Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    12 accounts to follow on Instagram to start the year on a positive note

    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    A curated list of who to #follow this month.
    Myra Swimwear@Myraswim

    For the minimalist’s guide to chic simple swimwear, Myra Swim offers premium sustainable water wear.
    Hermès@hermes

    This Maison needs no explanation. Crafting superlative luxury since 1837.
    Barkha Beauty@Barkhabeauty

    With the perfect nude matte lipstick to a diverse range of lipstick shades, the brand offers cruelty and paraben-free products.
    Tata Harper Skincare@tataharperskincare

    Made with love from Vermont, this skincare brand follows the notion of beauty without compromise using nontoxic ingredients.
    Aveda Middle East@avededamiddleeast 

    This cult skincare brand is known for supporting eco-friendly practices through the science of pure flower and plant essences.
    Gym Clothing Company@gymclothingcompany

    GCC- based, this brand delivers stylish activewear for all gym-goers that does not compromise on quality.
    PALM@palmswimwear

    The Australian swimwear designer uses high-quality Italian fabrics and ethically sourced materials to take the finest approach in the fashion industry.
    The Cobbler@cobbler.ae

    Look after your leather goods or re-invent them in The Cobbler’s safe hands.
    Nara Desert Escape@naraescape

    This ultimate in luxury desert experiences. A bespoke escape for those who want to visit an exclusive campsite set in a backdrop of stunning sand dunes.
    Brows by Suman@browsbysuman

    The brow guru. If you haven’t tried this face-framing, game-changing technique, you’ll want to.
    Oséree@osreeswimwear

    Seriously sophisticated swimwear. The clever swimwear that adds a refreshing touch to poolside chic.
    Dr Sebagh@drsebagh

    Award-winning products created by an internationally renowned cosmetic doctor, Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh for advanced skin-care maintenance.
    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Inside the new luxe DIFC restaurant we all need to try ASAP

    With the start of a new year, many new restaurants will be popping up in Dubai.
    Perhaps one of the most exciting launches for 2021 is the newest player on the block in the Dubai International Financial District. Say hello to Clap, a brand new Japanese restaurant embodying the bright lights of Tokyo, accompanied by a stunning menu.

    Signature dishes on Clap’s contemporary Japenese menu include the Salmon ‘Clap Cloud’, which is a salmon tartare with spicy miso and poppadum, yellowtail sashimi with tosazu dressing and wagyu beef and foie gras gyoza.

    There’s also a fully immersive dining experience on offer – the ‘Omakase’ menu, which is Japanese for  ‘I leave it up to you’.
    The setting is just as spectacular as the menu, with Clap now taking the title of DIFC’s largest rooftop restaurant and bar. The interiors of the restaurant feature 2,100 hanging above the restaurant’s reception and bar, which is balanced out with the natural woods and solid stone used for the seating, flooring and kitchen in the establishment.
    Clap was originally founded in Beirut and has now made its way to Dubai, being owned and managed by restaurant group Addmind.

    The group’s CEO Tony Habre has described the new restaurant as “magical”.
    “25 to 30 chefs will be cooking in front of you, the bar area is vast and there’s so much interaction happening between all of the staff and the guests dining,” he said. “People are always looking for outstanding food but I think now more than ever they’re also looking for an exceptional experience. Fun is the keyword here.”
    You’ll definitely need to watch this space, as we’ve been told brunches and lunches at Clap will soon be on their way.
    Get a glimpse inside Clap below.

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

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    in lifestyle and culture

    5 reasons why this homegrown Dubai restaurant will be your new go-to

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Beloved homegrown Dubai restaurant chain London Dairy Cafe recently launched its latest offering into the F&B space.
    Say hello to LDC Kitchen + Cafe, which recently opened its doors in One JLT. As the new player on the block, EW had curated five reasons why this new venue will be your new go-to.
    The new mantra

    It’s sometimes hard to find an establishment that caters to everyone including our furry friends. That’s where LDC Kitchen + Cafe comes into play. With its clear mantra of inclusivity, the venue welcomes everyone as it states, “Everyone has a seat at our table.”
    The new chef
    A new head of culinary for LDC has recently been appointed. Previously at Flamingo Room by tashas Dubai, Chef Omar Basiony is here to make this homegrown Dubai concept a power player in the F&B space.

    The new menu
    Chef Basiony has also created a new menu for LDC Kitchen + Cafe. With everything made in-house, restaurant-goers can look forward to hero dishes including veggie eggplant shakshuka, a slow-cooked French onion soup made with homemade stock, a delectable assortment of pancakes, Kung Fu chicken burger, tagliatelle ragù, pan-roasted salmon and steak frites and more. While the new menu is only currently available at the new JLT venue, it will soon be available at other LDC establishments around Dubai.
    The new venue
    Not only is the new space stylish and chic making it a great place to meet for a post-work dinner, it’s also a fabulous place to go to have a day of working away from the office. There’s also a pet-friendly terrace at the new venue, truly in-keeping with its inclusivity mantra.

    The location
    While there’s no shortage of LDC venues around Dubai, this new opening marks the brand’s first establishment in the JLT area. For those who work in the local area and in Dubai Marina, it’s the ideal place for lunch meetings, a post-work dinner with colleagues or even a pre-work breakfast.
    LDC One JLT is open daily from 7am to 12 midnight and until 1am during the weekends.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Dreaming of Greece? There’s flights available from the UAE for just Dhs1

    As travelling seems to be on the radar again from many, one UAE airline has the most unbelievable deals available for flights to Greece.
    Abu Dhabi-based airline Wizz Air is currently offering passengers one-way tickets for Dhs1, which are available all on a first-come-first-serve basis.

    Exclusive tickets are available to both Athens and Thessaloniki in Greece in the fleet composed of four brand new airbuses which includes the Airbus A321neo aircraft, which had the lowest environmental footprint in the region.
    The offer is available for purchase from January 10 to 11, 2021.

    Discussing the sale, managing director for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Kees Van Schaick, explained the airline was “welcoming the New Year in style”.
    “As an ultra-low fare airline, we want to provide travellers with the opportunity to visit exciting destinations for super accessible prices,” he said. “We expect these tickets to sell out fast – looking forward to seeing you onboard soon!”

    The one-way price includes one carry-on bag (max 40x30x20cm) with an additional cost for check-in trolleys or luggage.
    Further destinations will be announced in the coming months from Abu Dhabi and will include some more exciting deals.
    With the introduction of sanitized travel measures, the health and safety standards are of utmost priority while these tickets are now available for purchase both today at tomorrow on wizzair.com along with the airline’s mobile application.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Herodion Hotel Athens More

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    Kylie Jenner unfollowed all of her friends on Instagram over the weekend

    It’s normal to have a cleanse at the start of a new year. Whether that be health, fitness, mind or material, it’s always good to start fresh.
    In Kylie Jenner’s case, it appears she’s gone through a bit of an Instagram cleanse.

    The makeup mogul was previously following nearly 150 accounts on Instagram, but is now only following 28. Jenner unfollowed the likes of Sofia Richie, her former assistant and friend Victoria Villarroel and other close friends.
    All of the remaining accounts she follows includes her family members, baby daddy Travis Scott and a series of Kylie Jenner fan accounts. One of the only remaining friends she follows is her best friend, Anastasia ‘Stassie’ Karanikolaou, whom Jenner has known for over 10 years. She’s also still following Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber.

    What prompted the unfollowing spree is unknown. Perhaps Jenner wanted to disguise certain people she wanted to unfollow, or she simply wanted to streamline who she was following altogether.
    Interestingly though, this unfollowing spree coincided with the Kardashian-Jenner clan’s last day of filming Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

    Jenner has starred on the show alongside her siblings and mother Kris Jenner since she was nine-years-old when the hit reality show launched 14 years ago in 2007.
    Kim Kardashian announced the news that the show would be coming to an end in September last year.
    “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” the 39-year-old said in a statement.
    “After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years – through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children. We’ll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we’ve met along the way.”
    As to when the last season of KUTWK will air is yet to be confirmed.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Kylie Jenner Instagram More

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    Here’s where you can get the free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai

    Just before Christmas, it was announced that the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
    With the administering of the jab now well underway, many government officials have received the vaccine including the Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, who received it last week.

    The Pfizer-BioNTech jab has been made free for Dubai residents with clinical trials proving 95 per cent effectiveness. With that, a list of seven centres in the emirate offering the vaccine for free have now been outlined by Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of clinical support services and the nursing sector at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and chairperson of the COVID-19 vaccination steering committee.

    The Dubai Health Authority has now made it available at the following locations for Dubai residents:
    Al Safa primary health care centre
    Zabeel primary health care centre
    Al Mizhar primary health care centre
    Nad Al Hamr primary health
    Al Barsha primary health care centre
    Uptown Miriff medical fitness centre
    Hatta Hospital
    Who is eligible to have the vaccine?
    Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
    At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are being prioritised to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.
    People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
    As per the scheduling for the vaccination, UAE residents can book an appointment through the DHA app or even the toll-free number 800-342 and visit dha.gov.ae for more information.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels More

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    in health and weelbeing

    The 15 Best Books for Your New Year’s Resolutions

    Even though New Year’s resolutions look a little different this year, it’s still the season for self-invention. The beginning of January means making new promises to ourselves, letting go of the past year, and, most importantly, reflecting on what we want out of the year ahead. And the best way to keep resolutions (instead of letting them trickle out by January 28 like most years)? Go all-in by indulging in a good book that offers concrete advice to reach your goals and become your best self. So to help you make resolutions that will stick (because we all deserve a win in 2021), we’ve rounded up the best books that will give you a much-needed dose of inspiration, optimism, and motivation. Whether your 2021 resolution looks more like running a marathon or just getting off the couch every once in a while (no judgment), these books will help you get there. 

    Sallie Krawcheck
    Own It: The Power of Women at Work

    This bestseller is basically the #1 career playbook for 2021. No matter your industry or where you’re at in your career, “Own It” is a powerful manual for a new set of rules to achieve professional success. Read if: your resolutions are career-focused.

    Mallika Chopra
    Living with Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace, and Joy

    Because sometimes resolutions aren’t about changing your life; they’re about changing your mindset. Use this book as your go-to for finding purpose, joy, gratitude, and balance. Read if: you’re done thinking about what your life could be, and instead want to appreciate where you are now.

    Are You Fully Charged?: The 3 Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life

    Never feel like you have enough energy or time to accomplish all you want? Maybe your to-do list feels impossible to finish, or you give up on goals because you don’t have the time. Drawing on practical advice from the latest in business, psychology, and economics, this book proves you can accomplish everything you want. Read if: you feel like you’re always lacking time or energy.

    Laura Thomas, PhD
    Just Eat It: How Intuitive Eating Can Help You Get Your Shit Together Around Food

    Whether your nutrition resolution is to stop eating late-night pizza (right, like that’s going to happen!) or to get rid of outdated food rules, intuitive eating is the way to finally eat nourishing foods and achieve food freedom. “Just Eat It” is a life-changing read about trusting your appetite, listening to your body, and ditching diet culture once and for all. Read if: you’re sick of struggling with your relationship with food.

    Michelle Obama
    Becoming

    Because we would be remiss if we didn’t include our queen, Michelle Obama, on any list of life-changing books. “Becoming” is the inspirational memoir you’ve been looking for to motivate you to chase your dreams. Read if: you want to focus on New Year’s resolutions, but self-help books aren’t typically your thing.

    Barbara L. Fredrickson, PhD
    Love 2.0: Finding Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection

    This isn’t your average relationship book. Whether or not your resolutions have to do with your love life, Fredrickson argues that love is the secret to improving our physical and mental health. Oh, and FYI, she also argues that love is not about a romantic relationship (though it can be!). It’s about connection between all people, including strangers, coworkers, friends, and family members, so this book is for anyone (regardless of relationship status). Read if: you’re looking for a new perspective to change your health.

    BJ Fogg, PhD
    Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything

    No matter how big your resolutions or goals are, the secret to achieving them is in small changes. Fogg breaks down how exactly to achieve anything you want by starting small. For example, try two push-ups a day instead of aiming for a 60-minute workout, or take a deep breath whenever you get in your car instead of starting with a full meditation practice. Read if: you have some lofty resolutions you’re not sure how to achieve.

    Maxie McCoy
    You’re Not Lost: An Inspired Action Plan for Finding Your Own Way

    With step-by-step advice, thoughtful exercises, and real-life stories from McCoy and other inspirational women, “You’re Not Lost” is an inspiring action plan to get the life you want (and deserve!). Read if: 2020 made you feel lost, hopeless, or confused in any area of your life.

    James Clear
    Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

    No matter your 2021 resolutions, “Atomic Habits” offers a proven framework for changing your life by forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering small behaviors that lead to massive transformation. Learn how to overcome a lack of motivation or willpower, get back on track when you fall off course, and design your schedule for success. Read if: your New Year’s resolutions typically don’t last past January.

    Ann Shoket
    The Big Life

    Sometimes just a few key changes can help you achieve everything you want in your career, finances, love life, and overall wellbeing. Or, at least, that’s what trailblazing editor-in-chief of Seventeen, Ann Shoket, argues in her self-help book and memoir packed with actionable guidance to living your best life. Read if: your resolution is to find more meaning in your life.

    Lalah Delia
    Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power

    Looking for inspiration to tap into your inner power and become your best self? Instagram superstar, Lalah Deliah, put her self-help wisdom into this comprehensive book that teaches us that we have control over situations and our emotions. “Vibrating Higher Daily” helps you make intentional day-to-day choices that lift you out of mindsets, habits, and lifestyles that don’t serve you. Read if: you’re over physical resolutions and ready to transform your soul instead.

    Dan Harris
    10% Happier

    Dan Harris experienced a nationally televised panic attack that acted as a wake-up call to prioritize mental health and make some major changes in his life. Follow Harris on his quest for happiness as he explores spiritual practices, studies scientific research, and explains his own experiences to help you get 10 percent happier (and maybe a lot more). Read if: anxiety or stress levels are affecting your life.

    Gabrielle Bernstein
    Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life beyond Your Wildest Dreams

    Filled with tangible tools like the “Choose Again Method” for reframing negative thoughts and boosting your mood, “Super Attractor” is a more spiritual approach with essential tips to live in alignment with the universe to create the life that you want. Forget resolutions–start attracting the life you want right now. Read if: your resolutions include getting more in touch with yourself. More

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    in beauty and fashion

    7 Hailey Bieber Outfits to Copy Immediately

    I feel that I can’t begin this article without a little bit of honesty: for a period of my life, I was not a fan of Hailey Bieber. If you asked around my office, I’m sure my coworkers would go as far as saying I was actually a Hailey Bieber hater. But some things are undeniable, and over time, I realized that one of those things is—whether you like her or not—that Hailey Bieber has incredible style.Time and time again, I’d see picture of her that actually inspired me; an oversized coat, cropped tee, and sneakers? Why wasn’t that what I was wearing every single day? Why wasn’t I only leaving the house in a slicked-back bun and cat eye sunglasses? How could I possibly embody this effortless chicness that she seemingly has? I’m a woman who gives credit where credit is due, and Hailey Bieber (and her stylists) deserve a hefty amount of it.
    No, we aren’t all models with cheekbones you could see from 100 yards away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate the most iconic looks of someone who is. Want to start the year with some style inspiration? Look no further.

    1. The upgraded matching sweater set

    Source: Beretta/​Sims/​Shutterstock

    Is this super practical at this point in time? Perhaps not, but it’s officially on my mood board to wear at some point of 2021. I’ve seen many a sweater midi skirts paired with matching cropped cardigans, but never with one that’s delightfully oversized. Combined with knee-high boots in the same hue and a tan cami? It’s as close as you could get to perfection. 

    2. The out-of-the-box trench

    Source: RHTY/​starmaxinc.com/​Shutterstock

    I definitely didn’t think that at any point in 2021 I’d be vying for any pair of pants that could be described as “khaki,” but this look has them on my list. This incredible brown, croc-effect trench is surprisingly easy to find a dupe for, and paired with white sneakers and a cropped tee, it’s able to keep the spotlight without feeling too overdone. The yellow bag to top it off? Genius.

    3. The perfectly styled cardigan

    Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

    By now, most of us probably have some version of a cardigan in our wardrobes, and if you’re looking for a new way to style it, this long-jean-and-Western-belt combo is where to start. Top it off with heeled sandals, a woven bag (on a budget), and round sunglasses.

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    4. The elevated loungewear look

    Source: SMXRF/Star Max / Getty

    How to style your sweats this winter? With an oversized wool coat, chunky sneakers, and cat-eye sunglasses. Wear it and feel like a celebrity who’s acting like they don’t want to be spotted by paparazzi but actually does.

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    5. The “I just threw this on” look

    Source: Adrian Edwards | Getty Images

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    It might not be anyone’s first instinct to style knee-high boots with baggier jeans, but this gives us every reason to want to try it. Top it off with a crewneck sweater and oversized biker jacket and you’ve got yourself a look.

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    6. The first thing we’re going to wear when we’re back in the office

    Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

    With all the blazers we’ve accumulated over the past few seasons, we’re always looking for new ways to style them, and this just might be our new office uniform. These longer jeans and heeled sandals bring a new spin to the black blazer and tan sweater up top, and as always, a sleek bun and sunglasses top it off seamlessly.

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    7. A fun day-off uniform

    Source: Photo by Broadimage/Shutterstock

    Orange bike shorts? She went there, and we’re here for it. Paired with sporty slides, a cropped grey shirt, and gold accessories, it’s the perfect, casual day-off look for spring.

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