Missing the Focus Vol.1

Live Your Life Like you Want

Those of you, who are familiar with the Question of the Week series (yes, will revive that soon), would find this post quite similar. Yet I could not help but write this series. Because more than giving gyan to others, I wanted to record these thoughts in my blog, to remind myself and reflect over these, in case I miss the focus in my life later, anytime.  Of course, there is a possibility that you may find this post immensely philosophical and quite over the brain, and I really apologize, for I know, a few number of people do read my blog and I cannot bore them enough with my philosophical ramblings, as everyone is fraught with problems and worries these days and would not want to read about it in a blog now!

But then, I have strongly believed that it is more important to have a beautiful heart and mind, than a pretty face. So this my attempt to achieve a beautiful heart and mind. 

A word of caution here – I do not mean to judge, criticize and pass loose comments on anyone. I’m doing this post only for myself and I really do know and realize that my views might not sound acceptable to a lot of people. The thoughts I’m penning is drawn from familiar situations and people around me, and these are based on my conclusions that I like to draw quite often. So let’s begin?

Case 1: I know of a lady who always wanted to live her differently. She refused to fall in line and always maintained that despite marriage, kids, she wanted to do something more, and not limit herself to the usual chores of cooking and homemaking. So when the Lord gave her the opportunity (after her kids grew up and went their ways to earn a livelihood), she took to a devotional institution (with the due permission from her family), where she would assist in various activities, ranging from teaching poor kids, and helping arrange fairs etc. She took some time out of her schedule to serve, to do noble work, as she wanted to make a difference in her mundane life and in others' life too. 

Usual Scenario: Relatives (the extended family, not her near and dear ones) began talking about how this lady neglected her husband and her duties as a wife and that she should take care of her home.

When I was asked by these so-called well-wishers about my oh so valuable opinion, I was a little perturbed coz I have personally never felt the need to pass comments on what others do in their lives. It’s their life and their choice, after all. So I just plainly replied, that I really think she is doing a noble job and it’s none of our business to judge or criticize anyone for that matter. I really don’t want to waste my time doing such things and I‘d rather appreciate her decision and applaud her for defying the so-called rules we think we should abide by. Coz I too feel there’s no joy in being like ‘others’.

‘Be different’ is the mantra of my life and I strive to do it, not thinking a moment about what will ‘they’ say. I’ve never cared about popular opinion. Also it is not worth living if we only live for ourselves, throughout our lives. After all there’s no harm in serving others right?

So it is here that we miss the focus quite often. 

God has created Man to live the purpose of his life, not fall in line to please the people and the society around. And Man has created society and not vice-versa. Live life the way you want, as you live just once, so make the most of it.

In this context, I’d like to leave today with a wonderful quote I chanced upon sometime back. 

Courtesy: Google Images

Happy Monsoon Guys!

Dear Readers, today's post is not remotely related to Make Up and Beauty and neither it's a review of a product, I recently used. Rather, it's about nature' s beauty. Yes, and no surprises are stored here. :) 

Well, there are two reasons for writing this post. One — I love love love the monsoon, almost to the point of adoring it like an amorous relationship (:P) and second — Pune glows like a charming new bride during the monsoon and that's what I love most about this tiny city. 

This weekend it poured cats and dogs throughout the day, making Pune a la Mumbai, which receives light showers and drizzles usually. 

I did enjoy this heavy shower greatly as Monsoon rings in a burst of happiness within me, so much so that I can spend hours in the balcony or near the window watching and admiring the raindrops dampen the earth, wash the dirt off the leaves and the trees, the pool of water gushing off the roads, people struggling to hold onto their colorful or dull black umbrellas, kids jumping gleefully and play in the rain, making paper boats with their tiny hands, eager to float them in the little pool of water that forms everywhere. 

I cannot exactly describe the fun, amazement and joy I derive out of watching the beauty of Nature during the rainy season. Needless to add, nostalgia sets in along the lines. During such dull monsoon days I remember my father tell my mom, , to make khichudi, (khichdi in Hindi) that he jokingly called, gorom - gorom hotch-potch, (meaning hot hot hotch-potch) and knowing very well how much I abhorred khichdi, he would immediately ask her to make some nice omelettes to please me! 

Lastly, he would smile and request her to make a hot cup of coffee for all of us. Aaah cant such lovely days come back again or cant we press the rewind button and travel back to those golden days, for some time at least, so says my heart? 

Another incident that I love to the core, is the concept of rainy day during school days. When it poured relentlessly, mom would often wake me up and say: 'dont go to school today, as it's pouring heavily and I'm sure no one will turn up'. Now what more could I have asked for? :) So gladly I would say 'ayes' to mom and curl up in the bed with my favourite detective novel to savor the unscheduled holiday. 

Till this day, I've still not gotten rid off the habit of sipping warm coffee, while I read my favourite fiction, on such days. But I do add a cherry on top of this cake now, by visiting places in and around Pune, which seem heavenly during this time of the year. 

Dont believe me?? Here take a look at some of the pictures of the heavenly places near Pune during monsoon. 

Clouds descending over the hills

Waterfalls amongst the hills

It gets very very misty and I simply lowe it! 

And it rained so heavily this weekend that the headlines in today's newspaper screamed: Pune received a month's rain in 16 days. (Well Raam chappad faad ke dete hain na?)

So, with all of India getting splashed (and some parts flooded too, and affected due to landslides!), here's Indian Belle wishing all of you Happy Monsoon. 

Do you enjoy monsoons or find it very depressing and dull? Pls share. 

Pics Courtesy: Google Images

Office Make Up Tips Simplified

I vividly remember the day I secured my first job. That day when I could shout and tell the entire world that I’m on my way to become an independent woman at last. Oh boy! What sheer joy was that isn’t it? But the moment this news settled in I realized, that the appointment letter was not only my passport to financial independence etc, it was also a gateway to stylish clothes and make up at work. Days when elders would say  — ‘you’re a student and you should only concentrate on your studies and not make-up/cosmetics at this stage’ — would be gone soon. Yippee!!!

So yes, at work it speaks well about you if you wear proper and appealing (read: pleasant to look at) clothes with appropriate make up. While most of us are quite aware of the type of clothes to wear to work, it is the make-up section where many ladies need a little hand holding at times.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sported a perfect office make up look in Sarkar Raj

And that’s what I’ll talk about today.

Role of make up at workplace

Following points must be kept in mind before you choose an office make-up look:

•  Make up is not meant to become popular and be featured in the rumor mills!
•  Make up has no connection with ratings and performance at work coz ultimately, it’s the quality of work that counts.
• Though several studies prove the above point wrong by declaring, that women who wear make-up are more likely to get noticed and promoted.
•  Make up helps you to look professional and sets you off from your co-workers. 
• It definitely helps to make an impact and create a good impression, as you are perceived to be well-organized and meticulous.

Another great example of good office make up is Yami Gautam's look in Vicky Donor

Thumb Rules

Always remember:

•  Office make up differs widely from party make up,
•  The aim is to grab eyeballs and not distract people with the numerous colors on your eyelids
• Choose make up products suitable for daily wear at work.  All products may not be suitable for office make up. So figure that first!
• Bright colors with glitters et al are a complete no-no! Go for soothing colors that give only a hint of color on your face. 

Yet another example of office make up

Make Up Tips and Tricks:

• Clean, tone and moisturize regularly in the night. The result will surely show next day. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Face packs twice a week, within a gap of 3-4 days would be even better. 

          Result: Your skin will remain fresh and hydrated throughout the day and 
          you’ll not  need foundation at all. 

          My Tip: On a bad skin day, when you look anything but radiant, rub an ice 

          before applying a BB cream or a sunscreen.

• Use a BB cream/sunscreen/ a tinted moisturizer with SPF/a sunscreen with a tinted moisturizer (that has no SPF) to even out the complexion. Here it is vital to use a shade that is not too dark and complements your skin tone.
• Oily-skinned ladies can dab some compact to reduce the shine on their face.
• Choose neutral eye shadows such as n*de, bronze, brown, light pinks, earthy hues etc. My Tip: I feel brownish bronze looks best at work.
• Highlight your brows and the upper part of your eyes with a brown eye shadow.
• Brown or grey eye pencils are great, though I have worn blue eyeliner at work. Black matte liquid eyeliners can be used as well. Alternatively, you can just apply kohl/kajal on the waterline. 

          My Tip: If like me, you also love to sport eye make up a la Kajol style in K3G, 

         (read: eyeliner on the eyelid with kajal on the waterline), please refrain yourself. 

          You should only use either of them.

• On days when you have no time for eye make up, apply a volumizing mascara.
• Neat eyebrows are equally important!
• Apply a light blush on your cheek bones and blend it properly and evenly for a smoother look. Go for matte/less shimmery earthy or pink colors (do not choose blushes that are very shimmery).
• You can have fun with n*des, pinks, and a light brown color for your lips. Or you could just apply a tinted lip balm instead.

Note her lipcolor girls! 

So what do you think about wearing make up to work? How much is okay and when does it cross limits? As always, feedback is welcome.  :) Till then tada.. 

Pic Coutersy: Google Images