Raphael Stevens

More stories

  • 138 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim has been injured in the Beirut explosion

    After the devastating explosion that took place in Beirut, Lebanon, it’s been reported that over 100 people have now died, with an estimated 4,000 that were left injured.
    Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim was one of those left injured from the blast. The 36-year-old had to undergo a six-hour surgery, she confirmed in an Instagram post showcasing the devastation from the blast in her home.

    In the video she posted, debris is strewn across her living room.
    In the caption of the post, the former Miss Lebanon 2004 discussed how she managed to climb down 22 flights of stairs barefoot to safety. The actress also confirmed she underwent a six-hour surgery due to the injuries she sustained but is now recovering. Luckily, her children were not home with her and are safe and well, she added.

    Following the blast, videos began circulating around news channels as well as social media showing fire and smoke coming from the port area before the blast, which is followed by a mushroom cloud. The blast was said to be heard 240km away on the island of Cyprus.
    Authorities have blamed a supply of reactive chemical ammonium nitrate for the explosion.
    In order to help those who have been affected by the blast, click here to find out some of the ways you can help.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Lebanese Red Cross Instagram More

  • 138 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Here’s how you can help after the devastating explosion in Beirut

    Following the devastating explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday night, hospitals have been left overwhelmed, quickly reaching capacity with pleas for blood supplies.
    With the death toll reportedly rising above 100 and more than 4,000 people left wounded, there’s many needing to be treated in the country’s capital.

    However, according to CNN, in a press conference on Wednesday morning, Lebanon’s Health Minister Hamad Hassan said that four hospitals in Beirut have been left out of service due to damages from the blast.
    Videos have been circulating news channels as well as social media and show fire and smoke coming from the port area before the blast, which is followed by a mushroom cloud. The blast was said to be heard 240km away on the island of Cyprus. Authorities have blamed a supply of reactive chemical ammonium nitrate for the explosion.

    In order to help those who have been affected by the blast, here’s some ways you can help.
    Donate money to the Lebanese Red Cross
    Many fundraisers have been launched since the devastating blast, but the Lebanese Red Cross has issued a statement saying that any third party fundraisers set up in their name are not authorised and are not legal. To donate directly to the Lebanese Red Cross you can do so by their official website or app, or by sending a cheque or wire transfer.

    Donate blood
    An “urgent” plea for blood donations has been issued by the Lebanese Red Cross. If you’re based in the Beirut area and are safe, well and healthy there are open blood centres for people to donate in: Tripoli, Jounieh, Spears, Antelias, Zahle, Saida and Nabatieh.

    We will continue to update this as we hear more on ways to help.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Lebanese Red Cross Instagram More

  • 125 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    These Maldivian resorts are offering PCR exit screening in villas

    Leading tourist destinations and airlines are making significant efforts to encourage holidaymakers to book, and CROSSROADS Maldives – a multi-island destination in the Indian Ocean – is going the extra mile.
    With two of its fabulous resorts back up and running – SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – it has recently introduced PCR exit screening without having to travel out of the resorts and visit a testing facility.

    Thanks to its well-equipped clinic with a doctor and nurse based at The Marina at CROSSROADS, you can completely unwind knowing that you’ll have everything you need to safely return to Dubai. The test can be carried out at the clinic or in your villa and then will be sent to Male for analysis.

    Priced at $162 (approximately Dhs595) per person, reports will be received via email and delivered straight to your door.
    Right now, CROSSROADS Maldives is offering a ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ package, allowing you to purchase vouchers that can be redeemed any time before October 31 2021 – ideal for those who are still unsure of when they can travel. The package also includes a free night stay for each consecutive two nights booked.  Complimentary activities such as Sunrise Yoga, Coral Propagation Programme, Aqua gym and cocktail class are offered at SAii Lagoon Maldives.
    The Maldives lifted all COVID-19 travel restrictions on 15 July, requiring only a health declaration form from international travellers, without mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival.

    Since August 1 passengers coming into Dubai have to obtain a negative PCR test before flying. Test requirement is applied to anyone flying into Dubai, whether as a tourist, resident, or connecting passenger.
    Those coming from these 29 countries will need to have an additional test done upon landing in Dubai and self-isolate until they receive their results.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 138 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Kim Kardashian was ready to ‘end her marriage’ to Kanye West

    Kim Kardashian West is reportedly trying to “save” her marriage to Kanye West.
    Following West’s very public erratic behaviour with Kardashian having to make a statement about his bipolar disorder, the makeup mogul flew to Cody, Wyoming in the USA where the pair own a ranch together.

    According to People, the 39-year-old was ready to tell her husband “their marriage is over and to say goodbye”, but the publication reports that Kardashian has had a change of heart and is willing to give things a second go.
    “She feels like she did reach him on some levels during that trip,” a source told the magazine. “Before the trip, she was ready to end her marriage, but Kanye has been listening to her concerns.”

    As a result of listening to his wife, West has apparently “made some promises to her”. This prompted the 43-year-old rapper to reportedly suggest going on a family trip, with Kardashian “wanting to do everything she can to save her marriage”.

    However, there’s some “complicated” aspects the pair need to work through, including the rapper getting “proper help”.
    “Kim is just taking things day by day right now,” the source said. “She isn’t sure if their marriage can be saved, but she is willing to keep trying for their kids.”
    A couple of weeks ago, Kardashian took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
    “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
    She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
    The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.

    “He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a Black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bipolar disorder,” she said. “Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times [sic] do not align with his intentions.
    “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some. That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
    She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

  • 113 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Live concerts, weddings and events can resume in Dubai

    Let party dressing and vow-exchanging begin as the Dubai Government has announced that live concerts and events – such as weddings – can resume in the city.
    The good news comes after months of restrictions that have taken a significant financial toll on businesses such as event suppliers and organisers, and an emotional toll on those who have been preparing their dream nuptials for a year or more.

    But before you select on table décor and decide on whether to have a string trio or a live jazz band, be aware that there are certain guidelines in place to maintain the safety of all guests and concert-goers.
    All tickets should be purchased online, but the box office will operate with social distancing markings in place. Entry will be staggered and exiting will be done on row-by-row basis.

    Limited capacity will apply to indoor events in order to ensure a four metre radius around each individual. If it’s a seated concert, there will be two empty seats between each group or one individual, regardless of the ticket category.
    As with any indoor space, you have to wear a mask throughout while the performers can remove them as long as they are four metres away from the audience. If you’re off to a standing event, expect clear markings of where you should stand to keep a safe distance from others.
    For events of 25 people or more, venues must be sanitised every 30 minutes before the event kicks off. For smaller gatherings, the space should be cleaned every hour. All venues will be sanitised at the end of each day and after any event.
    As far as the food goes, pre-packaged selection is permitted as are buffets as long as social distancing is observed and the food is served by staff.
    Nightclubs are exempt from the latest update but in addition to weddings and concerts, the below list of events can also go ahead.
    Exhibitions – including tents
    Conferences
    Award ceremonies
    Graduation
    Indoor sports
    Product launches and brand sales
    Temporary structures
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, main image Victor & Rolf bridal More

  • 113 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Nancy Ajram postpones TikTok concert following explosion in Lebanon

    The Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram and TikTok have decided to postpone the concert following the tragic incident in Beirut.
    Her first ‘magical show’ was meant to take place on August 6 at 10pm (Dubai time) and was going to be live-streamed on the social network to fans across the world.

    “In light of the devastating explosions that took place in Beirut, TikTok expresses its deepest condolences to the Lebanese people and stands with them in solidarity during this difficult time,” reads the press release.

    The singer took to Twitter to share an emotional message, writing:  “O Lord, we have nobody but you … Lebanon.”
    With the death toll reportedly rising above 100 and more than 4,000 people left wounded, there’s many needing to be treated in the country’s capital.

    يا رب ما إلنا غيرك… لبنان💔
    — Nancy Ajram (@NancyAjram) August 4, 2020

    In order to support those who have been affected by the blast, here are some ways you can help.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Nancy Ajram Instagram More

  • 125 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    The TV Character I’m Basing My Entire Wardrobe Off Of

    As a 24-year-old, it’s been a while since ladies my age have had a true, pop-culture fashion icon. Most of the fictionally fabulous characters we’ve aspired to be have come from decades past—Carrie Bradshaw, Elle Woods, Rachel Green, Raven Baxter (may we never, ever forget that intro look). And when you take a step back and look at their similarities, they all had one thing in common: they wore whatever the hell they wanted.In my book, characters who rise to have a place in the proverbial Fashion Hall of Fame have a certain je ne sais quoi to their looks that make it feel like they took a quick look at their closet, threw things on without thinking much of it, and headed out the door. Of course this isn’t reality, but capturing the essence of effortless effort in eclectic outfits is something that’s inspiring, to say the least. And to my absolute relief, I think that the new icon of our generation is here: Astrid Sloan, played by Lucy Boynton in Netflix’s The Politican.

    Source: Netflix

    Last year, the show’s debut season was a hit straight out of the gate—no surprise considering its star-studded cast and uber-entertaining storyline of golden boy Payton Hobart (played by Ben Platt), who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his dream of becoming the President of the United States, but only after he becomes the president of his Santa Barbara high school.
    The fashion throughout the entire series is stellar without fail—from Georgina Hobart’s all-too-appropriate mumu collection to McAfee Westbrook’s never-ending series of impeccable pantsuits to Skye Leighton’s edgy looks paired with corresponding, colorful makeup. It’s all damn near perfect, and no character is an exception. But from the start, Astrid’s wardrobe made my heart skip a beat and gave me a newfound will to live—and really, how often can that be said?

    Source: Netflix

    Source: Netflix

    In Season 1, when she’s running against Payton for High School President, Astrid’s wardrobe is impeccably reminiscent of a modern Jackie O—full of high-cut blouses adorned with bows and paired with lots of pattern. They master a balance of peppiness and edginess by pairing classic silhouettes and tailoring with trendy accessories, at least one unexpected piece per outfit, and even an occasional faux-hawk. It’s a dream come true for a Californian cool-girl presidential candidate—but Season 2, when the series takes to New York, is when her style really shines. From the second she appears on-screen there (pictured below) her character’s transition is apparent through her edgy looks that have ditched all signs of prep.

    Source: Netflix

    eason 2 is filmed during a cooler season, so Astrid’s wardrobe veers away from the warm, California days she was dressed for in Season 1, and instead gives us the fall wardrobe of dreams: fur coats, texture, deep colors, and lots of leopard. All of her looks are the perfect example of mixing patterns and colors that, if went by the book, wouldn’t necessarily go together. By pairing things like hot pink with a pastel blue and leopard with a bright purple, every single look is interesting and unique—and the eclectic-ness of each is exactly what makes it feel so effortless. By being less cohesive and matchy-matchy, everything simultaneously looks both more fashionable and less planned.

    Source: Netflix

    Most streetwear and high-fashion looks have this same principle in common: they look randomly put together, but somehow cohesive. While Astrid’s wardrobe achieves this, it still feels done in a way that’s completely attainable, if only with a little more fearlessness when dressing. Her accessories are also a statement on their own, and when paired with outfits that are otherwise full of drama, they take them to another level.

    Source: Netflix

    Source: Netflix

    The Politician is set to have a third season, and while I can’t wait to see if, ahem, Payton takes Didi Standish’s offer (no spoilers here), I think I’m even more excited for what Astrid wears when the gang (hopefully) takes Washington. But for now, this fall, I’ll be snatching up a fur, knee-length, leopard coat and some acrylic heart earrings quicker than you can say, “Congratulations, Senator Hobart.”

    Source: Netflix More

  • 88 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    10 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Your Mood

    To say 2020 has been a hard year is the understatement of the decade, and we’re only about halfway through. Countless people around the world are facing fear, uncertainty, disappointment, and loneliness on a daily basis, and it’s important to know that if you’re having these feelings, you are not alone. On lower days, which can occur with or without a global pandemic, there are steps you can take to lift your spirits beyond just another glass of wine.We’ve rounded up 10 science-backed ways to help improve your mood when you’re feeling down. Some of these tips and tricks can lead to an instant boost, but others will help with lessening feelings of stress and anxiety longer term. So let’s get happy!

    1. Head outdoors
    I think we can all agree that staying cooped up indoors all day can lead to feeling anxious and unhappy. It comes as no surprise that a study by the University of Vermont found that those who lived in urban areas used happier words and were less negative on Twitter after a visit to a park than they were pre-visit. If you’re feeling down, try to get some fresh air and sunshine, even if that just means sitting on your patio for a little while.

    Source: Miss Enocha | @missenocha

    2. Walk the right way
    Since you’re planning on going outside anyways, try going for a nice stroll. A walk in the park can provide a mental boost, but when you’re on your walk, make sure you walk in a positive manner. Researchers found that walking as if you’re unhappy (slumped with little arm movement) can lead to experiencing a worse mood than if you walked in a happier style (upright and bouncing). Fake it and you will make it!

    3. Surround yourself with positive friends
    It would be unfair to expect your friends to look on the bright side all the time, but when you’re feeling down, spending time with a friend who tends to be more positive can be helpful. The University of Warwick found that you can pick up on the moods of your friends, and they can be somewhat contagious. Give your friend who tends to look on the bright side a call next time you need to gain some new perspective.

    Source: The Rustic Foodie

    4. Eat healthy
    While sticking to a healthy diet has more benefits than we can outline here, one we’ll focus on is the impact healthy food can have on your mood. After analyzing data from nearly 46,000 people, Dr Joseph Firth found that a healthy diet can lead to an improved mood and reduced depression symptoms. So for dinner tonight, try reaching for anything full of vitamins and antioxidants!

    5. Be a well wisher
    Take a note from that glass-half-full friend we were talking about earlier and be a positive influence in someone else’s life. Researchers at Iowa State University found that instead of trying to make ourselves feel better, we should focus on trying to make others feel better. They found that offering kindness to others can help reduce anxiety, improve happiness, and lead to stronger feelings of social connection. Send congratulatory cards when something good happens to a loved one, compliment a stranger’s shoes, or give a colleague a stellar recommendation on LinkedIn. These acts take just minutes, or even seconds to complete, and may lead to everyone feeling a bit happier.

    6. Move your body
    We can thank Elle Woods for this insightful gem, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” Exercise is good for both your physical and mental health and can decrease feelings of tension, improve sleep, increase self-esteem, give a sense of control, and elevate your mood. That’s a lot of benefits for a quick run or gym session a few days a week!

    7. Sleep On It
    So this one is a bit of a Catch-22. Stress and anxiety can lead to insomnia, which in turn can cause feelings of depression and irritability. But getting a good night’s sleep can help alleviate those feelings. As tempting as it may be to zone out in front of Netflix for a few hours after a rough day, try to hit the hay early. That way, if you have trouble sleeping, you can hopefully squeeze in a few extra hours.

    Source: Gian Cescon

    8. Discover your passion
    Remember hobbies? It feels like they’re becoming less and less common, but that shouldn’t be the case. Hobbies can be fun, mentally stimulating, and lead to feeling accomplished, confident, and happier. So give one a try! Don’t know where to start? Here are 21 hobbies you can try at home today.

    9. Find peace of mind
    You’ve heard it before, but let’s talk about it once again: meditating has ample health benefits worth considering. Meditating, like all of these suggestions, can’t eradicate the roots of stress, but it can help manage the effects stress and anxiety have on your body. Finding a meditation practice that helps you focus your attention inward can lead to a state of deep relaxation, increased focus, and fewer nervous thoughts. It can take time to find the right fit, so don’t feel discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of meditating. At the very least, setting aside 10 minutes a day to meditate will force you to focus on your breathing, which is also beneficial!

    10. Stimulate the senses
    Aromatherapy is famous for its mood-impacting abilities, so why not load up your diffuser with a relaxing scent? Or you can keep a handy rollerball blend of oils in your purse or at your desk for when you need a quick boost. Similar to scent, sound can also be impactful. Researchers at the University of Missouri found that upbeat music can positively affect our wellbeing, so crank up your favorite happy tunes and let the music do its thing! More