* Beauty Benefits of Turmeric *

Being of South Asian origin, spices are very important ingredients added into the cuisines. Turmeric is one of these spices. This spice is often used for its antiseptic properties, but it is also beneficial as a beauty product. So before you head out to your cosmetic counter, check out these 6 beauty secrets of turmeric. You may... have the solution to your beauty problem right in your cupboard! 

♥ Turmeric for Acne : You can create a face mask with turmeric to help fight acne and gain a youthful glow. This traditional face mask is often used by the bride and groom the day before their wedding. It will brighten your skin tone and helps diminish unsightly blemishes overnight.
To make this, add 2 tablespoons of starch to 1 tablespoon of raw milk. Then add two drops of olive oil and a pinch of turmeric. Blend to make a paste. Apply a thin layer to your face and let it set for 20 minutes. It is best to apply the mask before you shower so you can easily rinse it off.
♥ Turmeric to Treat Wrinkles : To treat wrinkles, you can make an eye cream with turmeric and use it at least twice a week. This will help to eliminate not only wrinkles around your eyes, but also dark circles. Add a pinch of turmeric to 2 tablespoons of buttermilk. Smooth the paste around your eyes and let it set for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
♥ Turmeric to Alleviate Dry or Oily Skin : For dry skin, combine 1 egg white, 2 drops of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and rose water. Add a pinch of turmeric and mix well. Apply this to all the dry areas including face, neck, elbows and knees. Let it set until it is completely dry, and then wash off with warm water.For oily skin, add a pinch of turmeric to 2 tablespoons of sandlewood powder. Mix in 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 drops of lemon juice, then apply to your face and let it dry. Rinse off with warm water.
♥ Turmeric for Cracked Heels : For immediate relief from cracked heels, apply a mixture of 3 tablespoons of turmeric with 3 drops of coconut oil. This mix will also help prevent fungal infections that may form between the toes, also known as athlete’s foot.
♥ Turmeric for Pigmentation : If you suffer from acne scars or other types of hyperpigmentation, apply a mixture of turmeric and lemon juice to the affected area for 20 minutes. For best results, apply this mixture once a day.
♥ Turmeric for Scalp Health : Dandruff and other scalp issues can easily be treated with turmeric and olive oil. Apply a mixture to your scalp in the shower, and allow it to set for 15 minutes, until finally washing out the mixture with a natural shampoo.

Takecare
~ ♥ Shilpa

* Breakfast Rules *

Do you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? A good breakfast provides the nutrients that people need to start their day off right. Most people give a variety of reasons for not eating breakfast. A common reason is that they are not hungry in the morning, which is a result of eating a full meal late in the evening or late sn...acking. When they go to bed, the body is still busy digesting all that food. Digestion then goes into a slower gear during the hours of sleep and there is still food in the stomach in the morning. The stomach needs a rest too. A tired stomach does not feel like digesting a big breakfast. When you get up in the morning, your glucose or blood sugar level is at its lowest point in the day. Glucose is the basic fuel for the brain and central nervous system. A good breakfast will keep you from being tired and irritable by mid-morning. The effects of a skipped breakfast are short attention span, lack of alertness, longer reaction time, low blood sugar, decreased work productivity. Surely, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Take time to eat a large, balanced breakfast. It’s a good investment of your time. Once you get into the habit of eating breakfast, you may feel hungry in the morning.

♥ “No time?” How much time does it take to eat a bowl of cereal? Make toast and eat it on your way to work. Make your breakfast the night before. Making time for breakfast is making time to be healthy.
♥ “Not hungry?” To get started, don’t eat anything after an early supper. Finish supper by 6:30 p.m.
♥ “Might gain weight?” Eating breakfast will actually help you reach and maintain your healthy weight. Your appetite will be satisfied longer. You’ll be eating food when you can best burn the calories. You’ll feel great. Eat breakfast.
♥ You “don’t like breakfast foods?” You don’t have to eat traditional breakfast foods. You can eat leftovers, or a sandwich. Any healthy food is fine. Caffeine may mask hunger.

IDEAL FOR BREAKFAST :

♥ Milk, yougurt, bread , oats, cereals , fruits, fresh juices ,low-fat toasts, sandwhich, sprouts, low-fat muffins.
♥ Traditional tiffins which include oil should be avoided during the first hour of the day. Non-oily foods like idly are ideal.
♥ Eggs are a bit fatty, but u are OK wid it, they server u the best of food!
♥ Its a BEST habbit to drink a glass full of water soon after you brush. This helps in cleaning ur internal system and is very good in keeping skin healthy. U can also take coconut water .

Takecare,
~ ♥ Shilpa

* Dark Circles And Puffy Eyes : Causes And Care *

Eyes play an important role in physical attraction; they also tell a lot about a person. Familiar comments like gentle eyes, sexy eyes, and mean eyes prove that eyes can have their own personality. So how do you make sure your eyes are sending the ri...ght message about you? You take care of them. Finally, say good bye to dark circles and puffy eyes which make you look tired, old or mean. No matter what your age is, simple beauty tips for your eyes will make sure they look their best. After all, you never know whose heart your going to melt with your eyes! Below are 10 tips for vibrant healthy eyes.
♥ Eat healthy :
Eating healthy is important not only for your body but your eyes. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in beta carotene help you have healthy eyes. Your mother was right, eating carrots will help your eyesight! Here is a brief list of fruits and vegetables that promote healthy vibrant eyes Carrots ,Spinach ,Papaya ,Mango.
♥ Stop rubbing your eyes :
One of the many causes of dark circles under eyes is caused by broken blood vessels. Weak blood vessels under your eyes break and bruise causing dark circles under eyes. When you rub your eyes you break blood vessels under your eyes and unintentionally cause dark circles under eyes. If your eyes are bothering you try blinking instead. It provides a nice massage and exercise to eyes.
♥ Rest :
Sleep is a classic treatment for dark circles and puffy eyes because it works. Without quality sleep the face literally sags. When you sleep circulation increases throughout your body; including your face and eyes. However, one important thing to remember is sleeping with your head slightly elevated. If you sleep with your head on a downward angle fluids in your body can rest in your eye area causing puffy eyes.
♥ Cold for the eyes :
Cold temperatures are good for your eyes. They help reduce puffy eyes and sooth tired eyes. There are numerous ways to apply something cold to your eyes. You can cut cucumber slices or potato slices and apply them to closed eyes for ten minutes. Other remedies are applying a cold spoon to the eyes or even splashing cold water to eyes. The cold helps to avoid under eye wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes.
♥ Milk :
As a child, your mother probably told you to drink lots of milk in order to grow; but she never mentioned applying milk to your eyes. If you're like most women, wearing mascara usually causes dark circles under eyes. Although these can be removed easily with makeup removers some products are harsh on the eyes. Milk is a good and safe natural cleanser. Use a clean cotton ball dipped in milk to clean your eyes.
♥ Rose Water :
Attractive people usually have that spark and glow to their eyes that is contagious. A neat trick for eyes that sparkle is take few drops of rosewater and apply underneath. Natural rosewater gives better results.
♥ Wear Sunglasses :
Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses. The best time to use sunglasses are during peak daytime hours when the sun is at its strongest. Protecting your eyes from the sun will prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and crows feet. It also prevents skin from darkening under the eyes.
♥ No late night drinks :
Limit yourself from drinking too many fluids before bedtime. This can contribute to building fluid around the eyes during sleep; meaning most likely you'll wake up with puffy eyes. Take small sips instead.
♥ Great Concealer : (prefer this under emergency go outs)
The wonders of makeup are fascinating. Finding the right concealer can help reduce the appearance of undereye circles. It's important to choose an undereye concealer that is a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone. Always apply your concealer with your ring finger. The skin on this finger is smoother and will help the concealer settle in. Consult a makeup representative at a department store. They're great at helping you find the right shade of concealer.

TakeCare
~ ♥ Shilpa

* Eat Fish and Nuts for Healthy Hair *

The same nutritious foods that are good for your body promote stronger, healthier hair. The protein and omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and nuts produce a healthier scalp. Nutrients found in leafy vegetables, beans, and carrots are also good for your hair. Beware of fad diets aimed at quick weight loss. Deficiency of some nutrients, such as zinc, biotin, or protein, can lead to brittle hair or hair loss.

Takecare
~ ♥ Shilpa

* Shop a Bag a Shop *

Paying for a carrybag everytime you shop?? Well then here is a way to save few bucks!
Check the pic:

 Isnt that a cute strawberry ? and when you open it up, u find a beautiful floral bag popping out.

The size and strength of it is jus enough for that lill shopping we do, like few Tees,a pant,some grocery (not heavy ones though), cosmetics etc etc. This will serve you jus fine to handle these.
The best part is you can jus pop it onto ur handbag so that it hangs out dancing as u walkoff, or u can even put it inside ur bag. This is jus a mere cloth and is as light as a lipguard. :-)
Splly for those busy spending this shopping season ^.^

PRICE : INR.50

U can get it at : Health and Glow stores.

Ill give it a ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ /5

So cute,cheap, handy and useful.Isnt it? Grab one girls!

Takecare
~ ♥ Shilpa.

* SPF Headsup *

♥ All sunscreen labels list a sun protection factor (SPF). 
♥ SPF is a measurement of how much protection the sunscreen offers from the UVB rays that cause sunburn.
♥ A few sunscreen labels also list a "PA" ranking, which refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen offers from the UVA rays that may cause long-term skin damage.
♥ PA rankings are listed as PA+, PA++ or PA+++. The more +'s, the more protection from UVA rays.
♥ For maximum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains avobenzone, oxybenzone, mexoryl, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
♥ Apply sunscreen liberally 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours.
♥ Most importantly remember to apply the sunscreen as a top layer on ur skin. i.e. apply a moisturiser first and then the sunscreen.

Takecare
~ ♥ Shilpa