Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

August 30, 2013

Classic eyewear buys...


Classic eyewear buys...


    With the biopic on one of the coolest bespectacled icons of our times, Steve Jobs, having recently hit the screens, we check out some timeless classic eyewear that have made a comeback in recent times.
Spectacles were considered to be a handicap for a long time. And the nerds who wore them were stereotyped as un-cool folks with a penchant for orthodox, thickset eyewear and useless trivia. However, with the nerds turning the tables on the mainstream and nostalgia hitting the fashion scenes in a big way, classic eyewear is hip again. 

 
JACQUELINE ONASSIS KENNEDY

    The American first lady became a fashion icon after her husband stepped into office and went for a serious style makeover that inspired the nation in a big way. Her iconic dark, round sunglasses became a rage then and they remain so. Some of the world’s biggest brands stock various versions of the original frame she wore, but the classic model still remains among the most sought-after frames in women’s eyewear.
 


JOHN LENNON
An icon of the sixties counterculture, John Lennon possessed a strong individual style that inspired many a fashion icon after him. He made the regular round eyewear so famous that the classic frames called “Teashades” or “Grandma Glasses” were renamed as the “John Lennon” glasses. Not readily available now, you can mostly find a pair in a costume or party shop or, if you’re lucky, a flea market!


AUDREY HEPBURN
    One of the biggest celluloid-fashion mysteries remains whether Audrey Hepburn wore Wayfarers or Manhattan sunglasses in Breakfast At Tiffany’s; arguably the most recognised film role in her career. The mystery of the exact model notwithstanding, her thick, big frames became iconic and has stayed in vogue until today with celebrities like Kate Moss and Lady Gaga being partial towards the classic dark frames.


STEVE JOBS
The perfectly round three-piece rimless frame is a great example of the minimal style that Steve Jobs came to be known for. Being a ruthless perfectionist, Jobs only made minor adjustments to the stem of the already perfect frames to make them stronger. After his death in 2012, the sales of the $450 eyeglasses were the highest that the company ever recorded. Today they are as popular as the guy who made them famous. Readily available online or in local stores the glasses are a
great mix of urban perfection with old world charm.


WOODY ALLEN
The revival in nerdy, darkrimmed glasses across the board cannot be pinned down on one personality altogether. However, ever since Allan Stewart Konigsberg became Woody Allen, the funny-man hasn’t changed his style one bit and the thick faux-square rims have stayed. They’re specially a favourite with hipsters all over the world.


MAHATMA GANDHI
The glasses that Mahatma Gandhi wore became so famous that a silhouette is all that is needed to pick them out. Made in Gloucester, England, Gandhi’s glasses were fullrimmed and with ear-hooks at the end of the stent to hold them in place. In fact, Steve Jobs was so inspired by Gandhi’s minimal aesthetic that he took on the style. Also, last year, a pair of the Mahatma’s spectacles were sold at an auction for 34,000 British Pounds.
August 30, 2013

GET A GYM AT HOME! Here’s how to choose right the equipment for it

GET A GYM AT HOME!

Here’s how to choose right the equipment for it

    Hitting that gym, even if it is in your neighbourhood, is not an easy task thanks to long working hours, exhausting commute and family commitments. At the same time, there’s no way you can ignore that expanding waistline. Such a situation has only one solution — setting up a gym at home. But of course, buying even the basic gym equipment is not simple. From lack of space to budget constraints, there are many factors to be considered. So, how do you go about it? Here’s how... 

COMMON MISTAKES Setting up a gym at home doesn’t mean you go on an equipment-shopping spree. Says fitness expert Leena Mogre, “Allot space to your gym and shop accordingly. Sometimes, people end up buying too many workout machines and some of them are left unused due to lack of space.”
    Fitness trainer Parikshit Somani advises against paying heed to hearsay. “You need to analyse and decide your fitness goals first. Follow it up with research on what to buy. A trainer, apart from identifying your fitness goals and planning your workouts, will also
help you purchase the right equipment. You don’t require expensive, fancy machines for a good workout. In fact, don’t be too dependent on machines. Instead, get your body movements right with the help of your trainer.” 

BASIC GEAR One is spoilt for choice when it comes to buying the right equipment. The trick is not getting swayed by the look of a machine or attractive discount offers. Here’s a list of the basic gym equipment one can buy: 

Treadmill

When buying, check its ability to bear a substantial amount of load, especially if you’re overweight. Also, look for smooth functioning,
a wide belt and incline options settings. 
 
Cycle You can achieve a h i g h - i n t e n s i t y workout by increasing its re s i s t a n c e. Somani recommends a cycle for many reasons — it’s cheaper than a treadmill , occupies less space, doesn’t work on electricity and is low on maintenance. 

Elliptical or Cross Trainer B e s i d e s bu r n i n g calories (it around 650 calo
ries per hour), it’s great for toning as well. The twisting action strengthens your
core. Some fitness experts even recommend this over the treadmill. 

Dumbbells

Plain cardio isn’t enough. One needs strength training too, for which dumbbells are great. It’s not feasible to store an entire dumbbell rack so, dumbbells with interchangeable plates are your best bet, advises
Mogre.

Resistance bands Made of latex, they are light in weight and compact storage-wise. They can be used t o w o rk on various muscles, so they are as effective as we i g h t machines. Also, they are safer compared to
we i g h t s, when it comes to the possibility of injuries. 

COST FACTOR A fairly decent collection of the above-mentioned equipment will cost around Rs 35,000. It can go upto Rs 2.5 lakh, as prices vary according to the model and brand. 
 
CHECKLIST Mogre lists things to keep in mind:
    While purchasing gym equipment, it’s important to check for its maintenance contract and the running costs.
    This purchase is an investment, so invest in a good brand.
    Hire a personal trainer for your workout at home. Unsupervised workouts can lead to injuries.
    Seek a doctor’s permission before starting a workout regimen.
    Visit a gym to familiarise yourself with various equipment and check your fitness levels before setting up one at home.
    Make sure to have exercise mats, air-conditioning and a good music system to make the environment conducive to working out.











August 30, 2013

Jewellers of Mumbai

MALABAR GOLD & DIAMONDS: They have perfect brands to match, suit and serve each taste, preference and need. Equally admirable and pleasing to posses are their priceless range of gold and diamond jewellery. Malabar Gold & Diamonds has set a benchmark in jewellery segment by offering superior quality products that give value for money. 
 
MEHTA EMPORIUM JEWELLERS: They offer a delicious spread of statement jewellery and bridal wear peppered with an adequate dose of glamour. The emporium is a premium diamond and gold jewellery showroom headed by Nakshatra and Varun Mehta and offers exclusive jewellery patterns and designs that spell elegance and panache.
 


TIBARUMAL JEWELLERS: They have been enamouring generations of women with the brilliance of exquisite hand-crafted masterpieces, including the mesmerising temple jewellery, and earning accolades at the National Jewellery Awards. Each piece is an epitome of artistic virtuosity bearing Sanjay Gupta's hallmark of intricate design and attention to detail.
 

BHERUMAL SHAMANDAS: Innovation - in thoughts, strategies, and designs - has become an important factor for them. Integration is the key to reach to a wide base of customers. Their strategically located 3 stores in Mumbai help them to integrate their assets to cater their customers' needs effectively.
THE CAPPUCCINO COLLECTION: It is a brand of Dinal Diamonds (established in 1971) which is into import and export of rough and polished diamonds and manufactures high-end Jewellery. 

 
MANUBHAI JEWELLERS: Right from a huge range in bangles and chains to an exhaustive section of diamond, Kundan and Jadau Jewellery; they have 2 stores in
Mumbai; Borivali (W) and Ghatkopar (E) offering jewellery lovers a variety of Jjewellery collections.  


TARA JEWELS: A commitment to excellence in terms of quality and worksmanship has resulted in a vast collection of the most unique and beautiful pieces of jewellery ever. Vikas Jain now feels that such beauty and perfection should be more accessible to others who also truly desire it. 
 
JEWEL NUANCE BY SNEHAL T: They make jewellery with the choicest of emeralds, rubies and South-sea pearls interwoven with diamonds of high quality. 

 
MB SONS JEWELLERS: Having an exquisite collection of jewellery in Kundan Polki and diamonds, MB Group is leading with its jewellery stores in Kolkata, Jaipur and New Delhi, ensuring quality and novelty. 


JEWELERAVI: At Jeweleravi, the art of
making jewellery that stays contemporary over decades is synonymous with beauty and elegance that both adorns and complements. 

 
ALLURE JEWELS: It is one of the leading creators of fine designer jewellery. For over 3 generations, deft craftsmanship and stunning designing has been the hallmark of their every single creation. 

 
SAJJANTE: founded by Sajil Shah, it is a young and innovative company whose sole vision is to create hand-crafted, timeless pieces of jewellery. 

 
LORD'S SHOES: Sophia Premjee of Lord's points out that it is a pleasure to put together a vibrant mix of trendy footwear with a touch of glam, guaranteed to raise the style quotient for the upcoming festive season. Shine and sparkle in a pair     from Lord's     and
bedazzle all this festive season!  


KARSANDAS LAKHMAN JHAVERI: It is much more than a name; it is an institution which has catered to the jewellery connoisseurs with the aim to redefine excellence in luxury, one masterpiece at a time. 

GEHNA JEWELLERS: Gehna Jewellers It stands for design. Innovation in design and unique design sensibilities is their forte. With a well experienced design team, Gehna adheres to the latest in jewellery design and production.  

MIRARI: It is a fine jewellery company based in New Delhi that has established a reputation. Mirari's founder and lead designer, Mira Gulati is trained in the US as a gemologist and jewellery designer. 

ARENA JEWELLERS: At Arena, they offer jewellery that is studded with creativity and adorned with the BIS hallmark certification. Every piece is promised to remain a keepsake and an elegant statement of style for generations. 
 
SUNIL JEWELLERS: They initially started retail business of gold ornaments and slowly and gradually, expanded the business and started manufacturing gold and diamond jewellery. They have opened a showroom where one can see the latest designs of
gold and diamond jewellery. 

 
ANGEL JEWELLERY: It is said marriages are made in heaven, but for sure, brides are made at Angel Jewellery. They are one of the most reputed and trusted names in the industry catering
to the lifestyles. This house of Shairu Gems, a DTC Sight holder company, offers the most exhaustive range of ethnic diamond designer bridal jewellery.



































Thursday, August 29, 2013

August 29, 2013

EYE INFECTIONS LIKE CONJUNCTIVITIS, DRY EYES AND EYE STY ARE VERY COMMON IN MONSOON

EYE CARE DURING RAINS

EYE INFECTIONS LIKE CONJUNCTIVITIS, DRY EYES AND EYE STY ARE VERY COMMON IN MONSOON


    During monsoon, infections have a tendency to spread really fast, given the increase in the moisture content in the atmosphere. This can lead to a lot of infections, especially eye infections spread fast during the rainy season. Hence, it is essential to know about the various eye infections that occur and also learn about how to take care of your eyes if you are suffering from them. 
 
CONJUNCTIVITIS Dr Himanshu Mehta, eye surgeon, says, “One should not use steroid-based eye drops if one has conjunctivitis. Use antibiotic-based eye drops. One must avoid wearing contact lenses if the eye is red.”
    He further adds, “One must avoid going out if the eye is red as it is infectious. Maintain proper hygiene and use sanitisers to clean hands. Use sunglasses if you have conjunctivitis to avoid discomfort from bright light. Avoid eye makeup and do not share handkerchiefs and towels.” 

DRY EYES Another common problem is dryness of the eyes along with burning, itching and discharge. People, who work on computers for long, will find that computer vision syndrome is aggravated in monsoon. Take frequent breaks from your computer screen. Palm your eyes and if the dryness persists, use lubricating eye drops. Rest your eyes regularly. Work in a well-lit environment to avoid straining your eyes.
    Do not splash water on your eyes unnecessarily as it disturbs the tear film coating the eye ball. As opposed to the common assumption, splashing water inside your eyes washes away the tear film (protective layer) and causes dry eyes in the long run. Also there are times when tap water may contain tanker water, which can be contaminated as well. 

EYE STY Eye sty is caused by bacterial infection. It is a painful lump along the eyelid. An eye sty can be treated with warm compress and proper medication.
    Also, since it is windy and dusty during the monsoons, wear sunglasses to prevent dust particles from entering the eyes. Observe personal hygiene in rainy season and keep your eyes healthy.

August 29, 2013

WATCH OUT FOR THE LATEST BEAUTY TRENDS

Get festive ready

AS YOU GEAR UP FOR THE UPCOMING FESTIVE SEASON, WATCH OUT FOR THE LATEST BEAUTY TRENDS

Arpita Banerjee


As the countdown for the festive season begins, it becomes quite a task to maintain a stunning look throughout the celebrations. Festive makeup is all about fresh and glamorous looks that last for hours; is weather-proof and easy to apply. It is definitely different from your regular everyday makeup as it’s brighter with a striking and bold colour palette. Make sure that the makeup doesn’t look too loud and tacky. Here, we decode some of the latest makeup trends that will help you grab the spotlight. Read on… 

LUSCIOUS LIPS Scarlet is the colour that rings in the festive season. Red, in its rich and bold hues, is a beauty staple that complements almost all skin tones. There are different shades of red lipsticks ranging from muted to dark, glossy or matte. Choose one that suits your skin tone and the colour of your lips best. When wearing red, be
sure to keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Try a light layer of foundation, black eyeliner and mascara, so that the highlight remains only on the lips. Glossy lips in peach, pink and coral are a rage this season as they give a subtle sheen to your lips. Shiny lips look best with a combination of smokey eyes; so pair the two and create a fresh and modern look. Create an even layer that is smooth and defines the shape of your lips and you are good to glow through the festive season. 

EYE SPY Eye makeup is crucial as well as effective in making or breaking a look. For the festive season, nothing can beat the magic of dramatic and well-defined eyes that will make all the difference

to your personality. A sweep of kohl, a line of black or coloured eyeliner on the upper lid, and a hint of metallic highlighter in bronze or copper are some of the basics of festive eye makeup. Use a good eyelash curler and follow it up with a thick coat of mascara that can make a big difference and instantly enhance your face. These applicators are easy to use and give instant effects. If you want a smokey eye look, sweep the eye shadow all over the eyelid and smudge it gently with your fingertips. The classic smokey eye look is created with black and grey eye shadows. 

SHIMMER AND SHINE Add a shimmery accent to your face to pep up instantly. Right use of shimmer can give you a sun-kissed look. Highlight your festive makeup by sweeping some shimmer powder in bronze or peach over your cheekbones, below your brow, and on the inner corner of your eyes. You can also apply a tiny bit of shimmer to give your lips a pout. Choose a hue which goes well with your skin tone.
(With inputs from makeup artist Ashima Kapoor)



August 29, 2013

Spreading smiles

Spreading smiles

DR SANDEEP KHANNA, periodontist and implantologist, talks to
Kavita Nair
about dental implants and their growing popularity in India


Q. IMPLANTS ARE THE LATEST IN DENTISTRY. WHAT DO YOU EXACTLY MEAN BY A DENTAL IMPLANT? 
 A. It is an artificial replacement for the root portion of the natural tooth and is anchored into a predrilled socket in the jaw bone to support a crown, bridge or secure a denture firmly in place  
 
Q. IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE GOING FOR DENTAL CORRECTIVE SURGERIES. WHAT HAS BROUGHT THIS CHANGE?  
A. Smile is the first thing a person notices about you. So in today's world, where the mantra is ‘look good, feel good’, a smile plays a very important role. A good smile enhances looks and increases confidence. Awareness, exposure and constant contact with the media, social networking sites and internet have opened up minds to cosmetic corrective dental surgeries. Also with the latest developments in dentistry, we have more options like dental lasers, veneers and implants, which not only beautify the smile but also improve the function of your teeth  
 
Q. IS THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTION WHEN IT COMES TO CORRECTING YOUR TEETH? IF YES, THEN WHAT IS THE IDEAL AGE?  
A. Well, age is not really a factor. In other words, there is no age restriction for correcting your teeth. If proper care is taken, teeth generally don't fall off or decay with ageing. With the recent advancements in dentistry, we have corrective options for all age groups. Even treatments like dental implants, veneers and braces can now be done at any age. In cases where jaw bone is inadequate to place implants, procedures like bone grafting can be done. But to get optimum results, it is advisable not to wait for too long.  
 
Q. INDIA IS EMERGING AS A DENTAL TOURISM DESTINATION. COMMENT?  
A. Getting dental treatments done abroad is an expensive proposition. India is at par with the developed nations when it comes to providing dental care. We are now the first choice for dental tourism because we have extremely competent doctors and the latest technology from all over the world at affordable prices. The fact that we follow international standards for sterilization attracts and assures foreign tourists. We make special efforts to promote dental tourism as it also brings in foreign revenue to the country.  
 
Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OUR READERS? A. Corrective surgical dental treatments like dental implants are extremely successful when performed by a trained clinician. Not every dentist has extensive training and experience to deal with the potential complications that can occur. So, make sure you are comfortable with the dentist and that he/she has the experience to take care of you. Ask your dentist as many questions as you want. If you really want to change your smile, don’t wait. Go for it now.

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