Decoration

All excited to move into your new house with your better half? iDiva gives you some cues to make your home brighter, trendier and in sync with your personality

The basics
There are no proven essentials to look for while planning to decorate your new house. However, location, size, proximity, design, and style are few of the basics. According to Kaizad Dinshaw, interior designer, Nitido Design, “Size should be chosen very carefully so as to make your home future proof. Considering your needs might change over a period of time, select a home that will not only suit your needs today, but will also cater to your future needs. Also, choose a location that suits your lifestyle.”

Theme of your choice
Like you decide on your attire depending on the mood, weather and occasion; a preferred house/room theme talks about your personality and interests. Kaizad adds, “Select a theme that conveys a message to an audience while giving you that ‘at home’ feel. Choose a style that is timeless in your eyes. Try and imagine how it would be to live with the style you have chosen over a substantial period of time.”

Design it right
While shopping for furniture, artefacts or other elements for the new house, know what you and your partner’s preferences are: whether it’s modern, conservative, or a bit of both. “It is never incorrect to mix styles and one you surely have a contemporary home with a fusion of classic elements,” Kaizad adds.

Furniture with low maintenance
While designing the new house, keep in mind the ongoing maintenance costs as well. Materials chosen should be easier to clean. According to the experts, use laminated furniture in areas of high traffic and moisture such as kitchen. Stainless steel is easy to clean and yet gives an elite look. 
Quick tips:

• Add darker colours to draw attention to certain areas.
• Silks used against bright sunlight fade away faster.
• Choose leather over fabric for sofas. It’s easier to clean.
• Use wallpapers and mix with shades on other walls.
• Use colourful bed linens.
• Preferably opt for a pastel shade for bedroom; and white/grey/ivory for the living room.

Trend watch
Experts Kaizad Dinshaw and Achilles Jim R. Pantaleon, consultant, @home talk about the latest trends to keep in mind while designing your new couples’ abode:

• Drawing/living area – The drawing room truly is about style and comfort, so select a comfortable yet stylish seating arrangement. Elements such as bookshelves, rugs, and lamps add texture and warmth to this space.
• Master bedroom – Decorating the bedroom according to Vastu is an option. This space should look and feel like a place to retire. Choose a bed and mattress carefully for maximum comfort. Select accessories that convey a sense of calm and solitude. Select prints that add colour without being too loud. Choose fabrics comfortable to touch and healthy to sleep on.
• Kitchen – Selection of a good kitchen vendor makes your task a lot easier. Make sure oven, chimney, washing space are not openly displayed.
• Study – Preferably choose a quiet corner of the house to have a study. Select a large table with ample of storage and leg space along with a comfortable armchair.

Image and Article Sources: Idiva

31 things

1. If you're confused about whether a guy likes you or not, that's probably not good. Confusion in romance belongs only in romantic comedies because it suspends the plot, but suspense in real life sucks. So try not to analyze the events. The truth will reveal itself without you having to do anything.

2. Sometimes guys flirt with you or pay attention to you because it makes them feel good about themselves. (Hey, we do it, too.)

3. Even a guy who will admit that you're better looking than him should still be able to tell you you're beautiful. If he holds back in order to control the situation, or to keep you, or keep you down, he's got issues.

4. Don't help him ask you out by texting him something nice or polite. I'm glad you're more outgoing and thoughtful than he is, but he doesn't want the help.

5. Guys want to get busy more than anything. They'll say anything to close the deal.

6. It's shocking how much guys will talk about marriage. Until there's a ring on your finger, it will be better for you if you pretend you're deaf.

7. It's better not to lift a finger in the beginning.

8. In the early stages, giving him presents is too much. Generosity looks desperate to guys. You may be a great shopper and gift-wrapper; it may be his birthday and you may be wild about birthdays — even still, he'll think you're just wild about him. Too wild.

9. Guys just do not think like girls. I wish I'd had a brother. Real boys are nothing like the boys in movies.

10. They might take a decade to mature. Don't hope they'll grow up or be ready in the next six months.

11. Even if your family thinks there's going to be a marriage, don't let them spoil your guy. Yes, he's grateful you gave him your car when he moved out of NYC, but he would rather have had to work for it.

12. Learn to cook. Learn to cook well. I see now that it would have won me a lot of points. A LOT.

13. Just because he might be smarter than you or more talented at certain things doesn't mean he's your servant and won't mind doing all your homework/research/chores.

14. Guys get resentful, too.

15. You're special, unique, and important, but you're not a princess — no matter what Daddy says (although for the record, my dad calls me "Erin").

16. It's okay to say no. It's more than okay. It's always okay. If he stops calling (and many, many, many will), you're only weeding out the guys who aren't truly interested in you as a person. Time saved!

17. Playing it safe guarantees you'll have more time and energy to think about your grades or your work. Less drama in your life will always be better and healthier for you.

18. You deserve to be treated like a human being.

19. Your wants and needs are just as important as his, and if you don't express them because you think it will scare him away, then you're saying you don't count as much as he does.

20. Even sophisticated people with professional jobs can have tempers or hit you or use foul language. I've known men who dressed like diplomats but they were ugly human beings.

21. You can't force chemistry. If you like him as a friend, the attraction might grow, but if it doesn't, don't force it. And don't waste his time.

22. Ease up on the sauce. Alcohol clouds your judgment.

23. No boyfriend-girlfriend relationship starts with a 1 a.m. booty text.

24. When a guy has taken you to Applebee's five times and you say you want to treat him, he'll be psyched. But secretly he'll freak out if you take him to Ruth's Chris, even just the one teeny time. Don't try to match him one Ruth's Chris for five Applebee's. Take him out, but go to T.G.I. Friday's.

25. Women love attention. A guy needs to be pretty crazy about you in order for him to pay enough attention to make you happy long-term.

26. My mom always said, "Men don't think." I thought she meant, "They are mistaken in their thoughts." But they're just not thinking anything at all. About you. They're watching the game. That's why they haven't called.

27. There should be a medium ground between workaholism and his absolute devotion. "The knight departing for new adventures offends his lady, yet she has nothing but contempt for him if he remains at her feet" (Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 658).

28. Never underestimate the quality of "interesting." Men want someone interesting. They really do. Find some hobbies.

29. What are you hoping to gain by hooking up with this guy? If the answer is "him," that's a bad deal for you. "The woman gives herself, the man adds to himself by taking her" (de Beauvoir 659).

30. Expectations? They'll ruin every dating experience you have.

31. You will never understand men. Just try to understand yourself.

Image Sources: Shutterstock

Article Sources: msn.com

Red Lips

Luscious Red Lips!

Want to turn a first date into a relationship? Forget the girly tricks of fluttering your eyelashes or flicking your hair. Your lips are enough to send his pulse rate soaring! Wear 'em red and you've got him eating out of your palm ;) Check this out...

A study conducted at Manchester University found that 10 seconds after his meeting with a woman, the average bloke spends more than half his time staring at her mouth. So you want to get that lipstick right.

But what lipstick do you choose? Get this: Pink lipstick holds his attention for 6.7 seconds while red keeps him fixated for 7.3. Don't wear lipstick and he'll get tired of looking at you 2.2 seconds.

What's more, full lips are a bigger turn on than thin lips. But if aren't in the league of Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johannson, there's no need to worry. Apparently, with lipstick, your lips' appeal increases by 40 per cent.

"This study proves that lips represent one of the most sensual aspects of a woman's body and play a critical role in human sexual attraction. Full and red lips combined deliver the perfect pout to achieve male fixation, but women who simply wear lipstick - regardless of their lip type - secure significantly greater levels of attraction than those who do not," Dr Geoff Beattie, who led the research told Daily Mail.

How to pull off the sexy red pout...

1) Choose the perfect shade of red to suit your skin tone or you'll come off looking cheap and desperate. Remember brighter shades for lighter skin and deeper shades for dusky skin.

2) Always use a lip liner. They make your lips look fuller and well-defined. Naturally, you'll grab his attention.

3) Tease him a little by adding a touch of gloss to the centre of your lower lip for that extra drama.

4) Avoid heavy eye make-up and blush. You want him to focus on the most sensual part of your body – your lips!

5) Finally, practise! Pucker up and pout in front the mirror.

Article Source: Idiva

Dating Mistakes

7 Ways to Stop Beating Yourself Up Over Your Past Dating Mistakes

1. FACE REALITY - accept that your relationship is over. Sometimes facing the aftermath of a bad breakup can be daunting. But understand you will be much better off emotionally if you can accept it and move on. It's hard, but not impossible and since you're a smart girl, you can do it. 

2. BELIEVE YOUR EX THIS TIME - if your guy dumped you and told you he didn't want to be with you anymore, believe him. Maybe he had a big problem telling you the truth in the past when you were in a relationship, but he's actually telling you the truth this time. It might be hard to accept that someone you once loved no longer loves you, but it's the truth and in order to move on you're going to have to come to grips with that. Don't sit by the phone, waiting for him to call because he won't. Don't 'just happen' to go to places you know he frequents in hopes of running into him there. He broke your heart, remember? Use your time to work on you and your future.

3. DON'T BE A HATER - whatever he did to you, don't hate him for it. It takes up too much of your precious time and energy to harbor feelings of hatred toward him. You can also become so consumed with hatred that you stop living your life for you and it becomes all about your ex. You need to get to the point where you can actually feel sorry for the bastard who broke your heart because he is really a damaged person who needs to learn how to behave properly in a romantic relationship.

4. CREATE A NEW HABIT TO REPLACE YOUR BAD BOYFRIEND HABIT - after a breakup, it's important to add new activities to your routine. Exercise, learn a new language or go back to school. You may not feel like doing anything more than sulking on your couch, but now's not the time. Right now, it's time to start adding new, fun and exciting activities to your routine. Try something new and watch how quickly your life and your spirit change. 

5. TOSS HIS THINGS - don't save the mementos of your relationship if they causes you pain. If you still have the jewelry he gave you for your birthday, sell it and buy yourself something fabulous. If all the clothes he bought you while you dated are still hanging in your closet, donate them to a charity like Dress for Success, an organization that provides clothing for disadvantaged women to go on job interviews. If you just can't bring yourself to toss the things that remind you of him, have a girlfriend take the stuff and promise to keep it for a year. She must also promise not to provide you with access to those things for a year, though! When that year is over, you'll see, you won't even remember that you gave her those things for safekeeping. 

6. DON'T BEFRIEND OTHER BITTER WOMEN - you've heard the old phrase that misery loves company. Women who are brokenhearted want somebody to join them in their bitterness, but don't you dare join the Bitter *** Club. Find a group of happy, healthy women to hang out with instead and soon, you'll be just like them, bragging about your great relationship.

7. CUT OFF ALL CONTACT - "Have no contact for thirty days," said dating expert Kerry Gray. "Then shoot for another thirty. Pretty soon you will be a new woman who can look at her ex and be glad it's over even if you really loved him."

The bottom line is - don't waste your PRECIOUS TIME analyzing and remembering your ex relationship. Get on with your life!


Image and Article source: Dont Date Him Girl

Bridal Style

Wondering what your bridal trousseau should look like? Fret not, as we have all the answers. Fashion designer FALGUNI SHANE PEACOCK gives a lowdown on this season’s bridal trends, emphasising to stay away from the conventional

The bridal hues
As opposed to the clichéd reds and maroons, shades of peach, coral, mauve and pink are really picking up. A bride these days is ready to nix the obvious and predictable crimson. Other classy and sophisticated colours like beige, white and off-white with embellishments and work in a brighter colour like red, maroon and green look really different and bridal at the same time. 

Also, people now have an evolved sense of fashion and aesthetics. It’s no longer just about what the bride and the groom wear at the wedding. The ensembles often complement the décor, ambience and season as well. It’s also important to underplay the groom’s ensemble, if the bride is wearing statement couture.

The bridal trends
Access to world fashion has enabled the Indian bride to have a developed sense of fashion. Instead of sticking to the regular silhouettes and cuts, the bride does not mind experimenting with different styles. Sari blouses are becoming more detailed and bold, the combination of fabrics in one garment has become more experimental and influence of western silhouettes on Indian styles is also accepted. For example, the fish-cut lehenga opted for the reception or a cocktail is a fine influence from elaborate red-carpet gowns.

The bridal dress
Most brides worry about buying something very expensive for the main wedding function and then locking the garment in the attic because it is too heavy to wear otherwise. However, she also wants to look and feel special at the same time. The key lies in striking a balance. For me, it is okay to splurge on the wedding garment because it is once-in-a-lifetime occasion and you have to feel special about it. If you want to reuse the garment, you can team the choli with a lighter sari or a lehenga; or wear the lehenga with a simple blouse. 

Also, discerning taste and fashion conscious brides know how to choose garments for different functions. A sexy number for the cocktail, a fuss-free anarkali for the mehendi and something very chic for the reception is the mantra they go by.  

The bridal trousseau 
When you’re going trousseau shopping, it’s pertinent to be practical. More often than not, a lot of brides-to-be end up buying a lot of heavy, traditional outfits and you hardly end up wearing them. Having a few key pieces which can be worn to special occasions is enough to carry in the trousseau. Buy simple dresses and saris which can be played up with jewellery and toned down if worn as is. Also, it’s a good idea to have some scarves in silk and chiffon which can add a spin to your regular kurta. A few heirloom saris, fabrics and jewellery is always welcome!


Image and Article from: Idiva 

Bridal Make-up Tips

Being a pretty bride is no easy task, especially if you fall prey to beauty bloopers. Make-up expert Kapil Bhalla tell you how to get that make-up right and look beautiful without any hiccups on your D-day.

Starting with the base:

• Keep the foundation minimal, concentrating just under the eyes to look fresh and radiant.
• Powder the face well with loose powder to set the foundation.
• It is a myth to apply foundation all over the face. It just adds a redundant layer of makeup.
• Apply foundation only on certain areas with fine lines, like under and outer corners of the eye, corners of the lips and maybe on the forehead.

For the eyes:

• Extended eyeliners and kohl pencils look great on the ceremony days. Keep the eyes glittering in soft shimmer powders in golds and soft pink.
• Make sure to use water proof mascara to avoid any glitches.
• Avoid using cream-based eye shadows in dark colours. It will make the makeup look too heavy.
• Most people believe that they can use lipstick to smear the eyelids. Avoid!
• For a fresh and clean look, avoid lining the lower lid with kohl or liner.

For the lips:

• Use soft pastels like peach, coral or pinks for the lips.
• Break away from the conventional deep reds and maroons that make you look years older than you are.
• Wear transfer resistance lipstick so that it stays for a longer time and does not wear off.

For the cheeks:

• Keep cheeks softly blushed in a medium pink shimmery blusher. 
• Remember that you need to look beautiful in real life and not in reel life. Don't get conned by makeup artists who claim to do makeup with photography in mind and cake you up.
• Matching your makeup with your clothes is passé. Stick to tones in makeup that suit you otherwise as well.
• The key is to keep it simple.

For the hair:

• Don't make hairstyles that make you look older unless you want to look from the 60s!
• Softly done put-ups with textured hair look great under dupattas.
• Avoid too much back combing and stick to simple middle parted hair, adorned with fresh flowers at the back or on one side.

Article Source: Idiva 

Aloo Dum

Ingredients:

• 4 medium size russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed (jeera)
• 1/8 teaspoon asafetida (hing)
• 1 tablespoon gram flour (basen)
• 6 whole red chili
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon coconut powder
• 1/4  inch of ginger
• 1 green chili adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder (dhania)
• 1 tablespoon funnel seed powder (saunf)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (dagi or kashmiri mirch)
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 1/2  garam masala
• about 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
• oil to fry

Method:

1. Peeled and cut the potatoes into ½” cubes.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium high heat.
3. Frying pan should have at least 1inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put one piece of potato in the oil. The potato should sizzle right away. If potatoes are fried on low heat they will be very oily.
4. Fry the potatoes till they are cooked through; turn the potatoes few times while frying. Take out potatoes with a slotted spoon (this allows excess oil to drip back into the frying pan) and place on a paper towel. Keep aside.
5. Heat the pan on medium heat and stir-fry the sesame seeds for about a minute until seeds lightly change color. Take them out and keep aside.
6. Blend sesame seeds, coconut, ginger, green chili, and make it into a paste. Use water as needed to blend into paste.
7. In a small bowl mix, sesame paste, yogurt, ginger, green chili, coriander powder, funnels seed powder, paprika, red chili powder, and turmeric into a paste. Keep aside.
8. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if seed cracks right away oil is ready.
9. Add the cumin asafetida and cumin seeds. After the cumin seeds crack, add whole red chili and besan (gram flour). Stir-fry for about half a minute until the besan (gram flour) is golden-brown.
10. Add the spice paste and stir-fry for about 2 minutes on medium heat until the spices starts to separate from the oil.
11. Add the potatoes, mix it well and add about 1cup of water. After the gravy boils, let it cook on low-medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust the water in gravy to your liking.
12. Add the cilantro and garam masala cover the pan and turn off the heat. Let it sit for few minutes before taking of the cover. This helps bringing the color on the top of the dish.
13. Serve with any bread.

Recipe Sources: manjulaskitchen

6 Careers You Can Do From Home

Working from home can be a great career option for people with all skillsets and lifestyles. You can set your own hours and even work in your pajamas - a pretty appealing alternative to the old nine-to-five in a cubicle. Here are six careers you can do from home, and how you can get started.

1. Personal Chef

If cooking is your passion, becoming a personal chef may just be the job for you. This job can mean that you cook a week's worth of meals in a client's home, for instance, or you can look at delivering gourmet meals - the alternative to the old pizza delivery. With today's high-pressure jobs and families where both parents work full time, this type of service is becoming more desirable, particularly in urban areas. Be sure to understand local regulations regarding the kitchen you prepare the food in; many states require you to have a kitchen separate from your home, and may inspect for health code adhesion.

2. Birthday Party Planning

If you talk to any parent, they'll tell you: planning a birthday party is hard work, and a challenge when you're busy. Where there's a need, there's a job, and birthday party planning can be a great career if you're creative, like kids and can work weekends when parties are often held. You can also plan retirement parties, promotions - any event you think you can handle. For the best changes at earning a good income, make sure you research local rates and competition and understand your liability, particularly if you'll be working with little ones.

3. Home Staging

It's a tough real estate market out there. To sell your house in this buyer's market, it needs to look its best, and home staging can make all the difference. If you have an eye for design, home staging may just be the career for you; there are no education requirements, and although there are many courses and professional organizations for home stagers, they're not required to be successful in the field. Take some time to research rates in your area and practice staging your home or a friend's. Think about what services you'll want to offer, and the startup costs you'll incur. Networking with realtors can be very helpful in generating business.

4. Web Design

Are you computer savvy, and do you have an eye for detail? A career in web design may be for you. Even if you don't have the skills, consider going back to school to learn; there are many online courses, and current education tax benefits can make the bottom-line expense very low. Before you hunt for jobs, think whether you'll be starting your own business or work as a freelancer - the two are very different tax and legal-wise. Check with the IRS on tax obligations, and with your local small business chapter.

5. Virtual Assistant

With today's uncertain economy, more businesses are looking to hire temporary or per-project help, sometimes in the form of a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can handle anything from receptionist duties to bookkeeping, depending on your expertise and the client's needs. For work in this field, look to online job boards. Tell your friends and family you're looking for administrative-type work to do from home, and check with any old business contacts you may have. Virtual assistants are still a fairly new concept, so expect to have to explain what you do a few times before generating business.

6. Tutoring Service

These days, problems are increasingly solved with use of the internet, including tutoring services. Work as a tutor can be helping a child with homework, or teaching adults how to use a computer - if you have a specific skill, you can become a tutor. You can find work on job boards, or at online colleges. If you have a college degree in your expertise (like math, or English), your chances at building a successful career as a tutor will be even better.

The Bottom Line

These six careers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to at-home careers. For the best chance at success, look at your previous career for a start - you may be able to work as a consultant. At-home careers are a great way to explore your passion and make a living too. Earnings can vary greatly, depending on your expertise and experience, so take time to research before setting your rates. Make sure you understand your tax obligation, and whether you might be best off starting a small business to protect yourself legally. Your local small business organization or SCORE chapter is great place to get some help. Whether you're designing web pages or starting a small business as a party planner, working from home can be a great way to forge own your career path - and avoid the cubicle doldrums, too.

Article Sources: yahoo