Raphael Stevens

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    5 Ways We’re Changing Our Workout Routines for Summer

    You go to the same gym every day, do the same type of workout class, cool down the same way, or schedule workouts at the same time. Sound familiar? If so, I have an important PSA for you: it’s time to switch it up. Not only does changing up your workout routine work different muscles and ensure your body stays challenged, but you’ll beat workout boredom and stay present instead of going through the motions. Luckily for those of us who are in desperate need of a change, summer is the perfect time for a few workout upgrades (read: more energy, more time spent outdoors, and more fun). Here are five ways we’re changing our workout routines for the summer season and how you can change yours too.

    1. Switching to more energizing workouts
    If you’re stuck in a rut because you only do one kind of workout, summer is your solution. Thanks to longer days, warmer weather, and brighter sunlight, we often have the most energy in the summertime, so take advantage and up your workout intensity. I love a relaxing yoga flow and soothing pilates sesh as much as the next girl, but when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, I’m ready to break a sweat and have some fun. Whether you’re typically a yogi or tend to opt for slow and relaxing workouts, summer is the season to try something different. Thanks to obé fitness, you can easily up your workout routine by adding in cardio boxing (way less intimidating than you think!), yoga sculpt (set to Drake instead of typical relaxing music), or high-intensity dance classes (see: Beyoncé-themed). Not only will you challenge new muscles and get your cardio on, but you’ll be having way more fun, all season long. 
    Use code TEG50 for a 7-day free trial + 50% off your first month of Obé!

    2. Getting outside
    Is it just us, or does the warmer weather leave you with a constant itch to get outside? TBH, I’m temporarily taking a break from air-conditioned gyms or indoor studios, and I’m taking my workouts outdoors instead. Whether you’re taking your jogs from the treadmill to the sidewalks, laying out a yoga mat in the park, or taking some outdoor classes (at least something good came out of quarantine), bring your workouts outdoors this summer to simultaneously break a sweat, enjoy the weather, and get some sunshine. To make outdoor workouts work for you, make sure you’re stocked up on everything you need, from sweat-resistant SPF (a must!) to the right kind of shoes. 

    3. Experimenting with different times of day
    Longer days mean more sunlight, and more sunlight means more energy (think about it: waking up at 7 a.m. when it’s already bright and sunny is way different than waking up to a dark, cold 7 a.m. that still feels like nighttime, right?). Take full advantage of the longer days by experimenting with workouts at different times of the day. If you’re not usually an early riser, get to bed extra early and wake up with the sun to try out a workout before your workday. If you prefer relaxing mornings, go on an evening run while the sun is still out (good news: you have plenty of time). At the very least, you might feel less bored in your same old workout routine, but you also might find that your energy levels and endurance are better at a different time of day.

    4. Turning workouts social
    So you and your friends are all vaccinated and can finally be together after months of social distancing; why take a break from your social summer to work out when you could make exercise a little more fun? This season, we’re breaking out of our gym routines to incorporate some more time with friends while still staying active. Grab a friend and try a new workout class, or go on a hike or bike ride instead of your usual post-work drinks. Not only will working out with a buddy keep you motivated (we’re all about some friendly competition in the name of health!), but you’ll have way more fun with your workout routine. If we’ve all learned one lesson this year, it’s that life is too short to not enjoy time with the people we love–that goes for our workouts too.

    5. Less designated “gym time” and living more actively
    PSA: “fitness” doesn’t have to mean hour-long workouts at the gym or a designated time of the day; instead, it can be as easy as living more active and less sedentarily. One of the best parts of summer is that walking everywhere is not only possible, but it’s pleasant. Cue up your favorite summer playlist or a new podcast episode and vow to walk everywhere possible (bonus: it’s better for the planet). For farther destinations, get creative about your transportation: walk to the further train stop to get in some extra steps or try bike riding for a quicker method that’s still active. Also, get creative about how you’re spending your free time: take a break from your beach read to swim, or use your Saturdays to go on scenic bike rides. Why spend more time in an air-conditioned gym when you could be working your muscles and building endurance by just living life?

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

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    Feeling Burnt Out? Here Are 7 Ways Experts Recommend Dealing With It

    Burnout: You know it, you don’t love it, and you’ve probably Googled “how to deal with burnout” at some point in the past 365 days. The cherry on top of the annoying AF cake? Women experienced more burnout than men in 2020 (as if we didn’t have enough going on). Many of us are emotionally fatigued from a crazy year, feeling overworked, and don’t get enough rest or off-time. What’s a girl to do? Since burnout is way too common, I grilled some holistic doctors and health coaches at Parsley Health for all of their best burnout tips. Whether you’re way past the point of exhaustion or you just know your job, schedule, or life feels unsustainable, it’s time to make some changes. Read on to see how seven doctors and health coaches prevent, deal with, and heal burnout. 

    1. Fit in more movement
    “Implement restorative mini-moments throughout your day. When you may not have larger blocks of time available for self-care, take five minutes to breathe deeply (such as the 4-7-8 method or box breathing), stretch, step outside for some sunshine, or to snuggle your pet—it can make a profound difference in the way you feel (and in lowering cortisol levels). Consider setting reminders on your phone or using a time cube to take mini breaks throughout your day (like every 60-90 minutes if your schedule allows).” –Ivy Carson, NP-BC, IFMCP

    2. Create boundaries
    “Create a physical boundary around work life and home life (this is especially important when working from home!). By establishing a physical boundary or action, you’ll be sending a strong signal to your brain that work is done for the day and you can ‘shut down’ your work brain to transition to your non-work self. For example, practice breath work at the beginning and end of your workday, or make a ritual around both turning on and shutting down your work station. It can be something as simple as listening to the same song to both start and end your day, but whatever it is, a daily ritual will signal to the brain when you should be working and when you should be ‘off.’” –Erica Zellner, MS, CNS, LDN

    3. Be mindful of your energy levels
    “I call it a body budget: Treat your energy levels the same way you would maintain your bank account. Avoid getting in the habit of spending too much energy without replenishing it. Try to identify the activities, people, and things that bring you energy and make them a regular part of your routine to balance the energy you spend on work, tasks, and even taking care of loved ones. Just being aware of what’s draining your energy versus what’s giving you energy can treat existing burnout or prevent it entirely.” –Tina Ralutz, MS, RDN

    4. Do something every day that inspires you
    “A lot of the work I do is left brain dominant, so I like to fit in creative work like designing and styling ethnic clothing or jewelry (like clay work). However, it’s not something I do only if I find time—it’s a non-negotiable and my protected time. Just like I show up for work, I also show up for myself every week and every day. My affirmation is to do something every day that inspires you (rather than ‘expires’ you) since inspiration creates energy.” –Nisha Chellam, MD

    5. Get restorative sleep
    “Ensuring that you are getting restorative sleep will help you prevent and heal from burnout. Not looking at your phone for 30 minutes (or more) before going to bed can help decrease cortisol and allow melatonin to rise for restorative sleep. Also, creating a relaxing environment is really helpful. For example, dimming the lights as it gets closer to bedtime will help with that cortisol and melatonin balance. When we are getting restorative sleep, we feel like we can take on the next day. We’ll also be more focused, feel more optimistic, and choose food and movement that will better support our health.” –Amanda Perrin, MS, RD

    6. Be intentional about your productivity 
    “I love using The Eisenhower Matrix (a productivity method), to help me decide what tasks I should prioritize, plan, delegate and remove from my plate. It can really help to avoid the ‘urgency trap,’ or that feeling like everything is on fire all the time, which so often leads to burnout. This is a great tool if you feel like you’re always spread too thin or feel like you’re busy all the time but not noticing any progress in your goals.” –Erin D’Elia Assenza, Health Coach

    7. Lean on the people you trust
    “While you can’t always choose your colleagues, you can choose the amount of energy and time you place into cultivating and strengthening bonds with the coworkers that resonate with you and you feel a connection with. Positive thinking is great, but touching base with colleagues on the struggles or hardships with your job is beneficial in decreasing burnout risk.” –Dawn Rene Johnson, DO, IFMCP, MHA More

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    We’ve found your go-to luxury staycation deal for this summer

    IN PARTNERSHIP: As travel continues to be on hold across the globe, holidays remain far and few between. However, for those of us based in the UAE, there’s plenty of options for us to enjoy a getaway closer to home.If marvelling at the spectacular city of Abu Dhabi and views of the Gulf is on your radar this summer, we may have found the ultimate staycation deal for you and your family.Introducing Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and their renowned ‘Family Staycation’ package, which is sure to strike all the right chords, including breakfast and dinner for two. Priced at Dhs700, the Deluxe Guestroom houses plenty of space for the whole family, even better, children under 12 stay free of charge.Also available is the ‘Brunch Staycation,’ perfect for two, this Dhs995 getaway features a Superior Guest Room inclusive of breakfast and a choice of Friday Brunch in Nahaam or Saturday brunch in Vakava.With the Observation Deck at 300, on the 74th floor, guests can experience an uninterrupted, 360-degree view of the Abu Dhabi cityscape and Arabian Gulf from the city’s highest vantage point. Guests can also visit the famous café at the top, which is renowned for its afternoon high tea inspired by strawberries.Guests enjoying a staycation at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers can choose between 12 award-winning food and beverage restaurants, including Le Petite Chef, which is 63 floors above the Abu Dhabi skyline.A superlative experience, this 58mm tall, clumsy chef takes you on an immersive culinary one-and-a-half-hour journey where 3D mapping technology brings your table to life, capturing your imagination with every scene.It’s the perfect time to book as, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers – in partnership with Abu Dhabi Culinary – is set to host the first of several “Food Forward” series which will take place at Tori No Su, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers from the 1st to 10th July.This pop-up restaurant concept will see Chef Reif Othman collaborating with Emirati Chef Faisal Alharmoodi take over the venue offering an exclusive line up of menu offerings, including street food dishes, signature plates and delectable desserts.All staycations also include a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments and on food and beverage in 11 of the restaurants.Whether you’re on a staycation with the whole family, a group of friends or you’re with your significant other, there’s something for everyone at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.To experience a stay unrivalled in the UAE book now.For more information or to make a reservation visit hilton.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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    Are you an avid photographer? This UAE-based competition is for you

    Whether you’re an avid or amateur photographer, the Sharjah Art Foundation invites artistic talent from across the globe to submit entries for Vantage Point Sharjah 9 (VSP9), an annual competition which first took place in 2013, dedicated to the practice of photography, for both established and emerging photographers.Designed as an initiative to engage with the local community through a call for submissions, the competition is open to everyone. Applicants can choose their own theme and artistic approach which falls under three categories: Photojournalism, Documentary, Conceptual, Experimental and Staged Photography.The popularity of the competition has grown over the years, allowing for the geographic remit to expand, making it open to the world.Alongside this, a jury consisting of artist Ammar Al Attar, photographer and architect Sham Enbashi, the author and artist Alia Al Shamsi and the photographer M’hammed Kilito will make the final selection of images.Chosen images will be presented at an exhibition held at the Foundations off-site venue Al Hamriyah Studios on 18 September 2021. A winner from each category will be selected by the jury to receive a prize of USD 1,500.The application deadline for the competition is 11:00pm (UAE time). Applicants can submit up to six digital photographs in 300dpi resolution along with an application form including a short description of the work(s), the location each photo was taken and a brief biography.To find out more details, access the application form as well as submission terms and conditions visit Sharjahart.org– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImage: Supplied, Feature Image: Eric Park on Unsplash More

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    What I Make for Dinner When I Don’t Feel Like Cooking

    No matter what I do or where I am in my life, it’s absolutely inevitable that a couple of times a week, I just do not feel like cooking. But a girl’s gotta eat (and doesn’t always want to order takeout) so an arsenal of easy dinner recipes has a permanent spot in my brain for when I just can’t muster up the will to really cook.
    It’s easy to turn to scrambled eggs or PB&J for those dreaded nights, but I’m here to inform you that that need not be the case. You can make easy meals with just as minimal effort, but that will give you a little more oomph (and ideally, a little more nutritional value). Hitting that sweet spot between minimal effort and filling you up is key, and the balance is one that can be mastered with a bit of trial and error (and for me, the help of my air fryer).
    Looking for some go-to, simple recipes to add to your weekly rotation? We’ve got you covered.

    Source: Gimme Delicious

    Source: Recipe Runner

    Source: Cookin Canuck

    Source: The Modern Proper

    Source: Pinch of Yum

    Source: My Everyday Table

    Source: The Modern Proper

    Source: Tastes Better From Scratch

    Source: Tasty

    Source: Peas and Crayons

    Source: Live Eat Learn

    Source: Morning Star Farms

    Source: Taste of Home

    Source: Taste of Home

    Source: Damn Delicious More

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    Loro Piana’s reinvented chaise lounge turns furniture to artwork

    A celebration of craftsmanship, this chaise longue is a functional sculpture for your home. Raphael Navot defines “The Palm Duet” as ‘a sculpture, an armchair, a loveseat or a contemporary interpretation of the traditional chaise longue,’ expressing his passion for the homemade and the traditional techniques he has pushed to the extreme to achieve excellence.This soft and sinuous armchair is curated to soothe the skin with the touch, creating a warm, comforting feeling enveloping you in a sense of relaxation and peace. Inspired by the palm of hard, curved lines following a spiral movement are the basis of this chair, leaving no harsh lines within the home. Offering a casual experience of protective comfort, this organic chair will take pride in place wherever it’s placed.Upholstered in Cashfur, a unique fabric made with a selection of the finest cashmere in its natural off-white shade which is blended carefully on circular knitting looms with silk, making the chair is incredibly soft. The purity of the naturally derived fabrics allows the noble fibres of the upholstery to be at one with the organic, sinuous form of the chaise longue.When asked about his creation, Navot said, “The design of the chaise is essential corporal. When looking at this piece, one can already imagine the position to take. It is intended to be intuitive.”Taking inspiration from nineteenth-century portraits, including the infamous Olympia painted by Manet in 1865, as well as classical drawings, Navot searched for a design to rediscover, and reimagine the infamous chaise longue.“In classical drawings, we often discover the chaise longue as the perfect furniture for intimate portraits,” Navot said, “I was hoping to find a form that can support the body in a gracious way and at the same time feel new, timeless and detached from the historical connotations. As the armrest is treated as a seat, it invites a second partner to join and share the seat together.”Director of Loro Piana Interiors, Francesco Pergamo, commented on Navot’s design, he said, “What we have loved from Raphael’s work is his incredible taste, his love for neatness, elegance, for what is essential and perfectly crafted.”“We knew he had a passion for natural materials, for excellence, for creating timeless objects, not caring too much for tends. Well, it is exactly what has always inspired Loro Piano and what we inject into our solutions for interior decoration. Raphael’s creativity and our materials naturally just came together,” he continued.The ‘Palm Duet’ chaise longue will be produced in a number series and presented in selected Loro Piana stores and during private events after its official introduction at Nomad from 8-10 July, 2021. A second chair will also be displayed in the Loro Piana store in St. Moritz during the Nomad exhibition.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Supplied More

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    ‘He came from nothing and built everything’: Bella Hadid praises her father

    Bella Hadid has never shied away from showing love to her family, especially her parents.To mark Father’s Day this year, the supermodel posted a touching message of pride to her father, Mohamed Hadid, praising him for the life he’s managed to build.Sharing a photo of her father’s expired USA passport, it was a symbol to showcase how far her dad has come.“The strongest and smartest man I know!” she said. “He came from nothing and built everything.”The 24-year-old also shared a series of photos to her Instagram grid along with a sweet message to her “baba”.“Happy Father’s Day baba. You make me laugh more than anyone in the world,” she said. “Although I cry writing this because I wish I could give you the biggest hug &kiss today!! I miss you and love you to the moon.”As noted by his daughter, it’s clear Mohamed Hadid has reached incredible successes with his businesses and a number of entrepreneurial ventures, but it hasn’t been an easy journey for the property tycoon.Opening up about his childhood last year, Hadid reflected on his childhood hardships having to flee his home country when he was just a baby, and becoming a refugee along with his other family members.Sharing a picture from his younger years, Hadid explained that he doesn’t have “a single picture of me [as] when I was a baby I was just about 9 days old when I and my family were refugees to the refugee camps in Syria from Palestine”.He shared his thanks to Syria, Lebanon and Tunisia and most of all Jordan, where he and his family received Jordanian citizenship many years ago.He also shared his gratitude for being able to relocate to the USA with his family.“I thank my father and mother for their focus to bring us to this beautiful land this country USA and I’m honoured to be an American and I honour my mother country and a pain in my heart for the suffering of the Palestinian people and I am forever a proud of my beloved Palestine where I was born,” he added.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Mohamed Hadid Instagram, Feature Image: Getty More

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    All the luxury staycations to book in Dubai for the upcoming six-day weekend

    With UAE residents set to potentially enjoy a six-day long break next month for Eid Al Adha, planning ahead with all the luxury staycations is no daunting task anymore as you’ve come to the right place.From palatial retreats on the Palm to getaways that are still in the heart of Dubai with the surroundings of the bustling city life, Emirates Woman has curated a list of the luxury hotels you can potentially book for the upcoming long break in July 2021.Mandarin Oriental JumeiraOffering a much-anticipated UAE resident rate, Mandarin Oriental is all set to keep guests refreshed during the sun-drenched days. An exclusive 20 per cent off is offered to all UAE residents when booking their next stay at the luxurious beachfront resort, as they overlook the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s glittering skyline and dine at the two signature restaurants Tasca by José Avillez and Netsu which is valid until August 31, 2021.For more information visit mandarinoriental.com/dubaiWaldorf Astoria Dubai Palm JumeirahThis elegant beach resort offers a 200m private beach with a glistening property for the ultimate staycation. With temperature-controlled swimming pools, water sports activities and spacious rooms with a contemporary design, you can enjoy stunning views of Dubai’s skyline. Similarly, there’s an array of restaurants to choose from including Southeast Asian flavours at LAO or fine-casual dining at Social by Michelin chef Heinz Beck, making it the perfect family-fuelled getaway.For more information visit Hilton.comSofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & SpaDiscover the warm French-Polynesian welcome of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, with a luxury 5-star beach resort situated on the East Crescent of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, with a rejuvenating escape nestled amongst lush greenery on the idyllic shores of the Arabian Gulf. Subject to availability at the time of booking, all members can access an exclusive offer of 30 per cent off including a complimentary buffet breakfast and a relaxing holiday at the beach resort with access to six outdoor swimming pools and the beach, with the offer valid until September 15, 2021.For more information visit Sofitel-dubai-thepalm.comSt. Regis Dubai, The PalmThis newly opened five-star hotel is situated on the trunk of the iconic Palm Jumeirah with attentive, personalized 24-hour St. Regis Butler service along with handcrafted cuisine across four restaurants and lounges, at the hotel’s two infinity swimming pools, with the property conveniently located to Dubai’s main attractions, as contemporary elegance is stylishly graced in each room with timeless design at its helm.For more information visit Marriott.comMe Dubai by MeliáPurposefully crafted to be more than a hotel, ME Dubai is a lifestyle of sensorial connections with price at the cultural epicentre of the city, at art is infused into each element of the hotel. Designed by Zaha Hadid every room has either a midnight or desert colour scheme, for the ultimate relaxation and comfort.For more information visit melia.comOne & Only the PalmDubai’s exclusive resort offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s soaring skyline from your private beach as you immerse yourself in this haven which is just minutes away from the cosmopolitan city.For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.comBvlgari Resort, DubaiEchoing an elegant design throughout the hotel, the property celebrates the rich heritage of Italy in every element of the ambiance, with a tailor-made experience as guests visit. With Bvlgari’s first-ever Yacht Club, guests can recreate the charm of a Mediterranean atmosphere in Dubai, with amenities including a members lounge, an outdoor pool and a bar.For more information visit bulgarihotels.comAddress Sky ViewDiscover a timeless experience along with shopping extravagance at Address Hotels and Resorts, with a 20 per cent off on the best available rates along with Dhs200 shopping vouchers per room, in this skyline-defining duo of towers joined by an architecturally marvelous sky bridge with unique privileges at this getaway.For more information visit addresshotels.comKempinski Hotel & Residences Palm JumeirahFor an unmatched escape in the heart of Dubai, enjoy an exceptional stay at Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah, with offers which include 15 per cent off on the best available rate when a minimum of 2 nights is booked or 30 per cent off the best available rate when 3 nights or more is booked, with daily breakfast included with 25 per cent off food and drinks throughout the stay.For more information visit Kempinski.comAll the necessary COVID-19 restrictions have been implemented at each property accordingly to ensure the utmost safety of their guests on board. For any information regarding rates and applicable offers call the respective hotel for any further details.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @sofiteldubaipalm More