How to look good in 10 minutes

Unless you happen to be a goth with hair extensions as long as Jane Seymour's tresses or you're sporting a modern-day mullet that requires two hours of tweaking and gelling, technically there's no reason why guys should have to spend hours in the bathroom to look appealing.

Some cosmetic remedies may require a previous night's preparation but most of these tips relate to activities in the bathroom, before or after a shower.

Facial exercises 

It might not look the most attractive, pulling the kind of gurning expressions that win toothless old codgers prizes at country fetes - but just a few minutes of facial acrobatics every morning can do more wonders than plastic surgery.

Specific expressions involving pushing the head back and opening and closing the mouth while extending the tongue back and forth, helps tighten up the saggiest of double chins.

Also repeat widening of the mouth, smiling like Batman's arch enemy and returning to a tight kissing position - up to 20 times - will help give your jaw line greater definition. Impatient readers take note, you need to be doing this for at least four weeks.

Self-tan without orange

A range of reasonable inexpensive self-tanning moisturisers such as Dove's Summer Glow gives the illusion of radiance and health - particularly beneficial if you've got the lifestyle of a burger-munching dipsomaniac who avoids fruit and veg.

The only trick is to apply carefully with attention to areas of the neck and jaw-line that are prone to displaying tan lines, hence giving the cunning game away. Wait 10 minutes before dressing and Bingo, you have a natural sun-kissed complexion without the pain of sunbathing or risking damage to the skin.

Ice-cold water rush 

Do any of you recall the opening scenes of the movie Mommie Dearest where Faye Dunaway, playing Hollywood queen Joan Crawford, dips her face in a bowl of ice?

OK, maybe not, but for the record it's worth noting that an icy cold water-wash first thing will have more effect than a lorry-load of Botox.

The late Paul Newman also admitted to immersing his chiselled matinee-idol looks in a sink of iced water to start the day. It might not be the most comfortable of morning pick-me-ups but it'll wake up your nerve endings better than a mug of Arabica coffee.

Moisturise

It's simple, it's quick and it'll save you premature lines and cultivating a skin that could give a Nile river crocodile a run for its money. Today there's an abundance of different types of male creams, most with UVA protection and ones that treat different problems such as 'anti-tightness' to dry skin and eczema.

L'Oréal have one of the most extensive and modestly priced ranges for men - including a 'wrinkle decrease' product - because let's face it, you're worth it! Even if you've never so much as splashed Brut on your chops as part of a daily grooming routine, it's never too late to start re-conditioning your skin and make yourself look more radiant.

Wedding tackle trimming

As glamour models and porn stars are influencing women about how they should look between the legs, a whole new culture of pubic landscaping has developed. Equally guys shouldn't be too cavalier in that department too. Let's face it, would you like to nose dive into a genital version of the Borneo Jungle? A shaved or trimmed nether region can be both aesthetically pleasing as well as less rough and off putting to touch.

Electric or battery shavers may sound less scary when focusing on such a tender area but the most sensible and functional way to carry out 'todger and sack' depilation is to use a fresh razor, plenty of shaving foam or gel and shear your coconuts under a warm shower faucet. Please note, take good care not to shave your sensitive undercarriage as if it's Bill Sykes' five o'clock shadow jaw-line.

Trimming and tweaking

There can't be anything more off putting to the fairer sex than the sight of a guy's eyebrows that look as if he's auditioning for a werewolf movie. Remember Dennis 'Silly Billy' Healey's magnificent eyebrow bushes?

The most painless way to deal with stray eyebrow hairs that resemble Spaghetti Junction is to take a comb, brush it along the top of the eyebrows and then use a small electric clipper to mow away the offending stalks.

If you have to resort to tweezers then rub Vaseline or cold cream on the eyebrows to reduce painful pulling from the roots. Wipe with a paper towel to get rid of grease residue. Be careful not to overdo eyebrow plucking or you'll resemble David Guest. Duration 30 seconds to two minutes max.

Eye bags

Forget the expensive eye creams that now target the male grooming market. A cheaper and equally effective method to reducing dark circles and eye bags - particularly after a boozy night - is to place chilled tea bags on the eyes for five minutes.

The tannins in the tea help plump out lines and reduce puffiness. To make sure you have a ready supply of the little wonders simply make a pot of tea the night before and then drain and place the tea bags in a bowl in the fridge.

Express exercise

No one's asking you to don lycra and engage in a spot of pilates just before you rush out for work - but a couple of minutes of stretching will fire up the endorphins and give you greater energy. Which in turn helps brighten up a tired, sallow-looking face.

Touching the toes several (20) times and similarly doing the same amount of 'windmill swings' with the arms is all you require to maintain a degree of suppleness and alleviate rustiness rather than feeling like the Tin Man without a can of oil.

Combine these exercises with your morning facial contortions and you'll be knocking back the years in no time. A little vigorous exercise every morning rather than two hours once week is more effective and manageable.

Dying hair

There's nothing worse than an obvious paint job on the nut, which tends to age guys more than their actual years and has them looking like some hideous Dirk Bogarde look-a-like from Death in Venice.

Some guys prefer to let nature take its course and many women love the 'salt and pepper' look, which gives the illusion of wisdom!

But if you must take to the bottle then try the range where the process leaves a touch of grey. Rather than risk looking like Ronald Reagan with a tacky jet-black spray job, choose a lighter colour to mask unwanted greyness. Most of the quick hair dye applications such as the Just For Men range take little more than five minutes.

Haircut

One thing guys can be grateful for compared to the opposite sex is not feeling the social pressure to have a hairstyle that makes a statement and costs an arm and a leg.

You can't go wrong with a classic short cut, which takes little more than 20 minutes at the barber.

In the morning it really is a case of wash and go. But even if you sport a sexy no 1 or short crop made by clippers be careful that you don't leave your head looking like one big fluffy pipe cleaner. Short hair still needs conditioning and a dab of wax or hair gel will enhance the cut and look groomed.

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Gift Ideas

Giving gifts is a wonderful way of expressing our love. It is not necessary to wait for some occasion to give gifts for  the persons we love. Everyone feels happy when they  are remembered .











The gift you give should be useful to the person.


Know the person's interest and buy gifts accordingly.


Buying gifts online saves you a lot of time and the prices are also affordable.


Finding gifts for the loved ones in your life is not difficult. Know the person's interest, hobbies, likes and dislikes and made your selection of gifts based on that.


Almost all women love jewelry .We can hardly find any women who does not like jewels. Jewelry can make a wonderful gift for any women. Choose jewelry according to your budget ranging from costume jewelry to diamonds and platinum. Watches also make amazing gifts.


In general, most women love fragrance and cosmetics. There are an array of products from moisturizers, lotions, creams and so on to choose from. Know the person's taste and gift accordingly.


Similarly most women love handbags and purses. Handbags come in different colors and shapes .They make amazing gifts as handbags have become a part of the accessories now.


There are lot of aromatherapy gifts like potpourri, natural oil ,scented soaps, body care products, incense etc to choose from. Even gift baskets are available. Know the person's liking and gift accordingly.


Flowers are also wonderful gifts to make the other person happy.


If you are unable to decide what to buy, Gift coupons or gift certificates can also be given. The advantage is that you can allow the person to choose what he or she wants.


Mostly everyone loves chocolates especially children and teenagers Chocolates make amazing gifts. Gift a box of chocolates for the persons whom you like.


Most men love gadgets ,so it is a good idea choose one.




Wallets, watches can make wonderful gifts for men. Some men love jewelry. You can give chain ,bracelets, finger rings to men who love jewelry.


You can go for personalized gifts which will surely make the other person happy.


Most children love chocolates, toys , computer games, it is a good idea to gift them a box of chocolates or educative CD and toys.


If the person is interested in reading, books also make wonderful gifts. They can also be treasured .

Many women love to decorate their houses, so giving wall hangings,
decorative pieces, bed spreads can be a good idea.


For the garden lovers, you can buy indoor plants, flowering plants, ceramic pots, bonsais and or anything

If the person loves dressing up, clothes can also make amazing gifts. The market is flooded with fashionable clothes, so it is not difficult to choose what he or she likes.


For the animal lovers, gift them a puppy, ornamental fishes and so on.


If you are good in crafts or painting, you can make your own craft items and gift it.

For the music lovers, you can gift music CD, MP3 players and so on.

These are some of the gift ideas.
related to it.

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Tips to remain Happy and stress free

Tips to remain Happy and stress freeStress has become the cause of many illness in modern times. Both physical health and mental health are interconnected .So to remain healthy, one has to be both physically and mentally fit. Happiness is an outstanding characteristics of mental well being. Here are a few tips to remain happy and stress free .

Take a nutritious diet which is very important for both physical and mental health. Include lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, sprouts in your diet. Go for organic ones.


Take up a hobby (anything you like) besides your profession. It is a great way to relax and be happy. It relieves you of stress. Gardening is a wonderful hobby to be close with nature.

Go for an early morning walk and enjoy the fresh air, the birds chirping, the greenery, the beautiful sunrise ... It is a sure way to de-stress yourself .You will forget yourself in nature's wonders.


Listen to any music of your choice. It is a great way of relaxing.

Practice deep abdominal breathing as it reduces stress .When you inhale your stomach should bulge out, when you exhale it should go in. You can practice for a few minutes daily .

Yoga: Savasana or the corpse pose relaxes the body thoroughly. You can practice for 15 minutes daily.

Meditation: Practice meditation .You can learn from a person who is experienced in it. It is a surest way to reduce stress.

Go for a vacation: Take an occasional break from the routine and enjoy a lovely holiday.

Massage is a great way to de-stress yourself. Have a massage with essential oil or a warm scented bath.

Sleep is very essential for the body as it is rejuvenating and helps us to relax .

Laughter is the best medicine. Watch a humorous movie which is a wonderful way to relax.

Don't bottle up your emotions, share it with a trusted friend or write it in a piece of paper and tear it .

Plan your day well and practice time management techniques.


Always remember it is easy to change ourselves rather than trying to change someone else.

Be optimistic as it helps to lower stress.

Learn to accept realities.

Love yourself the way you are and be happy.

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Natural Hair Coloring Tips

Natural hair coloring tips
Here are some natural methods to color your hair which are harmless and safe to use. Henna is a safe and natural way to color your hair.























Ingredients needed 
Henna (natural)- 1 cup
Dried Gooseberry powder- 1 tbsp
Coconut oil or olive oil - 2 tsp
Tea decoration



Boil 1 heaped tsp of tea powder in 200 ml of water until it reduces to half the quantity. Strain the decoction.

Mix henna powder, gooseberry powder, oil and tea decoction together and leave it overnight in an iron vessel.

Apply it to the scalp in the morning. Remain for 1-2 hours and wash it off.

For dark brown shade, mix half a teaspoon cloves powder (or powder 3-4 cloves) in the morning to the henna mixture.

For rich copper color, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the henna mixture in the morning.

For silky hair, beat an egg and add to the henna paste in the morning.


2.Soak a cup of henna powder (natural) in half a cup of hot water in an iron vessel and leave it overnight.

The next morning add 1 tbsp of coffee powder (pure) to it for a deeper color.

Apply to the scalp in the morning, remain for 1-2 hours and wash it off.

For silky hair, beat an egg and add to the henna paste in the morning.
3.Grate a medium sized beetroot and boil it in a cup of water with half a tsp of kattha .Strain and mix it with a cup of henna powder. Add a heaped tsp of coffee powder (pure) to it .Leave it overnight in an iron vessel .Add 1/4 -1/2 cup of curd to it in the morning. Apply it to the scalp and wash it off after 2-3 hours for an auburn tinge.


4.Do not go for chemical hair dyes as they might cause allergies. Mix sikkakai with juice of 1 beetroot and wash your hair with this mixture. Do this regularly once in a week.
Henna gives a deeper color if it is left on the hair for more time.
Home remedies for long lustrous hair and to check hair fall  


Amla oil
Mix 50 grams of dried amla (gooseberry) in 500 ml gingerly oil or coconut oil and boil it. Cool it, filter it and use that oil for healthy hair.

Mix 50 grams of dried amla in 500 ml coconut oil. Keep it in a glass bottle or glass jar with a tight lid. Keep the glass jar containing the mixture in the sun for 15 days .The oil turns black in color. Strain the oil and use it .This oil not only gives a black color to your hair, but also stops hair fall.
Curry leaves Hair oil
Boil coconut oil and add a handful of curry leaves to it. Then switch off the gas. After it cools, filter it and use that oil to massage your hair. This prevents hair fall and also delays graying.
Natural remedy for good hair growth:
Mix equal quantities of hibiscus flower juice and coconut oil, heat it in low flames and switch it off before it boils. Cool it and bottle it. Apply this oil daily for good hair growth. It also prevents hair fall.
Hair Oil to check hair fall & for good hair growth
Take equal quantities of pure castor oil, coconut oil and sesame seed or gingerly oil. Add a tsp of fenugreek and a piece of Acorus Calamus (Vasambu). Keep it in the sun for a few days. Apply that oil to stop hair fall and for lustrous hair .
Make your own herbal shampoo:
Make your own herbal shampoo:

Ingredients needed

Sikkakai -1 kg

Dried Lemon peels

Curry leaves (dried)

Hibiscus flowers (ordinary red flower alone)

Fenugreek -250 grams

Green gram - 250 grams

Soap nuts (deseed it ,dry it )-100 grams (optional)

Dry everything in the sun and give it for grinding to the flour mill or you can buy all these powder (pure) and mix it and use it
Herbal shampoo of Bengal gram or green gram flour :

Mix green gram flour or Bengal gram flour with water and use it to wash your hair. The hair becomes soft, clean and shining.

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Natural Teeth care

LAUGH YOUR WAY TO HEALTH
Our teeth has to last  us a lifetime, so it is sensible to take care of them. Oral hygiene is very important and cannot be taken lightly. Here are some tips to take care of your teeth.







1.Brush twice a day both in the morning and before going to bed. Train children from childhood to do so. A soft angled brush with rounded bristles can be used.

2.Eat plenty of calcium rich food and protein as they are essential for healthy teeth.

3.Learn the proper way of brushing from your dentist. Special attention should be paid to the back teeth and gaps between the teeth. Floss regularly.

4.Change your toothbrush once in 2 months.

5.Massage your gums with your finger tip to improve blood circulation.

6.Avoid sugary foods and drinks to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

7.Home remedy for Bad Breath
Chew fennel seeds, cardamom seeds or mint to get rid of bad breath.

Take 2 cloves after meals to freshen your breath.

Chewing tender guava leaves helps to get rid of bad breath.

Boil guava leaves in water for 10 minutes. After it cools, filter it and use that water as a mouthwash.
Chew Parsley leaves to get rid of bad breath. You can boil few sprigs of parsley and 2-3 cloves in 2 cups of water. After it cools, strain it and use it to gargle several times a day.


8.Gargle with salt (rock salt) water every night after meals.

9.Cleaning of tongue is also important for oral hygiene.

10.Use toothpaste containing fluoride.

11.Do not take very hot or very cold food.

12.Avoid smoking ,drinking alcohol and chewing tobacco.

13.Have a regular check up with your dentist.
Oil gargling or oil pulling:


After cleaning your mouth and teeth, take 1 tbsp of oil or a little less (gingerly oil or

sunflower oil) and gargle for ten minutes (Move the oil inside the mouth). The oil becomes

thin, impure and white in color. Spit that oil and brush your teeth, clean your gums and

mouth well. Gargle several times with water. Do not swallow that impure oil. Do this on

an empty stomach. This cures many teeth related problems and also whitens your teeth.

It must be done regularly.

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Health Recipes

Include fresh fruits, raw vegetables and sprouts in your diet as they can do wonders to your skin and hair and also made you a healthy person. Sprouts have lot of fiber and water and it is also a storehouse of vitamin, minerals and amino acids.

Here are a few health recipes which are very easy to prepare and saves you a lot of time. I have given a few recipes here, you can experiment with different combination using your imagination. You can even use sprouted peanuts, sprouted fenugreek, sprouted sesame seeds or  even other cooked seeds.
1.SPROUTED GREEN GRAM SALAD:
Mix graded carrots, finely chopped tomatoes and sprouts together. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to it. Season with mustard, green chillies and finely chopped ginger. Garnish with coriander or parsley leaves. You can mix puffed rice before serving which is optional.
2.MIXED VEGETABLE SALAD:
Mix finely chopped or graded beetroot, cabbage, carrots, capsicum together. Add finely chopped tomatoes, cucumber, ginger, cauliflower (After boiling it in hot water containing salt to remove worms if any) and sprouted green gram. Mix lemon juice, salt and pepper (optional). Season with finely chopped green chillies and mustard. Garnish with coriander leaves.
4.PLAIN GREEN GRAM SALAD:
Take sprouted green gram and add juice of lemon according to taste. Add salt to taste. Season with mustard, graded ginger and finely chopped green chilies. Garnish with coriander leaves.
5.CUCUMBER RAITA:
Mix finely chopped cucumber and tomato and add curd (fat free) to it. Add salt to taste. Season with green chillies and mustard. Garnish with coriander leaves.
6.WHITE PUMPKIN RAITA:
Grade white pumpkin and add salt to it. Then drain the excess water after 10 minutes. Mix curd and season with mustard and finely chopped green chillies. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. You can do this with radish also. Instead of pumpkin use graded radish.
7.PLANTAIN STEM SALAD:
Take tender stem and cut it into thin round slices. Add lemon juice, salt and season with mustard and finely chopped chillies. Garnish with coriander leaves.
8. PLANTAIN STEM RAITA:
Chop tender plantain stem, add curd and salt to it. Season with mustard and green chillies and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
9.GOOSEBERRY RAITA:
Steam 6-7 gooseberries, deseed it. Grind it along with a tsp of coconut and green chillies to paste .Mix curd to it and add salt to taste. Season it with mustard and garnish it with coriander leaves. If you prefer you can use raw gooseberry also.
10.VALLARAI (A TYPE OF GREEN FOUND IN INDIA) RAITA:
Wash the leaves well, chop it finely and mix it with curd. Add salt to taste. This is excellent for improving memory. Season it with mustard if needed.
11.DATES AND GINGER JAM:
Wash ginger and dry it well. Scrap the skin and cut it. Soak ginger, dry grapes and dates in honey overnight. Grind everything together. Now cook this paste over a vessel of boiling water for some time. Cool it and use it. Take half or 1 teaspoon of this jam daily.
12.GREEN GRAM PANCAKE:
Soak 1 cup of full Green gram, (Moong dhal) quarter cup of broken green gram dhal and 1 1/2 tablespoon of raw rice for five hours. Drain the water and grind it along with green chillies, ginger, onion and salt. Season it with jeera, finely chopped onion and green chillies. Heat tava, spread the batter and make crispy dosas. Serve it hot with tomato ketchup.
13.POTATO RAITA:
Boil potatoes, peel the skin and smash it well. Cool it and add salt and curd to it. Season it with finely chopped chillies and mustard. Garnish with coriander (finely chopped) leaves. Serve chilled.

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Tips to remain slim

SMALL WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT:






















First of all we must be determined to remain slim and work towards it. Develop a mind set towards it.

Set realistic goals.

Make lifestyle changes like giving up alcohol, smoking, avoiding fatty food, refined food,...

Include fresh foods as far as possible as processed foods tend to contain high level of salt and sugar.

Do not expect immediate results.

Never go for crash diets instead reduce weight gradually and slowly.

Never skip meals as you tend to overeat, the next meal. Do not skip breakfast in particular.

Have your last meal of the day, three hours before going to bed.

Include lot of fiber in your diet as it gives a feeling of fullness, thereby preventing you from gorging spicy and fatty food.

Eat slowly and chew your food well as it helps in digestion and also we tend to eat less.

Nuts contain lot of fiber .They are satisfying and cause people to eat less at meal time.

Take warm lime juice mixed with honey the first thing in the morning.

Go for skimmed milk.

As far as possible avoid weight loss supplements.

When you have cravings for sweets, take a fruit instead.

When you have cravings for certain type of food like chocolates or ice cream, once in a while, you can take in small quantities .

Take fruits and vegetables which has lot of water content like watermelons, cucumbers and white pumpkin.

Keep yourself engaged as boredom leads to overeating.

Drink lot of water, at least 8 glasses per day.

Use the stairs instead of lift. Park the car a little far away and walk to your office. Use every opportunity to be physically active.

Walk, Walk and Walk as much as possible. Even if you are busy, go for walk at least 5 days a week.
Aerobic exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling, running accelerates weight loss. Consult a physician before starting any weight loss program. Aerobic exercise combined with healthy eating will certainly help in weight reduction.

Make your exercise session enjoyable.

Keep yourself free of stress

Finally, weight loss is a slow process, so do not get disappointed and give up

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Natural Home Remedies

Natural Home remedies
Natural remedies for dry skin
Natural remedies for oily skin
Natural remedies for wrinkles
Home remedies for scars and blemishes











Natural Remedies to Improve Complexion
Home remedies to remove Tan: 
1.To remove tan, mix rice flour with curd and apply it on the face. Massage gently using circular movements and wash it off after 5 minutes.
2.Mix a tsp of curd, fresh lemon juice and honey and apply it on the face. It lightens skin color.

3.Lettuce juice can be used in packs to remove tan.

4.Apply raw potato juice to remove tan. It can also be mixed with a little lemon juice as lemon has natural bleaching properties.

5.Mix cucumber paste with lemon juice and fuller's earth and apply it for 15 minutes and then wash it off. It is an excellent anti-tan pack.

6.Mix chick pea powder in a little water and apply to the face. Remain for 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water. This improves complexion or lightens your skin tone.

7.Mix sesame seed oil, olive oil and almond oil in the ratio 4:1:1 and apply it on your skin. Leave it for 20 minutes and wash it off with warm water using gram flour/besan or a mild soap. This is an effective natural remedy to get rid of suntan. It also improves complexion.

8.Mix tomato juice with a little curd and apply. Wash it off after 20 minutes.

9. Use of natural scrub like oatmeal ( add warm water to oatmeal, mix it well to form a paste) helps to remove dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation.

10.Mix a little fresh lemon juice, gram flour ( besan) and curd and apply it on the skin for 15 minutes regularly to get rid of sun tan.

11. Mix 3 drops of fresh lemon juice to a little milk, apply it on the skin, leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash it with warm water. Do it regularly.
Home remedy for Dark underarms: 


Exfoliate your underarms with a mixture of gram flour (besan), wheat bran, raw milk and a few drops of lemon juice.
Natural bleach: 


Honey mixed with a little lemon juice is an excellent natural bleach.

Dry lemon peels and powder it. It can be used in face mask to get rid of tan. It is a natural bleach.
Natural remedy for Dark neck:


Grind raw potato, mix pure sandalwood powder, gram flour and a little lemon juice to the pulp. Apply it to the neck and wash it off after 5-10 minutes. Do this regularly to remove darkness of the skin.
Natural scrub to have a  bright face:
Mix tomato juice with a little semolina and use it as a scrub. Do this regularly for a bright face.
Do not use scrub on pimples.

Green gram flour mixed with milk makes a good natural scrub.
Natural cleanser:
Milk is a natural cleanser. Cleanse your face with cotton soaked in raw milk. Use cold skimmed milk to remove your make-up.
Tips to cure stretch marks:
Have a good nutritious diet .

Apply vitamin E oil or Aloe Vera gel to cure stretch marks. This is a good natural remedy for stretch marks.

Apply cocoa butter to cure stretch marks.

Massage with sesame seed oil or olive oil regularly. This helps to fade off stretch marks.

Do regular exercise to tone your muscles.

For good sleep:

Drink a glass of warm milk mixed with a tsp of honey before going to bed.
Skin Problems: 


Skin problems can be prevented by taking bath with water mixed with tulsi (basil) leaves. Basil is a herb found in India, it is available in powder form also. Taking 2-3 basil leaves or (quarter tsp basil powder) in the morning, also improves immunity.
It should not be taken during pregnancy.
Natural remedies for Unwanted Facial Hair: 
Mix gram pulse flour (besan), wheat flour, milk cream, a few drops of lemon juice, mustard oil and water together and rub it in circular movements and wash it off. Do it regularly. Start this treatment from an early age as hair is soft and fine at that time.

Mix sugar, water and lemon juice to a thick paste. Apply it and wash it off when it dries. Do this once a week to prevent hair growth.

Unwanted facial hair was pinched off using ashes in olden times, but it is very painful.
Body odor:
Mix juice of one lemon in a bucket of water and bathe in that water.

Wear cotton clothes as they absorb perspiration better.

Keep your underarms free of hair, as hair collects perspiration and might cause offensive odor.

Reduce taking spicy food, as it can give your sweat an odour.

Add rose water to your bath water to keep you fresh.
Natural remedy for dandruff
Take a cup of curd (fat free) and apply it on the scalp .Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with a herbal shampoo. Refer natural hair care for more tips.
Home remedy for Blackheads
Grind ripe papaya until creamy. Mix it with 1/4 tsp of gram flour or besan and apply to the face leaving the area around the eyes. Wash it off with cool water after 15 minutes .
Home remedy for Sunburn
Apply honey or Aloe Vera gel.

Natural Yogurt can be applied to cure sunburn.
Home remedy for Prickly Heat  
Mix pure sandalwood paste with milk and apply .

Apply water of edible palm fruit (nongu ) to cure prickly heat.

Natural yogurt can be applied to cure prickly heat

Peel the skin of edible palm fruit and grind it to a paste and apply it. It is an effective home remedy for prickly heat.
Home remedy for Rashes
Apply coconut or palm fruit water to cure rashes.

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Tips to Remain Young

Natural Tips to Delay aging
Everyone wants to look young and trim. Though we cannot prevent ageing we can definitely delay ageing by making changes in our lifestyle. We must do everything we can, to prevent age related diseases and live a healthy and happy life. Here are some tips which will help you to stay young.










Diet :
Diet plays a very important role in helping us to remain young. We must have a balanced diet.

We are what we eat. What we eat reflects on our skin and body. First develop a regular eating habit

like eating at a proper time. Include lot of raw vegetables and fruits in your diet. Avoid junk food and

fried food. Sugar makes you look older, so you can substitute sugar with honey and fruits. Include

five servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Red, yellow, orange, fruits and vegetables and

greens are rich in antioxidants which helps us to delay aging. Green tea is rich in antioxidant and also

strengthens our resistance against diseases. Include almonds, olive oil (use it as a cooking medium)

fenugreek, in your diet as they are rich in antioxidants and helps to slow down the aging process. As

we grow older, we must stick to simple and easily digestible food. One can observe fasting to detoxify

oneself after consulting the doctor. People who eat a nutritious diet remain younger, tend to age

slower, look trim, healthier and are more active than others.
Yoga :


The age old tradition of yoga is said to have emerged in India some 5000 yrs ago. It is one of

the surest ways to age gracefully, if practiced regularly. It gives flexibility to the body, prevents age

related diseases, improves immunity and slows aging of the skin, thereby helping us to remain

young. In yoga, it is said that the more flexible the spine is, the more youthful the person is. Yoga

improves the flexibility of the spine and increases the elasticity of our body. It gives a good figure,

improves blood circulation, energizes you and helps you to remain young and fit. Not only does yoga

has physical benefits but also psychological benefits. It improves our self confidence. Learn yoga only

from a good, qualified yoga teacher. Pranayama (breathing techniques) is very beneficial to the body

and the mind and it oxygenates our cells and helps us to remain young.
Sleep :
Good sound sleep not only rejuvenates our body but also strengthens

our immunity to various diseases thereby helping us to remain young.
Massage :
It is skin which shows our age. So keep your skin hydrated and

moisturized. Massage your skin with sweet almond oil or coconut oil once in

a fortnight to delay aging. Massage helps us to feel relaxed and energizes

us. It improves blood circulation and keeps your skin wrinkle free.

Do not massage when your stomach is full or when you are sick.
Mental Health :


Always keep yourself engaged. Read a book, do crossword

puzzles, sudoku to keep your brain active. Enjoy friendships, foster good

relationship with family members, learn a new hobby, maintain interest as

these will help to reduce stress and make you feel happy.

Be optimistic in life and learn to forgive others. Dress well, love yourself, try to have a new look as it makes

 you feel happy and helps you to remain young. By having Strong family ties, good friendships, healthy diet,

 good mental health and staying physically active, one can age gracefully.

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Beauty Tips for Healthy nails

Nail Care

Appearance of the nails tells us a lot about the health condition of a person, so caring for the nails and keeping them clean is very important. Below are few tips for healthy nails-

Beauty tips for nails 

1.Massage nails with lemon rind or lemon juice and wash it off after sometime. This also removes strains from the nails.

2.Include food rich in calcium, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B and zinc in your diet. Milk, eggs, curd, sesame seeds, figs, peanuts, almonds, chick peas, greens, sprouts are all rich in calcium. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

3.Take 1 tsp of gelatin and dissolve in a little boiling water, cool it and use it in your fruit juice. You can take this for a week.

4. Wear gloves to protect your hands and nails while doing house work and other messy work.

5.Soak your nails in warm olive oil once in 10 days to keep them healthy and well nourished.

6.Massage your cuticles with a good quality moisturizing cream. This will improve blood circulation around the nails and also prevent brittle nails.

7.Massage nails with olive oil or pure almond oil. This is a very effective natural home remedies for brittle nails.

8. Always use good quality nail polish. Do avoid wearing nail polish continuously so that your nails can breathe.

9. Trim your nails after a bath or shower as it makes them softer and will result in a more even cut.

10.Have manicures on a regular basis.

11.Finally drink lot of water and be free of stress.

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Natural Home Remedies For Hands

Hand Care
 Keep your hands well moisturized. Apply a good hand lotion before going to bed.
Exfoliate your hands with a mixture of Bengal gram flour (besan), milk and fresh lemon juice regularly.












For soft hands:  



Mix 1 tsp of Glycerin, half teaspoon of lemon juice and a little rose water and apply it two times a day.

Blend banana, add 1-2 tsp of honey to it and apply it the the hands .Wash it off after it dries.

Mix a tsp of honey with a tbsp of beetroot paste, 2-3 drops of glycerine and apply it for soft hands and legs.
Natural remedy for chapped hands:
Wash hands, pat dry and apply vinegar diluted in a little water and put on a pair of soft gloves. Wear gloves while washing dishes to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals.

Apply olive oil or sunflower oil .This is an effective home remedy for chapped hands.

Mix fresh cream with a tsp of sugar and a little lemon juice and massage your hands till the sugar granules dissolve for soft hands.

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Natural Lip care

Lip Care 
Here are a few Home remedies for lips from which you can choose anything that suits you best .











Natural remedy for Chapped lips:  


Apply butter (pure & unsalted) or almond oil or ghee and massage gently.

Massage with chilled milk cream and wash it off after 1 hour. This home remedy cures chapped lips.

Massage your lips with pure olive oil or coconut oil regularly to get soft lips.

Massage your lips with a little glycerin mixed with a little rose water for soft lips.

Drink plenty of water to keep your lips moisturized.

Grind rose petals to a smooth paste and mix it with fresh cream and apply. It cures dry or chapped lips.

Application of petroleum jelly or lip balm helps cure chapped lips.

Apply honey and wash it off after 15 minutes to cure chapped lips

Try changing your lipstick brand. Use lipstick with a moisturizer to prevent dryness. Use good quality lipsticks. Always use trusted brands.

Certain flavoring agents in toothpaste, chewing gum or mouthwash might also cause chapped lips. Find out if you are allergic to it and try changing them.
Home Remedies to cure dark lips


Honey mixed with a little lemon juice helps to lighten dark lips.

Try changing your toothpaste brand as it may be allergic to you.

Apply Vaseline or lip balm when going out.

Mix 1/2 tsp Pomegranate juice with 1/2 tsp beetroot juice and apply regularly to cure dark lips.

Soak 2-3 almonds overnight. In the morning, peel its skin and grind it to smooth paste. Add a little fresh cream and 2-3 drops of lemon juice to it and apply it regularly to cure dark lips.

Try these home remedies and bring back smile to your lips.

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Beauty tips and care for the eyes

Eyes are one of the most wonderful gift given to us, so one has to take care of the eyes.
Here are some tips to take care of your eyes.














*Have a good night sleep and give enough rest to your eyes.

*Since the skin around the eyes are very sensitive, one has to take good care and handle it delicately. You can massage your eyes with almond oil using your ring finger without giving much pressure.

*Refresh your eyes by splashing cold water on it .

*Since eyes are very sensitive, buy good quality cosmetics. Never lend or use others eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, mascara or eye shadow.

*Wear a good quality sunglasses which protect your eyes from UV rays while going out in the sun.

*Have a good diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. Red, orange, yellow and dark green vegetables, fruits and greens are very good for the eyes. Drink plenty of water.

*Apply pure castor oil for the eyebrows before going to bed for good growth.

*Wear plain glasses while doing work that generates dust.

*Soak cotton wool in chilled water to which a few drops of rose water has been added and keep it on your eyes for 5 minutes. This will refresh your eyes.

*Read in good light and keep a good distance while watching television.

*Rub your palms together and cover your eyes with palms to relax then .

*For wrinkles or fine lines around the eyes, apply egg white, leave it till it dries and wash it off with cold water. Do this regularly or on alternate days. This natural remedy for wrinkles around the eyes is very effective.

*Apply apricot kernel oil to prevent wrinkles around the eyes.
Beauty tips for dark circles around the eyes 

Dark circles around the eyes may be due to :

Lack of sleep
Heredity
Strain
Lack of nutrition
Constipation
Stress
Prolonged wearing of spectacles
1.Soak cotton in cucumber or potato juice and keep it on the eyes for 5 minutes and relax.
or you can even apply the juice with cotton around the eyes. If done regularly, this home remedy for dark circles is very effective.

2.Apply almond oil around the eyes before going to bed or in the morning. Almond is a natural bleach.

3.Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a little pineapple juice and apply it on the dark circles.

4.Steep chamomile tea bag in boiling water, cool it, chill it and apply it to puffy eyes.

5.Try to reduce your salt intake in your diet to get rid of puffy eyes.

6.Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.

7.Apply tomato juice mixed with a few drops of lemon juice. Curd can also be used with tomato juice instead of lemon juice. This natural remedy for dark circles is very effective if followed regularly.

8.Mix raw potato juice with tomato pulp and apply to the dark circles. Do it regularly. This is an excellent home remedy for dark circles. Do not wash potato after peeling the skin.

9. Keep a chilled used tea bag on the eyes for 10 minutes and relax. This gets rid of puffy eyes.

10.Apply a cold compress to your eyes for 3-5 minutes to reduce puffiness under the eyes.

11.Soak 3-4 almonds overnight. In the morning peel its skin and and grind it to a smooth paste with a little milk. Apply this paste to the dark circles and leave it till it dries. Wash it off with warm water. This is an effective home remedy for dark circles

These are some of the home remedies for dark circles and puffy eyes.
You can do Surya namaskar (yogic exercise) everyday. When time permits look at the green plants and trees to refresh your eyes. You can learn and do simple eye exercise to strengthen the eye muscles and relax them.

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Natural ways to take care of your Feet.

Most of us take care of our face but the feet is the most ignored part of the body. In fact the legs bear the whole weight of the body. So we should include foot care in our daily routine. Here are some ways, we can take care of our feet naturally.




















1.Soak feet in a large basin or bowl to which warm water and mineral salt is added for about 10 minutes. You can place pebbles in the large bowl and roll your feet back and forth giving slight pressure as it gives a massaging effect. Scrub using pumice stone to remove dead skin. Wash your feet well, then pat it dry and massage with a moisturizing cream.

You can add juice of one lemon and a few neem leaves to the water as neem has antiseptic qualities.

Rose petals or 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil can be added to the water to give a spa effect at home.

2.Natural remedy for treating cracked feet:

Wash your feet well and apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly at night and slip a pair of cotton socks and go to sleep. In a few weeks, your feet will become soft.

Mix fresh lemon juice, castor oil, rose water and apply it after cleaning your feet.

Olive oil can be applied regularly to have a soft feet.

Neem paste mixed with turmeric powder can be used to treat cracked feet, though it is very messy.

Lemon rind can be rubbed daily. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

3.Walking is best exercise for your legs. Go for brisk walk at least 5 days a week.

4.Another exercise for your feet: Hold your ankles with your hand and rotate clockwise and anticlockwise. Do this for both the legs.

Also rotate each toes with your fingers.

Bend the toes forward and backwards.

Point your toes downwards as far as possible then flex them as high as possible. Do this for both the legs.

Exercise will improve blood circulation to your feet.
5.Hot (bearable) and cold treatment also improves blood circulation. Soak feet in hot water first, and then in cold water. Do this for 5-10 minutes. End with cold water .

6.Avoid heels as far as possible. Buy good fitting shoes which is comfortable for you.

7.Change your socks everyday to prevent smelly feet. Use socks made of natural material .

8.Take 3 tea bags and boil it in 3 cups of water. Mix it with half a bucket of cool water and soak feet in it to get rid of smelly feet.

9.Waxing your legs is a better option than shaving. But if you have to shave, use lot of moisturizer to avoid razor rashes.

10.Take a few minutes to massage your legs with coconut oil or olive oil everyday before bath.

11.After shower, dry your feet well in between toes with a towel to prevent fungal infection

Natural Homemade scrub for lovely legs: Squeeze juice of one fresh lemon and mix it with a little sugar and scrub gently. Wash it off with cold water.

Sea salt mixed with water also makes a great scrub for legs.

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Beauty recipes from the kitchen

You do not have to spend a fortune to look beautiful. Your kitchen is packed with beauty products which are cheap, harmless and effective if followed regularly. Get started and pamper yourself at home!












1.Apricot:

Apricot anti aging pack:
Massaging face with apricot kernel oil moisturizes the skin and slows down the aging process.

Apricot fruit is a laxative and is used to cure constipation.

Mashed apricot applied on the face brightens the skin.

Warm apricot kernel oil and massage into your scalp. It is a good hair conditioner.

2.Banana:

Banana anti-wrinkle mask:
Mash banana well and apply to the face. Rinse off after 15 minutes. It is an anti-wrinkle pack.

Banana pack for glowing skin:
Mash banana until creamy, mix 3-4 drops of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 tsp of honey and apply to the face.

Banana mask for blemishes
Mash banana well and add 2 tsp of plain yoghurt to it. Mix well and apply it on your face.Rinse off after 15 minutes. This is very effective to get rid of blemishes.
3.Potato:

Potato for dark circles:
Dark circles around the eyes can be reduced by applying raw potato juice.

Potato as skin toner:
It is also an excellent toner. Apply potato juice on the skin, leave it and wash it off after it dries.

Potato cleansing mask:
Mix potato juice, lemon juice, oatmeal and fuller's earth and apply it on the face. It is an excellent cleansing mask. It also tightens the skin and reduces pores.
4.Oatmeal:

Oatmeal cleansing mask:
It is an excellent cleanser. It removes the dirt and softens the skin. Mix it with raw milk and a few drops of honey and use it as a pack.

Oatmeal anti-wrinkle pack:
Mix oatmeal with a little curd, honey, egg white and almond paste to prevent wrinkles.
Oatmeal exfoliating mask:
Mix oatmeal with a little warm water and make it into a paste. Apply it on the face and wash it after it dries with warm water.

5.Honey:

Honey is a wonderful moisturizer and is especially great for dry skin.
Mix honey with raw milk and apply it to the face and wash it off after it dries.

Mix honey with lemon juice and apply it to the face to lighten the skin color.

Honey Mask for oily skin:
For oily skin, mix a tsp of honey with an egg white and apply on the face and neck, wash it off after 10 minutes

6.Lemon:

Lemon Hair Mask:
Beat an egg and mix juice of 1 lemon and apply to the scalp. Wash it off after 20 minutes to stop hair fall.

Lemon anti-tan pack:
Lemon is a natural bleach. Mix 1 tsp of curd with a few drops of lemon juice and apply it to the face to lighten and bleach skin.
7.Sugar:

Sugar scrub:
Sugar can be used as a scrub. While washing face add sugar and a little lemon juice to the soap lather and scrub your face.

8.Salt:

Wash your face in warm water to which a little salt is added. It makes you feel fresh.

Add 2 tbsp of salt to a tub of water and bathe in that water to remain fresh. It soothes tired muscles.

Salt is also used as a scrub. Massage with a handful of salt on to wet skin after a shower. It will make skin smooth.

Soak feet in warm water to which a little rock salt is added. It removes dead cells .

9.Fuller's Earth or Multani mutti: (it is a form of clay)
Fuller's earth acne pack:
It remove dirt and cleans the skin. Mixed with red sandalwood paste, rose water and a few drops of lemon juice, it makes an excellent pack for acne prone skin . If you have difficulty in getting red sandalwood paste, use the ordinary pure sandalwood paste.

Fuller's earth pack for oily skin:
Fuller's earth with rose water can be used for oily skin to remove excess oil.

Fuller's earth skin firming pack:
Fuller's earth, egg white and sandalwood paste makes a wonderful skin firming pack. Use this once in a week.

10.Egg:

Egg conditioner pack:
Egg nourishes your hair because of the protein in it .Beat an egg well and apply it to the scalp and wash it off with herbal shampoo for silky hair.

Mix gooseberry powder, henna powder, egg white and apply to the scalp, wash it after half an hour with herbal shampoo. Do this every week for good hair growth.

Egg for fine lines below the eyes:
Apply a little egg white and wash it off after it dries with cold water to get rid of fine lines below the eyes. Apply every alternate day and you will see good results within a month.

Egg skin toning recipe:
Mix egg white with green gram flour and milk and apply to the face and scrub it off. This recipe tones and tightens the skin and also reduces blemishes.
11.Cucumber:

Cucumber is a natural toner that lightens the skin. Cucumber juice is used as an astringent to cleanse the skin. Graded cucumber applied over the face and neck prevents pimples, blackheads and dryness. It has cooling properties.

Cucumber anti-tan pack:
Mix cucumber paste with fuller's earth and lemon juice and apply to the skin. It is a wonderful soother, lightens freckles and an excellent anti-tan pack.
12.Almonds:

Almond scrub:
Almonds are rich source of vitamin E.
Almond powder mixed with oatmeal and milk can be used to exfoliate dry dull skin.

For dark hands, mix almond powder, sugar, milk cream and lemon juice together and use as a scrub.

Soak 4 - 5 almonds overnight, in the morning peel the skin, and eat it for a glowing skin. You can have 5-6 almonds everyday.

13.Papaya:

Mash papaya and apply it to the skin regularly. It clears blemishes, scars, freckles and wrinkles.

For oily skin, mix few drops of lemon juice to papaya pulp and apply it. Rinse it off after 20 minutes.

Papaya toning mask:
Grind papaya pulp until creamy, mix egg white and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to face and remain for 20 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
14.Fenugreek:

Soak 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind it in the morning and apply to the scalp .Wash after half an hour. This hair pack prevents dandruff and stops hair fall. It also makes the hair soft and silky.

Soak half a tsp of fenugreek seeds overnight in a glass of water and drink that water and chew the seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. It promotes hair growth. It has cooling properties. However people with sinus problems should avoid this.

15.Curd

Curd hair conditioning mask:
Curd is a good hair conditioner. Apply curd to your scalp and wash it off after 20 minutes with besan or green gram flour. If that is not possible, use herbal shampoo.

Curd refreshing face mask:
Take curd and apply it on the face and massage in upward direction. Dip a towel in hot water, squeeze it , and wipe your face. Then clean your face with cotton soaked in chilled rose water.

Curd Anti dandruff mask:
Mix sour curd with juice of half a lemon and apply on the scalp. Wash it off with green gram flour or a herbal shampoo to get rid of dandruff naturally.

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