Out and About STYLE Magazine

Issue 1 Volume 2
February 2020
TAKING LESSONS FROM
M H.E. AMBASSADOR
HJAYCEELYN
AURORA
QUINTANA
PHILIPPINE
AMBASSADOR
TO THE UAE
FINANCIAL
LITERACY:
LEARN THESE
COMPONENTS
THE
DARK
TRUTH
ABOUT
EATING
DISORDERS
THE WORLD’S
TOP 16
BREATHTAKING
BEACHES

Quote
of
M onth
the
There is nothing
more important to
true growth than
realising that you are
not the voice of the
mind - you are the
one who hears it.
~ Michael A. Singer

www.outandaboutstylemag.com
marsha@outandaboutstylemag.com
Shella Landayan
editor@outandaboutstylemag.com
sales@outandaboutstylemag.com
www.outandaboutstylemag.com
Outandaboutstylemag
Published by Out and About Style FZE
(Registered at Fujairah Creative City)

People change and things go
wrong but just remember, life
goes on.
~ Mac Miller
January may have greeted us with
struggles and challenges, but our
strength and willpower kept us
going. Keep in mind that as long
as we breathe, we have another
chance to live the life we always
wanted.
From the bottom of our hearts,
Out and About STYLE Magazine
is proud that you are standing
strong through all these battles
and for keeping the fight. This
February, do not be afraid to
dream and soar high as we move
on with life’s challenges!
EDITOR’S
WELCOME
Features and Highlights
In our Fashion feature, we
present to you Alina Anwar, an
international fashion designer for
evening wear based in Dubai.
She shared with us her life stories
and inspirational journey towards
her colourful success. To spice up
your daily fashion vibes, check
out Denim is a Staple Part of
Everyone’s Wardrobe and get the
right attitude going.
To get the ideal look, we need
to pick the right makeup and
tools to use. In our Beauty
section, we searched for the 10
Brush Sets, and we included the
reasons why we picked them.
Natural eyebrows? Learn How to
Get Thicker and Fuller Brows in
our Beauty feature as well and
achieve that no-makeup look we
always wanted to try.

If you want to start a new business, get inspiration
from our special guest in our exclusive interview
with Igor Sergeev, prominent businessman
and founder of the Dubai People, an exclusive
business club in the UAE. Learn more about Igor
in our Behind The Brand feature. Taking Lessons
features Hjayceelyn Aurora Quintana, the
incumbent Philippine Ambassador to the UAE.
She teaches us how important dedication is to a
diplomat and a public servant.
Are you into the visual arts? Check out our Talent
Pool section. We interviewed Alena Vavilina,
a successful artist who has a unique style of
showcasing her wonderful gift.
We want to share with you amazing and
educational articles to help you live your life to
the fullest. For our Lifestyle feature, we offer
you 5 Essential Life-Changing Skills to learn
and master to boost productivity and sharpen
your confidence. We also need to support each
other, so let’s go ahead and learn about The Dark
Truth about Eating Disorders. Money matters are
always important to prioritise. Learn the basic
components of personal Financial Literacy to
understand how to manage our limited economic
resources properly.
A healthy body is needed for us to face the
challenges we may encounter. In our Food
section, we gather 8 Easy Overnight Oats recipes
and ideas for you to try. If you still have a hard
time getting your daily vegetable intake, try our
10 ways to prepare Mouthwatering Cauliflower
Dishes.
Along with a healthy diet, we also need ample
amounts of exercise even when we’re busy and
unable to visit the gym. Workout at Work: 7
Exercises You and Your Colleagues Can Do At the
Office is a helpful article in our Fitness segment to
develop an active routine even at the workplace.
Taking a break once in a while is needed for us to
destress. We have researched The World’s Top 16
Breathtaking Beaches that you can browse in our
Travel feature.
Most of us are scared of starting something new,
which can be a hindrance to get our goals. For
our Culture section, we offer these 5 Tips to
Overcome Your Fear of Getting Started. Let’s also
hear the inspiring story from Joshua Quinn about
Putting Yourself in the Driver’s Seat, a personal
journey about finding one’s self, dealing with
mental struggles and putting ourselves in control
of our own lives. Technology is absolutely useful
in our daily lives; however, it may be a difficulty
for some parents out there. Solo Parenting in the
Modern Era is a guide for struggling moms and
dads. Finally, we made a book review on The
Untethered Soul worth reading to feed your mind
and soul with inspiring words.
A Special Invitation, Exclusively for You
We proudly present to you a special affair of
beauty: Beyond Beauty: A Journey Beyond
the Physical, made possible by Out and About
STYLE Magazine and The Beauty Studio. Join
us on Monday, February 17, at the Professional
Beauty GCC 2020 with the presence of our
panellists: Katrina Recca, founder of The Beauty
Studio ME and Owner of Kemet Lash Co., Maya
Al Hawary, first Emirati PhD Scholar in Emotional
Intelligence, Tedx Speaker and Chairman of the
Board of Governors of Dubai Carmel School, Lara
Tabet, Brand Ambassador and Luxury Business
Developer, and as a moderator, yours truly,
Marsha Fry. The event will be held at Festival
Arena, Festival City, Dubai. See you there!
Positive Vibes—For Love, Luck and Life
Every morning is another chance for us to
continue. Let’s keep the hope and positive vibes
in our hearts to stand up and start all over again
when we need to. Again, from the Out and
About STYLE Magazine team that has made this
Edition possible, smile and keep going!

1
FASHION
• Alina Anwar
• Demin is A Staple Part of Everyone’s Wardrobe—Here’s Why!
2
BEAUTY
• 10 Brush Sets for 2020
• How to Get Thicker and Fuller Brows
3
BEHIND THE BRAND
• Igor Sergeev, Founder, Dubai People
4
TAKING LESSONS
• M H.E. Ambassador Hjayceelyn Aurora Quintana
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE
Contents
5
6
TALENT POOL
• Alena Vavilina
LIFESTYLE
• 5 Essential Life-Changing Skills
• The Dark Truth about Eating Disorders
• Financial Literacy: Learn these Components
FOOD
• 8 Easy Overnight Oats
• Mouthwatering Cauliflower Dishes: 10 Ways!
FITNESS
• Workout at Work: 7 Exercises to do at the Office
7
TRAVEL
• The World’s Top 16 Breathtaking Beaches
8
FOR THE CULTURE
• Putting Yourself in the Driver’s Seat, by Joshua Quinn
• The Reinvented Chronicles with Yvonne C. Mtengwa —
5 Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Getting Started
• Solo Parenting in the Modern Era
• Book Review: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
• Win with Out and About STYLE Magazine

FASHION
FEATURE
Alina
ANWAR
ALINA ANWAR COUTURE
www.alinaanwar.com

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m Alina, a fashion designer for international evening wear
based in Dubai. It’s almost a year since I started working
as a fashion designer. Before I started this career, I did my
business consulting masters in the UK at the University
of Warwick. Then I came back to Dubai since my family
is based here and I took a course in fashion designing. I
started working on my brand in 2017 and launched my first
collection in September 2018.
My very first fashion show known as Royal Gala in Dubai
was held in October 2018, just a month after we launched. I
was able to do this with the support of other wonderful likeminded
people. The response to the show was amazing.
After six months, I dressed my first celebrity from India in
March 2019. I was extremely happy to have landed this gig
because she’s an analyst and very well-known. To get her at
an early stage was a huge achievement. That opportunity
spiralled, and I have since then dressed a number of other
celebrities, but I believe I still have a long way to go. It’s just
the start.
2. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF FASHION?
I believe that style is your silent story. It’s a way of expressing
yourself and your personality without saying a word. Fashion
inspires me every day. I eat, love, wear, and do fashion. I
cannot imagine myself doing something else other than
being a fashion designer.
3. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FASHION?
I have always wanted to be a fashion designer. It inspired me,
and I was very fascinated by the idea of doing something
related to fashion. I grew up looking at my mom wearing
beautiful gowns, and she’s the inspiration behind the brand.
I’m very lucky to have her to look up to. She’s my strength,
and she pushes me to achieve as a fashion designer. I came
into fashion because of the matriarchs in my life, my mother
and grandmother. My grandmother had a sewing machine
when I was growing up, so I would watch her sew. After
school, I’d come home and watch her stitching clothes for
herself. She used to make simple clothes and I loved sitting
beside her to look at every small detail. Apart from that, I
used to go to tailor shops when I was about 12 or 13. I was
very fascinated and attracted by things like laces, threads
and colours. I had this thing in myself that I wanted to be
unique. I wanted to wear different clothes from everybody
else. I had designs inspired from different look books on
internet. and I took them to the tailor and would ask them
if they could recreate them for me. After going for a while,
the tailors began to question where I got the designs, as
they couldn’t believe that someone of my age had such an
eye for fashion. When they were doing the beadwork and
embroidery, I watched keenly. So, all in all, this has been
attracting me since I was very young.

4. WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A
FASHION DESIGNER?
I think the best part of being a fashion designer is that I learn
every day and I get to do a lot of experiments with designs and
with colours. There’s this creativity that is involved in this process
that keeps me going. I pick up something new on a daily basis.
There’s always something new, and I take risks. I’m able to do
experiments, which I enjoy. That’s what I like.
5. WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
I believe that I still have a long way to go, and it’s not even 10%
of what I want to achieve, but it would be dressing up one of the
most famous female celebrities for sure. She’s a living legend. To
dress someone like her that you’ve been looking up to since you
were a child is a huge achievement.
6. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?
I take inspiration from everywhere, whatever is around me, the
colours and the place. For example, if I go to London, and I’m
strolling around, I’ll take inspiration from a window display, a
building, the colours and everything around me.
If you look into my collections, there’s a different inspiration in
each one of them. The first collection was inspired by the old
glamour of Hollywood and its celebrities.
The second collection was inspired by the beautiful Hyde Park in
London.
The third one was inspired by Italy’s Greenest Park. The current
collection was inspired by the garden in the Netherlands.
The fifth one will come out in September this year, and it is inspired
by the red carpet and glamour of Hollywood. It has a lot of sequins
and colors to play with, including some stylish suits and gowns.
So every collection has something different to offer to the market.

7. WHO ARE YOUR TARGET CUSTOMERS?
When I design, I keep a wider audience in my mind.
My designs are not limited to a particular audience,
it’s for everyone: for every age group, for every
woman. I design for women because I want them to
feel confident and empowered when they wear my
designs.
8. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR
PERSONAL STYLE?
My personal style is simple, elegant and classic.
9. WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST ROOKIE
MISTAKE YOU MADE WHEN JUST
STARTING OUT?
For me, every mistake you make, you learn from it.
I would not say that I’ve made a big mistake. I’ve
made many mistakes, but it’s not the biggest one I
made. I got a lesson, and I have applied for it later
on. It’s not a mistake, but it was a learning process
I would say. It’s a learning process throughout. For
almost like two years, I’ve been working so I’ve been
learning for two years, and I want to learn more.
10. BIGGEST FASHION NO-NO?
In my book, there’s no fashion no-no. I think one
should do what they want to do. Be yourself, be
confident in what you’re doing. Once you are
confident, you won’t ever go wrong. Confidence is
your biggest key.
11. WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR
BEST DESIGN SO FAR?
The best piece that I have made is the one that we
made very recently. It’s a beautiful purple net gown
with big flowers on it. It’s short in the front and long in
the back. It’s very stylish, very chic. It can be worn at
a red carpet event, but we specifically designed and
sent it for an exclusive shoot. We worked extremely
hard on the piece; we put our best into it.
12. WHAT’S THE GOAL?
I want to achieve a lot and this is just the beginning,
I believe. Right now, my goal is to be in one of the
prestigious stores in Europe and to dress more
famous celebrities and influencers.

IS A STAPLE PART OF
EVERYONE’S WARDROBE
HERE’S WHY!
Denim has been a popular fashion trend for many years, but it’s been here for a long time. In fact, denim dates
back to the mid-1600s. There are early accounts of its use in Renaissance Europe, even way before when it was
popularised in America as its own national fabric.
If anything, denim has always been related to factory workers, cowboys, truckers and greasers due to its
sturdiness, toughness, and resistance to stains. Times have changed and denim has gained immense popularity
in fashion books. It is also considered a sartorial must-have for both men’s and women’s wardrobe!

One of the perks of denim is that it could be fashioned in a variety of styles with countless
outfits. It also adds an edgy accent to your look. Whether you’re dressing up casual or
going smart-chic, denim is versatile and very obliging, if paired right! However, one wrong
step could wind you up in a fashion faux-pas.
And that’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the dos and don’ts of denim styling. Next
time you’re dealing with denim, you can avoid being the centre of unpleasant attention.
DENIM
FOR
WOMEN
One piece of denim gives years of wear—
thanks to its all-season wearability. It is also
universally-flattering and androgynous, as well
as lightweight and ideally cotton-made. Denim
shirts and jackets make a great choice of wear
for summer. Besides, being low-maintenance
and a fantastic layering piece, a denim jacket
is light enough to keep you cool in the breezy,
spring weather and warm enough to protect
from the fall chill.

If you fancy the classic
fit, blue wash denim
jacket, you have to
avoid buying cheap
bargains that are
even cheaper-looking
than what you paid
for. Even though with
a blue jean jacket, the
pairing possibilities
are endless and not
looking cheap is your
biggest challenge.
THE CLASSIC
BLUE JEAN JACKET
AND SHIRT
Hence, you have
to invest in an
expensive-looking
blue denim jacket in
a clean-looking wash.
Avoid faded or wornout
versions. In this
case, a darker wash
is a better option
because it looks fresh,
stylish, more of-themoment
and creates
a slimming effect.

With trousers, flared trousers,
leggings, skirts, a denim shirt
as a top should be a match
made in heaven. With both
short and long dresses, or over
jumpsuits as outerwear, a blue
jean jacket works a charm to
create an effortless, everyday
look!
You can finish off the look with
white sneakers for a sporty
appearance. Or combine nude
heels and a vintage beige bag
for a smart-casual look.
For a fail-safe approach, a
denim jacket goes on top of
an all-black outfit or an allwhite
outfit is a nice spin to an
otherwise monochrome look.
DENIM
WITH
A TWIST
If you wish to switch things up and be
more fashion-forward and unique, pick
out two-toned, printed, patterned,
embroidered, patch worked and different
washes of denim. These are your best
and new ways of trying out denim without
looking boring! You could dress up your
bottoms or billowy dresses in even more
creative and casually-cool ways.
To seal the deal, do justice to denim with
structured accessories that lean on the
neutral side. Tan, beige, fawn and cream
colours of bags, belts and shoes add
an expensive feel to your denim. Avoid
acrylics and choose natural fabrics like
leather or suede for a visually interesting
combination.

DENIM
FOR
MEN
Temperature dips can be
unpredictable, especially at night.
If you’re in no mood to bother with
a blazer or a sports jacket and you
won’t mind a light cover for the day,
a denim jacket is your best friend.
It’ll keep you cool in the day and
warm at night, with a slice of relaxed
style! Dudes don’t have to get their
heads around the complexities of
denim; you could look your best in
denim with a little more attention
and common sense.
Instead of aiming for oversized
fits, give your inside “gangster” a
break and choose “slim-fit” options
that hug the contours of your body
and bring out your natural body
shape. Well-fitted denim jackets
complement your silhouette and
don’t overshadow the rest of your
outfit, rather balance the look.
Also, distressed denim jackets are
excellent and breathable options for
a summer wardrobe. You can easily
throw on distressed denim jackets
every time you head out, even on
a hot, summer day since these are
breathable all-year-round apparel.
CUTS
AND
STYLING
The same can be said about denim shirts! Select a fit that envelops you
and avoid loose, boxy and baggy fits. This is particularly important for
skinny and athletic men. Once the fit is perfected, it’s more about denim
washes, styling, mixing and matching.

Traditional blue, white or pastel denim washes are splendid for the start
of spring and the height of summer. Not only do light washes feel light to
wear, but they make you achieve a preppy style. You can easily style light
denim jackets, and shirts with chinos, cords, casual slacks, shorts, khakis
and even ripped jeans to add some depth.
You could pair a blue denim jacket with a different coloured blue shirt
and bottoms; it works, you know! A simple blue denim shirt could be
worn open over plain or striped T-shirts for a sleek, masculine look that
never goes wrong!
A denim shirt worn and tucked
under a suit looks rather
modern and allows you to
convey your individuality.

THE DARK
APPROACH
Let’s admit going dark with denim is another
level of hotness. Black itself is full to the brim
sexy, but when you pair contrasting shades with
it, the results end up being very powerful. For
that, a white shirt, black denim jacket and black
bottoms would do. White denim shirt with black
jeans is also a very effective option. You have
dark blue and grey to consider as well.
FINISHING
TOUCHES
Wearing trainers might seem the only sensible
option to you, but that only goes for a casual
appearance. To smarten up and look tailored,
boat shoes, loafers and even rugged boots are
all you need to go from casual to dressed-up.
It’s never too late to develop a sense of styling:
one just needs to experiment with different flairs
and trends. Stick to the ones that make you
the best version of yourself, all while looking
confident.

ORIENTAL BEAUTY
Model: Krisztina Csakany - Avantage Models
Photo : Jozsef Balogh
Retouch: Ory Gabriel
Makeup and styling: Liv Rideg

SENSUALITY
Model: Bia Volgyi
Photo and Retouch: Andrea Marton
Hair and makeup: Liv Rideg
Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary.

01
BEST FOR ALL LOOKS:
Morphe Stroke Of
Lux Brush Set
M A K E U P
M A D N E S S
WITH
10
BRUSH
SETS
FOR
2020
02
BEST VEGAN SET
Zoeva Opulence Vegan
Brush SET
Hey, 2020 Beauty Bawses! We are now
in the year of success, balance and
harmony so why not start with making
sure your beauty tools are in sync with
that? I have taken the time to break
down 10 makeup brush sets that will
propel your 2020 makeup routine
into the Beauty Bawse routine of the
decade. Let’s get started!
03
MOST POPULAR FOR BLENDING
BH Cosmetics Details

04
POSITIVE VIBES
Spectrum Cosmetics
05
MOST FLAWLESS
Revolution 6pc Pro Complexion Kit
06
EASIEST TO USE
Sigma Essential Brush Kit
07
PRO FAVOURITE
SHANY The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush
Set with Wooden handle, Handmade Natural
Synthetic Bristles, 24 pcs
08
BEST BUDGET
Online Only Silver 11 Piece Brush
Collection
09
MOST VERSATILE
ARTIS Elite Mirror Ten Brush Set

10
MOST RELIABLE
Makeup by Mario x Sephora
Complexion Brush Set
Katrina is the Creative
Director at The Beauty
Studio, Middle East. In
this article, she shares
her travel makeup and
skin routine.

HOW
TO GET
THICKER
AND
FULLER
BROWS
Eyebrows make or break
your entire appearance,
no matter how lush your
hairstyle is or how flawless
your makeup is. Skinny
brows are long gone, it’s
time to give your tweezers
a break and hit full with
your eyebrows. With our
tips and hacks in this post,
you can up your eyebrow
game and get them on
fleek!

01
GIVE YOUR
EYEBROWS
A REST
Constant threading, plucking, and waxing can
permanently drive to thinned-out brows, talk about total
deforestation! Besides, overnight miracles don’t exist;
instead, grow out your eyebrows. You’ll have to wait for
at least five to eight weeks with no trimming, considering
that eyebrows grow about 0.16 mm per day.
The hardest part is the waiting period, especially in the
first two weeks because the pull of taking down excess hair is irritatingly inviting. Refrain from spending
too much time in front of the mirror and pondering over your eyebrows excessively. Devote your time
doing something healthy for your eyebrows like drinking plenty of water which flushes out toxins from
your body and promotes eyebrow growth as claimed by some experts.
Don’t pluck the hair that might slightly frame your eyelids rakishly after two weeks or so. Line them
in with an eyebrow pencil for a fuller yet softer appearance or conceal them with a concealer at best.
Pick only the extra strands that materialise in the middle of the brow for a neater approach and leave
eyebrow hair from above, below and the tail.
02
CLEAN
You might suggestively “eye-roll” at
this statement, but indeed we all tend
to forget keeping our eyebrows clean
or ignore the mere prospect. Eyebrows
free from unneeded gunk are essential
in supporting its growth. Keep them a
distance apart from creams, lotions or
moisturisers because chemicals in these
items can clog the pores and disrupt the
growing process. Whereas, keeping them
clean would keep the pores unclogged
and ready for its restorative process.

03
MASSAGE
While you’re at it, try giving your eyebrows a
massage regularly. This improves blood circulation
and promotes thicker, fuller eyebrows. Massaging
keeps the root of your eyebrows rejuvenated and
eases down your strained forehead. The more
relaxed you are, the better your body will recycle.
Try oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil
to massage your eyebrows before bed and leave
it overnight. These oils are rich in nutrients and
promote hair growth, stimulate circulation and
increase cellular metabolism, which helps in
regrowth and fuller, thicker brows over time while
giving the TLC your brows need. Use these oils
in their natural, purest form; diluted versions may
not bestow the results you’re hoping for.
04
BRUSH
Yes, you heard it right! Brushing your eyebrows is as necessary as taming your hair. Take a spoolie or
use your old mascara brush (make sure it’s clean) and lightly flick it across the length of your brow using
upward motions. Do this daily to acknowledge a change in your eyebrow growth because brushing
eyebrows doesn’t only improve the flow of blood circulation but also gets rid of any unwanted dirt or
leftover makeup stuck in those little strands. This process keeps your brows in good shape too!

05
EXFOLIATE
Eyebrow exfoliation is crucial in encouraging growth. You don’t need any fancy scrubs for this purpose,
use your regular facial scrub and exfoliate your eyebrows twice a week. This procedure nourishes the
hair follicles and stimulates eyebrow growth. Wash off the product from your eyebrows thoroughly
to remove all scrubbing particles. Brushing, in the end, will ensure your eyebrows are swept clean of
any remaining granules.
You can use a soft clean toothbrush to exfoliate your eyebrows as well. Be gentle, or you may end up
losing some hair. Turning this into a nightly routine should encourage your brows to grow and also
improve their hair cycle.
06
MOISTURISE
To quicken things up, moisturising is the key to
strike knee-deep when it comes to growing your
eyebrows. We recommend eyebrow growth
serums or eyebrow conditioning primers which
comprise ingredients that enrich the brows for
increased growth and strengthening the existing
hair mutually—it’s a win-win situation, really!
Particularly, for those who desire quick results
without much effort.
Even applying petroleum jelly to your brows
works but this process takes time in accomplishing
longer, thicker arches. It moisturises the skin under
the brows, nourishes the hair, and locks in moisture
to encourage the growth of hydrated brows. Not
only that, it keeps the eyebrow hair in place, as
well! Do this religiously three to four times a day
daily. However, if you have acne-prone oily skin,
the serum choice is better.

07
MAINTAIN
Once you’ve acquired full brows, learn to maintain
them. There’s a difference between plucking
your brows and shaping them. Go minimal with
the tweezers and concentrate more on acquiring
a shape that suits your face. Whatever removal
process you employ, remove your brow hair in
soft lighting. Because doing so in excessive light
translates to over-plucking — exactly what you
need to avoid! Either hire professionals to do your
eyebrows and learn from them or understand your
face map to make a few complimentary changes.
08
FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT
Lastly, groom your brows with makeup! Determine
with a brush “the start and end” of your brows.
Set your brows with a spoolie seeing the shape
you want and begin filling in with an eyebrow
pencil, implementing feather-light pencil strokes
that mimic the natural line of your brows. Blur
the strokes with slight eyebrow shadow, exerting
gentle pressure. You’ll soon have natural, thicker
and polished-looking brows in no time and
remember—practice makes perfect!
While you let time work its course around your
brows, you can try brow fibre gels. Brow fibre
gels have tiny micro-fibres similar to real hair
that stick to browhair and look part of them. And
simultaneously, enhances the look and volume of
your brows instantly. No, the fibres don’t come
off unless you rinse with water.
If you have naturally light-coloured brows, invest
in a brow tint that is two shades darker than your
original brow colour. Brow tints add a nice punch
of colour to your brows, making them look more
prominent, bolder and beautiful!

Perfect eyebrows are purely trial and error! Obviously! You cannot have your gaps, patches, naturally sparse or pluckedstricken
brows to grow overnight. It takes an effort and great patience to achieve the brow profile you desire. Instead
of giving into sadness, opt for the challenge of achieving it. When there’s a will, there’s a way! We are with you on your
eyebrow journey - may the odds be ever in your favour.

Model: Kinga Nguyen
Photo: Jozsef Balogh
Retouch: Ory Gabor
Hair and styling: Liv Rideg
Makeup: Andrea Beki and Liv Rideg
Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary.

Igor
Sergeev
QSH Public Networking Services
Quality Standard
quality-uae.com
Dubai People
dubaipeople.ae
BigUAEgiveaway
instagram.com/biguaegiveaway
isergeev_official

Production: Dubai People
Special for Out and About STYLE Magazine
Photographer: Nassyrova Anastassiya
Location: The Penthouse Dubai, Five Palm, Jumeirah.

Production: Dubai People
Special for Out and About STYLE Magazine
Photographer: Nassyrova Anastassiya
Location: The Penthouse Dubai, Five Palm, Jumeirah.

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT
YOURSELF.
My name is Igor Sergeev,
and I’m a 28-year-old
businessman. I was born in
Russia, in the small town of
Aksay in the Rostov Region.
Most of my childhood and
youth were spent in Ukraine.
I am the son of an amazing
woman who gave me the
right education and the best
childhood!
I know for sure that there
are no bad people; it’s only
how you perceive certain
situations. I love life, nature
and people. I believe that
every day you need to start
with a smile and thank God
for the day! I believe in the
mission of every person; I
am sure that good always
conquers evil! The main thing
in life in all situations is to
remain human and make sure
your conscience is clear!
2. HOW LONG ARE YOU
DOING YOUR BUSINESS?
This year, I am celebrating
ten years of my active
business involvement in
Ukraine, Russia and UAE.
Main activities of my business
are investment, marketing,
event management,
network and sales systems,
public relations, company
branding and personal brand
development.
Over these ten years, I
curated more than 200
events, released 20 magazine
issues, I shot more than 20 TV
shows and created more than
50 brand books. In Russia
and Ukraine, I am engaged
in servicing businesses in
the field of marketing. We
have a large business club
of entrepreneurs and a
business magazine. I’ve been
developing my company in
Dubai for five years.
Let me tell you more about
my current focal projects.
BigUAEgiveaway is the only
social media fest on Instagram
in UAE. We have over 30
ambassador influencers.
We collaborated with more
than 100 companies. This is
a great platform that allows
you to grow your business
and personal brand in social
media.
Quality Standard is a
marketing and events
management firm associated
with an international club
of successful businessmen
and entrepreneurs. Quality
Standard engages in the
development of personal
and corporate branding.
Dubai People, on the other
hand, is our new platform
that we are proud to present
on the eve of Expo 2020!
Dubai People is a brand
new platform that aims
to convene and foster
strong, dynamic business
relationships among the top
personalities and influential
figures in the field of business,
management and leadership
in the United Arab Emirates.
In its first year, Dubai People
shall invite 100 successful
professionals in the UAE
through the recommendation
of its founders and current
members. The project aims
to seek the visionaries and
strategists for the future
of business, industry and
professional ventures in the
country.
3. WHAT IS SUCCESS?
I believe that success is
an integral part of every
person’s life. Success for
each and everyone is a
self-definition. It is not
necessarily about money;
it is much more than that.
Seeing successful people
helps me get motivation to
develop even more. I really
want people to lose envy
and instead get motivated.
To achieve, receive, develop,
and enjoy—this is success!
4. HOW DO YOU DEFINE
AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I am pleased with the game
of life itself, the game on how
to make an achievement, the
game of implementation
of goals and plans, and of
course, the game of the
results! An entrepreneur is
a person with a risk-taking
attitude, a person that loves
a good challenge, a person
who pushes himself in the
back everyday and kicks! Real
entrepreneurs never give up.

Production: Dubai People
Special for Out and About STYLE Magazine
Photographer: Nassyrova Anastassiya
Location: The Penthouse Dubai, Five Palm, Jumeirah.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I rarely read literature, but I try to choose the best books. 48 Laws
of Power is a very controversial work. I re-read it several times, and
I discover something new for myself every time. I also engage in
sports. In my childhood, I participated in agrobotics and dancing. I
also like big tennis. Music is also a part of my soul. I regularly go to
the gym and music helps in keeping a strong spirit. I also consider
speaking with wise people as a great hobby of mine.
6. HOW DO YOU MAKE A FINAL DECISION?
My final decision is not negotiable. When in doubt, I will consult
with my relatives. I like to discuss new ideas with my team, and
I listen to the opinion of professionals. But if I finally decide on
something, then this is not subject for discussion. I believe that a
man should make decisions and act. Talk less, act more.
7. WHAT ADVICE ARE YOU REMEMBERING TO KEEP
YOURSELF GOING?
One advice: Igor, you’re doing everything right!
8. TIPS ON HOW TO GAIN SUCCESS.
There is a formula: it is your conscience. If you do everything with
honesty, then you are guaranteed success!
9. HOW DO YOU HANDLE FAILURES?
Of course, such moments arise in life. I always tell myself - Igor, it
is a part of your path, this is an experience; this is not complexity—
this is a new stage to become even stronger. We always have time
to surrender, and surrender is not for us!
10. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ONE FAILURE YOU
HAD?
If we are talking about failure in business, then I have a story.
Military operations began in my country, and everything was quiet
in my city. I decided to open a business centre. I thought about it
for a long time, and I worked at it. The hostilities did not stop me.
A month later, the war began in my city, just as soon as we opened
the business centre that we worked developing for two months. At
some point, we lost everything: our homes, businesses, and even
loved ones. I took a chance and lost, but honestly, I do not regret it.
You can’t even imagine how much stronger I have become.

Production: Dubai People
Special for Out and About STYLE Magazine
Photographer: Nassyrova Anastassiya
Location: The Penthouse Dubai, Five Palm, Jumeirah.

11. HOW DID YOU HELP YOURSELF TO BE POPULAR?
I started a business in another city and entered the business market
faster so that more people would recognise me. Then I decided
to print myself on the cover of my magazine. Yes, it might not be
modest, but it really paid off! A lot of people recognised me in
a month. I even received a prize: Business Breakthrough of the
Year in Crimea. I worked a lot on my projects, and the magazine
helped me to become more popular, which is very important in
the media business.
12. IF YOU WILL BE PUBLISHING A BOOK, WHAT
WILL IT BE?
It would be a storybook compiled from the history of people
from different corners of the planet. I would also love to publish
psychological books as well.
13. HOW DO YOU SET YOUR GOALS TO ACHIEVE
SUCCESS?
I believe that I am getting closer to success every day. I work 24/
7. More precisely, I constantly think. I have a law for myself: the
weekends should always be my day off. It is important to set goals
and achieve them. Talk less, do more!
14. WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO THE PEOPLE
WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
The advice is simple—it’s not easy in Dubai. There is a large flow of
new entrepreneurs, new ideas and events. Continuously working
can help you to achieve something. In Dubai, recommendations
are important for businesses and I really like it. Make one client
happy, and they will bring you five more clients. You need the
right social circle. If you decide to open a business, then write to
me, we will help.
15. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO?
My motto in life is there is no limit to perfection. Personal
development above all!
16. WHAT ARE YOUR DESIRES IN LIFE?
I have two children and a happy family. I’m on the Forbes list.
I also know two foreign languages. I recorded my third music
album, and I learned how to pilot a plane. Of course, I still want
to achieve more in life.

Production: Dubai People
Special for Out and About STYLE Magazine
Photographer: Nassyrova Anastassiya
Location: The Penthouse Dubai, Five Palm, Jumeirah.

Production: Dubai People
Special for Out and About STYLE Magazine
Photographer: Nassyrova Anastassiya
Location: The Penthouse Dubai, Five Palm, Jumeirah.

M H.E. AMBASSADOR
HJAYCEELYN
AURORA
QUINTANA
PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR TO THE UAE
TAKING
LESSONS

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT
YOURSELF AND YOUR
CAREER.
I’m a career diplomat. I’ve
been with the Ministry to be an
ambassador, which by experience
would take at least 20 years to
become eligible. In the Philippines,
The Foreign Service Act is the law
that regulates the career ladder of
foreign service officers.
How did I end up here? I wanted
to pick a government career where
I can make a difference. After
graduating from the university, I
cannot imagine myself being in the
private sector. I thought that I must
use the gifts and talents God has
given me for a greater purpose.
As a diplomat, I have been
assigned to four postings before
serving as Ambassador to the
UAE. The first post I was assigned
to was the Philippine Embassy in
Beijing. Then I was assigned to
Washington, DC. I was also posted
to Ireland when the Philippines
opened an embassy there. After
that, I was appointed to Oman.
After two and a half years in Oman,
I thought I had just barely scratched
the surface, and if I continue, I
will be learning more about the
region. Prior to being appointed to
the UAE, I was Assistant Secretary
for Middle East and Africa Affairs
where I covered the region on a
policy level.
Today, I am serving as Philippine
Ambassador to the UAE, which is
my first ambassadorship. Having
been appointed by the President
as an ambassador to this country
is a great honour. This is a dynamic
region, I know that serving in the
UAE is important especially since
I have many compatriots who
are making a living in this region,
and I thought I would have an
opportunity to change some
perspectives and policies. This
way, I think there would be a real
change in how we do things, as
well as how we relate with other
countries.
2. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR?
It’s a long-term career in the
government. There are levels to
pass through to rise up the ladder,
and mostly it is a tough experience.
One has to have a lot of patience.
Shortcuts are rare. It’s a commitment
when you tell yourself that this is
the career you want to have. There
are a lot of factors to becoming an
ambassador, including political and
personal ones.
3. HOW DOES A CAREER IN
AMBASSADORSHIP START?
The Foreign Service Act of the
Philippines mandates that all
aspiring diplomats should take and
pass the Foreign Service Officer
examination, which is one of the
most difficult professional qualifying
examinations in our country.
Everything about the career leading
to the position of ambassador can
be read in the law. The Foreign
Service designates ranks which
correspond to titles. My current rank
is Chief of Mission which qualifies
me to be an ambassador.
4. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY
HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST
CAREER ACHIEVEMENT SO
FAR?
I’m not too conscious about my rank.
I’m more conscious about making a
difference. Career achievement will
eventually follow because the title
gives you a platform.

For some, a career in ambassadorship
might easily be taken for granted because
one doesn’t get a chance to stay long in
the country of assignment. In our case,
we are away from home for six years, and
those six years might mean staying and
getting assigned to different countries or
regions. You have to make those years
count to serve wholeheartedly and with
integrity.
5. WHAT DOES THE ROLE OF THE
PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR TO
THE UAE ENTAIL?
As ambassador, our main job is to act as
a bridge between the two governments.
An ambassador also engages in
public diplomacy, which means that I
communicate with people from different
sectors of society. Strictly speaking, I’m
the representative of the President of the
Philippines.
I am also an advocate in the sense
that I want to expand and nurture the
relationship of the Philippines with my
host country. Incidentally, this year is
the 40th anniversary of our diplomatic
relations with the UAE. Planning for
diplomatic activities should require a
study or analysis of the countries’ relations
over the years. What is our level now?
What’s the stage of the relationship? Is it
maturing? Is it ready for the next phase?
Do we expand our engagement, or are
we just going to concentrate on existing
areas?
It’s important that I don’t only represent
my own country’s perspective but also
respect the perspective of the host
country. When I engage with them, I can
assess that we are now ready for the next
stage. We can build upon the very strong
relationship that was developed over
the years. I would say the experience of
serving as an ambassador is unique in
every country.
6. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST
CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED
SINCE BECOMING AN
AMBASSADOR, AND HOW DID
YOU OVERCOME THIS?
The Filipino community is one of the
biggest expat groups in the UAE so it is a
bit challenging in terms of balancing the
different expectations of people. I try to
be creative in doing my job, and provide
a breath of fresh air.
The environment, culture, and
perspectives here are different from my
country’s so some adjustments may be
necessary. You need a sincere heart to
engage the people in your host country
and serve the country you represent, as
this will help you overcome the challenges.
7. WHAT ADVICE WOULD
YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE
INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN
AMBASSADOR?
Those who aspire to be ambassadors
need to understand the other side of
this career, the less glamorous side, shall
I say. The number one piece of advice is
to possess a genuine love of one’s own
country. It’s a long journey. Even if you’re
able to enter the Foreign Service, being
appointed as an ambassador is not a
guarantee. Dedication is another key
ingredient.
8. IF YOU WERE NOT A
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EMBASSY,
WOULD THE PHILIPPINES BE
AN ATTRACTIVE TOURISM
DESTINATION FOR YOU AND WHY?
We all have different travel preferences. It
depends on which country you’re coming
from, as well as your budget and your goals.
The Philippines is known for its spectacular
diving spots and marvelous beaches. But
do you know what sets us apart from other

countries? Filipinos are widely known to be warmhearted,
humble and hospitable. Pinoys will welcome
you with their genuine smiles, and our hospitality
turns every tourist’s trip into an even more enjoyable
stay. We will take care of tourists with utmost care.
That’s why a trip to the Philippines is almost always a
wonderful, unforgettable experience.
9. HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH OTHER
COMMUNITIES IN THE UAE?
You will not run out of ideas, options, and
opportunities. They’re very engaging here, and
it’s a very open relationship. You feel the openness
because of the presence of diverse nationalities.
You’re not really just dealing with one set of people,
it’s almost like the whole world.
The challenge is more on getting to know the locals.
That’s why I like to visit places like heritage villages
to get a chance to meet the local population. It’s a
multicultural environment here, and the atmosphere
is cosmopolitan. If you cannot speak Arabic, you can
still communicate with the locals. Emiratis are indeed
very nice and warm-hearted.
10. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL GOAL AS AN
AMBASSADOR?
I am not going to talk about achieving something.
I am more focused on the step-by-step process.
Nobody else can propel you to the next step but
yourself. It’s quite hard to achieve something
when you’re not in control of many things. So if
there’s something that I need to do that require
the help of others and that is not their priority,
the challenge is how to make it their priority, too.
I have a very close relationship with the Lord. I believe
that everything that happens to me, of course, is
preordained by Him. I know that He will lead me to
people who will help me with the things He wants
me to accomplish. It should be a fun process.
What will I expect to see here? How different is this
country from other countries? When you want to
achieve something, you have to study the country.
What can I do for this country? What are the concerns
of the people I represent here? The fun side is you’ll get
a lot of opportunities to interact and solve problems.
I want to be visible to everyone. I’m not the armchair
type of ambassador. I don’t want to sit in the office all

day. I don’t want that two or three
years may pass by with nobody
even knowing the Philippine
Ambassador or might not hear
about the Philippines. It’s a good
thing that the ambassador’s
car has a flag—I can go around
Abu Dhabi displaying my flag
proudly. That’s what I like about
this career. It doesn’t box you in
at all. It may be limiting you to do
something because of the rules
and regulations, but in the end,
there are many opportunities to
explore.
11. WHAT IS THAT ONE
QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?
I can’t think of any quote right
now but I like the poem “If”
by Rudyard Kipling. It’s about
balancing everything in life. There
are many things I can and can’t do
but still, as I was able to overcome
those contradictions, then I’m
able to say to myself that all of the
years I spent are worth it.
I can only do so much. You cannot
have the illusion that what you
did was monumental. The way we
describe it is akin to the existence
of an unplanted seed: we only
reap the harvest when we plant it.

TALENT
POOL
Meet the Artist:
ALENA
VAVILINA
av.artcreator
www.arts-av.com

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Alena Vavilina, and I create my art under
AV Art. Soon after I graduated from an academic art
school in Moscow, my art and story started. I decided
to create my own signature style and broke the rules
which I learned in art school. It was a hard path, but
after numerous experiments, my style has been shaped.
I’d love to see art collectors and enthusiasts enjoy my
artworks at numerous exhibitions worldwide.
I think my career developed quite fast. I started
exhibiting in Moscow as a teenager, and since then, I
have been invited to numerous important contemporary
art events such as Miami Art Basel, Carrousel du Louvre
in Paris, Art Expo Malaysia, Asia Contemporary Art show
in Hong Kong, World Art Dubai and so on. I have been
selected among numerous Russian artists to present at
the Russian Federation Embassy at Art Expo Malaysia
in 2018. Currently, I have a long list of solo and group
exhibitions in galleries around the world. My artworks
and sculptures have been shown in countries such as
France, Belgium, Macedonia, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
the UAE, and Russia. I am still exploring other countries
where I can introduce my artworks.
2. WHEN AND HOW DID YOU DISCOVER
YOUR ARTISTIC TALENTS?
I’ve been fascinated with drawing since my childhood
years. My first Art teacher was my father. He taught me
how to use watercolour and draw still life. I still keep
my first watercolour artworks. I attended different art
classes and completed five years of academic art school
in Moscow, where I got all the classic skills of drawing.
As soon as I graduated, I became a full-time artist.
3. WHY ART?
Authors use words and phrases; it gives them the
possibility to write stories about people’s life, express
their philosophical thoughts, describe imaginary
situations and use their fantasies. I always say artists are
writers who write their stories using paint, paper and
other media. It is one of the ways to deliver messages to
the public and to tell your story.
4. WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE?
The main idea of my artworks and sculptures revolves
around nature. I ask the viewers to stop and have a break
in their busy, everyday lives. I invite them to appreciate
and pay attention to nature which surrounds us, helping to
find
the balance in our lives. The main
purpose of my artwork is not politics or
everyday problems. I believe that the majority
of people need more relaxation, observation, and
finding inner balance.
My artworks of nature have been drawn in my own
mixed media style with the influence of Asian, which
is mainly Chinese art, and a minimalistic approach.
Chinese philosophy has a great impact on my art.
5. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR
ARTWORK?
As I mentioned earlier, I have a mixed media style on
paper and canvas. I always use a minimum of three
media in a painting. Moreover, gold leaf and silver leaf
are my favourite media.
I do have paintings where I used red wine (No
boundaries, Collection 4 and 3), which is absorbed in
paper and left incredibly beautiful dark red spots.
In my latest artworks on canvas such as Cherry Blossom,
Red Balloon and Elephant, I used artificial fur and wire
along with silver leaves and acrylic paint. I like the
mixed media approach as it makes the paintings more
interesting and sophisticated; it attracts viewers to
spend more time investigating every centimetre of the
artwork. The same mixed media concept is what I also
use in sculptures. For example, my collection of Ocean
Drops and Ocean Drops Little are done from cement
and gypsum; the wings are metallic, and the body of the
sculpture is covered with acrylic paint.

6. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING
AN ARTIST?
I would say being an artist is not a job; it’s a lifestyle. You
are absolutely dedicating all your life to art.
7. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE OF
ARTWORK IS DONE?
It’s the hardest part for most artists, as far as I know. I
would say it is an inner sense which tells you to stop.
Sometimes, I take a day off to have a rest from painting a
particular artwork and then looking at it from a different
angle. If I am happy about what I see, I stop working on
it.
8. WHICH ARTISTS ARE YOU MOST
INFLUENCED BY?
I love numerous artists from around the world such as
Gustav Klimt, Takashi Murakami, George Condo, Givi
Vashakidze—the list can be endless.
I appreciate their styles and paintings, but my main
approach is not to be influenced by any artist. You may
end up copying the artist with minor changes, or you
might always be associated with his art and stay in his
shadow. My target is to be recognised by my own style.
9. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR ARTWORK?
It can be absolutely everything that I see or surrounds
me. For example, one
of my artworks was inspired by a cup of
tea. I was pouring black tea in a cup, and it left a few
bubbles on the surface of the tea. I found it interesting,
and I took it as a subject or main element for my
artwork. Definitely, nature is one of the biggest sources
of inspiration.
10. BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
My biggest achievement is quick career development
and recognition by numerous art curators of international
galleries. The Butterflies series brought about my 2018
award. The most recent development is an invitation
to an art exhibition held in Florence, Italy, known as
Florence Biennale, or the Biennale Internazionale
Dell’Arte Contemporanea. I am honoured to have
been invited by Pasquale Celona, the president of this
exhibition.
11. DO HABITS HELP (OR HINDER)
CREATIVITY?
I have a habit of spending at least two hours a day
drawing, no matter if I’m working on the sketches or
details of paintings. I think this habit is very useful as it
pushes me to create more and deliver more artworks to
art enthusiasts.

12. COMPLETE THIS QUOTE: “EVERY ARTIST……….”
Every artist is a mirror which reflects his own world.
13. WHAT IS AN ARTISTIC OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
From my point of view, the artistic outlook on life is the perception of beauty and an attempt to reflect that
unique perception in his or her art. While I have been travelling and presenting my artworks around the world,
I figured out that it’s important to involve more people in the art world as it develops a sense of beauty and
harmony.
14. WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR ARTWORK?
My artworks can be found in several galleries around the world which include: International Artists Management
(IAM) Gallery in Andaz Capital Gate Hotel, Abu Dhabi; Art WeMe Contemporary Gallery in Kuala Lumpur;
Artistery’s Gallery in Vienna; and the art auction at Winzavod Art Gallery in Moscow.
Moreover, you can visit my booth at the upcoming big contemporary art exhibition on April 8 — 11 in World
Art Dubai, where I’m going to present new sculptures and paintings.
For more information about me and my upcoming exhibitions, visit my official website at www.arts-av.com
ARTWORK DESCRIPTIONS
1. OCEAN DROP GYPSUM, METALLIC WIRE WINGS
The artist has always
been fascinated by the
elements of nature and
“ocean (water)”, and it
has a special place in it.
“Ocean drop” is another
piece which reveals the
contemporary vision of the
ocean. It is the soul of the
ocean. Such representation
of the ocean is based
on Japanese culture and
believes that each object
and nature has a soul (what
also vividly can be seen in
anime). The sculpture has
a shape of water drop in
anime style, while eyes and
wings are the sign of all
living ocean beings.
SIZE 30X20X15

2. NO BOUNDARIES 3
MEDIA: PAPER, INK, CHARCOAL, WINE, SILVER LEAF, WATERCOLOUR
SIZE 76X56 CM
3. NO BOUNDARIES 4
MEDIA: PAPER, INK, CHARCOAL,
WINE, SILVER LEAF, WATERCOLOUR
SIZE 100 X 65 CM
The No boundaries collection is one of
the most recent creations of the artist. The
presence of butterflies represents the fragility
of people’s lives, while the yellow borders
symbolise geographical boundaries. The
artist is trying to deliver the idea that our lives
should not perch on someone’s boundaries.
We should find our unique ways and enjoy our
individual way of living.

4. THREE BUTTERFLIES,
MEDIA: PAPER, INK, WATERCOLOUR, SILVER LEAF
SIZE 76X56 CM
Butterflies have been drawn in the favourite colour palette of the artist. The effect of transparency
represents the fragility of these mystical winged creatures. The artist visualises the sky through
silver leaf waves on the left side of the artwork.

5. RED BALLOON MEDIA,
CANVAS, ARTIFICIAL FUR, ACRYLIC, SILVER LEAF, METALLIC WIRE
SIZE 101 X 152 CM
The artist has always been fascinated by the elements of nature, and Red Balloon
confirms this fascination. The main inspiration dawned on the artist after observing
partially-abandoned gardens in Sicily, and unknown to the artist at first, wildflowers
covered the grey walls. Red Balloon is a philosophical rethinking of observing nature.
The artist’s admiration with water can be seen through the water drops and little
puddles. Water is one of the natural elements that can be observed in perpetuity,
while a red balloon symbolises an element of a man-made creation that can only be
observed in a fleeting moment.

6. CHERRY BLOSSOM,
MEDIA: CANVAS, ARTIFICIAL FUR, ACRYLIC, SILVER LEAF, METALLIC WIRE
SIZE 101X152 CM
The fall of cherry blossom petals is considered to be one of the most beautiful
moments in nature. The artist took the opportunity to show her contemporary vision
of the shower of cherry blossoms. Little, fluffy white “Cherry Monster” invites the
curious eye to watch the grandeur of summer and stop for a while. He stands by a
grey wall that represents our monotonous busy lives.

7. BUBBLES, BLACK COLLECTION,
MEDIA: BLACK PAPER, GOLD LEAF, CHARCOAL, ACRYLIC
SIZE 100 X 70 CM

LIFESTYLE
5ESSENTIAL
LIFE-CHANGING SKILLS
The average day in an individuals’ life is usually centred around
a schedule that repeats itself. This ensures comfort, but does
it bring satisfaction? Whether one denies or openly agrees, a
common afterthought regarding daily life is normally based
on how one can improve our lives to maximise the quality of
living. Hence, It is important to start learning life-changing
skills for a more productive, balanced life.

01
PUBLIC SPEAKING
This common source of anxiety afflicts 75% of the
population. Public speaking, as daunting as it is,
reaps life-long benefits. Take this skill like a muscle,
as muscles only develop when they are being used.
Putting aside advantages like communication skills
to enable the creation of new social connections and
leadership skills, public speaking trains one to be an
overcomer. When speaking to an audience, a speaker
must overcome anxiety and self-doubt and gain
confidence in themselves in order for their message to
be communicated effectively. A constant overcoming of
setbacks allows one to acquire their full potentials and
use their flaws in a strengthening manner.
02
FORMING GOOD HABITS
This also means that it’s time to get rid of some bad
habits. Good and bad habits cannot, and will not coexist.
As if this wasn’t hard enough, you will need to be extra
patient and disciplined to develop this skill: it has been
scientifically proven that on average it takes around 60 -
66 days for a behaviour to develop a habit.
Begin by simplifying desired habits and make them easy
to complete to encourage consistency. For example, if the
desired habit is to develop healthier eating attitudes, one
could start with challenging oneself by eating one kind of
vegetable per meal. These small habits, in combination
with patience and discipline, can grow to become more
dominant ones, and eventually turn into bigger goals.
Samuel Johnson explains it succinctly: “The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too
strong to be broken.”
03
NEGOTIATION
Around this point, an individual should be able to
understand his or her value and how he or she could
make an effective contribution to his social and business
circles. Negotiation isn’t merely reaching an agreement:
it is about reaching for an advancement that they
know they are worthy of. This worth is created through
confidence and channelled through good habits.
Negotiation thrives on the Don’t Settle mentality.
Progress is made when we create win-win situations, all
while listening to the participating parties’ needs and
motivations. The worst that could happen is rejection,
but it’s nothing new, and the best thing to do is to enjoy
and learn from the experience.

04
WRITING
We live in an age of the hustle and bustle. Our thoughts
are mostly exchanged on the surface, and there seems
to be no time for thorough expression. A timeless skill
that remains to be an essential one is that of writing,
which can either be channelled through technical,
academic, business or creative writing. Through writing,
important ideas and brilliant plans, as well as memories
and stories, can be safeguarded and not forgotten.
Creative writing enables generations both young and
old to be entertained and enthralled by experiences
and perspectives in which stories and experiences are
told. In a demanding world, one can only store so much
in their minds. Writing can take refuge all notable and
reflective thoughts, ideas and imagery. The mental
decluttering that writing can provide gives an individual
a more lucid, sharper mind. Moreover, writing enables
one to organise abstract thoughts into more realistic,
concrete ideas leading to actionable goals and plans.
05
MEDITATION
“Meditation provides a way of learning how to let go.
As we sit, the self we’ve been trying to construct and
make it into a nice, neat package continues to unravel.”
—John Welwood
Meditation is gaining more interest as a skill that
sharpens one’s mind, leading to a more productive,
meaningful life. At first, it can be difficult to get one’s
head around the art and science of meditation, but an
important aspect of this practice is tapping deeper into
the inner being, to watch one’s self unravel.
Meditation is a revelation: it reveals ways for one
to combat the daily challenges of life through the
enhancement of self-awareness. This enhancement
can be expressed in other areas such as negotiation
and public speaking. Meditations need not be a
tedious activity to accomplish. Think of meditation as a
temporary escape to refresh.
It is important to understand the significance of patience and discipline in the journey to acquire life-changing
skills. The modern age seeks urgency and instant results. We, as human beings, need the essential time to
learn indispensable skills and healthy coping behaviours to enjoy our lives to the fullest.

THE
DARK
TRUTH
ABOUT
EATING
DISORDERS
Social media has severely distorted the way modern
society views the real world in the eyes of the youth.
Comparing one’s body image to airbrushed and heavilyedited
images of famous personalities has taken a toll
on the young. This is triggering an overall reduction
in self-confidence and an increase in the feeling of
dissatisfaction; social media has played its part in
spreading health concerns in the Middle East as well.
Cases of eating disorders have risen sharply in the
past ten years, and it turns out that the most affected
individuals are young teenagers. But what exactly is an
eating disorder, and what does it entail?
An eating disorder occurs when a person experiences
disturbances in their eating patterns, as well as their
thoughts and emotions related to food. An individual
with an eating disorder will typically be preoccupied
with one’s body image and alter their diets excessively
in an attempt to change their physical appearance. It is
a mental illness marked by distress about eating and an
obsession with body weight.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA
This disorder is characterised by weight loss, having a
distorted body image, and the inability to maintain an
appropriate weight in relation to age, height, stature.
Anorexic people typically restrict the number of calories
ingested and the kinds of foods that they eat. You can
spot anorexia in your family member when the following
symptoms or behaviour patterns appear:
• Excessive exercise patterns
• Skipping meals
• Cessation of menstrual cycles
• Brittle hair and nails
• Osteoporosis (bone thinning) due to calcium deficiency
• Dressing in several layers (fees cold/to hide weight loss)
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia, unlike anorexia, is harder to spot,
as there is little to no weight loss symptom.
Patients with bulimia suffer from episodes
where they binge-eat or eat fast, and they
barely chew or savour the food’s flavour.
These binges are only stopped when
interrupted by an external factor, or when
their stomachs hurt due to excessive intake
in a short time. Once a binge is over, the
patient will feel an overwhelming sense of
guilt. This causes them to induce vomiting
or use an enema or diuretic to expel the
food they have just eaten.
This cycle can last several days. Look out
for these signs if you suspect someone is
suffering from bulimia:
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
• Smelling of vomit
• Inattentive and lethargic
• Puffy-looking face and cheeks
• Lots of unexplained food wrappers,
sudden and regular disappearance of food
• Finding food stored in strange places

BINGE EATING DISORDER
Though there are quite a few
similarities between binge-eating
and bulimia, there are some
distinct ways to tell them apart.
For one, a binge eater will not
purge or throw up, whereas a
bulimic patient will instantly empty
the contents of their stomach.
People struggling with bingeeating
will eat abnormal amounts
of food, often in isolation to avoid
embarrassment. They do feel an
immense sense of shame and low
self-esteem soon after, but they
are unable to stop such episodes.
Binge-eating will mostly result in
obesity, high cholesterol and high
blood pressure.
PREVALENCE OF EATING DISORDERS
In 2017, the Department of Health Sciences,
College of Natural Health Sciences, Zayed
University, conducted a study on 315 female
students aged 14 - 19 in Ajman, UAE. It was
discovered that approximately 36% of the
students ran a risk of suffering from eating
disorders. Further analysis revealed that 20.3%
of them had binge eating disorder symptoms;
4.8% showed signs of bulimia, while 5.4% were
at risk of being anorexic. It shouldn’t be a surprise
to us that 49.1% of the teenage girls in the study
who were clearly underweight perceived their
body image to be normal.
A survey conducted in 2012 at the Al Ain University
reported that 1.8% of 900 girls in their teenage
years were anorexic. The demographics suggest
females to be the more prominent gender who
struggle with eating disorders. Ages 15 - 25 years
are the most affected age groups, but alarmingly,
there is an increase in younger patients as well.
This health concern does not spare men. They
may go unnoticed in afflicted men since body
image and weight issues are stigmatised to
be ‘female problems’. If you know of any male
member of your family or in your circle of friends
who are suffering from an ED, please let them
know that they are not alone in dealing with it.
The main determinants that aggravate the risk of eating disorders are:
• Dieting trend/s in the family
• Societal pressure or peer pressure
• Social media influence
• Family pressure to change the physical image
• Stress
• Depression
• Being bullied at home and/or school
Experts warn that eating disorders are serious and potentially life-threatening. Most
of the patients delay treatment because they deny admitting that they need help
or admit it too late.

Early detection and early diagnosis can help to a great extent in achieving a more favourable
outcome. Anyone who goes even five years struggling with any of these disorders with no
treatment may suffer from more serious and lasting chronic illnesses. Therefore, there is a
need for families to be aware of any red flags that may be a sign of a loved one needing help.
Some important Do’s and Don’ts that carers, parents, friends or even siblings can keep in
mind are:
• Do lend a listening ear but voice your concerns too.
• Sufferers of eating disorders do not get better with time. Kids do not “grow out of it”. Do
seek help at the first signs of distress.
• Do offer as much emotional support as needed.
• Don’t be accusatory and threatening. The last thing a child needs to hear is that you will
take them to a psychologist if they don’t start eating better.
• Don’t wait to ask a professional if you aren’t sure. Always confirm your doubts.
There are programs and talks being held in the UAE to emphasise on the importance of
healthier dietary habits, especially among Emirati teenagers. Skilled specialists in the UAE
provide in-depth treatment plans to address nutrition, therapy and medications tailor-made
to suit every individual case of eating disorder.
Let us be more open and accepting of this growing health concern. It is important that we
become aware of this mental affliction even though we may not be the ones suffering. Assure
your young siblings and children that they don’t have to fulfil some unreal expectations of
being ‘perfect’. As long as they are thriving and happy, they are perfect.

FINANCIAL
LITERACY:
LEARN THESE
COMPONENTS
Equipping yourself with financial knowledge
helps you to make money decisions easier. It’s
important to have an understanding of the basic
principles and then make it a priority to increase
your financial knowledge. People who are smart
with money are always working on increasing
their financial knowledge. Remember that
nobody cares more about your money than you
do. If money is one of the crucial elements to
helping you build the life that you want, getting
better at managing money should be one of
your priorities.
HERE IS A START:
A
THE BASICS OF BUDGETING
Budgeting is the process of maximising your income. Budget entails becoming conscious of
how you are deciding to spend your money. A lot of people get to the end of the month and
wonder where their money went, as if they have no idea what happened. Budgeting ahead
means you get to start the month knowing what’s going to happen to leave you in control of
where your money is going.
When planning your budget, take into account the income that you actually receive every
month. You want to create a budget based on regular or average monthly income. Have a
separate way of dealing with your irregular income like commissions, bonus or allowances. This
way, you’ll able to allocate money to all the important activities or expenditures without relying
on a variable or irregular income.

THE THINGS THAT ARE OFTEN MISSED
OUT OF A BUDGET ARE:
• TRAVEL – many people use their savings for
travel. For most of us, travel is part of our expenses,
whether we do it once a year or frequently.
Allocating funds for travel means you can leave
your savings account for other future goals.
• MISCELLANEOUS EXPENDITURES – expenses
that come out every month on bit and bobs, this
and that. It might relate with repairs or unexpected
expenses on the car, the house, or other allowances.
There is always something unexpected every month.
Allocate an amount for these expenses. Also,
keep the miscellaneous fund separate from your
emergency fund. An emergency fund should be
something that is not that frequently used, perhaps
for medical emergencies or fortuitous events. More
importantly, an emergency fund is a liquid asset in
the bank that makes you feel secure, that in the
event something unexpected happened, you are
assured that you have a certain amount that can
keep you for a while.
• GIFTS – Birthdays, weddings, births, festivities
and other celebrations. Let’s face it: life’s
celebrations are one of the very few things that
you will remember in the end. Work out how much
you spend on the average over a year and allocate
a monthly amount to it. Include gifts to yourself
too!
It is also helpful to create separate bank accounts
or even envelopes for each of these categories.
Think of it as a financial filing system.
B
UNDERSTANDING
INTEREST RATES
An interest rate is the cost of borrowing or holding money.
A bank would pay you a rate of interest on money you
hold with them. Even though that money might be sitting
in a current account or savings account, it is money that
the bank has access to use as a business. Holding your
funds in a bank will offer you a rate of interest based on
how much you have. Usually, the longer you leave your
money with the bank, the higher the rate of interest you
are given. A bank account will have a much lower interest
rate than a 12-month deposit account. Interest is usually
paid back into your account.
You will also pay a rate of interest on the money that you
borrow. The interest rates are set by banking and lending
institutions, as regulated by the national government.
The interest rate could be different depending on the
purpose and stipulated period of the loan.
It’s important to know how interest is calculated, especially
on debt, for you to know the total or accumulated money
that you need to pay back.

D
C. PRIORITISING SAVING
‘Pay yourself first’ is a phrase commonly used by
the most successful and wealthiest people on the
planet. It means to consider your savings your most
prioritised expense. If you think about it, it actually
is another expense, but just one that needs to be
paid in the future. By paying yourself first, you are
simply being smart by prioritising what usually are
your most important expenses.
To do this easily, you need to focus on your goals
and why they are important to you. Often, we
forget why things are important to us, and so we
need reminding. This emotional charge will keep
you committed to keeping saving and keeping it
as your first expense.
It’s also important to break different saving
accounts or investment accounts down based on
your timeframe when you will need that money.
D. CREDIT-DEBT CYCLE TRAPS
This usually comes down to my first point on how effectively
you have budgeted. When you miss out budgeting for
expenses that don’t come out monthly, it leads to not having
enough money to cover it and so out comes the credit cards.
You hope to pay it back next month, but by then there is
another expense you need to account for. If you are not able
to repay your credit card in full for two consecutive months,
then you need to go back to your spending and cut back. It
usually means you are spending more than you earn.
Credit cards are often sold by highlighting the interest at
between 2 - 4%, but this is the interest rate on a monthly
period. Computed on an annual basis, the average interest
rate of a credit card in the UAE is 37.5%.
If you are reconsolidating debts, ensure that you commit
only to a monthly repayment that is actually affordable.
Often, reconsolidation loans are taken out when financiallystressed,
and it is easy to fall into the debt trap. Do your
numbers before going to the bank and only commit to what’s
affordable to pay back.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RASHEDA
KHATUN
KHAN
Wellness & Wealth Influencer,
Motivational Speaker & Presenter with
over 15 years’ experience working
with businesses and individuals
as a financial advisor in corporate
banking, leadership and personal
development trainer, a debt panellist
for The National and a Kinesiology
Practitioner, Rasheda is known to many
as a wellness & wealth inspiration.
Thousands have benefited from
her work to empower people with
the education, tools and resources
needed to live a healthy and wealthy
& meaningful life. She has hosted and
spoken at a number of events and
corporate training functions in the
UAE, Qatar, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
India and Singapore. These particular
experiences have given her expertise
in business, financial and wellness
empowerment.
In the midst of her success and to
everyone’s total surprise, in 2006.
26-year-old Rasheda learnt that she
was riddled with cancer from her
diaphragm to the top of her skull -
chances of survival were slim. Ever
since then, Rasheda has avidly worked
to live a better and richer life and to
teach others the life-changing lessons
she only realised herself after being
diagnosed with cancer.
Rasheda is a lover of life, a visionary
full of passion, an educator and a
philanthropist at heart.

FOOD
8 EASY
OVERNIGHT
OATS
We all know the goodness of oats for our digestion, heart and
overall health. A healthy serving of oatmeal a day can help us
reduce our chances of acquiring digestion-related issues. It can
also aid in weight loss for its fibre content. Oats are also heartsmart
foods that can reduce our risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Needless to say, oats is a good addition to our daily diet because
of its amazing health benefits. It also works like a broom that
sweeps away oil and toxins before flushing them out the body
naturally.
Lately, overnight oats are gaining the attention of health-conscious
individuals. There is no doubt why, though. Oatmeal is easy to
prepare and nutritious, containing loads of omega-3 fatty acids,
potassium, magnesium, protein and the all-good fibre.
Now, if you’re looking for ways on how to include it on your diet
for these benefits and more, check out the following for 8 easy
overnight oats ideas.

01
OVERNIGHT CHIA OATMEAL
You might want to try this easy, quick and healthy breakfast.
Double up on your fibre dose for breakfast by combining
chia seeds and oats. Throw all your ingredients together
before bed, and get it inside the fridge.
Morning comes, and your breakfast is ready for serving!
Microwave it or eat cold. Make it healthier by throwing in
your favourite fruits like berries, nuts or bananas. You can
get it yummier, too, by adding some dark chocolate chips.
Chia packs fibre and a host of vitamins and minerals that
help keep a sexy waistline. This meal is healthy and quick,
so try it out! Are you looking for inspiration? Check out this
video.
02
FLAXSEED OVERNIGHT OATS
It is one of the easiest overnight oats ideas that you can try at
home. All you have to do is to toss in all your ingredients in
a jar and leave it overnight. You can use chia seeds for this
recipe, too.
It is a heart-healthy breakfast that you can make even more
exciting by adding some soy milk or almond milk, or whatever
you have. You can also add in some chopped fruits like
bananas and a dash of ground cinnamon for that inviting
aroma.
For some final additions, you might also want to add in
some chopped almond nuts or walnuts. Here is a video for
inspiration.
Flax seeds, by the way, are loaded with protein, fibre and fats
– monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fat. It is
good for cholesterol management and blood pressure control.
03
BLUEBERRIES AND BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS
Get your protein, fibre and vitamin dense breakfast even if
you don’t have the time to spare. Try the simple and easy
recipe that you can do in minutes. All you have to do is to
combine all the ingredients in a container and keep it in the
fridge overnight.
Alternatively, you can have it as a snack instead of breakfast
too, but make sure that you leave your oats soaked for
at least three hours. Add in some honeycomb yoghurt,
bananas and blueberries, and other healthy ingredients you
want.
As we all know, bananas are dense with fibre, potassium and
vitamins and minerals. Adding blueberries in the mix, we
also get many antioxidants, which are good for our waistline
and heart, too. These antioxidants are also natural antiageing
solutions. Watch this video for inspiration.

04
CINNAMON BLUEBERRY OVERNIGHT OATS
Definitely, this is a powerful duo that can make you
healthy and happy! Blueberries are with antioxidants
that can reduce your stress levels, while cinnamon can
rejuvenate your senses for its enticing aroma. Now,
there is no excuse for having a healthy breakfast.
This recipe is vegan, and it will help you get started
with your day right! Watch this video for an idea.
05
WALNUTS AND BANANA OVERNIGHT
OATMEAL
Oatmeal is one of the best ways to keep your heart
healthy because it can help in flushing toxins out of
the body. You can prepare it in a cinch! Before going
to bed, you can prepare this healthy breakfast, which
you can have in the fridge for an easy and healthy
morning meal. It can help jumpstart your day and
make you ready for whatever life will throw at you!
Oats are loaded with fibre, potassium, folate and
omega-3 fatty acids that can help in lowering bad
cholesterol while keeping your arteries clear of any
blockage. Check out this recipe for inspiration.
06
ACAI OVERNIGHT OATS YOGURT BOWL
If you’re looking for a low-calorie breakfast while also
supplying your body with the energy it needs, try
this acai overnight oats yoghurt bowl. It is healthy,
delicious and oh so easy to prepare. This morning
meal is packed with protein and fibres just enough to
make you feel full for a longer period of time. Throw
in all the ingredients in a jar and keep it overnight in
the fridge. Watch how easy it is to make this breakfast
on this video.

07
GREEK YOGURT PUMPKIN SPICE OVERNIGHT
OATS
If you miss the flavour of fall, you can have the overnight
oats that contain the healthful goodness of protein and fibre
at the same time. You might also want to have it if you are
trying to lose weight because it is loaded with antioxidants,
fibre and protein that can suppress the appetite for a longer
time than having refined bread in the morning. Are you
looking for recipe inspiration? Go ahead and check out this
video.
08
STEEL CUT OATS WITH ALMOND MILK AND
HONEY
Yummy, filling and nutritious, what else would you want for
a perfect breakfast. Get all these and more in this easy and
simple oatmeal recipe.
Almond milk is low in calories and is dairy-free. It may also
help in reducing the risk of heart disease. Honey, on the
other hand, is the healthier alternative to sugar. It is also
packed with antioxidants that can strengthen your immune
system. Try this easy recipe. Watch this video!
There you have the eight easy overnight oats that you can try to
have for breakfast. They are delicious, healthy and of course, easy
to make! Go ahead and plan your week’s morning meals with these
delish and quick breakfast or snack ideas.

FOOD
MOUTHWATERING
CAULIFLOWER DISHES:
10 WAYS!
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile veggies around, but not
all people like it, admit it or not. Little do they know that there are
so many ways to eat this vegetable with a curd-like texture and
cabbage-like taste.
And aside from its great uses in food preparation, cauliflower also
packs a punch in fibre and B-vitamins. It can supply the body with
phytonutrients and antioxidants, which may help reduce cancer
risk. It also contains fibre that aids in digestion and weight loss.
Plus, it is good for kids for its choline that is essential for memory
and learning.
If you’re among those still doubtful about eating cauliflower, keep
reading and be ready to be converted later (from a hater to a fan).

HOW TO EAT CAULIFLOWER IN 10 WAYS
01
SOUP
Cauliflower can add a bit of texture to any plain soup. You
just want to have it on a cold evening or winter day. Prepare
cauliflower with your chosen ingredients to fight the cold
and stay warm instead. This veggie is versatile to add to
any soup dish for its subtle flavour. There are more than a
hundred ways of preparing cauliflower soup.
Add a new spin here and there, and come up with a variety
of soups to enjoy with cauliflower. One of those is this recipe.
Try it now!
Plus, you can add it in stews and see how it perfectly blends
into the flavour of your dish.
02
PASTA BAKE
Cauliflower pasta bake is another easy and simple recipe that
you can make with this lovely veggie. If you love macaroni
and cheese, you will love this, too! Add it to your favourite
pasta dish together with some strips of crispy bacon for added
flavour. Alternatively, you can toss in some cauliflower in your
fave pasta dish, too!
Have it along with a green and healthy salad for a full course
meal. Use this video for an easy to follow recipe.
03
CAULIFLOWER RICE
This low-carbohydrate recipe is common among dieters
that want to reduce their weight or have it managed. They
have it as a low-carb alternative to their white rice that they
can prepare in 10 minutes. You need a food processor for
this recipe to make a base that will be ready for cooking
in minutes. Check out this inspiring video on how to make
cauliflower rice.

04
CHUTNEYS
Do you love piccalilli? If so, you might want to check out this
tangy chutney! You can enjoy a slice of bread or cheddar
cheese. For better results, you can also use mustard or
some turmeric on it, too. Watch this video on how to make
cauliflower chutneys.
05
PIZZA
If you love pizza, you have to try this dish. It is gluten-free
and healthy. To finish it off, you can top it with cheese and
other choice vegetables. All you have to do is to season your
cauliflower, get it in a moulding pan, and bake it for your pizza
base. Get the recipe here.
06
CURRY
One suggestion is potato and cauliflower curry. If you love
Indian food and want a little twist to the tradition of using
meat with potatoes instead, try this recipe that will turn your
world upside down. It is a fusion of flavours that your taste
buds will never forget. It is a simple dish that you can feed
to a crowd of guests. The one-pot meal is loaded with Indian
flavours for a different meal that you can serve with naan bread
and chutneys, too. Get inspiration on this video.

07
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
Get it spiced or plain salted; it is your choice! Try roasted
cauliflower and smell the earthiness that this cooking
method can bring out of cauliflower. You can use Middle
Eastern spices to make it even more exciting and release
cauliflowers nuttiness. This dish is perfect for picnics,
sharing and other outdoor activities. Roast these veggies
until crispy and caramelised, and then add some parmesan
and lemon.
So aside from roasted corn to serve on your weekend
barbeque party, you can prepare roasted cauliflower for an
exciting addition. Grab this recipe here.
08
CHEESE BAKE
Yummy and comforting, cheese bake dish is a classic and an
all-time favourite among those that just loooove cheese. It is
a classic flavour combination that will awaken your senses and
keep you coming back for more. Add in broccoli to the mix,
and be ready for an explosion of flavours. Add your favourite
greens on the side to complete this meal. Here is an inspiring
video.
09
VEGAN FRIED CHICKEN
Replace your traditional comfort food with this delectable and
nutritious cauliflower deep-fried recipe. These croquettes
are perfect for parties or afternoon snack. They’re also
perfect for sharing and outdoor activities because they’re
easy to make and eat, too. Your kids will love it, and they
won’t even notice that they’re veggies. Just make sure to
get these croquettes golden brown to perfection, creamy
inside and crispy outside. Get the recipe in this video.

10
CAKE
A cauliflower cake is an impressive and creative way of eating
cauliflower. You can have it for a weekend dinner that will
surely keep your guests coming back for a second helping. It
is healthy that vegans will thank you for it. If you’re looking for
inspiration, here is a video for you.
Surely, there are more ways than one to prepare cauliflower.
You can get creative and mix it with different vegetables for
a healthy salad, too. Definitely, it is one of the most versatile
vegetables in the kitchen that you can roast, bake and deepfry,
to name some.
Nevertheless, cauliflower is nutritious, delicious and cooks
easily. You can use it for a wide range of dishes without
changing its flavour at all or have it as a pizza base as we’ve
mentioned earlier.

FITNESS
WORKOUT
AT WORK:
7 EXERCISES TO DO AT
THE OFFICE
Being tied on your chair, sitting at your desk
and definitely watching the 9-5 time passes by,
it’s your life day by day. Working for 40 hours a
week or sometimes, even more, comes the busy
season, you find it really hard to sneak a workout
into your daily routine.
However, there is no excuse to be fit! That’s not
for weight management or losing weight alone,
but also for improving health, as sitting all day
and lacking in movement does no good for your
body.
So if you want to change this situation and
include exercises into your office routine, you
can! There are easy and simple work exercises
that you and your colleagues can do religiously.

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING FOR COOL IDEAS.
1. SEATED LEG RAISES
Tone up your legs and abdominal muscles with
seated leg raises that you can do while sitting
on a chair or having a meeting. All you need to
do is to sit upright, and then straighten your left
leg while it remains parallel to the floor. Hold it
in place for about 10 seconds. Repeat for your
right leg.
Do the seated leg raises for 15 repetitions. As
you build your strength and progress with this
routine, you can add resistance with a briefcase
on your legs while doing it.
2. CHAIR DIPS
Find a chair that won’t be rolling away from
you for this exercise. Now, start scooting up to
the front edge of this chair while putting your
legs out just in front of you. Put your hands on
either of your hip’s side while your fingers are
simultaneously pointing towards the desk.
Get a hold of the chair’s edges with your hands.
Then, get your arms and core working to raise
your body up off the chair, and start moving
down with your rear-going towards the floor.
Next, push your entire body back up. Do the
same routine 15 times and 3 cycles with 15 reps
each.
3. SHADOWBOXING
Let out your frustrations and stresses with
shadow boxing! It is fun and stress relieving. You
can schedule to have it done again during the
workday. It can strengthen your cardio muscles
while also serving as a good stress relief if
you’re having a bad day. All you have to do is
to raise your fist and get into a boxing position
(without a sparring partner). Do it away from
your computer, and start punching the air. Feel
as if you’re punching something frustrating off
your life.
Imagine that you’re in front of a punching bag
while continuing to punch your fist towards it.
Switch your arms, right to left and left to right.
Repeat the same for about 30 seconds. Pause
for five seconds, and then start again. Punch for
30 seconds and repeat as many as you can. You
can do it alone or with colleagues.
4. STAIR CLIMBING
If you have access to a stair, you can do this
climbing exercise with your colleagues come
lunchtime. It is a good stress relief because it
gets your heart pumping oxygenated blood into
your system. It can keep you energised to last
the rest of the day.
Stair climbing is one of the best ways to add
cardio into your otherwise sedentary office life.
You can make it better by setting a timer as to
how many minutes you want to do it. Whether
you start with three or five minutes, it doesn’t
matter! It will still be good for you.
If you can, you can try to go up and down the
stairs faster through running or brisk walking if
you don’t want to get too sweaty.
Get to the stairs and take your exercise to the
next level!

5. PUSH-UPS
Engage some big muscles with push-ups
that can work your deltoids, triceps and
pectorals. Push-ups are great workouts
that can train and build your endurance
and stamina, too.
If you don’t have the massive muscle just
yet to perform it the hard way, you can try
the easier push-ups with your desk. What
to do is to put both hands on your desk
with your feet walking away from it until you
reach about 45 degrees away from it. Start
the modified push up and repeat as many
times as you can to the point of exhaustion
for the best results.
You and your office colleagues can take
advantage of this exercise that you can do
in your cubicles during lunchtime.
6. PLANKS AND SIDE PLANKS
These exercises train the core, one of the
fastest routes to functional fitness and fullbody
strength. It builds up your stamina
without using any equipment but just your
body. It trains not just your core but also
your gluteal and back muscles.
From a regular plank, you can rotate to a
side plank performed on either side. Make
sure to hold each position for 30 seconds.
Do at least two sets for the best results.
If you want to keep it subtle because you’re
self-conscious, you can still do planks and
work your abdominal muscles. Contract
your abs and hold it for about 30 seconds.
Repeat for a few times.
Do it with your colleagues during break
time and be healthier and productive!
7. WALL SITS
Considered as one of the simplest exercises
to do in the office with colleagues, wall
sitting will work your endurance and
strength.
To do it, stand against the wall with your
back on it, and then start sliding it down
while bending your knees. Stop bending
when you have your thighs parallel to the
floor. Remain in the position for about 60
seconds. Repeat the same steps a couple
of times as you can.
There is no excuse for being fit! No matter
how busy our lives are, we can still sneak
in easy and simple exercises into our office
routine with our colleagues. You don’t
need an hour or two a day just to work out
because it is still healthy for you even if
you only have a few minutes to spare for it.
Exercising in the office, you don’t just stay
healthy, but you also relieve stress and stay
energised. Do these office workouts today!

TRAVEL
THE WORLD’S
TOP 16
BREATHTAKING
BEACHES
Concrete jungles are expanding immeasurably; square meters by
a week, filling the base of skylines with geometric silhouettes- yes,
a man-made world. As it strides in its growth, nature calmly wavers
in the background; offering refuge when one seeks to vacate the
fissures of consumerism and its fabricated byproducts. This refuge
can be found on the fine scattered sands, engulfed sequentially by
the colour-varying waters. The bewildering, continuity of the ocean;
exuding a breath of higher aesthetic, enjoyed by all at the beach.
Here are 15 well-selected beaches from around the world that are
worth the visit.

01
JIBEI ISLAND BEACH, TAIWAN
Known as the unexplored beach in Taiwan, Jibei
is somewhat an untouched part of Taiwan’s
western islands. The 1.5 km strip is embraced by
calm turquoise waters and due to its secluded
positioning tourists travel by boat from a North
Sea Tourist Centre to experience the naturally
decorative orientation of the island. It is important
to heed the fact that the island isn’t unpopulated;
it has residents who offer essential commodities
and services to travellers.
02
RAUÐASANDUR BEACH, ICELAND
Located in a remote part of the Westfjords of
Iceland, the Rauðasandur beach is notorious for its
red sands which is actually the English translation
of its name. The red sand is due to triturated
scallop shells, that are only admired by few as
the Westfjords are seldom visited. The romance
of imagery between the mimicry of desert sands,
the Cambridge blue sea and the jagged rocks, all
framed by the extensive mountain range is truly a
living work of art.
03
PINK SAND BEACH, BARBUDA
The pastel pink echoing across the Barbuda sand
serves as a worthy landmark and a desirable
place to visit. The wondrous pink sand is the
result of crushed corals that have been ground
into fine sand. Barbuda isn’t as crowded as most
Caribbean Islands, and there are many occasions
where the 12km Island is without people, so one
can have the glorious pink sand to themselves.

PLAYA MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA
Manuel Antonio National Park is a cherished
family destination where a variety of rainforest
inhabitants can be admired namely; the threetoed
sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys.
These marvellous creatures are a few of many
inhabitants of the lively forest that fences the
beach sands allowing the ultramarine waters to
emerge; crashing onto the coastal rainforest. This
destination offers an array of activities for all ages
like; snorkelling, hiking and zip-lining to name
but a few.
04
GANTHEAUME POINT, BROOME,
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
An expanse of white beach sand adorned
with rugged, copper-red rock cliffs given over
the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean,
Gantheaume Point is a breathtaking attraction.
Not only popular for its photogenic composition
but as well as its fascinating landmarks and on-site
activities namely; kayaking tours, fishing charters,
whale watching, extended cruises, lighthouses
and the exhibition of real dinosaur footprints.
Whether one wants to spend the day relaxing
or swimming or cracking a cold one with friends
and family, there is something for everyone at
Gantheaume Point.
05
DOLFYNSTRAND, NAMIBIA
Whilst being home to the oldest desert on
the planet, Dolfystrand is a few minutes from
Namibia’s notorious Walvis Bay. What makes this
destination unique is its residual seal colonial
composition, shipwrecks and boat materials can
be spotted on the beach, expelling a romantic
ambience as the sunlight touches the ruin. The
area is home to a small population who are noted
for their sport fishing.
06

07
TORTUGA BAY, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND,
GALÁPAGOS
Comprising of black lava rock, ghost-white sand,
and gaggles of marine iguanas, Tortuga Bay is the
closest one can get to a dream-like experience.
It’s 3km out of the main town of Puerto Ayora,
and the hike can be sweltering and muggy, but
upon arrival, one can be enthralled by sharks
patrolling the shallows and crimson-red crabs
scurrying across the sands, then to cool off with a
bit of a swim among the mangroves.
08
ILE AUX CERFS, MAURITIUS
Ile aux Cerfs has become somewhat of a dupe of
its own renowned beauty, much of it swamped
with conspicuous crowds and bothersome beach
pebbles. However, a half a mile hike down the
beach and the worthy reward of incredible island
sands awaits.
09
HIDDEN BEACH, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES
While It’s not as hidden as before, this beach holds
onto its accolade of being one of the world’s best.
Palawan is bursting with immaculately delightful
sites although Hidden Beach is hemmed in
by intruding limestone overhangs and with
astonishingly ivory-white sand, it is separated
from the turquoise ocean by a small entrance,
through which tourists must use in order to gain
access to the lagoon.

SEAGRASS BAY, LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI
Laucala is a private-island sanctuary lavished in
tropical jungle canopies and accessible through
guided walking tours or horseback safaris. The
island is a magnificent spot of immeasurable
grandeur, home to some of Fiji’s scarcest birds,
multitudes of marine life and mesmerising
beaches. Seagrass Bay is the most serene and
lovely; counter to that adventure and thrill await
slightly further the off-shore where one can get up
close to the magnificent sea-life in a submersible
craft.
10
CHESTERMAN BEACH, VANCOUVER
ISLAND, CANADA
A natural beauty, Chesterman’s broad expanse of
smooth sand – freckled with huge driftwood logs
and fringed by a wolf-filled forest – is well-met by
devoted surfers and strollers when the tide wanes.
It’s overlooked by the fabulous Wickaninnish
Inn, an impressive accommodation location and
shelter to keep an eye out for passing sea otters
when inflated storm clouds progress.
11
PRAIA DO SANCHO, BRAZIL
Proudly holding the title of ‘consistently voted
one of the world’s best beaches’. Praia do Sancho
is also one of the hardest beaches to access- the
exclusivity is understandable though. Flights
from mainland Brazil take approximately an hour;
then one must hike, squeeze through narrow rock
tunnels and go down steep ladder steps to be
embraced by the golden sands crowned with
magnificent palms. There is an environmental tax
to be paid to be allowed access, as the area is a
National Park. Access to its deserted shoreline,
giant hulking iguanas and fish-speckled shallows
are worth the effort.
12

13
MARATHONISI, ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE
Affectionately referred to as Turtle Island, the
flawless white-sand island of Marathonisi is
an essential nesting spot for the endangered
loggerhead sea turtles, and so visitors are to stay
within five metres of the water to avoid troubling
them. Enjoy the pine-scented air before engaging
in activities such as; exploring surrounding
sea caves by snorkel or boat (equipment isn’t
supplied) for all you’ll find is nothing but seals,
turtles and forests.
14
DIE PLAAT, WALKER BAY NATURE
RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
Being neighbours with South Africa’s ‘whale
Capital’ Hermanus, Die Plaat is a ruggedly
beautiful ribbon of sand bordered by chunky
limestone ridges. It isn’t a rare occasion to spot
the southern right whale basking offshore or
chubby seals slouching on the rocky shoreline;
below them, the ground cluttered with large,
lustrous ear-shaped shells. Alongside the
amazing sights the beach has to offer, there’s
history to be acknowledged, as the beach is
home to Klipgat Cave, a cavity inhabited by bats
and Middle Stone Age people approximately 85
000 years ago.
15
DUNE DU PILAT, FRANCE
In the summertime, Europe’s towering sand dune
is enveloped in a glistening heat haze, giving
the illusion that the Dune Du Pilat is scattered
with precious metals. The sand forms peaks, of
what resembles finely milled flour, staggering as
high as 91.4km. The neighbouring Arcachon Bay
extends kilometres of beaches apt for exploring,
accompanied with an array of huts where local
fishermen set up tables to serve seafood and
native delicacies.

16
SEVEN MILE BEACH
NEGRIL, JAMAICA
The iconic Seven Mile Beach
in Negril, Jamaica, is the
embodiment of the ideal tropical
setting. The beach is known for
stretching a large distance as well
as the variety of activities that one
can take part in. The beach holds
an original duality in that it caters
for a multitude of ambiences;
so, whether you’re looking for a
rustic and romantic atmosphere
or an indulgent luxury impression,
Negril has it all.

FOR THE
CULTURE
The Reinvented Chronicles with
Yvonne C. Mtengwa
5 TIPS
TO OVERCOME
YOUR FEAR OF
GETTING STARTED

It finally hits you. Fear. “False evidence appearing
real” comes at you from every angle except that
nothing about anything you feel seems false. I’ve
lived it. You’ve lived it. We all have. The crippling
sensation you feel in the pit of your stomach every
time you think about finally tackling something
that has held you back for so long. The crazy
thing about the human mind is that it can think
of a million reasons why you should not go after
something when the one reason why you should is
actually stronger.
Chatting with a friend of mine who is new to UAE,
and has been trying to get her driving license
notwithstanding that she is already licensed in her
country of origin, was telling me she knows how to
drive. She’s been driving since she was 18 and is
now in her mid-30s. But that one incident she had
during her driving lessons where a huge haulage
truck cut her off at a traffic circle has her convinced
that she is better off cabbing her way around the
city for the rest of her season in UAE. Me being
in chronic calculation mode, got to breaking down
what her current costs are for not completing her
licensing process.
A moment of vulnerable chatter reminded me of
the crippling effect of fear. It’s real, but must be
overcome if one has any hopes of moving ahead
from life’s pit-stops and sandpits. With that being
said, I’ll go ahead and fill you in on my 5 top tips
for kicking fear where it needs to be, and getting
started on that thing you’ve been contemplating
for so long:
01
02
03
Acknowledge, accept, and address. A lot of
people don’t want to acknowledge their fears
because they believe in doing so, it’s accepting
defeat. WRONG. You cannot fix something if
you are not willing to recognise and accept for
what it is. Ignoring how you feel will not fix the
problem. Accept the fact that you are fearful so
you can begin working through how you can
actually overcome your fear.
Think about everything carefully. Swift action
isn’t always the cure. Part of addressing your
fear lies in processing what caused it. In the case
of my friend, she had a traffic accident before,
so when the haulage truck fiasco happened,
she had a momentary flashback of the car wreck
she survived. What I’m getting at is fear has
its triggers such as trauma, previous seasons
of crises like illness, severe, lack or perceived
failures. Think through what triggered your
present fears and begin reliving what it took
you to move from that space – if you’ve had
overcome the same fear before. Then push
through with your findings. Activating a plan
with a clear mind always gets you further down
the road than going at it without a thought.
Knowledge goes a long way. What if you are
afraid of not knowing? You could be applying
for your next career, but shying away from
04
opportunities you could be a good fit for
because the title seems way outside your scope
of knowledge. Limited understanding is one of
the main reasons why a lot of people struggle to
conquer their fears. Simply put, you are afraid
to venture outside your comfort zone because
there’s a lot of stuff you don’t know on the other
side of your decision. But how does one learn
without taking a chance? How do you grow if
you remain content with not moving?
Find a fearless tribe. Listen, if you want to
conquer fear or just get some wits about
yourself, you will need to move with people
that will challenge you to be the best version
of yourself and who are seasoned in conquering
the particular area you are battling with. A baker
can’t help you with your fear of dabbling with
the stock market unless he or she trades. What
I’m getting at is that social groups with shared
interests go a long way with encouraging you to
fight through your fear. I am a living testimony of
connecting with different groups; each of which
plays an active role in teaching me something
new, standing with me in seasons I need to take
a new leap of faith or simply cheering me on
from the sidelines. The operative word here is
that they too are “fearless” – and not lurking
around you to support you in your inability to
move forward.

05
Visualise the overcomer in you. Now friends, no effort you will ever make
will count for anything if you don’t actually see yourself on the other side
of your fears. That’s right. If you don’t see it, then it’s highly unlikely that
you will achieve it – unless “luck” is your middle name and the heavens
are chronically smiling down on you. Even if that is the case, some work
put in on your “belief-barometer” will go a long way. Whether you need
to watch a couple of Youtube videos of people who have conquered the
same fears you have or need to attend a few workshops on the same
subject, the ultimate victory really lies in your seeing yourself having
conquered your challenge.
Whether you define fear by one of the many acronyms that are out there –
“false evidence appearing real” or something a little more inspirational like
“face everything and rise” – critical to a change is an acknowledgement
of where you are and what you need to do to get to your next best. Only
winners admit the constant nature of change and put every effort forward
to ensure that fear doesn’t become their Achilles heel.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Yvonne Chiedza Mtengwa is the author
of “Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to
live authentically through faith”, a book
encouraging women to confront their
issues with relationships, insecurities and
self-fulfilling prophesies, in an effort to
truly discover who they were created
to be. It’s available for download on
https://payhip.com/b/Oi7Y#!
She is also a co-author of Amazon Bestseller
“Dear Fear Volume 2: 18 Powerful Lessons
on Living your best life on the other side
of Fear”- a compilation of short stories by
American visionary author Tiana Patrice.
Passionate about travelling, writing about
and experiencing leisure and lifestyle
brands, Yvonne is a marketing and
communications strategist, is the Cofounder
of www.Quintessentialf.com, a
Christian lifestyle movement for women,
and also runs www.yournarratives.com,
a boutique communications agency
specialising in entrepreneurial design
and shaping the narrative of women-led
lifestyle and social development brands.
Check her out on IG on @quintessentially_yvonne or visit and subscribe to her website
on www.ReinventedToday.com for more tips on everyday reinvention.

You would think that someone like me, having
a background with years of experience in
education and mental health, would be able
to overcome battles with stress, anxiety, and
depression swiftly. As I always say, every good
therapist must have his or her own therapist. It
is almost impossible for one mind, one body,
and one soul not to be affected by the struggles
in which others come to you, hoping that you
can provide pathways towards their healing. I
have been battling depression since I was 12
years old. Being raised in the religious South
(USA) and being a son of a well-known national
evangelist, mental health was not only taboo,
but every mental issue or disorder was viewed
as a spirit or demon that needed to be cast out.
Close family members suddenly started dying
one after the other. Telling me that they are in
a better place and that I’d see them again soon
PUTTING
YOURSELF IN
THE
DRIVER’S
SEAT
if I lived, saved, did more harm than good. The
pressure to live and be saved so that I wouldn’t
spend eternity in the lake of fire was a heavy
burden, but as a pastor’s son, I didn’t have a
choice. I couldn’t be of the world as they would
say, but little did I know that it was indeed the
world that would save me.
There were many times when I was just told to
pray about it and give it to God. I remember
praying to God while having anxiety attacks at
the same time. Religious indoctrination, or as
I call it, abuse, was one of the root causes of
my depression. After my father passed away, I
began to self-medicate. No one knew because
I trained myself to master the art of wearing,
Paul Laurence Dunbar’s proverbial mask. I never
allow myself to look like what I’ve been through,
but one day, I decided that I had to rescue
myself. I had to deliver myself from my own
self because I became my own enemy. During
graduate school, I decided to go on a research
tour in Nepal. I didn’t know what I was getting
myself into, but my soul told me that I needed
to do this for me. This was more of a spiritual trip
that would lead to my healing.
In Nepal, I learned so much about the power
of life and death from both a spiritual and a
scientific perspective. Experiencing and gaining
knowledge about life and death from the
Buddhist and Hindu perspective provided me
with the tools that I needed to heal myself. A
week had passed before I noticed that I had
spent my entire time there eating plant-based
meals. I was sleeping better and waking up at
6:00 AM, full of energy. I was able to write again.
I would go for long runs and stop to speak to the
people in the village who were so amazed and
curious at the sight of someone like me. At the
time, I didn’t realise that I needed to heal from
all the hatred and struggles that I faced because
of having a different race in America. To them,
I was exotic. People found my skin and wavy
hair beautiful. They were interested in getting to
know me and my culture. Instead of being afraid
of me, they welcomed me in their homes.
On my birthday, I literally spent the day at a
crematorium. I watched families mourn as their
loved ones were placed on elaborate platforms
and set ablaze in front of the holy Bagmati
River. Those who were poor on the left side
and those who were in the upper caste on the
right. I watched as the birds ate the food that
families made for the deceased to enter the
other realm. I realised that no matter the caste,
their ashes fell into the same river. I watched as
the homeless kids dived into the river to collect
pieces of gold to sell in the market for money. At
that point, I understood that there was no such
thing as death. The adult me had realised the
true meaning of the circle of life. Nepal was the
first time I had felt God.
After returning to the United States, my soul
was refreshed. I felt like I had been introduced
to myself for the first time. However, I still have
a different race living in America. The constant
murdering of unarmed men like me sent me into
a depression. I decided to book a flight to Haiti
to visit my family. That experience allowed me
to fully understand the power and the spirit of
our race. Haiti became the first black republic in
the western world after former slaves defeated
the major European colonial powers of that
time. I learned about the traditional African
religion, Voudon. My people rejected the

eligion that was given to them by their masters and
used their traditional spiritual system from Africa to gain
their freedom. For most of my life, I was taught to reject
anything other than Christianity, especially anything that
comes from Africa. Yes, I was taught to hate and reject
what was my history, heritage, culture, etc. In Haiti, I
finally decided that I wasn’t going to run from who I was
or what I’m meant to be.
After years of working in the education and mental
health field and dealing with the systems that were less
beneficial to our race, I had enough. I was tired of asking
people to change something that was intended to
benefit them and place barriers around us. In 2016, I quit
my job as a Behavioral Therapist and started Brother’s
Against Racial Stereotypes (BARS) Institute Inc. BARS
is an education intervention, youth empowerment, and
exploratory learning institute for boys of colour. We
also provide mentoring and counselling for those who
aren’t provided with spaces to deal with pain, poverty,
loneliness, rejection, racism, school to prison pipeline,
mis/over-diagnosed, being fatherless, and other similar
issues. They go through rigorous physical and mental
training in order to understand, as well as what it means
to, sculpt your mind with the knowledge to not only heal
themselves but their community. Because travel had
become a form of therapy for me, with the help of the
community, I was able to take them on empowerment
and educational tours in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama,
Tennessee, and Washington DC. I found my purpose. I
found something that I was willing to die for.
In 2018, I was asked to speak at the church where many of
my father’s ancestors were buried in Natchez, Mississippi.
That day I had decided that I no longer wanted to hide
my years of pain. Yes, I was accomplishing a lot for a man
my age, but I wanted to take off the mask. I was done
riding in the back seat of my own car. I had revealed my
long battle with anxiety, depression, and moments of
suicidal thoughts to the entire congregation, which was
mostly family. Telling my story in a church, a place where
a lot of my pain came from and the place where I freed
myself was my redemption.

1n 2019, I went to Cuba looking for answers. I
want to know more about ancestry and what I
needed to do to fully liberate myself. My spirit
kept taking me back to my childhood when I
would tell my parents and family members that
I was going to see the world and live in other
countries. Mississippi can be a toxic environment
for progressive-minded people. In Cuba, I had the
privilege to go to the city of Regla to experience
the African-based spiritual system of Santeria or
Lucumi. Like Vodou in Haiti, it derives from the
Yoruba religion in West Africa. Many things felt
foreign to my mind, but familiar to my soul. It was
like I had been there before. I sat with a Santeria
priestess, and she confirmed that my life was
about to change and what I’ve been asking for
since I was a child that was coming of age soon.
Something was going to happen that would force
me to uproot.
A few months later, the worst happened. One of
my students from the BARS Institute was shot and
killed while riding his bike. From the first day that
I started the institute, I promised those boys that
I would give my life for them. I would do whatever
I could to protect them. Losing one of them was
my worst fear. All my time, money, and energy
went towards these people. I wouldn’t sleep or
eat until I made sure that they had the resources
that they needed to have a chance to compete
and even stay alive in this harsh world. Losing my
student hit me hard. However, I remembered the
many times we’d ride around, and he talked about
going to college and travelling the world like me.
That’s when I realised that I had spent most of
my life putting others before me. Mississippi was
literally killing me. After talking to my therapist,
we both agreed that I was strong enough and
ready to make that big move. It was time to put
myself in the driver’s seat.
I applied for a job teaching Advanced Psychology
in Dubai and was hired. My friends and frat
brothers that were already here had been trying to
get me to move here for years. After researching
the opportunities and connecting with people
who have beautiful and different races who are
prospering here, I said yes, to me! The UAE is
one of the safest countries in the world and out
of all the African-American men that I have talked
to that live here, none of them have expressed
interest in wanting to go back to the United States.
It has been my dream to make BARS Institute an
international exploratory learning program for
boys in need. Moving to the UAE has saved my
life. My smiles are real, and my soul is at peace. I
don’t have to wait until I get to heaven or go on
to glory to be happy.
I’m finally able to live for myself, but also still able
to take my misery and turn it into my ministry.
As I told my father, I too have a message, but
it won’t come from the pulpit. While mental
health is becoming a priority in the UAE, there is
still work to be done. I’ve created the SCREAM
Initiative, which will provide mentorship, mental
health retreats and counselling referral services
for teenagers here in Dubai. I want to empower
young people to have the courage and audacity
to put themselves in the driver’s seat.
When it comes to your life, you don’t need a
licence to drive. You are the authority and the
conductor of your life. You are the master of your
fate. You are the captain of your soul. Let’s ride!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joshua Quinn is an educator and mental health
professional from Jackson, Mississippi. He recently
moved to Dubai to teach Advanced Psychology and
History, and expand his business, BARS Institute
Inc. BARS is an education intervention, youth
empowerment, and exploratory learning institute for
underrepresented boys.
JOSHUA QUINN

SOLO
PARENTING
IN THE MODERN ERA
CHALLENGES OF THE MODERN ERA
Children are blessings sent from above. Every stage of
their lives gives us surprises and happiness. Their arrivals
are life-changing experiences that shape us into better
persons. Children are unconditional lovers, with innocent
eyes that they took on their loving parents. When it comes
to grooming children to function in these modern times,
the job becomes even more difficult as times change.
Having a partner to help you with these tasks should make
parenting easier, but what if you're the sole breadwinner
of the family?
Parents are the driving force behind the mental, emotional
and spiritual formation of their offspring. Their morals
should be relayed and explained, as children will initially
take on their parents’ perspectives and how they view the
world. However, the modern age presents a challenge
to us parents, as we may have a hard time guiding our
children closely because of the information on the Internet
that children can have access anytime. We need to find
a way to teach our children that not everything that they
see online is helpful in their development. How do we,
as parents, compete with the Internet? How do single
parents help their children grow while striving to put food
on their table? There is no correct answer in parenting
but, still, we’ll be sharing ideas on how we can lead them
properly to shape their future.
PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO CHILD-REARING
Single parents must strike a balance between the
behaviourist and constructivist approach to childrearing.
Parents need to strike a balance between these
psychological approaches. Providing food, clothes,
shelter and other basic amenities are immeasurably hard
to give together with guidance and securing children from
unwanted sources of information. During the past decades,
our parents did not have to worry about technology and
its effects when guiding us into the path of righteousness.

A lot of what we knew as facts were only seen in books
and stories told to us which were only expanded by our
imagination.
Discipline has to be key to your methods. You have to
lead the way, for example, as to being mature in social
media and using the Internet properly, or choosing the
appropriate music they listen to. Introduce child-friendly
and credible websites to get information. Teach them the
expectations and limits of the Internet. Even if you're a
solo parent, modern technology can help you in rearing
your children excellently.
It is understandable that time is limited if you’re a solo
parent. It is important to budget your time between
yourself and your children’s development. Time wasted
will lead to negative effects but time managed correctly
will lead you to a fulfilled life. Even with a hectic schedule,
you need to let your children know of your presence and
support all the time. In that way, they will have the feeling
of comfort and assurance that you’re always by their side.
We all know that the Internet and technologies have
bad sides. Protecting them by filtering and censoring
the information they can access to will help. However, it
doesn’t mean that we will hide the reality of the world to
them. Adjusting the proper knowledge and information
to their age is the key ingredient to keep their minds on
the right track.
Another use of technology that can help solo parents
are the CCTVs and cameras in securing your house and
children. Of course, even with these devices, we can’t let
the children stay at home by themselves. Asking a family
member or hiring a nanny to look after them is still the
best. Installing a camera at your home will give you a
sense of security, and you will be able to see the activities
of your children and their caretakers. Be sure to use these
devices to take care of your children and not invade their
own privacy.
Entertainment is easy to do in the modern era; however,
we must teach them that the company of friends and family
is more important than gadgets. It is our responsibility
to supervise them on what they can watch or listen to
because the Internet can be easily accessed. Children are
prone to be exposed to peer pressure, bullying and being
drawn to people who will try to distract their minds in the
wrong track.
In conclusion, being a single parent is a difficult task, and
it will more or less take an emotional and even physical toll
on your body. It’s normal to be tired, moody and worried.
Yet, that is still not an excuse to take a break from your
role modelling and other responsibilities. Technology, on
the other hand, can be our friend or enemy on parenting.
Giving the children the right explanation for everything is
the key to help them understand the pros and cons of the
modern era. With the proper supervision, gadgets and
devices can be our advantage. However, keep in mind
that technology can never replace a good parent to our
beloved little ones.
JEROME
DOUGLAS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerome Douglas is a 27-year old trained teacher, poet and writer from the
beautiful island of Jamaica. His personal philosophy is “If it is for me to
be, then it is up to me.” He attended the Catholic College of Mandeville
in Jamaica. Additionally, he is a community builder and humanitarian who
volunteers his time to help with the academic and social well-being of people
in his Central Jamaica community and surrounding areas.

BOOK REVIEW:
THE UNTETHERED SOUL
BY MICHAEL SINGER

The Untethered Soul explains how you can
harness your inner energy by untying yourself
from your ego. It is focused on expanding your
being beyond your limits and boundaries. With
million copies in print, this New York Times
bestseller catapulted to fame when Oprah
interviewed Michael Singer, the book’s author, in
2012.
The first four chapters are building blocks of
this book. Though it may seem rather relaxed in
pacing, the author discussed comprehensively
how we, as individuals, are not simply represented
by the abstractions in our minds because we are,
in a sense observers too. Hence, when asked who
we are, we list our titles and accomplishments,
but that is only a shell of who we truly are. Only
when you awaken with this kind of mindset, that’s
the only time you can go onto the next step: to
show the real you.
The next two parts are the heart of the book.
Not all of us will concur with the thoughts of
the author in these sections. He describes that
events in one’s life cannot be traumatic; instead,
the response that one has towards these events
is what makes them traumatic. He goes on to say
that most of the time, we hold on to sentiments
and stifle them down in our hearts, where the
pain festers and consumes us. We need to allow
our emotional energy to pass through us freely
and not be damaged in the process.
“Events don’t determine whether or not you’re
going to be happy.
They are just events. You determine whether or
not you are going to be happy.”
Those who have experienced a life-changing
incident, which most of us encounter at some
point in our lifetime, cannot agree that dark,
depressing events cannot be painful. To speak of
loss as though it is not hurtful and to act through
it without accepting it for what it is, seems
unnatural as a human reaction.
The fourth part, going beyond, is all about
bringing the walls down. According to Singer, we
become limited in our spiritual growth by holding
on to our pain and the false personas we build for
ourselves. He then introduces you to go on your
spiritual journey and in the process, peel away
the layers you have wrapped around yourself.
The final few chapters talk in-depth about our
fear of death and how to deal with it. The author
says that death is what gives life meaning, so we
should reflect upon it often. Knowing that you
could be gone any moment should be the single
most motivating factor to get you focused on
what you really should be doing in life. If there
is something that you want to do in your life,
chances are, now is the best time to do it. We are
not certain what the coming time may hold, so
make up your mind and act on it now.
Of course, one could always take the meaning of
death being at your doorstep as a reason to not
do anything at all. What is the purpose of it all,
one may ask? But life is for living, and what is the
aim of living in mediocrity?
After all, we are here to experience joy and
contentment. Singer talks about inner energy, and
how it is better to let it all flow through us and not
let events in our lives block it. Negative thoughts,
apprehensions and fear can all obstruct our chi,
and we will only be able to release ourselves and
attain freeness of spirit if these hurdles are done
away with.
The Untethered Soul asks some important
questions we ought to think deeply about. Who
are you? What is holding you back? Are you
ready to let go and accept positive energy into
your life? Though it talks about the very core of
our existence, it is a lighthearted book, and there
are moments where you will chuckle.
By tapping into powerful techniques like yoga and
mindfulness, Singer shows how our consciousness
can empower us to live in the present moment
with openness and free inner energy. This book
wishes you happiness and liberation.

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FOOD FOR THE BRAIN
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One lucky winner will receive both books.
Draw date: February 29, 2020

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