Monday, July 30, 2012

When You're Down Avoid...

...doing these things. Expecting a miracle or a friend to cheer you up is way out there when all you really need to do is get out of your own way. You have hoards of articles telling you what to do when you're depressed. You're about to read what not to do, which should come easier to you considering how little you want to do when you've got the blues. Read on...

Idolizing the Media

Don't watch the news, especially first thing in the morning. Channels have a way of drawing you into the emotional miasma they're trying to stir up. Reading the newspaper is comparatively tame, considering that you can block out potentially disturbing news that will do nothing to keep you up-to-date on current affairs and events.


Avoid watching disturbing programmes

That counts for anything that's emotionally disturbing. At least at this time, when the last thing you need is some singer imploring you to join them in their sadness and buy more of their music because you can really empathize with the singer. Sad songs, sad serials, sad movies, sad videos...you can watch those later when you're your upbeat self and you know you can handle them without getting reduced to a puddle. Replace with media that kindles hope within you, songs that make you feel special and the like.

Reliving the Past

You may have in the past written down about the horrid times in your life that really tested you. Re-reading those journal entries will only make those times come flooding back to you through memories and plant you firmly back in the same state of mind that you were in those difficult times.

Unless it's something like this. Via Funny Diary Entries

 

Mingling with Dirty, Rotten, Scoundrels

Keep away from persons you know are only out to make themselves look good at your cost. If possible, be ready with comebacks.

Nourishing the Pain

Don't feed the pain. Observe it. You're not your feelings so don't identify with them so much that you forget that they're just feelings. Someone wise on the internet once said "Feelings are like waves. We can't stop them from coming but we can choose which ones to surf".


Dressing Down. Every Day

The better you dress, the more pride you'll have in yourself & the less dependent you'll be on others for compliments to make you feel good. If you win over the person who's the most important in making you look good - yourself - you're good to go. Others tend to believe your view of yourself since they have so little time & patience to intricately observe you & make positive judgments.

Though, beware of advertisements riding on taglines such as 'cutting edge' fashion.

Self-Pity

Five words: Don't give in to it.

Becoming an Island

There's nothing like pushing people away and being by yourself all the time to bring on overthinking.

Taking it Personally

Don't take it personally. You're only human, you have your flaws and so do other people. Learn how to react to their negative behaviour - be it anger, put-downs, jealousy, offended, offensive or  implications. Ultimately, we have no control over others' behaviors. By internalizing this, you've put the overbearing/inappropriate person on a pedestal. You really want to do that?





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Monday, July 23, 2012

10 Ways to be Sexy like Catwoman in a Snap (Hint: Slow Down)

If you caught Catwoman (no pun intended) over the weekend in the biggest buzz-making movie since the year began, Anne Hathaway probably made the whole movie experience worthwhile even if you didn't like the last installment of the trilogy. The sexiness she exudes speaks so much about her confidence. Especially in the first scene with the gone-into-hiding Bruce Wayne.

You can also be sexy. And you don't need a pro to train you like I'm sure Anne needed. It's all about being comfortable in your skin. Your confidence. More precisely, your self-confidence. What's important is how it makes you feel. And you don't need stacks of cash to be hot.

 
  1. What You're Wearing (or not): Push-up bras are a no-fail tried-n-tested option. Anything that draws attention to your legs – skinny jeans, skirts, heels, etc. Wear lace and other barely felt delicate materials to oomph up your sexiness quotient. Also wear perfume; it lifts you up.
  2. Watch your Posture: How you carry yourself dictates your mood. Keep your back straight and avoid any frowns.
  3. Be Clean: Because clean hair is always sexy. Also, don't forget to get rid of that fuzz on your hands, feet and other exposed as well as non-exposed parts of your skin. Get waxed. You stay hair-free for 2 weeks that way. You'd think, "Who'd notice if I had hair on my bikini line?" Well, you would and that's who's the most important, right?
  4. Pamper yourself: Treat yourself to a spa massage and pedi-mani session. If that's not do-able, plain ol' body lotion works just as well. The idea is to show yourself that you deserve to be cared for.
  5. Slow Down: Switch on music from genres like Reggae and sway your hips from side to side to the rhythm. Like Buju Banton says in his song Love Sponge "Slow motion is the only way to enjoy the day"
  6. Dim the Lights: It makes your skin feel soft and attractive. If you don't have dimmers, light some candles (be careful though) 
  7. Get Going: Exercise. Go trekking or take a walk in the outdoors.   
  8. Sing: It boosts the feel-good chemical, endorphins in your body. Brave enough to try karaoke? Go ahead, it will give you a further happiness boost thanks to the feeling of acceptance, encouragement & approval from the crowd.
  9. Spruce up your Home Decor: There's nothing sexier than an inviting environment. Bring out that favorite vase that you only reserve for special occasions and fill it up with freshly cut flowers, in your favourite colors of the moment.
  10. Get online: Check what's new on BuzzFeed or Cracked. If you're into stand-up comedy, check out Comedy Central. A good laugh boosts your mood. Have you ever felt sexy when in the dumps? Didn't think so.
Don't forget to smile

Doing it right with the heels & attention to her legs


Meowwrrr...someone say legs?


She looks like she smells good, and more importantly, clean


Good posture - important no matter what you're wearing.

Keeping it classy. Sexy doesn't have to mean slutty

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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Have an OOBE

There's not much scope for loving someone else when you're loving too much of you. Get out of your own way & have an out-of-body experience (OOBE, so to speak). It may seem like the most unlikely thing but the physical self comes in the way of the mental self & vice versa.


See the girl you like but can't approach her cuz of jelly feet? Focus on the color of her hair or bag. Comment on something that stands out about her and say how it caught your eye.

 Her blinding beauty!!! It BLINDS me!!!

And then there are the overthinkers. By the time you're done thinking, you've grown white hair all over your face. Take action, any action. It's the first step that's the hardest.

Just do it, today

Consciousness is good when it's in the form of self-awareness but too much (of absolutely anything actually) can retard growth without timely intervention, so act now!
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sale Season is Here!

It's that time of the year again when stores get crowded. Why wouldn't they? It's sale time with as much as upto 75% off.

No, wait. That's not what I meant.

Independence day is just around the corner and you can be sure of those "offer valid till August 15th" ads. Of course, those always get extended to 1 more day, then another....you get the point.
Unless you have a huge trust fund we doubt you'd want to blow up all your hard earned money on brands if you know you're going to get it cheaper during sales. I'm not looking at you die hard fashionistas who splurge to cure an urge. Or you ladies who'd rather stay home than be seen wearing the same outfit as another woman. 

Trying hard to hide their embarrassment.
Pink & Shakira

Still trying to get over the fact that more than 1 person would wear that dress. My eyes!
(L-R: Bruna Abdalah, Amrita Rao and Mugdha Godse)


Rai's definitely rocking this look. Or it could be the camera angle, light exposure & pose

Sales you may want to check out:
On an unrelated note, did you know that the original name of Chor Bazaar was Shor Bazaar?

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Friday, July 13, 2012

What Makes You Happy

Apparently friendships, altruism and religious practices. Time Magazine did a piece on the science of happiness way back in 2005 and what it had to say remains relevant.

Cracked followed suit and had a go at the topic, telling you about the things that you think make you happy but actually don't. And for those of you dreading that porn would be on that list, be rest assured, it's not. Though I wish it would. It's really tough to read a sex crime report and not find out sooner or later that the criminal was addicted to spank. On the list of 5 are Fame, Wealth, Beauty, Genius and Power.


I scoured the internet to find out if this was true and voila: the results.


What makes people universally happy:
  • Grandkids
  • Cooking for the less fortunate
  • Having a significant other cook for you
  • Music - a good song
  • Your dog
  • Making someone else happy
  • The company of good friends
  • Finishing what you start especially if comes to you effortlessly
  • Curling up in bed with good movies books
  • Day dreaming
  • A good massage
  • Smiles
  • Watching friends/family kid around
  • Giving time, talent, councel
  • Unconditional love
  • Freshly washed sheets
  • Cuddling
  • Grooming those you love
  • Singing
  • Checking off boxes on to-do lists
  • Getting your paycheck
  • Good exercise
  • Dancing
  • Cooking healthy meals
  • The hope that everything will be alright 
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Thursday, July 5, 2012

Don't Leave Home Without...

A cellphone, wallet & a handkerchief/tissue.

But it depends on where you're going. If it's just to run an errand then these will do just fine.

If you're required to dress up and going to be gone a while, you'll need a proper handbag to go along with your outfit. Something like this would go with any outfit.

And shoes, of course again the kind you wear depends on the occasion. I'm not a big fan of wedges, given my love-hate relation with them. Hate them when someone else wears them and kicks my toes into my feet. Love them, of course, because of their comfort. Either go for heels or flats if you share my love for people. Based on the journey to your destination they're going to have to be durable and comfortable. If it's to impress a guy however, put on the heels & grin and bear the pain, if any. Believe me, if it hurts long enough, after a while you're not going to remember you have feet. Just kidding. Slip in a pair of flats in your bag to carry along and change into.

 Everyday wear no-no. Imagine your feet at 60. Ack!

Everything that's important for the occasion goes into that handbag:
  1. Mobile phone, phone charger,
  2. Wallet
  3. Handkerchief/tissue
  4. House keys
  5. Shawl
  6. Pen
  7. Moisturizer/Lotion
  8. Water bottle, Munchies (I carry Snickers)
  9. Sunglasses
  10. Prescription glasses, Band aid, Hand sanitizer, Pain reliever, Sanitary pad/tampon, Other medication for common ailments such as indigestion
  11. Tongue scraper, Mouth fresheners, Mini toothbrush, Mini toothpaste
  12. Comb, Kajal, Lipstick, Lip balm, Mirror, Pressed Face powder, Blush (if touch-ups are needed)
  13. Vial of perfume, Mini can of deo
  14. Flat shoes (if wearing heels)
  15. Camera (if you don't trust your phone battery)
  16. Book to read or scribble thoughts on/Headphones 
  17. Hair ties, Barettes/Bobby pins

Snickers. Okay it doesn't have to look exactly like this sitting in your bag

Looking & feeling good is important when you're out and about meeting people. This is doable if you have your life-savers at hand.


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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Successfully Work with Introverts

Working with introverts can be especially challenging when it comes to interactions. They can come across as rude & hostile when in fact they just want to cut out all social niceties and get to the point as quickly as possible.They're quite a misunderstood bunch really.


Rather than trying to change introverts into extroverts – which is just shooting yourself in the foot – you'd be better suited to making adjustments to them. Being snooty to intros is counterproductive since that will just shut them off and make them resentful towards you.

That said, no man is an island. Collaboration is key to living in a constantly innovative world. If you have an idea and sharing it with them is important to take it to fruition, by all means approach them. Do respect their privacy as you would with any fellow human being, though don't worry about appearing polite. If you do, they'll always expect it, which if you think about it, is kind of hypocritical since they'll throw caution to the wind every time they strike a conversation with you. If you can't hold back on your gentle manners, bring up the differences in both of your approaches to their notice. Since they're so introspective they'll be on the same page as you quite quickly.


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How To Be A Success At Anything You Do

Do

  • Take action. The harder you work, the luckier you get.
  • Meditate
  • Be in a state of flow. Be in the moment
  • Love and be lovable
  • Foresee consequences of your actions
  • Trust yourself
  • Do what you enjoy. Let go of unproductive worry
  • Start out as an imitation but bring YOU into the mix
  • Align your lifestyle and job to your values
  • Remain light-hearted. It's all a game
  • Persevere
  • Be flexible and adaptable to unpredictabilities
  • Visualize what you want to achieve and how
  • Show up
  • Pretend you can do it
  • Be prepared
  • Raise the bar 

Don't 

  • Don't be afraid to fail. Make mistakes.
  • Don't follow rules for the sake of rules. Shake things up to improve them
  • Don't overthink or be easily offended
  • Don't make too many concessions for yourself. The 'Poor Me' syndrome fortifies procrastination.
  • Never make money your main motivation for success

 Have

  • Courage of conviction
  • Friend &, mentors to guide and icons to look up to
  • Rapport. Be easy to get along with.
  • An 'I can' attitude. A winner's attitude (even more important than talent)
  • The ability to persuade
  • Strength
  • A weakness. It's your hidden strength
  • Confidence
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

All-Time Favourites - The Clothes Edition

Now and then, we'll all go back to our favourite clothes in the closet no matter what trend is in at the moment. Here are such classics you can don and look good no matter what your body type.
The good-'ol T-Shirt

White Buttondown Shirt

Cardigan Sweater

Little Black Dress

Little Grey Dress

White Lace Dress

White Peasant Dress - cuz a bit of shoulder is always sexy

Embroidered Peasant Top


Wraparound Skirt

One more Wraparound. Loving the clasp holding the skirt in place

A-Line Wrap Skirt
Lace & Satin Pencil Skirt with Nude Lining

Ruffle Satin Blouse. Don't miss the pretty skirt.

Well fitted Jacket

Casual Dress

A Pair of Jeans

Camisoles
Capris
Khaki Pants
Jeans Shorts

So many more...
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