Hair and Skin Care tips for Holi

Holi, the festival of colours, brings a dainty array of colours to the fore — colours that paint our life bright.

Holi is also a time to bond with family and friends. It is a celebration that both the young and old look forward to, with excitement. All of us enjoy the festival’s revelry and review our festive success by the colourful remnants on our clothes and body. Celebrations apart, most of us tend to ignore, or are unaware, of the potential damage the use of ‘wrong’ colours can have on us. Some colours can be harmful to our skin and hair; they can lead to more damage than delight. It is, therefore, imperative to be conscious of this possibility — we’d all do ourselves a huge favour by preventing any damage, at the outset.

Most colours today contain chemicals. Some also contain copper, lead, silver, aluminium and iodine. Hair and skin would be the first to get affected badly following a splash of chemical colours. Also, chemicals not only bleach the hair, they can also damage it badly.

Certain chemical colours are minute enough to penetrate the covering of our hair (cuticle) and enter the hair shaft. They can, thereafter, weaken the hair shaft, causing the hair to break easily. Many individuals present with complaints of hair breakage, after Holi. This condition is called trichorrhexis nodosa.

Some colours contain dyes, engine oils, and powdered glass too! Apart from damaging the hair, they can cause damage to the scalp. Some people show a dye ‘reaction’ to these colours — this can cause long-term damage to the hair and scalp.

Increased dandruff and itching of the scalp are other common complaints after Holi.

It ain’t difficult to prevent such problems, if one follows certain easy-to-use preventative measures during Holi.

A little about Skin Care -

Holi is not just colourful clothes, or skin and hair splashed with colours. It can be dangerous, sometimes. Prevention, as always, is better than cure.

• Use natural/skin friendly and herbal colours or natural products.
• If you have a history of eczema, wear a barricade cream (white paraffin) before playing Holi. Avoid using colour on the face.
• In case of allergy, take prompt medical treatment.
• Synthetic colours cause skin irritation; they can even cause blindness. So, take good care.
• Wear clothes that cover most of your body. Apply cold cream/oil on all exposed parts and follow it up with sunscreen (waterproof).
• After Holi, remove colours with a paste of soybean flour, or besan, with milk.
• Use warm water and moisturising soap to wash off the colours.
• Do not rub your skin forcefully with soap.
• Apply cold cream or moisturiser generously; they are good for your ‘post-Holi’ skin.

Crowning Glory

Grandma was right, because oiling our hair never came in as handy as during Holi. Oil forms a protective layer around the hair shaft; it prevents chemicals from entering the hair. It can also avert potential damage. Oil ensures that the colours are washed away easily. Oiling the hair before stepping out to play Holi would, therefore, be beneficial.  Olive or coconut oil is ideal choice.

Use natural colours

It is best to use natural colours to play Holi. This won’t cause any damage to others as well as to oneself. Gulal (rose water) and other natural water colours are relatively safe to use. Chemical colours, particularly permanent colours, are best avoided. Colours, such as silver and shiny green or bright gold, are chemical-based; they should not be used. Home-made colours from vegetable sources are safe.

• Red sandalwood powder is a good substitute.
• Beetroot water is also a good wet colour.
• Dry spinach powder makes for a good green colour.
• Yellow turmeric (haldi) powder is a good natural yellow colour.
• Dried marigold flowers and paste, or red hibiscus, can also be used as a substitute for artificial colour.

Such colours can be used safely as dry powders, or mixed with water and diluted to be used as colours.  

        

After Care

• Wash your hair with lukewarm water.
• Keep your eyes closed to avoid the colour from going into your eyes.
• Use a mild shampoo and make sure to rub hair gently, and lather with shampoo.
• Rinse hair with lukewarm water. It would be advisable to repeat this process 2-3 times.
• Follow this up by using a conditioner. The conditioner will soften the hair and prevent brittleness resulting from chemical colours.
• Towel dry your hair lightly; avoid using a hair dryer. 
• Apply warm olive oil after your head bath. It would be best to oil your hair for 2-3 days after Holi. Oiling the scalp will help keep your hair moist as well as soothe the scalp.

Also

• Never smear colour in the eye area.
• Watch out for water balloons.
• If a water balloon hits you in the eye, wash immediately with water. If irritation persists seek immediate medical attention.
• In the event of bleeding in the eye, cover the eye with a clean cloth or cotton. Rush to an eye specialist. Do not massage or rub the eye.

Just remember to play safe with colours as also to keep your hair glowing.

Have an amazing and safe Holi :)

(The writer of this article is Dr Akshay Batra, managing Director, Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinic Pvt. Ltd.)

5 tips to put the best foot forward during Festivals

Festivals keep coming back now and then, but there are certain things which needs to be taken care of every single time the festive ring, rings. Its not just about mopping that floor or getting the best delicacies served but there's more to festival preparation to change the festive air. Let us find out;

1) Home mood through fragrance - Everybody wants their house clean and dirt free. Start with adding a fresh fragrance to it. Nobody wants to enter a place which stinks and makes you look for your hanky or use your hands on your nose. Let the guests come in and feel the freshness in the air. #ChangeTheAir this time and feel the difference!

2) Home Decor - As discussed in my last post, home decor needs to be taken care of while preparing for a festival. One needs to be conscious about not using too bright or too dark colors during festivals. Each festival asks for a change in the festive air, experimenting with different colors or what goes right with the festival ambiance is a priority.

3) Food - double check the menu and see to it that you include good portions of Veg, Non Veg and Deserts, so that no last minute crisis occurs. Guests will remember you for your hospitality & food that you served. The festivals come and go by, it's the memories which stay forever.

4) Check the society rules for Music and Noise levels. You don't want your festival party to be interrupted by neighbors or for that matter local police patrolling at night. If you are planning to burst crackers this Diwali, think of the poor animals and the small kids & seniors who are the most effected section of living being by noise pollution generated by crackers esp during Diwali. Enjoy, be safe and be eco-friendly.

5) Last but not the least, Festival Rituals. Festival celebration dates back to the very beginning of human race and following rituals is not just a plain act but of deep significance to the mankind. It keeps one rooted to their traditions and the younger generation known with their culture. It is important for all of us to adhere by the rituals to enjoy the festival at its best!

I hope the 5 tips helps you in someway. Have an amazing festival spree! :D

Happy Diwali to all :)

My reason to pray #PurePrayer

Seems like forever when I started praying. If I think of when and how I started  praying, it will take me back to early school days, when my mother would let me bank to early school days, when she would let me leave home only after offering a small prayer to God in our prayer room.

There are no particular reasons to why I pray; I feel my heart calls for God when it’s sad, angry, and anxious, wants something or simply want to thank for what he has given me – amazing parents, siblings, love, friendship and great education.

Prayer not just brings me close to God but to my inner self too. Prayers purify my thoughts and bring me to peace from within.

Be it morning after getting up or before sleeping at night, I reach out to God. I remember praying for good, results of my exams, health and for wellbeing of my beloved.

I pray when I am down
I pray when things go wrong

I pray when life gives me a reason to smile
I pray when life brings in a new opportunity

I used to pray when I bunked classes to never get caught
I used to pray when mom would leave me home alone to fight against the ghosts in my mind

I pray when my parents are away and all I can think of is their well-being
I pray when my brother or sister is away and I am longing to see them again

I pray when the sun sets down and I long for a beautiful tomorrow
I pray when the morning comes and I thank for beautiful yesterday

I pray when the star shines bright and reminds me of the love of my life.

I definitely have innumerable reasons to pray but often they are for the people whom I love more then myself...

Praying to Goddess Lakshmi is a ritual during Diwali, a festival of lights, the day on which we worship the Goddess of Wealth.

On the first day of Diwali, we have Dhanteras, the most auspicious day for buying Gold or Silver. The day is followed by Choti Diwali and then Badi Diwali where the goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha is worshipped. Beautiful Rangoli is carved out, lots of Diyas and Mithais mark this festival.

Diwali asks for cleanliness, a well-lit home which smells good and this year we would be bringing home the Sampoorna Lakshmi Pooja Pack for the Lakshmi pooja. 

It comes with an instructional booklet and an audio CD to guide us to perform an authentic and traditional Lakshmi pooja at our home or office. It’s a sight when we all are running and searching for Pooja books every year, no more running. With the beautiful and melodious pooja playing in the cd, it’s definitely a complete pooja pack.

It is my entry for the competition Cycle Pure ‘Your Reason To Pray’ contest by Cycle Pure Agarbathies.

Another reason to pray tonight :)

No matter what you are or where you are, everyone on this earth has a reason to pray, do you feel the same?

Do watch this beautiful video :)

Love <3

Megha

5 days of amazing Diwali #ChangeTheAir

Clicked by my sis :)

Diyas, crackers, unlimited Mithai, Homes bejeweled with numerous beautiful lights; this is Diwali - my favourite festival of all :) 

Diwali is referred to as the festival of lights. During this festival, prayers are offered to the goddess of wealth and prosperity - Lakshmi. As soon as the Dusshera week is over, begins the saaf-safai of my house. I am the in charge of my house cleaning, windows are cleaned, furniture  each corner of the walls; it’s said that Goddess Lakshmi comes only to those homes which are clean and devoid of any evil or bad things.

Day – 1- Dhan Teras

Do you want that pocket money to never stop coming to you? Worship your money then. Dhan Teras is celebrated to worship money and wealth. This day holds special significance for the businessmen as they buy precious metals like Gold and Silver as customary this day. People usually buy a gold/silver coin and keep it in front of Lakshmi idol during Diwali.

Day – 2- Govardhan Pooja

I have seen celebrations for this day at my Nani’s place long back. It is marked as the day when Krishna defeated Indra. The pooja is celebrated with great zeal. Mountains are made using cow dung and worshipped as a symbol of Govardhan Parvat which Lord Krishna lifted once. Back in my hometown we worship cows on this day.

Day – 3- Choti Diwali

Crackers come home and big boxes of Mithai have made entry at our home. Since a few years we are not bursting any rockets or bombs, but we do have Fuljhadi (Sparklers) and Flower Pots to mark traditions. 5 Diyas are lit and placed in Pooja room, one near a drainage pipe to draw away the evil from home, 1 outside the main door, 1 near a Tulsi plant and the 5^th one under the Peepal Tree. Back in Lucknow, we have “Mitti k Ganesha and Lakshmi” made, and placed in Pooja. Loads of flowers & fragrances fill our home.

Day – 4- Badi Diwali

Burst loads of crackers, have a lavish breakfast with family & a grand pooja in evening. Perfume is sprayed in all the corners to #ChangeTheAir of celebrations. The house is cleaned, esp. the pooja room - Rangoli is made :)

After the Lakshmi Pooja, sweets are sent over to the neighbours and elders give gifts/money to the kids at home. 16 diyas are lit up and placed in every possible corner of the house. Not even a single corner is left in darkness on this night :) after an amazing dinner, we are all out to burst crackers!

Day – 5- Bhai Dooj

Maa narates all of us a traditional old story about Bhai Dooj, followed by Brother ka tika and gift exchanging spree :D followed by an amazing breakfast *slurp*

It is said that on this day, a brother should have food at his sister’s place on this day and both of them should go for a dip in Ganga. It’s a festival of Brothers and sisters and the sisters ensure that brothers are not left empty handed or empty stomachs from their homes.

The amazing 5 days of Diwali at my place is a lot like what I wrote above, like it? :D what about yours? Do share! 

This post is a part of #ChangeTheAir

The Indian festivities & change in the air of celebrations

The one thing I love most about India is the innumerable festivals we celebrate here. The festive celebration is woven with the threads of culture, heritage, traditions and rituals storing the fragrance of different religions and region. Every year is like a change in the air of celebrations #ChangeTheAir when a multi-fragrant basket bursts out in different times at different corners of the world. The fairs and festivals are celebrated with equal enthusiasm around the nation. 

I have often believed that fragrance takes you to memories. Like, fragrance of wet soil reminds me of Monsoons, Godrej Aer Fresh Lush Green reminds me of long walks in the grass garden I had in my school. The other day my mother made some Gulab Jamun and how much my heart ached to go back to those festivals when I go slurp on them :D not to forget the meethi chashni ki mehak :) #Heaven

And it’s not just me who associates festival to fragrances, but my colleagues too. Office being the best place to know about different festivals; we all are in for a treat. From Kerala to Punjab, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, there’s a mix of all.

If fragrance of Cinnamon during Christmas fills your home with deliciousness, the Flowers and Thaal full of Mithai during Diwali & light fragrance of Diyas are enough to immerse myself in the festivals of lights.

 Jasmine takes you to the land of Kerala and the month of Onam when the beautiful ladies adorn themselves with Jasmine Garlands, the table is set with the yummy Sambhar & fragrance of curry leaves reaching your hearts & that huge flower Rangoli. I remember one Onam, amazing memory. My new Godrej Aer Petal crush Pink takes me to it :)

Woody with an underlying fragrance of Caramel in Sesame seeds must remind you of Revdi and Gajak during Lohri. The smell of Jaggery and Neem Flower should take you to Andhra, the festival of Ugadi and Pachadi (chutney).

During Eid, the Mohammad Ali Road will make you stop with the immense smell of Eid delicacies. Indian festivals are indeed associated to fragrances; celebrate the change in air with every occasion.

Do you know a fragrance which takes you back to a celebration? If not, its time to Change the Air of Celebrations :)

This post is a part of #ChangeTheAir with Godrej

Pamper your brother this Rakshabandhan with GIFTSMATE!

Yeah you read it right! why not pamper your brother who has been there throughout to pamper you, love you, protect you and care for you? Today I am listing down few gifting options for your brother :) Be it your Big Brother who demands discipline and protects you like no one would ever do or that sweet little naughty brother who cares for you :)

Let's talk about the basic gift a girl can usually gift a boy keeping in mind that he is always on time for their meetings or important work? This doesn't need guessing, I am talking about Watches! I love watches but I don't wear them anymore, somehow all the watches I have worn in the past stopped working and got *woosh* (Stop working :P)

I came across this watch recently on giftsmate and loved it instantly;

• Timex Expedition MF13 Unisex Watch

Experience Expedition with the Timex Expedition series. This watch is capacitated with the capability to show time in both analogue and digital format. Experience convenience with the brown coloured, leather strap that is as soft and skin friendly with your wrist. The watch is capable of displaying time in 2 time zones at the same time, cool isn't it?
Being a Unisex watch you can borrow or steal it from him anytime you want! :P

Who doesn't love being gifted a big hamper? :D 

This hamper consists of a Beautiful American Diamond Rakhi, Large Rakhi Greeting Card, Alphabet Cufflinks, Choice of Tees & Ties for him, & lots of Chocolates! If I go on and gift this to my brother; chocolates would be snatched! :D *yum*

He is the best bro right? Why not tell him and make him believe the same?
Gift him this cool Tee from giftsmate for an amazing price of 599/- only!
Click on the Tee to land on the shopping page :D

There is a lot more you can buy from giftsmate for your Bhai :) The coffee mug, personalised photo cake, pen, perfumes and cards as well :) Here's the Gifts for Brother collection:  Gift it Right with Giftsmate

Having a brother is far better than having a superhero!
Wishing all the brothers and sisters an advanced Happy Rakshabandhan :)

Skin and Hair Care tips for Holi

This Holi don't forget to take care of your Skin and Hair.

Ms. Aakriti Kochar tells you how... 

Nowadays, Holi is not the best time for one’s skin and hair. The dry "gulal" and colours are generally not derived from natural sources. They contain chemicals, shiny particles of mica and even lead, which not only irritate the skin, but collect on the scalp.

Follow these steps to ensure that you have a safe, fun and memorable Holi

• Apply a sunscreen and rich moisturiser like Oriflame Essentials Extra-Comfort Cream at least 20 minutes before going out to play with colours. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 and above, such as Oriflame Sun Care Cream SPF 20. If your skin is prone to pigmented patches, select one with a higher SPF.
• Generously apply copious amounts of olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or mustard oil on your face and body. Oriflame Swedish Spa Beauty Wonder Oil is a good option for extra nourishment
• Massage your hair well from scalp to hair tips with coconut, olive or castor oil, such as Oriflame Coconut & Ricemilk Hot Oil. This oil gives your hair a protective covering and shields it from harmful chemicals, dust and dirt.  This will help the colours come off easily later.
• Cover your lips with a thick coat of lip balm like Oriflame Tender Care Lip Balm to protect them from colour damage.
• You can use light daytime make-up. Touch up your eyes with an eyepencil or kajal stick like Oriflame Kohl Pencil and use a lip gloss or balm. However, if you intend to play rigorously with colours, try not to wear any make-up.
• Protect your nails from the colours by using transparent nail polish, such as Oriflame Beauty Crystal Base & Top Coat. If you have long nails, you can use it on the underside of the nails as well. One could also use Oriflame Beauty Nail Shield which strengthens the nails while protecting them.
• While playing, try to ensure a safe and skin-friendly Holi by using herbal or natural colours: henna or spinach (green), turmeric or marigold flowers (yellow), tomatoes or beetroot or kumkum (red) & tea leaves (brown).
• After playing with the colours, remember not to use harsh soaps to get rid of colours from your skin. Do not wash your face with soap immediately, because soap is alkaline and causes further dryness. Instead, use a cleansing cream or lotion, like Optimals Cleansing Milk, which soothes the skin while cleansing. Massage on the skin and then wipe off with moist cotton wool.
• Sesame seed (til) oil can also be used to remove colours by massaging it on face and body. This not only helps to remove the colours, but gives added protection to the skin.
• While washing your hair, first rinse them with plenty of plain water to wash away the dry colours and tiny particles of mica. Apply a mild natural shampoo, like Oriflame Nature Secrets Shampoo for Greasy Hair Nettle & Lemon, which deeply cleanses the hair without causing any further damage. Work it into the hair with your fingers, massage the scalp gently and rinse thoroughly with water again.
• Add the juice of a lemon to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. This helps to restore the acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. Beer can also be used as a last rinse to soften and condition the hair.
• You can also apply a hair pack made of fenugreek seeds, amla powder, boiled shikakai powder and water. Another homemade recipe for hair pack that works is a mixture of henna powder, four teaspoons of lemon juice and curd. Apply on hair and wash after an hour.

About Guest Writer

Ms. Aakriti Kochar is a Beauty & Makeup Expert, Oriflame India

Follow these easy tips and enjoy this Holi.
Wishing you all an advanced Happy Holi :D

Merry Christmas to all (:

The tree is set,
The cookies and milk is on the table,
The gifts are all wrapped
and here comes Santa riding on a sleigh
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas <3
Ho! Ho!

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
and
A Happy New Year :)

May the coming year brings loads of happiness in your life :)

Happy Holidays everyone (:

The Christmas Month (: Smiles and Surprises

A weekend actually feels good. I mean when you in college you hardly have a weekend, but when you are working you have it! That is the ONLY perk of working, gosh! I am 2 weeks into internship and saying this, haha :D

So one of my favorite month is here; December - I Love it! The winter (so-called-winter of Mumbai), colorful sweaters, jackets and cozy nights in quilts <3 Everybody loves it, right?

I have back-2-back three surprises for all of you on my blog this month. One is already LIVE on Faceboo, Check Surprise No.1 :)

I also love December for the Christmas and New Year. I don't celebrate Christmas but putting up a Xmas tree always fascinates me. The color Green, Red, stories of Santa Claus, Putting up stockings, getting gifts and yummy cakes and candies <3 Everybody loves Christmas, isn't it? :D

Few more days to go. I am already in the mood!
Say with me; Ho! Ho! Ho!

Surprise No.2 -- Will be LIVE tonight! :D
Love <3

Ganpati Bappa Morya! (:

I love everything about this Festival.
Be it the Jai dev, Jai Dev... chants or the super yummy Modaks <3

Wishing you all a very Happy Ganesha Chaturthi :) I had a great time at my Best Friend Gaurav's place today, who is a Maharashtrian and has 'Bappa' at home every year. Met my graduation time friends after a long time and had super fun.

Ganesha Idol at my friend's place :)

Relatives at home, friends coming and going, prayers and music; the ambiance makes you forget every problem of your life. The Festival is celebrated all over India but is most elaborate in states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is the day when Shiva declared his son, Ganesha as the superior to all the Gods. The Festival lasts for 10 days and the devotees yearn for Ganesha to come soon again :)

Wishing you all a very Happy Ganesha Chaturthi :)
Ganpati Bappa Morya!

The Week so Far :)

So the Sunday is here! :)
Sunday does not excite me anymore, I mean by the time I realise its Sunday its over too :P
Sunday should be 48 hours (Monday should not exist) ;)

So this last week was pretty fine; assignments, Presentations, College Fun and yes getting stuck in Mumbai Rains. Last Monday i got stuck in Local Trains because of heavy rains; the journey which takes an hour an half took me 4 hours!!! I was tired, hungry and sleepy; reached home real late :(

Anyways, this week was fun because of Traditional Day in my college on the 5th September (Teacher's Day in India). Since Monday gave me a bad experience, I decided to wear a Salwar Suit and not a Sari, so I was clad in an Indian Dress, enjoying the day, clicking lots of pictures with friends :)

Bangles from: Youshine

Earrings: Of my mother :)

I don't know from where my mother got me this dress (been long time, just for special occasions)
but I love this! <3 

The coming week is totally packed with lots of submissions and lots of fun hopefully! :)
Will be back with something new really soon!

Love <3