Ranches Ladies Newsletter
Good morning Ranches Ladies!
It’s The Last Week of Ramadan!
As we enter the final days of Ramadan, let’s make each moment count! Whether it’s through kindness, reflection, or time spent with loved ones, these last few days are a chance to appreciate the journey and embrace the spirit of the season.
The Art of Mindful Eating and Feel Satisfied with Less Food
As we gather around the table for Iftar, there’s an undeniable sense of comfort in sharing a delicious meal with loved ones after a day of fasting. But have you ever noticed how easy it is to go from hungry to full up in what feels like seconds? This Ramadan, let’s explore how slowing down, savouring each bite, and tuning into our bodies can transform the way we experience food, leaving us more satisfied with less.
Why slowing down your Iftar can transform your digestion
After hours without food or drink, it’s tempting to dive headfirst into a hearty meal. But our digestive system, having been in rest mode all day, needs a gentle wake-up call. Eating too quickly overwhelms the stomach, leading to bloating, discomfort and sluggishness, not exactly the peaceful, nourishing end to the fast we’re aiming for.
By starting with small bites, chewing slowly, and putting your fork down between bites, you give your stomach time to signal your brain that it’s full. This process, called the satiety response, takes about 20 minutes to kick in. When you slow down, you’re more likely to notice when you’re comfortably full, rather than overshooting into that all-too-familiar post-Iftar food slump.
A powerful strategy to enjoy every bite (without overeating!)
Mindful eating isn’t just about pacing yourself, it’s also about truly appreciating what’s on your plate. Before you start eating, take a moment to observe the colours, textures, and aromas of your meal. When you take that first bite, pay attention to the flavours and how they unfold in your mouth. Is it tangy, sweet, or savoury? What textures do you notice?
This kind of sensory awareness helps shift the focus from quantity to quality. Instead of chasing fullness, you’re enjoying the journey. And when each bite feels like an experience, you naturally eat less while feeling more satisfied. It’s a small mindset shift that makes a world of difference.
How to control cravings with simple mindset shifts
Cravings can feel overwhelming, especially after fasting. But what if cravings weren’t the enemy? What if they were simply a signal? Often, we crave certain foods because our body is seeking comfort, quick energy, or even hydration. By acknowledging what’s behind the craving, you can respond more intentionally.
For example, if you’re yearning for sweets, it might be your body is asking for a quick energy boost. Instead of diving into dessert first, start with hydrating foods like watermelon or cucumber, then move to fibre-rich options like dates, which offer natural sweetness along with nutrients to sustain your energy.
Another helpful mindset shift is to remind yourself that you can always have more tomorrow. This reduces the “last chance” mentality that drives overeating. When you release the fear of missing out, it becomes easier to stop when you’re comfortably full.
The joy of nourishing yourself
When we approach Iftar with mindfulness, the meal becomes more than just fuel. It becomes an opportunity to reconnect with our bodies and appreciate the blessings before us. Food tastes richer, satisfaction lasts longer, and our bodies respond with better digestion, more energy and a lighter, happier feeling.
So this Ramadan, let’s honour our bodies by slowing down, savouring each bite, and tuning into what we truly need. The result? A more peaceful, satisfying Iftar and a deeper connection to the joy of nourishing ourselves well. Because when we eat mindfully, we’re not just feeding our bodies – we’re nurturing our souls, too.
Article by Amanda Seguin
Iftar at Expo City 2025
The Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA) hosted the ‘Dubai Iftar,’ on Sunday at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City, bringing together individuals from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds. Five Ranches Ladies were invited to attend as their guests.
The whole immersive experience set in the backdrop of Al Wasl Dome was a feast to all our senses.
From the spectacle of witnessing the Canon Firing to mark the start of Iftar to the light display that filled the dome, showing the traditions and spirit of Ramadan. A sight to behold.
Write up by Nicki Attiwell
We Want To Hear From You
This is your newsletter and we need your contributions!
What can you share? Maybe something from your RL Circles activities, your travels, favourite place to visit, or how you and your family celebrate cultural or religious festivals? Please send short articles (as a guide 200 to 400 words max), with photos if possible, to ranches.ladies@gmail.com or the RL Web Updates Group.
Please send any articles or items for the newsletter to ranches.ladies@gmail.com (by Friday midday for inclusion in the next Monday’s newsletter.)
Empowering Women Through Financial Independence and Security
Last Tuesday, 18th March 2025. Ranches Ladies had the pleasure of attending an insightful event focused on a topic that resonates deeply with many of us securing our family’s future. The event featured experts from Women Like Us, part of Skybound Wealth, alongside Aramas International Lawyers, who provided invaluable guidance on wills, guardianship and financial security for women.
The session began with an eye-opening discussion about the importance of having a registered will, something many of us overlook. Aramas International Lawyers explained what can happen if you don’t have one in place. Bank accounts, including joint accounts, may be frozen immediately, life insurance payouts could be redirected to cover liabilities, and custody of minor children could be left to the courts possibly resulting in guardianship decisions that don’t reflect your wishes.
For expatriates living in the UAE, a will is essential to ensure your assets such as bank accounts, properties, and investments are distributed according to your intentions. More importantly, it ensures your children are cared for by the people you choose. The lawyers outlined the importance of both temporary guardianship, where someone local, steps in immediately to care for your children and permanent guardianship, often a family member overseas who assumes long-term responsibility.
Following this, the speakers from Women Like Us shifted the conversation to broader financial security. They highlighted how true financial security isn’t just about covering today’s needs it’s about having the freedom to make choices and the confidence that your future is secure.
Key takeaways included the importance of having a personal bank account, building an emergency fund and ensuring you’re protected with the right insurance, including life cover and critical illness policies. The speakers emphasised that every woman’s financial journey is unique, whether you’re planning for a career break, investing in your children’s education or preparing for retirement, it’s vital to prioritise your own financial independence.
The event wrapped up with practical steps to start immediately, from reviewing current financial plans to seeking expert advice to ensure your will, guardianship arrangements and financial plans reflect your personal goals and circumstances.
It was an empowering and eye-opening session that left everyone inspired to take charge of their financial well-being. A huge thank you to Women Like Us, Skybound Wealth and Aramas International Lawyers for guiding us through this crucial topic.
Exclusive Offers:
Women Like Us is offering Ranches Ladies a complimentary 1 hour consultation with our expert advisers, Rhiannon Bagshaw and Umarrah Shafiq, to help you manage and plan your finances, protect and grow your wealth, and secure your future.
📞 Contact Us
Phone: +971 50 645 9069
Email: rebecca.vincent@skyboundwealth.com
Ranches Ladies are entitled to a free 20-minute consultation with Samara Iqbal from Aramas International Lawyers for more personalised guidance including advice on wills, guardianship and securing your family’s future.
📞 Contact Samara Iqbal
Phone: +971 2 812 4149
Email: samara@aramaslawexpat.com
Write up by Amanda Seguin
Spring is Here!
Thursday March 20th marked the start of the astronomical Spring season with the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the opposite with the Autumn (Fall) Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.
Generally speaking this particular Spring Equinox event coincides with another Spring event which takes place and impacts 300 million people from a diverse range of countries including Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
It is called Nowruz and it was celebrated last week too. Nowruz means ‘New Day’ and is rooted in ancient Persian traditions which have been widely celebrated for over 3,000 years as Persian New Year.
Festivities for Nowruz include large gatherings of friends and family and typically involve bonfires, fireworks, music and food.
All recognisable aspects that can be part of Spring Equinox celebrations too, depending on which place in the world you happen to live in. This pivotal moment when day and night are in perfect balance heralds the rebirth of life throughout traditional cultures.
So in keeping with the Emirate of Dubai’s wish to celebrate diverse communities there are always opportunities to immerse yourself in a multitude of different cultures while living here.
Spring it could be said, also provides the glorious chance to start a period of growth as well as a time to seek out new experiences. Why not try something new and as the natural world begins to come back to life start new projects and set some new goals.
This time of the year is an uplifting new season and as the saying goes can put ‘ a spring in your step’.
Written by Beverly Sanders
An Inspiring Wellness Event
Hurry, only limited spaces are available.
Join us on Wednesday 26th March 2025 for an inspiring wellness event based on food and nutrition. If you are interested please see the above poster for more information.
The Literary Lunch Circle
The Literary Lunch Circle met on Monday the 17th, wearing green to mark St Patrick’s Day. They had a very interesting discussion about the book “A Terrible Kindness” by Jo Browning Wroe.
The book for April is “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” by Elle Cosimano.
Join us as we read yet another book and discuss it over a nice lunch!
Tuesday Coffee Morning
The Ranches Ladies’ Tuesday coffee mornings takes place at Larte, Studio One Hotel, from 10:30am to 12pm and will continue during Ramadan. Ladies of all ages, wherever you live, are welcome to join us.
The Walking Circle
Walking boosts physical health, reduces stress, and strengthens social connections. It improves heart health, enhances mood, and increases energy levels. Plus, it’s a simple yet powerful way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The Walking Circle enjoys a wonderful morning walks, at Dubai Marina.
You are more than welcome to join us!
Design Assistance For RL
The Ranches Ladies Media Team is working towards bringing a more cohesive and visually engaging look to our newsletter. The goal is to create a design that feels polished, consistent, and easy to navigate while preserving the warmth and essence of our community. This small refresh aims to enhance the experience for everyone, and I’m here to help with any design needs along the way.
The Book Circle
The Book Circle had a very lively and interesting discussion of “My Friends” by Hisham Matar, a beautifully written book. As one reviewer put it “This is a book about exile and violence and grief, but it is above all – a study in friendship.”
The Book Circle will meet on Friday 25th April to discuss “The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See
The Poetry Circle
The Poetry Circle, which takes place once a month at Carole’s place, is always full of cheerful moments. Come join us as we discuss poems related to “Astronomy” and enjoy a pleasant afternoon.
The New Bowling Circle
Are you ready to roll?
A new Bowling Circle is starting, thanks to Sabrina Bahnson! If you’re interested in joining, let us know. Details will be confirmed based on interest. Contact circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com to sign up!
A Lebanese lunch
The international lunch is back again with a Lebanese cuisine to treat your tastebuds. Only limited spaces are available so please hurry and sign up if you are interested.
Sign up will be from 10 am on Monday 24th March, in the poll on the Ranches Ladies Whatapp group.
The Art Circle
Ladies in the Art circle are working on varied themes making some beautiful paintings. If you like painting, do come and join our Circle. The Art Circle, led by Rajul, meet on Mondays (Beginners)
and Thursdays (Regular students) from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in Arabian Ranches 1.
The Mosaics Circle
We had a lovely morning in the garden making our beautiful mosaics. Come join us and make some wonderful pieces. Wednesdays, 10.30am to 1pm.
The Decoupage Circle
This week at the Ranches Ladies Decoupage Circle, we had a wonderful time creating stunning 3D decoupage vases! Not only did everyone design their own unique vases, but they also got to arrange beautiful fresh flowers to complete their masterpiece. The results were absolutely gorgeous, and it was such a fun and creative session!
Join us next Thursday from 10 AM to 1 PM for more artistic fun as we begin to prepare for Easter
Aqua Fit Circle
The Aqua Fit Circle is back with a splash. It’s about having fun with friends while getting fit.
Wednesdays and Fridays 9.30 to 10.30am. Come join us if you are interested in our circle.
Public Speaking Skills
The Public Speaking Skills Circle looks forward to the up coming sessions soon. (Dates to be determined). Come and join us if you are interested.
The Walking Circle
Walking is a fantastic way to stay fit, meet new friends, and enjoy the beautiful weather during the cooler months. Start the New Year with our Walking Circles!
- Mondays at 7 AM – Arabian Ranches 1
- Wednesdays at 9 AM – Marina Mall
Each walk lasts about an hour and wraps up with tea or coffee nearby. We’d love to see you out in the fresh air! For more details, contact Josephine or Nicki at circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com.
Volunteers Needed
As I’m sure you all know Ranches Ladies operates with us all as volunteers.
In a few months our Ranches Ladies membership secretary, Lisa Murphy, will be stepping down after 3 years in this role. We are forever grateful for her contribution to Ranches Ladies operations.
From this summer we need someone to offer to volunteer to take on this membership secretary role in time for the beginning of our 2025/2026 year. Lisa will guide and train the lady who volunteers and Lisa is willing to offer support with membership when she is available during 2025/2026.
Please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com or have a word with Lisa or Hayet at the weekly coffee morning if you are interested.
RL Circles Calendar
For more activities, see our website for the Circles Calendar: https://arabianranchesladies.com/circles-calendar/
Email circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com if you would like to join any circle. If you are a member but not yet on the members only Ranches Ladies Whatsapp group please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com
Our website is http://www.arabianranchesladies.com and you can find us on FB and Instagram as Ranches Ladies
Your Suggestions Matter
Do you have any ideas for Ranches Ladies activities and are you willing to get involved?
Would you like you start a new circle? Or would you just like to give some feedback?
We would love to hear from you! Contact us on ranches.ladies@gmail.com or circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com
Discounts
Please check the links if you are interested in the above poster.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGvHxqgopLy/?igsh=MWZ4Zmd0NjIzdWR2cA==
For a 15%discount on tickets check this link https://kanvas-dubai.zbni.co/u/aEpXN
Your RL membership card is your passport to great discounts from our dozens of discount partners. Check the discounts section on the website for a full list (use the drop down category list), including recently added new discounts.
Present your membership card to avail the discount. For any discount related enquiries or suggestions please email discounts.rl@gmail.com
For any enquiries or suggestions please email ranches.ladies@jackiedaair
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Ranches Ladies 