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#SuratFireTragedy - 20 Human Behaviour Facts and Fire Extinguishing Tips In Case Of Fire Disasters

2019-05-25T23:37:00.003+05:30

#SuratFireTragedy devoured 21 lives on Friday, 24th May'19 at Takshashila Complex in Surat. I doubt that we lost only 21 lives, it could be more than that looking at the size of the building and impact of the fire. Devilish smoke coming out of the fourth floor and smothering people whose lives perished into nothing after jumping off the building because of the suffocation.

After working for approximately 2+ years as a Business Continuity Manager and a Disaster Recovery Coordinator, I have developed a sense of seriousness, responsibility and desperation for such events. I felt like suing the Fire Department. The ladders could not reach even 3rd floor failing to save those those who were able to escape fire, but got stuck amid suffocating smoke and the uneasiness compelled them to take the plunge from the 4th floor.

What started the fire is the matter of investigation. But the crowd response in the videos I watched made me a little sick in my stomach. But they are not to blame!

According to the physiological, psychological, and social behavioral studies, at times of urgency, people tend to make unsound situational judgments and take wrong actions and, at times, even lose consciousness. Shouting loudly, losing confidence, disregarding exhortations, running in all directions, etc. are typical behaviors of people confronted with emergency situations.

Let's see one more case which is very similar like Takshashila Complex fire:

On 14 November 2008, at the Shanghai Business College in China, a dormitory room at the sixth floor caught fire at 6:10am in the morning. The fire expanded very quickly and gave off a lot of smoke. The door was incidentally closed. The four trapped girls fell back to try to keep away from the fire. Eventually, the fire flame spread to the balcony. The girls jumped from the balcony before the firefighters arrived. They may have thought it was safer to do so, yet none of them could survive. The police received the fire report at 6:12am. The firefighters soon arrived, and the fire was put out at 6:30am.

If there had been an assistance system, which could adaptively advise the four trapped girls to use the sheets in the dormitory and tie them to their bodies and climb down to the lower floors, e.g. the fifth floor, rather than directly jump down to the ground, their lives might have been saved.

In life-critical urgent situations, people lose lives due to bad judgement and poor decisions. In Surat tragedy, many fractured their hands while catching the falling students. Some just watched and tried to keep them from taking the plunge. Some shot videos and some just stood stunned. I was devastated and all I could do was read about it. So, I read some books about fire evacuation system and found 20 interesting facts about human behaviour, ire extinguishing and evacuation tips in case of a fire disaster.

1. Crowded spaces are prone to accidents and many casualties in case of fire or other emergency situations. They can happen in large buildings or urban spaces. Predicting crowds’ behavior is crucial for creating adequate simulators that practitioners can use for evaluating evacuation scenarios in such emergency cases.

2. To accomplish this goal, a good knowledge of human behavior, both individual as well as collective (when in a crowd) is needed.

3. A human's movement in normal situation has its own dynamics. For instance, when walking along a sidewalk, in case of head-on encounters, a binary decision takes place: pedestrians need to choose whether to evade the other person on the right-hand or on the left-hand side. This decision process goes along with a significant decrease of walking speed. This is an example of the interaction processes that happen between people walking at normal pace.

4. However, most of the normal behavior vanishes when we face an emergency situation.

5. As people try to leave the building as fast as possible, the desired velocity augments which leads to some characteristic formations. As nervousness increases there is less concern about the comfort zone and finding the most convenient and shortest way.

6. The decision-making process of crowds and their dynamics under emergency situations is a crucial aspect that needs further investigation.

7. Individuals in a crowd show similar behaviors when acting in group.

8. It is important to attend to the different approaches taken so far to tackle this same problem using BDI (Beliefs, Desires, Intentions) architectures.

9. Fire threatens the lives. Some of the physical injuries will take a long time to heal, and the mental injuries can take even longer.

10. Look around your office or workplace. Anything that contains wood, plastic, paper, fabric, or combustible liquids can fuel a fire.

11. The key ingredients of a fire are:

a. Fuel. Any combustible material.

b. Oxygen. The air we breathe is approximately 20 percent oxygen, more than enough to nurture a fire.

c. Heat. Something to raise the fuel’s temperature until it combusts.

d. Remove any of these elements and a fire will cease to burn.

12. A smell of smoke is usually the first indication that a fire is under way. Early detection (either human or mechanical) at this early stage can trigger fire suppression efforts before significant loss occurs.

13. As the fire reaches the end of the smoldering phase, flames will become visible. Once flames have appeared, the fire will begin to spread. The temperature of the burning object will quickly exceed 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, a room’s contents will ignite, structural fatigue becomes possible, and occupant lives become seriously threatened. Within five minutes, the room temperature will be high enough to ignite all combustibles within the room. At this point, most contents will be destroyed and human survival becomes impossible.

14. Wood contains all sorts of stuff, such as water, minerals, and volatile organic compounds. As the heat source applied to the wood exceeds 300 degrees Fahrenheit, the volatile organic compounds begin evaporating. This is typical of a smoky fire.

15. The easiest and cheapest thing is to identify and eliminate potential fire hazards, and educate people about these risks.

16. Hire a fire safety engineer consultant to evaluate the adequacy of your existing fire evacuation plan and suppression systems. If money is an issue, invite the local fire department team to perform this task. They will provide free evaluations of a structure’s fire risk, indicating both recommended and required changes.

17. Well-marked emergency exits that are kept free from clutter.
If sources are to be believed, Takshashila Complex had only one exit.

18. Fire extinguishers can be used to contain very fires, but they lack the capacity to attack large fires. The contents of a fire extinguisher determine the type of fire for which it is best suited.

19. Remember the acronym PASS while using a fire extinguisher:

a. Pull the pin.
b. Aim at the base of the flames.
c. Squeeze the trigger.
d. Sweep from side to side

20. Fire evacuation guidelines to follow:

a. Do not fight fires unless you are confident of your ability to put them out.
b. Trigger the closest fire alarm.
c. Leave the area quietly and calmly.
d. Do not wait for others.
e. Do not hold hands with others.
f. Go to the nearest exit.
g. If doors are closed, use the push bar or the emergency door release switches found next to doors.
h. Walk. Do not run or push others.
i. Keep to the sides of the aisles, stairs, and corridors. Do not walk in the middle.
j. Women should take off high heels if they obstruct movement.
k. Do not use the elevators. Use only emergency exits.
l. When reaching the assembly point, call the emergency services.
m. Report any person you think is still inside.
n. Never go back to the building without emergency officials’ permission.
o. Do not argue with emergency officials and always follow their instructions.

p. If the fire is outside the room, close the door and use available materials to close holes or gaps where flames and smoke can pass through.

q. If smoke enters the room, stay close to the ground as smoke tends to rise.

If there are windows around, open them and signal your position if possible

21. Every building should have these in each and every room:

a. Fire Evacuation Plan

b. Emergency Numbers

c. Fire extinguishers

d. Blankets and Ropes

e. Sand

f. A team specially trained to handle such crisis scenarios

REFERENCES

1. Business Continuity Management: Choosing to Survive

2. Context-Aware Computing

3. Advances in Artificial Transportation Systems and Simulation

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The Inspiration Code!

2019-05-21T11:48:00.000+05:30

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These 5 Classic Celebrity Eyeliners Are A Crash-Course Of Eyeliner Looks!

2019-05-09T22:03:00.002+05:30

Makeup is a medium for self-expression and eyeliners play a major role in that. I love to finish my minimal makeup with slightly flicked eyeliner. But what if I want to do a little dramatic eyeliner like winged? There are a lot of options in the beauty-sphere and too much options confuse me!

For a person like me, who is into makeup but not too much, knowing a couple of things helps to keep the mind from wandering and become indecisive when it come to the real deal. So, when I read about new Benefit's Roller Liner and these five celebrity-statament eyeliners in latest VOGUE India edition (Aprile 2019), I couldn't stop myself from telling ya'll!

Based on the 5 divas of their times, these eyeliners are also classic and elegant. Now, if you have a dinner date with an ex (It's a real deal, people!) or planning to steal the show in that upcoming party - these wings are going to be a lot helpful.

Here is a picture of each one of them and how to achieve those neat looks!

There are a number of bloggers too who are popular for their eyeliner-application. Some of my favourites are -

1. Komal (Dehi Fashion Blogger, @delhifashionblogger )

2. Gia Kashyap (Gia Says That, @giasaysthat )

3. Pooja Raina (True Fashionholic, @truefashionholic)

They are not only bloggers known for their eyeliners but they are beautiful inside out. I have met Komal and Pooja both in person during some events and I cannot say anything less.

Before you go-

Let me know your favourite eyeliner look out of these 5!

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5 Practical Tips to Avoid, Dodge or Face A Scary Stranger On The Street From The Book "When You Reach Me"

2019-04-28T17:40:00.001+05:30

Self-improvement and handling a stranger on the street with these 5 tips from the book "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead

Summer Dress available at REVOLVE

Miranda is an ordinary sixth grader, until she starts receiving mysterious messages from somebody who knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

Books of any genre excite me! What lies inside a book is like a kid's candy with a mystery-toy inside (think of Kinder Joy). The book "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead is one such book for me. Each chapter is interesting and exciting in its own way. I started reading "When You Reach Me" (buy on Flipkart, Amazon) while on my vacation in Goa this February, but I haven't finished it yet. I am relishing it slowly!

Every book has its own wisdom which can be implemented and tested in life for better outcomes. Like these 4 tips by Miranda's mom are the most practical and succinct tips for avoiding, dodging or facing a stranger (that you fear or getting negative vibes from) on the road. And it becomes really interesting when Miranda throws in her tip to handle this stanger. Something I would do!

5 TIPS TO DODGE OR FACE A STRANGER ON THE STREET

1. Always have your key out before you reach the front door.

2. If a stranger is hanging out in front of the building, don't ever go in-- just keep walking around the block until he's gone.

3. Look ahead. If someone's acting strange down the block, looking drunk or dangerous, cross the other side of the street, but don't be obvious about it. Make it look like you were planning to cross the street all along.

4. Never show your money on the street!

5. Ask this stranger you fear about time, place or anything for that matter. This is a way of saying to the person, "I see you as a friend, and there is no need to hurt me or take my stuff."

For some reason, these tips make me laugh because I could relate these tips and how Miranda followed them time to time in the funniest way possible. The only thing is that actual story when it's happening is not funny at all. Although the book is small ( just 199 pages long), it demands your full attention because its depth cannot be enjoyed without giving time and effort.

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Self-Improvement: Workplace Harassment? Don't Lie To Yourself And Deal With It Like This!

2019-04-24T11:11:00.000+05:30

You've started despising going to work or suffering from some health conditions that are making you dull, lifeless and uninterested when it comes to your job? Workplace harassment could be one of the reasons and this is how you can deal with it.

I recently met a friend/colleague after a long time. While asking about each other's whereabouts, my friend Linda (alias) expressed her feeling about taking a sabbatical. The only difference is that the sabbatical would NOT be given by the company (that we are working for), but she would give it to herself. Reason? She needs some peace and quiet. She thinks that she has worked for quite a long time and now is the right time to take a break. Also, her 3-year old will be happy to spend some undisturbed time with her mom. Sounds about a good decision, backed-up by self-love that I promote and encourage a lot.

Since I have been going through some issues at work (which has made me really strong and has opened a gate of knowledge and information) that Linda knows about too, she disclosed her experience with her boss. Her new boss is behaving in a very disrespectful manner, makes constant remarks about her work and suggesting to give her work to someone else. Being in the same project for over 5 years, she sniffed conspiracy and expected clarity from her boss.

This was enough to tell me how her plans about taking a break from work were nothing, but the fact that she wasn't constantly harassed and stressed because of her boss. Our company has many policies that offers movements of employees to other projects, which that is mostly human-driven, manipulated and time taking in most of the cases. Also, a very stressful procedure for an employee when they want employee to leave. It seemed like she wasn't ready to deal with all this!

I didn't give her any unsolicited suggestions, but I told her what I always follow or try to follow that-

She must choose what her HEART wants and consider re-evaluating the FEAR-based decision.

And there was a sudden shift in her thinking after a few minutes. Suddenly, she was pouring with options and choices that she could make which will not only give her peace but will also make her stress-free.

My work was done! I helped my friend not to make a decision based out of fear, but I also helped her understand this company's policies that she had forgotten because of being fearful an stressed about her boss's behaviour.

In many cases that involve sudden changes in an employee's health, mood, work-decisions etc. - workplace-harassment by a boss or a colleague who is a bully, or a mix of both is the reason.

Here are 5 questions to help you re-evaluate your work atmosphere-

1. Who/what is bothering you?

2. Can you do something about it? The answer should be 'yes'. If it isn't then-

3. Do you know your rights as an employee in your company? Chances are 'No' if your answer to Questions 2 was 'Yes'.

4. Have you reported this to anyone in your company? Make sure that it is documented. Also, know that you have the rights to follow the hierarchy and keep reporting until it is sorted. It is your personal choice and takes! Nobody can, will or should force you to do that.

5. Are you thinking about continuing or quitting? Don't take the decision based out of fear.

BONUS: How do you know if it's a fear based decision? Your heart will sing, feel free and you will fly high if it is based on LOVE.

10 Tips To Empower You and Handle Harassment Efficiently-

1. We must remember that we also have power as an employee. To understand more about it, know your company policies, the labour law of your country, and campaigns that are underway related.
2. There are certain things that we accept from friends, colleagues, relatives etc. out of courtesy, friendliness, and casually. Draw a respectful boundary so nobody takes you for granted. (Joe Biden Case)
3. Organizations should seize the opportunity to make strides toward gender equity—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because companies that don’t will soon be left behind. (Harvard Business Review)
4. CHannel your outrage about harassment (Sexual, Workplace, Mental) in the workplace into effective action.
5. Check your own gender biases and distinguish between confidence and competence in your colleagues. (Harvard Business Review)
6. Recognize the issues women face when speaking up about bias or harassment. (HBR)
7. Learn the root causes of the barriers that exist for women in the workplace. (HBR)
8. Don't keep quiet about any kind of harassment whether it's with you or others. (Abha Singh, an eminent lawyer and activist)
9. "If it isn't written, it didn't happen." Keep everything documented in the form of writing, pictures, videos, messages, etc. Documentation will help you get more supports if need be.
10. Learn about harassment types, laws and the activities. Subscribe to websites like Freedom United, Kanoon.com, shebox.in etc. Watch this video on Sexual Harassment on our channel.

CREDITS:

1. Images: Tobi.com (Not sponsored)

2. References: Harvard Business Review, Abha Singh's round table press release, Joe Biden's harassment case.

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10 Success Kickstarter Tips From Napoleon Hill's Teachings

2019-04-06T17:19:00.003+05:30

Out of these 10 success tips, few will hit you home if not all. Read them over and over to remember and apply them into your life.

Inspired by Napoleon Hill who wrote extensively on self-help, success and Law of Attraction- author Don Green decided to accumulate all the teachings in one book called "Everything I Know About Success I Learned from Napoleon Hill: Essential Lessons for Using the Power of Positive Thinking".You can find mor Self-Help books here!

These are not the only tips, but, consider them a starting point for you goals and dreams. Reading these will not make you successful immediately, it requires persistence, patience and persuasion of everything you want in your life.

1. Work hard, develop a plan, and persist! There are literally thousands of ways to become financially secure if you have a passion and are willing to work hard, develop a plan or plans, involve others, and persist.

2. Success mindset will get you success. The principles of the laws of attraction and sowing and reaping are as reliable as those of the law of gravity.

3. Work that is dedictaed to finding solutions of problems. The happiest people are those who have made a positive impact on the lives of others. These actions do not have to involve money; the person could as well have been a teacher, a guidance counsellor, a law officer, or a member of any other honourable profession.

4. Use of mind power in right direction. THE GREATEST WASTE of all is the waste of our own potential mind power. The power to be what you want to be, to get what you desire, and to accomplish whatever it is you are striving for abides within you. You are the one who is responsible for bringing it forth and putting it to work.

5. Possess positie believe aka faith. If you believe that you can do it—see it as an existing fact—anything you can rightly wish for is yours. Belief is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

6. Love what you do. Getting tired from doing is more a result of boredom than of fatigue from physical exertion. You can work almost without ceasing when you are getting pleasure from your work.

7. Your inner thoughts are your outer world. Your dominant thoughts make your inner world, and your outer world is but a reflection of your inner world.

8. Everything is a pit stop until you reach your goal. Consider the low-paying job as a “pit stop,” a temporary delay while you are getting ready for your future.

9. Strong desires followed by inspired actions. Once you have a purpose in your mind and you have a passion for it—or, as Napoleon Hill said, you have a “burning desire” to accomplish it—you are well on your way. A task once begun is one-half done. Getting started is the most difficult part.

10. Make a plan that confirms the type of actions you have to take. Successful people’s purpose in life always involves careful plans followed by action. Plans change over the time, but it creates a blueprint of what works, what doesn't and what you have already done.

Before you go-
Let us know your favourite success tips out of these!

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#ParentingAndUs - How To Make The Kids Express Themselves At Every Age?

2019-03-29T11:11:00.000+05:30

Ever seen a difference, where kids of one family were submissive, stubborn or shy while the kids of other family were confident, speak their minds and take decisions instantly? This is probably why!

Before that let me tell you a story!

There were two families and both families had a girl and a boy of the same age group. Both groups of kids met regularly, grew-up together and went on to become successful in their lives in their own ways. However, there was one underlying thing visible in their demeanour - the kind of parents they had. The kids of family A learned everything with the age but they were not very open with their parents. They were expressing their affection, concerns etc. openly but they couldn't speak their feelings to their parents. On the other hand, the kids of family B grew-up and settled down in their lives, although, their careers had stalled unlike the kids of family A, yet they had this visible confidence in them.

It was because the kids of family A were either mocked, were made feel little or simply were not trusted for how they felt by their parents. Their parents were only doing it out of love, frustration or simply the way they were treated in their childhood. The kids of family-B were also made fun of for expressing their feelings, but the parents listened to their kids and they let them speak.

we cannot argue the possibilities of both parents having the same or different childhood. What we can focus on is the way they treated their children. Why am I talking about it? Because I saw a friend's status yesterday-

Listen to anything your children wants to tell you. If you don't listen to the small stuff now, they won't tell you the big stuff later.

This stirred some emotions in me. I was thinking about the difference between the kids of those two families. It suddenly hit me how I was treating my child.

I realised that the way my husband and I were treating our child with material things is a lot different than how we were treated. However, we were treating her emotionally exactly the same way how we were treated in our childhood by our parents. The reason is that our subconscious is trained to handle a parent-child bond only the way we had experienced, and we never made an effort to change the experience. And I was shaken!

Let me give you some not-so-good details about how I subconsciusly treated my child-

1. I was softer with other kids, but very different and loud with my daughter.

2. I set high expectations on her like how she should behave with other kids, how she should play, etc.

3. When talking to friends and family, I gave them updates by saying how naughty she had become, how she was not listening to me etc.

4. I have raised hands on her out of pressure that she must behave properly, frustration for different reasons, or simply the fact that she did not listen to me when I repeated myself multiple times.

5. Although I had decided not to, I wanted her to study in a certain way , thus forcing my expectations on her.

These 5 reasons are sufficient to prove that I am subconsciously treating my child the way I was treated. The result of all this is that my daughter has started hiding things, doing things and not telling me, getting jealous of other kids and becoming very dramatic if we support her or don't - either way.

And I found the answer in the quote. we must let our child speak their minds and LISTEN to it!

There are a few other tips too like-

- I do really nice things for/with her and I know that make her feel good and strengthens our bond.

- questions that I ask myself off and on, and it helps me connect the feelings of my heart with my mind. This helps me get the clarity before I talk to my daughter.

- A tip by a friend which is simply amazing and I try that too!

But more about these tips and tricks of parenting later! For now, let's try LISTENING to them.

In the meanwhile-

Tell me how you treat your child?

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#TravelersNoteBook : A-Z of 50+ "Too-Necessary-To-Miss" Travel Items!

2019-02-03T22:31:00.002+05:30

As I am planning my annual trip to Goa, I am going to share a list of items that a traveller must carry with them. This could be only list you need!

Whether you're taking a flight, train, bus or your own vehicle, these items will help you face any challenges while travelling. You can also buy them in the city you're travelling to, but I would personally like to AVOID buying things that I can get in my own house. We tend to pass, miss or forget things that appear too common and this list is comprised of such items.

This list of "too-necessary-to-miss" items is for all kind of travellers -

Antibacterial hand wipes/sanitizer - I would personally pick a sanitizer instead of wipes because I would not like to carry a used wipe with me and add it into the garbage later (hello, #zerowaste lifestyle!). Both can be used to kill the germs on your hands and your gadgets. (TIP: Clean your mobile phone, laptops, cameras with antibacterial sanitizer). I am currently using mini hand sanitizers by Lifebuoy, Dettol, Strategi and a full pack of Himalaya Hand Sanitizer.
"Active" Underwear (A pair at least) - Active or Sports underwear are designed to keep your skin breathing, sweat-free and light. Some of these come with a hidden pocket too like Azani Sports underwear on Amazon.
Aloe vera Gel - A good aloe vera gel will help you keep your skin, hair and feet beautiful, relaxed and cure/relief sun-burns too. I am currently using Patanjali aloe vera gel. You can use whatever suits you.
Bamboo/Steel Straws - Bamboo straws or steel straws, I would suggest investing in either of them. By using it, you can avoid the use of single-use plastic straws that add to waste that goes into landfills.I recently bought Bamboo India bamboo straws and my family likes it too.
Bandanas - or scarves, dupattas, stoles whatever you have. They can be used for multiple purposes - from covering head from the sun, wind etc. to carrying things, tieing a wound.

Backpack - We all carry a backpack when we are travelling. But I'd suggest keeping one spare in your luggage. Thank me later! We are currently using a Kappa Backpack in white and blue colour with multiple sections. we can carry two laptops, a couple of clothes, toiletries, chargers, power banks, books etc. The USP is it doesn't feel very heavy!
Baseball Cap - No explanations for a baseball cap.
Bluetooth Speakers - This is one of the best things we have got in 2018 and we absolutely love it. I know your household has one too. Just don't forget carrying it (and its charger) with your travel items. We are currently using SONY SRS-X11 which is a cute and little speaker but enough sound to make your bonfire exciting for a lit party.
Books - I love books and I truly feel that they are my true friends. They listen to me, give me suggestions and always remind me that it's all good in my life. This is the power of a good book. I'd suggest you check out some books under 100INR or check out a book-stall in your nearest market.
Camp/swiss knife - A swiss knife comes with multifunctionality options that will help you at every step- from opening a can to cutting things, making holes, screwing a nut and as a tweezer or tooth-pick like this Rimei Multifunction Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistant Swiss Knife. You can also check more Swiss knife options and make a choice.
Citronella Oil - I can't stress enough for you to carry a bottle of Citronella oil that is effective (and safe to use) to repel bugs and mosquitoes. Make sure you choose good and trusted brands like Aroma Magic, Soulflower, Deves Herbes etc.
Cotton Undergarments- Apart from Active underwears, choose your undergarments in cotton fabric to avoid, rashes, burns and other skin-conditions that one might develop during extreme weather conditions.
Dishwasher in a travel bottle - It's a no brainer. Although you might think that you don't need it, I promise that it will be helpful to wash any container, hand, shoes etc.
Earplugs - Chances are you will be in a noisy place when you can do with some peace and quiet. I use these very basic corded foam earplugs that come in a pack of 10 (or you can buy just 1 pair) and they work the best. I use earplugs during meditation and have tried different ones, but I assure you that these work the best.

First Aid Kit - Band-Aid, Burnol, Tablets for Headache, fever, cold, allergies, Eno Satchets, Digital Thermometer, Vicks Vaporub, Anti-Bacterial Powder/Ointment, Sevalon etc. Pick any old pouch or bag and fill it with these necessary products.
Flashlight - Chances are you will say that your mobile phone already has a flashlight and I would say that a spare flashlight that works on batteries will work longer without drinking-up your phone's juices.
Floaters/Crocs/Plastic Sandals/Flip-Flops - Some find these ugly, and some depend on the local market or hotel. I wouldn't do both. There had been times when I wanted to get rid of my travel-shoes and let my feet breathe. There come the so-called-ugly-plastic-friends.
Glue Stick - You know where I would use a glue stick? From sticking my bills in a diary by dates to any tear in my clothes.
Hammock - This is an extra and only for those who love to take a halt at places and enjoy nature. But if you have one in our backpack, you will find more places to enjoy your journey.
Insulated Hot/Cold Thermal Bag- This insulated hot/cold thermal bag came up while I was searching for an electric hot bag. I thought it's a good idea to add to this list. At times, I want to carry food to the room instead of buying expensive dishes from the hotel's menu. If you do the same or you have kids with you - buy one.
Jean Jacket - A denim jacket is perfect for any weather conditions. They look cool with any outfit, wear them during day time in a cold place, night if in coastal areas where temperature turns a little colder in the evening.

Knit/Straw Hat - Only for tropical locations and chances are you can buy one after you reach.
Lavender Oil - It is optional for some but a must-have for those who believe in aroma-therapy. I assure you that lavender oil will cheer you up if you have a dull mood, a tired evening, a hectic day, headache or you just want to have a whiff of calm aroma - lavender oil is your friend.
Lighter - Like "baseball caps", no explanation for lighter either. You just need one!
Lip Balm with SPF - I have been to Goa thrice and it didn't occur to me until last year that we need our lip balms with SPF too. My lips made me think what I was doing wrong because I drink water at regular intervals and keep myself hydrated. I have almost got rid of licking my lips often and I apply a good lip balm. It didn't occur to me until I read a traveller's post who recommended a lip balm with SPF and had suffered from the same lip-condition Ugh! Here is a handful of lip balms with SPF.
Long Sleeve Button-up Shirt- Just keep one of these.
Long Sleeve T-Shirt - and one of these!
Microfiber Cloths - A pack of micro-fibre cloths will be cheaper than a pack of hand wipes and can be used wet or dry, to take off makeup or clean electronics, camera lenses, mobile phones etc. They dry quickly too. Pick a pack of 5 cloths by SOFTSPUN which has raving reviews of 1, 055 buyers and a 4.5 stars rating.
Pair of gloves - From elbow-length gloves to save hands from sun to some sturdy ones to save palms from getting sore- choose any kind depending on your need.
Power Bank - In the era of social media and need of updating and uploading pictures and videos to keep others update, a power bank is a must. We are currently using Syska Power Pro 200 (2000mah) that charges my iPhone 7 Plus 5 times in its full capacity, takes 3-4 hrs to get charged fully. Only con is that it is a little heavy and larger as compared to my old Potronics power bank that I liked a lot.
Rain suit/Jacket - An extra in the luggage but worth it if you are going to a rain-prone location.
Reusable Water Bottles - Pick any reusable water bottle from these options made of BPA free plastic, are sturdy and budget-friendly. I am moving from plastic to stainless steel products, so, I have recently bought a stainless steel water bottle. Heavier than a plastic bottle but totally worth it because it keeps liquid hot/cold for good 12 hrs. These reusable water bottles will save you money and help this planet free of plastic-dump landfill even if it's just a tiny bit of comparison.
Washing Brush For Bottles - This is something very common or unnecessary. But you would need it if you are travelling with kids, using reusable bottles, milk bottles etc.
Thermosteel Bottle(s)- A good option if you want to avoid using plastic bottles. Please see point no. 32.

Selfie Stick - Hah!
Snacks - I get hungry anywhere and everywhere, especially when I know I can't get food or stop to eat. These are the times when these snacks in my backpack help me save my sanity before I get hangry.
Sunglasses - And always keep an extra pair! Sunglasses are one of the most lost and broken items during a trave
Sunscreen - Summer, winter or monsoon - we all need sunscreen. My fav sunscreen is Lotus Herbals matte gel with SPF50, and I am also using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock which a cult favourite.
Super Glue - This one product has saved me time, money and sanity- all at the same time. One can use a super-glue to mend shoes, belts, broken handles, bags, and everything you think of, that you can stick with glue. Here is a bunch of super-glues that you can buy, but I have used only Pidilite Feviquick, and Pidilite Shoefix. Both work an undeniably good job in sticking the most stubborn products.
Swim-Suit - I am not a swimmer, but I do want to enjoy the swimming pool in the hotel or the resort I am staying at. For that, I had to hunt a market in south Goa for a decent swimsuit. Please don't be like me! Pack one in your luggage. It will help you find one in your budget and not over-spend on a very ok-type swimsuit like me.
Toilet Seat Sanitizer - After I caught a sever Urine infection while travelling in the past, I dreaded using a public-loo. I just didn't know how to use it except hanging my rear in the air to pee. God's grace that I didn't have to take a poop. But since I have been given a couple of pee-safe bottles in a goodie-bag that I carry whenever I go out. I am positive that I would buy them again once they are over.
Tripod - For your cameras and now mobile phones too! I also bought a mobile phone accessory that works smoothly with remote, I highly recommend.
T-Shirts - It's especially for girls! No matter how many dresses you pack, nothing can beat a good t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Just keep 3-4 in your luggage.

Umbrella - For all the tantrums weather might throw on you!
Matches - Where lighter won't work, a good match would.
USB Charger - A good, durable and reliable USB charger is a must-have for all kind of travellers. But it is also important that your choice a multi-purpose like I am planning to buy this Portronics universal electrical sockets and 3 USB ports.
Wool Socks - I remember somebody sprained their foot including their hand. The band-aid was used in the hand, leaving no option for the foot. The dispensary was far and foot was badly swollen. There came a wool-sock handy. It kept the foot tight and warm until we reached a place to take proper help. I bet you smirked and said why a wool-sock!
Ziplok bags - Although I am gradually moving to a #plasticfree and #zerowaste lifestyle, we need a more disciplined life to make sure we stop using plastic as much as we can. But if there are no options, a ziplock bag would help keep dirty clothes, used sachets, tubes, skincare products and stuff that can spill.
Zip-Ties - Zip-ties are usually very strong and can be used to secure a broken vehicle part, luggage, windows and doors. Don't underestimate usage of a zip-tie, ever!
Zip-Up Hoodie - A clothing item that will save your life from cold, wind and storm. A hoodie is better than a shirt, a jacket, and a cap which we talked about earlier.

Hope you enjoyed the post and I am sure that you have certain other items in your mind that you wanted to see listed here. Please throw them in the comments so we can list them down too with proper credits.

CREDITS

Post inspied by a Reddit entry

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

8 Practical Tips on Personal and Career Development by A Conflict Resolution Facilitator!

2019-01-23T11:11:00.000+05:30

VOGUE India's January 2019 edition is full of inspiring and empowering stories covering 50+ women globally including Priyanka Chopra, our own desi girl on the cover. There are many stories that I would like to cover on SSU, but I'd like to start with career and personal development tips shared by Priya Parker who is a Conflict Resolution Facilitator. She has also written a book "The Art Of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters" ( BUY ).

In Priya's own words-

I'm trained in the field of conflict resolution, and have worked on race relations on Americal college campuses and on peace processes in the Arab world., southern Africa, and India.

These tips are for everyone - male or female, working woman or housewife, school or college goers, businessman, entrepreneurs, everybody. You are free to follow or add your own variations as well. Please don't forget to add your own takes on these suggatios in comment below. There is a suggestion that I personally don't follow much, and I have added a variation instead which you will find below.

CREDITS

1st Photo by Ben Kolde on Unsplash
2nd photo from neuehouse.com
Story inspiratin by VOGUE (India) January 2019 Edition

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#LifeStory - Is Life Really That Awesome As It Looks On Social Media?

2019-01-22T11:11:00.000+05:30

What you see on social media could just be 20% that requires a decision, persistence and conviction. But remaining 80% could be just like any other!

So, A friend of mine expressed that they hate their life. In their words, they don’t have fun as much as the people on social media (including me) were having. They assumed that -

My life(and others as well) is pretty smooth because of all the shopping I do, books and magazines I invest in.
I have time to follow a workout routine that means I have enough time.
I dine-out whenever I want which means I don't have to think about money at all.
All of this means, my husband is very supportive too!

So, their grumps boiled down to 3 things - time, money, support (of the family), and I told them that -

via GIPHY

All it takes is - a decision followed by conviction.

This is what I tried to explain to them and ensured I stay as calm and friendly as I could be -

Life on social media is just a tiny part people decide to post!

Social Media or Internet is not that forgiving. What you put on social media is open for public reactions. Praises, admirations, allegations and sometimes abuses too are a part of it. So, not everyone is putting out everything they are going through. The reason could be anything - from keeping certain areas of their lives private to not sharing the not-so-happy parts in public. That's why you see only the happy, fun and free parts on social media, mostly!

Time and fun are just a matter of a choice and how you prioritise!

via GIPHY

Everybody has the same 24 hrs a day and 7 days a week, yet there are people who don't have time! We all are busy. This depends on what things are important to you and how you prioritise them. For example, these are my daily chores and how I prioritise them-

Cook food for my family timely. But I order food or my husband helps in the kitchen when I am tired, sick or simply there is more important thing to do and cooking can wait.
Have clean laundry. Although a good practice, yet folding them right away or ironing them is not the priority. There were days when I wanted to prove myself that I was perfect and I tried folding, ironing and sorting them right away. It stressed me out and I made a deal with myself that unfolded laundry might make the room a little cluttered but nobody is dying. So, let's do it when I have free time from everything else that matters to me. I am happy on the laundry part since then!
Clean and Organise. What I clean or organise is simply a matter of what requires cleaning and organising in that particular moment or day. For example, the centre table in my living room is dirty again, but I cannot keep cleaning it. It can be done in the night or while I am watching TV.
Read and Blog. I read books before bedtime or while helping my daughter study.
Workout. I workout when I am cooking in the kitchen, watching TV, teaching daughter or everybody is asleep.
Make YouTube videos. As and when I want to show my routine, shopping or a lesson that I have learned- to others who can benefit from it.
Sleep. (There are days when I drop everything and I just sleep by quickly wrapping-up the most important part of my routine i.e. cooking, sending my daughter to school etc.)

For you and me, the only important thing is deciding and prioritising. If you are not able to complete your sleep, it simply means two things - either you are spending way too much time on things that could be put aside for later or you have not prioritised your daily chores at all.

Simply plan, prioritise and act!

Support of my husband/family!

via GIPHY

Whether it's your family, friends or society- they won't understand your decisions until you try and make them understand why you want what you want. It is also true that not everybody would understand your decision even after you have tried and given your 100% to make them see your decision from your perspective. Still, you have to be persistent in trying and eventually succeeding. Here are some of the examples where I tried and finally succeeded-

I explained to my family why marrying my husband was not a bad decision. Initially, I faced the anger and rejection but I held-onto my decision and waited. They agreed!
My husband didn't understand blogging and he felt that I didn't give him time because of it. I stopped blogging regularly because my relationship was important and I prioritised giving that time to my husband instead. It made me happy because he was happy!

Do it because it will make you genuinely happy!

via GIPHY

My blog started earning, I started getting emails from brands and PRs for product reviews, events etc. and my husband realised that blogging is not futile. Also, I explained to my husband how blogging helps me de-stress myself. He understood!
Later came a point when I prioritised giving all my time to my daughter and stayed up late night to work on my blog. But I never stopped blogging!
There had been a time when my husband and I stopped dining-out thinking we would save a lot of money. But we started going out to eat at our favourite restaurants off and on because it made us happy, unwind and revive.

The list is too long. The basic idea is- don't do anything that would make you feel unhappy, inadequate or incomplete. Decide and tell people that this is what you choose.

Pursue a hobby or do something that excites you.

And make it your routine! It will make you happy in ways that nothing else could, and not only you but your family will also benefit from it.

Your perspective changes when you are in a good mood!

Money comes as you decide!

via GIPHY

Money is something that is never sufficient yet always fulfils our dreams when we aspire. I have seen households that earn the same amount of money every month yet their priorities are different. One of them spends on dining-out, shopping, school fees, travelling etc. and another family always complains about not having enough. Please don't take me wrong! But money is simply a state of mind. More fun we have with money, more money comes. This is a fact! Try it!

THE FINAL SCOOP

via GIPHY

We need to understand that everything shiny and yellow could not be gold, yet it chooses to shine. A smiling face and twinkling-eyes could be unhappy but they chose to show their smile more than their tears. People who we follow on social media are not always happy, perfect or glowing as they seem to be. The best we can do is to aspire to have a great life, to dream about creating happiness, to get inspired and to learn. Complaining is easy, but it does more harm to us than others.

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#SettingGoals | How To Set Goals and An Income Plan To Achieve Them (The 4-Hour Work Week)

2018-12-24T00:15:00.000+05:30

What would you do if there were no way you could fail? If you were 10 times smarter than the rest of the world?

Since a new year is approaching, "New Year, New Me" will kick-in, when people look for ideas and tips to set goals, achieve dreams which they couldn't in the previous year. Also set some new ones to keep the tradition going! That's why, I am positive about this goal-setting process (also called Dreamlining) which will give us a new approach and be more realistic.

Have I finished the book yet?

Reading "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss is helping me look at my career-goals, its problems and finances differently. This book is helping me look at my habits and the way I deal with them from a different perspective, thus making the day more productive. I haven't finished it yet, however, talking about this strategy now to define goals and make them more achievable is important. Well, we are soon going to reflect on 'how we got this pot-belly' in 2018.

Wouldn't it be confusing to go through the process?

I will encourage you to refer to the "Setting Goals and Planning Income" model sheet on SSU Google Doc that you can view (but cannot edit as I don't want you to accidentally make any changes) as you go through the excerpts of the book below. While the excerpts will help you understand the goal-setting process to realize the dreams, the Google sheet will help you understand how you can go about it. It will leave less options to be confused!

You can create your own form OR you can use the one I have created by taking the "edit" rights. Just shoot me an email at shoppingstyleandus@gmail.com so I know who to give rights to.

But, how will we find the cost to achieve these goals?

I have read many self-help books that define goal-setting in detail. But, this process is very realistic because it includes setting an income plan that will help us achieve the goals. Throughout the chapters so far, Tim continues reiterating that 'how' it will happen is not important. So, what's important is that you set the goals and just follow the process. And I promise that filling this worksheet will help you get more clarity of the actions you would take in order to achieve them. The best part- you can modify it according to your own needs.

Let's go through Tim's process of 'Dreamlining' or Setting goals:

Dreamlining will be fun, and it will be hard. The harder it is, the more you need it.

1. What would you do if there were no way you could fail? If you were 10 times smarter than the rest of the world?

Create two timelines- 6 months and 12 months-and lists up to five things you dream of

- having (including, but not limited to, material wants: house, car, clothing, etc.),

- being (be a great cook, be fluent in Chinese, etc.),

- doing (visiting Thailand, tracing your roots overseas, racing ostriches, etc.) in that order.

If you have difficulty identifying what you want in some categories, as most will, consider what you hate or fear in each and write down the opposite.

Do not limit yourself, and do not concern yourself with how these things will be accomplished. For now, it's unimportant.

This is an exercise in reversing repression. Be sure not to judge or fool yourself. If you really want a Ferrari, don't put down solving world hunger out of the dream will be fame, for others fortune or have their vices and insecurities. If something will improve the feeling of your self-worth, put it down. I have a racing motorcycle, and quite apart from the fact that I love speed, it just makes me feel like a cool dude. There is nothing wrong with that. Put it all down.

2. Drawing a blank!

For all their bitching about what's holding them back, most people have a lot of trouble coming up with the defined dreams they're being held from. This is particularly true with the "doing" category. In that case, consider these questions-

a. What would you do, day to day, if you had $100 million in the bank?

b. what would make you most excited to wake up in the morning to another day?

Don't rush-think about it for a few minutes. It still blocked, fill in the five "doing" spots with the following:

a. one place to visit.

b. one thing to do before you die (a memory of a lifetime)

c. one thing to do daily

d. one thing to do weekly

e. one thing you've always wanted to learn

3. What does "being" entail doing?

Convert each "being" into a "doing" to make it actionable. Identify an action that would characterize this state of being or a task that would mean you had achieved it. People find it easier to brainstorm "being" first, but this column is just a temporary holding spot for "doing actions. Here are a few examples:

'Great cook' → make Christmas dinner without help

Fluent in Chinese → have a five-minute conversation

with a Chinese co-worker.

4. What are the four dreams that would change it all?

Using the 6-month timeline, star or otherwise highlight the most exciting and/or important dreams from all columns. Repeat the process with the 12-month timeline if desired.

5. Determine the cost of these dreams and calculate your Target Monthly Income (TMI) for both timelines.

If financeable, what is the cost per month for each of the four dreams (rent, mortgage, payment plan instalments, etc.)? Start thinking of income and expense in terms of monthly cash flow-dollars in and dollars out-instead of grand totals. Things often cost less than expected.

For example, a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, fresh off the showroom floor at $260,000 can

be had for $2,897.8o per month. I found my personal favourite for Martin DB9 with 1,ooo miles on it, through eBay for $6,000-$2,003.10 per month.

How about a Round-the-World Delhi or trip (Los Angeles and Tokyo -Singapore - Bangkok - Bombay London - Frankfurt Los Angeles) for $1,399?

Last, calculate your Target Monthly Income (TMI) for realizing these drreamlines. This is how to do it: First, total each of the columns A, B, and C, counting only the four selected dreams. Some of these column totals could be zero, which is fine. Next, add your total monthly expenses x 1.3 (the 1.3 represents your ex- is your TMI and the target to keep in mind for the rest of the book. I like to further divide this TMI by 30 to get my TDI- Target Daily Income.

I find it easier to work with a daily goal Online calculators on our companion site do all the work for you and make this step a cinch.

Chances are that the figure is lower than expected, and it often decreases over time as you trade more and more "having or once-in-a-lifetime "doing." Mobility encourages this trend. Even if the total is intimidating, don't fret in the least. I have helped students get to more than $1o,ooo per month in extra Income within three months.

Hope you enjoyed reading it. This is just one gem in the treasure box. It is full of jewels. To know everything you can buy 'The 4-Hour Work Week'' on Amazon.

Tim Ferriss on Instagram

SSU on Instagram
Tim Ferriss on Twitter

SSU on Twitter

Tim Ferriss on Facebook

SSU on Facebook

Tim Ferriss on YouTube

SSU on YouTube

Tim Ferriss on Huffington Post
Tim Ferriss on TED
Tim Ferriss on AngelList

Happy New Year in Advance!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

DECATHLON is Now Available Online!

2018-12-20T18:16:00.001+05:30

I remember the first time I went into this store full of sports items and accessories that my inner athlete and a basketball player jumped up and down. But my inner shopaholic that likes to have everything on fingertips or say ‘taps’ thought if it was available online too. Though I couldn’t find anything that time which was about 3 years back, I now have an answer to this. www.decathlon.in

If you have any interest in sports, or you have people around who are into sports and you would like to buy them gifts - I think Decathlon might fir your agenda. Not only because it is entirely about Sports and Sports accessories, but also their pricing is super affordable. I have bought my best athleisure shorts and T-shirt from them. I also bought a hand-massager from them and we enjoy it a lot when our muscles ache or call for it. Too much love happening between the massager and muscles already!!

They currently have some great deals on rackets and that popped into my email, caught my attention and made its way on SSU. Enjoy shopping!

Before you go-

Which sports you played or still play?

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#GiftGuide | 7 Steps to 'Sustainable Giving'

2018-12-12T18:06:00.000+05:30

Looking for inspiration to gift your loved ones but also thinking about choosing an ethical approach? SSU is consciously moving towards choosing the 'sustainable' way of living, and here is a guide for those who choose to shower their loved ones ethically.

What Is Sustainable/ethical way of living and why?

To supply the demand of consumers, brands and companies produced and produced without stopping. The trend has continued! But as the world is awakening, we are becoming more and more conscious of not making the world a dumpster. This awakening is called an 'ethical' or 'sustainable' way to live (on this planet), to shop, to sell, to gift...

Ethical living is the philosophy of making decisions for daily life which take into account ethics and moral values, particularly with regard to consumerism, sustainability, environmentalism, wildlife and animal welfare.

“Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and personal resources. Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption, and diet.

I found this really cool pyramid 'Ethical Hierarchy of Gift Purchasing' which I think could be hepful in taking a step towards ethical living!

INSPIRATION

Here are some examples of each category to begin with #sustainablegiving!

HOW TO STICK TO SUSTAINABLE GIVING

1. GIVE MEMORIES

Experience tickets
Experience days
Memberships

2. GIVE YOUR TIME

Help decorating vouchers
Share your skills

3. UPCYCLE

Refinish small furnsihings
Repurpose old toys

4. BUY SECOND HAND

Buy on ebay
Search vintage shops

5. MAKE

Craft
Bake treats

6. ETHICAL BUY

Organic
Ethical

7. BUY

Last resort

CONNECT

Before you go -

Tell us how you would like to surprise your loved ones with a gift this Christmas!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#ssuReaders | 7 Health, Diet and Lifestyle Books on YouTuber Sam Ozkural's Book-Shelf (BUY and READ)

2018-12-09T11:11:00.000+05:30

True love is finding someone who can comfort you just as well as long book, a hot bath, and a tall cup of tea.

- kristensnotebook, Tumblr

I don't think I could agree more with anything else at this minute. I have always loved a long book, a hot bath and a tall cup of tea but not in the same order. I could add one more thing to this list of "true love" -YouTube. And one of my favourite YouTube channels that I follow is Sam Ozkural's.

Sam Ozkural's channel is like a ray of happiness and positivity that is extracted from Law of Attraction and Sam's healthy lifestyle. I really enjoy her quick and bite-size Insta stories that is full of all the tid-bits of her life, her cute doggos, boy friend and everything in between. During such session, Sam shared a picture of her book-shelf where some really diet and heathy lifestyle related interesting books were listed -

On The Sam Ozkural's Book Shelf

1. Crossroads by Tal Ronnen (Available on Amazon.com)

2. Life Changing Foods by Anthony William (BUY)

3. Matcha A Lifestyle Guide by Jessica Flint (BUY)

4. Let Yourself Blossom: The un-Diet Guide to Food and Self-Love by Alina Z (Available on Amazon.com)

5. 28-Day Plant-Powered Health Reboot by Jessica Jones (BUY)

6. The EveryGirl's Guide To Cooking by Maria Menounos (BUY)

7. Ecotarian Diet by Toni Toney (Available on Amazon.com)

Before you go-

Is there any of these books you have read or would love to read?

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent bby brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

Style Alternatives For Moda Operandi's Elegant-Sexy Holiday Party Look!

2018-12-08T11:11:00.000+05:30

If there could be one time in the year when you get to take out your evening dresses with sexiest accessories, then it has to be the month of December which is all about Christmas and New Year parties. Hence, this post! Either curate some with your old items or get some online for that perfect Holiday Party look!

Moda Operandi's edit of "festive attire" has everything from shoes to the accessories to the evening dresses in colours inspired straight by "The Marvelous Mrs.Maisels", I guess. Designers from Rosie Assoulin to Tabitha Simmons and jewellery from Amrapali. Here is the complete list of products, just in case, you want to have a closer look.

We did some digging online and found one or more alternatives for all pieces displayed in the picture above. Thank us later in the comment! Happy Shopping!

AQUAZZURA EMBELLISHED LEATHER SANDALS

Not really embellished with gemstones but we found you this Flat n Heel sandals which are studded (70% off), in nude pink and look a lot like this Aquazzura sandals. If you feel like splurging on slightly similar sandals, choose these Corsica rose gold sandals that have embellished straps to hug the toe.

TABITHA SIMMONS VELVET SLINGBACKS

These velvet slingback sandals by Tabitha Simmons are as elegant as this pair of Carlton London slingback sandals at 55% off. CL sandals have faux suede finish and are made of synthetic material.

AMRAPALI STERLING SILVER EARRINGS STUDDED WITH GOLD, CRYSTAL AND RUBIES

Instead of finding a the closes option, we found some great discounts and deals on red earrings. In case you are wondering, and some of them are close to these Amrapali crystal earrings that you can choose.

ROSIE ASSOULIN MIDI DRESS IN CORAL

Do you know the Pantone Color of 2019? It's 'Living Coral' . This stunning dress will leave everybody standstill, for sure. We couldn't find anything close on either Jabong, Myntra, Amazon or Koovs. Comment down below if you know something like this is available online.

CUSHNIE EMILIA SILK-SATIN MIDI DRESS

Editor's note - Every closet needs a standout satin dress and Cushnie et Ochs' version is a perfect addition to your wardrobe. Made in the USA from pure silk, it has thin shoulder straps and a plunging, draped V-neckline. Team it with heels for your next event.

Alas! I couldn't find anything in this elegant olive green colour that any woman gives eye teeth to wear. But I did find something in satin, solid navy blue colour with thin shoulder straps, draped V-neckline. The only difference could be that it has a slit in front which makes it little sexier than Cushnie's. If you are ready to take the plunge, then find your own sexiest evening gown on Myntra.

The fur stole was also something which I couldn't find anywhere on Indian websites, but I did find some fur collars to fulfil the need.

I bet you have a silver clutch and a pair of pearl earrings at home. If not, one of the links will help you find some if you care enough to browse the website of your choice.

Looking at the flavour of the season i.e. elegant-sexy, I think we are sorted for one or two parties.

And if you ask me who made this flavour- I just did!

Before you go -

Comment your favourite pieces in the comment down below!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

World of Mini Lipsticks: It's A #BeautyNecessity More Than A #BeautyTrend !

2018-12-06T11:11:00.000+05:30

Image Source: Unsplash

Written by Sakshi Misra, www.vanityhues.winkl.co | Edited by SSU

"Evening bags should be just big enough for my phone, lipstick, house key and credit card."

- Celebrity Attorney, Laura Wasser

But everything small is the latest fad. From accessories like bags to cosmetics like lipsticks. I still remember how much I wanted mini-lipsticks when I had started blogging and felt like buying full-size lipstick was a waste of money. I kept them on the dresser only to find them expire after a few years. And I bet there are many like me who secretly prayed to have options of minis too. Thus, the importance of a small lipstick is not unknown.

Seemingly, the variations in the market of lipsticks are not limited anymore. The texture changed, the shape of bullets changed, the packaging changed and now is the time for sizes too. We are not ignoring the fact that we did have an option of the lipsticks in pans but how many brands were doing that? Only MAC?

NOTE: If you are an Oriflame Consultant, you can order lipstick-samples too which are the tiniest lipstick bullets you will ever see. Not a consultant? Don't worry. Know how to become a consultant!

Coming back to a big world of mini lipsticks! As Sakshi speaks-

Recently MAC launched “Little MAC” and the market just swooned over it. What a fabulous idea of MAC mini lipsticks!!

Also in one of the subscription bags, I received mini Sugar lipstick in the shade 'Breaking Bare' and trust me, it’s worth a try!

Not only MAC and Sugar but aggressively growing beauty products by the website Nykaa has also launched its minis too at just Rs.199.

MARKETING CONCEPT BEHIND THE IDEA OF MINI LIPSTICKS

Image Source: Selfridges

Aeons back FMCG giants launched cream and shampoo sachets in the range of Rs. 1-2 to penetrate in the rural market and now the same concept is being applied by the lipstick giants to reach all households through the Indian market which still resists buying a lipstick worth Rs.1500.

SIZING OF THE MINI LIPSTICK TREND

The size has reduced for the minis, which is a no-brainer! For example - little MAC measures around 2.75 X .5 inches and the product weight is 1.8 g. whereas the full-sized Lipsticks which are approximately 3.25 X .75 inches and 3 g. On the other hand, Sugar Mini is 1.7gm for Rs.270

Economically, the regular and bigger versions are better. But by spending a little less on minis, you can own a shade and have a sigh of relief if that doesn't work well on you. If you buy a MAC, you can join the aspirational club of owning a MAC lipstick in just Rs.900.

Fair enough!

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF OLD LIPSTICKS

We all know that lipsticks are not God Sent products. They contain lead, chromium and other harmful chemicals in moderate amounts which vary from brand to brand. With the passage of time and with continual exposure of air, these chemicals react and produce toxins which can harm the human body. So ideally, we should discard our used lipsticks in 2 years which we, surprisingly, don't do. For the love of makeup and hard-earned money, it’s difficult to throw a Rs.1500 bullet in the bin.

REUSABLE BULLETS

Very few of us know that MAC offers its consumers to return the used bullets and they recycle it to produce the new bullets. In this case, even if we finish the mini bullets faster, they won’t account to the consumer waste that can’t be recycled.

ANY CONS OF MINI-LIPSTICKS

So far, the only con I have known about a mini lipstick is that they melt, break or just become messy to keep. That's why makeup-lovers want to buy full-sized bullets instead of mini-ones, despite the fact that they like minis more than regular sizes.

SSU is big on storage ideas and options. So here are some products that will help you organise your minis.

MINI-LIPSTICK STORAGE

1. NOVERA (LABEL) Plastic 24 Compartment Makeup Lipstick Storage Holder Organiser, Transparent (BUY)

2. Shag Multi-Grid Acrylic Makeup Organiser Transparent Plastic Makeup Cosmetic Storage Box Lipstick Nail Paint/Polish Holder Display Stand Organizer ( BUY )

WORLD OF MORE MINI LIPSTICKS

Here are a few more brands selling mini lipsticks. They are not available in India but can be shipped to Indian if bought from certain websites like Cult Beauty, Feelunique etc.

1. bareMinerals Celestial magic 8-Piece Mini Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick Collection

This collection is a full wardrobe of good-for-skin nudes that can be layered for endless looks.

- Beauty Bridge

Cult Beauty has a list of mini lipsticks available with them like Huda Beauty Mini Liquid Lipsticks set, Anastasia Beverly Hills etc. Buy the mini lipsticks of your choice from Cult Beauty.

2. RODIN Holiday 2018 - Mini Lipsick Coffret ($71 = Rs.5006.92)

RODIN minis are on the expensive side. Makeup lovers who are generous and want to try some high-end mini lipsticks can try these. Available on Net-A-Porter.

3. You can find some good deals on International brands for mini lipsticks on Feelunique too. I have bought from Feelunique and I can vouch for its authenticity.

THE FINAL SCOOP - WHY MINI LIPSTICKS ARE NECESSITIES?

Mini Lipsticks are relatively inexpensive, get used-up faster than the full size and quality is better in most of the cases. My personal opinion is that brands make smaller lipsticks in same or better quality because they are given as samples or free with larger purchases, thus they create a brand awareness and rapport with the buyers.

And these all qualities make mini lipsticks a necessity for all of us. After all size matters! ;)

And we really wish all brands made mini lipsticks!

Before you go-

Mind telling us the brand, according to you, should start making mini lipsticks?

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

5 Thoughts Girls Face While Wearing a Saree For The First Time!

2018-12-04T14:00:00.000+05:30

If you are wearing a saree for the first time, you know the struggle to fold the pleats right is real. The fact that you can stumble on its edge any time, efforts to pin the saree neatly at all the right places is massive. Probably that's why Women have a strange love-hate relationship with sarees. But low- key, we can’t have enough of this beautiful ethnic ensemble. After all, how many outfits can work on our body, enhance the curves, make us look every bit feminine and feel beautiful inside out!? However, making saree a wardrobe norm may look easy but it sure isn’t, when you are choosing and wearing the saree for the first time.

We bet you can totally relate to these thoughts that come to one's mind of a saree virgin, especially if they're a raw silk saree virgin!

1) Aur Kitna pin! (How many safety pins?)

The tutorial you watched on YouTube mentioned only 3 pins. Here, you have used like a dozen of them. But that isn't enough for a first timer like you! You think… "What if my pleats or pallu go unpinned right before my - um ex? Is it too late to go back to my favourite pair of jeans?"

2) How do I figure it out?

Yeah, the length of the pallu, the level of it and the jewellery. It is like decoding Nolan’s Inception. There is a chance that you might get it in a screening or two but a saree seems to be a tough nut to crack without your mother or a friend who is pro at it. So, without an expert hand, you think - "have I done it right? Is my pallu too short or too long? Do my pleats go inwards or outwards?"

3) What on the Earth made me wear a saree?

When you could have just slid into a pair of cargo, a little black dress or even a kurta- why, why did you go for a saree? Even a saree shopping?

4) How do you pee?

You finally have the pleats and pallu all-set but your bladder has chosen to act. So, do you pee or not? Or do you hit the search engine to find out how do you pee while wearing a saree? What do you do? You head to the bathroom, relieve yourself. Now, you are fretting over the pleats and length of the saree a hundred times before you exit the loo.

5) That belly button!

"To show it or not?" is a struggle that we all have been through. You think- former makes it a 'too-much' and the latter makes it 'not-enough-to-look-like-a-diva'.

The bonus!

You are asking yourself if they know that you are wearing a saree for the first time. Suddenly, someone walks up to you to tell you how beautiful you look in this silk saree - your thoughts vanish into thin air to give way to the charming and sexy you!

Here is a piece of advice:

The most important thing is to feel comfortable when you wear a saree. Practice. Also, choose the right one for you - the colour, the print, the blouse etc. Don’t feel hard-pressed to stick to the fashion norms that not necessarily define you, but create a trend of your own.

And get ready to rock the ethnic avatar.

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#SelfLove | Diet Prada's Open Letter Will Make You Keep Going For Your Dreams!

2018-11-30T01:59:00.000+05:30

Do one thing everyday that scares you!

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Before and after knowing Law of Attraction, I knew that most of the people don't go after their dreams because they have doubts, are made fun of or they are simply not ready to face the society. This open letter by Diet Prada (run by Tony Liu and Lindsey Scheyuler) , an Instagram account that calls out fakes and copies of designs openly, is an example that hardships and being laughed at are just the part of the package. What's importnat is to remember "why you had this dream?" , "how much (self) love you are ready to give to this dream?" and "do you want to look at the problems or the solutions?". I promise means and support will come along only if you stand by your dream!

Hi Dieters! After almost four years of Diet Prada (4th b-day on December 14th!) and going in heavy the past year on bringing light to injustices in the fashion industry, I wanted to express why the Dolce & Gabbana DM scandal was so important and meaningful for Diet Prada to break with the help of @michaelstranova, @anthxnyxo, and the larger DP community who are as always, so integral in exploding our stories./ My parents immigrated to New York City from China in the early 1980s in hopes of a better future for themselves. While my mother first started working as a sewer in a garment factory, my dad washed dishes at a Chinese restaurant...not a glamorous job (one the Stefano might even call "dirty") but a respectable one that as enough, with the fundamental values of hard work, determination, and persistence, to start making a living and building a family./ Growing up in a predominantly white community in upstate New York, racism was insidious to the point of normalization. The difference now is that those same regressive attitudes are being propagated by two extremely powerful and public individuals. Soon enough, their alliances who choose to normalize this behaviour by turning by blind eyes will also have to face accountability where Dolce & Gabbana failed to./ Recently I attended my uncle's 80th birthday (an important celebration in Chinese culture every 10 years from age 60). It was a huge reunion of 70+ family members...immigrants and first generation. After multiple speeches from the elders about the hardships they endured to come over to the States and the importance of their children's legacy, I haven't stopped wondering about my own purpose. What sort of impact would I make?/I feel proud that this "stupid fashion blog" (as Stefano calls it) was able to stir the spirit of the larger Chinese community to affect serious consequences on a major global luxury brand. A purported $12 million dollar runway show was cancelled within hours along with a major fallout from celebrities and luxury retail networks...and this is just the beginning. Will this have long-term impact on future market expansion? The rapid mobilization of the Chinese people in response seem to be an early indicator. Our coverage alone so far alone has amounted to a staggering 15 million + impressions...all because your shares and resposts. The takeaway is loud and clear: respect the consumers of the markets you want to profit from. You are not bestowing them a gift with...you're taking their money. See people as something more than just a line on the annual revenue reports./xoxo on behalf of DP

Before you go-

Let me know what you think of this letter?

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#SSUTRAVELS | Vrindavan Trip Experience In Detail (Temples, Street Food, Hotel, Tips and Pictures)

2018-11-27T23:12:00.001+05:30

Someone living in Delhi-NCR, who has a long weekend (or just a weekend) and in the mood to travel not too far, still wants to revive the whole being, must choose Vrindavan. Whether they're a theist or atheist, it will tickle both genres of humans. Redolent of Vaishnavism, chantings, meditation and eternal bliss, Vrindavan could be a gastronomy driven vacation too. Jump ahead to know why!

WHY WE DECIDED TO GO TO VRINDAVAN?

A very close friend had planned this trip twice in the past few months that I cancelled to finally cave-in this time. It felt like the right time to go. The reason to go this short trip was also the fact that I was a little stressed about a meeting of #metoo sorts at my work and I was seeking divine guidance. And after reading a lot about energies and Law of Attraction, I have understood that we need to cleanse the energy we are trapped in from time to time, and travelling places is one of the best ways to do that. My goal was to journey in a short time but come back with a lot of memories. Did I achieve this goal?

DELHI/NCR-VRINDAVAN ROUTE AND TIME TAKE

We took Taj-Agra Express Way and it took us 2 and a half hours to reach Vrindavan. No traffic on our way until we entered the city. Sandwiches, tea, chips and biscuits saved us time and hangry moments. A flask full of tea is my mother's idea for years to make a trip complete and this trip was nothing different. The ginger-tea in my Milton flask on this trip was enjoyed to every bit till the last drop. We saw a small complex where we have restaurants, conveniences etc. as Taj-Agra Express expands in front of us and Dhabas in the outskirts of Vrindavan before we enter the main city.

FIRST GLIMPSE OF VRINDAVAN

Simplicity and complexity both can be seen in Vrindavan! You see old infrastructure complimenting the modern infrastructure, Indian devotees of town gelling well with International devotees. The view is stunning! I am from Banaras city, one of the oldest and alive ancient places and a pilgrimage like Vrindavan, I could relate with the reflections of the city. But the experience I took home was different from my Banaras. After all it is Krishna's city!

PARKING, CLOSED ROADS, BEST CONVEYANCE IN VRINDAVAN!

There was a small moment of frustration and disappointment in us when we found the road was closed that took us to the hotel highly recommended by my friend's father who frequent the city quite often. It was the same road as ISKCON, Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir etc. are on. Police force and people at the closed entrance of the roads misled us about the timings by informing that the roads would remain closed and would reopen the next day which was not the truth.

The roads are often closed between 8.30AM to 12.00PM. The timing could vary a little as we found the roads open the other day till 9.30AM. Please mind it that roads will open and you will be able to take your vehicle. My advice- Don't. Take E-rickshaw to commute which would be hassle-free, and easy on pockets too.

One of the best things of Vrindavan - big and reachable parking spots. We found the same parking cost across Vrindavan parking places - Rs.50 for 4 hours.

WHERE TO STAY IN VRINDAVAN?

The Prem-Mandir road is wide, and a number of hotels and Dharmshalas lay across the road. Don't stray, stick to this road and find the one that suits you. Hotels and Dharmshalas on Prem Mandir road would save you time, money and sanity.

We were not looking for too fancy hotels with a swimming pool, wi-fi and other facilities so we chose Shri Radha Krishna Dham. If your priorities involve having a swimming pool, wi-fi in your room, coffee machine etc. they are available too. Here are some of the Best Hotels in Vrindavan.

Shri Radha-Krishna Dham had clean rooms, beds, AC, geyser and food. But we opted to eat out! Our hotel also had a small park with swings and slide for kids, space for parking, a tea-stall outside in case you are a tea-person like me. Find a picture ahead of me with the tea ahead!

FIRST TIME VISITORS SHOULD NOT MISS-

ISKCON

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement or Hare Krishnas, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organisation. ISKCON was founded in 1966 in New York City by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada known to his followers as Guru and spiritual master. (wikipedia)

The archetype of the ISKCON has spanned all over the world after being founded in the USA. It doesn't tell about a religion. It tells about a movement, a conscious movement that slowly houses in your subconscious.

ISKCON is open from 4AM, closes at 12PM and reopens at 4PM with an evening aarti, chants and puja only close the doors to tourists at 9.30PM. There is one aarti that is offered to Lord Krishna at 4AM and is said to be filled with divine and distinctive experiences. Not that other aartis are different but it could be the timing when the sun is rising and birds are chirping.

TIP: Please use Gate No. 2 which is in the adjacent lane of ISKCON's main gate in case main gate is closed and tourists are asked to revisit later. We did the same after 9.30 PM when we were not allowed to enter the temple. Thanks to the gentleman/guard who was guarding the gate that day!

How did listening to chanting effect me?

The nighttime chanting when the temple was left only with its devotees, we sneaked into the temple and I have no regrets. In life, everything is happening at the right time- there is a reason we had to be directed to the 2nd gate of ISKCON only to witness hallucinatory chanting and it was a divine sign that we were about to discover the mystical and enticing experience of my life time.

The chanting "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna; HareRama, HareRama" slow, soft and full of devotion had filled the courtyard with a sense of stillness and I wanted to capture the moment. It felt like I was guided to do that because the first thing I did was close my eyes and lost myself to the infinity. The only way to capture the moment and experience was to make a video or capture the sound. I did make a video! You can watch it on YouTube and listen to the chanting here!

More stories about Vrindavan's ISKCON temple!

It is told that Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama play in this courtyard at night. This is why they never made a roof over it.

I am not sure it's the truth or just a story- but I want to believe it. There are many things we believe which is not serving us, so better believing something that fills us with a euphoria!

PREM MANDIR

Our Hotel was on the same road as Prem Mandir and at walking distance. It was easy for us to spend our morning in ISKCON, come back to the hotel, take rest and visit Prem Mandir the same evening.

A beautiful, elegant white temple spread across 54 acres of field, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Sita-Ram. You can read more about Prem Mandir here. Based on our experience, some points to be noted about Prem Mandir are:

1. Prem Mandir is open in the evening only when you can enjoy the temples showered with colourful lights and the entry is free.

2. Save yourself a minimum 1 hour so you can see the beauty of the temples including the installed statues.

3. Do not miss Govardhan Parvat and Lord Krishna dancing on Kaliya Naag.

4. It might be crowded so don't wear jewellery, and take care of your wallet and goods.

5. You can skip going upstairs if it is too crowded because coming down might cause a little discomfort.

6. You are allowed to take pictures here so feel free to pose with Krishna and Radha.

BANKE BIHARI MANDIR

We scheduled Banke Bihari Temple visit for the next day morning which was a great decision because we had taken rest, slept like a child and felt fresh to face the crowd, the shopkeepers and pujaris in Banke Bihari Lane as well as Banke Bihari Temple. Read about the history of Banke Bihari Temple and enlighten yourself. Continue further to know about my experience!

We parked our car at Banke Bihari Parking Place and took narrow lanes to reach the temple. On our way, we passed many kids who were giving tikkas with the names like Radhe, Krishna, Swastika etc. I was so excited to get one! We gave them Rs.10 or 20 as a token of thanks for those tikkas.

It took us 15-20 minutes from the closest lane to the entrance of the temple because it was closest of all. We took stairs that led us to the the main temple on our right hand through a hallway and straight to an open space where people took off their footwear and lit lamps/diyas. If you want you can buy flowers, pedas and diyas here before you enter the hallway. We bought only pedas to offer Banke Bihari Ji.

How and why I got stuck in Banke Bihari Mandir?

I got stuck right in front of Banke Bihari in the courtyard and before taking the final steps to reach the statue of Banke Bihari Ji. The crowd was going berserk. Although it seemed like the destination for everyone was the same i.e. Banke Bihari Ji for darshan, crowd was headed in every direction causing chaos and making me suffocated and stuck.

To my surprise, the Banke Bihari temple is a well-planned temple with a big entrance, courtyard and exit doors on each side of the temple. The crowd could have been managed really well, in case there were queues and more people to manage them. But this wasn't the case, pujaris (priest) were busy tricking pilgrims for Dakshinas (a fee, gift or donations to Brahmans) Anyway! I managed to get out of the temple after having an eyeful view of Lord.

Why Pujaris close the curtains of Banke Bihari?

When you in the temple, you would find Pujaris closing the curtains of Banke Bihari every 1-2 minutes only to re-open it after 15 seconds or so. There is an interesting story behind this!

It is said that the Lord in this temple is in His child form. He is young, innocent and the love of His devotees can influence him, eventually making Him leave the temple and go with His devotees.

I don't know about the reality, but I would want to believe it and just bask in the possibilities of it.

Remember these tips before you go to Banke Bihari Temple!

1. Go early in the morning and before 12PM.

2. Be safe and cautious if kids are with you. Don't leave their hand and carry them in lap or on your shoulder if possible.

3. Avoid holidays, weekends etc if you can. We went to Vrindavan in Kartik month that has attracted more pilgrims than other months.

4. Be prepared to face the crowd.

5. Carry a shopping bag because Banke Bihari Lane is full of shopping items, souvenirs etc. and you should not stop yourself from buying some.

What should you buy in Banke Bihari Lane?

1. Tikka stamps, incense, dhoops, Lord Krishna's jhoolas, clothes and accessories.

2. Ittars

3. Paintings

4. Pedas, honey etc.

5. Krishna Keyrings.

NIDHIVAN

Before visiting Vrindavan, Nidhivan was the only place on my travel-list because of its interesting stories and history (of Nidhivan). We reached Nidhivan after Banke Bihari Temple without losing any time as it closes at 6PM sharp. It took us 10 minutes ride from Banke Bihari Temple to Nidhivan in E-rickshaw through a very easy and convenient ride.

Nidhivan is basically a small but dense garden full of Tulsi (Basil) tree and Kareel trees. These trees are interestingly twisted with each other. The paths took us to a small kund (pond), and a temple of Radha and Krishna where you offer flowers, lamps etc. You can sit inside the temple and enjoy the prayer and local devotional songs that pilgrims are singing.

This place is full of monkeys that are expert in snatching eye-glasses. Please don't wear spectacles when you're inside Nidhivan or around, or carry a pack of Frooti if you must. Offer them Frooti to take your glasses back. Not bad! huh?

The story of Rasleela in Nidhivan is not a surprise any more. It is said that Lord Krishna and Radha manifest in Nidhivan during the night, the trees of Tulsi and Kareel become Gopiya and they dance throughout the night. The temple is closed with offerings like Paan (beetle leaf), Laddoos etc. The next morning, Paan is found chewed on, Laddoos are found eaten claiming that Lord Krishna and his troop were there.

Again, I want to believe and just enjoy the imagination Lord Krishna dancing and being his divine self!

STREET FOOD WE ENJOYED IN VRINDAVAN!

A North Indian palate was injected in every dish we had in Vrindavan and we couldn't complain. After all, this is what we have had throughout our life (While Deep and Kirti spent their childhood in Lucknow, Varun has been brought-up in NCR and I belong to Banaras.)

Eating Joints Where You Can Enjoy Delicious Food?

Two very popular eating joints are Brijwasi and Bharti Foods (Right in front of Brijwasi Restaurant). We had our lunch in Brijwasi and dinner in Bharti Foods. And we had a clear winner where we would recommend you too to have your meals, hands down i.e. Bharti Foods.

View this post on Instagram

Do try @brijwasi when you are in vrindavan!! . . #food #foodporn #yum #instafood #envywear #yummy #amazing #instagood #photooftheday #sweet #dinner #lunch #breakfast #fresh #tasty #food #delish #delicious #eating #foodpic #foodpics #eat #hungry #foodgasm #hot #foods
A post shared by fOOD aur mOOD (@food_aur_mood) on Nov 24, 2018 at 7:32am PST

Where to buy incense sticks, dhoop and ittars?

There is a shop called Sugandh Sarita in the Banke Bihari lane which is a treasure house for fragrance, wide collection of incense, dhoops and customer service. I bought a few things from Sugandh Sarita and I have mixed feelings about the products and will soon cover on my YouTube channel.

View this post on Instagram

📍Last two days were spent in #Vrindawan and #Mathura , and I reached a mini heaven of #ittar , #incensesticks and #dhoops . 🌟We went inside for just a particular incense stick that I had been looking for sometime now and I came out with incense and dhoop sticks for friends and family including room and car feshener, ittars and more. . 🎥 I’ve decided to make a video and upload on YouTube because It will take over 50 pics and more than an hour of typing to share my experience. . . . . —— #️⃣ #ittar #attar #attarcollection #organicfollowers #perfumes #nicheperfume #picoftheday #instafashion #love #photooftheday #instagood #instalike #instabeauty #instadaily #tbt #designerperfumes #bestperfume #instashop #instaperfume #fragranceoils #perfumelovers #perfume #musk #scentoftheday #scentofthenight #travel
A post shared by Jiya Mishra Saklani (@shoppingstyleandus) on Nov 19, 2018 at 12:21am PST

Shop Name: Sugandh Sarita

Shop Address: 174, Gautam para, Behind Bihari Ji Police Chowki, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121

Website: http://vrindavanincenses.com/

Contact Number: 098974 70027

How To Go Frugal in Vrindavan?

Here are some tips for those who want to save money but have maximum fun.

1. Dharmshalas are the best to stay in Vrindavan where you are given Prasadam morning and evening. You can save on your two meals if you like.

2. Instead of your own car, take E-rickshaw to commute. Some places are close-by that you can walk as well.

3. Don't stray from Prem Mandir road for accomodation where you will find all temples and major highlights of the city within 3 KMs.

4. Alwasy carry big shopping bag with a zip instead of smaller bags. This will help you holding multiple bags with food, shopping items etc.

5. Wear a comfotable footwear with no socks and without laces. A pair of floaters, flip-flops or simple flat shoes will do.

6. If you are from Delhi-NCR, 24 hrs of trip will be sufficient unless you want to go to other near by places.

What To Wear in Vrindavan?

Females: Suit-salwar, Jeans-tops with full-sleeves, simple lehenga-choli like Gujratis/Rajasthanis

Males: Jeans-TShirt, Jeans-Shirt, Kurta-Payjama

Kids: Jeans-Tshirt, Frocks, Kurta-Payjamas etc.

Add woollens in case of cooler weather.

SHOPPING in VRINDAVAN

Here comes our favourite topic- shopping. You can buy anything or everything you want but there are few things which will be called true souvenirs like-

Tikka stamps, key rings, pedas, honey, dhoop, incense sticks, ittars, books, statues of Kanha, clothes and accessories of Kanha, Lehenga-Choli, Jhoolas/Cradles for Krishna, Flutes, paintings etc.

How To Make The Most Of Your Visit to Vrindavan?

Try and sit or a while in temples you visit. Soak in the aroma, the sound, the entire essence of this place by not indulging in mobile phones. There are many temples of great significance (Lotus Temple, Pagal Baba Temple etc.) very close to the main ones (ISKCON, Banke Bihari etc)- try to cover them too.

Instead of eating in flashy Restaurants, try street food, Brijwasi restaurant or Bharti Foods. Amazing quality and food.

Was Vrindavan City Clean?

It was clean as compared to Mathura. There were garbage bins on the road and I found Municipality people cleaning the roads in the morning.

One Word That Would Connect To You With All Vrindavan?

Radhe-Radhe!

This is they every communication in Vrindavan starts. If you are an outsider, you might feel a little hesitant at first. But speak it with an open heart and feel the affection and essence of Krishna in this word.

Don't Forget To Do This Before You Leave Hotel?

1. Check the entire room, drawers, under the bed, washroom etc.

2. Give a feedback to the manager.

3. Ask for the card and keep it safe. It might be useful later.

4. Share your card if you have one!

5. Donate some money for the hotel staff to carry out Bhandaras/free food for all events.

Other Places TO GO After Leaving Vrindavan?

1. Gokul for ghats (bank of the River Yamuna), other places that carry a great significance in Lord Krishna's life.

2. Barsana- where Radha Rani was born.

3. Mathura- Krishna Janmbhumi, Vrindavan temple etc.

An Interesting Garden to See On The Way Of Mathura and Delhi!

Shri Vaishno Devi Dham which is basically a garden with a big statue of Durga Maa. They have a man-made cave in which all 9 avatars of Durga Maa is placed. You will have great fun in 30-45 minutes. Ticket is free for all, and gentry was decent when we went there.

Our Last Meal and End of Vrindavan Trip!

Our last meal was in Noida at Badami Restaurant. It was good place in a shopping complex. In case you are tired of driving, sitting or just want to take a halt- choose this place.

Not only this trip was a refreshing and a peaceful break from our mundane life, but it was euphoric despite the fact that it was the simplest trip we have ever been on.

As my husband says, there is something about such places. They tend to leave an impressions and pull us away from material life in a good way. You can sense the mystery of the stories you've been listening to for years, and being ONE with those stories. You'd know if you could feel me or else-

head to Vrindavan with an open heart!

Radhe-Radhe!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

30 Things To Bring While Visiting Someone At Hospital and 3 Things To Not!

2018-11-21T23:59:00.000+05:30

Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.

- Boris Pasternak

God forbid, anyone has to ever see their loved ones hospitalised for any reason. However, if there are any circumstances in which you have to visit someone and you want to do something for them- this post might be a saviour.

From my experience, what I have seen the most people getting for a patient are flowers and fruits which is more than appropriate. Flowers add colours andhappiness to the atmosphere, and fruits are healthy, delicious (and expensive?). I never thought of any other things that I could bring so

I did gift a couple of cakes and flowers to my friend's brother who was hospitalised after meeting an unfortunate accident and it was his birthday. He loved and my friend couldn't stop gushing about how lucky she felt. I never looked at something extra ordinary though and I just thanked God (Kalka Mata to be specific) . Until now when I read this and being discussed at length on Reddit. (Credits are given at the end of the post.)

People really need these stuff when they are in hospital and it makes a huge difference when someone thinks about them. They might feel like someone causing you inconvenience, but it's your job to use right words at the right time with the right person. For example-

SAY THIS

"I made carrot pudding today, can I bring some for you?"

INSTEAD OF

"Would you like me to make you some carrot pudding? "

BECAUSE

it might make the patient feel like he is causing an inconvenience for you. Nobody wants to feel causing unnecessary burden for anyone or someone going out of their way.

So, here are some ideas that may help you find the best appropriate gift to bring along while you are visiting someone in hospital-

BRING SOME WITH YOU!

TOILETARIES

1. Baby Wipes

2. Hand Soaps

3. Products of Dental Hygeine

IF PATIENT IS ALLOWED

4. Home cooked food

5. Snacks(Popcorn packs, protein bars etc)

6. Dessert

ENTERTAINMENT

7. Devices to charge phone and laptop (USB extender, power bank, extension Boards etc. )

8. Movies

9. Games

10. Headphones

11. Magazines

12. Books, if you know their taste.

13. Stationary

14. Diary to journal

15. Lend your tab or laptop until they are healthy and discharged.

16. Coloring Books

GROOMING

17. Gowns

18. Fuzzy slippers

19. Earplugs to keep harsh sound away

20. Sleep-Mask

21. Hand-Fans

22. Lotions that don't make them smell like Hospital anymore.

23. Sheet Masks for a little pampering

24. Essential oil spray that soothes and clenses the environment and makes it fragrant.

25. Disposable Undies

26. Wax strips, tweezers etc.

27. Lip balms, hand lotions and lotions for cracked feet

28. Bathrobe

OTHER

29. Fake Flowers

30. Potted plants that don't need lots of water, sun or care.

AVOID GIVING THESE

1. Bulky, big-ass stuff because mostly hospital rooms are small and it's a pain to store them.

2. Flowers because patient or people around might be allergic to them.

3. Balloons. They are cute and everything but it isn't nice if they burst in the middle of the night waking up everyone.

MORE TIPS

1. Bring what you have spare at home and don't buy a new one.

2. If they don't want anything, just make a basket full of foods they can have later with their people acommpanying them in the hospital.

3. Give them options like you are visiting a store and if they would like something.

Hope this post would help you finding the best gift for someone who is in hospital and longing to see a fresh breeze, sunshine and your love!

Before you go -

Please add more to this list that you have gifted someone or would like to. You can also exclude a few things, just let us know why!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.
** Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash .
*** Inspiration to write the post is from reddit post - https://bit.ly/2BoXlKo

Why Is It Important To Detach Ourselves From Our Problems?

2018-11-13T22:32:00.001+05:30

There's something within you that knows what to do. There is a power greater than you that knows how to take care of you without your help. All you've got to do isto surrender to it. Surrender your thoughts, your mind, your ego, to the current that knows the way. It will take care of you. It will take better care of you than you can ever imagine.

- Robert Adams

This quote reminded me yet again, how things often take care of themselves when we just sit-back and relax. It might not seem like we are relaxing in that very moment, because such moments feel like life is passing through a hurricane. Yet, things settle down, like it always does after a hurricane.

What actually happens during the process of sitting back and relaxing is - we DETACH.

We just let everything go!

The struggle, fight, disappointment, tireness, judgement - almost everything.

I remember back in 2004, I was working with Airtel. I was so raw (and stupid) that I told my team leader about another interview I was about to appear for (One Touch Solutions). I was fired with the statement that if I chose to leave for the interview, I would not get my three months salary and relieving letter. You guessed it right! I left without caring for my salary. There was a sense of confidence that I would clear the interview and salary was just triple of what I was earning with Airtel.

I got selected!

Unfortunately, I couln't join the company for some inescapable and sad reasons. But I didn't care!

I was without job for almost two months because I struggled, a lot!

One day, I just got tired and really slept like a baby which I didn't do during the period of struggle.

I woke-up alone in my PG and found newspaper on my bed which wasn't mine. I decided to read it without knowing that my destiny was waiting for me inside. It led me to my first International BPO which opened the doors to where I am right now. I have many stories which confirm how detaching ourselves, taking a back seat and accepting 'what is' sorts out everything.

So, if there is anything which is bothering you and taking away your peace - simply take your time to sit-back and relax. You might -

- have to take a day off or many from work.

- not cook food for yourself that day.

- not clean your house.

- not take a bath.

- not socialise with friends and family.

or opposite of everything what I wrote above.

This is why we detach because things take care of themselves on its own and often in our favour.

Before you go -

We would love to hear from you if you ever detached from your problems to solve them in your life.

Inspired by a post by www.reddit.com/r/gs12.

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#SSUstorelocator | Poshak, A Designer Cothings Store In Varanasi!

2018-11-13T11:11:00.000+05:30

Our readers who live in Varanasi, planning to visit Varanasi or just looking for some shopping information - let's quickly talk about this clothing store that sells designer clothes perfect for a wedding, engagement or reception parties!

In September 2018 while looking for some gifts for its family and relatives, I saw this beautiful floor-length Anarkali in baby pink and powder blue colours. I quickly took a picture to show it to my sisters. The quality is bad because it was evening, I used my iPhone, I was in hurry and had a lot to do. I did try to source a better picture from the owner but I haven't received it yet.

This store near Kashi Anarthalaya at Lahurabeer steps down to a small enclosure but a great collection of designer clothes. Charu, the owner of this store is a fashion-designing student who has an eye for cuts, seams and quality work. It's also a boutique, in case you have your own design and want to trust only experts for that.

I haven't had a chance to interact with Charu a lot, but in case you want to -

Store Name: Poshak

Owner: Charu

Contact: 08081010836

Before you go-

Tell them Shopping, Style and Us loved their store!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

#NotSponsored - This Lingerie Brand in India Is One Of The Best!

2018-11-12T21:22:00.000+05:30

Written by Sakshi Misra, www.vanityhues.winkl.co | Edited by SSU

What's the whole point of being pretty on the outside when you are ugly on the inside?

- Jess C. Scott

Not really ugly because this is not an adjective in SSU's dictionary, but not-feeling-pretty is. Today in this post we will talk about an Indian lingerie brand which not only keeps you in shape but promises to deliver a value. SSU will take you to those inner nooks of beauty which many of us conveniently ignore because SSU believes everyone should feel pretty from the inside too.

Let's talk about it!

About the Brand

Gokaldas Intimatewear Private Limited was created as a joint venture between Gokaldas Images Private Limited and Barbara of Paris, France in 2001. GIPL launched the brand ENAMOR in 2003, to present a range of lingerie exclusively made for the Indian woman.

ALSO: ENAMOR Bras and Reviews

Back then, only a few brands catered to the women of the upper society. With the fast-growing economy, there was a definite need for premium lingerie.

And this need was catered by GIPL.

What they have in their bouquet?

Enamor fares into many products, bound to make us feel sexy and beautiful outside and inside too. A few to name are:

Bras
Panties
Shapewear
Nighties
Nightwear sets

These products can be further classified in fabric types, padded to non-padded cups, wired,non-wired, top to bottom sets, dailies, lace wears, bracelets, sports bra, t-shirt bra, they have it all.

My Experience and Our Suggestions

Most of the girls struggle with identifying the right cup size. In our country and its households, most of the mothers just estimate the measurement of the bra size for their girls. While we think girls should be guided and taught how to buy an inner-wear for themselves. Being ignorant while choosing the right size can change the shape of the breasts forever, causing some health issues as well, and changing how their favourite outfit looks from outside which dents the confidence.

Therefore, we suggest to visit a shop, do trial checks, talk to the sales girls and then picking up the right size.

I was introduced to Enamor way back in 2012. One day while working, I realised that some part of my money I invest in clothes should be spent on a decent lingerie as well. The right innerwear can lift up the look as much as the bad one can demean it. So with this philosophy, I went with my first purchase of an enamour product. Guided by the sales agent, the correct size and perfect fit made me realise that my money was spent on something really good which made me feel good for a really long time.

Read This To Know Why You Should Spend on A Good Lingerie like Enamour!

SSU: In our country, we are always looking for less investment and high returns. Nothing is behind in it and lingerie is one of them. SSU is also into finding more economic options in all areas of lifestyle and we have spent on lingerie which we got for less and that worked really well. (More about that shop and the market on our Youtube Channel. ) But it might not work all the time. We need expert hands behind an expert brand. This is why they charge a little extra, for an experience more than a little extra.

Sakshi: You may shell out on an average 500 INR on an enamour bra, but the product won't disappoint you at all. The product lasts for good 3-4 years, which is a decent time for any person to discard the product. The amazing collection, fancy combinations and variety of designs have made Enamor my all time-dependent brand. After trying innerwear from many other leading brands, Enamor turns out to be the best for me.

Availability

Connect

www.enamor.co.in

Last Scoop

We just talked about one of our favourite lingerie brands in India. We have a wide market with wide range of brands that have expertise in making lingerie and they hire the best Sales Agents who will guide and help you pick the best fit for you without judging you. You can pick your own favourite!

Before you go-

Tell us who will be the best lingerie model in India?

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Quick Ideas To Decorate The Trees and Plants In Your House For Any Occasion! (It is NOT about using fairy-lights!)

2018-11-06T04:48:00.000+05:30

Not only on Diwali, but these ideas will work for any occasion. The inspiration to work on this post was a simple idea that I used at my Daughter's 5th Birthday Party (at Woode's Cafe) this October. The idea was to hang her photographs on the trees that were planted at the entrance of party venue.

Apart from that one which occurred naturally to me and I had not seen anywhere earlier, the rest of the ideas are borrowed from here and there on the internet or some real-life parties and events. Let's jump ahead!

1. Paper and Plastic Lanterns!

This is the most common trick to decorate the trees or plants around us. The best part is they are now available widely in all cities, however, they can be seen frequently only during festivals like Diwali. I bought my first paper lantern in Goa for Rs.300 something, and I can't be happier to admit that you can now buy these for as cheap as Rs.50.

2. Canvas Lanterns and Flower Strings!

This picture is borrowed from one of my colleagues taken during this year's Diwali celebration in my company. I really like the flower strings with colourful lanterns/kandils made of cloth/canvas. While flower strings can be bought at the nearest flower market or temples, the fabric lantern is exclusively available at some specific shops. You must check or Google to find one in your city. In New Delhi or NCR, I think there are a few places where you can buy them - Dilli Haat, INA Market, Janpath, Lajpat Nagar etc. Subscribe to SSU to know more about these shops as we find!

3. Glass Tea-light holders!

These tea-light / Diya holders made of glass. I found them at Diwali Fair/Diwali Mela in Vaishali, Ghaziabad. Priced at Rs.280 for 1 and shopkeeper was ready to reduce the prices too. I could have scored it in Rs.150 or so if I wanted. On top, it looks really elegant and could be used at multiple places. Bummer that I passed it. But just imagine these hanging on your trees and some mid-size plants!! Wow!!

4. Hanging Photographs!

This wasn't my first idea! I wanted to use her drawings, scribbles and doodles first which was followed by the idea of hanging some hard copies of pictures from Goa through a website called 'Zoomin'. But hanging only those pictures did not feel right. I wanted to use more in which Reet was caught with her friends and family members by the camera. Cute, right!

I would give myself a pat on the back because I had never seen it anywhere and everybody loved it. I did not even search if it was used by others too because I am pretty sure it is! I would still give myself a credit as I present this post to you guys.

5. Hang Scarves or Tie Ribbons!

This could be a very common yet the prettiest and happiest decoration of trees and plants ever! For some reason flowing ribbons and fluttering scarves make a tree look really happy and fun. Yes, this is how I add some emotions to visibly non-moving and expression-less things'. However, let me add that I don't find anything emotionless at all after knowing the Law of Attraction and reading about energies. Also, you must check out my favourite Youtube CHannel by the coolest and most knowledgeable Justin Perry and watch the video in which Justin demonstrates the sound of plants using a tool. Back to the main topic - decorating plants and trees. Add some ribbons or scarves and choose the old ones lying around!

6. Kites on Trees!

This is one is another common one but really colourful and easiest to do. Kites are available widely at all shops, and you can also make your own by using different types of papers. Give them shape by using some wooden brooms or Seek Ka Jhadu which is a common household item to clean the house and give a good beating to the naughtiest kid. Ask me how it feels and I am not complaining!

It's a real quick creative, DIY, home-decor kind of post about decorating trees and plants using or re-using different items. I have worked on this around 4AM on Dhanteras because I wanted to bring it to you guys before it was Diwali and I had been really busy these days. Guess what? It' already Choti Diwali though!

Wish you all a very Happy Diwali. Please let go of any grammatical mistakes and get the idea and soul of this post. Signing off now!

But before you go-

Please comment about any other ideas we should know about and have not mentioned here!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.

10 Skincare Products We Tried And You Should Too!

2018-11-06T02:31:00.002+05:30

SSU tried these 10 skincare products available widely in India- ranging from face wash, toner, moisturizer and lip care and we finally came to the conclusion that our subscribers can try them and make a healthy shift in their skin-regime.

So, let's kick-off the season of festivals, weddings and parties with great skin and happy hearts.

Written by Sakshi Misra, www.vanityhues.winkl.co | Edited by SSU

FACEWASH

1. Biotique Bio Pineapple Oil Control Face Wash

This face wash is my absolute favourite. If you are fighting a dull skin, tanning, and pigmentation and have to attend a function in a month's time, this one will work wonders on you. The natural essence of pineapple will reduce pigmentation and melanin and bring a healthy glow on your skin. BUY HERE

2. Himalaya Fresh Start Oil Control Face wash-Lemon

I have started using this recently and just love the product from Himalaya which is popularly known for their NEEM based face wash. This one being a shift from the “neem” version is so refreshing that it will make your day. The fragrance resembles one of my DOLCE and GABBANA perfumes, which is what I love the most. The natural beads also scrub the face and help in controlling the sebum secretion. Though the company claims its best suited for oily skin, me being a dry one, equally loves it. It comes in 4 variants-Strawberry, Blueberry, Lemon and Peach. BUY HERE

TONER

3. Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening toner With Himalayan Water

Toner is an absolute must post skin cleansing. It helps in tightening the pores and keeping the skin firm. This product is alcohol-free and instantly provides a cooling effect. Made up of Himalayan water is what attracts me the most. BUY HERE

4. Dr Batra Skin Toner

Don’t be afraid. It’s not a pharmaceutical product but an Indian drugstore toner. Very few know about Dr Batra’s product and how good they are. I used to use it face wash earlier but just enamoured with its toner. Low in the budget and good in skincare is what this toner is all about. The characteristic fragrance is what I love all about this. BUY HERE

MOISTURISERS/CREAMS

5. Emolene cream for Dry Skin Treatment

Yes, it's one OTC product which works wonder for any skin type. It’s a light water-based cream which I religiously use during summers when rest other creams are so thick and heavy for my skin. Even oily skin people love it. It instantly nourishes the skin and moisturizes it. Dead, dull cuticles, elbows, feet all can be hydrated through this. No fragrance makes it a little turn off for me because I love my cream to have some sweet fragrance but considering other benefits attached to it, I can’t really complain. Yes for mild November winters in North India, you need to switch to some slightly thicker formula based cream; it comes in tin tube packaging, easy to carry In handbags. BUY HERE

6. Pond’s Light Moisturizer

Newly launched from Pond’s Institute, this one is completely opposite to what we know Pond’s for. Loaded with glycerine and vitamin E, this one is so light and easily gets absorbed in the skin that I am just crushing over it. Perfect for this changing weather, it's neither too thick like the earlier formula nor too light like Emolene. The flat circular tub is very handy and easy to carry around in the handbag. BUY HERE

SERUM

7. Seer Secrets Aloe Vera Guduchi Hydrating and Retexturing Facial Serum

I received this as a PR sample. This serum is very light unlike many others and helps in reducing pigmentation, wrinkles on the face and uplifting the face. Can be used as a night or day serum. BUY HERE

LIP BALM

8. Malibu Sun Stick Moisturizing Water Resistant Lip Balm SPF -30

This one lip balm is an absolute discovery of mine. Bought it from Amazon and trust me, it is the ultimate Chap Stick, one is looking for. It hydrates the lip like no other. Comes in four interesting flavours, with Watermelon being my favourite. BUY HERE

9. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm

This lip balm not only surprises its consumers with ever-changing packaging but also coming up with new ideas. Recently they launched the Alia Bhatt signature range, with shiny metallic packaging. Never do they compromise with the formula, making it a #1 lip balm across the nation. BUY HERE

FACE MASK

Dermatologist suggests we must use a face mask in a week to nourish the skin which otherwise moisturizers can’t do. So explore the options suiting to your skin type and find one that does all justice to your skin.

Here generalizing or picking up any particular brand would be little unfair as all are equally good and effective. I have tried The Face Shop masks, Innisfree masks, Elizavecca masks, and all Korean brands which are super efficient. Also that they cost mere 100INR or a little more (not too much) adds to their effectiveness.

We really loved using these products and enjoyed working on this post for you all equally. Hope it will give you an idea of what (new) products you can include in your skincare routine.

Do let us know if there any products you've tried already or would love to try in the comments below!

Happy to help you!

*This post may contain affiliate links, products sent by brand/PR for consideration, paid content. Disclosure Policy.