Saudi Arabia's First Women-only Hotel

Most people who do not understand the Muslim-Arab world often accuse Saudi Arabia as being harshly discriminating against women.

Partly, this is true. But, some people, especially those in the western world might find it hard to believe that most Muslim-Arab women like or choose to be segregated from men on certain occasions.

This is why I am not surprised that the country has opened its first women-only hotel to meet a big demand.

The Luthan Hotel & Spa offers plush lodgings and a full-range of health and beauty facilities away from the prying eyes of men. It is run and managed by women; from its bell-woman, to IT engineer, to electrical engineer.

The exclusive hotel is owned by a group of 20 Saudi princesses and businesswomen.

Even though all other women-only hotels have been targeting lesbians, this hotel is looking to cater to the Saudi woman's need for a place to stay as she moves around the country, which often made difficult by bureaucracy and conservative family values.

Women who wish to stay at this hotel will find prices ranging from 350 riyals ($93) per night to 979 riyals, with weekend "spa break" rates for around 2,000 riyals.

• Saudi Arabia opens its first women-only hotel [Reuters]

Unique License Plates Handbag

You would not have guessed that this handbag is made of recycled license plates; two to be exact.

Honestly, I have never thought recycled plates could look this fun and fashionable.

Designed by Leo Espinosa, the bag is named "Roller Dreamer" which aptly describes the cartoon design. The design adds a playful feel to an already unique bag while the Swarovski crystals add sparkle.

Roller Dreamer is only one of many handbag collections from Littlearth, who has been in the business of designing and making trendsetting purses and belts using recycled materials, for 15 years.

Based in the SoHo district of Pittsburgh, Littlearth products and brands are spreading all over the world with distributors in Australia, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

• Roller Dreamer FenderFlair by Leo Espinosa [Littlearth]

Kiva Helps Entrepreneurs in the Developing World

The concept is so simple yet the impact is big. Kiva has made it easier to connect people who are willing to loan their money to third-world entrepreneurs, especially women, via an online platform.

Kiva works by partnering with microfinance institutions (MFIs), which in turn actively on the lookout for business-owners in need of small loans. The MFIs are also involved in the fund distribution process.

Lenders, on the other hand, are made up of ordinary people, like you and me, who can be part of this life-changing project by lending as little as $25. Lenders start by selecting a business he or she wants to sponsor. After making a loan, they will receive updates on how their money are used. After loans are repaid, lenders are free to re-loan or withdraw the money.

Almost everything is done online; from the online profile of qualified borrowers uploaded by MFIs or Field Partners, to lenders' profiles uploaded by lenders themselves, to uploading funds for loans.

Kiva's motto is "loans that change lives". To support this worthy cause and change people's lives, you can visit Kiva's website at www.Kiva.org.

• Kiva
  

Spring Skin Care Products Recommended by Dr. Baumann at Yahoo! Health

To some of us, spring could bring new threats after a grueling winter season. I would not know it as I live in a tropical climate, from which come a whole different problems altogether.

However, to prepare your skin for spring and later on summer, Dr. Baumann at Yahoo! Health has listed five skin care products of her choice which comprised of gentle exfoliating, mattifying, nourishing, gentle cleansing and "scent"ing.

Dr. Baumann recommends these products for spring:

Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer - A gentle exfoliator that stimulates skin cell turnover and consequently improve skin condition.

OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel - A mattifying gel that absorbs oil continuously for up to eight hours.

Celazome Serum Vitae - An antioxidant moisturizer that neutralizes free radicals and stimulates skin renewal.

Korres Magnolia Cleansing Emulsion - A gentle cleansing and moisturizing emulsion that soothes and calm sensitive skin.

Philosophy The Alchemist - A synthetic pheromone that is used as aromatherapy to enhance the sense of well-being.

The mattifying gel should be useful both in spring and summer, that is, if you have oily skin like me. Of course, no one product works for everyone. You just have to try it yourself. Do share your experience if any of these products working for you.

• Top 5 Spring Skin Care Products [Yahoo! Health]
  

One Pair of Shoes, Unlimited Styles

Wouldn't it be great if you could customise your shoes every day to match the outfit or accessories you are wearing? With only one pair of Mohop shoes, you can.

Their motto is, "a new pair of shoes...every day". Which is exactly what you can achieve if you own a pair of Mohop shoes.

Here is how it's done; the footbed or bottom of the shoes and the straps are separate components. You can change the look of your shoes by changing the ribbons that make up the strapping component. Varying the style and length of the ribbons, not forgetting the patent-pending strapping technique will transform the whole look of the shoes altogether.

The shoes are comfortable enough for everyday use and especially useful when travelling whereby luggage space is limited.

Designed by Annie Mohaupt in her Chicago-based studio, these handcrafted shoes are creatively designed as well as environmentally-friendly.

In the long run, these shoes are cost-effective since you just have to buy new ribbons for a "new" pair of shoes.

• Mohop

Do Women Benefit from Polygamy?

I stumbled upon an interesting article about polygamy written by Satoshi Kanazawa from Psychology Today Blogs, entitled "The paradox of polygamy II: Why most women benefit from polygamy and most men benefit from monogamy". In reference to this, he cites two interesting points.

One benefit to women, he claims, polygynous society allows some women to share a resourceful man of high status, thus (I assume) spreading the wealth.

And as to why most men benefit from monogamous society, he says, given a 50-50 sex ratio, it basically guarantees every man a wife. He explains, under polygyny (the practice of one man married to several women) more desirable women would have become the second, third, or tenth wife of more desirable men thus depriving less desirable men of having a wife.

I can see his points but he is merely pointing out tangible benefits without taking into account the intangible factors, for example emotional happiness as most women would when talking about polygamy.

Whether the desirable man is Matt Damon or Bill Gates, I doubt, in reality women are prepared to happily give up her sole claim of her man when the time comes, without some indignation.

I come from a society where it is not illegal to practise polygamy. When practised properly and fairly, polygamy can seemingly prove blissful. But it is a very fine line to tread.

Under certain circumstances, I can see some women benefit from polygamy and some, with reasons only known to them are willing to give in and allow their husbands to take a second or third wife, or more.

• The paradox of polygamy II: Why most women benefit from polygamy and most men benefit from monogamy [Psychology Today Blogs]
  

My Favourite Dresses of Oscar 2008

To tell you the truth, I am not much of a fan of award shows, except for the show hosts who are usually funny but who appear in intervals, of which I don't have enough patience to wait.

However, I do have a couple of favourite dresses of the Academy Awards 2008.

First on my list, is Renée Zellweger who was wearing a silver sequined gown by Carolina Herrera.

The dress brought a touch of old Hollywood glamour to the event and accentuated her body really well. It reminded me of Roxie Hart, the character she played in "Chicago".

Second, is Hilary Swank. To me, there has always been a hint of masculinity in her.

However, in this picture (left) she looks feminine and radiant in a Versace gown. The whole look works for her.

All in all, I think most celebrities were shying away from taking risks thus the event were missing interesting surprises sometimes awaited for in red carpet events.

• Oscars Photos: the 80th Academy Awards [Yahoo! Movies]