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    in lifestyle and culture

    9 supper clubs in Dubai you need to try

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    There’s no denying that supper clubs have harboured a newfound momentum in this part of the world.
    To recover from a socially distant world, this concept garners all the traits of a refined social experience, combined with everyone’s love for food.
    Creating a new dining experience in Dubai, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the supper clubs you need to try.
    Kuv’s Secret Supper Club

    As one of the first supper clubs in Dubai, Kuv’s Secret Supper Club really paved the way for the popularity of the concept. Working on an invite-only basis, there’s something new to try on every visit. Headed by chef Kuv, the evening comprises of inciteful conversations, laughter and an exotic take on traditional dishes. Having gone through a few iterations since its inception, each meal is sure to make a lasting impression for all its visitors.
    CASA 21

    This intimate dining experience was founded by Jatin Suri. A self-taught cook who presents all his culinary expertise with a new audience at every dinner. This concept offers beautifully plated dishes made to perfection. From a new take on broccoli to traditional dishes with a modern flair, expect the unexpected at the gathering. While fostering intelligent conversations at the table, people from all ethnicities sit together to savour a series of well-balanced ingredients. To be a part of the next supper club, DM the Instagram page for more details.
    Girl and The Goose

    Founded by chef Gabriella Grasser, this supper club presents her fascinating travel experiences on a plate. Born to break down the barriers of socializing, the evening comprises of healthy fun dishes from Nicaragua, presented with a twist. By breaking the notion of healthy food being boring, Gabriella managed to create a niche set of her own, bringing like-minded individuals from the globe over together to share their stories. From gluten-free waffles to passion fruit ceviche, a succulent menu is created for each visit with an array of flavours.
    For more information visit Girlandthegoose.com
    Haus of Vo

    This is one of the newest supper clubs to try out in Dubai. Founded by Lisa Vo, a self-taught culinary expert, who creates a delectable four-course menu. Designed to savour each dish over some engaging conversation, the meal is whole-heartedly prepared with a story close to the chef’s journey. From prawn carpaccio to smoked duck, this experience will leave you wanting more. Created with the finest of ingredients, guests are sure to be enchanted by this exquisite experience. To sign up stay tuned for dates on the Instagram page and DM accordingly.
    The Table Project

    This community-led project ensures tradition is kept alive through every ingredient. By infusing technique and heritage, The Table Project focuses on anything slow, fermented, rare and authentic. From deliveries to specially prepared sauces, there’s an opportunity to try something new on each visit. By exchanging historical and cultural stories over the meal, this initiative has transcended into a concept beyond food. To make a booking visit here.
    HawkerBoi

    Serving a delicious eight-course menu dominated by Asian dishes, this one-of-a-kind concept is one not to be missed. Each experience takes place at a secret location. Prepared with dishes using fire cooking only, makes this concept set apart from the rest. Only a few people who attend are aware of his identity, adding an element of mystery to the entire experience. Characterised as Banksy of the culinary world, this exclusive supper club works on a first direct message first server basis, making it even more interesting. Each dinner can be hosted for up to eight guests and will most likely need to be booked days in advance as they’re fully booked before you know it.
    Tano’s at 8

    This underground dining experience is sure to tingle your palate. With a range of dishes varying from the burnt basque cheesecake to green gazpacho, each experience out beats the other. Started by a couple, this concept brings the best out of each meal with an experimental take on each dish. With more than just a sit-down meal, the founders are also keen to share their recipes and learn from all those who visit. To book a spot, stay tuned for the dates on their Instagram page and DM accordingly.
    The Curry Bureau

    Bringing home-cooked coastal cuisine directly to your plate, this concept fits perfectly as Dubai continues to be a melting pot of different cultures. Each dish is travel influenced and is guaranteed to leave the guests wanting for more. Having refined the concept since its inception, there’s no doubt that it has gained immense popularity in the UAE with people from all nationalities coming to enjoy it. This supper club is a delight for all the seafood lovers out there, no matter what their ethnicity.
    Chef Halawa

    There’s an element of nostalgia with each dish served. From the famous Kunafa’s to popular dishes from the Levantine cuisine, this vibrant experience is one to savour after a long week. By expanding into private dinners and events, this concept has become a niche in the market. Having previously introduced pop-ups including Iftars at Alserkal Avenue, each dish is an ode to Chef Halawa’s hometown. There are bespoke menus also created for special occasions.
    As most of these concepts are hosted on an intimate scale, it’s always best to stay tuned for the latest dates and DM the page before it’s too late.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram, Feature Image: Lobjet Instagram  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Mindy Kaling Has Really Good Wellness Advice–Here’s What She Swears by for a Healthy Life

    You probably know her best as the pop culture-obsessed Kelly Kapoor in The Office or the hopeless romantic Mindy in her eponymous hit show The Mindy Project, but what you might not know is that Mindy Kaling was born Vera Mindy Chokalingam and was the sole female writer for the first season of The Office. And ICYWW what she’s been up to since her days at Dunder Mifflin, she’s been hard at work building a media empire with her very own production company, shows Never Have I Ever and The Sex Lives of College Girls, three books, and co-writing Legally Blonde 3—all while maintaining her infectious smile, raising two kids as a single mom, and keeping up her wellness routine. So what’s her secret to juggling it all? After getting to know Mindy through countless interviews (seriously, ask me anything about her), I uncovered seven values she lives by. Hint: They only further prove the point that she’s the BFF everyone wants to have.

    Work out because it makes you feel good 
    If there was one takeaway I got from reading up on Mindy and her workout regimen, it’s that her MO is focusing on movement that brings her joy. Whether that’s Pilates or PLATEFIT (think: lunges, dips, planks on a vibrating device), she’s a self-proclaimed group fitness junkie who is first in line to try the latest “it” workout. But her tried-and-true forms of exercise? Running on the tread, stretching, and walking. “Surprising the body with lots of different things I think is really good, particularly for my body… I’ve really been mixing it up and knowing that if a workout doesn’t necessarily make me soak my clothes with sweat, that it still was a good workout… It does not have to be punishing,” Mindy told People. “The endorphins that I get from working out centers me. I’m kind of an anxious person and it makes me feel centered and makes me more focused. And I have some of my best creative ideas when I’m working out.” I think we can all agree on that. 
    It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows when it came to Mindy’s relationship with her body and exercise though. Because she didn’t fit the mold of what a “healthy” body should look like, she put herself through grueling workouts and hid her enthusiasm for being active. “I used to look at fitness as, like, It’s not successful unless you look a certain way at the end of it, and I’m never going to look a certain way,” she said in an interview with Byrdie. “I used to think there was no point if I wasn’t running for 45 minutes five times a week and then doing an hour of lifting. But, the point is that I feel so much better mentally if I’m in better cardiovascular health.” The moral of the story? Any sort of movement gets a gold star, and the best form of exercise is the one that you find the most fun and will stick with. 

    Drink up first thing in the morning 
    When it comes to hydration goals, Mindy is queen. In her interview with Byrdie, she said she drinks an “enormous amount of water with lemon” as soon as she gets up. She admittedly does it against her will but keeps up the ritual every morning as a pick-me-up (she doesn’t drink caffeine). And her H2O routine continues with 100 ounces of water throughout the day (if math isn’t your strong suit, like me, that’s equal to 12.5 cups). 
    Since coffee and matcha are off the table, Mindy also reaches for a green smoothie, created by celeb nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, in the AM. Mindy’s take on it, or her so-called “cheaty version,” calls for lemon, apple, romaine, celery, spinach, banana, frozen pineapples, and coconut water. Mindy told Marie Claire that regardless of what she eats the rest of the day, she knows she got in a healthy dose of fruits and veggies to start her day. 

    Keep your skin in check
    Sure, Mindy has her green concoction partly to thank for the glowing complexion she wears so well, but she also credits her beauty product line-up: Dr. Lara Devgan’s Vitamni C+B+E Ferulic Serum, Joanna Vargas’ Daily Hydrating Cream and Daily Green Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen.
    There’s no denying that we at The Everygirl dig a good drugstore find, and Mindy is no different. She keeps Cetaphil in her skincare arsenal to cleanse her oily and acne-prone skin (who would have thought?). Chalking her good skin up to not wearing makeup every day, Mindy shared that she feels the most confident with just foundation, strong liner, lots of mascara, and blush. Her favorite part of her whole low-key process? Washing off a day of makeup. “I find it very meditative to take it all off. It feels like self-care,” she told WhoWhatWear. As someone who takes her bra and “face” off as soon as I get home, I totally feel her. 

    Embrace self-care
    Her face-washing habit, walks, a solid bubble bath, and Selling Sunset are just a few things Mindy calls self-care. “I used to be very conscious of the term self-care because I was worried it seemed self-indulgent,” she says. “But in the last couple of years, I’ve started to really embrace it. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, and it’s really the simplest things that have such a unique power to elevate your mood,” she elaborated to Real Simple.
    With the little downtime Mindy has, you might also find her in the kitchen whipping up and sharing a meal of coconut curries with vegetables with her loved ones. And the long-time foodie in her will take her me-time in the form of having dinner out with friends any day. But the foundation of self-care for Mindy comes down to a few small and ordinary hacks she let us in on in her interview with Forbes: hitting the hay at 10 p.m., leaving her phone in another room when she goes to bed, preventing the endless scrolling on IG, getting quality shut-eye, and taking her probiotic. Because sometimes keeping it simple is best. 

    Don’t underestimate manifestation
    There’s no denying Mindy works hard to get what she wants, but even A-list celebs like her use manifestation to set goals. Mindy’s go-to practice? Vision boards. At first skeptical of their efficacy, she now considers them “a nice mix of creativity and reflection.” 
    In her one-on-one with Vogue, she explained her experience creating vision boards: “…in the last month of the year, three of the things I had put on there came true—and they were three big ones—and I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, it was that damn vision board.’ I just had to be patient. And I thought that was a really good lesson because when you put up a vision board it’s not like asking Santa for things. So one of the things I have on the new one is patience, because last time, I took it down. This year, I’m going to try not to do that.” Excuse me while I go gather all of my magazines and make a trip to Office Depot. 
    In the same vein, Mindy swears by practicing gratitude to put her in the right headspace. On any given morning, you’ll find her sitting cross-legged, saying what she’s thankful for aloud. “There’s something about having to say it that makes it really real,” she expressed.

    Practice body acceptance
    Mindy doesn’t let not looking a certain way stand in the way of her love of style and getting dressed up. One quick scroll through Mindy’s IG and you’ll see it’s a collage of colorful, lust-worthy dresses and matching sets. Rather than being confined by societal pressures, she embraces self-awareness and body positivity (you go, girl!). “I’ve always steered away from light-colored jeans or white denim because I’ve never felt comfortable wearing light colors on the bottom half of my body, I think a lot of women feel this way. I’ve decided to make the commitment that when it gets to the dead of summer, I’m going to wear white jeans,” she told Forbes. 
    Like for most of us, body acceptance hasn’t come easily or naturally for Mindy. She confessed to Shape that she once held herself to restrictive eating habits the weeks before award shows and fashion events but has since bid them adieu. “I love to eat at restaurants, I love to eat home cooking, and I don’t like restricting my diet. And [now] I’m like, as long as I’m getting enough nutrients and feeling like my heart and my lungs are really getting exercise, I don’t really beat myself up about that.” Mic drop. 

    Be unapologetically you
    Mindy has made a name for herself as a multi-hyphenate and bringing fictional characters to life on screen. But off-screen, she stays true to herself and makes it a point to bring her most authentic self forward. Case in point: Her snapshots of being a mom and laugh-out-loud memes on IG. In her recent exclusive with People, she articulated how she keeps it real while still striving to grow: “There’s this Maya Angelou quote that’s like, ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’ So to me, that’s what I’ve just been doing.”
    When Mindy spoke to Byrdie, she recalled feeling repressed and uncomfortable in her own skin as a young adult, a far cry from the mindset of the actresses on her two shows Never Have I Ever and The Sex Lives of College Girls. “Every day, I am struck by how brave and authentic the young women I’m working with are… They are courageous activists and not ashamed of being that way. They love their bodies, and they’re still quirky.” Taking a cue from Mindy and her counterparts, why not be your unique, beautiful self? There’s no one else like you—flaws, insecurities, and all. When you find yourself lost or lacking self-confidence, remember the piece of advice Mindy’s late mother left her: “Always be your own best friend.” 

    Sydney Sweeney Swears By These 5 Wellness Habits More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The ultimate guide to Greek island luxury living this summer

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Dreaming of Greek island bliss? This is your go-to guide for unparalleled luxury whilst island hopping this summer.
    Mystique, a Luxury Collection HotelSantorini, Greece

    This 40-suite hotel is an exclusive hideaway on the island of Santorini. With a muted colour palette, Mystique blends effortlessly into the surroundings of the quaint town of Oia. All of the suites boast a cave-like aura and boast uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel features two pools and has a plethora of dining concepts, including a private dining option, for guests to indulge in some of the best Mediterranean cuisine on the island.
    mystique.gr
    PAROCKS Luxury Hotel & SpaParos, Greece

    This boutique hotel is located on the east coast of the island of Paros. Located a stone’s throw away from the lively town of Naoussa, PAROCKS Luxury Hotel & Spa has its very own secluded spot on the coast giving guests the opportunity for ample relaxation. The five-star hotel’s rooms and suites feature either a garden or sea view and all have their own jacuzzi or private pool. Guests can also dine at the all-day a la carte restaurant for Greek and international gastronomic and unwind at the Parocks Spa.
    parockshotel.com
    Orloff HotelHydra, Greece

    Hydra is perhaps the most “off the grid” of all of the Greek islands making it all the more special. The rustic Orloff Hotel embodies the rich heritage of Greece and has a unique history itself. First built in 1796, the hotel was previously known as ‘Orloff House’ and was constructed by a noble Russian sent by Catherine II to assist the Greeks during the Turkish domination. In 1986, it was officially turned into a hotel. The Orloff Hotel features only six rooms and two suites and is filled with charm and character embodying the “echo of nostalgia” of the island of Hydra.
    orloff.gr
    Milos Breeze Boutique HotelMilos, Greece

    Escape to the Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel on the island of Milos and experience endless views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Blending traditional architecture with authentic luxury, this picturesque spot is the perfect place to escape to during summer. With quaint rooms and suites, some of which have their own pools, guests can relax and unwind at this minimalistic haven.
    milosbreeze.gr/en/
    KalesmaMykonos, Greece

    Stay at a truly special hotel whilst in Mykonos this summer. The uber-exclusive oasis that is Kalesma Mykonos is like no other on the island. Ensuring optimum levels of privacy for all guests, each of the 12 one-bedroom villas, 13 one-bedroom suites and two large villas all have their very own private pools. Blending seamlessly into the surroundings of the island, the look and feel of the hotel has been designed as a collection of houses to resemble a charming Mykonian village. Just a stone’s throw away from all of the liveliness of the island, Kalesma gives you the best of both worlds in Mykonos – party and relaxation.
    kalesmamykonos.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 lifestyle and culture

    UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed to address the nation in live TV broadcast

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, is set to address the nation tonight in a live broadcast.
    According to the UAE’s state news agency WAM, His Highness will make a speech which will be broadcast on local television and radio channels at 6pm.
    In his address to the nation, Sheikh Mohamed will highlight “the UAE’s strategic approach and ambitions for the coming decades”.
    Two months ago, Sheikh Mohamed was elected President of the UAE by the Federal Supreme Council.
    On May 14, 2022 a council meeting was held at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, where Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was unanimously elected as President of the UAE.
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s election as president comes after the passing of his elder brother, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
    Sheikh Khalifa, who was also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, had been President of the UAE since 2004, following the passing of his father, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nayhan, the Father of the UAE.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/Media: WAM/Supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Everything we know about Princess Iman of Jordan’s fiancé Jameel Thermiotis

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    The exciting news was announced last week that the eldest daughter of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, Princess Iman, is engaged.
    Sharing a photo of the young royal with her fiancé, the Royal Hashemite Court revealed the 25-year-old is to wed Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
    The announcement came as somewhat of a surprise to royal fans as Princess Iman’s relationship with Thermiotis has been kept very private and little is known about the royal’s fiancé. However, here’s what we do know about the soon-to-be-husband so far.
    Age, background & family
    According to reports, Thermiotis’ is of Greek descent, but was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1994 and is currently 28-years-old. Thermiotis’ family also reportedly has a significant fortune, ranging between $10 million to $20 million.
    Every year, he and his family visit the Greek island of Andros.
    Career
    As for his career, Hello Magazine reports that Thermiotis works as a financier in New York City. He is currently a managing partner at a venture capital fund Financorp Holdings Corporation after graduating with a degree in Business Administration.

    The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bint Abdullah II to Mr. Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, and extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion
    Details:https://t.co/mqeY4E9AmD pic.twitter.com/79lEoIkHfQ
    — RHC (@RHCJO) July 6, 2022

    The engagement
    While it’s still unknown how the couple met, Princess Iman attended Georgetown University in Washington DC, so she has spent a significant amount of time in the USA, where Thermiotis resides.
    The couple announced their engagement on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, with key family members including King Abdullah, Queen Rania, Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II, Princess Salma and other members of Thermiotis’ family.

    The official portrait released by the Royal Hashemite Court also subtly showcased Princess Iman’s engagement ring, which appears to be a classic princess cut diamond.
    Another portrait of the couple was also released with Crown Prince Hussein. The elder brother of Princess Iman congratulated her saying, “Warmest congratulations to my dear sister Iman and to her fiancé Jameel on their engagement. I wish you a lifetime of happiness together.”
    More details about the impending nuptials are yet to be announced.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram  More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    So You’ve Made a New Connection by Networking—Here’s What You Should Do Now

    As an extroverted introvert, I love networking. Whenever I’m in a room full of strangers, the journalism major in me kicks in as I chat with new people and ask questions to uncover their stories. I haven’t always been very good at it, but I’ve found my last two jobs because of mutual connections, so something must be working.
    As someone in their mid-to-late twenties, I’ve done a decent amount of networking across some…unexpected platforms to say the least. Before the pandemic, I connected in person with college professors during classes and office hours, colleagues at my first job, and complete strangers at happy hours and any professional networking event I could find. During the pandemic, I attended more Zoom happy hours than I can count, met all but one new colleague virtually, and used new platforms like Clubhouse rooms and Gatheround speed networking to form new connections.
    Regardless of where or how I met new people while networking, I’d always end up with the same question: “Now what?” You chat. You laugh. You make small talk. You (hopefully) exchange information. And then you go your separate ways. But a stack of untouched business cards or a forgotten list of emails isn’t doing you any favors. Like any relationship, the people you connect with will remain strangers until you put work in and start to build a rapport. Whether you’re a recent grad or someone who’s been in the field for years, here’s how to grow your networking connections with intention.

    Get their info
    While everyone is Googleable these days, there’s something to be said for acquiring information straight from the source. When someone hands you a business card or shares their email, it’s a clear indicator that they like you enough to offer a way to stay in touch and grow your connection. It can sometimes be awkward to ask for someone’s contact information, but if you don’t ask, you shall potentially not receive it. In the event that you couldn’t quite ask directly—like if you want to connect with a speaker or panelist but couldn’t chat with them after the event—the internet can come in handy. A quick LinkedIn search will likely uncover their profile where you can connect.

    Send a message
    Too often, we collect business cards and then leave it at that. Now that you have a networking connection’s LinkedIn profile in front of you or their email in hand, use it! Regardless of where you send your first message, include your name, brief details, and a bit about the conversation the two of you had when you met in order to jog their memory. This last part is key—if you met this person at a conference or other big event, they probably met dozens of other people too. Did you talk about your love for the Chicago Cubs? Did they mention the book they’re working on? Did they ask you to send them your resume or more information about your company? Whatever it is, include it in your initial outreach to stand out. Granted this can get a bit difficult on LinkedIn, which limits the length of the first “let’s connect” message to 300 characters, but these brief introductions should be relatively concise, to begin with. Be effective, but brief.

    Source: Social Squares

    Schedule a chat
    Depending on where you want your new connection to grow, you might want to schedule a second conversation after your initial meeting. Pre-pandemic, meeting for coffee or grabbing lunch were pretty common ways to connect, but that limited in-person meetings to those in your same geographic location. Now, video calls are a relatively low-stakes norm that allows anyone to still get “face time” with people in other cities, states, or countries—or people who just don’t have the bandwidth or energy to meet in person right now.
    Note: Many of us are struggling with Zoom fatigue, so don’t overlook the good ol’ (but sometimes dreaded) phone call.

    Follow their company
    Does your new connection work at your dream company? Follow the organization on social media and sign up for their newsletter if they have one. This not only gives you insight into the organization but also something to talk about the next time you chat with your new contact. Even if you aren’t on the job hunt, seeing your connection’s company pop up in your feed or your inbox can serve as a consistent reminder to follow up with them and stay in touch after your initial conversations.

    Source: cottonbro | Pexels

    Stay top of mind
    Chatting with your contact once when you first meet and again as a follow-up isn’t enough to develop a meaningful connection. Whether you’re looking for a job, mentor, or new business, you should first build a relationship instead of making these important asks out of the blue. I’d recommend following up about once a quarter but only with relevant notes or information that your contact will find interesting or valuable. Industry reports, social posts, podcast episodes, books, etc. are all great pieces of content to send their way and keep the conversation going. People also love to talk about themselves. Did your contact just get promoted? How’s their book coming along? Are they leading their company’s incredible new initiative that you’d love to hear more about? Send them a note to check in—they’ll more than likely be happy to tell you more. 

    Read the room and try again
    When it comes to building connections, it’s crucial to strike a balance between being persistent and being annoying. If the vibes were off when you first connected, you don’t have to reach out. If someone doesn’t respond to your first follow-up message or two, it might be time to cut your losses. I like to believe the best in people—maybe they’re busy or your message got lost in spam or they opened your email but forgot to respond. But sometimes people just won’t want to talk to you, and that’s OK! It can be disappointing (and I know this is easier said than done), but try not to let it get to you. You put yourself out there and should be proud of that. On to the next one.
    More often than not, people love to support others through their career journeys, but the initial impact of networking will only get you so far. Once you have someone’s information, remember to keep the connection going through consistent conversation and intentional follow-up. Ask questions, but remember to be respectful of their time and show your appreciation. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll end up returning the favor.

    Networking Works: Here’s How One Connection Changed My Entire Career More

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    in health and weelbeing

    I Tried Red Light Therapy, and the Benefits are Insane

    If you’re a member of the skincare and wellness-obsessed club like me, you have go-to treatments that help you either achieve a glowing complexion or zen out. And while we should make time for all the self-care, let’s be honest: It doesn’t always happen. If only there was an all-encompassing remedy that checks off all the boxes…
    Behold: red light therapy (AKA RLT). The latest “it” method to hit dermatologists’ offices, spas, gyms, and even homes alike promises everything from skin-enhancing perks to anxiety-alleviating effects. The skeptic in you might be saying, “Is it legit?”, so I turned to experts to get the full scoop on red light therapy. And, of course, I had to see (and experience it) for myself. Ahead, a breakdown of RLT and what happened when I gave it a whirl. 

    What is red light therapy?
    Considering you’re a fellow wellness junkie, my guess is you’ve seen influencers and celebs donning light-emitting diodes (AKA LED) masks (some reminiscent of horror movies, IMO) flooding your TikTok and IG. Well, they’re treating their face to the magic of RLT. “Red light therapy is a novel light-driven treatment that applies low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to deliver red, far-red, or near-infrared light targeting to modulate cellular metabolism and the functioning of a variety of tissues, including the central nervous system and the brain,” explained Dr. Julie Landry, a board-certified clinical psychologist. In other words, the non-invasive practice sends red wavelengths of light through the skin that our cells absorb and convert to energy, leading to a host of benefits (more to come on that). 
    But the regenerative goodness doesn’t stop at your face and masks at home. You can get your glow on in the form of full-body light panels and beds popping up at health-minded hotspots. So how do red light therapy DIY devices compare to treatments you’d find at, say, a health and fitness center? “At-home options cost less and can be used whenever it’s convenient,” said Eden Danaher, Manager of Upgrade Labs Human Upgrade TM Centers in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, the world’s first biohacking (read: the practice of altering your biology for optimal performance) health and fitness facilities taking workouts and recovery to a whole new level. On the other hand, “Professional treatments are more powerful than the at-home varieties, so users can see results sooner and need fewer treatments.” 

    What are the benefits?
    Anti-aging
    According to a study from The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, RLT has been shown to augment tissue repair, promote regeneration and skin rejuvenation, and boost the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. The result? Getting a leg up on fine lines, pore size, texture, and wrinkles.

    Stimulate healing and reduce inflammation
    Sounds too good to be true that light can reduce inflammation in the body? A study by Dr. Hamblin of Harvard Medical School may suggest otherwise. When cells absorb red and near-infrared light, ATP (an energy-carrying molecule found in cells), oxygen, and protein production increases, creating anti-inflammatory agents and speeding up healing. To sum it up, RLT can reduce inflammation in the brain, abdominal fat, wounds, lungs, and spinal cord.

    Muscle recovery
    Listen up, fitness fanatics: this one is especially for you. Based on a study determining the effectiveness of RLT on muscle recovery, subjects who received RLT immediately after exercise experienced significantly reduced muscle soreness, muscle strength loss, and range-of-motion impairments. What’s more, another study found that RLT used on college athletes with a wide range of injuries substantially (and safely) reduced their recovery time (nearly twice as quickly as those who did not receive the treatment). 

    Mental health 
    While Dr. Landry explained that further studies are needed to confirm efficacy, clinical guidelines, and dosing standards, she cited that red light therapy has recently shown promise as a treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury. A study in Behavioral and Brain Functions also found that RLT may help improve depression as soon as two weeks after a single treatment. Talk with your doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist if you’re interested in adding red light therapy into your mental health routine. Know that more studies need to be done on RLT’s effect on mental health, but if you’re interested in trying it for the other benefits, boosted mood may just be a fringe benefit. 

    Are there any side effects or drawbacks to it? 
    As with any beauty or wellness program, it’s best to do your homework and check in with your doctor to make sure RLT is safe and effective for you. But generally speaking, there are little to no known risks tied to it. “Red light therapy is relatively safe to use, as it does not contain any UV rays,” said Vanessa Coppola, FNP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner, aesthetic specialist, and Owner of Bare Aesthetic Medical Spa. “Although many studies have indicated the potential for benefits of red light therapy, the current literature is lacking in conclusive evidence for its benefits. Bottom line, it appears relatively safe to use, it may help, but there is no current hard evidence that it actually does.”
    Danaher added that people on Accutane and other medications that can make the skin photosensitive (sensitive or reactive to sunlight) should avoid RLT. Additionally, RLT should not be used in the case of pregnancy, heart disease, melasma, or hyperpigmentation. 

    My experience
    Is red light therapy really the holy grail of skin and wellness treatments? I went to Upgrade Labs in Beverly Hills to find out. I stepped into my private room and settled onto the futuristic-looking bed of red LEDs in nothing but my Hanky Panky underwear and goggles (I was told it’s best to have direct contact). Almost immediately, the warmth of the lights put me in a relaxed state, and I fell fast asleep until the 20-minute mark to turn over. As an added bonus, there was a mobile RLT panel that hovered over my face—you better believe I was going to bathe every inch of my body in the light to get the most out of it. 
    My final verdict: I would give RLT an 8/10, mostly for its soothing and muscle recovery effects. I had a killer leg sesh before basking in the glow of RLT, and normally I’d be waddling the next day, but to my surprise, I didn’t wake up feeling like I couldn’t walk. While I didn’t notice a change in my complexion, I did get a solid, restorative night of Zzzs without any interruptions. It was a welcomed change since I usually wake up in the middle of the night thanks to all the water I drank taking my nighttime supplements or by my to-do list taunting me. And for the crème de la crème of benefits, I felt after RLT: a sense of being more grounded. It’s safe to say that I’m normally riddled with worry and anxiety, but during and immediately after the 40 minutes of bliss, I was able to tune out the excess noise and reconnect with my body. I was calm, yet simultaneously recharged the rest of the day, with my mind and body at ease. The fountain of youth, closest thing to a cure-all, an all-natural wellness experience—call it what you will. I’m all for it. 

    Get red light therapy at home

    Please consult a doctor or a mental health professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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    in lifestyle and culture

    A ‘cold, unemotional’ full moon is coming – here’s everything you need to know

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    Words by Kirstyn Lewis – Founder of the Karmic Soul
    A cold, unemotional Full Moon in Capricorn looks to be having second thoughts about an intimate relationship.
    It points to a decision that needs to be made. It looks like someone got a little too close for comfort. Perhaps the image they wanted to portray in a partnership wasn’t quite right. Someone wants to be recognised as more important than they may in fact be. What a mess. Emotional control is at play.
    If they want to change the game plan, let them. Why not get what you need to say out in the open? A cover will soon be blown and real feelings revealed. There is no need for the inevitable nastiness about the whole situation that may be simmering inside; keep to the facts. The stars say: act with wisdom, and patience, don’t be wiled into their game. Above all, be respectful.
    You may be feeling super sensitive because of your insecurities. That’s Capricorn for you, he hates tears, drama and weakness in another. Women appear to handle this particular Full Moon better than men. Why are they so broody? There is introspection and curiosity around the time you risked and possibly lost.
    What is your intuition telling you? If you value your health and your heart, this is nothing more than an uncomfortable move to a better place. Mars in Taurus in the 8th house suggests elimination issues – so listen. Your body may well be feeling the same. Doesn’t it feel better when a ‘blockage’ has cleared?

    Others will soon be around for you – are they picking up your broken heart? Comedy heals, so learn to laugh at yourself; others will love your self-deprecation. Who knew you had the funniest stories about how you missed the obvious clues that someone was stringing you along with their tall tales.
    You will like this one. Revenge looks to be sweet as the devil wants to strike once, hard and fast for you. Even he wants you to let go of any disheartenment and take a break. He is dying to show off what he can do. Remain at arm’s length. This time you can just sit back, watch and wait for his pièce de résistance! Mon Dieu!
    Step back from the drama and make peace with your life. End relationships that aren’t working by July 26 to 27.
    On a positive note, who is travelling to a foreign land? I bet you can’t wait. Is it for business or somewhere you can improve or build on your career? Your energy will need to be a little more contained for where you’re going or what you’re doing, but expect your light to shine. Pull back on what you already know and go with the flow; it’s not forever.
    The Full Moon in Capricorn asks you to put yourself, your work and your thoughts for the future, first. Others may think you’re a little conniving, but you are simply showing those who love you how you play the game of life and win. Who is following in your footsteps? What impression do you want them to have of you?
    Take control by using your head not your heart.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Yana Potter Art Instagram, Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More