How to protect yourself in Monsoons? {Guest Post}

Monsoon season in India is something that everyone should strive to prepare for. Being prepared can help to prevent injury and emergency situations. Knowing how to prepare is critical because it will mean that you will have everything in place when the monsoons hit. The monsoon season in India is generally from June until September.

Bacteria and Viruses 

Monsoons bring with them bacteria and viruses. Pollutants and allergens are already heavy in cities like Bangalore, making people even more susceptible to things like the common cold and influenza. This season also creates kapha, so a strict healthy diet and adequate rest are critical to balancing this. The five most common diseases seen in monsoon season in India include:

• Malaria
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Leptospirosis

The following lifestyle changes made during this season will help to keep people healthy:

• Consume colored and green vegetables
• Avoid any fish that is not fresh
• Skip eating outside
• Shower immediately after being wet
• Stay hydrated
• Bitter vegetables and seasonal fruits should be consumed
• Exercise regularly

Flooding and High Winds 

Both of these are characteristic of monsoon weather. It is important to stay out of flooded areas and get to dry land. Drowning, illness and injury are all possible when being in flooded areas. High winds can cause damage, such as falling trees and even buildings. If you must venture into flooded areas, take extreme caution. Be sure to use a boat or raft and avoid any area where the water appears to be rushing. 

Have a Disaster Supply Kit Ready to Go 

These are not that hard to put together and they will ensure that people have what they need to ride out a particularly bad storm during this season. First, you need water. Ideally, three gallons of water should be put in this kit for each person and animal that will be using it. Food is also important. You want foods that will not require cooking. Things like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and other nutritious, non-cooked foods should be put in the kit. Fruit and vegetables can go bad, so be sure to keep an eye on these and have fresh ones in the kit at all times. 

A first aid kit is important just in case someone gets injured. Antiseptics, antibacterial cream, bandages, tape, scissors, compression bandages and something to reduce fevers and pain can all be placed into a small, portable kit. Other important necessities include any medications that the people in the house take, flashlights with batteries and a battery-operated radio so that you can keep up with the latest weather updates. 

Lightning Strikes and Shock 

Getting struck by lightning is a real threat during a monsoon. Stay away from trees, poles, high land, open fields, metal objects, pools and other bodies of water and other tall objects. Staying inside in a non-flooded area is the safest place to be. Lightning, while rare, can also strike through plumbing fixtures, so avoid showers, sinks and baths during a storm. To avoid being shocked, do not use a telephone unless it is an absolute emergency.

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About the Author: Debbie Sweet researches Tripollar treatments. When she’s not doing that, she’s travelling the world.

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Image Courtesy:sweetadditions.net,idiva.com

11 Health Benefits of Ashwagandha {Guest Post}

Withania somnifera, or more commonly known as Ashwagandha is a type of shrub that is rather famous in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine. More commonly found in the dry regions of India, it is known to grow during late rainy seasons and has plenty of use, not only in the field of medicine but also in culinary arts. Its berries are known to be good substitutes for rennet which is an essential ingredient in making cheese. Health wise, there are plenty of benefits one could get from the plant, and here are some.

[Source: Google Images]

Immune System

The plant contains properties that help enhance the cells in the body which help eliminate bacteria and other harmful elements, thus boosting the immune system. It also provides smooth transition of the oxygenated blood in the body, strengthening it for you to be able to fight against fatigue and weakness often associated with anemia.

Anti Inflammatory

The ashwagandha contains anti inflammatory properties. In fact, there are plenty of studies which tell that using the plant helps reduce inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, pain, and other disability.

Anti Oxidant

The bio chemical compounds found in Ashwagandha possess anti-oxidant properties. It is proven by a series of laboratory tests and experiments, and at the same time protect the body from oxidative damage.

Anti Ageing Capacity

The Indian shrub is also known to be good anti-ageing agents. It helps moisturize and keep the cells as healthy as possible, replenishing your body with good cells and reduce cell degeneration.

Diabetes

It also helps reduce the rate of diabetes risk, as it helps dilute blood sugar in the body to keep them under normal level. It is also thought to increase sedative effects, and could potentially induce abortion, so it is best thought to seek a medical professional’s advice before use.

Depression

Ashwagandha has anti-depressant capacities due to the presence of bio molecules that help influence brain chemistry. This will promote a more cheerful attitude in you and help lessen the fatigue you are apparently feeling.

Athletic Performance

The shrub is also known for boosting testosterone levels in the body. It is one of the reasons why most athletes prefer taking this herb, as it also promotes strengthening of the muscles and coordination of the body.

Dementia

A recent research explains that toxic substances released in the brain called beta-amyloid laques potentially induce neurodegenerative conditions. It is found that the ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha has the property to help prevent such plaques from forming, and may potentially become a good medicine against Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other similar ailments.

Anxiety

This Indian shrub is also known to help reduce anxiety induced by stress. It is because the plant is known to help influence the neurotransmitters in the brain which affects your mood. This helps promote a calming effect in you.

Cancer

It was found through various researches that Ashwagandha is known to help slow down the process of some cancer cells, making it a potentially effective treatment for eliminating the deadly disease once and for all.

Aphrodisiac

In the ancient times, Ashwagandha is being prescribed in India by Ayurvedic practitioners as an aphrodisiac. It was said that they help improve a person on matters related to sexual activities and infertility issues. Up to present, some still use this plant as a supplement for improving sexual activities and to increase pregnancy rate amongst couples.

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About the Author: Rajkumar Jonnala Blogger and Content Writer with very much experience in the field of dental implants industry.

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How To Take Care Of Long Nails? {Guest Post}

[Source: widehelp123.com]

So you have ordered the best party supplies and are all set with your favorite dress and makeup but ever thought about your nails? Yeah, they are often neglected but long, healthy nails can go a long way in attracting him to you.

Everyone likes having nicely manicured nails and keeping them long is something of a style statement. However, maintaining long nails and keeping them strong is no ordinary feat and should never be judged as an easy task. Before you start reading about nail care, you must know about the things that form your nails. Nails are nothing but dead cells and compose of two parts – the nail plate and the cuticle. Both need to be taken care of and the following tips will help you maintain long and strong nails.

Yellowing Nails - To remove the yellow and pale color off your nails, get some baking powder and put it on the brush tip, then rub your nails with it. You can also brush your nails to whiten them by using strawberries and lemons as substitutes for toothpaste. But because these things will lead to dryness, moisturize properly after you are finished. 

Never cut your cuticles – The cuticle area is made up of two layers – the dead skin layer and the live skin layer. When you go to a professional, you can get your dead skin layer clipped down but trying it yourself can be really risky. It can also result in infections.

Oil Treatment – Many people are seen complaining about their nails being brittle and the skin cracking around the edges. You can simply massage your nails with Olive Oil every day. It will keep your skin moisturized and make your nails stronger. Jojoba Oil is great for cuticles and can be used to. In fact, you can use your choice of oil and dip your nails in it for some time regularly.

No Nail Paint – Remove your nail paint, at least twice a month because it helps your nails breathe. Also, for people who complain of having yellowing nails, this could be one of the problems. It also promotes fungal infections.

Filing Nails – Try to switch onto filing instead of clipping your nails if you have time. Also, filing should always be done in one direction. Doing it in both the directions give jagged edges and make the nails look ugly. It makes them brittle too.

Post Manicure – Usually after a manicure, hands are pat dried and them moisturizer is applied. You must never forget to moisturize your nails.

Diet – Nails are similar to your hair and they need you to give your body proper nutrition. Nails grow faster and become stronger if you increase your intake of proteins and vitamins. It is also good for your hair.

Milk – Keeping your nails dipped in milk can be very beneficial for your nails and will act as the perfect manicure. This is because it will moisturize them and help prevent chipping.

Don’t revert to artificial nails. You can always follow these simple tips for having great natural nails.

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About the Author: Salina Gomes is a beauty expert and an aspiring hairstylist. She loves makig different types of wigs for kids in her free time.

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Getting into the Gluten Free Regimen {Guest Post}

[Source: Google Images]

Gluten forms an integral part of the diet, knowingly or unknowingly one takes in high volumes of gluten laden food products almost every day. Approximately 7% - 8% people are gluten intolerant for whom a gluten free diet is of utmost importance; which means these people will suffer from headaches, bloated stomachs, intestinal problems etc. The most severe form of Gluten intolerance will be converted into a disease labeled Celiac Disease. Once gluten intolerant people decide to cut down on their gluten intake chances are that they will stop getting headaches, bloating in the stomach and other intestinal problems. 

The main source of Gluten that forms a part of the normal diet comes from foods processed from wheat, barley and rye. This is a protein component that gives the final product a chewy texture. Thus its the gluten that is present in bread, pizza, pasta and cakes that give these food products a chewable texture and the awesome yummy taste relished by one and all.

Though no medicine can really claim to remove the ill effects of gluten on gluten intolerant human being the best option that is advised for such people is stopping gluten laden food products. It’s quite simple to agree on this point but quite difficult to implement it in real life. It’s not only bread, pizza and cakes that contain gluten. There are several other food products that will have some volume of gluten. 

The course of action for those who have been diagnosed with Celiac or gluten intolerance need to be quite careful about their health by controlling their eating habits. Concentrate on what you can really eat and not what you can’t eat. There are many options available in the gluten free world. It’s not the end of the world once you have been diagnosed with gluten intolerance. Remember your health is more important than your taste cravings. 

Learn to cook food that's gluten free. It’s quite simple and much healthier for people who can’t stand gluten in their diet. You just need to change your cooking habits and the world of gluten free recipes is open for you which I can bet is yummier and will surely tickle your taste buds.

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About the Author: Elva G Lamont. The author is an expert in writing on topics like Food and Self Improvement. She is a fitness freak and believes that nutritious food and happiness are the essential elements of life that help a human being lead a quality life. Being gluten intolerant she is a big time advocate of Gluten Free Food and Gluten Free Recipes.

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Applying Eye Shadows the Right Way {Guest Post}

[Source: Google Images]

Applying eye shadows by Maybelline can change your look entirely but getting them right is tricky as it requires expertise and practice. It has to be blended properly, for it to be perfect. Some easy tips are given below so that you get the right blend of colors and look fresh and beautiful all day long.

Perfect colors

When you are buying eye shadow, it is essential to choose colors that complement the color of your eyes. The wrong color of the eye shadow can make your eyes look dull instead of enhancing their look. For example blue eyes look fantastic with blue or bronze eye shadow whereas green eyes go well with light brown, lavender or dark green.

Apply Primer to your lids

Apply primer to your lids and follow it up with foundation or powder before applying shadow, otherwise, it may smudge and not look good. Eye lids have oil glands and are therefore, very greasy. Primer and foundation absorb oil and give your lids a matte look all day.

Blend the colors

You have to blend the colors properly after applying the shadow. Apply blocks of colors on the lid and then blend them with your fingertips of a soft brush that is meant especially for applying eye shadow. Some of the color palettes come with sponge applicators that are not very effective when it comes to blending. Ensure that the lines demarcating the colors are not visible and merge smoothly.

Highlight

You need highlights to brighten up your eyes. Use a bright color to highlight the brow bones. You can accentuate the corner of your eyes too to hide all the imperfections. It will give you a soft look.

Shimmer

Shimmery eye shadows can draw attention to the fine lines around your eyes. Go easy on the shimmer if you are older. Try to use a metallic shade in cream color, as it does not accentuate those age lines.

Using dark shadow

Applying dark colors near the lash line can make eyes look smaller. So keep them to outline the crease and use soft colors at the base.

Cleaning up the brush       

It is essential to wash and clean the brushes every day. It is not only hygienic but will also ensure that your brushes have along life and give you a good application. Wash them with baby shampoo and air-dry them after each application.

With these tips, you don’t have to be a celebrity to draw attention to yourself. Your beautifully colored and bright eyes will ensure that you are no less than one. However, if you are doing an eye makeup to team up with your scary halloween costumes for adults, be sure to double quote your makeup for an intense dramatic look.

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About the Author: Brenda Lyttle is a beauty expert who began writing for publications in her community in 2005 and now commands an authority in writing on beauty tips, anti-aging, and acne treatment related topics.

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Aging Gracefully – Top Tips to Prevent Wrinkles {Guest Post}

[Source: Google Images]

As you grow more mature and wise, the first sight of your wrinkles is still not something that can be rationally dealt with. But why frown and sneer at your own reflection in the mirror and crib about the inevitable truths, when you can adopt some easy means to prevent wrinkles from appearing before time? Read on to enlighten yourself with some great beauty tips to prevent wrinkles and know how you can retain that youthful glow for prolonged years. 

·         Shielding Yourself from the Sun 

It is a known fact that the ultra violet rays from the sun are detrimental to your skin. Therefore, it is always advisable to avoid direct exposure to the scorching rays of the sun or to apply sun screen when you do need to go out in the daytime.

·          

      Kicking the Butt

If you though smoking affected only your respiratory tracts, you were only enlightened with the half truth. Smoking is extremely harmful to your skin as well as it bereaves your skin of the oxygen and nutrients that are needed for regeneration and attenuates repairing processes.

·          

      Cleansing and Moisturizing

As you cross your prime years and embark on years of maturity, your skin requires deeper cleansing as well as moisturizing on regular basis. The dead cells of your skin needs to be eradicated and proper moisture levels maintained through use of night creams to lend your visage the glamour that you have been flaunting all through your youthful days.

·          

      Skin Treatment and Care

As you need a bit of indulgence and pampering every now and then, so does your skin too. Intermittent massage sessions and facial done with the apt cream suiting your skin type is just the way to postpone the arrival of wrinkles. Your skin needs to adapt to the seasonal changes and therefore, your beauty treatment accessories and creams should be varied accordingly.

·         Gentle Massages and Newer Products

Your skin is a delicate part of your body and needs care that should appear supple and genteel without the use of  strong massage strokes or applying of harsh products and creams. Technology is advancing and therefore newer accessories are better manufactured keeping in mind the optimum needs of the skin. Hence it is worthwhile to discard your old products and try out new ones.

·         Learning to Camouflage Your Wrinkles

If, however, even after persistent efforts, you cannot help prevent the wrinkles from appearing, you do not need to go into a state of paranoia. You can still master the art of masking the lines around your eyes and mouth with make-up kits and luminescent particles.

 

·         Cosmetic Surgery- a Secondary Proposition

Cosmetic surgery should be the last resort and should be decided upon after much deliberation as it might not always prove a successful endeavor and yet cost you a fortune.

·         Diet and Exercise

The apt diet comprising foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3, fatty acids as well herbal assortments are excellent catalysts for prevention of wrinkles. Finally aerobic exercises and intake of large amounts of water are secrets to a healthy, glowing skin without creases and wrinkles to torment you.

About the Author: Brenda Lyttle is a beauty expert who began writing for publications in her community in 2005 and now commands an authority in writing on beauty tips, anti-aging, and acne treatment related topics.

Why A Beauty Regime is Part of Inner Beauty? {Guest Post}

About the author: Want to know what makes you beautiful? Resham Khiani is the founder of InnerBellissima, a blog dedicated to helping women tap into their inner beauty. Follow Resham on http://innerbellissima.blogspot.com/.

I think this sums up Inner Beauty really well!!! [Source:Google Images]

We have one body for the rest of our lives - our bodies aren't suits that can be changed on a daily basis, so nurturing and taking responsibility should be a primary goal,  be it in the form of a cream, nutritional supplement, daily exercise, or healthy meals. Yeah, I'm obsessed with any girl who has "perfect" skin and have just gaped at women in public transport who haven't got a single blemish on their face or just look effortlessly beautiful - I just put this down to healthy scrutiny; a kind of motivation to take care of myself, rather than allowing the inner voices of criticism to proverbially drown me. 

I came across a wonderful quote recently: "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul". For me, it sums up how mind, body and soul require attention, a sort of unconditional pampering because without it, we'll weaken, perhaps even deteriorate. Indulging in a weekend of deep tissue massage, saunas, healthy eating, yoga and meditation are path ways to tapping into the wellness package. Consider it practical means of cleansing your mind, body and soul. 

Now you may ask, how does all this physical pampering relate to inner beauty? Good question: What I like about beauty regimes is that they offer pleasurable solace, away from the daggers the media throws at us woman for not having womanly curves, a perfectly shaped button nose or seductive pouty lips. It's that time, in the evening or day, when you can look at yourself in the mirror and enjoy the process of applying a mask - and purely for the fun of it, without the prickly worries of being called vain or insecure.

Beauty regimes are play time for us ladies - or should be considered that way. Our faces look like a purple grape, we soften ourselves with copious moisturisers and indulge in facial steam baths. Just think, it's time to connect with your feminine self. 

Soulflower Rejuvenation Set {Product Review}

About the author: This post has been written by VA.  

I have been using natural soaps for as long as I can remember due to my sensitive skin. What attracts me to natural soaps is the ingredients. I always check the ingredients section of the product to make sure I can use it. 'Soulflower' is a Thai and Indian company and they make sure their soaps are quality made and also label them with ingredients. Soulflower soaps are sold in Homestop and malls and also can be bought online at http://www.soulflower.biz/.

Last week I bought the Soulflower body rejuvenation set which includes a Jasmine soap, a refreshing massage oil that has lemongrass in it, and the rose and geranium ocean mineral bath salts. It costs Rs 350 and I bought my set from Homestop.

My Experience

• The massage oil comes in a small plastic bottle. I wish the packaging was different because sometimes too much of the oil can come out. Otherwise, the massage oil smells really great and also feels good when applied on the body. 

• The soap was great and did not irritate my skin and leaves it feelings soft and smelling nice. The only part I wish was that it didn't have artificial coloring added to the soap to make it more decorative.

• I used the bath salts as a foot soak and it felt soothing. It also smells great.

Ingredients

Jasmine soap – Jasmine essential oil, fresh jasmine flower, Vitamin E, glycerin, aqua, olive, coconut, castor, palm and palm kernel oil .

Rose Geranium bath salts – Rosehip Essential oil, Geranium Essential Oil, Thai Herbs, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Borate, Epsom Salts, Sea salts and Permitted Colorings .

Refreshing Aroma Massage Oil – Essential oils of orange, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, tea tree, sweet almond oil, olive oil, and sesame oil.

My Recommendation

Overall I do recommend their products and hope you will give their products a try. What matters is you choose the soap you of your choice that is good for your skin type.

Have you tried any all natural soaps and if so what was the name of it ?

Image Sources: Soulflower Website

Some announcements

Hi everyone!!! First of all, have you read the guest post by Ansh? I want to thank her for the wonderful post and taking out time from her schedule to devote to writing it. Also, in exchange, Ansh asked me for a guest post so head on to her blog and check it out. 

Also, one more thing in case you are wondering why I did not announce the winners of the Yardley Giveaway. Well, I decided to extend it by one day so that the new readers from Ansh's blog may be able to participate and I shall announce the winners tomorrow, 2nd October. 

My Skin Care Routine by Ansh {Guest Post}

Hello everyone, I’m Ansh from Vanity No Apologies and Swati has taken a back seat today :P I was quite confused when she asked to guest blog at her place since there were a gazillion topics in my mind but then I picked this one up since I’m a curious cat and like to know about other girls’ skin care routine. So I thought of letting you peep into my treasure of secrets.

For the record, I’ve combination/oily, acne prone and super sensitive skin. Yeah the worst kind imaginable! So, basically very few products suit me and I try not to mess up with my skin care because my skin rules me rather than other way round. Here I’ll share the very basic and natural things I use for my face and body.

Cleansing

I use honey and mix a few drops of lemon (2-3 max since I’ve sensitive skin) and use it to wash my face every morning. Honey is a great cleanser. I sometimes use raw milk and apply all over my face with a cotton wool and wash off after 15mins, regular usage has lightened my dark spots. As for the body, I use the masoor dal and turmeric pack whenever I’ve time. It has helped me with the tanning and reduced the elbow pigmentation.

Toning

We have all heard that rose water is a natural toner, so I tried using the Gulabari spray freshener and it was just HORRIBLE! It made my face red, blotchy and itchy. For a long time, I didn’t use any toner, simply because none of them would suit me and infact would give me allergic reactions. From lakme to aroma magic, I didn’t leave a single toner untried. So, now I resort to natural methods of toning my face. Most of the times I end up using over-the-counter products but keep in my mind to use a natural toner at-least before sleeping. I now use a home made green tea toner. For it, mix green tea leaves in hot water and add a few drops of tea tree oil and lemon. I agree its time consuming but worth the effort.

Moisturizing

I use aloe vera gel all over my face to moisturize. I’ve an aloe vera plant at home and get it direst from the leaf everyday and store the remaining in the fridge. If you don’t have it at your home, there are a lot of brands with aloe vera tubs to offer at great prices. I sometimes use the vitamin e capsules in the over-the-counter moisturizers. Other than that I use Liz Earle and Fab India. Instead of using a body lotion, I use olive oil + coconut oil on my body straight after a hot shower. It takes care of the dryness to a very great extent. Must for the coming winters.

Exfoliating

Take 2-3 tbsp of raw oats and mix it with honey and a few drops of tea tree oil. Regular usage of this scrub has shown a great improvement in my skin texture. I used the lemon and sugar scrub once and it was a disaster! So, this shows no matter how much natural and home made the tip might be, use your brains and go ahead only if it is meant for your skin type. I use St. Ives scrub too, so if don’t have much time then it is a good option as well. And I started using that clean & clear scrub but it’s of no use, save some bucks.

Face Packs 

Earlier I would apply face packs like a maniac..2 per day and then go on for months without even touching them once. No prizes for guessing that it never helped me. You need to keep your patience with the homemade things, don’t expect miracles overnight. Apply face packs atleast thrice a week according to your skin type. Applying a banana or curd pack to a very oily skin would only worsen the situation. So, keep your skin type in mind.

Papaya…yes that not-so-tasty (or the most yuck fruit if I’ve the liberty to say so!), yes that healthy papaya. I don’t even like the smell of it, so ripe and gross. But it does work wonders to your skin. Mash a ripe papaya and apply on your face. If you can’t bear the smell…then breath from your mouth silly and shut up your nose for those difficult 15 minutes!

You see how these mixtures use the ingredients which are very easily available. I agree they take a lot of time but you can do all of this while watching TV or something like that…time management! ;) Hope it helped you and I’m here to answer your queries, if any.

About the Author: Ansh is a Fashion and Beauty Blogger based in Delhi. Check out her blog at 'Vanity - No Apologies'. You will find everything from her dress hauls to her reflections on the products she has used on her blog. Her particular specialty, if I may say so, is in how to deal with sensitive problem-prone skin which is, of course, very useful for all of us as the experience is first-hand. And, don't forget to check out her Nano Style $50 Gift Card International Giveaway. I am sure you will enjoy her blog.