A journey through parenting, lifestyle, fashion and fictional worlds
Author: Sindhu Vinod Narayan
Ex IT professional. Now a freelance writer, editor, translator & influencer. My blog is a reflection of my thoughts on skincare, fashion, book reviews and wellness.
Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of life-changing knowledge that made you think: Why the hell didn’t someone tell me this sooner?! Millions of people have listened to Adam Ashton and Adam Jones on the What You Will Learn podcast, where they have spent tens of thousands of hours studying the best ideas from the greatest minds on the planet. Their most frequently asked question: What is the best lesson you’ve come across? While you’d think a simple question would have a simple answer, it hasn’t-until now! Attitude: The Sh*t They Never Taught You will take you on a journey through takeaways from over a hundred of the world’s greatest thinkers, capturing lessons in personal development, career, business, personal finance, human nature, history and philosophy. Every lesson will be useful, and one might change your life. Remember, it is your attitude, not aptitude, that determines your altitude in life.
REVIEW
Divided into five parts this book- Attitude “” gives you an insight into thoughts from the world’s greatest philosophers. Vision, Change, learning, fear, and boldness are the five parts that help the readers reflect on their lives. The book not only gives a glimpse of the thoughts but also has real-life examples that make it much more relatable to the reader.
Following the Heart chapter gives you practical lessons from Paulo Coelho’s story that help mold you with the boldness that it requires to find our treasure. The link between Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with work is yet another interesting insight that the authors offer when it helps access where you are on the pyramid levels. Deep practice helps you understand that small improvements one day at a time are what to look for rather than big improvements. Three rules help in learning a skill and are necessary for the deep practice to aid what needs to be followed and how it should be done. It is not possible to read all self-help books all at once but this one here gives you concise insights from Alchemist, Peak and I am Malala. The writing style is brief and easy to comprehend. The narration is impactful and helps the reader make positive changes by taking charge of their lives.
We as women often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities ranging from careers to relationships to family and social obligations because we live in a fast-paced and demanding world. It becomes increasingly important to prioritize self-care, nurturing the mind, body, and soul amidst the chaos of our daily lives. We can better show up for others and lead a more fulfilling life only when we take time to care for ourselves.
Let us explore ten essential self-care practices that empower women to achieve holistic well-being.
MOVE YOUR BODY REGULARLY
Physical activity is essential not only for your body but also for your mental health. There are a lot of ways to enjoy moving your body which can be yoga, dance, jogging, or any form of exercise that brings joy to you. When you exercise it releases endorphins which help boost your mood and alleviate stress.
NOURISHING BODY WITH BALANCED NUTRITION
A well-balanced diet is crucial for overall health. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats which are nutrient-dense food options. Make sure you stay hydrated, and limit the intake of processed food and excessive sugars.
PRIORITIZE SLEEP AND REST
Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Make sleep a priority by setting a consistent bedtime routine by creating a calming bedtime environment and a proper duration of 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. Throughout the day recharge yourself by incorporating short breaks and a few moments of relaxation.
CULTIVATE MINDFULNESS AND MOTIVATION
Amidst life challenges for us to be present and stay grounded practicing meditation and mindfulness is very much essential. We must try to make time each day for deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even simply a few moments of being mindfully aware of what is happening in the present around us. Following these practices will help promote a sense of inner peace, reduce stress, and enhance emotional resilience.
DAILY PRACTICE OF GRATITUDE
Practicing gratitude daily will help in shifting your focus towards positivity and give you a feeling of contentment and happiness. So, make sure to take your time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for.
UNPLUG FROM TECHNOLOGY
Constant exposure to screens and digital media can be overwhelming. So, make sure to take your time off, where the choice of duration is yours as it can be a few hours or a full digital detox over the weekend. Make use of this time to connect with nature, giving your mind a fresh perspective by doing some gardening, reading a book, or even engaging in face-to-face conversation.
ENGAGE IN CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Find yourself an outlet for creative expression in the form of writing, drawing, crafting, or even any art form. Engaging yourselves in any art form will help in giving you a sense of fulfillment because it feels therapeutic.
SET BOUNDARIES AND LEARN TO SAY NO
Setting healthy boundaries is one of the first steps in self-care. Women need to be everything for everyone, that is how we mostly feel which leads to little time for ourselves. We need to focus on what truly matters and preserve our physical and emotional energy which can be achieved only when we learn to say no to excessive commitments. We should start to think that learning to say no is an act of self-respect and not being selfish.
EMBRACING THE POWER OF CONNECTION
It is always good to have yourself surrounded by people who give you positive vibes. Build a social network of friends or peers who help in uplifting and inspire you. Cultivating meaningful connections and not being afraid to seek help when needed. Connecting with others can help improve mental and emotional well-being and provide a sense of belonging.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP WHEN NEEDED
On a final note, when you are struggling with your mental and emotional well-being do not hesitate to seek help. Talking to a therapist or a counselor helps in support and guidance to help navigate through life’s challenges with resilience.
Nurturing the mind, body, and soul through self-care is a necessity for women and not a luxury. Incorporating these ten practices is essential and helps in making a strong foundation for our overall well-being. Imagine self-care as a journey so it is fine to start small and gradually build on the habits. When you prioritize yourself, you will find that you can better manage the demands of life and embrace yourself in a version that is filled with happiness and good health.
Is your curl condition making you apprehensive about going on vacation? Maintaining gorgeous-looking curls, especially in different climates and unfamiliar environments, is a real challenge. Your curls may behave in an unruly manner, when you want them to look their best. To maintain lush, juicy curls throughout your vacation, you should understand the special needs of your curls. Having the right curly hair products in your beauty aisle is crucial to slay the look on your special vacation clicks. Since you have limited space in your baggage, you should carry only the essential curly hair products. Experts recommend carrying travel-size and budget-friendly curly hair products, making your journey hassle-free.
Curly hair is more prone to dryness, frizz and damage because of the twists and turns in the structure of the curls. The natural oil from the scalp cannot reach the tip because of its spiral structure, making it prone to dryness. This blog will explore some curl care essentials that will help you manage your curls and keep them looking fabulous while you enjoy your vacation.
5 Curly Hair Products You Must Take On A Vacay
Source : Freepik
It is necessary to provide a regular dose of hydration to your thirsty curls. Exposure to the sun, extreme climatic conditions, wind, humidity and chlorine water can affect curl health. To reduce the impact of these external factors on your curls, make sure you use the right curly hair products. Curlvana Curl Care Kit can be your best bet for this vacation as it offers everything from fortifying curl cleanser to styling gel to leave-in cream- a complete solution for curl care while you are on the go. Let’s find out the top 5 curly hair products you must take on vacation.
1. Curl Cleanser
Ensure that all the dirt, grime, and product buildup is eliminated to revive your curls. Curlvana Fortifying Curl Cleanser cleans your curls gently without stripping their natural oils, maintaining the vibrancy and vitality of your curls. This fortifying curl cleanser fortifies your curls with vital nutrients and adds strength and definition to your curls. So no more struggles with dry and rough hair while traveling.
2.Curl Conditioner
Source: Freepik
Replenish and hydrate your curls with Curlvana Curl Shine Conditioner from root to tip. It is a must-have product in your travel bag. You can experience the magic of increased moisture retention resulting in smooth, bouncy and well-defined curls throughout the day. This curl conditioner won’t weigh down your curls, and you can enjoy a carefree look without worrying about frizz and tangles.
3. Curls Leave-In Cream
A good leave-in cream can take your curl care game to the next level. Curlvana Leave-In Cream is your curl styling essential with no residue, giving a super hold to your tresses. Looking gorgeous in all your vacation snaps is non-negotiable, but with this leave-in cream, you can effortlessly flaunt your luscious locks.
4. Curls Styling Gel
Source :Freepik
Styling gel is essential to give a hold, bouncy and vibrancy to your curls. Define and sculpt your curls effortlessly with Curlvana Curl Defining styling gel. Embrace long-lasting, flexible hold and say goodbye to frizz. This styling gel perfectly balances control and movement by intensely hydrating your curls, giving them the shape and bounce they deserve.
5. Curls Hair Mask
If you are on a long holiday trip, carry a nourishing hair mask as a weekly curl care essential. After days of traveling, relaxation and rejuvenation are all that your curls need. Let your curls relax by treating them with a Curlvana Deep Nourish hair mask. This decadent creamy hair mask intensely hydrates dry and rough curls, transforming them into lush, juicy ringlets.
With Curlvana Curl Care Kit, bad hair days will be a thing of the past while you are on the road. Your curls will never be a hindrance to your enjoyment. Embrace your curls by giving them the little TLC which they deserve. Curlvana Curl Care Kit is a budget-friendly curly hair product formulated to take care of the special needs of your curly hair.
Frequently Answered Questions
How Can I Protect My Curly Hair While Travelling?
Protect your curls from bad hair days while traveling with Curlvana Curl Care Kit, which offers curly hair products ranging from fortifying curls cleansers to leave-in conditioners to curl styling gel.
How Do You Deal With Frizzy Hair On Vacation?
Use a deep conditioner or a hair mist specially designed to tame frizz and manage your curly hair. You can always use Curlvana Leave in cream or styling gel to do the job.
How Often Should I Use A Deep Conditioner While On Vacation?
Deep conditioner should be used once a week to sculpt and define your curls.
Which Ingredients Are Best For Curly Hair?
Argan oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Fermented Rice Water Extract, and Shea Butter are some natural ingredients beneficial for curly hair.
A mother is not only for taking care of the house, the kids and wellbeing of the rest of the family. She also is the architect who plans the future for a family that beams with happiness and success. She cannot only devise a plan but also needs proper support financially, physically and mentally to make it happen. Not all moms are financially sound with terminologies or ways to invest and save. Being able to manage finance with existing funds is entirely different from being able to save for the future with maximum benefits. Investing in mutual funds is a great way that moms can plan finances and make the future plans happen with ease. Here is a list of problems that moms face and how mutual funds can help in overcoming them.
For more details, you can visit the HSBC website. Also, readers are requested to fill in this form to help you understand better and have your queries answered by the brand.
We have finally reached the end, does this mean the trends end here? No way. We already know that it keeps changing with time. But I know that you can find a lot of ideas from the posts here and give it your own twist and voila you may even bring out a trend sooner. For Z we are going to be exploring zari. Wait does that even need an introduction here in India? No right. A type of thread that is either gold or silver wire which adorns traditional fabrics like sarees, lehengas, and dupattas, the zari is an integral part of the textile and fashion industry.
Image source Indiamart
A popular choice for traditional events like marriages and other religious occasions the zari adds a touch of elegance and opulence to the fabric making it appear rich and luxurious. The Persian and Turkish artisans introduced the zari concept during the reign of the Mughal emperors. This art was refined during the Mughal era and perfected to be made into garments for royalty. The zari became an integral part of the attire for Royalty in the Mughal era.
Skilled artisans require precision and attention to detail when they work on this labour-intensive process of weaving the zari. The gold or the silver wire is twisted with cotton or silk making it durable and then being woven into the fabric to create embroideries and embellishments. It is then woven into patterns and motifs.
Zari adds a touch of luxury and elegance to the garment when it is used to create intricate patterns, designs, and motifs on sarees, lehenga, and traditional wear. A simple zari motif can make a normal-looking dress appear grand.
Banarasi zari is one of the popular forms of zari work. Banarasi saree has intricate zari works which make it one of the most luxurious sarees in the country. The banarasi saree with zari is one of the finest fabrics in India. Real gold or silver is used in the zari for Banrasi sarees and has intricate motifs, designs, and patterns for a grandeur look.
Image source Amazon
Zardosi embroidery is another popular form, where the zari thread is used along with beads and sequins. It is a painstaking process that requires a lot of patience and precision. Since it is handmade it takes a lot of time to complete a single piece of fabric, that depends on how complex the design is.
Image source Indiamart
Even today skilled artisans work tirelessly to create exquisite pieces with stunning designs and motifs which are the hallmark of the Indian fashion Industry.
We are almost at the tail end of knowing about Indian women’s fashion trends from A-Z. We have covered everything from fabrics, weaves, techniques, and dresses and we now come to the most important element that forms the basis. Yes, we are talking about yarn. Let us look.
Known for its rich textile heritage, it won’t be a surprise that India is the supplier of most of the famous yarns across borders. Yarns play a significant role in creating stunning fabrics which are an integral part of the Indian fashion Industry.
Image source Flipkart
A widely used yarn is cotton known for its versatility and durability. From sarees to salwar kameez to even handkerchiefs, the fabric is sweat absorbent and is great for hot and humid climates. It is not only the most sought out in the country but also across the world for its softness and absorbing capability. The cotton yarn is a great choice to add vibrant colors to fabrics.
Image source Indiamart
Being one of the largest producers of silk and exquisite silk fabrics, India is famous worldwide for the quality of the silk yarn. From sarees, lehengas to most luxurious traditional garments silk is the most preferred fabric for its richness. The yarn is priced for its strength, sheen, and softness making it a great choice for special occasions like marriages.
Though India may not be a producer of wool, importing it to make sweaters, cardigans, and coats. A lot of women took to the art of knitting and is widely popular across the states.
Image source Indiamart
A lightweight breathable fabric is linen that is now becoming popular. Great for everyday wear in tropical regions where the climate is hot and humid, linen is a popular yarn used in the fashion industry.
When it comes to bags and footwear, which are accessories, jute is a widely used natural fabric that is sustainable, robust, and durable. It gives a unique and earthy texture to the products and is also eco-friendly.
As time passes and trends evolve, yarns that are recycled and sustainable like bamboo and hemp are also used because they are environment friendly and play their part in reducing the carbon footprint of the Indian Fashion Industry.
The next thing that comes to your mind is yellow and when we think of yellow, our mind immediately strikes dressing up for the haldi ceremony to which the color is mostly associated with.
Here are a couple of yellow outfit ideas for the next haldi ceremony that you want to attend.
Image source Myntra
A yellow mirrorwork lehenga in raw silk goes perfectly great for haldi ceremony.
An asymmetrical yellow dress is great as an Indo-western outfit for haldi ceremony.
A yellow and green lehenga with mirror work and a light tinge of pink here and there is a great choice.
A plain yellow saree with a bright-colored half-sleeve blouse.
A yellow cotton saree with a bright orange bandhni blouse.
A layered yellow skirt, embroidered blouse, and lots of accessories.
A monotone yellow skirt with a blue blouse.
A yellow skirt and neon green blouse is sure to rock the party.
A yellow saree with minimal gota patti work.
A complete yellow lehenga heavily embellished with beads, stones, and exquisite embroidery.
Yellow cannot only be styled for haldi but also for other wedding festivities.
Image source meesho
A yellow lehenga with a net dupatta for the cocktail party is a great outfit option.
A yellow silk kurta with a matching skirt and dupatta is just awesome.
A ruffle saree in yellow with a statement blouse is great for the wedding.
A yellow Anarkali can be worn as a gown for an engagement or even a cocktail party.
A simple saree with a gold border and a heavy blouse aress great for cocktail parties.
A cheerful color yellow is sure to make heads turn if you style it alone or even with vibrant combinations.
We have discussed fabrics, weaves, colors, and works; for X, let us discuss sizes. Be you a size XS or 3Xl or more, Indian women’s fashion trend is all game for everyone. With designers creating a multitude of pieces for plus size, we now have options that let you amp up the style quotient.
Image source meera’s plus size store
We have moved on from a period where we were told that there are no sizes beyond XL, to a period where we crossed that this store does not cater to the plus-size category. Gone are the days when it raised eyebrows when we mentioned an XXL. We have now come to the period where we find plus size clothes as comfort wear. Who does not love an oversized shirt to crash at home?
Social media has played a major role in letting people know that body positivity awareness must spread. People should not feel shy about how they look and in fact be bold to dress up and show up. Body-positive, plus-size influencers on Instagram had a major role in bringing in the shift among the masses. Be it their styling ideas, sourcing of garments, or even the way they carry themselves gave people the confidence to be proud of what they are.
Gone are the times, people sit at home thinking that they do not have anything to wear or have run out of options. The fashion industry has opened doors to a new segment of plus-size fashion that not only caters to women in plus-size but also to wear who wanted to dress comfortably.
Women began to love themselves for who they are. They are now confident in their own skin and do not worry about the eXtra in their sizes.
Image source Mirraw
As a bonus note, here are a few tips if you are plus-size.
Opt in for light fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or satin. Be it the blouse or lehenga. Heavier fabrics can make it go wrong.
Vertical and diagonal stripes work great and do not settle for horizontal or broad borders.
And as for the blouse neckline go for a deep V-neck or plunge neckline.
Three-fourth or full sleeves will work great and give you the right fit.
Corset pattern for lehenga and saree is a trend that helps hide the belly and helps in shaping you up.
Go for free-flow pallu and do not pin it up and as for the pleats on the front, go for minimal ones.
Dark color gown with a sweetheart or deep V-neck works perfectly well for plus-sized bodies.
Choosing the right kind of clothing with make you look eXtra special even if you are on the eXtra large or plus-size segment.
Being a land of diverse cultures and traditions, it all reflects Indian women’s fashion. The color white holds a special place among designs, patterns, and colors. White reflects purity and elegance. Though in some traditions white reflects sadness and sorrow, some do associate the color with happy occasions.
A universally liked color, this color exists in the wardrobes of both men and women. Being versatile, it can be styled with both light and dark shades. Be it weddings or cocktail parties white is a great choice for choosing your attire. There was a season when white replaced pinks and reds.
Image source Vogue
Alia bhatt’s lehenga was the talk of the town, the white lehenga that was layered with sheer and had silver thread work caught everyone’s attention that brides to become in favor of the humble color for their choice of wedding attire.
Image source Vogue
Sara Ali Khan flaunted a lehenga choli that had floral embroidery in pink and was embellished with mirror work over white fabric that gave a grandeur look.
On that note when we talk about the trends in W, I thought I’d also give a couple of wedding trends for lehengas because we are talking about ‘W’.
Light gold lehenga: A great choice of color for lehenga that can be apt for weddings to after parties. This color will give you the versatility to pair up with any color of your choice later when you choose to reuse this outfit for any other occasion. Not only that just change the accessories and tada you are ready to rock the party and even traditional rituals.
Multicolored embroidery: These levels up the lehenga game and it gives you a different dimension. It makes your outfit extra luxurious when you play with a myriad of colors on your outfit.
Image source Pinterest
Emerald green: the color of hope and love, it is a rich color that goes well with gold jewellery.
Ombre choice: For brides who get confused if they should go for pastel shades or dark, the ombre is a great solution.
Color blocking: Gone are the days when wedding attire is monotone, the concept of color blocking is great when you want to play with shades of light and dark.
Timeless elegance and modern sensibilities are the fusion element in Indian women’s fashion. Indian women’s fashion has evolved over the history of 1000 years and is still adapting to the changes keeping its uniqueness.
Venkatagiri weave
Image source The Chennai silks
With a history that spans a thousand years, the Venkatagiri weave originated in the town of Venkatagiri in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Known for elegance and intricacy it has a special place in the history of textiles. It continues to thrive as a symbol of cultural heritage and is also loved by connoisseurs of handloom.
The fine cotton threads are woven with unique precision which is the beauty of the weave. A blueprint is initially made with a design chart which is transferred to the loom and which is woven into the fabric with cotton threads. The jamdani technique of weaving being adapted to make little motifs is the highlight here. These small motifs are done by hand mechanically and require a lot of precision with gold or silver threads which add more beauty to this weave.
The history can be traced back to the 18th century to the reign of the Venkatagiri Nayakas who were the local rulers at the time. The weavers were encouraged to weave intricate pieces for the royal court and it was a symbol of wealth and status as it became popular with the aristocratic group. It is recognized with the Geographical indication tag by the Government for its authenticity.
Vaira oosi
Image source The Palam silks
With intricate needlework and vibrant colors the vaira oosi holds a special place in the hearts people of Tamilnadu and is cherished by saree lovers. The precise intricate needlework that resembles the diamond needle brought the artwork the name, vaira oosi which literally means diamond needle. It is mainly done on cotton and silks and the shine it brings out when light falls on the fabric is mind blowing.
The Indian women’s fashion trend depends on weaves and garments and how women carried themselves. Women in films whom I would say were the first role models we look up to even today for fashion inspiration. Though at times like today, we have social media at our fingertips, when we refer to a trend, we most often mention the name of the celebrity who sported it.
Urmila Matondkar
The ‘Rangeela’ girl as we know her made all of us even women who went in awe looking at her on screen. Be it her beauty or hair, the costumes she wore had a lot to speak about. Manish Malhotra, the designer also mentioned that there were copies of her costumes post that movie on every street. The movie that made him win the Designer of the Year award. Her designs in the movie ushered in fashion trends and became a style statement.
The peplum skirt, knotted tops, black saree, and red leggings were an instant hit among the womenfolk of the country. Her smart casuals looked very glamorous and became a trendsetter. Her gharchola and the bandhani in the song made the weave much more famous and preferred for the ghaghra. Her tangerine skater skirts, the pleated skirts were such a hit. Though it is nearly 28 years since the movie was released, the trends she set are still timeless and are great fashion inspiration for a confident woman.
Uppada
Image source Karagiri
Tracing back its origin to the 18th century, when the country was ruled over by the East India Company, the weave is from the Uppada town in Andhra Pradesh. A traditional handloom technique is known for its intricate designs and fine texture; the weave is a testimony to skilled craftsmen.
The Weaver population from Uppada migrated to Peddapuram where they happened to learn the weave of Jamdani from the Bengali weavers. They incorporated their techniques into jamdani which brought out a new weave called the Uppada. It is lightweight and the sheer texture gives a grandeur look and is most sought after for making traditional garments.
The weavers take great pride in their artistry which is time-consuming, complicated, and labor-intensive. A diverse range of patterns with motifs that include nature and geometric designs in vibrant colors make the weave unique. Gold and silver zari threads are used for extra richness to the woven fabric. The intricate designs and elaborate borders on the pallu are the highlight of the uppada weave. The metallic thread in the body adds grandeur to the fabric.
Another unique feature is the texture of this weave which is lustrous and has a sheen which is because the warp is made of pure mulberry silk and the weft is a combination of silk and cotton that is responsible for the shine. The uppada weave has received the GI tag from the Government for its uniqueness and authenticity which is another reason for its boost in the global retail market. It is a weave that is cherished by the connoisseurs of handloom textiles and is even passed through generations as an heirloom.
That Madras Mom 