Raphael Stevens

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    in beauty and fashion

    12 Trends LA Girls Are Wearing While Staying At Home This Summer

    If there’s any city to look to for style inspo when you’ve been wearing leggings and a T-shirt for the past five months, it’s Los Angeles. Of course, it is the city that is home to every Kardashian and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast, but it’s also the city that has nailed the effortless-but-trendy and relaxed vibe that’s so iconic to southern California. There’s no vibe better when you cannot be bothered to wear pants, but you’re tired of having both nighttime and daytime pajamas. Here are 12 trends that the ladies of Los Angeles are wearing, even while staying at home this season:
    1. Boyfriend Bermuda Shorts

    Sorry Daisy Duke: while short shorts will always be a staple in our summer wardrobes, the it-denim of summer 2020 is knee-length, distressed, and slightly baggy. It’s like mom jeans, except warm-weather appropriate. Wear yours with a fitted tank to balance out the bagginess, or a feminine floral to make them more fashion-forward than grungy. 

    2. Silky Pieces

    By now, you’re probably over your sweatsuits and basic tees, and you need something a little lighter than fleece or cashmere. The fix? Silky pieces that look as luxe on Instagram or Zoom calls as they are comfortable to lounge in all day. There’s a reason it was a go-to for Elizabeth Taylor: wearing silk is the next best thing to wearing nothing at all. 

    3. Neon Colors

    Summer is always the season where we pull out our brightest colors, but this summer, we need an even brighter boost. Neons are no longer just for accessories or details; LA girls are doing bright colors from head to toe. Think citrus shades, neon accents, and electric combos. 

    4. Ribbed Dress

    Call it the athleisure trend or call it the stay-at-home order, but everybody is wearing ribbed. The ribbed tank took over our Instagram feeds, ribbed knit became the unofficial hero of 2020, and now, the comfy fabric has made its way into our summer wardrobe with easy, breezy, fitted dresses. 

    5. Pajama Sets

    For all of you Everygirls that could never get enough of a good pajama set, good news: they’re still going strong. Trade your flannel for more stylish and seasonal fabrics like jersey, cotton, or linen. Oh, and if you really want to do PJs like an LA girl? Pair with your favorite bling (no one would ever guess that you woke up like this). 

    6. Head-to-Toe White

    Fashion bloggers and style stars are so obsessed with white this season, I’m predicting the all-white trend will extend past Labor Day (screw the rules!). Try mixing off-white or cream with stark white, or wearing all of your coziest white pieces at once (trust me, it’s a fool-proof formula). 

    7. A Puff-Sleeved Blouse

    Even if your version of “getting dressed” meant joggers and a T-shirt for the past five months, it’s never a little too late to spruce up your work-from-home (or grocery-shopping) uniform with an of-the-moment trend. Trade your typical tee for a puffed-sleeve version, and you’re Instagram-ready. 

    8. Feminine Florals

    Florals? For spring (I mean, summer)? Groundbreaking. Miranda Priestly may not think it’s revolutionary, but women in LA are still rocking summer’s favorite print from the comfort of their own home. Luckily for us, floral prints are as pretty, bright, and comfortable as ever.

    9. One-Shoulder Dress

    OK, so what do you wear when you want to look like you have your sh*t together up top (like say, for a Zoom meeting), but can’t be bothered to be anything but comfortable on the bottom? That’s right: a flowy, one-shoulder dress. Plus, you’ll look hella chic when hosting your friends for a socially-distanced barbecue. 

    10. Shoulder Pads

    The ’80s are back, but this time they’re way more practical. A relaxed tee with a shoulder pad has been worn by so many it-girls, it’s basically the item of the season. Of course, that’s wonderfully convenient since it’s just as comfortable as the old camp T-shirt you’ve been wearing for days now (yep, I see you). 

    11. Knotted detail

    When in doubt, make a knot. No, that’s not a sailor’s motto; it’s wardrobe advice (OK, yeah, that was cheesy). Fashion girls everywhere are knotting their tops (and skirts!) to add more interesting detail to an otherwise simple outfit. Buy a knotted top or tie your favorite loose T-shirt or button-up. 

    12. Printed Bike Shorts

    What can’t bike shorts do? Not only are they extremely versatile and one of our favorite items to work out in, but they’re officially a wardrobe staple outside of the gym (or you know, the yoga mat on your living room floor). Dress up a printed version with a basic tee and ladylike accessories. 

    What’s your favorite of-the-moment trend to wear at home? More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    5 Things to Remember If You’re Working Remotely Right Now

    Months ago, millions of us packed up whatever gear we could grab from the office, went home, and, overnight, began life as remote workers. From taking regular breaks to sticking to a schedule to establishing a dedicated workspace, there are plenty of strategies for making working from home work. But there’s a huge difference between choosing to go remote and being forced to do so during an emergency. As remote work becomes more of a long-term or even permanent situation for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, what can we do to prevent burnout? We got experts to give us their best tips, advice, and things to keep in mind.
    1. Take the plunge and invest in a more comfortable set-up
    If you’ve spent the last few months hunched over the kitchen table or curled up on the couch, avoiding investing in home office gear in hopes you’d get back to the real office soon, it might be time to reconsider. Even after just a short time, your body may be feeling the effects (stiff neck, back, and shoulders, anyone?). “The ergonomics of home offices are absolutely horrible,” according to Laurel Farrer, founder of the Remote Work Association. “There are hundreds of rules that go into keeping us healthy and safe at [on-site] work, from which watt of the lightbulb is used, to the length of carpet and how high desks are. When we go home, we don’t know what those are or that we should be implementing them,” potentially putting our health at risk. 
    Farrer, who also runs Distribute Consulting from her home in Connecticut, said it can be liberating to realize that we don’t need a lot of office odds and ends we thought we did, from stodgy office furniture to giant file cabinets. But making sure your pared-down remote set-up supports your well-being is still critical (see how yours measures up with this checklist from the National Institutes of Health). And you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot to feel better. “Small, simple, and cheap changes,” she said, like putting your laptop on top of a box (to raise it closer to eye level) or simply standing up more, can make a real difference. If you are ready to invest, though, Farrer suggested a riser or standing desk of some sort for your laptop, plus a real keyboard and mouse. Some fun extras? Arranging a good video call backdrop, and buying a good microphone and ring light, “things we’ve never thought about before” that can make video meetings look way more professional.

    2. Continue to reinforce boundaries, but remember to (virtually) socialize 
    “You wouldn’t barge into someone’s office and expect them to drop everything they are doing for you,” a teammate once told Julie Chabin, who heads product design at Product Hunt and YourStack remotely from Paris. It’s the same with remote work. In the virtual workplace, with requests cascading in through email, instant messages, and calls, “it’s OK to say ‘thank you, I’ll take a look at this after I’m done with my current task,’ when you get a notification,” advised Chabin, who has worked remotely for five years. 
    That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t connect with colleagues. It just has to be more intentional, said Daisy Chang, professor of organizational psychology at Michigan State University. Though she misses walking down the hall to chat with colleagues and checking in with her graduate students in person, her department, like all newly remote teams, have to carve out time to “talk to each other, exchange ideas, maintain social connection” and get support virtually. From scheduling chats to more formal ways of getting on the same page, like syncing digital calendars to focus on a project at the same time, Chang said it’s important, especially for people who particularly crave in-person connection, “to find ways to inject that back into their work life.”

    3. Over-communicate and be proactive 
    A lot can get lost virtually, especially when the shift happens abruptly, so it’s important to be super clear when discussing a project, idea, or request with coworkers. “In remote work, over-communication is just communication,” said Farrer. Even if it feels like you’re talking a ton and over-explaining, keep at it. “That’s how you stay connected.”
    Chang, who recently conducted a study on the hasty transition from in-person to working at home and some of the unique challenges that workers face in the COVID-19 context, agreed it’s harder to communicate effectively. But the self-described optimist said she actually sees this as an opportunity to be clearer. Being apart could force us to be more thoughtful and challenge us to consider a problem more deeply before crafting an email or speaking up on a call, rather than throwing out a half-baked idea in passing.
    Something both Chang and Farrer agree on is the need to be proactive, especially if a new colleague joins virtually or you’re the newbie yourself. Managers and companies should ideally be providing training and channels to get to know people, but some are still playing catch-up with the remote situation, too. In the meantime, “we really have to rely on ourselves,” said Farrer, whether that’s mustering the courage to hit “send” on an email to a potential mentor or simply scheduling a virtual coffee chat with someone you don’t know well. 

    4. Mix things up 
    Hated your hours or dress code? More productive in the early mornings? One benefit to remote work is that, on your own turf, there are opportunities to make your job work better for you. “We all sort of fall into a routine, something that’s comfortable, but it doesn’t hurt to learn new habits or change it up,” said Chang, who also suggested sharing what worked or didn’t with coworkers, from blocking out mornings for focused work to changing up your online hours. 
    After all, Farrer said, “you don’t have your employer sitting next to you telling you what to do,” so it’s important to work on being more self-reliant when it comes to getting things done and how you do them. Employees (even those with amazing supervisors) have to “take initiative to be their own boss for a little while,” making calls about what works for them.  

    5. Embrace kindness and vulnerability 
    It’s time for us to get real at work—at least a little bit. While keeping things professional is paramount, it’s important to recognize that everyone has their own struggles and personal demands, especially now. “The reality of working from home is it’s not all sunshine and rainbows all the time,” Farrer said, even in normal times. Being yourself and being open “is how you create a sense of culture in a remote team.” (In fact, Chang said, a number of studies show that being allowed to be your authentic self at work may lead to higher performance and engagement while feeling inauthentic at work can lead to burnout). 
    In other words, your coworkers are your coworkers, but we’re all human. “It’s essential to care about people, genuinely. Ask them how they are doing, let them be people, not just colleagues or clients,” Chabin said. “As we’ve seen with this global pandemic, we all have families, pets, children… it’s okay to have candid conversations.” And if you’re a freelancer or solo business owner, it may be helpful to find people in your field to reach out to for that same sort of support. 
    If you’re not ready to open up or your company’s culture doesn’t allow for it, acts of kindness can go a long way virtually. Whether that’s shouting out someone’s success with a client, or recognizing a birthday or work milestone, Chabin suggested, these simple acts still go a long way toward building trust. Extend those kindnesses to yourself—this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone (even remote work experts, Farrer said, were struggling at the beginning of the pandemic). If self-care has slipped as the months have gone on, recommit to claiming those extra hours you spent commuting as personal time, Chabin emphasized, whether that’s reading a book, working out, going for a walk, chatting with family or trying out a 15-step skincare routine. 

    If you’re struggling with remote life or feeling burnout creep in, above all, it’s important to remember: “This is not working remotely,” Farrer said, “this is trying to maintain economic and business continuity during a global crisis.” More

  • 138 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    5 interior tips we’re taking away from Gigi Hadid’s revamped home

    Gigi Hadid tends to keep her personal life mostly private, especially now she is expecting her first child with singer Zayn Malik, but over the weekend she couldn’t help but share her revamped New York apartment.
    The model took to Instagram to showcase her brightly coloured Manhattan home, and her eclectic interior eye surprised even us. There seems to be elements of bohemia as well as references to her Middle Eastern background – especially seen in the lounge area that features relaxed seating in various colours of velvet.

    Eccentric rugs (particularly on the staircase) could also be paying tribute to her Palestinian roots, while rustic dining room setting and colourful pasta-facade cabinets have an Italian riviera feel.

    Quirky touches continues to be dotted throughout her spacious home. The guest bathroom wall is covered in retro New Yorker covers; there is a mustard yellow vintage-inspired parlour chair in what appears to be a dressing room; and we spotted plenty of colourful wall art throughout.
    She took a minimal approach to what could be the master bedroom and master bathroom, playing with neutral tones, mood lighting, mixture of wood, marble and metal to create a calming yet edgy space.
    We didn’t get a glimpse of the potential baby room but we are sure Hadid is nesting in style.
    Feeling inspired? Here are five great takeways that you can implement in your home now.
    Pasta can be a form of decorative art, mix shapes and colours
     
    Bathroom reading takes on a whole new meaning. Try collating your favourite magazine covers (Emirates Woman has plenty of worthy covers to stick up)

    Jazz up your staircase with a colourful runner, it will make getting your steps in for the day a lot more fun

    A wooden bedframe allows you to bring a bit of nature to your space of rest. Add bright wall décor but keep the bed linen neutral
     
    There’s nothing like a full size mirror to make you bathroom feel even bigger than it is. Wide countertops also provide extra storage

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

  • 113 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    A 5-star all inclusive staycation deal you can’t miss

    We know that summer in Dubai sometimes feels like a long hot drag, but that’s only because we forget how to make the most of it.
    The buzzing city is packed with some of the top hotels in the world, giving you a chance to live your best VIP lifestyle without having to get on a plane. This is also the time where properties from Dubai Downtown to Bluwaters Island start launching some of the best staycation deals and we have just come across another gem.

    Dukes The Palm has introduced the new All-Inclusive promotion with rates starting from Dhs799 for two adults per night. It includes stylish rooms with Palm views, gourmet breakfast in the all-day dining Great British Restaurant, as well as a three-course set menu lunch and dinner at West 14th Steakhouse.

    In addition there is private pristine beach, infinity pool and a lazy river to make you feel rejuvenated and most importantly, relaxed.

    Across the weekend you have the choice of Khyber for dinner, as well as an unlimited selection of house beverages served during meals to make your weekend feel like a true celebration.
    The offer is available until September 30 and note that for Eid al-Adha there is a Dhs200 Supplement charge per room per night. Prices start at Dhs799 for a Deluxe Room for two adults; Dhs999 for Superior Room for two adults and one child ; Dhs1199 for a Premium Room for two adults and two children (under 12 years old).

    For reservations contact + 971 (0) 4 455 1111 or email at reservations.dubai@dukeshotel.com
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 188 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    I’m Not a Morning Person—This Is the Evening Routine That Helps Me Keep It Together

    If you were to ask any of my friends about me, I’d like to think that they’d have a lot of nice things to say. They might describe me as friendly, laid-back, and down for a good time. They may mention that I am in a committed relationship with McDonald’s chicken nuggets. They might label me as a “good listener” or a “good friend.” They might give accolades to my ability to send highly relatable memes to their DMs at any point in the day. One thing they most definitely wouldn’t say about me? That I am a morning person.I have a reputation amongst my friends and family to prioritize sleeping in over most things in life. I have an affinity for hitting my snooze button anywhere from four to nine times a morning (I wish that was an exaggeration). If you speak to me before my morning coffee, there’s a 99 percent chance that what you said did not register. No matter how many tips and tricks that I’ve tried in my efforts to become a morning person, I just can’t hang before 10am. At this point, I’ve come to accept who I am: a night owl who would rather get shit done in the evening than during the morning. 
    PSA: You don’t have to be a morning person to live a healthy, productive life. I’ve felt guilty for “failing” at morning routines for far too long, but after curating an evening routine that fits my peak energy time and makes me feel like a superhero, I’d like to argue that night owls are just as badass as the humans who work out, clean, meal prep, meditate, and do a 57-step skincare routine before they log on for work. The early bird gets the worm, but the worm that sleeps in doesn’t get eaten, am I right?
    Here are the eight habits that have made my evenings productive and have helped me to embrace the fact that I am, in fact, a night owl:

    1. Work out right after work
    I truly cannot count the number of times that I’ve set my alarm two hours early to workout and decided, in the early hours of the morning, that REM sleep is cooler than squats. I’ve found that, as with most things, my workouts are most productive after a workday when I’ve used the day to hydrate and I’ve consumed at least two meals. While the idea of a late-night workout excites me, I try to exercise before dinner so that it’s easier for me to wind down afterward. Right now, I’ll do an at-home workout or go for a one to three-mile run, and I’ll opt to work out outside so that I can get some fresh air.

    2. Listen to a podcast while cooking dinner
    I used to hate cooking until stay-at-home orders hit. When I realized that I simply could not afford using Grubhub or Doordash every night, I bought Tieghan Gerard’s Half Baked Harvest Super Simple Cookbook to turn my life around. For dinner, I grab my fav glass of vino, pick a recipe to whip up, and listen to my favorite podcast. Typically I’ll opt for a recipe that I can cook for one and save for dinner for the next few days. Dinner: done. Meal prep: done. Getting the pop culture tea: done.

    3. Tidy up my living space
    The dinnertime productivity hack that absolutely changed my life is making an effort to clean up my kitchen messes as I’m cooking. It sounds so simple, but as we all have experienced at one point or another, there’s nothing worse than staring at dirty cookware and dishes after eating and slipping into a food coma. Tidying up as I go makes doing the remaining dishes after dinner so much more tolerable. After rinsing my remaining dishes and popping them into the dishwasher, I do a quick tidy-up of the rest of my living space (I save deep cleaning for the weekend when I have more time to do that sort of thing).

    4. Take a relaxing bath
    Why has it taken me so long to get on board with taking baths? My bath time is my me time, and those 30 minutes help me to wind down after power cleaning. Am I sweating from bending over to pick up all of my clutter from my last outfit crisis? Probably. Should I get that checked out by a doctor or, at the very least, up my cardio game? Also, probably. While I’m soaking, I like to call a friend, read an excerpt from my latest and greatest book obsession, or catch up on my IG feed. I light my favorite candle, dim the lights, and play some Mumford & Sons radio to set the mood.

    5. Plan out tomorrow’s outfit
    Somewhere along the way on my journey from third grade to adulthood, I lost sight of the easiest and most rewarding task of all—laying out tomorrow’s outfit. If and when I snooze my alarm and subsequently oversleep, I need all of the extra time that I can get.Enduring an 8am clothes crisis and settling on an outfit that I feel *blah* in is not the move. In my pursuit to work from home and not lose my mind, I’ve found it helpful to make sure that I’m changing out of my morning pajamas into something cute and casual to signal to my brain that it’s time to get to work.

    6. Prep my morning coffee
    Of all the responsibilities that are knocking on my door at the time of my alarm interrupting my dreams of being married to Zac Efron, my highest priority of all is coffee. I like to streamline my coffee routine ahead of time so that everything is neatly out and ready for me to get espresso in my body as soon as humanely possible. At night, I’ll pop my Nespresso capsule into my Nespresso machine, make sure that the water is filled to the brim, and line up my mixings (oat milk, vanilla, and cinnamon) for easy morning access. 

    6. Make a to-do list for tomorrow
    I am forever an offender of adding things to my to-do list that I’ve already completed so that I can give myself credit for completing tasks. After I’m squeaky clean and pick out my outfit for the morning, I make myself a herbal tea, I snuggle into bed, and reach for my journal that sits on my nightstand. My journal is my life and is a compilation of random article pitches that I think of at 4am, blurbs talking smack about someone who hurt my feelings, and to-do lists that somehow never fully get checked off. Regardless, making my to-do list helps me to focus in the simultaneous whirlwind and brain fog of the morning. I prioritize mindless tasks to be completed first to boost my confidence and schedule more tasking responsibilities for the afternoon when my productivity levels are highest.

    8. Do something that brings me joy
    I’ve been trying really hard to limit screen time before bed, so I’ve been opting for other blue-light-free activities that bring me joy to end the evening. On a normal day, I’ll turn off the lights with the exception of the faint glow of my bedside lamp, and I’ll either revisit my Kindle, journal about my day, or doodle until my eyelids become heavy. When I feel myself daydreaming then dazing, I know it’s time to call it a night. I set my typical morning alarms (yes, plural) and tuck myself in, knowing that I am leaving a productive day behind.

    Would you consider yourself a morning person or a night owl? When do you find that you’re your best, most productive self? More

  • 138 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    How 12 Experts Are Staying Their Healthiest While Staying at Home

    I don’t know about you, but since the stay-at-home order started months ago, I’ve been moving my body less and eating more frozen pizza than I have in years. Even though 2020 has looked a lot different than we all thought it would when making health goals back in January, the well-being of our bodies shouldn’t just be a priority when we can go to juice cafes and workout studios. In fact, prioritizing health might even be more important during a scary and uncertain time. For some much-needed inspo, I asked my favorite nutritionists, trainers, and wellness entrepreneurs how they’re taking care of their bodies while staying at home. 
    1. Les Alfred, Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Host of the Balanced Black Girl Podcast
    Source: @balancedles

    “While spending so much more time at home, mental health check-ins and daily exercise are non-negotiables. For my daily mental health check-in, I’ll spend some time journaling and reflecting on how I’m feeling. My emotions have ranged from optimistic and hopeful to lonely and unsure of what the future holds. Creating space to feel while honoring all of my feelings has been incredibly helpful. I also move my body every day. Some of my favorite ways to move at home include Sun Salutations each morning, short dumbbell or bodyweight workouts during my lunch break to keep my energy up for the afternoon, and early evening walks to relieve stress before winding down for the night.” 
    Listen to the Balanced Black Girl Podcast and follow her on Instagram here. 

    2. Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, Founder of The MWH Method
    Source: @melissawoodhealth

    “Prioritizing my practice of meditation and mindful movement is what keeps me sane through anything that comes my way. Even taking just two minutes to yourself makes such a massive impact toward shifting your mood. I do this through my method of movement to sculpt beautiful, long lean lines throughout the entire body through precise, low-impact movements.”
    Try a seven-day free trial of the MWH Method and follow her on Instagram here. 

    3. Berrion Berry, Period Educator and Founder of The Flo Academy
    Source: @berrionlberry

    “My hottest tip for staying healthy while safe at home is to focus on the breath. I do a three-minute breathwork exercise every morning, then again just after lunch, and again right as I end my day. I’ve found that it allows me to remain aligned and grounded. Breathwork is extremely helpful for managing both stress and anxiety. Oh, and the song I like to breathe to is called Deeper by Sion. The power of breath is so underrated, but I love it! And it helps with period pain too (can’t forget to mention that!).”
    Join The Flo Academy and follow her on Instagram here. 

    4. May Zhu, MBA, RD, LDN, and Founder of Nutrition Happens
    Source: @nutritionhappens

    “Maximize the benefits from the leafy greens you’re eating by rotating different varieties from week to week. This will add more nutrition diversity in terms of vitamins and minerals. For example, if you chose spinach this week, maybe go for arugula or chard the next. I love doing this because it also helps me get out of a kitchen rut when I feel uninspired. If there’s a leafy green you haven’t tried, now is a great time to try it in a new recipe. Also, I love walks on days when I’m feeling something more low impact. I’ll take a walk either before or after dinner to get fresh air. Several studies support that even 10 minutes of brisk walking can improve our moods.
    I’ve been working from home for a few years now, and I’m always working on work time boundaries. One thing that has helped me set up the post-work environment to transition out of the workday is to light a candle after I finish work to set the tone for the night. Lately, I love candles from The Koop New York and Dear Sunday Co, which are both Black-owned businesses that I adore!”
    Check out Nutrition Happens and follow her on Instagram here. 

    5. Valerie Agyeman, RD, Women’s Health Dietitian, and Founder of Flourish Heights
    Source: Flourish Heights

    “I’ve been stretching more! A few weeks ago, I realized I was sitting all day on a sofa or an office chair, which hasn’t been the best for my posture. So lately, I’ve been trying different stretches throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors. It helps keep my mind and body calm and at ease.”
    Check out Flourish Heights and follow her on Instagram here. 

    Source: @danielleduboise

    “I’m focused on enjoying the little things that make me happy, whether it’s spending time with my husband and daughter or taking some time to move my body every day (I’m currently obsessed with Fit Pregnancy Club online classes). I’ve also been trying to keep my routine as normal as possible by eating plenty of leafy greens and adding Sakara Beauty Water Drops to my water first thing every morning.”
    Shop Sakara, listen to The Sakara Life Podcast, and follow her on Instagram here. 

    Source: @whitneytingle

    “I’m using this extra time to focus on nourishing my body with Sakara meals 3-5 days a week and regularly eating my go-to snack, Sakara Detox Super Bars. I try to dedicate at least 20 minutes a day for some sort of movement, whether it’s taking a walk or doing an online class. I’ve been really into Melissa Wood Health and Caravan Wellness, and I just added The Bloom Method, which is for pregnant mamas. I also try to spend some time each day filling my brain with information that helps inspire me to be more creative. I’ve been loving podcasts like The Doctor’s Farmacy, On Being, Esther Perel, and the Goop Podcast.”
    Shop Sakara, listen to The Sakara Life Podcast, and follow her on Instagram here. 

    8. Ingrid S. Clay, Celebrity Fitness Trainer and Plant-Based Chef
    Source: @ingridsclay

    “I’ve been working out every day! I do 30 minutes of cardio on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. I also always tell clients to not buy junk food (so it’s not in the house) and to only eat when hungry.”
    Book a meal plan or class pack and follow her on Instagram here. 

    9. Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN, Nutritionist, Reiki Master, and Founder of Culinary Alchemy
    Source: Serena Loves

    “Stay super hydrated! Drink at least 75 percent of your weight in ounces of water. Hydration is key for your entire organ system to function optimally. Also, eat the rainbow; make sure your meals and snacks throughout the day include a variety of fresh, whole produce that spans the colors of the rainbow. By doing this, you are taking in a multitude of vitamins and minerals in the most bioavailable form. Always opt for nutrient-dense meals, smoothies, juices, or broth, packed with tons of vitamins, minerals, fiber and nutrients over anything that is processed.
    Finally, connect with nature. Talk a walk, sit in the sun, open up the windows, or play in the water if you are near the ocean or a lake. Take off your shoes and stand in the grass. Do a little gardening or water your plants. Do something every day that reminds you that there is something much greater than us, the earth is healing, and whatever is happening right now will heal and pass.”
    Book a nutrition program or reiki session, download a free E-book, and follow her on Instagram here. 

    10. Mona Dan, LAc., MTOM, Herbalist, Acupuncturist and Founder of Vie Healing

    “I sit outside under direct sunlight for at least 20-30 minutes. It gives me a chance to reset and relax but also sweat a little while soaking in some vitamin D. After that, I take a hot shower and gently scrub with bath salts. I also make sure to include fresh fruits and veggies in my meals to take in lots of vitamins and minerals to keep my immunity up.”
    Shop Vie Healing and follow her on Instagram here. 

    Source: @laurengores

    “I’ve been moving my body every day, which has proven to be the most incredible medicine for me, internally and externally. Some days I have time for an hour-long workout, and other days, it’s a 15-minute yoga flow with my toddler crawling on top of me. But it’s the movement that matters, and I think it’s been key to my health and well-being during this time. Also, I’ve been doing a lot of face masking with our Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask to make me look a lot less sleepy than I feel.”
    Shop Summer Fridays and follow her on Instagram here. 

    12. Sahara Rose, Ayurveda Consultant, Best-Selling Author, and Host of The Higher Self Podcast
    Source: @iamsahararose

    “Every day, I ask myself what I can do for my body, mind, and spirit. For my body, I love to do a barre workout followed by some yoga (especially hip openers since we are sitting so much more). For my mind, I love to read spiritual books and do some writing for my next book, Discover Your Dharma. For my spirit, I am obsessed with doing what I call “Goddess Breathwork,” which consists of deep inhales and exhales while doing cat-cows with your spine. It completely relaxes the body, so it’s easy to drop into a meditation! I feel so energized, refreshed, and in alignment with these practices. Often, I’ll break out into a spontaneous dance party because I feel so good!”
    Read Eat Feel Fresh, take the quiz to find your dosha, and follow her on Instagram here.

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    Sheikh Mohammed just helped us decide on a Dubai hotel to book this Eid

    Over the weekend, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai visited a luxury resort in the city, and now we know exactly where to spend the upcoming four-day break.

    You may have already checked out our Eid staycations edit but if you’re looking for another special spot to unwind like a Dubai royal, then the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira ticks many of the boxes.
    Let’s kick off with the fact that this weekend the beachfront resort is offering 15 per cent off their Best Available Rate for all nationals and residents of the UAE. With it being one the newest hotels in the city, all the 256 rooms and suites feel fresh and shiny (wait till you see the marble bathrooms) with many offering stunning views of the blue waters.
    In addition, it is home to some of the top restaurants in the city like Tasca from Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Jose Avillez – ideal for dinner. No stay is complete without a visit to the spa that offers some of the best treatments including a vitamin boost therapy courtesy of the neighbouring The Elixir Clinic. Make sure to arrive early for your treatment to take full advantage of whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms.

    On Friday we suggest booking in for Netsu brunch that is serving up some the best Japanese food in town including tiger prawns, lobster ceviche, grilled baby chicken and unique warayaki-style creations (dishes cooked on a straw fire grill) while the DJ brings an upbeat vibe to your weekend. Post-brunch you can chill at one of the five pools or walk it off on the pristine beach.
    Stringent health and safety measures are in place to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for guests, at all times.
    To book call 04 777 2222 or visit mandarinoriental.com/dubai
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Instagram, Supplied More

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    in beauty and fashion

    These Summer-Friendly Loungewear Sets Are Here to Cure Your Isolation Blues

    It is day 1,394,888(?) of quarantine and I am challenged to find the words for how I feel. “Stir-crazy” doesn’t seem to cut it. “Bummed” doesn’t do it justice. Truly, the only word I can use to bring light to my current emotional state is “blah.” In an attempt to add some *zest* to my life, I’m channeling the Tiger King period of isolation. You know, the part where we all emptied the grocery stores of yeast to make bread, questioned who killed Carole Baskin’s husband, downloaded Tik Tok after we promised ourselves we wouldn’t, and waited anxiously for our cozy, winter-friendly loungewear sets to arrive. I won’t say that I’m tired of my March-friendly lounge sets, but I will say this: summer is upon us and I am sweating. It’s humid as hell in Chicago and as much as I’d like to walk around naked at all times, I have windows and my across the street neighbors simply do not need to see that. My solution? Finding the cutest loungewear sets on the web that are hot-weather approved and cute AF. Read on to shop the summer-friendly sets I’m adding to my cart to bring joy back to my quarantine:

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