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      Quarter Life Crisis or Comparison Trap? What to Remember When You Feel Lost

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      Six years into a successful career in PR, with amazing friends and family and my sweet dog napping next to me, I have a lot to be grateful for. I have always been driven, and am proud to say I’ve worked my butt off to get where I am today — from my professional position to my Toronto apartment and my rescue pup, Moose.  That’s why I was pretty shocked to find myself on the eve of my 28th birthday in tears. Not happy tears. More along the lines of, “What the hell am I doing with my life?” tears. Granted, some of this could be credited to the bottle of rosé I’d just enjoyed with my boyfriend, or the fact that I was ovulating. But there was something else: in the weeks leading up to my birthday, it felt like all my single girlfriends had announced engagements; and my married ones, pregnancies. Never major priorities before, I found myself feeling frantic — career success and personal accomplishments aside — was I behind?
      The thing they don’t tell us about our late 20s is the way our lives will look vastly different from the friends we feel so close to — and how to navigate this free of comparison. I thought I was too smart for the comparison trap — Instagram and social norms be damned. Well, here I am, and I’m sure I’m not alone. If you too are the token career woman in your friend group, here are some of the things I’ve found really helpful to ground me in what is truly fulfilling at this time in my life:

      Try something new
      Not as in, trying on wedding gowns. Find a way to connect with other like-minded women in your community who may be experiencing similar uncertainties and anxieties. You will probably be surprised to find the number of female-focused workshops and networking events in your area that can really open doors — even if it’s just a door in your own mind. This may sound daunting, but I promise if you attend just one, you’ll be glad you went.

      Source: @sezane

      Reflect on a ritual that brings you joy
      Something that you only need yourself for. We tend to feel “too busy,” but time to truly unwind on your own can help declutter your mind and validate the things in life that truly matter. This can be as simple as making a coffee, doing a workout, or writing. Do something just for you, on a regular basis, that has no expected return or outcome. What you gain internally just might surprise you.

      Source: Retha Ferguson | Pexels

      Chuck the five year plan
      Goal-setting is second nature to us career-focused gals, but it may be time to hit pause. If you’re feeling the immediate pressure of “keeping up,” your detailed roadmap to 40 may be compounding that pressure. As someone who was admittedly measuring my self-worth by the way others perceived my success, this moment of comparison made me realize it was time to take a step back from my goals, whether personal, professional, or financial. This doesn’t mean you’re back to square one or that those goals will change. There is true value in taking time to think critically about what brings you true fulfillment each day, and letting those goals fall into place or adjust naturally according to that fulfillment.  
      Your late 20s are weird: you don’t feel young but you don’t feel old, everyone is officially on very different life paths, and you’re realizing all the complications your 6-year-old dreamy self didn’t know existed. You’re going to be just fine — be brave, and let your happiness look different from your friends. It’s worth it. More

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      Kylie is no longer the highest paid influencer in the world

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      Kylie Jenner is no longer the highest-paid Instagram influencer in the world.
      The makeup mogul has been knocked off the top spot by Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson and now ranks behind in second place.

      Social media growth company Hopper HQ began publishing its Instagram Rich List in 2017, and since then the 22-year-old has commanded the top spot until now.
      “Following the unceremonious stripping of her billionaire status by Forbes, Kylie Jenner has been dethroned after two years on top,” the company said in a blog post on their website.

      According to Hopper HQ’s estimations, The Rock – who has over 190 million followers on the social media platform – now brings in over $1 million (Dhs3.67 million) per sponsored post on Instagram.

      Meanwhile, Kylie, 22, who has 185 million followers, commands $986,000 per sponsored post.
      While Kylie’s ranking has dropped, the social media growth company also highlighted that this year there had been “a drop in fees for influencers on Instagram, even among the highest earners,” for the first time “as marketers and brands have reduced influencer budgets due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.”
      As far as the rest of the top 10 highest paid influencers on the platform was Cristiano Ronaldo, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Neymar da Silva Santos Junior.

      View this post on Instagram

      morning
      A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Jul 11, 2020 at 10:22am PDT

      Just recently, Kylie was stripped of her billionaire title by American business magazine Forbes.
      In an explosive article titled ‘Inside Kylie Jenner’s web of lies’, the outlet claimed Jenner’s makeup empire is “significantly smaller, and less profitable, than the family has spent years leading the cosmetics industry and media outlets, including Forbes, to believe”.
      “Forbes now thinks that Kylie Jenner, even after pocketing an estimated $340 million after taxes from the sale, is not a billionaire,” the article also stated.
      However, in response to the accusatory article, the makeup mogul hit back stating Forbes’ claims were based on “inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions”.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Kylie Jenner Instagram More

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      Dubai’s Global Village is set to reopen in October

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      Dubai’s Global Village is set to reopen in October.

      This year the season will run from October until April 2021. Entry will cost Dhs15 per person, with children under the age of three going for free. People of determination and those over the age of 65 also go free.
      Excitingly, this 2020-2021 season also marks the 25th anniversary of the popular Dubai attraction.
      The Global Village announced its early closure for the season in March the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus.
      “Because excellent guest experience is at the centre of everything we do and in conjunction with the authorities we have decided to close our season early this year as a preventative measure,” the statement read.
      “We look forward to welcoming you back to Global Village for our 25th season later this year.”
      Luckily, we can all look forward to being able to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the Global Village in October.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Global Village Instagram More

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      A royal wedding took place in secret over the weekend

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      Due to coronavirus many couples across the globe who were set to marry had to put their wedding plan on hold, and that even included members of the British royal family.
      Princess Beatrice was set to marry her fiancee UK property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on May 29 in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, but this was postponed due to lockdown restrictions.

      However, given many restrictions across the UK, and the rest of the world, have slowly started to lift, it was revealed the Queen’s granddaughter wed Edoardo over the weekend.
      Buckingham Palace announced the couple wed at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor.

      Congratulations to HRH Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi! #JustMarried #RoyalWedding
      The couple were married in a small private ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor on Friday 17th July. pic.twitter.com/1WMW1nUQ0q
      — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 18, 2020

      Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended, along with other close family members. The palace confirmed that around 20 guests attended the ceremony.
      In photos published to the official royal family Twitter page, Beatrice is seen in her stunning vintage wedding dress by Norman Hartnell and the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, which both belong to her grandmother, the Queen.
      The tiara was worn by Her Majesty on her wedding day in 1947.
      As of July 4 in the UK, small weddings of up to 30 guests are permitted. Prior to this in March a ban on all weddings and gatherings was put in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
      Princess Beatrice and her new husband began dating in Autumn 2018, and announced their engagement in September last year.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Royal Family Twitter, Photographer: Benjamin Wheeler More

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      Feeling Bored? Take One of These Online Classes

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      In this day and age, there is never an excuse to be bored, but it may not feel that way—especially when it seems like you’ve already watched every movie and show ever uploaded to Netflix. Sometimes to break out of your boredom, you need to mix things up a little bit and give your mind some food for thought. Enter: online classes. Digital education has always been a great option for those looking to expand their skill set or supplement their resume, but lately, the amount of amazing online course options have expanded even more. You can probably guess why. Online classes are flexible, often allow you to work at your own pace, and are almost always more affordable than going back to school. Because there are basically an endless amount of options out there for you to choose from, we rounded up a list of online classes you can enroll in if you’re bored—some of which are completely free to take, and all are hosted by really cool, talented, and insanely smart women!

      This free 30-day course from public academic, writer, and lecturer Rachel Cargle serves as an eye-opener and a call to action for anyone seeking to be allies to Black women. Each day you will have access to prompts that will urge you to think critically and act tangibly in solidarity. 

      Chances are, you’ve seen the ads that popped up everywhere when social distancing began for MasterClass (you’ll see a few of their courses on this list!). A $15 monthly subscription to this service gives you access to online classes from more than 85 of the world’s greatest minds, including the remarkable Dr. Jane Goodall. Her first ever online class will teach you how you can work to conserve the environment, plus she’ll give insight into her decades of work studying chimpanzees. 

      It’s safe to say that most of us could use a little extra confidence! In this online course, author, broadcaster, and podcast host Emma Gannon will walk you through why we self sabotage and will lead you through five exercises that will help you build your creative confidence. You got this!

      Considering Shonda Rhimes produces some of the most popular TV shows of our generation (we’re looking at you Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal), we can think of no one better to instruct us in the art of television writing. Even if you don’t have dreams of writing for TV professionally, learning about the process and trying something creative will be fun and educational. 

      If you’re in need of a little comfort food, you’ll love Tuscan cookbook author Giulia Scarpaleggia’s introduction to simple, traditional, hearty Italian and Tuscan recipes. You’ll learn how to make pasta from scratch (yes please!) and how to use basic ingredients in the pantry to make wholesome, delicious recipes.

      It’s time to step away from the iPhone and finally learn how to use that DSLR that’s been collecting dust in your closet. Learning how to use a DSLR camera to its full potential can be intimidating, but photographer Kelly Lawson will take you through all the basics in a way that makes the learning process way easier. 

      Source: Mateus Campos Felipe | Unsplash

      Throughout this course, Bola Sokunbi, Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), money expert, and the founder of Clever Girl Finance wants to help you transform your money mindset by teaching you how to become confident regarding organizing your finances, goal setting, and budgeting.

      We’ve been fans of Emily Henderson’s amazing design skills for years, and can see why over 27,000 students have enrolled in her digital interior design course. This course has 57 projects you can complete, which means you’ll be on your way to expert status in no time too. 

      This course offers a deep dive into women’s health and human rights issues from infancy through old age. You’ll learn about positive interventions relating to those issues, as well as have the ability to chat with other classmates through interactive discussions. Through Coursera’s financial aid program, you also can apply to take this course for free.

      Most of us have been cooking at home for months on end now and probably need to mix things up a bit. That’s why we’re extremely tempted to sign up for chef Gabriela Cámara’s online cooking class that focuses on modern Mexican cuisine!

      If you’ve ever come up with the perfect app idea—which we know you have—now is your chance to learn from a literal expert, Dr. Angela Yu, how to build any app you want. She began programming at the age of 12 and she’s whipped up over 70 apps and video games in her day. Your app will be at the top of the charts any day now!

      If you’ve ever been curious how bloggers and media brands make money off affiliate links, this course will break down everything you’ve been dying to know. The course comes from the designer and creative mind Salma Sheriff and will teach you the basics on how to make money off affiliate marketing. Basically, this course will end up paying for itself. 

      In all relationships (family, friends, partners, and coworkers) communication is key. Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts knows a thing or two about communication and is sharing her best tips for fostering unforgettable moments through human connection in this online course. 

      Source: Gabby in the City

      Founder and creative director of the popular lifestyle brand Wit & Delight, Kate Arends is an expert on leveraging a social following into a creative business. If you’re looking to build an online community, develop content channels, or identify worthwhile opportunities, this course is for you. 

      YouTube beauty gurus are great, but if you’re looking to learn from one of the original makeup masters, you’ll love Bobbi Brown’s new online course. She’ll walk you through step-by-step makeup tutorials on models with a variety of skin tones and will answer some major makeup questions that you probably want answers to.

      If you want to master the culinary basics, chef Alice Waters is the perfect teacher. Known for starting the farm-to-table movement, Waters is the perfect person to instruct in the art of home cooking. Deep dive into essential kitchen tools, properly stocking a pantry, and cooking delicious, healthy food.

      Best-selling Author Roxane Gay’s online creative writing course aims to help students find their story, craft their truth, and learn how to write to make a difference. No matter what type of writing you want to undertake, this course will teach you to develop your craft.

      Any Gilmore Girls fan will likely jump at the chance to take a Yale course for free! Over two million people have taken this course from professor Laurie Santos, which presents a series of challenges designed to increase happiness and build more productive habits. It’s not too late to join them!

      WordPress is an exceptionally popular blogging platform, which means WordPress developers who can customize the design and functionality of these websites are in hot demand. Whether you want to make WordPress development a professional goal or simply want to learn more about how to customize your own website, this course can help lead the way. 

      Considering Diane Von Furstenberg built one of the most iconic fashion brands of all time, we’re looking forward to learning a thing or two about branding from her. Whether you work in fashion or not, her tips can’t be missed. 

      Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without highlighting a few of our own online courses! This course gives you all the resources you need to land your dream job. Alongside guided worksheets, insight from career experts, and a comprehensive resource list, you’ll gain access to super helpful resume, cover letter, and email templates. 

      It seems fair to say that we could all use a little extra self-care right about now! This online course is formatted as a fun six week challenge that comes with over 100 pages of guidance, tips, and worksheets. 
        More

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      Escape to the Côte d’Azur with this Dubai brunch

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      For many the French Riviera is the perfect place to escape to during the summer months, and while travel for some has restarted, most will be staying put this summer.
      However, if you’re craving a bit of the quintessential atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur, this new restaurant in Dubai can give you just that.

      The new restaurant at Jumeriah Al Qasr is fittingly titled French Riviera and a few hours here will truly feel like you’ve been transported to the South of France, particularly with your tastebuds.
      The perfect way to experience this new five-star dining hotspot is with their newly-launched brunch ‘Bleu Blanc Rouge’.

      Enjoy the culinary expertise of Chef Kim Joinié-Maurin – who previously worked with Joël Robuchon, a three-Michelin star French chef and restauranteur – with an array of French dishes.

      To start off your fine-dining brunch experience enjoy a mixture of cold and hot appetizers including traditional beef tartare, yellowtail crudo with lemon dressing, truffle pizzetta and octopus cooked over a wood fire.
      The tantalising flavours of the Meditteranean continue on into the main courses. Enjoy French Riviera’s five-star seafood dishes including seafood cataplana and the Dover Sole ‘Meunière’ with crushed potatoes. However, the crowning jewel, which is ironically not seafood, has to be the restaurant’s 36-hour slow-cooked lamb with celeriac purée, which is 100 per cent EW approved.
      If by this point, you still have room for dessert, the hero dishes have to be the Black Peruvian Chocolate Tart and the French Toast Crème Brulée style.

      Located on the stunning oceanfront at Jumeriah Al Qasr, it’s safe to say this Côte d’Azur dining experience is most certainly EW approved.
      Available every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, with packages starting from Dhs295 for soft drinks and Dhs395 for house drinks and cocktails. This brunch at French Riviera is an absolute must-try.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Gigi Hadid has given fans the first glimpse of her baby bump

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      While we’ve all known about Gigi Hadid’s pregnancy for the last few months, the supermodel has kept her growing baby bump under wraps.
      However, on Wednesday the 25-year-old took to Instagram Live to discuss her new journal with V Magazine and she also took it as an opportunity to give fans a glimpse of her baby bump for the very first time.

      “There’s my belly y’all,” she said after undoing her flowing pyjama top to show fans. She also highlighted that photographs don’t always show the true size of her baby bump because “from the front it’s different”.
      Gigi, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Zayn Malik, went onto thank her fans for their continued messages of support, adding that she’s sharing her pregnancy at her own pace.

      Gigi Hadid explains she’s keeping her pregnancy private for now and shares a little look at her bump: “There’s my belly, y’all. Like it’s there.” pic.twitter.com/kV6dmiJYcb
      — Alyssa Bailey (@alyssabailey) July 15, 2020

      “I really appreciate your positive messages,” she said. “I’m just taking my time with sharing my pregnancy.”
      The model also explained exactly why she hasn’t posted all that much about her pregnancy, as she’s not wanted to take attention away from more important matters going on in the world.
      “Obviously, I think a lot of people are confused why I’m not sharing more, but like, I’m pregnant through a pandemic,” she explained, adding, “my pregnancy is not the most important thing going on in the world.”
      “That’s a reason that I felt that it’s not really something that I need to share apart from with my family and friends,” she continued. “Obviously a lot of people have lost lives due to coronavirus that was in the beginning of quarantine and still happening.
      “And then we moved obviously into the reemergence of the BLM movement, and I thought that our presence on social media should be used for that.”

      Zayn and Gigi will be beautiful and excellent parents❤️ pic.twitter.com/7kWk0sMQQg
      — best zayn pics (@zaynmalikpicx) July 15, 2020

      And while Gigi hasn’t shared much of her pregnancy in real-time, the model revealed she has been documenting her whole journey and will share it “in the future” when she feels it is the right time.
      “I have been taking a lot of pictures of my bump and sending it to friends and family and it’s been really cute and exciting,” she said. “I’m trying to document it well because I’ve heard a lot of people say obviously, ‘make sure you don’t miss it.’”
      Gigi is set to give birth to her first child in September – it’s both the first child for her and her boyfriend Zayn.
      It’s been reported Gigi and Zayn, 27, are expecting a girl, but neither of them has officially confirmed the gender.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Media: Twitter/Instagram, Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

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      6 of the best podcasts for beachside and beyond

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      Plug and play
      The Happiness Lab
      You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale – the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history – Laurie will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.
      Today In Focus – the Guardian

      Hosted by Anushka Asthana, Today in Focus combines personal storytelling with insightful analysis. Brought to you by The Guardian, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday.
      The Goodness Podcast
      Launched in January 2020 with the goal of celebrating the inspirational stories of women living in the Middle East. The ten-episode first season highlights tales of triumph over tragedy, stories of resilience and ones of survival, all while imparting valuable advice and lived experience to its listeners. Hosted by Goodness co-founder Noor Tehini, it follows the brand’s overarching mission of fostering an honest and real conversation around the topics that matter the most to the women of this region.

      TED Talks Daily
      Every weekday, TED Talks Daily brings you the latest talks in audio. Join host and journalist Elise Hu for thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable – from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology and everything in between – given by the world’s leading thinkers and creators. With TED Talks Daily, find some space in your day to change your perspectives, ignite your curiosity and learn something new.
      Ten Percent Happier
      Dan Harris is a skeptical ABC News anchor who had a panic attack live on Good Morning America, which led him to try something he always thought was ridiculous: meditation. He went on to write the bestselling book, 10% Happier. In this podcast, Dan explores happiness (whatever that means) from all angles. Guests include legendary meditation teachers – from the Dalai Lama to Western masters – as well as scientists who determine that mental traits such as happiness, calm, generosity, compassion and connection are not hardwired, unalterable factory settings; they are, in fact, skills that can be trained and here you’ll learn how.
      Deep Energy Podcast
      This podcast is dedicated to ambient and new age music for sleep, meditation, relaxation, massage, yoga and Reiki. Listen to reveal your inner most thoughts and feel revived.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Getty and Supplied  More