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      in fitness and body

      The Softest Fabric For Your Toughest Workouts

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      With workout gear acceptable and comfortable in all day activities way beyond the gym, it’s become a focus of active people to seek out the best gear that feels as good after your exertions as it does while working up a sweat.
      Like Suede On Your Skin
      The secret to success in this crossover of comfort comes down to how the gear feels on your skin. Under Armour has created Meridian fabric with that precise goal – to feel soft on your skin during and after a workout. A technical quick-dry hybrid fabric that lets you go hard without losing that super-soft feel.
      It’s a sensation to the skin you never knew you needed but can’t imagine wearing anything else once your feel it. This specially engineered fabric delivers a unique type of softness that can still wick sweat like a champ. 
      All Day Comfort
      With the realisation that soft just for the sake of comfort is not good enough, numerous rounds of research and development were used make sure comfort and workout versatility are priorities. The result is the  softest performance gear to date from Under Armour.  The impressive collection is ideal to wear to any fitness class, from spin to yoga to pilates, but is  also so flexible, lightweight and soft, that you  won’t want to take them off once you get home. 
      “The Under Armour Meridien legging is absolutely phenomenal. Moving in them feels  like they weren’t even there. Even while sweating, they still just felt really comfortable.”, says Rachel Garcia, Pro Softball Player.
      The ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection’s notable promises include:
      SERIOUSLY SOFT Under Armour brushed the surface of the fabric to an ultra-soft finish for our softest feel yet.
      LASTING COMFORT Wicks sweat and stays comfortable, especially in those high-friction zones.
      FLEXIBLE PERFORMANCE Super-breathable, lightweight stretch goes everywhere you do.

      The ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection includes a wide range of gear and also features the new UA Smartform Evolution Bra. The new ‘must have’ bra delivers strategic support, tailored for medium-support activities like cycling, weight training & boxing. Bending, jumping, and squatting can make your clothing shift or slip as you move, The UA Smartform fabric can help your clothes adapt to your movement moulding to the shape of your body which may help keep them from slipping or shifting during workouts.              
      The new ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection will be available at Under Armour Brand House stores nationwide as well as online: www.underarmour.co.za More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Mazda Made With Soul

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      Mazda has searched the South African landscape to find people driven by an innate sense of curiosity, willing to tell their human-centric stories of success and passion for their craft. These individuals embody the true meaning of community and harmony with all things in and around us. In this series, they will be imparting their stories of precision craftsmanship, infused with their soul; so who better to share their journey with you, than a brand Made with Soul?
      [embedded content]
      Meet Roushana Gray
      Founder of Veld and Sea, and winner of the Spier Sustainability award in 2019, Roushana Gray is a wild food artist, foodie and avid forager. She shares her passion for the local edible landscape through immersive educational experiences, connection and creativity. For Roushana, her vocation as a food innovator is a journey that never ends as there is always something new to learn and discover.
      Explore more HERE 
      *In Partnership with Mazda More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Stay Ahead Of The Unforeseen Costs Of A Severe Illness

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      Here’s a little something to ponder… When it comes to insurance, most people seem more comfortable splurging on entertainment, clothing and food than they are on lifestyle protection policies such as dread disease cover. Often the thinking is that: “it will never happen to me?” or “I still have time.” However, life-altering illnesses such as cancer, a stroke or heart attack often require that one take time off from regular programming to fully recover. 

      No Guarantees
      This was the case for Kim Gillot, who was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at 32 – without any family history at all. “I discovered a lump after bumping myself in the shower and ignored it as most women do because we often don’t want to be inconvenienced by these things,” recalls Kim. A week and a half later, she consulted a doctor for food poisoning and insisted on a by-the-way breast exam. When the doctor couldn’t pick up the lump via a physical examination, Kim listened to her intuition and insisted on a mammogram. The mammogram results showed an abnormality. Next was a biopsy. “I remember receiving a call on 25 February 2017 confirming that I had aggressive stage 2 hormone-positive breast cancer. My cancer was both oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and progesterone receptor-positive (PR+),” shares Kim. She had the tumour removed within a week of her final biopsy and adds that getting the surgery out the way so soon was what ultimately spared her from the aggressive cancer.
      Kim received her payout from her Old Mutual Illness insurance policy shortly after the lumpectomy. “The money was a huge godsend,” she says. At age 20, Kim recalls seeing her father work relentlessly to pay her mother’s medical bills after she’d suffered a stroke. This, along with a 2016 smash and grab incident, made her realise just how underinsured she was, leading her to take out the Old Mutual lllness insurance amongst other policies.
      Peace Of Mind 
      When experiencing something as all-consuming as cancer, it’s a cycle of medical tests, treatments and recovery. After three harrowing rounds of chemotherapy, doctors switched Kim to aggressive radiation, which she did five days a week for seven weeks. “It was tiring and painful,” she recalls. This was followed by hormone-therapy implants for the next 18 months to subdue her oestrogen levels. The therapy introduced a new dynamic –  chemically induced menopause as a side effect! In November 2019, instead of continuing on the hormone therapy, Kim opted for a hysterectomy – something she says left her broken, with a lot of unanswered questions. 

      For Kim, who was placed on temporary disability leave at work, the Old Mutual Illness insurance payout took away the overwhelming financial burden of the upfront medical payments and shortfalls. “Even though my Old Mutual financial adviser is based in Cape Town, I have telephonic access to financial advice at all times. I really appreciate how each adviser that I spoke to gave me really good counsel in investing and growing the money to sustain myself,” enthuses Kim. 
      Kim is currently recovering from a double mastectomy and her can-do attitude remains strong. “Cancer is the demon I love to fight, I’m going to keep fighting it,” she shares, adding that she always makes it a point to share just how important severe illness cover is. “If you have the financial means to do it, please go ahead and make that sacrifice. We lead fast-paced and stressful lives and tomorrow is not promised to us. Everyone has a journey – yours may not be cancer but another illness.”
      How Will The Old Mutual Illness Insurance Benefit Me?
      The Old Mutual Illness insurance pays a single tax-free amount between R100 000 and R6 million should you suffer from a severe illness such as cancer, stroke, heart attack and other predefined illnesses. The money can be used to cover rehabilitation costs, travel expenses to treatment centres, modifications to your home or car and day to-day expenses while taking time off from work to recover. If your quality of life is severely impacted by treatment and you can’t care for yourself, the Cancer Enhancer will boost the payout by up to 25% of the cover amount.
      Can I Customise My Cover? 
      For an additional cost you can tailor the cover to meet your needs by adding extra benefits such as Top-up Benefit, Child Illness Benefit, Mild Illness Benefit, For Women Benefit and Returning Illness Benefit, plus other add-ons such as Premium Protection or *Cashback. Every five years, on the cashback anniversary, we will pay back 15% of all premiums received for the contract since the previous cashback anniversary and while cashback exists on your contract. Cashback will not be paid if the contract is not active on the cashback anniversary. Cashback would, on average, increase your premium by 12.5%.
      Choosing the right cover for serious illnesses doesn’t have to be daunting. For more information speak to your financial adviser. Visit www.oldmutual/illness or call 0860 60 60 60
      How soon does the cover kick in?
      Immediately. You’re covered for up to 30 days before paying your first premium.
      DISCLAIMER: This story was told by one of our customers, who received a monetary token of our appreciation for sharing it. The information shared in this article does not constitute financial advice. For more information and Ts & Cs, visit oldmutual.co.za/illness 
      *In Partnership with Old Mutual More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      10 restaurants in Dubai with luxe private dining areas

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      14 mins ago

      When it comes to an exceptional dining experience, Dubai always knows how to deliver.
      However, to add an aura of intimacy and opulence to your next special occasion, why not opt for a private dining room?
      With five-star cuisine and service, these Dubai restaurants offer an outstanding experience with their decadent private dining rooms.
      From plush interiors to a bespoke menu, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the luxe Dubai-based venues with a secluded space tailored to your needs.
      Indochine

      There’s a piece of New York City right here in Dubai that you can enjoy – Indochine. Whether you wish to host a private event for a new launch or simply want to celebrate a special occasion, this is the place to be. The French-Vietnamese restaurant brings its classic dishes to the table with an in-house indie DJ for some eclectic tunes all night long. The restaurant can seat large parties of 10 to 20 guests in a luxurious private dining setting. Guests can relish a five-course menu served family-style accompanied by an evening of conversation and laughter in this intimate setting. Hosts also have an option of full or partial buyouts for larger gatherings.
      For more information visit indochinedxb.com.
      Amazonico

      This jungle-inspired venue gives guests a chance to dine in their private dining room for all types of special occasions. For larger groups, the restaurant offers a completely secluded dining space, where semi-private areas for smaller groups are also available upon request. Up to 20 guests can dine together in an intimate setting with access to the luxe rooftop and views of Dubai’s scintillating skyline. With Latin-American cuisine, diners can be taken on a sensory journey along the Amazon river with some eclectic tunes.
      For more information visit amazonicorestaurant.com.
      Shanghai Me

      Inspired by the culinary traditions of East Asia, this haven encapsulates a rich heritage through a fusion of cocktails and dishes. This 1930s-inspired restaurant has a hidden luxe private dining area for bespoke events to meet any given requirements.
      For more information visit shanghame-restaurant.com. 
      Le Guépard

      Designed as a dedicated private dining space in the heart of Alserkal Avenue, this experiential venue can be tailored according to anyone’s personal preference. By cooking up a bespoke culinary menu, Chef Yanis Yahou takes guests on an unforgettable journey with each bite. Inspired by the French Riviera, guests can host birthday celebrations or corporate events with vintage décor, that’s sure to impress.
      For more information visit leguepard-est2021.com.
      Cé La Vi

      With out-of-this-world Burj Khalifa views and a fusion of fragrant ingredients, CÉ LA VI is the culinary hotspot is one that everyone needs to visit. The contemporary Asian menu curated by executive chef Howard Ko is second to none and the entire restaurant experience will leave you wanting to go back for more. For an event to remember, guests can host special occasions or corporate events that create a lasting impression. The private dining room, enclosed within a bamboo forest-themed interior, can host up to 10 guests and is ideal for gatherings, meetings to tastings.
      For more information visit celavi.com.
      Roka

      If there’s one Japanese Robatayaki restaurant that you need to try is ROKA. Featuring a prominent red 3D brick wall, the restaurant offers a hidden dining space perfect for intimate gatherings. With dishes from the restaurant’s main menu and a long banquet hall, it’s surely a luxe option to add to your list.
      For more information visit rokarestaurant.com. 
      GAIA

      This award-winning Greek-Mediterranean restaurant is designed with a modern palate and a delectable menu created by Chef Izu Ani. With its captivating charm, there’s something for everyone to sit and dine for hours. With a private Chef’s Table situated on the outskirts of the kitchen at the lower level, guests can enjoy a 12-seater dining experience. Surrounded by white stone walls and intricate details with copper pans, the table and journey are designed for an intimate gathering.
      For more information visit gaia-restaurants.com.
      At.mosphere

      In the world’s tallest building, this exquisite restaurant awaits. For a premium dining experience with a seating capacity of up to 16 guests, the restaurant’s culinary team brings the most meticulous creations to life while you dine sky-high.
      For more information visit atmosphereburjkhalifa.com. 
      Zuma

      By adding a sophisticated twist to the Japanese Izakaya style of cooking, Zuma offers authentic dishes that make people come back for more. The restaurant’s private dining area is the ideal place to host a social luncheon, brunch or corporate dinner in its unique space with a solid oak wood dining table that can seat up to 20 guests. Alternatively, the room can be divided into two separate spaces to accommodate 10 guests each.
      For more information visit zumarestaurant.com
      Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

      Il Borro is the go-to restaurant in Dubai for five-star Italian cuisine. The fine-dining hotspot’s private dining area is the perfect place for an intimate gathering of 10 to 15 guests. Guests can experience a bespoke menu of three to four courses according to their dietary requirements.
      For more information visit ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature image: @Indochinedxb More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Everything you need to know about Dubai Design Week 2022

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      As the UAE continues to be at the forefront of design, Dubai Design Week plays a key role in nurturing this creative spirit.
      Back for its eighth instalment, the week-long showcase will take place from November 8 to 13.
      At one of the region’s most artistic programmes, visitors can experience a curated design experience through installations, exhibitions, and experiential mediums that shed light on various talented individuals and platforms in the Middle East and globally.
      “Dubai Design Week is an annual celebration of design and designers that we are proud to be continuously supporting,” said CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash.

      With Metaverse at the core of technological advancements, this year’s annual event will include an exploration of this subject through a series of exhibitions with locally based designers.
      To engage in positive conversations surrounding the environment, this year’s installation programme entitled ‘Design with Impact’ features immersive installations to showcase new changes in the design world.
      For engaging panel discussions and an opportunity to learn from experts in the industry, visitors can attend talks at The Forum at Downtown Design to delve into in-depth design-related conversations and learn from them through material experimentation.
      Held at this avant-garde district, Dubai Design District is an inspiring community of talented individuals that contribute to the country’s burgeoning artistic sector.

      “We are proud to present the eighth edition of Dubai Design Week, which is set to be – once again – a very exciting highlight of Dubai’s autumn calendar. We look forward to bringing the design and creative community together to engage, connect and be inspired by the ideas, talents and artisans presented across installations, exhibitions, talks, workshops, the Downtown Design fair and the market,” said Vice President of d3, Khadija Al Bastaki.
      As a regional hub for art, design and fashion, this highly-anticipated programme is held at one of the most sought-after venues that engage with like-minded individuals.
      For more information visit dubaidesignweek.ae
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @dubaidesignweek More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Your guide to F1 weekend with Yas Plaza Hotels’ special offerings in Abu Dhabi

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      2 hours ago

      IN PARTNERSHIP: As Abu Dhabi gears up for Formula 1 at full speed, Yas Plaza Hotels brings a host of exciting events to the table this month.
      To embark on an experiential journey, the capital’s favourite spots will be filled with action-packed days just opposite from the bustling Yas Marina Circuit.
      With six world-class hotels located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this enticing entertainment destination is home to various hospitality brands including Radisson Blu, Yas Island Rotana and more.
      If you’re looking to plan ahead of all the races this month, we have the ultimate guide to where to make your bookings from now.

      Visitors can make their first pit stop at Park Inn by Radisson Blu Yas Island and head to Underdog Club at Amerigos with a plethora of tempting dishes varying from tacos to churros. During lunchtime, guests can opt for the Chef’s signature lunch menu starting at Dhs169 for soft drinks and Dhs269 for house beverages from 12:30pm to 4pm. For the Mercadito evening table brunch, guests can experience four hours of brunching for Dhs299 with house beverages and Dhs399 with premium house beverages from 6pm to 12am on Thursday and Friday, November 17 and 18, 2022 with live entertainment from DJ Dave and Latin Duo. Those looking to visit the venue on the weekend, can avail of the Acapulco brunch starting at Dhs299 with house beverages 12:30pm to 4pm. In a laidback setting and experience a three-hour house beverage package starting at Dhs259 from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and November 20, 2022.
      To warm up for the Grand Prix experience, guests can wear their favourite orange outfits and embrace the Dutch spirit at one of the best seafood and steaks hotspots, Belgian Beer Café at Radisson Blu Yas Island for their second pit stop. With a delectable a la carte offering throughout the weekend from 12:30pm to 3am, visitors can cheer to their heart’s content. For some liquid fuel, visitors can try the house beverages package for three hours at Dhs259 from 4pm to 8pm and experience the best tunes for talented names such as Alena & Mya and DJ Daro.
      If you’re looking for the longest brunch, Live Action at Stills situated at Crowne Plaza Yas Island is hosting their award-winning party brunch, Funch from 12pm to 4pm starting at Dhs299 with an after party from 4pm to 6pm at Dhs199 on November 19 and 20, with entertainment from DJ Cliff, DJ Rady and more for pit stop five.

      With a medley of the venues’ resident DJs, Go Unreal at Y Bar at Yas Island Rotana will serve sumptuous delights from 12pm to 4am throughout the weekend. As the eighth pit stop, guests can indulge in healthy greens, signature dishes, bubble and grapes to go in full speed and witness the F1 heroes on the big screen.
      At the second last pit stop, Michelin star Chef Jitin Joshi has created a menu that will tantalise your palate with Indian-inspired dishes at the British Indian Curry Club at Rangoli at Yas Island Rotana. From November 17 to November 20, 2022, visitors can enjoy the evening menu from 6pm to 1am and, to elevate their 2022 Grand Prix experience.
      For more information and to make bookings visit yasplazahotels.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Vacheron Constantin collaborates with Aljoud Lootah for its new Dubai flagship

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      Vacheron Constantin has unveiled its new flagship store in Dubai Mall.
      Seamlessly fusing the craft of watchmaking with the UAE’s heritage, the sophisticated horologist collaborated with Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah, to bring the brand’s four artistic installations to life in the new store.

      Exhibited through the flagship store, the Atrium’s entrance features three custom-built installations of external windows.
      With falcon feathers as the focal point of inspiration, Lootah seamlessly showcases immaculate attention to detail between watchmaking and nature to showcase its meaning of pride and unity.

      Designed with a mesmerising colour palette, the designer embraces the vibrancy of the region through blue, gold and silver hues. These timeless pieces represent Emirati cultures through each colour resonating with the UAE’s features. The colours highlight different elements with blue depicting clear skies, gold being the sand dunes and silver evoking the UAE’s skylines to give depth to each piece.
      With meticulous details, carefully selected beads, and traditional techniques, the brand continues to pass on a profound sense of legacy that’s rooted in Emirati heritage.
      Located on the Ground Floor at The Dubai Mall, it’s open from Monday to Thursday 10am to 11pm and Friday to Sunday 10am to 12am and for more information visit vacheron-constantin.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Everything to know about the full moon eclipse in Taurus

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      Words by Kirstyn Lewis – Founder of the Karmic Soul
      Do you know where you’re going to?
      Do you like the things life is showing you?
      Where are you going to?
      Do you know?
      Do you get what you’re hoping for?
      When you look behind you there’s no open doors.
      What are you hoping for?
      Do you know?
      -Lyrics from the Theme from Mahogany (Lyrics by Michael Masser & Gerry Goffin and sang by Diana Ross)
      If ever there was a song to eloquently describe the upcoming Eclipse and the meaning behind it, it’s this one. In a quiet moment alone, take the time carefully to the lyrics and reflect on them.
      It’s crazy, but when the song was released back in September 1975, the Moon was actually transiting through Taurus who rules not only the throat but things of value. The lunation had something powerful to say as it sped through its cycle to quickly be back in time for the FULL MOON ECLIPSE again in Taurus on 18 November 1975. That song was also hot on the heels of the astrologically inspired song, “Venus And Mars Rock Show” by Paul McCartney & Wings.
      Or how about the Lunar Eclipse in Taurus in May 1994? Ace of Base sang the No. 1 hit song “The Sign” (and it opened up my eyes … no one is going to drag you up to get into the light where you belong). As we look back at astrological cycles and patterns we see the same messages repeating again and again in the strangest ways if you reflect carefully.
      For those who want to delve deeper astrologically, on November 8, the last eclipse of the year will be upon us. You will be moving out of the darkness and into the light as the Sun and Moon oppose one another. You can now put more structure in your life and see things for what they are.
      Saturn, the zodiac’s timekeeper, is out of retrograde and moving forward again in Aquarius lending you more inventive and original approaches to getting things done. He is also helping anyone who needs stability at work in publishing, politics, public speaking and foreign countries.
      Another manifestation is you may be either travelling too much or avoiding it altogether – through no fault of your own (someone else may be calling the cards as to where you can and can’t go). You are being manipulated to keep you stuck in a thought process. Saturn lends you a deeper, more reflective approach to the situation, but with challenging aspects, some may have to deal with intolerance, fundamentalism, chauvinism or those possessing dogmatism to punch their way through.
      The problem is we all have the emotional water, intellectual air and more practical earth energies wanting to change everyone to their way of things, and fighting to be heard. It’s not ideal because it’s all happening in fixed signs, all of which are ‘not negotiable’ characters.
      The recent eclipse in Scorpio still has you polarised and Jupiter, the planet of expansion, is in Pisces and still retrograding. He is going back over plans you have for the future, causing you to be less forgiving than you have been in the past to anyone who stands in your way of success.
      What did Scorpio and his ruling planets, Pluto and Mars, ask you to let go of in the recent Solar Eclipse? Pluto, the planet of transformation is still in bossy Capricorn, (his natural 8th house) and topics of hidden secrets and desires, death and other people’s money are highlighted. Mars is questioning your moral values around society and thinks, “your fear of acceptance is definitely holding you back?” Given the 8th house loves to shock and surprise, Pluto is sending Mars to do his dirty work. His first stop will be to get to the bottom of things with a talkative and curious Gemini. He’s demanding to know what you really value. Gemini doesn’t always give a clear answer. Pluto is sick of your preaching and pontificating. Oh dear, please make a decision.
      We need you to go into 2023 with a clearer view of the future. Pluto won’t be waiting too much longer as he reveals his plans for 2024 by April next year. It’s best you accept a burden of spiritual maturity and do what is being asked of you.
      Try to remain independent in your thoughts and avoid listening to the masses. If you do, there is a good chance you can easily fall victim to injustice or vilification.

      Spiritual Neptune in Pisces is looking upon us and dares to doubt the written belief system as currently scribed by men or crafty tyrants. Was it for the good of all or simply in the interest of a hidden few? Wow! Powerful words for a planet that is usually rather reserved.
      On the flip side, the Lunar Eclipse in Taurus is ruled by Venus, who wants to show you real love and the money you deserve – not just what you believe to be currently true, but it looks like greed, manipulation or false promises have taken their toll on you.
      The Taurus Moon asks, “what made you wiser this year, and how can you recover from any failure, disaster, job loss, or betrayal?” Change may feel slow in coming. If you don’t have your answer, spend time alone, in nature, with music and breath, honour your animal friends and surround yourself with that which you find beautiful.
      Venus is still sitting with her Scorpio friends. They like competency and people who can act more like grown-ups, they don’t think you are ready to hear the brutal truth. Have you been taken for granted? Venus wants to say what Scorpio wants to hear, she feels trapped as she knows Scorpio is doing her a favour and telling the truth. For those looking for a new partnership, you need to be with those who are more humble, unpretentious and supportive of you. Before you commit, what does your intuition say? Trust it. The right people will be naturally drawn towards you. For those seeking financial rewards, you will need to rely on big business.
      Be assured, you are finally finding your tribe, it will feel good. Creative types fair best, particularly gifted writers, journalists or scholars, Pisces and Cancer types especially; hats off to Taurus and Capricorn for seeing the light and moving in the right direction. Scorpio, put your energy into writing down your goals – look to Aries to help if you’re stuck. Gemini will be questioning value systems in even more detail but they may miss the power of fate and fortune, the Universe doesn’t always give straight answers or divulge his ultimate game plan, that would be too easy! Leo’s, however, will be ready to lead the charge, and for the rest of you? Just keep a low profile for now.
      I’m sure in six weeks you will all look back and wonder how you survived another surprising year!
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @yana.potter.art More