Handy tips for nail care: dos and don’ts for healthy & beautiful nails

The type of nails you have is inherited from your parents. There is not much you can do about that, but the care you give your nails can go a long way in improving their appearance.

You may not see any dramatic result immediately after adopting a more nail-friendly routine, but if you persist, soon you will see your nails change from unsightly to well- groomed ones.

It is better to formulate a nail-care plan that is simple to follow so that it does not take too much time, and is thus easy to follow. Here are some dos and don’ts of nail care:

• What you eat is important to how your nails look. A protein-rich diet works wonders for your nails. Citrus fruits, honey and nuts are also great for your nails. Consult your doctor for advice if you intend taking vitamin A or B complex supplements.

• If your nails are soft and weak, you may consider drinking milk. Milk contains calcium, which is good for nails.

• Do not neglect your cuticles. To have soft and supple cuticles, use a cuticle cream on the cuticles and then push your cuticles backwards. If you don’t have a cuticle cream handy, use Vaseline.

• Avoid cutting cuticles by yourself, unless you are trained to do so. Otherwise you risk causing an infection. Instead, after washing and drying your hands, gently push the cuticles back with the help of a soft towel.

• Avoid cutting your nails with scissors, unless you have softened your nails first by soaking them in warm water. Use a nail cutter for cutting and an emery-board for filing your nails.

• While removing nail-polish, it is advisable to use a proper nail polish remover and not simple acetone without oil, because such products are harsh on your nails and tend to make your nails dry and brittle.

• Nail polish removers tend to dehydrate nails. If possible, try not to change your nail polish more than once a week.

• It is a good idea to give your nails time to rest from nail polish from time to time. If you keep your nails painted all the time, they tend to become yellow. Avoid nail polish for a while and see your nails come back to their normal color.

• If you want to grow your nails, try to boost the blood circulation to the nails. To do this, gently massage your nails from time to time.

• It is best to file nails in one direction only. Be gentle and tender. Going backward and forward, makes your nails fragile, causing them to get shattered or split.

How to treat Wrinkles at home with home/herbal recipe

An ageing skin is a woman's worst fear. They go to any extent to camouflage it using make-up and worsen the situation in return. The best way to remove wrinkles is herbal treatment. There are a number of cures for wrinkles. We are discussing some of the methods here.

Yogurt and Chickpea Powder: Take half a cup of yogurt and 2 spoons of chickpea powder. Stir them to make a smooth paste. Apply a thick coat over the face and neck. It will tighten the skin. This is the best treatment for wrinkles since ages.

Apple: Skin, deseed and puree apples. Add one spoon of milk and blend well. Apply the paste on your face and neck. It will help in lightening the wrinkles.

Glycerine and Egg: Mix the white of an egg with 2 spoons of glycerin and 2 spoons of rose water. Apply the paste on your face and neck. Its ideal for dry skin.

Honey: Add orange juice to 2 spoons of honey. Make a paste and apply this paste on your face and neck. This treatment is best applied for wrinkle treatment before bedtime.

Cabbage: Juice out a few cabbages. Add half a spoon of yeast and 1 spoon of honey. Apply the paste on your face and neck. This wrinkle treatment is healing as well as relaxing.

Carrot: Grate and paste out 2 carrots. Make a paste out of it. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. This mask rejunevates the skin.

Rice Flour: Take a cup of rice powder and add milk to make a thick paste. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. It gives immediate effects. After the treatment, the skin appears to be very taut and the wrinkles seem to have disappeared.

Apricot: Deseed 2 apricots. Chop and deseed them. Add 2 spoons of honey and juice some lime along with some milk. Mix well. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. The worry and furrow lines get minimised after the treatment.

Egg and Lime: Take an egg and beat it. Mix lime juice. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. It tightens the skin instantly.

Green Grapes: Crush a few green seedless grapes. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. It helps control wrinkles. Regular use will help control wrinkles.

Potato: Peel and grate 2 potatoes. Apply them on your face and neck. It will help tighten the skin.

Hope all these herbal cures will help you look younger...

What not to wear: the right fashionable clothes for women

Wearing good, fashionable clothes not only accentuates your appearance but also boosts your confidence and self-esteem eventually. Badly dressed people not only leave bad impressions behind but invariably become the subject for jokes for others as well.

Appearance matters significantly; accept it or not but this is how the world goes. Even if somebody is beautiful and has attractive features but dresses up carelessly, it undeniably affects her professional and personal life as well. Follow these simple yet effective fashion tips to look more pleasing and presentable.

How to deal if you are short and plump fashionably

Don’t lose heart if you are not tall and cannot shed those extra pounds. Remember a rule of thumb and go for narrow trousers or jeans. It would be ideal if you choose the boot-cut style as that would make you appear taller and more slender. Go for pants or trousers with a vertical print to elongate your legs and appear more proportionate.

Consider wearing a short dress or miniskirt to camouflage your weakness and, believe it or not, it would definitely help you look taller than your actual height. Also, sagging and baggy clothes should be avoided as they suggest immaturity especially if you are not very tall.

How to deal with Big belly fashionably

Women with big bellies should be very careful while choosing the outfits. Avoid picking excessively tight and figure-hugging clothes even if you madly adore them. Wear clothes that fit! Don't wear clothes that are too tight. Tight clothes would make your belly look too big. Instead, go for high-waist jeans or trousers to look slimmer on your waist. Moreover, ensure that you do not tuck your shirt into your jeans or trousers which would undoubtedly draw others’ attention to your fat tummy and would put you in an extremely awkward situation. Additionally, go for blue or black to get that amazing slimming effect.

How to deal with Big buttocks fashionably

Heavy on the bottom? Well, this is a very common problem with a majority of women. However, if you follow the fashion rule and stick to it, you would apparently save yourself from the embarrassing situation. Avoid wearing tight skirts which typically pop your buttocks out and make you look too heavy. Instead, go for flare skirts to conceal your heavy bottom. Consider wearing relaxed, fit jeans to cover up excess fat on your buttocks. Take into consideration these simple fashion tips; be more confident, camouflage your weaknesses tactfully and let the entire world praise your dress sense.

Methods on how to Clean, care and store jewellery/jewelry

 Jewels mean precious stones. Jewellery means ornaments in which stones are set. Costume jewellery contains imitation or simulated stones made of colored glass. Stones may be cut in various types to increase their beauty and luster. The facets of a stone are the flat polished surfaces. The more facets cut into a stone, the more brilliant it appears!

The quality of genuine pearls depends on luster, color, shape, flawlessness and size. Cameos are carved figures raised above the surface of the stone. Quartz and onyx are cut in this way. Intaglios are carved figures indented into the stone. “Cloisonne” is an enamel type decoration in which designs are stamped into metal and the indentations filled with various colored enamels.

Cleaning, care and storage of jewellery is equally important. It not only preserves its beauty but also increases its life! As we are already aware, jewellery is made by various methods and each requires care according to kind.

• Paste jewellery: Stones may be set with paste. Never wash such jewellery as water may soften the cement. Cover with French chalk, rub it in with soft brush and brush out. Take care of Cameos, they are breakable. So handle with care. Boil cameo in a pan of household ammonia for a few minutes to loosen oily grit and film. Then wash with soap, warm water, rinse and dry.
• Cleaning of Diamonds and other gems: Take a pan and boil water in it. Clean the settings by adding a little ammonia, and dry thoroughly. Digging around a stone may make it loose.
• Cleaning of Pearls: These are popular, as they are well suited for all occasions. They are generally stringed. Examine strings for signs of wear. Pearls in constant use must be stringed yearly. Wash with mild soap using a soft brush. Rub occasionally with a dry, soft chamois or flannel. Replace flat in a case lined with velvet.
• Cleaning of Silver: Silver polish is available in the market. Apply, let it dry and polish with a soft clean cloth. Use soft brush for carving and filigree. Remove all powder using soft brush. Wash in warm soap suds, if necessary.
• Cleaning of Gold plate: Rub with chamois. Use mild silver polish and rub gently. Nowadays gold polish is also available. However it is expensive. Never rub through plating. Never expose to salt or perspiration. Dry and store.
• Cleaning of Steel jewellery: Use soda bicarb and scrub well to remove tarnish.
• Cleaning of Amber beads: Rub with flannel or chamois dipped lightly in olive oil.
• Cleaning of Lac work: If plain, should be rubbed with a soft cloth. Never allow to drop.
• Cleaning of Costume jewellery: It should be cared for as per the material of which it is made.
• General care: Jewellery should be protected from dust. When not in use, store it in jewellery boxes. Nowadays a wide variety of boxes are available. Previously boxes were made of silver, brass and wood and even ivory. They were lined with velvet. Beautiful boxes are displayed in museums. Even your grandmother may possess a beautiful box.
• The present-day boxes are cheaper and light weight. They are made from cardboard or plywood and lined with velvet. Plastic boxes are equally attractive too.
• If velvet is not available or is damaged, use soft flannel or even cotton. Special boxes are available for storing earrings. Nowadays jewellery travel kits are also available. It is a neat way of preserving your jewellery during travel.

Jewellery lends grace and dignity to your whole appearance and personality. It deserves a little care too. Care for it, and it will care for you!

Choosing the right colors for color blocking & dots for your dress

The normal, unwritten protocol of the fashion world is that trends are ephemeral. They emerge in one season and vanish in the next. When they are the rage they become the toast of the fashion industry but when they go out of style they fade into oblivion like an ageing superstar. But, as they say, exceptions prove the rule and two trends have been doing just that: color blocking and polka dots.

Color blocking is here to stay

Forget match-match for some time, contrast is the way to go. Mix and mismatch shades to achieve the color blocked effect. The good news is that while the West is waking up to this trend only now, color blocking has been an inherent part of Indian couture culture for decades, maybe even centuries. Pairing a purple choli with an orange lehenga or contrasting a red blouse with a black sari is an integral part of our ethnic dress sense. And, although the best part is that color blocking does not have a fixed set of rules, it is better to follow some simple guidelines.

Do's for choosing right colors

• Be bold: Display your bold side as you go for color blocking with gay abandon. Team a caramel tank top up with a silver skirt or wear an olive green T with your trademark denim. In color blocking, more than the apparels it is the attitude which matters. If you have the confidence to carry off two seemingly unrelated shades with panache, then go for it.

• Keep your body shape in mind: While it is true that color blocking suits all body shapes and sizes, the main thing to remember here is to color block according to your figure. Go for a layered look if you are Amazonian in your body type; if you have heavy hips but lack height, try pastel shades rather than bright hues because bold colors end up emphasizing the hips and cutting inches further.

• Experiment: The good news about this trend is that there is no end to experimentation. Neon colors are the big thing this season and color blocking gives you the perfect setting to check out if fluorescent tints become you. So, try out a sea green top with turquoise blue capris and find out from the mirror and your gal pals if neons are up your alley or not.

Don't for choosing right colors

• Overdo it: When colors are involved it is easy to go overboard and end up looking like a neon rainbow. Dare to pair but restrain yourself from matching a fuchsia blouse with an aubergine harem pant and fluorescent yellow blazer and topping off the look with crimson lipstick and indigo eye shadow. It is better to pick and choose your colors to avoid resembling a patchwork quilt. While boldness is required it is best to go with colors that you are comfortable with.

• Forget the accessories: If you are dressed in white from top to toe, adding a crimson lipstick, a scarlet clutch and red ballerina shoes will complete the look and make you party-ready in seconds

• Leave out prints and patterns: Many people feel that adding graphic prints and intricate patterns makes color-blocked outfits too cluttered; hence, they avoid designs altogether and go for plain numbers. But fashion designers are unanimous in the opinion that it is okay to flirt with patterns without upsetting the essence of color blocking. So make geometric prints a part of your wardrobe and watch the heads turn.

Passionate about Polka

Who would have thought that a handful of dots sprinkled across garments would take the fashion world by storm? Named after a Bohemian dance by the same name, polka dots came into sartorial existence decades ago and are still going strong.

Do's for choosing right dots

• Keep size in mind: Remember, in the case of polka dots, size does matter. If you have a short, curvy figure, then avoid large dots and go for smaller ones. They will help in creating a slim silhouette. Also keep in mind the shape and cut of the dress.

• If you are in your mid- 30s, wearing a polka dotted midi with puffed sleeves may make you look like a gawky schoolgirl instead of portraying you as a fun-loving, independent woman.

• Team up with patterns: Like in the case of color blocking, many women hesitate in pairing prints with dots for the fear of looking awkward. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Blouses in animal prints and skirts with polka are a big rage right now as are floral motifs and dots. Even formal dresses are seeing a transformation from the usual plain to dotted and printed.

Don't for choosing right dots

• Keep age in mind: Those who say polkas are for adolescents have it all wrong. Aishwarya Rai was 35 when she carried off the famous polka dotted top in the retro drama Action Replay. Just go for pieces which are age-appropriate and you will be just fine.

• Go from head to toe: Imagine a dotted dress, dotted accessories and dotted shoes. People will start seeing spots everywhere. Very few people can carry off the top-to-bottom polka look. If you are just a beginner in the polka universe, then stick to giving a subtle nod to the trend: maybe a hair band or a belt in dots to start with. Then you can keep adding spots as you grow in confidence.

10 Simple fashion & style tips for working women

If you are a working woman and work in an office your looks are of the prime importance to you. Your looks will show your personality and are an indication of your dedication to your work. In this article we will give tips regarding fashion wear for working women.

1. Copy your Boss: The main person to whom your dress matters is your boss. The purpose of your dressing up should be to impress him/ her. However, it is a well known fact that bosses are the most difficult species to please. They always find a fault in you. So the best way to avoid his/ her criticism is to dress like him/ her.
2. Look Polished: You should look polished and professional when in the office. Pencil skirts, button uped blouses, and pantsuits will do the trick for you. They give a professional look that shows that you are a person who is serious with your work.
3. Avoid Jewelry:  Jewelry looks nice at parties and night out but they are a big big no at the office. They give an impression that you are trying to show off so better avoid them. Anyhow small diamond earrings are fine.
4. Fit of your clothes: Undoubtedly the most important thing is that your clothes fit you. If they are short, it gives an impression that you are trying to expose and if they are bigger than your size, it seems as if you have borrowed them.
5. Beware of over exposing: Office is office and not your home. Please mind its dignity. Low skirt or tops which expose your cleavage should be avoided (unless you have a desire of seducing your male boss).
6. The handbag: Your handbag speaks a lot about you. Large handbags give an impression that you are unorganised. So keep your handbag small.
7. Hands and Nails: Your hands should always be clean and manicured as they are the exposed part of your body. Your nails should be trimmed and the nail polish should be even. Remember never to use bold shades in your nail polish.
8.  Make Up: Your make up should be very simple. No dark lipstick, no foundation, no blushers, nothing. Only a soft, clean and charming face is what is expected of you as a professional.
9. Nothing Transparent Please: Remember to check that your clothes should not be transparent. Your bra should not be visible through your top. Women don't usually recognize it till they find their male colleagues staring 6 inches below their face!
10. Avoid going casual: It is quite an obvious rule, try going to office in pajamas and slippers and you would probably get fired from your job the next day. HR's of company don't even like students for intership to be seen in jeans and casual shirts, so better to be comfortable but strictly professional.

Men's Fashion & accessories tips and dress/clothing style guide

Going to a formal or informal event, in each one of them there are different Fashion and style tips. How to make your hair, what to wear, shoes for different occasion, formal or informal looks and much more about men's Fashion and tips to dress in a stylish way are described below

1.       The fitting of the clothes is important. Usually men have a habit of wearing oversized clothes. This should not be done because in such a case it seems as if it has been borrowed by someone. One should wear clothes that hug every part of your body without being tight.

2.       The right look for men is to be simple and sober. Never wear excessive jewellery, that does not suit men. It makes you look over flaunting and indecent. Don’t wear more than 3 different colors at the same time.

3.       Casual wear can be interesting as well. You can use your own creative mind to dress in such a manner that your casuals look decent and attractive to others.

4.       Never go to shop alone. Always ask your girlfriend or wife to accompany you. There are two reasons behind it. Reason one – You cannot trust the salesman on what you want to buy plus men usually don’t know what suits them best. And reason two – Men can’t bargain easily.

5.       Make a point not to be better dressed than anyone who is superior to you at a public occasion. Suppose being better dressed than your boss at a business meeting could bring you in his bad books.

6.       Never forget the small things which make an impact. Like the right colored tie or well polished shoes.

7.       Please remember – no logos on your shirt. Logos make you look like a walking advertisement and give a negative impact to the person who watches you. Plain shirt look much smarter.

8.       Never rush to buy whatever is the latest fashion. Every person has a different body structure so it is not nessacary that what suits a model will suit you. Wear what fits and suits you the best and not what suits a model.

9.       Please don’t be brand specific. Some people have a habit of sticking to the same brand. This may land you into buying something that’s not worth your money. It is advisable to go out and explore other brands as well.

10.   Shave well before every occasion. It gives a decent look.

11.   And after all remember one thing. Man makes clothes, clothes don’t make a man. So never be conscious about your clothes in a party or anywhere else. Just stay confident with your body image. At the end of the day your character speaks much more than your clothes.

Home Manicure and Pedicure tips, ingredients and methods

Manicure and Pedicure

Hands and feet are among the visible parts of the body and thus deserve good care. If you leave your hands and feet neglected, they will develop problems and will not be as pleasing to other. In this article we will discuss various manicure and pedicure tips for girls. We hope it will go a long way in improving your personality.

Manicure at home

First we will discuss about manicure for girls. The various natural ingredients for manicure are as follows:

1. Manicure with Sugar and Oil: Mix 3 spoons of sugar and 2 spoons of olive oil (use vegetable oil if you don't have olive oil at home). Rub the mixture on both your hands and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse after that. It will remove dead skin from your hands.
2. Manicure with Sugar and Lime: Mix together one spoon of lemon juice, one spoon of sugar and one spoon of water. Rub this mix with both your hands. It will soften them.
3. Manicure with Honey Lemon Juice and Oil: Mix 1 spoon of lemon juice, 1 spoon of rose water and 1 spoon of olive oil (use vegetable oil if you don't have olive oil at home). Rub the mixture with your hands for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse it for nourished and soft hands.
4. Manicure with Lemon Juice and Barely Powder: Mix one spoon of Barely Powder with one spoon of Lime Juice. Rub into your hands and wait for it to dry. This treatment will give you glowing hands.
5. Manicure with Potato Juice: Juice out a potato. Apply the juice on the darkened areas between the fingers. It will lighten those areas.
6. Manicure with Onion Juice: Rub raw onion on minor burns on your hand to relieve them.
7. Manicure with Cold Milk: Blisters on hand can be cured immediately by pouring cold milk on them as it is alkaline.
8. Manicure with Turmeric Powder: In case you ever cut your hands during daily chores, just apply turmeric powder on the cuts. It is an antiseptic and aids healing.
9. Manicure with Buttermilk and Almond Oil: Add 1 spoon of almond oil to one cup of buttermilk. Apply regularly before sleeping to keep the texture of the skin of your hands smooth forever.

Pedicure at Home

Pedicure means cure for the feet. Feet suffer a number of problems like Cracked Heels, Corns, Swollen Feet, Athlete's Foot and Shoe Bite. In this paragraph we will discuss about the home remedies for Predicure problems.
The remedies for Cracked Heels are as follows:

1. Pedicure with Strawberry: Take 10 strawberries. Mash them and add 2 spoons of Olive Oil and one spoon of salt. Rub the mixture on your cracked heels for 15 minutes.
2. Pedicure with Almonds: Take 10 almonds. Crush them and add 2 spoons of Olive Oil and one spoon of salt. Rub the mixture on your cracked heels for 10 minutes.
3. Pedicure with Orange and Oil Scrubs: Take 2 oranges, one cup of salt and one cup of oil. Mix the oil and salt together. Dip sliced oranges into the mixture and then rub the slices on your foot.

The remedies for Corns are as follows:

1. Pedicure with Marigold: Slice the stem of the marigold plant and extract the juice. Aplly the juice on the corn.
2. Pedicure with Licorice: Powder a few Licorice sticks adn add mustard oil thus making a paste. Rub this paste on the corns.
3. Pedicure with Pineapple: Take the peel of a pineapple. Cut a small piece out of it. Tape it on the corns such that the inner part rests on the corn. Repeat for 3 to 4 days. It will be very helpful for the problem.

The remedies for Swollen Feet are as follows:

1. Pedicure with Carrot and Parsley Juice: Take 4 carrots, 1 beetroot, a little parsley. Juice out the mixture and drink this juice.

The remedies for Athelete's Foot are as follows:

1. Pedicure with Ginger and Garlic: Take 100 grams of ginger and 100 grams of garlic and crush them. Add a little alcohol and put the mixture in a tub of warm water. Soak your feet in the tub.
2. Pedicure with Coco and Rose: Mix half a cup of coconut oil, 1 spoon of glycerin and 2 spoons of rose water. Use this paste regularily as a multi purpose foot cream.

The remedies for Shoe Bites are as follows:

1. Pedicure with Rice: Powder rice and add water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the shoe bites and leave till it dries. Rinse your feet after that.
2. Pedicure with Neem and Turmenic Paste: Take a few neem leaves, a spoonful of turmenic powder and put them in a mixer. Add a little water. Mix the ingredients to form a thick paste. Use the paste on the shoe bite