures you’re optimizing your workouts (read: getting the most bang for your buck) by working different parts of your body. The best part? You’ll get stronger. But Sunday Funday (otherwise known as rest day) is just as important as the days you’re breaking a sweat because your muscles get the rest and repair they need. The other added perks of recovery? Preventing injuries and workout burnout, improving sleep, and having more time to tend to other essential parts of your life (think: hobbies, relationships, and other forms of self-care).   

    People Swear the 3-2-8 Method Is the Secret to Getting Toned More

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    How I got my Job as.. Founder of this couture cake atelier in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat with Cake Artist, Mich Turner, Founder of Little Venice Cake Company, located at the newly opened Atlantis The Royal.
    Synonymous with understated elegance, Turner is a pioneer in the baking industry, a consultant to the retail and hospitality industry and known to combine her creativity with her work. As an award-winning entrepreneur, she has been awarded an MBE in 2010, for her services in the catering industry.
    Set to offer the best cakes for all kinds of celebrations from bespoke cakes to afternoon tea loaves, clients can customise the desserts as per their requirements. With celebrity clients such as Pierce Brosnan, and Emma Thompson, including Buckingham Palace and more.
    While the road to entrepreneurship wasn’t an easy path, she went against all means to come out successful. To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with the brand’s founder to learn about her career path and how she’s converted her passion into a full-time business.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    Chemistry, Biology and Home Economics.

    What was your first job?
    Bakery and a Patisserie Buyer at a luxury department store, Harvey Nichols.
    What brought you to Dubai?
    I was introduced to the team behind the iconic Atlantis Dubai, who was looking for a cake offering within their new ultra-luxury resort, Atlantis The Royal.
    What inspired you to enter the f&b space and launch Little Venice Cake Company?
    Little Venice Cake Company creates premium luxury cakes for all celebrations and events. We offer a couture bespoke service to clients, working with esteemed partners in the hospitality, retail and events sectors. For me, launching Little Venice Cake Company was a passion to create amazing cakes for amazing people, in amazing venues, for amazing celebrations – offering the very best in professionalism, client service, refined opulent designs, and totally indulgent cakes.
    Talk us through the inspiration of your pieces.
    There is a story behind every cake and every cake has to tell that story. Understanding the who, why, when, where and how provides the mainframe for each design. The skill and expertise then come in combining artistry with technical expertise and hand craftsmanship to design completely bespoke cakes – perfect for every occasion. A feast for the eyes and a memory for the palate.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    The key elements of my role are firstly communication as I meet and engage with people on an international stage. Being able to articulate, connect, direct , understand and empathise with people is key. Secondly, organisation – this is essential working in a critical time-dependent world. Forward planning, risk assessment, hazard analysis and problem-solving is an essential part of my role and thirdly Presentation is an important aspect, for inspiring those involved with Little Venice Cake Company to embrace our brand values.

    Talk us through your daily routine.
    My days rarely follow a routine. I try to pack as much into each day as I can and am fastidious with timekeeping to avoid time wasting. My time in Dubai is limited and usually built around a particular event – such as The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee events at The British Embassy or the grand reveal of Atlantis The Royal. I always wake up three hours before my first commitment to allow time for early morning correspondence, a visit to the gym, grooming, and breakfast. I will spend time with my team in pastry working on new collections, and seasonal offerings, reviewing recipes and designs. We often have tastings, bespoke orders, presentations and photo shoots to prepare for. I also plan time with the management team to review our business performance. I have meetings and consultations with clients for upcoming events which we host in our Royal Meeting Room with cake tastings. We are just starting to offer masterclasses for corporate and private clients in our show kitchen within our atelier at Atlantis The Royal. These are customised and hugely enjoyable, but require a lot of preparation. I juggle press requests and external presentations with invitations to attend official events. I am fortunate to dine within the resort and with so many incredible restaurants to choose from such as Milos, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen and Dinner By Heston Blumenthal it is a treat and certainly one of the best perks of the job.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Prepare to work hard and insist on the highest standards for yourself. There is no fast track to experience and you can’t fake passion. Be committed.
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    Do what you do really well, and no one can touch you.

    And what is the worst?
    Genuinely can’t think of anything? I have an analytical thought process – so would always work through the whole journey and possible outcomes before committing. Any advice that I couldn’t see working I would have discounted in the ether!
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    I am a problem solver, always looking for a way through the maze. Every challenge can be managed with time, tenacity and self-belief.
    What are the future plans for your brand and tell us how it feels to open at Atlantis The Royal?
    I have been working with Atlantis Dubai on this project for the past six years to deliver a world-exclusive Little Venice Cake Company atelier with Everyday cakes, a Signature collection, Couture bespoke cakes, customised masterclasses and a curated collection of homewares synonymous with our ethos of authenticity, British premium craftsmanship and heritage. I have enjoyed the whole process and am enormously proud of the atelier and the teams at Little Venice Cake Company and Atlantis The Royal.
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