Let’s Get Cozy: Hot Bedroom Trends for 2019

When temperatures plummet, the best place to be is snuggled up somewhere warm. Make sure your bedroom is the haven you deserve! With a style update, you will never want to leave…

Cool White

Create your own snow palace with a crisp white palette. It is so big these days. Muddy neutrals have made way for a fresher look. Don’t forget an essential punch of color to set it all off.

Jewel Tones

Lose the beige and inject some glamour
with vibrant rich pops of color.

Florals

From pretty chintz to flamboyant blooms, flowers are everywhere, from bedcovers and curtains to walls. Even a simple room can get a lift with a pretty vase of flowers.

Boho vibe

Don’t be afraid to mix it up and inject a few quirky personal touches.

Four-Poster
beds

Sleep in style; these have made a major comeback.

Passamenterie

Add a touch of luxury with a few well-placed tassels. Just don’t overdo it.

Go for comfort

Invest in a seriously plush floor rug. Cold bedroom floors are such a no-no.

The right
mattress

Most important of all, you want a mattress that gives you great lumbar support.

The Healing Power of Sound Therapy

By Cherine Samir – Founder of Nine Healing Vibes

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Albert Einstein

Nine Healing Vibes

Nine is a vibrational sound therapy practice that uses the energy of pure sound to promote healing and wellbeing in the human system. Vibrational Sound therapy is a form of subtle energy therapy. It is the educated and conscious use of the energy of pure sound to reach identified goals and to promote wellness in the human system – including the expansion of consciousness. According to the laws of physics, everything has a sound; a vibration (or energy frequency) of its own, whether or not we hear it. Each part of our body has its own vibration, and vibrational medicine is based on the idea that disease is a result of those vibrations getting out of tune due to stress, illness, trauma or environmental factors. Sound therapy works to return the body’s own vibrations to their natural states when they go off key.

Nine was established with the aim of making sound therapy accessible to people and to provide them with “an experience” not simply an alternative medicine treatment.

During a sound journey/bath, people are taken on a sonic meditative journey.

The most important things to know about the role sound plays in our lives

From humming to drumming to Tibetan singing bowls, recent research suggests that certain rhythms, sounds and vibrations can help reduce stress, facilitate physical and emotional healing and promote wellness in the human system including the expansion of consciousness. There is no doubt that we all get affected by sound and music every day.

In medicine, high-intensity vibrations from ultrasound waves are used to safely break up kidney stones. Since sound and vibration need a medium to travel, and water is a medium, our bodies are highly affected by sound since our bodies are mostly made up of water.

The multi-cultural roots of sound as a healing and centering tool 

Healing with sound has been used for thousands of years by many civilizations. In Ancient Greece, Apollo was the god of music and medicine. The philosophers Plato and Aristotle both claimed that music affected the soul and the emotions. In Ancient Egypt, music therapy was a staple in temples. Modern indigenous cultures have also used sound to heal and to access expanded states of consciousness. More recently, science has proven that sound, or vibration, has a strong impact upon substance. The study of Cymatics has shown how sound creates geometric patterns in matter. Japanese researcher Dr. Masaru Emoto – famed for his photographs of water crystals – has proven that sound changes the molecular structure of water.

What vibrational sound therapy heals

  1. Anxiety and stress
  2. Muscle tension and pain
  3. Emotional stress
  4. Sleep disorders
  5. Mild depression
  6. Pain management

What to expect

  1. Clarity of mind
  2. Emotional balance
  3. Reduced stress and anxiety
  4. Deep relaxation
  5. Heightened awareness of self and the environment
  6. Improved sleep
  7. A stronger immune system

Contact info:

Nine Healing Vibes
Address: 20 Kamal El Tawil St., Zamalek
Facebook: @ninehealingvibes
Tel: 0100 100 3937

Your Evening Skincare Routine in 6 Luscious Steps!

By Zainab AbdulAziz

You probably heard it a thousand times from your mom, but an evening skincare routine is truly a good idea for anyone living in Egypt – especially for those hitting their 30s! If you are stumped and need some guidance, here’s a sample routine courtesy of Source Beauty. It is always best to do this routine an hour before you go to bed so you don’t risk losing all the good products on the pillowcase!

Step 1: Makeup Removal

Avoid makeup wipes as this mostly moves around the makeup, dirt and bacteria. Johnsons Baby Lotion is a cheap and non-greasy makeup remover with a pleasant smell!

Step 2: Cleanser

Imtenan’s Oat Honey Soap is a highly effective and deeply moisturizing gentle cleanser. First cover your face with the cleanser, massage it in gently and then add water.

Step 3: Toner

Apply a toner This is what really helps unclog, tighten and close pores for healthy skin. It also helps restore your skin’s pH balance and protects skin from the chlorine found in tap water. Areej’s Rose Floral Water is a gentle toner that helps to bring any skin inflammation down.

Step 4: Eye Cream

Using an eye cream before bed will help make the delicate skin around your eyes firmer, brighter and more youthful. Imtenan’s Sweet Almond Oil is great for dark circles; simply apply on the eyelid area and under eyes, remember: pat don’t rub!

Step 5: Serum

Serums work while you sleep, delivering a dose of powerful ingredients for targeted results. Urban Ducks Asma’s Daily Face Serum helps plump the skin, while Kolagra’s Skin Serum provides a more even skin tone and an all-over glow.

Step 6: Night Moisturizer

A night cream helps deliver the hydration and nourishment your skin needs. Saskia’s Rose Face Cream is hydration in a jar, and Areej’s Natural Glow is also a great nighttime moisturizer.

All products can be found and purchased on www.sourcebeauty.me
Instagram: @source_beauty

Be Glamorous on Valentine’s Night Out

Get ready for the most romantic night of the year! We’ve gathered some evening looks from some of the brightest, most fashionable local designers on the Cairo scene. Details on where to buy at the end of the page?!

Christine Massarany
Sold in
Elements Cairo, 3 Ramman Square, Dokki
Tel: 02 3762 1971
Hip Fashion Stores
Tel: 0106 881 4910/09

Rax Store
Galleria 40, Sheikh Zayed
Tel: 0109 334 8080

Weaving Grace
6 Brazil St., Zamalek
Tel: 02 2736 8616

Danoush Designs
Instagram: @danoushdesigns
Tel: 0122 239 1313

LX2 Studio
Tel: 0122 783 8845
Web: www.lx2studio.com

Mamzi
Instagram: @mamzibyma
Facebook: @Mamzidesigns
Tel: 0101 118 5335

Mobaco
Facebook: @MobacoCottons
Web: www.mobaco.com

Nahla Al Alfy
17 Galal Al Din Al Deswqi
Apanage Almazah, Heliopolis
Facebook/Instagram: @nahlaelalfydesigns
Tel: 0111 404 2222

Noha Abbassi
Instagram: @nohaabbassijewellery

OHANNA
Instagram: @ohannaofficial_
Web: www.ohanna.co/

Omni
Instagram: @omnisclutches
Tel: 0100 337 0743

Rafik Zaki Designs
Instagram: @rafikzakidesigns
Tel: 0128 133 3466

Reel
Instagram: @reel.eg
Facebook: @reel.egypt

Sami Amin
15A Al Mansour Mohamed St., Zamalek
Tel: 0120 401 4017
24 Osman Ibn Afan St., Heliopolis
Tel: 0120 401 4018
40 Hadayek St., El Maadi
Tel: 0120 044 0426
Galleria 40, Sheikh Zayed
Tel: 0120 401 4019

SANDBOX
Facebook: @sandboxsu
Web: www.sandboxsu.com

Sorelle Skirts
14 Shagaret El Dor Street, Zamalek
Web: www.sorelleskirts.com
Instagram: @sorelleskirts
Tel: 0101 053 2204
TIYI
Facebook: @tiyiofficial1
Instagram: @tiyi.official

What NOT to Miss on the East Side! February 2019

Tati Hafez takes us on a quick tour of all the new spots and services available to East Siders!

HELIOPOLIS

Misura
It is surprisingly delightful to see the number of local brands emerging with such quality and design. Misura is a contemporary shoe brand established in 2017. A predecessor of Leather Home with over 40 years of presence in the market, Misura is available for purchase online.
Misura
Website: www.misuradesigns.com
Telephone: 0101 227 7041
Facebook and Instagram: @misuradsgns

MAADI
Death Wish – Serving the World’s Strongest Coffee
It seems that Street 233 is slowing turning into another eat street like the famous Street 9 in Maadi. Every month something new pops up. The latest addition is New York coffee brand Death Wish. Serving premium bold beans, the brand claims the world’s strongest coffee.
Death Wish
Address: Street 233, Degla, Maadi
Facebook and Instagram: @death.wish.egypt

Easy Talent Academy – 2nd National Dance Competition
Easy Talent is hosting the 2nd National Ballet and Contemporary Dance Competition this year on the 15th and 16th of February. Children from ages 7 to 16 are competing individually or in school teams. Among the prizes are medals, a cash prize, as well as national and international scholarships. For further enquires, rules and regulations contact the academy directly.
Easy Talent
Address: 51B Misr Helwan Agricultural Street, Maadi
Telephone: 0102 552 0400
Facebook and Instagram: @easytalentacademy

New Cairo

It’s WeirDough – Scrumptious Cookies
It’s WeirDough makes – scrumptious cookies that are thick heavenly flavor combinations. Pick your favorite from Lotus, M&M, Nutella Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Reese’s, Triple chocolate and the signature Marble. Orders can be made through the website and a minimum of 12 pieces is required.
It’sWierDough
For orders: 0100 018 6544
Website: www.itsweidough.com
Facebook and Instagram: @itsweirdough

The Foot Park – See You in the Grass
World’s first football gamified theme park. Experience 16 competitive foot challenges, collect in-app points, and win cool gifts. Fun for the whole family. From 10 am to midnight.
The Foot Park
Address: The Maxim Mall
Telephone:  0111 255 6332
Facebook Instagram:@foot_park

Peek-a-Boo – New Cairo’s Biggest Kids Park
Peek-a-Boo is a kids’ park and café dedicated to entertaining the little ones. Under the slogan of Eat.Play.Party, the playground is a fun option for catered birthday parties. New Cairo is Peek-a-Boo’s third branch, with the first and second being in Maadi and Courtyard.
Peek-a-Boo
Address: Street 90 (between Petro Sport Club and Sky Resort)
Telephone: 0101 262 2093
Facebook and Instagram: @maadiparkcafe

Art Scene: February 2019

Ubunto art gallery

Exhibition Name: Cradle Of Charm
Artist: Rifky ElRazzaz
Opening Night: January 23rd, 2019
Exhibition Ends: February 12th, 2019
Address: 20 Hassan Sabry St., entrance from Ibn Zinky
St., Zamalek

Al Masar art gallery

Exhibition Name: Flower of Life
Artist: Hazem Hussien
Opening Night: February 16th, 2018
Exhibition Ends: February 13th, 2019
Address: 157B 26th of July St., Ground floor – Zamalek

Mashrabia art gallery

Exhibition Name: Virtual garden
Artist: Soad Abdel Rasoul
Opening Night: January 13th, 2019
Exhibition Ends: February 14th, 2019
Address: 8 Champollion St., Downtown Cairo

Arcade art gallery

Exhibition Name: Hegazi’s Paintings
Artist: Alaa Hegazi
Opening Night: February 23rd, 2019
Exhibition Ends: March 15th, 2019
Address: 25 Orabi St., off Port Said, Maadi

Ahmed Hatem: Behind-the-Scenes of Love Story

It is no secret that the romantic comedy genre is making a major comeback on the Hollywood circuit, and the Egyptian cinema industry isn’t far behind on trend! Writer/director Othman Abou Laban says audiences shouldn’t expect a cheesy rom-com, this film has heart and a big twist! Hint: the main takeaway is how love can truly be blind. We caught up with Ahmed Hatem, Ola Roshdy, and Abou Laban to find out more about this Valentine’s Day must-see.

CWM: Congratulations on the upcoming film! What do you think makes Youssef – the character you play – so special?
AH: Well, it starts out with him just being a regular guy like any other. He’s a bit lost in the love department, unable to figure out or make the right choice in finding that special someone. His life then gets turned upside down when he has an accident that results in the loss of his vision, rendering him blind. This naturally shifts and changes all his priorities, and changes his perspective completely.

What drew you to this script?
I enjoy the romance genre, and I enjoy romantic comedies even more. The nature of the film has a lot of lightness; Youssef tries as hard as possible not to handle the issue too dramatically. The whole process of him learning how to cope with his new condition is funny, and how he interacts with others provides a lot of opportunities for comedy.

Obviously this was a huge undertaking for you as an actor, how did you prepare?
I couldn’t study people who have been blind since birth, because that is a totally different experience. I had to bear in mind that this is someone who is used to being able to see, and has to learn from scratch how to feel out his environment and assess obstacles. The idea was how to balance his newborn struggle, and his attempts at living as if nothing is different about his life. The challenge was mainly fighting against my natural inclinations and defenses as a seeing person, not to be startled for example by someone suddenly moving their hand towards my face!

Were there any particularly challenging scenes for you to film?
Absolutely! There is a scene where I’m at an event and the person accompanying me gets distracted greeting people, leaving me to fend for myself in a loud and crowded place. Youssef gets disoriented; bumping into people and eventually falls into the pool and sinks to the bottom. This was an extremely difficult scene to film, due to the aspect of working in the water and all the problems that arise from making it look realistic. I had to do the take over 20 times in a row; tripping, falling, sinking in the water without creating a lot of bubbles, over and over and over … and I had to wear weights to help me sink fast!

What message do you hope audiences will leave the cinema with?
That love involves sacrifice. I think we need more of this realization in life; and we need love and we also need sacrifice. I believe suffering and sacrifice isn’t always a negative thing, it can be a beautiful thing. It can make you feel gratitude for everything you have. Love isn’t just hugs and kisses, a part of it can be suffering, and that can be rewarding.

Since this is our Love Issue, what kind of relationship or marriage advice would you give lovebirds?
Different types of advice for the singles than the marrieds! If you’re just starting a relationship, the best advice I can give is to know yourself first before entering into a serious relationship. If you don’t know yourself, you’ll be making choices for the wrong reason, whether it’s society or superficial appearances or what you see on social media. As for married couples, I would say avoid stubbornness – no matter how hard it is. I think stubbornness can kill any relationship, even between friends. Try to live a balanced life between work, family, friends, and personal development. We don’t have to do everything with our partners.

QUICKFIRE ROUND

Early riser or night owl?
Definitely a night person.

Best way to relax?
Traveling.

Favorite movie?
Slumdog Millionaire. It has it all! Great story, fantastic music, amazing acting.

Coffee or tea?
Both!

Favorite cuisine?
Anything that swims.

Osman Abou Laban: “Love Story isn’t just a cheesy romantic movie”

Writer/director Othman Abou Laban is clear about one thing … audiences shouldn’t walk into the cinema expecting a cheesy rom-com flick, Love Story has heart and a big twist! We caught up with the writer and director of this month’s hit to find out what lead to the development of this unique film about a blind man finding his way through life.

CWM:  How did the idea for Love Story come about?

OA: I came up with the idea of centering a film around a blind man, and my writing partner came up with the angle of exploring a love story. The main idea of the film is how you can fall in love with someone without ever seeing them, how kindness and respect can grow love.

Did you face any challenges in the process of making the film? 

The first challenge I was presented with is how to make the film as simple and enjoyable as possible, so that any cinemagoer, regardless of age or background, could enjoy it. I didn’t want any audience member to feel like the subject wasn’t understandable, or not suitable for them. The issue we face a lot is the clear division and categorization of films – this is action, this is comedy, this is sha3bi … this leads some prospective audiences to not give a movie a chance. To avoid this, we attempted to make the dialogue simple, direct and tell the story in a deep and stylistic way instead of just making a cheesy romantic movie.

How does this movie depart from your previous work?

I’ve directed a lot of actions films, but my very first movie was a romantic-adventure movie called Ahlam Omrena with Mona Zaki and I’ve also directed a lot of video clips with a romantic plot. The goal of directing a romantic feature successfully is to convey the feeling and meaning of love to the viewer in an authentic and accessible way. If I was able to do it in a four-minute video clip, I hope I pulled it off with this longer feature!

What message do you hope audiences will get out of the film?

What I can promise the audience is that we will take them on a journey of mixed feelings, and it will move them. It will make them happy, and in the end, they will walk out appreciating their life and the story they watched.

Ola Roshdy As Malak in Love Story

Qeset hob movie

An established actress in the comedy genre, Ola Roshdy wished to branch out and explore the hidden depths behind a woman’s smile. We caught up with the quirky star to find out what drew her to the role of Malak in this month’s romantic comedy Love Story, and how she managed to make the character shine for more than just a laugh or two.

CWM: Tell us a bit about the character you play in Love Story.
OR: Malak is married to Youssef‘s best friend Ibrahim, they have a child together. He relies on her for advice, as any good friend would. She is straight-forward, blunt, and funny. I worked a lot on this character to make her a well-rounded person, not just a one-dimensional character. I wanted to give her more depth. I wanted to explore her background, what motivates her actions or the advice she gives, to find the truth behind her jokes… This was a good opportunity for me play with a lot of the techniques and methods I have picked up through the workshops and the hard work I invest in my passion.

How did Malak and Ibrahim’s marriage play out on screen?
It was interesting, because I know Yasser El Tobgy off-screen as well and he’s a brilliant comedic actor. I almost had to hold him back at various points during filming to not act out scenes with too much comedy or jokes! Ibrahim is a very sarcastic character who always makes light of everything. While Malak is funny too, over the years, the jokes may take their toll or get old. It was great to work on the behind-the-scenes elements of what is happening on the page, because the script is very straight-forward in terms of what is taking place.

What drew you to this film after taking a bit of a break from acting?
I have been off the radar for a while being a mommy and devoting time to my personal life, also I was waiting for the right part. I didn’t want to take just any role, just to act. I’ve been investing time in learning from the workshops I partake in with an LA acting coach, getting used to using my voice and body as an instrument, and waiting for the right role. I used to do a lot of comedic roles without any depth, just the funny girl – but nobody is just a funny girl. Even if you’re funny, sometimes you are sad or there is something behind the jokes. Sure, this is a comedic role as well, but it has a different side to it and a real, dramatic aspect to it. You can see that this character is a whole individual, and that was important to me.

What message do you hope audiences will get out of the film?
That nobody is perfect, everyone has imperfections. At the same time, everyone has something lovable about them – even if they are impaired in some way. And without being cliché, that love is blind!

In celebration of our Love Issue, what advice would you give newlyweds or those lucky to have found love?
It’s a lot of hard work; relationships are like any business or any project you undertake. In order to be successful, you need to keep working at it and not give up – you can’t give up after the first month or at the first problem. Hard work, commitment, respect, and communication above all. Even if you feel like you are right, or if you feel like it’s a lost cause, you have to keep working. It’s not easy, it actually keeps getting harder – you’re spending your life with this person. You have to find ways to appreciate each other, even when you can’t find anything to appreciate, there is always something good – you found that in the beginning, didn’t you? But my biggest piece of advice is to start with yourself. If you’re unhappy, nobody will make you happy like you can. Someone else won’t be able to fix that.

QUICKFIRE ROUND

Dogs or cats?
Dogs.

What are you currently reading?
1-2-3 Magic … it’s a book about disciplining kids!

Comfort food?
Donuts

Most peaceful place?
On the beach in Sinai.

Favorite actor/actress?
Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp.

Music on repeat?
80’s rap and hip hop.

What makes you the happiest?
Getting a massage!