Girly girls want to have fun on the side

Dear Betsy, I am not a car or racing fan and the thought of sitting there mindlessly watching noisy cars racing around a track just does not turn me on.

I have three girlfriends who are out here on holiday with their husbands, who are all race fans, but we girls want to do something else that day. What do you suggest, Betsy? We are all in our 30s.

Yvonne.

Dear Yvonne,

What a good idea! I appreciate that whilst most of the kingdom will be caught up in F1 fever; there are some of our readers with other things on their (pretty) minds.

Well, being a girly girl myself Yvonne, the first thing that springs to mind is a day out at a spa. There are many good spas in Bahrain's four and five star hotels and if you wanted to be close to the F1 action then a day spent at the Banyan Tree Spa would fit the bill.

In the same vicinity is the fabulous Lost World of Dilmun Water Park, another great way to spend a fun, relaxing day out. Al Areen Wildlife Park is also worth a visit.

A day spent at the pool or beach can be very seductive for friends visiting from cooler climes. The Coral Beach Club and Ritz-Carlton both accept day guests.

I hesitate to mention a day spent shopping, but honestly I am so proud of our modern shopping malls and, of course, a visit to the old souks of Manama and Muharraq would definitely be on my list of shopping venues.

The morning could be spent having a mani-pedi and a hair-do followed by lunch in a chic restaurant - try an outside table at Trader Vic's, or, for really delicious salads try CafŽ Lilou or Le Chocolate for truly sumptuous pastries (don't miss their caramel chocolate cake).

After lunch, a spot of retail therapy should go down a treat, then you girls are ready to meet up with the guys for a night on the town.

I was going to suggest visiting the museum but have you read this week's Whisperer column on Page 6? Astounding!

Dear Betsy,

I have to spend the weekend entertaining my husband's clients at the Formula One Race.

Last year, I really suffered with aching feet and legs and so this year I am looking for elegant but comfortable shoes. Is this possible?

Isobel.

Dear Isobel,

Every woman who reads your letter will be sympathising! Yes, it is possible to combine elegance with comfort in footwear, but, of course, that depends on your definition of both!

For some of the most comfortable classy 'trainers', in patent leathers and silver and gold, visit Geoxx shoes in the Seef Mall.

I always wear their shoes when I travel. They have also realised that their initially 'granny" type shoes, although comfy, are not to everyone's liking so they have recently introduced a new range of fashionable footwear such as this summer's 'must have' wedges.

If you like sandals then you still can't beat good old Dr Scholl exercise sandals. Those of you who were around in the 70s will remember their original cumbersome wooden sandals that claimed to exercise your ankles and calves.

These days they are available in less cumbersome materials and in some fab colours and designs, including leopard skin and gold.

I swear by the range of 'Fit-Flop" rubber sandals that don't look mega elegant but they do feel like you are walking on air and they claim to reduce cellulite and exercise your legs like no other footwear can.

They are billed as the 'sandals with the built-in gym'.

This season they have realised that the fashionistas could help them beat the global recession, if their designs were more covetable. They have just launched a range of pretty pastel colours and brights such as turquoise, fuschia and scarlet and a glitzy sequined range in silver and black. Unfortunately I have not been able to locate them on sale in Bahrain but you can visit their website on www.fitflop.com

They have also decided to let the boys in on this secret and have launched a men's range too. So next time you see me wearing some 'bordering on the ugly' black flip flops, you will know my secret!

If any of our readers find them on sale in Bahrain then please email me.

Finally, Isobel, if you really can't face the thought of being parted from your high heels, then opt for high platform shoes or sandals. The platform design offers a cushion effect to help your comfort zone, but, more importantly, they can make even the shortest, stumpiest legs look long, lean and elegant.

Most women wouldn't have to think twice about their choice when faced with this information!

Whatever footwear you choose make sure you have a pedicure to ensure your feet look and feel elegant and pop a cooling foot spray in your handbag that you can use discreetly throughout the day to keep your feet feeling cool and fresh.

BETSY SAYS RELAX

The kids will be going back to school soon and you WILL get your life back! Make the most of the last days of the school holidays and spend quality time with the children - go to the cinema or have a picnic in the desert and see who can spot the most local wildlife ... it is out there!