Monday, April 27, 2015

You Are Never Too Old…

Don’t give up on your passions just because you are growing old. 
Age is just a number. 
It’s in your heart that you should feel young. 
You are never too old to catch butterflies in your garden or collect shells from a beach. 
You are never too old to read fairy tales or wish upon a shooting star. 
You are never too old to fall in love and you never too old to find a soul mate. 
There is a time destined for everything to happen and everything will happen when and how it has to happen. 
So make sure that you are young at heart when the magic unfolds for you. Till then celebrate life and live each day beautifully… 
Live and cherish each day of your life with a young and passionate heart…

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

I See Your Beauty

Dear Lord, 
I see Your beauty all around me and it consumes who I am... but I
long for Your help to see all this beauty on the inside of me and 
I need You to help me to let it shine, 
God use me to help others all around the world as well...

Friday, April 17, 2015

Dear Men..

Dear Men…
You don’t deserve a woman’s heart if you can’t treat her heart like your own and save it from breaking into pieces. 
You don’t deserve a woman’s soul if you can’t honor it and touch it with your soulful love. 
You don’t deserve a woman’s body if you cant respect it and save it from physical abuse. 
You don’t deserve a woman’s time and attention if you can’t be with her when she needs you. 
You don’t deserve a woman’s love if you cannot reciprocate her love. 
Don’t expect her to stick to you all the time and keep running back in your arms when you are not making a single effort to make your relationship work…

When Woman Loves A Man

When a woman loves a man truly she never gives up on him… 
she never lets him go… 
she trusts him completely and she can do anything to make him happy… 
she feels his pain in her heart and she helps him fulfill all his dreams… 
she never gives him chance to complain… 
she is his best friend… 
she knows him the way she knows herself… 
she looks after him like a mother, argues like a sister and stands beside him like his best friend… 
And she plays every one of those roles very passionately and wholeheartedly

Thursday, April 16, 2015

7 Surprising Ways Stress Affects A Bride


Is your marriage on the cards, and you cannot find time to balance all the shopping, other errands, and taking care of yourself? Well, the first favour you can do for yourself, is to not stress about it. We agree that it is easier said than done, especially with the long to-do lists and budget spreadsheets, and the constantly nagging thought of looking the best on your wedding. But, thinking, worrying or stressing about it can wreak havoc on your body, which can reflect on your wedding day.
The source of stress and worry could be something as trivial as shopping  or as serious as the thought of adjusting in a new family. Whatever the reason, the effects will be the same- nasty reflections not just on your skin and hair, but on your overall health as well! Here we tell you about seven shocking ways stress can affect your looks and health. These will compel you to take some steps towards de-stressing right away.

1. Memory plays a ruckus!


It has been proved that stress can shrink your hippocampus, which is the area of the brain that controls your short-term memory. So, if you notice that you are becoming forgetful by the day, it is a clear warning sign that you need to slow down and relax. Forgetting everyday things can lead to more stress because many important appointments can slip from your mind. Identify the stressors, and release yourself from their trap. How about a pyjama party to unwind with your best friends?

2. Nagging tummy aches!


No, we are not talking about the butterflies in your stomach, but actual stomach aches! When fatigued due to stress and constant worry, your brain signals the release of stress hormones in the digestive system, which can cause nausea and stomach irritation. So, the next time your tummy hurts with no definite reason to cite, it is probably pre-wedding stress that is eating you up! Under intense stress, some people even suffer from diarrhoea. If you do not want to make frequent trips to the washroom on your big day, try relaxing from this very minute.

3. Occasional nosebleeds!


Nosebleeds in extremely hot summers are common for many people. But, if you have been suffering from occasional nosebleeds, even while indoors, you can blame it all on stress. A study published in 2001 in the British Medical Journal, states that stress can lead to the blood pressure shooting up, which can cause the fine blood vessels to tear, leading to a bleeding nose. All you need to do is at least try and stop worrying, and get 6-8 hours of undisturbed sleep every night, along with a short nap in the afternoons, if possible.

4. The never-wanted breakouts!


Your skin can stress out too, if you are busy worrying all day about the tailor messing with your choli design or the caterer suddenly turning you down. Stress increases the secretion of cortisol that triggers the sebaceous glands to go into anti-inflammatory mode, producing sebum- the thick, waxy oil, responsible for acne. The situation can become worse if you are already acne-prone or have oily skin. You definitely don’t want a bump on your face to ruin your bridal look!

5. Common cold gets too common!


The most apparent effect of stress is reduced immunity because of which you become vulnerable to the most common ailment- cold. The stress hormone, cortisol, suppresses your immune system, and this naturally reduces your body’s defences against the bacteria and viruses present in the air. So, if you have been sneezing and wiping a runny nose a lot lately, blame it all on the situations you have been stressing about. You certainly do not want to carry a tissue around on your big day! 

6. Hair woes adding to stress!


Your genes or harmful chemicals in your shampoo can be a reason for your hair fall. But, stress can induce abnormal hair fall, which in itself can be enough reason to worry further! Stress-induced inflammation can weaken hair follicles causing it to fall out. Even though the hair tries to grow back to how it was, once the stress subsides, it might take a long time. If you wish to flaunt thick, lustrous locks on your special day, keep stress at bay. Regular meditation and gentle head massages can work wonders.

7. Sweaty embarrassments!


It is a very well-known fact that too much stress can lead to panic, which leads to sweaty palms and feet. But, if you continue to stress for extended periods, you can sweat profusely, making it a pattern; meaning, every time you think a worrisome thought, you can start to perspire a lot, says a 2010 study published in the Public Library of Science Journal. Too much perspiration can lead to embarrassing situations, with sweat marks and body odour. The more relaxed you are about situations, the less you will sweat.    


Pre-wedding stress can prove disastrous, and you would probably never even realise where or what triggered it. Sure, you have to be on your toes, especially a few weeks before the wedding. But try to set some time aside everyday to de-stress, and simply enjoy the moment. It will help to make your wedding day as wonderful as you always dreamed it to be.

23 Truly Adorable Ways He Shows His Love Without Saying I Love You


Almost every woman loves to hear ‘I Love you’ every now and then from her man. But, expressing love does not come easy to every man. While some men carry their hearts on their sleeves, some find it really tough to share their feelings with their sweethearts. But, just because your man does not say those three magical words out loud, does not necessarily mean that he is not in love with you. He may actually be showing his affection in many other ways, which you might fail to notice.
So ladies, if you really feel bad that he never tells you how much he loves you, then it is time for you know about these signs through which he might actually be expressing that.

 

1. He pays a surprise visit to your office to have lunch together.

 
Or sends some flowers before your big meeting, or comes home a bit early just spend some quality time with you.

2. There is always a smile on his face after a long, passionate kiss.


3. He helps you in the kitchen even if he is tired.


Be it while preparing the meal, clearing the table or anything else, he tries his best to share the workload.

4. He randomly calls you during work and simply asks if you are doing fine.


Or simply sends you a smiley through the text message, just like that!

5. He lets you watch your favourite show or movie even if there is an interesting match going on.

What’s more? He even watches the show with you without complaining.

6. He always behaves like a true gentleman with your friends even if he dislikes them.

And, no matter how silly or pointless discussions you are having with your pals, he listens to them patiently with all smiles.

7. He goes out in the middle of the night to get your favourite ice cream, burger or anything else that you are craving for.

And, that is not all! He even watches you eating it with a big smile on his face.

8. He remembers all the special days.

Well, maybe not your ‘first meeting or first kiss anniversary’! But, he certainly makes efforts to remember your birthday, marriage anniversary, and other such important days.

9. When you go for shopping with him, he always helps you in dress selection.

And, he does not even stop you from buying anything, unless of course, it will leave him broke!


10. He gives you a good massage whenever you feel tired after a busy day.


11. He never shies away from holding your hand in public places.


And, he feels proud in introducing you to his friends or colleagues.

12. He surprises you by gifting you the things you have been wishing from long.

Or even takes you to the places that have been on your wish list from quite some time.

13. Even after a fight, he tries to talk to you and does anything just to make you smile.


Just like he doesn't prefer saying 'I Love You' every now then, he doesn't even care expect to hear it quite often.

14. He always shares everything good or bad happening in his life with you first. 

15. Instead of using the word ‘I’ or ‘Me’ while talking, he uses ‘We’ without even realising it.


16. You are always a part of his big plans in life.

And, he even takes your suggestions before taking any major decision.

17. He hugs, cuddles or kisses you every now and then.



18. He stays awake the entire night whenever you are ill.

 
And, tries his best to look after you just like your mother!

19. He never hesitates to go crazy with you.

Simply because he loves to see that big smile on your face!

20. He always places a new order if you mistakenly order bad food while eating out.


Because, he wants you to have is a good time and good food.

21. He always listens to all the gossips that you usually have at the end of the day to share with him.


Be it about your relatives, friends, work or anything else, he listens to it all patiently with a smile on his face.

22. He constantly keeps you updated about himself whenever he is out with his friends or on an official tour.



And, he never goes to sleep without chatting with you online or speaking to you over phone.

23. He encourages you to follow your dreams or passion.


Love does not always have to be expressed with words. Sometimes, little things that he does for you speak a lot about his love. So, if you have not noticed his actions so far, it is time that you should start paying attention to them.

12 Incredible Ways To Get Gorgeous Skin And Hair With Apples


Being full of various essential nutrients, an apple undoubtedly is a wonder fruit. Not only does it taste good, but it can also benefit your body in many ways. And, that is not all! Apart from ‘keeping the doctor away’, it also has a lot of skin repairing and rejuvenating properties that can help you maintain and enhance your natural beauty.
So, without making you wait any further, here we bring to you the various beauty benefits of apples and also, the ways to include them in your daily beauty routine.

 

 

1. Keeps your skin hydrated


Apple has brilliant skin hydrating and nourishing properties. The high water content in apple provides your skin with right amount of fluid it needs to stay supple. In addition, potassium and the biomolecule- tannin, present in an apple also helps to keep your skin hydrated. Just take a slice of apple and rub it on your face until it dries up completely. This will balance the oil levels of the skin and will hydrate your skin well.

2. Acts as a natural moisturiser


The process of hydrating your skin makes it supple by maintaining the right amount of water content in upper layer of epidermis. On the other hand, moisturising it prevents the loss of that water content from your skin by forming a protective coat on it. And, apple can help you even with that. All you need to do is, mix apple puree, honey and sour cream. Apply this paste on your face and hands to get soft and smooth skin.

3. Acts as a brilliant cleanser and makes your skin glow


Apple juice can act as a brilliant cleanser for your skin. Just take one tablespoon each of apple juice and honey along with two tablespoons of milk. Apply this paste on your skin for a few minutes and wash it off with cold water. This is one of the best natural cleansers that make your skin glow.

4. Reduces dark circles


Various minerals and vitamins present in apples work as skin lighteners, and hence, they are quite effective in reducing the dark circles around your eyes. In addition, vitamins B and C, along with potassium nourish the sensitive skin around your eyes. Just boil a few slices of green apple, mash them, and let the paste cool down. Now, apply the paste on the under eye area to lighten dark circles and soothe the skin. You can also place slices of apples for around 15 minutes on each eye to reduce puffiness and stress from that area.

5. Treats eczema


Apple cider vinegar is a great solution to your problem if you have eczema. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties due to the acetic acid and malic acid present in it. So, it treats the infection as well as the further outbreaks of the disease. Apply a mix of two tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and water on the eczema-affected skin to reduce the infection, itchiness as well as dryness caused by this disease.

6. Makes you look younger


Apples are rich in collagen and elastic, two ingredients to make the skin youthful and fresh looking. Also, they are a rich source of vitamin C, which is responsible for the production of collagen that keeps the skin young. The antioxidants present in them also prevent wrinkles and premature ageing. So, to get a younger-looking skin, grate a few pieces of apple and squeeze juice out of them. Now, apply it on your entire face and neck area and wash it off after around 20 minutes. This will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin.

7. Lightens complexion


Rich in vitamin C and other essential nutrients, apples give you a fairer and radiant skin complexion. So, to get naturally glowing skin with the help of this amazing fruit, simply take two tablespoons of apple peel powder and one tablespoon of honey. Now, mix both the ingredients and also add a small quantity of finely powdered oatmeal to it. Apply this paste on the skin and wash it off after 20 minutes. This pack will not only make you fairer, but will also improve the texture of your skin.

8. Prevents acne and dark spots


Minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium along with vitamins A and C present in an apple make it an excellent skin cleansing fruit. Apart from these nutrients, it is also rich in water and fibre content. These two elements ensure a good digestive system, which is yet another crucial aspect for healthy and flawless skin. So, to prevent your skin from problems like acne and darks spots, here is a great remedy. Refrigerate an apple, peel it once it cools down and mash it to make a paste of it. Now, add some milk cream or honey to it and apply this paste on your dark spots. Regular usage of this paste will make them those marks disappear and will also prevent the outburst of pimples.

9. Works as an exfoliating scrub


The malic acid present in an apple makes it a powerful exfoliating agent. And, here is a simple way to create an exfoliating scrub with apples at home. Mix two tablespoons each of fresh apple and lemon juice, and one tablespoon each of oatmeal and honey. Apply this mix on your face and neck, and leave it for around ten minutes. Wash it off and say goodbye to dull skin as well as the blackheads.

10. Protects your skin from harmful sun rays


Apple has UV-protection properties as well. And, vitamins A, B and C, along with antioxidants help to repair skin damage caused due to outdoor exposure as well. It also has a very cooling effect on skin, and can treat sunburns and itchiness. Applying apple juice mixed with a small amount of honey on your skin after sun exposure soothes it to a great extent.

11. Prevents hair fall and promotes hair growth


Apples contain a nutrient called biotin, which largely helps in preventing hair loss and promotes hair growth. So, simply mix apple cider vinegar and water, and rinse your hair with this mixture after shampooing. If you do not like the smell of the vinegar, then you can add rosewater in this mixture to add some fragrance.

12. Helps to cure dandruff


Apple juice balances scalp’s pH level and helps to treat dandruff and itchiness caused by it. When applied on your scalp, the malic acid present in apple juice acts as an exfoliating agent and clears away the dead skin. Well, isn’t this one of the simplest ways to cure such a common and persistent problem?


Now you are aware of all the amazing beauty benefits of apples, make sure you include them in your diet and beauty routine for a healthier, younger and prettier you!

9 Unique And Fantastic Uses Of Your Everyday Products That You Never Knew Before


There are a lot of problems that almost all of us face in our everyday routine. For example, a new dress turning old after a few washes, staining a dress with some makeup product, getting terrible shoe bites due to high heels, and what not! But, you need not worry about them anymore because we are going to tell you about one place, where you will get a solution to a lot of such everyday problems. And, we are not even going to take you any far as that place is none other than your very own home!
Yes, you can solve many problems related to clothes, skin, and hair by using body care products kept in various rooms of your house. So, read on to know how:

 

1. De-pill your clothes with razor

 
After a few washes, certain clothes start having small fibre pills on them. And, this makes your ‘not so old’ dress look really old. But, just stop worrying as you can easily get rid of all the fuzziness by using a disposable razor. All you have to do is to spread your dress on a flat surface and carefully start shaving the pills away with the razor. Your clothes will look new again in no time.

2. Get happy feet with deodorant


New shoes can cause blisters sometimes, and leave you with really painful feet. But worry not, as there is a solution for this too. Take your roll-on deodorant, rub it on the edges of your new shoes, and wear them without worrying about the shoe bites.

3. Make clothes wrinkle-free with hair-straightening iron


Flat irons can not only straighten your hair, but can also de-wrinkle your clothes. So, next time if your clothing iron stops working and ditches you at the last moment, just do not panic. Simply put your wrinkled outfit in between the hair-straightening iron and it will be ironed in just a few minutes.

4. Make your cheeks blush with lipstick

 
Did your blush get over and you realised it just before a party as you opened your makeup kit? Well, do not worry. What if the blush is not there, you certainly would be having the lipstick, right? Then, you can easily make your cheeks blush with the help of your lipstick. Just apply a stroke of lipstick on your cheeks, smudge it properly, and you are good to go.

5. Remove makeup stain with shaving cream


Next time if you get makeup stain on your dress, then try to remove it with the help of shaving cream. It is an easy and quick way to remove the stains. Just take a small amount of cream on your hand, rub it on the stained area and wash it with water. And voila! Stains are gone.

6. Get smooth skin with conditioner


A good conditioner not only makes your tresses silky, but also makes your skin smoother when you use it while shaving your body hair. Also, shaving with a conditioner will make your skin so smooth, that you will not even need to apply body lotion once you are done.

7. Make bruises invisible with mouthwash


Bruise marks can take days to heal, but by rubbing mouthwash on the affected area, you can make it slightly less visible. All you have to do is, dip a cotton ball in a mouthwash having alcohol content in it, and rub it on the affected area. The bruise will not go completely, but you will lose some of that 'black and blue' in just two days!

8. Remove marker stain from hands with nail polish remover


Have you got marks by permanent marker on your hands? Then use your nail polish remover to get rid of it. Just dab some remover on cotton and rub it on the mark. You will be surprised to see what wonders can your remover do.

9. Use coconut oil for…


Well, the coconut oil that you use for healthy hair can actually be used for many other things. For example, moisturising your hands, removing makeup, taming baby hair strands, and for making your legs feel great after shaving.
Surprised to know how your regular products can solve so many problems without any hassle? So, next time if you face any of the above mentioned problems, you know where to find some magical products to help you!

Incredible Old-School Beauty Secrets That Only Your Grandma Could Have Told You


Women undoubtedly love to have a smooth and flawless skin. And, to make that possible, most of us rely on a lot of new-age skin care products. Needless to say, we end up loading our beauty kit with expensive stuff. But, what most of us tend to forget are the age-old precious beauty secrets that our grandmothers always shared with us.
Well ladies, if you doubt the effectiveness of these beauty tips, then we too have a secret to share with you. Not only are they highly beneficial for your skin, but are economical as well. So, here are a few amazing home remedies for skin care that we learnt from our grandmothers.

1. Orange

Orange peel has been a hit among almost all grannies. So, the next time you eat an orange, do not throw the peel. Instead, dry it up and make a powder of it. It is the powerhouse of vitamin C and antioxidants that can give your skin an instant glow.

Mix two teaspoons of orange powder with one teaspoon each of honey and yoghurt. Apply this on your face and neck, and leave it for around 15 minutes. Then, wash it off and pat dry with a towel. This pack fights acne and prevents ageing of your skin. If your skin is dry, you can add coconut oil to this mixture. It will nourish your skin and will also unclog all the pores. Use it thrice a week to get the best results.

2. Coconut oil

Before the market was thronged with a variety of expensive oils, our grannies used coconut oil to maintain the glow of their skin. And, once you will know how simple it is to get radiant skin with the help of coconut oil, you would not be able to stop yourself from making some space for it in your beauty cabinet.

Mix one tablespoon each of coconut oil and baking soda and apply it on your face. Leave it for some time and then wash it off with cold water. While washing your face, gently rub your fingers on it in circular motions. Once you are done, pat dry your skin with a clean towel. This scrub will brighten your skin instantly, and will also reduce the pimple and acne marks.

3. Amla

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that offer multiple benefits to your skin. And, the best part is that in whatever form you take it, amla never fails to do the magic on your skin. So, eat it raw, drink its juice, use it in its powdered form, or whatever way you want, your skin will glow radiantly with this ‘wonder fruit’. And, there are of course, a lot of easy-to-prepare homemade scrubs that you can make using amla powder to get gorgeous skin.

Mix amla powder and tamarind (imli) paste well, and apply it on your face moving your fingers in circular motions. Leave it for around 10-15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. This works as an excellent exfoliator, and makes your skin brighter. Use this twice a week for best results

4. Cucumber

Well, if you thought that this water-rich vegetable can only soothe your skin and body during the hot days, then ask your grandma if she agrees. It has a lot more to offer! Apart from acting as a cooling agent, it can also prevent skin problems like dark spots, acne and pimples. So, let us find out how to make this happen.

Peel a cucumber and cut it in two pieces lengthways. Now, take out its seeds and grind the rest in a mixer or with help of a hand-blender. Take a cup of oats, four teaspoons of milk, and two teaspoons of honey. Mix all these ingredients and apply the paste on your face. Wash it off your face once it dries. Use this once in two days to get glowing and blemish-free skin.

5. Turmeric

Another exceptionally good skin care ingredient loved by our grandmothers, is turmeric. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties helps to prevent skin problems like pimples and acne. Being a rich source of antioxidants, it also helps you to defeat the signs of ageing.

So, here are some simple ways to include turmeric in your skin care regime:
  • Applying a mix of turmeric, buttermilk, and tomato juice exfoliates your skin and helps you fight the signs of ageing.
  • A paste of turmeric and honey reduces pore size and gives your skin more even look and a smoother texture.
  • A mix of turmeric and yoghurt helps to lighten the stretch marks.
  • A paste of turmeric and mustard oil is an immediate cure to soothe your skin from burns. Regular usage also reduces the burn marks.
So, do you still feel the need of all those expensive skin care products to look gorgeous? Well, we hope not! And, if you too have some secret homemade remedies given to you by your grandmother, do share it with me in the comments section below.