Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    I’m Dairy Free—Here Are the Delicious Alternatives I Swear By

    Several years ago, it would’ve been a cold day in hell before I gave up my beloved bagels and cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, and grilled cheese sandwiches. I had suspected dairy to be the cause of my digestive woes for some time, but it wasn’t until after becoming immediately sick from a single bite of milk and cereal that I decided to get tested for an allergy. Sadly, my suspicions were right—my body had other plans for me—and I could no longer ignore what had been staring me in the face for months: I’m allergic to dairy. Luckily, we live in a world where dairy alternatives are aplenty.
    Immediately after receiving the official news, I dove headfirst into research. I was shocked to learn that not only was there a world of options at my fingertips, several of the dairy alternatives didn’t just taste the same as my tried-and-true—some tasted even better.
    If you have a dairy allergy, are lactose intolerant, or simply want to swap your dairy staples for some ever-so-slightly healthier options, here are some products I love and wholeheartedly recommend. And if you haven’t seen these exact products at your grocery store of choice, I encourage you to take a closer look on your next trip. You may just find they’ve had their own dairy substitutes all along.

    1. Simple Truth Organic Plant Based Sour Cream

    Sour cream was the first thing on my list to find a suitable substitute for. Chipotle-style burrito bowls are a staple recipe of mine, and I would’ve been absolutely devastated if I had to give them up. To my surprise, this Simple Truth Organic Plant-Based Sour Cream was hiding right next to the Daisy and Knudsen brands at my nearest Ralphs; I’d just never needed to look for it. While it doesn’t have quite the same consistency as the kind you’re probably used to, the difference in taste is pretty much indiscernible. 

    2. The Honest Stand Nacho Plant Based Dip

    I had pretty much given up all hope of having a good plate of nachos ever again (vegan cheese just doesn’t melt the same), but this spicy nacho cheese dip is a real game changer. Maybe I just can’t remember exactly what real nacho cheese tastes like, but to me, this truly tastes the same.
     
    3. Primal Kitchen Avocado Alfredo Sauce

    I have been loyal to Alfredo sauce since I was a kid making Pasta Roni for myself several nights a week (I thought it was cool that I cooked). Even after I grew out of Pasta Roni, I made pasta with Alfredo sauce all the time. Needless to say, losing Alfredo was a shock to my system. 
    I’ve tried switching to marinara (but I don’t love it), homemade varieties (the taste is never right), and foregoing sauce altogether in favor of olive oil (fine, but boring). When I saw the Primal Kitchen Alfredo Sauce on the shelf at Whole Foods, I knew I had to try it, even though it costs $8 a jar. It’s not a perfect substitute (it’s lighter, less creamy), but it is very good. While I hate the price point, I find myself buying two or three of these every time I go to the store. I use it with pasta or Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi (a favorite of mine) whenever I want a tasty, easy, and quick meal.
     
    4. Kite Hill Cream Cheese

    I know I’ve described every dairy loss as a heartbreak like none I’ve ever felt before, but bagels were another regular dairy-centric part of my routine. I was extremely determined to prevent them from completely disappearing from my life, so I tried every cream cheese alternative I could get my hands on. The Kite Hill options are really the best; they certainly do the trick whenever I’m in the mood for bagels (which is often).

    5. Daiya Provolone Style Slices

    I’m seriously underwhelmed by the vegan cheese offerings of the world. They’re fine, they work, but they’ll never be a like-for-like substitute. I use Daiya shreds as a topping for my burrito bowls (though I’ll get whatever vegan shreds are available at the store I happen to be shopping at), but I found the Daiya slices to be a great option for dairy-free grilled cheese sandwiches. When cooked in a pan on the stove, the cheese actually melts really well. 

    6. Country Crock Olive Oil Butter

    Every time I have to remind my grandma of my allergy, she says, without fail, “so, you can’t have butter?” To her, it’s the end of the world. I’ve explained countless times that right next to her favorite tub of butter at the grocery store is usually a dairy-free alternative. I use the Country Crock avocado or olive oil butter and they’re perfect for all of my cooking needs. But honestly, a spread on some toast? I’d pass on this and make an avocado spread instead.

    7. Silk Almond Dairy-Free Yogurt

    At this point, I don’t know why I’m surprised to find dairy-free products hiding amongst your everyday grocery items. But when I found the Silk Almond Yogurt, I was so excited to try it, I threw caution to the wind and immediately bought five. I used to have yogurt, granola, and fruit in my breakfast rotation, and this option from Silk was the perfect way to bring it back. More

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    I Tried All of the Most Popular Lulu Align Dupes—Here are the Best Ones

    I am always (seriously, ALWAYS) keeping an eye out for a great dupe. Although I love fashion, shopping, and clothes more than many other things in this world, I do not have an unlimited budget. Therefore, even though I’d love to, I simply cannot spend $100 on every pair of leggings I own. Luckily, we live in a world where Lululemon dupes are aplenty. 
    The famous Lululemon Align Pant is a favorite of our editors, our readers, our friends, and seemingly every single person on the internet. I love them just as much as the next gal—and I of course believe in treating yourself every now and then, as well as in investing in quality pieces that will last a long time. However, sometimes a girl just needs a pair that won’t break the bank.
    I searched the internet, saved every Lulu dupe TikTok I saw, and read reviews until my eyes hurt to find the absolute best and most popular Align dupes out there. Then I ordered them all and tried them out, so that I could share my new found expertise with all of you. And let me tell you, I definitely found my new favorite (keep reading to find out which one 😉). 
    In an effort to keep things consistent I ordered everything in a 7/8 length or 25″ inseam—but I am 5’3″, so that’s why they all look pretty much full-length on me. I wear a size 10 in Lululemon leggings, and I ordered every other pair in a size large (apart from the Aerie ones, which are a medium). 
    Keep reading to find out which of these Lulu Align dupes are worth the purchase, and which are not:

    These leggings are so popular for a reason: they truly are buttery soft, they fit well and do not slide down, and the waistband is supportive enough that they are always flattering. A few of our editors even swear that no other leggings come close to being as good. I definitely love how they feel, but I’ll be honest—I think they’re a tiiiny bit overhyped. For the price point, I just think that there are other leggings out there that are just as great. However, I do appreciate the selection of colors, patterns, and lengths, as well as the brand’s warranty policy.

    You guys, I am telling you, these are THE. ONES. They feel exactly like Aligns, down to the point where I think they could be made from the exact same material. The texture is identical: truly buttery soft, with the same level of thickness. They also have the same seams (style and placement), and a circular logo on the back of the waistband. So if someone saw you on the street, they would have no idea these weren’t the real thing. The ONLY tiny difference is that the hidden pocket in the front of the waistband is on the opposite side (which doesn’t matter, I am just letting you know). The one downfall is that there aren’t a ton of colors, but catch me ordering the rest and wearing them all summer long.

    These are also pretty close to the real thing, but the material is a tiny (emphasis on tiny) bit different. They are slightly more slick feeling and a little bit less buttery. However, they still feel thick enough to be supportive and not slide down. They also have the second seam detail on the waistband, which I actually think is kind of cute! This pair has the most color options by far, so if you’re looking to try something out of your comfort zone for summer, these are a great affordable option. 

    Our editors love the Colorfulkoala brand for affordable leggings, and I’ve personally owned this pair for a little while now. I love that they are supportive enough to work out in, but comfortable enough to lounge around in or wear while working from home. Although they are not an exact dupe, they definitely can hang with Lulu Aligns and for the price point, are a great option. They stay up, and the waistband is thick and comfortable. This particular style does not come in a ton of colors, but the options they do come in are all cute!

    OK, so I wouldn’t really say these are a dupe for Aligns, but they are definitely a comparable option. The material is a little different: this Aerie pair is more slick than buttery, and they are slightly more lightweight. They also have a different style of seam, going for more of a seamless and less structured look. I love and own three pairs of these, and I will say that they are more of a lounge legging than one you can workout in. They are soooo comfortable, but they sometimes slide down slightly because of the lightweight material. This is an especially great option if you’re looking for a non-Amazon pair at a reasonable price (they are also on sale more often than not!). 

    This is the only pair that I was disappointed in. The material is not very close at all: these are more slick feeling, feel a little cheap, and I would not call them “buttery.” However, I do have to disclaim that I ordered a pair in a color called “Black Lux” so that I could get a 25″ pair, so I am wondering if that means that they have a different feel than the rest of the colors that do not have “Lux” in the title. They do have a lot of positive reviews, so I think it’s either that or that the material has recently changed. But I will also say that I liked the fit of these the least. They are definitely less high-waisted, and something about them just made me feel like they were unflattering.  More

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    Adidas’ partnership with the first Women’s Football League champions in Saudi

    Empowering and celebrating women in the region remains a vital message for Adidas as they reveal their partnership with the winners of Saudi Arabia’s first-ever women’s football league.As the official sponsors of Riyadh-based Challenge Football Team, this latest partnership stands in line with the brand’s long-standing mantra ‘Impossible Is Nothing’. Supporting regional and local sports communities, Adidas is set to engage women through sport by believing in sports power to change lives and rebellious optimism.By putting females at the forefront of sports conversation, Adidas aims to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts as part of its 2030 vision to empower and create opportunities for women within the region, with this partnership encouraging the next generation of football players in Saudi Arabia.When asked about the partnership with Adidas, Rawh Alarfaj, the Challenge Team Founder and CEO said, “We are honoured to be the first female football team to be sponsored by Adidas in Saudi Arabia. We’ve really seen the Challenge Football team gain momentum since the establishment of the first women’s football league in Saudi Arabia in 2020, and we hope to inspire girls and women in Saudi Arabia and beyond to pursue their passion.”Cultivating local talent within the Kingdom and across the sporting realm, Adidas will take front row seats as Saudi Arabia continues to break barriers for women, furthering optimism for the future of women in sport.Midfielder for the Challenge Football Team, Haneen Al-Amari, also shared her pride about the partnership with Adidas.“I joined the Challenge family in 2018 and I am honoured to be part of the team’s continuous achievements and ambition to succeed,” she said. “We’ve seen Challenge Football team gain momentum since the establishment of the first women’s football league in Saudi Arabia in 2020, and we hope to inspire girls and women in Saudi Arabia and beyond to pursue their passion.“Special thanks to Adidas for supporting our goals and believing in our vision.”To find out more about the partnership between Challenge Football Team and adidas, visit adidas.ae– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied  More

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    Abu Dhabi revealed as the top place to go for luxury travel

    With Abu Dhabi known as a haven for luxury travellers, there’s plenty of five-star properties in this capital for tourists or residents to unwind at, as the rooms will make you feel like royalty from the moment you enter.The UAE’s capital plays host to a plethora of recognisable names of five-star resorts including the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Zaya Nurai Island Resort and many more.As lavish lodgings are at the epitome of hospitality in the UAE, Abu Dhabi has a concentration of 32 per cent of luxury hotels, with over 146 of them in this luxurious world-renowned capital, per The National.According to a research report by luxuryhotels.com, Abu Dhabi tops the list with the highest concentration of five-star hotels, followed by Shenzhen, China – 23.6%, Beijing, China – 22%, Shanghai, China – 22%, Zhuhai, China – 21.1%, Makkah, Saudi Arabia – 21%, Singapore, Guangzhou, China – 13.5%, Guilin, China – 12.4% and Vancouver Canada with 12.41% of five-star hotels.While Dubai doesn’t make the top 10, it does make it into the top 20 list, and is also home to a plethora of luxury hotels including the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab.The data was compiled by taking data from Euromonitor’s top 100 city destinations report and using booking.com, to find out all the hotels each city has with a five-star ranking.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Zaya Nurai Island Resort More

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    in health and weelbeing

    6 Unexpected Ways Your Body Changes After 25

    If you grew up female in the early 2000s, chances are you owned a copy of The Care and Keeping of You, or some other equally awkward, illustration-filled body manual. These prepubescent bibles warned us of all the changes to come as a teenager, and seemed to promise that after seven years of embarrassing acne and the daily, crippling fear our periods would start (was anything scarier?), the rest would be history! We’d be WOMEN, and by then our undoubtedly sexy woman bodies would be in working order!
    Well, I’m here to tell you we’ve been duped.
    If you’ve reached the milestone-no-one-said-was-a-milestone—AKA the age of 25—you’ll likely know what I’m talking about. Changes you’d never prepared for have begun to sneak up on you. The following are just a few examples of bodily weirdness that awaits us at after a quarter century.

    1. Cool, guess I have acne now
    I was one of the lucky few who managed to escape high school and college without experiencing any major breakouts. I was even once told in high school that I had “angel skin.” Angel skin! Well, either angels struggle with cystic acne, or my skin has fully rebelled against me. Keeping a clear complexion has become a struggle I never expected to have, let alone in my mid-20s. With changes in hormones and progesterone, many women will experience acne for the very first time post-teens. Go ahead and DIY that facial; you’ll thank me later.

    2. Hangovers: 1, Me: 0
    At 21 years old, I could pound a bottle of Goldschläger at midnight and wake up ready to take a midterm, rescue a puppy, and run a 5k before noon. Now? I can hardly eat bread without gagging. Hangovers take on an epic level of strength in your mid-twenties. Let’s just say before a heavy drinking night out these days, I ask myself, “am I prepared to do nothing but binge watch Netflix tomorrow?” (The answer needs to be “yes”). FYI, if a hangover hits you like it hits me, here’s how you can save your skin. 

    3. Sleep, I miss you
    Ah yes, speaking of hangovers: remember the days of sleeping in until 1 p.m.? Those were cute. Now my body rockets me wide awake at 8 a.m., regardless of the time I went to bed. Forget about the “recommended eight hours.” Try as I might, insomnia has become a new routine, constantly challenging my ability to switch off my brain. You’ll try herbal teas and essential oils, but mostly will long for the days your mother had to bang on the bedroom door to get you conscious.

    4. My vagina hates me
    I will never forget waking up with my first UTI. It was painful, it was burning, and it led to a subsequent three more in the following year. Yeast infection? Been there too! And if you’re really looking for a party, try bacterial vaginosis. That’ll cling to you longer than Dylan from Tinder. Reminder: if you have a vagina, it needs (and deserves!) some serious TLC. For a quick refresher, check out five things you’re doing to your vagina that you shouldn’t be. 

    5. Where did this booty come from?
    Despite it all, not every change you’ll face in your mid-twenties is negative. Whether you’ve been rocking curves since puberty or have noticed more curves as of late, the body will likely go through some visible changes around this age–and yes, that’s a good thing. It was an exciting moment when I packed up my low-rise Hollister shorts I was questionably still wearing and embraced my new Kim K booty! No matter how your body is changing, embrace all the wonderful curves and features that come with being a full grown woman. Can I get an “amen!?”

    6. I just had sex, and it feels so good
    Perhaps it’s the shifting hormones or your new-found confidence (or both), but sex sounds and feels better than ever at this point in your twenties. Think about it: you’ve gotten past the mediocre romps on dorm room futons, and your G-spot has officially been located. You probably feel more confident telling partners what you want, but you also know that you don’t need a partner to reach the big “O.” By this age, you’ve spent years growing more confident in your body, and your body knows what it likes a little bit better (and no, it’s not you, Dylan). More

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    In pictures: Princess Salma deputises for her father King Abdullah II

    Her Royal Highness Princess Salma bint Abdullah II was pictured last week deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah II at the inauguration of the Military Women’s Training Centre in Zarqa.The third child of the King of Jordan and Queen Rania, 20-year-old Princess Salma was representing her father, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces- Arab Army, on Monday.In an Instagram post from the Royal Hashemite Court’s page, Princess Salma was seen saluting entering the event which is established in cooperation with NATO.The caption reads, “Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the #Jordan Armed Forces- Arab Army, Her Royal Highness Princess Salma bint Abdullah II inaugurates the Military Women’s Training Centre in Zarqa, established in cooperation with NATO.”In the post, Princess Salma is pictured within the nursery of the centre, which provides care for the children of the centre’s female personnel.Last year, the Princess made history by becoming the first Jordanian female to complete preliminary pilot training on fixed-wing aircraft, earning her wings and being presented them in a ceremony at Amman’s Al Husseiniya Palace, by her father, in January 2020.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram @rhcjo More

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    The ultimate guide to spending a luxe weekend on The Palm

    Nestled in Dubai’s iconic man-made structure at The Palm, Waldorf Astoria is the perfect haven for that luxurious weekend escape with your loved ones to unwind from the bustling city life.With a combination of family-friendly fun and a wealth of world-class facilities at this idyllic property, you’re sure to have a rejuvenating experience with dedicated hospitality that is sure to transport you to a different part of the world.As you take in the skyline sea view of Dubai from your room, the area offers marble designed washrooms with a walk-in closet and showers with a space that compliments the hotel’s features as amenities such as a comfortable seating area, work desk, walk-in closet and spacious balconies are also offered for the guests.For the ultimate weekend getaway, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the diverse range of activities and facilities that Waldorf Astoria has to offer with a tailor-made space made for your family or loved ones.Indulge in a luxurious spa experienceThe award-winning spa at Waldorf Astoria offers a unique experience with an unforgettable journey through locally inspired rituals by a team of experts. From thermal relaxation rooms to traditional practices incorporates through each service, guests can experience the 12 treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountain, water flotation lounges, whirlpool hot tubs and showers as they relieve their stress from a hard week and give a day of wellness to themselves. With a plethora of massage therapies offered under one roof, guests can choose from an exotic range of treatments including the healing stone massage, de-stress candle massage by Neom, Golden body by Omorovicza and many more.Experience the outdoorsWith two temperature-controlled swimming pools at the venue, open from 7am until 7pm, guests can lay back on the cosy beach beds, as they experience the soft white sands of the hotel’s 200m private beach facilities, which are on the sunniest part of the Palm. With a host of outdoor recreational activities on board from tennis to parasailing, the property will ensure you have more than enough for the ultimate adrenaline-fueled weekend, especially as the little ones can be left at the Coco’s Kids Club, where they’ll be supervised to enjoy some time to yourself.The cuisineSocial by Heinz BeckFeaturing cuisine from the world-renowned 3-Michelin star Chef Heinz Beck, social offers a laid-back contemporary environment with an artistic interpretation of the modern kitchen through highly evocative dishes that make it an ideal setting for everyday dining and special celebrations. Every Saturday, the restaurant allows guests to experience the true Italian touch with an infusion of the timeless tradition of dining from its origins, where good food and company is enjoyed at the table. From Burrata’s with fresh cherry tomatoes to risotto with zucchini prawns and calamari, there’s a selection of delectable delights that guests can choose from with the menu starting from Dhs350 per person for the family-style menu with soft drinks.LAOWith delicious Vietnamese flavours at the helm of this unforgettable dining experience, guests can relish authentic Asian home-style cooking with authentic spices, sauces and cooking techniques with traditional dishes from across southeast Asia in a vibrant atmosphere, with both indoor and alfresco seating, overlooking the picturesque views of Dubai. From Tom Yum Goong to steamed seabass, a mouth-watering menu of Asian classics is offered with a modern twist for guests to keep coming back for more.If you’re looking to refresh with an elegant evening of handcrafted cocktails made especially for you, the Serafina bar offers a Venetian experience with live entertainment exuding an era of luxe charm. For a delightful evening resplendent of afternoon teas or freshly baked pastries, the Peacock Alley offers a classic Dubai high society experience as you indulge in an exquisite selection of delights.While being committed to ensuring that all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience, from check-in to check-out, face masks must be worn at all times within the property with all the social distancing measures that need to be adhered to.Located on the Crescent Rd, of The Palm Jumeirah, to make a reservation or for more information visit Hilton.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied More

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    This viral TikTok showcases just how far the UAE has come in 50 years

    As the United Arab Emirates celebrates 50 years since the unification of the emirates, the nation has been looking back on how far things have progressed in the region in such a short period of time.A new TikTok video which has gone viral on the social media platform depicts this perfectly showcasing the drastic difference between what the UAE used to look like and what it does now.Showcasing archived videos from many years ago, many ancestors from the UAE living in the desert land of the nation.The clip then jumps to footage of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building, portraying just how far the nation has come.Aptly, the clip is captioned, “[The] definition of ‘we made it’.”
    @sjanx7i##fyp##foryoupage##اكسبلور##دبي##الامارات##تيكتوك♬ original sound – Tik Toker

    Similarly, many people in the comments of the video – which has now received over x views – shared their pride in the UAE.“Our ancestors would be so proud of us,” one person said.“Crying – so proud of how far we have come,” another said.“All in less than 50 years,” one other highlighted.The year of the 50thEarlier this year, it was declared that the UAE would hold a year-long celebration, as declared by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to mark the nation’s 50th anniversary.Per WAM, the ‘Year of the 50th’ is set to start on April 6, 2021, and will officially end on March 31, 2022.“‘Year of the 50th’ represents a historic defining moment in our journey that started immediately after the declaration of the UAE’s union in 1971,” His Highness said. “It’s an acknowledgement of the resolute will and strong determination our Founding Fathers had while building up their nation.“It also comes in recognition of the sincere efforts made by our citizens for our nation to be what we are seeing today as one of the best growing and fastest developing countries in the world.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Unsplash  More