RAINY-DAY FASHION TIPS

 RAINY-DAY FASHION TIPS

Add colour! Don't be terrified to wear something dazzling and fun on a rainy day. Bad weather can be disheartening, so why not go out of your way to wear something non-depressing and cute?

A cute umbrella can be an accessory. There are so many adorable and cheap umbrellas available at stores, so there's really no excuse to stick to black. Buy a couple in your favourite colours if you live in a really rainy area and use them to add colour to your look.

A classic trench coat is the all time perfect for rainy weather.

Be careful of the materials you wear in the rain. Don't risk ruining your clothes – go with rubber or protectant-treated leather shoes in the rain and leave your favourite suede handbag at home.

At the same time, don't be too anxious about a 100 per cent waterproof jacket. If you plan ahead and have your umbrella at hand, your jacket won't get wet enough for waterproofing to matter.

Go crazy when it comes to rain boots. There are so many cute rain boots out there today to fit any style – they literally come in every colour under the sun. Have fun and find a pair you love. Much like umbrellas, you can go completely nuts with your rain boots and no one will mind.

So these are some tips that will give you a unique and stylish look in the rainy season...happy monsoon.

BEAUTY ISN'T ENOUGH - Looking good despite the rains.

  It is believed that the inner prettiness of a woman is mostly appreciated by a woman who is not gorgeous bodily can be the woman of thousands of hearts with her inner charm and fascination because a woman's greatest asset is her beauty. Contrary to this proclamation we are familiar with a famous proverb “First impression is the last impression."

In our day-to-day lives we come across so many women don't identify or have a formal connection with. At that moment we judge them by their physical beauty, outfit, make-up, accessories, etc. It is human nature that we never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful for beauty is divine. Every woman wants the art of carrying herself smartly in the male-dominant society.

The monsoon has come to free us from hot weather but we have no freedom from work and office and days out in the summer season. Do you go out far during the monsoon which will ruin your make-up all the time? Go out confidently even when it is raining cats and dogs being without concerned about your make-up. Smart use of products will make sure that make-up is in place and you look pretty even during heavy rains. In the monsoon, dense make-up has a risk of being smudged and washed out severely and so light and sheer make-up is advisable. Use waterproof mascara, transferresistant lipsticks and waterproof liners and you may even use waterproof foundation, if it is necessary for you. Here are some tips to keep you nice-looking when it is raining:

• Wash and cleanse your face thoroughly and rub an ice cube on it for five to 10 minutes to lower the sweating rate so that the make-up stays for a longer period.

• Women with oily skins can use astringents while women with dry to normal skin can use toners after applying ice to cool and refresh the skin.

• Avoid foundation and prepare the base of your make-up using powder slightly.

• A sheer film of light brown, beige, pastel or pink cream eyeshadow can be used along with a thin line of eyeliner and a coat or two of waterproof mascara. The most common slip-up is to have rains running out your mascara and eyeliner. It is the biggest make-up disaster that leaves your embarrassed. Always use a waterproof mascara and eyeliner, the best trick is to use a transparent mascara and a kajal pencil. Nowadays, you get trendy colours like aqua blue, and coral green in kajal pencils which will go perfectly with the season.

• Lip gloss is a strict no-no this season. The rains will cause it to drip. Use a lip pencil to outline your lips. Use a lip balm to give a nude look. If you still want to add colour, then go for a matt-based lipstick in browns, nude or light colours. Peaches, corals, nudes are in this season.

• Soft matt lipsticks are preferable for most ladies during the monsoon but you may use a soft brown or pink shade with sheer gloss.

• Check out for lipsticks which have long-lasting properties. Before buying, make sure they are marked as 24 hours stay and long lasting.

• Do not neglect to use water based moisturisers during the rainy season to keep away the oily skin, acne and water loss due to perspiration sweating.

• Keep your hairstyle simple and easy. You may use bangs and layered hairstyles instead.

• Bright jewellery is in vogue during the monsoon but this is the minimalist year, so you may opt for stone-studded light jewellery.

• If you must use blush, keep it light and blend it well. Cream blush in shades of pink, peach and brown can be used.

• Avoid using pressed powder in the monsoon as it can form patches on the skin. If you must use it, use it sparsely or use the loose powder.

Kohl should be avoided and water-resistant mascaras and eyeliners should be used.

• During this time, keep your eyebrows in shape with threading and hair gel as you cannot use eyebrow pencil during a downpour.

• Wash you hair regularly and massage your scalp regularly to keep dandruff and other hair problems out of your way.

• Denims are not for the monsoon; wear light cotton fabrics, capri pants and three-fourths.

• Umbrellas and raincoats are also in fashion. Buy some in cheerful, happy colours.

• White and light colours can easily get muddy, so avoid them.

• Throw your leather boots and high heels at the back and wear sneakers and sandals.

So go ahead and make people turn their heads with your new look this monsoon.

What clothes we opt for in the rainy season is also very essential. It can certainly be hard-hitting to dress for a rainy day because there are so many things to mull over. From what kind of fabric you can wear to how to stay dry without sacrificing style, dressing well when it's raining out requires a little planning in advance.

Don't worry, though. It's easier I than most people think to dress for a

rainy day. Here are some rainy-day fashion tips, as well as six outfit ideas for rainy days.

The wonder Spice - Turmeric

 Turmeric is a wonderful herb valued for its medicinal properties and warm peppery flavour. It comes from the root of the curecuma longa plant. Turmeric has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Asia. Turmeric contains curcuminaids (plant-basted nutrients) and curcumin that are anti-inflamatory ingredients and decrease risk of forming chronic diseases. It inhibits free radical damage of fats including cholesterol. Turmeric's ability to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol may be beneficial for our heart. It inhibits tradition, including chromosome damage.

Ancient ayurvedic scriptures mention the use of turmeric as a versatile medicine to increase bile flow, making it a liver cleanser. It rejuvenates liver cells and recharge their capability to break down and support formation of healthy tissue.

Turmeric increases the body's resistance and supports treatment of arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer's and relieve arthritis pain and stiffness.

It is quite surprising that regular intake of turmeric inhibits the proliferation of cells from normal to tumours and helps our body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout. A study in biochemical pharmacology found that curcumin can slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs. It also prevents the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer.

Turmeric is extremely good for those having skin ailments of any type. It helps to reduce irritation of tissues and stimulates the formation of new blood tissues characterised by its properties. It is considered best for rashes, itches, ring worms, blood boils and psoriasis.

Evidence suggests that the spice is beneficial for promoting proper metabolism and correcting both excesses and deficiencies. This wonder drug improves the body's ability to digest fats and the elimination of waste and toxins. This reduces gas and bloating also.

External application: Turmeric volatile oils also have external bacterial action. As such they may help prevent bacterial wound infection and accelerate wound healing. Johnson and Johnson even sells a curcumin-containing Band Aid in India. The therapeutic potential of turmeric and curcumin do not end there. Evidence suggests that the spice maybe beneficial for cystic fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, chronic diseases, cataracts, gallstones, muscle regeneration and inflammatory bone disease.

Cookery hints: In India, turmeric has been widely used for cooking such purposes as curry and pickles. It not only gives good taste but also enhances flavour. For best result, choose a pure turmeric powder rather than a curry powder because curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin compared to turmeric powder. Turmeric is also available in is a more convenient method to obtain the health benefits discussed above, especially if they are from a high-quality organic source and if one doesn't particularly enjoy the taste of curry.

In combination with other things: One teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with one cup of neem leaves juice does miracles for skin problems such as utcheria, eczema, pimples, etc. Apply directly on the skin and leave it on for half an hour.

• One teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with one teaspoon of rock salt and mustard does miracles for joints pains. Apply directly and massage smoothly on the affected area.

• Take 1/4 tea spoon of turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder, add 1/2 teaspoon of pure honey in a cup of warm water. Drink it two to three times. A real medicine for sore throat.

Turmeric is a herb that one should get to know and live with. It can filter up to two litres of blood per minute and easily break apart toxio molecules to reduce their toxcing. It is a good scrubber and exfoliates our skin. Mixed with gram flour, turmeric does miracles and bleaches our skin in a natural way.

A housewife is cautioned to use pure and unadulterated turmeric. A microscopic study reveals that only pure turmeric is yellow, big and has an angular structure, while foreign added starches are colour less and small compared to pure turmeric starch. Some common adulterants found in turmeric powder are sawdust, starch of maize, wheat and tapioca.

CRANBERRIES - Good for mild infections - Healthy Food

 The juice of these scarlet berries has long been used as a home remedy for cystitis and other bladder, kidney and urinary tract infections. Cranberries are by their origin, native to North America. But we do find it these days in select outlets in India. The scientific explanation for using cranberries as a home remedy for the above-mentioned ailments is due to the fact that these scarlet berries have high acidic content. It was thought that these fruits raised the acid levels of urine, thereby killing the bacteria responsible for the infection. Scientific research suggests that cranberries contain a substance that stops the infectious bacteria from clinging to the cells that line the urinary tract and bladder, preventing them from multiplying. Further research undertaken by Israeli scientists comparing a variety of juices indicates that the only other fruit to have a similar effect is the blueberry, a member of the same botanical family.

Many urologists recommend drinking a couple of glasses of cranberry juice daily, as a preventive measure and to help to control mild infections. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice as medication might be necessary. Commercially produced cranberry juice is high in added sugar, which may not be evident from its tart taste. It is hence not suitable for certain people such as diabetics.

Cranberries are known as bouncing berries because good ones bounce. People tip them down steps to test them – the bad ones remain where they fall while the good ones keep bouncing.

Here's a lip-smacking recipe, the cranberry chutney. 

INGREDIENTS:

 2 tsp chana dal

2 tsp urad dal 

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds 

1 tbsp oil 

1 onion cut fine 

6 dry red chillies 

1/2 cup fresh cranberries salt to taste

 METHOD

Dry-roast chana dal and urad dal separately until reddish and aromatic. Roast methi seeds separately until they turn brownish. Soak these three ingredients in sufficient water for at least one hour.

Heat one tbsp of oil in a heavy bottomed pan, add onions to it and saute till transparent. Now, add dry red chillies, and stir a few more times, then add '/2 cup of washed fresh cranberries, and stir until the cranberries are cooked and soft.

Cool to room temperature, and grind this along with the soaked and drained lentils to a smooth paste, adding water as required. Add salt to taste and give it another quick turn in the grinder.

Serve this chutney with dosai or adai or upma varieties

FIGS - All-time Nutritious Fruits - HEALTHY FOOD

 Figs are called the Biblical fruits, and have been popular in the Mediterranean regions since Biblical times. The fig tree finds mention often in the Bible, and is believed to have grown in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve used its leaves to preserve their modesty. Dried figs are high in fibre, and this helps to prevent constipation. This fruit is rich in potassium as well. Since fresh figs bruise easily, and do not travel well, around 90 per cent of the fruits are dried for export from the southern European countries where they grow.

Weight for weight, dried figs provide roughly six times as many calories as fresh figs. Drying of the fruits also concentrates the nutrients to make them a rich source of potassium, and a useful source of calcium, iron and magnesium.

Dried figs contain, pectin, a form movement of food through the gut, so preventing constipation and other bowel disorders. A handful of dried figs will usually have a laxative effect while syrup of figs is a traditional remedy for constipation.

However, dried figs are also high in sugar, and if eaten too frequently, can cause tooth decay. They are also prone to mould contamination and may contain mould toxins such as aflatoxins which are potentially carcinogenic.

Here is an easy-to-make recipe using figs and this is especially good for babies and small children. Most babies and kids love figs because of their mild sweet taste and slightly grainy texture.

Apricot and fig puree, when thinned down with milk, is a good combo rich in vitamin A and fibre. Milk adds calcium that is essential for the development of your child's bones.

Here are a few home remedies which may help - BEAUTY TIPS

 SOME HOMELY BEAUTY TIPS

Mix yellow gram (channa), green gram (moong), fenugreek seeds (methi) in equal proportion. Get this mixture floured. Use this flour as a scrub while taking bath instead of soap and body washes. 

Make a face mask of curd and cucumber juice and apply it at least once a week for moisture. 

Make a paste of red sandalwood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin. 

Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin. A healthy massage with coconut milk and a pinch of turmeric powder before a hot water bath also helps. 

Mix few drops of coconut oil in little water. Rub this all over body at the end of bath or shower. Dab the body with towel. This helps to increase the skin moisture naturally 

Mash banana with milk and apply it on face. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse afterwards with cold water. 

Make a fine paste of one teaspoon of walnut powder, lemon juice and honey. Scrub the body with the paste. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.