Easy guide for being in an open relationship

While open relationships are easy going, but there are few rules you should follow.

Open relationships are fun and devoid of complications. But that doesn't mean there are no rules. There are some basic rules that you should follow even if you are in an open relationship.

Be honest: Being in an open relationship means that you don't have the pressure of a stereotypical relationship and so you don't need to fake anything. Being honest is one things you should always look at. This will keep both of you in a good space and will also help in building trust.

Have safe sex: While this is a pre-requisite for every relationship, its even more important as you are not committing to this person for life. And we don't really need to get into details about how to have safe sex, do we?

Maintain respect: Be open, but don't be hurtful. You might be doing anything outside of the relationship, but if you have other partners, make sure you don't flaunt them to your partner.

Be comfortable: Be open about setting the rules. Open relationship means that you will have other partners as well, but if you are uncomfortable about certain things, like your partner having a relationship with someone you know, then be clear and let them know.

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Simple tips to get luscious lips

For baby-soft lips with a hint of colour, use tinted lip balms

While a good quality, hydrating lip balm is a must-have in every woman's vanity case, lip balms with tints are even better. These don't just protect the lips and keep them supple, but also come in pretty hues and flavours! Today, lip balms have moved beyond the basic and into the cosmetics industry. Tinted balms offer a hint of colour with sheer to medium coverage and a satin finish, plus moisture. So, ditch your heavy matte lipstick or sticky gloss and opt for a light, hydrating lip balm this monsoon.

Why you must apply a lip balm daily: Helps heal your lips: Since the skin on your lips is thinner than the skin on your body, it is more prone to getting chapped, peeling and cracking. A lip balm will keep your lips hydrated and heal them faster.

Makes them look plump: A perfect pout means having soft and supple lips, which can easily be achieved by moisturising them daily with a balm. No need for lip plumpers! Contains added benefits: Most tinted lip balms contain SPF, vitamin E, antioxidants, shea butter etc., that keep the lips healthy and protect them against the harmful rays of the sun.

Make your own tinted lip balm
Things you'll need: A small jar with a lid, to store the finished product. A bowl, a mixing spoon, a microwave, petroleum jelly like Vaseline, powder eye shadow, blush or lipstick for colour and some type of food flavouring (eg: vanilla, strawberry or mint). If you want your lip balm to have SPF in it, you can add a colourless SPF chapstick.

Method: Place a scoop of petroleum jelly in a bowl and microwave it for a minute or till it turns liquid. To add your tint, scrape the desired amount out of the eye shadow, blush or lipstick. The more colouring you add, the more pigmented the lip balm will be. Mix the contents of the bowl really well. Keep stirring until the colour combines with the petroleum jelly.

Add a few drops of food flavouring and stir again. If the mixture starts hardening, microwave for another minute. Pour this liquid into a small, clean jar. Once it hardens, your tinted lip balm is ready to use!

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Cool your heels in pool sliders

Those ugly shoes you wore by the poolside in the 1990s are back in a glamorous garb this year.

And this time around, they tick practically every trend box. Pool sliders are flat-soled, making them a sensible choice for summer. A padded sole means more comfort and less strain on the feet. They have a good balance of a sporty and androgynous feel. They are unisex, with trendy options for men and feminine pastel ones for the girls. And the options currently available in stores can be worn to the pool... and anywhere else!

What to look for

- Pool sliders with a padded strap provide extra comfort
- Black, navy and blue are the safest colour choices in pool sliders. Bolder options include embellished and sequinned pairs.
- Sliders with socks look great on guys
- A metallic pair would make a surprising clubbing accessory

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Recipe: Kashmiri dum aloo

This veg delight is a hit with almost everyone.

Ingredients: 900 gm potatoes, three-fourth cup of water, salt to taste, ghee or oil for deep frying, one cup ghee, one large onion (finely chopped), four tbsp tomato puree, 140 ml curd, four tbsp hot water, one green pepper (sliced, seeds removed), one tsp garam masala powder, four cloves, four bay leaves, six black peppercorns, four green cardamoms, one brown cardamom, one cinnamon stick.

Paste: One large onion (chopped), garlic, two tbsp ginger, black peppercorns, one tsp poppy seeds, one tbsp coriander seeds, one tsp cumin seeds, two dry red chillies, one tsp turmeric powder, ground mace, ground nutmeg.

Method: Scrape the potatoes, prick all over with a fork and soak in the water with salt for a couple of hours. Dry the potatoes on a cloth and heat the ghee/oil. Deep fry the potatoes until it becomes golden brown. Drain and set aside. Heat the ghee in a flameproof pan and fry onions with all the spices. Grind the paste ingredients to a fairly smooth paste and stir into the onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stir in the tomato puree, curd and salt. Add the potatoes and hot water and stir over low heat for five minutes. Sprinkle the dum aloo with pepper and garam masala and cook for few minutes. Your dish is ready.

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Too much Twitter kills romance in life

Are 140 characters coming between you and romance in your life?

You are not alone.

A study contends that those addicted to Twitter are likely to have problems with their partners than those who are not.

The more time you spend on Twitter, the more harm you are causing to your relationship, said the study by researchers of the University of Missouri.

Of the 500 Twitter users polled, researchers found the more active the tweeter, the more conflict a relationship had.

The findings were not any different even for couples who have been together for long.

"Active Twitter users experienced Twitter-related conflict and negative relationship outcomes regardless of length of romantic relationship," Russell Clayton, doctoral student at Missouri School of Journalism, was quoted as saying.

However, the researchers said that Twitter may not bet the sole factor for the souring of a relationship.

Other contributing factors like money, and trust, could also end a relationship, the study said.

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Make your knuckles sparkle with midi rings

Celebrities like Beyonce Knowles, Angelina Jolie and Rihanna have been giving sparkling accents to their knuckles by wearing midi rings. So how about trying your hand at it?

If bold cocktail rings are out of style for you, try the midi rings in various styles to up the attractive quotient of your fingers.

The little jewellery pieces, available on highstreetshop.net, are available in an array of style like in the shape of bows, crown and many more, said a statement.

Wear the must have accessory - midi rings after a nice nail art to beautify your hands.

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35th Anniversary Menu at Bukhara, ITC Maurya

Iconic Delhi eatery Bukhara, dishing out delectable Northwest Frontier Provincial cuisine is completing 35 years and celebrates it with two new additions to its menu.

The joke in Delhi restaurant business is 'either you go for a new menu every season, or the venue might have a new restaurant next season.' Keeping this logic in mind, a restaurant that survives for 35 years with the same menu is no joke. Bukhara, the iconic Delhi eatery at ITC Maurya, opened in 1978 and has continued to tickle the taste buds of connoisseurs with same menu for last 35 years.
Things are in for a change though this year. Two dishes are to be added to its menu as a part of the anniversary celebration. Hotel sources revealed that a grilled fish delicacy will be added to add as an option for seafood lovers and a roasted vegetarian dish will entice the vegetarians who so far settled for variety of breads and fabled Dal Bukhara.

Various offers and promotions along with signature giveaways plan to make the celebration promotion a meal to savour for the discerning diners who swear by the menu. The staff is equipped to make this meal a walk down the illustrious memory lane with ample anecdotes of various head of states and their dining experiences.

Do remember to round off the meal with their signature phirni.

What: 35th Anniversary Celebration, Aug 2-Aug 11 Where: Bukhara, ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, SP Marg, Delhi

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Employee life - The second stint

While going back to work with your ex-employer is a tough career call, it may turn out be a good move. Purnima Goswami Sharma lists the things you need to consider before making the move.
Working with your ex-employer is not an easy move for most professionals. While this could be one of the most pragmatic decisions that mid career professionals make, it is accompanied by a number of advantages and disadvantages.
"Companies are more than glad to hire ex employees who can think out-of the-box, help generate growth at several levels and whose ideas and adrenaline levels match that of the organisation," states Seema Sood, director, events and PR, Leo Burnett.

Not many these days quit a company to never return. Several professionals, who have had a great time working for a company in the past, may, at some point of their career, decide to rejoin it in a new capacity. Adds Sood, "Merely stating that they are going back to their old jobs may be the wrong way of looking at this phenomenon. It is imperative for people to work in envi before going back to your previous company?
Look beyond comfort: Carefully consider all options before returning to your ex-employer. "If an opportunity to work in a peaceful setting and contribute to the growth of the organisation exists, then get rid of your ego and take up the work with renewed vigour. However, if comfort is your only criterion, then the move could be a bad one as mere convenience can kill your ability to take up challenges. Hence, look for a win-win situation, where you can not only progress professionally in the new role, but also contribute to the organisation," says Nabendu Bhattacharya, MD, Milestone Brandcom.
Make a well-thought out decision: Be absolutely clear about the role offered and take a logical decision rather not have been pleasant, employees are more appreciative about their former employer. However, ensure that the issues that had resulted in your exit earlier do not exist anymore."

Don't be a know-it-to all: Returning to an organisation calls for a reassessment of your skills, recalibration of your ambitions and renewing your focus and motivation to work for the company. "Avoid being a know-it-all.
Although you might be familiar with the work environment, avoid leveraging that aspect and respect your co-workers' space," advises Sood.
Exit gracefully: Always respect the organisation you have worked for and avoid criticising it.
Rejoining a company can be a lot easier if your previous exit was graceful. "It is extremely important to not burn bridges with your rank," says, Bhattacharya.
He adds, "It's a good idea to go back to an old employer if the management has undergone restructuring or if you are being offered a higher position. However, if you are offered a similar job profile as in the past, look to grow through achieving challenges and creating newer benchmarks."

Says Aradhya, "Returning employees need to be more collaborative in dealing with their ex-colleagues in order to be accepted easily."

In conclusion: If the move is for a better work atmosphere, security, job profile, compensation and recognition, it only makes sense to go back your former employer. Remember that the company expects you to deliver a better output, hence do not be enamoured only by the comfort of working in a familiar setting.
If one feels that a particular company meets his/ her expectations, then whether it is a familiar place or a new one, they must pursue it."

So, what are the factors you need to consider than an emotional one.
Urvi Aradhya, senior vice president HR, Inorbit Malls shares, "Second stints are normally long lasting ones not only because they are informed decisions, but because having experienced the atmosphere at other offices which may employer if you think you may return someday.
However, rejoining also depends on employer-employee relationship, organisation's philosophy, its nature of business and the position the employee held in the past, especially if he/ she held a high.

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Be game for playful nails

Let your nails look nail-o-licious by colouring them with pop hues or with the help of a few accessories.

Here are some tips from Ishika Taneja, make-up expert and executive director of Alps Beauty Clinics:

Nail paints: The nail colours have undertaken a diversified journey from glossy-shimmery nail-polishes to bright yet subtle looking ones. Hot pink, red, orange, green and yellow, the market is full of bright nails possible.

One may also find convenient nail-pens, which makes the task of painting them easier. If you are bored of the usual texture of nail paints - go wild with velvet ones and nail-paints with foils - with a tendency to change its sheen.

Nail art: A nail-do where two or more nail paints are mixed, makes way for a great nail-art. This is often done along with a few other nail-accessories that are used to enhance the look of your fingers.

Nail extensions: Nail extensions are for those who complain of brittle, hence short nails; but if you yearn for longer-looking nails, you can go for this trend. Special acrylic powder and liquids are used to paste the natural looking long nails on the original ones.

Nail piercing: Go for nail-piercing by getting nail accessories like butterflies, bows, stones, pearls and other studs pierced over your nail bed. The procedure is painless. If you would like to be on a little daring, you can opt for slightly long chains and accessories - which keep hanging beyond your nails.

3D nail art: Known as a more prominent sequel to nail-art, it is done using different coloured swarovski, bows, pearls, stones and chains. It is a shortened-up form of nail-piercing - where the frills attached on your nails last for a specified time period only.

Moreover, a lot of asymmetrical studs are often used to garnish the overall look of our nails in 3D nail-art - while some nails are left blank to add a dash of unevenness to the do. You can go all wild while choosing the hues for nail-paints and accessories or also keep it a bit simple. But remember to make sure that you don't go overboard with all the bling together.

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Bust all snoring myths

Tired of being called names and listening to complaints from your partner because you snore at night?

But more than that, it is important to keep a check on your snoring as an excess of it can be an indicator of many diseases, one of them being sleep apnea, says Dr Kaushal Sheth, ENT surgeon, "People develop sleep apnea when their airway collapses partially or completely during sleep due to various medical conditions. This causes the oxygen levels in the blood to decrease and can be potentially life threatening when it becomes obstructive sleep apnea."

Elaborating on it further, Dr Jayashree Todkar, bariatric surgeon and obesity consultant says "Snoring is an indication of obstacles in a person's breathing. When excessive fat accumulates around the stomach, the lungs do not get ample space to expand when we inhale oxygen; this in turn leads to obstacles in the process of inhalation-exhalation."

However, there are many myths surrounding snoring which is a very common problem. To sleep better one must get rid of the myths that surround snoring and only accept the facts, says Dr Viranchi Oza, BDS as he gives us a lowdown of some stories around snoring:

Myth: Everybody snores, therefore it's normal.
Fact: Snoring is not a normal condition. Labelling it as 'normal' diminishes the seriousness of the condition. Snoring is not just about annoying your partner, it is a sign that the body is struggling to breathe properly during the night. Snoring on a frequent or regular basis has been associated with hypertension and can also be an indication of sleep apnea (pauses in breathing). Sleep apnea sufferers have been reported to have diminished gray cells in their brains, most likely due to the oxygen deprivation of untreated sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular disease over time. In addition, insufficient sleep affects growth hormone secretion that is linked to obesity. As the amount of hormone secretion decreases, the chance of weight gain increases.

Myth: Snoring only affects the health of the snorer.
Fact: Snoring doesn't just negatively affect the health of the person snoring, but also the health of the person lying next to them in bed. A typical snorer usually produces a noise that averages around 60 decibels (about the level of vacuum cleaner), but with some people this can reach 80 or even 90 decibels (about the level of an average factory). Sleeping with a partner who snores during the night has been shown to increase the blood pressure in the other person, which may be dangerous for their health in the long term. Snoring also causes the partner to have fragmented sleep and lose up to one hour of sleep
every night.

Myth: Snoring comes from the nose, so if I unclog my nose, my snoring will stop.
Fact: Having a stuffy nose can definitely aggravate snoring and sleep apnea, but in it's not the cause. A recent study showed that undergoing nasal surgery for breathing problems cured sleep apnea in only 10% of patients. Snoring vibrations typically come from the soft palate, which is aggravated by having a small jaw and the tongue falling back. It's a complicated relationship between the nose, the soft palate and the tongue.

Myth: I know I don't snore, or have apnea. I am fine.
Fact: Don't ignore your wife when she tells you that your snoring doesn't let her sleep. When a partner snores it is very difficult for the spouse to sleep. There are people who snore excessively and suffer from sleep apnea, but feel absolutely normal. However, snoring increases their risk of getting a heart attack and stroke. The only definitive way to prove that you don't have sleep apnea is by taking a sleep test. Screening questionnaires like the GASP or the Epworth have shown high reliability in identifying patient risk for sleep apnea.

Myth: If I lose weight, I'll cure myself of sleep apnea.
Fact: Sometimes. It's definitely worth trying, but in general, it's very difficult to lose weight if you have sleep apnea. This is because poor sleep aggravates weight gain by increasing your appetite. Once you're sleeping better, it'll be easier to lose weight. This is the one ingredient with many dietary and weight loss programs that's missing or not stressed at all. It's not enough just to tell people to sleep more.

Myth: Health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and depression have no relation to the amount and quality of a person's sleep.
Fact: More and more scientific studies are showing a correlation between poor quality sleep and insufficient sleep with a variety of diseases. Blood pressure is variable during the sleep cycle, however, interrupted sleep negatively affects the normal variability. Recent studies have shown that nearly 80% cases of hypertension, 60% cases of strokes and 50% cases of heart failures are actually cases of undiagnosed sleep apnea. Research indicates that insufficient sleep impairs the body's ability to use insulin, which can lead to the onset of diabetes. Fragmented sleep can cause a lowered metabolism and increased levels of the hormone Cortisol which results in an increased appetite and a decrease in one's ability to burn calories.

Myth: Daytime sleepiness means a person is not getting enough sleep.
Fact: Do you feel very sleepy even during the day despite the fact that you had a long night of proper sleep? Excessive daytime sleepiness can occur even after a person gets enough sleep. Such sleepiness can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea. Please seek professional medical advice to correctly diagnose the cause of this symptom.

Myth: Getting just one hour less sleep per night than needed will not have any effect on your daytime functioning.
Fact: This lack of sleep may not make you noticeably sleepy during the day. But even if you've got slightly less sleep, it can affect your ability to think properly and respond quickly. It can compromise your cardiovascular health and energy balance as well as the ability to fight infections, particularly if the pattern continues. Lack of sleep has also been associated with road accidents (up to 60% of road accidents involve lack of sleep) and air crashes (Air India Mangalore plane crash in 2010 was due to lack of sleep). Sleeping for less than six hours a night is equivalent to legal levels of alcohol intoxication.

Myth: Sleep apnea occurs only in older, overweight men with big necks.
Fact: Although the stereotypical description does fit people in the extreme end of the spectrum, we now know that even young, thin women that don't snore can have significant obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea begins with jaw structure narrowing and later involves obesity. It's estimated that 90% of women with this condition are not diagnosed. Untreated, it can cause or aggravate weight gain, depression, anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Myth: Snoring can't be treated.
Fact: Have you given up on your snoring thinking that it cannot be treated? There are many different options for treating snoring.

Some treatment options are rather drastic, possibly requiring surgery or prescription drugs, but prior to exploring such options it would be wise to first seek out alternative treatments. You must visit a sleep specialist to get the right diagnosis.

Myth: Extra sleep at night can cure you of problems with excessive daytime fatigue.
Fact: Not only is the quantity of sleep important but also the quality of sleep. Some people sleep eight-nine hours a night but don't feel well rested as the quality of their sleep is poor. A number of sleep disorders and other medical conditions affect the quality of sleep. Sleeping more won't alleviate the daytime sleepiness these disorders or conditions cause. However, many of these disorders or conditions can be treated effectively with changes in behaviour or with medical therapies.

Myth: Insomnia is characterised only by difficulty in falling asleep.
Fact: There are four symptoms usually associated with insomnia:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep
- Frequent awakenings
- Waking up feeling tired and not so fresh

Insomnia can also be a symptom of a sleep disorder or other medical, psychological or psychiatric problems. Sometimes, insomnia can really be a case of undiagnosed sleep apnea.

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Quality of sperm, not donors' age matters

It is the sperm quality of the donor and not his age that matters in the success of fertility treatment with sperm donation, a study says.

The age of the sperm donor was of little significance in couples having sperm donation for fertility treatment, the findings showed.

"It is sperm quality rather than male age that matters," said Meenakshi Choudhary, from Britain's Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life.

"Our results suggest that, up to the age of 45, there is little effect of male age on the treatment's outcome," Choudhary added.

The findings reaffirm the observation that a couple's fertility appears significantly more dependent on the age of the female partner than on that of the male.

Their conclusions were derived from an analysis of all Britain treatment cycles with sperm donation registered by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) between 1991 and 2012.

From a total of more than 2,30,000 sperm donation cycles, 39,282 were from a first cycle of treatment (with either IVF or donor insemination) and were included in the analysis (a first cycle would avoid any bias from previous attempts).

Results showed a difference according to female age, both in the IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and the donor insemination treatments.

Live birth rate from IVF with donated sperm was around 29 percent in the 18-34 age group, but only around 14 percent in the over-37 age group.

However, within these same two female age bands, no significant differences were found in live birth rate (LBR) relative to the age of sperm donor.

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Pony tail ideas for men

Men's styling, pony tail ideas

It is not a normal trend for guys to keep their hair hanging loose, especially when they are long. So the most obvious choice is to tie a pony tail. But what can you do with your pony tail that it makes you look stylish? Here are few things that will not only help you keep your hair in good condition but also bring out the best of style for you.

Most men tend to simply tie their hair without styling them at all. But a pony tail doesn't mean the end of style. You can do various little variations for extra style. Le some of your hair loose when you tie a pony tail. Simply by combing your hair back and letting some strands fall on your shoulders will give a distinct look.

Braids are yet another option for guys. Braided pony tails tied at the bottom look great in a casual outlook and it gives a native American look. And if you are a little more crazy then dreadlocks can be an ideal way to make a strong style statement.

All this has to be coupled with the basic hair care as tying a pony means the hair goes through some amount of damage like stretching at the root or sweating etc. To free your hair from all this you need to shampoo and condition it properly and let them dry on their own. Combing to remove the knots is also essential.

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A book on Kerala's legend

When two legends from two of the four pillars of democracy join hands, the end result cannot but turn out to be better than just an interesting book and a pleasurable read.

Maverick Kerala politician K.M. Mani -- state minister of finance and supreme leader of regional outfit Kerala Congress (Mani) -- and veteran journalist K. Govindan Kutty have conjured up such a tome.

'K.M. Mani: A Study in Regionalism' is a 308-page book in English, prized at Rs.400, written by Kutty on the life and times of Mani and published by capital city-based Folio headed by yet another veteran journalist P. Ravindran Nayar, who is the editor-publisher.

The subject matter of the book, Mani, is certainly a fit topic for a detailed case study and Kutty - known for his penchant for writing books that have all turned out to be hugely successful in the past - has given a vivid and complete story of Mani. Written in the most lucid manner, it leaves the reader on the edge of the seat.

"What justifies this book, more than anything else, is the enthusiasm of its subject, K.M. Mani, and his aides. When the idea was broached to me, I had long lapsed into idleness. An acute sense of triviality had affected me. More, I was not sure that Mani would be able to spare for me as much time as should be devoted to anything that approximates to a biography. That made the decision more than hard," reveals Kutty.

Mani, 80, has numerous records to his credit and he would probably go down in the history of the country's political system as one whose records could well be difficult to beat.

Incidentally, it was in 1965 that Mani contested his first election to the assembly from Palai (now known as Pala) in Kottayam district, which he won.

But the Kerala assembly could not be constituted as none of the eight parties that contested could get a majority on its own nor were they able to join together.

So, it was in 1967 that Mani first became a legislator in Kerala and since then he has won every election from his home constituency, giving him the record of being a legislator for the past 47 years. He also has the unique distinction of presenting a dozen state budgets.

"The part of the life of Mani that held my interest is that he could retain the trust of an assembly constituency, three lakh people or more, for an unbroken half century, almost with the constancy of Meenachil river on whose banks his place, Pala, is perched. That this has happened in our times of increasing cynicism is particularly significant. With such a show of people's support, he has also won a general endorsement across the political spectrum as one made for the top job, no less," recalls Kutty.

Speaking to us, Mani said he has just started to read the book and is planning on where and how to launch it.

When asked about his long-standing dream of going on to become the chief minister of Kerala, "Mani sir", as he is popularly called by his friends and foes, broke into laughter and said: "Let it come, also I can wait. Let it take its natural course."

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Restaurant Review: Fenny’s Lounge & Kitchen

European When Fenny's opened its doors last year, the name itself promised a place full of laidback Goan hospitality, and of course, Feni. And it's all here in Koramangala, with the exception of Goan food and that fiery spirit.

Decor
The decor is traditional GoanPortuguese style -a mixture of open-air and canopied spaces. "Ten green bottles hanging on the wall, and if one green bottle should accidentally fall," goes the ditty, and it comes to mind at the central island bar, which features over a thousand of them. On a Saturday night, however, it's best to avoid conversation since the music can get quite loud.

There is a lot of old furniture that is upcycled from old Goan villas, including beds, promising an evening of sussegado. A couple of transplanted heirloom trees add a lovely green effect to the alfresco section.

Food
Without doubt, their pizzas grab the spotlight. There's a wood-fired oven in a corner of the restaurant and all evening, you will be seduced by the smells of pizzas baking. The rest of the menu is a mix of the usual sizzlers, pastas and grilled delicacies. At our table, we had a Margherita Pizza, a Chicken Supreme with mushroom sauce and a Chicken Sizzler. Inexplicably, the Chicken Supreme and the Chicken Sizzler tasted suspiciously similar. The pizza was good, with liberal doses of fresh basil, but could have been better with more tomatoes. And sometimes we wonder why restaurants haven't discovered Bangalore's country tomatoes. Do try Bread Lasagna -a signature dish from the island of Sardinia.

Chilli aficionados will feel sated with the Devil Beef Chunks; our companion broke into a sweat after the first bite itself.

Citrus Marinated Prawns with orange segments were excellent and smelt fresh.The drinks menu is very comprehensive and we liked a cocktail made with two rums, pineapple, lime and cranberry juices, topped with grenadine and angostura bitters.

Service
While the service is warm and even proactive on week nights, there is a definite difficulty to cope with the crowds on weekends.

Plus and minus
A wide variety of beverages and a well-stocked bar, a pleasant open-air space and some good pizza. Perhaps you may want to time your visit for a quiet week night only.

Venue: Fenny's Lounge & Kitchen, 115, 3rd Floor, 7th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore — 560095
Meal for two: `1,500
Timings: 11.30 am-11.30 pm

Rating:
Food: 3.5
Service: 3
Decor: 3.5

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How to enjoy motherhood

Motherhood is one experience a woman needs to enjoy because of the intangible joy involved in the process.

The road to maternity is one such precious experience that not only comes with the perks of becoming a mother, but also has the onus of bringing up a baby responsibly. Here's how first time mothers can enjoy motherhood:

Gear up for sleepless nights
Now that your labour of love is in your lap, it's time to brace yourself up since you will be round the clock almost awake to meet the feeding needs of your baby. Mentally prepare yourself for feeding and nappy changing sessions.

Keep a book by your bedside
This will let you relax and unwind. As your system is now exposed to the unusual sleeping patterns since the feeding frequency will be more during the initial months, you might find it difficult to sleep immediately after your baby has gone off to sleep. So reading your favourite book or magazine helps you relax.

Pamper yourself
It is not that 24X7 you will have to be at your baby's service. When the baby is asleep, you can get some home spa experience. Hire a beautician who can visit you at home and can provide foot spa, head massage, manicure, pedicure services etc.

Visit your gynecologist
After delivery, follow up visits to your gynecologist are a must. Your body must have witnessed so many changes that make it imperative for you to take care of your health while you enjoy your newly acquired role.

Don't treat motherhood like a task
Don't get worked up if your baby keeps you awake till the wee hours. If you are up and about by 3 in the morning owing to feeding sessions, worry not. You can enjoy a serving of ice cream or shrikhand and enjoy watching repeat telecast of your favourite TV serial.

There are ways to enjoy motherhood and one must always enjoy because it's a special feeling.

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Book Review: Kanshiram

Book: Kanshiram: Leader of the Dalits
Author: Badri Narayan
Publisher: Penguin/Viking
Pages: 265

Kanshiram was to Dalits what Narendra Modi is for Hindutva - an icon. Much like Modi, Kanshiram struggled from an early age to ultimately make a mark in politics. But the struggle was much harder for this sturdy 'Chamar Sikh' from Punjab with a Hindu name.

Unlike Modi, Kanshiram had no political party to lean on. After backbreaking efforts, he founded one, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which, in just a short period, ended up as one of India's major political formations, shaking up the Congress in the state which matters, Uttar Pradesh, and beyond. This book is the first major - and very rich - biography of Kanshiram, who, on the road to success, boasted: "Ambedkar collected books, I gathered people."

Unlike most political leaders, Kanshiram sacrificed everything he had for a cause he held dear: help Dalits lead a better life. A science graduate, he quit as a Class I officer in a government establishment in Pune after fighting to restore Ambedkar Jayanti and Buddha Jayanti as official holidays. He joined the Republican Party of India but quit in disgust despairing over its lack of militancy. Kanshiram was very clear: "Rights are to be seized, not requested for." It is a thinking that shaped his life.

The victory in Pune led Kanshiram to plunge into Dalit literature and Dalit politics in real earnest. Taking measured steps, he founded the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) to rally lower caste government employees. He also took a momentous decision - rare in politics - to cut off all ties with his family. He pledged never to return home, never to marry, never to take part in social gatherings, never to take up any other job, and "not rest in peace till Balasaheb Ambedkar's dream had been fulfilled". Kanshiram kept his word. When his father died, he didn't go home to perform, as the eldest of seven children, the last rites; these were done by a younger brother.

As an activist, he was humbleness personified. When he travelled to mobilize Dalits, he would eat at homes of fellow activists; not spend public money on hotels. With his chosen comrades, Kanshiram moved from place to place with just a bag containing a set of clothes and some items of daily use. He travelled on trains in general compartments, "enduring all the dirt, dust, heat and cold". If tired, he would put his slippers in his bag and use it as a pillow to take a nap. He dressed simply, in half-sleeve shirts and trousers, at times buying them from markets selling second-hand garments. He made his own slippers out of rubber tires. Once someone picked Kanshiram's pocket, leaving him with no money for a tonga ride from a railway station; so he walked 15 km to deliver election posters to a village. Kanshiram's devotion gave the BSP a solid foundation that survives to this day.

As his reputation spread, BAMCEF attracted tens of thousands of the best of Dalits - PhD scholars, scientists, doctors, government staff et al. Kanshiram held seminars and rallies. He re-created forgotten Dalit saints and heroes including from the 1857 revolt. He popularized Ambedkar in Uttar Pradesh like never before. BAMCEF (formally born in 1978) was followed in 1981 by the more political Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti or DS4, whose membership was open to all except Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Banias. A 1983-84 all-India cycle rally by some 300,000 DS4 activists was Kanshiram's first show of strength.

Kanshiram was no blind follower of Ambedkar. Unlike Ambedkar who stood for annihilation of caste, Kanshiram utilized the caste divisions to his advantage, building a broad platform of lower castes to derail traditional parties and sought to take control of governments. It was a bold move that paid great dividends. Again, unlike Ambedkar, Kanshiram never converted to Buddhism - probably he was afraid of offending the "Chamar Hindus" of Uttar Pradesh.

DS4 led to the BSP in 1984. In no time the new party outpaced both the Congress and the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Making use of opportunistic alliances, he installed Mayawati as the country's first Dalit chief minister in Uttar Pradesh. In 2001, due in part to growing internal differences within the party and to failing health (the feverish pace of work led to diabetes and high blood pressure), Kanshiram bequeathed the BSP leadership to the young Mayawati. In 2003, he suffered a brain stroke, and died three years later amid allegations that Mayawati had held him a prisoner.

Kanshiram succeeded where even Ambedkar failed: stitching together a fighting Dalit network. It was no easy task. It was a self-made man who aroused the Dalits. That the BSP has its limitations even vis-a-vis Dalits is another story. One does wonder if Kanshiram would be happy to see the BSP - and Mayawati's lifestyle and politics -- of today. This book must be read by every student of Indian politics.

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Clean furniture the right way

Sparkling furniture makes for an impressive home. Make sure you use the right cleaning and maintenance methods for different kinds of furniture items.

Indian online home store Fabfurnish.com has listed ways to ensure that everything from your dressers, tables, couches, chairs to bookcases look squeaky clean all year round:

Painted furniture: Painted furniture is the easiest to clean. On a weekly basis, dust or wipe it clean with a cloth dampened with water. Be sure not to leave water spots on the surface as they can leave permanent marks. Add an oil finish for the best possible protection.

Wooden furniture: Wooden furniture needs to be cleaned with extra care. For everyday cleaning, use a soft and dry piece of cloth to dust such pieces. Special cleaning will involve the use of a lint-free cloth to polish the furniture on a regular basis. To avoid polish smudges, always use the same type of polish, oil-based or wax-based, throughout. Wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood whenever possible. When it is time to remove the built-up wax, use either mineral spirits or synthetic turpentine with a soft, lint-free cloth. Clean the entire piece of furniture with the polish and not just the area that's soiled.

Leather furniture: Leather is one material that can crack easily so keep it away from heat or direct sunlight. Cleaning it is relatively easy if done regularly. Use a damp sponge or soft cloth and dust the furniture daily. If there are excessive marks, make a solution with one-fourth cup white vinegar and half cup water. Dip a soft cloth in this solution and clean the furniture. Follow this with a wash of leather saddle soap. Afterwards, rub the furniture with a dry soft cloth.

Wicker and cane furniture: Dust regularly and vacuum often to get rid of the grime settled in the cracks of the finishes. When exposed to intense sunlight, the natural fibres of wicker, cane and rush furniture tend to dry out. In such conditions, place the piece of furniture in a bathtub full of warm water or spray with a hose outside. This will help your chairs, stools and tables to retain their natural fibre setting.

Upholstered furniture: Keep upholstered furniture away from direct sunlight as most fabrics tend to fade. Vacuum the surfaces weekly. Flip cushions and pillows regularly so both sides wear out evenly.

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Fun indoor activities for your kids

With summer at its peak, sending your child out to play in the sun is definitely not a good idea.

Instead, get your kid occupied with these interesting indoor activities.

Aerobic exercises
Put on peppy music and get your child to do some fun, aerobic indoor exercises.

Create an indoor fort
Spend a lazy afternoon with your kid, creating an indoor fort made up of blankets and pillows.

Design a treasure hunt
Choose some unusual spots around your house and hide some items for a treasure hunt. If child is too young to read, draw their sketches.

Have a family play date
If your kid's friends are out of town, have a family play date in the evenings. Get your partner involved too and spend time together playing board games or cooking interesting recipes.

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Are you dating a ‘bitch’?

If you're in the hands of such a beast, you may already suspect it. But here's the definitive list that might prove that she's a bitch once and for all.

She'll tease and allure other men right in front of you, never once considering how you may feel about it. There are no bounds to her search for attention and admiration. And to top it off, she'll extract whatever feelings of jealousy she can from you by comparing you to other men.

A bitch cares nothing about the feelings of others, not even those of the hapless sap she may be dating. In fact, she uses her man as a punching bag. Sometimes she even berates him in front of his friends, or even hers. She does this either as a power trip, to show others she can, or simply to beat a man's self-worth down to her own level -- after all, misery loves company.

A bitch's massive superiority complex makes her think people are born to be her servants, especially her boyfriend. As someone who spends a lot of his time with her, she uses you to do all the menial tasks that she doesn't want to. Sometimes she'll even boss you around for the power trip -- just because she can.

As she thinks that it is the duty of others to provide for her, the bitch is a tightwad. On dates she always selects expensive restaurants, orders the priciest dish and drink, but never offers to pay. She won't pitch in for petrol on trips or for food at a get-together. She buys crappy gifts for others, when she can be bothered, usually expecting you to pay for them. And if you mention any of these things, she'll accuse you of being cheap!

A bitch has no respect for those who do things for her. She's rude to people who work in the service industry, such as waiters and clerks, seeing them not as human beings, but as robots who exist solely to serve her. She talks at them -- not to them.

She has no compassion for people in need, such as the poor or the sick. "It's their own fault," she'll tell herself and others. More sickening still, she's mean to children, as they are a nuisance and can't do anything for her. And since her existence dwells on envy, she constantly badmouths other women over trivial things, such as their earrings or the way they speak.

You want to know just how heartless such a woman can be? Not only does she not appreciate all the effort you put into pleasing her sexually, she also has the gall to ridicule you. But she'll pick the oddest times to do so, such as during an unrelated argument or just randomly in passing. This could be a cruel comment about your size, stamina or technique. More grating still is the fact that she would go crazy if you were to reciprocate the slur.

A bitch is usually a spoiled brat who simply refuses to grow up. She was pampered and adored as a child, and typically given anything she asked for. As an adult, she still thinks she is entitled to everything. She consistently expects car rides, gifts and attention from you. She makes constant demands of people, and never listens to their requests. There is no fixing such a person; it's programmed into her. Only by being denied several times will she begin to get a clue.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=relationship,Dating,couples,conflicts,Bitch

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5-minute quick hair fixes

The Braided Top Bun: This chic updo is a lovely summery variation of the ballerina bun. It's quick it's chic and it always looks good.

Start by creating a high ponytail and place a hair doughnut at the base of the ponytail to give the bun a nice shape, recommends the hair genius. Cover the bun with your hair and secure it with a hair band leaving the hair hanging around the bun. Divide the extra hair in two sections and braid each one of them. Finish by carefully wrapping the braids around the bun and secure with bobby pins.

The Bubble Ponytail: Fun, quick and chic this hairdo is ideal for a post-beach makeover, says Asgar. Apply a smoothening balm to your tresses and gather your hair in a high ponytail. Tease the ponytail to get a nice volume and add a texturising spray. Take clear elastic bands and place them along the ponytail in equidistant intervals. Finish with a light-hold hair spray to keep it in place.
The Messy Side Braid: This bohemian-chic hairdo is ideal for a summer bonfire party and the perfect accessory for a long flowy dress. French braid the back strands of your hair from back to side and create a side pony tail, explains Asgar. Using a paddle brush, tease the ponytail to add volume. Braid the teased hair into a regular braid and pull t to the side to create that nice messy-chic texture.
The Loose Bun and Headpiece: This is the perfect style to showcase a beautiful headpiece, says Asgar. The style is simple and understated, and can easily be done in less than five minutes. To create this look, pull your hair into a low loose ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Carefully twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base. Finish by securing it with bobby pins.
The Front Side Braid: A playful feminine hairdo, the front side braid is perfect for a summer evening out. Start by applying sea salt pray to get lovely tousled waves. Part your hair to the side and French braid the front section of your hair and pin it at the side, leaving the rest of your tresses loose. Use bobby pins to hold it in place.
Inputs by hairstylist Asgar Saboo

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How to find the pleasure spots in your man

Not the obvious hotspots, but there are some spots which if you identify can make your man go bonkers with experiencing maximum erotic pleasure.

The body gets its maximum pleasure from the senses and touch makes all the difference when it comes to experiencing erotica. While a lot is said about the male G spot, it varies from man to man on which part of the male body gets titillated the maximum.

If fathoming the man's contentment is through his stomach - by good and tasty food, one's way of excellent foreplay depends a lot on identifying his erotic hotspots that will make him experience the pinnacle of pleasure during your course of intimacy. Here're some places where you can make your man feel absolutely titillated and sexually moved.

Back: The G spot need not be centrally located. There are various pleasure hotspots which one can find out. Caress the back gently with your lips, better still with your tongue. Moist tongue or lips will move your partner and the gestures and emotional currents themselves will tell you whether that touch was a major turn on or not.

Mouth: A kiss indeed sums it up beautifully. And it is this kiss - the lips, the tongue and the pleasure while the lips gently give each a peck that one can know how the touch of the lips turns your man on. Make it a gentle affair with your lips first and then let your tongue explore those lips and the mouth to make him feel the hotspot.

Ears: Not an obvious hotspot, but ears are where lie the points which if titillated can work wonders in your foreplay. Move your tongue close to your ears and explore the outer parts of his ears first gently and do it vigorously if you see him getting turned on.

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Monsoon make-up 101

It may be soggy and dreary outdoors, but your appearance needn't be that way. After all, no matter how beautiful your skin is, monsoon can make it look cakey and unattractive, especially if you go wrong with the makeup. We picked up five makeup essentials that are completely indispensable this season. Here goes...

Say no to foundation Always remember, when it comes to monsoon and makeup, less is more. Go for a light base primer (oil-free) and use powder to keep it in place. Although most women prefer cream-based makeup, it's advisable to avoid them, as the skin may look sweaty and unsightly. Make matte primer your best friend this season for an even coverage and blemish-free look.

Bright eye colours? Yes! Opt for bright hues like turquoise, teal, blue and orange in eye shadows. If you wish to go lighter on your eyes, go for pop coloured eye pencils. Mascara isn't a great make-up accessory during monsoon, but you can choose a waterproof one if you must. Rain-smudged kohl will also darken your eyes. Keep your brows in shape so you don't have to deal with dripping eyebrow pencil colour.

Pink lips Avoid glossy lip-colours and switch to matte lipsticks during monsoon to keep your appearance neat. If you are going bold on the eyes, go easy on the lips. In case you're going for an evening soiree, apply a bit of a gloss in the middle to make the lips look fuller. Bright lip shades look best during monsoons so bring out those hot pinks, ruby reds and warm browns!

Tame the mane Monsoon can play havoc on your hair making it frizzy and dull. Use a frizz- free serum to tame your hair. A ponytail (make it on the side for a funkier look) will save you on a bad hair day. You can also twist the front layers of your hair and tie it back in an elegant bun. Curl your hair and leave it open for an effortlessly casual daytime look.

Rain-kissed cheeks For a subtle tint on your cheekbones, opt for a cream-based blush in shades of pink, coral and red. But then again, moderation is the key. Some light strokes on the cheekbones will do the trick. If the blush gets smeared in the rain, use a blotting paper to absorb the water. Do not rub it or apply powder, as it will only make it look worse. Simply wipe away the smudged portion and leave it at that.

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Recipe: Prawn patia

This Persian delicacy is a hot favorite with non-vegetarians

Ingredients:
Dry roast 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds and 1/2 tsp fennel seeds. Cool and then grind them into a powder.
Squeeze some lime juice and salt on the shrimp and set it aside. Also, make a wet paste of two cups of chopped red onion, four green chili, two ginger and about four cloves of garlic, 3 tbsp yogurt and a little bit of water.

Method:
Heat a frying pan, then toast 1/2 tsp of cumin seed, 1/2 tsp of coriander seed and 1/4 tsp of fennel seeds. Add oil, and then add 1/2 tsp of mustard seed, 1/4 tsp of paprika and 1/4 tsp of red chili powder. When the spices start popping, lower the heat and add the wet onion paste. Fry this for about 20 to 25 minutes in medium heat, till you see it turning golden and there is no raw smell. This will need some time, so make it a point not to try and hasten the process. Now add the dry roasted spice powder, 1 tbsp of tomato puree, 1 tsp of white vinegar, salt and sugar to taste. Fry for 5 more minutes. Afterwards, add about 1/2 cup of water and let the gravy come to a simmer. Add the shrimp but do not overcook it. When the shrimp is done, garnish with some finely chopped coriander and serve with hot rice.

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Revealed: How you chose your husband

What sounds better: a pizza that is 90 per cent fat free or a pizza with 10 per cent fat? You would rush for the pizza with first message although the choice is the same. The same principle applies when you choose your mate!

This is what scientists called 'framing effect' that comes in the picture when we choose a partner.

And the 'framing effect' is even stronger in women than it is for men.

"When it comes to mate selection, women are more attuned to negatively framed information due to an evolutionary phenomenon called 'parental investment theory'," explained Gad Saad, a marketing professor at Concordia University in Canada.

Choosing someone who might be a poor provider or an unloving father would have serious consequences for a woman and for her offspring.

"So we hypothesised that women would naturally be more leery of negatively framed information when evaluating a prospective mate," Saad added.

To prove their point, Saad and co-author Tripat Gill from Wilfrid Laurier University called on hundreds of young men and women.

Participants were given positively and negatively framed descriptions of potential partners.

They evaluated both high-quality and low-quality prospective mates for these attributes - in the context of a short-term fling or a long-term relationship.

More often than not, women said they were far less likely to date the potential mates described in the negatively framed descriptions.

Women also proved more susceptible to framing effects in attributes like ambition and earning potential, while men responded more strongly to framing when physical attractiveness was described, the study noted.

"The findings highlights how an evolutionary lens could help explain the biologicial origins of seemingly "irrational" decision-making biases like the framing effect," Gill maintained.

The findings were published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Women,relationship,Partner,Marriage,Love

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Deal with recurring back pain

Back pain, if not dealt with in time, can be dangerous.

Back pain is one of the most common problems urban Indians are facing these days. And more often than not it has just to do with your lifestyle habits. Here is how you can avoid having a back pain.

Correct your posture
Crouching or slumping forward on your chair is something which should be avoided. Sit straight, move often and keep your shoulders upright. A correct posture is something that can help immensely.

Loosen up stiff muscles
Back pain can be a result of stiff muscles. Loosen them by lying flat on yor back and stretching each knee with respective hands towards your chest. Stretching the legs help in loosening up the muscles and help in the back pain.

Hot and cold treatment
Treat your soar back with hot and cold massage. Take a bag of ice and massage your back with it one day. The next day for a hot massage.

Be active
Being physically active is the key. If yours is a job that requires you to sit for long hours, then do some basic exercise, go jogging or early morning walks. They surely help.

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British-Indian author longlisted for Man Booker Prize

A novel written by a British Indian author has made it to the first long list of the coveted Man Booker Prize for fiction for this year.

London-based Neel Mukherjee was among 2014 longlist or Man Bookers 'Dozen' for his novel "The Lives of Others" which was published in May this year, a Man Booker statement Wednesday said.

As many as 154 books were entered for this year's prize by British publishers, of which 44 titles were by authors who are now eligible under the new rule changes.

The 2014 long list of 13 novels includes American writer Joshua Ferris' "To Rise Again at a Decent Hour", Australian writer Richard Flanagan's "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" and Irish writer Niall Williams' "History of the Rain".

Mukherjee's first novel, "Past Continuous" came in 2009 and was chosen as a joint winner of the Vodafone-Crossword Award, a noted literary award for writing in English, for best novel of 2008 (along with Amitav Ghosh's Sea of Poppies).

The shortlist of six books will be announced September 9, while the winner would be decided October 14 in London.

The Chair of the judges, AC Grayling, said: "The judges were impressed by the high quality of writing and the range of issues tackled - from 1066 to the future, from a PoW camp in Thailand, to a dentist's chair in Manhattan; from the funny to the deeply serious, sometimes in the same book."

The literary award, established in 1969, has for the first time been opened up to the writers of any nationality, writing originally in English and published in Britain.

The 50,000 pounds literary prize is awarded each year for the best original novel, written in the English language.

Previously, the prize was open to authors from Britain & Commonwealth, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

The Man Booker Prize is sponsored by Man Group, a leading investment management firm.

Eleanor Catton won the 2013 Man Booker Prize for her novel "The Luminaries" last year.

The previous noted winners of the award include many of the literary trailblazers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries like Salman Rushdie, Hilary Mantel, Iris Murdoch and Peter Carey.

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Signs you are in a toxic relationship

Some of us are nurturing toxic relationships without even knowing it. Experts tell you the warning signs and solutions

With all the (warranted) clamour in favour of sex education in school, we wish someone would petition the need for les petition the need for lessons in managing your relationships, both with parents and friends, and being a responsible lover (yes, there is such a thing) instead of leaving it to fate, trial-and-error, inspiration from Bollywood or plain luck.

Because they don't, often we end up considering what's a debilitating relationship a normal one.

Relationship counsellors call these `toxic'. It's essentially an engagement that instead of helping you grow, flourish and be happy, drains you. "A toxic relationship is about a power or status imbalance which, significantly, is used by one or both parties to control the other, or to diminish, cause distress or pain," says Sydneybased Avril Carruthers, a transpersonal psychotherapist and author of Freedom From Toxic Relationships: Moving on from the Family, Work and Relationship Issues that Bring You Down and Let Your Past Go and Live.

Twenty years of experience in the field have taught Carruthers that this imbalance can play out not just on emotional levels but also through financial control, restricting freedom of movement or expression. "The more toxic partner may seemingly be the weaker of the two, but still manage to control the other through unconscious manipulation on account of fear, distrust, neediness or self-loathing," she explains.

Sometimes, it's as simple as subtly steering the partner's everyday routine. Malini Shah, psychologist, says it leads to a build up of perpetual negativity, fear in the partner and kids, if any, an atmosphere of helplessness while eroding self-esteem.

In one word, a toxic engagement is dangerous, and demands introspection. But to be able to do that, you first need to spot the signs. The first sign is a gut feeling about your partner harbouring a hidden agenda.

Does s/he raise your suspicion?

Keeping count of past errors
-Raking up the past in current moment conflict, and on occasions that have little or nothing to do with today is another marker.

-Manipulators distract themselves and their partner from the problem at hand and blaming the other for past wrongs. Soon, a battle about who has goofed up more often could ensue.

-It's best, advise experts, to deal with conflicts individually, and as and when they occur. If you can't accept your partner's prior behaviour, you haven't accepted them at all.

This, says Carruthers, leads to a chain of self-doubt. It could, sometimes, lead to retaliation (let me be mean, too) or shame (let me hide my thoughts and action from him/her).

If the partner happens to be the more charismatic of the two, the manipulated one can even blame themselves for the dysfunctional relationship.

Jealousy is jealousy
Psychotherapist Neeta V Shetty picks jealousy as another sign. "If your partner wants you to be happy only with him/her, and throws a tantrum if you end up discussing or sharing an activity with another, s/he could be putting him/herself over you and `us'. The more extreme manifestation of this behaviour can include checking the partner's text messages, email and caller list on the sly and showing up abruptly at meetings where they weren't meant to be. While most people consider jealousy a sign of love, it actually smacks of distrust.

Jealousy that turns into controlling behaviour is unnatural and could point to a person's own insecurities.

If your partner raises the issue of commitment -and continuing it -with every little argument that crops up between the two of you, it's a sign that he/she is holding the relationship hostage, says Carruthers. Every moment of conflict between romantic partners, or even friends, isn't an occasion to discuss whether the engagement should continue at all.

Committing to a lover or friend means you are accepting them with their angularities. You can stay committed without being besotted by every aspect of your lover's personality.

Fix or quit
Are you happier, more energetic and spontaneous when your partner isn't around? Do you feel loved, wanted and valued or criticised and controlled? Remember the difference between constructive criticism and belittling before you answer that one. Once you have determined the toxicity of your relationship, you must decide how you are going to correct it. Asserting yourself, being intolerant of abusive language and/or controlling behaviour is a start. Instead of playing the blame game, have an honest discussion with your partner, or involve a friend or family member he trusts. Else, you can seek professional help.

Toxic partners build their own reserves of power by grabbing yours. Trust your gut. Go with what you think is right instead of relying on `outside' affirmation.

Learn to be your true self instead of opting for the `safer' option. Consciously have conversations that are free, talk of dreams and shared responsibilities.

If fixing doesn't work, it may be time to opt out. Yes, you have invested everything in it but how is that of any value if it's robbing you of happiness? Once out, don't look back and actively seek the support and company of friends and family.

Participate in all that you were hesitant and afraid to while in the relationship. Work towards realising your worth.

Signs of a healthy relationship
-You feel nourished and happy with each other

-You are independently happy, and support each other's opportunities for growth and learning

-You both take responsibility of your own happiness rather than holding the other responsible for it

-You see the upside of commitment instead of considering it a fettering.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Avril Carruthers,work it,Malini Shah psychologist,Friends,author

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A beauty harness called body chains

The fashion world has found another novel way to make a statement — through body jewellery. And taking centrestage is the body chain!

An unconventional form of chain, it goes beyond the neck, and clings itself to the body around the waist and the back. This delicate trinket, when worn this way, looks more rugged like a harness-meets-gun holster. Maybe that is why it's also called the badass jewellery.
It first came into prominence with pop singer-turned-actress Rihanna, who was spotted with the body chain in full view. Though other celebrities like Beyonce Knowles have also been spotted wearing the body chain, it has come to be seen as RiRi's signature jewellery.

The Indian connect
Though a body chain may be referred to as the new-age jewellery, it is anything but that. Fashionistas attribute the style to two influences — India and the Middle-East. In India, the style is believed to have originated from classical dancers, who supposedly wore chain-like trinkets around the waist. As for the Arabic influence, the style takes its influence from the belly chain that the belly dancers wore during their performances. However, the modern day body chain resembles jewelleries originating from Britain, when it was under the Roman rule.

Not just a bikini accessory
While Rihanna made the body chain famous as a bikini accessory, Beyonce, Kate Hudson and Emma Roberts among others have taken the style further and have worn it over summer dress, beneath a blazer and even over shorts. You can adapt the chain to any outfit but ensure it peeks through your attire. The peek-a-boo element is enough to tease the onlookers while lending you a bold and independent aura.

Types of Body chains
The accessory has been making the rounds in several forms. Try these:

Neck to back: Wear it with a backless gown as the chain creates quite a drama on a plain back.

Neck to waist body chain: It's the most familiar form made popular by international celebs.

Neck to arms: As the name suggests, this piece falls on the arms and makes quite an impact when worn with
sleeveless attire.

Neck to shoulder: It's the classiest and layered form of body chain.

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Get curly locks using hair straightener

Can you get curly locks using a hair straightener? It's easy to do it yourself at home, suggests celebrity hairstylist Asgar Saboo.

A simple and quick way to achieve big and bold curls is to use a hair straightener, as the resulting curls from the flat iron are lose and bouncier.

Here's an easy step-by step guide to master the art of chic curling from home:

- Brush your hair thoroughly to make sure your tresses are tangle free and smooth before you begin. Make sure you hair is completely dry before using the straighteners.

- Apply a heat protection spray and comb through. It's important not to skip this step as this creates a barrier between the hair and the straightener.

- Part your hair in three sections: upper, middle and lower, then apply hairspray to each section and clip them up.

- Patiently work on the layers beginning at the bottom of your scalp. Grabbing section by section, clamp the iron and turn it back on itself a half turn gliding the straightener near the hair roots towards the ends and softly twisting it at the same time.

- When all the sections have been curled, gently run your fingers through your hair to get a soft tousled look and apply a strong-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place.

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Portrayal of the queer in mythology

What if a mythologist looks into mythology and introduces queerness through the story of gods? What if a graphic designer uses the power of visuals and no text to narrate a tale? What if a Kashmiri author writes about the plight of "half-mothers"? Answers to all these "what ifs" are offered by the books IANS is reviewing this week. Take a look.

1. Book: Shikhandi: And Other Tales They Don't Tell You; Author: Devdutt Pattanaik; Publisher: Zubaan and Penguin; Pages: 180; Price: Rs. 299

Queerness isn't only modern, Western or sexual. Take a close look at the vast written and oral traditions in Hinduism, some over 2,000 years old, and you will find many overlooked tales, such as those of Shikhandi, who became a man to satisfy her wife; Mahadeva who became a woman to deliver his devotee's child; Chudala who became a man to enlighten her husband; Samavan who became the wife of his make friend, and many more.

Playful and touching and sometimes disturbing, these stories, when compared with their Mesopotamian, Greek, Chinese and Biblical counterparts reveal the unique Indian way of making sense of queerness.

2. Book: Aspyrus: A Dream of Halahala; Artist: Appupen; Publisher: Harper Collins; Price: Rs. 599

The mercurial terrain of Halahala faces the ultimate threat: a dream-creature from another realm that spreads its tentacles across the world. Will Halahala survive this invasion? Will it find the strength against this invasion? Will it find a saviour?

A study of obsession and aspiration, Aspyrus, a graphic novel, is the compulsion of desire, the fickleness of the idea and the power of conviction.

3. Book: The Half Mother; Author: Shahnaz Bashir; Publisher: Hachette; Pages: 182; Price: Rs. 295

It is the 1990s and Kashmir's extremism has begun to claim its first victims. Among them are Gulam Rasool Joo, Haleema's father and her teenage son Imran, who is picked up by the authorities only to disappear into the void of Kashmir's missing people.

This is the story of Haleema - a mother and a daughter yesterday, a "half-mother" and an orphan today - tormented by not knowing whether Imran is dead or alive, torn apart by her own lonely existence. While she battles for answers and seeks out torture camps, jails and morgues for any signs of Imran, Kashmir burns in a war that will haunt it for years to come.

4. Book: The Making of Exile: Sindhi Hindus and the Partition of India; Author: Nandita Bhavnani; Pages: 386; Price: Rs. 599

The cultural landscape - of the Sindhi Hindu experience of Partition - is accessed in this book, through the anxieties, fears, resilience, hopes and self-confidence of the Sindhi Hindus as they confronted the loss of their homeland, the collapse of their familiar world, and the sense of economic security and the certitudes associated with the earlier, pre-Partition social life of the community in Sindh.

The story is told through the eyes and the memories of those who had experienced that history and whose actions ultimately shaped that history.

In the long run, this book will not only retain its intellectual relevance but also become a crucial part of a community's self-reflection and, perhaps, even a part of its ongoing self-construction.

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Asthmatic? Stop worrying about smells

Are you an asthmatic and constantly worried about scents and fragrances in the surrounding air? This thought alone can actually harm you more than you can think of.

A new research reveals that simply believing that an odour is potentially harmful can increase airway inflammation in asthmatics for at least 24 hours following exposure.

"Asthmatics often are anxious about scents and fragrances. When we expect that an odour is harmful, our bodies react as if that odour is indeed harmful," said Cristina Jaen, a physiologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.

In the study, 17 moderate asthmatics were exposed to the odour of phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) for 15 minutes.

Often described as rose-smelling, PEA is regarded as a "pure" odourant with no associated physiological irritant qualities.

Eight participants were told that the odour had potential therapeutic properties, while nine were told that it potentially could cause mild respiratory problems.

Individuals who were told that the odour was potentially harmful rated it as more irritating and annoying as compared to those who thought it might be therapeutic.

In addition, airway inflammation increased immediately following odour exposure in subjects who believed the odour might be harmful and remained elevated 24 hours later.

The findings suggest that some fragrance effects on asthma symptoms may be related to the expectation of harm as opposed to chemical properties of the odour.

"It is not just what you smell, but also what you think you smell," Jaen noted in a paper published online in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research.

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Easy ways to decorate a blank wall

Here are some easy ways how you can turn a blank wall into the funkiest area of your house.

Do you have a blank wall staring at you every day you get up? Well, think and look at it no more! Just get down to business and decorate it with these easy ideas and make the wall your favorite part of the house -

Paint it: Select a bright, cheerful color and paint the wall with it. You can also select more than one color and let your imagination play all over the wall.Think of single shades, dual tones, horizontal or vertical stripes.

Hang paintings: Do you have a few paintings lying in your closet wrapped in a brown paper? Take them out and hang them on the wall.

3. Think wallpaper: Colorful wallpapers with funky prints are in vogue. They not only help decorate your wall in a different fashion, they can also easily hide cracks and blots on the wall.

4. Do the dishes: Use some of your old, exotic round plates and hang them in a fashionable way on the wall. Think out of the box and see how you can place them.

5. A funky clock: Go spend some cash and buy a funky, classy wall clock that speaks volumes about your personality.

6. Photo collage: This will make you want to stare at the wall till your day ends. A collage of pictures of your loved ones is one of the finest ways to decorate the wall.

7. Get creative: Picture origami, hand knitted pieces of cloth, teddy bears or simple crafts; these can lift your wall and make it very lively.

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Ways to beat boredom in your relationship

If you've been in a relationship too long, boredom is bound to creep in at some point. Here's how to keep boredom away from your love

Let's be practical, just because you love each other does not mean that it doesn't get boring between the two of you, in fact, many smooth sailing relationships can fall prey to boredom and go kaput.

Here are some fun ideas you can use to bring the spark back in.

1. Learn something new, that neither of you have ever done. It could be dance classes or even paragliding, snorkeling, rifle shooting or anything! Just has to be something the two of you learn from scratch together. It will make you feel like a team and strengthen your bond.

2. Take to the road and go someplace new. Traveling and holidaying together can reinvent your relationship like nothing else. And what better way to rediscover love than taking a road trip and creating new memories! Instead of flying out to some exotic place, the two of you could just drive down to the nearest holiday spot. The journey should be just as much fun as the actual vacation would be.

3. You might be bored of hanging out with the same circle of friends, its either your friends or his/hers that you make plans with on every weekend. Well, this time try making new friends, getting to know a newer set of people. You will together have a chance to share the lives of strangers.

4. Try staying away from each other for a bit - for real! Just take a weekend off from each other - no texts no calls no mails either - and when you find yourself missing your favourite person, you might want to just run back to them. You will appreciate why you love them.

5. Read the same book and have a discussion over it - a lot of couples with a long healthy relationship do this to keep things interesting. When you find it hard to strike up a conversation, steer clear of the mundane everyday life details of each others' lives and get into a hot discussion about something you both really feel strongly about

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Oily fish may not be good for heart

Researchers have questioned the validity of oily fish being a part of a heart healthy diet.

This guideline is partially based on the landmark 1970s study from Bang and Dyerberg that connected the low incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) among the Eskimos of Greenland to their diet, rich in whale and seal blubber. Now, researchers have found that Eskimos actually suffered from CAD at the same rate as their Caucasian counterparts, meaning there is insufficient evidence to back Bang and Dyerberg's claims.

Using 40 years of new information and research, a team of investigators set out to reexamine Bang and Dyerberg's study of Greenland Eskimos and CAD. This study is still widely cited today when recommending the dietary addition of fish oil supplements (like omega-3 fatty acids) or oily fish to help avoid cardiovascular problems.

However, the new review of information has determined that Bang and Dyerberg failed to actually investigate the cardiovascular health of the Eskimo population, meaning that the cardioprotective effects of their diet are unsubstantiated.

Bang and Dyerberg relied mainly on annual reports produced by the Chief Medical Officer of Greenland to ascertain CAD deaths in the region. The 2014 study has identified a number of reasons that those records were likely insufficient, mainly that the rural and inaccessible nature of Greenland made it difficult for accurate records to be kept and that many people had inadequate access to medical personnel to report cardiovascular problems or heart attacks.

In fact, researchers have now found that concerns about the validity of Greenland's death certificates have been raised by a number of different reports and that at the time, more than 30 per cent of the population lived in remote outposts where no medical officer was stationed. This meant that 20 per cent of the death certificates were completed without a doctor having examined the body.

The data collected through this new investigation shows that Eskimos do have a similar prevalence of CAD to non-Eskimo populations, and in fact, they have very high rates of mortality due to cerebrovascular events (strokes).

The study has been published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

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How to deal with a work-marriage

Someone at work you like, protect and are inspired by? The upside & dangers of a work-marriage, and tricks to keep it from becoming an office romance

Have you had an office marriage yet? No, seriously? With the amount of time modern professionals spend at work, pursuing a career without an office spouse is getting tougher than finding a smooth road to jog on.

A beautiful work-marriage is based on trust, sharing and inspiration, just like the one at home. And there is nothing like an office romance. The office spouse is one you harbour affection for, whose company you dig, someone you wish to see get ahead, crack `insider' jokes with, and are unafraid to discuss dreams and fears with. You share an intimacy, but don't get intimate.

Puzzling? Perfectly probable.

It's a rather common and lovely phenomenon -until infatuation creeps in, and it very well could.

Experts who've spent hours around warring couples say, it's tricky to keep it platonic always, but hardly impossible if you stick to the rules.

Here they are:

Don't discuss your marriage/relationship in graphic detail
You might say, what's the point of an honest work-marriage then? But this one's crucial to stop things from getting sticky. Be aware of how you portray your `real' relationship and partner, especially if things haven't been going particularly well of late. Painting a dark at-home picture keeps the doors of possibility wide open.

Don't do just-us drinks
Go out drinking with the gang, sure, but just the two of you at a bar, once a week, isn't good news. When you drink together, clarity goes for a toss. It's the same with going back home. Opt for car-pool instead of driving back alone together. You still enjoy each other's company without making room for too much privacy.

When travelling on work with your office spouse, make sure you are sharing your room with a colleague.
Experts pick recreational activities and shared conversations as major hooks to draw two people closer.

Keep it open
The most effective strategy is to introduce your work and real spouse. Try organising a meal with your workspouse and his/her partner, or your own. What this does is include your partner in your peripheral world, and not make the office relationship seem guarded and exclusive.

Make it a five-day-week marriage
She/he is the office spouse, so try disconnecting once you are out of office. Late night messaging, exchange of emails and phone calls on the weekend blur the lines between work and play.

If single, go for attached spouse
On a lighter note, it helps if one of you is married.
Imagine two people seeking love, and having found interesting company at work. That's recipe for an office romance, not a work-marriage.

Don't marry `down'
This one sounds classist but it's advice from the experienced. If you do, you aren't going to be able to enjoy the prime joy of an office-marriage -a b***h fest about colleagues. You want to be able to b***h upwards and downwards, without fear, so pick someone on the same organisational rung as you. Equals always make better partners.

You are crossing the line if
Your conversation takes on personal tones
"When you discuss in detail what you did over the weekend with your `real' spouse, it's getting into personal space," says psychotherapist and marriage counsellor Neeta Shetty. "It usually starts off unconsciously by spending more time during lunch break," she adds. Affection -you like this colleague more than others, care about them, wish to see them get ahead at work -is followed by the realisation that you enjoy having a conservation with them.

When you feel free to chat about the personal, for instance, what your spouse did wrong to tick you off, it's moving into the zone of an emotional affair. Shetty says you know you are straying into unknown territory when you decide to have a discussion about what you like in a lover or companion with your work spouse. "That's crossing official boundaries."

If you find yourself comparing your spouse with your work spouse
In fact, this can be a good test. Compare the two honestly. If you find your work spouse `better' than your real spouse, it's a wake up call," Shetty thinks. When you live with the same person day in and day out, it's only natural that you will develop a dislike for some of his/her traits or behaviour. To regularly discuss these with your work spouse, and throw in a "unlike you, she always..." line, doesn't help. Worse, if you've This week, Hollywood actor Reese Withever imagined your work companion in erspoon referred to co-star Sofia Vergaplace of your real spouse, it's time to take ra as her "work wife" while they are filmstock. ing Don't Mess With Texas in which they play a police officer and a prisoner on

If you itch to keep in touch the run together.
While Reese has been after office hours helping her co-star get over her recent "Do you find yourself looking for excuses to split from Nick Loeb, Sofia is Reese's connect with your colleague after you are make-up and hair angel.

Done for the day, on weekends, or on holidays, either via text messages or phone calls," asks Shetty. Without realizing it, your dependence on them increases and you feel the need to be in touch as and when. This eats into family time, and gradually, being around your real spouse may seem uninspiring. We underestimate the power of infatuation. "You may miss the person and wish to share little details of the day," says Shetty.

If you are hiding any aspect of your relationship from your real spouse
Even if it's something as innocuous as coffee after work, if you find yourself telling your real spouse you are someplace else, consider it a red flag. Ask yourself why is it that you don't wish to share that detail with your spouse.

Reese has one too
This week, Hollywood actor Reese Witherspoon referred to co-star Sofia Vergara as her "work wife" while they are filming Don't Mess With Texas in which they play a police officer and a prisoner on the run together. While Reese has been helping her co-star get over her recent split from Nick Loeb, Sofia is Reese's make-up and hair angel.

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How to be one hell of a kisser

A good kiss can lead to better and hotter things as they progress. To be a sensational kisser, you have to be in control.

Suppose you and your partner have just started kissing and you are about to shift your gears to a deeper kiss, then you should gently start to take the lead by placing your hands on either side of her face and guiding your lips in. When you cup her face in your palms during the kiss, you control the amount of pressure of your mouth on her and she also feels the warmth of your hand on her skin.

You should be at least a little vocal during your lovemaking and post lovemaking about how kissing her turns you on. You should let her know that she has an exciting effect on you and her breath makes you all the more crazy for her. It is important to not only tell your girl how gorgeous she is, but also that she is great kisser. Women also do have egos and flattery hurt no one.

Strive to give the right pressure of your lips on hers. You do not have to have luscious lips, you do not have to be Mr. Macho and you do not have to have a flat stomach and cute butt. These are not qualifications to be a good kisser. What is needed is the interest to make your woman feel nice. Your mind is the biggest sex organ and your lips are the twin warriors in the game of love and lust.

Practice makes you perfect. To incorporate new kissing techniques, you can look in a mirror and watch yourself kiss your arm or hand. Imagine how the heat of her lips will feel on yours, how arousing her breath will be, how sweet her saliva will taste and try to imagine every texture and aspect of her lips. This may sound silly but when you are totally in it and concentrate on the sensation, you will get more confidence and flow during the actual kiss.

A woman's body is the free range of sensitive zones, which are kiss worthy. You can kiss her earlobe or graze your lips behind her ears. You can softly place your lips on the tip of her nose and give her a cute kiss. The kiss, which you can lay on the back of her neck, can be really romantic to her.

You make sure that in deep kissing (French kissing), you do not cause harm to her. She should not pass out by the force of your kisses. You should tilt to your head to one side while kissing so that her nose is not blocked.

A good kisser is recognized for his sexy breath. Stay away from odorous food like onions, garlic, fish etc when you know you will kiss her. Make sure that you brush your teeth or floss before going out on a date with her. If you have to eat a meal with her, see that you have a mint with you that you can pop in after you have finished eating.

An exceptional kisser is skilled at French kissing. He is confident that the magic of his tongue can do to amazing things to any woman. As an exceptional kisser, try and keep her guessing about your moves. Kiss her a little, look at her eyes and stroke her face or hair. Then go for a lip-lock again as you caress her sweet spots. Leave her lips and look at her with wanton lust or desire. You will see the same sort of magnetism in her eyes because she has been left high and dry for a moment.

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Tips for pretty toe nails

It's monsoon, so your feet, especially your toe nails are going to take a beating. Here are a few ways to keep them not just clean but also beautiful.

- Whether you wear open shoes or closed ones, it's always advisable to wash your feet thoroughly once you come home from outside. You can use a soft-bristled nailbrush to clean any dirt under your nails.
- Once your feet are clean and wiped dry, you need to moisturise them, just like you would moisturise your body after a shower. You can use a special feet lotion on your feet. This will not just keep your feet soft but also protect your nails and keep them healthy.
- While most people file their finger nails, they often forget to do the same with their toe nails. After cutting your nails, file in one direction, till the edges are smooth, so that they don't get tangled in your socks.

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Peter Pan collars in vogue

The feminine collar trend is a haute favourite among fashionistas the world over

Cute, feminine and classy, the Peter Pan collar has nothing to do with the animated Disney movie. As a trend, however, it has women gushing over it animatedly! The close-fitting, round collar trend — mostly in white — dates back to the 1900s, when it was used on polka-dotted short dresses. Tag it on plaid shirts or coats, or use it on dresses, it's a versatile addition to otherwise oh-so-boring outfits. Much like the pinafore, these collars have been a standard fare on every li'l girls' wardrobe. But with grownups taking a fancy to it ever so often, various avatars of the Peter Pan collar have cropped up in the market. From detachable collars in various fabrics to fancy neckpieces, the trend is showing up all over the fashion scene, lately. With the magic of Peter Pan collar in place, you sure won't need pixie dust to grab eyeballs!

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Is washing your hair too often okay?

Experts talk about tackling greasiness and how often it is okay to wash your tresses

It's certainly hot and you're definitely sweating it out while commuting to work, at the gym or even at home. These increased levels of perspiration might make you feel like washing your hair every day. Experts tackle common questions that you may have about this predicament.

Is a daily hair wash okay?
It's not necessary to do so, feels city cosmetologist Dr Sama Rais. "Preferably not everyday as shampoos have harsh chemicals and can remove the essential oils from the scalp, causing an over-drying of the scalp. Thrice a week is good enough. Even if you perspire, just pour plain water on the hair. If your hair suffers from Hyperhidrosis (problem of excessive sweating), you may have to wash everyday. But use only a mild shampoo, which is suitable for to your hair," she says.

Overcoming dandruff issues
Dandruff and an itchy scalp is probably one of the biggest and most common offshoots of the sun playing havoc on hair. Says cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Manchanda, "There are two types of dandruff, oily and dry. Oily dandruff is dangerous as its eats away the pigment of your hair, while dry dandruff falls off. The former can give rise to numerous problems like pimples, pigmentation, etc, as dandruff on the scalp prevents blood circulation." She also advises staying away from using heavy oils. "If you have oily skin, just use a lighter oil, like olive oil, and massage it for 15 minutes, followed by a hot towel treatment, then wash it off. Home-based treatments include putting ginger juice on the scalp. Leave it overnight and wash it off. Also, wash hair every alternate day with a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo. Eating green vegetables like palak and methi helps the hair," she adds.

Using henna, a myth
Henna actually dries the hair and most stylists will tell you should not use it, saysa Dr Rais, adding, "Henna makes the hair more porous and can can turn hair brittle. Instead, use a good conditioner, which has a sunscreen or even a hair serum."

How to use hair serums
Hair serums improve the texture of the hair and untangle it, leaving it softer. They are perfect for that dry, frizz that summer bestows. Anyone can use it but there are rules to follow. "If you use too much, the hair can look oily, so, take only a few drops on the fingertips and apply on the hair, not scalp," says Dr Manchanda, adding, "Look for products that have argan oil as well as those with walnut and almond oil. Avoid those having silicon. After you have used a hair serum, don't use a spray after that."

Tips for healthy hair
- Trim away damaged ends of the hair, especially if they are frizzy.
- Wear a hat, scarf or peak cap (not too tight) to protect hair from damaging UV rays.
- Use a hair sunscreen if you are going out between 11am and 4 pm as that is when the sun's rays are harshest.
- Always use a little conditioner on the hair before you go swimming.

Thinking about a hair spa?
States naturopath Nirmala Shetty, "Go natural when it comes to a hair spa. Look for nutrients in what nature provides us. For instance, grind hibiscus into a paste and apply on hair. It darkens and strengthens hair roots. Methi (rich in iron and darkens hair) and neem (antibiotic and has germicidal properties) also increase hair strength. Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant and can tackle scalp allergies and boils. It is also a great hair strengthener. Avocado is full of antioxidants and is especially good for those who have coloured hair."

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