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    5 Changes to Make to Your Finances Before Winter

    As the weather changes, naturally, so will your budget. The seasons can have an impact on your finances, whether it’s setting aside a little more money for brunch season with your friends in the summer or opening up a whole new savings account for holiday gift-giving in the winter. Preparing for the colder months is more than just about breaking out your old coats and sweaters; your finances also need prepping to plan for the change to your spending, especially if you are rebuilding financially from a tough year. Here are a few ways you can change up your budget to ring in the winter season wisely, without spending your last dollar. 

    1. Reevaluate your budget 
    The spending categories in your budget, which can include household bills, dining out, fixed expenses, and more, can—and most likely will—change and shift with the seasons. From your utilities increasing from being in the house more to preparing for holiday travel, make sure to reevaluate your budget to accommodate the change to your lifestyle this winter. 
    Whether you update your budget on a weekly, monthly, or a paycheck-by-paycheck basis, take time to make any modifications to your spending categories to be prepared for winter spending. Use your favorite budgeting software to update your spending in advance of the winter season. Your extra dollars may need to go toward your shopping budget for gift giving, or toward an increase in household items. Keep your budget flexible to accommodate your winter spending habits.

    2. Save in advance for the holidays 
    As soon as the weather breaks, the holidays are looming right around the corner, which means the season of gift-giving is near. Don’t let your wallet take a hit this winter while trying to gift shop for the holidays; prepare in advance and set aside savings specifically for the holidays. 
    Prepping for the holiday season can be daunting, especially if your budget isn’t prepared for it. Evaluate your finances to see how you can allocate more funds for gifts, holiday travel, decorations, and other celebratory plans. Make a plan to attack the holiday buying season by making a checklist of everyone you plan to shop for, how much you plan to allocate to their gift, and where in your budget your spending is coming from. Put yourself on a timeline for when your spending begins and ends for gift giving this winter, as it is easy to overspend on family and friends for the holidays. 
    Traveling for the holidays to spend time with friends and family can also make a dent in your finances. Budget for travel in advance by taking advantage of any travel deals available and saving up for any expenses associated with your travels, including gas, rentals, hotel stays, and airfare costs. 
    The holidays during the winter are very festive, and decorating your home to match the joy of the season can be costly. Look to use recycled decorations for the holidays instead of purchasing new items, or look for cheaper alternatives at your favorite stores to get your home holiday-ready.

    Source: colorjoy stock

    3. Change up your spending habits 
    Being in your home more during winter will most likely tempt you to order online more, versus dining out and going shopping in your favorite stores. Shift your budget to accommodate how your spending habits will change this winter season. 
    Your budget this winter might include more money allocated toward getting your basic household and beauty items delivered, versus going into the stores to save time and to protect your health ahead of the flu season. Dining out usually slows during the winter, especially now as we’re in the middle of a pandemic, so be prepared to make room in your budget for the change in your dining out habits. You may want to shift money around to accommodate spending more on groceries instead of going out when the temperature drops.
    Shopping and maintaining your winter attire will also require a few extra dollars in your budget. Prepare to spend a little more money on clothing items if you live in a colder climate. Winter clothing is usually a little more costly to buy while in season, so before the cold hits, shop around to prepare for what you might need, like coats, gloves, scarves, and boots. Anticipating what your spending habits may look like as winter approaches will help you shift your budget around proactively for a more realistic look at how winter might change your finances and your lifestyle.  

    4. Plan for an increase in household expenses 
    During the colder months, you’re in the home more than usual, which usually includes using more heat, electricity, and household appliances. Don’t let your utility bills shock you this coming winter season; prepare for an increase in household expenses before it’s time to hibernate during the colder months. 
    The colder the season, the more heat you and your family are likely to use to stay warm inside. Set aside more for household expenses and adjust your budget to make way for higher utility bills and any other expenses related to maintaining your home throughout the winter. Check in with your utility providers to see if they have cost-efficient ways you can save money on your utility bills in the winter, as many have peak savings days they recommend or tips on how you can use less energy throughout the season to lower your bill.
    You may want to make room in your budget for weather-related home maintenance as well, like snow removal or sealing your doors and windows to keep in the heat. Damages to many homes due to winter weather can break your savings, especially if you’re not properly prepared. Make sure you set aside more money in your home budget to make way for any unexpected home expenses the winter might inflict on your home.

    5. Prepare in advance for tax season 
    Time waits for no one, and neither does tax season! If you’re already sweating at the thought of filing taxes next year and feel unprepared, you are not alone. Get ready for tax season this winter by taking a closer look at your finances before the beginning of the new year. 
    Gather up all of your tax documents and receipts from the year so that you don’t miss a beat next year during tax season. This could include any itemizable expenses from working from home, unemployment benefits due to being laid off or furloughed, or relocation expenses that may be reimbursed. 
    Take this winter season to research and find a tax professional or trusted tax software you can use before the end of the year in order to plan your filings early. Get an early look at what your tax liabilities may look like next year, and get ahead of the game!  More

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    Saudi Arabia ranks number three on ‘happiest places to live’ report

    Saudi Arabia has ranked number three in a global happiness survey measuring the level of happiness in countries.

    The report measured a total of 27 countries globally, which was conducted by market research company Ipsos, based in France.
    Above Saudi Arabia, China ranked number one and the Netherlands ranked number two.
    After the Kingdom, France ranked number four; Canada number five; Australia number six; Great Britain number seven; Sweden number eight; Germany number nine; and round off the top 10 was Belgium.
    The full ranking of the 27 countries that participated in the report can be seen below.
    China
    Netherlands
    Saudi Arabia
    France
    Canada
    Australia
    Great Britain
    Sweden
    Germany
    Belgium
    United States
    Poland
    India
    Brazil
    Malaysia
    Italy
    Turkey
    Russia
    Japan
    South Korea
    South Africa
    Mexico
    Hungary
    Argentina
    Spain
    Chile
    Peru

     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Leem Instagram More

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    A Lebanese television host has been deported from Kuwait

    A Lebanese television host has been deported from Kuwait.
    According to reports, the presenter, Sazdel, had been based in the country for 10 years, but has been deported by orders from the Interior Ministry who stated it was of “public interest” to do so.

    Per local media reports, the 42-year-old – who is reportedly known as the ‘Kim Kardashian of the Arabs’ – allegedly had posted video clips and photos of herself online which were deemed as “violating public morals”.
    The Kuwait-based newspaper Al Qabas has reported the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations for the country took the Lebanese native through the motions to be deported and she was eventually booked on a flight to Beirut.

    However, the television personality, who has over 300,000 followers on Instagram, reportedly told newspaper Al Rai that she is married to a Kuwaiti.
    “What happened to me and the Interior Ministry’s deportation decision will evaporate once I show a contract of my marriage to a Kuwaiti,” she reportedly said.
    “He is now travelling abroad. When he returns, I’ll show it [the contract] and return to Kuwait because my husband is a Kuwaiti and they have no right to deport me.”
    Sazdel also took to her Instagram page to address the apparent deportation and announced that she was married to a Kuwaiti man.
    “He’s going to handle the legal procedures when he comes back from travel within a week,” she wrote in Arabic. “I’m really relaxed now and decided to get away and have some rest.” However,  the television host insisted she “won’t live in Kuwait”.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sazdel Instagram More

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    Kim Kardashian feared for her life during 2016 Paris robbery

    Kim Kardashian has opened up about the terrifying ordeal she went through when she was robbed in Paris 2016.
    In the new season of US TV host, David Letterman’s Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, the 39-year-old is set to open up about being robbed at gunpoint in the French capital, admitting she feared for her life during the incident.

    Recalling when the intruders broke into her hotel in Paris, Kim revealed she heard people “stomping up the stairs”, which sent her into an “immediate panic”.
    In Kim’s rundown of the events, the intruders broke into her hotel room before she had a chance to call the police, which is when they also ordered the reality star to surrender the diamond engagement ring her husband Kanye West had proposed to her with.

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    Kim then told the television host that she had to “prepare herself” for what was about to happen, which is when she teared up recalling the series of events.
    “So, I did and then – I don’t know why I’m crying, I’ve talked about this before – and then he tied me up with handcuffs and zip-ties and then duct tape and duct-taped my mouth and my eyes,” Kim said.
    “I kept on thinking about Kourtney,” she added. “I kept on thinking, like, she’s gonna come home and I’m gonna be dead in the room and she’s gonna be traumatised for the rest of her life.”
    In the aftermath of the events, the beauty mogul admitted that she became “really paranoid”, and ensured she had “half a dozen” security guards protecting her at her house at all times.
    The new season of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction is set to premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, 21 October.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kim Kardashian Instagram, Video: Netflix/YouTube More

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    9 stand out pieces to invest in from Marina Home

    October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
    When it comes to interiors, it’s always best to invest in the best. Here’s nine hero buys from Marina Home that are currently on our radar.

    Palermo II cabinet Dhs5,350

    Sway chair Dhs995

    Nagoya bench Dhs6,50

    Lenny II vase Dhs255

    Lama Pagoda Dhs375

    Maxim Table lamp Dhs550

    Venus candle holder Dhs220

    Overa table Dhs1,550

    Aria Fur pouf Dhs750
    All available at Marina Home.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    From Russia with Love: An iconic ballet is coming to the Dubai Opera

    When it comes to ballet, certain productions will also remain in the hall of fame and Swan Lake is one of them. With music by the legendary Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, this iconic masterpiece is being brought to life on the Dubai stage by the acclaimed Moscow City Ballet.

    The story of Prince Siegfried and his doomed love for Odette, Queen of the Swans, is taking over the Dubai Opera from November 26-28 and will feature an array of enchanting solos, spectacular pas de deuxs and atmospheric corps de ballet sequences. With exceptional costumes and one the best music scores in history, this production of Swan Lake stands alone as a theatrical masterpiece refreshed for a new generation.

    Moscow City Ballet has long-established its reputation as one of the leading ballet companies so you can be sure that you will see the best ballet that Dubai has hosted so far.
    These ‘big story ballets’ are the essence of Russian culture – composed, choreographed and premiered in Russia and combining virtuosity, technique, narrative and an enchanting Tcahikovsky score to create the ultimate dance experience.

    There’s nothing like a night at the ballet so make sure to book your tickets, priced from Dhs300, now.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The free event in Dubai you should add to your weekend plans

    IN PARTNERSHIP: When it comes to weekends in Dubai, we’re never short of anything to do, but the sheer amount of things to do can sometimes make it difficult to make a concrete decision.
    However, we may have found something that will tick all of the boxes. An interactive augmented reality (AR) event complete with art created by two local artists, as well as competitions and giveaways.

    In collaboration with Ariel Middle East, the pieces of art have been created by local artists, Paul Bruwer and Dreams of Grandeur.
    The one-of-a-kind Dubai-based experience will feature abstract art in AR form, bringing Ariel’s famous pods to life as ‘PodArt’.

    Taking place from Thursday, October 22 to Saturday, October 24 from 1pm to 11pm at The Beach JBR and City Walk in Dubai, you’ll be welomed with a sea of colour in an immersive AR experience by using your smartphone or tablet.
    Discussing the collaboration, artist Paul Bruwer praised Ariel for embracing colour in many different ways.
    “There is a unique aspect to this particular collaboration,” Bruwer said. “Ariel is all about caring for colour in so many ways, and so do we as artists in our everyday professional lives.
    “Colour literally is a part of us as we work, it comes home with us from ‘the office’ and we embrace this. Our stains of colour on our clothes are love letters to our past projects and therefore colour is a huge part of our everyday lives.”

    The free Dubai-based event showcasing the art perfectly correlates with the bold power of Ariel Pods – the super-concentrated cleaning power and are designed for brightening bold colours.
    It’s the ideal opportunity to see some new art installations, as well as discovering the innovative 3 in 1 benefits of Ariel Pods.
    For more information visit arielarabia.com/en.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied, Feature Image: Pexels  More

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    Yolanda Hadid shares a new photo of Gigi’s ‘angel’ baby girl

    The birth of baby Hadid-Malik marked the first time Gigi Hadid and boyfriend Zayn Malik would become parents. It also marked the first time when Yolanda Hadid would become a grandmother – or ‘Oma’ as she says.
    Clearly in a blissful bubble of love following the arrival of her first grandchild, Yolanda took to Instagram to share a new photo of the newborn, albeit it was just of her holding the baby girl’s tiny little hand.

    “My heart is expending with so much love and joy for this little baby girl she is an angel sent to us from above,” Yolanda said in the caption of the photo.
    She also thanked Gigi and Zayn for making her an ‘Oma’.

    “Thank you Mommy & Daddy for making me an Oma, I love every minute of it,” she said.
    Of course, supermodel Gigi agreed writing in the comments of her mother’s post saying, “Best Oma!”

    The 25-year-old welcomed her first child just over a month ago and according to a previous report by E! News, Yolanda has been on hand to help Gigi’s transition into motherhood.
    Yolanda has been helping Gigi and Zayn and has basically become a “built-in nurse”, which the new parents are “so grateful” for.
    As for the name of baby Hadid-Malik, which has been kept private by the couple, is “unique” but the alleged source wouldn’t give anything else away.
    Gigi’s pregnancy was first reported on back in April. The model first spoke of her pregnancy – news which was revealed in the press and not by Gigi or Zayn – during a video call appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, admitting they would have liked to reveal the news on their “own terms”, but also thanked everyone for their congratulations.
    “Obviously, we wish we could’ve announced it on our own terms, but we’re very excited and happy and grateful for everyone’s well wishes and support,” she said.
    Zayn and Gigi originally started dating in 2016, and have been on-and-off ever since, with their latest split taking place in mid-2019. However, the pair reunited earlier this year, but have been keeping their romance away from the public glare.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More