Winter Blues { n Reds & Whites }

After a fairly pleasant December and the new year, winter woes hit us and hit really hard around the second week of Jan. The temperatures dipped to 11-12 degrees in the day and dived down to  single digit in the night #Dillikisardi ......

        All one wants in this time of the year, is to snuggle in the cosy bed with lots of books and cups of coffee #Blissful. And that's what I really did....

I haven't done an outfit post in the longest time and was missing the fun. I decided to do a shoot inspite of the chilly winds. Generally, we associated winters with dark hues and wear shades of black, navy, grey but for me winters is #RedandWhite. I love wearing white and those who have been following my blog knows my penchant for this exotic shade.

I wore a midi sweater dress in white which had a delicate pearl work with red stockings and my statement pumps in red, white and blue worn HERE earlier.  Also I accessorised it with the multi coloured neck piece and polka dotted bag worn HERE

Photo credits : Mehak

Review - The Jan Fab Bag

I have been a rather late entrant in the list of  The Fab Bag lovers. Yes! I got my first fab bag around six months back but I have been an ardent fan since then. The best part about a #thefabbag is that month after month they relentlessly come up with amazing products and offers. This month ie January fab bag is a fine example of that. Plus, the Jan pouch is just too cute....have a look and judge for yourself.

How cute it is !!! Isn't it ?

WHAT'S IN THE FAB BAG

The contents of the JAN FAB BAG

VOTRE FACE SERUM : Face serum is supposed to be this magnificent product which when applied helps brighten your face, adds glow and reduces the appearance of fine lines. VOTRE face serum is a concoction of jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil with lemon and licorice extract among others. It comes in a dark coloured bottle with a dropper reminiscent of medicine bottle ..hehe... It has a mild fragrance and instantly renders your skin a smooth texture. Absolutely love it. We get a 12ml bottle worth Rs 1670.

Votre Face Serum

 NATURALS BATH AND BODY
RED CLAY MASK : Red clay mask comes in a tube and has goodness of sandalwood. Most of the ingredients are natural and organic and is suitable for normal to oily skin. I used it the same day and my skin felt squeaky clean and soft. It comes in a 20 gm pack worth Rs 90 (full pack is Rs 450 for 100 gm).

Red clay mask

VIT E WHIPPED CREAM : Loaded with the goodness of Vit E and a combo of coconut oil, argan oil and sweet almond oil, this cream has a fluffy texture. It has a pleasant smell and is easily absorbable. Comes in a 15 gm pack for 85 (full pack is Rs 275 for 50 gm).

Light and fluffy whipped cream

LA ROCHE POSAY SENSI WHITE ESSENCE : This product is especially meant for Asian skin and is indicated to reduce pigmentation, dull or uneven skin and dark spots. It comes from the stable of L'Oreal making it credible. It is in a 3 ml tube (Rs 2650 for 30 ml).

Whitening Essence

ITAL VELOCE FINE FRAGRANCE : Mist - Chii town blushes. A 12 ml pack of mist is a part of the Jan fab bag. It is like any regular mist, having a flowery smell (full pack is Rs 499 for 210 ml).

Blush coloured Mist

BE A BOMBSHELL - THE ONE STICK :THE HOTTNESS : I opted for this thick lipstick from a range of products given. It comes in bright red and has smooth gliding texture. The only flaw is its too thick to be applied as it is and a brush would be required for perfect application. It comes in full size and is priced at Rs 1300.

The thick lipstick 

 

All in all, the bag is a winner. The best part about #thefabbag is that you can try new products at nominal cost. 
All in all, a great buy.

Book Review - Ramayana The Game Of Life : Stolen Hope

                      "Real beauty awakens love in every heart and envy in none" *

Ramayana The Game of Life : Stolen Hope is the third book of the six book series by author Shubha Vilas.  I must confess I haven't read the first two titles of the series namely "The Rise Of Sun Prince" and "Shattered Dreams". But, it doesn't forbid me from savouring this literary masterpiece

                         
               "when hope is the launch pad, even a blind man can soar to the moon. Transcending personal defects become a cinch when hope is in vicinity" *

Ramayana is the greatest Epic in the world and has been written infinite times. It  had been my favourite bed time story, which my grand mother sincerely narrated every day for years. Though, I loved listening to it as a child but to be honest it's still the same old story. Why did the author think there was a need for it to be retold again? 

                               "Within every big lie is hidden a small truth. Unlocking the many mysteries locked within our hearts require the key of compassion or hammer of troubles" *

You read the book and you get a the answer "yes", there was a need to rewrite it to suit the taste of this generation. This new series of book, takes you through the life of Lord Rama in the forest of Dandakaranya, during his years of exile. It reveals the tale of love between Rama and Sita, the bond of trust and respect between Ram and Lakshmana and Ravana's eternal quest for power. It also entails  captivating stories about sage Agastya.

                                          "Responsibility is not a choice it's an honor"*

The book gives a synopsis of the life of the trio in the forest. It covers their life in exile, well almost (13years). From the time the set their foot in the forest of Dandakaranya to Sita's abduction in Janasthana. Also, not only does it gives an insight about Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana but also about Ravana, his brothers Khara - Dushana and sister Suprankha. It reveals so many little known facts that most of us may never have known. Like how attractive Ravana looked or him being a connoisseur of beauty or women being his weakness. All most of us knew was Ravana was a powerful rakshasha king of Lanka and a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

 Another noteworthy thing was the character of Bharata, for living a life of atrocities and devoid of luxuries to be at par with Rama, who was living a austere life in exile. 

              "What inspired Bharata to not allow his self discipline to change into self pity was that instead of focussing on his inconveniences, he chose to empathize with Rama's miseries"*

Contrary to what we think, Sita is happy about her life in Dandakaranya as it gave her an opportunity to be in close proximity to Rama which would not have been the case, had they been in Ayodhya because of his administrative responsiblity. Rama showered Sita with love, care and abundant time.

                         "The best Experiences of love are obtained not by waiting to express it on the right day but by making routine expressions of love daily "*

The book takes inspiration from Valmiki's Ramayana and stays true to it. For example Lakshmana Rekha was not a part of Valmiki's Ramayana and the author has refrained from writing it here. This concept was a part of  the latter versions of Ramayana.

      "when latent power changes into active power latent desires to control turn into active ones" *

The narrative is enticing and fascinating. The moment you lay your hands on the book, you are hooked. It was like watching a blockbuster.....each event is described wonderfully and remains etched in your memory. Rama's rendezvous with Surpanakha and the war with Rakshasas Khara and Dushana is intriguing. Each character is written beautifully and importance is given to minute details.
The author has taken great pains to present the book in such a manner as to appeal to all age groups.The writing is simple and lucid and easily understandable.The cover page of "Stolen Hope" is extremely appealing with a gorgeous looking Lord Rama arching his Bow and a Giant Jatayu.

And the highlight of the book were the footnotes!  These were little pieces written at the end of each page that offered detailed view of the above said lines. They were like pearls of wisdom .

                                     "Life often leaves you with limited options. Often the choice is between limited happiness and limitless void" *

This book is definitely a food for thought and leaves you yearning for more. This book is one such book which you would want to read again and each time you learn something new from it. A collectors delight.
It is a must read.....double thumbs up!!!
Star rating - 4.5/5

         "Excellence is a by products of persistently choosing quality over quantity" *

* refers to footnotes from the book.

    This review is a part of the biggest  book review program  for Indian blogger. Participate now to get free books.                                                                                                                                       

Happy New Year !

Hey!! A very Happy New Year to all my lovely readers ! How did you guys ushered in 2016....... I Celebrated with my family.

2015 had been a real "special" year for me, a life changer of sorts. I did a lot of stuff, I had been wanting to do since ages. Being regular with my blogging being the first. Last year around April, I restarted my blog and it has been the best decision of my life. Writing is therapeutic to me, like meditation. I wrote a whopping 74 Blogpost in 2015, which is a big personal achievement for me. Being regular with my writing has not only improved my ranking on various blogging platforms, But I have even been nominated as one of the top bloggers of the country. Touchwood.

I attended quite a few bloggers meets and events and met some really fun loving, talented and passsionate bloggers. It was a privilege to have met such stupendous bunch of people. This has helped me broaden my horizon.

I entered the unexplored foray of "Event Management", and hosted a Christmas carnival named "Santa comes to town". It has been a great learning experience for me though very frustrating and tiring at times. After a successful first attempt, I am planning to take it forward in a big way.

Also, I attended a party sometime back where I experimented yet again. I draped my Saree in Maharashtrian style and added a head band to give it a Retro edge. I call this look "Disco Lavani", Lavani being the traditional folk dance of Maharashtra.

Have a look and let me know, what you feel about it.......I am all ears!!!

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.

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.

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.

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 :

Immunization chart

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.

picture 1

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.

picture 2

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.

pic

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.

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.

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.