Best of 2019 | Cheers to the Year that Was - Editor's Note
As we get ready to welcome a brand new year, it's that time when we look back and reflect at those 365 days of the year gone by. Days when we discovered ourselves. Our strengths and weaknesses. Days when we learnt to let go, and those when we loved ourselves even more. Every year brings in a plethora of things - surprises, highs, achievements, lows, discoveries, excitement, nervousness and more. 2019 was no different! Yet, it was different in more ways than one for every individual, including me.
In 2019, personally, I experienced a multitude of emotions and discovered many sides to my personality. Learned a lot, and also learned to let go of certain flaws. Made new friends, and further learned to prioritise those who matter. Broke off ties with people possessing negative energy. Understood why quality time with loved ones is never enough, and prioritised their needs to the fullest. Further, bettered myself at multi-tasking and managing the work-life balance. Learned to love myself for all that I am. Discovered 'patience' in an all new light.
Encouraged positive thoughts and decided to make it an everyday habit, because the world can definitely do with more positivity. Understood that there might be days when you feel empty and hit a low. When nothing seems to work in the right direction. On those days, I realised the importance of taking time out for self care and indulging in things that I loved. Pushed myself to ensure I am always there to make my parents smile and feel happy from within. Continued my quest to take fitness more and more seriously, especially by learning new techniques and variations. Danced my heart out at some occasions, and promised myself to do more of it in the year to come.
Encouraged positive thoughts and decided to make it an everyday habit, because the world can definitely do with more positivity. Understood that there might be days when you feel empty and hit a low. When nothing seems to work in the right direction. On those days, I realised the importance of taking time out for self care and indulging in things that I loved. Pushed myself to ensure I am always there to make my parents smile and feel happy from within. Continued my quest to take fitness more and more seriously, especially by learning new techniques and variations. Danced my heart out at some occasions, and promised myself to do more of it in the year to come.
In 2019, I tried my hand at new things, and realised why learning makes me truly happy from within. I challenged myself against the fear of Math and didn't stop till I emerged victorious. Experienced days when I stumbled, faced hurdles and even cried myself to sleep; only to wake up with the clear thought of turning the tide on a new day. I took time out to travel with my loved ones. Discovered new places that this beautiful world has to offer. Interacted with people, including those I've always been in awe of, and took back perils of wisdom that stayed with me. Got various opportunities to engage with people across different age groups, encouraging them to follow their dreams and give themselves a chance to become familiar with all that the digital world has to offer.
Lived new characters on-screen and learned something new from each role. Understood why not just achievements, but also being thankful for every little joyous moment on a rather normal day matters too. Why having gratitude for all that I have been bestowed upon is extremely important. Moreover, the year taught me how to love, it's true meaning, and gave me the chance to experience the true beauty of 'romance' like never before, and that too, beyond the filters of what Bollywood has taught us all these years (yeah well, this was a first for me)!
As the year comes to a close, I thank god for everything! For the people in my life, the opportunities, projects, achievements, honours, interactions, the ever growing digital family and for every moment that made me smile. I am also thankful for the moments where I experienced a range of emotions - be it anger, sadness or fear; because they taught me to become stronger than ever. I truly believe - the universe conspires when you really wish for something! And so in 2020, which I strongly feel would be a landmark year, I pray we all are blessed with happiness, luck and lots of love around us. May we continue to work hard towards our goals, and witness dreams turning into a reality.
In the brand new year, I promise to learn, grow, master, absorb and discover more. To travel a lot more, love a lot more, spread positivity even more, and make everyday special for those who matter. And yes, it's gonna be a year full of creating tons of new content and experimenting with exciting, fresh things on the website, because the new year is all about new goals. It's time to dream on!
Thank you for making me a better person, 2019! You will always be special.
And, cheers to what I truly believe shall be a beautiful, exciting and enriching year.
Here's looking at you, 2020!!
Here's looking at you, 2020!!
Love,
The Dancebee
Best of 2019 | Inspiring Quotes from Celebrity Interviews
Year after year, we feel blessed to get the opportunity to interact with some of the finest talents from the Indian film industry - be it veterans, superstars or those who've been eyeing the top spot (aka rising stars). Like every year, this year too, we enjoyed some fascinating conversations with some of the most popular, celebrated personalities of the Indian fashion, film and beauty industry. We have always enjoyed these candid conversations, which are frank, to the point and refreshing. Thanks to the fabulous response from our readers and followers, some of these interviews have crossed more than several lac views and have been widely read, appreciated.
Honestly, for someone who has been interacting with celebrities from across all genres, I feel blessed! Yes, blessed for raising the bar year after year (*touchwood*), and keeping you entertained with our exclusive interviews. All this, while sticking to our ethics and beliefs of not resorting to gossip or unnecessary mirch masala, and instead, doing what we do best - celebrating the human being behind every star, by bringing their raw, real and honest perspectives to the forefront! So here we are, back with 'Dancebee Rewind', to bring you some of the best inspirational, straight from the heart quotes from our most read interviews.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Emraan Hashmi
Shahid Kapoor
Akshay Kumar
Shah Rukh Khan
Here's wishing all our beautiful readers an amazing New Year's Eve. Lots of love!!!
For exclusive updates and news, join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
Cute 2020 Planners for every Budget
2020 is almost here. I mean, can you believe it? A brand new decade! Teenage years are bidding adieu to welcome the 'Twenties'. The brand new year is just a few days away, and it's that time of the year when we scout for planners, journals and notebooks to jot down our goals for the new year ahead. We've all got our wish lists, to-do lists, resolutions and goals ready for 2020, and needless to say, all of us have our own set of dreams and aspirations to fulfil. What better than penning down ideas and thoughts on a brand new planner?
And c'mon, is there anyone who doesn't love cute stationary, especially organisers loaded with goodies like stickers, motivational quotes, pages for personal growth and more? If you are one of those who still hasn't found the perfect planner for the new year, don't worry! We've got you covered. Here are some of our favourite planners for 2020, that will keep you motivated and organised in the brand new year.
2020 Endless Indulgence Planner
Brand: Papel Jam | Price: Rs 1899
With 222 pages (including stickers and separators), Papel Jam's 2020 planner is packed with a lot of amazing features! From 12 month weekly dated pages to monthly habit tracker and additional set of note pages towards the end of each month; this one's a good buy!
Let's Goal Planner 2020
Brand: Let's Goal | Price: Rs 1536
Shop Here
A planner inspired by key aspects like utility, self improvement, efficiency and self care? Yes, please! Artist Driti's Let's Goal planner has 180 pages to keep you well organised and updated, all year long. The planner includes pages dedicated to goal planning, habit tracking, 12-month view and more. Like what you see? We highly recommend you book this before January 15th.
Let's Goal Planner 2020
Brand: Let's Goal | Price: Rs 1536
Shop Here
A planner inspired by key aspects like utility, self improvement, efficiency and self care? Yes, please! Artist Driti's Let's Goal planner has 180 pages to keep you well organised and updated, all year long. The planner includes pages dedicated to goal planning, habit tracking, 12-month view and more. Like what you see? We highly recommend you book this before January 15th.
2020 Classic 12 Month Planner
Brand: Odd Giraffe | Price: Rs 1199
One of our favourite picks - the Odd Giraffe planner is all set to inspire and push you to "work work work" your best in 2020! This hardcover planner comes with a set of adorable stickers, pages reserved for year + month + weekly view, weekend to-do lists, doodle pages and a space reserved for 'goal diggers'. What's not to love here?
Cubo Annual Planner 2020 - Medium Wire-O-Cute
Brand: Artchetype | Price: Rs 2100
Perfect for the busy bees, who can't do without a large planner and need tons of to-do lists, schedules and priorities to jot down everyday. And of course, we've got the adorable lil' Panda 'Cubo' to cheer you up and keep you organised. From priority lists to meal planning, weekly focus, financial planning habit tracking and more; this one's got the boss girl in you covered for the year ahead!
Dream Big Planner 2020
Brand: Instanote | Price: Rs 799
Looking for a budget friendly planner, which motivates you to soar high and dream big? Look no further! This one's got space reserved for your meetings, events and project deadlines. Improve your efficiency by jotting down your goals for the year, and keep a tab on your skills, activities and to-do lists. Oh, and this planner also comes with pages for the movies, books, and shopping items on your wish list.
The 11:11 2020 Planner
Brand: Gliterally Gold Studio | Price: Upon request
Shop Here
We strongly believe it's time to make a wish in 2020, and what better than welcoming the year with the 11:11 planner! This generalised, undated planner is perfect to use till the next year (or even till 2022), and includes pages like water challenge, Habit tracker, doodle pages, password
keeper, dream tacker, bucket list, wish list, and much more.
The 11:11 2020 Planner
Brand: Gliterally Gold Studio | Price: Upon request
Shop Here
We strongly believe it's time to make a wish in 2020, and what better than welcoming the year with the 11:11 planner! This generalised, undated planner is perfect to use till the next year (or even till 2022), and includes pages like water challenge, Habit tracker, doodle pages, password
keeper, dream tacker, bucket list, wish list, and much more.
Brushed Strokes 2020 Planner
Brand: Doodle | Price: Rs 999
Doodle planners come in a variety of cover options, but we personally liked the Brushed Strokes version (because the colours look dreamy). Apart from undated note and monthly planner pages, this comes with a travel log and bucket list for all those who can't do without switching on their 'vacay' mode. There is also a mood tracker to keep up with your feelings, and some cute tear away note + quote cards. Oh, and did we mention - a space to jot down some mindfulness activities too.
Have you found the perfect planner already? How are you preparing to list down goals and vision for 2020? Leave a comment and Join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
The Dancebee
What's in my Bag | Work Edition
Hello, Dancebee Fam! In this video, I am giving you a glimpse of the essentials that I don't leave my house without. All of us have our own set of bag essentials, whether it's at work, college or a date. Here's my 'Work' bag and everything that I like to carry with me. Let me know in the comment section below - what's that one thing that you can't leave your home without!
PS: Really sorry about the distorted BG audio quality. Faced major issues while filming this. Hope you guys enjoy watching this video, irrespective of the BG audio madness.
The Power Suit Girls | Style Files
If there is one statement look and trend that I swear by, it's the 'Pant-Suit' or 'Power Suit'. I can literally have them in every colour, texture and silhouette! Luckily for us, gone are the days when suits only meant stiff fabrics, straight fit trousers and corporate styled blazers, in not more than three colours - black, grey and brown (whatever happened to variance). Power suits have taken the spotlight, with celebrities opting to experiment and bring their a-game on the red carpet in brighter colours, relaxed silhouettes, and easy-going luxe blazers.
Power suits are all about comfort, and oozing that boss girl vibe with panache! Personally, I like making trips to Zara, Massimo Dutti and Mango to get my hands on some interesting Pant Suits. There are some interesting labels, e-commerce start ups and designers who have given their own interesting spin to this powerful outfit!
Let's take a look at how some of our favourite celebrities have rocked this power packed outfit in the past, and take notes on how you can put together the perfect look for office hours.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Bollywood's very own female actors have sported the pant suit at multiple occasions, taking it from day to night, formal occasions to casual brunch dates and bringing their own unique twist to every look. From Sonam Kapoor Ahuja's chic pink Calvin Klein suit to Deepika Padukone's edgy purple Mao suit; the divas have showed us that the pant suit is versatile and how! Pair it with a crisp white shirt like Sonam, a bold sheer blouse like PeeCee or go for a bandeau top like Bebo to show off your abs. There is a look made in fashion heaven for everyone!
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Neutral tones, sculpted shoulders, tuxedo style and edgy oversized; international superstars, models and actors have showed their liking for the outfit at a variety of events. Most prefer to keep the overall look minimalistic, while letting the outfit boss up and do the talking. The outfit has not only been restricted to glamming it up at red carpet events, but has also been viewed as part of fashion liberation. Lady Gaga chose a billowing, over-sized suit, as she delivered a strong and impactful message at the Elle 25th annual women in Hollywood (October 2018), where she delivered a powerful speech on her experience with mental health struggles and sexual assault, while concluding - "Today, I wear the suit." Many celebrities have chosen to put a powerful foot forward and made a statement with their choice of outfit!
Gigi Hadid, Lady Gaga and Rihanna
Emma Watson, Zendaya, Victoria Beckham
Are you a fan of power suits? What's your favourite look?
Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or follow us on
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Love,
The Dancebee
Tips to reduce Period Pain | Let's Talk about Periods
As women, we go through the monthly grind of tracking our period dates, experiencing mood swings during the time of PMS and what follows is obviously the real deal - your monthly cycle of periods. Every human body is different, so what your mother or sibling experiences during her monthly cycle may not be the same for you and vice versa. While pre and during menstrual cycle symptoms differ from person to person - including acne, bloating, tender breasts, massive change in mood (ranging from anger, irritation, feeling lethargic to emotional) and some even tend to fall severely sick with cold, fever. However, period cramps and pain is something that we all experience.
While the nature of pain, it's level and pain points may be different, what's constant is the discomfort experienced during the cycle. It does get difficult to focus on work and other commitments, especially during the first 2-3 days, when the heavy flow coupled with pain pushes an individual to the edge. While some people prefer popping an OTC medicine, many of us don't like to take any pills. Several women experience excruciating pain, while some simply have muscular pains / cramps on the first day. Period pain differs from person to person, depending upon personal health and lifestyle. There's a lot to it than what meets the eye, so if anyone suffers from any form of pain that is impossible to handle, one must visit their doctor / gynaecologist and get this discussed.
I've always used this platform to share my own experiences. So, why not this? Starting today, our new series - "Let's Talk about Periods' will feature posts that focus on personal thoughts, remedies, and anecdotes related to a topic that is something that we all - as women - experience. The idea stemmed from an incident, where I realised how even in 2019, people go red or shut their ears when someone speaks about pads, sanitary hygiene and periods on a public platform. In a country that still considers 'menstruation' as a taboo and something which shouldn't be spoken about on a larger platform. We need more discussions on something as basic as a period cycle, and share our thoughts, which can help other women, especially young girls, with the required knowledge.
Let's kick off the first post, where I discuss personally tried and tested tips, which help me ease the discomfort during a period cycle
Drink ample of Water
Many of you may find this to be a cliched. But, we don't realise the importance of water and it's miracles enough. Lack of water tends to make the body feel more sluggish and can lead to mental stress. Drinking enough water (at least 2-3 litres), especially during your cycle, will not only keep you hydrated, but also ensure that the toxins are flushed out and eases out bloating. I always carry a bottle of water with me, wherever I go. It helps during long hours spent in traffic, and drinking water in regular intervals also ensures that the body functions perfectly.
Exercise - be it in any form!
A lot of us feel it's too much of an effort to drag ourselves and work out, especially when in pain. But, I've realised that nothing can help me distract from those cramps, quite like exercising does. Over time, I've seen the effect it has on the pain, as the endorphins released from the body does an excellent job at pain management. Plus, it supports proper flow of blood in the body, makes you feel happier from within, and throws out all the stress, tightness, making your body feel more flexible and light. Of course, you may want to give certain forms a miss if it gets too uncomfortable, but I personally love dancing, light running, yoga free hand exercises, and aerobics.
Take a hot water shower or bath
I am more of a bucket bath person, as I don't like wasting water. However, I love opting for hot water baths during the period cycle. Sometimes, I even add essential oils or use a refreshing shower gel to pamper myself. Such little efforts contribute to easing those cramps, and also helps release any form of stress, sluggishness or pain. Application of heat is known to benefit cramps quite well. One can even opt for a hot water bag, if the pain is intense.
Love me some Chamomile & Ginger Tea
During the monthly cycle, I usually prefer to have my regular cup of tea with ginger (and even on other days - as I cannot have plain tea). While I have ginger or masala tea in the morning, evenings are reserved for Chamomile tea. The anti-inflammatory properties in this tea helps ease cramps to a large extent. After a long tiring day at work, a hot cup of chamomile tea takes away all the stress, calms the mind and helps ensure I sleep well. This is has been one of my personal favourite picks, and I highly recommend that you try Chamomile tea as well.
Keep an eye on your Diet
This is crucial! During the period cycle, one tends to feel more inclined towards eating a lot of fried, cheesy or junk fast food items. Plus, midnight cravings push you to explore the dessert section, and hog on chocolates, pastries a little more often. I have a massive sweet tooth, and do have the cravings for sweets during my period cycle. However, I try to limit my chocolate intake, and usually opt for dark chocolate. Also, eating fresh fruits and / or green leafy veggies is a major plus. Your body needs food items that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and calcium. I don't drink or smoke (and I've firmly stood by that ethic), but for those who do, it is recommended that you avoid indulging in these habits during the menstrual cycle.
Take time out for yourself
Light some aromatherapy candles, listen to good music, watch your favourite show or just gentle massage some of the pain points with a gentle, fragrant massage oil. Take a long walk or read a book. It is important that you take some time out for yourself and indulge in things that you love or like. It can just be spending a few minutes talking calmly with your loved ones. I always ensure that I prioritise myself and my health during the period cycle. Everybody deserves some 'me' time, and you taking time out and switching off for sometime is a must!
I hope some of these personally tried and tested tips help you during the next period cycle. These are small ways in which some part of the discomfort can be eased. Of course, you will always have OTC medicines, balms, stick on pain bandages and heat bags as an aid. But, these little things are important to ensure that your body feels light, fresh and stress-free. Periods should not hold you back from doing what you love! Let it become a part of your routine, and live each day with great positivity.
Do share your tips and recommendations to ease period pain in the comment box below, or join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
