Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Kylie Jenner reaches huge milestone before any of her other family members

    Kylie Jenner is known for breaking records in her family.
    Remember when she became the youngest self-made billionaire? Although that is up for question now as wealth magazine Forbes rescinded the title.

    Regardless, Jenner has now broken another record in her family reaching a huge milestone.
    The 23-year-old has now surpassed 200 million followers on Instagram – the first in the Kardashian-Jenner clan to do so.

    The makeup mogul is now the fourth most followed public figure on Instagram. Currently, world-renowned footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed individual on the platform with 241 million followers; Ariana Grande is the second with 205 million followers and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is just slightly ahead of Jenner with 202 million followers.

    As for the Kardashian-Jenners themselves, Kim Kardashian West is the closest in follower count to her youngest sister with 191 million.
    Supermodel Kendall Jenner has 141 million, Khloe Kardashian has 122 million and Kourtney Kardashian has 103 million.
    Impressively the combined total of 757 million followers. Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t argue with the fact that the family has carved themselves some impressive over the last 14 years since the family reinvented reality television as what we know it today.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kylie Jenner Instagram More

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    in health and weelbeing

    10 Things to Do This Week for a Healthier Relationship

    Many people spend so much time looking for that “spark” or feel like it’s Happily Ever After once they’ve found The One, that they forget a relationship doesn’t just sustain itself; it needs work, like any worthwhile achievement in your life. If the word “work” is enough to get you sweating RN, don’t panic. The good thing about relationship work is that it should be enjoyable, fulfilling, and worthwhile when you’re with the right person. Since we’re all busy, stressed, anxious, and probably can’t think beyond seven days from now (nope, just me?), here are 10 simple things you can do today to have a healthier relationship by the end of the week: 
    1. Do one thing you did when you were first dating
    There’s a lot of perks to a brand new relationship: butterflies, long conversations getting to know each other, can’t-keep-hands-off-each-other chemistry. And then there are the perks of a long-term relationship: feeling comfortable and secure, always having a plus-one, and never having to shave your legs. What if I told you that you could bring back some pros of the beginning of your relationship? Think back on the routines you and your partner had at the beginning. Maybe you gave more compliments, dressed up to impress them, or went on more creative dates than takeout and Disney+. This week, try to bring back at least one of those rituals, jokes, or dates to spark the long conversations, butterflies, and chemistry you had at the beginning. 

    Source: @taylranne

    2. Talk about money
    It is probably the most unromantic topic, but relationship experts agree that money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce. Normalizing the money talk and getting on the same page early on can not only prevent finances from becoming an issue in the future, but it can also strengthen your trust and intimacy. While it may not be something you look forward to, schedule a time to go through and pay bills together or have a conversation about saving up for a house or dividing up pet expenses. If you’re in a newer relationship and don’t have any shared responsibilities or finances, you can still have the money talk by chatting about your individual money goals and spending habits. 

    3. Ask “how was your day?” every day
    One of the simplest and most important things you could do to improve your relationship is to ask your partner, “how was your day?” and actually care about the answer, rather than letting the question become routine. Perfect the art of conversation: know how to make your partner feel heard, ask follow-up questions instead of just listening to what they have to say, and share your opinions or thoughts (only) once they’re done sharing with you. When your partner feels like you care about more than you have to and want to be a part of everything they do, it subconsciously creates a new level of teamwork, love, and intimacy. 

    4. Practice giving (and receiving) constructive criticism
    If you’re in a healthy relationship, you should both feel safe and accepted. And if you feel safe and accepted, it’s probably easier for you to receive constructive criticism than in other friendships or familial relationships. The point of constructive criticism is that you’re working as a team and covering each other’s blind spots to become your best relationship and best selves. It’s the cliché that two heads are better than one, and giving supportive input builds trust, care, and teamwork.
    Give your partner a suggestion on how they can improve their work presentation, or let them know they should call their sister more often. Likewise, ask them how you can improve a project at work or how they would handle a situation with a friend differently. What’s not OK? Criticizing what your partner cannot change, like their personality traits or needs. If you’re worried about constructive criticism (or it turns into an argument), either you’re going about it more critical than constructive, or your relationship might need some more growth. 

    Source: @babybaileymamadrama

    5. Schedule sex
    Yes, really. While many people think that scheduling sex takes the spark away and turns it into a chore, if you’ve ever been in an LTR, you know that spontaneous sex just doesn’t happen with a busy schedule, putting kids to bed, or working late every night. And even if it does, it still feels like a chore (let’s hurry up, we’re waking up in five hours!). Just as you schedule workouts and meetings, scheduling sex is another way to stay connected and prioritize intimacy. Plus, it ups the anticipation when you know it’s coming, and you might even want to “remind” your partner throughout the day for some bonus romance points (not my fault if they have a hard time concentrating at work!). 

    6. Look at arguments as if you’re a third party
    The OG love life hack, called “The Marriage Hack,” became a viral sensation for a reason. Essentially, the fancy term means viewing conflicts and disagreements through the eyes of a third party who wants the best for all involved and realizing the obstacles each person faces when trying to think from a different perspective. This method lessens the emotions of a situation by reframing it in a way that allows you to not only understand your partner, but how to solve the problem. It’s like DIY couples therapy! Whether you’re in a marriage or a brand new relationship, the Marriage Hack can help reframe how you communicate and resolve arguments. 

    7. Read together
    You know that final scene in Notting Hill where Hugh Grant is reading a very intelligent-looking novel on a park bench while a gorgeously pregnant Julia Roberts lays on his lap and watches kids play (oh yeah, and they’re holding hands)? It’s rom-com gold, yes, but it’s also a scene I think about often. Even though they were spending time together, they must have had such interesting things to talk about afterward: what Hugh read about or what Julia saw while watching kids play. Whether you read the same book separately or read at the same time to “spend time together without actually spending time together,” à la Hugh and Julia, reading stimulates meaningful conversation and a deeper bond.
    Especially if you’ve been quarantined together with nothing to talk about except for which Netflix show to watch next, the novel you’ve been dying to read or your partner’s favorite book from college will form a closer connection and create exciting conversation. Bonus: it’s way easier to get the book club together when it’s just you and your significant other.

    Source: @missenocha

    8. Have a check-in
    While it may sound cheesy, couples who have regular check-ins are typically more in-tune and better at communicating. Think about it: you have a check-up with your doctor to keep your body healthy, so you need a check-in with your significant other to keep your relationship healthy. Schedule a time where you’re both free from work or the kids are occupied, and check in with how the other is feeling with different aspects of the relationship. Cover topics like workload and housework (and whether or not you feel like they’re being equally shared), if you’re satisfied with how the other one is expressing love languages, and one thing the other person can do this week to make you feel more loved in your relationship or happy in your life. 

    9. Apologize before you “need” to
    I have a lot of personal problems with the classic romance film, Love Story, #1 being that no, love does not mean never having to say you’re sorry. Love means saying you’re sorry a lot because you care about your loved one’s feelings more than you care about being right. FYI, apologizing whole-heartedly means acknowledging the other person’s feelings, taking ownership, and then offering a solution to ensure you’ll never do it again (yes, I do remind my boyfriend quite often that this is what an apology is supposed to look like). To make your relationship healthier by the end of the week (it’s that effective!), apologize whole-heartedly before you even need to, meaning before your partner is looking for an apology.
    Think of ways you recently could have been a better partner but fell short. Say, “I’m sorry I haven’t done my fair share of the chores this week,” or “I’m sorry I haven’t been a good listener lately.” Even if your significant other has not acknowledged it, let them know that you’re prioritizing their feelings without them asking. Bringing “I’m sorry” into more than just arguments will strengthen your bond because not only will you start noticing what your significant other needs before they have to ask (or fight), but it will allow your partner to feel seen, appreciated, and cared for. 

    10. Celebrate something
    Even if there’s not an anniversary or birthday coming up, your relationship deserves a good celebration (2020 is almost over–need I say more?). Relationships can feel mundane when you’re going through everyday routines without stopping to acknowledge where you are or how far you have come. Take some time this week to celebrate a work promotion, a monthiversary like you used to do back in the day (double points for #1), or just to celebrate your lives together. No matter your reason, popping some champagne, cooking your favorite meal, or making a normal night feel special will help you feel gratitude for the person you get to celebrate life with. Cheers! 

    What do you do to keep your relationship healthy? More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The new Dubai-based Instagrammable cafe that’s all about avocados

    With the love for avocados increasing year after year due to the food’s ample health benefits and delicious taste, the fruit has become a staple in almost every dish.
    Dubai now has its very own café – with all things avocado. From burger buns to smoothies, this special ingredient is a part of every dish in a unique format adding its own flair.

    Say hello to Avocadolicious which has now opened its doors in Umm Sequim, next to Kite beach, with fun and innovative dishes including popsicles.

    The hero ingredient, which is sometimes known as alligator pear, comes in all shapes and sizes in this region, be it a savoury snack or a dessert.
    Starting from a humble abode in Global Village as a kiosk, the concept quickly gained popularity and a café this year was born, making it a home-grown concept.
    After seeing the vast popularity of avocado cafes in cities such as New York, the same theme was started to bring the same joy to the people of this emirate.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Instagram @avocadolicious More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    10 Email Mistakes You Should Always Avoid

    One of the most important career lessons we can learn is that work is not synonymous with email. Treating email like the tool that it is rather than making it the end-all, be-all is essential to bring some sanity to our days. For many of us now living in this always-on virtual work world, our inboxes can feel like they run our lives. If you’re making these email mistakes, now is a good time to reset.
    1. The “reply-all” catastrophe
    There is no horror like the horror of a reply-all fail. Whether it was your error or you are bearing witness to someone’s quick trigger finger failure, it’s painful. If at all possible, train yourself out of any reply-all habit. Make a single reply your general default, and anytime you are inclined to reply to a group, ask yourself, “Does everyone on this note really need to take action or be immediately informed of this development?” The answer is almost always no.

    2. Unclear takeaways
    Email is an enabler, not a task unto itself. With that in mind, try to stay disciplined and not fire off emails without a clear call to action. Do recipients need to schedule a meeting? Make a decision? Act on a client need? As you would any other compelling communication, close your email with the exact action item you need from someone, using their name, what you’re expecting, and by when. “Amy, Could you be sure to call the client with this update before 5pm tomorrow and let me know their response?”

    3. Super long emails
    In the same way that many meetings “could have been an email,” sometimes we find ourselves in an email chain that a quick call or huddle could fix. If you find yourself three or four replies into a group conversation, suggest cutting the thread short and putting everyone on the phone for a “huddle.” Use the time to drive toward decisions or clarity, and keep it 15 minutes tops.

    4. Getting the tone wrong
    Being too formal or too casual can blow up an email. As a rule of thumb, the less you’ve worked directly with a person, the more you should have a formal and professional email approach. Seniority also still matters here. Your manager’s boss, or others up in the organization should get your best foot forward on an email, even if it is a quick ask. It’s also important to bring a little humanity to your emails as your relationship with people grows over time. “Hope you had a good weekend!” can go far with a closer colleague when you’re firing off a note over an early Monday morning need.

    5. Not sleeping on it
    If there’s a shred of controversy in your note and you don’t need to send it immediately, sleep on it. I have yet to meet an email that I haven’t made better by giving it another 18 hours to think through. Even if you’re not actively crafting a new note, you’ve stepped away from a possibly heated response or complicated question, and your subconscious will come back to it with a better version.

    6. Misusing BCC
    BCC is a tricky beast. There’s definitely a shred of embarrassment when a recipient realizes they weren’t in actual copy, but responds to a larger note. Be really thoughtful about your motivations for using it. If you’re trying to keep a message private, a forward with a caveated note may be better. Another smart way to use BCC is to call attention to moving people into the BCC line and announce the gesture. “While we go back and forth on meeting details, dropping Sarah and John to BCC to spare their inboxes! We’ll come back with a final plan.”

    7. Leaving the subject line static
    Especially after vacation, piles of responses tied to the same subject line is dreadful. (The cleanup feature in Microsoft can help.) However, it’s always such a joy when you’ve found a note where someone has gone to the trouble of amending the subject. Did you add an attachment? “With Meeting Notes” gets added to the subject line. Is someone giving a new perspective? “Including Audit Team for Comment.” These little nuggets are also my own useful trail for finding where ideas diverge in a mountain of sent emails.

    8. Being unaware of time zones and holidays
    One of the most thoughtful signature blocks I’ve ever seen included the line “I’m sending this email because it suits me and my time zone. I do not expect responses outside of your normal working hours unless expressly indicated.” In our especially global world, it can be hard to stay on top of people’s respective time zones, relocations, and personal holidays. Adding an indication that you know they may be otherwise occupied and clearly stating your timelines is both professional and courteous.

    9. Being the first one to reply
    There are definitely moments where you’re the best one to jump in with an addition or reply. However, most of the time, sparing yourself as the first response pays dividends. First, if we truly run our workday like email is not our job, you shouldn’t be in your email all day. That means that realistically, hours could go by before you get to an email. Try testing the waters in a small way here if holding off on responses feels uncomfortable. Start with notes where you’re in a group of respondents. You may find it surprising to see how self-sufficient people are, or how effectively a conversation advances without you needing to jump in.

    10. Rushing the send
    “Rushing the send” is the sister of being the first to reply. Slow. Down. All of us are going a million miles an hour these days, but taking that extra few minutes to edit something is hugely beneficial. Are all the right people on this email? Does it have a clear, actionable purpose? Is it as long as it needs to be, but as short as it can be? Giving yourself a little personalized email checklist before you hit send can sharpen your communication skills and your professional profile. More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Saudi Arabia makes its first recruitment of an all-female paramedic team

    In recent years, there have been a myriad of positive changes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia giving women more rights in the country than ever before.
    From women now being allowed to drive, travel without a guardian and appointing women to positions that had previously been reserved for men, such as Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar being appointed the first female Saudi ambassador to the USA.

    Back in September, a light was shined on one of the very first female ambulance drivers in the Kingdom, and now, two months on, a major hospital in the country’s capital has appointed its first all-female paramedics’ team.

    في خطوة غير مسبوقة…مجموعة د.سليمان الحبيب توظف فريق إسعافي نسائي من السعوديات.#مجموعة_د_سليمان_الحبيب_الطبية pic.twitter.com/akm4Qh4zby
    — مجموعة د.سليمان الحبيب الطبية (@HMG) November 1, 2020

    The hospital in Riyadh, run by Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, announced the exciting news on Twitter, sharing a photo of the all-female team who will be specialising in emergency departments in Saudi Arabia.
    “In an unprecedented qualitative step, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group has recruited Saudi paramedics at the first female field medical team specialised in emergency departments, as they will work alongside the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to provide emergency services for emergency cases and transport patients through ambulances around the clock, under the supervision of the Tele Emergency Center (TEC) for the emergency departments of the group,” the medical group said in a statement.
    The changes are part of the many initiatives under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 scheme, an ambitious post-oil economic plan, which has a major focus on women’s rights in the Kingdom.
    Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince unveiled in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018 and he has gone on to do much more.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Twitter More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Bella Hadid shares her pride for her Palestinian heritage in a meaningful post

    Bella Hadid often shows how proud she is of her Palestinian heritage, which is where her father, Mohamed Hadid, was born.
    To mark his birthday, the model shared a heartfelt Instagram post about her father, as well as paying tribute to her Palestinian heritage, sharing a series of photos with her dad.

    “Happy birthday to my baba,” she said. “I always loved to be with you.”

    The supermodel also shared a photo of herself with Mohamed, 72, in the kitchen, reflecting on her Palestinian roots and cooking with her father
    “I love learning how to cook Palestinian food with you,” she said. “Thank you for teaching me about our culture. I love Palestine and you so much.
    “Your roots will forever be intertwined within our family line. It’s my favourite part about us.”
    Earlier this year the 24-year-old opened up about how proud she was to have Palestinian roots, but the post was subsequently removed from Instagram for supposedly “violating their community guidelines”.

    However, the social media platform realised this was a mistake admitting the “content shouldn’t have been removed” and also apologised to the supermodel for the mistake.
    More recently, Mohamed reflected on his childhood hardships having to flee his home country when he was just a baby, and becoming a refugee along with his other family members.
    Sharing a picture from his younger years, the property tycoon explained that he doesn’t have “a single picture of me [as] when I was a baby I was just about 9 days old when I and my family were refugees to the refugee camps in Syria from Palestine”.
    He shared his thanks to Syria, Lebanon and Tunisia and most of all Jordan, where he and his family received Jordanian citizenship many years ago.
    He also shared his gratitude for being able to relocate to the USA with his family.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Bella Hadid Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The UAE-based restaurant hiring those made redundant by the pandemic

    While the world of work has profoundly been impacted by the novel coronavirus this year, the UAE community is standing together with their little acts of kindness to share moments of positivity in the country.
    While recruiting amid the pandemic can be quite tricky, Spice Grill located in Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah opened its doors on October 24 becoming a ray of hope by stepping in, by hiring those that have been specifically made redundant due to COVID-19.

    Discussing the selfless move to help people get back on their feet, owners Christine Caringal-Melad and Lourds Adalia-Evertse explained they wanted to “set an example and lead an initiative to other business owners”.
    “The UAE has done a great job on protecting and prioritising our safety during this pandemic,” they explained. “As a genuine gesture of giving back to the community, let’s prioritise employing those who lost their jobs.”

    With a seating area of 300 diners both indoors and outdoors, the newly-opened restaurant has already hired around 17 competent candidates and wants to provide more opportunities for more people in the future
    Emirates Woman recently sat down with owners Caringal-Melad and Adalia-Evertse, founders of Spice Grill, to see how they are managing to give back to the community during these trying times.

    What are the key challenges that you faced while opening this year?
    COVID-19 has pushed back all of our plans, we were supposed to open our restaurant in April but it was delayed to October 2020. All came to standstill due to pandemic and we heavily experienced challenges such movement restrictions in the UAE due to lockdown and we had to pause construction that led to a further delay in opening. Not to mention the fear if we will be able to pick up since F&B is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic.
    Have you noticed a growing trend in deliveries amid the pandemic?
    Yes, as most people are frightened and reluctant to go out. This resulted in increased home delivery demand. However, despite the sudden change in F&B demand pattern, it is of human behaviour that we see the need of having to socialise with others provided that safety precaution measures are in place which is the number one priority across not just the food industry but all establishments and individuals.
    How many staff members have you hired so far and how many do you wish to do so in the foreseeable future?
    We currently have 17 team members and we are aiming to hire the next batch of skilled individuals giving preference to those who were affected by COVID-19. We are optimistic that we will be able to do this once the restaurant becomes busy given that we are already approaching nice weather in the gulf.
    Around how many applications were received when you made the announcement of hiring?
    We interviewed around 200 applicants during the hiring process. We have carefully selected those who have qualities, skills and good attitude to be part of Spice Grill family.
    It’s a really special move you’ve made – what was the driving force behind helping those who have been made redundant?
    We ourselves have been affected by the pandemic too. During our earlier discussions, we thought of things on how we can make a difference despite these trying times. We have genuinely prioritized those applicants who lost their jobs and give hope to people during this pandemic.

    What has been the reaction from staff members you have hired and from the clientele you have attracted since opening?
    All our team members who had almost lost hope when they got redundant felt so blessed and thankful that they have found new jobs to support their families back home.
    As from our clientele’s point of view, they were truly moved and touched by our story, and the word of mouth is spreading. It has always been our values that in these simple ways, we have managed to make a difference and gave hope during this crisis.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More