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Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do, Indian Travel Blog

Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

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Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction –

Kerala, is popularly known as ‘Gods Own Country’, blessed with a scenic beauty of green landscape, a mélange of beautiful beaches, the serene backwaters and a tradition to speak for. It is considered one of the best tourist destinations in India and truly a beautiful one. Dotted with the stunning beaches along the Malabar Coast to the fantastic verdant hillside tea gardens in Munnar, the amalgamation of rich cultures, traditions and folk dances, a land of elephants and the unique local cuisine – Kerala has it all. Kerala is a narrow strip of land with Arabian Sea on one side and Western Ghats on the other side. This place is gifted to receive the monsoon showers first in the city and thus the growth of lush greenery with its radiance and rich fertile soil has also made the land extremely cultivable. Let us see in details about the must visit places in Kerala as well the things to do when you visit the Gods Own Country.

You can either plan your holiday on your own or go for Kerala Tourism Packages.

10 Best Places to see in Kerala –

1. Backwaters of Kerala – You want a romantic and serene destination with your partner? Or, a quiet and peaceful experience for a holiday with the family? The backwaters of Kerala is the most tranquil and relaxing place that you have to visit. The sunset along with the incandescent changes in the sky and experiencing that from a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals is the best moment one can have. Also, the delicious Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more gratifying.

2. Tea gardens in Munnar – Munnar is the famous hill station in Kerala situated at the confluence of the three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Another must visit place in Kerala is the Tea Gardens of Munnar. This place is well-known for its extensive tea plantations where tea is being picked and processed, and you can also try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The land is truly a blessed beauty with winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. If you are an adventurer, try the trekking to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India or go rock climbing and para gliding.

3. Athirapally Falls (Athirapally) – Athirappilly Falls, known as the largest waterfall in Kerala, is situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district. It stands tall at 80 feet. And just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to lush green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. The wild beauty is just as fascinating as enchanting over there.

4. Varkala Beach – Considered to be one of the best beaches of India, the amazing picturesque Varkala beach provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The long stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea is simply breathtaking. There is a paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, dotted by coconut palms, beach shacks, hotels. Do not miss the uninterrupted view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon.

5. Folklore Museum (Kochi) – If you are a history lover, you have to visit the Folklore Museum in Kochi. It has been built in true Keralan style from ancient temples and beautiful old houses. It includes over 4000 artefacts and covers three architectural styles: Malabar on the ground-floor, Kochi on the 1st, Travancore on the 2nd. Upstairs is a beautiful wood-lined theatre, with a 17th-century wooden ceiling. The Museum is a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage of Kerala through its numerous art and dance forms.

6. Kovalam Beach (Kovalam) – this is another top rated beaches in India and one of the prominent feature of the Kerala Tourism. The relaxing sun, the Ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massage on the shacks along with the local cuisine is the best thing to ask for. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from coconut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The rocky formations amalgams with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a special aquarelle on moonlit evenings.

7. Vadakkunnathan Temple – The ancient temple with unique architecture – Vadakkunnathan Temple has been declared as a national monument by the Indian government, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala, situated in the heart of Thrissur city and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Vadakkumnathan temple was built by Parashurama. The temple exhibits the classic architectural style of Kerala. The interior of the temple is beautifully decorated with murals depicting the episodes from Mahabharata.

8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) – the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The amazing cenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years and thus considered as one of the must visited place of Kerala. Take a boat trip to Thekkady Lake to experience it like never before.

9. Mattancherry Palace – Built by the Portuguese in the year 1557, Mattancherry Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. It is a Bhagavathi Temple in the central courtyard is built like the characteristic Kerala style mansion – the Nalukettu – the home of the aristocracy, nobleness and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard. It has the view of the panoramic Kochi backwaters and the gorgeous collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. There are some display of royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.

10. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – the richest Hindu temple in the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Dravidian style of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. It is In terms of assets gold and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world, with an estimated $22 billion worth of gold and jewels stored in underground vaults. However it is said that only 5 of the 6 underground vaults had been opened and explored.

Things to do in Kerala –

  • To have a look at the lush green landscape, take a house boat in Alleppey to travel through the tranquil backwaters is just as amazing as it is made out to be.
  • Visit the Eravikulam National Park because of Neelakurinji, which blooms once in 12 years and this rare view is a fascinating experience.
  • You can also having a nice trekking experience to the peak of the hill and get to see the Nigiri Thar, an endangered mountain goat.
  • Go for a Shikara rides in Alappuzha which has to offer some stunning views of the backwaters and the array of beautiful birds along with the nurturing of nature.
  • Watch the Colorful Snake Boat races during Onam festival in Alappuzha, Kerala which is held from July to September particularly during Onam festival.
  • Kerala is famous for spices. Visit the spice plantations or gardens in Munnar, Thekkady or Wayanad and experience some authentic black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the exotic vanilla and explore the farms on a nature walk.
  • Stay at a coffee plantation resort or homestay and it would include all the activities like trekking, night safaris, camp fire and plantation walks.
  • Watch Theyyam, a dance form staged in various temples of North Kerala, usually in front of the village shrine.

Culture –

The culture of Kerala is a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, advanced and mixed for centuries, under inspirations from other parts of India and abroad. It is well-defined by its antiquity, relic and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the AD 3rd century) in a vaguely defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil culture and encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Kerala has an opulent cultural heritage with its diverse ethos is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic growth of Kerala’s cultural traditions. Trissur Pooram, The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have established from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms.

Cuisine –

Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices” and have a unique culinary experience, thanks to its wide variety of spices. The cuisine offers a crowd of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and red meat with rice a typical supplement. Food is customarily served on a banana leaf and almost every dish has coconut and spices added for flavor, giving its cuisine a sharp spiciness that is heightened with the use of tamarind. Seafood is the main diet in coastal Kerala, whereas vegetables are the main diet on the plains. Meat is served as the main course in tribal and northern Kerala. Dishes range from simple ‘kanji’ (rice gruel) to extravagant feasts or ‘sadyas’.

Conclusion –

Thus, there are a million reasons to visit Kerala. From the serene view of beaches to the lush greenery, relaxing backwater and hills amalgamated with rich heritage of the land true makes it God’s own country. Unique culinary experiences combined with Land of Ayurvedha and Spices, Kerala is a must visit for everyone.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved this post Sanchita, so detailed! Kerala is also in my bucket list

Image Source: Google

Have you been to Kerala? If not, after reading this, I am sure you want to 😀

10 Bollywood Celebrities Who Turned Vegetarian

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10 Bollywood Celebrities Who Turned Vegetarian

By Pallavi

Hiii Dearies,

Gradually world is becoming a healthier place to leave in. More and more people are cutting down and leaving Non Veg food permanently to switch over vegetarian food and lead a vegan lifestyle. The idea behind this is that health issues are increasing day by day. And people are looking to lead a healthier life and gradually increase their life expectancy.

Well, in India we Indians are believed to be star struck. So, whatever the celebrities do many of us blindly follow. And today we are presenting with you a list of celebrities who ditched non vegetarian food to adopt a completely vegan lifestyle –

1. Kangana Ranaut – The queen actress turned vegan as soon as she landed into Mumbai. She said that it has brought a lot of positivity in her life.

2. Shahid Kapoor – He got inspired by the book “Life is fair” by Brian Hines. He said in an interview that this book was gifted to him by his father Mr. Pankaj Kapoor. This actor is believed to have inspired a lot of celebs to turn vegetarian

3. Kareena Kapoor – Being from a healthy Punjabi family eating non veg was part of her lifestyle. But she gave up non veg food owing to healthy influence by her ex beau Shahid Kapoor. Even after their love saga ended she continues to remain vegan till date.

4. Aamir Khan – The perfectionist of bollywood is perfectionist here too. Once his present wife Kiran Rao showed her a video of 15 most common diseases which costs life and how they can be prevented after which he got hooked to vegan eating and never turned back.

5. Vidya Balan – She has been following a vegan diet and lifestyle since her birth. Few years ago her dietitian suggested her to have eggs but after some time she left eggs again and turned into a full vegetarian again.

6. Amitabh Bachchan – The mega star of bollywood has been vegetarian since a no. of years. And he has also been nominated by the PETA three times for being the hottest vegan celebrity.

7. Vidyut Jamval – This hot bodied actor has been vegan since he was  14 years old. He even mentioned once how his concentration has improved since he turned vegan

8. Neha Dhupia – The actress was going through health troubles some years ago. Her doctors suggested her to turn vegetarian and she did. She turned a complete vegetarian and was also named by PETA for the Asia Pacific sexiest vegetarian woman 2011.

9. Celina Jatley – In 2013 there was a 21 day vegan kickstart program which she joined with other celebrities. After which she turned vegetarian

10. Alia Bhatt – It seems that her real life inspiration Kareena Kapoor was the one who inspired her to become vegetarian. And looks like the youngest Bhatt daughter is not going back anytime soon.

So, these were some of the celebrities who ditched non veg food and became all vegetarian. Let me know if any of the other celebrities have also done the same in the comments down below.

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5

Who Wore What: IIFA 2016 Green Carpet

Bollywood, Fashion, Lifestyle, Outfit Ideas, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Who Wore What: IIFA 2016 Green Carpet

Hi guys,

I have been seeing IIFA 2016 updates everywhere, from Instagram to Snapchat to twitter to facebook, so that’s the only thing on my mind right now 😀

I saw all the outfits Bollywood celebs wore yesterday night for the main show and I thought of doing a post on that. So let’s start:

1. Deepika Padukone

Deepika wore this super gorgeous Sabyasachi Mukherjee lace and diamante beige co-ords with a beautiful cape to go with it. The diamond and emerald set matched the outfit perfectly. Makeup wise she had black smokey eyes and a nude pink lip with a slick back ponytail. I believe Daniel Bauer was doing her makeup for IIFA.

2. Neha Dhupia

Neha wore white separates, a white shirt and super flared skirt from H & M. She was styled by Sohaya. The outfit is decent but definitely not for IIFA. Considering how perfect Neha Dhupia always is, I am not impressed!

3. Athiya Shetty

Athiya wore a gorgeous blush pink Ramikadi gown. The roses and thread work detailing on the gown are gorgeous! She wore a Bibhu Mohapatra pant suit for the event a day earlier. The mesh shirt especially looks fabulous, pant suits are perfect for her tall and lean body. She was styled by Ami Patel. Her Ramikadi gown was to die for!

4. Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi wore a green Shantanu & Nikhil gown with Outhouse jewellery. The hairband and earrings were beautiful. Her makeup was something to talk about, absolutely perfect, it was done by Elton J Fernandez. While wearing green on the green carpet is not a good idea, she managed to pull it off well.

5. Bipasha Basu

The newly married Bipasha Basu wore a deep navy Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla gown. The silhouette compliments her body really well and the the flared lower half is also very flattering.

6. Dia Mirza

Dia Mirza wore a mint Nakul Sen gown, it was ok, not something exceptional. Nothing much to say about.

7. Bhumi Pednekar

Bhumi is slaying it, she has transformed completely after her weight loss and has been on fleek in her fashion and makeup game too. I know our very own Neeraj Navare does her makeup quite a lot of times for events, etc. She wore this light lavender Shantanu & Nikhil lace strapless gown. The gown is beautiful and her deep red lips, straight hair and french manicured nails were absolutely perfect. Love!

8. Sonakshi Sinha

Sonakshi wore a beautiful beige Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla princessy gown. Love the silhouette, very flattering on her body and the dress is gorgeous. Hair tied in a sleek bun and deep red lips complete the look. She was styled by Alia Al Rufai

9. Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty wore a white cut out mermaid gown with mesh detailing and gold border, by Shantanu & Nikhil. She did want to show off her toned body which looks like worked really hard on. Not a fan of the dress but she looks fabulous, only she could carry something like this. The tan and bronzed skin looks sun kissed and glowing <3

10. Nargis Fakhri

Nargis wore this black Namrata Joshipura dress which was perfect for her height and body. She was styled by Alia Al Rufai too. She wore a pastel blue pant suit for the event the day before and carried it off amazingly well.

Which outfit did you like the most? I absolutely loved Deepika, Sonakshi, Athiya, Bhumi & Bipasha. Oo..there were many hits this year 🙂

Get the Best Household Service Experts from UrbanClap

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Get the Best Household Service Experts from UrbanClap

Hi guys,

Today I am talking about one of the household service experts provider UrbanClap, I know there are many out there in the market currently. And also specifically for different sectors like alone for women’s salon services.

As far as the different local services providers I have tried, I can say UrbanClap comes with quality. I have tried their home salon services 1-2 times earlier.

What surprises me is the number of services they have, everything from Wedding Planning to Birthday Party Planning, Fitness, Salon Services, CA Services, Interior Designers, House Cleaning, Repairs,etc. You name it and they have it.

I wish Urbanclap was launched when I got married, booking a mehendi artist, wedding photographer is all super easy now thanks to an app like this. And not only app, even the website is very user friendly, for people who still prefer things the traditional way.

For any service you select, they ask you a few question to shortlist a particular sub-category and then they give you three options: Budget, Experienced and Premium i.e. increasing prices and then it asks for your location and personal details and you can get quotes from various different service providers.

You have the option of whether or not you want to share your phone number with the service providers, in case you do not want to, they can only contact you via the app. I like the fact that they have maintained privacy here.

Also love the fact that you get different budget options and a lot of different service providers within that budget. You can ask for their previous work and also check their ratings on the site/app and then decide which one you would like to go with. Service providers give you the best quote as they are competing with other service providers. So ultimately we get the best price and benefit from it.

I am keen on trying the Health & Wellness category next and would surely update you on how my experience goes 🙂

Overall, I quite like the ease of use of Urbanclap and how convenient it has made to reach the service providers by bridging the gap between service providers and us customers.

Urbanclap is currently present in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. Also they provide a vast range of 90+ services. They are also available on Android and iOS.

I definitely recommend giving Urbanclap a try. Do let me know your experience in the comments below.

Khadi Trifla Powder Review & How to use for Hair

Ayurvedic, Hair Care, Home Remedies, How To, Khadi, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Khadi Trifla Powder Review & How to use for Hair

By Nidhal

The most common and irksome hair woe everyone be it a man or a woman faces today is the dreaded 8-lettered word ‘HAIR FALL’. Didn’t it send shivers down your spine? Its roots (no pun intended) find origin in myriad causes ranging from stress to poor/substandard quality of products used, from bombarding oneself with chemical-laden products to diet deficient in proteins. ‘When everything fails, head to Granny dearest’ is the mantra I espouse and live by both metaphorically and literally.

My grandmother’s pearls of wisdom in the realm of hair care have always had one product since times immemorial. No points for guessing ( for you would have already seen what it is thanks to the title of the post), it is TRIFALA POWDER (also called ‘Triphala’). It is a blend of three herbs- Amlaki (Amla), Haritaki (Harar/Hadad) and Bibhitaaki (Bahera/Baheda). And the three together, pack a punch at so many hair woes that you’d be left wondering why on Earth didn’t you use it before.

Trifla Powder is also excellent for people suffering from constipation, acidity and irregular bowel movements. You just need to have one spoon with water whenever you feel bloated or have irregular bowel movement. Do not have it regularly as the body gets used to it.

I grabbed KHADI TRIFALA powder from a Khadi store in Delhi a few months ago. Today is the time for us to know if it deserves a second try or not 🙂

PRICE- Rs 45/- for 200 g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Mix Khadi Trifala powder in the base ingredient. Mix well. Apply on scalp and hair. Rinse with cool water.

INGREDIENTS- Amla, Harar and Bahera

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Trifala is good for constipation and acidity. It regulates bowel movement. (This indicates that the product is edible)

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simple plastic pack, the packaging of Khadi Trifala powder is way too simplistic in fact, underwhelming. Once cut open, the contents need to be transferred to either a clean container or a zipper pouch. Carrying it while travelling is a hassle both ways. As a result, I think it would be better if Khadi revisits its packaging decision for the current one for this product is disappointing.

Khadi Trifala powder is finely powdered and that makes it a cakewalk to mix it with the base ingredient of one’s choice be it curd, water, raw milk or anything that suits one’s hair type. Since my hair type is dry, I team it up with coconut milk. I suffer from one hair woe and that is why I opt for coconut milk because of its intensely hydrating properties.

I have used the above concoction for a month consistently without fail twice a week and what I noted was an improvement in my mane’s volume, strength and frizz control. It softened and imparted shine/lustre too but that wasn’t as praiseworthy as some of the herbal powders I had used in the past such as-hibiscus powder. It is important, I believe to be realistic. One product cannot be a Hindi film hero who’d bash all the goons to pulp, mouth one-liners that’ll make the audience whistle in awe, rescue his leading lady and basically do everything 😛

This product is no different. When used consistently over a period of time with the right base ingredient, it works wonders in some spheres (say-volume increase, strength, frizz control) but doesn’t perform as well as expected in some (shine and softness). Perhaps, addition of a few more ingredients to the above mix help me achieve my ‘unachieved goals’. All in all, it is a good investment keeping the price and its benefits in mind. Go grab a few packets to treat your mane naturally!

GOOD-

1. Dirt-cheap

2. A single pack will last long. Each pack contains 200 g of Trifala powder which is sufficient to last long.

3. Finely powdered hence, mixing with any base ingredient is cushy.

4. Gives complete volition to the user to mix with whichever base ingredient one wants to say- milk, curd, water, etc.

5. Strengthens hair overtime

6. Removal is easy

7. Other ingredients can be added to the Trifala+ base ingredient mix such as- Reetha powder, shikakai powder, tulsi powder, etc.

8. Makes one’s tresses voluminous

9. Suitable for use by all

10. Natural. No chemicals pumped into it hence, a safe solution to combat hair woes.

BAD-

1. Limited availability. It isn’t easily available online. The only option currently is to visit a Khadi store and grab it.

2. Does not impart as much shine as is expected from Trifala powder (Amla imparts shine)

3. Packaging needs to be improved. The provision of a zipper pack will be better.

4. Does not soften hair much. I have used some herbal powders before and this powder does not soften my tresses as much as those did. That said, it does not even dry my hair too.

RATING-4.5/5

Editor’s Note: Trifla is fabulous, I have had it often as a part of capsules if I suffer from irregular bowel movement. But I have not used it directly as a mask, though a part of hair masks in general. I would surely give this a try Nidhal.

Have you tried using Trifla powder for your hair?

A Person in Your Life that #NeverLetsYouDown

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A Person in Your Life that #NeverLetsYouDown


Hi guys,

This is more of a personal post. Recently I came across Lava Mobiles and they claim they put their mobiles to rigorous tests and it is one device that will never let you down come what may. I was thinking we all have that one person is life who we know for sure will never let us down.

For me, that person has to be my mom. Things have changed a lot post my marriage, but I was completely dependent on her earlier. From finding my things to being my shopping partner to comforting me when I am unwell, she would even guess the things I feel like eating and gets them before I even mention it. It’s so surprising but maybe when they say moms know it all, it indeed is true. She always knew when I have cried even though I didn’t cry in front of her.

I have become a little more responsible now  since I live alone post my marriage (had no other option :p) but even today, my mom is always there for me. And she will come to help me whenever I am stranded.

I dedicate this post to my mom as I depend on her completely and  unconditionally. I don’t know about 2 am friends since all my friends are married and busy with their lives now, but my mom is surely that 2 am person in my life.

Lava Mobiles symbolise trust, reliability and strength. For me, my mom is the person I can trust and rely on 100%. And no one can beat my mom when it comes to strength, she was so strong and composed even when I met with my accident. She was by my side the entire time and she took complete care of me those 40-45 days. I couldn’t stand or sit and was only supposed to lie straight and she did everything for me. She even took me to the Physiotherapist daily as I needed support to walk when I just started walking, it was only because of her love and care, that I recovered quickly.

I don’t think there can be any other person in my life who can replace her. I am what I am, only because of my mom.

Who is the person in your life that #NeverLetsYouDown?

Denim Inspiration from Bollywood Ladies

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Denim Inspiration from Bollywood Ladies

By Nidhal

They look trendy. They are available in myriad styles. They can be teamed with practically everything which makes them a ‘go-to’ attire for both the genders. No matter what the occasion (with some exceptions, I agree) they can be worn almost without a second thought. Some of us live in them in the name of clothing. They have eased ‘dressing up’ since the day they flocked markets. Your wardrobe would be filled with (and in some cases, overflowing with) many of them. Able to surmise what I am talking about? No? Shall we let the cat out of the bag then? D-E- N-I- M-S. On that note, let us have a look at those Tinseltown ladies who carry denims like no other 🙂

1. ANUSHKA SHARMA- Inarguably the lady who sports denims the most from amongst all the B-town ladies in the current lot, Anushka shows you how to carry denims of different styles. Be it boyfriend, ripped, coloured, distressed or skinny, she carries them all and how! It makes for perfect clothing for college girls who find denims their second skin.

2. PRIYANKA CHOPRA-The Qauntico star is a head turner. Period. Seen here is Priyanka swaddled in a black and white heart printed shirt from Guess and a pair of blue distressed ankle-length denims. Short wavy tresses, nude makeup and white pumps from Zara make this a comfy casual look.

3. KRITI SANON – She has the trappings of a fashionista given her choice of apparel since the day she stepped into Tinseltown. Seen here is Kriti decked in a pair of simply light blue denims that are teamed up with a sleeveless colored tee at the launch of Tissot watches, the look is as simple as it can get but then, that is what makes it a winner. One does not always has to drown themselves in a pool of makeup/accessories/layers of clothes to make a mark. You can be simple, subtle and still catch eyes. And that is exactly what Kriti does here. And those long legs do justice to the denims really well, don’t they?

4. VAANI KAPOOR- She’s tall. She has an enviable frame. Her smile is heart-warming and those curves are to die for. Her legs did justice to the figure-hugging attire called denims and seen here is Vaani giving us a good view of her long, unending legs that spell desirable. With such chiselled legs, it comes as little wonder that she’d not be able to carry denims like a pro.

5. DEEPIKA PADUKONE – Like I have said before, there is no list on fashion/style that wouldn’t include this leggy lass. Deepika Padukone has a sculpted body that gives one major gym goals and how! Seen here is the dimpled Deepika flaunting her long (read: highly desirable) legs in a pair of ripped denims which are teamed with a light grey tank top and a shimmery black jacket with golden patches. This is a look that I find perfect for college girls who’d be at their wits end while zeroing on the ideal attire during the season of college fests 🙂

6. SHRADDHA KAPOOR – Nailing the art of comfy and chic dressing, Shraddha Kapoor opts for what is every girl’s staple- a pair of blue denims and a white shirt. Leaving her hair loose, makeup minimal and sporting nude flats, one can hardly ever go wrong with this look. Not only does it appear casual but also is stylish. A classic look for all school and college girls.

7. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Looking drop-dead gorgeous in a pair of ripped blue jeans and white tunic for a photo shoot, Kareena Kapoor Khan gives one major fashion goals. Her luscious locks and radiant skin simply add to the beauty of the whole look, don’t they?

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5

Editor’s Note: I loved how Anushka and Priyanka have sported the denim looks. Nice compilation Nidhal.

Your favourite looks?

Top 7 Yoga Asanas for Healthy Hair

Fitness, Hair Care, Health, Top 10, Top 5, Women, Yoga, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 7 Yoga Asanas for Healthy Hair

By Nidhal

A healthy mane which is lustrous, glossy, satin smooth and manageable is what we all eye. Quite naturally, we look for ways to get what we desire. From application of herbal home remedies to intake of supplements, we it all at our disposal but somewhere down the line, physical workout misses out being in the picture and that is where we flunk.

We have already covered the Top Asanas for Glowing Skin.

So, in line with this thought, why not have a look at some Yoga asanas that leave one with cascading locks that we’ve always desired? 🙂 These Yoga asanas enhance hair growth in addition to ameliorating their texture and semblance. Let us check them out.

1. KAPALBHAATI-PRAANAYAAM- A highly soothing and revitalising asana offering a multitude of health benefits, Kapalbhaati-praanayaam literally translates to ‘skull shining’ exercise for it increases the amount of oxygen in the body which imparts glow to one’s skin. It also helps to give one’s scalp all the oxygen it needs to rejuvenate damaged hair and helps it grow. Start with 20 breaths per set a day and increase its frequency as you gain confidence and strength with each day 🙂

2. SARVAANGA-ASANA- An easy asana that helps to purify blood and optimise the functioning of the thyroid gland, Sarvaanga-asana helps to improve the length, thickness, texture and girth of hair. Gorgeous mane, did I hear you say that? Hold the position for 30-45 seconds in each set and gradually increase the duration to 1-1.5 minutes as you acquaint yourself with the asana.

3. SHIRSH-ASANA- Quite challenging and daunting as it may seem, but if mastered, Shirsh-asana is a sure-shot way to ensure long-term health and vitality. Hair loss, greying of hair and baldness are often caused due to poor blood circulation in the scalp. Shirs-asana not only directs enriched blood to the brain, but also sends it to the scalp. The transforming of grey hair into its original colour and good growth of hair is possible through the practice of this headstand pose.

4. PASCHIM-OTTAAN- ASANA- The seated forward bend pose aka Paschim-ottan- asana helps to stimulate kidneys, liver, uterus and enhances blood circulation in the body which further enhances hair growth due to better oxygen intake. It also relieves one off stress, anxiety and a host of minor headache issues.

5. SHASHAANG-ASANA- Also called the “rabbit pose” for it makes one resemble a rabbit’s structure, Shashaan-asana is what you need to incorporate in your daily workout regimen if flaunting shiny and lustrous tresses is on your “To Do” list. Performing this asana daily for 15 minutes (30 seconds for each set) will improve blood flow to your scalp, thereby bringing more oxygen to it and leaving you with glossy locks in no time, however, the key is to be patient and persistent no matter what 🙂

6. VAJRA-ASANA- Widely known as the ‘diamond pose’, Vajrasana enhances the supply of energy and blood to the upper part of our body. Besides accelerating the rate of hair growth, it also helps in correcting ones back posture.

7. ADHO-MUKH- ASANA- Not only does Adho-mukh- asana acts as a major stress buster, it even helps in stimulating the flow of blood to the head, and thereby accelerating hair re-growth. One set should last for roughly 30-40 seconds. Begin with 5 sets a day and increase its frequency as you get accustomed to it 🙂

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5

Editor’s Note: This is a fabulous post Nidhal. I am surely going to try some, we all need a little yoga and flexibility in life.

Do you do yoga and/or any of these asanas already?

How To Get a Bigger Butt Naturally With Exercise

Fitness, How To, Lifestyle, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Get a Bigger Butt Naturally With Exercise

By Shelja

Kim kardarshian is the founder of bigger butt syndrome, if you look in Instagram there are tons of fitness models earning because of their big butts, of course thanks to science and technology you can get bigger rounder butt instantly, but let’s be real is it worth it? There are many hidden side effects related with these kind of Beauty enhancements which only cause regret at the end, however there are many natural ways through which you can get that hot booty you always dreamed of! Keep scrolling!!

When you’re trying to gain muscles on your glute (butts) it will take time. But the good news is, if you perform the following exercises correctly you will achieve it! It is advised to follow these exercises 2-3 times a week. All exercises are to be performed 3 times with 15 repetition however if you’re a beginner 10-12 per set will be fine. (Personally tried and tested)

1. Squats : This is a staple exercise when you’re trying to gain a good booty, Make sure your knee is not bent, chest upright while going down and getting up. Once you’re up it’s important squeeze your butts inside for a second and feel the burn, doing so will get you faster results. Beginner’s can do it without weight once you’re comfortable gradually add in light weights.

2. Jumping squats : This is exactly like squats only difference is you will jump while performing it, this will also burn fat around your legs, this will also improve your workout stamina. This workout does not require any weights and can be performed at home.

3. Single leg squat : This will be slightly uncomfortable for beginner’s however regular practice is the key. This also focuses on your glute muscles, this workout is often underestimated and ignored, if performed on regular basis you can really go big!

4. Lunges : This is a simple easy home workout, you can either perform it with light weight or even two same sized water bottles can be a quick fix.

5. Donkey kicks : This is one of the most effective workouts targeting your glutes, perform it correctly to avoid any injury. Use a Yoga mat to avoid knee pain.

6. Kick backs : This is just like donkey kicks the only difference is your standing while performing it, you can use light weights or can completely skip weights. This workout can also be performed at home holding a stable chair.

7. Dead lift : This exercise is often performed on back day but this is excellent way to target those glutes, if you’re a beginner you can use light weights or empty rod, gradually increase weights when your comfortable.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice post Shelja, need to start doing these 😀

Do you guys do the basic squats and lunges everyday?

Top 5 Yoga Asanas To Get Glowing Skin

Fitness, Lifestyle, Skin care, Top 5, Yoga, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Yoga Asanas To Get Glowing Skin

By Nidhal

Apart from following a nutritious diet and timely application of herbal packs/masks, there is one more step, which if performed, will complete the entire regimen for getting healthy, radiant and gorgeous skin. It is none other than physical workout. Oh no, do not cower in fear or snap back while giving up. You might be wary of hitting the gym or enrolling in a strenuous workout regimen for a multitude of reasons be it-paucity of time, physical/financial constraints or plain lethargy but that shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the bounties of what physical workout can do to your skin 🙂

All you need is time, patience, grit and a mat. You’re done. How? Take a minute and think what is the West adopting to bring peace of mind while battling the hustle and bustle of their daily lives? Couldn’t surmise? Here you go with one more clue- It originated in India. Got the answer? It’s none other than Y-O- G-A.

Our ancient science of Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that has been prevalent in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism for centuries. So, why practice Yoga and simple, doable asanas at that initially so that we aren’t daunted as we take our first step? On that note, let us have a look at the TOP 5 YOGA ASANAS TO GET GLOWING SKIN 🙂

Tadasana

1. TADA-ASANA- This asana works on one’s muscles so that one’s posture is not only better, but also pain-free while one is at their sedentary desk job. As indicated in the picture, if followed carefully and regularly, Tada-asana helps in improving one’s overall body posture, strengthens thighs and buttocks and improves skin’s texture. Hold this pose for 20-30 seconds each time you do it. Avoid it you have high blood pressure, suffer from insomnia, or have a low blood pressure.

Uktasana

2. UKTA-ASANA- All you have to do is sit on a chair. Easy? Ummm… not really. The chair is hypothetical. That’s it. Make sure your spine is perfectly straight else things go in for a toss. Avoid it if you have a low blood pressure, arthritis, insomnia, chronic knee ache or any issue with your ankle. Hold for 30 seconds each time you do it and then, relax. Begin with 5 sets daily and then, increase its frequency depending on your ease 🙂 It helps to strengthen spine, hips, torso, chest and legs besides toning your muscles in the legs. As a result, the skin look taut and youthful.

Halasana

3. HALA-ASANA- A little challenging but highly advantageous and relaxing (at least I find it so when I do it)if mastered, Hala-asana should be performed after your body has been acquainted with regular physical stretches. It helps to improve the digestive organs, and therefore, improves digestion and regulates appetite. It helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and stimulates the reproductive system. It also brings blood to one’s face thereby increasing oxygen intake thus, imparting radiance. Hold for 30-60 seconds in each set. Avoid it if you are menstruating, have a low blood pressure or any injury in your spine/neck.

Matsyasana

4. MATSYA-ASANA- Also known as the ‘fish pose’, Matsya-asana helps in relieving respiratory problems as it encourages the right kind of breathing. Moreover, it gives the hip flexors and the muscles between the ribs a good stretch. It enables the throat and the digestive organs get a good massage, which rids one off a double chin thus, improving one’s semblance 🙂 Hold on for 30-40 seconds in each set and avoid it if you have high or low blood pressure, suffer from insomnia or have a back injury.

Shirshasana

5. SHIRSH-ASANA- Unarguably, the most challenging asana of all, Shirsh-asana results in blood gushing down to one’s face thereby, increasing oxygen intake and imparting a prepossessing glow. However, please perform this asana under the guidance of a Yoga practitioner after you’ve acclimatised your body to stretches and are able to balance really well. It is small wonder that pimples and wrinkles are often caused by inadequate removal of waste materials and insufficient nourishment from the blood. Shirsh-asana directs an oxygen rich flow of blood to the facial skin thereby improving the facial complexion 🙂 Avoid it if you have back ache, neck injury, low blood pressure or a shoulder injury.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice post Nidhal, I will try some 😀

Do you practice yoga? Tried any of these asanas?