Monsoon | Hair and Skincare tips
Rains are here. It's that time of the year when you ditch your favorite pair of jeans for a comfortable pair of shorts or something that will save your apparel from getting stained with the roadside muck (Yuck!). It's equally essential that you take care of your skin. The humidity level goes up during the monsoon season, especially in cities like Mumbai, due to which your skin and hair suffers a lot. I may not be an expert in this field, but here's a list of skin and hair care tips that will help you to prevent your skin from suffering this season.
1. Avoid heavy make up. Just a dash of Kohl or gel liner along with a bright lip color or gloss is enough to add some drama. Heavy make up can block pores and if you end up getting stuck during a heavy down pour, you might end up looking like a Halloween costume party host. Opt for water proof, light weight make up for all the special occasions.
2. I am sure everyone knows this, but CTM (cleansing, toning and moisturizing) is your 365 days a year mantra. If you still haven't invested in a good toner, cleanser and a moisturizer that suits your skin type, then please do it now.
Dancebee recommends: Clinique CTM range (Step 1,2,3)
3. Those with oily skin must make sure that they don't wash their face too often. 2-3 times a day is enough. Also, skin tends to get oilier in this climate and may eventually lead to breakouts. Buy a good scrub and use it twice a week to remove all the dirt. Those with dry skin may experience severe itchiness, but beware. If you scratch your face or break a pimple or two, it may leave a permanent scar. Use a cream based cleanser to keep your skin hydrated and an alcohol-free toner to keep it moisturised. Combination skin type need to make sure that they use a non-soap based cleanser and again, invest in a good scrub.
4. Another mantra for people with all skin types, use a good sunscreen (according to your skin type) everyday. Please don't think that the sun will not harm your skin just because it's raining. The sun doesn't disappear anywhere.
Dancebee recommends: Neutrogena Ultra sheer dry touch sunblock SPF 55
5. Don't ignore your skin folds. Use an anti-fungal powder to avoid skin infections, which are common during monsoons.
6. Cleansing your hair and scalp everyday is important as we perspire more during the monsoon. If your work involves being outdoors for long periods of time; put on a hat or a scarf. Buy a good ‘volume-enhancing’ shampoo and use it thrice a week on your hair. It helps since hair tends to go limp in this season.
Dancebee recommends: Dove daily shine shampoo and conditioner
Sunsilk keratinology detoxifying shampoo and conditioner.
7. Avoid using too many styling products, as this could make your hair very greasy due to the increase in
humidity.
8. Opt for a relaxing oil massage once in a fortnight. Use coconut oil mixed with olive oil or any other oil which suits your hair type.
9. Dandruff is a common problem during Monsoon. Medical shampoos like Scalpe (Rs 150) are a good choice when compared to the commercial anti-dandruff shampoos. But these shampoo's often cause dryness and hence, a conditioner is a must.
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| Image sources: makeupandbeauty.com, neutrogena.com, emzee.com and idiva.com |
10. Make sure that your hair is fully wet before you apply shampoo and use only warm water for this. Using hot water could potentially damage your hair and irritate your scalp.
Do you have a special skin or hair care routine that you religiously follow or a tip or two that you would like to share with everyone?
Do let us know!
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Dance... Five little alphabets make one dream!
"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking." ~Agnes De Mille
Oh yes, she was right! Dancing means much more to me! It’s not about feeling conscious about what you are doing, dancing means to be free from all bonds of life. Just swaying away to the beats of music! Today dance is my life; it’s like what water is to a fish... I guess thats why Jaques D'ambroise said "Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It's the rhythm of your life. It's the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy." I feel this was written just for me.
When i dance, i feel i have attained bliss. No wonder lord shiva also used dance as the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. Dance can be used to express so much in life. Lord shiva often expressed his anger through the tandav dance form.
Ariel Blogger event with Manish Malhotra and Mona Singh
It feels so good to get back home after a long day at College and actually end up taking time out for your blog. I know I've been MIA since quite a few days, but I must tell you all that I haven't been away from 'all' the action.
I was invited by Ariel (P&G), one of the leading detergent brands in India and across the globe, for a blogger's meet at J W Marriott, Mumbai last week. Although I've been swamped with a lot of assignments, it is also true that I have missed quite a few blogger meets in the past and I didn't really want to miss out on this one, primarily because I love meeting fellow bloggers and interacting with them. It's good fun when you fellow bloggers and talk about your blog, discuss things you like and gossip.
So, let's take a look at what all happened, what we discussed and how we posed!!!
Manish Malhotra, the brand ambassador of Ariel and Mona Singh were invited by the team to be a part of an interactive session with Fashion bloggers from Mumbai. The new campaign called "My Story My Ariel" (MSMA) talks about the fact that everyone has a favorite piece of garment which is special to them. May be it’s their lucky shirt, or something which a loved one gifted.
Top 10 Marathi Films - Part 2
As promised, here's the second part of my post: Top 10 Marathi films you must watch.
Once again, the post only has a few films (as of July 6 2012).
With endless Marathi films making a mark, guess a third part should be on it's way.
Golmaal (Marathi)
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Jitendra Joshi, Sunil Tawde
Once again, the post only has a few films (as of July 6 2012).
With endless Marathi films making a mark, guess a third part should be on it's way.
Golmaal (Marathi)
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Jitendra Joshi, Sunil Tawde
Directed by - P.R.Raorane
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| Photo credit: newmarathi.com |
This 2006 film didn't create a stir at the Box-office, but I can watch this film a hundred times and never feel bored. The dialogues were simply hilarious. Bharat Jadhav as the con-businessman did a brilliant job. This movie was almost like a Marathi version of the Akshay Kumar - Shahid Kapoor starrer Deewane huye pagaal, but the humor in this film is unbeatable. Sunil Tawde has outdone himself. The situations in this film will make you laugh like crazy. Dialogues by Sachin Darekar are the soul of this film. I mean where would you get to hear stuff like "Aamhi Kohlapur la centrally Air-condition karnaar aahot." Music by Avdhoot gupte was good. If you are down and out or stressed, then make sure you grab a copy of this film and watch it!
Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Saksham Kulkarni
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Saksham Kulkarni
Directed by - Mahesh Manjrekar
This 2010 film is a must watch for all those parents who believe that only good grades can assure a successful life for their child. Shrinivas Rane (Saksham Kulkarni) is very good at cricket, but never manages to score well in his exams. His father Madhukar Rane (gives me a whack or two everyday for not completing his homework or for not scoring well in exams. The father-son relationship deteriorates and one day, Madhukar does something so serious to Shree that their life changes within a second. This film is about Madhukar's struggle, who wants every parent to know that beating their kids and shouting at them everyday is of no use. He wants them to know that letting their child excel in what he/she likes is extremely important. Alas! Madhukar learns this very late. Performance wise, Both Bharat Jadhav and Saksham Kulkarni have done a brilliant job. The emotional and funny scenes are very well tackled. The supporting cast is also good. Mahesh Manjrekar made a serious attempt to reach out to all those parents who have been torturing their children for no reason. And the attempt was successful.
Harishchandrachi Factory
Starring Nandu Madhav, Vibhavari Deshpande, Vaibhav Mangale
Starring Nandu Madhav, Vibhavari Deshpande, Vaibhav Mangale
Directed by - Paresh Mokashi
How can I not add this film to my list? After all, This movie talks about the Beginnings of Cinema and That too, In a brilliant way! "Father of Cinema" in India, Dadasaheb Phalke accidentally stumbled across a tent theatre that was screening a silent motion picture. Thats when the idea of film making stuck him. Along with his hardworking family, He ventured into an area that was unknown to contemporary India. This movie traces the journey of Dadasaheb Phalke & The making of the 1st Indian feature film "Raja Harishchandra". Nandu Madhav has essayed the role of Dadasaheb Phalke brilliantly. The kids are super cute & Vibhavri as Phalke's wife is charming. The direction (By Paresh Mokashi) is bang on. Its a flawless film. Not to forget, Nitin chandrakant Desai's beautiful art direction adds more charm to the film. A must watch for all Cinema lovers & those who are studying the History of Cinema.
Vihir
Starring Girish Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Mandar, Dr. Mohan Agashe
Starring Girish Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Mandar, Dr. Mohan Agashe
Directed by Umesh Kulkarni
This movie can be described as a "Cinematic Masterstroke."Movies like Vihir and Shwaas added a new dimension to the Marathi film industry. Its a story of two adolescent boys, Sameer and Nachiket (cousins who are best friends) standing on the cross roads of life. They need to choose between the life that leads to a petty worldly small existence or the life of free existence that would let them spread their wings and soar high in open skies.The boys play a game of hide and seek in a rather unusual way. Where one cousin hides in death. And the other is looking for him in the life around him. Samir's search leads him towards the experience of oneness where he can unite with Nachiket again. The movie is not just a source of entertainment, its an experience. The story and screenplay (Girish Kulkarni, Sati Bhave) is so well written. I think this movie is a must for all those folks out there who love watching films that make them feel blessed. It is a delight for every film lover!
Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy
Starring Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar
Starring Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar
Directed by - Santosh Manjrekar
This one is a winner in every sense! It has all that a typical movie buff would want, Action, Masala, Emotions, Comedy. It took Maharashtra by storm. For more than a year, The tagline "Garv aahe mala Maharashtriya aslaycha" was a huge hit. This movie walked away with all the awards in the Marathi films category in 2009. Mi Shivaji Raje Bhosale Boltoy is about a simple man, Dinkar Bhosale (Sachin Khedekar) who is frustrated with the way Maharashtrians are treated everywhere. Even at home, his daughter wants to do away with the "Bhosale" surname, his son is annoyed with him as he does want to give in to corruption just to get admission in a reputed college, his wife does not like the way he saves money. His frustration brings Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to life, who does not like the fact that he has given up so easily. That's when the real drama starts & Mr.Bhosale stands up against all the illegal activities in Mumbai & reaches out to all the Maharashtrians. The cast was just bang on. Khedekar's performance created a great impact. It made us wake up & think about the on-goings in our state (Hope someday everyone wakes up & works towards helping our city get out of real trouble). Suchitra Bandekar was a delight to watch. Mahesh Manjrekar as Shivaji Maharaj was good & so was Makarand Anaspure as his Mawla. Dunno how Mahesh Manjrekar managed to come with such a fantastic,original story. The title track "Hey raje" was a hit. The dialogues (Sanjay Pawar, Mahesh Majrekar) added a lot of impact as well. If dramatic films with a touch of History are your thing, then THIS ONE IS A MUST WATCH!
There you go! 10 marathi films that stood out for me. Here's a list of some more brilliant films that also deserve a special mention.
1. Matichya Chuli - Starring Vandana Gupte, Sudhir Joshi, Ankush Chaudhary
Directed by - Sudesh Manjrekar, Atul Kale
Must Watch because - A heart warming,emotional story of a family and their usual problems.
2. De Dhakka - Starring Makarand Anaspure, Siddharth Jadhav, Shivaji Satam
Directed by - Sudesh Manjrekar, Atul Kale
Must watch because - it has a brilliant message. You should never underestimate any individual's talent. The movie has some amazing dialogues & the story is fresh & original.
3. Dombivili Fast - Staring Sandeep Kulkarni, Shilpa Tulaskar
Directed by - Nishikant Kamat
Must watch because - This movie changed the face of marathi films. Part of the 'social' genre. Sandeep Kulkarni's performance was outstanding. Nishikant Kamat later directed the Hindi film Mumbai Meri Jaan.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a DVD/VCD or a Blu Ray of these wonderful movies and Watch them now!
Love,
The Dancebee
Love,
The Dancebee
Plaid-a-licious | Outfit Post
Before I start this post, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima,
I would like to thank each and every Guru (teacher) in my life who have helped
me become the person that I am today. They include my school teachers, college teachers, dance gurus,
people who have inspired me, my parents, wonderful saints like Sant Tukaram,
Gyaneshwar maharaj, Swami Samarth etc and my beloved, Shri Saibaba of Shirdi. Without their blessings, I am incomplete. A guru is just like a
guide, without whom we tend to get confused and feel lost in this journey
called life. Hence, I would like to thank all my gurus for their contribution.
Happy Guru Poornima!
Now, let's move on to the post. Inspired by some of my favourite international bloggers, I decided to go for the 'No Smile' look. Most of my posts have the typical 'Priya' smile (like some of my friends say, I show off my dimples, which has not never been my intention). So for this post, I decided to keep 'that' smile away for the camera. I decided to ditch all my other shades for this classic blue pair of aviators from Ray ban that looks great with this outfit. Also, the accessories are minimal with just a pink ring on my hand and a tan belt.
After sometime, I decided to go in for a change of hairstyle
and came back with a side braid. My shoulder length hair made it quite a task
for my sister to try the side braid, but she managed it pretty well.
So, which hairstyle do you think looks good on this outfit?
Plaid shirts can be paired with almost anything (Denim jeans, Chinos, Shorts etc). You can also steal one from your Dad/Brother or Friend's wardrobe.
Make sure you don't overdo it. If you're wearing a plaid shirt, avoiding
adding anything else that has the same pattern. Try to pair it up with solid colours.
I am in love with Chinos, ever since I
picked up 2 pairs from Zara in April. They are extremely comfortable, gives me
a casual and semi formal look (depending on how I style it).
Shirt: Wills Lifestyle
Chinos: Zara
Aviators: Ray Ban
Ring: Colaba
Belt: Zara
Thought I should share this with all of you, I am finally a graduate now!
A big thank you to everyone who prayed for me during my exams & also during those crazy, anxious post-exam moments. Here's to new beginnings and a brand new journey from here.
Love
The Dancebee
The Dancebee
