Princess No Knots LOVES her long golden hair as much as she LOVES her bath time, but she does NOT love having it brushed. When her flowing locks end up in knots, the King tells her they will have to be cut and takes away her crown. Enter a world of determination, sprinkled with a small dose of magic, to find out if the strong-willed Princess finds a way to get back her crown, keep her name and save the hair she so loves. A must read rhyming picture book for any parent who struggles with the dreaded ‘hair wash’ night!
Review
I think it’s a universal behavior that kids hate when their called for brushing their hair. The blurb got me hooked and so did my little bub who fell in love with the cover.
Who doesn’t like princess stories? Especially if it’s going to involve a sprinkle of magic and fairy appearances.
Princess no knots that’s how she loves to be called loves her long golden hair. You could even compare hers with Rapunzel for the length. As much as she loved her hair, she hated brushing it. And especially after bath time, it’s a chaos as she shouts to not have her hair brushed when it’s wet as it resulted in her hair looking like Spaghetti and peas.
The King being unhappy takes away her crown saying he would return when she turns true to her name Princess no knots. Dejected she stays up for long that night, a miracle happens.
Does she become princess no knots as she loves to be called? Does she get back the crown? What was magic that happened? Read the book go know more.
I loved the illustrations that supported the story and so did my daughter. The rhyming words made reading even more fun. While she has just started to read me reading it out go her through pretend play made story telling much more fun.
I’d definitely recommend to fellow parents who have kids between 4-7 ages.
It’s almost time for us to hear ‘ holi hai’ from all around us. Along with sweets, colours the attire for men and women also plays an important role on the holi shopping list.
While you get ready to dance to the tunes of ‘Rang Barse Bheege Chunar wali Rang Barse“, make sure you don’t stay behind in your fashion game. If you still haven’t decided here are some outfit ideas that will help you ace the fashion game during holi.
Sustainable outfit ideas
Lohri outfit reuse
If your still not looking to invest in holi outfit, one good way would be to reuse your lohri outfit. If you’ve already spent considerable amount on lohri outfit why not reuse. This would be a great way to save some on your pocket.
The one that Kareena wore in ‘ Jab we met’ is still an inspired for many.
Denim and shirt
Forget the patiala pants, holi is a great time to restyle your denim pants. Pair it up with white shirt and scarf, voila you have a new outfit. Don’t forget to accessorize accordingly.
Image source : Olga de la Cruz Pinterest board.
New outfit ideas
Chikankari suit
The chikankari suit can never go out of trend, especially the one in white for holi paired with a bandhni Or a leheriya dupatta can never go wrong.
This outfit is elegant and classy at the same time.
If your still sceptical to use the white chikankari go for a floral suit. They’re simple but also serve the purpose.
They come in variety of price range and materials which you could choose accordingly.
Image source: amazon
Fusion wear
Now here comes my favorite picks. I love pairing my crop top with a lot of options like Palazzo, skorts. Here’s one
Image source: myntra
The open jacket over the crop top, Palazzo pairing elevates the look.
The beige jumpsuit is yet another favorite that I’m crushing on ever since I was on the lookout.
Image source : myntra
How can you leave skirts and top if your talking fusion wear and especially Indian prints.
Now that we have an idea about outfits, let’s talk accessories.
Coolers, sunglasses, goggles
Your eyes need special care during holi, so that you keep them protected away from dry colours, water and dust. Choose one that’s stylish and serves the purpose.
Image source : ajio
Bandanas
Haircare is yet another important area to concentrate during holi. Make sure you cover it with cloth or bandanas.
Image source : ali express
Kolhapuris
Flip flops or open sandals are most comfortable especially with water play. You can also accessorize with kolhapuris. You could also make them grand with tassels.
Ajio
Tips for safe holi
Moisturize well, apply sunscreen.
Oil hair with coconut+ castor oil, and tie it up.
Cover with cloth or bandana.
Post play, apply oil on skin before shower to remove colour. Use cleansing balm for face.
For hair use comb to remove dry colours.
Wash off with regular shampoo and conditioner.
Colour might still be there but will go off in subsequent washes.
While whole world knows coffee energizes, it’s a recent find that it’s beneficial in skincare and haircare. Caffeic acid which is an antioxidant present in coffee helps boost collagen and reduce signs of ageing.
The antimicrobial properties also helps against germ protect.
Caffeine is great to reduce puffiness in eyes. Stimulating the blood flow caffeine helps to tighten skin naturally and also reduces fluid retention under the eyes.
Applying coffee to hair helps rebalance the ph levels of the hair. It will also help wash away dead skin cells from your scalp.
Caffeine boosts hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles also blocks effects of dihyderotestosterone which causes hair loss.
Coffee also has flavonoids which helps in boosting hair regeneration.
DHT causes baldness and damaged hair follicles. So regular usage of caffeine helps in increasing stimulation in hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Here are my tried and tested picks of products based on coffee.
These are based on my personal usage of products.
Coffee face wash
Mcaffeine naked and raw coffee facewash is apt for cleansing dirt on a daily basis. The formulation is effective as it helps washing out impurities and energising as well. The other ingredients are seaweed, aloe vera and water lily.
Helps in deep cleansing to remove impurities.
Reduces puffiness of skin.
Prevents free radical damage by fighting against it.
Caffeine helps to maintain even skin tone. Aloe vera helps in moisturizing & dark spots. Seaweed helps in treating pigmentation. White lily helps to give a soothing effect to skin and also fights signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.
Price : 100 ml Rs. 262
Choco lip balm
Dry and chapped lips is something every one of face on a daily basis. Cocoa helps to nourish and hydrate lips and helps on making the skin tone even. The cocoa butter helps go heal chapped lips. Hazelnut oil helps in moisturizing and boosts hydration. Almond oil present is best suited for sensitive skin and helps to retain the moisture.
The lip balm promises
Heals dry and chapped lips.
Helps in deep moisturizing dry lips
Nourishes and hydrates lip to retain moisture.
Price : 12gm for Rs. 224
Coffee bathing bar
The first thing that catches your eyes is the shape of bar. It’s shaped like a coffee bean but great to hold on while taking bath. The latte coffee bathing bar is apt for moisturizing, deep nourishing dry skin and the coffee smell is absolutely rejuvenating your senses and just the right one you need when you’re stressed out.
Benefits of ingredients
Arabica coffee helps even out skin tone because it contains antioxidants.
Almond milk helps moisturize and mild cleansing of skin.
Cocoa butter is helpful in hydration.
Price : 100 GM for Rs. 224
Coffee shampoo for hair
If your hair is frizzy and damaged and you are on the lookout for a shampoo that helps in nourishing and deep moisture and repair frizzy hair. The texture of shampoo with coffee bean and fresh cream make hair wash a wonderful experience.
Caffeine repairs damaged hair and is also known as superfood for hair. Coconut milk helps in nourishing scalp and strengthens hair. Plant keratin helps in strengthening and dealing with frizz free hair.
Price : 250ml Rs. 374
Mcaffeine is India’s first caffeinated personal care products brand. Their range is aimed towards millenials. Their products are 100% vegan, cruelty free and has zero plastic footprint. The products are made safe with no harsh chemicals, SLS or parabens. Love the thought that brand doesn’t aim fairness products.
While we all want a happy glowing skin, we also end up making some mistakes. Nobody is an exception when it comes to not making mistakes.
People try all sorts of remedies or tips to keep themselves on the safe skin side but what I’m gonna tell is that these minute mistakes might be happening unknowingly.
Here are five mistakes that you might be doing unknowingly.
Not using the right products for your skin
People get tempted when there is a new launch. Sometimes it’s the brand, the ingredient or your favourite star or even fellow peer group influencers who might make you fall into this. Always make sure you choose products according to your skin.
Ice facials
Probably one of the easiest DIY hacks . Make ice cubes of ingredients that address skin issues or your concerns and voila you are sorted. But nobody told you that you will have to be careful even if it’s a simple ingredient like an ice cube.
Applying ice directly on to skin can cause frost bite. It can cause blood circulation to slow down amd also appear like spidery veins on areas near nose and cheek. Always wrap a towel over the ice cube and massage on the face.
Facial steam
It is said that steam helps open up pores. When you take up facials, steam is given to open pores post which blackheads, whiteheads are removed. But it should also be only warm and not too hot. Very hot water can give you broken capillaries and also lead to permanent damage. So make sure you use a warm towel that’s moist and not a hot one.
Supplements without consultation
Always consult an expert before taking any supplement. It’s becoming a trend to start consuming collagen, HA, flaxseed and fish oil supplement. While there are reports that the ingredients are beneficial most of the research is backed up by the company producing the product. So do not take any without proper consultation.
Using products beyond expiry
Always make it a point to keep checking the expiry dates of products you use. Some people continue to use beyond shelf life because some products are only for topical application. The expiry date is in place because certain ingredients lose their tendency to heal and purpose beyond certain period of time. It is always good to use products only within the usage time mentioned on the packaging.
So I hope you’ve made a checklist and ticked if your doing any of these. If at least there is one please try not to. Happy skincare.
suSTYLEability (noun) The art of making small changes to the way we dress in order to make big changes in the world.
If you love fashion and want to live more sustainably, this activity book will help you create a wardrobe which reflects your personal style AND is mindful of the impact the fashion industry has on the environment and human welfare.
• Learn the shocking facts about fashion • Make better choices when shopping • Develop your own unique style • Have fun with friends and family • Discover unique ways to upstyle and upcycle your wardrobe • Give old clothes a second life with creative crafts
Lexi Rees was born in Scotland but now lives down south where she’s slave to carrot obsessed gelding, a frisky mare, a dog who’s convinced he’s not been fed in a month, and a house of hungry boys.
She writes action-packed adventures and fun activity books for children. She’s passionate about reducing her footprint on the planet and becoming more self-sufficient.
She has an active programme of school visits and other events, is a Book PenPal for three primary schools, and runs a free online #kidsclub and newsletter which includes book recommendations and creative writing activities.
March 2020, the whole world came to a standstill. Whether for us elders it was a jolt though our interactions were still happening and we were understandable of the current situation, the kids were the most affected.
The indirect impact and it’s collateral damage on the kids was something huge. Loss of social life, online classes, assignments, parents inability to spend time since they were juggling schedules due to work from home, absence of playground activities the damage that was done is immeasurable.
The current challenge that children face require changes in the way we parent due to the demands in parent – child bringing up and to keep up with changing times.
With schools also opening doors it’s time we make changes and help children get back their joy of life.
Talking about trauma
Children lacked communication with extended family amd friends because it was cut off. Being lonely and feeling depressed was something we wish kids hadn’t been exposed to, but sadly had to. This year schools and homes should strongly emphasize on rebuilding this sense of bonding , friendship and awakening the community by providing them support consistently which they lacked. Emotional and mental well being should be widely discussed and be the centred topic in. 2022.
Making internet a safe place
The pandemic made us more dependant on the virtual space.. The internet became our friend, neighbour and our go to for everything. The kids also had to spend more time online which couldn’t be avoided but also had chances of being misused or cannot be a safer place for them. We should take up responsibility of making it a safer place but also make their time on internet useful.
Gifting experiences over money
Children love and would often have a reminder of experiences than the tangible things. Gifting them an experience will leave both the parent and the child a memory of the experience and the time they spent to curate one. Maybe a room makeover for them performing well, involving them in helping you choose decor or even paint can be a wonder experience.
Saying no to gender stereotypes or being gender neutral
Raising children by not forcing them to conform to gender rules. Let’s say no to pink. for girls and blue for boys. Boys can cry and girls can repair bikes, no differentiating wheels and heels, there is no space for gender bias. This will boost the child’s self-esteem and self awareness. This will also make them aware of an inclusive society.
Listening to them
The most important aspect of parent child bond is listening which also helps in strengthening it. The child is curious and might often come to you with questions, ideas, suggestions. Take time however busy you might be to sit down and listen to them. They would sometimes need help in communication, this will help us decipher what they want to convey and why they aren’t able to. This makes the bond more friendly and more approachable for them.
Now tell me have you started making changes in the way. How has your experiences been? I’d love to know.
Celebrating the spirit of womanhood shouldn’t be limited to just one day, do you all agree? But March 8 , is international women’s day, the day that marks a call to action for accelerating women equality.
The theme for this year being #breakthebias, something that we have all wanted to experience. A world that is free of stereotypes and discrimination.
All that we long for is a world that celebrates equality and being inclusive. Eagerly look forward to a world that celebrates the differences and making it valued. When is that day going to dawn upon us?
All day and everyday we are all responsible for our actions anda thinking. The workspace, communities, schools, colleges can with #breakthebias provided we take the right actions.
Seeing the world biased makes it difficult for women to move forward. All the more even if the bias is being done deliberately or unconscious.
Realising that there is bias isn’t enough, it needs the be called out, it needs action to stop it from being done going forward.
This year the UN Women and the world come together for the theme’ Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ and call for climate action for women by women.
We now see a vital link between gender, social equity and climate change which puts forth the point clearly that gender equality not happening will not guarantee a sustainable future that will remain out of reach.
Women depend more on the natural resources but have less access to it. The climate change puts forward it’s great impact on women as it amplifies the gender inequality and puts their lives at risk.
This is because they bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing food, water and fuel.
As women bear the burden, they play a vital role in bringing about a change by leading and driving changes in adapting, mitigating and offering climate solutions.
So if this change is to be brought out, the half of the population of the world has to be included , and with that not happening it is unlikely that there will be a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow.
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.
Be it going to office, staying at home, running an errand, supermarket trips, cocktail parties or attending marriages the desi girl attire saree can never go wrong. Variety in materials, comfort, patterns and level of work give you much options to choose them for each occasion.
But it’s the blouse that makes the entire saree in an elevated look. Wearing a heavy work blouse for a simple saree can definitely make heads turn. Statement pieces are staples in your wardrobe and can literally match any saree. If you have a wardrobe malfunction with your sarees, the blouse can be your game changer.
In addition to to fabric, it’s the stitch and the style that does the talking. So always make your tailor a good friend because though you can pick up showstopper designs from Pinterest, you need a good tailor to implement it to reality.
Here are some must have blouse in your wardrobe.
The Maharani Blouse
Heavy work at the neck, can lift up the entire look of the blouse. Bonus point it saves your budget for jewellery. Having one of this in gold or black can elevate your saree wearing experience. Keep it half sleeved or full sleeved both works magical.
From mirraw.com
Crop top style
The next time you shop for crop tops, choose the ones which have dull tone or something that would match with any fancy saree like your ruby red and dark blues which are commonly known as jewel tones. Fancy sarees can be paired with these to make a styles statement.
Flaunt your back with these lower back or deep neck blouses. They can be pretty simple or even have very heavy work being done. They can be paired for party wear or even wedding wear heavy kanjeevaram sarees. A saree tassle added makes it more interesting.
Image source: Pinterest
Fancy back detailing blouses
Blouse designs mostly are concentrated either on neckline, sleeve or the back. Back neck designing take a lot of creative thinking, you can either opt for cut outs, sheer with embroidery or go for a heavy stone work. They add more depth to your saree dressing game.
This has been on trend for long and will continue to be a head Turner. The sleeve can be half or full sleeved. A wardrobe staple so you better have one of these in yours.
Image source : flipkart
Short sleeve or cap sleeve
A simple blouse that has short sleeves is always your fairy Godmother for your sudden saree days. Can be worn for work or even party wear. Make sure you have these in standard shades.
Image source: Amazon
Halter neck blouses
Apt for party wear and for those flowy chiffons. All you need is halter neck pattern blouses in bold bright colours to make heads turn. Pastel shades work too.
Image source :tjori.comImage source : snapdeal
Maggam work Blouses
Heavy maggam work blouses are must have. If they’re part of your wedding trousseau your sorted for life. The rich finish and look they add to kanjeevaram sarees cannot be described in words. Red, green and gold blouses with maggam work pair well with most sarees.
Image source: PinterestImage source: Amazon
So ladies, I’ve given you some wardrobe gyaan for the blouses if you still don’t have some of these make them part of your must buys next time you shop. But an important point to note here is that no matter what blouse you choose, make sure you have a supportive innerwear. Based on your choice they can either elevate the blouse or even lead to wardrobe malfunction. I will cover that in a separate post about how to choose the right innerwear.
We still have few more days for February 14, the date that comes with a lot of stressors and i bet outfit shouldn’t be one .
Takes a lot of planning beforehand the place, the people, the food , the gift and most importantly what you’re going to wear. An outfit that makes heads turn is something what we all dream of. But when I choose my dresses I also keep the affordability factor in mind.
Because it’s no ordinary day and you will definitely make efforts to step up your dressing game. Well I’m here to help you out. You’ve got to look festive but also cheesy.
An intimate date, a galentines day dinner with gang Or stuffing a large pizza in your couch no matter what’s your plan the outfit will definitely need an Instagram selfie.. Don’t you agree?
Pleated flair dress
Who doesn’t love pleated gowns. Though it’s elegant the fit and details will definitely make it a better option for Valentine’s day. Plus if it’s the colour of love your dress up game is sorted. Buy here.
Flared dress with belt
A flared dress with an amp up element like a belt is another showstopper. When there are detailing on the sleeves if they’re cuffed and the entire outfit is self designed it’s win win. Buy here.
The desi girl maxi
Who doesn’t want to rock the desi girl look that’s gonna make you look the hottest on the floor. A flared maxi with a deep V neck line that has exquisite embroidery is sure to make heads turn. Buy here.
Belted jumpsuit
Belted jumpsuit are best in style statement and giving you that chic look. Pair it up with a belt and you’re all set to rock the evening. Buy here.
A line maxi
A line maxi can always be a backup. They never go out of trend and always make a statement. A dramatic sleeve can up the simple A-line maxi to a statement attire. Buy here.
The dresses I’ve put together are all budget friendly. So without burning a hole in your pocket here are five outfit ideas for you to rock this Valentine’s Day.
So all you ladies hurry up and men nothing more than a lovely attire as a gift so you can hurry up too.
That Madras Mom 