Little things in life can go a long way. I have actually managed to make this list so that even you can experience the same feeling I get as I indulge myself in any of the items listed below. You should definitely give it a try next time you visit any of the following places!
1)Waffles: It’s an amazing place that serves all kinds of deserts from creamy mousses to mouth watering sundaes. As the name suggests it’s a place that is truly devoted to bringing us the best waffles in the country. Choco lotto, my personal favorite, is a crunchy waffle stuffed with walnut brownie, slurped in hot chocolate, and served along with it is one scoop of chocolate and vanilla ice-cream each. If you truly are a desert fan, please give this a try!
2)Birdy’s: If it’s one of those days you really crave some type of luxury, then chocolate éclair is your perfect match. This smooth cream filled delight guarantees to take you to an all time high.
3)Crepe Station: Very classy place serving pancakes, waffles and crepes (so totally French). If you want to just fill your stomach with some fries don’t forget to ask for that yummy yum white sauce, I think, garlic maybe…but trust me it rocks!
4)Subway: Weight watchers take a hike! Beware of the delicious taste of the Double Choc Chip Cookie or Oatmeal Cookie near those highly low cal sandwiches. That is one thing that called me back to subway!
5)Garcia’s Famous Pizza: My advice- If you’re a die-heart chicken fan, this one’s for you. Spicy Italian pizza. Its an extra yummy pizza topped with chicken sausages and chillies and loads of cheese. Like the idea? Call your nearest Garcias quick!
6)Sweet Palace: Located somewhere, where most of us would least expect it. In lokhandwala! It’s a small chaat centre serving one of the best Pani puri’s I have ever had! They even home deliver, just incase you don’t want to step outta your crib! 
7)Candies: Great place to chill with friends whenever you want. Next time you pay a visit try ordering for a Dragon Chicken Roll or people like me with the sweet-tooth can go for the blueberry cheesecake, I guarantee you a great experience so sit back and relax!
8)Yummies: Ok…this place rocks. Its like a tiny place at Bandra which serves the best and most affordable Chinese ever! Get there and call for a Triple Schezwan Rice and you’ll get what I mean to say!
9)New Yorkers: If your Italian food crazy, this is the place to be! Nachos with Mexican beans is something you should definitely have, just incase you decide to crash in.
10)Juhu Beach: Last but not the least, Laxmi Pav Bhaji, one the oldest pav bhaji stands present on juhu beach. Serves the yummiest pav bhaji maska marke…and trust me once you taste it, you are completely hooked! Those extra pavs will never stop coming!
Well, I know all of us have that place and that particular comfort food you want everyone to try, so go ahead express yourself and let everyone enjoy what you enjoy!
BlackBubblegum 
Ten years ago, I left for the US to do my masters - with no cheap way of keeping in touch with family. Having just about got an email address and with the new computer at home being some DOS type thing where no pictures came up, the vsnl internet connection had speeds that rivalled Rip Van Winkle’s aging process. Dad’s email address was soooo long – ending in bgl.vsnl.net.in. Really!!! Calling cards from the US charged 53 cents a minute to India and that was considered a good deal and calling from India to the US was Rs.60 a minute. Seriously!
Now one of my dearest and nearest has left for sunny California to do his MS. And I am amazed at how easy it is to keep in touch. Skype, Gtalk, what have you! And calling cards from Reliance and Big Zoo that cost 15 cents a minute. And it is so cheap for me to call as well. In addition, you can add gtalk to your blackberry and be online all times of the day. So all he has to do is ping and I am there with the answers. Amazing!!!!
Being in a city, it really is quite easy to bridge the distance. And at the end of the day that’s what matters – keeping in touch with your loved ones and being part of their lives and transformations. Bidding adieu just got so much easier!
New year, new college, new friends, new campus, new opportunities, new life!
Let me help you out on what’s hot and what is completely important to keep in mind for this new academic year.
1. Stationery: The most important of them all! We shouldn’t forget the very reason we go to an educational institute…to gain knowledge! Make sure you have enough pens, pencils, handbooks and all textbooks before hand, so that you are in tune in what’s going in class no matter if you’re in or out of it! And perhaps if you want, glance through the texts so that you know what you need to before the teacher begins the topic, and wouldn’t be attending just for the sake of compulsory 75% attendance.
2. Trendy college bag: Very important. Choose a bag that not only suits your personality but also allows your journals to fit in it. (We should never forget the real reason for buying it in the first place, don’t you think?) Something huge and plastic-y and less leathery or fabric-y is what you should look for. And make sure its waterproof so that your books are safe just incase there is a downpour.
3. Dungarees: A short dungaree dress or normal dungarees either 2/4th’s, 3/4th’s or full ones teamed up with pair of leggings and a solid tee will look just fab!
4. Contact lenses: Just incase your on glasses, get yourself some change. Nothing against people who wear glasses, I do too, but the feeling of clear vision without my pair sometimes makes me feel at the top of this world and makes you feel like a million bucks!
5. Pair of black leggings: Please tell me you know this one by now? Team up with minis, shorts and all sorts of tops. And please word of advice, own only solid color’s like black with some lace or brown because everything else looks a little to fake and can look very cheap!
6. Tunics: Very here, very now! I am sure you have at least one of these in your closets by now. They not only put you in the spotlight but also grab you few “WOW” glances once in a while. A simple black tunic along with denims or leggings might just be the look for a casual hot day or a cold classy night with a bunch of accessories kicked in!
7. Skinny denims: New addition to class of ’07-08! Skinny people can team it up with all sorts of tops but just incase you think your thighs look to huge team up with long tunics or kurtees for you to look extra-ordinary baby!
8. Printed umbrella: If you don’t have one of these, I reckon you buy one. They might come in huge sizes, but trust me; they look super hot and keep you dry all day long! And don’t forget very sturdy!
9. Chunky long chains and hair accessories: Get a long silver chain with perhaps a pendant of a crown for the cute princesses, heart for the lovey dovey ones or perhaps a skull for the outrageous ones! I hope you get the point. This chunky bling will not only make you stand out, but also make you’re very simple outfit look very simply “haute!” Add hair clips, hair bands and crazy accessories to jazz up your look!
10. Footwear: Two words: Flip-flops! Hmmm….Comfy slip-on’s you can run around in and also converse for a more classier look just incase you wanna look girly one day and tom boy-ey the next!
And last but definitely not the least; don’t forget to carry your confidence and positive attitude.
Quick Pointers:
Be friendly and let no comment effect you.
Act sober and decent just incase you don’t want to fall prey to ragging.
Believe in yourself and act polite with teachers and students.
Don’t forget to thank someone after you receive help and do the same if you’re asked for help.
Be generous, kind and speak to all kinds of people around you.
Do not limit your friend circle.
Don’t judge any one by the first look, dig deep.
And please people smile like an a** if you have to, though some people might think your completely nuts, but trust me, many would fall in love with that gorgeous smile!
What else…Have fun…Go Nuts….And F.Y.I.?
Welcome to Life Baby! This is where the fun begins!
BlackBubblegum
Monsoon is finally here…so I am thinking….bright colours to uplift our spirits on gloomy rainy days! Time to remove those umbrellas and be a part of the “splish splash” around! Finally the season of paper boats is here!
What you waiting for? Read on and get in the mood for some real fun!
Fashion
•Avoid full lengths bottoms like denims (they tend to get heavy, so like you can’t run around having fun) or trousers (they tend to get sticky…eeeeks!) instead opt for capris or shorts in lighter fabrics and darker shades so that it doesn’t get all transy when wet!
•Fashion goes bright in monsoons, if you get what I mean! Bring out those gorgeous bright umbrella’s (love those huge multicolored one’s that have just hit the fashion scene) or maybe graphic printed umbrellas (try something called vintage umbrellas) or raincoats. Oversized rain poncho’s or windcheaters are the key here not just in a fashionable manner but in a precautious way too cause, they help you keep dry! If you’re a classic fan look around for black umbrella’s with lace trimmings in the ends which will give you an edge over others!
•BOOTS! I ain’t kidding! And please don’t get me wrong by thinking I am talking about the leather ones that were in some time back….I am talking of those nice shiny ones which never get ruined and protect your “better” shoes from damage!
•IF you’re not the outrageous types, flip flops you get a lot of them nowadays “everywhere”! From greeny blues to hot pinks..they have everything…very easy to slip on and run around in the rains..just make sure you get something which gives you a good grip so that you don’t slip off…very possible in the rainy days!
•Transparent Handbags look great and help in saving your important stuff from getting wet! They look trendy and make a great fashion statement. Oversized work well, as I always say the bigger, the better!
Here’s an pictorial illustration made by me for you guys just to let you know what’s hot this season! 
Beauty Fix-Ups!
•Foundation:
Forget about it! Unless you want a streaky face if by chance you are caught in the rain without an umbrella! Use face powder instead.
•Powder
Powder should only be used sparingly to blot the shine off of your nose. Powder on naked skin, and powder that’s been overused; you don’t want to look like a ghost, do you?
•Mascara & Eyeliner
Use the waterproof variety of mascara to avoid weeping black tears. Forget eyeliner during monsoons. Try using your kajal pencil or apply a dark eye shadow on your eyelids with eyeliner brush.
•Lips
Use the long lasting color-stay/non-transfer types. Stay away from liquid lip colors this season, especially if you have to be outdoors for some time.
Now, this was just part 1 look out for many more helpful tips for the monsoons in my next article. Till then…keep reading and guys do contribute if you yourself have found something real interesting out there! After all its a BIG world !!
Till then,
Keep it trendy!
BlackBubblegum
Love is big entertainment, as long as you are only a first-row spectator, or so they say. That is a fact, the romantic indulgences of one’s close friends does to tickle one into much laughter and amusement. It is hilarious to spot a friend practise his proposal speech, it is amusing to watch a friend hit hard as he realises the girl he has been getting all-heart-throb-by about is someone else’s long-time girlfriend. It is fun watching crushes getting crushed and entertaining and interesting to get friends to fall out of big-time infatuations. One can watch on with that half-smile as one’s best friend gets all sweaty and murmur-y and stammer-y trying to ask his object of interest out for coffee. Basically, romance is undiluted fun from the outskirts, isn’t it?
Well, it is, until one gets strangely involved. Oh no, no, am not going to talk about ‘developing feelings’ for the best friend’s love. This isn’t all that deep and messy, this is subtle and more uncomfortable. This is a situation many of us have been through, held our heads, clutched our hair and wondered how the hell did we get sucked into this, and why any of this should affect us. The situation am going to talk about is when one’s best friends start going around, and then, ouch(!), they break up. Disaster!
Disaster because you lose not one, but two of your best friends at the same time. Even if you don’t lose them as such, things start to get uncomfortable when the three of you have to get together for anything. All of a sudden you can only have one of the two at a time with you. Since this is such a filmy topic, lets use a filmy example, your two best friends, Rahul and Puja, who used to date, do not do so anymore. They had the regular break up thing. But, God knows how, you have managed to not only get into the equation, but also be affected strongly by this breakup.
No more coffee time ganging up with Rahul and Puja, no more trekking around with Rahul and Puja, no more dinners out with Rahul and Puja, no more movie outing, no more group-studies, no more assignment partners, no more hanging around, with Rahul and Puja breaking up. No more ganging up with Rahul to pull Puja’s legs, no more of those mock-girls-bashing-guys debates with Puja against Rahul, no more driveaways with the best friends, no more ice-cream outings with Rahul and Puja. Suddenly, its all over for you too. How sad!
What? Thats never happened to you? You mean you’ve never lost your social life all of a sudden, one fine day, when your best friends broke up? What do I say? You are lucky as hell! Because, what follows this is awfully painful for the close-range spectator. Suddenly you have to become aware of talking nice things or anything nice that has happened to Rahul, if you are with Puja. You have to nod your head, or atleast maintain stupid silence when Rahul goes on about what a bitch Puja has been. Puja might reveal ugly secrets about Rahul, which you never wanted to know ever. Rahul might sob on your shoulders, no matter how badly you hate being used as the shoulder to cry on, after a break up.
Sometimes its worse, Puja has not taken the break up so well, she goes into depression. She wants to be ‘left alone’. No she can’t even go out with you anymore, she can’t go even shopping with you anymore, somehow, you remind her of the days with Rahul. Gosh, you sigh, what a mess! Why must I lose Puja’s company, you wail. Rahul goes the ugly way too, he chooses to intentionally hang around with other babes before you, so that you can go convey the ‘moved on’ message to Puja. Ugly, ugly…
After having gone through trying situations like the one above, here’s a solution I have come up with, for my own self. So that I may avoid missing my best friends after they break up. And I thought I’d share it with you The moment two of my friends pair up these days, I quickly see to it that I work-out and develop a backup social life, or a back up group of buddies to hang around with. Simply because I donot want to be ‘left alone’ or ‘move on’ or get into messy situations with either of the two best friends breaking up!
PS: To my friends who are going around, do you see how much I need you guys to not be breaking up!?
Way back in college, while preparing for Group Discussions (also known as GD), one of the rare topics that we came across during our mock-GDs was _ ‘Do students, who are the best academically, go on to make it as the best, professionally?’. There were several variants of this topic too, but they all triggerred us to think this, if we have good marks (its so long since I used those words!), will we also be the smartest, or let’s say, the most wanted, employee around?
We all know, there are about tons of changes that happen in life, as one goes through the phase of being a student to chilling it out at work! But this is a story of what happens if you are a good student, getting all those good grades, all diligent, disciplined, not-lazy, hard-working, sincere, and more often than not, the apple of your teacher’s eye. If you were none of the above, still, you’ve got to read on, for this is also a story of one who was not any of those things that might have earned him the ‘good’ before the student. Which of these two went on to being the highest rated employee later on? Is there a fixed formula that can be applied to know which students crack the scene at work and which don’t?
Let’s begin with why we want to know the answer to these questions. My idea is to figure out if there is a direct correlation between your grades and marks and your performance at work. For, is it not this very point on which most companies rely on, to select their candidates? Is it not this, that preconditions an interviewer’s mind on what to expect from the interviewed? Is it not all about marks and percentages for a freshman? Why else do they have cut-off percentages for candidates who can attend the written test, which is like step one for the selection procedure, at most companies?
In a quest for answers to doubts such as those above, here is what I observe _
> Students who are all about living in that moment, donot go much further. To elaborate, students who are studying for the upcoming exams, with answering all questions in the question paper perfectly, the only thing on their mind, are less likely to absorb the actual course content. They rigorously work out old question papers, seek answers to those odd questions, which have never repeated but may do so this year, revise answers to problems, go all over the extra mile! For all their hard-work they are often, at the end, left with little knowledge of what the course was all about. But, they do know the answers to the questions in the question paper really well. So, with this kind of half-knowledge, it is not really surprising that they often donot reach up to the mark at work. Needless to say, this is not always the case, but this is often the case.
> Lazy students remain lazy all life. Once the seeds of indiscipline get planted in your personality, you are unlikely to let go off it, remaining a person who wants the easy way out, all your life. A hasty exam preparation will get you the marks, but indicipline is evil and continues to corrupt your system. You will find life is unfair, hikes are unfair, performance ratings are unfair, but never attributing this injustice to your own indifference to a thorough performance.
> For some, it has to be the area of interest. There are two kinds of people when it comes to work _ One, the kind who will put in an almost thorough effort at the work assigned, regardless of whether they like what they are doing or not, whether it gives them the kicks or not. They are often consoling themselves, encouraging themselves, pushing themselves ahead telling themselves this is the practical way! The other kind requires the right kind of work and the right kind of environment to contribute effectively. This kind really flourishes and rises upto its ultimate height provided the right impetus. The heights achieved by such folks are usually much greater than those achieved by the less-stimulated ‘practical’ kinds. But hey, there is no right or wrong about this, we do need folks of all kinds to keep a project moving!
> The small drops and the mighty ocean. Performers can again be classified as those who contribute in little amounts, facilitating the mighty performers and then, those who contribute big, because an idea struck them big. I am guessing these two kinds of contributors are born out of the two kinds of people _ one kind that spends all its life working out life’s little problems, winning life’s little battles, merely getting the work assigned completed and awaiting the next task. Then the other kind, that spends all its life day-dreaming, thinking of big ideas, big problems and big solutions, they are not just getting the work assigned completed, but are also thinking up the next step.
> Domestic challenges affecting work. As a student, we are protected, pampered and kept away from facing life’s real challenges, often. Rarely, if ever, did we have to stand the queue to pay the electricity bill and then go to attend school, but while working, there is something or the other that needs to get done, every day, in order to keep the home running. In other words, we get domesticated! We have to time-share between work and domestic duties, unlike as students, when all we had to do was either study or relax! Or should we read this as, how well do you multi-task?
> Some folks are happy with being average. Unfortunately, this is something that gets moulded earlier as a kid. If your folks didn’t push you enough, its unlikely you went on to do closer to your maximum capability. Pushing / encouraging is different from exerting undue pressure. Such folks are happy achieving 50% of what they set out to achieve. It is sad that so much capability gets wasted, but they dont seem to care! Even at work, they are happy just earning the daily bread, they donot seek excellence. They donot feel the need to innovate, they donot bring new ideas or energy to work.
> Getting a job is not a destination. But some of us end up thinking so. ‘Gotten myself a job that I like’ is often the ultimate ambition a student possesses. While this is good, it is also necessary that one recasts one’s ambitions after crossing the ‘gotten myself a job that I like’ phase! Otherwise, stagnation is bound to happen, leading to a decremental effect on the performance at work and a disappointment to your employer who pinned big hopes on to you.
With observations such as these, am thinking its the personality which decides the performance at work. However, there are little pointers one can get about the kind of employee a student will lead on to, from the marks transcripts. A student with the best marks may not always make it as the best performer at work, but someone with below average marks is unlikely to turn out to be a good performer. But most importantly, you can gauge yourself perfectly, to know how you will fare, and the changes you are going to need to fare even better.
Off course, in this whole quest we have kept counterproductive agents at work aside, like bad bosses, sensitive issues at work, pay, benefits and the company itself. Those which require a separate zooming in, a whole new quest!
Who doesn’t want to get noticed? Right? And which one of us would want to buy new clothes when you already have so much lying around! The key here is Mix-Match! Throw in simple classic outfits and turn them retro and fun in an instance. Not every one was born with the sense of fashion…But trust me, if I am around you can never go wrong! So you go gurl!
1. I know, its summer…so I am thinking telling you to layer will be a bad option…but you really can’t expect me not to mention such an integral part of recreating a look! Don’t worry I have got a solution. Remember that racer back top you haven’t worn in ages just cause it shows little too much of your belly? Well, just wear a plain sleeveless tank top over it, which is long enough or even better wear a solid colored fitted tee with half sleeves under it…to give you that edge over others!
2. Got belts, don’t you? Wear those slightly wide ones around your hips..over long tunic tops. You can also wear those thin ones just below your bust, real tight (i.e. actually your waist region).This helps in giving your body shape and making you look curvier.
3. Tie ribbons left by gift-wraps on the side loops of your denims..team it up with bows (again got by those gift wrapping papers) in your hair by using a bob pin. This makes you look girlie and cute..still smart yet fashionable.
4. Got those canvas shoes? You know those white, black or blue-white sport shoes. Something that you wore when you were in school? Replace boring laces with bright fluorescent colored laces from your “better” shoes! If you have a creative side, you can paint them with fabric paints or waterproof sketch pens; to give it your own touch.
5. One word, Leggings! It’s about time you have at least one black one in your wardrobe! Wear ultra mini skirts over them with short cropped tops. Good option for college if your college has problems with too much skin show. You could even wear hot shorts or knee-length knickers over them..if you really are a wild child, that is! Leggings are great…light and comfortable so you don’t even feel hot and just incase you aren’t waxed and are in a mood to wear a skirt…then unwaxed legs wouldn’t stop you from wearing what you feel like!
6. Scarves…according to me are about to come back again. So make use of the one’s your Mum has! If you’re a scooty chic, you could always wrap your face with the help of a scarf, to protect it from the U.V.! Can also be used as a hairband, and just incase you happen to forget to carry a rubber band use it to tie your tresses with help of a gentle yet firm pull back knot!
7. Go crazy by rolling denims to capri length and team up with bright knee-length socks! Or even better wear a short skirt with knee-length socks and bright stilettos. Sounds interesting, eh? Worth a try..trust moi!
8. Got old denims? Cut them half! No, I am not kidding! Go to your tailor let him take your measurements. Leave a little denim about 2 to 3 inch below the knees and ask him to fold them inside-out and stitch them or you could use safety pins from home to make your new look even more stylish! I advice dark colored denims, cause the silver-ness in the safety pins are more prominent that way!
9. Did you wear a tie to school? Still have that in your closet somewhere? Remember how it was a pain to wear it every morning and reach school on time…and remember how you hated to wear it because it looked so ugly? Well, not any more! Find them…and wear it really loose over a classic half sleeved white shirt with a contrast colored singlet within, with first two buttons open!…Yes, Yes…I know…You never thought something that seemed to be so ugly can actually manage to make you look so hot now?
10. Got a jacket, t-shirt, tops, or anything that you have grown out of? Which is shorter than it should be? Has got stretched a little too much by the washing machine? Or just shows off a little too much of cleavage? Just wear a thin plain tunic within it….which will end up looking stunning!
I hope you guys enjoyed this and I hope I helped you save some pocket money!
If you guys, have your closet fix-ups or new ideas that I haven’t listed above, be free to share it with all of us!
But remember everyone,
A confident posture and a broad smile contributes almost 50% to your look!
So keep Smiling!
BlackBubblegum
[P.S : I am BACK]
Stock up on the basics, just incase you are left behind…Here are a list of make-up essentials you’ll be needing all year round! Here is a list of the new products in the block which are definitely worth a try!
1. Foundation: One of the most essential parts of make-up is foundation, which is usually applied to get more coverage than any other base. If you need an overall “even” look opt for foundation. Choose a foundation closest to your skin color, and since the summer is already here, I reckon you go for something light. Tinted moisturizer is also a good option, just incase you don’t find it you can mix your foundation with your usual moisturizer.
Check out: Lakme Daily Wear Soufflé or Maybelline Wonder Finish.
For an elegant sheen try Revlon Face Illuminator Lotion
2. Concealer: Yes…it’s completely alright if you have some dark spots on your face that you want to hide, like those scars left by break-outs or dark circles that haunt you as you can’t get enough sleep. Concealer’s usually blend well in such areas and just incase you do not have a concealer you can use the dried off part of foundation that is left in its cap.
Check out: Maybelline Cover Stick and Lakme Magic Face Concealer
3. Kohl or Kajal: No one in this planet will disagree on this one. A girl might forget to wash her face but she can never forget to wear “Kajal”. Simple yet elegant, kohl makes your eyes speak volumes! Always keep it handy and opt for a waterproof and smudge-proof one for the summers!
Check out: Lakme Kajal and Kohl Sparklers to add that extra sparkle!
4. Mascara: Flirty lashes are forever in season. Black mascara’s have always been an important part of every girl’s make-up regime let it be thickening, lengthening, or waterproof. Just incase you want to break the rules and go wild…try blue mascara…it’s all of a sudden come back again! Go retro chic.
Check out: Loreal Volume Shocking Mascara Maybelline Volume Express Range.
5. Nail Color: Keep it fresh! Vivacious greens, flirty pinks, steamy reds or just fun oranges, go crazy with your nails…nothing is as hot as perfectly well polished nails!
Check out: Colorama in Pink Sparkle and Wonder Violet or Street Wear Nail Color in Sand Stone.
6. Cleanser: A good cleanser is needed to remove all that dirt, oil and grime from your face in order to save your skin from untimely break-outs.
Check out: Clean and Clear Face Wash for Oily Skin
Garnier Pure Face Wash gel for Combination to Oily Skin
Ponds White Beauty Skin Brightening Facial Foam for Normal Skin
Nomarks Face Wash for all skin types
7. Sunscreen: Now who wants to get tanned? No one does…so a good sunscreen is something you need all year round because the sun in India can get very bad sometimes!
Check out: Lotus SPF 40 Matte Look Daily Sunblock
Everyuth Derma Care Daily Sun Block SPF 30
8. Matte Lipstick: Very essential for lipstick wearers everywhere. Gloss might give away soon but matte lipsticks are better option for daily wear and for longer hours.
Check out: Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Desert Bloom and Sugar Plum Ice.
9. Lip Balm: Yes…lips get damaged in summers too! You need to protect them with the right product so that they remain smooth and don’t get tanned. Applying lip balm before putting lipstick helps in longer wear of lipstick.
Check Out: Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or Blistex Lip Tone SPF 15.
10. Facial Wipes: Facial Wipes are life saviors when it comes to traveling and getting rid of all that make-up from your face. They leave your skin clean, cool and refreshed.
Check Out: Baby Wipes (Inexpensive substitute to costly facial wipes)
Dove Fresh Blue Facial Wipes
11. Eyeliner: Black liner nowadays is worn in winged style…something that you saw Angelina Jolie wear in Alexander! Very Cleopatra…but still very haute! You can also experiment with bold colors like metallic blues and bright greens.
Check out: Lakme Liquid Intense Shine Eye liner in ink blue, sky and bronze.
Maybelline Expert Eyes Pencil liner in Charcoal.
Revlon Colorstay Pencil in Black.
12. Eye Shadow: Dramatize your look by giving your eyes a splash of color! Crème eye shadows stay for longer hours and do not smudge. For a more outdoorsy look you can just sweep some basic glitter over your lids, to go glam!
Check out: Loreal Color Appeal TrioPro Eye Shadow Kit
VOV Pearl Powder in White
13. Lip Gloss: Clear lip gloss is the way to go this spring. It gives a clear shiny yet glossy look which makes your lips look fuller and more juicilicious!
Check out: Lakme Starshine Lip Gloss or Lakme Lip Gloss in Chocolate and Strawberry
ColorBar Perfect Gloss
14. Blush-on: Go girlie with that slight pinkish blush. Natural is always the best option when it comes to blush-on. Pinch the apples of your check right after your bath…the redder or pinker they get is the most suitable color for your blush-on. Brush product over the apples of your cheeks (the plump part that comes out when you give your broadest smile!) with a big brush for best results!
Check out: Maybelline Expert Wear Blush or Loreal Blush Delice
15. Moisturizer: One of the classics, without which any skin care regime, is worthless…Moisturizing is necessary in order to regain skin’s lost moisture after baths.
Check out: Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream for all skin types
Loreal Pure Zone for Oily skin
Garnier Body Tonic for Normal to Dry skin
I hope this helped! You’ll usually find all the products listed in most of the drugstores or malls around you!
Happy Make-up Shopping you guys!
Like always…Enjoy!
BlackBubblegum
1.Join some classes: Interested in music? …join guitar classes…..not your thing? Piano maybe or the drums? …..maybe painting classes….salsa, hip-hop, ball-room dancing…..and absolutely anything that interests you.
My Tip: You can always look out for talking yellow pages….dial 022-28888888…… they have classes like these listed in their directories…or you can check out newspapers like Mumbai Mirror You Connect or On Track Suburbs.
2.Learn how to cook or make stuff: Cooking can be fun, and I mean it! Though I ain’t such a great cook myself…I always love to get in the kitchen once in while. Pay you dear Mumma a visit, in her shrine of mouth-watering homemade food and learn some of the basic stuff…you know just incase you would have to live alone for sometime or make a special meal for your significant other!
My Tip: Start with basics, tea, maggi, dal, chawal, macaroni and cheese pasta and then try your hand in chocolates, cakes, dishes, etc. You can also learn how to make candles and perfumes…!
3.Pamper yourself at home: Drench your feet and hands in warm water with some vinegar or rock salt in it, then file your nails (rounded short nails are the thing this season), moisturize and paint them anything you like! Or fill a bowl with hot water; add some marbles and sea salt. Drench your hands in it and play with the marbles for about 5 minutes with each hand. It works wonders for tired hands!
My Tip: For cracked feet apply a thick paste of haldi and castor oil on them….do this 15 minutes before bath and end up with gorgeous healthy feet or you can mix a cup of bottle lauki juice, with half cup ginger oil and heat it…..and then massage it over your feet!
4.Watch all episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S with your pals: Enough said? …F.R.I.E.N.D.S. has been an integral part of our lives since we saw the first initial episodes and cracked up in front of the TV without even knowing what its all about…there’s no plot…..there are only these amazingly great set of six people who are just to perfect together…..they make you wana be them trust me on that! Please if you have missed out…you have a lot of catching up to do…you can never get enough of Chandler, Joey, Ross, Monica, Phoebe and Rachel!
My Tip: Catch FRIENDS Monday-Friday 7pm IST on Star World! Or order in complete seasons from your DVD wala!
5.Learn how to drive: It can be a car….it can be a two-wheeler …it can be a bicycle…a e-bike or just something that you have not had your hands on! It’s always good to learn early….and never too late to learn…I hope you get my point!
My Tip: Join Motor Driving School’s just incase your siblings or parents aren’t ready to help!
6.Rent Movies: It all depends on your mood……..! Go to a movie rental place…look through all the DVD’s…see something appealing….just grab on to it!
My Tip: For teens try American Pie, Mean Girls, and John Tucker Must Die. In action check out the MI series or something adventurous then go for Jurassic park series or the classic Jumanji! On a more serious note try Philadelphia and romantics can see Kate and Leopold…….I just know you won’t regret it!
7.Get yourself some retail therapy: Get out of the house! Go to malls and markets. Literally shop till you drop i.e. until your Mum says the money she had has exhausted! New summer collections are out in various malls and stores…go get yourself something that is in fashion this season!
My Tip: Mango, Westside, Levis, Shopper’s Shop, Lifestyle, etc.
8.Call your friends who you lost contact with: When they start yelling at you that where have you been, blame it on the exams!:P
My Tip: Meet up with them and relive the good old memories!
9.Answer Nature’s Call: Get up in the morning, go for a stroll in the park, go cycling on the cool and quiet roads, play frizbee on the beach or just go for a swim in the club’s pool!
My Tip: If you’re alone, do not forget your Ipod! Or radio or whatever!
10.Log on to: http://blah.burrp.com/author/blackbubblegum and read my articles!
My Tip: Don’t only love me….check out articles written by others as well!
Liked that? I have something really special for everyone…I am coming up with articles where I am giving people I know….Style Makeovers…doesn’t it sound just fab? I am already so excited……keep coming back…….You’ll surely love it….I promise!
Glad to have helped……….Suggestions, queries, comments, anything! Are always welcome…….you guys already know what to do, don’t you’ll
BlackBubblegum
Summer doesn’t just bring along with it…the sun…but it also brings along a new fashion season! And you all must have understood by now how crazy I am about fashion right? Well, today I ain’t just here to tell you how to stock up a new wardrobe…I am here to help you make your check list of the stuff you should seriously consider buying for this season! So go on ….my fella’s indulge…..!
(Courtesy:: I have uploaded a few of my pictures just to give you a insight what you should actually look for)
Fashion
1. Sunglasses: Go ultra glam with just the perfect pair! Something huge; kind of honeybee shaped with studs in the sides…to give you that edge over others…Guys opt for something classic yet huge…if you understand what I am trying to say..Brands ain’t important….you just need to find yourself something to protect yours pretty “peepers” from the harmful UV.
Try: Fastrack Biker Collection for Guys and Ladies look out for brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban and sports fan’s you guys can check out the new collection of Carrera Sport.
2. Bright Junk Jewelry: A look is never complete without junk….Summer brings with it naughty heated moments….light flirty conversations…and everything “summer-y” you can think of…so please do me a favor go out buy yourself some subtle young light but bright colored chains, delicate bracelets, anything too heavy “is so” not summer and be very light on the ears….with small earrings, diamonds and the new plastic junk that you get!The boho look is in too!
Try: See Archie’s Collections, Hallmark, and Riverdale…in short all those gift shops….or if you want to go light on your pockets go for a stroll in linking road, lokhandwala market, colaba causeway, fashion street, etc.
3.Comfy Slip-ons: Ok…I don’t get it?…its summer and people are running around wearing keds, stiletto’s…leather straped…or knee-length boots! I mean..just cause it’s the latest fashion abroad doesn’t mean that you follow it blindly! Those people wear it because its probably winter out there….but do not forget its summer here!!! Stick to comfy slippers like osho’s or perhaps if you are a college student like me you can opt for converse…they are just so darn comfortable! By the way please keep your eyes open for this new thing that has come out called ‘Crocs’…they are just the best!
Try: Again local shop vendors, street markets, sports showrooms like nike, adidas, puma or those duty free multi-brand selling factory outlets.
4. Hair Accessories: It’s hot….and you got gorgeous long hair that is simply to hard to manage in this heat! What do you?…well nothing…just buy yourself some hair accessories.Hairbands, Headbands, clips, rubber bands, pins..the works!
Try: Cute girlie girl clips in pink, sky blue and orange…with perhaps hearts, stars and cute lil things…..single colored or bi-colored hairbands…don’t buy something multicolored cause everyone else is already wearing that…do you really want to be in the crowd or do you want to be “the crowd”? Think about it!
5. Big Handbags: Huge bags are all the rage….buy something you can dump all your make-up, your books…your novels….your clothes your wallets your everything! Buy something with long straps so it’s just comfortable enough to hold….and something bright is always advisable!
Try: In Touch in Inorbit, Malad….local vendors….Baggit branded bags in shops and asoka collection of lokhandwala. Maybe even bags in shopper’s stop and lifestyle.
Beauty
1. Sunscreen: Ban the sun this summer! Do not let the UV rays harm you! And tan you!
Try: Lotus SPF 30+, Lakme or the all time best Banana boat….Please opt for sunscreens above 25 SPF because the sun in India can really harm the skin.
2.Shampoo: Shampoo your hair everyday to have a cool and clean scalp…the heat can cause dryness, itchiness, split ends dandruff and what not! And if you think that its bad to shampoo your hair everyday…think again cause that is just a myth!
Try: Ultra Doux with plant milk, Sunsilk Velvetly Soft or Pantene balanced clean.
3. Subtle Make-up: Do not wear layers of make up cause all of it well get all greasy and stuff due to the heat..and you might end up looking like a disaster! Wear to the max only black kohl, liner to define eyes…and gloss…..for shiny lips!
Try: Water Shine Liquid Diamonds Maybelline in Crystal Amethyset or Lotus lip balm for mosturized lips.You can opt for balms that have sunscreen too…that way your lips will be protected!
4. Nail Polish: Use bright colours like pink, blue, orange nothing to bold though…just fresh! Black nails look good too….you just need to know how to carry it…that’s all!
Try: Lakme, Elle 18, Street Wear…actually to tell you the truth I don’t think brands matter in nail enamels..if you think you got the right match for you go ahead and buy it!
So I hope you are happy, aren’t you?
If you need me for any other advice…you know where to reach me!
HERE!
Cyaz
BlackBubblegum
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