This is a very interesting phase for saree lovers, because the variety of blouse designs is impressively increasing. No more do we see people wearing the same old pattern of blouse for sarees. People are all-set to experiment with different patterns, be it the noodle strap, puff-sleeves, backless or the long sleeves. Long back there was one TV show Humlog, in that there was a Dadiji (Grandma) character, she wore long sleeve blouse; but now that doesn’t mean full sleeves are only for grannies.

Designer Sabyasachi has re-invented long sleeve blouse for this generation. For an upcoming wedding, this is what I plan to wear. The good thing about full sleeve is you don’t need to worry if your arms are not well-toned. But in full sleeves too there are so many different variations to use, that I am a bit confused.

I absolutely love the transparent long sleeve blouse. On the cuff, heavy embroidered lace gives it the perfect royal look. The other pattern for long sleeve that looks amazing is the polka dots on the sleeve area. This can be done for three-fourth sleeves also.

Another cool way to wear a full sleeve blouse is to have netted long sleeve, this gives a nice delicate look to the wearer. Even lace material can look graceful on a long sleeve. For cotton type of cloth, bunch of cloth accumulated at the cuff area (churi) will look good too but the gathering should have some nice work which may require some expert tailor to understand.

To have a good tailor is god’s blessing, not all tailors understand when you have something different to explain. And ultimately what they do and give turns out to be another master piece in itself.

Lots of people are wearing three-fourth sleeves, I observed that it is Vidya Balan’s favorite but I want to do something different yet trendy so I go for the full sleeve. For those of you planning to try it out, just remember to carry it off well and you will surely have many heads turning back.

Be a Social Butterfly!

I was surprised yesterday when my office colleague told me she didn’t know about mineral make-up.  How can anyone not know about mineral makeup! Okay, I think I am exaggerating there are many things in this world I don’t know about.  But when I realized that there can be many like her, I decided I write something on mineral make-up, its complete injustice if anyone in the women community doesn’t know about mineral make-up and its benefits.

Ask anyone who has tried the real mineral make-up and I can bet they will tell you that they may never use anything else ever.  You get all the makeup products in mineral makeup but I like the foundation loose powder the most.

What:  It is a range of make-up products made with natural ingredients, without using any fillers, chemicals or dyes.

Why:  It has come as the answer to the prayers of people with sensitive skin.  However, you should use mineral makeup whether or not your skin is sensitive; because, it spreads so well on the skin that it gives your skin a naturally flawless look.  It stays on for long unlike the traditional makeup so there won’t be any need to do a touchup again in the middle of a party or function.

There is more coming, mineral makeup is long lasting since just a little is enough, and it has no expiry date.  Which means you can keep it for as long as you want.  It is water resistant also.

Cost:  The cost may vary from brand to brand.  It may be slightly more than the ordinary makeup, but since it spreads easily and stays longer you get to use it longer.  Plus, you save money on skin doctors for using such skin friendly makeup.

Tips:  Buy a shade that’s a tone darker than your skin color.  There are many places where you may get mineral make-up but just be careful about its genuineness.  All the benefits of mineral make-up will be valid only with the real product. 

Be a Social Butterfly!

Some days back I read about a bad dating experience in a female blog and here I was telling myself, it was not as bad as my date, years ago.  This happened on one of my initial phase of dating. 

My friend Tina introduced me to her friend Raj on yahoo conference chatting.  Later, we started to chat on our own for a couple of weeks.  This went on before we exchanged our photos.  Although, my photo was clear and proper his photo was small in size and slightly blurred.  He didn’t even have a better picture.  Finally, a few days and phone calls later we planned to meet-up.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), I had to go for a medical check-up for my new job and his company was close to this Clinical center.  So we decided as soon as I finished my check-up, I will call him.  Now, this was my second mistake (wondering which was my first, will tell that in the end) never meet anyone after fasting for more than 18 hours, traveling and waiting time. If you are wondering which my first mistake was, you will know that towards the end of the story. There were many people before me and so it took about 3 to 4 hours for me to finish. 

I was feeling so dizzy but did I have a choice, after all, I was the one who came up with this brilliant plan so how could I back out now!!  I called him to tell I am waiting outside the clinic.  The time was around 1:30 pm, with uncle sun generously spreading heat, and tanning me as if I was not tanned enough at birth. 

Minutes later, I saw this guy come in a motorbike with his helmets on, “Oh, this should be him” I thought to myself. 

Yet I was not sure, because his picture was not clear.  Next he halted his bike some distance away from me and was looking out for someone.  I was now getting more confident that it must be him.  I took my phone out to call and to see if this guy also takes out his phone, if he does, then it is him.  Yes he did… so it seemed okay to talk to him now. 

With attitude and all, I went to him, said “Hi, are you Raj?”

He gave me a weird stare and said, “No sorry”.

OH MY GOD!! I really missed having Mr.India’s bracelet, with which I could just turn invisible.  I didn’t even have the courage to see if someone saw me.  Terribly embarrassed, I walked away and continued waiting.  Later, Raj arrived, we exchanged greetings and I suggested, we go and eat something because I could no more ignore my stomach or else my body was threatening to faint (also wanted to get out of this place, ASAP).

We went and ate something, I offered to pay and this guy happily agreed, no insisting nothing, just said okay to my paying.  “What a cheapo!” I thought. 

After that he dropped me till my car and he went back to his office.  I was so pleased that all this finally ended.  I am sure not many of you ladies in this women networking site have gone through anything like this.  Laugh out loud if you must, but my first mistake if you have still not figured out, was to meet Raj without seeing his proper picture.

Be a Social Butterfly!

When news about Tiger Woods broke out, once again it diverted people’s attention towards infidelity. Newspapers, Women’s blog, general discussions included the topic of adultery. Not many people were surprised; somewhere the reason here was, it is something you expect from celebrities.  Their lifestyle is such that, it would be very rare if one of them was loyal to their spouse.  But, when the same news comes from a friend or a neighbor it still does shock us.  Oh, that guy… Oh that lady they looked so much like made for each other, just so unbelievable!

Is divorce the only solution to adultery? Or is there a way out?

Listen to Sheila’s story and decide.

Sheila married her college sweetheart Varun.  As days went by they both got busy with work and household responsibilities.  Two years after marriage, Varun was sent to Canada for six months, on official visit.  When he came back, Sheila noticed the communication between them had got worse than before.  Gradually, Sheila discovered there was someone in Varun’s life.  Natasha, Varun’s colleague in their Canada office.  Sheila read one of Natasha’s emails to Varun and sensed danger.  On reading more of her mails, it got obvious that they shared more than just professional relationship.

Sheila couldn’t believe it was happening with her, someone she had married against all odds, someone she couldn’t imagine her life without has found someone to replace her!  The feeling was mixed… anger, depression, sadness, all together had hit Sheila.  It took one week for her to return to her senses.  Next day she told Varun in a very cold tone, that she wanted to go to Bangalore, their hometown.  Varun felt strange, because after marriage this was the first time she had shown such keenness in visiting Bangalore.    Sheila asked Varun if he could join her… work was not too much but yet in other circumstances Varun would have refused but Sheila’s straight and emotionless tone made it difficult for him to say no.

Two days later both took an early flight to Bangalore.  On reaching Bangalore, Sheila first took Varun to their college, the movie theatre, the mall and all those places they spent time in their courting days.  The feeling of nostalgia could be seen on Varun’s face as much as it was in Sheila’s expressions.  By the end of the day, they reached their hotel room Varun’s mind and heart was again in love with Sheila. 

Next morning, when Varun woke up, Sheila was all dressed up.  Quickly Varun headed to bathroom for a shower.  When he came out of the bathroom he saw next to his clothes were some papers, he got his glasses to read. 

What he saw after that was enough to give him a heavy nudge on his head.  It was the love emails sent to him by Natasha.  Even before he could complete reading the mails, his eyes started looking out for Sheila, but she was no where around and then his eyes fell on a post-it on the bed. 

The post-it read “Today make a choice Natasha or Me, if it’s me, I am waiting for you at our college canteen - Sheila”

This was the NUMB moment for Varun as it was for Sheila when she discovered about Natasha.  Suddenly he got up, started dressing and ran out of the hotel room only to come back again and lock the door.  In the next 20/25 minutes he was in the college canteen.  It was Sunday and the canteen was closed he saw Sheila waiting outside the gate.

Varun walked up to her and whispered into her ears, “Can we go back to the hotel and talk?”

Sheila nodded in affirmative and both reached their room.  In the room, after a little drama both hugged each other.

Its four years to that episode, Sheila and Varun are still together and happy, one more reason to their happiness could also be Sneha their adorable daughter.  Now whenever Varun has to go abroad, he makes sure Sheila and Little Sneha joins him.

Today Sheila has only one thing to say to the women community here and to people in her situation.  Everything in life is about right timing, and it pays to create the right time instead of waiting for it.  The day I knew about his affair with Natasha, had I confronted him then, matters could have turn worse.  Keeping quiet also would not really help, but creating a right time to confront, did the trick!

Infidelity in a marriage is something no one wants in their marriage but it’s said that, in the life of every married person, there comes a time when they are tempted to cheat, some give in to the temptation while some don’t.  I am not sure how true it is, but after learning about Sheila’s story, I believe that love and patience conquers all!

Skeletons in the Closet

For me the best way to pamper myself is to get a massage done. The massage doesn’t just sooth the body but also soothes the mind and soul.  I simply love the thought of getting a massage done but then who doesn’t like a good massage?

As people get more creative we see more types of massages available today.  Today, let me throw some light on the different kinds of massage we have got in the present age, with a word of caution for each massage type.  Because, I have personally experienced when a massage goes wrong it leaves behind more pain than a relaxed body.

So here is a list of some interesting massages for the explorers;

Ayurvedic Spa Therapy

Kerala’s age-old massage therapy using ayurvedic herbs and oils are still much sort after.  There are various methods of massage under Ayurvedic massage; for instance, when my dad had spondylitis, Doctor suggested him a specific Ayurvedic massage, similarly for migrane, paralysis, skin diseases etc., there are specific Ayurvedic massages done. 

Word of Caution: No matter what type of Ayurvedic massage you choose to have check out the authenticity of the massage center.  Not all are genuine; better go in for a tried and tested massage center.

Visually impaired massage

Massaging by visually impaired, is popular in China, Thailand and growing at a speed in India too.  It’s the same as the usual massage but is done with clothes on, giving pressure to specific parts of the body.  Personally, I feel it’s good to encourage such occupations for people, who cannot see, a noble way to help them to lead a respectable life.  Also it’s better to get a massage done by blind people because their sense of touch is stronger to people with eyes; which means you get good value for money too.

Word of Caution: Make sure they understand your language.  One friend who went for Thai Blind massaging, had a bad time because the masseur couldn’t understand when she asked to reduce the pressure and ended up having pains the next day.

Snake Massage

Eeeks… you may say, but Snake massaging is slowly gaining popularity with massage lovers.  The live non-poisonous snakes are left to move around the body giving a soothing effect.  For now, I don’t think it’s available anywhere other than Israel.

Word of Caution: Not meant for people who faint just at the look of this species of reptile.

Doctor Fish Spa Therapy

If snakes can do it why would the fishes be behind… so here it is, Doctor Fish massage therapy executed by Fishes.  These are tiny fishes which nibble lightly, giving a tickling effect and clears off the dead skin.  The entire therapy consists of more than this however, the unique part of this massage is the work done by Doctor Fish.

Word of Caution: There had been cases where people got infection after getting this treatment.  The reason cited was the unhygienic condition of the water in which fishes were kept; hence, be very sure you visit a center where adequate hygiene methods are adopted.

Be a Social Butterfly!

Snow here and snow there, how can I go anywhere??

Last few weeks, it had been snowing through out, forcing me to spend my weekends at home.  And here I was, thinking of innovative ways of spending my day.  But at the end of the day it was all worth it.  You too try it and remember to try more than just the options listed here, depending on your likes and dislikes.  And this can be practiced by anyone, just because it’s in a female blog doesn’t mean it’s a girly thing. 

And so here I present my weekendlogue!

1. Begin with making your tummy happy

After a late rise, I prepared a filling brunch, consisting of yummy Chicken Fried rice after some hot soup.  The heavenly feeling of having piping hot soup in this weather cannot be described in words.

2. Organizing the wardrobe

I know this won’t last for long, but the work has been long pending.  For the next few days at least, I will save time trying to find my clothes.  A quick tip, to ensure your wardrobe smells nice spray some perfume in there, once you finish tidying it up.

3. Read a book

More than half the day is over, at this point I opened to read my favorite author Meg Cabot’s not so latest book, ‘The Guy next door’.  Nice book, wish I could just keep reading her books like this all the time.  With nothing else to do, just lie down, curl and read and read.

4. Telephonic bonding with friends outside city

For friends in the city there is always a time of the year to meet up and have fun but what about the friends out?  This I thought was the right time to catch up with them on the phone.  Interacting with women community online is so much different than on telephone. Sonia, Neha online chatting is fine but don’t you think we should hear each other more often? Don’t know about you, it had a therapeutic effect on me.

5. Download movies from net

Day is almost winding up but before I retire, need to save movies in my CD, the movies downloaded throughout the day.  These movies are lined up for tomorrow’s movie marathon. 

I always believed that it’s equally important to spend time with self, as important it is to spend time with friends and family, today that belief just got stronger.

Dil Se

Have you been noticing the facebook status of your friends updated with some color and wondering, why girls are putting up colors on their facebook status?? Black, Pink, White etc. what are these?

If you have not already got the answer to it then let me tell you… it is all in the name of Breast Cancer Awareness. Apparently, ladies are updating their status with their bra color for that day. What makes them post on a social networking site about such intimate detail? A chain mail went out to ladies on facebook, saying “Write the color of your bra as your status — just the color, nothing else!!” So these girls are dutifully obeying the mail.

I find this whole thing extremely silly, even if it was in a site on social networking for women like truepuzzle.com, it would be something different. But on a networking site where there are more men as compared to women, isn’t it awkward to display your bra color?

We all know about how a man loves imagining about the sexual side of a woman, now is there a need to add to it?

Although, it is the boys who are having fun at the cost of the girls, a very funny thing happened with a male friend of mine. When at first he saw one of his online female friends post on her status “Black”. He assumed it was the movie name she has put and he went to put the movie name he saw latest, which turned out to be Rang De Basanti. This innocent act offended a few of his friends, but also set the rest on a laughing spree. While he was totally oblivion to all this until someone explained to him, what it actually was! Poor guy was so embarrassed that now he doesn’t update his status line anymore.

However, as this issue has got some importance with all the status updates, one piece of information worth sharing is, according to one research, no matter what the color of the bra, what matters is how much you wear it. Bra is a necessary evil and difficult to avoid throughout, the least that can be done is, avoid wearing it at night. And say no to tight bras like the sports and push-up bras. Maybe here the prize would have gone to the one who would have put a “nothing” in her status.

Neha, Aditi do you remember that game we played in our childhood days, color, color which color do you want? Facebook status these days reminds me of that game.

Masti On the Net

After learning from Nidhi, my neighbor, about the silly marketing campaigning done by Haagen Daz; I was fuming with anger and couldn’t hold back from sharing it with my online female friends on truepuzzle. For those who don’t know, Haagen Daz is the US based ice-cream brand, which had its inaugural done in Delhi just last month. So if you are thinking, what am I furious about? It’s the offending tagline used by the company, which says “Access restricted only to holders of International passports”.

It reminds me of the British days, when the Brits used to have the “Dogs and Indians not allowed” notice outside their premises. Now is it time for us to say Haagen Daz go back, Haagen Daz go back?

Do we need a censor board to monitor the marketing done by International companies? Isn’t it high time that we stop taking things lying down and learn to voice our protest? Haagen Daz’s license should be cancelled for this major offending act. In future, this alone will send a strong message to Companies thinking alike.

Now Aditi, please don’t say even this is some publicity stunt to attract more customers because if it is, then it is really, really bad.

Alright, the top portion of the blog, I wrote when I was really hyper, (my first reaction to the news) but after thinking over for a while about it, I understand they did it to have some exclusivity for the product. But even then, isn’t it a very lame business decision, even a home maker like me can understand that when you come up with such conditions, you are limiting your market! I can’t stop but announce in this all women networking site that, Håågen Daz, serves ice-creams but are so uncool!!

On a lighter note, if you read the tagline again, it also means that only to international passports holders the access is restricted, rest all can enter!

Be a Social Butterfly!

Chetan Bhagat and Vidhu Vinod Chopra may be having lunch together and laughing on how they have got so much extra publicity for their book and movie.  I am sure after all this, people who have read the book will go to watch the movie and people who have watched the movie will go to read the book.

News channel would just not stop reporting about 3Idiots, beginning with the chapter with Chetan, and then about ragging shown in the movie (some people actually believe that ragging started with 3idiots… lol), now the latest is, blaming the movie for a series of suicides.

Just imagine what would have happened if in the movie they would have shown the trio breaking traffic signals as it is in the book…. OMG censor board might have banned the movie or what!!

3 Idiots inspires, tells to follow your dream with all your dedication and when things go wrong say with all confidence ALL IS WELL.  That’s the message I chose to follow from the movie.

The book is good and so is the movie… but no one wants to talk about the good.  Like how perfect Kareena Kapoor looked!  She sure is a show stealer; the sun god seems to be blessing her non-stop for her 50 Surya Namaskars daily.  Look at her radiant, crystal clear skin, the hour glass figure and her acting too has matured with times.  Way to go Kareena!! By the way, did it occur to you, that if ever we had to name our group something, we could name it 3 Idiots!

Masti On the Net

Bollywood Movies 2009

Hollywood Movies 2009

Masti On the Net