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Immunity-Boosting – Green Smoothie Recipe

My favourite that I’d want to share with health buffs is the super-healthy, awesome Green Smoothie recipe that I mixed up by chance. But believe me, it is my choice now as I shake it up every other day. Vegan and made with lots of healthy ingredients, this amazing shake is just right for breakfast and keeps my energy levels up all day long.

Now that I’m pretty well settled in the lockdown routine and know that it’s going to be a long time ahead, I’ve decided to unlock my culinary talent. And the last thing I want to indulge in is the unhealthy goodies that sound so tempting. Rather my agenda for this period is to eat healthy and feel energetic, that too while relishing the recipes I create. And the fact that I have two fussy eaters at home makes the challenge even bigger. Still, I love cooking for the family and discovering recipes that are delicious and healthy at the same time.

Jump to Recipe

The best thing about my Green Smoothie is that it has ingredients that are all easily available at home. And if you don’t have one of them, you can find an easy alternative in your refrigerator or kitchen cabinet. So here is a list of the ingredients I use to shake up a jugful for my family.

Print Recipe

Immunity-Boosting Green Smoothie

My favourite that I’d want to sharewith health buffs is the super-healthy, awesome Green Smoothie recipe that Imixed up by chance. But believe me, it is my choice now as I shake it up everyother day. Vegan and made with lots of healthy ingredients, this amazing shake isjust right for breakfast and keeps my energy levels up to match the challengesof work from home, even while I juggle with loads of housework and an energetic6-year old!

Prep Time5

Cook Time1

Total Time6

Course: Breakfast, Drinks

Keyword: green smoothie, healthy, immunity boosting, smoothie

Servings: 1 person

Calories: 220kcal

Author: Archana

Cost: £2 – £3

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

1 Cup Chopped Kale
1 Cup Spinach Leaves
1 inch cube Ginger
1 tablespoon Flax Seeds
7 pieces Almonds
1 tbsp Honey
1/2 Banana
125 ml Coconut Milk

Instructions

Once you have all the ingredients onyour shelf, it’s time to get started. Here is a list of instructions to createthe most yummilicious, gorgeous-looking Green Smoothie in just three steps anda couple of minutes.
Put all the ingredients in a blenderand blend them till smooth; make sure that there are no chunks of the leafygreens or fruits.
Once you mix up the perfect smoothie, taste it and perfect it. Ensurethat it has just the right consistency and temperature. If you want your kid totry it, I’d suggest adding some honey for the healthy sweet kick. You can evenadd a dash of lemon to balance the bitterness of the greens. My secretingredient is ginger because I love the zing it brings to the drink. Even mylittle one loves it!
After perfecting the flavours, justgive it a final whisk in the blender to get that amazing smooth consistency andvibrant green colour. You can refrigerate the drink for up to 24 hours, thoughI prefer blending a fresh batch every time. If you do want to use arefrigerated batch, be sure to shake it up before drinking.

Video

Notes

I’m sure you’d love this recipe as it is just the pick-me-up you need when you feel the blues of the lockdown effect. You can try a few variations every time as I do. For instance, you can use pineapple or mango in place of banana. Toss in nuts and seeds of your choice. Or just experiment with any juice, water or any other milk. I like honey and ginger, though they are optional too.

And I’d surely want to list down the nutritional benefits of each of the ingredients so that you appreciate my smoothie’s health value as much as its taste.

Kale–High in antioxidants and vitamin C, detoxifies naturally, lowers cholesterol levels
Spinach- Loaded with folic acid, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and calcium, cleanses your skin inside out
Ginger–Improves digestion, protects from cold and flu, reduces inflammation naturally
Flax seeds – Rich in fiber, omega-3 fats and high quality proteins, give instant energy boost
Almonds-Contain fiber, healthy fats, protein, magnesium and vitamin E, reduce hunger and promote weight control
Honey – Healthiest alternative to sugar, rich in antioxidants
Banana-Nutritious, filling and hefty source of energy, minus unhealthy fats and cholesterol
Coconut milk- High in antioxidants, strengthens immunity and aids weight loss

Seeing these benefits, you will probably understand why I have settled for these ingredients for mixing up my Green Smoothie. And if you have some great ideas, do share them here.

Happy Blending!!

Eat Healthy!

Mantra for Work Life Balance – Do More, Live More

With the New Year just around the corner, it is time to gear up for the upcoming year by making positive resolutions for living better and being more productive in every sphere of life. It is vital to understand the value of high productivity, both personally as well as professionally, as it can enhance the quality of life manifold. Being more productive can take you closer to your goals and make you a happier and more fulfilled person, physically, emotionally and financially.

Here are some tips that you can incorporate into your daily life and be more productive in 2017:

Use a tracking app – Mobile apps have ushered in a new revolution as they make things easier to remember and simpler to implement. Whether you are a fitness freak looking to lose weight or want to perform better at work, there is a host of apps available to help you out. Just install the right one on your mobile and get all that you want at a touch of the screen.

Just move it! – Be sure to make exercise a part of your daily routine as it can improve the fitness of the body and the mind. You can join an aerobic class, hit the gym or simply step out for the morning jog. Yoga and meditation are best for those looking to improve overall health and wellness. Whatever you do, just get moving!!

Feed your soul with good music – Listening to your favourite music changes your mood, makes you happier and ups your energy levels. Play your favourite music as you drive to work or have the best on your phone so that you can plug in your earphones during the lunch break. Good music is sure to pep you up when you feel low.

Don’t procrastinate – Procrastination is the biggest obstacle as it robs you of peace of mind and makes life more stressful. Avoid putting off tasks for later; getting done with the ones that challenge you first is a smart move as you won’t mind doing the easier ones once you are in full swing.

Don’t over-commit – Be kind to yourself as you take up tasks at responsibilities at home or work. Don’t over-commit or overbook your calendar as it can increase stress levels and hamper your productivity. Take one step at a time so that you can handle things to perfection.

Organise your paperwork – Paperwork is one thing that can be hard to manage as it loads up the pressure as well as makes simple things complicated. Have a day of the week allocated to organising your paperwork so that things are sorted out and planned for the entire week ahead. A few hours invested here can make all the difference in your productivity.

Organise your diary on the weekend – Maintain a journal and organise it on a weekly basis so that things are planned well in time. Inculcating this habit is sure to make your life much more productive, personally as well as professionally.

Get good night’s sleep – Being effective is not only about completing your daily and long run tasks ad goals, but charging you up for the same. A good night’s sleep plays a vital role in keeping your energy levels high so that you can jump into the next day with renewed vigour and energy.

Take regular breaks – Refresh yourself with regular breaks so that life does not become monotonous. Weekend trips to your favourite destination or even casual hangouts with friends can be great ways of relaxing and recharging.

Follow your passion – Whether it is cooking, reading, dancing or any other activity that you are passionate about, make time for what you love to do. Following your passion is going to bring positive energy and enthusiasm, making you live better and be a happier person.

De-clutter regularly – Make de-cluttering a routine…. with your wardrobe, home and office desk. Make “Less is more” the mantra of your life as it is easier to manage without redundant clothes, furniture and paperwork.

Invest in a good coffee machine

If you are a hardcore coffee lover, gift yourself a coffee machine this Christmas and add to your productivity levels. An excellent coffee is sure to pep you up for taking any task from the front and finishing it off faster and more efficiently.

Make a resolution to follow these easy rules this New Year and be a more productive person in 2017!!!

We Are Hiring

Due to massive growth, we are now hiring for a Position of a part time editor with following skills

1. Basic knowledge of fashion and makeup

2. Good copywriting and editing skills

3. Social Media Skills – understanding of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest

4. Basic knowledge of WordPress or any other website management software

The position is a work from home role offering your flexibility suitable for those looking to either learn or get into blogging. Interested candidates please feel free to send us an email at fashionforroyals@gmail.com with your updated CV.

Summer Coolers that are both Delicious and Healthy!

The heat outside can have you craving for a delicious, cool drink but perhaps the thought of calories involved stops you. Or maybe you are not counting calories but simply prefer to consume more healthy treats.

Either way, the typical store bought iced teas, coffee mixes and juice powders are not the best option – go in for summers coolers that are healthy and delicious, so you can enjoy them absolutely guilt-free.

Here are some recipes you could try:

Strawberry Lemonade – Take 3-4 strawberries and chop off their leaf-bearing end. Squeeze the juice of one whole lemon and put in the blender with the chopped strawberries. Add a couple of mint leaves (or more if you like the flavour), a cup of water and 3-4 ice cubes. Blend till a beverage of even consistency is produced. Pour into a glass and add a slice of lemon. Voila! You have a tangy, refreshing drink which only contains about 40 calories.
Sweet Honey Tea – Boil a cup of water and add a tea bag of regular or green tea, but only once water is off the stove or the tea shall be bitter. Let the tea bag infuse for about 1-2 minutes, depending on how intense you want the tea flavour to be. Add a tablespoon of honey and some crushed mint leaves, and mix will. Pour the hot drink into a tall glass and top with chilled water and ice. A nutrient-rich cooler carrying only around 60 calories is not yours to enjoy!
Watermelon-Basil Juice – This recipe serves 4, so adjust proportions according to your needs. Take about 4 cups of watermelon chunks (seeds included if you like the crunch) and place over a thin-mesh sieve, sitting in a large bowl. Add 10-16 basil leaves and use a metal ladle to press the watermelon so the juice collects in the bowl below. Extract as much juice as possible and add a pinch of black salt and ¼ teaspoon white vinegar to it. Now mix in 4 cups of chilled water, stir well and serve this lovely under-50-calories drink.
Fruity Green Tea – Prepare some green tea and chill in the refrigerator. Combine ½ cup of orange and ½ cup of pomegranate juice with 1/3^rd cup of this chilled green tea. Freshly squeezed juices are preferred though packaged ones will do as well (go for the ones with low sugar and no added preservatives in the latter case). Add one teaspoon of lemon juice to the above and mix well. Your approximately 110-calorie summer cooler is ready!
Homemade Ginger Ale – Add a cup of water, 1 tablespoon sugar and two small pieces (1.5 cm diameter, 0.5 cm thickness each, roughly) of ginger to a sauce pan. Bring water to a boil over medium heat and then let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Strain the water and let it cool; there would be only about ½ a cup or lesser amount left. Pour chilled water into a class and top with soda. Add a slice of lime and sip on this yummy home-brew which has less than 80 calories!

These summer coolers are absolutely yummy. You can adjust the proportion of ingredients to suit your palette wherever necessary. Beat the heat with these and it’ll be a summer you’ll remember fondly!

Forever Fusion – An Indo Western Look Styled With Juttis

Hope you’re all having a great week full of wonderful clothes and flawless makeup! I’ve been having a lot of fun with Indo Western outfits these days and so this is a post on how to team a pair of beautiful ethnic juttis with western attire.

Now the thing is, off late, I’ve been missing my home back in India quite a bit. I’ve been living in UK for a while now and while I love my home, my workplace and the culture here, the unique environs of India make me a victim to nostalgia. Funny as it may be, in such times, wearing stuff from the (rather huge) ethnic section of my wardrobe makes me feel awesome. And this brings me to the fusion outfit you see me wearing here.

I have teamed a pair of exquisite juttis by Panache An Elite Affair with ankle length blue jeans, printed white blouse. You can style these juttis with any pair of basic blue jeans or simple trousers/chinos, summers and spring are a great time to wear this footwear. Though I have not worn them with cullotes or long skirts yet, I think such combinations would work great for a boho-chic look too. I’m planning to experiment with more fusion styles during my summer vacation – stay tuned to find out what I’ll be wearing this holiday season!

I have to say though, no matter where I’ll be going or what I might be wearing, I am going to be carrying this pair of juttis with me! The embellishments and thread-work on them is so intricate and beautiful! And more importantly, they are super-comfy and light, so I can wear them all day long if I want. I have worn them for several hours and didn’t get a single cut or sore on my feet. I was told by the one of the founders of Panache that these juttis were made in Dubai and the brand’s guiding principle in making their elite footwear is combining utmost quality with absolute comfort.

Incidentally, like a lot of up and coming fashion ventures, Panache An Elite Affair is the brainchild of two ambitious sisters having a great stylistic vision and good entrepreneurial sense.

Muskan Jhingan and Bhumika Mehta started Panache in May 2015 and have already carved a niche for themselves in the industry. Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon may be seen sporting a pair of Panache’s lovely juttis too! They have opened retail stores in Delhi as well as Dubai, though anyone can access their collection from their website www.panachehub.com. With dreams of opening stores in cities all across the world and serving their clients with their brilliant creations, this sister duo is serving the fashion world with their brilliant ethnic footwear!

All I can say is that I’m so glad I got this pair Panache juttis. I can’t stop thinking of the numerous outfits I can pair them with. What about you? What’s your favourite Indo Western mix?

Neerja Movie Review: Special Screening in London

I had the fortunate opportunity to watch this movie at a Special Screening today at Twentieth Century Fox Studios in Soho.

About Neerja Movie: Neerja is a cinematic representation of the events that unfolded on 5th Sep 1986, when Pan AM flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked in transit at Karachi airport in Paskistan. The movie is a story of a the head purser Neerja Bhanot, a 22 year old part time model, who took the risk of her life to save the passengers after the hijack and was fatally injured while trying to save the life of 3 children on flight and help them escape.

My Reviews after watching the movie:

I think the movie is very well made, its fast paced to keep your attention all the time. The presentation of the movie is excellent and it makes you believe every single part that has been represented. Not a regular commercial Bollywood movie with lots of song and dance which I love equally. The film shows the hijack drama in all detail. It also shows the preparation of the Palestinian terrorists before they hijack the PanAm aircraft. Snatches from Neerja’s life mostly come in flashbacks when she is putting up a brave fight against the armed terrorists, in a bid to save the lives of her passengers, many of whom are children, women and old people. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat and the climax will just leave you teary-eyed.

Neerja Bhanot was born in 1963 in Chandigarh, India to Rama Bhanot and Harish Bhanot, a Mumbai-based journalist and became the youngest recipient of India’s highest peacetime military award for bravery, the Ashok Chakra. Before becoming a air hostess, Neerja was a well known model too.

Sonam Kapoor is excellent and brilliant in her role as Neerja, I ~~think~~ am sure this is her best performance till date, she is the lead star of the film and owns the character completely and is thoroughly convincing as Neerja Bhanot. All I can say is that finally Sonam Kapoor has arrived and due credit goes to Ram Madhvani for bringing out the best in her.

Shabana Azmi is mind-blowing! She makes every single in which she appears, memorable and her end speech makes the audience cry buckets with a great performance. On the whole, Neerja is a must watch and going to be a big hit. It is a human drama which will move the audience to tears a number of times.

Note: Neerja is produced by Fox Star Studios and co-produced by Bling Unplugged, and has been directed by celebrated ad film director, Ram Madhvani.

7 Styling Tips Men Can Use to Impress Their Partners

Hi All,

Here are the excerpts of my article on India.com http://www.india.com/top-n/7-styling-tips-men-can-use-to-impress-their-partners-this-valentines-day-932794/

While we know the staples, wearing formals to impress the woman, there’s a lot more beyond just putting on a shirt, coat and tie. Women love their men to be dressed well and a smartly-dressed man impresses her staright-away. So while you’re sure she loves you in your baggy jeans and tees the rest of the days, the one day when you do make an attempt for her, it is sure to stand out. Now, don’t stand scratching your head in front of the wardrobe.

1. Clean cut basics and earthy tones

Go for smart yet understated style, with lightweight outerwear, clean cut basics and earthy tones. Once you have got the key pieces, this look is all about how you wear it. Avoid garish or over-the-top jarring tones. While V-Day is all about reds and pinks, leave them to the girls.

2. Back to Blue

Pick a shade, any shade, as long as it’s blue. Blue is in trend in this Valentine season and looks great on just about anyone with any body type. Consider knitwear and denim as your outfit’s building blocks and keep the rest of the accessories elegant yet simple. Choose a shade of blue to complement your build and skin-tone.

3. Chinos

Whether or not you’re joining the wide-legged trouser brigade, straight-leg or tapered chinos are arguably the single most versatile weapon in styling. You can wear them with a crew neck tee or polo shirt or even a short-sleeved shirt and lightweight jacket.

4. Casual Styles

Headed towards tropical temperatures and lively cities, this trend is all about easy textures and a tailored but relaxed approach to getting dressed. Focus on slick suede and low key prints to impress your valentine.

5. Sleeveless Jackets

Oh My word, men look so good in a sleeveless jacket, be it formal or casual. I think sleeveless jackets are a must in a man’s wardrobe especially for those romantic dates and can make anyone look uber-chic.

6. Statement Watch

Whether it is a digital one to keep you all updated or a traditional timepiece you prefer to sport, don’t forget this accessory which is an absolute classic in men’s fashion and would make you stand out with the right pick on this Valentine’s Day.

7. Accessory: Headgear alert

You have many options to choose from when it comes to a hat or cap, depending on your outfit. The ones in trends these days are fedoras, flat caps or newsboy styles. Baseball caps are a great choice for a casual date.

My Winter Skin Care Must Haves

It’s winter time and the festive season’s here too! You know exactly how stressed your skin is – the harsh, chilly weather and lots of product usage for all those parties – no wonder it needs some extra care. Here are some tips on what you can do to ensure your skin doesn’t suffer and remains fresh, supple and glowing.

For all those who asked my winter skin care routine. I have added a picture of all the products I have been using to me and my skin happy this winter.

‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly But Do Follow These Winter Skin Care Tips

Make Moisturizer Your Best Bud

Seriously! Your moisturizer is your best friend in these chilly times. Moisturize your face and body every day to prevent dryness and itchy/flaky skin. If you have naturally dry skin, go in for creamy body butters and oil-based face creams. Otherwise, you can stick to body milks and water/gel based products, but make sure to slather on generous amounts on application.

Forget Me Not, Says Your Sun-Block

Just because the sun isn’t shinning as brightly as you’d like, you can’t take the liberty of skipping your sunscreen when going out. The sun’s rays are still as damaging and potent, even if not as warming as usually they are. So make sure you apply skin products with SPF as a rule, be it your day cream, foundation, lip balm or anything else.

Treat Your Tresses to Nourishing Oils

Oiling your hair is a must in the winter months. Like facial skin and the body, the scalp gets dry too, which can lead to brittle, lifeless hair and flaky scalp condition too. Oil your hair before every wash and if your scalp is excessively dry, indulge in some hot oil therapy which is sure to give even better results.

Protect Your Pout

Keep a lip balm handy at all times. Make sure you have one in your handbag, one by your bedside and an emergency chapstick stashed somewhere too. Also, put on lipsticks/gloss that have a hydrating effect or apply balm before putting on matte shades. And make sure you do not lick your lips if they get dry; this will only make them drier and more chapped.

Don’t Let the Lazy Bugs Bite

It is very natural to get lazy about skin care during winters, but do not skip your nightly regime at any cost! Remove your makeup, complete the CTM routine and only then go to bed! This will ensure that all the late nights and partying don’t show on your face the next day for sure.

Top Tips on How to Follow a Diet without Cheating

A lot of us would have weight loss as a New Year Resolution and my post today is dedicated to helping those who have weight loss or diet plan in theirs.

Anyone who has ever attempted diet control will vouch for this – food can test your resolve like nothing else! It seems that the very day you decide to watch what you eat, everything seems more palatable, more fragrant, more enticing! So unfair! I have always struggled to keep my weight in check and it takes a lot of resolve and hardwork for me to stay fit, I know I will never be skinny.

And I know if you are following a diet, the challenge is even tougher and I know this because I have done this many times . You have a strict regimen to stick to as well, alongside resisting the temptation of your favourite treats. So here are some tips and tricks that will keep you on track and ensure you don’t cheat too much.

Store no snacks. Most dieters gorge on their favourite snacks in their moments of weakness. If you have nice treats close at hand when you’re craving something delicious, you are more likely to give into the impulse. So eliminate the temptation all together and store no snacks at home. If you do decide to cheat a little, store healthy alternatives like low-sugar products, low-fat ice-cream, etc.

Make a Vision Board. As silly as it may seem, having a Vision Board helps. Pen down your fitness goals and put up a chart where you will see it regularly. This way, whenever you’re feeling weak, have a look at it, remind yourself why you must be strong and keep going. A good idea would be to have a picture of your dream body on it – it will keep your motivation levels up

Incorporate a cheat meal in your diet. For any diet to be sustainable and successful, there needs to be some respite from the constant self-policing. So slate one particular meal as your “Cheat Meal” for the week. But make sure you stick to your schedule and don’t eat a cheat meal whenever you feel like. Stick to a daytime meal on a particular day – Sunday maybe – and do not binge otherwise.

Track your progress. Many dieters avoid stepping on to the weighing scale in fear of not seeing any progress and losing motivation. But it can also be very encouraging if you do see results so weigh yourself every week. Even if you don’t see significant results, use this as inspiration and discouragement to try harder.

Download an application. Technology can be your ally in staying true to your diet. Get a mobile application that tracks your food intake and calories. This will make you conscious of every morsel you consume, and help you keep track of your daily nutrition. You can even share your progress and diet with your friends, making all this fun rather than frustrating.

The bottom line is, you have to work on staying motivated more than anything else. Add more positive reiterations of the benefits you reap from watching what you eat. Do not focus of what you’re missing out on – focus on your fitness dream instead!

StyleMeee Launch by FashionForRoyals

Hi All,

So excited to announce the Launch of StyleMeee Personal Styling Services for Women Around the Globe.

You can click the link below to read more.

StyleMee By FashionForRoyals, Founded By Archana Dhankar Launches Premium Styling Services For Women Around The Globe

About StyleMee

StyleMeee is a venture from FashionForRoyals founded by the well renowned stylist and Image consultant – Archana Dhankar to change the online styling & shopping experience of Women. This premium style residence offers unique and elite styling services to women all around the globe. Some of the services offered are personal shopping where the only effort one has to make is to try outfits StyleMeee would’ve handpicked to augment style that would suit the individual personality of the client. It has personal styling service to decode for the clients what goes into looking fabulous day after day with minimal effort and expert fashion advice tailored to the specific needs to never let you feel stuck in a style rut again. Following the session, StyleMeee will send over a presentation detailing recommendations to help execute the transformation effortlessly. StyleMeee also offers Virtual Styling service specially designed to cater to clients who can’t take time out for a face-to-face consultation. It will bring style services right in the comfort of their home conveniently timed to fit their busy schedule. This fashion villa also offers personal styling services for specific occasion be it wedding, red carpet, outing with friends, party etc. It has affordable luxury services for both private and corporate client. To avail any service, you can initiate with the free consultation over phone or email. Post which you can choose the service of your choice and celebrity stylist- Archana will personally curate specific style, clothing items and accessories that accentuate your body shape and size, and fit into your lifestyle and budget.

Led by a prominent fashion expert, StyleMeee is fulfilling the void of the personal stylist for every woman regardless of her cultural or professional background

Eyebrow Shapes for Every Face Cut

Many professional stylists and MUAs believe that perfectly shaped eyebrows are as beauty enhancing as they are rare. Celebrity eyebrow stylist (yes, that’s a profession) Joey Healy maintains that “The right brow will help open up the entire eye area and work to improve the face’s overall symmetry. The perfect brow will make you look fresh, rested, young, healthy, and overall, more attractive.”

Sadly, many of us are quite unaware of which brow shape would be best suited to our face cuts – we either go by instinct or blindly trust the salon lady to do the needful.

Maybe it’s time to change that? Let’s take charge and ensure we look our best with everything – from the shape of our brows to the tips of our toes – being absolutely perfect. Here’s a list of suitable brow shapes complied based on the wise words of leading beauty technicians. Read on!

Oval Face

You have an oval face shape if:

Your forehead is wider than your softly rounded chin.
Cheekbones are prominent.

Suitable brow shapes:

The classic, balanced brow with a soft arch at 2/3^rd point is best.
A sharp arch also looks good for a bolder, intense look.

Long Face

You have a long face if:

Your features are vertically stretched out.
Forehead, cheekbones and cheekbones are about the same width.

Suitable brow shapes:

A flat-brow shape balances features, adding edge to a soft visage.
Extended eyebrow tails look great as well for they highlight the horizontal features.

Round Face

You have a round face if:

Your face is almost as wide as it is long.
The cheek area is the broadest part of the face.

Suitable brow shapes:

A high arched brow adds more definition to the face contours is recommended.
Angular brow shapes may also look good but should be made based on the particular eye and eye cavity’s size for each person.

Heart-Shaped Face

You have a heart shaped face if:

The upper portion of your face is in highlight while jaw line is petite.
There is a marked indentation below the cheeks where the jaw line begins.

Suitable brow shapes:

Groomed, rounded brows with a low arch add softness and femininity.
High arches, with no angularity are advisable if you want to go in for a more dramatic look.

Square Face

You have a square face if:

Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw line have roughly the same widths.
The jaw line is sharp, angular and prominent on the face.

Suitable brow shapes:

Softly rounded brows with a low arch that is more towards the tail end of brows creates a balanced look.
Sharply angular brows can also be sported if one wishes to further highlight the sharp lines of the face (as is done for many models)

Diamond-Shaped Face

You have a diamond-shaped face if:

The face is widest at the temples and tapers down to a narrow chin.
Forehead is somewhat short and face looks angular.

Suitable brow shapes:

Simple, neatly curved brows soften the sharp lines of the face.
Rounded brows with a mid-height arch also looks good on those with longer foreheads.

TLC For Your Precious Jewelry – Care Guide

Everyone loves the thought of owning beautiful, precious jewelry but how many of us truly take out the time to look after the pieces that we own? Not many, I’m sure, and certainly not as often as we should be. As someone who is extremely passionate about baubles of all shapes and sizes, I realize that it is important to give my pieces the TLC they need so that they continue to look fabulous in the years to come. If you are as clueless as I was a year ago, look no further!

Silver

This beautiful metal is one of the brightest of the lot, but also one of the most delicate, which means that it can get scratched and tarnished rather easily. The best way to look after silver pieces is to regularly clean them with a salt bath. Create a solution of hot water and salt, and then immerse your jewelry in the bowl for five to ten minutes. When you feel that the shine has returned, take it out and pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Voila!

Gold

Gold is not quite as delicate as silver and most people say that you can never really “over clean” it. In a large bowl, mix equal quantities of hot water and dishwashing soap. Let your pieces soak in the mixture for a couple of hours, pull them out and then gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush to make them shine. You can do this as often as you like, but it is also a good idea to take your gold baubles to the jeweler every year for a quick steam and buff to amp up the shine factor.

Diamond

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and you had better treat your #bff right! For starters, try to touch your diamond as little as possible. I know it is very tempting to finger your rock but diamonds instantly attract the oils from your hand, which can make them look greasy. Like all precious jewelry, you must clean your stones every fortnight. Use a mild solution of warm water mixed with an ammonia-based household cleaner as a soak. Avoid the toothbrush method; simply dry your diamonds with a soft washcloth instead.

Pearls

Ladies, if you want your pearls to maintain their radiance, keep them away from makeup, perfume, hair spray and the likes. To do so, it is always a good idea to put your jewelry on after you have completed your hair and makeup routine. Since pearls tend to scratch easily, each piece must be kept in its own compartment. Unlike other jewelry, do not try to clean your pearls at home! If you feel like they do need some cleansing, take them to a professional for the best job.

What To Think About When Buying Your First Diamond Ring

The word around town is that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” and I am in complete agreement. Of course, this best friend does not come easy or cheap. After years of slaving away at work and saving up for your first big diamond purchase, it is only fair that you invest an equal amount of time into researching and thinking about the ring that you want to buy.

For starters, focus on the cut of your diamond. Even the highest quality of stone can look lackluster if it is not cut in a way that brings out its beauty. Spend time looking for a diamond that is cut so that it sparkles brilliantly. Get the help of an expert to find the right cut and grade of diamond to suit your budget and your dream ring.

When I was on the hunt for the perfect diamond for my first ring (a treat to myself after two years of working), I realized that the price of diamonds function increases tremendously at the half-carat and carat points. For example, a diamond of 0.9-carat will be significantly cheaper than a 1-carat diamond and the difference is not really visible to the naked eye. Think about sizing down, ladies!

Since this is your first ring and you want it to last you a lifetime, think about a shape that will help you stand out from the crowd today and tomorrow. Plus, the common round shape tends to be more expensive that others because of its popularity so opting for an alternate shape will actually reduce the cost as well. I really love oval and teardrop shaped diamonds and personally feel that they also look larger than the traditional round ones. You could also think about setting many smaller diamonds together in a beautiful pattern rather than using one large stone.

Finally, when it comes to setting your diamond on to the ring, remember that the pronged setting uses less metal and thus lowers your cost of making the ring and helps the diamond stand out as well. Win-win.

Shine on, ladies!

Find Your True Colours

We all are used to trying on lots of clothes and figuring out what shades of a particular colour suit us best. I sometimes even take my mom or a friend when shopping just to give opinion of what colours looks good on me.

Searching for lip shades in my teens, I came to know about cool and warm tones. I have done an article on that already here – “How to Find Colour Pallete for Your Skin”. But there is more to it than just knowing if you are cool or warm, something that has always mystified me. I have bought lots of clothes in the early days if they looked good on a friend, cousin or a celeb and never worn them later on. I am getting better now, I swear! 😉

So finally I took the plunge and attended the House of Colour – Colour consultation with Jane Brook @ Worcester. She came highly recommended and it was great fun to attend the class.

It was conducted in a very relaxed manner at her home-based Studio, and the process through which they go about finding your colours is also amazing.

House of Colour categorizes you in either Warm or Cool Tones and based on that, you are further categorized into Summer, Winter, Autumn or Spring tones. The other person along with me the class was more of jewel-toned winter where as I ended up being a Summer tone. This means I can probably wear most of my favourite colours other than a few – I won’t tell you which ones, you can look at the colour wheel on top to figure that out 🙂

Sounds interesting, right? If you’re interested in attending the class too, you can visit her House Of Colour Page or Facebook Page to learn more.

The 10,000 Facebook Follower Giveaway-International Edition [Closed]

There are many reasons to celebrate but I am announcing this giveaway to celebrate a milestone of crossing more than 10k Followers on Facebook. A Huge Thank You to all those who have loved this blog and to those who have been following it!

Mandatory Rules

You Must Like FashionForRoyals Facebook Page & Subscribe to the blog via email using the form below.

(If you already follow me on Facebook simply subscribe to the blog on email and you will be entered into the giveaway

Here is the items up for grabs: (3 Individual Winners will be announced – one for each product)

1. Maybelline Diamond Glow Eyeshadow Pallete

2. L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Blackbuster Intense

3. Maybelline Colossal Kajal in Black2.

Optional Extras:

You get 2 extra extra entry for tweeting about this giveaway with a link to this post and following me on twitter @fashionforroyal
5 extra entries for doing a blog post about this or posting it in your sidebar.
5 extra entries for Comment below about anything – like whether you like travelling or shopping, or what’s your favourite makeup brand, or a makeup review or a post you look forward to.

Conditions:

This Giveaway is Open worldwide
Ends on 20th September 2015 at 5:00 PM GMT.
And, Winners will be picked randomly using random.org, and announced shortly after the end date.

5 Sandal trends for Summer

Calling all shoe lovers! Summer is fast approaching, bringing a host of new sandal trends to try. I am sure that all of you will agree when I say that your footwear can make or break your look. If you outfit is on trend and your makeup is spot-on, your footwear should not be anything less than stylish either. With that thought, I present you with the top five sandal trends for summer!

Lace Up Sandals

Whether they are bold gladiators that lace up till your knee or a demure pair of tan sandals that tie up till your mid-calf, lace up sandals are going to be all the rage this summer. This style of footwear is absolutely perfect for the warmer months as you will be showing off some leg in summery dresses, flowing skirts and cute shorts. The best part is that you will find a pair to suit all occasions – pointy heels for nights on the town and comfortable flats for lazy beach days. I suggest that you pick up a pair for yourself, pronto!

Fancy Flats

In the last few years, the notion that one can only wear heels to parties has faded away. In fact, many ladies prefer to don flats over heels so that they can dance the night away without having to deal with the terrible pain that follows. Fancy flats are definitely a must-have! This trend rides on the wings of beautifully adorned sandals that complement party dresses perfectly – think crystal embellishments, fabulous fringes and lots of metal hardware details.

Colour-blocking In Footwear

Move aside, neutral sandals! This season is all about making a bold fashion statement and incorporating vibrant colours into your look is the ultimate way to do that. Now, the colour-blocking trend has been around for a while, but this summer, the trend has seeped into footwear. Needless to say, I can hardly contain my excitement! Whether you opt for flat sandals or sky-high heels, a palette of two or three colours is the way to go and is the best way to spice up a drab outfit. The brighter, the better!

“Flatforms” Are Back

I can already hear most of you saying, “What on earth are flatforms?!” As the name suggests, this style combines the best of the flat and platform styles, coming together to form a sandal that is both very high yet completely flat. The end result is some extra oomph whilst keeping your feet as happy as they can be! I absolutely love this trend because of the undeniably 70’s vibe that these sandals project and the total comfort that they guarantee. I like to add some extra glamour to my day looks with a pair of chic metallic flatforms. How would you style these babies?

Block Heels For President

Sometimes, I simply cannot deal with the pain and effort involved in wearing high heels. So, you can imagine my excitement when I saw the block heel trend all over the runways and just in time for the warmer weather, too! These sandals are simply amazing because unlike their pointy cousin, you can elevate your height in total comfort. I recently bought a pair of tan block heeled sandals that I plan to live in all summer long. This style is also a great way to experiment with the colour-blocking trend that I spoke about earlier. Above all, block heels encompass the laidback bohemian vibe that summer is all about. Love, love, LOVE!

Get that 70s Spirit

The 70s are back again (is that the third or fourth time now? We don’t care, we love it!) and this season it’s all about that classic 70s silhouette and the earthy hippy love that imbues the era so perfectly. If you want yourself a slice of the pie, there are so many ways to get into that 70s spirit the 21st century way, and here are a few examples to get your creative fashionista minds ticking along.

Knee-high boots
Need I say more? Not only are these babies sexy, but practical – now there’s a duo you didn’t see happening. Keep your footsies warm in the early Spring chill in glamorous 70s style. For that extra 70s groove, go for a mid-brown suede.

Middle partings
Middle partings were, just a few years a go, a big old no-no. They have, however, been making quite the comeback in the past few seasons, and now they’re back with a vengeance. For a truly 70s hippy parting, though, make sure you wear your hear down and natural. A slight wave is always nice, but straight works too. Think: beachy.

Earthy tones
Spring and Summer are usually all about colour, but if you’re going for the 70s look this season, it’s perfectly acceptable to tone it down a little and embrace those earthy tones. Burnt oranges, mustard yellows and deep, dull reds can make a nice change from the brown on brown.

Flares
If you’re anything like us, if you think 70s, you think flares. Flares have had a bad rep, but they’re actually pretty fab. Not only do they balance the hips, creating a slimming silhouette for those of us on the curvier side, but they’re trousers. Think about it. Perfectly smooth, shaved legs is not a necessity here!

Tassels
Tassels, tassels and more tassels. Channel your inner Pocahontas and go for tasselled accessories this Spring/Summer season. From bags to fringing to footwear, you’re bound to be a convert in no time. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, tasselled jewellery, anyone?

Big graphic florals
Florals are no stranger to the Spring/Summer season, but it’s a very distinctive type of floral you want for your 70s look. Forget those chintzy little grandma florals, and go bigger, bold and brighter than ever before. for truly 70s florals look for that painterly effect. Not only will it add a bit of pattern to your wardrobe, but some artistic texture, too!

Long pendant jewellery
Long, heavy pendant jewellery is classic 70s and a good thing, too, because we love it! Typically gold to add to that earthy vibe, think long chains and strings holding that single statement pendant piece. This works not only with necklaces but bracelets and earrings, too.

Slouch blouses
Slouch blouses are quintessential 70s glam. We love silk blouses with long, tapered or cuffed sleeves and deeper-than-deep V necklines. Paired with a classic pair of flared jeans, you really can’t go wrong.

How to Rock the Boho Chic Look

The boho chic look is the most comforting fashion choice for the wild and free-spirited souls. That’s because it is all about individuality, a self-determined sense of style and no concern of the fashion police.

While to some people, boho stylistics is simply second nature. If you are like me, however, you have often admired women in fun, quirky outfits from a distance and wished you could pull that ensemble off. Well, not to worry. Even if going bohemian isn’t your natural style, you could want to and should experiment with it, especially if the occasion demands so.

Here are some ways in which you can nail the boho look perfectly.

The Clothes:

If you are a classicist otherwise, when trying this look, you can go beyond your comfort zone. Beautiful prints and gingham fabrics in warm colours (which is the typical boho palette) shall look great. If your outfit is a two-piece ensemble, let one item be print galore with the other being one-tonal and plain.
Layering is a very important part of the boho regime, so whip out those scarves, stoles, summer jackets and skirt-legging-combos. However, do not go over-board here either. A couple of layers provide much dimension to the outfit while still being elegant.
Do not be under the misconception that boho means loose, ill-fitted clothing. The bohemian philosophy is one of comfort and thus there are few figure-hugging tight clothes worn with it. But that does not mean you consciously go for clothing that is oversized – simply find something comfy and fuss-free.
When attempting boho, feel free to go in for alternate clothing of the kind that would otherwise be tricky to pull off. Funky pyjamas, jodhpurs, asymmetrical tops and dresses, funny text-tees, and similar unconventional pieces will all complement this look.

The Footwear

Again, there are no rules here, other than that your footwear should be comfortable.
Flat sandals and chappals are often staples in boho outfits. Go in for those in interesting colors or ones that have unique detailing. Remember, bohemian does not mean shabby – wearing your bathroom slippers, though perhaps most acceptable with this look, is not a requisite.
Loafers and sneakers with quirky patterns will also look good.
If it is winter season, boots with leggings over, are also so boho chic, especially if the leggings are very colourful.

The Accessories

Nothing says boho like a bunch of accessories dazzling up an outfit in full measure. Actually, more than a bunch – this look can never have one too many.
Chunky, beady neckpieces of different length, in varied colours look wonderful.
Earrings with unusual motifs also look great. Many boho divas sport ethnic jewellery designs with western wear creating lovely visual contrasts.
Bangles and wrist look super-trendy with this look as well.
Other extras like hair accessories, bandanas, brooches, badges, caps, funky sunglasses and anything else you can think of can be easily fit into such an ensemble.
The only thing to avoid is wearing so many accessories that they come in the way of your movement and comfort.

Hair and Makeup

The hair with this look could be styled just about anyway.
As long as there is volume and texture, anything works – loose waves and curls, messy up-dos, hasty ponies, even braids. If you are going for something simpler like straight hair let down, adding dimension using hair accessories would be recommended.
With makeup, try and be slightly extremist – “all or nothing” is the perfect approach.
If you’re going all out, you could try popping lip colours or dramatic, colourful eye-makeup. Make sure the effect is striking yet classy; avoid highlighting both the eyes and lips in an over-the-top fashion – let one feature stand out.
If you prefer to go the barely-there way with makeup, slap on some tinted lip-balm and thin liner on the upper lash; you’re aiming for a more natural look, but you shouldn’t look washed out.

Follow these tips for a first-time boho outing and once you’re confident with all the experimentation, you can try out more bold outfits.