Raphael Stevens

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  • 88 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    5 Easy Zoom-Ready Hairstyles for Black Women

    Don’t get me wrong: work from home life has been great. Working in my pajamas or sweats, eating all day long, and best of all, no bra! Yes, I’ll throw one on for a Zoom meeting here or there along with a work-approved top, but the outfit isn’t the only thing that has to be camera-ready. Let’s be honest: if I’m not leaving the house, my bonnet usually doesn’t leave my head. Sure, a lot of women just throw their hair up in a ponytail and keep it moving, but for Black women, it’s a whole process that requires proper planning. If my hair is natural, am I going to do a whole wash and go for a 30-minute meeting? Do I need to have my frontal baby hairs laid to the gods every day? 
    One of the most significant benefits of this quarantine is that my hair has grown so much due to the low-maintenance styles I’ve been rocking, and just because I have a Zoom meeting doesn’t mean I’m going to mess that up. Here’s how:

    1. Braids/Twists/Faux Locs

    Let’s start with the obvious. The OG protective styles: braids, twists, faux locs, etc. The first few months of quarantine, I kept my hair in knotless box braids because with all the stress of dealing with a pandemic, the last thing I wanted to do was my hair. I loved the ease of being camera-ready in literal seconds with no daily styling needed. 

    2. Wigs

    Yes, wigs can be high maintenance, but hear me out. Make or buy a good quality human hair closure or frontal wig that will last. Style it and keep it on a wig head ready to go. Braid or flat twist your natural hair and rock that when bumming it on the couch. Zoom call in 5 minutes? No problem—grab that wig, slap it on, and boom, you’re ready to go. 

    3. Individual Twists

    Taking the time to do neat individual twists after washing your hair will pay off in the long run. Twists are no longer a style that is only meant to be taken out. From chunky twists to tiny twists, the style is super cute, protective, and lasts at least a week until wash day. Bonus: consider this a two-in-one style if you choose to wear it as a twist out near the end of the week. 

    4. Flat Twist Updo

    Part down the middle for two twists pinned up or do a side part with a couple on each side. The options are endless when it comes to this easy hairstyle. I love that this style is easy and good for your hair while also looking somewhat elegant because it’s an updo. Pair with baby hairs, cute earrings, and Fenty Gloss Bomb lip gloss for the finishing touch. 

    5. Classic Puff 

    I can’t make a list of easy hairstyles without including the classic go-to: The Puff. I usually like to do this style the day after a lazy wash day where all I did was let my curls air dry without any styling. My curls are already defined, so I just grab my spray bottle and favorite gel and slick them up (or back, depending on my mood). Don’t forget to tie your edges with a scarf to really slay this look. *chef’s kiss* More

  • 188 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    I Finally Hit My Monthly Fitness Goal—Here’s How I Tricked Myself Into Working Out Again

    Over the past few years, one of my greatest, most dreaded challenges has been getting myself to the gym. Here’s the thing: once I’m moving my body, I don’t hate it, and afterward I typically feel pretty darn good. But getting there—oof—that’s a different story.I’ve struggled with yo-yo working out for as long as I can remember. I would do this thing where, after a long hiatus from the gym, I would work up a plethora of guilt-fueled motivation, hit the extreme of working out past my limits for a few days, and poop out, only to fall off the boat and do nothing at all for a week or two or three. No matter how many fitness gurus I followed on IG that preached consistency over intensity, I just couldn’t seem to get myself out of the bad habit of binge-working out, which led to prolonged periods of doing nothing at all.
    One of my goals for 2021 was to change my relationship with working out. I knew that if I approached working out with a new mindset, I had the potential to fall back in love with fitness. And for the first time in my adult life, I can finally say it’s actually happening. Here are the seven ways that I tricked myself into loving working out again: 

    1. I merged fitness and friends
    Finding accountability partners in my fitness journey has been an absolute game-changer for me. At the start of 2021, my friends and I vowed that we’d have each other’s backs on the days where we were feeling less than motivated to get to the gym. We don’t work out together (differing schedules and, you know, pandemic and all) but we have a stream of communication that is uplifting and motivating AF.
    We celebrate small wins, hold each other accountable, and lean on each other on the days where we need a little push to get out of bed or motivation to forego the temptations of the couch. Having a supportive community to lift me up, remind me of how much of a badass I am, and assure me that I’m not alone has helped me more than I can put into words.

    2. I listened to my body (but didn’t use it as an excuse)
    I’ll admit, before 2021, “listening to my body” was my favorite excuse in the world for doing absolutely nothing. The number of times I’ve said, “I’m listening to my body,” whilst withering away on my couch on my 19th consecutive hour of Netflix is simply too high to count.
    In my 2021, listening to my body has taken on a new meaning. Rather than use it as an excuse to be horizontal, if I’m feeling sore or am feeling tired I do a leisurely incline walk, stretch, or light yoga flow to get my body warm and moving instead of skipping my daily movement altogether. Time and time again, I find that doing something instead of nothing makes me feel infinitely better.

    3. I made a plan—and stuck to it
    For me, working movement into my schedule ahead of time has helped me to prioritize my workouts during the week. If I don’t plan ahead of time, life happens, and working out tends to be the first thing I sacrifice. I find that when I manage my weekly schedule and label specific blocks of time to include movement, I’m much more likely to make it happen. 6:30 p.m., workout with me—I can’t cancel that again!

    4. I placed an emphasis on consistency
    As I previously mentioned, I used to be the worst when it came to consistency in my workouts. Part of my problem was that when I’d finally work up the guilt-fueled courage of hitting the gym for the first time in weeks, I’d go way too hard for two whole hours, then I’d be exhausted, sore, and down for the count for at least a few days.
    This year, I’ve adopted the mindset that consistency is more valuable than intensity, especially when it comes to gaining confidence and getting back into the workout game. The positive reinforcement of the endorphin rush that comes from even a short, light workout has made me actually associate enjoyment with working out, which has made me—dare I say it—excited for my next workout.

    5. I made a playlist that makes me want to have a one-woman dance party
    In my eyes, no workout is complete without a pre-workout dance party. Despite popular belief, the star of said dance party isn’t my lame dance moves. It’s the playlist that gets me in the mood to groove, move, and get my blood flowing. No matter what kind of funk I’m in, a spontaneous dance party to my favorite songs can almost always cure it, which puts me in a positive mindset before I even leave my apartment.

    6. I spend less time doing things I hate (i.e., distance running)
    I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: I hate running. I can name a million things I’d rather do than run and, tellingly, that list even includes walking barefoot on a runway of Legos just because. I’ve tried every trick in the book to get myself to like running but, despite multiple attempts, I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s just not for me. And that’s OK!
    So, instead of forcing myself to do an activity I despise with everything inside of me, I’ve been opting for 10-minute warmups and cardio sessions that—wait for it—don’t include distance running! And let me tell you, it has been glorious. Instead, I’ll do incline walks, sprints, or bodyweight HIIT workouts to get my heart rate up before my lift. I know it isn’t groundbreaking, but choosing a workout plan that I actually enjoy makes me so much more likely to hit the gym. 

    7. I focused on how I felt rather than what I looked like
    At the end of the day, one of the biggest factors in changing my relationship with the gym is focusing on how I feel during and after my workout as opposed to expecting physical results. I think it’s great to have functional and physique goals but, right now, I’m focusing on the short-term benefits of working out. My mood is improved after I work out. On days that I move, I tend to have more energy that carries me through the rest of my day. I sleep more soundly at night. I make commitments to myself and I keep them. As I get stronger and my endurance improves, I gain confidence and I prove to myself that I can do hard things. And, let me tell you, team—I’ve never felt better. More

  • 125 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    This royal family member is now officially off the market

    A member of the Moroccan royal family is officially off the market.

    An intimate ceremony, in line with COVID-19 guidelines, took place with close family members for King Mohammed VI of Morocco’s niece, Lalla Nouhaila who married Ali El Hajj on February 14, it was announced by the Ministry of the Royal House, Protocol and Chancellery.
    Lalla Nouhaila is the daughter of Princess Lalla Asma, who is the second daughter of Hassan II of Morocco and Lalla Latifa, and the sister of the current King of Morocco.
    While not holding the title of Princess or Royal Highness, Lalla Nouhaila has been honoured with the title of Lalla Cherifa, as she continues to follow in the humanitarian footsteps of her mother, who spends her time focusing on several charitable organisations that support children with disabilities.
    For the wedding celebration, she was dawned in a stunning emerald Kaftan embellished with gold stitching as she’s seen holding hands with her second half, with the first picture as the newly married couple looking happy to begin their lives together.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @princesse.du.maroc More

  • 125 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Dubai has received worldwide recognition for the safeguarding of tourists

    With glistening skylines, rich cultural heritage and beautiful structures, Dubai has always been a popular hotspot for visitors from around the world constantly going beyond tourism itself.

    While Dubai has been positioned as the commercial hub for tourists, its mission is to become a world-leading destination as it continues to revive the economy through the pandemic.
    Amidst the ongoing battle against COVID-19, the safeguarding visitors has been the main priority for tourism boards the globe-over, but Dubai especially has been recognised for its efforts by the World Tourism Organisation.
    “Dubai deserves recognition for pro-actively working to keep both tourists and tourist workers as safe as possible,” the Communications Department Chief of the UNWTO, Marcelo Risi, told Gulf News. “Tourism creates jobs and promotes economic growth.
    “And tourism delivers best when managed in harmony with people and the planet. Indeed, the current absence of tourism shows how important and relevant the sector is and how it touches on almost every part of our societies – from hospitality and leisure through to arts and culture as well as economic wellbeing.”
    As the Dubai prepares to host Expo 2020 – which is taking place a year later than planned due to the pandemic – the importance of safety and wellbeing of residents and tourists will be at the centre of the conversation.
    READ: COVID-19 in the UAE: Over 40 per cent of the population now has the jab
    However, with the nationwide vaccination drive in full swing and stringent health and safety protocols which have been implemented from the beginning, the UAE and Dubai will ensure their visitors are the top priority.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @ahmaadmk More

  • 113 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    8 inspiring GCC-based women discuss the power of love

    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
    We asked some of the most inspiring women we know what love means to them.
    Ghizlan GuenezEntrepreneur@ghizlan_guenez_

    How do you show love?
    When it comes to family and very close friends, I’m very expressive and affectionate verbally and physically. In general, I show love by being supportive, caring and loyal. I learned that each of us has a preference on how we like to receive love based on our preferred love language (there are five!), so I try to keep that in mind when it comes to people close to my heart.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    It is important to understand that this is something that is ongoing. You don’t allocate one day a week to go to the spa and call it self-love. To me, loving myself takes different forms: the discipline to be healthy and workout, the ability to disengage with a toxic conversation or person, the strive to constantly grow and learn as a person. Self-love is about making the right choices for you even when they’re not the easiest.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    I’d like to think that love is the most incredible energy in the world. It goes far beyond the romantic notion and expands into all areas in life. It’s a driving force.
    Yasmin Al MullaCreative Director of YNM Dubai@yasminalmulla, @ynmdubai

    How do you show love?
    Caring and being there for my loved ones is the truest example of real love.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    By believing that you deserve to be happy! I strongly believe in the power of the law of attraction, therefore, treating yourself, appreciating your thoughts and embracing your hobbies are nothing but simple ways of bringing joy and love to yourself.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    Love is LIFE.
    Alexandra HirschiPresenter & Supercar enthusiast@supercarblondie

    How do you show love?
    Being in the moment with the people I love is super important. Make sure they know they’re more important than anything else by giving them all your attention.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    I’ve spent so many years giving my energy to everyone else to build my business. It took a mini break down for me to realise I need to put aside time for myself and what I love to do. That’s usually spending quality time with my dogs.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    Love is the thing that can carry you through any hardship. I’m so lucky to have lots of love in my life with my incredible husband, my family and friends.
    Alia Al NeyadiThe first Emirati ballerina@aliaalneyadii

    How do you show love?
    I have always been a big believer in ‘doing’ rather than ‘talking’ as one action can mean so much more than words. Don’t get me wrong, every conversation I have with my family ends with I love you and we know we mean it. However, actions can show us how much we mean to someone.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    Acceptance. I know that I must be happy with myself and love myself for all that I am. No matter what I must love myself because we only have one life – this isn’t a dress rehearsal.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    Love is life, it is living and being in this mystery and adventure we call. Everything we do is for love and everything we feel is because of love. All my decisions have been based on my love for my art, love makes you brave and committed to the journey ahead, because without love, we are empty.
    Haneen OdehFounder of Snob Salon@haneenodeh

    How do you show love?
    I love doing things for people I love. I may not be very expressive verbally with love, but if I know someone I love wants something I’ll be the first to get it done. Whether it’s cooking their favourite meal, surprising them with gifts, or even running an errand for them, it’s how I feel the most comfortable expressing love. Actions speak louder than words.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    Putting myself first. I realized the more you give away the less you have for your own self, and that’s not healthy. So now I prioritize my wellbeing. I cut out anything and anyone that makes me feel unhappy. I also invest in myself. Meditation, yoga, acupuncture, better eating habits, new experiences, exploring new hobbies. Just constantly taking myself on new adventures and trying new things.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    Love is acceptance and empowerment. When you love someone, you accept them. You don’t try to fundamentally change them. It’s unconditional.
    Lyndsay DoranFounder & CEO of L’Couture@lyndsay_doran

    How do you show love?
    I show love through acts of service, at work and at home. I like to show people I appreciate them by treating them. My favourite thing to do is plan and host dinner parties for my closest friends and family. Seeing them enjoy themselves makes me happy.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    I work out every day, whether it be yoga or weight training. I also love to switch off with a book at the beach and treat myself to a day at the salon.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    To me, love is unconditional support which is something that I found in my husband and my family. They supported me when I wanted to start my fitness journey five years ago which also led to me starting L’Couture.
    Rumana NazimFounder of The Edit Dubai@rnazim

    How do you show love?
    I’d like to believe I show love by making time for people, whether in person or just by lending a listening ear. That might sound like a small thing but we live in a chaotic world in which quality time is fast becoming a rare commodity. This is particularly so in Dubai where the pace of life can be quite frantic. Another way I show love is through food. If someone I care about is unwell or unhappy or otherwise needs reminding that I am here and that I love them, the first thing I do is head for the kitchen. I have a few ‘go-to’ recipes that tend to prove popular. Perhaps this habit stems from the fact I like receiving food from those who love me.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    On an emotional level, I think the basics of being kind and listening to what your mental health and body need are imperative – it allows you to be fair, forgiving and compassionate to yourself and in turn, to others. Physically, I implement self-love through a carefully curated night-time beauty regime honed over many years of practice and exercising as often as my schedule allows me to. An evening run on days that I don’t feel great is the best gift I give myself.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    Love to me is quality time, empathy, gratitude and working together on the same page. I’m also a romantic at heart and something like a beautiful picnic in a remote place would not go amiss! In addition, love to me is also spending time with my five-year-old niece. Seeing the world through her eyes, even if only for an hour, is a great reminder of how simple and pure life can be.
    Montaha Al AjeelFashion designer – Founder of Montaha Couture@montahacouture

    How do you show love?
    With my husband, we love each other deeply. There are many key things you need creating a successful relationship – sacrifice, forgiveness, compassion and more. For him, as he is a top cardiovascular surgeon, I encourage him and tell him I’m proud of him for his humanitarian work by saving lives. He does the same to me – that’s why we succeed in our careers. I like to show love in actions, not words.
    In your life, how do you implement self-love?
    Self-love is medicine for the soul. I believe that the foundation of love is self-love, so we must love ourselves before we can love others as we cannot give what we don’t have.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    Love is caring, trust, loyalty and sacrifice.
    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now

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

    Images: Supplied/Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    ‘The damage runs deep’: Meghan Markle speaks out after victory

    For the last few months, Meghan Markle has been embroiled in a legal battle over privacy against The Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter of correspondence between herself and her father Thomas Markle Sr.
    Over the weekend, it was ruled by the UK’s Justice Mark Warby that the Duchess of Sussex that the newspaper interfered with her privacy as the former Suits actress “had a reasonable expectation that the contents of the letter would remain private”.

    “Taken as a whole the disclosures were manifestly excessive and hence unlawful,” the judge added.
    While it’s a clear victory for Meghan and her husband Prince Harry, she’s also outlined how the damage that has been done “runs deep”.

    “For these outlets, it’s a game,” the duchess said in a statement. “For me and so many others, it’s real life, real relationships and very real sadness. The damage they have done and continue to do runs deep.
    “The world needs reliable, fact-checked, high-quality news.”
    Meghan then directly addressed the tabloid newspaper stating that what it and its partner publications do “is the opposite”.
    “We all lose when misinformation sells more than truth, when moral exploitation sells more than decency, and when companies create their business model to profit from people’s pain,” she added.

    However, brighter things are on the horizon for the couple. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced earlier this week they are expecting their second child together.
    The news was announced via a spokesperson for the couple, alongside a sweet black and white photo of the pair sitting in the sun together whilst Meghan cradled her small bump.
    “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” the spokesperson for the Sussexes said. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Getty More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Chrissy Teigen showcases much fuller lips, but it’s not due to filler

    Chrissy Teigen is always known for being open, honest and candid on social media.
    Most recently, the 34-year-old shared a very candid post on Instagram showcasing her much fuller lips. However, the result is not because of filler, which she knows what’s what many people would think.

    “You’re all just gonna think that I got lip fillers, but I didn’t get lip fillers between last night and now,” she said in a video she posted to her Instagram story. It was clear in the footage that her bottom lip was incredibly swollen.
    Teigen continued to explain, “I bit an orange to try to open it, and I think there must’ve been, like, a pesticide or something on it.”

    The mum-of-two then took to post to her Instagram grid showcasing her lips further, at which point they were even more swollen.

    Teigen sarcastically said she was “looking great”, also insisting it wasn’t a “filler fail”.
    “It happened after I bit the skin of a suspicious orange,” she explained for the second time. “Maybe pesticides on the outside? I look like a juicy blow-up doll, freshly unpacked.”
    While her fuller lips were nothing to do with filler, Teigen has been open in the past about the cosmetic procedures she has undergone.
    Last year in July 2020, Teigen was candid about removing her breast implants, which she had previously gotten when she was 20-years-old.
    “They’ve been great to me for many years but I’m just over it,” she explained. “I’d like to be able to zip a dress in my size, lay on my belly with pure comfort! No biggie! So don’t worry about me! All good. I’ll still have boobs, they’ll just be pure fat.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Chrissy Teigen Instagram More

  • 188 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    COVID-19 in the UAE: Over 40 per cent of the population now has the jab

    With the UAE aiming to vaccinate over half of the population against COVID-19 before the end of March, the country is well on its way to reaching this target.

    On Tuesday, it was announced by a top UAE official for the Ministry of Health and Prevention that over 40 per cent of the population has now received the COVID-19 vaccine.
    Dr Farida Al Hosani from the ministry explained that the vaccine will help the nation “reach herd immunity” against the novel coronavirus.
    So far, over five million vaccinations have been administered across the country, making the UAE one of the leading nations in the world in vaccination rates.
    At present, there are four COVID-19 vaccinations being administered in the UAE.
    READ: The 4 COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the UAE
    The first vaccine to be approved in the UAE was the Sinophram vaccine, followed by the Pfizer vaccine being permitted in Dubai towards the end of last year.
    In January, Russia’s Sputnik V was approved for emergency use. And now, just recently, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved in Dubai.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: @nassertone Instagram More