Raphael Stevens

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    Brunch is back: Your luxe brunch guide in Dubai for the summer season

    With Dubai announcing an updated set of precautionary measures for restaurants earlier this week, it was also announced that brunches are back.From a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine to Insta-worthy cocktails, Emirates Woman is here to help you choose from all the luxe havens to dine at on a Friday afternoon this season.ROKAFancy some yakitori-negima yaki, robata grilled chicken skewers with spring onion or the Kankoku fu kohitsuji, flavoursome lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber? If so, then this is the brunch for you. Having just launched prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, this is the perfect time to try out ROKA.Brunch at ROKA runs every Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Packages start from Dhs295 for soft beverages, Dhs395 for house beverages and Dhs495 for premium beverages.Bla BlaWith uninterrupted views of the sea and the Dubai Eye, this beach club features an infinity pool, making it the perfect Instagram-worthy spot. The Onda Nami brunch is all set to go live with an array of gorgeous dishes including pan-seared organic salmon, Japanese curry, chicken gyoza and much more with a selection of delightful desserts, the packages start at Dhs250 for soft drinks and Dhs350 for the unlimited food with house beverages. Located at The Beach, opposite JBR, this brunch is definitely not one to miss as it starts from 1pm until 4pm.For more information visit blabladubai.aeSecret Brunch at 3BKLaunching on Friday, May 21, 2021, guests are invited to enjoy a lavish four-course brunch menu with an array of premium food options including assorted sushi platters, vegan lasagna, desserts and much more, all with incredible talent lined up, including dancers, acrobats and more adding to Dubai’s brunch scene with all the secret parties brunches from 1pm to 4:30pm with delicious cocktails and entertainment priced at Dhs299 for soft drinks, Dhs399 for the house drinks, dhs499 for the sparkling package, Dhs699 for the champagne package, and Dhs150 for four drinks for the after brunch from 4:30pm to 7pm. So, get ready to brunch at the tallest tower in the world.For more information visit secret-parties.comMimi KakushiWhile embracing a brave new world linked to the 1920s in Osaka, this modern-day concept is bringing an experience unlike any other with eastern flavours recognized with western influences. The brunch starts from 12pm to 4pm every Friday with delicious Japanese dishes including black cod, vegetable tempura and much more with unlimited beverages starting Dhs350 for soft drinks, Dhs450 for house drinks and Dhs695 for Champagne.For more information visit mimikakushi.aeCÉ LA VI A brunch like no other, CE LA VI is the perfect place to spend a Friday afternoon with loved ones when families can indulge in a sensational set menu while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline. Set against the picturesque view of the Burj Khalifa, this spectacular brunch is filled with groovy and alluring beats, making it an excellent source of fun. The brunch runs every Friday from 1pm to 4pm with prices starting at Dhs290 for the soft package, Dhs490 for house beverages and Dhs690 for the champagne package. The PangolinThis one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination with locally sourced handmade food in a relaxed atmosphere is located in the Els Club, Sports City and have launched a three hours brunch where you can choose any 3 consecutive hours from 12pm to 8pm with a range of food to impress the most selective eaters entitled ‘Lazy Afternoons with Betty’ starting at Dhs250 for the soft drinks, Dhs350 for house beverages and Dhs450 for premium beverages with a style of cooking in coals and wood that The Pangolin team prides themselves on.For more information visit thepangolindubai.comNobuThis luxe restaurant offers guests fusion cuisine blending Japanese dishes with the finest ingredients. Being one of the most recognized brunches in the world with its sleek décor and its delicious array of dishes. The brunch at this world-famous Japanese chain begins at Dhs450 for soft drinks and Dhs550 for house beverages from Friday, 12pm to 3pm at Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah.For more information visit noburestaurants.comMina BrasserieThe luxe venue features an array of brasserie-style dishes with a sprinkle of flair at this lush dining experience. Offering an elevated brunch experience for guests, every Friday from 1pm to 4pm starting at Dhs750, the Mina Brasserie offers delicacies ranging from seared foie gras to lobster pop pie and much more, with it being located in Four Seasons DIFC.For more information visit minabrasserie.comToro ToroThis leading South American concept in Dubai, with uber-chic interiors, brings the energy of Latin America straight to you, with a celebration that is shared, savoured and enjoyed. Starting at 1pm up until 4pm, the pan-Latin brunch runs with a host of unlimited starters, mains and desserts accompanied with a set of free-flowing house beverages, with Dhs250 for soft drinks and Dhs400 for house beverages at Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina.For more information visit torotoro-dubai.comRockfishThis beachfront dining experience offers a range of sublime signature dishes with stunning sunsets as you experience a Mediterranean brunch, that’s all ready to transport you to a vocational spot, with unending views of Dubai’s skyline including the Burj Al Arab. Located at Jumeirah Al Naseem in Umm Suqeim, the brunch starts at Dhs395 for soft drinks and dhs495 for house beverages.For more information visit Jumeirah.comZumaWith a sophisticated take on the izakaya style of cooking, the menu offers an alluring experience with contemporary style Japanese cuisine in the vicinity of the world’s tallest building at the heart of the city. Every Friday, Zuma offers sushi, dim sum and robata to feature on the tasting set menu, from 12:30pm to 4pm at Gate Village 6, DIFC, starting at Dhs595 for soft drinks, Dhs696 for house beverages and Dhs795 for the bubbly package.For more information visit zumarestaurants.com SPARK by CaramelIf you’re looking for an evening brunch, head to the culinary haven that is DIFC this weekend and enjoy a true party brunch at SPARK by Caramel by Love Parties. The DJ will be spinning the greatest R&B tracks from throughout the years as Spark by Caramel serves delectable dishes. Running from 4pm to 7pm every Friday, prices start at Dhs299 for the soft package, Dhs375 for house beverages and Dhs425 for the sparkling package.All the necessary safety precautions have been implemented along with the social distancing measures to ensure the utmost safety of all its guests and the venues mentioned above. If there are any changes pertaining to the rules, please call the venue before making a reservation for any updated details.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied by 3BK More

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    Expert Advice: 14 Nutritionists Share Their Secrets for Better Digestion

    So you load up on smoothies, make sure to eat your greens, and limit sugar for special occasions (yes, a Ben & Jerry’s binge on a random Tuesday night totally counts as “special”), but you still have digestive issues? I’m not surprised: 61 percent of Americans reported experiencing at least one gastrointestinal problem in the span of a week, according to a study of over 71,000 people. Whether it’s heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea, digestive drama is something that often goes unexplained or untreated.
    Of course, if you experience symptoms that persist or feel abnormal, talk to your doctor about a root cause and treatment plan. But since so many of us experience a random stomach ache or some indigestion here and there, I polled nutritionists for their tips on dealing with the occasional digestive issue and how to support digestion overall. Read on for nutritionists’ secrets for optimal digestion and better gut health (bye, bye bloat!).

    “My 2 top wellness weapons for better digestion are:
    Hydration: I aim to drink 60+ ounces a day. It helps to prevent constipation and bloat, and keeps me feeling more energized. Sometimes, I drop frozen berries in my water for a little flavor (they also make great “ice cubes”)
    Taking a probiotic. Probiotics are a huge part of my wellness routine. They promote the growth of the good bacteria in the gut, which promotes motility, meaning it helps keep you regular. A women’s probiotic is specifically beneficial because it also works to help combat UTI’s and yeast infections.” — Brigitte Zeitlin, Registered Dietitian and Founder of BZ Nutrition

    “Before each meal, I do a few rounds of deep breaths (for about a minute) to trigger my parasympathetic nervous system, known as the ‘rest and digest’ nervous system, which helps us digest food properly. This also reminds me to practice mindful eating throughout the meal, which not only supports digestion, but also guides you to become more aware of what you’re eating, why you’re eating, how you’re eating, and how you feel as a result of eating. All of that information about your eating habits, beliefs, thoughts, and experiences with food helps you better understand what’s best for your unique body, so you can feel fully confident in how you’re nourishing yourself.” — McKel Kooienga, MS, RD, LDN, Author and Founder of Nutrition Stripped

    “Keep moving! Getting in steps throughout the day (instead of sitting for eight hours straight) helps food move through the body and keeps you regular. Set a reminder on your phone to get up and move every hour or so.” — Becca McVicker, MS, RD, LD, CPT

    “You are not what you eat, you are what you digest! Before most meals, I take a digestive enzyme supplement. Digestive enzymes help break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates, but they also support optimal nutrient absorption and can help reduce gas and bloating. I also aim to eat a predominantly plant-based diet rich in fibrous, whole foods, because they help build good bacteria. For example, I love adding frozen cauliflower and avocado to my morning smoothies.” — Megan Roosevelt, RDN, Founder of Healthy Grocery Girl

    “As a women’s health dietitian who counsels people with hormone-related disorders, I talk a lot about gut health, which includes supporting digestion. Optimizing gut health is one of the many keys to keeping hormones happy and healthy. An eating routine consisting of a variety of foods can help diversify your microbiota, which is wonderful for your digestion and overall health.” — Valerie Agyeman, RD, Women’s Health Dietitian, and Founder of Flourish Heights

    “The more lemon water you can drink, the better, especially first thing when you wake up. I squeeze fresh lemon in warm water because of its alkalizing effect on the body and its ability to help to neutralize toxic buildup. It’s also an Ayurvedic practice, which sets the day up for success with healthy eating. Plus, the fresh smell of lemon lifts the senses, which is a wonderful way to start the day.” — Cindy Kasindorf, Holistic Nutritionist and Founder of Remedy Organics

    “Our digestion actually begins with the smell of the food, whether it’s cooking or steaming on a plate in front of us. Our bodies start responding and preparing to digest from our livers to our stomachs, so it’s really important to eat as slowly as possible. Good digestion improves our nutrient absorption, and we don’t want to waste all the good foods we are eating. My other favorite ways to help get digestion back on track are:

    Starting my day with lemon water or diluted apple cider vinegar
    Adding a multi-strain probiotic to my plan
    Taking a few minutes before meals to be mindful (prayer and deep breathing)
    Eating five colors a day along with combining my macros” 

    — Cara Clark, Certified Sports & Clinical Nutritionist and Author

    “My tip for better digestion is something most people forget about doing, especially when they are extra hungry or rushing: chewing. Chewing food is so important to the digestive process. When we chew our food well (about 32 times before swallowing), it gets broken down into smaller pieces, making it easier to digest and absorb nutrients. Saliva contains certain digestive enzymes to improve the digestion of carbohydrates, and gets released when chewing.” — Mary Ellen Valverde, Licensed Nutritionist MS, CNS LDN

    “If I’m having any kind of GI issues, I tend to opt for ginger. I like having tea which helps with digestion, and sometimes I make a ‘shot’ of fresh ginger blended with orange juice. Other foods that will help are probiotics like yogurt or other fermented foods. And water! Many people forget to drink enough water during the day.” — Shana Spence, MS, RDN, CDN, Founder of The Nutrition Tea

    “While a lot of factors play a role in good gut health, one of the key factors is fiber. Papaya is loaded with fiber, as well as nutrients like lutein and vitamin C, and contain an enzyme called papain, which helps digestion and the breakdown of proteins. All of these nutrients aid with bowel regularity and help prevent constipation and bloating, making papaya an ideal food for digestive health.” — Tejal Pathak, Registered Dietitian, Clinical Practitioner, and Education Specialist

    “Practice the five F’s to healthy digestion: fully chew (digestion begins in your mouth), fiber (aim for 30g of fiber a day), fluids (we need about half our body weight in ounces per day), friendly bacteria (which help keep digestive tract healthy), and fitness (exercise helps keep you regular). Also, eat foods with ginger and peppermint. They help calm and soothe the gut for better digestion and less bloating.” — Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, CSSD, Author and Daily Harvest Nutritionist

    “By chewing more (and more mindfully) you’re likely to swallow less air which can contribute to bloating and burping during meals. Also, you might have heard that eating adequate fiber (25-30 grams per day) helps support healthy digestion, but just a reminder, when you increase your fiber consumption, you also need to increase your water intake. If you’re not used to consuming high-fiber foods, take it slow and work your way up to avoid overloading on fiber. While supplements are not the direct answer to GI or digestion issues, they’re good for temporary relief. When it comes to bloating and excess gas, I’m a big fan of Hilma’s Gas Relief blend made from ingredients like caraway seeds, fennel, and peppermint leaves.” — May Zhu, RDN, LDN, Founder of Nutrition Happens

    “Digestive bitters have been used for hundreds of years to help prepare the body to digest and assimilate food. Taking bitters can be the difference between feeling content and feeling bloated after meals. For years, I watched my patients and loved ones struggle with digestion, so I formulated a bitters tincture that combines full-spectrum hemp extract with organic botanicals (like dandelion root, bitter fennel, ginger, etc.) to decrease bloating and support the digestive tract.” — Dr. Kristi Wrightson, ND, Registered Dietician and Naturopathic Doctor

    “A few of my tips for improving digestion are:
    Eat high-fiber foods: among many other health benefits, fiber can help support digestive health and regularity. Try beans, lentils, nuts, oatmeal, whole grain products, fruit, and vegetables with the skin.
    Stay hydrated: adequate hydration helps support digestion as your body breaks down the food that you have eaten. It’s also especially important to focus on getting enough fluids in as you increase fiber in your diet to make sure your digestion stays regular.
    Add fermented products to your diet: fermented foods (also referred to as cultured foods) contain healthy bacterial strains that can support and promote a healthy gut and digestive tract. A few of my favorite cultured products to include in my own diet are kefir and greek yogurt with live and active cultures.
    Get active: a sedentary lifestyle can cause digestion disruption, so an easy way to support healthy digestion is by staying active.” — Lauren Twigge MCN, RDN, LD

    Please consult a doctor before beginning any treatments or routines. 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. More

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    Cute Workout Clothes You Can Wear 24/7 This Summer

    Lacking motivation to work out? The fix might be as simple as a wardrobe upgrade with some new cute workout clothes. When you feel like your best self, you’ll be more likely to treat your body better. Plus, squeezing in some exercise feels more fun and less like a chore during summertime (goodbye boring indoor workouts, and hello bike rides and outdoor jogs!), so our exercise outfits should be more fun too. Whether you’re looking for motivation to get sweaty or you plan on living in activewear all season long (same), we’ve rounded up the cutest activewear that summer 2021 has to offer (because you deserve to look as good as a workout makes you feel). Between it-colors (give me all the neon and pastel shades), fabrics made for warmer weather, and trendy new details, your activewear is about to be the chicest section of your wardrobe (watch your back, nap dresses!). 

    Sports Bras

    Tops

    Bottoms

    Shoes More

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    The most picturesque spots in Dubai to get the perfect Instagram snap

    With tourists and residents having to experience erratic periods of quarantine, being well-versed with all the aesthetic hubs might be a tricky task, but we’re here to help.As Big Seven Travel ranked Dubai number six on its list of the 50 most Instagrammable places in the world earlier this year, EW has rounded up the best edit of the most picturesque spots in the emirate to get the perfect Instagram snap.From dining hotspots with glistening views of the city to sky-high must-visit rooftops, you’ll be able to get the ideal images for your feed.Palace DowntownNot only is the Palace Downtown one of the most luxurious hotels you’ll find in the heart of Dubai, it offers some of the most spectacular views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa – making for the perfect photo op. You can sunbathe in the company of the world’s tallest building at the Palace Downtown’s pool, or enjoy an evening meal at Tiptara, the hotel’s Thai restaurant, and enjoy the spectacular fountain show with the best views in all of Dubai.CÉ LA VIFrom a magnificent ambience to elegant creation with a theatrical flair, this well-known hotspot is known for its captivating views, influenced by the region’s art carvings and paintings from Southeast Asia. Located at the Address Sky View hotel, this venue is the toast of the town with its gorgeous skyline views and the prime view of the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa.For more information visit celavi.comVida Creek HarbourFrom spectacular views of the city’s skyline to a captivating Vida charm exuded at this venue, you can witness the waterfront and true beauty of nature in remarkable surroundings, with Vida Creek Harbour being at the heart of the action. With panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, you can witness the sunrise or sunset of this beautiful location as you revel in this masterpiece.For more information visit vidahotels.comZETA Seventy SevenThis outdoor oasis located on level 77 of the Address Beach Resort offers a culinary treat with an Asian menu and unending views across the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah, adjacent to the world’s tallest outdoor infinity pool, which has been officially verified by the Guinness World Records. From picturesque views to fully equipped cabanas, this place is definitely a must-visit.For more information visit addresshotels.comDubai FrameBeing one of the UAE’s latest cultural landmarks, the Dubai Frame is an iconic structure where you can witness impressive views of both old and new Dubai and was born to connect the emirate’s rich past with its magnificent present, while offering spectacular views across the city. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, the luminous glass walkway lets you enjoy stunning views of Dubai.For more information visit dubaiframe.aeAt.mosphere RestaurantBeing at the peak of fine dining, quite literally, At.mosphere sits on level 122 of the world’s tallest building with an exquisite array of gastronomical wonders with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. With a critically acclaimed menu of luxe creations and a luxury dining experience, you can witness the beautiful view of Dubai as you shall be surrounded by this pristine environment.For more information visit atmosphereburjkhalifa.comAlso read: 7 of the best sky-high restaurants in Dubai offering spectacular viewsSAL at Burj Al ArabThis chic new beach restaurant and experience overlooking the glittering Arabian Gulf is located at The Terrace of Burj Al Arab, with exquisite Southern Mediterranean cuisine making it an ideal hotspot in one of the world’s most iconic hotels, as you enjoy your time by the pool with luxury redefined.For more information visit Jumeirah.comParosInspired by the Greek Island that sits in the heart of the Aegean Sea, it’s the only rooftop pool bar and restaurant in JLT, located on the 46th floor of the Tai Hotel, with a relaxing sanctuary for guests to dine in. With influences from Southern Europe and a 360 view of Dubai, making it one of the most sought-after venues in the city.For more information visit tajhotels.comKempinski Hotel & Residences Palm JumeirahLocated in one of the most sought-after areas on the Palm, one can be immersed in luxury at this relaxing hotel to escape the bustling city streets into a place of complete relaxation. With a private beach experience and an infinity pool, this grand palace feels like a grand breathtaking experience every time you visit.For more information visit kempinski.comSo, where shall you be heading to next, to get that Insta-worthy shot?– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram/Supplied, Feature Image: Courtesy of Ce La Vi Dubai  More

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    Sheikh Hamdan shares photos of the ‘most beautiful and truest of memories’

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai has shared a series of snippets of his “most beautiful and truest of memories” for his fans to witness.With a whopping fan base of 11.6 million followers, Sheikh Hamdan is regularly sharing throwback photos on social media, which vividly expresses the innocence from his childhood days.With his love for photography constantly reaching new heights, the Crown Prince of Dubai also has the description in his Instagram bio, “Every picture has a story and every story has a moment that I’d love to share with you, thanks and enjoy.”Taking to Instagram recently, Sheikh Hamdan shared a series of photos with his father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other members of his family from his younger days.Taking another recent image to social media of his younger days, Sheikh Hamdan added an image with the caption which translates from Arabic to: “The most beautiful and truest of memories.”Having also shown his early days of fashion with a red and white collared shirt, while posing in the 1980s/1990s, the throwback images are beyond adorable and we all just can’t get enough of them.While having also reached the milestone of 13 years since he became the Crown Prince of Dubai, his anticipated fans are always eager to dive into snaps from his childhood days and see his constant transformation over the years.We’re always on the lookout to see which throwback image he’ll post next.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @faz3 More

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    A period of Mercury Retrograde is coming up – here’s what it means for you

    With Mercury Retrograde reoccurring a couple of times each year – this year Mercury Retrograde is occurring three times – it’s best to be watchful between May 29 to June 22, 2021, as the next bout of this astrological event is set to make a return.As Mercury becoming a part of the occasional lexicon from time to time, it’s always best to be well equipped with what the period has to bring, as we embrace a different mindset and add in a fresh perspective to the situation.During the aforementioned dates when the Mercury Retrograde will occur in Gemini season. This star sign’s planetary ruler is also Mercury. During this upcoming period, you may find yourself speaking up more in groups and meetings without being understood very well. A confrontation between old ideas and new realities may also be a key theme during this period.While mental confusion, disruption and miscommunication might be the outcome of this phenomenon, the pre-retrograde shadow for this time frame begins between May 14, with the post-retrograde shadow ending on July 7, 2021.Based on your star sign, Emirates Woman has added a detailed section allowing you to channel your energy in the right direction to focus on the positive elements of this phase.AriesIf your assertive communication skills constantly put you at the forefront, cooling down during this time might be the best option as you use a more toned-down approach to sharing your emotions with your loved ones without constantly residing in conflict.TaurusIf a money hike scheme comes your way, ensure to carefully check all details as issues in fine print might strike, so it’s better to have a friend proof them before any investment takes place.GeminiWith several untied ends making a comeback in your life, it’s essential to scrutinize the best possible plan for this situation as you focus your energy on the process of completion.CancerWith the past making a return and several wounds still left open, ensure you use a gentle approach to dealing with this situation while taking the help of the guidance you require as your work on yourself with care to cover those scars.LeoWith the natural trait of being a born leader, especially in your friend circle, you might have to use this time to reconnect with yourself as your shift transcends to your needs and wants rather as you enter an introspective phase.VirgoOpening up about any potential roles with your boss with a little patience may work in your favour as you look for opportunities to see what the professional realm has in store for you rather than focusing on the promotional delays.LibraFor those wanting to enhance their knowledge on a certain topic and ignite their intellectual growth, now’s the best time to focus on this as you feel mentally reignited with a subject of interest as you also enhance your network through like-minded individuals.ScorpioIf you’re looking for a bit of self-introspection, this time frame is a great time to give yourself any needed space, as your process information and delve into those hidden emotions, while applying logic to them.SagittariusAn acquaintance from the archives might reappear. Again, in case you’d like to reconnect. Whether you wish to reconnect in real life or engage in conversation, it won’t take much to check in with them as they might have made an impression on you previously.CapricornIf you wish to plan for the future, now is the time to do so as you focus on implementing change, while restructuring your goals with a renewed sense of purpose for your vision.AquariusFor that creative vision that is coming back to the surface, it’s time to fully embrace that inner talent as it might ignite a flame from within as you find a new purpose and follow your heart’s true passion.PiscesIf you wish to play around with those interiors by sprucing it up the décor, now’s the time to make a few alterations with minor finishing’s be it a plant or throws to add your own personal touch to the surrounding.As communication continues to play a constant role in our daily occurrence, it’s crucial to remember that these instances are better handled when warned, while making you aware of it.Stay tuned for more information on the next Mercury Retrograde which is set to occur between September 27 to October 23, 2021.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Pexels by Tara Winstead More

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    Ariana Grande is now a married woman

    Ariana Grande is officially off the market and is now a married woman.The Grammy Award-winning singer wed her fiance Dalton Gomez over the weekend in a “tiny and intimate ceremony”.The couple became engaged in December 2020 after 11 months of dating, having first met in January 2020.A rep from Grande’s team confirmed the news of the nuptials to People magazine saying, “They got married. It was tiny and intimate — less than 20 people. The room was so happy and full of love.”“The couple and both families couldn’t be happier,” they added.According to the outlet, the couple wed at the home they share in Montecito, California, which is around one hour 30 minutes north of Los Angeles.A source told People that the couple both “love” the area, so it was “only natural” they decided to tie the knot there.Grande, 27, was previously engaged to comedian Pete Davidson. The couple became engaged in June 2018, but then broke up later that year in October 2018.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Ariana Grande Instagram More

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    7 Steps To Create a Marketing Plan That Actually Works

    Build it and they will come. It’s a well-meaning sentiment. But when it comes to running your own business, it misses the mark a bit.
    As you already know, you can’t simply set up shop and cross your fingers that people find you. Instead, being a successful business owner means constantly marketing and promoting your business in hopes of getting more eyeballs on your product or bodies through the door.
    But, the words “marketing plan” are enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. It sounds overly technical and completely daunting, doesn’t it? However, I assure you, it isn’t as intimidating as you might think it is—and you definitely don’t need to have a degree in marketing in order to figure it out.
    Follow these seven simple steps, and you’ll be armed with a marketing plan that is sure to help you take your business to the next level!

    What is a marketing plan?
    Before you can jump right in with creating your plan, it’s important to have a solid understanding of what exactly it is. Typically included as an expanded piece of your overall business plan, a marketing plan is just what it sounds like: a document that details everything you need to know in order to successfully promote your business.
    Some large corporations have marketing plans that are hundreds of pages, whereas a small one-person business might only have a handful of pages. There’s no exact length for this sort of document, as long as you’ve included all of the necessary information.
    Additionally, it’s important to note that your marketing plan should span one year. This is enough time to reach those big, long-term objectives, and short enough to remain flexible when your circumstances and goals change over time.
    Now that you know the nuts and bolts, let’s dive into the details. Here are the steps you need to take in order to piece together the essential elements of your business’ marketing plan.

    Step 1: Know Your Business
    You needed to do this exact same thing when working on your business plan, so this first step shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, nobody knows your business quite like you do.
    Think of this section as your opportunity to provide a general overview of your current business operations, as well as your internal and external environment. How long have you been up and running? What’s your business structure? Are you an LLC or a partnership? Do you conduct business online or through a storefront? What sorts of products and services do you offer?
    Within this section, some companies also choose to do a SWOT analysis—which details your strengths and weaknesses as an organization, as well as any opportunities for growth, and threats that could hinder that progress. It’s a great way to get a snapshot of your current situation in a way that’s helpful and completely manageable.

    Step 2: Determine Target Market
    “Target market” is likely a phrase you heard repeated in any sort of marketing class you ever took or article you’ve read. And, for good reason—it’s a key element for coming up with effective and successful marketing strategies.
    In this portion of your marketing plan, you should list anything and everything you know about your ideal customer. This includes basic demographic information, such as gender and age. But you should also dig deeper into their behaviors and decisions.
    Why do they buy from you? What challenge or pain point are you solving for them? How do they spend their free time? What outlets do they turn to to get information? Gather any intel you can find, and include it in this section. Knowing your customer inside and out will be helpful when identifying marketing tactics and strategies.

    Step 3: Analyze Competitors
    Wouldn’t it be nice if you operated in a vacuum and never had to worry about any competitors infringing on your space or stealing your customers? Unfortunately, business doesn’t work that way. Chances are, there are already companies out there doing something incredibly similar to you—meaning you’ll need to work that much harder to stand out.
    Don’t get intimidated! This is something every business owner deals with. So being armed with all sorts of knowledge about your competitors will be helpful in finding ways to differentiate yourself from the crowd.
    Start by describing—in detail—the product or service you offer to consumers. This is your chance to expand on the basic overview you provided in the first section. Then, spell out how your product or service measures up to the existing competition. What positions you as the one source clients or customers should turn to? What makes you different? As you might imagine, you’ll be able to leverage this differentiator to effectively market your business.
    Taking a magnifying glass to your competitors can be disheartening—particularly if they’re really thriving. But it’s an important step to not only gather all of the information you need, but also to demonstrate to any potential investors that you’re aware of your competition and prepared to tackle that challenge head-on.

    Step 4: Set Goals
    Here comes the fun part—spelling out your marketing-related goals for the year. What objectives do you want to accomplish? Are there specific targets you want to hit?
    Depending on your current situation and ambitions, goals can range from lofty and grandiose (such as doubling sales or increasing market share) to smaller, more bite-sized ambitions (like getting 100 new Instagram followers on your brand’s account or starting a blog for your business).
    The important part is to zone in on the milestones you want to reach throughout that year, whether it seems possible or not. Don’t cloud your mind with logistics just yet—this comes in the next step.

    Step 5: Outline Strategies
    Now that you’ve outlined exactly what you want to accomplish, it’s time to detail the strategies you’ll use to actually reach these objectives.
    I recommend taking each goal separately, and listing the related action items directly underneath it. This allows you to see exactly what needs to get done in order to push yourself toward that accomplishment. It’s also a great way to get a handle on whether or not this goal seems realistic or if needs a little adjusting. You want your goals to be motivating and far-reaching, but not so difficult that they’re just discouraging. 
    Let’s stick with the example of getting more followers on your business’ Instagram account. Here’s what this could look like:
    Goal: Gain at least 100 new followers on Company XYZ’s Instagram account by December 31.
    Starting Number: 458
    Action Items:

    Be more active in the space by posting at least three new photos every week.
    Engage with users by responding to comments on photos as well as commenting on photos posted by similar, relevant accounts.
    Research industry and community-related hashtags that we can utilize in our own posts to attract more organic traffic.
    Host an Instagram contest for our followers.

    See? It’s not nearly as complex as you think, but it still provides a tangible, helpful roadmap to set you on the right track to accomplish your goals.

    Step 6: Set a Budget
    If you’re anything like me, this is the part you dread the most—the numbers. I’ve never been a math whiz, and just the word “budget” is enough to send me running for the hills. But, as you already know, it’s a necessary evil when it comes to running your business.
    In your full-blown business plan, you detailed the entire financial side of your business. But in your marketing plan, stay focused strictly on marketing-related activities. How much do you plan to spend on marketing and promotion throughout the next year, and how much will the action items you listed above cost you? Most importantly, where will this money come from?
    Budgets aren’t fun, but it’s important to be honest with yourself here. You’d rather discover you need to tweak or tailor something to make it affordable right now—rather than six months from now when you’ve already forked over your credit card!

    Step 7: Get to Work!
    There you have it! These are the steps you need in order to create a marketing plan for your business—you just need to put them all together. As mentioned earlier, marketing plans vary from basic and simple to comprehensive and complex. And remember, as with everything else, it really depends on what’s best suited for your own business.
    But regardless of whether you plan to end up with a document that’s two pages or 200, these steps should help to get you started! More