My beauty after baby? {Women Stuff}

This is continuation from yesterday's post. Ok, so, this was one of the issues which came up when discussing pregnancy. How does it affect a woman over in the physical ways?? Weight gain and stretch marks seem to be most prominent issues. Also, energy levels get reduced.

Let's talk about Energy first!!

A couple's age also affects their ability to keep up with children. As life expectancy lengthens, it's easy to forget that age matters. It's tempting to enjoy as many adventures and experiences as we can during the same years that our parents and grandparents were already diapers-deep into the parenting enterprise.

Unfortunately it's much easier to achieve a lifestyle of endless youth than it is to keep our bodies from aging. But, having babies at the right time ensures that the biological clock of the body remains proper and that affects the energy levels in the body. As you get older, the energy levels do reduce whether we want to accept it or not.

Weighty Issues

The scale can be scary during pregnancy, but a large percentage of that weight is the baby and surrounding fluids — meaning it will be gone by the time you get home from the hospital. As for the remaining weight, a lot of it can be eliminated by calorie-burning breastfeeding and easier-than-you-think exercises.

Like walking — you’d be surprised at the ways in which taking a stroll can help you. I had normal weight till 3 months after my pregnancy. I put on when I had that heavy full of home-made butter Indian food (which sounds very yummy) that is necessary as per our mothers and ignored working out believing I haven't put on yet then why to worry?

So weight is all in our control and regular exercise during and after pregnancy eases out the weight loss. And, regular exercise also helps in normal delivery and keeping your body fit. Also, I have a separate post outlining those benefits so watch out for that!!!  

Stretchy Feeling?

Don’t worry about stretch marks because there are so many creams and lotions available in the market for them and you can improve elasticity of skin beforehand only, even before getting pregnant. I had used Bio Oil which my hubby got from Belgium which I think helped me a lot.

So, that was my experience in a nutshell :) Hope this was helpful for all of you. I will be back with many other posts on pregnancy. Watch out and in the meantime, don't forget to check out my blog as well :)

You might also like:

How do you feel when you are down?
Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases in Women?

Should I go for a baby or not?

Inviting guest posts!!!

This is for all those ladies who want to write for Perfect Skin Care for you. I am not planning on paying on a per post basis but yes, I do have plans to incentivize for the people who would write. But, honestly, I don't really want you to write for money or any special favors but I would appreciate if you would like to write.


Rest, I can only say that if I get even a tepid response from you all, I would be really grateful :) And, yup, I am finding it difficult to keep up with daily postings so would love it if you could add up to my efforts :) So, don't forget to mail me at perfectskincareforyou@gmail.com. Hoping to hear from you!!

My dilemma with becoming a mother {Women Stuff}

Hey, Nidhi. I am Punam and read your comment on becoming mother dilemma so thought of sharing my experience. To be a mother is always a huge responsibility and even I had loads of confusion when I was about to be a mother.

In my situation, it was all our decision to have a baby and others saying its too early because we had been married for only a year and half!! I was afraid of the responsibilities and wanted to learn how to run and take care of home before I became a mom.

Those days, even though ours was a love marriage, we used to have enough heated discussions to make me reluctant to go for a baby. I always used to think that excess of arguments between me and my husband means there is less understanding and that's not good for the baby.

In a nut shell, I wanted to have a few years for ourselves to understand each other before we expanded the family. But, then, the question came to whether the disagreements would ever end? I mean howsoever much you might love or understand a person, everyone has their own opinion.

Me and my mom also fight till date even though we have a 27 year old relationship not considering her being my mom fact!! First Advantage: Our relationship and understanding improved with the baby. Second Advantage: Kids become THE ultimate excuse

I always used to have this complaint that I will have no time for myself after having a baby. But, the truth is I have more time myself now as I have everybody to help me and they give me my own space. I have more servants now to help me because they think I have more work.

If you tend to be a little on the late side for social events and really hate having to iron, guess what? You have a built-in excuse for tardiness, slovenly dressing, and a whole host of other things. "Sorry, but with the baby and all, it's practically impossible to [fill in the blank]." Hell, you'll even get to leave boring parties early! :D 

So, these are a few things which I found changed after having my little angel :) Hope, this helps you. I do have few other things to mention in another post. So, watch out for that. And, in the meanwhile, you can always visit my own blog. I recently did an EOTD and a post on bumps after waxing!!

Other posts from Punam:

Hair Care during and after Pregnancy
Lakme Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Capsules Treatment

Biotique Bio Wheatgerm Firming Face & Body Cream {Product Review}

Price: Rs 199 for 55gms

Ingredients

Pros

keeps the skin moisturized

amazing as hand and feet cream

can be used for cuticles and nails as well

removes tanning to an extent and lightens skin tone

Cons

can be greasy for not so dry skins
ingredients list is a mystery still!!

My Experience

Its been an year since I have used it but when I thought of putting up its review, it was already summers so it wouldn't have been of any use to anyone. So, I thought of deferring the review for these winters :) And, do I need to say more that I waited for winters to put up the review?

Biotique as a brand I love but their ingredients list is always an issue. But, their products almost always work for me so I do think of going back to them. This is also one of the good ones. The texture of the product as you can see is pretty thick.

Yes, it is absolutely amazing for dry skin. In winters, it absolutely solves the dry patches problem. One needs to use a wee bit amount of the product and you are good to go. It does lighten the tan and pigmentation you might have. But, the best way to use it is as a hand cream.

It is thick so it keeps the hands soft and moisturized all winters. And, as I said, it also lightened the color of my hands. And, it kept my cuticles also in check. Yes, I have used it on my face also and totally liked it but yes, it can get a bit greasy so unless you have very dry skin, you can skip it.

Its also great for arms and legs and feet as well. Just as it keeps the hands soft, it keeps the feet moisturized and prevents cracking of the heels unless you torture them :D So, yup, go for it this winters, if you haven't used it and I am sure you will love it as well :) And, if you have used it, so share your views!

Other products reviewed from Biotique:

Biotique Bio Musk Root Hair Mask 

Biotique Bio Pistachio Ageless Nourishing and Revitalizing Face Pack 

Biotique Mountain Ebony Fresh Growth Stimulating Serum 

Biotique Bio Henna fresh Powder Hair Color 

Biotique Bio Flame of the Forest Fresh Shine Expertise Oil

Silk Fab exhibition!

So, this is just a heads up post. I have loads of sarees which my mum has collected over a span of 5-6 years! Ok, loads ranges in the number of max 20 but each of them is unique and is from various places of India and in all colors and cloths. All my relatives and friends were drooling at them!

And, one of the best places she did shopping from were the exhibitions organized by the various handlooms from time to time. So, if you are interested and in Delhi, you can drop by in August Kranti Bhawan to check out the Silk Fab exhibition. Unfortunately, the exhibition is ending tomorrow!

The exhibition generally features all kinds of silk sarees from all parts of the country. And, also, I wanted to ask if you would be interested in having a look at my collection of sarees?

5 ways to keep the surroundings clean {Five Series}

So, I am a certified obsessive cleaner. Hubs has been saying that since a year for now but I always used to take it for granted but yesterday I was reading this article on cleanliness which made me finally accept the accusations hurled against me!!

Anyways, leaving jokes apart, yes, the disorder and chaos and things thrown here and there do bother me! And, P specializes in it!! I think all guys are like that. They will do the things you specially forbid them to!

But, that is not what is on my mind. A few days back we went to a really good restaurant (where the crowd is generally the high end or well educated class) which is accessible by lift. Unfortunately, while coming back at 11 PM in the night, we find that the lift was littered with discarded mouth freshener packets. I had actually clicked the pics as well but they are in P's mobile and forgot to transfer them!! 

On one hand we are talking about Swacch Bharat Andolan or Clean India Movement and on the other hand we have the same kind of people doing the littering. Yes, it concerns me because if we do not share our responsibility, how do we think we will achieve an objective which is so huge. 

Similarly, on Diwali, I noticed that all the burnt crackers and their packaging were lying around for the maids, sweepers and others to clean. We could at least make a heap of them in a corner for someone to pick up. That would make the things easy for someone else!

keep the touristy places clean

Use Dustbins

The irony of India is that you would find the litter at those places where there is No Littering, cars parked at No Parking and people peeing at No Pee zones! Encourage your children to not throw things around even in the house. Once they learn to keep their own bed and room clean, they follow the same principles everywhere. 

Enjoy your travel!

We take regular road trips or train trips or bus trips or even in the flights and we have so many wrappers because we Indians love to eat. And, all these wrappers end up being thrown out of the bus windows or in the car back pockets.

Worse still, some people end up spilling more than eating and these days we have vacuum pressured air-conditioned buses which start stinking because of these spills. It is inconvenient and un-enjoyable in the longer run. 

Carry an extra disposable bag in which you can store all the things to be thrown or anything which gets spilled. And, try to teach kids not to throw around the food. 

Ask the vendors to carry dustbins

We went to a small hill station nearby for this vacation and we found that there were no dustbins near the food stalls. Everyone was forced to throw the coffee and tea cups on the road. When asked, the vendors said the locals do not use the dustbins, only tourists ask for it.

Even after this bit of awareness, they did not realize the need for dustbins. And, how do we really make them aware of the need? Well, that is a difficult question to answer for me. 

potted plants in the apartment keep the house and ambience clean

Help out the maids and sweepers

Just because we are paying them to clean does not give us the right to throw things around so that they will be cleared off the next morning. In fact, one good thing about my apartment is that we are not allowed to keep the garbage outside the house after 9 AM because the house keeping staff clears it at that time. 

Apparently there is a fine if we are late but the whole point of this is to enforce the habit of keeping the apartment corridors clean, right?

Start composting

Well, this is one of the simplest and best ideas I can give for all to recycle the biodegradable waste which we produce in our house which is the majority of our garbage, anyways! A community compost area is a good idea but we can always keep a separate one at our houses in small earthen pots.

Extra Tip 

All those pet owners, please train your pets to not use the roads or anywhere else as their toilets!! 

I am so thankful that all things are coming together at the right time. Even Indian Top Blogs has started a campaign to promote the awareness of Clean India Initiative. And, I a glad to be a part of the pledge to help my bit to keep my surrounding, my house and my apartment clean.

So, what do you think about cleanliness? Are you a part of the Clean India Initiative? What ideas do you think can be implemented towards keeping or streets clean? 

Related Posts:

5 Veggies that help with Acne
5 Beauty mistakes you might be making too
5 daily tasks which Stress you without your realizing them

High Frequency Treatment for Hair {Hair Care}

Some time back, I remember reading a reader's query regarding what is high frequency treatment and where to get these treatments. So, I thought of doing a post on this. I have been planning it since long but I was too lazy. Thanks for the push, dear reader :) And, I am sorry that I couldn't reply to the query personally.

I had come to know about this treatment in 2009 when I went to Lakme for Vital Indulgence. The name might sound really fancy but the entire thing is very simple. Now, if you remember the color spectrum which we has studied in physics, red has least frequency and blue or rather violet has most, right?
Similar principle applies here as well. What they do in this treatment is use high frequency light on the scalp. No, it doesn't hurt or anything. At max, if your scalp is very sensitive, you might feel a little spark shock for a moment. For that, you can get the strength of the frequency adjusted so that you are comfortable with it.

The instrument either in form of a comb or a single rod which is in fact a glass electrode which when placed in the holder creates the low current and lets it flow through it. You can see the blue light in the electrode. When the electrode touches the scalp, you feel a light tingling sensation and a very comfortable and soothing vibration on the scalp. 

High-frequency treatment uses low-current high-frequency alternating currents, delivered via a glass electrode. Because the high frequency current converts some of the oxygen in the air into ozone, the treatment has a germicidal action, and is also drying and warming. Consequently the treatment is used to aid healing, and also to help desquamation (the skin's natural exfoliation), and simulate sweat and sebaceous glands.

At up to 250,000 Hz frequency, the hollow glass electrode behaves like a glow discharge tube, and is sometime called a "violet ray" or "violent wand", (though the colour depends on the gas in the glass). Two electrodes are not required, and sparking may occur when the electrode is close to the skin. Because the effect may be pleasurable, similar devices are used in erotic electrostimulation. [Source: Wikipedia]

This comb is moved on the entire scalp. The treatment generally last for 15 minutes. The advantages of doing this treatment is that the high frequency kills any bacteria or other foreign bodies on the scalp preventing any scalp infection. The scalp has to be healthy for a healthy hair growth, right?

Moreover, the tingling and the vibration improves the blood circulation in the scalp and helps revitalizing the dormant hair follicles. This leads to better hair growth, controls hair loss, helps with dandruff issues as well. Also, the treatment in done in the hair spas so as to ensure better absorption of the treatment serums like hair growth serum or dandruff serums.

In fact, Punam also told me that this treatment is available for skin as well. It helps with breakouts and acne. The electrode is touched on the breakout and the effect is almost immediate. The pimple/acne is gone by the end of day or two. But, she also said that once we stop taking this treatment, the acne does come back. So, its kind of a curable treatment rather than a preventive measure.

I did think that whether its the same case with the hair as well but I think its more of a helpful treatment for hair because it can revive the dormant hair follicles which once revived and taken care of are not likely to become dormant again. It also helps relieve itchy scalp.

That's my theory and I might be wrong but one of my friend has attested that one entire sitting (which includes 4-8 treatments depending on the severity of the condition) of the dandruff treatment hair spa has really stopped her age-old problem of dandruff. So, guess, it might really work. 

I do have a feeling that it does work. Yes, I would recommend this treatment especially for the brides who are interested in getting hair growth or preventing hair loss. Its not that expensive either. Do check out the rates across all salons. Have you taken the treatment? How did you like it?

Books 2014 Vol. 9 - "7 Secrets of Goddess" by Devidutt Patnaik

About the Author

Mythology has always been an inherent part of Hindu culture. Where we used to spend our Sundays being enriched in the epics, the newer generation is gradually being drifted apart by the new age technology. So, how do we fulfil this gap? 

Devidutt Patnaik is one of the authors who has been constantly churning stories from various epics for our delight and trust me when I say, we are unaware of some them. I have already read a few of them and would definitely recommend The Pregnant King. Yes, some of his books may be just too mature for kids but we can always retell the stories in our way!

Along with such retelling of small episodes in the puranas or retelling of the major epics themselves, he also specializes in writing about the interpretation of the epics in the factual form as they come! Whether this interpretation is true or not is something which the author right away absolves himself of by stating that every man's interpretation of these works is correct.

About the Book

As much as we all love our mythology, we love it as a fiction. We love to visualize characters, we love to hail some of them and wish the others to the dungeons. But, here we have the stories of the Goddess and not just the stories but the literal interpretation of the female standing through the ages in our culture. 

It was a matriarchal society earlier, the male could not refuse the woman. In Mahabharata, Urvashi curses Arjuna for refusing her advances. In Greek mythology, Artemis turns Actaeon into stag that is ripped to pieces by his own hunting dogs....

Did you know what a virgin really meant? According to the book, it meant a woman who was ready to bear a child. Every woman was a virgin during the ovulation period which also explains how Draupadi's virginity would be restored before going to the next husband. Also, the term whore was meant for females who were free to go to any man. As the times changed, both the terms lost their true meaning and started denoting the chastity of women. - Gaia's Secret

the book is full of such illustrations and the font itself is easy to read and easy on the eyes

Kali has been portrayed as a symbolism for both violence and sexuality. She is wild and naked (Smashan Kali) which represents she can not be domesticated. She (Bhadra Kali) also has been portrayed as the medium who connects Shiva to the universe and his domestic responsibilities by indulging in familial duties with him. 

 

As opposed to Kali, Gauri is the calmer version of the Goddess who is dressed in bridal finery but her unbound hair reveals her independent nature. She is self-created and rides a tiger. Brahma seeks to control her making him unworthy of worship. Shiva is indifferent to her which makes him desirable to the Goddess and Vishnu values both the importance of Kali and Gauri as opposed to both the extremes. 

Hinduism is mainly symbolism and even the small stories can be interpreted than what they actually appear in their face value. Similarly, Brahma represents the human mind that misbehaves. Shiva vehemently rejects this misbehaviour. Vishnu is the human mind which does not condone this misbehaviour, ye understands it. What is the misbehaviour? It is the assumption of property - that culture and all its creation belong to humans. 

My Verdict

The book is not a light read. It talks about philosophy but while reading it, one should remember that it is just one man's interpretation and does not provide a holistic perspective of the issue. 

For example, while saying that the earliest of our culture was actually matriarchal, we also find a contradiction made by the author himself- the male partner chosen by the female (specified above) is killed at regular intervals.  

The chosen came to her during the sowing season and he was sacrificed at the harvest season.  

While the female gets the right to choose her partner, she does not have the right to stay with him for lifetime! In fact, love is then doomed in such circumstances. How does it become a matriarch society? 

Have you read the book or any other book by the author? How do you like his writing? 

Related Posts:

Books 2014 Vol. 8 - "The Sealed Letter" by Emma Donoghue

Books 2014 Vol. 7 - "Keep the Change" by Nirupama Subramaniam

Books 2014 Vol. 6 - "Perfume : The Story of a Murderer" by Patrick Suskind

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

Diwali preparations??

that's my collage of pics of Diwali in 2010

So, Diwali is right around the corner and I am super excited. This is my favorite-st festival of the year. I am not exactly preparing or anything. The suit I am gonna wear, I had bought it an year ago already :D Will definitely hunt if I get something better of course!! Girls will be girls, after all :)

Anyways, so what are your plans? Are you thinking about fire crackers? Or, an eco-friendly Diwali. Honestly, I would love to keep it noiseless and cracker-less but I love "anar" and this is the only time in the entire year to burn it so I don't know if I really want to give it up. 

But, yes, I do feel the guilt thinking about the sad children working in the cracker factories getting injured everyday and the amount of pollution we add to the environment in just a single day!! Ya, I know I am playing up on the guilt of all :D

Oh yes, I also want to try my hand again at rangoli. Last year was the first time I actually made it!! It wasn't that great but wasn't bad either. I want to be better this time. Actually, spreading the rice flour with the fingers is not as easy as it looks!! 

If you use a chalk piece, that's easy enough. But, my mom use rice flour to sketch the lines. And, she also makes Lakshmi's feet with the rice flour only, the paste mixed with water. I used to help my friend make them at her house coz my mom finishes all this even before I get up in the morning or evening :D

So, how do you celebrate Diwali? 

Related Posts:

Reduce air and sound pollution this Diwali 

Make your own colors for your Rangoli

Detox your home this Diwali

Just Gossip Vol. 37 - Some movie mentions!!

This long vacation has been pretty much a movie binging time. I have lost track of all the sitcoms I used to check out which were due to begin in October. Anyways, I shall do that once I get rid of hubby darling!! Gosh, having them home at all times is so time-consuming, dontchya think? :D

Finding Fanny

I could actually want the movie to be lost. Unless I am being too dumb or sarcastic, I am not one of the intelligent crowd for which the movie was made!! But, Dimple Kapadia stands out and the famous Pankaj Kapur painting of her was a hilarious and poignant sequence in the movie which deserves a mention.

Daawat-e-Ishq

Just now, I am watching it in the television. It has barely been a month since it has released and its already on the small screen.

Anyways, it has received many bad reviews but I really liked the movie. It is a cute small love story unless we sit and analyze the goods and bads.

Arjun Roy Kapoor stands out again, even better than Parineeti, and that was the USP of the film for me. And, loved the Meri Mannat tu song. I missed Khoobsurat.

Haider

Ummm...I am really not sure what to say about the movie. It was amazing. As usual Tabu, Kay Kay and Irfan Khan killed it!! Shahid was also good and loved how subtly the oedipus complex was depicted. But, I am still not sure of my own opinion about the movie. Though, the landscape and depiction of Kashmir is beyond words. 

Happy New Year

A medley of all the movies! Deepika looks hot in the Lovely song but no other words for it!!

Telugu Movies 

Well, do not take my words for telugu movies because I do not connect with them and unless they are reallyy good.

Oka Laila Kosam

I do not know why Naga Chaitanya even clicks. He is so unlike his father in terms of charm and looks but still whatever the case be, I was unimpressed with the movie. The heroine was made to look like Shruti Hassan which was sad.

Karthikeya

It is a thriller and I would say a decent one at that!! Not a big star cast or a long film, it could have been more crisper with better editing. 

And, now, I am facing the adrenalin rush!! Yeah, actually, I took out our car for the first time and I almost banged it up badly TWICE!! And, ended up parking it almost into the pillar. Have called up my hubby's cousin (does that make him my cousin?) to rectify the mistake before anyone comes to know of it :D 

How was your first car driving experience ALONE?

Related Posts:

Just Gossip Vol. 36 - A difficult business!!
Just Gossip Vol. 35 - Bloggie Vacation!
Just Gossip Vol. 34 - Things I have realized lately!

Keep your surroundings clean!! {Environment}

Ok, this is no beauty post but I really don't want to preach anything coz I do not generally follow what I preach but I have seen somethings which really affect me to a very huge extent so just wanted to discuss about that. Please do not think it is to criticize some one. 

We are all human beings and live in a community. This becomes even more important when we are living in a hostel or with strangers. Family always tends to adjust so we can be a little lenient or lazy. But, I have also noticed that people tend to be more responsible at home than outside which is pretty strange. 

So, this is about utensils. I live in a hostel kind of a place where there is a central kitchen and dinner is served like a buffet and we are supposed to serve ourselves. Many people take their dinners and go into their rooms and have food over there. No issues there. 

But, when it comes to putting the plates back into just the sink, people become too lazy and leave the plates outside their rooms rotting with all the leftovers till the servants come and pick those plates up (which is generally next day afternoon)!! I mean would you really leave plates unattended like that at your home?

No, right? Then, why outside? Aren't you living there? I mean you are gonna breathe the same air every time you come outside your room and eat int he very same plates next day and day after, right? Those insects crawling on those leftovers are gonna probably get inside your rooms as well and make the entire place stink!!

And, its not as if its a once in a blue moon thing. It happens everyday. When you are not well, one can understand but why such irresponsibility when you are hale and hearty and CAN WALK. Trust me, many people lack that luxury. This is something which you might even witness or remember if you have lived in hostels!!

Its really sad that people do not realize such a simple thing just because of sheer laziness. The worst part of everything is that one can't simply walk up to those people and say anything because you never know how people will react. I wish I knew a simple way to solve this issue.  

Don't we make a hue and cry when we see bad food being served or hygiene not being maintained??? Then, why do we make the very mistake when it comes to our turn? Honestly, it irritates me to eat in the very plates. I am planning to get my own plate and wash it myself!!!  

In fact, I did try to tell one of the girls with whom I talk a bit more. But, I hate to say this honestly, but, damn, she is unhygienic :D I can't help myself. I am sorry guys :D Please forgive me. Anyways, the response to my statement was simply that the servant would take the plate next day.

Should I really stand up for it? Or, should I let it continue just coz I don't want to mess with some strangers?? Waiting for your answers!!

Just Gossip Vol. 36 - A difficult business!!

Yeah, I know I disappeared again!! Sorry folks for being so erratic. The vacation had turned into a medical leave for hubby and I was also getting tired with all the household work and then the festive season. Now, I am totally drained out. So, here is a big tired hello to all of you on a Sunday.

Btw, did you check out the new About Me page?

Well, for all my readers, there is surprise on the About Me page so do check it out and let me know if you like it. I have finally put a face to the blog. Hope that helps you connect more to it :)

Personal Care

This is a personal experience that my self-care routine has gone to a toss after marriage. So many things to do and so many chores to complete that it looks like a never-ending project. So, people over there, I strongly suggest you to make your life whole lot easier and enjoy it!!

 

Blogging Technicalities

This one is for all the bloggers out there. Lately, I have been taking a lot of free courses on blogging offered by the pro-bloggers and like. There are few things I have realized in all of this process.

• Restarting the blogging habit is way too difficult so never stay away long from the blog. 

• All the mantras to success of the blog depend on you. If you listen too much to the others, your own voice will dissolve in the process. 

• All the courses offered, paid or not, are there to help you blog better but ultimately it is your choice and desire to find the balance between the given tips and your style. That choice should bring forth your personality. If you feel following any tip makes you feel wooden or anything, avoid it. Keep reading and only incorporate things which echo with you. 

• Ultimately, the winner is content and marketing. This is the reason why it is important to blog everyday. To keep you on your toes and to help your readers regularly. 

• And, marketing is obviously important. No product can succeed without the right strategy. So, think a bit on that aspect. It is necessary for anti-social bloggers like me :D Honestly, I have never really understood the art of marketing even though it has been five years!

• Do not let blogging become a chore to you!

Btw, would you be comfortable seeing all sorts of different postings on the blog apart from beauty posts like relationships or food or house? Do let me know in the comments what you think about it?

Related Posts:

Just Gossip Vol. 35 - Bloggie Vacation!
Just Gossip Vol. 34 - Things I have realized lately!
Just Gossip Vol. 33 - My stash of Essential Oils!

Do not slump your shoulders {Grooming}

So, ok, let me state one thing before starting. I am the last person you will ever find advising on how to carry yourself. So, these are just the things which I corrected in myself and do observe many of the well-dressed people lack. Unfortunate but its true, these small things make a strong impression.

Yup, this is one of the biggest things which I have noticed many gorgeously dressed women also make. If you slump your shoulders, it looks really sloppy. And, as much gorgeous you might be, it doesn't really make an impression. Everything falls flat, in fact. 

This is even more important when getting clicked or sitting. Do not slump forward. Sit erect and when you are getting clicked, pull up your entire height and stand rigid. That also makes you look taller and more confident in the process. I did receive a query regarding how to look taller. 

This is one thing which you can do. Stand tall and keep the shoulders rigid. Have you ever noticed models or actors slouching? Even in the movies when they are sitting? That's especially visible in Hollywood movies. Do make a point to observe sometime how they carry themselves.

So, do you have the habit of slouching your shoulders? Btw, it also carries a health impact. It makes the spine curved if you slouch and destroys your posture making you prone to back aches.

Related Posts:
Walk softly and quietly

Week 3 Updates {Bridal Files}

Huh...wedding is so difficult to arrange! I can only imagine how dad and mom are struggling to make all ends meet. I am tired with only a half week of running around and they have been doing the same since navratre started and will be doing it for the next two months! Gosh, its so difficult to be a parent :D

Shopping

I had a girl's day out in Inorbit on Sunday and we spent almost half a day in just searching for nail paints and trying out the shades! Girls...huh. I finished all the miscellaneous shopping and ordered for the foundation, eye liner and mascara. Oh btw, I also got the FE gold serum. I have no idea whether it is worth it or not but I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I went for shopping for the engagement rings, shoe shopping and saree shopping. All of them are stories in themselves but when told in brief, i got 3 pairs of golden sandals with bit of heels, probably 2 inch. Oh yeah, my balance is badddd!!

OMG...its so difficult to get a good saree. The only reason I had to go for saree shopping was because my in laws have to gift me a saree during the engagement ceremony and they asked me to buy whatever I want. Finally, I got a uppad saree (I do not know if it makes any sense but its one of the silk saree variety which is a rage now I suppose) in some color which is a variation of pink and red, may be dark mauve.

Also, the engagement rings have to be solely gold so neither have I found a ring which I love nor I got my size (I have very tiny fingers!). Sigh!

Invitation Cards

Finally, we found the telugu font printer somewhere in Munirka in Delhi. That being done, mom packed baskets with dry fruits and chocolates and biscuits. Ok, before you wonder why the hell am I talking about this, the tradition in South is a bit different. Though sweets with invitation cards is a given now in North, the tradition has not as of yet reached here. So, if you are a southie reading this, hope this is something different!

Blouses Stitching

I have to thank my stars and my bhabhi (SIL) for handing over such an amazing tailor. This lady comes to the house, takes the measurements, takes the clothes and things you want to get stitched (sometimes sarees as well) and goes and stitches and brings back for trying out to your house. Yes, everything available at your door step.

And, no issues with delay in stitch and such things or bad alterations either!! And, she does everything in one go - be it petticoats or fall stitching for sarees or getting the raw material for blouses. And, at reasonable prices too! So, yup, this is one lady I would recommend. Reach out to me for her contact number. Also, I do not have idea how well she does designer blouse stuff coz mine are all simple and she has done them really well.

Raw Material Shopping for Sarees

If you are of the kind who loves to mix and match the blouses with the sarees and love to explore, there is a shop called Indian Emporium in Panjagutta or Begumpet area right beside the famous Pulla Reddy sweet shop. Its THE place where you will get everything for a saree though I am not sure of the patch works and all. I mean only blouses of all colors and materials (crepe, tissue, georgette, raw silk and bla bla) and all kinds of petticoats as well.

Parlor

I got my back and hands bleached but honestly I can not find any difference. And, I got pedicure and manicure for the first time. It was fine but now that its a day or two old, my hands and feet are back to normal :| And, lets see how much radiance does gold facial provide? 

These are the updates for now. By this Sunday, I shall be officially engaged! Don't know whether to be happy or sad :D Ciao in the next week with new updates :)

Related Posts:

Are you a specy bride?
Week 2 Updates
How to start planning the wedding?

5 Tips for Lip Care {Five Series}

Few days back some one had asked me about remedies from pigmentation around the lips. So, lets check out a few ways, I found my lips to remain soft and pink all time :) All the same skin care rules apply so don't forget your lips next time!! All these tips help me to prevent pimented and chapped lips both.

Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize

Very important. Keep a lip balm at your side all the time. Ok, I do have a little reservation on applying a lip balm in a room full of people, especially males. How do you exactly deal with that type of situation? Would really appreciate some tips.

And, don't forget to apply lip balm every time you drink or eat something, especially if you are no fan of lipsticks. Honestly, I have never applied any lipstick in life and I don't have any idea how they stay on even after you eat something.

Sun Protection 

Oh yes, lips are way thinner than your skin and do not have any natural sun protection built in them. They do not have melanin so they can't protect themselves against sun rays. So, I keep a spf 15 lip balm from Nivea around me all time. If you get a higher spf, go for it.

Exfoliate

Yes, they also need exfoliation. And, protection after that!! So, don't forget to use your sugar scrub next time on your lips as well and see your lips become so soft and pinky pinky ;) Or, you can also use your tooth brush just after you finish brushing. 

Cleanse that Color

You do make it a point to remove all your makeup and sunscreen but do you remember to remove that lipstick or lipbalm? I do make sure to remove it and if I am using oil to cleanse my sunscreen, it also helps in making my lips soft and oil also prevents the chapping of the lips.

Water

More water you drink, more your lips stay hydrated and pink. Does it ever happen to you that reading drink more water sends a signal to your brain and your hand automatically gets stretched to the water bottle? It does happen with me. Now that I am writing it, I am stopping in between to gulp a mouthful of water :D

And, last word, don't overdo anything because lips are really sensitive and they get chapped really fast on mishandling. So, what do you do for your lips? How do you prevent pigmentation and discoloration of your lips?

Happy Dusshera!!

I am so sorry that I forgot to wish you all Happy Dusshera :) Are you guys doing anything special?

Hard Water affecting Hair? {Hair Care}

A couple of days back, I received two-three queries as to how to control hair fall due to hard water. When we shift places and go to a new place, hair fall is kinda inevitable. The change in climate, water, air, everything affects the hair. But, water is the most common reason for damaged hair texture and hair fall. You can not make the water soft so what you can do is try out a few tricks which might help. 

Use mineral water or boiled water only

This is the most common way to soften the water. Using the water from the mineral water bottles. But, honestly, affording that much is not exactly easy. But, more often than not, you will definitely find aqua guards at the water taps. So, use that water and remember to have enough of aqua guard water in reserve while having shower.

This is something which you can easily do when you are staying in a hostel. More often than not, hostels have bore well water which is extremely hard and harsh on the hair. Boiled water also helps but the problem is having enough of water which has been boiled and cooled down for the reserve. You will probably need 4-5 buckets :D

Shower Filters

I have read a lot about them that they can help filter out certain chemicals right from the tap or the showers so you might use them. Apparently, there are a lot of varieties of shower filters available but the problem is availability. I don't know if they are as easily available and affordable and not overtly expensive. But, you can try going around the bathroom accessory shops. 

Use Deep Conditioning Treatments Regularly

Unfortunately, the hard water makes the hair much like straw. So, deep conditioning treatments are very important. Invest in salon range products for regular usage and go for egg and yogurt treatments once a week, if possible. Also, a monthly hair spa does help, provided you can afford it. Also, make sure, you are doing hot oil treatment regularly. 

Make sure there is No Residue

Make sure you do not use any styling tools and products because they can create a lot of residue. If you do, don't forget to use a clarifying shampoo or add a tea spoon of vinegar once a month to your shampoo and wash your hair. And, avoid chemical treatments like rebonding and coloring till you are sure your hair has accommodated to the change.

I know I have not answered the question on how to prevent the hair fall but honestly, its something which one can't do unless the hair has accommodated to the change. Using an SLS-free shampoo might help. What do you think? How do you deal with hard water? And, how do you manage your hair in hard water? Looking forward to your tips :)

What do you think of new Barbie? {Your Opinion}

I have never been a doll girl. I have had only two dolls in my life and the second was after the first was thrown out and the second survives till day inside its poly-cover. I was more of the stuffed toy gal but still all my toys are surviving till date and proudly displayed on the drawing room shelf.

The worst damage has been done, in fact, by the kids who used to frequent out house a few years back to my mickey mouse who has lost one of its eye and the nose has come off :( But, I totally love it. Its my sweetest mickey :) Nothing can ever replace it and, thankfully, my mom has never thrown it away.

Anyways, a few days back I came across the extra-glammed up version of the classic Barbie and she is even more glitzy and dolled up. Dontchya think? I really think Barbie has a very wrong effect on children. They get wrong ideas about how should they carry themselves. Look at the sparkles. What do you say?

5 Tips for Autumn and Winter Skin Care {Five Series}

So, winter is almost at the door step and autumn has already made the air pretty dry. The climate of Hyderabad is dry and it just gets more and more drier and sitting in AC doesn't really help!!! Couple of days back, I felt my skin was getting stretchy even after applying loads of moisturizers. So, how did I overcome that? Check out.

Good Cleanser

A gentle, SLS-free cleanser has really helped with the hydration levels of my skin. Recently, I tried out an SLS-based face wash for review purposes and I was amazed at the difference it made to my skin. My skin felt dried up and starved of moisture.

Hydrating Moisturizer

I did realize in this entire process that simply using loads of moisturizer doesn't really help. A hydrating moisturizer is the need of the day. So, I used my trusted aloevera gel and it worked!!! Yup, try to get a water-based gel moisturizers. There are loads in the market, especially, from big brands.

Exfoliation

Yes, something which I have NOT been doing but its extremely important. Dead skin cells are more during colder and drier months so a hydrating scrub is very effectively in preserving the lipid barriers of the skin. Raw Sugar or Jaggery works out the best for me.

Oils

Yes, I know you are afraid of oils but not oils are really oily and using correct amount of oil is very necessary. A drop or two is generally enough. And, there are loads of facial and body oils these days which do wonders for the skin.

My recommendation would be a drop or two of Apricot Oil which goes on skin like silk and makes skin amazingly soft and NO grease either. I do wanna use other amazing oils like rosehip and such and will report back after I use them ;) And, by the way, the oily skin gals can also use oils.

Layering

This is one of the tips which is really effective. Sometimes, products used can be ineffective on their own, especially for dry skins!!! So, layering helps a lot. I do that sometimes for both my face and body. The aloevera gel goes first and then I use a drop or two of any facial oil. Similarly, a body oil coupled with a great body lotion helps the body.

Please remember that all the above tips apply all over the body and not just the exposed parts. So, follow them and enjoy the soft skin this winters :) And, I am so excited for winters. Its my favorite-st climate :D How do you keep your skin protected in winters?

Related Posts:

How to protect skin this winter?

Winter Skin Care Lotions 

Keep your skin moisturized this winter with Banana 

Is your skin itchy?

Get soft lips this winter

How do you like this?

Ok, so, as I had discussed a few days back that I wanted to change the name of the blog to something more appropriate, I would like an opinion of you all. I have decided on the name of "Women, Beauty and Health". How do you think it is? Do let me know in your comments and you can also vote a yes or no if you don't care to comment in the sidebar. 

What do you feel when you are reading my posts?

Ok, so, this got me curious. I was not exactly feeling great a day but I still managed to write a post on that day. Exactly almost a year later or so, I read that post and I did feel as if none of my emotions or showing through which is a good thing, of course. Because, I don't want my blog to be a place where you can read all my emotions, especially the bad ones!!! 

So, I wanted to ask you. What do you feel when you are reading my posts? Do you feel happy or does my morbidness get communicated to you? Do you feel I am cynical or what exactly do you feel? I essentially want my blog to be a happy and a lively place, it might get boring but I hope it doesn't get sad!! That's one of the reasons I try to put up cartoons :) So, waiting your opinions!! *anxious*

Bloggie Holiday!!

Ok, so, since I am having a bloggers block and am too tired and want a holiday, happy holidays to you all :) Btw, I am so sorry that I didn't wish you all a very Happy Navratras and Dusshera. One of my friend's is doing for all nine days this year!!! Kudos to her. Btw, if you are also doing nine days fast, don't forget to keep your energy levels up, especially, if you go to office or work. Taking multivitamin tablets really help (only on doctor's prescription). Chalo see ya :) So, are you keeping fasts?

Do you mind disclosing your age? {Your Opinion}

So, yup, fun time!!! Yay...I am touching one of the touche topics of our gender :D So, what do you think? You mind if someone asks you your age? Do you prefer to hide it? Or, do you glory in your age and feel proud of it, irrespective of your status in life (meaning marriage and pregnancy and kids, etc.)? 

For me, I do not really mind disclosing my age. But, then, I am 26 and if I say that, people do often think why am I not married yet. I don't like people thinking about that otherwise I totally love it. I do feel sometimes I would love to be married but then I can't marry just anyone.

Otherwise, I think I glory in my age. I feel more confident of myself, my body, my mind, the way I think, everything!!! In fact, do you know that if not your face or dressing sense, the way you carry yourself, your confidence gives away your age and sometimes you might just appear a little older according to your maturity. 

In that way, you might think its always better to be more immature. Yes, its really good to be a kid at heart. It not only keeps the passion for life alive in you, it also keeps you healthy. But, make sure your intellect doesn't remain childish. That's not exactly an attractive trait!

So, do you appear your age? Or, are you more mature for your age?

Vivel Active Essentials 3-in-1 Face Wash + Scrub {Product Review}

Price: Rs 105 for 100ml

Pros

cleanses the face really well

jojoba beads provide mild exfoliation

Cons

not meant for all skin types even if it says all kind types

leaves my skin a bit dry sometimes

jojoba beads don't get washed off properly

has SLS!!

My Experience

The product is a beautiful pearly blue in color with blue jojoba beads for exfoliation. The beads are not harsh on the skin but for me, the exfoliation wasn't enough. It doesn't help with the blackheads. The product last quite long, little being enough for every time. It lathers quite well and cleanses really well.

The face does look a bit brighter after using it. But, I do feel my skin is getting dry so probably it will suit only oily skin people and not dry. As I said earlier, my skin gets dry as the climate gets cooler, a drying face wash doesn't exactly help!! I love the color of the product, the pale blue.

So, did you use it? Do share what you think about it!

PS: Product sent by brand.

You might like:

Garnier Light Fairness Face wash 

Dove Deep Pure Face Wash 

Auravedic Botanical Actives Pulpy Facewash Honey Almond

What are you upto?

Well, my life is currently all crazy and I do not feel like working and I am hardly getting time to open my laptop. Guess I should have a little free time on Sunday when mum leaves. But, till then, I will mostly be absent! And, btw, any idea about good shopping places for silk saree shopping in Hyderabad and good jewelery shops as well? In the mean time, why do not you share what are you upto?

Aromatherapy to control Mood Swings {Health}

So, few days back, I was having my share of mood swings and wasn't feeling up to the mark. So, I thought of using the diffuser I got some time back. I have been using the diffuser for quite sometime and let me tell you, its one of the most amazing things I have ever used.

Since I wasn't feeling too good, I decided to get a bit of aromatherapy. And, the results were damn great (read AWESOME-ST). Its one of the best ways to get your mood better immediately and even if not better, calmer, at least, and it also relieves anxiety.

I love essential oils. I haven't used fragrance oils yet. I prefer essential oils because they are multi-purpose and last longer (I guess that applies to fragrance oils as well). I have used Patchouli, Cedarwood, Neroli in my aromatherapy. Totally loving Patchouli right now.

Well, let me share other advantages. Your room looks cozy (diffusers and tea light candle add to the home decor), the essential oils act as natural room fresheners, the essential oils are also great as natural insect repellants. Lemongrass, Cedarwood and Citronella are amazing for that purpose.

Next time you feel low, you know what to do? So, don't forget this natural remedy to relieve anxiety and feel refreshed and take care :) And, don't forget to switch off the lights!!

Related Posts:

How do I use Essential Oils?

My current scent

Walk softly and quietly {Grooming}

Yes, we shall start on grooming lessons. I thought this would make an interesting series for all to read. The idea came to me when I observed that one of the girls staying with me always makes noise while walking up and down the stairs. Well, when you are wearing slippers, its pretty obvious, it will make noise. 

But, I have also noticed that many people tend to drag their feet while walking. Now, that's a habit I love to do occasionally for fun and my mom shouts on me. Yes, its ingratiating on other's nerves who listen to your dragging footwear. And, not only that, the way you walk tells a lot about your personality. 

No one like clip-clopping heels or noisy steps. In fact, it makes you look careless, slouchy and irresponsible. Yes, you might look elegant and sophisticated but once people listen to the way you walk, everything goes out of window. So, don't make people listen to the way you walk, let them just watch!

This becomes even more important in a professional environment. Get your heels fitted with rubber soles. Or, choose a lighter footwear which doesn't make noise. Flipflops make lot of noise so watch out where you are wearing them. Don't try to turn attention to the kind of shoes you are wearing by the way you walk!! That's not flattering at all. Not even in a party.

I did read that clicking heels sound and look authoritative and the mark of a POWERFUL WOMAN. Ok, not in my opinion (unless you own a fashion magazine or some such thing, no bias or sarcasm to fashion world but that's where clicking heels sound good for me, remember The Devil Wears Prada??) but that's my problem!! And, the heels have to click in sync and rhythmic and calming manner for that POWERFUL impression so do practice how to walk properly in them.

So, do you walk lightly or heavily or love to make noise when walking? I, for myself, like to walk softly. I don't like to be centre of attention ever. I'm more of a sneaking-into-the-corner kind of girl.

In my City??

Did you check out Priyanka's song? I checked it out just now. Honestly, I totally hated the lyrics or the video but loved the way she sang it. If given a better song, she would really do justice! Btw, I felt she was trying to emulate Hilary Duff. Did you feel so as well?

Should I go for a baby or not? {Women Stuff}

The reason why I am writing this post is because of a comment by one of the readers Nidhi. She wrote this -

hi Swati
i do not know whether my comment(question) would be apt here or not..but i would like to know ..is becoming a mother a good thing ?
i mean..i feel scared with all the responsibilities,pain,stretch marks,no time for self..and the list goes on.
my family is pressurising me and i do not know what is right ?
i love kids..may be am just scared of the responsibilities..but i want to know what good things happen after you become a mother (so that i can convince myself :)

First of all, any question or doubt you might have you can always speak of it so feel free to comment :) And, yes, thank you for putting up such a major issue. In fact, one of my colleagues is also going through the same phase.

She has been married for three years and now, the pressure from both sides of her family is impossible for hear to bear, in fact so much that she thinks it better to get a baby and relieved of the burden. But, the real wish was known when she suddenly started having her periods after a long spell and she shared with me how relieved she felt after that. Clearly, she is not mentally ready for it.

Now, to answer your question, I would ask another question. Do you think you are afraid of the responsibilities which come up with motherhood? Or, is it that you think its too soon and you would like to spend more time with your husband?

If its the first, the answer is obvious that you will never be "READY" for it. So, go ahead, plan a baby and with time, you will feel you have made the right decision. It will also help you to know many women do that and they never regret their decision :)

Now, the second alternative is a bit more complicated. It depends on how well you know your husband, how much of a relationship you share, how long you have been married, what were your aspirations and expectations with regards to your marriage. 

Essentially, if you have been married just for a year or your age is around 25 or less (not that I mean you should be pregnant if you hit 26!) or are a person who likes to take her own time to do everything in life, I would say wait for the right moment. In these cases, the intuition or the gut instinct of a person really helps. If you are that kinds, I would say it might do you good to wait.

So, Nidhi, the answer is that go to a gynaecologist and take a proper session with her about motherhood - the physical changes it demands from you, talk with your friends who might have kids (if you are first, I know how tough is that decision), talk to your husband, discuss all your fears and everything with him, know his mind and what he wants. 

Take time to decide but first know your own mind as to exactly what you want because ultimately its you who is going to bear the baby. I have also asked Punam to write something about it and incidentally she has the same story like yours so probably, you might be able to relate to her. The post should be coming in some days :)

And, to all your mothers and married ladies, what do you think about the most important decision in your life? Don't forget to comment and help out Nidhi :)

Other Women Issues:
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Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases in Women?