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Playing Favourites

"The keepsake...

... I treasure the most is an autograph book that belonged to my paternal great-grandmother, Louella," says Jacquelyn Dunand, marketing director, Zerwa Middle East Trading, Dubai.
"From all the possessions that I hold dear, it is this one that I treasure the most. This autograph book, over 100 years old, has been handed down generations.

"On the cover is a picture of a Victorian lady; and on the very first page ­ written in a firm hand ­ are the words, 'X' mas 1892. Presented to Louella Cole by JBC (her brother).' However, what makes this book really special is the content on the last page.

It is signed by my great-grandfather before he was married to her. It is a short verse that is signed with the words, 'Your Friend, Henry Farber.' I find this remarkable since he signed not as her admirer or fiancé, but simply as 'Your Friend'.

"And, between the covers are numerous messages from family and friends. Some of which are extremely funny, others sweet and still others quite touching. The way they are worded allows me to get a glimpse of his or her personality, and reading these bits says a lot about the culture of that era.

"I keep it wrapped carefully with the hope that one day I will pass it on to my son. It was my great-grandmother's special book. Today it's mine."

Dos and Dont's

Before you pop a pill

After your doctor gives you the prescription, what is the next logical step? Go straight to the pharmacy, right? Maybe not entirely. It is advisable that you read the prescription carefully, ask relevant questions and clear any doubts that you might have. Here are a few dos and don'ts to help you do just that:

Dos

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist (if you forgot to ask your doctor) to explain the important aspects of taking the medication prescribed. This would include the course of treatment, any medicines or particular food that you have to avoid, or even why you have to take that particular medication (in cases where the reason is not obvious).
• Pay close attention and follow instructions on the packs (bottles, strips, etc).
• Tell your doctor if your body reacts adversely to any particular drug. These could include various symptoms like rash, indigestion, dizziness or loss of appetite.
• Go over the prescription with your doctor at every visit. Especially, if he or she prescribes a new medicine.
• Contact your doctor in case of an emergency (like an overdose). You can contact the nearest hospital or dial the emergency telephone numbers 998 or 999 for an ambulance.
• Check with your pharmacist if your medication will 'mix' with the over-the-counter medication that you may be taking, such as aspirin, antacids, vitamins and iron pills.
  Store medication in a cool, dry, dark place.
• Keep medication locked, away from the reach of children.
• Keep the medicines in their original containers. Refrain from taking the labels out.
• Check for expiry dates.
• Carry a list of the medication you are taking. And relevant details like the frequency at which you take them and in what dosage.
• Most importantly, tell your doctor if you have been to another doctor prior to seeing him or her. If you have, then carry the prescription given by the previous doctor.

Don'ts

• Mix medication with hot drinks. The heat from a drink may stop the medicine from working or make it work faster.
• Take more or fewer pills than were prescribed. Stick to the dosage and duration.
• Never store in damp areas such as bathroom cabinets.
• Share a drug that has been prescribed for you with others or take a drug prescribed for someone else.

It Takes Two

Can you ever smile too much?

'There aren't enough smiles in this world, so I certainly don't believe this is true.' ­ Kathy Young, entrepreneur and president of the Dubai Harmony Chorus

"A smile goes a long, long way towards making people feel good about themselves. It may sound corny, but if we had a few more smiles, the world would be a much better place.

"However, I know that there are times when a smile is inappropriate. I say this because during my travels in big cities, I've noticed that the person who smiles and makes eye contact ­ when everybody around him is hustling about ­ is the one who asks for directions the most.

"On the flip side, a performance demands that the artiste should sport a smile! But, in an everyday situation, especially at official levels, I think there could be more smiles."

'I believe there's a limit to smiling, as with everything else.' ­ Fahad Badar, credit analyst at a Dubai-based bank

"Just like everything else, smiling, too, has a limit. Though it is integral to one's emotions, one should smile only when appropriate and necessary.

"I admit, a smile helps our everyday lives in so many ways... After all, we are constantly interacting with people either on the job or just in situations wherein we want to make someone feel more comfortable around or with us.

"However, there are occasions when a smile would be considered highly inappropriate. A good example is during a serious discussion at a meeting where one cannot smile at everyone."

DIY

To make a luxury soak

There's nothing better than a refreshing, fragrant soak after a long day. Skip your bubble bath routine; instead, opt for a long, luxurious bath with flowers and spices. This fragrant bath is easy to make, costs almost nothing and you can choose your own predominant fragrance to suit your mood!

You will need

• Attractive glass bottle
• Rose petals (of 7-10 roses)
• Zest of one lemon
• Cloves (approx 1 tbsp)
• Unscented rubbing alcohol (500 ml)

Method

• Rub rose petals between fingers to release their fragrance and place them in a re-sealable jar (pic 1).
• Add a pinch of lemon zest and a few cloves. Add more or less of each to suit your taste (pic 2 and 3).
• Pour rubbing alcohol into the jar. Allow this mixture to infuse for a week (pic 4).
• Strain the liquid and place in a pretty jar.
• (Rubbing alcohol does not have an alcohol base and is available at pharmacies in the UAE.)

Shawarma For The Soul

A priceless gift

Some of the best gifts in life cost nothing. Sometimes, all you require is a dash of thoughtfulness, a slice of your spirit and a pinch of love to make one. Seventeen years ago, 10-year-old Alessandro created such a gift for his mother.

Now, as Italian chef at the Focaccia Mediterranean Restaurant, Hyatt Regency, Dubai, he recollects those sultry afternoons he spent in his grandmother's kitchen creating that perfect gift...

"My childhood memories are associated with the times spent in my grandmother's kitchen in the city of Cremona in Italy. I grew up in a poor family where the incomes of both my parents were necessary to support us. So, every afternoon after sch