What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of hip hop music? Kanye? Jay-Z? The bling? More than the music or artists, hip hop culture is well known for its excessive, flashy jewelry. From Waka Flocka Flame’s $150,000 Fozzie Bear Chain to Lil Wayne’s $150,000 gold and diamond encrusted teeth, their splurges are always the talk of the town. So find out more about hip hop fashion jewelry, its history, and the different types of hip hop accessories below!

What is Hip Hop Jewelry?

Hip hop music has always been about the artist’s struggles, life stories, experiences, emotions and oppression. Atleast it started out that way. No clue what artists these days rap about. Yes I’m talking about you, Kanye West! While the jewelry these rappers don (or should I say flaunt) symbolize their status, power and wealth, it’s also a way of showing everyone how they overcame their struggles and are here wearing $1500 accessories. So it’s not just for aesthetic or looks, to them, it holds so much more meaning and value. A reminder of what they’ve achieved despite all odds.

This show extends beyond jewelry – to their cars, homes and lifestyle and becomes a culture that inspires others to live this way, too! But who can complain when hip hop jewelry looks so cool and has such rich culture to boot!

A History of Hip Hop Jewelry

Ever since the hip hop genre originated in 1970, jewelry has been a big part of its culture. And from the beginning, it was used as a way to represent wealth and status. This style of music was publicized by DJ Kool Herc. And the excessive accessorizing was popularized by Kurtis Blow after he posed for his album cover wearing layers and layers of gold chains! By the late 80s, hip hop music began to be considered a part of mainstream music.

As the genre grew, so did the bling! Rappers wore everything from the famous rope gold chain (that artists like Chris Brown & Wiz Khalifa wear to this day) to four finger rings (that Eminem wore), which we sadly don’t see much of anymore. And with time, more and more artists became a part of this style of music and it wasn’t a genre just for people of color. And the culture & jewelry evolved. Artists like Nelly and Lil Wayne donned grillz, which is a piece of jewelry worn over the teeth! And most rappers began to wear customized and personalized jewelry with their names or logos on them. All thanks to some of the biggest hip hop jewelers like Elliot Avianne, Gabriel Jacobs and Ben Baller.

Different Styles Of Hip Hop Jewelry

From gold plated to iced out jewelry, check out the most trendy types of real hip hop jewelry down below!

Urban Jewelry

Urban jewelry is nothing but street wear or street jewelry. This includes simple rings, pendants, bracelets, and thin chains, which are often layered with bigger chains. It could also be a simple sparkly necklace like the one Will Smith rocked during his Fresh Prince of Bel Air days. These simple pieces are great for everyday looks and also for when you want to layer with other hip hop fashion jewelry and go all out!

Rapper Jewelry

Rappers love nothing more than layers and layers of expensive, chunky jewelry. Although they each have their own style and preferences, one thing they all have in common is gold chains with massive pendants. And when I say massive, I mean massive. Think Rick Ross’s giant diamond and gold pendant of his own face! Rap stars also love to wear double, three or four finger rings, wherein the rings are all attached together.

Gangster Jewelry

Wanna look and feel like a total badass? Well, here’s how to do it with style! Wear rings, bracelets and chains with dollar signs, lion heads, crowns, skulls and guns. Also, gold nugget rings, grillz and pendants that literally say the word ‘Gangsta’ is super popular in gangster jewelry.

Gold Plated Hip Hop Jewelry

If you’re someone that likes to rock hip hop jewelry on a daily basis, these gold plated accessories are your best bet. We all know gold is one of the most durable metals out there. Unlike costume jewelry, gold won’t fade or rust. But investing in one isn’t so cheap. So gold plated hip hop jewelry is your best option as it is cheaper in comparison to gold filled jewelry.

White Gold Hip Hop Jewelry

White gold is generally a mixture of pure yellow gold and other metals like silver, zinc, copper, palladium and nickel. Because of this they’re silver in color with a slight yellow tint. It’s not the most durable but it is a lot cheaper, making it perfect to wear occasionally. White gold hip hop jewelry is more popular among women.

Sterling Silver Hip Hop Jewelry

Pure silver alloyed with copper to make it harder and stronger is called sterling silver. As you can imagine, it’s extremely durable and good for rough use. Bracelets made of this metal are popular amongst men’s hip hop jewels.

Stainless Steel Hip Hop Jewelry

Probably the cheapest material, stainless steel jewelry is a great option if you’re on a budget. Try matte stainless steel hip hop jewels. They may not have the bling but they sure have the style factor! Perfect for when you just want to try a new crazy style without the long-term commitment!

Diamond Or Iced Out Hip Hop Jewelry

In the world of hip hop and all things bling, pavé diamond jewelry or those in which many stones are set close together are commonly referred to as iced out or icy jewelry. They’re some of the most expensive and most popular types of hip hop bling among rappers and celebs. With their high-shine and sparkle, this style would look good on any type of hip hop jewelry pieces from chains to rings.

Mens Hip Hop Jewelry Shopping Ideas

1. Hip Hop Chains/ Rapper Chains

These are a must-have for every hip hop fashion lover out there. From byzantine and figaro to cuban, rope and box, there are many types of hip hop chains. And they’re available in various types of finishes and metals. These chains can be worn on their own or with some flashy pendants!

2. Hip Hop Pendants

Pendants are a huge part of men’s hip hop jewelry. They love having ink all over their bodies and bling hanging off their necks. The most popular custom made hip hop pendants are Egyptian themed, cross symbols, coins & bills, initials and phrases.

3. Hip Hop Earrings

3D cubes, gold buttons, huggie hoops and spiky studs are extremely popular in hip hop earrings for men. For the women however, large gold bamboo hoops in various shapes like diamond, square, rectangle and good old circle are popular. Sometimes, mismatched earrings – a hoop on one ear and a stud on the other are worn.

4. Hip Hop Jewelry Sets

If you’re ever unsure about how to pair your custom hip hop jewelry, all your problems have been solved! These sets do all the work for you as they come with matching bling chains, pendants, rings and what not. Some sets even have a bunch of short and long hip hop necklaces that are not necessarily matching but go together.

5. Hip Hop Rings

As for rings, g-link, double finger, nugget and iced out rings are popular. Apart from those, jumbo rings with lion or skull heads and huge gems on them like the one DJ Khaled always wears are popular.

6. Hip Hop Watches

Watches where you can’t see the strap or chain because they’re completely covered in diamonds are what all the influential artists and celebs sport. And more often than not, even the dial is covered in diamonds or other precious stones! These iced watches are often worn with chain link bracelets on the same hand. And if you wanna be as cool and quirky as Tyga, wear two watches together!

7. Hip Hop Diamond Jewelry

Iced out hip hop jewelry is undoubtedly the most coveted. But if you find regular icy jewelry to be a bit boring, try different colored diamonds such as blue, black or red like Soulja Boy does. These would look awesome on rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets and even glasses!

8. Custom Hip Hop Jewelry

Yes, you can customize and personalize your own hip hop jewelry to make a cool statement! Whether it’s a pendant with your name or nickname on it, a combination of your favorite metals, or encrusting your hip hop jewelry with your birthstone, the options are endless!

Best Celebrity Rapper Jewelry

Find inspiration for hip-hop accessories from popular celebs and pop culture right here!

Kanye West’s giant Egyptian pharaoh-inspired pendant.

Chris Brown’s chain link gold grillz!

Sean Kingston’s quirky crayon box gold pendant.

Lil Uzi Vert’s 100 carat Marilyn Manson pendant with a spiky diamond chain.

Pharell’s colorful rainbow grillz.

Chappie, the bot from the 2015 sci-fi movie’s hustler and dollar sign hip hop bling.

And Ryan Lochte, the american swimmer and olympian’s US flag grillz!

Hip Hop Costume Jewelry

We all know how expensive hip hop jewels can get, which is why fake hip hop jewelry is a great idea. Sure, they’re not as durable as the real gold hip hop jewelry but if you’re someone that likes to change up accessories often or gets bored of them easily, these are great options.

 Top Mens Hip Hop Jewelry Brands to Check Out

On the lookout for some trendy and cool hip hop jewelry? Check out this list of real hip hop fashion jewelry brands!

1. Tranx Jewelry
2. Frost
3. Bling
4. Master of Bling
5. Lab Made Jewelry
6. King Ice
7. Avianne & Co
8. Hip Hop Bling

So that was our guide to hip hop jewelry and custom bling! What do you think about hip hop jewels? Tell us by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post The Hip Hop Jewelry Guide: Awaken Your Inner Gangsta with This Bling! appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

When it comes to hair color and hairstyle choices, we all know that the options are endless. From fun ombre and balayage hair to afros, braids and twists, picking a hairdo is no easy task! I’m sure we’ve all dreamed of having sleek straight hair, perfect waves or being curly haired at some point. But with these beautiful hair looks, come lots of heat, hair loss, damage and other such issues.

Enter crochet braids! You can now have any hairstyle and hair color of your choice, all without touching your original hair! Plus, they look so much more realistic than hair wigs. So check out some beautiful crochet hairstyles pictures below!

Crochet Hair Styles

Crochet braids are a type of protective hairstyle wherein the natural hair is braided into different patterns, after which synthetic hair is crocheted into it. This technique is also called as latch hook braids as a latch hook or crochet hook is used to weave in the synthetic extensions. So let’s check out some cool crochet hairstyles!

The reason most women prefer to not color their hair is because of the toll it takes on their locks. But now you can have different hair colors and change them up according to your mood, all without damaging your tresses! Try bold colors, cause this is honestly the best way to do it! Or colored curls with cornrows peeking out is a popular crochet braid hairdo. Or try trendy balayage or ombre highlights.

From afros and tight ringlets to loose curls, there are many crochet hair styles to choose from.

It doesn’t always have to be just about curls. You can go for some sleek & straight crochet styles or some waves!

Get a li’l creative with some fancy senegalese twist braid styles, box braids and marley hair crochet braids!

Also read: African Hair Braiding: Fascinating Styles & Different Types of Braids

Braid Pattern for Crochet Braids

The braids are the most important part of crochet hairstyles. They provide the foundation for whatever look you’re going for. The braids can be of different sizes and spaced apart at different lengths based on the volume you want in the end hairstyle. So here are some common crochet braid patterns that you can DIY at home or get done at a salon.

1. Straight back crochet braids pattern

2. Twist crochet braids

3. Beehive crochet braid hair pattern

4. Micro braid crochet pattern

Invisible Part Crochet Braids

Sometimes, when you’re rocking a crochet hairstyle, the braids underneath show and it’s not always a good look. Unless you’re going for the peeking-out crochet braided hairdo. One trick to having crochet hair that looks natural and like it’s growing out of your scalp is to crochet hair extensions to your real hair leading up to the the braid and not the braid itself. I’ve seen plenty of beauty and hair gurus do this on YouTube and it makes all the difference!

Crochet Braid Pattern for Ponytail

For ponytails and updos, the most ideal foundation would be a spiral or beehive braid pattern. These kind of patterns help to hold a pony the best. But if you’re aiming for a ponytail look with visible braids leading up to the pony, divide your hair into four halves, braid regular cornrows and crochet at the center.

Other cool ideas to try are twisted ponytails and glam updos and ponytails with beads and accessories.

Wet and Wavy Crochet Hair

No more hours and hours of styling and mousse and fixing spray to achieve that beachy wet hair look. You can now get hair extensions with the wet and wavy effect. This look works great with both excess volume and less volume. Do what works best for you!

And of course, wet kinky crochet curls look just as great too!

Crochet Braids in a Bun

You can’t ever go wrong with a classic bun. And what better hairdo than these crochet braids in a bun for the hot sweaty summer months?!

So that was our guide on crochet braids! Which of these DIY crochet braids were your favorite? Tell us by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!
Image Credits: Instagram

Also read: 50 Easiest Curly Hairstyles & Haircuts for Long Curly Hair

The post 35 Spectacular Crochet Braids Hairstyles from Cute to Casual to Badass! appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey gorgeous! The boho subculture is well known for fashion and consists of so many types of clothing pieces from midi skirts and flowy shorts to fringed vests and bohemian tops. It’s great to have them all but you really don’t need all of them to put together a boho chic outfit.

All you need are these seven basic but versatile boho clothing items to dress down or up and style in many different ways. In fact, you can create so many looks for so many occasions and events with just these seven staples! Pair these basic bohemian style clothing items with your other wardrobe staples and that’s how easy it is to create boho outfits!

7 Boho Clothing Essentials

1. Fringed Boho Kimono Cardigan

Anita Fringe Kimono

If there’s one boho fashion item that flatters every body type and can be worn with any outfit, I’d say it’s a fringed boho cardigan or kimono in a neutral color. This white crochet kimono with fringes is a must-have for every girl’s wardrobe. There are endless ways you can style this boho fashion staple. Wear it with jeans and a top for college, over a dress for casual outings, on top of a romper for brunches and dates and as a cover-up on the beach! Plus being white, it’d work great with anything and everything in your closet!

2. Boho Maxi Dress

NA-KD Boho Flower Crochet Maxi Dress 

For the evening time, you just can’t go wrong with a flowy maxi dress. This deep mauve floral crochet dress with spaghetti straps would suit all body shapes as it’s cinched in at the waist. With a pair of tie-up heels and some matching tassel earrings and a fringed clutch, you’d be making heads turn in this boho outfit!

3. Printed Gypsy Scarf

Citrus Boho Pattern Scarf

Scarves are one of the most versatile boho clothing items. From wearing it as a wrap or shawl around your shoulders to tying it as a headscarf, there’s plenty of ways to wear a scarf. In fact, there are more than thirty ways to tie a scarf stylishly around the neck itself. You could also tie it around your waist as a cover-up at the beach. This off-white bohemian printed scarf with fringes and colorful pom-poms will let you to do all that and more! This boho clothing essential is also perfect for anyone who wants to add just a hint of gypsy to their outfit.

4. Boho Romper with Tassels

Nightwalker Womens x PacSun Marla Romper 

Rompers have got to be one of the comfiest and most easy-to-wear boho clothing items. They’re one of those pieces that are perfect on their own and don’t need anything else. You just put it on and you’re good to go! This off-shoulder bohemian printed romper with tassels all over can be worn anywhere and everywhere. I love all the black tassels on it. I can only imagine how beautifully they’d move when you walk around! Just pair them with some flat braided sandals. Maybe with tassels to match!

5. Crochet Gypsy Top

Kiss The Sky Cold Shoulder Crop Top In Pinstripe

I’m sure every girl owns atleast one crop top. They look good with pretty much anything that’s high-waisted. And they can be intimidating sometimes but here’s one that you’ll wanna wear all the time! With a cold shoulder, scallop edging, crochet lace and a loose silhouette, this boho gypsy crop top would work so well with so many things and for so many occasions. Wear it with your favorite jeans, shorts, denim skirts or even some palazzos. Accessorize your bohemian style outfit with a feather necklace or earrings.

6. Boho Maxi Skirt

ASOS Pleated Maxi Skirt with Belt

Simple yet chic, this flowy maxi skirt can be dressed up or down depending on your mood or where you’re going. For a brunch date, pair it with a lacy cropped top, some heels and boho accessories. And for something more casual, wear it with a basic tee tucked in and some sandals. And if your hips are your problem area, this bohemian skirt is perfect ’cause it’s high-waisted and super flowy!

7. Boho Palazzo Pants

Green Dragon Manhattan Beach Pant 

What do you do when it’s unbearably hot outside and you don’t wanna get a sunburn wearing some shorts? Wear palazzo pants, of course! They’re so comfy and great for travel and vacations, which is why your closet needs a pair of these stylish pants. These loose, wide-leg palazzos can be paired with crop tops, tees and pretty much anything you can imagine. And not just for casual wear, you can style it with an embellished or beaded boho top and some heels for an evening look, too.

So that was our shopping guide to the seven basic boho clothing essentials! What are your favorite bohemian fashion items? Do let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post 7 Boho Clothing Essentials & How to Style Bohemian Outfits appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey beautiful! Dresses are synonymous with women. From workwear to casual ones, dresses are a perfect choice for any occasion. And after watching almost all the Fall Winter 2018 fashion shows of countless designers, I can say dresses this year are super-hot! I already have my shopping list for Fall 2018 ready. Lol! That’s the perks of being a trend analyst. I love my job! Ok, so let’s dive into dress style trends for 2018!

Dress Style Trends for Fall Winter 2018-19

It’s so good to see the results at the end of long research sessions and discussions for our trend analyses. It’s like a complete guide for the coming seasons. From shopping to how to wear, the trends are the foundation. And this year we saw unique dress trends for everyone. While a few designers are not letting go of the older trends, there are also a few dress styles that are completely new. So, apart from listing the new 11 dress style trends, we have also listed what’s still in and what’s out in women’s dresses. Let’s check out latest dresses for women!

1. Uniquely Draped Dresses

Go away, plain boring drapes! We saw some stylishly draped dresses in the runway collections. Uniquely draped dresses are topping our 2018 dress trends list. I’m totally loving this trend – feminine and chic! We saw fabrics folded into tiny drapes or draped uniquely around the body. These dresses go well for parties and get-togethers. From metallics to silk to cotton, any fabric looks great in this style. A look from Max Mara had draped style formal dress worn with pants – perfect as workwear.

2. 3D Dresses

Let’s be extra this Fall 2018. Wow! Let your dresses take up more space at a party than they need to!! Extraordinary and actually cool! From exaggerated bell sleeves to poofy skirt to bold shoulders, these dress style trends are surely headturners. Sexy short dresses with 3D details are a must try for parties. Take cues from the look by Versus Versace and pair it with sleek straight hair.

Also, read: Couture Dresses: Three-Dimensional & Sculptural is the New Normal

3. Lace Details

A sexy lace dress sounds perfect for parties! This fall, we’re seeing dresses with lace detail, giving them a unique look. We saw lace trimmings and panels on sleeves, neck, hemlines etc. Lace is perfect for fall and designers are making us crave this trendy style even in spring!

4. Asymmetric Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves

Off-the-shoulder is passé. For 2018, single off-the-shoulder sleeves are in the limelight. Let one sleeve be off-the-shoulder while the other is a normal full or half sleeve. You can even try the dress on dress pattern. Or wear a top under the dress to combine two trends.

5. Top Worn Over Dress

While we saw dresses worn over a top, we also saw vice-versa. This new dress style is definitely eye-catching and is so perfect for fall-winter season. We saw crop sweater, metallic, bustier, and slip tops paired with dresses. So, this is a unique way to sport your separates together. A perfect way to layer trendy outfits even in the chilling weather.

6. Peasant & Flamenco Sleeves

A lot is happening with sleeves this year. The Spanish inspired peasant and flamenco sleeves are getting the right attention. Loose traditional peasant sleeves, gathered around the wrists were seen in maxi, mini and midi dresses. Flamenco sleeves, wherein the ends of the sleeves flare out like bell sleeves are hot, too. We saw them in the designer collections of Chanel, Alberta Ferretti, Christian Siriano, Dolce & Gabbana and many more.

7. Exaggerated Hardware & Zipper Details

Trendy dresses with zipper details are so hot! From slits to pockets to cutouts, they are all out-of-the-box! Also, along with these zippers, we saw large metal hardware in the women’s dresses like buckles, zip holders, buttons and many more. I loved the black mini dress with multiple zippers by Alexander Wang.

8. Loose Half Sleeves

Here’s another way to play up your sleeves and exude a carefree vibe! After asymmetric off-the-shoulder and peasant sleeves, we have loose half sleeves. No more tight sleeves that make you uncomfortable! Go for loose half sleeved dresses in solid colors to stand out!

9. Turtleneck Leather Dresses

Leather dresses with turtlenecks are so cool! We’re seeing this unique clothing style for the first time and it’s so fresh. The leather dresses were also mixed with other trends like ruffles, pockets, kaftan style, belted and slouchy. If you feel leather turtleneck is too much then wear a lace turtleneck top inside like the look by Chanel. Or drape a skinny wool scarf around the neck and tuck it in to give a turtleneck look!

10. PVC Dresses

Plastics are the new sequins! PVC apparel and accessories were the highlights of the Fall 2018 collections. Of course, I wrote about my reservations about transparent fashion and even for dresses, I’m not totally convinced. However, designers aren’t ready to let go of this trend. So, we saw transparent maxi dress, slip dress, midi dress with feather hemline, dress worn over a top and dress on dress trends. These dresses are perfect for coffee dates. Like wear it for an hour or two and get rid of them. But I would love to see outfit ideas for these dresses. I hope my SlubTeam mate, Nishita writes one!

11. Shoulder Pads

In the 2018 dress trends, this 70s fashion style has made a comeback. Shoulder pads are so very much in this season. I think it’s gonna be a normal style in 2019, too. So, no drooping shoulders to be seen. I’m not a big fan but it’s great to see this glamorous trend on celebs! From sexy belted maxi dresses to 3D mini dresses, they stole the show!

What’s Still In?

There are also some of the older dress styles that are very trendy this season, too! We have listed them for you. Let’s check out!

1. Thread fringes are still in. We saw them on the hemlines, sleeves, and all over the dresses. Rock ’em to parties.

2. Feather dresses, too, are still in. We saw feathers on the hemlines, sleeves and all over the dresses.

3. While tops worn on dresses is a new trend, the vice versa trend dresses worn over a top is also in. Wear the new 2018 trendy dresses with tops to make a statement.

4. Dresses with pants are here to stay. Try matching pants.

5. We saw color blocking, too, in bright technicolor. It’s a perfect way to stand out in the gloomy weather. Color blocking with neons is very hot.

6. Coat style dresses are perfect for fall. Wear them to work or interviews.

7. Also, try holographic dresses, which is a new trend that you need to try.

8. Kaftan dresses are perfect for modest clothing!

9. One sleeved dresses are here to stay, so are ruffles and sheer dresses. These dress styles are perfect for parties.

10. Sweater dresses are perfect for the fall-winter season. Don them to work, outings and literally everywhere!

What’s Out?

Here are the dress style trends that are totally out.

1. Halter necks are a big NO-NO!

2. High low dresses are out. This was a short-lived trend.

3. Front slit dresses are passé. Stack them at the bottom of your wardrobe.

4. Cold shoulder dresses are so out of fashion. Thank god! I hate them.

5. Fur on dresses is not so hot anymore.

So, these were the latest dress style trends for Fall 2018. Which one did you like the most? Tweet us @shilpa1ahuja!

The post 11 Dress Style Trends for Fall 2018 | Trendy Dresses for Women appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey beautiful! We all want to look fab and beautiful at parties and weddings. And that’s why we love to find inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram and magazines. And one thing is for sure that are all wow-worthy! When it comes to makeup trends, we all wanna look gorgeous and follow the season’s latest trends.

To bring to you this year’s hottest Indian makeup trends, we went through the makeup looks from Indian Couture Week, Lakme Fashion Week, Bollywood celeb ideas and major brand websites like Lakme, Maybelline and M.A.C that came up with a few surprises and added some really cool trends into this year’s makeup mix. Explore the latest trends, mix and match the ideas for your own unique look. So let’s take a look at Indian makeup trends!

Latest Indian Makeup & Beauty Trends

1. Bold Brows

Bold brows are the It-trend right now! It can be paired with no-makeup makeup, dewy skin, smokey eyes and winged eyeliner. So go bold with your brows to update your look and be totally in trend this season. And keep your brows on the natural side, don’t overpluck or draw too dramatically. And don’t forget to brush them and fill in the gaps!

2. Dewy Makeup

Everybody’s wish is to have a lovely and glowing skin. Dewy skin has made its way back into the beauty game this season. And this is a beauty trend makes you look gorgeous and versatile for all occasions. Spring makeup is all about looking natural and giving the right amount of shine to your skin. On models and celebs, we saw dewy skin paired with bright lipsticks and bold brows for a classy bright look. Great idea for the bride’s makeup. But if you want to go for a subtle look, then try dewy skin with nude lipsticks.

3. Goth Lips

Goth lipstick shades are back with a bang in fall makeup looks. And when it comes to lipsticks, the bolder we feel, the darker color we try. To step out with confidence, red has always been a bold go-to color. But if you feel it’s time to go darker and bolder, try goth lip colors like dark burgundy, black and deep purple.

4. Smokey Eyes

Smokey eyes are timelessly sexy! And the secret that makes this Indian eye makeup popular is that smokey eyes change the makeup look dramatically. You can try different makeup styles with the smokey eye, like winged or an under eye smokey look. They also look great with bridal makeup. You can also try double color smokey eye look with two different colors for a chic look!

5. Winged Eyeliner

Winged eyeliner can never go out of style. It gives an alluring and sultry look to the eyes, if it’s perfectly done! Go glam with bold winged liner paired with a bright or nude makeup look. Wear it to parties, wedding receptions dinner dates!

6. Neutral Eyeshadow

Neutral shades don’t always have to be boring. Instead, the best way to wear them is when you don’t feel like wearing bright eye makeup. And it’s very easy to recreate. These shades make your eyes pop and look bigger. You can pair the natural eyeshadow with red lips, winged eyeliner, dewy makeup and contouring for an amazing look. For a more subtle look, try this trend with nude makeup and lips, which will work for the office and for work parties.

7. Shades of Red Lipstick

Who’s in for a bold and breathtaking color? Red lipsticks are always great but are super hot this season. I personally love this trend. And we saw different shades of red on celebrities this year. Red colors like cherry red, blood red and wine red were trending on the website of Lakme and runways of India Couture Week. Pair it with whites, blacks and lots of bright outfits. Great option for a night out, party or anniversary.

8. Two-Tone Lipstick

I’m so excited to try this. Wearing two lipstick shades together may seem too experimental but it’s surprisingly wearable. If done right, it gives a bold and pop-up look rather than cartoonish. Wearing two shades of lipsticks simultaneously requires creativity and some confidence to pull off! Great idea to give your lips a transformation by blending two complementary colors to achieve this look! Well, looks great on Indian skin tones, too!

9. Nude Lipstick

Nude lipsticks are a must have for every girl and are timeless in fashion. They work for office days, and can even look great when they’re paired with those sultry and sexy eyes loaded with mascara and eyeshadow. Great option for office parties or a casual day out. In fact, you can also wear nudes with the Indian bridal makeup look for a classier, toned-down version.

So those were the latest Indian makeup and beauty trends for this year. Which one is your favorite? Let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post Indian Makeup & Beauty Trends for Brides and Wedding Guests appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey there! Tattoos have been super trendy amongst people of all ages especially youngsters. There is no restriction on any body part to get a tattoo inked. From hands to thighs to butt to ears, tattoo works well on every body part. While tattoos were once considered a permanent thing, these days it is even possible to remove them! While getting a tattoo inked is not an easy job and requires lots of patience, tattoo removal is equally tough and may be more painful!

With many latest tattoo styles and trends coming every day, people like to get rid of the older ones and get new trendier ones. Or maybe someone has got their special person’s name inked and that person is no longer special and wants that tattoo removed. Or maybe you just got bored looking at the same tattoo every day! There may be so many reasons why people may opt for tattoo removal.

That’s why I’m here with a guide on everything, from the safest methods of removal to whether the home removal methods are really helpful. Let’s get started with a complete guide to tattoo removal.

How Does Tattoo Removal Work

Earlier, methods like dermabrasion (scraping off the top layer of skin), cover-up (a new tattoo is inked on the top of older one completely replacing the old one), excision (cutting the tattoo) and few other risky techniques were implemented. The latest technique for tattoo removal is the laser method that breaks the tattoo pigment particles beneath the skin. This is a safer method and perhaps works more efficiently.

Home Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal at home may be as painful as laser technique. It may take days to weeks for removal at home! Few home tattoo removal techniques are below:

Note Before You Read

Home tattoo removal techniques work differently for everyone. So, please remember that everything I wrote here may not suit every skin type. Before you try out these home removal ideas, please consult with your dermatologist.

1. Salabrasion – Table salt and an abrasive device are used in this technique. The process involves mixing a spoon of salt in water and then rubbing this mixture with the abrasive material on the tattoo until the skin becomes raw! Many tattoo removal parlous says that the raw skin may be cured ointments and bandage, however, raw skin is prone to infection so we don’t recommend trying this method.

2. Magical Aloe Vera – In this process aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil and apricot scrub are mixed in equal amounts. Apply this mixture using a Q-tip and leave it for 5 minutes. Later rinse off with cold water. Try this every day for about a month. This may be safe as aloe vera doesn’t have any side effects.
3. Sand Powder Method – This method is considered as one of the effective ways to remove a tattoo at home as per Wikihow. In this sand powder and a sponge is used. Rubbing the sand powder with the help of sponge on the tattoo may help in getting rid of the tattoo.

4. Lemon Juice and Salt – Salt contains sodium and chloride ions which can easily penetrate the skin and hence in may be of the home tattoo removal ideas. In this process, half a lemon and one spoon of salt is mixed and applied using a cotton ball.

All the tattoo removal methods at home are budget-friendly but also they may be risky especially for people having sensitive skin. I advise again to consult a dermatologist before you get started with these techniques.

Types & Cost of Tattoo Removal

From laser to non-laser to home remedies to using a cream there are many options to choose from! If you want to spend more on tattoo removal than on a tattoo, then go for laser technique!

Laser Tattoo Removal

The laser treatment for tattoo removal may sound relatively easy but it is not! Also, it is expensive and takes a lot of sittings for the entire process to wrap up. In this process, the laser heats the ink particles present in the tattoo that leads to slightly fading of the tattoo in each sitting. As the particles are broken into small pieces, these are identified by the white blood cells in the body as a foreign substance and are immediately absorbed and transported to the liver for further process.

Non-Laser Tattoo Removal or Natural Tattoo Removal?

“Natural ways of removing tattoos are safer than choosing laser technique to get rid of it,” says Forrest Jeff, author of TattooArm magazine. All the home tattoo removal methods fall into the category of natural tattoo removal! So, make sure you consult tattoo artists or specialists before you do them at home.

Tattoo Removal Cream

These creams are better as an add-on after the tattoo is removed in which they help to slightly fade the tattoo. If you solely rely on the tattoo removal cream for the tattoo to be removed, then I don’t think that’s gonna help. So people who are looking to opt for tattoo removal creams don’t expect the tattoo to vanish overnight! And yeah, it’s not worth it for people who have the tattoo of their ex and are looking for a new partner. You don’t want trouble in your new relationship, do you?!

Free Tattoo Removal

Many surgery centers and hospitals offer free tattoo removal schemes! All you have to do is sign up at these centers and keep checking with them!

Laser Tattoo Removal FAQs

Here are a few queries which people generally ask before getting the tattoo removed. Check them out!

1. How Painful is Tattoo Removal

This is the most common question people ask! The pain involved in tattoo removal is same as the pain a person feels when they get the tattoo inked. Don’t think too much when you’ve decided to get the tattoo removed. Just go for it boldly without a second thought.

2. Tattoo Removal Before and After

Having a clear picture in the mind is important before going for tattoo removal. Don’t expect that in one sitting or one-time treatment, the tattoo will fade completely. It may take a few days to months for the complete disappearance of the tattoo. Be prepared for swelling, redness and itching after tattoo removal!

3. Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Proper care is required to prevent infections. Avoid hot showers and any sort of physical activity for the next 24 hrs. Keep the treated area clean and dry. Using a cold compressor for some time may help reduce the pain to a certain extent. Also, avoid direct sun exposure for next couple of days. If itching or redness looks infectious or it is too bothersome, consult your doctor immediately.

4. Swimming After Laser Tattoo Removal

Swimming is not advisable for a week after tattoo removal. As soaking the treated part for a long time in chlorinated water can take more time to heal. Also, the pool water may get affected and may spread the infection to the fellow swimmers too! So the best choice is to avoid the swimming sessions for a few days.

How to Remove Temporary Tattoos

Temporary tattoos are a good alternative for people looking to change their tattoos every now and then. With time, the temporary tattoos fade automatically. Since the ink in temporary tattoos doesn’t reach the bottom most part of the skin, it takes less effort in removing them.

A few ideas to get rid of temporary tattoos include using a baby oil and wiping it off! Take a wet cloth and rub it off vigorously. Ripping off a clear tape and also applying cold cream and leaving it off for 1 hr and then washing it can help you get rid of temporary tattoos.

How to Remove Henna Tattoo

Henna is a dye that is responsible for temporary coloring and is most popular in Indian weddings. The color of henna retains for about a week. Baking soda and lemon juice, bleach, toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide or nail polish remover are a few great ways to remove henna tattoo!

How to Remove Kid Tattoos

It’s always great fun for kids to get temporary tattoos. No harsh soaps or chemicals should be used when removing them, and it should be done without hurting the child’s soft skin. Scrubbing and using salt is a big no-no! Instead, use a cotton ball dipped in baby oil and gently rub on the skin. Later use a clean cloth to wipe it off.

So, all I suggest is think well before getting a tattoo inked because removal is so much pain and may take many days (or even months) to heal. If ever you had a tattoo removed, share your experience with us by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja.

Read next:

– King and Queen Tattoos | Best Couple Tattoo Ideas
– Cherry Blossom Tattoo: Meaning, Designs, Ideas and Much More!
– Feather Tattoo: Meaning, Types, Designs, Ideas & Inspiration!

The post Tattoo Removal: Guide to Types of Processes, Cost & Pains Involved! appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey gorgeous! Sarees always play an important role in women’s clothing. They have got a makeover from the traditional to the contemporary design trends we’re seeing in 2018. While choosing a saree is difficult, what’s even more difficult is choosing blouse designs. So here I have come up with a research from Lakme Fashion Week and India Couture Week to help you.

So let’s take a look at sexy blouse design trends and quickly update your wardrobe with these chic latest blouse styles for 2018!

Sexy Blouse Design Trends for 2018

1. Bell Sleeves

Blouses with bell sleeves are so trendy! The sleeves can either be long or short and are usually fitted at the arms and flared towards the bottom. And the designers have taken a strong hold on this trend and are not letting it go anytime soon. Great idea to pair these blouses with plain, matching or contrast sarees. I’m loving the Anju Narain one!

2. Bikini or Bralette Blouses

Here’s an even more daring trend – bikini or bralette blouse! This season we’re seeing saree blouse designs with the front and back embellished and plain blouses paired with sheer, plain and sequin sarees. Wear them to parties or to your BFF’s engagement.

3. Fringes

The best option to add something chic to your simple blouse design is to add some fringes at the top of the blouse neck design that covers the whole blouse, on the sleeves or at the hem of the blouses. And they look even more amazing when you drape your saree in such a way that the fringes are clearly seen. Wear them to fashion events or to your cousin’s wedding. I’m liking the Manish Malhotra one!

4. Kimono Blouses

Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. Indian designers were inspired by it and reinvented it into the Indian traditional saree blouse and paired it with the both plain and embellished sarees. These blouses can be long or short with wide sleeves tied with a sash. Great option to wear to fashion weeks or to your friend’s wedding or sangeet.

5. Ruffled Blouses

Ruffles are one of the most amazing trends in fashion, also one of the hottest saree blouse styles right now! Ruffled gowns, dupattas and sarees are very in this year. Ruffles can be at the neckline, mid-ribs or sleeves. Moreover, this is a great option for parties, wedding or sangeet.

6. High Neck & Full Sleeved Blouses

Amongst all the blouse designs, high neck blouses are the most modest yet stylish fashion statement of 2018. Personally, I’m loving this trend! You can opt for sleeveless, half or full sleeve blouses. High neck designs go well with all sarees, and are also perfect for office parties and weddings.

7. Collared

The best thing about this trend is that it gives a very classy and sophisticated look. We saw sarees paired with collared style shirts in fashion weeks. Also, collared blouse can be full-sleeved, sleeveless, or short sleeved and paired with your sarees. If you wanna make your look more stylish, you can add a collared jacket to it. Great option for any office meet or party. You can even sport this trend for your work colleague’s wedding reception.

8. Jackets

Ditch the traditional saree blouse and go for a matching embellished or embroidered jacket instead, especially in winter. Jacket is yet another trendy fashion staple to pair with your saree. Jackets can be crop, hip length, knee length or floor touching – they all look great with sarees. We saw embroidered and sheer jackets paired with matching or contrast sarees. I’m liking the embroidered sheer jacket by Rahul Mishra!

9. Off-the-Shoulder Blouse Design

It’s time to show off those toned shoulders this season, because the off-shoulder blouse design is in vogue. If you’re bold enough to wear the off-shoulder trend, it would make a really sexy outfit. A sexy blouse design paired with a plain, printed and embellished saree is popular. Wear it to your own mehendi or BFF’s wedding.

10. Kurti Blouse Design

Long blouses are back and super in right now on the runways of Lakme Fashion Week. This year, saree blouses are getting very long, like kurtis. Try these latest blouse designs for a unique, sophisticated look. Long blouses can be till naval or waist length. Wear them to parties or fashion events.

So those were the sexy blouse design for 2018. Which blouse design is your favorite? Let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post Sexy Blouse Design Trends: 11 Latest Saree Neck Designs for 2018 appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

With spring and summer comes lots of flip flops, open-toe shoes and gloveless hands! And with our nails on display, it only makes sense to paint them in cute nail colors. So check out what celebs and models have been sporting recently for nail color ideas and inspiration! Let’s take a look at the most popular nail colors and nail polish trends for spring!

Spring Colors in Nails for 2018

1. Classic Red

This timeless color is one the top nail colors for Spring 2018. This bright red was spotted on many celebs from Candice Swanepoel and Zendaya to Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens! The most common nail shape was rounded and almond. And they’re also all rocking glossy finishes. Try these spring nails for parties and special occasions.

2. Pale Pink

Subtle and light pinks have always been a celeb fave. But this season, they’re more popular than ever! And Adriana Lima, JLo, Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner would agree. From square to oval and almond, we saw this shade being sported on all types of nails. These soft shades would also make for pretty toe nail colors.

Read next: 50 Toe Nail Designs | Pedicure Ideas for Every Season, Color & Mood

3. Wintry Shades

Dark nail colors in spring? Crazy, I know. But they’re the best nail colors for parties and night-outs. And this trend is also a good excuse to relive those winter and Christmas memories! Natalie Portman donned dark burgundy nails for a Dior campaign. Gigi Hadid and Bella Thorne both rocked dark greens, Blake Lively was a fan of charcoal grey and Lily Rose Depp wore dark metallic blue nails.

4. Nude

An all-time fave, these spring colors are the best nail polish colors no matter what the occasion might be. Karlie Kloss, Lucy Hale, Hailey Baldwin and Kylie Jenner are all fans of these summer nail colors. Karlie and Lucy opted for oval while Kylie had square and Hailey had coffin nails. You can also try these neutral nail colors as pedicure colors.

Also read: Mix and Match Style Guide for 5 Must-Have Nude Fashion Items

5. Lilac

Light and cool pastels are the perfect spring nail ideas. Try lilac and lavender on long pointy nail shapes to look both badass and feminine at the same time like Rihanna! Or try squoval ones like Lily Collins.

6. Black

Between Lily Rose Depp and Blake Lively, this shade is one of the popular nail color trends. Matte or glossy, shades of black are popular nails for Spring 2018. They’d also look amazing with pretty nail designs in gold. You can also try classy black nail art!

7. Fruity Pinks

Just looking at these bright pinky summer nail polish colors is enough to wish I was on a tropical vacation! You can opt for either a fuchsia like Bella Hadid or a lighter candy pink like Katy Perry.

8. Bright Yellow

It doesn’t get more spring than this! A bright, shocking yellow is what Kylie Jenner flaunted on her nails in the campaign for her upcoming makeup collection. Try these bright and pretty nail colors on long square nails just like Kylie!

So those were the latest spring colors in trend for nails this season! Tell us which of these spring nail colors are your fave by tweeting us @shilpa1ahuja!
Image Credits: Instagram

We thought you’d also like:

– Summer Nail Colors: 9 Prettiest Nail Polish Colors to Celebrate the Sunny Season
– Fashion Nails: All the Latest Nail Art, Color and Shape Trends!
– How to Make Nail Spa at Home for Luxury Nails & Pro Mani Pedis

The post Spring Colors & Celebrity Nail Trends for 2018: Top Nail Color Ideas appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey handsome! One of the best attire a man can adorn on his special day is the traditional sherwani. Sherwanis are one of the most classic and ethnic garments amongst men’s outfits. Gone are the days when brides alone would go through the magazines to see what latest designer lehengas and dresses are in fashion.

As designers come up with different styles and trends each season, even the men have to do their research before shopping. They, too, wanna sport the latest runway designs. And sherwanis have been the top choice for both wedding and formal occasions. So we looked through the designer fashion show collection from both Lakme Fashion Week and India Couture Week to create our ultimate fashion forecast report for sherwani designs for this year. Let’s take a look!

Latest Sherwani Designs & Trends for 2018

1. All Over Embroidery

Embellished sherwanis are passé! Instead, why don’t you try different types of sherwani designs with all over embroidery? That is the latest trend this year. And we saw embroidery with small and large flowers and even botanical and bird motifs. These can be long, thigh-high or knee-length paired with chooridar or cigarette pants. Wear it to sangeet or mehendi functions.

2. Asymmetric Sherwani

If you’re looking for an elegant and classy look, this trend is a great idea. A sherwani with an asymmetric collar and slit gives a stylish look. This season, we saw designer Manish Malhotra come up with rich fabrics, embroidered collars and sleeves on the runways of LFW. And they were paired with contrasting cigarette pants. These are one of the best sherwani designs for the groom for his engagement or reception.

3. Jacket Sherwani

Sherwanis with jackets are becoming very trendy these days. We’re seeing jackets designed in many ways. They can be long or short, buttoned or unbuttoned and paired with loose pants or chooridar. Wear them to your BFF’s engagement or cousin’s marriage.

4. Unembroidered and Brocade Sherwani

Move over plain silk! Brocade is the fabric of choice again! And this season, we saw sherwanis for men with heavy brocade fabrics with different designs and no embroidery. Pair with loose pants, chooridaar or cigarette pants. This would be one of the best Indian wedding dresses for a groom for a summer wedding. You can also go for an unembroidered brocade sherwani for your sister’s marriage.

5. Printed Sherwani

Printed sherwanis are huge this season. This trend is for the ones who are looking for a simple yet classy look. And we saw floral prints on the sherwanis for this season. Pair them with cigarette pants or chooridaar. I’m liking the metallic one with large floral print by Siddartha Tytler. You can even match your sherwani print motifs, colors and design with your bride’s lehenga!

6. Belted Sherwani

Belts are everywhere this season and have also taken over traditional menswear! They’re a great way to add a unique style to your ethnic Indian outfit. I’m just loving this fresh trend and I would love my man to sport ’em! Pair with chooridaar or dhoti pants and dupatta. Try them as they make the best sherwani designs for the groom.

7. Button Placket

A simple button placket at the front of a plain or embroidered sherwani makes it look stylish and sophisticated. Pair the latest sherwani designs with chooridaar or cigarette pants. It would be a great idea to wear these for casual occasions during the wedding season.

8. Bundhgala

The short sherwani a.k.a, the bundhgala is back in fashion! Bundhgala is a hip-length Chinese collared sherwani design with buttoned placket. It could be a short one just below the hips or a longer one until the thighs. Pair with chooridar, jodhpuri or cigarette pants. And it can be plain, embellished, printed or made in a heavy fabric like silk. Perfect for your friend’s sangeet or engagement ceremony.

9. Kurta under Sherwani

Kurta under sherwani? You’re right, this is a trend in 2018! We saw designers experimenting with two different looks and combining them into one! This season, we saw embroidered and embellished sherwani worn over long kurtas and paired with chooridaar or cigarette pants. Wear this to receptions or engagements. And I’m loving the latest sherwani design by Manish Malhotra.

10. Ombre

Ombre sherwanis are new and super trendy this season. The classic Indian wedding wear for men now has a twist. We saw gradient shades in the sherwani paired with cigarette pants. For a subtle and fresh look for your friend’s wedding, this would be a great option. Try summery pastels like olive green, powder blue and lavender.

11. Velvet Sherwani

Velvet ethnic wear is definitely not a new trend for Indians. It’s a timeless fabric. But in 2018, this fabric is super trendy again and a favorite amongst designers. This year, we are seeing plain as well as embroidered velvet sherwanis in the collections of Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre and Rohit Bal. Also, it’s a great idea to pair your sherwanis with contrast colored pants, like royal blue velvet sherwani with maroon chooridar and dupatta.

So these were the latest sherwani designs and trends for men. Which trend is your favorite? Let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post Sherwani Designs & Trends for 2018 | Indian Wedding Dresses for Groom appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey gorgeous! Hashtags aren’t used just for fashion, food and travel. Hashtags can even inspire you and your followers to stay fit and healthy, to reach their fitness goals. So if you’re someone who loves to post fitness motivation pictures or gym selfies, here are ideas for the best hashtags to use while posting pictures and videos of workout sessions! Let’s take a look at the different fitness hashtags for bodybuilding, gym, yoga and all the related categories!

Fitness Hashtags

Hashtags play a major role in all social networks. Amongst those, Instagram fitness hashtags are more important than ever. Here is a list of fitness hashtags that you can use in your posts. You can even find new people to follow by searching these hashtags, who share their fitness videos for your motivation. And of course, the popular ones will always get you more followers and engagement. Always use a combination of moderately posted hashtags to more popular ones.

How to Use Fitness Hashtags for Likes

Who doesn’t like more followers and likes on Instagram? For getting likes on your health and fitness pics on IG, it’s very important that you use the best hashtags. It can also increase the chances of getting more account followers and comments. Use hashtags that have words like ‘like’, ‘follow’ and very relevant tags for increased engagement.

Top Trending Hashtags

What trending hashtags are in right now? If you’re looking for out of the box of hashtags, get ideas from these hashtags to post your favorite fitness pictures and videos!

Top Fitness Hashtags

I know everyone is aware that fitness is important for our health. Whether you’re into daily workouts or gym sessions, sports or yoga, these top fitness hashtags will inspire you and your followers to take the workout to the next level. If your followers don’t work out, they can get inspired and motivated by these hashtags! Here are a few popular hashtags for all fitness lovers.

Body Building Hashtags

The majority of fitness people are shifting towards getting in shape, toning, and building muscle. So for further motivation, search through these bodybuilding hashtags for your perfect bodybuilding pic!

Friday Fitness Motivation

“When you’re about to give up, keep going,” that’s the fitness mantra! Friday may be the day to take rest but you can inspire your IG followers to sweat with these popular Friday fitness motivation hashtags!

Instagram Photography Hashtags for Fitness

In search of some hashtag ideas to post with your fitness photography? Here you are! To spread inspiration and get followers to your account, use these hashtags!

Selfie Hashtags

Want a cool hashtag to adorn your sexy gym-mirror selfie? You could try something related to the type of workout you did today, or hashtag about your workout outfit, or talk about what motivates you! Here are some ideas.

Health Hashtags

#healthiswealth is a good start for health-related hashtags. Haha! You can try better ones though! Something related to your diet could inspire your followers. Also, use vegan hashtags as they are trending now.

Workout Hashtags

Giving new workout ideas to your followers? Or maybe you just wanna share your daily routine workout. Whatever is the case, you can make use of these hashtags whenever you share updates of your fitness account. It’s also a great way to tell your followers that you’re following the newest trends in fitness.

Gym Hashtags

There are different types IG pictures for promoting good health. One idea is to share pics of you hitting the gym. So while posting your daily workouts at the gym, use these hashtags.

Fitness Related Hashtags

One doesn’t have to hit the gym or workout to stay fit. Activities like walking, running, swimming, cycling, yoga, zumba, pilates and many more can also do the trick.

Good Fitness Hashtags

Users may love to see specific good accounts for motivation, so these hashtags are perfect to use.

Thursday Fitness Motivation

It depends on every individual as to how they take up fitness activities each day of the week. Professionals usually already plan what workout is to be done as per the schedule. Some trainers come up with a music and dance routine as their Thursday special, some with unique gym workouts and many more! So leave all your work behind and go with your Thursday fitness motivation.

Inspirational Hashtags

It all starts with what you think! So inspire your audience to get off from the bed, work hard and workout by adding the popular hashtags.

Healthy Hashtags

Health is always correlated with fitness. There are some useful healthy hashtags that will help your followers stay fit by following the right diet.  So focus on these hashtags for healthy eating and dieting as a part of your fitness routine.

Saturday Fitness Motivation

Saturdays are a great time to practice being healthy with different fitness activities. So why don’t you plan your weekend with a special idea for workout? How about going or doing some outdoor exercises with nature and spread motivation on Insta? Use these hashtags to promote your special Saturday workout.

Weight Loss Hashtags

Every one of us is different and so are our bodies. Hence, one should be aware of what diet to opt for losing weight. From low-carb, low-fat or keto, there are many to choose from. Follow these hashtags to spread awareness about what suits best for different bodies.

Weekend Fitness Motivation

Finally comes your weekend where you get relief from weekday’s work stress and detox yourself from a Saturday night’s party! On weekends, we have more time to spend on ourselves. So for more weekend fitness vibes, follow through these hashtags.

So those were the fitness hashtags to add to the pictures or videos on Instagram. So which workout would you like to follow? Let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post 250 Fitness Hashtags: Bodybuilding, Gym Selfies, Running, Health & More appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Colors are a great way to reflect your mood and personality. They can also make or break your outfit. So, we went through all the top designer collections for Fall 2018 to come up with this list of fashionable fall colors. From subtle to bold, there’s trendy winter colors for everyone! So check out our winter color analysis below!

Trendy Fall Colors for 2018

1. Icy Blue

What’s more perfect than an a frosty blue outfit on a cold snowy day? This icy, wintry color was prominent on the runways of Carolina Herrera, Moschino and Ralph & Russo, to name a few. This color was seen on mainly skirts, dresses and jackets and would be great for a winter wedding! Christian Siriano even had a metallic version of this icy blue in his Fall Winter 2018-19 show. We also saw shades like ice green and frosted turquoise.Try this soft winter color palette for brunches and parties.

2. Porcelain

Move over nude, and make way for porcelain!

Shades close to white such as ivory, ecru, cream, pearl and egg shell were super popular in the FW18 fashion shows. These off-white fall colors were spotted in the collections of Alexander McQueen, Fendi, Dior and Valentino.

3. Neon

Add a pop of shocking color to dull and dark outfits for the upcoming season! Electrifying hues of green, yellow, pink and orange are some of the top colors for Fall Winter 2018. These fall clothing colors were in last year and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. We saw these winter colors not just in clothes but also accessories on the runways of Prada, Balmain, Giorgio Armani and more!

4. Wine Red

This exact shade of dark, almost-burgundy red was one of the top nail colors last fall and this year, it’s back in trend for clothing. These fall colors are a great way to keep your winter outfits dark without opting for boring black. We saw wine red on the runways of Elie Saab, Dior, Fendi and Marc Jacobs on coats and dresses.

5. Silver

Celebrate the cold months with a shiny, metallic silver! From dark to light and in between, there were all shades of silver on the Fall 2018 runways. These fall colors were mostly seen as head-to-toe silver looks this season. But if that’s a li’l too much for you, add silver accents with a jacket or scarf. Jazz up a pair of jeans and a tee with a silver coat like Dior or rock a silver bodycon dress at a party like the one by Alice + Olivia! We also spotted loads of gold in the FW18 fashion shows.

6. Blush

Almost a pinky nude, this beautiful, minimal shade was extremely popular on the runways for Fall 2018. We saw it a lot on the runways of Moschino, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph & Russo and it’s the perfect alternative for a nude or neutral. Also great for fall wedding colors!

7. Scarlet Red

Each season, there’s always one shade of classic red that makes it to our list of trending fall colors. And for Fall 2018, it’s scarlet red! This timeless, classic color was all over the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Naeem Khan and Marc Jacobs.

8. Fuchsia

If you’re not a fan of the subtle blush pink or the striking neon pink, fuchsia is the color for you! It’s the perfect in-between shade to don this season. This winter color was popular in the fashion shows of Zuhair Murad, Alexander Wang, Moschino, Carolina Herrera and many more!

9. Cobalt Blue

One of last season’s top trends, electric blue, has made a comeback in a more toned-down version. We mostly saw these fall fashion colors as an accent to outfits in the shows of Chanel, Maison Margiela and Coach.

10. Eggplant

Different hues of violet like plum, raisin, grape, eggplant and mulberry were so huge on the FW18 runways that we couldn’t ignore them. From gowns and dresses to pants and jackets, these deep winter colors were everywhere! Top brands like Zuhair Murad, Marc Jacobs, D&G and Naeem Khan opted for these colors, making them a must-have for Fall 2018.

So that was our guide to color trends 2018! Which of these fall colors were your fave? Tell us your thoughts by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post Fall Colors in Fashion for 2018 | Winter Color Palette for Dresses & Clothes appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey beautiful! Food talks and food-related articles give me good vibes and that’s the reason I implored our editor to give me a food topic to write. And also so that I can treat my taste buds too while writing. Cookies are a favorite thing to munch for every age group. They are super yummy and guess what! The no bake cookies are super easy to make and help you to fulfill your cookie cravings asap!

So, get to know how to make no bake cookies with so many different recipe variations. So let’s get started before the coffee break arrives!

How to Make No Bake Cookies

When no bake cookies are easy to prepare then why eat cookie dough? Yes true it is! Many people can’t resist not eating cookie dough while the cookies are baking in the oven! I am one of them. (No one knows better than me how hard it is to kill time while the cookies are in the oven)! No bake cookies are ready to eat in less than an hour, and not to forget, they’re super yum! I’m drooling already! Depending on one’s taste, there are plenty of options to choose from on how to make these yummy tummy-filling cookies.

Ingredients for No Bake Cookies

– 1-3/4 cup white sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup butter
– 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This no-bake cookies recipe yields 36 yummy cookies and the preparation time is 10-15 mins.

No Bake Cookie Recipe

Once you’re ready with the ingredients, I know it’s hard to resist any longer and so let’s get started on making one!

1. Take a medium saucepan, add butter, sugar, milk and cocoa. Let it be on medium flame.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil and once boiled, boil for another minute.
3. Remove from heat and add any flavors you want like peanut, oats, etc.
4. Take a tablespoon and drop the mixture on baking sheets.
5. Let it cool for 30 minutes. And then, your cookies are ready!

7 Easy Variations in No-Bake Cookie Recipes

There’s a no-bake cookie recipe for everyone out there depending on your preference. From peanut-butter to chocolate to oats, get to know how to make your favorites.

1. Peanut Butter No Bakes

The basic ingredients to make no bake cookies remain the same in this recipe, just the major flavor varies. In case of peanut butter no bake cookies, you’ll need:

– 2 cups sugar
– Half cup milk
– 8 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 1 cup peanut-butter
– 3 cups oats
– 1tbsp vanilla extract

To get started with peanut butter cookies, boil milk, butter, sugar and cocoa in a pan. Keep stirring the mixture continuously. Once boiled, remove from heat and add peanut-butter, vanilla essence and mix thoroughly. Drop a tablespoon of mixed ingredients on baking sheets and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, your cookies are ready to be gobbled up!

This recipe makes nearly 40 cookies! Must be a good quantity if you’re throwing a party! And it take no more than half an hour.

2. Healthy No Bake Cookies

To make the cookies healthier, opt for 1 cup of almond oil or coconut oil instead of butter. And for sweetness, add 5-6tbsps of banana or maple syrup instead of sugar. Just a slight change in your recipe can make the cookies much healthier to eat.

3. Dairy Free or Vegan No Bake Cookies

Vegan cookies are the perf pick when you want to go egg free. The ingredients that vary are milk and eggs. And, if someone is allergic to peanut butter, then almond butter of same quantity as peanut butter can be used. 1 cup of coconut milk is also a good substitute for peanut butter.

4. Chocolate Chip No Bake Cookies

To the basic no bake cookies recipe, add a half cup of choco chips. Sure, these cookies are gonna win the hearts of kids!

Also, stay tuned while we get back with various delicious chocolate chip cookies recipe and it’s variations!

5. No Bake Gluten Free Cookies

Gluten is a protein found in few grains and dairy products like bread, which gives them elasticity. This protein may be indigestible to some and having high quantities of it is harmful to the body. So, if you’re gluten-allergic, try going for gluten-free oats. This may not even alter the taste!

6. No Bake Protein Cookies

To the basic ingredients of cookies add in two tbsps of protein powder in a flavor you like! You can also add 4tbsps of honey instead of sugar to make it more protein rich!

7. Paleo No Bake Cookies

Basically, food that existed during caveman times is known as paleo food. Just three ingredients would make yummy delicious cookies.

Ingredients:

– 3 cups shredded coconut flakes
– 1 cup coconut oil
– 1/2 cup maple syrup or any other fruit sweetener

Combine all the three ingredients and you are good to go with the cookies. The preparation time for these cookies is just 5 minutes but the time taken for cookies to firm up is 20 minutes. These can be stored at room temperature that lasts for 7 days and in the refrigerator for about 1 month!

This recipe makes nearly 20 cookies and is made in less than 20 minutes.

Hope you have already rushed to the kitchen to make the no bake cookies. Or if you’re planning to make them over the weekend, do let us know which recipe are you gonna try? Share your cookie images on @shilpaahujadotcom on Instagram and tempt us!

Also read:

– The Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe in the World!!
– All About Gourmet Chocolate: Types, Flavors, Brands of Artisan Chocolates
– Chocolate Dessert Ideas: 12 Quick and Easy Mouth-Watering Desserts
– Greek Food Obsession: 8 Recipes from Greek Cuisine You Need to Try

The post Best No Bake Cookies Recipe Ever!! Easy & Yummy + 7 Variations appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Teas are one of the healthiest beverages you can drink. Especially herbal infused teas. However poppy seed tea is one such drink that does have various health benefits but also comes with many dangerous side effects. Whether poppy tea is in fact lethal or not has been in discussion for a long time now but there are no clear answers. So read below all the health benefits, side effects, warning signs of an addiction and everything you need to know about poppy tea

What is Poppy Seed Tea?

Also known as opium tea, poppy seed tea is an infused herbal tea made from the seeds of the poppy plant. The pretty red flowers contain various minerals and nutrients but also alkaloids, which can have lethal effects on the body when consumed in large amounts. It’s called opium tea because poppy seeds and opium (a narcotic made from the dried juice of unripe poppy pods) both come from from the same plant. Poppy seed tea is not considered one of the true teas as it isn’t made up of the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. And it’s definitely not something that can be consumed on a daily basis.

Uses of Poppy Seed Tea

For centuries, opium tea or poppy seed tea has been used as an analgesic (painkiller) and a sedative. Of more recent times, people consume it as a way to relieve heroin withdrawal. What most people don’t realize is that poppy tea is a drug in itself and can also lead to an addiction and even overdose, which can be fatal.

However, its seeds are widely popular in kitchens around the world. Soaking the poppy seeds in water prior to cooking will strip most of their narcotic content and the rest is removed while cooking over heat. It’s the unwashed seeds that you have to watch out for. Poppy seeds are used significantly in baking to make bread, muffins, pretzels, hot dog buns and cakes. Dried poppy seeds are also very popular in Indian cuisine in the making of curries. And poppy oil is a significant ingredient in many soups and salad dressings.

Health Benefits of Poppy Seeds

Despite having life-threatening side effects, poppy tea also has health benefiting properties. It helps to lower blood pressure, improve mood and treat coughs, insomnia and chronic pain. Drinking opium tea also helps to relieve pain, improve digestion, bone health and boost the immune system. Poppy seeds also contain large quantities of zinc, which improves eyesight.

That being said, I do have to mention that there’s more risks to drinking poppy tea than there are health benefits. So, extreme caution should be taken while preparing and consuming it. Make sure the concentration of the poppy seeds in one cup isn’t too high and try not to drink it too often.

Common Side Effects of Poppy Seed Tea

Based on the amount of consumption of opium tea, side effects can be mild or disastrous. Some common side effects of poppy seeds are lightheadedness, drowsiness, nausea, stomach ache, constipation and itching of the skin. With more doses come more fatal side effects, which include respiratory arrest, impaired consciousness, cardiovascular system problems and in extreme cases, even death.

Can Poppy Seeds Make You High

When used in moderation, poppy seeds can benefit your body but on frequent and large consumption, opium tea can easily get you high. In fact, having just two poppy seed coated bagels are enough to send you into an euphoric state. Having traces of morphine, poppy seeds aren’t all too different from heroin or any other drug. If you still think opium seeds may not be all that bad, they can even make you fail a drug test.

Signs of Overdose

You already know the harmful effects of drinking poppy tea. Be responsible and make wise choices when it comes to intake of this herbal beverage and you should be fine. But in case of an accidental overdose, there are certain symptoms, knowing which you can stop before it’s too late. They include wheezing, pressure on the chest, constant headaches and nausea.

Dangers of Opium Tea

As poppy seeds contain morphine and codeine, both of which are some of the most addictive and harmful substances known, opium tea is undoubtedly not just any other tea. Codeine and morphine intoxication can very well lead to life-threatening situations.

Poppy Seed Tea Withdrawal

It’s easy to develop an addiction but extremely difficult to discontinue or even decrease the dosage of any drug. And that’s the case with opium tea. After your system is so accustomed to drinking this narcotic, stopping the intake can have many drastic changes and effects in your body. They include cramps, anxiety, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms may last for approximately a week but cravings can last up till a year.

Are Poppy Seeds Legal

Poppy seeds are legal in most countries but possession OF other parts of the poppy plant is actually illegal. In the UAE, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, poppy seeds are entirely banned.

So that was our guide on poppy seed teas, health benefits of poppy seeds and harmful poppy seed tea effects. What are your thoughts and opinions on this beverage? Tell us by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post All About Poppy Seed Tea: Health Benefits to Deadly Side Effects appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

If you’re like me and grew up in the 90s, you surely remember the hours spent watching 90s films and looking up to some of the best women of the 90s. And this year that we’re seeing so many 90s trends being back on the runways of the latest fashion weeks, we’re finding ourselves thinking of these icons! Whether you admire these 90s actresses for the characters they played, the fashion they rocked or the people they are, you’re gonna love this list of actresses. Some of my favorite movie actresses of the 90s were Kate Winslet and Sandra Bullock and writing this article made me relive my love for 90s stars and movies. So, check out our compilation of the top 90s actresses!

Popular 90s Actresses

1. Drew Barrymore

Popularly known for her role in E.T, Drew Barrymore was one of the popular women of the 90s for so many reasons. Her remarkable roles in 50 first dates, Never Been Kissed, The Wedding Singer and Poison Ivy made her one of the famous 90s actresses. But I’ll always remember her for her exceptional 90s fashion and style. She really knew how to rock the 90s grunge look with distressed denims, leather jackets, crucifix necklaces and dark lips. She even launched her own fashion line called Dear Drew last year.

2. Jennifer Aniston

No matter how many movies of hers I watch, Jennifer Aniston will always remain as Rachel Green to me. Nothing can ever compare to her iconic character from Friends. Her clothes, makeup, hairstyle, just everything will forever be talked about. Having said that, I’ve also enjoyed her other movies such as The Break-Up, Marley & Me, We’re the Millers and many more. She also managed to always be one of the best-dressed 90s actresses on the red carpet.

3. Julia Roberts

There’s not one movie of this 90s actress I don’t love. Every movie she’s done from the 90s right up to 2016, I watch over and over again. By far, one of my favorite 90s actresses. Although Pretty Woman has go to be her most popular movie to date, Notting Hill and Runaway Bride are my faves too. Her movies from the 2000s like Eat Pray Love, My Best Friend’s Wedding and America’s Sweethearts were just as good!

4. Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder, one of the biggest fashion icons and movie actresses of the 90s, is best known for her acting in Edward Scissorhands. She was one of the most influential women of the 90s, simply for her one-of-a-kind fashion sense. Leather, denim and velvet were go-tos in the 1990s. Apart from movies, she also appeared in many 90s music videos of popular singers like Cher and Annie Lennox.

5. Cameron Diaz

This famous actress is best known for her work in the hit 90s movies, The Mask and My Best Friend’s Wedding. Almost two decades later, she’s still one of the hottest 90s actresses in Hollywood. Her other popular movies include The Holiday, Knight and Day, Charlie’s Angels and Bad Teacher.

6. Sarah Jessica Parker

I’ve never really watched Sex and the City entirely (shocking, I know) but I know how iconic her role as Carrie Bradshaw was and still is! So iconic that two movies were made based on this girly TV series. In 2007, she even launched her own clothing line called Bitten and a couple of fragrances. Having won many golden globes and Emmy awards, she is definitely one of the most talented 90s actresses.

7. Reese Witherspoon

If you’re a chick flick-lover like me, you know her as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. If not, you know her as one of the best 90s actresses. She’s acted in plenty of hit movies like Sweet Home Alabama, Water For Elephants and This Means War. She’s also a big philanthropist and is always giving back to charity.

8. Katie Holmes

Most people only know her as Tom Cruise’s ex-wife (R.I.P TomKat) but rom-com fanatics like me will know her from First Daughter, The Romantics and Jack and Jill. She’s even made cameo appearances in TV series like How I Met Your Mother, The Kennedys and Ray Donovan. We don’t see much of her lately but there’s plenty of her movies and TV shows from the past that are worth re-watching!

9. Demi Moore

Apart from acting in popular movies like G.I Jane, LOL and Charlie’s Angels, this actress from the 90s has also produced lots of films like Now And Then & Mortal Thoughts. She’s also appeared on many top magazine covers and collaborated with PETA to fight against animal cruelty.

10. Kate Winslet

After her role in the epic romance/tragedy film, Titanic, Kate Winslet will always be most recognized as Rose Bukater. And believe it or not, she was only 21 when she landed the movie but had started acting since she was 7, making her one of the best 90s child actresses. Her new roles in movies like Steve Jobs continue to wow and she still makes news with her red carpet style. She’s also got a movies coming up – Avatar 2, which is only set to release in 2020 but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait!

11. Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is still one of the best older actresses, appearing in movies like The Iron Lady, Julie & Julia and August: Osage County. With 21 academy award and 31 golden globe nominations, she is undoubtedly one of the best actresses over 40s. And also, her amazing acting as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada will always be legendary!

12. Alicia Silverstone

After making her film debut in 1993 in The Crush, this 90s actress starred in the famous chick flick – Clueless. A movie about high school, relationships, family and fashion, this 90s film was her defining moment. She then went on to act in many other movies like Batman & Robin, Stormbreaker and The Art Of Getting By.

13. Sandra Bullock

Not only are movies like Speed, The Proposal and Miss Congeniality some of my all-time favorite movies, they all also star Sandra Bullock in the lead. She’s truly one of the best 90s stars with all the different genres of film she’s acted in. From sci-fi and thriller to rom-coms and animation, she’s done them all! Her most recent movie was Gravity, way back in 2015 but she has two movies, Ocean’s 8 and Bird Box, coming out this year! So stay tuned for that!

14. Uma Thurman

Model, actress and businesswoman, Uma Thurman, is one of the best 90s hollywood actresses. At just 14 years of age, she began her acting career and since then had many hits like Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, Percy Jackson (loved her as Medusa!), My Super Ex-Girlfriend and Bel Ami, to name a few.

15. Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is one of my favorite actresses from the 90s. Not just because of her acting in famous films like The Talented Mr. Ripley and Shakespeare In Love. But because of her great sense of style, her philanthropy work and her other endeavours like writing a cookbook and starting a lifestyle newsletter. She’s also one of the most humanitarian women of the 90s. She’s currently busy with her skincare brand, Goop.

16. Meg Ryan

With many popular hits like When Harry Met Sally, Top Gun, Sleepless in Seattle and Kate & Leopold, Meg Ryan is another woman on our list of best 90s actresses. She’s also appeared in television series like As The World Turns and Wildside.

17. Sharon Stone

Total Recall, Catwoman, Casino and Basic Instinct – all popular movies, and all starring the talented Sharon Stone. She’s also an activist for global peace and won a peace summit award in 2013, and has spoken about shunning botox and using an all-natural diet. Sharon Stone’s one of the most famous 90s actresses and always will be!

So that was our list of the most popular 90s actresses. Which of these 90s sitcom actresses and movie actresses are your faves? Tell us by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

Image Credits: Wikipedia, IMDB

The post 90s Actresses: Popular TV & Movie Actresses of the 90s We’re Remembering appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Medicine may be one of the most popular professions in the modern world, but yet, a common person knows so less about how it works, and has little to no control over the prescriptions or treatments prescribed. As medicine care becomes less like the godly act of healing and more like a business, most people worry about their regular health check-ups. What worries most people about modern medicinal treatments and procedures are the side-effects.

Many, many years ago, our ancestors used all sorts of natural healing ways and methods to help heal health problems. And now, people bring all those remedies back. No matter what issues you have, whether it be mental or physical, natural herbs and oils are believed to help and heal you, naturally. And within our team, we’ve even experienced some of these remedies bring actual results. Wanna know more? So read below the ins and outs of natural health healing before getting into it!

What is Natural Healing?

Also known as naturopathy, it’s a healing process that doesn’t involve any sort of contemporary medicinal practices. That includes pills, medicines and vaccines. Natural healing arts rely purely on naturally occurring things like herbs, oils, food and the sun. Natural healings are also based on the fact that nothing is a more powerful healer than unconditional love and that every person has self-healing powers in them!

Holistic Natural Healing: Health & Wellness

Holistic health is all about taking a person as a whole into consideration – body, mind and soul, rather than a particular body part. This type of natural health healing believes that optimum health and wellness can be achieved only when a person’s physical body, their emotions and the spirit are all taken care of. It’s also surrounded by the belief that even if there’s a small issue with one of these, it affects the others as everything is interconnected. Some of the types of holistic healing are massage therapy, exercise, acupuncture, ayurveda, naturopathy and spiritual counselling.

History of Natural Healing

It is believed that natural health and healing were introduced by Hippocrates who’s also known as the father of medicine. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian writings and inscriptions also state various plants and their medicinal uses. This drugless natural healing process soon began to spread to other countries and was adopted by different cultures in different ways.

But as technology advanced and new methods were discovered in medicine, naturopathy or alternative healing started to fade. So National University of Naturopathic Medicine was founded in the 50s to keep naturopathic medicine alive. Soon, more colleges opened and people started to learn the importance and benefits of natural energy healing. And by 2009, major countries and cities had licensed naturopathy practitioners.

Natural Healing Across Cultures

Many, many years ago, natural health healing was practiced and still is to this day across various countries and cultures. In New Zealand, the Maoris used incantations, natural healing massages, water therapy and steam & heat applications. These are practiced to this day in some parts of NZ. Native Americans used the bark of the willow tree to relieve and treat pain. In India, Ayurveda, a vedic medicinal method that has its roots in ancient India, is still practiced widely. It is said to be a transfer of medicinal knowledge from the gods to sages and sages to physicians and doctors. Herbs, seeds and other vegan products like holy basil, lemon and ginger are still used widely across households including our own for treating common ailments.

The Chinese used tai chi (a martial art), herbs, tea and acupuncture to achieve head-to-toe well-being. They also believed in qi, an energy that flows through the body and practiced methods to awake, harness the power of qi and maintain the qi flow. Similarly, Tibetan natural healing also relied on herbal remedies, lifestyle changes and holistic healing.

Science of Natural Healing

Natural healing solutions are based on the belief that you don’t need any kinds of drugs, vaccines or surgical treatments to cure a health issue. Practitioners believe that our bodies have the ability to heal themselves by absorbing energies from nature. Home remedies are based on the physical properties of herbs and spices. For example, turmeric, being a warm spice, when combined with hot milk is a good remedy for cold and cough.

What is Natural Healing Good for?

From something as simple as a cold or sore throat to serious issues like respiratory and mental problems, there’s a natural remedy for it all. And what makes it better is you can do it from the comfort of your own home as and when you please. Keep reading below and you’ll have every reason to turn to traditional healing methods.

Natural Healing Foods

One of the ways to self heal, is by eating healthy food that will naturally boost your health and immune system. These super foods include fresh green veggies like broccoli, kale and spinach, organic proteins like almond fish, eggs, almond butter and yogurt. Also include healthy food items like pumpkin, chia and sunflower seeds, cold-pressed organic oils and apple cider vinegar in your everyday cooking. To season, use only unrefined sea salt and fresh herbs and honey instead of sugar.

This is a preventive method, but can also be used for cures. Some specific food items can be used as solutions for certain problems. They include bananas for stress and anxiety, ginger tea for nausea, raisins for high blood pressure, cabbage for ulcers, potatoes for headaches and buckwheat honey for coughs.

Natural Healing Herbs

Medicinal plants and herbs have so many properties and uses that everyone should grow them in their gardens. Peppermint helps with nausea, stomach upsets and vomiting, thyme is great for throat infections, sage for respiratory problems, and aloe vera for skin and digestive problems. Similarly, flowers like chamomile, lavender, echinacea and comfrey have tons of benefits besides looking all pretty in your garden.

Healing Natural Oils

Using the best essential oils is yet another form of natural healing. These magical oils are extracted from natural sources such as flowers, fruit, bark, nut and resin and contain loads of beneficial properties. These natural healing products can be used in various ways. A couple drops in your bath tub, as a massage oil, soaking a cloth in the oil and applying on the skin for a while or in a diffuser. Try eucalyptus oil for headaches, rosemary oil for aches and pain, clove oil for oral infections, and sandalwood oil for sore throats. Essential oils can also be used for muscle pain.

Do Natural Healing Stones & Crystals Work?

Crystal healing is a type of naturopathy wherein precious stones, gems and crystals are believed to have powerful healing properties, fill you with positive energy and get rid of negative energy. These crystals are supposed to work when placed on your skin, in your pockets or even just displayed on your bedside table. They’re believed to have vibrational energy properties and apparently, they can pick up on vibrations from any individual’s body.

But at the end of the day, you can’t rely on a piece of jewelry to bring you happiness, success or anything like that. Of course, you can still have them around you. They make for some gorgeous decor and accessories!

Types of Natural Healing

There are various methods of natural health and healing, each with their own benefits and uses:

• Herbalism
• Acupuncture and natural healing
• Applied kinesiology
• Color therapy
• Iridology
• Ozone therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Reflexology
• Meditation
• Diet
• Crystal healing
• Natural healing massage

Natural Skin Healing

For youthful, glowing skin and to keep all skin problems away, incorporate some natural oils and organic remedies into your skincare routine. Coconut oil moisturizes dry skin, tea tree oil heals cuts and chamomile extract for wounds, burns, insect bites, bruises and eczema. Also, rose, calendula flower, arnica flower, aloe vera and honey are good for treating pretty much any skin problem or condition.

Also read: Natural Face Masks for Healthy Skin: Tried and Tested!

Natural Healing for Mental Health

Mental health is very important, which is why we can’t rely entirely on medicine to help with it. Natural remedies can help heal depression, anxiety and personality disorders. Never underestimate the power of a good diet, some meditation, a regular sleep pattern, and a peaceful environment to improve mental health. Herbs like saffron, lavender help to calm anxieties and relax the mind. Start your day with ananda, vinyasa or iyengar yoga for a peaceful mind and a stress-free day.

Natural Healing Methods

From taking a bath in a tub filled with essential oils or bath salts to something as simple as standing out in the sun, there are so many ways nature heals. Here are some common methods of natural healing:

• Massaging natural oils onto the skin to get rid of eczema or dryness
• Compressing with a cloth soaked in essential oils to relieve stress and anxiety
• Drinking ginger-lemon infused teas to cure a sore throat
• Adding herbs in your daily meals for overall well-being
• Regular yoga to keep your body flexible and avoid sprains
• Eating healthy foods to improve your immune system
• Include meditation in your lifestyle to keep your blood pressure in check
• Having turmeric milk to cure colds
• Listening to calming music to cure panic attacks or insomnia

Natural Healing Remedies

Here are some handy home remedies that will keep common problems at bay!

Sore throat – Crush about five garlic cloves and stir it into warm water and gargle twice a day.

Acne – Mix one part of apple cider vinegar with three parts of water, apply on skin using a cotton ball, leave for a minute and rinse. Do it 1-2 times a day.

Eczema/ Itchy skin – Powder some oatmeal in a blender and stir into your bathwater.

Wounds – Prevent infection by using a paste made of turmeric powder and water.

Cold/ Flu – Brew some ginger tea, add a teaspoon of honey and drink for instant relief

Body pain/ Tiredness – Chop ten cloves of garlic and heat it in four tablespoons of mustard oil. Apply wherever needed.

Joint ache – Drink a glass of lukewarm water with some honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder every morning.

So that was our guide to natural healing and wellness and the types of natural self healing. What are your opinions on this natural path to healing? And do you believe in the healing power of nature? Tell us by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post What is Natural Healing: A Complete Guide Decoding Myths & Facts appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey beautiful! With the increase in the number of nail art trends every coming day, the options to try in classy nail designs are aplenty. Girls love to keep experimenting with the latest ones but never forget, trends go out of fashion but classy style doesn’t. How much ever we rock the latest trends, sometimes we just don’t wanna try anything crazy and look classy. Same is the case with nails.

Here are a few classy nail designs and the best shades every girl would love to try!

40 Classy Nails You Need to Try

Casual Classy Nail Designs

It’s not necessary to pamper your nails just on special occasions, make them feel special even when your day is dull or you have nothing to do or you are just at home. On casual days, classy nail designs work well as you don’t have to think much. Just choose a neutral shade or white that’ll work well no matter what you’re up for in the week!

Classy Nail Ideas for Party

Going to a party and yet not able to decide on what nail design will go with the outfit? Just try some classy nail designs! Getting decked up for the party doesn’t always mean dazzling, shimmery nails, you can just add a touch of bling to your classy nails.

Classy nail ideas for the party include either dark or neutral shades with a little glitter on them. Glitter with french tip nail art is the best option. Mix no more than two shades of nail paint for that classy look. You can also just go plain and match the nail color with the color of the outfit! Top it off with a matte or high shine coat to match your mood and theme of the party!

Classy Nail Designs for Office

Office environments always crave classy and minimal fashion. The best idea for nail designs for office is stick to one color i.e go monotone! And if you want to try nail art then opt for nail designs with the same color and keep it as simple as possible. You don’t want people staring at your fancy nails when in a meeting or giving a presentation, right! So stay classy, stay beautiful!

Classy Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are fake nails placed on the original ones to get an instant feel for long well-shaped nails. If you have a party coming up and your nails are yet not ready for it, then acrylic nails come to the rescue. Many varieties come up in these nail designs that are readily available in the market, just choose the best ones! Also, you can work on them with nail design of your choice as they provide a very good canvas!

Classy Nail Art

Small floral prints, geometric designs, French tips and tiny embellishments are best ideas for classy nail art. I’m loving the baby pink colored nail art! Perfect for dates and yeah, Valentine’s day! The shimmery hearts look adorable.

Classy Toe Nail Designs

Amp up your toes with classy nail designs! Personally, I don’t like nail art on the toes as it gets hidden when I wear shoes and by the time it’s time to show it off it fades away! So, I prefer just classy nail paint on the toes like a single shade or alternate bright and light colors! You can also try tiny dots or lines to make the nail design stand out!

Classy Christmas Nails

Aww! I’m loving these classy Christmas nails. Snowflakes, reindeer, Santa and anything related to Christmas are the perfect go for Christmas nails. Also, if you don’t want to go for nail art and keep it subtle with just nail paint then opt for festive colors like white, red and green.

Classy Stiletto Nails

Stiletto nail shapes are for the bold and fearless! If you love to try new shapes, go stiletto for a week and paint the nails nude or white to keep the focus on the shape.

Also read: Nail Shape Chart | Find Out About Different Nail Shapes and Designs 

Classy Nail Colors

Neutrals, soft pink, shiny black, dove grey, baby pink are a few classy nail colors that would never ever go out of style! White, pumice, powder blue and mint green also look very classy. Reds for weddings, chrome glitters for parties are good ideas to try in the classy nail colors.

So these are the best classy nails! I’m loving the Christmas classy nails! Which one are you looking forward to trying? Do share the pics of your beautiful nails designs on @shilpaahujadotcom.
Image Credits: Instagram

Read Next:

– Best Burgundy Nails: 45 Nail Designs for Different Shapes & Shopping Ideas
– Summer Nail Colors: 9 Prettiest Nail Polish Colors to Celebrate the Sunny Season!
– 50 Toe Nail Designs | Pedicure Ideas for Every Season, Color & Mood 
– Fashion Nails: All the Latest Nail Art, Color and Shape Trends!

The post Classy Nails: 10 Best Shades & 40 Classy Nail Designs You Need to Try appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Jackets are a fall/ winter wardrobe staple. And if you live in a cold or rainy place, you might even need them during spring and summer. So we’ve gone through the FW18 runway collections and analyzed all the different types of jackets to come up with a list of super trendy jackets! From holo to cape jacket styles, they’ll keep you warm while making you look exceptionally stylish! Check ’em all out below!

Best Jacket Design for Fall Winter 2018-19

1. Holographic Jacket Design

The newest, boldest and also #1 trend of the season, iridescent outerwear is super trendy for Fall Winter 2018. It’s the perfect way to add color and shine to dull wintry outfits! This trend was seen on front open, bar, oversized and holo sequin jackets. You could try plastic holo fashion jackets like the ones by Maison Margiela during the rainy season!

Also read: Let Holographic Makeup Bring Out Your Inner Fairy

2. Mix Media Fur Jackets

Faux fur jackets look luxurious and can add the style factor to any outfit. This fuzzy jacket designs is usually sleek, monochromatic and elegant. But for FW18, top brands like Chanel, Dior and D&G are heading towards fun, colorful, embellished ones that are combined with other fabrics and textures! Roberto Cavalli had two different types of fur together, Chanel went for a tweed & fur and feathers & fur combo and Alice + Olivia mashed up fur with brocade panels.

3. Exaggerated Shoulder Pads

Dramatic and emphasized, this women’s fall jacket is one the top trends for Fall 2018. While shoulder pads have always been in style, this season, designers are going for sharper and more protruding shoulders, creating a boxy silhouette. Try different variations like overemphasized, pagoda and pointy, all of which we saw on the FW18 runways.

4. Cropped Jacket Design

This season we’re seeing cropped jackets of all lengths from just above the waistline to just below the bust. From biker jackets to tux and capes, the short jacket trend was pretty prominent on the Fall 2018 runways. These cute jackets would be great during the transitional autumn season. You can try extremely cropped ones like Ralph & Russo or barely cropped like Versace.

5. Velvet Tuxedo Bar Jacket

Classy bar jackets with tux-style satin lapels in rich velvet fabrics are trendy jacket styles for Fall Winter 2018-19. These jacket designs are a great way to dress up your formal outfits. You can opt for a chic, plain one like Alexander Wang or a sparkly embellished one like Dolce & Gabbana.

6. Statement Sequinned Jackets

We’ve all seen sequinned jackets walked down the runways season after season. However, this season we’re seeing sequins used in different ways as opposed to the regular completely sequinned jackets. Whether they’re a part of an embroidery, combined with fringes, sewed in a pattern or patchworked, this jacket design is huge for Fall Winter 2018.

7. Oversized Jacket Styles

If you’re like me and you love to shop oversized comfy jackets and sweaters from the men’s section, this jacket design trend is for you! Unlike last season’s oversized trend, this season is about dramatized jackets that almost look like they’re swallowing you. It’s pretty much all that walked the Marc Jacobs and Maison Margiela runways. We saw this trend in shoulder pad jackets, holo jackets and leather jackets.

8. Silver Metallic Fashion Jackets

On the fall 2018 runways, metallic silver was seen as an all-over color rather than an accent. From plain and fringed to embellished and even holo silver metallic jackets, these women’s fashion jackets are a definite must-have! But of course, we saw other metallics like gold and copper too as accents, but not enough to make it to our list of women’s fall jacket trends. Try a bright silver like Dior, a frosted one like Moschino or a muted silver like Armani.

9. Embellished Leather Jacket Styles

Leather jacket designs with ornamental and surface work on them are popular fall jackets for women. Try these cool leather jackets with sequins, beads, fringes, studs and rhinestones.

10. Cape Jacket Design

Jeremy Scott was a big fan of this trend at fall fashion weeks with plenty of looks donning a cape style jacket at his Moschino show. Button up and zipper capes, fur capes and embellished capes were popular in other top designer fashion shows like D&G, Giorgio Armani and Fendi.

So those were the latest jacket designs for Fall 2018. Which of these trendy jackets were your fave? Let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post 11 Jacket Design Trends for Fall 2018 | Latest Women’s Fall Jackets appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey gorgeous! I have this habit of forgetting my periods date like every freaking month. And that leaves me confused about my plans, my mood swings and what not! Being a woman ain’t easy at all. But womanhood is a beautiful creation of nature. So we may whine about menstrual cycle but it’s a part of our lives now and we have to accept it. Yeah! What else can we do?!

Apart from the cramps, cravings and mood swings, I’m sure most of you like me struggle to keep a track of period schedule. In high school, I used to manually keep a track every month. I had a separate calendar and called it menstrual calculator.

Period Tracker

But the monthly info wasn’t enough for the period predictor. But when I almost gave up, technology helped me through it. There are apps for period tracker for women. Yay! I was introduced to online period calendar through a friend. And since then I don’t worry about my dates for the coming months. Also, the data is stored and can come handy when I’m visiting my gynecologist. Of course, the predictions may not be 100% accurate and dates may vary slightly but at least you will know the approximates. It’s sometime +1 or-1 day.

So, I have made a list of the best 7 best period tracker apps to make your cycle easy peasy. Let’s check out!

1. P Tracker

This app is my personal favorite. I have been using this app for the past one year. You just have to press start at the start of your period every month. It takes the average of the past three months period and predicts the future months period dates. You can view your ovulation and fertile days, too! The one thing I totally love about this app is you can make a note of your moods, weight and write your thoughts. How cool is that?! After a few months, you can actually track your cycle and understand your body better!

2. Pink Pad

This period and ovulation tracker app has a 4.5 stars rating on playstore. When I first looked into this app I felt weird. It’s more like a social networking site. So I wasn’t sure. But when I researched and read the reviews, I was convinced. It’s a platform where you can be benefitted with health and fitness tips. Now I’m thinking to try it! They have amazing features like cervical symptoms tracking, fertile and ovulation day prediction, health journal and much more. But a user mentioned in her review that after changing her phone, her data got lost inspite of saving it. I think with so many features, they should work on this minor issue.

3. My Calendar

The period tracker is similar to other apps and you can see the data in the homepage calendar. So with a glance, you will know your cycle. There are reminders that help you to be prepared for the upcoming periods. And you can even password lock your calendar. But I don’t know why someone will want to peep into my period tracker. But anyway that’s an added feature. Also, the data can be restored easily with this app.

According to their website, clue is rated as the top free period tracker app by the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, a publication of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It has in-depth information of your menstrual cycle. You can track your birth control, ovulation, cramps emotions along with periods. It has an algorithm to track your periods. The more data you input, the smarter it gets. As in with each passing month, the data will be accurate.

Glow app has almost 10 million women using it. The app is easy to use and has reminders for medications, birth control and other health data. You can even sync your health statistics. It also shows the information for ovulation and accurate fertility data. There’s an option to make useful charts using glow’s basal body temperature tracker. And review past period & ovulation dates to better understand your fertility when trying to conceive.

Flo cycle tracker updates you daily with health tips that are specific for you. You can even see the countdown to your conceiving date if you’re pregnant. You can even track the development of the fetus. Apart from period and pregnancy tracking, you can even track your lifestyle and fitness data in it. Add your weight, daily sleep duration and water consumption. You can even log in your physical activities. Also, you can track your sexual activities on a daily basis. So it’s an overall lifestyle app for the modern woman.

This app is a unique period tracker that helps you to connect with other women and discuss sex, PMS and other women’s health topics. The app also provides data of upcoming period, ovulation and much more. It has cool charts that have information about your PMS symptoms and health data.

So, these we the top 7 period tracker apps! Are you gonna try ’em? Let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

Also, read:

–Victoria’s Secret Angel Workouts for Butt and Full-Body | Great for Traveling

The post 7 Best Period Tracker Apps to Keep Track of Your PMS & Ovulation Cycle appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey gorgeous! Kurtis are one of the most favorite attire amongst the Indian women. In fact, they’re a must-have in every women’s wardrobe. Stylish kurti designs and patterns are something that makes most Indian women drool over, especially the designer ones!  Designer kurti has become everyone’s favorite style statement to look chic in a traditional way. Also, they are comfortable and elegant to wear.

And they can be styled in so many ways! So if you’re a fashion lover who wants to explore the latest fashion trends, read on! I have come up with the amazing trend report for kurti fashion forecast from the runways. Let’s take a look at the latest kurti design ideas for 2018!

Latest Kurti Design: Top Trends for 2018

1. Asymmetric Kurtas

A bold way to spice up your wardrobe is to embrace the asymmetrical fashion trend. The asymmetric hem is one of the most flattering kurta patterns in trend these days. This season we are seeing high-low cut, longer at the back and shorter in the front. Go for ankle length or calf length at the back, and knee or thigh length in the front. These kurtas can be paired with skirts, palazzos, ankle-length or crop pants. I’m loving the Soham Dave one!

2. Belted Kurtas

Belts add a chic and structured look when you pair them with your outfits. This year, we’re seeing belted kurtas – matching broad belts on long kurtas. Go for leather, embellished or matching fabric belts on your fashion kurtas to make your outfit stand out!

3. Floor Touching Kurtas with Lehengas

Forget short casual kurtis. The long kurtas are the stuff of high fashion this year. Floor touching kurtas with lehengas are the best designer kurtis that give royal look. And this season we are seeing asymmetric, front and side slit embellished kurtas paired with lehengas. Great option for your BFF’s engagement.

4. Frock Style Kurtis

Missing those childhood days of wearing frocks? Worry not! This year there is a trend for you to go back to your childhood days. Yes, the frock style kurta pattern is super hot this season. Wear these kurtas with skirts, palazzos and loose pants. I’m liking the Vrisa one!

5. Front Slit

Amongst kurtis with slits, the front slit is the most common but yet the most stylish one, especially in floor-touching kurtas. These kurtas are surely an eye-catching fashion item. I’m loving the concept. For a bolder and sexier look, take the slit higher up to the ribs. And pair with palazzos or skirts as we saw on the runways of Rahul Mishra, Anju Modi and Reynu Taandon.

6. Jacket Kurtas

Kurtas with jackets give a casual look and very much in vogue this season. Plain, embroidered, printed and lined jackets with different length paired with palazzos, crop pants, chooridaar and loose pants. As seen on the runways of Jenjum Gadi, Karishma Shahani and Ragini Ahuja.

7. Kurtas with Crop Pants

Gone are the days when kurtas were paired with full-length chooridar or loose pants. This season, try designer kurtas paired with crop pants. It’s so trendy! Wear them for any casual outings with friends. They’ll also work for wedding mehendi function.

8. Kurtas with Skirts

Kurta with skirt is the classy Indian outfit for this year. The combination is amazing and gives a sophisticated look. So if you have a chic and fashionable kurti, pair it with a matching long skirt. This season, we saw kurtas of different lengths paired with ankle length or floor touching skirt. You can even pair high-low kurtis with long skirts.

Also check out: How to Wear Indian long Skirts

9. Shirt Collared Kurtas

Collars are back! But not those old ugly ones from the mid -2000s movie ‘Bunty or Babli’! This year, go for longer collars, men’s inspired or tuxedo style. Shirt collared kurtas are perfect for a casual outing and office meetings. These kurtas can be short, medium or long and paired with palazzos, loose pants, trousers and skirts. And if you wanna add some structure to your outfit, just add a matching belt.

10. Strappy Kurti

Here’s an even more daring trend, the strappy kurta! This season we’re seeing strappy kurtas in different designs paired with palazzos and crop pants. You can even wear strappy kurta on top of a sheer top to create a yet more stylish kurta design. I’m loving the asymmetric strappy kurta design by Aratrik Dev!

11. Unique Draping Style

Uniquely draped kurtis are such a hot favorite trend! If you wanna try a fancy kurti design this year, this would be a great option. Pair it with palazzos, crop or loose pants.

So those were the latest kurti design ideas for 2018. Which trend did you like the most? Let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja!

The post 11 Latest Kurti Design Ideas for 2018 | Designer Kurti Patterns appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.

Hey gorgeous! Ever since the Archie Comics inspired TV series, Riverdale, started airing, I’ve been hooked. Sure, not every episode is great, and some things are downright annoying about storylines and dialogue, at least I watch every episode with interest and (desperate) curiosity! And that’s why I thought this girly TV series needs a quiz of its own here on ShilpaAhuja.com.

And not just any beginner quiz about what’re the parents’ names or who’s dating who, but the ultimate Riverdale Trivia quiz – the one that tells about how serious a fan you are! Maybe you’ve watched all the episodes together in a couple of all-nighters. Or maybe you wait for every episode and watch it as soon as it’s aired. But do you know every detail about the less-occurring characters? Can you tell the non-canon terms from those used on the show? This Riverdale Trivia Quiz will test your knowledge beyond the basic Bughead/Varchie fandom, and beyond how hot you think Hiram Lodge or Cheryl is. This quiz will reveal it all – how much do you really know Riverdale facts!

So are you ready?!

So did you enjoy taking my quiz? What’s your score and result? Comment below! Would you like more such quizzes from me? What should be the next quiz about? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Muaah

Also read:
– 10 Riverdale Fan Theories Season 2: Obvious to Craziest!
– The Ultimate Riverdale Fashion Face-Off: Veronica Lodge vs. Cheryl Blossom!
– Riverdale Season 2 Episode 4: 17 Questions We Need Answered
– Popular TV Shows to Watch: 7 Awesome TV Series for Guys

The post The ULTIMATE Riverdale Trivia Quiz appeared first on Shilpa Ahuja.