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How to start planning for the wedding? [Part – I] {Bridal Files}

Swathy · September 25, 2013 · 1 Comment

So, how do you think you would start the wedding preparations once everything has been settled? Would you wait for nick of time or do some kind of arrangements before hand. If it would be me, I would say the following things would be on top of my head. I will probably start compiling things mentally while people are busy eating sweets!!

Lists, Lists and More Lists!!

There are so many things to write about and if you do not, be assured you WILL forget them. So, keep a notepad with you or use technology and sync up your lists with your mom and dad through mobile.

The first list would be, according to me, the immediate people whom you will have to call and inform about the upcoming wedding. Dates need not be announced. These are close friends who should know this happy news. And, of course, relatives.

The second list – who are the invitees? Third – Jewelery shops. Fourth – Where to get Clothes from? What would be available where? Fifth and most important to you – What all things you need to buy beforehand like makeup, shoes, trousseau or any other miscellaneous thing which will go into your kit. Jot down every single thing which strikes you otherwise you are sure to forget.

Some miscellaneous things to note are what kind of invitations cards you would like to get printed, the venue for the wedding which is extremely difficult to get in the season, the return gifts you are planning for guests and other such small small things involved in the events.

The next list? Check out the next point 🙂

What are all the functions going to be done and what are the customs and traditions?

Whether your’s is a cross-culture wedding or a same culture wedding, some things do vary from family to family. And, even if you know each and everything in minute detail, it would help to jot them down. It is always good to cross check with your in-laws and your parents and relatives if you are required to wear something special for the wedding which you might not have much choice in choosing or likewise.

Why will you not have a choice in your own wedding? Well, certain things happen in certain way only. I can not really vouch for any other community or culture coz I am woefully ignorant in all these things. I have hardly attended 4-5 weddings in my entire existence and most of them were when I was a kid and I was hardly ever interested in those things.

But, in my culture wedding, the bride is required to wear only white sari with a yellow or red border while the main wedding is going on. So, the choice is obviously limited. So, such kind of functions might or might not happen in your culture but keeping a tab is good.

This is the first part of this post. It was getting too long so I have broken it down into two! So, see ya tomorrow with the second post!!

What are the points you would suggest?

From the Archives : Use ginger to get rid of acne {DIY}

Swathy · September 25, 2013 · 70 Comments

PS: Everyone has been asking me about how to get rid of acne so this is an old and a very useful post on the same topic. Hope this helps 🙂

Ginger is a very useful spice. And, it has great anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties along with its astringent properties which comes handy when you are dealing with a stubborn problem like acne. Acne can come in form of pimples, outbreaks or even worse. So, let us discuss what all you can do from ginger.

Ginger is great as a drink every day. Yes, it is pretty bitter in taste but it improves your skin from inside. It helps your body fight the free radicals and keeps your digestive system in order. It cleans out the toxins from your system. Ginger improves the blood circulation throughout the body and also cleans out the blood. Not only this, it also improves the skin tone and helps in getting rid of blemishes and spots.

Squeeze out a little of ginger juice and apply it on your face or just the acne-affected areas and see your skin improve in a matter of days. It works very well for unexpected outbreaks and pimples. You can also use the juice as a face mask for blemished and sun-burnt skin. And, you can also help your body by including this spice in your daily diet.

A little every day goes a long way. You can also use a little ginger in your spinach-lettuce juice in the morning. Pass a small slice of ginger along with spinach and lettuce while making the juice. It would give a spicy taste to your drink. And, not to mention, ginger is really good for throat infections, dry coughs and colds.

So, have you used ginger on your acne ever? Does it help?

All about Facial Oils? [Part – II] {Skin Care}

Swathy · September 23, 2013 · 2 Comments

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Continuing from yesterday’s sermon on how to use facial oils, we will talk about different methods to use facial oil and how oil helps the skin. Read on…

Extra Rich Treatments using Facial Oils

Now, there are two kinds of options available to you. You can try either of them. Leave the massaged facial oil as a moisturizer just as it is for a nightly treatment.

Or, you can keep on massaging for 5 minutes to ensure that most of the oil gets absorbed into the skin. In this method, you can take a bit more of oil, like 10 drops, if you feel like. Keep the oil for 5 more minutes if you want or take a tissue and blot off the excess oil on the skin. And, follow with your favorite night cream or serum.

Another simple method is the Oil Cleansing Method itself. One can use heavy or the lighter oils, as the preference lies. Take a generous quantity and massage for 15 minutes. If done on clean skin, skin does absorb quite a good amount of oil.

And, use a face wash cloth to remove the rest of the oil just as in the OCM treatment. Do not wash the face. Follow with your favorite product or leave it just as it is. Also, let me tell you that this method with the oil which suits your skin is absolutely amazing to remove blemishes and scars and dark spots!!

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My Skin is Oily. How can I use oil???

This is the most common question when it comes facial oils. Yes, you CAN and you SHOULD use oils. The trick is to find the correct oil which suits your skin. My recommendation would be to start with grapeseed oil. And, you can probably use 1-2 drops instead.

Why facial oil helps any kind of skin?

Well, for one, oil is the only thing which can actually break down the dead skin cells binds and wash them off so oil acts as an exfoliant for all kinds of skin. Also, the molecular formula of oils is similar to the lipids present in our skin. [Remember the lipids?]

So, these oils go and form bonds with the lipids ensuring that skin remains at its best. Now, these lipids are mainly fats which is why we are advised to intake as much of Vitamin E and omega 3 as possible.

This is why oil is recommended even for oily skin. Also, oil and lipids on the skin only control the excess secretion of sebum as well so if skin is properly hydrated, skin generally does not produce more of oil.

So, you think you are up to use oils now?