Category: Lifestyle

Beach Holiday Essentials – What to Pack Series

Summers are the perfect time to travel and being a travel addict that I am, I make it a point to travel as often as I can. It helps me relax and rejuvenate myself and one of my favorite travel spots is a beach. It’s one of the best escapes from the city life.

If you are also planning your next beach getaway, get ready for the sun, sand, and the sea with this is a cheat beach sheet for a great holiday by the shore. This holiday tip list is something unique and personal. It has been developed over a period of time from all the lessons I have learned from all the different holidays I have been on. So read on and get ready to book your tickets, pack your bags and make memories of a lifetime this holiday season.

  • One of the sacred things on a beach holiday is your sunscreen. It’s the one thing you cannot avoid. Take care of your skin when sunbathing for perfect tan lines.
  • Sunrays and UV rays are harmful. Sunscreen by itself isn’t just enough to protect you. Carry a big floppy hat to cover yourself from the sun and look stylish at the same time. It’s also helpful if you are having a bad hair day because of the humidity.
  • A dip in the blue waters is one of the things I look forward to the most when on a beach holiday. I always take more than one pair of bikini or swimsuit as I get bored wearing the same one. Plus I don’t have to worry about getting it dirty in the sand.
  • Also, carry a few stylish cover-ups for when it’s sunny. You can layer it over your bikini top and shorts when walking around the hotel lobby or on the beach.
  • Go short this summer and pack a few short and flowy dresses. Remember to keep it light and comfortable.
  • Protect your hair from the damage of the harmful sun rays and the sea water by carrying a humid protection and sun SPF protection spray.
  • Catch up on some reading. Carry a novel or a book to read while you relax on the beach.
  • When it comes to makeup, carry only basic products. Use a tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation. They are lighter in texture and more effective for the weather.
  • Say no to a highlighter and it gives you a very unnatural look in the pictures when in the sun.
  • Use a bronzer as a blush and contour for a natural sunkissed glow.
  • Keep your skin smooth and don’t forget to moisturize it after salt exposure.
  • Last but not the least don’t forget to enjoy the view you’ve traveled for and go offline. Get a digital detox on a vacation by switching off from your social media channels.

What are the basic tips you always follow on your vacation? Share your beach holiday tips with me in the comments below.

Top 6 Pregnancy Cravings

Food cravings during pregnancy are very common. They differ from normal cravings as they are much stronger. These cravings are uncertain and unpredictable. You may get a craving at 3 am for something that you have not eaten for months.

So, when do pregnancy cravings begin? In some cases, it begins as early as the second or third week of pregnancy. Usually, it becomes challenging around the 11th week as your baby is growing.

Here is a list of the Top 6 pregnancy food cravings that most women get:

Pickle

You may have heard of many women craving pickles during pregnancy. The sour and tangy flavour is what pregnant women love. Pickle cravings suggest that your body requires sodium. Your body’s sodium requirement goes up due to the increase in blood volume. Giving in to this craving helps you fight nausea.

Chocolates

Who doesn’t love chocolates!? Chocolate makes you happy. A chocolate craving indicates low magnesium levels. You may have green vegetables or beans to boost magnesium in your body. If you cannot resist the temptation, then eat dark chocolate as it is rich in antioxidants.

Cheese

Any dish becomes incomplete without extra cheese! You crave cheese when your body asks for calcium. Indulging cheese cravings occasionally is not a problem. Opt for low-fat cheese if you are concerned about your weight. Alternatively, try other calcium-rich items like milk, yogurt, or broccoli.

Ice cream

Many pregnant women love chilled, flavoured ice cream. Ice cream craving indicates low calcium levels. Enjoy a low-fat vanilla flavoured frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruits instead of an ice cream.

Spicy food

Cravings chillies, hot curries, or spicy foods mean your body needs to cool down. Spicy foods make you sweat and help your body cool down. Adding a little spice to your foods is not harmful, but watch out for the quantity as it may lead to heartburn or indigestion.

Fruits

Craving fruits indicate that your body is demanding Vitamin C. It is a healthy craving. Eat cooling and refreshing fruits like watermelon and grapes. However, do not eat fruits in large quantities to keep your blood sugar level in check.

Apart from all this, you may also crave some non-food items like chalk, dirt, or clay because of the hormonal changes. Do not give in to these cravings as it may harm you and your baby. Apart from these, you may observe various other food cravings during pregnancy that are very common among pregnant women.

For tricks to manage food cravings, you may browse through Pampers India. Pampers is dedicated to the care of you and your baby. It will show you the right direction on what is good and bad for the two of you.

Pirlo’s Desert Lounge, Birmingham Review

We all love sweet endings and even more when we can smile and go ummm…Well this is not just the case for movies but also desserts. Whether it is a slice of cake or a big ice cream sundae.

Let’s face it, we all have our weak moments when it comes to those sweet somethings. And Pirlo’s Dessert bar is such a place where you can completely lose it. Their 1st Birthday celebration was nothing short of yumminess. It was a day filled with yummy sundaes, waffles, pancakes, cakes and everything under the ‘dessert sun’

The place welcomes you with a warm aroma of freshly baked waffles, which are a must try. If you are Nutella or chocolate freak, then go for the Royal Rocher waffle which is topped with hazelnuts and a generous scoop of Ferrero Rocher gelato.

Next up is our super huge Ice cream sundaes. Choose from a traditional Nutella sundaes or some lovely tropical fruity sundae topped with fresh fruits and vanilla ice cream scoops. Fondue is a lovely lift me up, packed with mushy marshmallows or fruits dipped in warm chocolate sauces. If you are looking for some Italian love, pick from their long list of funky gelato flavours like bubblegum, biscotti, Honeycomb etc. We bet you would be spoilt for choice.

All this dessert making you feel thirsty? Fret not because they also have a wide selection of afternoon teas or cool mocktails to wash down that sweetness. You can team them up with some tangy lemon curd cake, blueberry cheesecake, traditional English fruit scones or even savoury sandwiches. Apart from the all-time favourites, they have a Pirlos special (drum roll please) which includes a fancy passion fruit crème Brulee and a mixed berry pavlova.

If you are looking for something healthier and have dietary restrictions, this is the best place because they have a separate vegan and gluten free menu too! Your favourite brownies, cakes and even waffles can now be enjoyed guilt free by your friends and family alike because they take large party orders.

Wait there is more! If you cannot find something interesting on the menu, go ahead and create your own customised crepe, waffle, cake or a sundae. Now that is what we call personalization and customization at it’s best. Pirlos is truly a Dessert factory dishing out some amazing desserts and most importantly they do it with a smile.

How to Protect Your Shoes

Life is a journey and a journey of a thousand miles begins with shoes. I know that sounds a bit cheeky but when it comes to shoes I can’t help it. Let’s face it, new shoes make everyone happy. But keeping those new babies in shape can get tiresome. Being a shoe addict, I have my own shoe routine which I would like to share with all you lovely ladies. So let’s talk about the easy tips that can help protect your precious shoes and sandals.

A major problem when it comes to tending your shoes is finding the right product for your shoes. You need to save your shoes from the weather, travel, wear and tear from regular usage and so much more. So here’s a basic guide which will help you get started.

Shoe Stuffers: I recently came across a website which I can say is a shoe lover’s best friend. Protectmyshoes.com is an online store which sells a fashionable luxe line of shoe stuffers. A shoe stuffer helps maintain the shape of your shoes. A lot of time people use paper or shoe trees. But often they end up doing more harm than good. The tissue papers shred easily and the shoe trees stretch out your shoes. When travelling you often end up with deformed looking heels. Shoe stuffers by protectmyshoes.com are handmade, machine-washable and fit perfectly into any shoe design. They are a great addition to your shoe care kit and an essential when it comes to travelling. So say bye-bye to squished shoes, and hello stylish stilettos.

Fragrance Mist: Often when you end up wearing closed shoes you are afraid to take them off or pack them with the fear of stinky feet and shoes. Protect your shoes and keep them smelling great with a fragrance mist. Protectmyshoes.com has some great fragrance mists which will leave your shoes smelling great. All you need to do it spray some mist on the shoe stuffer as needed and place them in your shoes.

Shoe Protector Spray: This is a must have in any shoe care kit. Get an all weather protector spray. Spray your new shoes and leather shoes with a waterproof spray to keep them in pristine condition. Apart from this regularly clean and wipe your shoe to preserve them. If you have a leather shoe collection make sure you follow this routine religiously.

Protect and Brush Suede: Suede shoes are very delicate and attract a lot of dirt. This makes them look worn out after just a few uses. Invest in a good quality brush and clean your shoes regularly to get rid of any dirt or stains. Avoid going for a hard bristle brush for your delicate shoes. Once you clean your shoes don’t forget to protect them with a suede protector spray.

Leather Conditioning Cream: Leather is usually very durable but improper care or cleaning can damage it severely. Protect your leather shoes with a deep conditioning cream. A conditioning cream will help the leather maintain its shine and not get dry. Spray leather shoes with a water-repellent protective spray before using them in rain or high humidity.

What are the basic items in your shoe care kit? Let me know in the comments below.

Blogger Advice – How to Work with Brands

In a world where we are getting bombarded by content every minute of every day, it’s increasingly difficult to find sources that you can trust. Amidst this chaos and confusion, blogs are emerging as one of the most trust-worthy sources – namely, because of the people behind them. Millennials are looking for authentic influencers to provide them with credible information, and the “real girl, real world” image that bloggers have makes them ideal. It’s no wonder, then, that small and big brands are turning to the blogosphere to spread awareness and gain traction. The question is: there are a lot of blogs – and a lot of brands – so how can you make your blog stand out from the crowd and work with brands in a way that benefits both of you?

The first step to building successful relationships with brands is to have a very clear understanding of your own value proposition. This will help you understand which brands you should work with, what you can offer to them and how you should position yourself in their eyes. Your value proposition must include an overview of your audience, how you engage with them and what makes you different from others. It must address the question that every brand will ask before working with you: what’s in it for me?

Once you’ve understood your value proposition, put it together in a media kit. In a nutshell, a media kit is a document which contains any information that a potential partner or sponsor would need to know about you. If you want to build your partnerships with brands, having a media kit is simply non-negotiable and while it might take a bit of time to put together, it’s worth it. While the media kit must cover information about you and your traction (if you’re not tracking your engagement, you’d better start, pronto!), it must be infused with your personality and style. Copying statistics from your Google Analytics tracker is not going to cut it.

Start by gathering all the information you need for the kit (which is no mean feat!) and then you can work towards assembling it in a compelling way. An important aspect of the media kit which many miss out, is testimonials. No matter how attractive the data points look, the truth is that nothing is as attractive as having other people talk you up. So, make sure you drop an email to everyone you’ve worked with and have them send in a genuine, non-salesy testimonial. It will work wonders for you.

While it can be tempting to work with any and every brand that approaches you – don’t do it! You must be very selective in choosing which brands you should work with. They must resonate with your audience and blend into your content in a way that does not feel uncharacteristic or out of place. Applying a filter to the brands you work with will ensure that you maintain the quality of your content and therefore, your engagement with your readers. It will also open the possibilities for future collaborations with newer and bigger brands. Remember, when it comes to your blog, social media and other platforms for engagement – your audience always come first. Keep them happy and engaged.

At this point, it’s important to mention that you should try not to fall into the trap of brands who send out generic, blanket emails to a bunch of bloggers. You can always tell which brands have made some effort to get in touch with you, and which haven’t. Brands that really want to work with you will take out the time to send you a personalised, thought-through email that shows they’ve read your work and understand you. Those are the best kinds of brands to work with.

Fast-forward. When have sparked a relationship with a brand, ensure that you iron out the details so that both parties are very clear about what they will receive from the partnership. As a blogger, think through what kind of content you will produce for the brand – written copy on your blog, short videos for your YouTube channel, a set of social media posts or something else? It’s important to understand what your strength is (for example, you might have a successful blog but a much more successful YouTube channel with more followers and engagement), what will work best for the brand and where the brand message will resonate the most with your audience. Remember that sponsored posts should never, ever feel sponsored so focus on making the posts as relatable as possible.

One more thing that many bloggers forget: you are legally bound to disclose your relationship with the brand to your audience. On social media, many do this with a simple hashtag (#ad) and on blogs, you will often find a disclaimer at the bottom of the post. Do not – I repeat, do not – forget to be transparent with your audience. Not only can you fall into legal trouble if you don’t disclose it – you could also risk losing or alienating your followers. People turn to bloggers because they’re transparent, authentic and real – don’t ever lose that.

And now, for the burning question: what’s the right compensation? The truth is, there is no right compensation. It depends from blogger to blogger, and brand to brand, but remember that simply doling out free favours to brands will exhaust you and burn you out. You should charge brands to work with you – it’s a fair exchange for the passion and the effort you put into the content you create. Having said that, some brands may want to work with you in exchange for products, or others might suggest an initial trial before determining the compensation, and there is nothing wrong with that, if it works for you. If working with the brand will help you further your blog and your business, go for it! At the end of the day, it’s a call that you will have to take. But remember – never shy away from asking for what you rightfully deserve.

Finally, remember that there is no hard or fast rule. You will keep evolving your approach as you work with brands, each one different. Keep learning, keep evolving and keep blogging!

5 Years and Counting….

Wow! Didn’t realise how fast time flies, my blog turned 5 this week.

It has been a great journey, a self-discovery. Blogging in these last five years has changed me as a person, and for better. I have made new friends all over the world and learnt a lot. It has been fun and tiring at times, with its ups and downs, but the passion I had for this blog when I started it in 2012 has only grown ever since.

I don’t want to bore you all to death but wanted to say Thank You to everyone who has supported me and to all of you who have encouraged me. I love to chat so don’t hesitate to drop me a comment or an email and share your thoughts.

Here I am sharing with you some of the celebration pics of my 5-year long journey!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

“Motherhood: All love begins and ends here”- Robert Browning

How beautifully do these words explain the magic of this precious relationship! Mums are always special for children, and the bond they share grows stronger with every passing day. For all the love that your mother showers on you, she deserves to be treated like a queen. Not only should you cherish these feelings every day but grab all opportunities to make her feel special. But most of us take relationships for granted and forget to appreciate them. As Mother’s Day is around the corner, you have a chance to show your mum how important she is for you. You need not spend a fortune on gifts, but these should reflect the love you have for the most special woman in your life.


Here are some lovely gift ideas for this Mother’s Day:

Unique Gifts with Message: Look for a piece or home accessory like a painting etc. with a meaningful message etched on it.

A Simple Card: When you don’t have much to spend, a simple card would just do the trick. Just make sure that you write your heartfelt emotions to touch her heart.

Flowers: Flowers make another inexpensive gift for expressing your love and gratitude towards the special lady this Mother’s Day.

Outfit: Buy her a beautiful blouse or dress that reflects her style and taste.
(Blouse and Sunglasses from JJoy – http://www.joythestore.com/)

Chocolates: A box of you Mom’s favourite chocolates would definitely bring a smile on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes. “I am crazy about chocolates”

A Bottle of Wine: A bottle of wine or champagne is another wonderful gift you can present to your mother on her special day.

Cake: DIY Alert – Bake a delicious cake with “Happy Mother’s Day” icing to say thank you for all that she does for you.

Perfume: Who doesn’t love perfumes! Express your love to your mommy by presenting her a bottle of her favourite fragrance.

Jimmy Choo Illicit Gift Set – http://www.theperfumeshop.com/Jimmy-Choo/ILLICIT-FLOWER/Eau-de-Toilette-Gift-Set-for-her-/p/35560EDTGS

Spa Voucher: Use this special occasion to pamper your special woman by gifting her with a spa voucher.

Jewellery or Accessories: If budget is no concern, a lovely bracelet or ring would be the best Mother’s Day gift you can buy for your mum. With the summer season approaching fast, a pair of sunglasses would make a great Mother’s Day gift.

Gift Voucher: And if you are not able to decide anything, buy her a gift voucher so that she can pick a gift of her choice.  (Gift Voucher from – https://www.johnlewis.com/gift-card)

(Lightbox from Joy – http://www.joythestore.com/)

So how do you plan to say thanks to your mummy this Mother’s Day!!

Note: Mother’s Day is 26th March in UK and 14th May in US & India

Women’s Day- Let’s Celebrate Woman Power!!

March 8 marks the International Women’s Day, the day to celebrate the woman power. Although the celebration is perpetual, this is a day that symbolises the pride and glory of womanhood.

It has been well-said by African-American poet Mary Angelou-“How important it is for us to recognise and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Women’s Day is the opportunity to recognise the achievements of she-roes across the globe- the famous ones and the unsung ones alike.

Women have achieved a lot more than men today. We are born to multi-task, which gives them the amazing ability to juggle their domestic and professional responsibilities so effortlessly.

I believe we all have a life of our own and the right to live it the way we want to. Let’s come together and be the change! Make Your Own Choices – Take the first Step to fulfill the dreams we dream and make them a reality!

 “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous”. Coco Chanel
Whether it is about what you wear or where you work, it is you who should be empowered with these choices. Why should anyone make the decisions for you? And while you make these choices, let them reflect class and dignity.

Chase Your Dreams
“Give a girl the right shoes, and she will conquer the world”. Marilyn Monroe
You are as capable as your male counterparts, and you have proved this everywhere. You just need the right opportunities and confidence and capabilities will take you right on the top.

Learn To Rise after You Fall
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.” Oprah Winfrey
You have the resilience to rise after you fall and the courage to take failures in a stride. You learn from failures rather than let them stop you from going ahead.

Break Conventions
“Well behaved women rarely make history.”  Eleanor Roosevelt
Be brave enough to swim against the tide and break conventions. Dare to be different and do what you think is right.

Value Your Independence
“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” Melinda Gates
Aspire to be independent- financially, emotionally, and physically. You don’t need to depend on a man to live your life.

Be Yourself
“Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.” Ellen Degeneres
And most importantly, love who you are and just be yourself!

Let’s wish the most special women in our lives- the mother, the wives, the daughters, the sisters, the friends and the colleagues. Happy Women’s Day!<Motivat

Quick Weight Loss Tips to Look Gorgeous this Valentine’s Day 

With Valentine’s Day being just around the corner, all those extra pounds that you have accumulated over the holiday season might be worrying you. No need to lose heart as there is still time. Here are some quick weight loss tips to help you cut the flab and look gorgeous as you step out for your V-Day date:

Go for more fibre

Eating a high fibre diet is the best thing to do as it not only keeps you fuller for longer but also reduces the calorie intake. As you choose whole grains, fiber-rich fruits and veggies and nuts over unhealthy packaged foods, you end up lighter and fitter within no time. Also, make sure that you cut down the carbs and replace unhealthy, saturated fats with healthy ones.

Keep track of all that you eat

While eating healthy should be your priority, it is equally important to keep track of what you eat. Maintaining a diary of your everyday diet would be a good way to curb cheating and help you know where you are going wrong. You can cut on empty calories which you sometimes consume without even realising (such as the spoonful of sugar you added to your morning coffee!)

Say no to sugar and salt

If you want to lose weight quickly, ditching sugar and salt can be an easy and effective quick-fix. There are plenty of good reasons to avoid sugar-laden desserts and drinks. Salt is as big a culprit because it causes bloating. It would be a good idea to go “low sodium” the next time out for snack shopping.

Reach out for a cup of green tea

Green tea works like magic for shedding weight fast. Besides the array of health benefits that green tea drinkers vouch for, this prodigious drink boosts you metabolic rate and helps you burn calories. Say cheers to the cup of green tea and get into a new avatar by the big day!

Get moving!!

Walk, hike, gym, yoga…..whatever you do, just get moving. Make the best of the time you have as you include exercise in your daily routine. You can change some daily habits to come closer to your goals…walking to work and taking stairs instead of lift are some smart moves you can make.

Water, water!!

A 15-day weight loss plan needs you to be a smart eater. Drink plenty of water between meals so that you feel satiated for longer. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Go high on water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, pineapple, cranberries and celery. Make your portions smaller instead of skipping meals.

Be realistic with your expectations

Yes, you do need to lose weight by Valentine’s Day……but it is important to be realistic with your expectations. Don’t lose sleep over it as stress and sleep deprivation can actually cause your weight loss efforts to backfire. Focus on doing your best rather than thinking what you could have done had you started earlier.

And once you lose weight with these tips, make sure that you keep the momentum going. After all, your beau would want you to look stunning not only on the Valentine’s Day, but all days of the year!!

Gift Guide for Valentine’s Day

Finding the perfect gift for your girl may be a little difficult. You need to find a gift which is romantic and makes her feel special. If you are worried about what to get this V-day then this post is a great read for you. Some of the items in this list might be a little cliché, but it’s the day for being all clichéd and drunk in love. So if you want to earn the best boyfriend title then here are some amazing gifting ideas for your valentine which will make her feel really special. And dont worry remember the policy “Old is Gold”
1. Roses & Chocolates are given when it comes to Valentine’s Day. It’s like having turkey for thanks giving or a tree for Christmas. You can never go wrong with a box of her favorite chocolate and a bouquet of roses or even a single stem of a red rose is romantic. Brownie points if you surprise her with one of these on her bedside table before she wakes up.

2. Perfume: If your girl is obsessed with really good smelling bath and body products and she has a whole drawer of fragrances and perfumes then giving her a good perfume to add to her collection is a perfect gift. I recently tired the Jimmy Choo L’Eau and I like the fruity yet musky tones in the perfume. It’s a very sensual fragrance which is great for a night wear.

3. Jewelry is a great gift for every woman. Step up your gifting game by gifting your girl a unique piece of jewelry she can hold onto. An elegant pearl necklace, statement cocktail rings, delicate drop earrings, or a bracelet is something which she will appreciate. But finding the right jewelry can get a little challenging. Adore by the Swarovski group has come up with a new collection of some timeless classic pieces which are truly stunning. With colorful crystals and natural pearls the designs are refined and eclectic.

4. Wine: Make the evening romantic by cooking a meal at home and opening a fine bottle of red wine with some light music in the background. If you aren’t into cooking then you can always go out for dinner and the get a bottle of wine on your way back home and snuggle up near the fire or get cozy and watch your favorite movies. It a perfect romantic evening you can plan. Plus red wine also has aphrodisiac properties.


5. Candles: If you are planning to spend the night in, then candles would be a great gift. Light up a few scented candles around the house and get a bouquet of long stem roses with a bottle of wine, box of chocolates and have your own date night at home. Don’t worry about going to different places to pick up all these gifts. Marks & Spencer’s stocks all of these gifts during Valentine’s Day, so it’s a one stop shop for you.

Apart from the gifts, you can also plan a special evening by taking her to her favorite place for dinner which has a special Valentine’s Day event or go for a romantic movie and a walk in the park after. There are millions of ways you can make your Valentine feel special. These are just a few ideas which can help you make her feel special and loved.

Image Details –

  • Jewellery by Adore by the Swarovski group
  • Perfume by Jimmy Choo
  • Wine – Rose Brut – Marks & Spencer
  • Chocolates & Roses – Marks & Spencer
  • Candle – Marks & Spencer

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments below

Scarves the Best Accessory to Style Outfits – Spring Season Outfit Post

Winter is finally coming down to its pleasantness, and in the fashion world, we are all geared up with the spring trends for 2017. Spring Summer Runway trends are bold and confident this year with metallic effects, bold lines and bright colours. Winter wear can get boring with the grey’s, blacks and blues. But you can break the monotony in your wardrobe by adding some vibrant accessories like a scarf, clutch, chunky bracelets, layered chains and more.

During this season when it’s chilly outside, I prefer adding a colourful or textured scarf to make the outfit fun. They are soft, warm and extremely cosy. Scarves are so versatile, and one can get them in all types of prints, colours and lengths. And the best bit is that there are endless ways one can wear them as. Replace it for a necklace or wear it as a headgear, a scarf is one of those things which can change your entire look.

You can layer it with your favourite jacket by tucking it inside the jacket and pairing it with your super skinny jeans and boots. If you are feeling lazy, then you can just toss it around your neck for a casual look. You can add contrasting colours by pairing a blue jacket with a vibrant red scarf, or you can play around with prints by adding a floral scarf over a solid-colored jumpsuit.

I created two looks from the scarves I got from Fatface. I love their scarves; they are great quality, soft and pretty. I paired a cable jumper in Ganache colour with dark blue jeggings also from Fatface with a brushed stripe mid-weight scarf. I draped the scarf around my shoulders for a casual look. This look is great when it’s cold outside. It’s oversized and thick, so it keeps me warm plus it’s super soft, so it feels great around your neck. I wore day-time smokey eyes with a lot of khol and a muted lipstick. You can even pair this scarf with a maxi dress. For a structured look wear a belt around your waist and drape the scarf around your shoulders for a day out.For my second look, I paired my two part floral spot snood scarf with my jumper and skinny jeans. This is a lightweight scarf which is stylish and perfect for spring. I wrapped the scarf around my neck in a double loop and kept it mid-length. In the double loop style, you loop the scarf twice around your neck and tie the loose ends under the loop for a structured look. You can see both the prints when you loop it like this; it keeps your hands free, it looks stylish plus it’s super easy.

I have intentionally kept the outfit the same, but you can see each scarf has made my outfit look different. Scarves can instantly change ones outfit and you don’t have to worry about wearing the same look again and again, as you play with textures and prints in scarves

Outfit Details :

How do you style your outfit with a scarf? Let me know in the comments below.

The Best Cosmetic for your Skin: Yoga!

I bet when you read the title, mentioning ‘skincare’ you would have thought ‘another article recommending some fancy skincare product. Well, actually no! This article has nothing to do with recommending products or it’s application etc. This article illustrates the simple working of your mind, body and soul to give you that glowing skin that you always wanted. In short I am talking about YOGA. Yes, you read it right! Yoga in its righteous definition is the harmony of the mind, body and soul through the practice of different asanas and Pranayama(breathing). An important beneficiary of this practice is your skin.

The next question that comes to mind is how is yoga helping your skin? Yoga broadly helps the skin in two ways-:
1. Reduction of stress: Stress, which includes mental, physical and emotional ones is the number one enemy of your skin in every way possible. It cause premature ageing, dullness, breakouts etc. A key component of any yoga practice is breathwork. The breath is the vital connection to your mind, body and soul. Yoga breathing also called Ujjayi or deep breathing helps you bring your focus to your breath. Once you concentrate on your breathing, the mind and body slip into calmness and meditation. Focussing on your breath and consciously relaxing is reversing the ill effects of stress and tension on your skin.
2. Flushing out toxins: Ever heard that your skin needs to breathe? There are a lot of toxins in our bodies in the form of particulate matter, and even negative energy that prevents your skin to breath. Yoga helps flush them out through the asana and pranayama practice. The different poses and breathing in thoses poses challenge your body and your flexibility. But, a bigger benefit is that it stretches your muscles and thus, improving blood circulation. Better circulation, in turn, increases the rate of detoxification in our body mainly through the skin by way of sweating. Yoga helps speed up the natural cleansing process.

As a beginner, you can start with the following suggestions to incorporate Yoga into your day to day life-:

1. Gentle Stretches and pose: If you are a beginner start with some simple Yoga poses and stretches that help increases blood circulation to your face and head. Some of the easy ones are-:
Forward bend or Uttanasana: One of the simplest poses is to bend at the waist and hang forward. You can let your arms dangle or cross them over your head and hold your elbows. Don’t worry, You can bend as much as your flexibility allows.

2. Mountain Pose or Tadasana: It is a standing pose helps to concentrate on deep and rhythmic breathing that is a vital element of healthy skin. Stand straight with your feet flat and heels a little distance and base of big toes touching. Now, raise both hands and join them in a Namaste. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute.

3. Cobra pose or Bhujangasana: This pose helps to supply extra oxygen to the skin cells which in turn helps the body to flush out the accumulated toxins from the system.Lie on your stomach with toes flat on the floor and hands placed on the shoulders. Take a deep breath in and gradually lift the head and torso off the floor, only keeping your navel on the floor. Support your torso up with your hands and straighten them so that your back is arched. Hold this pose for 15 seconds and gradually increase the duration.

3. Breathe, breathe and breathe: You can start with simple breathing to calm your mind and body. They supply more oxygen to your skin to bring out that natural glow. One of the most common breathing practice is Kapalbhati. In this technique, you need to sit with your legs folded in a comfortably and practice a deep inhale and multiple short forceful exhalations (you can start with 10 quick forceful exhalations). Do 3 sets of this and take 3-4 breaths in between each set.
Here is a tip: Calming your mind is not about throwing out your thoughts, it starts with simply focussing on your breath. When your mind wanders just bring it back to the breath.

After these stretches and breathing practices, rest by lying down on your back with your palms facing upwards (Also known as Savasana). This will allow your body to assimilate the benefits.

Yoga is an obvious skincare regime with permanent benefits. The results would be slowly but surely be seen over time if one is consistent with the practice. Unlike cosmetics which bring an immediate result but only last, up and until you continue to use the product. Post that your skin may even deteriorate! I believe beauty is skin deep (you may call me old fashioned!), but a natural glow on your skin is a manifestation of the harmony between your body, mind and soul. As a devoted practitioner of yoga, I know it is the only way to bring that harmony in your life.

Blog Post Contributed by Gayatri Iyer

Gayatri Iyer is a multifaceted dynamic young person and is currently the Chief Creator Ahem Designs, where she designs quirky handmade stationery and all pretty little things in New Delhi. Previously she founded Chef In A Box, a recipe box platform for cooking lovers including herself. The spirit to do something of her own and to channelize her creativity gave birth to her maiden book called Life’s Macchiatio-A collection of your stories. She is also an avid blogger through her blog psitsgayatri.com and is self taught artist learning traditional and contemporary art like Gond, Phad art and abstract art. When she is not dreaming or writing she practices Yoga, plays tennis and also does her bit for animal welfare in the city by adopting and feeding stray dogs.

10 Things to Swap for Living Healthier

Following a healthy lifestyle is the key to living longer and healthier. Nutritious diet and an active routine is the mainstay of improving your lifestyle for better. You can do this by incorporating some healthy swaps in daily schedule…have a look:


White Bread/Brown Bread –  The next time you are at the grocery store, ditch white bread and pick the wholesome brown variant instead. The latter is more nutritious and easier to digest as it is made of whole grains instead of processed ones.

Fried Eggs/Boiled Eggs – Cooking technique can make all the difference in the health value of the food you eat. You can make your breakfast platter a lot healthier by avoiding fried eggs and opting for boiled eggs in their place.

Chips/Butter-free Pop Corn – The bag of your favorite potato chips supplies a whole lot of calories, fat and salt; swap this unhealthy snack with butter-free popcorn which is high in fiber but low in fat.

Fruit Juice/Whole Fruits – Another smart way to go high on fiber is to have whole fruits instead of fruit juice. Though you may love your glassful of delicious fresh juice, the whole ones offer a hefty dose of fiber and keep you fuller for longer.

Energy Drinks/Power Nap – Energy drinks may seem like a great way to pep up your energy level but a mid-day power nap is much better way to replenish your energy reserve as it relaxes your body and mind.

Fast Eating/Chewing Slowly – Swap the habit of fast eating with chewing slowly. This way, you will not only enjoy the food but also will be satiated with smaller quantities.

Jumping Right In/Warming Up –A good change that you can make in your exercise regime is to start by warming up and not jump right in. This helps your body adapt to the change and feel less tired.

Big Goals/Small Milestones –It is vital to be mentally healthy for maintaining physical health. Aspiring for smaller milestones instead of big, unattainable goals helps you be mentally relaxed and fulfilled.

Dwelling in the past/Focusing on the future – Take a progressive approach, with all your focus on doing better in the future rather than dwelling on what has been lost due to the mistakes you have made in past.

Over Committing/Saying No- Learn to say no instead of over-committing in personal as well as professional lives. Making unrealistic commitments, is one of the biggest mistakes that people make as it can stress them out and take toll on their health.

All these smart swaps can improve the quality of life manifold and help you live longer, happier and healthier!!!

Top 10 Tips – For a Healthy, Happy You!

Wishing you all a Wonderful start to 2017. my first post of the year – with an advice for how you can get lead a healthy and happier life by following those 10 simple tips.  So,  Here’s the Top 10 tips from me For a Healthy, Happier You!

My first post of the year, is an advice for how you can get lead a healthy and happier life by following those 10 simple tips.  So,  Here’s the Top 10 tips from me For a Healthy, Happier You!

For A Healthy, Happy You

  • Wear only those clothes that make you happy and you are comfortable in. If you are conscious and/or figety in an outfit, it won’t look good, no matter how stylish it is.
  • Follow only those fashion trends that appeal to you and fit within your budget. Remember, the classics can look equally glamorous if you wear them right.
  • Walk with your back straight and head held high. You cannot make a good impression with bad posture.
  • Every once in a while, go for a day or night out just with your girls – a little bit of gossiping and a dose of laughter can do wonders for the mind.
  • Do not let others’ opinion on your clothes, body or hair matter. You must strive to make yourself
  • Pamper yourself with a day full of luxurious beauty treatments every once in a while – it will leave you fresh and in high spirits for sure.
  • Keep your wardrobe, dresser and shoe closet well-organized – your fashion woes are sure to get halved when everything is clutter-free.
  • If your mind is completely fixated on a dress or heels or perfume, buy it even if it isn’t within your budget. Reduce your other expenses to make up for the deficit, and revel in the satisfaction of having that one thing you couldn’t get your mind off of.
  • Put extra effort into your appearance if you’re having a bad day. Looking good can lift your spirit immensely, and of course, compliments pouring in will make you happier.
  • Always wear a fragrance that you really, really like. When you smell good, you are sure to be in a better mood.
  • Most importantly, smile as much as possible – it is the only accessory that costs nothing.

Top 10 Tips – For a Healthy Body

Love looking your best, but have no time to keep up with new, fab beauty & fashion mantras? Here’s the Top 10 tips that’ll help you look your best and take care of your healthy!
For Your Body

  • Drink plenty of water for keeping your skin, hair and body healthy.
  • Eat a healthy diet that is low on fats and simple carbs, and rich in proteins and micronutrients.
  • Exercise in some form or the other at least 4-5 times a week. Find what physical activity you most enjoy, be it swimming, cycling, dancing, gymming or something else; take time out to perform it with regularity.
  • Add more and more antioxidants to your diet for anti-ageing, metabolism-regulating and general health benefits.
  • Moisturise your body with light, refreshing products in the summertime and thick body butter in the winter season.
  • Make sure you do not have body hair when wearing short dresses, sleeveless clothes or midriff-bearing outfits.
  • Always wear perfume and body deodorant – BO is such a turn-off.
  • Exfoliating body skin on a weekly basis is crucial for removing dead skin. Prepare a scrub suited to your skin type at home and if you don’t have the time, go in for a store-bought product.
  • If you have cellulite, dry brush affected areas before bathing on a routine basis.
  • Go in for a body massage whenever possible to relax taut muscles and increase blood circulation across your body.

10 Things You Can Do To Relax This Holiday Season 

Sometimes the most important thing in the whole day is just to pause and breathe in the moment. Every now and then it’s important to give yourself a break, slow down a bit, relax and unwind. We are always pre-occupied with our lives and juggling too many things like work, household chores, having a social life and so much so that, we just forget to hit the pause button. I know I am always on my toes running from pillar to pole juggling between my job, blog, studies and family. We even get stressed about festivals. The amount of cleaning, cooking or shopping you need to do sometimes just stresses you out.
Hence I have decided to take a break this Christmas, and do all the things that I enjoy. Celebrate the festivities with the small things that make me happy and give me satisfaction.

One of the things that come to everyone’s mind when we talk about unwinding is a spa weekend. But let’s get real, we don’t always have the time or money to do so and same goes for vacations.

So here are a few ideas for you to enjoy your holidays without breaking your bank:

  • Go out for a coffee or hot chocolate: Winters are all about warm snugly drinks, and cafes are nicely decorated and Christmasy during this time of the year. An even better idea is to go café crawl – try out all the cafes near your area to see which one serves the best coffee or hot chocolate. Then go crazy on the sugar high.
  • Read a book: Remember the book you have been meaning to read since your last resolution. It’s time to grab a copy get cozy under the blanket or by the fire in your bedroom or mix up the café crawl with a book reading.
  • Get a digital detox: spend the time with your friends and family and turn off the internet and all your gadgets for a few day. Ok, let’s get realistic here at least a few hours and just relax.
  • Detox your body: After a digital detox it makes sense to follow a detox plan as well between Christmas and New Year. It’s the thing our body needs after all those bubblies and candies this year.
  • Exercise: After all the merriment you’ve had this Christmas, get your body back on track by hitting the gym or going for a run. Getting your sweat on helps increase your endorphins, blood circulation, improves your mood and makes you more relaxed.
  • Walking: If you aren’t a fan for some hardcore exercise then just go for a walk, alone, with a dog or a friend. Enjoy the mesmerising lights, the humungous Christmas trees and the decorations around your town.
  • Catch up: Invite your friends over for some tea, brunch or even a dinner and catch up on all the gossip and happenings in each other’s lives. After all festivals are all about enjoying them with your close friends and family.
  • Get Artsy: Remember that DIY pin you’ve saved on Pinterest for over a couple a months. Well, its time get your craft kit out. This Christmas get creative with your gifts and give your friends and family something they may remember. Make the scented candles or the dream catcher. Or even better, paint and fill up that empty wall in your house. If nothing else it would be a great story someday.
  • Wardrobe Detox: It’s time to take the plunge. Get rid of all the clothes you don’t wear, don’t fit or are out of style. This is the only way to fit in more new clothes. 😉 Make it a fun day by getting your friends and some champagne and strutting in your house like a model. (Imagine Sex and the City scene with Carrie)
  • Get Organised: Have a pile of mail, bills and random papers lurking around in some drawer? Get your work mode on and clean your paperwork or pending tasks at home. Send a thank you note and reply to all those Christmas greetings and check this off your list.

So now that you have detoxed, relaxed and enjoyed your Christmas. Get your boots on to rock the work with a fresh mind. How do you like you unwind and relax? Let me know in the comments below.

New Year Outfit Inspiration

New Year is all about a new beginning, moving forward, resolutions, dreams and hopes. But New Year also means party, time to celebrate the present and enjoy. I love the holiday season and love to end the year with a bang. I have always been enthusiastic about New Years Eve. Even as a kid, I loved to go to parties or gatherings. So every year I would look forward to my New Year plan with much excitement, I guess it was the shopping that got me most pumped up about the whole day. I would start looking for my outfit almost a month in advance.


Since New Year is something big for me, so is my dressing for the event. It’s such a glamorous event that I need my outfit to show my excitement. So for me sequins, sparkle or glitter in some form is a must. Also, it is apt for New Year since the parties are at night and everyone is dressed to impress.  I prefer wearing bright colours over a usual black dress. You instantly stand out in the crowd with a little pop of colour.

So I guess by now you guys must have realised how excited I get about New Years. But I get even happier when I find the perfect outfit for this day. For years I have worn a dress more a less, so this year I wanted to wear something totally different and break the monotony. After hunting for an outfit for over 10-15 days I choose a lovely sequined top and a high-low skirt from Coast. It’s been a task for me to find this outfit since I’m a very selective person.

It’s a short capped sleeve sequined top in tones of blue and purple which teams up perfectly with the glamorous high-low skirt. Usually, if you purchase a fancy dress for New Year, then you don’t really get enough occasions to wear it again. But this outfit is extremely versatile. The top can be paired with jeans and even with lehenga or saree. I might do a fun post on this later. Just keep an eye out for this 🙂 and the skirt is so pretty that it will make a great addition to my cocktail wardrobe. I am pairing up the pieces with a silver clutch and silver high heels.

But if you are someone who doesn’t like to wear a sequined outfit then you can have some sparkle in your accessories like a clutch or hat. You can also pair a sequined mini skirt with a solid coloured blouse. Sequins can get tricky. To avoid looking like a shiny disco ball make sure that you don’t wear sequins from top to bottom. Let one item in your outfit be the hero.

I’m all set with my New Year outfit, so stay around to get a glimpse of my look and find out where and how I spent my new years eve…it’s a little hush hush for now.

Outfit Details:
Embellished Top – Coast Stores
High Low Skirt – Coast Stores
Jewellery – Coast Stores
Silver Sandals – Dune London

What are your New Year plans? Let me know in the comments below.

York Weekend Travel Diaries #VisitYork

Our trip to York was not only fulfilling in terms of the Hotel Du Vin York, but also satisfying in regards to the lovely sights and sounds the city had to offer. I always believe that every place needs to be first explored by simply walking around the local neighbourhood, shops, cafes, etc. to simply breathe in the unique air. That was exactly what we did when we landed at this place in the afternoon.

With Christmas round the corner, there was no better motivation to visit the local Christmas market and outlets to pick up some lovely things. Whether you are looking for one of a kind unique little gift or something designer and classy, York has it all. Wander through the cobbled streets of Stonegate centre to have a look at the antique shops, vintage stores, and small boutiques selling everything from pottery, jewellery and artefacts. Whatever is your budget you are sure to find something worthwhile to treasure. In case you are in a mood to shop for some classy labels and not blow up your pockets, head over to designer outlet to satisfy your craving. Wait! There is more. A visit to the famous Shambles market (It is nowhere in shambles, but a gem!) right in the heart of the city is perfect for that leisurely stroll through 70 odd merchant stalls selling local produce, flowers, antiques, books, etc. museum; you name it and you will find it. York promises to satisfy every kind of shopper ever born!
The next day, after a sumptuous breakfast, we headed to soak in some culture and history by first making a visit to the York Castle Museum located at the Eye of the York. This is a one stop location to learn all about hundreds of years of York history-from recreated Victorian old jails to the Jacobean dining rooms. The interactive galleries hold thousands of objects that give a glimpse into the glorious English history.There was even a Christmas carol presentation at the Victorian place, not to mention a Christmas trail for kids to explore. Our next stop was the magnificent York Minister, one of Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals complete with stoned masterpieces and stained glass. The vast spaces come alive with the deep reverence for worship, tradition and music. There are even some inspiration corners at the Revealing York Minister that were displaying artefacts and various audio visual clips perfect to soak in the 2000 year old history of the cathedral. If you’re fit enough, one can climb up the 275 steps of the Central Tower, from where you can get a complete view of the city. Believe me it is so worth the effort.

The next stop in our medieval trail was the York Castle, situated between the Fishergate and Skeldergate bridges. It was a fully wooden structure built by the Normans in 1068. The Clifford tower is the oldest remaining structure of the castle, which was later rebuilt in stone during the 13th century. It is said that the king would display all the executed bodies on display in this castle. Apart from this eerie fact, the views are stunning. We were very keen to see the York castle dungeon, which is a thrilling show showcasing city’s brutal history like the Viking invasion, murderous rogues like Guy Fawkes etc. However, with our 3 year old kid in tow, we had to do something less extreme, so we headed to the National Railway museum, just behind the York station. It has so many impressive locomotive exhibits dating back to 1820’s like Queen Victoria’s Palace on wheels, King Edward’s smoking saloon and even a Japanese bullet train. There are countless demonstrations, exhibitions, live theatre and science shows perfect for kids and adults alike. I can say that this was most enjoyable for all of us.

Our last activity for the day was a relaxed boat tour of York, suitable for families where we got to know some interesting colourful snippets about the city’s rich culture along with marvelling at the beautiful sights. The boat tour just summed up all that we wanted to see in York.

I was pleasantly surprised at the rich cultural history of York and it offers so many activity options for young and old alike depending on the season. So, if you want a short break combined with relaxation, learning and fun, York is the place to go.