Life

February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
We asked some of the most inspiring women we know what love means to them.
Ghizlan GuenezEntrepreneur@ghizlan_guenez_

How do you show love?
When it comes to family and very close friends, I’m very expressive and affectionate verbally and physically. In general, I show love by being supportive, caring and loyal. I learned that each of us has a preference on how we like to receive love based on our preferred love language (there are five!), so I try to keep that in mind when it comes to people close to my heart.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
It is important to understand that this is something that is ongoing. You don’t allocate one day a week to go to the spa and call it self-love. To me, loving myself takes different forms: the discipline to be healthy and workout, the ability to disengage with a toxic conversation or person, the strive to constantly grow and learn as a person. Self-love is about making the right choices for you even when they’re not the easiest.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
I’d like to think that love is the most incredible energy in the world. It goes far beyond the romantic notion and expands into all areas in life. It’s a driving force.
Yasmin Al MullaCreative Director of YNM Dubai@yasminalmulla, @ynmdubai

How do you show love?
Caring and being there for my loved ones is the truest example of real love.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
By believing that you deserve to be happy! I strongly believe in the power of the law of attraction, therefore, treating yourself, appreciating your thoughts and embracing your hobbies are nothing but simple ways of bringing joy and love to yourself.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is LIFE.
Alexandra HirschiPresenter & Supercar enthusiast@supercarblondie

How do you show love?
Being in the moment with the people I love is super important. Make sure they know they’re more important than anything else by giving them all your attention.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
I’ve spent so many years giving my energy to everyone else to build my business. It took a mini break down for me to realise I need to put aside time for myself and what I love to do. That’s usually spending quality time with my dogs.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is the thing that can carry you through any hardship. I’m so lucky to have lots of love in my life with my incredible husband, my family and friends.
Alia Al NeyadiThe first Emirati ballerina@aliaalneyadii

How do you show love?
I have always been a big believer in ‘doing’ rather than ‘talking’ as one action can mean so much more than words. Don’t get me wrong, every conversation I have with my family ends with I love you and we know we mean it. However, actions can show us how much we mean to someone.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
Acceptance. I know that I must be happy with myself and love myself for all that I am. No matter what I must love myself because we only have one life – this isn’t a dress rehearsal.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is life, it is living and being in this mystery and adventure we call. Everything we do is for love and everything we feel is because of love. All my decisions have been based on my love for my art, love makes you brave and committed to the journey ahead, because without love, we are empty.
Haneen OdehFounder of Snob Salon@haneenodeh

How do you show love?
I love doing things for people I love. I may not be very expressive verbally with love, but if I know someone I love wants something I’ll be the first to get it done. Whether it’s cooking their favourite meal, surprising them with gifts, or even running an errand for them, it’s how I feel the most comfortable expressing love. Actions speak louder than words.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
Putting myself first. I realized the more you give away the less you have for your own self, and that’s not healthy. So now I prioritize my wellbeing. I cut out anything and anyone that makes me feel unhappy. I also invest in myself. Meditation, yoga, acupuncture, better eating habits, new experiences, exploring new hobbies. Just constantly taking myself on new adventures and trying new things.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is acceptance and empowerment. When you love someone, you accept them. You don’t try to fundamentally change them. It’s unconditional.
Lyndsay DoranFounder & CEO of L’Couture@lyndsay_doran

How do you show love?
I show love through acts of service, at work and at home. I like to show people I appreciate them by treating them. My favourite thing to do is plan and host dinner parties for my closest friends and family. Seeing them enjoy themselves makes me happy.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
I work out every day, whether it be yoga or weight training. I also love to switch off with a book at the beach and treat myself to a day at the salon.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
To me, love is unconditional support which is something that I found in my husband and my family. They supported me when I wanted to start my fitness journey five years ago which also led to me starting L’Couture.
Rumana NazimFounder of The Edit Dubai@rnazim

How do you show love?
I’d like to believe I show love by making time for people, whether in person or just by lending a listening ear. That might sound like a small thing but we live in a chaotic world in which quality time is fast becoming a rare commodity. This is particularly so in Dubai where the pace of life can be quite frantic. Another way I show love is through food. If someone I care about is unwell or unhappy or otherwise needs reminding that I am here and that I love them, the first thing I do is head for the kitchen. I have a few ‘go-to’ recipes that tend to prove popular. Perhaps this habit stems from the fact I like receiving food from those who love me.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
On an emotional level, I think the basics of being kind and listening to what your mental health and body need are imperative – it allows you to be fair, forgiving and compassionate to yourself and in turn, to others. Physically, I implement self-love through a carefully curated night-time beauty regime honed over many years of practice and exercising as often as my schedule allows me to. An evening run on days that I don’t feel great is the best gift I give myself.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love to me is quality time, empathy, gratitude and working together on the same page. I’m also a romantic at heart and something like a beautiful picnic in a remote place would not go amiss! In addition, love to me is also spending time with my five-year-old niece. Seeing the world through her eyes, even if only for an hour, is a great reminder of how simple and pure life can be.
Montaha Al AjeelFashion designer – Founder of Montaha Couture@montahacouture

How do you show love?
With my husband, we love each other deeply. There are many key things you need creating a successful relationship – sacrifice, forgiveness, compassion and more. For him, as he is a top cardiovascular surgeon, I encourage him and tell him I’m proud of him for his humanitarian work by saving lives. He does the same to me – that’s why we succeed in our careers. I like to show love in actions, not words.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
Self-love is medicine for the soul. I believe that the foundation of love is self-love, so we must love ourselves before we can love others as we cannot give what we don’t have.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is caring, trust, loyalty and sacrifice.
February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now

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

Images: Supplied/Instagram More

Chrissy Teigen is always known for being open, honest and candid on social media.
Most recently, the 34-year-old shared a very candid post on Instagram showcasing her much fuller lips. However, the result is not because of filler, which she knows what’s what many people would think.

“You’re all just gonna think that I got lip fillers, but I didn’t get lip fillers between last night and now,” she said in a video she posted to her Instagram story. It was clear in the footage that her bottom lip was incredibly swollen.
Teigen continued to explain, “I bit an orange to try to open it, and I think there must’ve been, like, a pesticide or something on it.”

The mum-of-two then took to post to her Instagram grid showcasing her lips further, at which point they were even more swollen.

Teigen sarcastically said she was “looking great”, also insisting it wasn’t a “filler fail”.
“It happened after I bit the skin of a suspicious orange,” she explained for the second time. “Maybe pesticides on the outside? I look like a juicy blow-up doll, freshly unpacked.”
While her fuller lips were nothing to do with filler, Teigen has been open in the past about the cosmetic procedures she has undergone.
Last year in July 2020, Teigen was candid about removing her breast implants, which she had previously gotten when she was 20-years-old.
“They’ve been great to me for many years but I’m just over it,” she explained. “I’d like to be able to zip a dress in my size, lay on my belly with pure comfort! No biggie! So don’t worry about me! All good. I’ll still have boobs, they’ll just be pure fat.”
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Chrissy Teigen Instagram More

February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
Founded by Saudi entrepreneur Arwa Hafiz and located in the heart of Dubai’s dynamic art quarter at Alserkal Avenue, The Odd Piece features a wide range of interior pieces from carefully curated mid-century modern furniture to one-of-a-kind antiques.
How do your first 30 mins of the day set you up for success?
To be honest, the number one thing that sets me up for success the minute I open my eyes, is a good night’s sleep. I need a solid eight hours and when I get them, I feel happy and energized, as I can really get things done. The first thing I do in the morning is work out as that also helps jump-start my day while making me feel good.
What is at the heart of The Odd Piece’s DNA as a brand?

We are a vintage and designer furniture gallery with carefully curated, one-of-a-kind statement pieces handpicked from around the world. We offer a refreshing change from mass-produced furniture and home accessories as we have unique pieces that can transform a room by adding that special personalised touch.
How did your love for one-of-a-kind pieces and antiques develop into a business?
When I was furnishing my first home in Dubai back in 2006, I couldn’t find pieces I liked beyond the basics. So, I started sourcing what I needed from abroad and realized, I truly enjoyed the process of searching for unusual, memorable, quality pieces, so I launched The Odd Piece in 2013.
Do you find yourself more aligned with the creative or commercial side of the business and how do you balance the two?

I am definitely more aligned with the creative side of my business, it was my inspiration for starting The Odd Piece in the first place. Learning the ropes of running the business side was initially challenging, but once I had the right team and support we worked to create systems to organise every part of the business, and now the whole operation runs smoothly.
Do you have any mentors or guides and how does this help navigate the right path?
I actually did not have any mentors, though I can imagine what an incredible help and support a good one can be, especially when starting a business for the first time.
What is personally, your most treasured piece?
My favourite items right now are the amazing Yoruba beaded chairs!

How do you manage to maintain that balance between modern and vintage in your own interior?
I honestly do not make a conscious decision to strike a balance; The Odd Piece is a curation of the pieces that catch my eye; ones that I believe will add character and beauty to a room, regardless of where they’re from or what era they belong to.
What do I look for when hiring a team?
I look for people who are committed, independent thinkers, willing to work hard and also learn new things. Even more importantly, they should be passionate about the business because you can’t force or fake interest. A sense of humour is also a great added bonus!

How has social media help build the brand and do you connect directly with clients through this platform?
At this point in time, no brand can afford to not invest in social media. Over the years, our Instagram account has steadily grown and has helped us garner a global audience. We have clients from around the world that come to Dubai and visit our gallery because they follow The Odd Piece on Instagram. What’s more, this past year of lockdowns and emergency measures due to the pandemic has made social media our lifeline until things start to get back to normal.
This issue is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Quality time. I plan to staying home with my family and keeping myself and everyone around me safe; I honestly think that’s the most loving thing anyone can do at this point in time. 
February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now

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

Kendall Jenner has confirmed her new relationship with NBA star Devin Booker.
The pair have been caught on camera together a few times while out and about, but Jenner took the opportunity to officially go public with their romance on Valentine’s Day.

However, it seems Jenner’s new boyfriend is the ex-boyfriend of Jordyn Woods, Kylie Jenner’s former best friend.
The beauty mogul and Woods were attached at the hip until February 2019 when it was revealed that Woods had cheated with Khloe Kardashian’s boyfriend and the father of her child, Tristan Thompson.

Woods previously lived with Kylie in her Hidden Hills mansion, but moved out shortly after the scandal and was also excommunicated by the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Since then, Woods has been carving her own career in the public eye and in business. She’s kick-started her acting career, has collaborated with some global brands including BooHoo and more.
Meanwhile, like Jenner, the 23-year-old is also dating an NBA star, Karl-Anthony Towns Jr, who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Two years after the Tristan Thompson cheating scandal, everyone is happy and has well and truly moved on.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram  More

As you get ready to get battered for Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 16, 2021?
These delicious eateries are sure to let you have a flipping great start to the day.
Clinton St. Baking Company

With its new flagship location taking you to the streets of New York at City Walk, this beautiful café offers the fluffiest pancakes on February 16 as you relish the best combination of eggs, milk and sugar made to perfection with the little ones being offered a complimentary children’s pancake with every order of a main pancake along with the famous cherry cobbler pancakes.

For more information visit clintonstreetbaking.ae
Brunch & Cake

This prime hotspot which has become everyone’s favourite café has launched a show-stopping brownie pancake which includes its homemade Nutella pancakes coated in chocolate sauce, chocolate chip cookies and a grilled banana at just Dhs63. Located at both The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah and Al Wasl, Brunch & Cake open from Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 10pm and Thursday to Friday 8am to 10:30pm.
LDC Kitchen + Coffee

The artisanal bakery offers the freshest ingredients creating dishes to perfection with a free stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a side of maple syrup with every F&B purchase made on February 16 from 7am to 12pm while being located at One JLT, Jumeirah Lake Towers.
For more information visit londondairycafe.com
Koko Bay

This Bali-inspired beach waterfront restaurant is offering two special pancakes for a limited only for one week from Sunday, February 14 to Saturday, February 20 with lip-smacking Japanese pancake flavours including the tempting Koko Nut and Okonomiyaki flavoured pancake for those with a sweet tooth. Located on West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, it’s open from Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am and Thursday and Friday 12pm to 1am.
For more information visit kokobay.co
Weslodge Saloon

Known for its elevated innovative setting, you can devour a complimentary stack of Weslodge’s famous puffy, light stacked buttermilk pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and fresh caramelised fruits, when you book a table to dine in with family or friends. The offer is available on February 16, from 5:30pm to 12am at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai’s 68th floor.
For more information visit weslodge.ae
Marks & Spencer

For those look for DIY options at home, the popular M&S café in Dubai Festival City Mall, has a range of high-quality pancake ingredients with gluten-free options for those who wish to indulge in a healthier manner, at 25 per cent off the brand’s offerings for February 16, 2021. Toppings such as dessert sauces Belgian chocolate, Sticky Toffee and Raspberry syrups for a decedent range.
For more information marksandspencer.com
The Dubliners

This famous Irish Stalwart is sure to let you have a fabulous start to the day with the unmissable duo combo as you leave Pancake Day to the professionals. Located at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, the offer includes a pint & a pancake at Dhs49, all day on February 16.
For more information visit thedubliners-dubai.com
Bread Street Kitchen

Known for its uniquely crafted British dishes under the head of Gordon Ramsay, guests are invited to enjoy three unique pancake offerings priced at Dhs50, including zesty lemon and sugar pancakes, red velvet pancakes with seasonal berries and triple chocolate pancakes with chocolate ice cream and chocolate brownies on February 16, from 6pm to 10pm.
For more information visit atlantisthepalm.com
Eggspectation

Known for its culinary delights with a wide-ranging set of delectable options, this Canadian restaurant-café is offering a special breakfast mini platter on February 16, which is perfect for sharing with your loved ones on a grazing board of mini pancakes with multiple choices of sides and toppings from whipped cream, maple syrup, Nutella and fruits at Dhs49. Located at JBR, it’s open from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and 7am to 10pm on weekends and 7 days a week at City Walk from 7am to 8pm.
For more information visit eggspectation.com
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Feature Image Supplied Koko Bay More