Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    16 Desk Essentials Your Body Will Thank You Big Time For

    If you often find yourself finishing up a long workday in pain, you’re not alone. After all, things like tech neck, back pain, and eye strain are just a few common symptoms that come from working at a desk and staring at a screen for prolonged periods of time. Granted, we all have to deal with and push through pain occasionally, but dealing with pain day in and day out can take a toll on your mental health and affect your overall performance at work.
    The truth is, continuously working through or going into your workday knowing it could potentially end in pain is not going to set you up for success, which is why finding items that can help minimize pain is key to working at your fullest potential.
    Start thriving instead of just surviving with these desk essentials. From CBD relief cream to back cushions, laptop risers and everything in-between, these are the ergonomic desk essentials you need to add to your workspace ASAP.

    Twelve South
    Curve Laptop Riser
    Calling all laptop owners: This is one item your wish list needs. This chic laptop riser comes in a matte black or sleek white finish, so it pairs beautifully with any laptop shade and looks nice on any surface. What’s more, it’ll help combat and prevent neck and shoulder pain and make your video calls look even better by placing your laptop at eye-level.

    Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
    Say goodbye to the days of trying to work through hand or wrist pain with this ergonomic keyboard. Designed with an ergonomic slope and built-in wrist rest for optimal hand and wrist placement, you’ll work in a more neutral position, combat hand pain, and prevent further injury or strain.

    Ergonomic Wrist Rest and Mouse Pad
    Lightweight, soft, durable, and slip-resistant, this wrist rest and mouse pad set is exactly what you need to alleviate hand and wrist pain. Plus, it’s made with memory foam for comfortable, easy use.
    Available in 15+ colors

    Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier
    Cold weather can exacerbate aches and pains, and indoor heating can zap moisture from the air. Breathe some life back into your space with Vitruvi’s Cloud Humidifier; the ultra-sleek, minimalist design can serve as desk decor while making your body feel better and improving your skin, hair, and natural immunity.
    Available in 3 colors

    Wear Me Pro
    Blue Light Glasses
    Combat screen-induced headaches and eye strain with a pair of blue light blocking glasses. We love a multitasking accessory, and these are super cute and effective.

    Simple Modern
    Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
    It’s no secret that staying hydrated can help keep your body in check, improve circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation. Keep a water bottle with you at all times to ensure you never forget to drink enough. The beauty of this size is that you’ll have to get up for more eventually, which will help break up the day, give your eyes a break from the screen, and get in some extra movement.

    Equilibria
    Relief Balm
    Pain can be unpredictable at times, but keeping Equilibria’s CBD Relief Balm handy can help.With 500mg of CBD and other loving ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, lavender, and menthol, this is a great all-natural alternative to over-the-counter pain reducers like Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Simply apply a pea-sized amount onto the affected area to calm down inflammation and provide much-needed relief.
    Use code ‘theeverygirl’ for 20% off of your first order at Equilibria!

    Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
    If you’re looking to upgrade your desk completely and say goodbye to neck and shoulder pain once and for all, look no further. FlexiSpot’s standing desk is electrically powered and fully customizable, and lets you program up to three presets, so you can save the desk positions and heights that work best for you.

    Branch Furniture
    Ergonomic Chair
    There’s a reason Branch Furniture’s Ergonomic Chair has a 5-star rating—because it works. It simultaneously provides comfort and firm lumbar support, relieves pressure in your body, and supports a healthy posture. So, add this to your holiday wish list and say goodbye to long days spent sitting in uncomfortable chairs.
    Available in 3 colors

    Portable Back Massage Cushion with Heat
    A back massager with a built-in heating system that can be strapped to your desk chair and used as you work? Say no more. Designed to relax and soothe, you’ll never want to rush through work again.

    Ergonomic Back Relief Cushion
    Give your office chair an upgrade this season. Available in 4 colors, this back relief cushion is contoured to fit your natural lumbar curve and provide necessary spine support. Plus, it can be strapped to fit almost any chair.

    Cushion Lab
    Pressure Relief Seat Cushion
    Remedy tailbone pain that comes from sitting for prolonged periods of time with this ergonomic seat cushion. Designed to improve posture and relieve sitting and hip pressure, this portable seat cushion has a grippy bottom that will fasten to any desk chair and provide comfort and support all-day long. Plus, with 2 sizes and 13 colors to choose from, you’re bound to find something that fits both your vibe and your needs.

    Cushion Lab
    Under Desk Foot Rest
    Sitting for hours on end can put a lot of added pressure on your body, but simply adding a foot rest under your desk can provide some pain relief. This footrest is made with an ergonomic design and 3D Wave Foot Massage that will stimulate blood flow and enhance circulation for deep tension release. Really, it’s like stepping on a cloud.
    Available in 10 colors

    Under Desk Elliptical
    This under desk elliptical should be on every working woman’s holiday wish list. Movement makes your body feel better and helps combat long-term pain, so place this under your desk to get in extra activity while you work. Also included in purchase is a mat that will protect your floor, a resistance band, caster stoppers to keep your chair in place while using, and a tether strap that will secure the elliptical to your desk chair. More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    This advent calendar will make the countdown to Christmas extra special

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: There’s nothing better than a warm cup of tea to tame the holiday stress.
    As an annual treat for fine tea lovers, Newby Teas has launched an exclusive Hotel advent calendar that is set to make your teatime a daily delight. Making it the perfect gift for your friends and family, the blends are individually wrapped for utmost freshness with 96 tea bags in total.
    So, get ready to count down the days to Christmas with 24 unique blends cossetted in mini draws to replicate a sophisticated boutique-style hotel. After first launching in 2015, this one-of-a-kind box became an instant success with its luxury high-quality fine-teas catering to a wide audience.

    If you’re looking to expand your tea horizons, the calendars have a plethora of blends to suit everyone’s needs. From Ginseng Oolong to Oriental Sencha, there’s a long list of unending rare varieties for a loaded tea-tasting month. With an array of classic blends such as Moroccan Mint, Ceylon, English Breakfast, Earl Grey and more, this box of 96 teabags taps into the unappreciated diversity of tea.
    Designed with ornate packaging, this sought-after hotel-shaped advent calendar can be repurposed for post-festive purposes. Curated with intricate Parisian designs, the box features charming accents depicting an escape in one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The black and white illustration closely portrays an attentive bell-boy, a chic woman walking her dog and a content creator capturing that perfect shot.

    This exclusive Hotel Newby advent calendar priced at Dhs1,000 is available at the Newby Teas Boutique at Park Hyatt Dubai, which is open daily from 9am to 7pm. As well as Hotel Newby, this quaint boutique has a full range of limited-edition festive gifts making it the perfect option for gifting this season.
    For more information visit newbyteas.com. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in health and weelbeing

    10 Habits Women Who Are Always in Shape Adopt During the Holidays

    I think we’d all agree that staying in shape January through October is one thing, but come Thanksgiving, keeping it up through the rest of the calendar year is a whole new ballgame. With holiday celebrations penciled in every weekend, treats everywhere you turn, and year-end deadlines to meet, this season can make anyone feel like throwing in the towel to maintain any semblance of a healthy routine. While it may take more intention and motivation to stay healthy during the holidays, women who are always fit have the best-kept secret: keeping up simple habits to lean into joy and keep the stress at bay. 
    PSA: Being “in shape” doesn’t mean looking a certain way or weighing in at a defined number on the scale. Rather, it means being your highest, best, healthiest self—however that looks or feels for you. With that in mind, let’s dive into the 10 habits that women who are always in shape adopt during the holidays. 

    1. They shift their focus
    Truth: It’s easy to get wrapped up in the holiday sales frenzy (looking at you, Black Friday), a schedule overbooked with social obligations, and checking off everyone on your list. But women who are always in shape don’t get sidetracked by alluring emails, parties overflowing with food and drinks, and the commercialization of the season—they focus on fostering connections and making memories to nourish and care for their bodies. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, prioritize activities that bring you joy, and hygge-fy your home (give me all the cozy blankets!). Your body will reap the benefits. 

    2. They don’t have “good foods” and “bad foods” in their vocabulary
    If women who are always in shape stand by one thing, it’s that a healthy approach to wellness is not all or nothing, especially when it comes to food. It’s not polishing off an entire pumpkin pie or passing on every dessert that’s calling your name. Instead of swearing off sweets because they’ve been scorned with the scarlet letter “B” (for bad), healthy women know that they can have their cake and feel good about themselves, too. They enjoy every bite on their plate and don’t sweat the sugar high while still tuning into their hunger cues, which can prevent binging everything in sight later on. Oh, and their other holiday hack? Noshing on some protein and healthy fats before that Christmas soirée where you know your cookie habit will likely present itself.     

    3. They sip smarter 
    What’s this festive season without some holiday cheer in the form of libations? In-shape women know that healthy drinking during the holidays doesn’t imply having to go cold turkey and cutting out alcohol all together (but that’s OK, too!). Instead, it means knowing what your personal limits are and practicing mindful drinking. If you’re a one-and-done kinda gal and call it a night after knocking back one glass of mulled wine (same), cheers to that! And when the healthiest women enjoy a cocktail or two (or three) at the office holiday party, they have a few tricks up their sleeves: They eat a protein-rich meal or snack beforehand, opt for a healthier option (no sugary cocktail mixer), double-fist it with water, curb their alcohol intake 3-4 hours before bed, and keep supplements like vitamin B complex and activated charcoal on hand. 

    4. They don’t go on detoxes 
    PSA: Despite what diet culture has ingrained in us, you don’t have to go on a juice cleanse to make up for your holiday indulgences. Health-conscious women skip the associated shame and regret that often comes with overeating and don’t feel the need to “get back on track” the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas with calorie counting, restrictive diets, and intense workouts. The body detoxifies itself on its own, with the liver doing a lot of the heavy lifting to rid the body of substances it sees as waste or harmful. So let your body do its job, and focus on intuitive eating, stretching or engaging in light exercise, staying hydrated with water, loading up on veggies, and taking self-care up a notch. 

    5. They cook more meals at home
    Consider whipping up healthy, home-cooked meals a healthy woman’s love language and healthifying traditional holiday recipes without sacrificing flavor her repertoire. Preparing meals yourself not only equals control over what goes into them (read: more fresh, whole foods), but also more savings in your bank account (talk about a win-win). Bonus tip: Add in in-season produce like root vegetables (think: sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash) packed with micronutrients and dietary fiber to your dishes to help regulate your digestion and stay fuller longer. Need some inspo? Look no further than these plant-based holiday recipes. Even your most discerning relative will be going back for seconds, and they’ll still be none the wiser. 

    6. They adapt their workouts
    The weather outside is frightful, but that doesn’t mean your exercise routine can’t be delightful. The healthiest women change up their sweat sessions according to the seasonal changes and how their bodies feel. During the summer months, pounding the pavement or HIIT classes may have been what your body craved, but it should come as no surprise if your body is now telling you to slow it down with Pilates or yoga. What’s more, rather than seeing exercising as a chore or punishment for the one-too-many cookies they ate while baking the night before, the healthiest women keep the mindset that they have the privilege to work out and do it out of enjoyment.

    7. They get 7-9 hours of quality sleep–every night
    With Hallmark Christmas movies running on repeat and The Great British Baking Show: Holidays premiering on Netflix, it takes a certain kind of self-control to refrain from staying up until the wee hours of the night, especially when you don’t have to wake up early for work. But not getting enough optimal shut-eye often leads to a host of consequences, including lack of energy, anxiety, and poor decision-making, not to mention consuming more foods that are high in sugar and trans fat. Bottom line: Save the Fa-La-La-La-La streaming for the daytime and limit screen time at night. Rest, restore, and repeat. The result? Improved mood, strengthened immune system, stress relief, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

    8. They get in movement throughout the day 
    Whether its their active work break or dog-walking route, women who are always in shape make it a point to get some extra steps in because they know that walking can do wonders for their physical and mental health (but they don’t obsess over the number of steps they hit in a day!). Aside from improving cardiovascular fitness and helping sustain a healthy weight, regular walking can improve your mood, cognition, and sleep. Take the stairs whenever possible, park your car farther away when hitting the grocery store or mall for that essential recipe ingredient or last-minute gift, take the longer hiking path, put your desk treadmill to good use, and give your abode the Home Edit touch (guest-ready never looked better). 

    9. They get in tune with their feelings  
    The so-called “most wonderful time of the year” can also be met with holiday blues, leaving you with anything but holiday spirit. When the healthiest women are facing loss, family stress, a recent breakup, or not going home for the holidays, they make space for their feelings around it, tune out the noise around them, and go inward. Whether that looks like breathwork, putting pen to paper, meditation, or saying affirmations, they hit pause, take a moment for themselves, and pay attention to what thoughts may be ruminating and any sensations they’re feeling sans judgement. The takeaway? Seek mindfulness, and feel all your feelings, be kind to yourself, let go of expectations of what the holidays should look like, and just breathe. Holiday stress, be gone!  

    10. They don’t limit themselves to traditions 
    Over the years, you and your loved ones probably developed traditions around holiday occasions—from grandma’s to-die-for sweet potato casserole to competing for the family trophy in a game of touch football. But women who are always in shape like to shake things up and keep life interesting. After all, people who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions than those who stick to the same. Who says you can’t substitute the turkey for an Italian sausage lasagna or a vegetarian shepherd’s pie and deck the halls over a few days instead of all at once as soon as the post-Thanksgiving food coma subsides? Consider exploring new ways to observe the holidays, like rounding up your friends for a turkey trot, volunteering at your local food bank, fostering a dog in need of a home, or creating a vision board. One tradition always worth keeping around? Counting your blessings. 

    10 Insanely Easy Habits You Can Do To Be Happier This Time of Year More

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    Everyone’s Talking About Going “Sober Curious”–Here’s What That Means

    Between Bella Hadid’s Kin Euphorics and Katy Perry’s De Soi, non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and sips are all the rage right now. Why? Influencers, celebrities, and wellness gurus alike are speaking up about opting for an alcohol-free lifestyle. This time of year, you may be questioning your alcohol intake especially as every event of the season is centered around a drink: there’s the wine at Thanksgiving, cocktails at the office holiday party, and boozy spins on our otherwise G-rated hot chocolate or apple cider. And though we may have once felt a pressure to partake in it all, the last few years have seen the sober curious movement shifting the narrative. So, is sober curiosity for you? Let’s investigate. 

    In this article

    What is sober curiosity?
    Let’s start with a very clear delineation of what sober curiosity is not: Sober curiosity is not the same as sobriety. Sobriety is going totally alcohol-free, and can be a result of alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or alcohol use disorder. Sober curiosity, on the other hand, involves a choice to drink less or limit altogether for physical or mental benefits. It’s important to emphasize that leading a sober curious lifestyle is voluntary and not the result of a diagnosed condition. Individuals who are “sober curious” may notice that they’ve been drinking more than they’d like or that drinking no longer serves them and decide to question or change their drinking habits for health-focused reasons. Sober curiosity can mean questioning your relationship to alcohol (experimenting with what it feels like to not drink, and why), drinking less alcohol, or living alcohol-free altogether. 

    Why is sober curiosity trending?
    I’m not sure what your social feeds look like, but as someone well-versed in the wellness world, mine are filled with health-adjacent influencers reflecting on their own sober curious journeys. Whereas Sex and the City gave cosmos their moment, 20 years later, many of us would rather Netflix and chill than go out to a bar, non-alcoholic bevvie of choice in hand.
    But why now? 2020 saw many of us turning to alcohol to cope; Ina Garten breaking out the extra-large martini glasses broke the internet and virtual happy hours–however short-lived–seemed like the only way to socialize. With more time than ever spent at home, we also had the space to reflect on our habits, and question why we were so quick to pour a glass of wine when we needed to relax.
    In her popular book, Quit Like a Woman, Holly Whitaker outlines our obsession with drinking. And with sober curiosity’s rise in social prominence, her words have not only influenced the wellness world, but the larger mainstream culture. Anecdotally, I’ve come across Instagram posts sharing the harrowing reality that alcohol is the only drug making people think there’s something wrong with you for not taking it. Unfortunately, it’s true—in a world rife with “mommy juice” merch, vinyasa and vino events, and just about every celebrity founding a wine or spirit brand, alcohol is so prominent in our culture that it can feel weird if you’d rather opt out. So now more than ever, whether or not people are wellness-obsessed, they are most likely questioning their own relationship with their alcohol of choice.

    The benefits of limiting alcohol
    Given the prominence and dependence of alcohol in our culture, it’s easy to see why breaking up with alcohol—in the short- or long-term—presents a challenge. It’s a part of how we socialize, conduct business, and build connections. Thankfully, one of the key progress markers of the sober curious movement has been proving so we can lead fulfilled lives even if we choose not to drink. And with that comes a host of health benefits. According to WebMD, quitting alcohol may lead to benefits such as better sleep, improved immune response, and healthier weight. In addition, since alcohol can greatly affect mood, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression (hanxiety is no joke!), you may also experience boosted mood and self-esteem.

    Where to find sober curiosity inspiration
    One of the beautiful things about our digital world? If you’re considering making a lifestyle change, there’s no shortage of inspiration to help you get started and to keep you motivated. Below are a few Instagram accounts and books that I’ve found supportive in navigating an alcohol-free lifestyle.

    @alison__wu

    Though she single-handedly spearheaded the vibrant, layered smoothie trend, Alison Wu has shifted her focus to include design, mindfulness, and sober curious content. She’s an inspiring example of what it looks like to embrace life’s ups and downs without seeking something outside of yourself to make the journey easier. Watch her reflect on her experience of living four months alcohol-free above.

    @olivianoceda 

    Olivia Noceda is the mocktail-making queen. All of her recipes are inspiring and aesthetically-approved, but her alcohol-free drinks steal the show. She develops creative recipes for no-ABV drinks, like Sweater Weather Mocktail, Citrus Sour, Pumpkin Spice Espresso Mocktini (my fave), and more. P.S. Be sure to tune into her stories where she speaks vulnerably about her journey cutting alcohol out of her life.

    Quit Like a Woman

    This book has been one of the most influential resources in my journey, and many readers would agree. Holly Whitaker outlines her own experience in recovery from an alcohol addiction and uses her reflections to critique alcohol’s ubiquity in our world today. She offers particular focus on how Big Alcohol preys on women, exploiting our insecurities, wants, and needs to make alcohol all the more appealing. If you’re looking for a sober curiosity handbook, this is a great place to start.

    Sober Curious

    Ruby Warrington’s book lays out the benefits of quitting alcohol in the sub-title, “The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol.” Sounds pretty great, right? Warrington points out the incongruity of our green juice rituals, yoga practices, and self-care routines that sit alongside our drinking habits. Through research, interviews, and reflections on her own personal experience, Warrington breaks down the myths that keep us drinking and paints us a picture of all the opportunities sober curiosity affords us.

    Ideas for sober-curious fun
    One of the biggest obstacles to starting a sober curious lifestyle is the belief that we can’t socialize without alcohol. It’s a powerful misconception in our culture that we can’t have fun with friends, go on a date, or get through a family dinner without a drink in hand. But a little creativity can help you get outside of your comfort zone and discover new ways to put yourself out there. Below are a few ideas to help you begin.
    Try a new workout class. When I stopped drinking as much, I found renewed motivation to practice movement. I joined a barre studio and started seeking out yoga classes in my city. Bonus: It’s a perfect way to make new friends too.
    Go for a walk. Long live hot girl walks! Take one on your own, invite a friend, or suggest a little exploration-by-foot to your Hinge date. 
    Cozy up at a coffee shop. I’ve swapped many of my weekend outings and socializing for slow mornings, keeping my beverage-of-choice options to coffee instead of booze. And because there’s nothing better than posting up at a café with your favorite book or best friend, getting out of the house before 10 A.M. is a win-win.
    Join a sports league. Pickleball, kickball, volleyball—the list of amateur sports leagues to join is practically endless. Research what’s available in your city and get ready to play. Don’t worry, the purpose is to have fun, and I’ve made plenty of friends who can sympathize with my terrible serve.
    Start a new hobby. Whether it’s sewing, scrapbooking, reading, crafting, or the like, finding something you love to do is a great way to engage your creativity and connect with other like-minded people (I have no shame: Open-knit night at my local knitting store makes Thursdays my favorite day of the week).
    Invite a friend over for a baking and movie marathon. Sweets and rom-coms—is there a better combo?
    Try meditating: Building a mindfulness practice is a solid strategy for reducing the anxiety that can make us want to reach for a glass of wine. Stretch out on a yoga mat or simply sit on the couch for a relaxing meditation sesh.
    Reorganize a room: Whether it’s your closet, bedroom, or kitchen, there’s a healthy bit of satisfaction that comes with tackling a project from start-to-finish. Pop in a podcast to make it all the more fun.

    Here’s How Experts Say To Drink More Mindfully More

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    Watch: Lebanese dance group Mayyas stun crowds in Saudi Arabia’s capital

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    Lebanese dance group Mayyas is continuing to wow crowds across the Middle East.
    Following their sensational performance in Dubai at the end of last month, the troupe made their way to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
    In footage obtained by Arab News, the Americas Got Talent winners stunned the audience during a performance in Riyadh which featured theatrics, acrobatics and more.

    #Lebanese dance troupe and @AGT winners @mayyasofficial put on an electrifying show in #SaudiArabia this week at @RiyadhSeason https://t.co/2M7tF6sMuE pic.twitter.com/XL3OBhVP2b
    — Arab News (@arabnews) November 23, 2022

    The dance group’s performance was part of the Riyadh Season zone, Boulevard World.
    How did it all begin?
    The Lebanese dance group won the most recent season of Americas Got Talent after showcasing a series of seamless dance performances, including their finale performance, where the team of 30 women “danced as one” in the words of the actress and judge, Sophia Vergara.
    The female-led dance group took home a $1 million (Dhs3.7 million) grand prize, with a host of congratulatory messages being shared on social media from the likes of celebrities such as Lebanese singer Maya Diab, Egyptian superstar Sherihan and more.
    The performance ended on a joyous note with the audience holding up the Lebanese flag as they cheered for the crew.
    After months of hard work, the group is now known globally with the group now making its mark in the Middle East.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram/Twitter  More

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    The founder of Leila Heller Gallery discusses the key to investing in art pieces

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    30 mins ago

    Leila Heller has gained worldwide recognition as a pioneer in promoting creative dialogue in this part of the world and globally.
    After opening its first international location in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, this one-of-a-kind art gallery leaves a lasting impression on contemporary art and culture here in the Middle East.
    To understand more about the process of art curation, Emirates Woman spoke to Leila Heller, founder of the gallery about her approach to art.
    Talk us through your approach to curating an art collection.
    Collecting is definitely an art in itself and one has to be focused on the oeuvre and progression of artists they are collect- ing. There should be a theme or connection between the artists in one way or another. Personally, as a woman, I collect many female artists or art that has women as the subject. Some examples include Shirin Neshat, Marilyn Minter, Soraya Sharghi, Francesca Pasquali, Nan Swid, Mia Fonssagrives Solow, Rachel Lee Hovnanian, Ran Hwang, Mouna Rebeiz, Reza Derakshani, Gulay Semercioglu, Rob Wynn, Melis Buyruk, Hadieh Shafie, Aref Montazeri, and Ana D’Castro. I love abstraction but also texture and my collection have largely become based on materiality and what the work is made of. I also have a theme of modernist artists and contemporary masters such as Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Fernand Leger, Andre Lhote, Claudia Bravo, Marcos Grigorian, Manoucher Yektai, Farideh Lashai, Henry Moore, Gleize, Renoir, Matisse, and more.

    What advice would you impart to those starting their art collection?
    My biggest advice to art collectors is to love the work you buy. It has to be love at first sight. Then you do your research. Is it in a museum collection, part of biennales or curated shows? This shows the probability of the artist’s success going forward. But first and foremost, it must start with a passion and gut feeling.
    What is the most recent piece the gallery has added to its art collection?
    One of the most re- cent works I have added to my collection is Efe Alatin and Melis Buyruk, two Turkish artists who I have added personally to my collection but also to the gallery’s roster of artists.
    NFTs have rewritten the rules of the game. How has this impacted the art world?
    They became a craze but like many other trends, they have stabilised. Nonetheless, they have now been written into the canon of art history and definitely speak to this new age of technology. How do you suggest collectors take care of their pieces? In order to keep works of art in perfect condition for years to come, the best is to make sure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures of heat or cold as that can damage paintings, works on paper, and sculptures. Additionally, any work on paper should be behind a museum glass so that any sunlight does not discolour the paper and any bronze or metal sculptures should not be exposed to extreme humidity as they may rust. When cleaning art a feather duster is a good idea to gently remove dust from sculptures and paintings. No chemical cleaners or solutions should be used to clean any artwork at home.
    What value can working with an art consultant have on the curation process?
    This is a tricky question as there are different types. I know many extremely professional art advisors who are very educated in the field of art and have great experience working in museums, galleries, or other respectable art venues. Then there are others who call themselves art consultants without true knowledge of the art world, art history, or the art market, but use their connections to sell art. There are very honest and straightforward art advisors who have a fee structure they discuss with the client in advance and try their best on behalf of their client to negotiate down the price. However, there are many art consultants who get fees from both sides which aren’t done professionally. It is misleading in every way and prejudicial as they are paid from both sides. An art consultant can impose their own views on their client, so a client has to be aware and do their own due diligence and research to make sure it is a beneficial purchase. Some- times art consultants can be biased in their recommendations due to financial gain. How- ever, I do work with many art consultants who are extremely knowledgeable and helpful to both the buyer and the seller. If one would like to hire one, they should make sure to do their research to find a reputable person.

    What is your approach to art curation for an event?
    As I have worked in several museums, I have been trained as a curator. This experience has been a big help to me in curating my own shows in the gallery or curating shows in other venues and locations. I will come up with a concept or idea, and every artist I choose has a connection to the theme. A well-curated exhibition is a delight to view and a badly curated exhibition can be a detriment to the exhibition and the artist it features. Every show in my gallery, unless I have a guest curator, is curated by myself and I take great joy in doing so. The placement is all hand-chosen by me and I try to always find the synergy between each work included. When I work with a collector, I also often curate the works in their home, placing the works to create a dialogue between them and ensuring everything flows. Lighting and framing are big components of a well-curated exhibition. Works need to have room to breathe and show themselves in all of their glory to create a cohesive presence.
    November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Salt Bae’s Dhs600,000 Abu Dhabi restaurant bill divides opinion

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    35 mins ago

    Would you ever guess a restaurant bill could cause a stir on social media? Well, it can…
    During a recent fine-dining experience at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Abu Dhabi, a few diners spent over Dhs600,000.
    Nusret Gökçe, founder of his namesake restaurant and also known as ‘Salt Bae’, took to Instagram to share the astronomical restaurant bill on Instagram.
    Quality never expensive #saltbae #saltlife #salt…,” he captioned the post sharing the receipt of the restaurant bill.

    Of course, the post Salt Bae shared with his 49.2 million followers garnered a lot of attention and definitely divided opinion amongst his fans.
    In the breakdown of the bill, his followers were able to see that five portion of beef carpaccio would set you back Dhs1,200 on five portions of beef carpaccio, while two beef tenderloins came it in at a whopping Dhs4,500. To top it off, there was Dhs30,000 spent on VAT alone and over half a million dirhams spent on beverages.
    Naturally, the comments rolled in on the post.
    “Seeing this dinner bill and thinking this can save an entire city from hunger for days makes me feel sad,” one user commented. “No one should EVER pay 405 for a still water.”
    “This is so stupid… Paying this much for one meal,” another follower stated.
    Meanwhile another said, “90 percent of this is just alcohol, what quality are you talking about?? Did you produce the Petrus Louis 13?”
    Another person joked that despite the expensive bill it was “Only 27 on sparkling water.”

    After going viral in 2017 with his signature salt-sprinkling pose, the Turkish restauranteur has opened branches all across the world including Mayfair, London and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With each restaurant serving astonishing dishes such as gold-leaf covered steaks and Golden ottoman steaks, diners around the world have previously made comments pertaining to the exorbitant prices on these menus.
    Would you pay a visit to this world-famous restaurant?
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @saltbae More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Kick-start your holiday playlist with Sonos

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 hour ago

    With the holiday season now upon us, you might start thinking about creating the ultimate holiday playlists or planning festive favourite movie marathons with family and friends.
    That being said with it being the time of gifting, Sonos have created audio solutions for the tech enthusiast in all of us that appreciate the superior sound quality.
    Sonos have a selection of compact products that promise sound quality like never before! Whether you want to connect wireless speakers throughout your home for your holiday party or create a cinematic experience with the Sound Bars, Sonos have you covered.
    All that’s left to do is invite friends over, grab the festive snacks and enjoy!
    Discover Sonos’ Holiday favourites below:

    For more information visit: Sonos.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More