Tips to achieving perfectly groomed nails without a trip to the salon.

How to paint your nails at home 

While we salute all those who never miss a weekly manicure appointment, if time is tight or you fancy saving a few pennies by cutting back on beauty appointments, we say take a hands-on approach and get the job done yourself.  

Here are some insider tricks of the trade on how to give yourself a pro manicure at home in just five easy-to-follow steps. 

Shop The Top Manicure Tools 

Sally Hanson Instant Cuticle Remover, Carrefour Supermarket, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Al Shindagha and City Centre Maadi 

Nail file, Sephora, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Bahrain

Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish, visit Boots Pharmacy, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

The Easy Steps to Achieving the Perfect At-Home Manicure 

Step 1 

Prep with a moisturising and smoothing hand scrub – we like to make our own by mixing brown sugar with honey and creamy organic yoghurt. To reap the full benefits, massage the scrub over hands in circular motions and leave on like a mask for five minutes before rinsing. 

Step 2

For instantly groomed cuticles, pros vouch for Sally Hanson’s Instant Cuticle Remover. Squeeze over your nail bed area and after 15 seconds gently push back cuticles with a manicure stick wrapped in cotton.

Step 3

Pointy, oval, square, round, and soft corners. There are plenty of nail shape options. Whichever style you lean towards, make sure you file in one direction and finish with an elastic buffer to get rid of any spikey edges that may snag. 

Top tip: If your favourite colour has gone gloopy, add a few drops of nail polish remover to the bottle to thin out the lacquer and make it easier to apply. 

Step 4

Mastering the perfect polish job requires a steady hand and a hard surface to lean on. 
First up, always apply a base coat to protect against yellowing, or try one of the newer gel colour formulas that require no pre-step. Follow with two coats of colour and a glossy topcoat, ensuring each layer is as thin as possible – this will dry quicker and ensure you don’t have any air bubbles on your nails. 

Step 5

Neaten any edges or mishaps with a cotton bud dipped in polish remover and finish off with a quick-dry spray, or dip your nails in a bowl of ice-cold water to further help the polish dry faster and protect from smudging. 

Get the lowdown on how to look like a golden goddess this summer.

How to fake tan and the best self-tanners to buy now 

Our resident tan enthusiast Gemma Colhaught gives her insider’s guide on how to master fake bake like a pro.

I have my mother’s British side of the family to thank for my freckly, pasty and prone to burning skin tone. Okay, let’s call it ‘English rose’ to be more polite. 
I’ve been hitting the tanning bottle for well over 15 years now and to be completely honest with you; there have been a fair few mishaps along the way – think tangerine-tinged eyebrows and knees that looked as though I’d knelt in the mud. Neither the desired effect I was hoping for at the time, but beauty blunders that taught me the hard way of how to expertly fake a sun-kissed tan. 
I’m all for embracing your natural skin colour. I encourage it –think of the time you’ll save. However, if like me you think you look slightly healthier and plan on hitting the pool this weekend, follow my lead to achieving a flawless, and most importantly, safe tan from the comfort of your bathroom. 


The Prep

Body scrub gloves, The Body Shop, visit City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Maadi, City Centre Beirut and Mall of Egypt 

Think of exfoliating before fake tanning like sanding a wall before painting – it’s vital for getting that super smooth finish. 
Take a long hot bath or shower to soften your pores before scrubbing down. Most grainy exfoliating scrubs tend to have oils in the formula, so steer well clear as any residue left on your skin will affect the tan’s adherence. 
Instead, I can vouch for suitable scrubbing gloves with a dollop of creamy body wash. It will get the job done quicker, and you’ll be left with squeaky-clean skin. Finish with a slightly brutal hit of cold water in the shower to help close your pores. 


The Smoother

Origins Oil-Free Lotion, Sephora, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Bahrain

Next, you’ll want to apply just a tiny amount of non-oil-based body lotion to any dry areas, which for me tends to be my knees, elbows, underarms and ankles. I also advise adding a slick of cream to the soles of your feet to avoid looking like you’ve stepped in turmeric. 


The Tan

St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, Boots Pharmacy, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

To avoid the dreaded tell-tale streaks that can occur with fake tan, I recommend using a tanning mitt and sweeping over your limbs in circular motions till blended – do so with a light touch, you can always add later. 
Be especially careful with your feet. Do these and your hands last and gently rub over whatever product is leftover on the mitt.
If you want a hint of colour on your face, opt for a product especially formulated for this area. I love the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster –add a few drops to your normal serum or moisture, and remember to blend down your neck. 
Fake tans now come in all formulas, but my favourite is a mousse as it tends to dry the quickest. For a more subtle and buildable bronze, try a gradual tan that you can apply every day as you would a regular body moisturiser.


Quick Tricks Of The Trade

• If you have fair or blonde brows, make sure that you run over with dampened cotton buds to remove excess product and avoid staining.

• Always blend lightly in-between your toes and fingers as any white patches will be a giveaway.

• Whatever your favoured de-fuzzing method, do all hair removal the day before at-home tanning for the best results. 

• Sweating or applying deodorant can cause your tan to go streaky or patchy – remember to turn on your AC and wear dark PJs, so you don’t ruin your white bed sheets. 

How to fit exercise into a busy schedule, build upper body strength and tone your tummy in a flash?

Tips and tricks to getting the most out of your workout 

You asked, and we answered. Here are easy-to-follow solutions to your most troublesome fitness queries.     


I work 12-hour days, sitting at a desk for most of that time. I’m too tired to go to the gym by the time I get home. How can I fit an effective workout into my day? 

Carving out time to exercise throughout a hectic working day is no easy feat, but if you’re serious about investing in your health and embarking on a regular get-fit regime, find a time that suits your schedule and one that you can stick to, no excuses. 

We find early mornings are often best. Aside from getting your workout out of the way first thing, it will boost your mood and energy levels for the day ahead. Reward yourself post-workout with a fresh smoothie or your favourite coffee – it’ll make getting out of bed easier if you know a treat is waiting. 

If you find yourself hitting the snooze button, try breaking up the workout into slots – a quick 20-minute jog in the morning or a power walk on your lunch break, followed by a yoga or pilates class in the evening to help you wind down from the day. 

Key buy: Sporty Separates 

Jacket, AED1,625, Isabel Marant Etoile at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates 

I see different people doing variations of sit-ups and crunches in my gym. What works best for a flat stomach?

While most gyms usually offer some specialised machines for the abdominal area, the most effective tummy toning methods can be carried out with just a simple mat to help protect and cushion your back.

To firm up your abs and reduce belly fat (plus those pesky side parts), create your circuit that includes a range of sit-ups, crunches and planks, and 15 minutes of HIIT or high-intensity interval training. If you’re having trouble mastering the moves, take a look on YouTube for expert video tutorials on how to get the most out of the various positions – and remember to always fully engage your core for max impact. 

Stomach exercises can be notoriously sore, especially in the beginning, so create a mini playlist of empowering songs to get you through the circuit. 


Key buy: Exercise Mat 

Exercise mat, AED300, Nike Dubai at Go Sport, visit Mall of the Emirates 

I’m a runner and have completed a couple of marathons. But my upper strength is lacking. Any suggestions to help me build my upper strength without taking me away from the treadmill for too long?

The upper body is often overlooked for runners, but this area is crucial for improving your speed and endurance. Look to abdominal and back building exercises, such as push-ups or bench presses. 

If you’re hesitant to step off the treadmill, set the incline upwards and do a series of short vertical sprints to add intensity and target your upper body while still working your legs. To further tone your arms and shoulders, you can also carry out a few rounds of bicep curls and overhead presses with dumbbells while speed walking. 


Key buy: Running Trainers 

Ultraboost Parley trainers, AED800, Adidas Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

Our favourite fit girl reveals her key exercise buys and the six health rules she swears by

A top Dubai-based fitness influencer’s health tips

Looking for a hit of fitspiration? Add Dannielle Blaker (@gypsyfitdxb) to your Instagram feed straight away. Based in Dubai, this Canadian exercise enthusiast’s social media account is filled with action-packed snaps, motivational quotes and regular updates on her own fitness journey. 
When she is not running her own business or teaching yoga, Dannielle is first in line to try all the latest exercise crazes in town. “I regularly mix up my classes to make sure I don’t get bored, plus it keeps my muscles guessing,” she says. 
On her top places to visit in Dubai, the health pro lists Barry’s Bootcamp Marina, Orange Theory, Define Barre, and Vinyasa Yoga at Inspire as just a few of her current favourites. 
Here, Dannielle reveals the six health rules she lives by, along with her must-have clothing picks for working up a sweat in style. 

The most stylish gym wear to shop now

Dannielle’s Quick Tips To A Leading A Healthier Lifestyle 

1. I truly believe we are what we eat. Nourish your body and it will be happy. I follow an 80% vegetarian diet and avoid processed food. 

2. Practice self-care. If you work long hours or have a stressful job, make sure you get enough sleep and look after your body and mind. 

3. Manage your digital consumption. Check your emails or social media at set times of the day and then put it away so that you are not always looking at a screen. 

4. If, like me, you live in a sunny country, mole mapping is so important as it will help detect any signs of melanoma. 

5. Drinking water is key. I have made it a habit to drink a minimum of three litres a day. Every time I leave in my car I take two bottles with me and then drink more when I get home. I don’t buy plastic bottles and instead refill glass bottles from my kitchen. 

6. My friends laugh at me for taking up to 10 vitamins a day, but I truly believe in their properties and never forget to take them. I only buy high strength and good quality, such as Solgar. 


Shop Dannielle’s Fitness Essentials 

Trainers, Adidas, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

“I love the Adidas Parley trainers and the message behind them. They are made of recycled plastic from the ocean and I’m a huge supporter of the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ ethos. Adidas trainers are my favourite for running and I usually prefer solid neutral colours or white.”

Leggings, Lululemon, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif

“Lululemon leggings are so soft and breathable. I also love their colour palette – I have the Align Pant 28” in Vintage Grape and True Navy.”

Sports bra, Adidas, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

“The Adidas Alphaskin Tech Sports Bra feels like a second skin and offers great support for running. I also love that the padding is sewn in so that the pads don’t come out in the washing machine.”

Article Source: https://www.citycentremirdif.com/blog/lifestyle/inside-a-fitness-influencers-workout-wardrobe

Take the test and help raise awareness for World Heart Day.

Free healthy heart tests for women in the MENA region

When it comes to women’s health – let’s get to the heart of the matter. It’s World Heart Day on September 29th, and we’re completely pumped up to take action with Feel the Beat – a campaign offering complimentary heart health tests for women throughout the region. 

Running throughout September across Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls within the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and Oman, Feel the Beat brings easy heart health checks directly to you. 

Feel the Beat aims to help women lead healthier lifestyles

It’s vitally important to keep your ticker in tip-top condition. Did you know that cardiovascular disease is accountable for nearly half of all non-communicable disease deaths, making it the world’s number one killer? It’s a sobering thought, right?

Heart disease causes one in three female deaths each year, according to the World Heart Federation. While we know, we should, and strive to live healthier lives, 52% of women in the GCC are still concerned about being overweight and 33% percent worry about high-cholesterol – both risk factors for heart disease.

Let’s change that!

Put your health first with a heart test now  

Feel the Beat makes it easy to work a health check into your day. 

Throughout September pop by the Feel the Beat activations within Majid Al Futtaim malls where friendly and trusted medical professionals will be on hand to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine your risk from heart disease. Doctors will also be on hand to discuss your cardiovascular results further if required.

Pledge to do more for your heart – and we’ll see you there, ladies!

If you want to know more about Feel the Beat by Majid Al Futtaim ask here

Receive a complimentary heart screening in the mall

Article Source: https://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/lifestyle/the-womens-health-drive-taking-place-across-the-middle-east

Say farewell to sluggish days with our round-up of energising blends.

Detox smoothie recipes to try at home

September is here, which for many of us means it’s time to go back to school, again to work and get back on the health bandwagon after a summer break. 

One of the quickest routes to rebooting your healthy habits is to start your day with a nutrition-packed super juice. 

After many hours of taste testing, we’ve listed a few of our favourite recipes to help you get back on the right track. 

Scroll down below to start juicing today.


Green Machine  

The grande dame of smoothies, this vitamin-rich recipe is brimming with iron-loaded kale, cilantro to reduce inflammatory and a dose of vitamin C from the citrus.

2 small ice cubes 
1 cup of water 
3 small slices of fresh or frozen mango 
½ green apple
1 handful of kale leaves
¼ cup of fresh cilantro
1 lemon, squeezed
1 tablespoon of spirulina or wheatgrass powder 


Berry Blast

This healthy smoothie is filled with berries known for their high antioxidant and fibre properties. This is also an excellent option for kids who will love the sweet taste, especially if you add a spoonful of creamy bio yoghurt or honey to the mixture. 

2 small ice cubes
1 cup of virgin coconut water 
½ banana
1½ cups of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries and acai)
1 tablespoon of chia and flax powder 
1 lime, squeezed


Ginger Kicks 

The ultimate morning pick-me-up, this energising blend contains anti-inflammatory turmeric, vitamin A rich and beta carotene-packed carrot and stomach-soothing ginger.

2 small ice cubes
1 cup of water 
½ green apple or pear 
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (to help boost the absorption of curcumin in turmeric)
1 cup of carrot, grated
½ fresh ginger, finely chopped 
1 lemon, squeezed

Method: 

Roughly chop all ingredients, throw into a blender and whiz until the mixture turns to liquid – or keep a thicker consistency and pour into a bowl to be eaten with a spoon. If you have a juicer, press the ingredients through in batches, stir and drink straight away to get the full fresh benefits.  

The Essential Kitchen Tools To Shop Now 

Magic Bullet Nutri Bullet Pro, Sharaf DG, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Bahrain and Mall of Egypt 

Braun Food Processor, Sharaf DG, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Bahrain and Mall of Egypt 

Where To Buy The Freshest Ingredients  

Carrefour in Dubai and across the Middle East is one of the best places to buy fresh produce

As one of the biggest supermarkets in the Middle East, you can’t beat Carrefour when it comes to selection – and competitive prices, we might add. They also offer a brilliant array of organic fruits and veggies, both local and sourced from abroad, amongst the fresh produce aisles. 

Carrefour Supermarket is located at Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Al Shindagha and City Centre Maadi 

Article Source: https://www.citycentredeira.com/blog/lifestyle/3-superfood-smoothie-recipes-to-beat-the-bloat

Affordable interior buys to update your home instantly. 

How to decorate your home on a budget 

If your home is in need of freshening up, but your credit card is still steaming after paying for a summer holiday, fear not! Just follow a few clever design hacks and pick up a handful of affordable interior accessories to instantly breathe new life into your space. 

Crystal decanter, Crate & Barrel Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates 

Take a leaf out of the design experts’ book and create a bar top in your living room – you don’t even need a dedicated bar cart as any high table surface will do. On a tray, display a cocktail mixer, a selection of glasses (tall tumblers at the back and small sizes up front) and add decorative items such as a small bowl of fresh limes, a silver ice bucket and a mix of crystal decanters. 

Doorknobs, Zara Home Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Switching out old knobs for a more colourful selection will make old drawers look new and unique with minimal effort – it’s also an easy way of adding a touch of your personality to standard IKEA pieces that some of your friends may have too.

Ceiling lamp, Home Centre Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of Egypt

You don’t have to be a tech genius to know that lighting has the power to alter a room’s ambience completely, so always opt for dimmers so you can control the setting throughout the day – anything too harsh can often make a place feel like a doctor’s surgery. We love these Moroccan-inspired ceiling lamps that reflect pretty patterns onto plain walls – beautiful light and art in one!

Ring in the Holy Month with our style picks and top tips for hosting at home.

Fashion finds, and interior buys for Ramadan 2018

With the Holy Month on the horizon, we’re looking to the new season collections for stylish and modest outfit ideas to wear to Iftars, Suhoors and all the celebrations that Ramadan brings with it.

Burgundy jumpsuit, Roland Mouret at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates

Stand out in this striking burgundy-hued jumpsuit by Roland Mouret. The draped asymmetric silhouette works perfectly under an abaya or kaftan. 

Pleated skirt, Zara Dubai and Egypt, visit Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt

Decked with shimmery panels, this swingy pleated skirt will be your go-to for all occasions during Ramadan. 

Box clutch, Karen Millen, visit Mall of the Emirates 

A glittering gold box clutch to add a touch of sparkle to your evening attire or abaya. 

Ring In the Holy Month At Home 

These chic décor buys will ensure you are the hostess with mostess this Ramadan 

Metal lanterns, Home Centre, visit Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt

Create a Pinterest-worthy setting by placing fresh flowers and a scattering of mismatched metal lanterns along the middle of your table – Home Centre in Dubai and Mall of Egypt offer brilliant budget-friendly options.  

Top tip: Steer clear of towering vases and elaborate floral centrepieces that may obstruct your guests’ conversations. We find a selection of small bouquets in low vases works best. 

Cup and saucer set, Zara Home Dubai and Egypt, visit Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt 

This sleek cone-shaped cup and saucer set is perfect for serving post-Iftar tea and Arabic coffee. 

Velvet Rose and Oud candle, Jo Malone, visit Mall of the Emirates

Add an air of luxury to your home with Jo Malone’s beautiful Velvet Rose and Oud candle. 

Article Source: https://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/lifestyle/the-definitive-guide-to-dressing-and-entertaining-during-ramadan

October is a chilly time in more ways than one. Whether it’s the cold weather or the eerie mood of scary Halloween vibes, you can beat the autumn melancholia with a flavour that is bound to warm up your senses: pumpkin spice.

It was initially called pumpkin pie spice as it was explicitly meant for flavouring pumpkin pies. Now, this autumn ingredient fills up homes as a spray scent, candle, tasty meals and so many desserts.

Funnily enough, the spice is just a great mixture of traditional fall spice flavours infused together but includes no pumpkin. The vegetable’s presence comes from the fact that all these spices have been associated with pumpkin cooking.


Here’s how to make it:

•    3 tbsps. ground cinnamon
•    2 tbsps. ground ginger
•    2 tbsps. ground nutmeg
•    1 ½ tbsp. ground allspice
•    1 ½ tbsp. ground cloves


 
Place all ingredients in a coffee grinder, add it into a small jar, and there you have it. The mixture could stay fresh for 2-3 years if it is stored well in a sealed container. It’s as easy as that.

So when you’re done making it, use it to make a spiced latte, butter, frozen yoghurt or a pie. The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can use pumpkin spice for. The warmth of cinnamon, the spice of ginger, the punch of nutmeg, the sweetness of cloves and the fragrance of allspice make it a great ingredient to make any bland recipe vivacious.  




Here’s a quick recipe for a pumpkin spice latte to get you started:

•    1 cup milk
•    2 tbsps. pure pumpkin puree
•    1 tbsp. sugar
•    1/2 tbsp. pumpkin spice, plus more for sprinkling
•    1/4 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
•    1/4 cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee
•    Sweetened whipped cream, for serving


Step 1:

Start by combining the milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice and vanilla in a safe microwave bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap that has a small hole in it for venting the vapour out. Microwave for 2 minutes.

Step 2:

Take the mixture out and whisk the milk vigorously for about 30 seconds until it is foamy. Pour the coffee or espresso into your mug and add the foamed milk.

Step 3:

Decorate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.


What will you use pumpkin spice for next?

No one said achieving a perfect Greek physique or a healthier lifestyle means you should stop snacking. In fact, snacks are a great opportunity for you to fuel your body between your main meals while you’re out and about. However, in a world full of indulgences, it can be challenging to control your snacks.

So, we decided to gather a few power combos, with filling yet healthy ingredients for you to prepare from items you can easily find lying around in your pantry. Eating with no ‘food guilt’ involved sounds like the perfect recipe to us!

Caprese with an Oriental Twist

Ingredients:

•    Sliced tomatoes
•    Dried basil
•    Dried oregano (optional)
•    Sea salt and pepper
•    White cheese (or mozzarella for a milder taste)
•    Balsamic vinegar
•    Olive oil
•    Pomegranate molasses (debs el remman)

This recipe fuses the Greek Caprese salad with the delicious Egyptian ‘gebna bel tamatim’ and the Lebanese touch of pomegranate molasses "debs el remman". Get your tomatoes and slice them evenly. Using a spoon, add dollops of white cheese (salted or neutral) onto the tomatoes generously, depending on how creamy you want the dish to be.

Sprinkle a bit of dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to get those Mediterranean smells and flavours running through the earthy greens. This easy-to-make, low-calorie snack will instantly fill you up for hours on end, and it only takes a minute to make. If your taste buds can tolerate it, try to avoid the salt completely. Drizzle a little bit of balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses and olive oil to add a pungent, sweet taste to it all, glossing up the tomatoes with flavour.

You can have this before starting your day, or serve it to your friends for brunch.




Another go-to snack you could take everywhere with you is honey-glazed nuts. Nuts are filled with Omega-3 and Vitamin E. In other words, they are the snacks to have when you’re trying to cut down a few pounds. To satisfy that sweet-tooth of yours, we’ve added a little twist to make healthy more appealing.

Honey-glazed Nuts

Ingredients:

•    A handful of unflavored mixed nuts
•    Honey
•    Vanilla sugar

In a bowl, mix some honey with vanilla sugar until they're perfectly combined together. Honey regulates your blood sugar levels, increasing athletic performance, acts a probiotic and is the ideal alternative for sugar. Add in a handful of mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts) and mix it in with the honey until all the nuts are coated. If you want to add a little tanginess to the nutty sweetness of the snack, add some dried apricots or cranberries. Place the mixture in the fridge for an hour at the very latest, and it’s ready to go! For every handful of nuts, drizzle no more than a teaspoon of honey to cut down on the calories. Pack it up in a mason jar with a small spoon, and you've got the ideal snack to carry around.




Our next recipe is a biscuit without the dough. Shying away from all the dangerous “whites” (flour, caster sugar, sea salt), these apple peanut butter cookies harmonise the glory of crisp, pungent, fruity and intense flavours.


Apple Peanut Butter Biscuits

Ingredients:

•    Sliced apples of your choice
•    Peanut butter
•    Dark chocolate chips
•    Raisins and nuts of your choice (optional)

Grab yourself a few apples and slice them up into circular biscuits, and evenly spread no more than a tablespoon of peanut butter on each slice. Sprinkle a few raisins, a handful of chocolate chips, your choice of nuts on top and you’re done! The dark chocolate is great for when you’re feeling blue and need to stabilize blood pressure and sugar levels.

We suggest having these for breakfast as an alternative to caffeine-filled coffee as the peanut butter and chocolate will energise you, while the carbohydrates in the apples will give you an instant boost of energy.

Deliciously sweet with nutritious benefits. Who said biscuits can’t be healthy?




Chia Pudding with Fruit

Ingredients:

•    ½ to ¾ cup of chia seeds
•    3 cups almond milk
•    1-3 tablespoons of honey

Suggested toppings:

•    Granola
•    Fresh fruit (berries, apple slices, pineapples, peaches, and kiwi)
•    Coconut flakes
•    Pure maple syrup
•    Cinnamon
•    Nuts and seeds

A very underestimated power food packed with omega 3 and fibres. The chia seed is nutrient-dense and carries a huge load of energy-boosting power, hence it meaning “strength” in the Mayan language. It promotes healthy skin, supports the heart and digestive system, and reduces signs of ageing. Chia pudding is a perfect snack you can create in no time, and even top off with any juicy fruit.

Mix the almond milk with a few tablespoons of honey until they’re blended evenly. Add the chia seeds into the mixture. Pour the chia seeds and milk evenly into mason jars, and mix it after 10-15 minutes to avoid clumping. Let the flavours in the pudding sit in a fridge for 3 hours (or preferably overnight) until a pudding-like consistency is observed. Cut up gorgeous chunks of fruits or other toppings to have with the pudding.




Baked Sweet Potato Sticks

Ingredients:

•    5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
•    Olive oil
•    Rosemary

House seasoning:

•    1 cup sea salt
•    ¼ cup pepper
•    ½ teaspoon paprika
•    ¼ cup garlic powder

It says guilt-free all over. Treat sweet potatoes the same way you would treat fried potatoes for a lighter, sweet & salty snack that works with yogurt or hummus dips.
Season them with rosemary and sea salt for more tang and freshness.

Line a sheet tray with parchment. In a large bowl, add olive oil and the house seasoning, and mix them evenly. Toss in the slices of sweet potatoes, and coat them evenly. Then, spread the sweet potatoes equally and bake them for 20 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.

Trying to analyze the people around us, our relationships with them and ourselves by reading about horoscopes has become second nature. We simply can’t get enough of them. Get to know more about the horoscope of the month, Pisces, to find out if there’s anything “fishy” about someone you know!

A water sign that is known to be ruled by the planet Neptune, Pisces are compassionate, intuitive, gentle, wise and musical. follow their hearts and always attempt to push beyond their limitations to be amazing individuals. Extremely friendly due to how selfless they can be, Pisces are one of the most likeable in the horoscope family amongst people.  


PISCES FRIENDS

They are probably the best friends that could exist due to their compassionate and loyal natures. As water signs, they can always sense if something is wrong, relieving their friends from having to explain why they feel a certain way. They are a great source of motivation and energy, as they view life through rose-colored glasses, fueled by a magical sense of positivity with life.

PISCES CAREER

As creative beings, Pisces always thrive in positions where creative skills are needed. They are loyal to their work, dedicated and reliable. As great problem solvers, they make great vets, social workers, architects and attorneys as well.


PISCES LOVE

A Pisces, due to their honest and loving nature, will manage to bring out the best in you. They have a natural ability to capture your hearts with their loyalty and care. But never mistake their kindness for naivety; Pisces are extremely insightful and intelligent beings. Your Pisces partner is most likely to be honest and express themselves truly, regardless of the circumstances.

Other famous Pisces people:
Albert Einstein, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Adam Levine, George Washington, Drew Barrymore

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we think it's about time to buy or do something different other than buy chocolate, generic gifts and take her out for dinner. Here is s a list of things you could do on the special day:

Put together an appreciation video
Gather all your family in a WhatsApp group and ask them to send in a short one-minute video telling your Mother why she is so important to you. With some basic editing, compile the videos together and on Mother's Day, share it with her or show it to her first thing in the morning.

Take her out for karaoke
All Mothers were jealous from the likes of Cher and Madonna. Take her out for a nice night of karaoke to show her that you believe in her untapped potential.

Buy her something she actually needs
There's no harm in materialistic gifts as long as they are useful. Disregard the price tag and focus on buying her something that would be valuable to her. It could be as simple as a dress she was always too shy to wear or a unique cutting board.

Personalized Gift
It could be a laser cut rolling pin, a birthstone necklace, an artwork that you feel represents her or even an engraved iPad. Whatever it is, just make sure it isn’t just a store-bought item that doesn’t have her touch.

Pampering Day
She won't go to the spa unless you take her there. Book a rejuvenating massage and treatment for all her aches and sores. Force her to relax and soothe her mind and soul on a day that celebrates her. If she’s not into massages and tropical oils, take her for a nail treatment or a simple mani at a nail boutique.

Have a Series Marathon
Pack up on the popcorn and tissues (if needed) and watch a new series with her by downloading all the episodes and spend hours analyzing characters and relating them to your real-life relatives. Anything from Friends to Gilmore Girls will do!

Social Media crash course
Although this gift may come back to haunt you, your Mother will always appreciate a helping hand in how to be up to date with the coolest slang, the newest shortcuts and the useful apps that only you know how to use. It could be as easy as teaching her how to text with two thumbs instead of one finger. Trust us, she will love it.

Mom for a Week
Decide to switch roles with your Mother. Promise to handle all her chores and duties for a week while she relaxes and focuses on herself instead of the family. Pretty impossible for her to do, but your helping hand will be great use to her, even if she doesn’t admit it.

A Coordinate Bracelet
Get a bracelet engraved with the coordinates of a special place between you and your Mother. It could be the place you were born, your first home or her home town. You could wear one too!

Memory Book
Create a book filled with your Mother’s favorite people. Circulate the book around and have everyone write a small message with a memory or something they’d like to tell her. Add pictures as well!

Now spring is here and it’s time to clear out our wardrobes, lives and most importantly jump start our bodies with a detox.

We absorb all kinds of toxins, waste, preservatives, stimulants through what we eat and the environment around us. Our bodies produce toxins as well (metabolic waste products) that occur from natural processes like digestion and respiration. Don’t worry though, your digestive, endocrine and circulatory systems eliminate these toxins.

Problem is, our bodies are so overwhelmed with the other toxins from processed foods, sugars, caffeine and lack of exercise, making it hard for it to eliminate them all. That’s where detoxes come in to remove the bad and fill us with the good!

There’s no ideal detox. The internet is filled with different variations for different purposes, making their duration last from three days to a full month.

Here are the basic guidelines that most of them have in common:

Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats
These are usually unhealthy and hard to digest and will overwhelm your bodily systems while the detox tries to do the opposite.

Sip filtered water
Whenever you get the chance to, drink water to flush out your toxins and clear your liver. Add some limes, raspberries or lemons to give it an extra fresh feel. Increasing your fluid intake is important since you’re increasing your fiber intake with veggies and fruits.

Sweat sweat sweat
Go to a sauna and let your body cry its sins away. If you have no time, take a hot bath with Epson  salt and sweat out the waste

Exercise for an hour a day
Pilates or some ashtanga yoga for an hour will do. The more you sweat and the more you move, the more active your body will feel and get.

Meditate and Breathe
Clearing your mind is just as important as clearing your body. Taking everything in and processing it helps alleviate your soul and heart from all your daily difficulties. Try breathing deeply by breathing in for several seconds, holding it in, and exhaling it over a course of eight seconds.

Minimize chemical based care products
 Switch to natural alternatives. Use coconut oil as toothpaste or natural oils instead of hair creams.

Find the right balance of healthy food and spread them throughout your day.
Stick to leafy greens, healthy fruits, pressed juices, whole grain foods, protein. Contact your nutritionist to create a mix that works for you and your body type!

Let your body do its job
Stay away from the laxatives and the pills. Your bodily organs can detoxify well enough. A detox is just helping the process happen without replacing their function.

These small steps with a healthy mindset and food program will make a world of a difference. With time, you could begin to incorporate these guidelines in your everyday life, minimizing the toxins you take in and unleashing your body’s full potential. The moment you become aware of the toxins you take in and consciously try to avoid them is when your detox will really show the fruits of your labor.