Celebrate Rakhi with Jabong! | Gifting ideas for sister

Make your sister feel special this Raksha Bandhan! Gift her something thoughtful

The second half of the year marks the beginning of the festive time. It starts with Raksha Bandhan and goes till Christmas. Yes, now is the time to get decked up, splurge in shopping and give gifts – cheers to the time of celebration. As Raksha Bandhan is round the corner, how can you make it special? For sisters, it’s quite easy as it’s all about buying a rakhi. But for dear bhaiyas gifting their lovely behanas could be a bit challenging. Since girls can get really fussy and cranky about the gifts, don’t tear your hair out over this. Let’s us help you with this. Here are a few reasonable Rakhi gifting ideas that can save your mind, money as well as your energy.

• Ethnic suits to cheer her up

Do you think your sister will say no to clothes? Darn! She can never. Brands like Biba, Trishaa, Aurelia and W have heavy discounts on their kurtis and kurti sets. You can get them online. Shop for your sister an Anarkali or an A-line kurti in nice print. Gift her something in romantic florals as the prints are in.

                   

• Make-up kits for a pleasant surprise

Hate it or love it, but you can’t ignore it! Any girl loves make-up, including your sister. Since the trend of bright make-up has caught up with every other girl, gifting your sis a nice make-up kit will make her smile. The recently launched L’Oreal Cannes collection is available at Jabong.com. You can order L'Oreal Paris Reign In Red Cannes Box. The pack features Color riche moist matte lip color in Lincoln Rose, Infalliable Monos Pebble Grey eyeshadow and SuperLiner Gelmatic in Deep Brown. There are other make-up kits as well.

• Perfume sets will make her jaws drop

Perfumes from international brands make a nice option for your dear sister. Buying them at slashed prices will make you feel much better. Victoria’s Secret gift set in four is available online. It comprises an ‘Endless Love Body Lotion’, a ‘Straw & Chmp Body Cream’, a ‘Coconut Passion Body Mist’, and a ‘Secret Crush Bubble Bath’. Isn’t it a heady combo, ideal to pamper your sibling! If not a gift set then go for perfumes from brands like Davidoff, Elizabeth Arden and Chanel. Davidoff Cool Water Sea Rose has a nice intoxicating fresh fruity smell – perfect for any sweet girl.

• Gift her a bag, and she goes aww!

Whether your sister is young or old, she can’t say no to a bag! For your little sis, you can buy a cool-looking backpack. The brands like New Look, Ladida, Lavie and P.H.A.T have a nice range in leather backpacks. Any given day a backpack is stylish and goes with casual attire perfectly. If you want to purchase a bag for your elder sis, go for a tote or hobo. Brands like Faballey and Miss Bennett have many options.

• Jewellery will put twinkle in her eyes

The ongoing trend of fashion jewellery and chunky ornaments gives you a good chance to make your sister happy. Buying them will not burn a hole in your pocket. The best thing about costume jewellery is that it can be worn anytime.

So I hope this time you won't disappoint your lovely sister with just a box of celebrations instead you'll gift her something which she can keep it for long. Have a happy Rakshabandhan to all my readers, enjoy the festival with your loved ones.

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Skin and hair care tips to enjoy Holi even better

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Holi, the festival of colors which brings a dainty array of colors to the fore — colors that paint our life bright.

Holi is also a time to bond with family and friends. It is a celebration that both the young and old look forward to, with excitement. All of us enjoy the festival’s revelry and review our festive success by the colorful remnants on our clothes and body. Celebrations apart, most of us tend to ignore, or are unaware, of the potential damage the use of ‘wrong’ colors can have on us. Some colors can be harmful to our skin and hair; they can lead to more damage than delight. It is, therefore, imperative to be conscious of this possibility — we’d all do ourselves a huge favor by preventing any damage, at the outset.

Most colors today contain chemicals. Some also contain copper, lead, silver, aluminium and iodine. Hair and skin would be the first to get affected badly following a splash of chemical colors. Also, chemicals not only bleach the hair, they can also damage it badly.

Certain chemical colors are minute enough to penetrate the covering of our hair (cuticle) and enter the hair shaft. They can, thereafter, weaken the hair shaft, causing the hair to break easily. Many individuals present with complaints of hair breakage, after Holi. This condition is called trichorrhexis nodosa.

Some colors contain dyes, engine oils, and powdered glass too! Apart from damaging the hair, they can cause damage to the scalp. Some people show a dye ‘reaction’ to these colors — this can cause long-term damage to the hair and scalp.

Increased dandruff and itching of the scalp are other common complaints after Holi.

It ain’t difficult to prevent such problems, if one follows certain easy-to-use preventative measures during Holi.

HOLI SKIN CARE

Holi is not just colorful clothes, or skin and hair splashed with colors. It can be dangerous, sometimes. Prevention, as always, is better than cure.

• Use natural/skin friendly and herbal colors or natural products.
• If you have a history of eczema, wear a barricade cream (white paraffin) before playing Holi. Avoid using color on the face.
• In case of allergy, take prompt medical treatment.
• Synthetic colors cause skin irritation; they can even cause blindness. So, take good care.
• Wear clothes that cover most of your body. Apply cold cream/oil on all exposed parts and follow it up with sunscreen (waterproof).
• After Holi, remove colors with a paste of soybean flour, or besan, with milk.
• Use warm water and moisturising soap to wash off the colors.
• Do not rub your skin forcefully with soap.
• Apply cold cream or moisturiser generously; they are good for your ‘post-holi’ skin.

CROWNING GLORY

Grandma was right, because oiling our hair never came in as handy as during Holi. Oil forms a protective layer around the hair shaft; it prevents chemicals from entering the hair. It can also avert potential damage. Oil ensures that the colors are washed away easily. Oiling the hair before stepping out to play Holi would, therefore, be beneficial.  Olive or coconut oil is ideal choice.

USE NATURAL COLORS

It is best to use natural colors to play Holi. This won’t cause any damage to others as well as to oneself. Gulal (rose water) and other natural water colors are relatively safe to use. Chemical colours, particularly permanent colors, are best avoided. Colors, such as silver and shiny green or bright gold, are chemical-based; they should not be used. Home-made colors from vegetable sources are safe.

• Red sandalwood powder is a good substitute.
• Beetroot water is also a good wet color.
• Dry spinach powder makes for a good green color.
• Yellow turmeric (haldi) powder is a good natural yellow color.
• Dried marigold flowers and paste, or red hibiscus, can also be used as a substitute for artificial color.

Such colors can be used safely as dry powders, or mixed with water and diluted to be used as colors.  

        

AFTER CARE

• Wash your hair with lukewarm water.
• Keep your eyes closed to avoid the color from going into your eyes.
• Use a mild shampoo and make sure to rub hair gently, and lather with shampoo.
• Rinse hair with lukewarm water. It would be advisable to repeat this process 2-3 times.
• Follow this up by using a conditioner. The conditioner will soften the hair and prevent brittleness resulting from chemical colors.
• Towel dry your hair lightly; avoid using a hair dryer. 
• Apply warm olive oil after your head bath. It would be best to oil your hair for 2-3 days after Holi. Oiling the scalp will help keep your hair moist as well as soothe the scalp.

ALSO

• Never smear color in the eye area.
• Watch out for water balloons.
• If a water balloon hits you in the eye, wash immediately with water. If irritation persists seek immediate medical attention.
• In the event of bleeding in the eye, cover the eye with a clean cloth or cotton. Rush to an eye specialist. Do not massage or rub the eye.

Just remember to play safe with colors as also to keep your hair glowing.    

Play Safe and Enjoy! 

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What To Do On Diwali ?

Last night on twitter, a hash tag was trending in India, which was #WhatToDoOnDiwali. So today, when my mom woke me up so early and said “Aj boht kaam hai, jaldi utho”, suddenly that hash tag came to my mind. What comes to your mind when you think about Diwali?  Bursting crackers, fireworks and of course lakshmi poojan, Right? As we all know, Diwali is the biggest festival in India and everyone celebrates this festival with their own twists.

Like in our North India, we celebrate Diwali at night with lakshmi poojan and by bursting crackers, whereas in south, they begin early in the morning. The eldest family member will apply sesame oil on the heads of all the family members. Then after they take bath, and wear new clothes and burst crackers in the morning. Even in east and west, they have their different rituals of celebrating Diwali. However, one thing, which is common among all, is they celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm and great energy. Every year we complaint about the fading colors of Diwali, so by the time you finish reading this article you will understand the reason behind it. 

So here is, what you need to do to save Diwali and do not let it fade:

·         Nokia says “Connecting people”, but my dear friends the truth is cell phones are keeping us away from each other. When there were no phones, people used to meet up and exchange gifts on Diwali. However, whatsapp, we chat and other such apps ruined everything.  Just try to avoid facebook or twitter and spend some quality time with your family and friends. Also rather than wishing on whatsapp and weChat, call your old friends and wish them personally. You can also send some traditional greeting cards to those who live far from your place.

·         Drift back in time when we all used to burst crackers with our cousins and other relatives, for every one of us those days were so blissful. So today, why are we hesitating so much? Time changes but feelings remain same, so live those moments once again with all your loved ones, and never hesitate to approach them first. Call your old friends and cousins, invite them at your home, and celebrate Diwali with them as you used to celebrate.

  

·         Diwali is for everyone and it’s about love and happiness. Spread more by donating your old clothes to needy people. Visit an orphanage and distribute crackers and sweets to the kids. Many people throw/dump their leftover sweets, so I believe we should giveaway some to poor people and make them happy. It is not about big, sometimes happiness is in small things. Try it!

·         Diwali is about togetherness, spend more time with your family and friends, and make them feel special by giving them some gifts. 

·         Clean your house and welcome lakshmiji to your well-decorated house. Decorate your house with candles, diyas, frills, and lamps. Do pujas and prayers with your family and have a good time with them. 

·        As we all know, Diwali is a festival of Hindus and somewhat a Sikh festival as it marks Bandi chhor festival, so invite your friends that belongs to a different religion because Diwali symbolizes togetherness.  

I hope now you know what exactly you have to do this Diwali. It is a festival of lights but just by lighting and decorating your own house, you cannot impress lakshmiji. Light up other life’s just by sharing some love and happiness. 

Wishing you all a Happy Diwali glowing with peace, joy and prosperity. 

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