How to take care of your hair on Summer?

Moisturise: When stepping out into the sun, it’s important to use a good sunscreen lotion with a minimum SPF factor of 15. This is, of course, in the case of a little exposure to the sun. Ideally, a good sunscreen lotion should have an SPF factor of 30. Note: when using a sunscreen lotion, don’t apply moisturiser at the same time. You may use sun screen in the day and moisturiser in the night. For those dreadful open pores, squeeze a tomato onto your face and apply the pulp. Follow this by a good rinse. This helps to close the pores and moisturise your face. Exfoliation and packs: Use a facial scrub or make your own scrub at home. Take 1 tbs sandalwood, 1 tbs orange peel, 1 tbs multani mitti and 1 tbs grated glycerin soap flakes. Take 1 tsp of this blend and add water. Apply the mix to your face maybe twice or thrice a week. Here’s a good fruit face-pack I’d recommend you use—take some mashed watermelon, lemon and 1 tsp of milk powder. Mix with water and apply on your face once a week. This helps to close the pores and gives your face a healthy glow.

Prickly heat: This is very common in the summer. To treat the same, splash some coconut water on the affected areas and then wash it off with some ice cold water.

Fabrics and colous: Avoid heavy fabrics like wool and colours like maroon. Use light fabrics like linen and cotton. Synthetics are not advisable. Wear cool and light colours.

Environment: In the office or at home, keep lots of plants with water. This keeps the air moist in air-conditioned rooms since the moisture content of the air here tends to be very low. Plants like ferns or palms could work.

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Simple Tips to Keep your Marriage Alive

BEDTIME STORIES: If you live together, go to bed at the same time, every night. That means turning off the TV, the night-light and the phone. This is your time together. Cuddle and talk, make love if the urge strikes but that is not the point. The point is to talk about your day, your worries, and your hopes. If you don't live together, talk on the phone.

AVOID PRETENCE: When your partner says or does something you don't agree with or that upsets you, tell them. Don't just let it slide. This doesn't mean making a mountain out of a molehill, but be sure to give things that upset you the energy that they deserve.

You may think it's not important but over time these things add up and cause resentments and distance. When you go to bed together that night, discuss it, if you haven't already.

YOU ARE FRIENDS!: When you are in a conflict with your partner stop your arguing for a moment. Breathe deeply. Start thinking about what you love about this person, and what you are grateful for about them. Then remember that they are not your enemy. In the middle of a conflict it sure can feel that way.

It can seem that they are attacking you and you are the victim. Instead of arguing your case back to them, listen to what they are saying and, more importantly, what they are feeling. Respond to what they are feeling.

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Tips for a quick change in your decor scheme

Paint one side of a wall with your favorite colour. The colour can be as bold or as subtle as you like. Just make sure the colour complements the decor theme

Bring nature inside. Plants always add a touch of newness to any room. If you don't have a green thumb, silk plants and trees will do the trick as well. Look through some magazines to get ideas on using plants to decorate.

A new area rug is a great way to soften a room. Find one that complements the room.Make a framed picture collage on the wall. Create your own original works of art to hang on the walls

By coordinating new bathroom fittings with your current fixtures and adding new light fixtures, you can change the appearance of your bathroom.

Light up your room with new lamps. You can mix and match lamp bases and shades for a hip new lighting solution in any room. Plan your home decorating budget before you start your decorating projects. If money is a constraint, go room by room

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Do you have a problem sleeping?

You are not the only one who has a problem sleeping. There are millions who have been victims of chronic insomnia. The stressful lives we lead has increased this problem even further. It has been noticed that older adults experience at least one symptom of insomnia a few times per week.

Insomnia can be quite tragic at times. There are several ways how you can cope up with it. You can seek help from a therapist but that should be your last resort. Here are a few simple do-yourself tips that can help you get rid of insomnia.

AVOID YOUR BEDROOM: Don't live in your bedroom while you aren't sleeping. Use it only for sleeping and sex, not reading or watching TV. This helps you condition your mind to the fact that when you go to bed it's to sleep. After all, sleep is psychological

STAY IN THE DARK: Be sure to stay in the dark while you are sleeping. Light disturbs your sleep patterns. You can be kept awake by just the light from your alarm clock or your cell phone.

You can do a couple of things to get rid of the light. Either convert your eyes with a mask or pull your shades tight. If you do wake up at night and need a light, make sure it's a dim one. As much as possible, make it a habit to sleep in the dark.

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How to Beat the Heat on Summer Tour?

Always wear a hat and remember to carry your sun glasse.Try to use clothing made of natural fibers.

Pack and store prescription medications properly to keep them safe and to make sure they don’t lose potency due to excess heat or light. This is especially important for seniors or other travellers with serious medical conditions.

Wear sunscreen to help prevent sunburn and skin cancer, especially in tropical climates where the sun is much more intense.

Pack a first-aid kit that includes such things as sterile bandages, antibiotic ointment, and an elastic bandage in case of sprains.

Eat light and save heartier food for dinner, after the sun sets and the temperatures go down.

The higher temperatures associated with summer can quickly break down the body’s normal responses, causing fatigue, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stoke, especially while travelling. These simple measures will ensure that you can enjoy your summer travel in sun drenched lands without worrying about the risks.

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Tips to Prevent Hangovers

Drink water: Drinking water in excess or preferably a glass of water after each shot helps. “During boozing, we usually don’t have any water and the body’s demand for water remains unmet. As a result, alcohol acts on the brain and is responsible for a widerange of symptoms,” says B Ramana, a senior medical practitioner associated with the Wockhardt Hospitals Group.

Avoid fried & oily food: Medicos feel the effect of alcohol sobers down if the stomach is not empty. This reduces the absorption rate of alcohol in the bloodstream. “It is also better to avoid fried food and oily food along with alcohol. Ideally, start drinking session after a some a hearty intake of food,” said Ashwin B Mehta, director of cardiology, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre.

Don’t mix drinks: Experts warns that it can be fatal to drink more than one type of alcohol over the course of an evening. “Don’t mix drinks. We have seen such cases lead to serious hangovers even when there are no real scientific evidence,” said Mr Ramana.

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How to juggle a job and studies together?

For most of us, managing studies and our job simultaneously can be a tough situation. Especially for those who have lost touch with studies. However, a few steps may ensure fulfillment of goals. First thing first, one has to understand that studies and skills development is an inevitable part of ensuring individual success. Where’s the time? You may ask. One can always get some extra time by minimising the time spent on not-so-important activities like watching TV, reading newspaper etc. The skills you need to deal with your job and studies concurrently are right attitude, resources, proper planning and ability to prioritise things. These in turn will help you set goals, set your priorities right, and make best of your resources like time and money.

Most importantly, when studying for a course, be clear about the goals. The aim should be clear and aligned with your career plans. For instance, a course in software stresses on developing the specific skills on a particular platform and a programme in finance will enhance your analytical and interpretational skills. You need to maximise the investment. One has to master the subject matter by way of inquiry and analysis. In other words understanding the what, why, where, who, when and how of the content matter. One should be very clear about the reason for pursuing a course. For example, when pursuing an MBA, it is not only the degree one is interested in, but also the managerial skills, communication skills and leadership qualities that one develops along the course.

“Most professionals go back to books only to get hold of another degree.As a full-time job takes up most of their time, they land up digging their books only during examination time,” shares Rupali Mehta who has successfully completed her MBA through distance learning along with her full-time job of a sales manager for a FMCG firm. “The basic skill one needs is practical applicability. Relating the skills and learning objectives with day-to-day life will provide the necessary stimulus to keep the necessary interest and may provide a better understanding for managing the job,” says Shashank Saxena, a relationship manager at a leading bank pursuing a part time MBA. The key is not to give up. Most professionals find it difficult to devote time to studies or follow their action plan. One needs to develop a support system at work. One can seek the help of colleagues.At home also one can seek the help of family members and friends. Finally one has to be his own boss and take charge of the situation. If something cannot be done today, chances are it may not be done tomorrow.

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Tips to Cut Down Post Pregnancy Fat

Worried about post-pregnancy fat? Work on it, slowly and steadily. Read on for tips that will help you cut down a few kilos

Although weight gain in and after pregnancy is considered normal, most women constantly crave to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies. But be careful when you are trying to burn off those extra kilos. While it is best to put on weight at a slow and steady pace during pregnancy, it is also advisable to lose it all at the same pace. Here are tips to bring you back to your ship-shape.

BREASTFEEDING: It's considered to be a good technique through which you can lose weight. But keep in mind to team up breast feeding with other techniques of weight loss. One of the reasons your body puts on weight during pregnancy is to help store the caloric energy it takes to breastfeed your baby — that is, about 200 to 500 extra calories per day. You will lose half the weight by providing your baby with the nutrition he/she needs.

EXERCISE: There are many benefits to exercising after your pregnancy. It will help you lose those extra kilos you put on during pregnancy, alleviate post-partum depression and, unlike dieting, it won't interfere with your breastfeeding. But, again, it's important that you ease your way into exercising. Wait six weeks after a vaginal birth and eight weeks after a c-section to start exercising. It is recommended that you engage in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga. Come up with a personal exercise programme and enroll the company of a friend or another new mother. Start slow — 10-minute exercises should be tried first and then increased when you feel more confident. Keep a 30-minute limit on your exercise time and cease immediately if you start to feel dizzy or short of breath.

WORK OUT AT HOME: Yoga is ideal for an at-home work out. If you took yoga classes before or during your pregnancy, put on some relaxing music and practice those exercises again.

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Why not have fun while you walk?

If you have been walking as a part of your workout routine for a while, you may start to get a little bored after a while, especially if you are walking the same route every day, or use a treadmill. Before you know it, you get bored with your walking workout and stop. The key to keep walking and working out is to make it more fun and mix things up.

Play some upbeat music – Nothing gets us in the mood to work out like some upbeat music. Grab an MP3 player and load some of your favourite songs on it. Not only will it make the walking workout more fun, but you will also walk faster and further with some great music playing. Another alternative is to listen to audiobooks.

Take a friend – You are more likely to stick to any workout routine if you know someone else is relying on you and waiting for you. Ask a friend to start walking with you a few days a week. Being able to talk to someone while you walk makes workout fun and distracts you from the actual exercise part, leading to longer walks.

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Tips For a Cool Home in Summer

Make your home cool and fresh this summer with these simple do-it-yourself tips. The first step is to keep the heat from building up. The main source of heat is sunlight through the roof, windows and walls.

Roof: Since about a third of the heat shines in through the roof, painting the roof with a reflective coating could harness the heat. The first coat could be of white latex which can be applied over common roofing material like asphalt and shingles. The second application should be asphalt based with aluminium particles and glass fibres. Dark coloured roofs absorb more heat so painting the roof in light shades can stall the heat build up to a certain extent.

Windows: About 40 percent of heat comes in through the windows. Reflective window coatings are one way of keeping off the heat. Besides cutting off the glare from the sun, this kind of sun control protects the upholstery, drapes and carpets from fading.

However, tinted sun control film can also darken the room. Combination film which keeps away the heat and yet lets in the brightness seems to be the best choice. Seal the gaps around the windows and doors to keep away outside heat.

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Tips to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Tips to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Never write your card number on the outside of an envelope or postcard. When paying bills, only mail cheques within envelopes that aren’t see-through

Draw a line through the ‘blank lines’ on the charge slip: this will prevent frauds from adding to the total. Never write your PIN, carry it on in your wallet or purse, or provide this to an unknown party

Keep copies of your charge slips and returns and compare them to your statement when it arrives. Immediately call your card-issuer if an unrecognised charge or charges appear on one of your statements

Safeguard all your personal information and documents. Tear up or shred pre-approved credit card offerings before throwing them away

Keep a list of all your credit card numbers, and in case of theft, notify each card-issuer immediately

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Tips to deal the life after divorce

Tips to deal with the traumas of life after divorce

Change your perspective. View it as a growth-oriented transition. Rediscover your strengths and nurture them. Indulge in a long forgotten hobby. Pamper yourself for a while. Practice yoga and meditation

Do not get into another physical relationship for the next six months to one year

Seek counselling. You don't have to consult a counsellor, but make sure you are surrounded by plenty of friends with whom you can discuss your issues

In case you have children, clear custody. If you are not able to break the news to your children, then make sure you seek a child counsellor's help

Share a healthy relationship with your ex-spouse.

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STAYING CONNECTED - Marriage Tips

It doesn't matter how excited you are about your partner if you are unable to stay on the same wavelength and keep a connection over time. Then it is possible that your relationship will suffer from major problems. To maintain that magical feeling of love and intimacy in a relationship we have to be willing to take charge of the quality of the connection in our relationships.

The exciting thing is that it doesn't matter if your relationship is at the prenatal stage or if it’s around 20-25 years old, these things will work to deepen your connection. And, you don't have to wait for the other person to take initiative; it is not about what the other person does or doesn't do. It is about you deciding that you want to maintain that connection with your partner, and being willing to take that charge.

EXPRESS THE FEELING

Express to your partner what you feel about them every day. Do this even if you are in different corners of the world. Show your care. Saying "I love you" doesn't deepen a connection unless it's accompanied by actions. Leave love notes under your partner's pillow when you are going to be out of town. Hug your partner every time he/she walks in the door. Surprise your partner with their favourite flowers or cooking something special for them.

NURTURE THE KID WITHIN

Keep in mind that no matter how grown up your partner seems, they are kids from within. We are all really just kids that have bodies that are ageing. Inside all of us are the unmet needs of our childhood as well as the playful spontaneous joyful child that we once were. Throughout the time you spend with your partner, see if you can notice the child inside them. Respond to that kid just as you would to a kid who has not yet grown older.

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Tips for Best Summer Holiday

Time is the key: According to travel agents, the earlier you start planning the more you would save on time and money. Domestic destinations are generally cheaper and easier to plan, but if you are planning to travel to international destinations, it is wise to investigate seasonal weather differences, currency issues, safety and passport/visa regulations.

“One should book the holiday at least a month in advance if you are traveling to Europe, especially during peak summer months, to ensure confirmed arrangements and complete visa processing and other formalities. Some countries, like Mauritius, grant visa on arrival, so it is a bit relaxed,” says a travel agent.

Net wide open: There are a host of travel guide websites that provide information about destinations, airfares and hotel rates. Look for special airline discounts for certain locations and choose your destination according to what’s on sale. If you are looking for cheaper options still, plan your holiday during the off-season. At that time the weather may not be perfect but the trade-off could be less crowd and allaround lower prices.

If you don’t want to stay in an expensive hotel, you could opt for youth hostels, a concept popular among young men and women. Check about special discounts for seniors, students, membership and corporate rates. Alternatively, you can also sound off your friends or relatives staying near your destination and find out whether you can stay with them. This way you can save some money on accommodation. However, it wouldn’t be a great idea if you are going with your family.

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Tips on Hair Care During Summer Time

Tips to guide you towards the secret for great hair during the summer:

Wash: You need to wash your hair every day with a mild shampoo. In the summer, the pores are clogged daily with oil and dirt. So, it’s absolutely necessary to keep your hair clean and let it breathe. Note that your hair is weakest when wet (after a hair wash, swimming and so on); avoid tying or working on your hair when it is wet.

Water: You must drink a glass of water every hour. The hair needs minerals and most of the hair-related problems begin with a mineral deficiency. A glass of coconut water everyday too is very good for your hair.

Oiling: Hair oil is the best conditioner—oil your hair thrice a week. Massage the oil onto your scalp and leave it for a minimum of four hrs and a maximum of a day (24 hours). Do not oil your hair for just an hour as it is not effective. Also, do not keep your hair oiled for as long as three days —this would add to the clogging of your pores along with dirt and so on, thereby only serving to damage your hair further.

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Skin Care Tips to Keep you shining in Summer Sun

Drink water and juices: Since you tend to sweat profusely, it's essential to drink a lot of liquids to compensate for the loss of body water and the loss of vitamin C. Water, nimbu paani (a lifesaver!) and fruits and vegetables like watermelons and cucumbers are great. Salads too are very good for you. Avoid spicy food though.

Cleanse: Cleanse your skin twice a day—use a facewash for oily skin and a light cleansing milk for dry skin. Use a moisturising gel instead of a creamy moisturiser for oily skin. For dry skin, a lotion would do. A cleanser and toner are mandatory items; use those which contain rosewater for dry skin. For oily skin, aroma therapy products would do.

If you are over 25 years of age, you should massage a little nourishing cream onto your face as a special beauty treatment. Once in a while, after cleansing your face, use a little essential oil (like almond oil), a drop of frankincense and 1 tsp of oil, and massage the concoction onto your face. Follow this by a hot compress (towel). This helps rid the face of unwanted wrinkles, blemishes and also gives it a nice glow. You could also apply mashed papaya onto your face for deep cleansing.

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Travel Trips on Summer Season

Start out on a trip after going over the things you need to do before and during your trip to protect your health and safety this summer

Monitor weather forecasts on TV and radio. These reports describe hot and potentially dangerous weather if you are travelling to an unknown place.

Keep all strenuous activity for the early morning hours or evening when it’s cooler and avoid direct exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm

Remember to carry a water bottle, especially when travelling or exercising. Dehydration is among the most common heat-related dangers.

If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma, drug or food allergies, a heart condition, or are taking certain medications, you should wear medic-alert identification. It informs others about your condition, and reminds you to take necessary precautions.

If you’re flying, take steps to avoid jet lag.

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