Don't hold your breath

When working out, we often get breathless, and tend to breathe from our mouth to makeup for the oxygen we are losing. But, while practising Bikram Yoga you aren’t supposed to breathe from your mouth. You are supposed to only breathe from your nose throughout the workout. Only in the beginning and end you use your mouth.

After doing bikram for months at end, I trained myself to not breath from my mouth when I’m in a posture. Other workouts, don’t work that way. So, my PT is constantly (for the past 3 years) reminding me to “keep breathing.” I’m still learning and reminding myself – don’t hold my breath.

In the world of metaphors (and over-thinkers), the term don’t hold my breath literally means to tell someone that an event isn’t going to happen.

In an endless loop, I had a realization (am I sitting by the window, talking in a Carrie Bradshaw voice? Possibly), that this meant more than just me trying to unlearn bikram yoga breathing. You see, I’m a dreamer, I am constantly scouting for hope and spend most of my optimistic self and time – holding my breath waiting for something that is likely to never happen.

I am not ashamed of hoping and looking for the rainbow, I would think of that as my virtue. I am always hopeful, but it’s my own expectations of everything else – not just necessarily me – that sets me up for disappointment. I wouldn’t want to settle for less than, but I shouldn’t be setting myself up for unnecessary breath holding and tension in my shoulders – and heart.

There is a need – nah, necessity – to constantly remind myself to breathe. To contain my expectations to myself – and to deliver on them, so I let go with a long exhale.

Fashion’s ‘IT’ Instagram Girls You Must Follow

From the days we were posting really hazy pictures of cupcakes with a million filters, to going the extra step to find the “perfect” aesthetic and colour scheme – I think you would agree Instagram as we perceive it has changed. With the rise (and retail) of Instagram posts and influencers – its become a VIP pass – to get us access to the best fashion shows, parties, behind-the-scenes and most importantly on what to wear.

But, while that is the basic, it is often difficult to identify who to follow and who to believe. And while fashion is about personal sense of style, a little inspiration goes a long way. In the simplest of words, in today world, where we are influenced easily (pun-intended).

We’ve pulled some our favourite fashion girls from all over the world who you should definitely be following – whether it’s for their personal IG stories, the ‘aspiration’ privileged access to the best designers or obviously, their fashion sense.

Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni)

The name sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Chiara is an Italian blogger, designer and entrepreneur. She’s known for her blog and book, ‘The Blonde Salad’. Her wedding was exclusively covered by Vogue just last year and she wore the most beautiful wedding dress by Dior. She lives this stunning aspiration life – the hands-on fun mom, super hot, probably on caller ID for brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and LOEWE. I mean, she’s even for her own Barbie Doll version of herself that Mattel created!

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My Milano 💘

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Camilla Coelho (@camilacoelho)

A large following on both Instagram and Youtube, it’s fair game to say Camila holds some influencer in the world of Fashion. Well, that and the fact she just launched her own fashion line with the giant e-retailer, Revolve. Playing with colours and presenting a take on the happiest chic, she isn’t one you want to miss.

Aimee Song (aimeesong)

I’ve been following ‘Song of Style’ for as long as I can remember it. She talks about fashion, jewellery, Interior design and boasts of just the most aesthetic feed. She’s got her own jewelry line and recently launched her own clothing brand named after her blog – Song of Style. In true Californian vibe, whether its her travel posts or the play of colour – she always remains chic.

Susie Lau (@susiebubble)

London-based Susie, one of the original fashion bloggers has been secretly playing out the modus operandi on fashion. She has always been a leading voice in spotlighting young and unknown new designers. Follow her for her writing, her fashion and her fun ensembles.

Pernille Teisbaek (@pernilleteisbaek)

Scandinavians are known for their clean aesthetic and taste – imagine getting this right in the mix of fashion – a hard job, but one that Pernille makes it look like its easy. She combines classic and informal silhouettes – from the smallest tweaks to the latest fads – all while waving her flag for sustainability in fashion.

Leandra Medine – (@ManRepeller)

The fiercly funny New Yorker behind one of my favourite blogs – Man Repeller, Leandra deserves her special mention. Keeping it light, her ironic fashion-addict asides and comical conversations while shopping – and the way she does her story telling – its an intellectual’s art.

Karen Wazen Bakhazi

A familiar name in the region, Karen and her family have quickly become everyone’s favourites. Adding her two cents to the world of fashion – whether it’s through launching her new eye wear line, sitting front row in every show or dancing at her happiest with her kids (obviously wearing something you’d want to buy, probably right away). She keeps it real and happy – which makes it easy to find a connect.

Masoom Minawala, Style Fiesta

If you’ve been reading my fashion stories for Masala, you’ll see her mentioned often – its mostly because she is stunning. Petite and Indian – which makes an easy connect, she keeps the perfect mix of fun everyday inspirations and of course, Indian wear that would be the envy of many (if not all).

The Beige Aesthetic

I don’t know about you, but I love collecting aesthetically similar pictures in different folders and mood boards. It helps me find inspiration to connect them in a chain (apart from their colour similarity) and to create a story.

So, this Wednesday afternoon, I was staring out the window and saw all this sand (obvious, because I live in the desert {Dubai}). Following which, I started looking up all these beige aesthetics and they were so pretty – that I had to share!

 

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Flower By Kenzo – The Poppy Story

I know, another fragrance story, what’s going on, Swati? But, as I mentioned in my previous post about the LOEWE 001 Perfumes, it’s very often that I end up reading about stories or inspirations behind different things. This time, it was the Poppy – of KENZO Parfum’s Flower By Kenzo.

 

Not many know, but, the flower Poppy doesn’t actually have a smell. It is a flower that is scentless – can you imagine that? I mean a flower usually stands for two things: pretty colours and an amazing sweet smell. But, here’s one flower, that looks really delicate, really pretty and really simple – and there is no smell.

The KENZO Parfum team briefed their noses (people who create the scent), that here’s this flower – that doesn’t have a smell – your job today, is to give it a scent. Create a perfume that depicts the flower. The kind of smell that when it’s in the air, people automatically associate it with the Poppy. Now, I’m not saying that was the exact conversation, it must have been in French, or Japanese – I’m not sure. But, this is how it went in my head.

And with that, here we are. They create a scent – exclusive to the poppy. I, genuinely, came across it as a kid – I always had this really thin, tall bottle that smelled like flowers. Even the bottle design, is delicate and shaped like a poppy.

 

Since then, the brand has launched several distinct scents that remind of a different aspect of a poppy.

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25 Incredible Living Rooms to Inspire your 2018 Makeover

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What are some ‘natural’ beauty brands?

Why is it that often with a skincare regime, when an acne breakout happens our immediate response is something out of our grandma’s books – which is more often than not something very simple, basic and natural? Till date, I trust in the powers of this ancient Indian moisturizer called ‘Vicco Turmeric’, most of it because it smells like my grandma.

This transition of moving to things that are more organic, refined and natural has been gradually gaining immense popularity, whether it’s our food, skincare and, even, makeup.  Detoxing has come a long way from just green juices, with people looking at detoxing their beauty cabinets and makeup bags.

Most natural beauty brands produce tinted lip balms, muddy eyeshadows, and even the occasional diminishing blush. We understand that it isn’t easy to find green beauty brands that produce vivid colours and formulas that could really work. Helping you along with your research, we have gathered a few out of favourite brands that use either all-organic ingredients or use a combination of natural and organic ingredients.  It is what they don’t use that counts: unnecessary chemicals, parabens, additives, etc.

A few products that we recommend:

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‘Uncover Up’ Foundations by RMS Beauty

They might not have as many foundations as Fenty Beauty, but all their 8 varied shades of foundation help in enhancing your skin. The formulas make for a flawless looking skin, but with sheer coverage.

 

Strike That Lipstick by Ilia Beauty

Lipsticks by ILIA Beauty

The brand’s ideology of simplicity and transparency is visible through their products. They use high-quality ingredients sourced from organic farmers around the world. Their lipsticks are probably the most popular of the range. The brand is popular for the organic classic true red. The formula just melts into your lips and builds a beautiful satin finish with a creamy texture.

Pure Pressed Blush - Jane Iredale

Pure Pressed Blush by Jane Iredale

Committed to enhancing beauty through natural products that nurture your skin, Jane Iredale’s blushes add as a supplement for healthy skin. There isn’t just one or two, but a whole of 11 colours to choose from! The colours stay on your cheek and add a colour of natural glow that complements the skin.

Emotional Brilliance by LushEyeliners and Eyeshadows from Lush Cosmetics

Lush has been the pioneer of natural products, so it was quite pleasing when they expanded into makeup. They’ve got a huge selection of eyeliners and eyeshadows to pick from. The colours are very pigmented and vivid and make great additions to the make-up bag.

 

Mascara Super Volume by The Body ShopMascaras by The Body Shop

Mascaras can be where most beauty brands might fail to deliver. But with at least 7 types of mascaras to select from, you can add a little definition to your lashes, whether it’s dramatic or vintage.

 

Written originally for Masala! Magazine (February 2018)

Confessions (of some kind) of a Clothes Hoarder

Imagine it is a cold, windy day, and you are walking around the stores and then suddenly you see something on one of the store windows that calls your name. You look at that item of clothing – I’m not going to get too specific here- and you know it belongs in your wardrobe. You go in, and ‘click-click’, ‘swiiish’ and a very mental ‘kachiiiiing’ later, it’s yours. Packed in a bag, sometimes wrapped in tissue, that item is yours. Sounds exactly like the first scene of Confessions of a Shopaholic? Well, welcome to my life.

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‘The Confessions of Shopaholic Swati‘ will be saved for another time, but today, we discuss a very dire problem at hand – my out of control habit of hoarding clothes that are absolutely unnecessary, completely out of style and don’t even fit me properly. In many normal cases, this wouldn’t be a problem, but here- I’m a shopaholic who continues to buy clothes, likes not to get rid of the things she already has, therefore, continues to dig herself a larger hole to fall into with her clothes.

You would think that writing this post would make me realize that I have a problem and probably do something about it, like – I don’t know, clear my closet out? I am sincerely hoping for a similar outcome.

In this day and age, everyone tends to clean out their wardrobes, donate to the poor and wear out what they own. This way, every year, if not every season, most (normal) people tend to get rid of what they haven’t worn in a while. giphyI’ve often tried to do the same- and with a lot of determination, but most of the time, I’ve gotten rid of maybe 5, at most 9 things – which were mostly clothes that were getting too hole-y for my benefit. And for me to get rid of that many things in a single sitting is a lot.

I guess that would have been fine had I been wearing them alternatively, but there are a some that just sit in a huge lot- taking up space and never being touched – except when I’m cleaning my closet (which is a full day task, btw) and they need to be refolded and colour coded.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a very serious mental debate over and over again about this. And the only sound reasoning (I use the term ‘sound reasoning’ very loosely in this sense) that I could probably relate to was that I get emotionally to attached to my clothes.

Have you seen the episode from The Middle (Season 2, Episode 18) where the Hecks are spring cleaning, and there is a broken set of hair curlers that Sue owns but refuses to throw them because (gulp) they might have had feelings? Now, I not saying my clothes have feelings, but I bought them with so much feeling and love that I really, really don’t want to part with them – nevermind the fact that they still have their tag on and I only bought them because the salesgirl was too nice or too mean.

I have a friend, Nicole who is a stylist and a fellow shopaholic. I don’t even need to prove the fact that she for sure shops more than I do. But, as a rule, she always clears out (donate what she doesn’t need or wear) her closet every season. And recommends doing the same.

 

Would you do it? Would you throw away the clothes you handpicked with a lot of love? Do you get emotionally attached to your clothes? Do you have nothing to wear? Tell me I’m not alone…

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Happiness Collides

Happiness collides,
With a little sorrow and mumbling lies.
Knew you from a time before,
Knew enough, to know you more.
You continue looking,
Straight into my eyes.
Talking in another language,
I couldn’t confide.

I still remember the softness
Of your beautiful eyes.
I miss the way you looked at me,
And how you made me smile.
All those pretty flowers,
On the day things went bad.
I also remember the day,
You left me, sad.

There’s this happiness,
And an old melancholy.
It’s like from another time,
We knew and when we met.
Formality and manners,
Greetings and words.
What have we come to-
From lovers to this?

I hug you tight,
And you hold me close.
We don’t talk of the past,
Just smile at us.
I still feel the fireworks,
The little, that are left.
I still feel the happiness,
And the sorrow, that we fell.

I cannot understand what this is,
What this meeting meant.
I have nothing bad to swear,
Only good feelings to bear.
So, one thing went wrong,
And it was a big blunder.
But, what we had,
I’d cherish forever.

Write Away

So, I have a friend who doesn’t think her writing is good enough. And another friend who thinks her writing isn’t good enough And another friend… well, you get the point. So, the purpose of this post is how to make you realise that your writing is less shitty than you think it is (because I have just been called a chill advice dispenser, and I take my duties seriously). Make sure you’ve got the ingredients right, and don’t be too harsh on yourself!
1. PRACTICE
See, practising writing all genres is extremely important. There is always room for improvement when you write, and if there are nitty-gritties in your writing that bother you, you can always resolve them through practice.
2. FEEL YOUR GENRE
I have friends who believe that practising writing engenders talent. I disagree. I feel like we’re all formed from our experiences and our writing styles reflect that. Some people are more comfortable writing humour, some are more inclined to write murder mysteries, some can write funny murder mysteries. Through practice, you need to figure out what your genre is (or are, if you have multiple genres that you can write).

 

3. RECONCILIATION
The genre you feel might not always correspond to what you’re interested in. For example, I am interested in psychological thrillers but I can’t write them–they’re not my genre. On the other hand, Indian marriage scene is not something I’m interested in, but I can write it well enough (I guess). So yeah, you need to find a way to reconcile what you’re interested in and the genre(s) you can write.

4. EUREKA MOMENTS
Writing is not always a thing you can do at will. It’s like food–if you force it too much, it comes out like crap. While I believe that writing is something that you have to work for, I also believe that there are moments of inspiration that you have that ease the process of writing (in the food metaphor, these moments of inspiration are like water).

5. START WITH THE BASICS
Strengthen your plot-making skills, characterization, descriptions, etc. to feel better about your writing.

6. STOP OVER-ANALYSING YOUR WRITING.

7. ASK FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S HONEST INPUT.
This will only make your writing better, even if your pride takes a thrashing. It hurts (a lot), but it helps you grow.

Happy writing!
(Also, if you guys want me to look over your writing, just message the page on Facebook!)

Pinterest Bathtub Goals

I’m suffering from PMS cramps and all I can think of is making myself a nice long bath, but I terribly hate taking long baths when I’m bleeding. It might be soothing to some, it’s just in general icky for me.

So, while I can’t take a bath, I can certainly sit here and dream about one. Pinterest, obviously, has my muse sorted. So, while I look at these baths and order a ton from Lush here’s some bath inspiration:

 

Why are Banyan Tree properties the most instagrammable?

I was looking up for the most instagrammable resorts around the world, and Banyan Tree Hotel and Resorts seemed to be a recurring recommendation. To do a little more research, I looked up pictures of influencers or even normal guests who’d visited the properties, and it’s true, they are really instagrammable.

They have beautiful properties scattered around the world, providing everything from the stunning sandy beaches of the Maldives to the Truong Son Mountain Range of Vietnam, there are so many striking aspects to capture and post.

With dramatic vistas spread across a rugged landscape, unspoiled nature and a plethora of historical attractions nearby, Banyan Tree Lang Co is an all-pool villa resort which has magnificent views of the Truong Son Mountain Range, pristine coastlines and tropical forests, the perfect combination for creating stunning snaps. Within touch of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Imperial City of Hue, charming old town of Hoi An and My Son’s historical ruins – culture aficionados will be satisfied with the amount of historical influences at their fingertips.

Prices per night for Banyan Tree Lang Co start from AED 1,468 per villa.

The Seychelles and Instagram go hand in hand, and there is no shortage of inspiration on this cluster of islands. A place where tropical forests bloom, Banyan Tree Seychelles offers an exquisite slice of blissful island living, with panoramic views of the best beach in the Indian Ocean from every vantage point. Guests can sail into serenity with an afternoon on the resort’s lake, sample a range of cuisines at one of five restaurants or simply soak in the vibrant vistas from the comfort of their hillside villa complete with private plunge pool.

Prices per night for Banyan Tree Seychelles start from AED 3,427 per villa.

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Surrounded by nothing but clear skies, sandy beaches and blue seas, far from the glare of city lights, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is home to some of the world’s most romantic dining destinations. After a day of waterborne activities including diving, snorkeling and sailing, followed by pampering in the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, guests can head to the sandy shores to sail away on their very own ocean adventure.

Prices per night for Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru start from AED 1,585 per villa.

Needless to say, I’m booking my tickets to Maldives, Seychelles and Vietnam. Is there some kind of a round trip that I can do?

Mauritius’s New Retro Chic Tropical Retreat

LUX* Grand Gaube has been reinvented into this fresh-spirited luxury resort and spa by creative duo KELLY HOPPEN MBE and Mauritian architect JEAN-FRANCOIS ADAM. 

Re-opening at the end of the year on the African island’s northern coast, edging the private bay are two beaches, tropical gardens, brand new restaurants and sociable bars, 186 bedrooms and suites, a luxe-for-less boutique, and an indoor cinema for movie screenings and sporting events.

The resort is offering exclusive launch prices, if booked before November 30, 2017. 

The sheltered north-facing resort has been cleverly remodelled to greet arriving guests with a staggering, uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean as well as the offshore islands. While the natural setting has been preserved — wildflowers still scent the lovingly tended gardens and the postcard-perfect scenes are sound-tracked by layers of birdsong.

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There’s a Café LUX* at the heart of the resort, and here it’s in lieu of a lobby. Coffee connois- seurs are invited to follow the aroma of LUX* ethically-sourced, freshly ground LUX* exclusive Island- blend coffee from Belle Mare, where our house-roasted beans are masterfully made into specialist brews. Our baristas keep up with all the latest trends and techniques including cold press, pour-overs and nitro coffees.

Atmospheric and entertaining eatery space Palm Court is the frond-filled masterpiece of this intimate, re- styled boutique resort. Here, everyone has that perfect table overlooking the ocean, and no two meals feel the same. An indoor-outdoor restaurant where every seat feels alfresco, and cosy banquettes, or even the option of sitting and dining at the kitchen counter and watch the chef in action. Be it breakfast or dinner, pick from sizzling special kitchens, and pile your plate with freshly steamed dim sum or Mediter- ranean tapas — flamboyant serving stations satisfy the wildest cravings. The interactive open kitchen at the centre doesn’t make guests choose between favourite comfort-food classics or theatrical teppanyaki creations – it’s all there for the taking in one sitting. Stick to healthy-eating intentions with ease and enthu- siasm thanks to an award-winning team of chefs carefully sourcing the best nourishing ingredients — help-yourself salads, just-made sushi, house-made kombucha elixirs and gourmet smoked fish and cured meats await. Take your senses to Asia for zingy curries, and tandoor-baked naan breads and Sichuan or Cantonese stir-fries made right there. There’s home-style Italian cooking too, including wood-fired pizzas, salt-crusted fish, crispy suckling pig and a rotisserie showcasing the juiciest cuts

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Connecting guests with nature, this spacious new-generation LUX* Me spa tunes visitors into the paradisiac setting while bespoke therapies and specially tailored treatments work their magic. Anti-ageing, fitness and weight-loss are among the benefits, whether guests are seeking a total reboot or just a little time relaxing. This spa extraordinaire is a deep breath of fresh air — especially for those who book one of the African style huts.

Look north, towards Coin de Mire, and make out the silhouette of five uninhabited islands where the diving and snorkelling promises a spectacular experience and the marine life is extraordinary. Drive from the north-east’s sweeping white sandy coastline to the untamed Unesco-protected parkland of the south and pass scenes of brightly painted temples, botanical gardens and colonial mansions punctuated by arrowing sugarcane fields. Dramatic rock formations make up the volcanic mountainscape of this African island where the geography is fascinating. Little wonder pirates once plundered those that prospered from the fertile lands of L’île Maurice (as it’s known in French) and today this island’s population is a bouillabaisse of friendly Indian, Creole, Chinese and French people.

“Working together with a team of world-class professionals, we have been inspired to create a unique destination for those who seek simplicity and kindness. Surrender yourself to the warmth and passion of all our team members—their sole purpose is to help you celebrate life! A genuine respite from the world around us. Be warned — you will never want to leave.” shares Paul Jones, CEO, LUX* Resorts & Hotels.