Category: blogging

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My Shopping Experience at Tira Beauty: A Beauty Lover’s Paradise

I recently visited Tira Beauty, a new entrant in the beauty retail space, and I must say, it was an experience like no other! Located in the bustling Phoenix Market City, Velachery in Chennai, Tira Beauty offers a unique and personalized shopping experience that sets it apart from other beauty stores. Ever since I knew that they were opening up, I couldn’t contain the excitement in me to visit them.

The Store Layout


As soon as I walked into the store, I was greeted by a sleek and modern layout. The store is divided into different sections for makeup, skincare, haircare, and more. Each section is well-organized, making it easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for. This way of clutter free display made it easier to shop.

The Beauty Vending Machine


One of Tira Beauty’s standout features is its beauty vending machine. This innovative machine allows shoppers to select a product sample and collect it easily. All you need to do is register and enter an OTP, and you’re good to go! It’s a fun and easy way to try out new products. Don’t I sound like an excited kid who just got a souvenir at the fair?

The Fragrance Finder


Another remarkable feature is the fragrance finder, an AI-powered console that helps users explore scents effortlessly. You select an olfactory note, and the machine identifies it, providing a range of perfume options available in the store. This makes finding the perfect fragrance a breeze. What a wonderful way to get options of scents to your liking instead of searching through the aisles.

Smart Mirrors


Tira Beauty also has smart mirrors that allow customers to try makeup under different lighting conditions. This ensures that you make the right choices for your skin tone and lighting environment. It’s a great way to see how a product will look in real life. This is so helpful especially when you want to purchase foundations and skin tints. If you pick the wrong shade, you’re totally spoiled. Thank goodness for innovations like these that help in making it convenient for us to shop.

Skin Analysis and Recommendations


The store also offers a makeup try-on station connected to a tablet that analyzes your skin. It rates factors like dullness, UV damage, and oiliness, and calculates your skin age to offer tailored skincare and makeup product recommendations. This personalized approach is a game-changer for beauty shopping. This is a game changer, makes your job much easier so that you don’t spend long hours.

Hair Station


For those in a hurry, Tira Beauty has a hair station powered by Dyson for quick blowouts. It’s perfect for office-goers seeking a last-minute style fix. If you’re not sure whether to invest or no, this is a great way to try on the tools. Oh yeah, step in before going to a party and you’re all set(wink).

Gift Customization Station


Near the billing counter, there’s a gift customization station where you can add a personal touch by engraving initials, names, or messages on glass-body products. It’s a thoughtful way to make your gifts even more special. To my friends who are like-minded skincare and makeup girlies, this is a boon.

Overall Impression


My overall experience at Tira Beauty was fantastic. The combination of innovative technology, personalized service, and a wide range of products made it a beauty lover’s paradise. Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or a skincare aficionado, Tira Beauty has something for everyone.


I highly recommend checking out Tira Beauty if you’re in the area. It’s a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs, and the shopping experience is truly one-of-a-kind. I purchased a couple of products and you can check my skincare and makeup haul.


I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you have any more requests or need further assistance, feel free to ask. 😊

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.

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5 Essential elements for a transformative night routine

Creating a night routine can be a game changer for your overall well-being and productivity. If you still have not started incorporating one, I’d suggest you give it a try to include little changes to your existing routine to see the transformation yourself.


5 Essential elements for a transformative night routine


A night routine is a little more than a prelude to sleep, it is a ritual that sets the tone for a good night’s rest and a productive tomorrow. Here are five things to be included in your night regimen.



UNWIND WITH A DIGITAL DETOX


In the hour before bedtime, disconnect from all digital devices. The blue light emitted from the device interferes with the circadian rhythm of your body and makes it harder to sleep. Instead, you can meditate, read a book, or do deep breathing exercises to signal the body that it is time to wind down.


REFLECT ON THE DAY


Take a moment to reflect on the day. What went well? What could be improved? Maintaining a journal will help process thoughts and feelings, setting you up for a clearer mind in the morning.


PREPARE FOR TOMORROW


Lay out your clothes, prepare your lunch plan, or write down a to-do list for the next day. This can reduce your stress in the morning and give you a sense of control.


SKINCARE ROUTINE


The skin repairs itself during the night. Following a skincare routine is crucial. Cleanse your face to remove impurities and apply a moisturizer to help rejuvenate your skin.

   
CREATE A SLEEP-INDUCING ENVIRONMENT


Make sure your bedroom is conducive. This would mean having a comfortable mattress, a cool temperature, and minimal light and noise. Consider using blackout curtains, ear plugs, and white noise machines if necessary.


Always remember that consistency is the key. A night routine should be a staple and not an afterthought. Sweet dreams and productive days await those who invest in their nightly habits.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.

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5 must read books on Indian festivals

As much as I love teaching my kids about culture and tradition, there is nothing like a good old book that can help in making them understand much better. We live in a world where kids well at least some of them would not have access to experience the essence of the festivity’s books can help them understand the reason behind the celebration came into place, how to celebrate, and what preparations need to be done.


Here are some books that I came across and I’m sure you would enjoy some of them too.


FESTIVALS OF INDIA from Sonia Mehta’s Discover India series


The book unravels the vibrant tapestry of India’s diverse festivities. The book takes readers on a journey through all the festivities. With vivid descriptions and captivating illustrations, the book brings alive each festival from Holi and Diwali.


The Author weaves fascinating stories and legends associated with each festival. Through this, the children learn customs, traditions, and the joy of coming together to celebrate the festivals.


The book is perfect for little minds to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. The book strikes a perfect balance between information and entertainment.


FESTIVALS THROUGH THE YEAR by Rachna Chhabria


Through the eyes of twins, Natasha and Nikhil this book helps little minds explore the cultural heritage of the country and celebrate it.


Starting with Lohri in January to Christmas in December, Natasha and Nikhil explore festivals throughout the year.


The book is a treasure to cherish and revisit because of the detailed descriptions and wealth of information it contains about each of the festivals.


Young readers are introduced to rituals and joy associated with each festival along with explaining the significance.


Right from Holi to Diwali the child understands the traditions and customs.


Not only that Natasha and Nikhil record their experiences of the festivities on a blog.
Their observations add depth and authenticity to the storytelling.


AMMA, TELL ME ABOUT FESTIVAL series by Bhakti Mathur


This set is a lovely find for book readers. Fortunate to have had the chance to review these books, what caught my attention was the colorful illustrations, simple text, and engaging story narration.


Holi, Diwali, and Ramayana are the books in this series where the mother tells the children the story of how the festival came into existence.


Klaka and Kiki, the two siblings settle down for a story from Amma where she weaves a charming story on a delightful journey to celebrate Holi and Diwali.


SHE CELEBRATES


This book is an anthology of 21 stories by women across the world who are of Indian origin. Each of these stories has a backdrop of an Indian festival like Lohri, Sankranti, Teej, Onam, and Vishu to name a few. What I loved the most was the recipe at the end of each chapter associated with the festival. The illustrations were good too.


These are some of the books that had a festive background, caught my attention, and remain a favorite to me and my kids though these books were published long ago. But that’s what books are for right? To be remembered for time immemorial and to be revisited often.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by  Rakhi   and Samata Dey Bose .

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Self-help books to read in 2024

Self-help has always been one genre that keeps me glued while reading. I look forward to books that have a tone that is practical and not something preachy. I choose books which have a good amount of examples, case studies and research based evidence which is a sign that the book needs to be added to my TBR. Here are a few books that made it to my reading list.

Average sucks by Michael Bernoff

A book that challenges you to come out of your comfort zone and unleash your true potential. The reason we don’t get what we want is that we have an average that defines the behavior, performance, and results. This is the reason that the book argues. Our average is the invisible force that keeps us stuck in mediocrity and prevents us from achieving our goals. It shows how to identify our average, raise it, and surpass it so that we create an extraordinary life.
It is not a typical self-help that gives generic advice but rather a powerful guide that teaches how to change mindset, habits, and actions. The author has used these tools and techniques with thousands of clients.

The book has three sections such as
PART 1: The problem– Explain what your average is. How it affects you and why it hurts.
PART 2: The solution– reveals the five steps to raising your average and creating a lasting change.
PART 3: The action– provides exercises, challenges, and resources to help in implementing the solution and transforming your life.


A suitable book for anyone who wants to improve any area in their life- personal, professional, and social. I realized how my average was holding me back from achieving my dreams. I found a lot of tools and strategies to raise my average to create more happiness and success. A good guide that teaches you how to live an above-average life.Read a short review here. Buy a copy.

Money hacks by Larry Steinhouse

A book that reveals the secrets of money and how to use it to your advantage, it also challenges the common myths and misconceptions about money. The book shows you how to think differently and creatively based on your financial solution. I loved the topics that the book covered such as,

  • How to obtain huge lines of credit while building up credit scores and your net worth.
  • How to negotiate better deals and save money on everything you buy.
  • How to avoid pitfalls and traps of debt, taxes, and inflation.
  • How to develop a money mindset that attracts wealth and abundance.


The book is written in a simple, conversational, and humorous style with stories, tips, and real-life examples from the author’s own experience as a successful real investor and entrepreneur. The book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about money and how to make it work for them. It is not a get-rich scheme but a realistic guide that teaches the skills and strategies you need to achieve your financial goals. The book opened my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities that money can offer and how I can use it to create more happiness and security in my life.


I found a lot of tools and techniques that can be applied to my situation. A realistic guide which can help anyone understand the truth about money and how to use it smartly. Read a short review here. Buy a copy.

The Science of getting started by Patrick King

A book that explores the psychological and biological reasons why we procrastinate and how to overcome them. It reveals the hidden forces that prevent you from taking action such as perfectionism, fear, impulsiveness, self-doubt, and boredom. It also provides practical and proven strategies to help start and finish any task, goal, or project.

  • How to use the power of habits and routines to automate your productivity.
  • How to leverage the psychology of motivation and rewards to boost your performance.
  • How to apply the principles of behavioral economics, neuroscience, and game theory to make your work more fun and engaging.
  • How to overcome the common excuses that keep you stuck.
  • How to deal with distractions and interruptions.
  • How to cope with stress, anxiety, and fatigue which can sabotage your progress.


Written in a clear, concise, and conversational style, with case studies, personal anecdotes, and scientific research that support the author’s points the book is not a boring text but an entertaining lively guide that teaches skills on how to master the mind and take action.

This book is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in any area of life. The book was very helpful and an insightful read which helped me understand how I procrastinate and how I can change it. A lot of tips and techniques can help boost my productivity and achieve my goals. I can say that it is a science-based solution to getting started. Read a short review here. Buy a copy.

Lead or get out of the way by Gary .J.Vien

Lead or Get Out of the Way is a practical and inspiring book that lets you know how to become an effective leader. And if you are already one, this book will help you become much more effective. Based on his forty-year career in the military, education, government, and business as a leader, the author presents 8 principles of leadership that help in achieving your goals, overcoming challenges, and influencing others.


With clear examples, tips, and exercises these 8 principles are explained in detail for us to apply in our situations.

The principles are:

  • Communicate effectively.
  • Build trust and credibility.
  • Know yourself and your purpose.
  • Lead by example.
  • Collaborate and partner.
  • Empower others.
  • Embrace change and innovation.
  • Celebrate success and learn from failure.

A good handbook that lets you assess the leadership skills currently and find out areas for improvement. Written in a simple and engaging style, with a pinch of wisdom, insight, and humor, it is a book that is apt for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills, irrespective of whether they are people who aspire to be leaders or new and experienced leaders.
A helpful and motivating read, the book gives practical tools and strategies to enhance leadership abilities and confidence. Making me think about how to make an impact on others and to think differently is what the book made me gain.

These books help understand what actually is happening and analyse situations. They also guide you on how to handle situations by giving you the knowledge about tools and techniques which will help you arrive at solutions. Read a short review here.  Buy a copy.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with the Bohemian Bibliophile.

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The Ultimate List of Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her: From Romantic to Practical


It’s the season of love and since February 14 is not so far, it’s time to get gifts ready. It’s time to celebrate love and show appreciation for the women in your life. Be it your partner, mom, sister, or friend, finding the perfect gift that expresses your feelings can be a challenge. So, if you’re still thinking about what to get, here is a little gifting guide that will save your time.


FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER


If she is the one who loves to try on new beauty products and makeup looks, you can surprise her with a gift that enhances her beauty. Most e-commerce have huge sales at this time so it can be a great time to purchase your surprise gift and also a little less in your pocket.

  • A deluxe makeup collection which features her favourite shades and must-have products.
  • There is a new luxury vegan beauty brand Dear Dahlia that is inspired by the flower and its timeless beauty offering products across all categories like lips, eyes, sun and face. That could be something which might interest her.
  • A viral K-beauty brand rom&nd is here with products for the face, eyes, lips, and brows. I’ve been eyeing this brand for a long time, if not getting this as a gift, I’m going to add this to my cart.



FOR THE SKINCARE GODDESS


If she is someone who loves to pamper herself, you can give her a gift that indulges her senses.
A pampering set that includes high-quality skincare products, bath bombs, and candles is a perfect gift.

  • Nykaa’s CSMS routine has been doing rounds on social media, so it could be her time to try this. They do offer a lot of options on kits that have products in 30-60-90 ml sizes which makes it easier to finish off if this is the first time.
  • If she is someone who believes in age-old ayurveda for skincare secrets, then Nat Habit and TAC products are sure to impress her.
  • If she loves luxury skincare then she can be surprised with ELEMIS London, CLINIQUE, Laneige, and KAMA Ayurveda.


Pro tip: Laneige lip masks can never be a wrong choice.


FOR THE TECH SAVVY


If she is a person who is always on the go but loves to be connected and updated, a gift that combines functionality and style is sure to impress her.
A smartwatch that offers a range of features that enhance her lifestyle like,

  • Tracking her steps and monitoring her heart rate.
  • Playing music and making calls.
  • Managing schedule, and receiving notifications.
  • Customizing watch face and band.


FOR THE BOOKWORM


If she loves to read and learn new things, a gift that stimulates her mind and sparks her curiosity is sure to delight her. A book that suits her taste can be a perfect gift like,

  • A book that reveals the secret of money and how to use it to her advantage.
  • A book that is a practical guide that teaches her how to reduce food waste and make delicious meals.
  • A book that is based on science and explores the biological and psychological reasons on why we procrastinate and how to overcome it.
  • A historical novel that tells the story of a young girl who grows up in the turbulent times of India’s freedom movement.


FOR THE CREATIVE SOUL


If she has a passion for art and creativity, your gift can be something that inspires her to express herself and unleash her potential. Something that matches her skills and hobbies like,

  • A mandala coloring book if she loves to be calm by coloring. I was recently gifted one during a surprise Valentine’s gift exchange.
  • DIY art kits across categories like resin art, Lipan, coaster painting, and much more.
  • A modern mixtape that can be personalized with a Spotify code and a message.


SOME RANDOM FINDS

  • A gorgeous necklace that features a unique design and a high-quality material.
  • A personalized metal bracelet that can be customized with a name or initials.
  • A rainbow rose in a glass dome that lights up and adds a touch of romance to her room.
  • I also noticed that we now have a way to name a star after our partner. That sounded interesting and something new to me this time.


Hope this post has given some useful information and inspiration on how to choose the best gift for Valentine’s day. Always remember, the most important thing is to show your love and appreciation with a thoughtful and meaningful gift that reflects her style and personality. Happy Valentine’s Day.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.

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Dealing with the loss of a loved one

Losing a loved one can make your shatter like the sky coming down on you. Grieving is a natural response to loss, many of us fail to understand how it can affect lives.

The loss of a loved one can make irreparable damage to what we say the foundations of our lives. This damage is prone to affecting both the mins and body.

Preoccupied with thoughts, memories and images of the loved one, having difficulty in accepting the reality that they’re gone, waves of sadness and yearning about them is all part of the grieving process.

It’s been six months since my mom passed away, but i still find it difficult to come to terms that she’s gone. Waiting for her to open the door while I knock, checking on me if I had my meal not just once every meal of the day, checking if I’ve taken medicines, that tender love and care when I’m sick, those gossips during coffee, lying down on the lap, falling asleep on her shoulders during TV time is all something that I yearn for now.

I know that won’t happen now, but still my heart fails to accept and makes me ask the supreme ‘ please just one more time’. There are days I feel absolutely normal, and days I cry like a baby. Not just a metaphor I really do. Somedays I find it very difficult.

My sleep cycle has gone for a toss. Blame my photographic memory, not sure if it’s a boon or a bane, I keep getting visuals of mom’s last few days with me on repeat. Which makes me not shut my eyes. But there are days I fall asleep unknowingly.

I am still trying my best to deal with her loss. Began to focus on reading how to process grief and deal with it. I thought why not share it here, might help someone who is on the same phase like me.

Grief can be classified into acute and persistent grief.

The first six to twelve months after the loss of someone we experience acute grief.

If it lasts over 12 months, it is termed persistent grief.

Chronic stress is commonly experienced during acute grief, it can lead to a lot of physical and emotional issues like anger, anxiety, pains, sleep issues amd depression. But if the person is old these signs shouldn’t be ignored.

People with persistent grief need to take therapy or counselling to deal with it by taking up cognitive behavioral therapy. But for acute grief there are certain ways that can help you ease.

Take new responsibility

Losing a loved one will also lead to you taking up new responsibility. Say like cooking, households chores. This can probably add to your stress but can be a mood uplifted experience if you take it in a positive way. Focusing on task can help you divert from grief.

Healthy diet

When you are under stress it acts as a trigger and makes you crave sugar and fat. Feel good, high calorie and high fat foods is what people reach out to make them feel better. But it can worsen your condition. Planning to take a well balanced diet will definitely help you maintain good health.

Sleep cycle

When you deal with grief your sleep cycles get affected. You might find it difficult to fall asleep, wake up a number of times and not having sound sleep. But following a sleep routine on a regular basis , avoiding screens close to bed time, avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help for a sound sleep.

Move your body

A daily walk can help in easing depression, agitation and sorrow related to grief. We find ourselves less motivated to go and workout. In that case a workout partner or a group ca help you sort this out.

Look after your health

Our general health gets ignored when we are going through grief. But dont take it lightly. Set reminders for any tests that you should be taking, tablets or medications. A little help from a family member to remind you doesn’t hurt.

Reach out to people

It’s most painful to see people and the outside world but also important to not miss the connections. This would serve as a reminder that you are not alone and when you feel isolated you have family and friends to help you out and be the supportive hand. Go out for a coffee, invite people for lunch. If not be in touch with someone over mail Or call.

Grief affects mental and physical health to a great extent. Reaching out to help and help make a betterment in your mental health is not something to feel shy or to be hesitant to ask of.

This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter.”

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva andNoor Anand Chawla.’

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5 must have indoor plants

Well it is said that you can name yourself an adult when you have a bar cart, book shelf and nowadays people include an indoor plant. But I’d say to have a green thumb you needn’t be an adult. The age as a number isn’t a deciding factor here.


Where to start is the first step and probably most people get stuck here. This is where brands pitched in with starter kits or list of plants that you could choose to start having at home. Before that we must decide what part of the house would look much better with all the greenery.


The next thing that needs to be considered is the climate. And the windows in our house that would let in light. So the amount of light that would be coming in and the climate we’re located in play a major role in deciding what we get home.


Interacting with indoor plants in a way helps in reducing psychological and physiological stress. They help bring in a positive impact on mental health. Calming anxiety , helping in realigning your focus and making you more productive are much more benefits of having indoor plants.

And if you are in an apartment this is a great way to bring the outdoors home.

So here are reasons for you to join the bandwagon of having indoor plants at home.

Help in purifying air– House plants helps in purifying harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia and pollen. They could cause headache, allergies, fatigue and sickness. These plants help improve air quality and make the air cleaner for better health.

Stress reduction– Besides the making the air cleaner the psychological benefit of helping in reducing stress is another important advantage of having indoor plants. The plants help in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and also helping in spreading positive vibes.
Great for styling vignettes- They’re a great fit for the shelves. They help in adding break ups along the hard lines of continuous range of books and stuff.


Help in sharpening your attention– When you work alongside with live plants on your desk, you could notice a difference in your level of attention. On contrast plastic plants do not provide you the same benefits.


Increase recovery rate- The recovery rate from an illness, surgery or an injury is faster when you look at plants or flowers since it is therapeutic when you take a glance.
Help in adding colour- Plants help in adding colour. They help in adding much more texture and colour.

5 plants with easy maintenance

Money plant or devil’s ivy – The plant can withstand extreme climate conditions and requires minimal maintenance. It is one of the most common plants which can grow on fences and in pots. It helps absorb volatile organic compounds and helps keeping air cleaner. If you are a believer of vaastu, the plant is said to bring in material abundance.


Snake plant -It has sturdy and pointy leaves which are long and helps in keeping air pure by absorbing almost 100 different air toxins like oxide, chloroform and alcohols. The plant releases oxygen during the night hour in comparison with other succulents thereby making it a perfect plant for the bedrooms.


Aloe vera– Another common plant in most households known for its numerous benefits in terms of health and skincare. It exudes positivism and hence is great for the living and bedrooms. An ingredient that finds its place in many home remedies, cause of its goodness to skin and hair.


Bamboo palm– The plant has an affinity to benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It grows quick and helps in eliminating toxins. Also known as butterfly or areca palm and also grows in dry weather conditions. It helps in purifying the air making it a great indoor plant.


Peace lily– Very commonly found across the subcontinent. It is not only visually eye-catching but also great in absorbing toxins emanating from the electronics indoor. It is known for its adaptability to extreme and sudden weather changes. Its also intelligent to let you know to water it when the leaves droop. Great when it is placed in areas prone to dampness say your bathroom.

The list curated above is specific to Indian maintenance and keeping in mind the sub continents climatic conditions.

So plants can only thrive with people who have green thumb is logical to olden days. Some of these plants require low or even zero maintenance. Though some may not help you with keeping the air clean, but are a great addition to decor and no compromise on the psychological benefits.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

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How to teach money to kids

Talking finances and money to kids isn’t complicated and something shouldn’t be ignored anymore. Gone are the days when it is fine we reply saying money “money doesn’t grow on trees”. This is the piece of financial advice we were handed those days and it ended there.



If we want our kids to manage their money without issues in future then teaching them about financial responsibility at an early age is the solution. A habit that can take more time to build is saving. We can clearly say that quite a few adults are yet to master it.



As parents we want our kids to have the best. Not only the best in toys, dress, education but most importantly we want them to be safe and secure. A key lesson that needs to be taught which will guarantee they will do well is the lesson about money. This lays the foundation which will make them do well in life.



Many of us now wish that we could have been taught more about managing money. Missing the opportunities and being reluctant to talk about finances are reasons many parents give on why they couldn’t discuss with kids.
Children are very eager to learn about the wisdom of finance we have. So giving them the gift of financial literacy would be the best foundation we can do for them.

Here are ways you could start teaching money



Start early

Math forms most part of money knowledge. So the learning about money could start as early as when they start learning math. What is money?Where and how it is used are the first and foremost concepts.
Also they need to know where it comes from. They need to clearly understand that it simply doesn’t come out of the wallet. Make them understand that we get paid when we work. SO no work results in no pay. This would make them understand that to earn they must work.



Give allowances

Assign a chore or ask them to run an errand and reward them. As they age you can increase the amount. Teach concepts like save, invest and spend. In this way they will know to allocate what they receive. Creating opportunities for them to earn is a great way to learn about money and to understand that their work is rewarded.



Teaching them to save

It is important to let them know that money is not only for spending but also to save for future. Saving will help in teaching discipline, gratification, setting goals , planning, being prepared and most importantly feeling secure and independent.
Giving them chances to set short term goals like to buy their favourite stationary or favorite toy will make them more enthusiastic to save. TO begin with they could start with saving in a piggy bank and then proceed to opening a savings account once they are old enough.



Make them understand and make decisions

Tracking where money comes from and how is it going to be spent teaches children to make smart decisions. Make them understand that they can pay people to get things done for them when they grow up or also spend in getting things for themselves. The key here is for them to understand that it is going to cost them either way.



Involve them in financial decisions and ask opinions

When I say ask opinions it doesn’t mean you have to go by it. It will help in boosting their morale that they are becoming mature and capable of becoming a good adult. They will also get to know how you handle the situations and learn to model you. Start this in their teens, the goal here is to talk about money freely and not getting stressed up.

See where they go wrong and grasp the situation to teach

There might be situations where the kid spends the entire money , or cable bill rockets and so does electricity. DO not cave in. Instead use this opportunity to make them understand that if money is gone it is gone . Let them know that extra TV hours count, leaving the light on counts. This will make them realize and start acting responsible.



Work on your relationship

Kids learn by mimicking our behavior. So if they notice that we are stressed, spending beyond boundaries and keeping the finance scare they are most likely going to become like you. They cannot think it is normal if you spend money beyond limits so act responsibly and be a good role model.
This also sends out a strong message that you practice what you preach. Talking to them about saving and investing and on the contrary ending up be scarce doesn’t picture a good role model.



Teaching differences

Make sure kids understand differences between needs and wants. Let them be responsible for the decision they make to spend money on a trip to circus or a video game. So later they cannot blame you. Let them enable themselves by making a priority on what do they want first. Making them understand what is their dire need and what is a want helps them make better decisions.


Gratification

Kids need to understand that they don’t always come with a bag of goodies after leaving a store. Visiting every time doesn’t mean we spend and buy stuff. The goodie will make its way during an occasion and not during every store visit. Making them save money for their most wanted goodie is another way they learn to save. And once after they purchase you could see how thoughtfully they make use since it came out of their own money.



So it isn’t late if you haven’t started. There is no right time and no time when it denotes your lagging behind. If you are reading this and plan to start, I wish you the best.

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

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Lockdown: what it had in store for women?

2020 and women

Every woman out there needs support and a bit of encouragement to sail through. Although we do say that we do not need the constant push cause it’s usually in our genes that I’d say that we make sure that everyone else gets what they want and finally settle down to get something for us. We don’t complain or brood about it. Self contented is what id chose to explain that emotion.

When was the last time you sat down to have a hearty laugh and eat along with your family? If the answer is we do this all the time I’m certainly happy for you. But there are a lot of families where this wouldn’t have happened at all. It’s time for them to sit down think and make sure you give that woman some rest and joy of having a meal with you without a worry in her mind.

The lockdown not only brought every thing to a standstill but also made a drastic lifestyle change which brought in a lot of health complications. When it comes to a woman,the first thing that strikes you would be her reproductive health. Yes that’s a major lifestyle induced medical conditions that saw a lot of incoming cases and hospital visits.

Women and periods

Did you know that the lockdown stress had about 25% of women experience irregular periods? Blame it on the lifestyle change that involved a change in food sleep and physical activity totally resulting in this. Stress induced by this and to top it all taking care of the house and children played its part in fiddling with the delicate monthly cycle. A no-show at the end of the month brought in a lot of worries.

While the no-show brought in a lot of smiles for many yes I did come across a lot of lockdown pregnancy announcement for whom I’m happy for. For the rest it really did play with their reproductive health and the stress hormone cortisol levels causing a major disruption in their mental health. A lot of women with controlled PCOD jumped over the wall due to the improper sleep cycle and untimely food habits. Women experienced varying symptoms but all pointing to stress induced illnesses. So next time there is a no-show don’t ignore. This is not something to worry only when you plan on having a baby.

The lockdown also lowered socialising to a great extent. People feared to venture out even for genuine causes. Being a new mother myself, I had a lot of things running in my mind to handle delivering a baby during the lockdown. Thank God that the hospital was well prepared to handle the crisis and everything went on smooth and we came back to our nest safely.

Life with a newborn

But what was running in mind was a lot of doubts . Being a second time mother I was confident that I could handle this and I had things under control, but there was also the slightest doubts on one corner bothering me. What do I do ? That’s when hospitals had equipped themselves for video consultations. What a boon technology is? Not to forget that we also saw rising number of WhatsApp groups for new mothers which had doctors guiding them then and there. I was glad I had professional help handy and made life much easier for me. So thankful for the women who initiated the groups to help out other women.

Career options poured in from all directions. People who lost their livelihood and companies who couldn’t continue paying employees left a hole in many families. Thankful to opportunities that were freelance and those which offered upskilling people equipped themselves well to be prepared to take up good opportunities.

Career options for women

I’d seen that schools and educational institution were willing to take in women to help cope the demand for online classes. A lot of women with basic qualifications were employed.

Education portals opened access allowing the population to stay up to date, make the time useful and learn or upskill themselves.

Womenpreneurs bloomed, small scale, large scale , women who dreamt of coming up with their own venture came out of the shell proved success . I did see a lot of women supporting them through Instagram lives handling pop up sales and expanding market.

Womenpreneurs

On my part I did Collaborate with a lot of small scale , local ,men/woman owned brands and helped with promotions. Happy that I could bring a smile and some orders for them.

These are my observations of what the lockdown had in store for us women especially and turning them to fruitful opportunities. The lockdown did bring in a lot of mental challenges but we sure did strive through successfully.

This post is part of #wswbloghop . I am a part of the #WSWBlogHop and I truly believe that we should support, empower each other and grow together.

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Review of oils and herbal powder – Shesha beauty

Ayurveda and usage of herbs in skincare and haircare has been done generations past. Usage of herbs, concoctions to make oils and powders for cleansing and wellness has been there for ages.

I recently came across shesha beauty which has a wide range products for hair and skin which help you combat all skin and hair problems.

Their products are made of goodness of natural Ayurveda and from our very dear god’s own country , Kerala. It’s the brainchild of an ex-amazon engineer, Renji , who hails from a family of naturopaths and Ayurvedic Doctors. She missed the goodness of authentic Ayurvedic products from her very own land which gave birth to shesha’s evolution.

Their oils are cold pressed and all natural. The powders for face and hair are all from natural ingredients like tulsi, orange peel, rose petals and so on.

The products are 100% natural and cruelty free. They are free from paraben and sulphates which makes them skin and hair friendly.

Having a no stretch mark belly and a clear and healthy skin is all what women dream about. This combination of oils and powder from shesha will surely make your dream come true. I’d definitely say these are my postpartum saviours and a regular in my skincare regimen.

I tried a couple of their oils and powders for a really long period before I came up with my review.

Nalpamaradi tailam . Known as natural illuminator, this oil is used to illuminate skin and to remove tan. Helps clear scars, acne marks and uneven skin tone that causes pigmentation. Usage is really simple. Take the required amount and massage on to skin until it gets absorbed and leave on for half an hour. You can then wash off with mild soap. The oil is beneficial is removing scars, pigmentation and is all natural.

I started using this when I was pregnant and pigmentation was a problem that led to stress. The oil has been working well to remove blemishes.

Price : Rs .250 for 50ml

Dhanwantram tailam. Pre and post natal massage oil. A traditional oil that helps in alleviating pain, rejuvenates muscles and increase immunity this oil is apt for pre and post natal massages. These are period which require massaging of skin to improve elasticity and strengthening of muscles. Regular usage also reduces stretch marks effectively during and post pregnancy. Made from authentic Ayurvedic formulation this oil is made from all natural ingredients and is not so sticky when applied. The oil can be massaged until absorbed by skin and left for half an hour. This can be washed off with mild soap in a warm bath.

I’ve been using this regularly post delivery and trust me it’s been the best savior of postpartum recovery.

Price : Rs. 250 for 50 ml

Tejaswini face wash powder. Green gram Bengal gram are skincare secret ingredients passed on from generations. This face wash powder is soap free , and helps absorb oil and makes its oil free. Can be used as daily scrub for face and suited for all skin types. Helps prevent acne and blemishes updated n regular usage. What else does a girl need when there is an all natural face wash. Usage is making the powder into a paste with water or rose water applying on face , scrub for 15-20 seconds and wash off for all day glow.

I’ve been using this for about two months and feels so good to be back with grandma’s Skincare secret.

Ingredients : almond, green gram, bengal gram, orange peel powder, rose petal, aloe Vera, avarampoo, hibiscus.

Price : Rs. 399 for 50gm

Kasturi manjal powder . Known as wild turmeric this is a staple in all Indian households. A must have ingredient for natural Skincare, this powder helps protect skin from harmful radiation. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties which help fight acne causing bacteria. A lovely uplifting aroma arises when using this powder. Helps in removing blemishes and acne marks this powder also helps in increasing skin luminosity. When mixed with Coconut oil can be used for spot reduction of scars. When mixed with water can be applied on to face, massaging in circular motion and washed off with warm water.

Kasturi manjal is a staple in our routine from being a baby. It is incorporated into bath powders to reduce hair growth and keep skin healthy.

Ingredients : Wild turmeric, lemon, orange and tulasi leaves.

Price : Rs 399 for 50gms.

Extra virgin coconut oil . Made from 100% natural coconut milk, the oil is apt for haircare in treating dry and sensitive scalp. Helps boost volume and improve hair growth.

An excellent massage oil for babies with all natural nutrients. A natural makeup remover this can be used in daily Skincare routine. I’ve been using it for me and as well as my baby for regular oil massage.

Price : Rs 299 for 200 ml.

A 100% all natural and trusted brand where you can buy Ayurvedic products for skin, hair and body wellness from our god’s own country. You can shop them at https://www.sheshabeauty.com

Check out what seems has to say about jaggery and what Amritha has to about gardening.

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