To Meet or Not To Meet Is The Question

Gotto meet. 6.30 the usual place.

That's the text I got from Riddhi while I was at work. How I hate such cliffhangers! Sneaking away 10 minutes early from work, I was at our usual cafe waiting for my friend. Sending such texts and being late didn't complement each other too well. However, my plans of  antagonize her for it evaporated with that smug look on her face.

What ensued later was an uber expressive tale of how she had to endure a three-hour long meeting with a boy her parents had found for her to get settled with. Her problem didn't stem from the fact that her parents were trying to get her married, it was the fact that she thrown into the situation out of the blue. Her point being, I wasn't ready for the meeting and the talk with a stranger.

I get that, maybe not entirely, but I think I do. Keeping her story aside, if such an event were to arise in my life, the least I would expect from myself and the guy is to be clear in our heads. If you're meeting me from an arranged marriage point of view, you better not be caught up in maybes and could bes. This applies to almost every aspect of life that should matter.

Going back to Riddhi's meeting fiasco, I asked her the most clichéd question that she must've answered so many times now- "why weren't you ready for it?" After an exaggerated eye roll she said, "where do I start? I'm ok with the entire idea of settling down. But I haven't given a thought about things that should matter to me, haven't prioritized yet. I know the traits I'm looking for in my partner but I have no idea about what I expect from a relationship. My career is a different thing altogether. Eveything seems like a porridge in my head right now."

Everything that she said hit me hard, in a refreshing way, gave me a peep into the thought process I was droning on about. It also led to so many new questions. Do they all decide on their priorities or do they discover the same along the way? Does everyone think of all these aspects which are hounding my friend? If not, why?

So many questions in the same line that I feel I will gain answer to only if and when I go through the entire hodge-podge.

The Bridal Shower Gifting Guide

Being an invitee at a bridal shower, I was clueless as to what to get the bride-to-be. Do I sound like a dim-wit? In my defense, I didn't know her too well. Jotted down below is a thoughtful list of things you can gift the special lady (to help people like me.)

 

Lingerie:

 

From lacy bras to sheer baby dolls there are a hoard of options that you may choose from. All you need to do is know the right size. I'm sure you can figure that part out.

 

Jewellery:

 

One of my favourites from this list. I'm not talking about wedding jewellery, well you could gift that too, however, I'm referring to something more delicate, customized, like a date bracelet or a message pendant- reminding her of the occasion and that she is loved and adored by her close ones.

 

The Personalized one:

 

Getting married is a milestone for every person. Wish her all the luck, love, support, pour all the feels in a personalized letter/s or a scrap book. Don't forget to add a few photographs of the times you've shared and shall cherish all your life.

 

Subscription Box:

 

Subscription box is nothing but a care package delivered at your doorstep at a particular date of the month. Such care packages are curated by the respective company stylists on the basis of your preferences. It could be her favourite dessert box or apparel brand or a skin care package. Subscribe to such care packages on the behalf of the bride-to-be for 3-6 months to give her a recurring gift.

 

Bridal Box:

 

This is definitely the best bet when you are a mere acquaintance or don't know the bride-to-be too well. Mix up a cute hamper of probably some wine, jewellery, cosmetics, accessories, etc. and something in blue for good luck.

 

Cosmetics:

 

A definite yes. Who doesn't love these expensive little things which expire in no time. The best part about cosmetics being, there's something for every person- be it a complete make-up-holic or the au naturel one. Make a big fat hamper comprising her favourite products from her skin care and make-up regime. She'll definitely be over the moon.

 

Spa Package:

 

Wedding arrangements take a toll on the bride in some or the other way. She needs her well deserved break from all the shopping and the decision making before the chaotic day even begins. Gifting her a spa day or, better, a spacation could make a great difference from the bride's perspective.

 

The Honeymoon Special:

 

I'm sure you must be knowing her honeymoon destination or you can easily find this details out. Gift her a hamper comprising things she might need for the same.

For example, if her honeymoon is at a beach destination, curate a hamper comprising some beachwear, a towel, hat, sunglasses, lotions, sunscreens, flip-flops, beach accessories, etc.

 

Gift Card:

 

Can't make up your mind? Go get a gift card. If that sounds too meh to you, get gift cards from brands that you're sure she loves.

9 Easy Hairstyles To Mix It Up

Every day is not the same. Some days you're motivated, while some days you just want to trudge past it. Every time I'm having one of those dreadful days, I do something different like wear a new nose pin, wear something different to work, wing my liner a little, do my hair in a new way, etc. But it's not always easy to do something different with your hair coz let's face it, most of us do not know which partition goes where and do not even get me started about all the baby hair coming out from all over your head. IT'S NOT EASY. Hence, listing out the 10 most easy hairdos i found on the internet for you. Why do I say they are easy? Coz I've tried and tested them.

The Bad Hairday Hairstyle

The Messy Bun with a Twist

 Braid It All Up

The Friday Hairdo

Short & Chic

The Brunch Date Hairdo

Twist, Turn, & Braid

Evening Date Hairdo

The Versatile Hair Bun

Utter Cuteness Coming Your Way....

Hey you! Is it a working saturday? Are you hating all the stories and posts of your friends chilling? Do you need something to cheer you up? Don't we all!

Gawk at these cuties, while a little of your 'productive' time away, and lighten up your mood a tad bit.

Metamorphosis under 5 seconds

Can't Stop, Won't Stop

Coz Everyone wants to be Marilyn Monroe....Everyone....

Like Really? Plastic over the real thing? I'm better you know.

That didn't go too well

The 'having a sibling' effect 

The super happy boy (which you definitely aren't)

Forever alone

Follow me boys

Don't forget to share and spread the laughs.

7 Products To Tame Your Frizzy Hair Under Rs.1000

There's one thing that most women have to welcome with the rainy days i.e. the lion 'mane'ish frizzy hair. While some are willing to spend thousands to get the best of anti-frizz hair products, most are under the leash of their monthly budgets and are always looking for better options. Hence, here I'm listing out 7 products as per hair type, strength, and price to help you pick the most favourable for yourself.

Extremely Fizzy Hair:

Schwarkopf Osis Magic Anti-Frizz Shine Serum

Strength: Super

Price: Rs. 900-950

The reviews of this particular product are pretty consistent on almost all sites. Strength of this product is great as compared to the price that you're paying for it. Easily lasts upto 9 hours. I generally use this product on occasions wherein the chances of touching up your hair are meek. If you have extremely frizzy hair, I think this product is a must have.

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum

Strength: Good

Price: Rs. 890-900

This particular product forms a part of my daily hair styling kit. Although the product doesn't expressly describe itself to be an anti-frizz product, it definitely is as per user reviews (including mine.) The product is a little pricey but a must try coz once you try this and it suits you, you won't be buying anything else in the near future.

Matrix Opti Care Serum with Shea Butter

Strength: Good

Price: Rs. 450

For anyone looking for a product for super frizzy hair below Rs.500, your search ends here. The strength of this product for this price is baffling. It doesn't weigh down your hair, makes it super smooth, hydrates your hair to a certain extent and is also non-sticky. The only con this product seems to suffer from is that it doesn't last more than 6 hours. 

Matrix Biolage Deep Soothing Serum 

Strength: Good

Price: Rs. 250

Nope, the price mentioned above is correct. A beautiful product offerred at a great price. It's non-sticky, controls frizz for a good duration, smells great, and is so cheap. I swore by this product during my college years. The only disadvantage this product suffers from is that you may have to reapply it after a few hours.

Moderately Frizzy Hair:

Bblunt Intense Moisture Hair Serum

Strength: Fair

Price: Rs. 370-390

The reviews of this products are somewhat mixed, but most of them lean towards it being positive product. I have no personal experience with this product to account for it. However, all reviews spell out three common things: this product has fair anti-frizz properties, does not weight down one's hair, and hydrates one's hair to a certain extent.

L'oreal Paris Instant Smoothing Serum

Strength: Good

Price: Rs. 250

The basic principle behind having frizzy hair is you hair is not adequately nourished as a result of which it become dry, hence, frizzy. This serum nourishes your hair and smoothens it, asa result, lessens the frizziness. This product is suitable only if your hair is mildly frizzy.

Streax PRO Hair Serum Vita Gloss

Strength: Good

Price: Rs. 190

The cheapest of this lot but works wonders for the price it demands. Smoothens hair, Smells nice, Controls frizz, however, you might need to reapply this product at certain intervals. This product will work only on mildly frizzy hair. 

Know Your Solitaire

It is important to know what kind of engagement ring is your thing taking into account your preferences and your budget. There are many aspects that need to be considered while deciding upon that perfect ring. Let me give you a small overview in the most lay man language to help you out a little. I'll start with the basic 4C's of diamond- Carat, Cut, Colour, and Clarity.

Carat:

Carat is nothing but the unit of weight of the diamond i.e. the weight of the diamond is measured in terms of a carat. The price of the diamond is directly proportional to the carat of the diamond. Hence, bigger the weight of the diamond, higher the price of the same.

Cut:

The cut of the diamond has an effect on the way the light travels within the diamond. In simple language, the reflection of light by a diamond is governed by the width and the depth of the diamond. Hence, the cut of the diamond forms an important point. Better the precision of the cut of the diamond, better the reflection, and higher the price.

Colour:

The rule is simple: Clearer the diamond, better the quality of it. Now there are various stages of this clarity. These stages range from D to Z wherein D includes the most clear diamonds and Z includes brown or pale yellow ones. Lesser the presence of yellow tinges, clearer the diamond, and higher the price.

Clarity:

The term itself is self-explanatory. A diamond might have blemishes or inclusions which hampers the clarity of it. What are blemishes and inclusions? You can merely call it features that affect the clarity of a diamond.

The clarity categories are divided into six as follows:

1. Flawless
2. Internally Flawless
3. Very Very slightly included
4. Very slightly included
5. Slightly included
6. Included

You needn't know the details of these categories. All you need to know is, the price of the diamond falls as the category falls from 1 to 2 and so on.

Types of Solitaire:

Let me quickly give you a pictorial description of the three basic types of solitaires.

• Single stone solitaire: This type of a solitaire ring is adorned by a single stone. This is the most budget friendly type of ring.

• Side stones ring: The stone is enhanced by smaller stones at its side, highlighting the diamond in between.

• Pave rings: Definitely my favourite type, the band is embellished with smaller stones. I'm seeing a lot of women going for a pave ring with no single stone in between.

Another very important feature to be considered is the type of cut of the diamond. There are so many types and the worst part is you want them all (at least I do.) I'm going pictorially explain these types for I think that's the best way to do it.

Types of Cut:

Round: Simple yet classy, this is the most popular cut which

is in use.

Oval: These are ovally cut. They are classy,just like that of a round cut diamond with a touch of uniqueness.

Marquise: This one looks a tad bit similar to that of an oval diamond. The difference between the two is that the ends of a Marquise cut diamond have a sharper edge. Definitely
looks smarter than the oval cut one.

Emerald:Rectangular cut diamind with rounded corners is termed as an Emerald cut solitaire ring. Originally this cut was designed for emerald, but now it can also be applied to diamonds.

Princess: One of the most popular cuts of the recent times. On the face of it, it looks like a
rectangular or a square shaped diamond, however, the side profile of this cut diamond is similar to that of a pyramid.

Heart: Gradually becoming a popular trend. The point to be noted is that a heart cut diamond is almost always bigger in size.

Trillion/ triangular: Personally speaking I haven't seen many women opting for this cut. If
you or your significant other has a taste for different styles, probably, this cut is for you/her.

Pear: Shaped like a pear, looks contemporary and classy at the same time. If you ask me, Ithink this is the cutest cut available.

Cushion: This is one of the oldest cuts present since years now. The simplest way to
describe this cut is when looked at this ring from the side, it looks as if the stone has been encased, cushioned into the ring giving it a pillow-like look.

Halo: Halo is nothing but a setting of smaller diamonds around the center stone. Any center stone instantly gets highlighted when it is outlined by such smaller diamonds, whatever be the size of the diamond.