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 

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Love,

The Dancebee

He has been one of our favourite childhood darlings. Almost every child has owned at least one merchandise from Disney world (or the local toy store) that has something to do with him. You can never get enough of his 'big ears'. We have all had birthday cakes shaped like him or kiddie perfumes sold in bottles that resemble his face. On a personal note, my post-school and dance session evenings were incomplete without his hour long shows, where he, along with his other four famous pals, would keep me entertained. But, when you are told that your favourite, adorable little mouse turns 91 today, you can't help but spent a moment of silence to understand that time does fly too quickly.


Yes, I am talking about the most cheerful mouse you will ever come across. Late Sir Walt Disney's beloved - Mickey Mouse! On this day, the well mannered, perfectly dressed and sophisticated mouse made his debut in a cute film called Steamboat Willie in 1928. Every individual, who feels that Mickey Mouse was indeed an integral part of their childhood, must watch this film.

As everybody's favourite Mickey turns a year older, we take a look at some of our favourite shows and films featuring the superstar mouse. 

Steamboat Willie

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney.

Yes indeed, this is where it all started. The lovable mouse, created together by Sir Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, was actually inspired by a mouse, that Disney came across while sketching a few ideas, as he wanted to create a new character, that could become the face of Disney as a company.

And once he was born, the audience got a lovely visual treat in the form Steamboat Willie, that continues to rule many hearts even after 86 years.

The Karnival Kid

By 1929, the mouse was definitely more popular (and a year old now). In a span of one year, the audience has already seen him in films like The Opry House and When The Cat's Away, but it was The Karnival Kid that turned out to be the next milestone, as this is where you will hear Mickey speaking for the first time. And guess who turned voice actor for this charming character? None other than Disney himself.

Mickey's Orphans

Despite internal problems (Iwerks walked away to create his own studio), Mickey's popularity continued to soar and after a couple of short films in between, it was in 1931 that he received his first Academy Award nomination for Mickey's Orphans. This was also the year when Sir Walt Disney was awarded with an honorary award for creating this endearing mouse.

Warning: Cuteness overload in the next film!

Parade of the Award Nominees & The Band Concert

While Mickey's first official appearance in colour, Parade of the Award Nominees, was in a film strip exclusively made for the 5th Academy Awards in 1932, his first public colour film came out only in 1935. Titled The Band Concert, this film was also voted as the third greatest cartoon of all time, in a poll of animated professionals in the year 1994. Post this film, Mickey's friend Donald also became quite popular, thanks to his crazy (read: funny) antics.

The Simple Things

The year 1953 saw a few last regular theatrical films starring Mickey, post which, he became a regular on animated television films and even popular series like House of Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse among others. He even did a few cameos in animated-live action films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Muppets At Walt Disney World among others. In The Simple Things (1953), Mickey is seen fishing with Pluto.

Mickey was also seen in another lovely film titled Mickey's Christmas Carol, which was an adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Unfortunately, there is very little access to this film on the internet and hence, you need to be lucky enough to catch this precious film on Disney channel at home. With every passing decade, one saw various changes in Mickey's appearance. His clothing became more sophisticated, the colours used for his apparel changed overtime. Surprisingly, the new shorts feature him in an avatar, which is quite similar to his looks from 1930s. In one of these short films, we see Mickey in an Indian avatar, as he takes to the Mumbai roads as  guess what? A rickshaw-wala. Don't miss this for anything, folks!

But hey, be it any look, we can't thank Mickey enough for filling our childhood with lots of fun and awesomeness. We all may grow up, but nobody will mind turning all child-like again to watch these films and shows.

 Happy Birthday, Mickey! We love you.

Love,

The Dancebee

Who doesn't love affordable lipsticks, that offers the perfect blend of good quality, pay off and the right tint? Especially post all the festive season shopping binge, when you need to stock up on a good lipstick, without burning a hole in your pocket! Well, here's our special series 'Beauty on a Budget' back to your rescue. Beauty on a Budget is back and this time, the spotlight is on a hot favourite among subtle shade lovers - The Nude Lipstick. The perfect office look or a stylish outfit for an important meeting is incomplete without a natural effortless nude lip colour. While bright colours always enjoy their moment under the spotlight, the nude lipstick is an under-rated warrior, that's a must have in every make up arsenal. Here's a round up of the best budget nude lipsticks under 500 INR (in no particular order). These are tried, tested and approved by Team Dancebee. So, get ready to fill your shopping cart with these budget beauty top picks.

Lakme 9 to 5 Matte Lip Color

Shade: Nude Touch

Price: Rs 359 (available on discount)

What we love: Subtle, natural shade for work meetings. Matte finish lasts quite well (approximately 4-5 hours), and doesn't appear too dry. 




What we love: The most affordable lipstick on this list! Decent colour pay off, good finish and easy to apply. For the price of a single way rickshaw fare to Bandra, this one's quite a good buy.

Shop Here

What we love: Makes your lips 'blush', quite literally! We love this nude shade with pinkish tones, which is apt for a lovely brunches in between work or a date. This classy colour is a must have in every bag, and is quite affordable too! Good pay off, glides on smoothly and lasts really well.

Love,
The Dancebee

Almost every second girl born in the 90s will tell you, "Uff! He was/is my first crush." Most of us have seen numerous movies starring this charismatic actor. Most of them on repeat (and now, even on Netflix). There is no limit to the fan mania and buzz surrounding him. The actor, who has graced several magazine covers (including Time) and has got a room full of awards, turns 54 today. And even after all that 'crazy' love from more than a million fans and endless compliments for his performances, one thing remains the same - His smile, those dimples, the signature air hug pose and his down to earth nature. Yes, we are talking about none other than, the birthday boy - Shah Rukh Khan. Naam toh suna hi hoga!

While zeroing down to 'just' ten films was a mammoth task, we managed to list down some of our favourites, that we can never get enough of.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Any conversation related to King Khan is incomplete without this gem of a film. The fact that most film lovers still can't get enough of DDLJ is the reason why it holds the record of being the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema. There is no one who hasn't enjoyed swaying to the tunes of Zara jhoom loon main and loved Rahul's antics throughout the film. Raise your hands if you couldn't stop going 'Aww' when Rahul says 'Palat' or observes a Karva Chauth fast for Simran. C'mon, just how brilliant was SRK in this one?

2. Devdas

5. Swades

Love,

The Dancebee

Early morning breeze. Soothing sounds of the local birds, and the Baga river that flows gently. Watching the sunrise from the comfort of your balcony, and soaking in the calmness, while sipping on a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee; sounds wonderful, isn't it? Well, this isn't a fictional account from some old storybook. This is exactly how my mornings unfolded. After a rather crazy work schedule, we took off for a 5 day getaway. This time, the idea was to relax and unwind, instead of exploring new areas (like I generally do) in Goa. A little away from the hustle and bustle of the super busy Baga beachside, we found our peaceful haven, tucked away close to the beautiful Baga river - Acron Waterfront Resort. The serenity experienced during my visit to Goa this year was simply unmatched.  And, our stay gave us enough reasons to recommend this wonderful property for your next holiday in Goa. 

Property: Acron Waterfront Resort, Goa

Location: Seaward side of the Baga Bridge (North Goa)

Property Overview: Airy, spacious and packed with tons of positive vibes; the boutique property houses 47 beautiful rooms, which are carefully designed and have great attention to detail, and are packed with all modern amenities. I mean, imagine lazing around in bed and still being able to catch the most breathtaking view of the river side! The rooms have enough space for families, groups to unwind, move around and chill at leisure, which is a huge plus, considering many hotels tend to offer tiny rooms. So, while you enjoy walking around the property, you equally adore the time spent relaxing around in the room and balcony area. The property also has a boardroom (perfect for MICE), apart from a gym and spa. Fitness enthusiasts, you need not take a break from your routine!

Take your pick from the Seaside Rooms, Riverside Rooms (highly recommended) or the Courtyard Room. Large groups and families can also opt for the Courtyard Suites or Penthouse Suites - which are basically 3 bedroom apartments that come with a peaceful garden setting. For our stay, we were picked the 'Riverside Room' - which offers a majestic view of the Baga river, part of the Beach area and is surrounded by serenity. The sunrise and sunset views are simply incredible!



Stunning Views - If you aren't looking at being touristy and would prefer a more relaxing time within the property itself, then look no further. From a stunning infinity pool to a temperature controlled Jacuzzi and a river deck that offers an unmatched view of the riverfront; there is a lot to choose from. We spent hours lazing by the poolside, listening to music and enjoying good conversations. The lounge area by the poolside is the perfect spot to soak in some sunshine, and unwind with your loved ones. Taking a dip in the infinity pool was easily our favourite activity during the stay. Personally, this is my favourite part of the property. Acron Waterfront Resort has one of the best pools in Goa, that faces the Baga river and offers a scenic view of the entire riverside and the beach. Our evenings were spent taking a dip, while enjoying the sunset and some beautiful conversations!

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A post shared by Priya Adivarekar (@priyaadivarekar) on Jun 3, 2019 at 8:35am PDT

Hearty Meals - From breakfast to lunch, dinner and fries by the poolside; our meals were all about the personalised touch. Our mornings at the property got a mighty kickstart, thanks to a superb break fast spread, where one can choose from the available options or customise a particular dish of their choice. Lunches were all about the 'Goan' touch, as we enjoyed Chef curated dishes, and even got the opportunity to cook alongside them. Seafood lovers are in for a treat, as you can devour fresh catch of the day, cooked as per your taste and preference (the chef highly recommends 'King Prawns' and Goan Fish Curry).

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A post shared by Foodie Dancebee (@foodiedancebee) on Oct 3, 2019 at 8:39am PDT

Candle Light Dinners - Our favourite was undoubtedly the quiet and calm candle lit dinners by the river front side, where we were given the option of picking between a Buffet or  à la carte menu. Take your bae along for a peaceful dinner, follow it up with a long walk, and create moments like no other!

   

Long Walks under the Starry Sky - When we weren't taking a dip, we took long walks across the property, and settled down at the deck area, gazing at an open sky full of stars. Thanks to the fact that this property is tucked away at a convenient yet cozy location, one isn't bothered by too much noise or any kind of disturbance. You enjoy your own personal space, and can enjoy midnight walks alongside the river side, the cold breeze and the starry nights post a good, hearty dinner.

Well, it's the perfect time to book your stay at the Acron Waterfront Resort - since the 'travel season' in Goa has officially begun and will go on all the way till March. What's more? You can get some exciting deals, if you book your stay on their official website. So, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a week long break, we highly recommend that you enjoy the 'waterfront' experience - which is truly like no other! They have got some exciting offers going on for the current festive season, so don't forget to keep an eye out on their official website! 

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For offers or bookings log on to https://www.acronwaterfrontresortgoa.com