Thursday, December 24, 2015

10 Products To A Younger You

10 Best Products That Will Make You Look Younger

Women always want to look young and beautiful. Even after reaching 40’s they strive to make themselves look younger because they fear to see themselves getting aged. They rely on parlors, and a lot of anti-aging products that they think can help them in resolving their dilemma on getting older.

A lot of products are available in the market that can help you in making you good and beautiful; that can hide your flaws to an extent. Here is a list of products that will make you look younger instantly. Check them out and start using now so that you will still look in your 20’s even after reaching even 40’s!

Face Scrub

Your face is likely to get a little of patches, wrinkles and other signs of aging while you cross your 30. These might ignite your concern about getting aged. Use face scrub once in three days to make sure that wrinkles and dead cells do not create a fuss on your face.

Facial Mask

Facial masks are good to tighten your skin, making it firmer and glowing. It helps to make your skin look younger and visibly fairer as the facial ingredients will have the ability to lighten your melanin and it will make you look younger as well.

Blush

Blush is something that is inevitable when it comes to makeup. It helps you to look a little more beautiful if you highlight your cheekbone with soft colors so that it will look natural on your skin. Buy blush at affordable rates. Buy makeup online via Snapdeal using coupons.

Foot Scrub

Not only your face but your feet also play a key role in making you look younger. Use any branded foot cream scrub to remove the dead cells and to polish your skin. It will also help in preventing cracked heels.

Teeth Whitener

A smile is very important to make you look beautiful. And what if you don’t have white teeth but a yellowish one? You will never smile or will hesitate to smile whole-heartedly. With age, you are likely to lose the whiteness of your teeth. So it is better to use teeth whitener. White teeth can make you look beautifully younger!

Eyeliner

Wrinkled or swollen eyes do leave an impact on your age undoubtedly. So make sure that your eyes are always lively, enhance its beauty with eyeliners and mascaras. They can do magic on your eyes, making it look more wide and beautiful. These will impact on your age as well.

Skin Renewal Firming Cream

As you become aged, the firmness of your skin will be lost, and then you will start getting wrinkles and dark patches that will make you look older. A skin renewal and firming cream is a great product to use so that your skin gets more firm and you will look younger.

Fragrance

Fragrance too plays a great role in making you look younger. The smell of your perfume will denote your age. If you are using a very subtle fragrance, then people might doubt you for an aged woman, and if you are using some cool fragrances that have a tinge of citrus smell, it will apparently make others feel like you are ten years younger to what you are! Check perfume for women online at Flipkart to get them at discounted prices.

Hair Protector

Grey hair is a great tension when women cross their 30’s. Too much exposure of your hair in the sunlight will give you a lot of grey hairs, and it will make you look aged as well. So, it is important to use a good hair protector that can help your hair look smoother, shine, thicker and black.

Illuminating Foundation

Once you feel that your skin isn’t doing good, work on it. Use products that can do wonders on your skin, to make you look younger. The illuminating foundation will

illuminate your skin. Make sure that you use warm colors on the skin so that you do not overdo your look.


Friday, December 18, 2015

Jaipur Lit Fest - An Introduction

As a child, I loved being surrounded by books. Unlike kids my age then, reading  was a passion with me, that was genetically transferred from my grandfather to my dad and then me. To be a part of this elite fest is a dream and I hope it comes true.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the most prominent festivals of India, ever since its inception in January 2006. This coveted Lit Fest is held every year in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. The stately premises of Diggi Palace are opened for this multi dimensional event annually. It is a 5 day event, where literary giants from all over the world come together under a single roof. The very essence of this event is to embrace freedom of expression and a difference in viewpoint.  It is a melting pot of varied thoughts and ideas.

Apart from eminent authors and writers, an array of musicians, journalists, players and film personalities could be spotted doing "Chai pe Charcha". How would it be, to meet your icon and have a tete-a-tete. There are a series of events like book reading, debates, discussions and recitals. This esteemed festival also gives a prominent platform to young promising writers to showcase their work.  It is a treat for lovers of art and culture to soak into and partake this Magical influx of ideas. This free for all festival has played host to eminent personalities in the past and continues to do so.

The list of speakers this year is a long and has heavy weights like Amish Trivedi, Anuja Chauan, Margret Atwood, Ruskin Bond, Stephan Fry, Javed Akhtar to name a few. As I was going through the list of speakers, my jaw literally fell on floor, in awe. A typical fan girl moment for me .....awwww.

This biggest Literature Fest in the world, is actually a celebration of art and culture, of hope and inspiration.  In today's times, when there are arguments on "intolerance", the free and liberating atmosphere will surely be like a breath of fresh air.

The last years edition had a footfall of over 2 lakh literature enthusiasts, creating a record of sorts. Apart from the discussions, book launches and musical recitals, this Fest also boasts of a culinary and heritage expeditions. Stalls of varied cuisine are laid for the food lovers. A small trip to Amer Fort or Hawa Mahal could be carried out to focus on heritage and culture.
I wish to be a part of this great art and literature extravangza and enjoy a few moments of knowledge, enrichment and serenity.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Traditional Indian Ceremonies For Mom And Baby

India is a land of traditions and customs, culture and values, and we have a celebration for every occasion. Pregnancy and child birth are considered as sacred occasions. There are numerous celebrations across the country pertaining to the birth of the child.  A few of them are :


   
Godh Bharai of Aishwarya  Rai


Godh Bharai - This is a traditional ceremony of north India, which is celebrated in the 7th month of pregnancy. The mom-to-be is showered with love, blessings and lots of gifts. Likewise, we have Valakaapu (Tamil Hindus) and Seemandham (south Indian hindus). Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujrat also have their versions of Godh Bharai.

Chhathi - This ceremony is performed when the baby is six days old. This ceremony is for women of the house and takes place in the night. The elders remain awake throughout the night and sing songs seeking blessing for the newborn.

Naamkaran - Also called the naming ceremony. According to Hindu mythology, the naamkaran for the newborn takes place on the twelfth day of the birth of the child. On this day, relative and friends arrive to take part in this ceremony. The child is placed in a cradle, decked with flowers. The women gather around this jhoola and sing traditional songs.


Mundan - Mundan is a Hindu ritual of tonsuring of the baby's head. Generally, this ritual of doing away with the baby's birth hair is done after the completion of first year. This ceremony usually takes place in odd year and odd month.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Vaccinations

Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material to stimulate an individual immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a pathogen.


Though, it's difficult to see your little bundle of joy get pricked, vaccinations are vital to a child's health. Due to these vaccines, your child's less likely to get infected by dreaded diseases like  whooping cough, meningitis, measles, mumps, polio, hepatitis or pneumococcal diseases.
Vaccines are made of the weaker versions of the bacteria or virus of that particular disease. When these altered viruses/ bacteria are injected, the immune system stimulates the body to produce antibodies.

The basic list of immunization which every child must get is below :




There could be some common side effects of a vaccine -

- pain, swelling or redness on the injection site
- mild fever
- fatigue
- muscle pain

It is mandatory to get our child vaccinated. Check with your pediatrician and schedule it accordingly.

Teething

Teething is a process by which an infant's first teeth ( usually in pairs) appear through the gums. Teething may start as early as six months or as late as ten months. Generally, the first ten teeth appear between six to nine months.


The first teeth tend to appear in pairs. The general pattern is as follows :
Lower central incisors (2) at approx. 6 months
Upper central incisors (2) at approx.  8 months
Upper lateral incisors  (2) at approx.  10 months
Lower lateral incisors  (2) at approx.  10 months
First molars                  (4) at approx.  14 months
Canines                         (4) at approx.  18 months
Second molars.              (4) at approx.  2-3 years

Some common symptoms during teething are drooling, irritability, swollen gums and mild fever. The symptoms appear a few days before the eruption of a tooth and disappear soon after. Before treating a baby for teething, it is always advisable to know the cause of discomfort. Rubbing a finger along the gum ridges, is one way to be sure. If unsure, it is advisable to see a pediatrician.

Teether or teething toys could be given to the infant to ease discomfort and facilitate teething. Teethers are designed with textures that aid in breaking up of gum tissue, resulting in eruption of the tooth.



Also, cold foods and drink provides relief so serve chilled yogurt and blended fruit. In case chewing, sucking chilled food and rubbing doesn't help, see your doctor.

This is a challenging time for your baby, try comforting him with some more love, hugs and kisses. 

Weaning - When And How

Weaning is the process of introducing an infant to food and withdrawing the supply of mother's milk. How and when to wean an infant is often a matter of debate. Most Medical Institutions and authorities recommend exclusive breast feeding a baby for the first six months of its life.


However in today's time and age, when most women are working breast feeding is a challenge. A baby is considered to be weaned, when he stops nursing and gets all his nutrition from sources other than breasts.

Generally, weaning is a long process and you are the best judge to decide when you want to wean your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breast feeds for at least a year and even encourages to breastfeed longer if you want to.

 In my case, I breastfeeded both my kids till they were 2.5 years of age. When I tell this, most mothers look in amusement and their mother-in-laws in admiration. Has this ever happened to you?

Well, start slowly regardless of your child's age as abruptly withholding could be traumatic for your baby and you too causing infection or fever. Try simple methods -

- Skip a feed : As the baby starts taking solids, reduce feeding over a period of time. This will give your child time to adjust. Your milk supply also diminishes gradually, without leaving your breast vulnerable to infections.

- Distract : Try postponing feeding to a couple of times in a day. This method works well with older kids as you can assure him/ her. Also distract the baby with different activities.

- Spend time with your baby : Weaning or trying to wean doesn't mean, you have to end the intimate bond created between you and your child during nursing. Try story telling or playing with him.

At times, the child may feel uncomfortable, find other ways to make him feel better.

Despite what relatives and friends say, you are the best judge to decide when it's time to wean.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Breast feeding



Breast  milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies. It has a perfect mix of protein, fat and vitamin and is a complete food in itself. Medical authorities strongly recommend exclusive breast feeding for first six months for a baby.

Breast feeding has immense benefits for the baby and the mother. It contains antibodies that help develop immunity and fights various bacteria and viruses. Breast feeding lowers your babies risk of having allergies, respiratory diseases, asthma and diarrhea.

        Breast feeding has also been linked to higher IQ at later age, though it may or may not be true. But, breast feeding helps in forming a bond between the mother and the baby. It helps your baby feel secure and  works as touch therapy. Breast feeding also reduces 'Sudden infant death syndrome' and also lowers risks of fatal diseases like cancer as well.

Breast feeding has numerous positives for the mother as well. It releases the hormone Oxytocin, which helps your uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state. It also reduces uterine bleeding after birth. A women who breast feeds has less chances of having Breast and Ovarian cancer, compared to the women who chooses otherwise. It is always advisable to breast feed for a short time than no time at all.

A baby may feed upto 12- 15 times a day, that is every two to three hours. Watch signs of hunger and feed the baby "on demand". Generally, infants nurse around 12- 15 minutes each time.

There are certain conditions which forbids breast feeding the baby, incase you are HIV positive or having TB as the infection could be passed to the baby via breast milk.Consult your doctor if you have any such conditions.



Making a decision to breast feed is a matter of personal choice. WHO strongly recommends breast feeding. Make this time a 'special' you and your baby and form a strong bond of love.

Food And Nutrition - We Are What We Eat



Food and nutrition go hand in hand. Simply defined, food is anything we eat and drink, which provides energy and help our body grow.

Nutrition is the process in which you consume food, digest and absorb them for growth and health.
Most food contain a mix of nutrient types and a healthy diet should include these.

 There are seven major types of nutrients :

 1. Carbohydrates - our main sources of energy, like Whole grains, fruits, honey.

 2.  Fats - our source of energy as well as important in relation to fat soluble vitamins. Some example  of healthy fats are avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, monosaturated oils like olive oil and canola oil.
  
 3.  Proteins - essential for growth and repair, like eggs, fish, meat.

 4. Minerals - necessary for normal functions, though required in traces, for example potassium,       sodium, iodine etc. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources.

 5. Vitamins - play an important role in the chemical processes in the body. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins.

 6.  Fiber - helps in digestion. Fiber is found in abundance in whole grains, veggies and fruits.

7.  Water - essential for normal body function as 70% of body is water.

Those who follow a healthy diet reduces their risk of diseases like diabetes and cancer. A poor diet may have adverse effect on your health, causing diseases like anaemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.


 Aim to consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. Drink atleast 10-12 glasses of water.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Pregnancy diet - what to eat



During pregnancy, the baby's nourishment comes from the food the mother eats. So, it is recommended that the mom-to-be chooses a variety of foods to provide the important nutrients a baby needs for growth and development.

A pregnant women needs more nutrients than others so as to fulfill requirements of a growing baby. Though, eating for two is a myth....you are required to eat just a little more than your usual, not double. The pregnancy diet should include these -

Folic Acid

Folic acid or Folate prevents any birth defects in the baby's spine and brain. It is difficult to get the recommended amount from diet alone, so supplements are needed. The required amount of Folic acid during pregnancy is about 600 mg/day. The main natural source of folate are leafy green vegetables.

Calcium


Calcium is the required to build bones and teeth of a baby. A pregnant women needs about 1000 mg of calcium a day. The main source of calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, fish.

Iron

Deficiency of this mineral causes anaemia, resulting in fatigue and infections. The daily iron requirement for a pregnant woman is 27 mg/ day.  The major sources of iron are meat, fish, poultry, fortified cereals and beans. For better absorption of iron, vitamin C should be included in the diet.

Proteins

Proteins are the building blocks of a baby's body. The body requires more protein to build important organs like brain and heart. Eggs, meat, fish, nuts are abundant sources of protein.

What To Eat 


During pregnancy special attention should be paid to a women's diet. It should include the five food groups :



Whole Grains

whole grains are not just important source energy in the diet but are also abundant in fiber, iron and vitamins. Examples of whole grains are wheat atta, brown rice, oatmeal, millet, barley etc.

Lean Proteins


A pregnant women should include good source of protein like eggs, fish, milk, cheese etc, to support baby's growth.


Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and Vegetables are store houses of vitamins and minerals. A pregnant women must have atleast 2-3 serving of each in a day. Try to include different coloured fruits and veggies for optimum effect.

Dairy Products 


Dairy products are abundant in protein, calcium and vitamin D. Aim to have atleast 3-4 serving of dairy such as milk, curd, cheese, paneer etc each day.
Water -  As a mom-to-be, it is essential to drink enough water. Water can help prevent constipation, UTI and hemorrhoids. Aim to drink 12-14 glasses of water every day.

What Not To Eat


Raw Eggs

As they may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacteria causing fever,vomiting and diarrhea.

Sushi

It is not considered safe as it includes uncooked fish, which may contain illness inducing parasites.

Unpasteurized Juices

 Stay away from juice sold at stands as it may not have undergone pasteurization, making it unsafe because of contamination.

Caffiene

 Limit your coffee intake to 2 cups a day.

Alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided.

Along with these diet guidelines, try to include 30 min. of light exercise. Stay calm, meditate and enjoy.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Fashionistas And Faux Pas


Isn't the title of the post too vague?? What is she trying to convey? Why is she behaving like a dumb bimbo?
         Was this your first reaction? ........... Yes ! Then you are in the queue, coz you are not alone. Truly, How can a fashionista ever commit a Faux-pas? And, if she has, then she isn't one. 

                   You are absolutely right with your logic. But you need to know one thing, that no one is born stylish. Style is an ever evolving phenomenon. As we grow, we learn so many new things about ourself and in general. In this process of self discovery, your very own personal style evolves, slowly. Isn't it!  Yes! I can imagine you nodding in affirmation ..........haahaa.

1. What was I thinking ??? -  Does this thought ever cross your mind, when you are surfing through your old pictures ( some may be just a couple of years old ).  I always took great pride in being a style icon for my family and friends. Every one asked for my advice when there was a special occasion, on what to wear, how to style your hair, what kind of shoes would go with a particular outfit and so on....  Sometimes, i too feel "what the hell was I thinking " , when I come across some weird old pics (though rarely! Thank god). Our celebs are no different. Don't believe, have a look :

Sonam kapoor looked like a "Chicken"in this Attire

2. Wearing too much - Overdressing ! Most "Dilliwallahs" could be held guilty of this charge. Just head over to any plush Cafe mid morning, you could find array of women dressed as if they are ready to go clubbing.

3. Wearing too little - is as much a fashion faux pas as overdressing. You should alway dress for the occasion. At almost every party, you find a couple of women wearing halter/off shoulder even during the "Dilli ki sardi". Remember ! Comfort is the key.


Kangana's dress reveals a little too much

4. The wrong shoe -  Either to small or too big for your feet. Julianne Moore was seen wearing a shoe a bit to small , her little toes were literally hanging out.


Julianna Moore has her little toes peeping out

5. To tight/ loose a dress - Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is most often seen in dresses, a size too small. Ofcourse ! A tight fitted dress enhances her curves, but it appears as if it could rip apart any moment.
Our very own Style Icon Sonam Kapoor was seen holding her trousers and adjusting it during the promotions of Aisha.

Sonam holding and adjusting her trouser


6. Transparent - Many Bollywood / Hollywood actresses have been caught on camera wearing a little transparent dress. Have a dekkho :

Priyanka Chopra in transparent dress

Kim Kardashian wearing a transparent skirt, a size too small

7. Too much makeup - Too much makeup not just looks bad, it adds years to your face. Makeup should look  as " natural"  as possible.

Angelina Jolie 's highlighting gone wrong


Aishwarya Rai with over done makeup 




Pics- google
Sonam Aisha pic- pinkvilla

Home Pregnancy Test


Did you ever imagine, the power of two coloured parallel lines..........how it opens a world of hope and happiness, excitement and ecstasy.  Yes! Two pink/purple lines have magical Potency, the ability to make you joyous and blithe. Hey! Don't get confused ! I am referring to the lines appearing on pregnancy test strip, if the test is positive.


A home pregnancy test  is based on the presence of HCG (Human chorionic gonadotrophin) in the urine. It can be detected in the urine after 6 - 14 days of fertilization. Generally, the levels of HCG rise rapidly after implantation. Most home pregnancy test are sensitive to the presence of HCG in urine, even on the first day of missed periods. However, testing early may not give the most accurate result.

At times, the test may be negative. If your periods are irregular, wait for a few more days before conducting a second pregnancy test. Sometimes, the amounts of HCG may not have yet reached the level, where it could be detected. Also, take the first urine of the day as the levels of HCG gets concentrated overnight.


Home pregnancy test kits are easily available over the counter (OTC) and are simple to perform. Read the instruction manual carefully and follow it. Technique may differ from brand to brand. These tests usually take 3 - 5 minutes. If two distinct pink/purple bands appear within 5 minutes, the test is positive whereas the presence of a single band indicate a negative result. Sometimes, it may give invalid  or false  negative/positive. In such cases, it is advisable to visit your gynecologist for further guidance.











Thursday, December 3, 2015

How to look slim during your pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most wonderful time in a life of a women. You glow as a result of your inner happiness. You are excited, to be carrying your "little bundle of joy" inside you. It is sheer bliss and joy.....


        But a lot of women are anxious about their growing bellies. Yes, you get bigger by day and gain a considerable amount of weight. A lot of women complain, they "have nothing to wear" or they "look like a sac".

Remember ! Pregnancy is not a disease and it will last for only nine months. You can look as stylish and gorgeous, as you are by Keeping these simple tips in mind -

 1. Don't wear oversized clothes : wearing big clothes to hide your pregnant belly is passé, flaunt your new curves. Oversized clothes makes you look bigger than you are.


 2. Monotones : Wearing contrasting colours as top and bottom, visually cuts your body into two, making you look shorter than you are. Instead, opt for monotones, that is the  top and the bottom are of the same shade. It brings out the uniformity of the silhouette, giving you a leaner look.


 3. V- neck : visually streamlines your torso and elongates your neck, giving you a slimmer appearance.

 4. Boot cut : Rather than going for the usual skinny jeans, opt for a little flared one. It balances your frame and forms a beautiful curve.


 5. Vertical Stripes : The vertical stripes adds length to your body and gives it a svelte look. They look stunning in monochrome.


 6. Long Slit Tops : are the latest craze. It is a top which almost touches your ankles, making you look taller and thinner. It can be worn with denims, tights, shorts, skirts.....almost anything.


 7. Empire waist : It should be your "pick-me-up" dress for a party. It is a high- waist silhouette, cinching below the bust at the smallest part of the waist. The flowy skirt adds "oomph" to your appeal.


 8. Accessories : wearing a long neck piece draws attention away from your chubby face and bust. Otherwise add a scarf or a head gear to instantly perk-up your visage.


 9. Statement shoes : comfort is the key! So, wear statement flats or quirky shoes to add dimension to your personality. If you have to wear heels, make sure your opt for wedges over stilletoes as they add a few inches without compromising on comfort.


 10. Wear your confidence : Be confident and carry yourself  with elan. Nobody is judging you. Go out there and have fun.

 Be happy and enjoy every moment as life will never be the same once your baby arrives.


This post is written for FINDYAHAN.
Images - google and pinterest

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