Olivo at Arkan Plaza

Just in case it slipped by you, UNESCO has officially added Neapolitan pizza to its list of civilization’s glories. A step we heartily endorse. To celebrate we started our weekend early and slipped across to the authentic Italian restaurant in Sheikh Zayed, Olivo at Arkan Plaza to have a pizza binge.

Type of cuisine: Pizza, pizza, pizza. And some really good salads.

Signature dishes: Truffle Oil Margherita pizza, a deceptively simple but indulgent artisanal delight, Bresaola pizza, Sausage pizza, Spicy Salami pizza and 4 Stagioni pizza.

Dishes sampled: Whilst nibbling on pretzels to stave off our hunger pangs, we deliberated over our choice of pizza. The menu may be concise, but there are a lot of tempting options. The Sausage and 4 Stagioni won, and didn’t disappoint. The pizzas are huge, so we were happy to share. The winner had to be the Sausage. The spiciness of the generous chunks of sausage was set off by the mound of fresh rucola placed directly on top, a great combination. The 4 Stagioni was a work of art, with slices of smoked turkey, artichoke, mushroom and glistening black olives, a real flavor fest. Bear in mind that although the pizzas are really large, the carb element is kept to a minimum. The pizza base is made from top quality Italian flour, oven-fired and wafer thin, so the flavor is there, but without unwanted stodginess.

Our Caprese Salad was fresh; the mozzarella melted in the mouth without any hint of the rubbery texture so often encountered and the portion was easily large enough to serve four. We also loved the Rucola Salad, a visual treat as well as being tasty. The garnish of pomegranate, sweet corn and cherry tomato was well balanced and enhanced by the light coating of balsamic vinaigrette. Although we wouldn’t have said no to a glass of something to wind up the workweek, we contented ourselves with a soft drink and Virgin Piña Colada. The full bar is available too.

Other menu options that appealed: The Baby Artichoke with Truffle oil, and definitely the Quattro Fromaggi pizza with a combination of blue cheese, Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella.

Beverage options: For the moment, only soft options along with Nespresso and tea, but a full bar coming soon.

Décor: The interior is simple and rustic with plain tables and Bentwood chairs. The simple whitewashed brick walls have heavy iron framed mirrors as decoration, with a burst of color coming from the huge red wood-burning pizza oven and the vintage tiles adorning the bar front. There is a choice of low or high seating, so everyone is catered to. The outdoor area will be a delight in summer, the ‘distressed’ effect pastel tones of the simple wooden tables and chairs work nicely with the fresh foliage and flowers. We can’t wait.

Ambience: Casual, food focused, with a down-to -atmosphere. It’s more about the pizza than having a romantic date night. The music is an upbeat mix of Latino and mainstream pop, so the mood stays cheerful.

Clientele mix: Anyone and everyone who likes pizza. Couples, groups of friends and families would all feel at home.

Price range: Moderate, but considering that the portion sizes can be shared it needn’t break your budget.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 1 am.

Address: Arkan Plaza, Sheikh Zayed

Tel: 0122 077 7680

Sass Restaurant and Bar

If you’re looking for a bar and fine dining in Zamalek, an evening out with great food, good music, cocktails and a stimulating vibe, Sass is fast garnering great reviews.

Concept: Chill-out venue with bar plus great food for a high-end clientele

Type of cuisine: International

Signature dishes:  All of them!  But on the dessert menu, the Sass Cookie Pan, a warm vanilla cookie in a pan with salted caramel, topped with ice-cream.

Dishes sampled and ingredients: The meal began with gorgeously soft, home-baked white rolls and an accompanying dish of anchovy butter, followed by a simply divine mushroom soup. As a starter, we sampled the giant shrimps, oven roasted in almond citrus butter – a new twist on a favorite dish that served to whet the appetite further, and left plenty of room for a substantial main. In this case, a tender Beef Chateaubriand: South African filet steak roasted and served with dauphine potatoes, spring onions, sauce choron (Bearnaise blended with tomato) and beef jus.

We also tried the Parmesan Risotto, cooked in a ‘light’ lobster cream and served with shrimps – quite filling as a main. Choosing from several delicious looking salad choices, we sampled the Quinoa Salad, a mix of quinoa, spinach leaves, avocado, pomegranate and shrimp. With so many competing flavors, the delicately flavored citrus dressing could have had a little more kick, nevertheless everything tasted fresh and the ingredients complemented each other nicely.

Other menu options that appealed: Tea Smoked Salmon: tea-smoked, soy-marinated salmon, spring onion, crispy yoghurt basmati rice and wasabi cream. Lamb Rack: herb-crusted rack of lamb with roast potatoes and lamb jus. Orange Duck: crispy skin roasted duck, truffle mashed potatoes, spring onion, served with orange duck jus. Beef Ravioli: homemade fresh ravioli stuffed with beef stew with cherry tomatoes, basil oil and shaved pecorino cheese. Goaty Spinach Salad: spinach leaves, beetroot, Granny Smith apple, orange dressing, goat cheese croquette.

Beverages: Special in-house cocktails, spirits, a comprehensive list of local wines and beers at very reasonable prices, delicious fresh juices, soft drinks and a full range of hot drinks.

Top tip: Leave room for dessert! Having been pressed to try the Sass Cookie Pan we realized desserts were a must. Could you resist homemade Tiramisu served in a jar, with wild berries and vanilla biscuit? Or molten chocolate cake with peanut butter and cream? Or better still, a pavlova topped with red berries and whipped cream?

Décor: Contemporary and spacious with subdued lighting, mirrors, a mix of regular and tall tables, and a spectacular Nile view from the whole room.

Ambience:  Sophisticated but friendly, background music sound track with a jazzy feel; live music on the weekends.

Clientele mix: Varied, from the young and lively, groups, couples, to business diners, all from an up-market segment.

Opening hours: 4 pm to 2 am (with plans to open for lunch soon).

Address:  The Imperial Boat, Zamalek

Telephone number:  0120 001 9979

Facebook:  SASSRestaurant

Instagram:  SASSEgypt

Spaghi in Guezira Plaza

This spaghetteria with style is an absolute gem of a great Italian restaurant in Sheikh Zayed and has built up an enthusiastic following in no time at all. Cairo West Magazine didn’t need much persuasion to pay a visit.

Type of cuisine: Totally Italian, with superb pasta dishes and addictive pizza. Dishes are created with either freshly made pasta or with high quality Barilla pasta from Italy.

Signature dishes: Tortellini Sophia Loren; freshly made cheese-stuffed tortellini in a flavor-packed creamy sauce with the star’s favorite ingredients, and Fettucine di Popeye, named for that much-loved character and his spinach.

Dishes sampled: Sticking to the best traditions, we nibbled on Spaghi’s unique breadsticks while browsing through the menu. Bearing in mind that this was a shorter menu for the soft-opening period we still found a lot to tempt us. The Bruschetta Pomodoro we started with was authentic, right down to the homemade Italian bread and the extra virgin olive oil, tomato and pesto. The tender rings of Calamari Fritti that followed were succulent inside a coating of light batter, and came with a fresh tomato salsa for dipping.

The vibrant green Zupa Di Rucola, a soup made with rucola, was fresh, smooth and tasted great, as well as being healthy, we might add. By then we were feeling torn between pasta and pizza, so decided to go for both. We couldn’t miss out on our old favorite, Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, made with beef bacon but missing none of the authentic flavor, and we also opted for Spaghi signature dishes, Tortellini Sophia Loren and Fettucine di Popeye, with Gorgonzola cheese and spinach in a creamy sauce. The addition of caramelized walnuts gave it a added twist. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, the sauces were rich and intense, so it came as no surprise to learn they are popular items.

We couldn’t agree on the choice of pizza, so finally had a combination of Salsiccia D’Italia (marinated Italian sausage), and Quattro Formaggi (simply loaded with Gran Padano, Provolone, blue cheese and Mozzarella). It was a cheese lover’s dream, and the pizza crust was simply the best we have tried, in Cairo or anywhere around the globe.

Dessert was out of the question by this stage, so that can wait for our next visit. A Pizza Caramella Con Mela with caramel sauce, apples and cinnamon maybe?

Other menu options that appealed: Casa Lasagna would be great for chilly winter evenings, and the Spaghetti Alla Bottarga, made with dried fish caviar and a lemon-butter sauce sounds divine. When the full menu is available we would probably be there every day for risotto and gnocchi!

Beverage options: Soft drinks, mineral water, espresso, cappuccino and latte coffee.

Décor: Fresh, contemporary chic, with plenty of light natural wood, white brick walls, and a high ceiling with stylish lighting. The whole feel is spacious and airy, without being austere.

Ambience: The mood flows, from the decor and food through to the music. It all works together in a pleasant mix. The carefully compiled music selection sets the mood with vintage Italian favorites, a touch of the classics, jazz and Italian chart toppers. It’s easy to sit back and relax as the service is efficient and unobtrusive.

Clientele mix: Weekends see groups of friends and families getting together, while week days attract a 25+ age group of mainly urban professionals.

Price range: Very reasonable, considering the high quality of the food. And yes, Spaghi has both takeaway and delivery!

Opening hours: 11 am to midnight in winter, with longer hours in summer.

Address: Guezira Plaza, Sheikh Zayed

Tel: 0121 010 0111

Facebook page: spaghispaghetteria

Instagram: spaghi_spaghetteria

Hassan El Raddad: His New Film and 2018 Bucket List

Breaking onto the scene over a decade ago, Hassan El Raddad has proven to be a driven and accomplished actor. With no connections in show business and a simple dream of becoming a movie star, this dashing young man moved to Cairo from his hometown of Domyat and earned a place in the highly competitive Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts. From there he was cast in his first role Kheyanna Mashrou by Khaled Youssef and has since secured over a dozen roles in both TV and film. Married to the hilarious Amy Samir Ghanem, she was his on-screen partner in the memorable Zan2et Sittat, which many thought was a controversial role due to the male belly-dancing element. Luckily for us, they created comedic gold, which they will put to action again in a new comedy series set to air in Ramadan 2018. Cairo West Magazine had a quick chat with El Raddad about his upcoming film 3o2det El Khawaga premiering this month, and asked him to share some of his hopes and aspirations for 2018.

CWM: Can you tell us a few hints about your new movie 3o2det El Khawaga?

HR: The cast includes Mohamed Lotfy, Bayoumy Fouad, Maged El Masry, Samia El Darabelsy, and Hana El Zahed. It’s directed by Peter Mimi, written by Hisham Maged and Shiko, and produced by Ahmed El Sobky. It’s a light comedy with some action and romance, and my role has a twist that I particularly enjoyed performing … you’ll have to wait and see.

Our theme this month is The Bucket List, what are some of the items on your bucket list you would like to accomplish in 2018?

I would love to go on a long road trip and visit new countries. Brazil and Cuba are definitely at the top of my list. My goal is to plan to spend time getting to know the culture and the people. I want to get the real experience not as a tourist. Mountain climbing has been always a dream of mine; I hope 2018 will be the year when I realize that dream!

What is your New Year’s resolution going to be?

Being in a movie with international coverage. I plan on working with foreign actors and getting this kind of experience.

Your January Reading List by Diwan 2018

It’s the perfect time to grab your fluffiest blanket, pull on some wool socks, and tuck into a good read! Check out some of these recommendations by Diwan.

New Releases

The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen Rubin

The Four Tendencies holds practical answers if you’ve ever thought:
– People can rely on me, but I can’t rely on myself
– How can I help someone to follow good advice?
– People say I ask too many questions
– How do I work with someone who refuses to do what I ask – or who keeps telling me what to do?
With sharp insight, compelling research, and hilarious examples, The Four Tendencies will help you get happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.

The Happiness Equation: Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything by Neil Pasricha

This book will teach you such principles as: Why success doesn’t lead to happiness, how to make more money than a Harvard MBA, how multitasking is a myth, and how eliminating options leads to more choice.

Ideas Are Your Only Currency by Rod Judkins

In a world of change, where skills become out of date quickly, it is ideas that last.
Featuring 100 interactive chapters to inspire groundbreaking new ideas, this is perfect for fans of Keri Smith’s Wreck this Journal, Paul Arden’s It’s Not How Good You Are and Rolf Dobelli’s global bestseller The Art of Thinking Clearly. 

Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David

Emotional Agility describes a new way of living and relating to yourself and the world around you. Become aware of your true nature, learn to face your emotions with acceptance and generosity, act according to your deepest values, and flourish.

Coming Alive: 4 Tools to Defeat Your Inner Enemy, Ignite Creative Expression and Unleash Your Soul’s Potential by Phil Stutz & Barry Michels

From the international bestselling authors and psychotherapists comes a new book to help us overcome the side of us that is destructive and negative to find a deep level of happiness and fulfilment. The four tools in this book help break Part X’s four main negative influences in our lives, namely: Destructive impulses, exhaustion and apathy, negative thoughts and demoralization, and pain and hurt. This inspiring, practical book will help us wake up to how we are being held back in life and energize us to finally achieve our full potential.

Find Your Why by Simon Sinek

With detailed instructions on every stage in the process, this book answers common concerns, such as: What if my why sounds like my competitor’s? Can you have more than one why? And, if my work doesn’t match my why, what do I do? Whether you are entry level or a CEO, whether your team is run by the founder or a recent hire, these simple steps will lead you on a path to a more fulfilling life and long-term success for you and your colleagues.

The Art of the Good Life: Clear Thinking for Business and a Better Life by Rolf Dobelli

In The Art of the Good Life, you’ll find fifty-two intellectual shortcuts for wiser thinking and better decisions, at home and at work. They may not guarantee you a good life, but they’ll give you a better chance.

January Horoscopes: Your Forecast for 2018

By Maeri Frances

As we turn the page to a new year, we take a look at the bigger picture. What should your goals be in 2018, what are the possible danger zones? And where do your best opportunities lie? Let’s take a look at the main planetary energies and see how they can be harnessed to help us make the most of the year ahead. Don’t forget, your rising sign plays a big role, so check that out as well if you know it.

January Birthdays:  Donia Samir Ghanem – January 1st (actress), Mel Gibson – January 3rd (actor), Laila Elwi – January 4th (actress), Bradley Cooper – January 5th (actor), Ehab Tawfik – January 7th (singer), Nicholas Cage – January 7th (actor), Ali Gabr – January 10th (footballer), Samir Sabry – January 13th (actor), Essam El Hadary – January 15th  (footballer),  Jim Carrey – January 17th  (actor), Mohamed Nour – January 18th (composer), Farida Osman – January 18th (swimmer), Ramadan Sobhi – January 23rd (footballer), Omar Gaber – January 30th (footballer)

Aries

Rabble rousing Uranus is still sitting firmly in your birth sign for most of the year, apart from a brief sojourn in Taurus, prompting you to be your quintessential, pioneering, adventurous self. You should be able to develop your tech skills this year, but don’t get sidetracked from the real work at hand. With Saturn in his home sign Capricorn, along with heavy-hitter Pluto, you will have to be very focused in career matters. The potential for achievement is great, but hard graft is part of the deal. March should see you in good shape, ready for fun and a great summer.

New Year’s Resolution? Keep your eye on the ball where career is concerned.

Taurus

Maybe you think you can happily cruise through this year with so much supportive earth energy around. But take care! Uranus, the planet of sudden change and disruption enters your sign for a few months around the time of your birthday and the surge of energy doesn’t really go with that fixed and sometimes stubborn Taurus nature. You should aim to be as flexible and chilled as possible as the year goes on to avoid letting things come to breaking point. That goes for your health as well, so why not counterbalance the effects with some tai chi or yoga?

New Year’s Resolution? Be open to change and go with the flow.

Gemini

From a period where old friendships may have wafted away while new ones formed, you transition into a more introspective mode. You can be drawn into matters dealing with the resources of others, as well as dealing with health matters, whether your own or those close to you. On the up side, your close relationships are going to benefit from supportive energy from Jupiter in the final two months of 2018.  This could be a pivotal period for your romantic life.

New Year’s Resolution? Seek inspiration, not distraction.

Cancer

This is a key year for partnership and marriage issues. Some of you may be taking the leap into more commitment, while others might find existing bonds being put under stress. In spite of this, romance in general is getting some great inspirational energy for most months this year. Patience will be needed at times, but the end result should be a more solid and realistic appreciation for what you have. There could be a shakeup in your career path, but if you see it as an opportunity to make a change for the better, it should work out.

New Year’s Resolution? Trust your instincts and intuition, especially in matters of the heart.

Leo

If you have been taking your robust health for granted things may catch up with you. Just stick to the golden rules of a balanced diet, daily exercise and enough sleep and you should avoid any major issues. Work and normal routines could be burdensome and a bit humdrum during 2018, so buckle down. Your hankering for a change of scene could see you making spur of the moment trips, but keep an eye on your budget. October and November put domestic life under the spotlight, it’s a great time to make some decor changes.

New Year’s Resolution? Learn to enjoy the simple things in life.

Virgo

Children, romantic pursuits, hobbies and creative projects could call on your reserves of energy and financial resources this year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, stay balanced and keep things in proportion. You may not be the most demonstrative in your affections at the best of times, and this year you may be almost dour. If friends start avoiding you, maybe there is a lesson to be learned. However, matters to do with communication in general are still positive, so express yourself freely.

New Year’s Resolution? Tap into your emotions and let go of fear and insecurity.

Libra

The eternal quest for the perfect relationship will be uppermost in the minds of single Libras. This year could be the time you take a more realistic look at your expectations. Just make the most of opportunities to get out and meet people, take up new hobbies and squeeze in some short trips. For other Libras, relationships and longstanding partnerships could continue to see some changes during 2018, there may be an on/off factor due to a partner’s work commitments. June and July should be enjoyable months, and finances are healthy for most of 2018.

New Year’s Resolution? Be outgoing and sociable, romance will come when the time is ripe.

Scorpio

The first 10 months of 2018 will see you benefiting from opportunities, so make hay while the sun shines, as they say. If you have been alert and productive, the financial rewards should kick in as the year draws to an end. Your powers of concentration can really be developed this year, but take care not to exhaust yourself. Try to get those 8 hours of sleep each night, or risk burnout. Any health issues will probably stem back to over-exertion and lack of care in your diet. Summer should be enjoyable, so long as you lavish enough attention on your significant other, so don’t take him or her for granted.

New Year’s Resolution? Work hard at something you love.

Sagittarius

Rewards come to those who wait, and finally you should feel a weight being lifted from your shoulders. As Saturn passes into its home sign Capricorn, you should see a stabilizing of financial matters. Not necessarily a windfall, but a clearer vision into how you can manage your income more effectively. When your planetary ruler Jupiter swings into your birth sign towards the end of the year, life will seem easier and there should be more opportunities for advancement, accompanied by a sense of optimism.

New Year’s Resolution? Keep that famous sense of humor, and see the bright side of things.

Capricorn

While nobody would accuse you of being frivolous this year, your virtues of being organized and hardworking will probably be a shining example to many. But do try to balance your life with some warm human interaction; life isn’t all about mechanical precision, is it? Feel blessed that your friends are probably a lot more relaxed and laid back than you, so spend quality time on social activities to balance your frenetic work pace. Domestic life is still subject to upheaval at times, try to keep your home as a refuge where the whole family can bond and enjoy togetherness.

New Year’s Resolution? Be more gentle with yourself.

Aquarius

If 2017 saw you zooming around with scarcely a moment to catch your breath, you should try to allocate some ‘me’ time during the coming 12 months. There could be changes on the domestic front by the end of the year; a move or changes in decor are likely. It’s not a time for undertaking anything too challenging, there will be quite enough to keep you busy without you biting off more than you can chew. Career matters continue to flourish, just put in the right amount of effort.

New Year’s Resolution? De-clutter and streamline your life as much as possible.

Pisces

Self-improvement and higher education are still supported for you during the coming year. This could be the step you need for a major career boost, so it will pay off if you make the effort. Finances are still rather topsy-turvy, but with discipline you should be able to tuck a little away. You could need to step in and help friends at times this year, something your kind-hearted nature never objects to. You may also feel more drawn to older and more serious types than in past years, so benefit from their wisdom.

New Year’s Resolution? Seek out knowledge that can boost your career.

How to Recover When a Relationship Hits the Rocks

Whether it happens over time, or out of the blue to catch you unawares, the collapse of what was supposed to be a “forever” bond can leave you feeling either emotionally fragile, full of self-doubt, seething with rage and resentment, or a combination of all of these. Attachments come with no guarantees; only hopes and dreams for a blissful future, so what are the healthiest ways of coping and getting back on track? Cairo West Magazine has an insightful chat with Marriage and Family therapist Yasmin Magdy.

CWM: How common is it for relationships and marriages to fall apart these days, and what are the main causes?

 

YM: Unfortunately, a lot of marriages and committed relationships fail nowadays and as a Marriage and Family therapist I witness this on a weekly basis. Reasons range from trust issues to gaps in communication and unclear expectations the couple has of each other. Many are not aware of what it means to be committed. We also tend to have problems in relationship roles where you tend to see that there is no equality in the relationship, which causes resentment and anger against each other. Miscommunication is often uncovered in couples’ therapy, this factor contributes to huge problems in relationships. A lack of communication skills is usually the number one cause of a marriage or a relationship failing. Holding grudges weighs down partners’ hearts and causes them to drift apart.

Many couples fall into Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt and Stonewalling, any of which kill intimacy and passion in any relationship. Rather than working on the relationship to establish pillars of trust, respect, appreciation, acceptance and love, couples often give up and end the relationship. Yet I must say that as common as it is for relationships and marriages to fail, I also see a great deal of hope in all the couples who keep trying and who make it to their weekly therapy in an attempt to make it work.

What are the psychological dangers and how can they be addressed?

Attachment styles play a huge role in relationships. The creation of a secure attachment is a must for a relationship to work; otherwise jealousy, insecurity and mistrust develop. Codependency is always a problem when it seeps into a relationship. Denial is also a dangerous element; living in denial is very harmful to a relationship. Anger and resentment affect a partner’s ability to be psychologically and mentally healthy or have the ability to fix the problems present in the relationship. When present it does not leave room for therapeutic work in a relationship.

What are the important do’s and don’ts when you have just come out of a relationship?

A person is in turmoil and trauma after a breakup. The heart is aching and life seems to be a dangerous and unstable place. It is a transitional stage, as therapists would call it, and needs time for healing and re-gathering the pieces. The most important things for a person who has gone through such a tough and unfortunate experience to keep in mind is: 

1) Steering away from blaming oneself or the other person.
2) Evaluating the relationship and what lessons were learned from it taking the steps of healing to move on.
3) Seeking therapy is a great help in such cases.
4) Avoid falling into the blame game and seek a support network where one feels safe and loved.
5) The most important ‘don’t’ is to not internalize the breakup and relate it to a deficiency in one’s personality or character, which breaks a person’s spirit, self love and respect.

In therapy you learn to reach outside of yourself and challenge such cognitive errors.

How should matters regarding children in a broken marriage be handled?

It is usually very unfortunate when children are involved in a broken marriage. The main danger I see as a therapist is when children are being lobbied and used to hurt the other partner. Many partners fail to view the real danger to the psyche and growing personality of the child involved. Power struggles should never include children or even be known or felt by the child. Children need to always be informed, either by the partners or in the presence of a therapist about the couple’s intention of dissolving the marriage. Both should make sure that the children involved keep their sense of security by seeing that even if their parents are divorced, in matters relating to them they stay a united front.

How can a person maintain dignity and recover self-esteem when a break up occurs?

Maintaining dignity and an intact self-esteem is very important to heal from a breakup. This happens after the person ceases to internalize the breakup and relate it to personal deficiencies, but rather to the real reasons that lead to the breakup. Self-esteem is always shattered after a break up. Rebuilding oneself and rediscovering a real life meaning is a must in the road of healing from a breakup. Seek help through therapy, secure a support network of loved ones around you, travel and rediscover yourself, reconnect to your higher power, seek a new experience either in a career, exercise or a hobby, love and cherish yourself and most importantly, challenge negative thoughts. In a nutshell, love yourself and be your best supporter when life is tough.

What positive steps should a person take to get their life back into a healthy pattern?

The most important step is to avoid negative emotions or negative self-talk. Challenge the situation, face it and move on. Put yourself first and make getting into a healthy and positive mindset the most important rule in your life.

Exercise, eat healthily, go to therapy, get rid of those negative emotions and speak as if you are your number one supporter and cheerleader. In other words, love yourself and you will see that life will fall into place. Avoid falling into negative spirals of self-pity and blame. 

How can a person avoid having friends take sides after a break up?

We always have to remember that people take sides because we let them do that and it is a reflection of our own actions. Friends and family will take sides when you — even unconsciously or unknowingly — let them do that. It is their way of supporting us, which is unhealthy in many cases. When people see you move on, they will too. You let others know through being healthy, intact and in good spirits that this is not the support you need. Encourage support in a different way that pertains to you, rather than against your partner, by being there for you when you need them, taking you out and creating a positive environment, rather than one full of resentments.

Is it beneficial to try to maintain a friendship if no children are involved, or should it be a clean break?

It really depends on the relationship. In cases of abusive relationships, where a person has been involved with an emotionally, verbally or physically abusive person, a clean break up is healthier for the moving on process and being away from this abuse is mandated. If the relationship ended in a civil way where, for example, incompatibility was the reason, then staying friends could take place as long as there would not be anything obstructing your moving on and healing from the breakup.

What is your advice for approaching relationships in a healthy way?

Respect, respect, respect each other. Be one another’s comfort, love each other wholeheartedly. Stay away from criticism, judgment and stonewalling and communicate your feelings more. Always remember that all couples have negative interactions. Happy couples deal with negativity before it turns to resentment. Understanding your partner requires the capacity to listen, really listen, always attempt hear each other’s complaints without feeling defensive or feeling attacked and as great as this sounds, I know it’s a hard task and skill to master but it needs work.

GOTTMAN’S 10 STEPS FOR A HEALTHIER RELATIONSHIP

  1. Hate less, love more
  2. Worry less, be secure in your relationship
  3. Take less, give more
  4. Consume less, create more
  5. Frown less, smile more
  6. Talk less, listen more
  7. Fear less, try more
  8. Judge less, accept more
  9. Watch less, do more
  10. Complain less, appreciate more

Sitting Pretty: Chairs & Sofas to Spruce Up Your Home

With the average adult spending at least eight hours a day on a chair, without counting couch-potato binge-viewing sessions may we add, it’s time we took a look at some totally covetable statement chairs that would add pizzazz to any interior, terrace or workspace. Designed to support, embrace and impress … Click on the images to see product information, and take a seat.

10 of Denzel Washington’s Best Movies

By: Randa El Meleigy

In honor of his birthday, we have gathered some of the best-reviewed movies by this a magnificent actor – a chameleon that delves deep into each role he takes on!

Fences (2016) 

Playwright August Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning Fences was originally set for the stage with Washington and Viola Davis. A massive play may seem milder in movie form, yet this cinematic masterpiece still contains the sparks and magic. It’s empathetic and a bit tragic, with a plot built around socio-economic conditions and race relations in the 1950s.

Flight (2012) 

Washington plays Whip Whitaker, an airline pilot who suddenly finds himself trying to save everyone on an out-of-control plane. He wakes up in a hospital facing criminal charges for putting peoples lives in danger.

Safe House (2012) 

An exhilarating, explosive action thriller that’s heart stopping and never short of exciting, mind-blowing and moving scenes. Washington plays CIA’s most wanted, Tobin Frost.


Unstoppable (2010) 

A man’s man movie showcasing chivalry isn’t dead and heroism is very much alive today. Denzel Washington plays an engineer and Chris Pine plays a conductor have to save old people, women, and children in a race against time on a runaway train carrying toxic chemicals.

The Book of Eli (2010) 

A walking-dead world full of enemies minus the zombies, a purely post-apocalyptic movie where people have to go back to square one. Denzel Washington plays the hero who fights to protect the book that holds the key to survival.

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

The ordinary day for New York subway dispatcher turns upside down when a gang of 4 armed men hijack the train and demand $10 million within an hour from a mayor or they’ll start shooting hostages. Need I say more? Pass the popcorn, please?

Déjà vu (2006) 

A far-fetched, yet realistic magical mystery movie. A deja vu feeling guides ATF agent Doug Carlin and calls him into action after a bomb explodes on a New Orleans ferry due to corrupt cops.

Man on Fire (2004) 

Washington plays an alcoholic, burnt-out ex-CIA operative John Creasy, who has given up on life only to find a glimpse of hope when he’s hired to protect 9-year-old Pita Ramos. When Pita gets kidnapped, he will stop at nothing to save her and seek revenge to anyone set out to hurt her.

Antwone Fisher (2002) 

Washington plays a naval psychiatrist who saves a young sailor prone to violent outbursts, only to discover his aggression stems from an abusive childhood. The movie revolves around the sailor’s life and his search for a family in people because his own family wasn’t there for him.

Training Day (2001) 

Washington plays corrupt L.A.P.D narcotic Sergeant Alonzo Harris whose methods with drug dealers are inhumane and unethical. Trouble begins when he tries to teaches rookie Jake Hoyt his borderline sadistic methods of meddling with criminals.

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