Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Amal Clooney jokes about Meryl Streep’s connection to her husband George Clooney

    World-renowned barrister and human rights activist Amal Clooney has been recognised for her work in defending the rights of journalists and freedom of the press, receiving a prestigious award.
    During the virtual ceremony for the 2020 CPJ International Press Freedom Award which took place on November 19, Clooney was awarded the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award for her legal work defending journalists.

    Presenting the award was Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep. During her acceptance speech, Clooney joked about Streep’s connection with her husband George Clooney, pointing out the fact they were “married”.
    “I regret missing the opportunity to share a stage with the brilliant Meryl Streep,” Clooney said at the start of her speech.
    READ: Everything in George Clooney’s life changed after he met Amal

    “Meryl, thank you for your kind words while introducing me. You are an inspiration as a woman, as an artist, as a press freedom advocate,” she continued. “I know I can’t ever hope to win the number of awards that you’ve won, but it does occur to me that we have something special in common, which is that we’ve both been married to my husband.
    [embedded content]
    “And honestly, the fact that you did it as Mr. and Mrs. Fantastic Fox just makes that so much less awkward.”
    The actors starred together in the 2009 animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox.
    While she was able to make some lighthearted comments, Clooney also noted the importance the award and the Committee to Protect Journalists had for “shining a light on the importance of press freedom at a time when many of our fundamental freedoms have been under threat”.
    “It is true that hope springs eternal and this is a time for optimism,” she continued. “But, optimism should not mean complacency…What we see happening in the world should remind us that rights should not only be secured, but jealously guarded.
    “Democracy must constantly be defended and journalists vigilantly protected.”
    – 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

    How I got my job as… Co-founder of a sustainable lifestyle brand

    Welcome to EW‘s weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    The week we chat to Jana Khoury, who was previously Communications Director for Christian Loubiton and is now co-founder of sustainable brand Anaskela. As staycation and outdoor season kicks off in the UAE, the brand offers the most beautiful pieces for fabulous days at the beach. Inspired by their endless summers on the beaches of Greece during childhood, the founders of Anaskela wanted to create a towel that was more conducive to travel. Style and function aside, each towel’s unique textile composition is made using fibres made from recycled PET bottles. Each Anaskela towel removes plastic bottles from a landfill or the ocean and re-purposes them into your towel.

    EW sat down with Khoury to find out more about the brand, her career and what made her want to enter the realm of ethical luxury.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    Art and maths – I’m a typical Virgo.
    What was your first job?

    An internship at Men’s Health magazine in London, working with the Style Editor. My first ‘real’ job was in PR at Hugo Boss in London.
    What inspired you to launch Anaskela?
    The idea came from my business partner Melissa, when she was travelling around the Greek Islands with her family. Lugging around 4 bulky beach towels felt laborious, so she searched for an alternative. She came across microfibre gym towels and wanted to create a better version for the beach and for travel in general. We always wanted to work on something together so she brought the idea to me and I loved it… the rest is history!

    Can you talk us through the sustainable focus of your brand?
    We never wanted to create more ‘things’ to put out into the world, so from the start we knew that whatever we ended up creating had to already exist materially. We researched for months and discovered that there was a way to create the yarn used to make the towels from repurposed PET bottles, which not only meant recycling single-use plastics into long-term use products, but it also meant keeping plastic out of landfills and the ocean. We also love the idea that you buy one qualitative item that is made to last, and that is what we aim for with our towels.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    Melissa and I work together on absolutely everything, from design to logistics. The joy and pain of being a small team! Luckily we’ve been friends for most of our lives and it just works.
    How do you design the product?
    We set aside some time when we are in Greece together, usually by a beautiful beach, and work on the new collections. We usually start with a concept or an idea, and build on that.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps, looking to enter the world of ethical luxury?
    I think ‘ethical’ and ‘sustainable’ are going to become essential for any consumer brand. If you’re launching a brand, incorporate these elements from the start, not only because customers will soon demand it, but because we all need to work to create a better world and a cleaner planet.

    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    If you try and be or do something that doesn’t reflect you as a person, it will appear inauthentic and won’t work anyway.
    And what is the worst?
    Bad advice is only bad if you take it… and so far so good!
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome with Anaskela – it must have been tough through the pandemic?
    When the pandemic hit at the start of our season, we were concerned but acted quickly and decided to focus our efforts on markets like Greece where cases were relatively low and people still went on local trips throughout the spring and summer months. Our quick action paid off and so we got through the last few months relatively unscathed. We’ve learned quickly that it’s important to be flexible, especially in uncharted waters like these!
    What is to come from this exciting new brand?
    We’re excited to now be shipping to many countries in the Middle East! Apart from that we’ve often been told that the towels make great gifts, so we’ve just launched an illustrated gift box! Although travel is not on the agenda right now, we love the idea of gifting ‘the promise’ of travel. Everyone is looking forward to being able to holiday freely again. Also, we are donating 10% of profits from the boxes to WWF Greece who have been focusing much of their efforts on preventing ocean waste due to discarded PPE as a result of the pandemic. Finally, we’re launching a new collection in the new year!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The ultimate no quarantine list of destinations for UAE residents to travel to

    While many of us would have had some mammoth travel plans in place at the beginning of 2020, this was all put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic.
    However, as we draw to the close of the year, travel restrictions are lifting with many countries no longer requiring lengthy quarantine periods on arrival. EW has rounded up the ultimate list of destinations where UAE residents can currently travel to without the need for a 14-day quarantine. But there are certain requirements for each destination, so make sure you check before booking anything.

    Also, be mindful of travelling back to the UAE. Whilst in Dubai you just need a negative COVID-19 PCR test, there is currently a 14-day quarantine period in place in Abu Dhabi for any returning residents, as well as visitors.
    With that, here’s the ultimate round-up of destinations which currently don’t have any quarantine restrictions for tourists.
    Morocco

    All those visiting must present a negative COVID PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure as this picturesque country has opened its borders to tourist arrivals from more than 60 destinations which includes the UAE.
    Bahrain

    Arrivals from 182 countries are able to travel to Bahrain after having paid for and undergone a COVID PCR test upon arrival at the airport and need to self-isolate only until their negative results are provided.
    Seychelles

    Travellers from low and medium risk countries are permitted to travel to the Seychelles, including travellers from the UAE, provided they present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, and upload the results, as well as their travel details.
    Malta

    The gorgeous island of Malta has reopened its doors for tourism earlier in July, where visitors are now not required to self-quarantine upon arrival but might need to do thermal screenings. A self-declaration form must also be filled to showcase their travels in the last 30 days.
    Croatia

    This beautiful place is welcoming tourists who present a negative PCR test on arrival that is received within the past 48 hours. A travel announcement form along with proof of pre-booked accommodation needs to be given.
    Greece

    A destination that’s often bustling with A-listers, can also be on your list of potential places to visit this season. Arrivals from some countries – including Spain and the UAE – must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight. Twenty four hours before entering Greece, visitors must complete a passenger locator form (PLF) where they will provide their contact details in the country.
    Kenya

    With outdoor activities such as boating, game drives, bungee jumping and helicopter rides having resumed, this nature-infused country is one of the most refreshing destinations to visit. Travellers must get tested for COVID-19 before arrival, and must be able to present a PCR test certificate by a recognised facility. The test must be taken within 48 hours from the date of departure.
    Zimbabwe

    With outdoor activities such as boating, game drives, bungee jumping and helicopter rides having resumed, this nature-infused country is one of the most refreshing destinations to visit. Travellers must get tested for COVID-19 before arrival, and must be able to present a PCR test certificate by a recognised facility. The test must be taken within 48 hours from the date of departure.
    Barbados

    The dreamy island nation that’s heavily reliant on tourism is separating arrivals into low, medium and high-risk countries, with various requirements depending on the country of arrival. All tourists are encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to travel and submit their results for fast-tracking upon arrival. Those that don’t take a test before travelling must do so on arrival. Masks must be worn at the airport, and arrivals will undergo health screenings too.
    South Africa

    Home to an array of adventure sports and activities, tourists who are permitted to travel from low-risk countries to South Africa are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure, and also expect to undergo temperature checks at the airport. On arrival, travellers will also be asked to download the government’s contact tracing app for their entire visit to South Africa.
    Maldives

    If you’re looking for a luxurious escape, the Maldives is the perfect place to travel to. All arrivals must be able to present a COVID-19 PCR negative certificate, taken no more than 96 hours prior to departure. However, different rules apple for those who wish to go island hopping.
    Egypt

    This historic place is now welcoming tourists in possession of a negative PCR test certificate, issued within 72 hours of travel, and in paper format from an accredited laboratory with visitors required to wear their face masks out in public and follow the necessary social distancing rules.
    Switzerland

    If you wish to visit somewhere cold this season, the home of snow and luxury chocolates is open to those residing in the UAE no longer have to quarantine when travelling to Switzerland. However, note that the European/Schengen states (to which Switzerland belongs) still have entry regulations in place for certain nationalities/residents. It’s, therefore, necessary to check the requirements before making a booking.
    United Kingdom

    With the new rules, travellers flying to the UK from the UAE need not self-isolate for a period of two weeks, which is perfect for the winter feels except for those that have visited places that are not on the travel corridor list for the UK. However, those travelling are required to fill a passenger locator form and must adhere to the social distancing rules while wearing a facemask in public areas.
    Montenegro

    The almost fairytale-like region located south of Croatia on the Adriatic coast is welcoming tourists from ‘green list’ countries including the UAE. All must wear masks and observed social distancing with any parties being forbidden.
    Tanzania

    This stunning country has opened its borders without having to quarantine for 14 days on arrival. A health screening needs to be submitted with instructions followed as per the country’s COVID-19 laws.
    Turkey

    All passengers must wear a face mask while travelling, and may be subject to a COVID-19 health screening on arrival with a passenger information form that needs to be filled.
    For any rules or updates, pertaining to each country please visit their respective websites on more information from their governments.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature image: Naladhu Private Island Maldives More

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    Zayn Malik’s mother travels to the US to meet her new granddaughter

    Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid welcomed their first child together just over two months ago and it seems the baby girl is meeting her paternal side of the family for the first time.
    The singer’s mother, Trisha Malik, recently shared an Instagram story with her 500,000 followers thanking her son’s girlfriend for her cooking.

    The post hints that Malik’s mother travelled from the UK, where she resides, to the US to meet the couple’s first child together.
    Throughout the pandemic, Malik and Hadid were residing in Pennsylvania, where Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, has a farm. The pair have also been spotted in New York City where the supermodel has a penthouse apartment in Manhattan.

    Trisha’s recent trip to the US will most likely be the first time she’s meeting her granddaughter due to the travel restrictions which have been in place globally due to the pandemic.
    Like their relationship, Malik and Hadid have been keeping details about their daughter under wraps.
    The pair have shared some photo of the newborn recently, but have made sure to keep their daughter’s face hidden or only photos of the newborn’s hand had been shown.
    Similarly, to date, the name of baby Hadid-Malik has been kept private, but according to E! News, the newborn’s moniker is “unique”.

    Hadid’s pregnancy was first reported on back in April. The model first spoke of her pregnancy – news which was revealed in the press and not by herself or Malik – during a video call appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, admitting they would have liked to reveal the news on their “own terms”, but also thanked everyone for their congratulations.
    “Obviously, we wish we could’ve announced it on our own terms, but we’re very excited and happy and grateful for everyone’s well wishes and support,” she said at the time.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Getty More

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    in health and weelbeing

    5 Ways to Upgrade Your Self-Care Routine

    You already know that self-care should never be an afterthought (it is one of the biggest buzzwords, after all). But a modern lifestyle, busy work life, and an apocalyptic-level year (is it 2021 yet??) might have made it difficult to prioritize yourself (or make you feel guilty when you do). However, self-care is the most important insurance that you show up as your best self in every area of your life, and therefore, self-care should be completely restorative. Think about it: it’s not really caring for yourself if it doesn’t make you happier, calmer, and less stressed (looking at you, stinging face mask and overpacked workout routine!). Because the holidays are coming, stay-at-home orders are still going strong, and stress levels are through the roof, it’s time we take a look at our self-care routines and incorporate some much-needed upgrades. Here are five easy ways to update your self-care routine to ensure you’re caring for yourself in the best way possible:

    Source: @equilibriawomen

    1. Use CBD to de-stress
    TBH, I thought I mastered the self-care game until I found Equilibria’s CBD. The trendy wellness ingredient started popping up in everything from makeup to dog products a couple of years ago, but it’s stayed around for good reason (even my doctor recommended it for anxiety and stress relief). Whether self-care looks like a CBD bath in the evenings, indulging in self-massage with CBD Relief Cream to relieve aches and pains, or taking Daily Drops to feel more calm and less tension throughout your day (yes, even the busiest workdays), there’s a CBD product for your self-care routine. Pro tip: pretty much everyone on our team swears that they have the best sleep of their lives after using CBD products. And what better way to care for yourself than a good night’s rest?

    Equilibria
    Daily Drops

    use code “theeverygirl” for 20% off your first order!

    Equilibria
    Relief Cream

    use code “theeverygirl” for 20% off your first order!

    Source: @josie.santi

    2. Schedule self-care in your calendar
    When our schedules get busy, self-care is often the first thing to go since it can be put off “until tomorrow,” and the only person we’re breaking plans with is ourselves. But self-care is not selfish, nor should it be negotiable. Self-care is crucial for not only your health and wellbeing (which should be #1 anyway), but it allows you to show up as your best self in the other areas of your life, whether it’s work or tending to relationships.
    Think of it like charging an iPhone: self-care recharges your battery so that you can be energetic and motivated at work, kind and caring in your relationships, and overall show up as your best self. It’s the necessary ingredient for success in every area of your life, so treat it as such. To make sure you’re consistently prioritizing yourself, schedule self-care like workouts, baths, or downtime to read and relax into your calendar. Honor those time slots like you would any other meeting or appointment.

    Source: @bookofthemonth

    3. Read a book that makes you better
    The point of self-care is to invest time, energy, and money into yourself. Instead of spending all of your downtime bingeing another Netflix series (although there is always time for that), take some time before bed or first thing in the morning to read a book that betters you. Whether it’s a self-help book, a career advice memoir, or inspirational essays, choose to consume material that makes you happier, smarter, or healthier. Not only can a good book impact your life, but spending downtime doing something good for you will increase your confidence and can even snowball into changes in all areas of your life. Now that’s self-care. 

    Source: @ceceolisa

    4. Make sure “self-care” means “self-love”
    “Self-care” is such a buzz-worthy term in 2020 that we give it a clear definition of face masks, bubble baths, and a glass of wine or a yoga flow (whatever floats your boat). However, the root of self-care should not be wellness trends; it should be self-love. In reality, self-care does not have an exact definition; it’s anything and everything that makes you feel recharged, replenished, and cared for. If you’re not sure what that is for you, take some time getting to know yourself: think about what you believe in, what you value, and what restores you. Anything you do for the sake of self-care should be to improve the relationship you have with yourself, so saying “no” when you mean “no,” being true to who you are, and forgiving yourself are some of the most radical acts of self-care you could ever practice.

    Source: @jessannkirby

    5. Take care of your home environment
    So it’s the millionth day of staying at home: dishes are piling up in the sink, the junk drawer has gone rogue, and forget about making the bed every morning. Especially if you’re in a studio apartment like me, you might have given up all hope for keeping up with the space that you use to work, exercise, sleep, and relax in (guilty!). However, your home environment is more important for your wellbeing than you may realize. Clutter in the space translates into clutter in the mind, while a peaceful environment can impact everything from sleep quality to stress levels. If you’re looking for where to start with self-care, try starting with your home. Declutter, upgrade bedding, and add in cozy accents. Turning your home into an oasis is not only a matter of decor, but an act of self-care.

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

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    in lifestyle and culture

    In some very exciting news, there’s a five-day weekend in the UAE next week

    Whilst we only had a public holiday some two weeks ago, you may be already looking forward to the next break.
    And we’re here to tell you there’s not long to wait at all.

    Want even better news? The next long weekend is set to be a five-day break.
    Three public holidays are set to combine with a weekend, making that week a two-day work week and a five-day weekend.

    So, when exactly can we look forward to this break? The answer – in just a few weeks.
    Tuesday, December 1, in the UAE will mark Commemoration Day which honours the Emiratis who have sacrificed their lives to protect their country.
    Then, on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3, the UAE will celebrate UAE National Day, which celebrates the unification of the seven emirates.
    Starting off the final month of 2020 with a five-day weekend really doesn’t sound bad at all.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Christoph Schulz on Unsplash More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Everything in George Clooney’s life changed after he met Amal

    Oscar-winning actor George Clooney has opened up about his relationship with his wife Amal Clooney.
    The couple first met in July 2013 and married the following year in September 2014. However, Clooney has admitted that meeting Amal changed everything for him.

    Prior to their relationship, the actor was convinced marriage and kids were not for him.
    “I was like, ‘I’m never getting married. I’m not gonna have kids. I’m gonna work, I’ve got great friends, my life is full, I’m doing well,” he told GQ in a recent interview. “And I didn’t know how un-full it was until I met Amal.

    “And then everything changed. And I was like, ‘Oh, actually, this has been a huge empty space.’”

    It was especially after the pair welcomed their twin children – Ella and Alexander – in 2017 that Clooney felt he was given a greater purpose in life.
    “I’d never been in the position where someone else’s life was infinitely more important to me than my own. You know?” he said. “And then tack on two more individuals, who are small and have to be fed.”
    The couple now resides in the UK together with their two children. Clooney is still acting and Amal is a top barrister as well as being a human rights activist.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Getty More

  • 113 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    12 Products That Will Help You Beat Seasonal Dryness

    If you’ve been following any facet of The Everygirl, you may have come to the overwhelming conclusion that we are absolutely obsessed with the holiday season. The days of snuggling up with hot cocoa and watching Hallmark movies are in full swing, and as the last month of the year approaches, we welcome twinkling lights, cozy home decor, and Christmas cookies with open arms.In my daydreams of December, I’ve romanticized what winter looks like and I’ve forgotten to factor in one unfavorable downfall of crisp air and cool temperatures: dry skin season is upon us, and this year, we simply aren’t letting a dehydrated, itchy exterior ruin our winter. 
    Whether you’re like me and are already in the woes of seasonal dryness or simply want to stop dry skin in its tracks, it’s important to stock up on all types of moisturizers for the cold, harsh days ahead. I’ve tried approximately one million different products (give or take) that have claimed to lock in moisture to foster soft, glowing skin. After years of seasonally struggling with eczema, chapped lips, a peeling nose, and dry hair, I’ve built up quite the army of moisturizers to treat the most stubborn dry, rough, and dull skin in the game. 
    Check out these 12 holy grail products that have my back when my skin is *itching* for attention:

    Love Beauty and Planet
    Majestic Moisture Body Wash

    Your battle against dry skin starts in the shower. I use this Majestic Moisture body wash made of all-natural ingredients to scrub-a-dub without drying out my skin at step one.

    Nourishing Dry Body Oil

    I spritz this dry oil all over my body when I’m fresh out of the shower and in a rush (AKA every day). It’s lightweight and dries quickly so I can put my clothes on within two minutes of applying.

    Moisturizing Cream

    I have a lot of go-to moisturizing products, but this moisturizing cream is my absolute favorite. If I could fill up a bathtub of this stuff and take a cool dip in it every night, I would. I lather this on before bed and let it work its magic through the night.

    Hydrating Facial Cleanser

    Time and time again, I try new face washes and walk-of-shame back to this hydrating facial cleanser. The only downside to this guy is that it doesn’t lather up (sigh), BUT I continue to use it because it’s the only face wash that doesn’t leave me feeling like Spongebob in the beloved “Sandy, I need water” scene.

    KORA Organics
    Noni Glow Face Oil

    OK, I’m not usually one to splurge on beauty products; however, this is my one and only exception because 1) I’m absolutely obsessed, and 2) I find that a little bit of this product goes a long way. I started using this face oil last year, and now I will never use anything else. I use this after my toner/before my moisturizer and I look forward to using it. It smells amazing and leaves my face and neck glowing and so unbelievably smooth.

    Josie Maran
    Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter

    This whipped face butter is a dream. come. true. I use it as the last step of my nighttime skincare routine, and it’s basically dessert for my face. It’s hydrating yet non-suffocating and puts in WORK while I’m fast asleep.

    Like Butter

    I reach for this healing and soothing mask 2-3 times a week whenever my skin is looking dull and needs a pick-me-up. After cleansing, I apply this to my face, leave it on for 20 minutes, and dab off the excess if any remains. This stuff works really well on other areas of the body so when my eczema decides to show up uninvited, I’ll use Like Butter on my dry spots as well.

    Mrs. Meyer’s
    Lavender Hand Balm

    Dry hands, be gone! In addition to dry skin season, we’re also approaching the dreaded cold and flu season. That means we’ll be washing our hands even more frequently (yay!) and simultaneously drying them out (boo). This Mrs. Meyer’s lavender hand balm smells incredible, is soothing, and is conveniently portable.

    Lip Repair

    Speaking of products that follow me wherever I go, this Aquaphor lip repair is the lip ointment I’m currently using. By currently using, I mean actually using, right now, at this very moment. This powerful little tube will keep you from looking in the mirror and questioning “Did I black out while applying a mid-day, hot pink lip stain or are my lips just dry, red, and irritated?”

    Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

    If there’s one part of my beauty routine that I skimp on in the moisturizing department, it’s my poor, brittle hair. I’m adding this hair mask to my fall/winter beauty routine because moisturized hair makes for healthy, shiny, and bouncy locks.

    Bread Beauty Supply
    Hair Oil Everyday Gloss

    Unlike a lot of the hair oils I’ve tried, this hair oil is non-greasy and lightweight. This oil has been my answer to dried out hair, split ends, and frizz and it’s my new hair routine staple! More