More stories

  • in

    Netflix’s most popular series ever, Bridgerton, is getting a spin-off

    At the end of 2020, Netflix released Bridgerton and it went on to become its most successful series ever, even surpassing The Crown in popularity.While the popular period drama has been confirmed to return for a second season, there’s even more exciting next about the series – it’s getting its very own spin-off based around Queen Charlotte.Set to also be written by Shonda Rhimes – who is also the brains behind Grey’s Anatomy – the prequel doesn’t yet have a name, but is set to focus on Queen Charlotte’s early years.The news was announced by Netflix on its official Twitter account.“All Hail The Queen,” the streaming giant tweeted. “Thrilled to announce we’re expanding the Bridgerton universe with a limited series that will tell Queen Charlotte’s origin story — the series will also feature young Violet Bridgerton and young Lady Danbury.”Netflix’s head of global TV, Bela Bajaria, also added, “Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton.”Bridgerton season twoWhile we may have some time to wait before the prequel hits Netflix, season two of Bridgerton is set to air in 2022.The focus of season one was surrounding Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings, but season two will focus on the eldest Bridgerton, Anthony, who is played by Jonathan Bailey.The news was announced by Lady Whistledown.“The ton are abuzz with the latest gossip, and so it is my honor to impart to you: Bridgerton shall officially return for a second season,” she said.“I do hope you have stored a bottle of ratafia for this most delightful occasion. The incomparable cast of Bridgerton will return to production in the Spring of 2021.“This author has been reliably informed that Lord Anthony Bridgerton intends to dominate the social season. I will have my pen to report on any and all of his romantic activities.”“However, gentle reader, before you set the comments section alight with requests for more sordid details, know that I am disinclined to report on the particulars at this time. Patience, after all, is a virtue.“Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Netflix More

  • in

    19 Sex Games You Can Play With Your Partner

    No matter your stage in a relationship, opening up about what you want sexually is awkward. I need a prompt to get me to start talking about something so intimate. That’s where sex games come in. Whether it’s asking about your #1 turn-on or telling you where to kiss your partner next, sex board games get the ball rolling on fun, new things in the bedroom that you probably wouldn’t think up otherwise. Plus, they’re just a fun way to spend a Saturday night in. Scroll on for all of our favorites!

    You and Me Intimacy Board Game Promotions
    Need a few ideas to get you going in the bedroom? This game includes 90 different cards with various activities you and a partner can do together to spice things up.

    Our Sex Game Board Game Set Promotions
    This board game is reminiscent of all your childhood faves (like Candyland) but with a sexy twist. You’ll land on different prompts with cards about things to do and talk about it. If you want a thought-provoking game to get to know each other a little more sexually, this is it.

    Put a Label on It Monogamy Board Game
    Similar to the one above, this Monogamy board game is meant to be used with just your partner to heat things up, including cards ranging from passionate to steamy to fantasy.

    Adam & Eve
    Behind Closed Doors Board Game
    You’ll go through this board game picking up cards on different positions, items to bring into the bedroom, and ways to engage in foreplay. Whoever makes it to the Winners’ Circle first gets to implement all their cards into the sex that inevitably ensues after. We love a little competition.

    Adam & Eve
    A Month Of Sex
    If you want a game that you can play over time, try this. This calendar, similar to advent calendars for the holidays, gives you a timeline of ways to spice it up over a whole month. With things like “Dress up in your favorite role-play costume” and “Invite your lover to join you in the shower and then gently caress and wash their body,” your sex life will never be the same afterward.

    Adam & Eve
    Creative Kisses Card Game
    Want something a little tamer? This card game includes 101 creative ways to kiss your partner, from sweet to very spicy. You could spend a night going through as many cards as you can, or keep this in the bedroom and try a new one every day.

    Date Night Box
    In this game, you spin the board, pick a card, and let the fun begin! This game will provoke conversation and connection, leading you both to a lovely night in the bedroom.

    Talk, Flirt, Dare! Romantic Game
    This game includes cards from three levels (Talk, Flirt, and Dare) in which you and your partner can heat things up with conversation, flirty roleplay, and sexy dares. Plus, this game isn’t too steamy, so you could play it with other couples too, making it great for get-togethers and dinner parties.

    Truth or Dare for Couples: 50 Questions
    For changing up your after-dinner routine, these truth or dare cards will inspire fun conversation and then some. Each card contains a truth and dare, so you choose what you want each round.

    Holla Banana
    Love & Naughty Stacking Tower
    If you want a game that resembles games you normally play (you know, with clothes on), this is one to add to your collection. It’s essentially sexy Jenga: each block has an action that you must do if you pull it out. So, you get to play a game of Jenga (a classic) and get sexy all at the same time.

    Love Honey
    Lovehoney Position of the Week Snap
    Finding new sex positions that actually work is harder than you think. This game allows you to actually try them out (with or without clothes—you choose!), making it a fun game to try as many new ones as you can. Ranging from easy to hard, these positions will test your ability to match the cards, all while having fun in the process. These positions are designed for sex between someone with a penis and with a vagina, but most of them can be recreated with a strap-on or for anal sex.

    Love Honey
    Foreplay Dice (3 Pack)
    The easiest, simplest game on this list, add to your foreplay by rolling these dice and seeing what comes up! This game is ideal for travel because these dice are so small and pack up easily.

    Love Honey
    Position of the Week Cards
    For even more sex positions, keep this deck of cards by your nightstand and take a peek every so often. Make a game of it by vowing to try a new card every single week.

    The Hot Game for Passionate Lovers
    This is possibly the sexiest game on this list, as you pick cards deciding what to do to each others’ bodies all in the time limit on the dice. The cards have three different levels (Mmm, Ooh, and Aah—catchy) to build progressive anticipation and excitement throughout the game. The second this comes in the mail, you’ll want to clear your calendar.

    Love Honey
    Fantastic Foreplay Board Game
    Ready to try some new foreplay? This game makes it easy, containing cards with fun activities and cards that will provoke conversation around your biggest turn-ons and fantasies.

    Love Honey
    Lesbian Sex Position Cards
    If you’re in a WLW relationship and looking for some new positions, look no further. This deck has over 50 cards of exciting new positions to look forward to. You can also add these to your other decks to bump up your lists even more!

    Love Honey
    Foreplay in a Row
    You’ll be throwing your classic Connect Four out the second you try this. Connect four chips to win, and the winner gets to choose a task on the card to do that night.

    Love Honey
    Sex IQ Trivia Game
    How much do you really know about sex? This game, which can be used with partners or with groups of friends, tests your knowledge on all things sex.

    Love Honey
    Strip Bedroom Blackjack Sex Card Game
    If you’re a fan of strip poker, add this to your arsenal, which makes it easier by combining all the tasks right onto the cards. You can also use this deck to play other classic card games with a sexy twist, like Rummy or Fish. More

  • in

    We’ve Tried It All: This Is the Best Activewear You Can Buy on Amazon

    Finding activewear that you love and that truly works for you through all of the different types of workouts you do—and on the days when you’re just wearing a cute athleisure look—is a journey that can take YEARS. Finding the best Amazon workout clothes, though? A whole different ball game.
    Leggings that pill, biker shorts that are see-through, sports bras that don’t have enough support, items that look nothing like the photos, skimming thousands of reviews… it all comes with the struggle to find the best of the best. But every once in a while, you encounter a diamond in the rough: your new favorite leggings that feel just like your $100 pairs, or that perfectly fitted workout top that transitions seamlessly from the gym to a coffee run.
    Our editors have been buying and wearing Amazon workout wear for years now, always sharing our new favorite dupe or the biker shorts we can’t stop wearing with each other.  We’ve had our triumphs and our fails, and now we know: these are the best activewear pieces you can find on Amazon. A lot of these items have thousands of five-star reviews, and everything on this list is under $40 (!!!). 
    Keep scrolling to check out our favorite affordable Amazon workout clothes:

    Leggings

    Shorts

    Tops and Jackets

    Sports Bras

    Sets and Dresses

    Accessories More

  • in

    Mabrook! Sheikh Hamdan shares a photo to announce he’s now the father of twins

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and his wife have welcomed twins – a baby boy and a baby girl.The Crown Prince and his wife, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum named their newborn baby boy Rashid – the same name as Sheikh Hamdan’s grandfather – and their baby girl Sheikha, the same name as her mother.To announce the arrival of the twins, Sheikh Hamdan shared a photo on Instagram with his 11.6 million followers of a blue foot and a pink foot.Congratulations on the arrival of the two new babies was shared on social media by many of Sheikh Hamdan’s siblings including Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Her Highness Sheikha Maryam.Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, also shared his congratulations on Twitter.
    أبارك لأخي سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم ولي عهد دبي قدوم مولوديه (راشد و شيخه). اللهم احفظهما بحفظك .. واجعلهما قُرّة عين لوالِديهما pic.twitter.com/7GjD6RzXg5
    — سيف بن زايد آل نهيان (@SaifBZayed) May 20, 2021“I congratulate my brother His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for the arrival of his two children (Rashid and Sheikha),” he said. “Oh God, save them with your protection … and make them the apple of the eye of their parents.”His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s sons married two years ago in 2019.Sheikh Hamdan and his two brothers His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum all got married in an Islamic ceremony in May 2019.Mabrook to the Crown Prince of Dubai on the new additions to his family.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Dubai Media Office More

  • in

    This emirate is getting 20 new attractions

    With Ras Al Khaimah being one of the top cities to escape to in the UAE, the emirate is all set to welcome those seeking a bit of thrill with 20 new adrenaline-fuelled activities for all.Ras Al Khaimah shall be spending around $136.14 million (Dhs500 million) on different tourism-related projects ranging from sustainable pop-ups to nature-fuelled activities as reported by the Tourism Development Authority.From magnificent landscapes to breathtaking coastlines, Ras Al Khaimah has always been known as the emirate offering a unique experience with being just 45 minutes away from the bustling metropolis of Dubai.With year-long sunshine and a host of newly diverse activities, you can experience the region’s host of outdoor activities as the Ras Al Khaimah Tourist Development Authority (RAKTDA) lays emphasis on its mission to focus on sustainability, wellness and adventure through these projects, as the Earth Hotels Altitude, will come on board as an eco-conscious project with 15 fully fitted accommodation unites, opening on the mountains.If you’re on the lookout for an adventurous staycation, there are plenty of new options varying from wild to luxury ones, which include a food and beverage village, pop-up boutique hotels and an eco-friendly camping experience to let you witness a different side to the emirate. Projects such as the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp are also set to expand to bring in additional accommodation, with 30 additional cabins, making it one of the most sought after activities to visit in the emirate.In addition already being home to one of the world’s longest zip line’s which spans over 64 metres of coastline, a beachfront project by Marjan, in the pipeline shall also offer aquatic adventures consisting of oysters and diving packages.With these projects ready to bring out the hidden side of its visitors, this nature-based destination will become one of the most thrilling spots to visit in 2021.For more information on any upcoming tourism activities and adventures visit rak.ae– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @visitraskalkhaimah More

  • in

    This Dubai beach club & restaurant transports you straight to the Mediterranean

    Having opened back in January, it’s safe to say Twiggy Dubai has been the go-to hotspot for Mediterranean dining in the emirate.Offering idyllic views of the skyline, you get a true taste of the south of France right here in Dubai.The alfresco spot is the ideal place for any occasion, be it a late lunch, dinner with friends or a luxury beach day.While the setting is impressive, the food is also exceptional. Highlights on the menu include the king crab avocado, burrata pizza with fresh black truffle, the lobster cannelloni and the seabass fillet, just to name a few.Emirates Woman sat down with talent and brains behind the menu, Chef Fabio Luz, to discuss all things Twiggy Dubai and the story behind his impressive career in the F&B industry.Can you talk us through your career history?I was born and -raised in the south of Portugal and, started my journey in a small restaurant close to my hometown, not long after I decided to move to Lisbon to try my luck in one of the best Restaurant in Portugal, called Fortaleza do Guincho. That’s when I have realized that cooking was my fuel. After three years of intense hours of work moved around between London, Miami and France.Where does your love for food and cooking come from?My family is very connected to the hospitality industry and this was definitely a very important big influence in my life. It did not take me long to realize that I belong to this world, decided to join the culinary school at 17 years old.What do you love about what you do?Like every passionate chef, I love food! So being able to simply transmit to others my love for food is the biggest reward.What eventually brought you to Dubai?Word of mouth I would say. I was always looking for new challenges and when this opportunity came up, I could not say no. Even now after 6 years, I can certainly say that I could not have a better choice for my career.What does the food and beverage industry here differ from other places around the world?Our industry here is more challenging than anywhere else, mostly because of the speed of how this city grows. Amazing restaurants opening every day, making the competition even harder.What are the hero dishes in your opinion at twiggy?I would say that our sliced Yellow Fin Tuna and the octopus salad have a strong presence in our clients’ table, as well as our Shellfish Pappardelle pasta where you can just top up with as much Shellfish as you desire.What has it been like opening a restaurant, in the middle of a pandemic?We definitely had some challenges like every opening, but yet, relatively smooth. Thanks to the effort of the whole team, we have been almost fully booked every day since we opened.What is the inspiration behind Twiggy?Our inspiration is driven by fresh product that will remind you of the great gastronomy found in many Mediterranean cities.What are the hurdles you have been experienced during your career?I can now say that the beginning of my career was definitely the hardest time of my career. I had been working with a very tough chef for three years, and he made my life very difficult! But thanks to him I can easily say that he played a big part in my development.On the opposite end of my spectrum, what are the milestones?I have been part of La Cantine since day one and I could not be happier. Being able to run the kitchen with 30 chefs for the first time, seemed an impossible task for me, but I received strong support, that the group built over six years, so it made everything easier for me.What do you see next for twiggy Dubai?The strong relationship that La Cantine and Park Hyatt is building currently, is something that will only bring us great achievements. We are already planning some exciting enhancement for the venue.

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

  • in

    Experience a fragrant blend with the founders of AVANTCHA tea

    May’s – ‘The Fragrance Issue’ – Download NowCo-founders Marina Rabei and Markus Zbinden, share their inspiration behind the brand AVANTCHA Tea and how it honed its mission to advance the tea experience.What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?MR: I wake up between 5:00-5:30 and have a glass of hot water. While my coffee is brewing (yes, I do have a coffee a day) I get dressed, pick my podcast or audiobook and go for a 40-minute walk. I then take a shower, have my breakfast while reviewing my daily tasks and I’m in the office by 8am.MZ: Whenever possible I spend some time on the beach in the morning and then enjoy an espresso on the balcony before starting my WFH routine. In the morning, I usually work from home as I’m talking to our partners in Asia before they close for the day.How would you define the DNA of AVANTCHA?Integrity, design, culture and attention to detail are in AVANTCHA’s DNA. Since our inception in 2014, we personally travelled the world to source the most flavorful and cleanest ingredients to make up our teas and tea blends. We believe in organic and natural farming and we invest a lot to provide organic and sustainable luxury to our customers. When it comes to quality we are total control freaks – from the tea garden to the cup which is under our control. We are obsessed with minimalism and functional design and our main mission is to combine ancient tea culture with a modern tea ceremony.Which have been the largest challenges since launching the brand and how did you overcome them?Challenges are the main reason for us to advance, to innovate and become more efficient.-An ongoing challenge for us is to develop sustainable packaging, as it is always in conflict with product shelf life and design. We have a research team that is constantly experimenting with the latest degradable packing materials to make sure we are always on top of new packing technologies.-When we launched AVANTCHA, the market for speciality teas was almost non-existent in the region. It was a challenge to get people to try unusual and unknown teas, and convince them to pay a premium price tag for them. We’ve launched a series of free tea events, anyone could come in, taste and have a chat with our tea artists. Those events were super popular and we hope to be able to start them again soon. Another challenge was certainly the sudden loss of revenue at the beginning of the pandemic. Fortunately, we have other revenue channels apart from hospitality and airlines, such as corporate gifting and direct retail which allowed us to continue our business and expand our team further.How has the brand grown and which platform has supported that growth the most?We’ve grown organically through word of mouth marketing and perseverance. In the first 3 years, it was Markus and I that visited clients, met the chefs, the baristas and F&B managers. We built connections with our clients and provide them the products and services they needed. We started our business by supplying teas to cafes and restaurants, then government offices and later luxury hotels. We grew serving from 40 business clients in 2014 to over 400 clients in 2021, most of it via recommendations. There wasn’t a platform that accelerated our growth, as AVANTCHA was only sold via our own website, and only a few months ago, we’ve extended our offering via selected retailers like, Tavola and Crate & Barrel. A few factors that have made a considerable push include a pop-up store in The Dubai Mall, our Tea Bar in Al Quoz which was opened back in 2019, developing a collection of Ramadan gifts for Cartier in 2020 which went into the homes of affluent families in the UAE and KSA.How do you constantly innovate with new blends?Inspiration is everywhere. At times, clients commission us to develop blends inspired by perfumes. Recently we developed 3 rose tea blends – a fresh rose, a fruity rose and a smoky rose. Other times, it’s an experience, a feeling that is translated into flavour. We, humans, perceive flavour as an emotional record of the past, every time we taste something we are looking for an analogy of the things we know. For this reason, understanding cultural preferences play a huge role into blends creations, blending for the central European market is very different to blending for the Middle East or Asia.What are the key preferences in terms of blends across the GCC?We are lucky to have access to such a diverse population here in GCC. Every culture group has its tradition, but preferences are very wide. We’ve noticed an increased interest in white teas and botanicals in recent years. As a base rule, we have 2 customer types:
    The purists – the ones loving single-origin and rare teas: most loved teas are the Organic Japanese Gyokuro, the White Bud Silver Needle & the Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade.
    The avant-gardes – the ones loving bright and more experimental teas and botanical blends: most popular being the Rush Hour Berry, the Rose White and Oriental Moments.
    Which blends consistently drive sales?Ceremonial Matcha grades, Rose White, Rush Hour Berry and all types of Mint.Tell us about the biodegradable packaging material?We believe luxury must be sustainable. AVANTCHA teabags have always been biodegradable, made from a plant-based material called polylactic acid (PLA) and recently we’ve also made them GMO-free. They are made from sugar cane and are 100% industrial compostable in 6 months. These are not made from petroleum and will not leak harmful plasticizers into your cup. As for the teabag sachets themselves, we have just launched a new material which considerably reduces the layers of plastic. All our luxury gift boxes are produced in the UAE using FSC certified materials or recycled paper.Talk us through the process of producing fragrant teas?Fragrant tea blends start with a base, typically a large surface or an absorbent leaf. White teas will work with soft, gentle flavours like peach, rose or pear. Green teas will blend well with fruits and some light spices. Black teas are the most versatile, you can add any spice, fruit or flower, the idea is to contrast flavours or complement them. To intensify the aroma of some blends, we add natural flavours such as bergamot for the ever-popular Earl Grey tea.  Flavouring is basically a concentrated essence or oil. At AVANTCHA we work with the only natural, they are lighter but taste the real thing and are produced from real fruits and spices. A couple of years ago, we’ve developed a bespoke blend for Waldorf Astoria DIFC, the task was to create a blend true to the hotel’s rich legacy. While researching, we’ve discovered that Bronx Cocktail, the notorious gin cocktail, was created at WA New York around 1930. We’ve broken down the flavour components of this cocktail and blended them into a tea. The result is Bronx Afternoon Excite, a Sencha green tea, with notes of bitter orange, juniper and vermouth (alcohol-free).Which are the main tea plantations you source your tea from globally?We source herbs and tea leaves from over 40 farms, the most prominent are in China, Japan, India and Egypt.This is ‘The Fragrance Issue’ – which specific scent evokes childhood memories for you?MR: The scent of chamomile brings back loads of childhood memories, my mum made me chamomile on all occasions, it was the remedy for everything. The aroma of hay present in many white teas, and my fav Yunnan Wild Buds, takes me back to my Russian grandma’s porch after the rain.MZ: Drinking Pu erh reminds me of the forest in Europe, especially after the rain. Pu erh has this rich earthiness and the smell of the brewed tea reminds me of walking through the wet forest in autumn. This type of tea gave me the inspiration and motivation to start a tea business.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

  • in

    6 times Queen Rania’s daughters looked just like her

    Mothers and daughters always showcase similarities in their appearances, but Queen Rania and her daughters bear a resemblance so striking that they could all be mistaken for sisters.Married to King Abdullah bin Al Hussein, the couple have four children together – Crown Prince Al Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem.With the two daughters, Princess Iman and Princess Salma portraying the same likeness to their mother, Emirates Woman takes a look at all the times the trio looked alike across several occasions be it Mother’s Day, New Year’s and other special occasions.A birthday portraitPrincess Salma celebrated her 20th birthday on 26 September and Princess Iman celebrated her 24th birthday on September 27, 2020, and the three were happily seen posing in this shot.A throwback post for Mother’s DayA few images were taken to her Instagram showcasing her little ones’ childhood, where a surreal resemblance can be seen.A family shotIn a stunning photogenic family image shared for the holiday season, Queen Rania once again showcased her elegance in this formal snap shared on Instagram as the family looked as radiant as ever, while she stood by her sophisticated daughters in her red silk gown.An outing at Beit Al Baraka and Beit Al Ward in Umm QaisThe royal mother-daughter duo – Queen Rania and Princess Iman, experienced true Jordanian hospitality as they took a trip to the village of Umm Qais in Irbid, while learning about sustainable tourism and its positive impact in the region.A new year family imageTo wish her fans a happy new year, Queen Rania and her royal family look radiant in this formal snap shared on Instagram with her family photo being shared online as she wrote ‘Best wishes from our family to yours as we approach the New Year #Love #Family #Jordan #LoveJO.’ The mother and her daughters shared a rather delightful resemblance as they were adorned in white and posed alongside the rest of the family.A birthday memory from 2018This beautiful portrait captured the essence of Queen Rania’s relationship as she shared this on her feed, while effortlessly posing together.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @queenrania More