Living Local - Andheri West Edition (January 2015

January 2015

Volume 1 Issue 8

ANDHERI WEST EDITION

Complimentary Copy

Looking forward

2015

TREKKING be amidst nature

that might surprise you

improve your

gym etiquette Are you A

SEX ADDICT ?

FITNESS BEAUTY

HEALTH

Pooja Batra LIFESTYLE

NUTRITION

PROJECT DHAI AKSHAR local dosaNGO varieties

ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

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CONTENT JANUARY 2015 Volume 1 Issue 8

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09 EDITORS NOTE 12 Wrinkle-busting skin care tips for boomer women 16 Are you A SEX ADDICT? 22 trekking Be Amidst Nature 25 improve your gym etiquette 28 looking forward 2015 31 managing your money in 2015 A Step-by-Step Guide 35 Fail-safe tricks for creating the perfect cheese platter 36 COVER STORY: POOJA BATRA 38 LAUNCH OF DESIGNER LABEL

Zulekha J. Shariff 42 project dhai akshar An NGO In Your Neighborhood 48 utopia The Inter-Society Event 54 Horoscope January - The Month of CAPRICORN

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Contributors

TRIPTI GUPTA

SIDHARTH SODHI

Lifestyle Nutrition Consultant Health / Beauty / Wellness Founder- iPink The Color Of Health www.triptigupta.com ​

Writer Actor

VIKETA ANAND

A foodie by nature.

Cosmotologist.

I eat. I pray. I love. (repeat)

MEERA

In the field of education for over 30 yrs / Conducts Teacher Training Programs / Integral part of The Little Company

MOHINI

Mohini is a Tarot Card reader, Hypnotherapist and a Life Coach. She also teaches reading Tarot Cards and various self-healing techniques.

DR. ANJANA LAUNGANI

Consultant Physiotherapist & Rehab Specialist.

GAURI GUPTA

A Certified Image Consultant. gauri8gupta@gmail.com

DR. SANJAY KKOPADE

(M.S; FMAS; Obesity Consultant) Enhance Aesthetics Clinic www.enhanceaesthetics.in

DIVYA PANDAY Working for HERE Maps, a really simple God Loving girl who loves to help people whenever possible.

CONTRIBUTE

Do you like to write? How about clicking photos? As part of the Andheri west community we would love for you to share them in your very own Living Local magazine. Let your voice be heard whether it is on the topic of health and wellness, local news, or an event you want to share in your community. Send in your entries: articles@livinglocalmag.com 8

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New Year Resolutions That time of the year again when we convince ourselves to do the “un-done / neglected / over-looked / passed / missed” activities that we planned on doing just around the same time last year. The so-called Resolutions.

By definition it’s more like a personal commitment. Something that we like to do for ourselves. Resolutions are a selfish checklist that needs to be made for our own well-being. Yes, I am making mine too. But this time around a little different from what I used to do in the past. This time around it’s all related to the year 2014 gone by. First and foremost is a checklist of what worked and what did not work in 2014. After all we need to build on top of the foundations that we laid in the past year as well. Otherwise we will end up just living on flat ground. And 2015 is the year to Rise (just like last year).. and rise one shall… relatively.

So my resolutions are to build on top of the foundations laid in the previous year. The chit-put ones (yes chit-put) will be forgotten like a fad.

They are the ones to just have extra items on the list. What matters is the one that will Rise ones level to the next higher one relative to the previous year.

Editor-in-chief Anubhav Anand @anubhavanand

I will keep my surroundings clean, respect women, be chivalrous, stay fit, eat healthy… etc. are not New Year Resolutions. They are life-long resolutions (read commitment to oneself) and should be hardwired within.

They cannot be relative to the previous year. They have to be permanent.

Period.

So what are my resolutions for the year 2015? Sum up everything from 2014 by the first week of 2015 and then start building the next level up.

Lets RISE!

January 2015 Volume 1 Issue 8 Publisher: Urbane Living Media Printer: Swastik Prints, 5 khan compound, Andheri east, Mumbai-400069 Feedback: feedback@livinglocalmag.com Advertising: advertise@livinglocalmag.com

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by: Tripti Gupta, Lifestyle Nutrition Consultant www.triptigupta.com

www.shutterstock.com/Piotr Marcinski

iPink Smart Tip- Begin with a rigorous regime initially, to shed some excess weight quickly which will help you feel lighter, motivated, energized and in turn get you ready to take on a healthy regimen you could follow as a lifestyle.

iPINK SMART FAT SHEDDING TRICKS • FIGHT THE BLOAT- The excess alcohol, sugar and sodium cause this puffiness and heavy bloated feeling. iPink Smart Trick- Simply double your water intake to flush the toxins out of your system. Restrict white salt; rock salt can be your best bet.

• INCLUDE NATURAL DIURETICS– Chuck the diuretic tablets and get lighter instantly and naturally. iPink Smart trick- Barley water also known as (jau), cucumber juice and lime water naturally help to throw out the excess water retention at quick speed.

Keep sipping throughout the day to see amazing results.

• LOAD ON FIBRE- These help to bind with the unwanted fats and flush out the grime effectively. iPink smart trick- Freshly squeezed vegetable juice, salads, fresh seasonal fruits can work miraculously.

(Smart recipe below)- Up to 2 glasses a day can work the magic.

• BOOST YOUR METABOLISMAccelerate your body’s fat burning process naturally. iPink Smart trick- Your natural metabolism boosters include spices such ascinnamon, cloves, pepper corns, nutmeg etc. known for their extreme thermogenic (heat producing) properties. Add them to

the water you drink or sip them with hot water.

• DETOXIFY FOR HEALTH NATURALLY– Consume 3 cups of Green tea or White tea daily. iPink Smart trick- Add a pinch of cinnamon powder and lime to your Green Tea to speed up your fat loss.

• WORKOUT TO DESTRESS- Any form of activity or sport is a must to shape up and rejuvenate your mind iPink smart trick- Combine high energy workout with resistance bands to optimize the burn, include electral during your workout to replenish electrolyte losses instantly.

• REST FOR POWER- Always remember , your body recovers when resting. iPink Smart trick- You want your muscles to grow? fat to burn? Rest is the answer.

Grab your power nap of at least 20 mins during the day to reboot your body. It could be while travelling to work, at office or lunch break.

Vegetable Super Drink The Miraculously instant Diuretic Ingredients: 1 whole Cucumber 4 sticks of Celery 2-4 handfuls of Spinach 8 lettuce leaves Other greens/ Optional boosters: parsley & fresh alfalfa sprouts Method: Juice all ingredients in a mixer and mix fifty-fifty with mineral water Do not strain, add lemon juice to taste and drink immediately.

• DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY- Make your very own time table for meals, water, workout and rest. iPink smart trick- Setting an alarm on your phone is the coolest way to stay disciplined.

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Beauty/ Health

BURN THE BINGE THIS 2015

Post the New Year binge if you have piled on extra kilos, have a bloated belly and your clothes are bursting at their seam lines, you ought to take charge immediately. Good health and a great body go hand in hand, so why not take up the challenge and burn it off this 2015.

Here are some cool new fat shedding tricks for you to follow and knock off that flab at super speed to discover a new superhot you.

Wrinkle-busting skin care tips for boomer women

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(BPT) - Time brings plenty of changes, yet the desire to have healthy, good-looking skin transcends age. While some skin-care tactics - sunscreen and moisturizing - apply to skin of any age, baby boomers need to update their skin care and makeup strategies to ensure their skin stays healthy and youthful-looking as long as possible.

“Fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration are only the most visible symptoms of aging skin,” says Anna De La Crus, a skincare expert for glo therapeutics. “Others are less obvious but every bit as damaging. Dehydration, loss of elasticity and slower cell regeneration also affect skin health, and how good you look at any age.”

If you’re a baby boomer, it’s important to update your skin care and makeup regimen to keep your skin healthy and looking its best.

Here are four skin care secrets every boomer woman should know: 1. It’s not the number of years, it’s how well you’ve cared for your skin during them.

Age causes certain changes in the skin; cell turnover and renewal slows down, skin cells become less adept at retaining moisture, and skin becomes more sensitive. Taking care of your skin throughout your life - moisturizing, exfoliating and using sunblock - can help skin stay healthier and more youthful longer.

“As we age, lifestyle habits start catching 12

up to us, some of which have been decades in the making before we see the visible proof,” says De La Cruz. “While it can seem as if a wrinkle appears overnight, there is no fountain of youth or instant cure.”

It’s also never too late to start taking better care of your skin, and it is possible to enhance skin health at any age. For wrinkles and fine lines, look for products that contain firming ingredients that will help stimulate collagen production, antioxidants to help protect against free

radical damage, and smoothing ingredients to encourage cell renewal.

2. Your clothing and hair style have changed in the past 20 years; your skin care products should, too.

The moisturizer you used in your 20s may not be a good fit for your skin’s needs when you’re in your 50s. Baby boomers

3. Update your diet to include the nutrients skin needs to age more gracefully.

For boomer women concerned about hyperpigmentation, daily sunscreen should provide protection of 30 SPF or higher, and include ingredients that brighten and lighten skin, such as retinol and glycolic acid.

4. Your look has matured and so should your makeup routine.

Good nutrition is important throughout life. Healthful nutrition is good for overall health, and it can help improve the skin’s appearance. Vitamins A, C and D are vital for skin health, and topical applications of A and C are also good for the skin.

De La Cruz recommends boomer women stay on top of hydration by drinking lots of water. Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, too - especially those containing key vitamins.

The wrong makeup application can actually amplify the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. As skin matures, a “less is more” approach is often more flattering.

“I advise women in their 50s and 60s to explore a clean, classic look,” says Janeena Billera, National Makeup Artist for glo minerals. “To achieve this, use natural foundations that illuminate and hydrate the skin. Choose neutral shades of matte to satin eye shadows, apply eyeliner tight to the lashline, maintain well-groomed eyebrows and add a natural flush to the cheek.”

Finally, Billera advises, growing older doesn’t mean you have to give up being trendy and fun. “Use current trends as an inspiration and simply tweak or tone down the look, always keeping placement and blending in mind.”

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Beauty/ Health

should look for skin care and makeup products specifically designed to address common concerns of aging skin, such as wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. The leading edge in addressing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines is phytostem technology. Plant stem cells and firming active ingredients in the Cyto-luxe collection by glo therapeutics work to lift and tighten skin, as well as promote healthy cells and collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Two new formulas, Vitamin C , which contains 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, and Hydration , address the top two causes of aging: sun damage and moisture loss. To learn more about this luxury line of 10 products, visit www.gloprofessional.com.

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SEX

a r e

ADDICT

?

y o u A

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Article by: Dr Uttam Dave, Sexologist and Relationship Counselor.

How many times have you heard this joke being tossed around, `You are a sex addict`. Well sex addict is not a funny word. It is a kind of illness that needs to be cured. Stop taking that word as a complement for being a stud. It is not. It is a psychiatric illness.

What is sex addiction?

Sex addiction is pattern of behavior in which there is a loss of self-control concerning sexual behavior, alternating with periods of relative calm. Sex addiction can assume one or many different forms like: • • • • • • •

compulsive masturbation sexual relations with multiple heterosexual or homosexual partners encounters with strangers use of pornography prostitution using telephone sex lines Cybersex.

Once out of control sexual pleasure can be transformed into feelings of shame, self-loathing, pain, anguish, loneliness etc.

You know that, in life, everything has a cause and effect. Sex addiction has several negative effects.

Consequences of Sex Addiction: Sex addiction has negative consequences in different areas of life. It can ruin you 16

financially. It can break a marriage or any long-term relationship, when the partner comes to know that he or she has been cheated. It will also create problems at work, as he or she is not able to put anything before sex.

You are much more empowered if you know the symptoms of a sex addict. Here are the most important ones.

Profile of a sex addict: So how do know whether you are a sex addict or not. The more the number of under mentioned behaviors, the more are your chances of being a sex addict.

- Experience frequent mood swings - Is egocentric and on a quest for self satisfaction - Thinks of people only as sex objects - Has sexual relationships in which there is no tenderness or physical affection - Thinks of sex as the only means of achieving personal satisfaction - Feels ashamed and guilty about his sex life, keeping it a secret - Has low self esteem - Escapes reality by living in a world of sexual fantasy.

Is there a way out, or you are all set to meet your doom. Of course, there is a way out.

What do you do? What should you do if you realize that you are sex addict? The first thing to do is to accept that the problem exists and secondly accept yourself the way you are. Healing will begin from here. Treatment is given at three levels: 1. Medical: You will be given antidepressants and anti anxiety drugs 2. Behavioral: The idea is to change your attitude and help you regain self-control.

3. Psychological: This involves changing your negative mental attitude, raising your self-esteem, dealing with problems like depression or sex abuse.

So you will be working with a GP and a Psychotherapist. Your GP may refer you to a Sexologist if he feels inadequate to diagnose your problem.

Sex addiction is completely treatable and if you have a problem, seek medical help before you ruin yourself, personally, socially and professionally.

Beauty/ Health

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Do you know that these ever growing’ Jeans’ have something to do with our ‘Genes’ too? Well Yes! We have Three Times more Fat Percentage than Westerners at Birth (23% against 9%) in spite of a lower Birth Weight than them (study named Thin Fat Indian Baby), due to rapid urbanization we lack in a regular physical exercise as well now add a calorie rich Junk Food to above cocktail & we get a Gigantic “New world syndrome”, an Obesity affecting our children and younger generations & a very high & early incidence of Diabetes with Heart Diseases.

So how do we stop this Giant from affecting us? Well to begin with let’s send all the ‘Junk Food’ to a’ Junk Box’ & exercise regularly. But many times these Gold Standards fall short as they take time & can’t get targeted results.

So how do we exactly stop this Giant?

The Solution is incidentally ‘Three Sum’: 1. Reduction of Visceral Fat. (Bad Fat Responsible for Diabetes and Heart Diseases) 2. Surface Fat reduction.

3. Improvement in Muscle Mass, which improves a Metabolic Rate.

Commonly performed Liposuction targets only Surface Fat and may not give satisfactory results for everyone (particularly men) as Visceral Fat is completely unattended there are no Health Benefits.

Same is a story with Ultrasonic Lipolysis.

Understanding these limitations Noble Prize winner ‘Dr.Gerry Pollock’ invented the ‘Ionmagnum’ after 25 years of research. Dr. Pollock is also a Co Inventor of First Cardiac Pacemaker & devised a Pacemaker Technology that works on the Skeletal Muscles. Ion Magnum complex waveforms Mimic Brain Signals sent to the Muscles causing smooth Pulsatile Movements that cause Rapid Fat Burning and Fast-Track Muscle Development.

This treatment is very effective for burning Visceral Fat with benefits for Diabetes & Heart Diseases. Typically in a session

lasting an hour we see Several Inches lost & immediate improvement in Strength & Stamina & the results enhance in every session. The Journey from ‘Fat’ tummy to ‘Flat’ tummy and then to Six Packs was never so easy and existing. Body Builders can use this tool to boost their muscle growth. Athletes can use this tool for better performance & to recover from Sports Injuries. As the Core Muscle of trunk is strengthened we get relief from Back Pain. This tool is useful for all age groups and wonderful for people who cannot exercise due to physical limitations. The results are lasting & easily maintained.

Beholding everyone’s Right To Look Good’ ‘Garry Pollock’s ‘Perfector’ is a Perfect Antiaging tool for the Face; it restores the cellular signals, which are lost due to aging. We can get Instant Facelift, reduction of Wrinkles & Brightening of face without any Surgery or Pricks, improving every session & lasting long.

So Mumbaikars start making place for new Resolutions this year as there are many exiting things to do when you get in a Good Shape & Young Looks.

For more information contact Dr.Sanjay Khopade (M.S; FMAS; Obesity Consultant) Enhance Aesthetics Clinic Visit: www.enhanceaesthetics.in

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eight loss and fitness find a” Top Slot” on many Mumbaikar’s Resolutions & they refuse to vacate that place.

MYTHS TO REALITY…….THE DENTIST’S PLIGHT TO OVERCOME PEOPLES FRIGHT..!!!

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but not so for dentists. People can give into anything to keep the dentists away. I wouldn’t be surprised if someday I read, “ The worst legal criminal punishmentRoot canal Treatment” or “ The husband murdered his wife cause she asked him to go to the dentist”…REALLY???

With so much unnecessary stress and anxiety built up around dentists and dental health, it is not surprising that we have made up several myths over years to help explain or even alleviate our dental issues.

But when it comes to your dental health, having false information can be harmful. Here we will “drill down” to the truth behind five common dental myths about Root canal treatment, some of which you may have believed yourself.

MYTH 1: WAIT FOR PAIN TO VISIT THE DENTIST. There is particularly no good time of the year to visit the dentist.

All of us try to make ourselves believe that we are not experiencing real dental pain until we reach a point where our tooth gives shock like shooting pain forcing us to make those emergency calls.

PAIN IS ONLY EQUIVALENT TO ACTIVE INFECTION. The infection may have been dormant and can be easily detected in time by dentists at routine visits. Earlier the treatment, better is the life of the tooth.

MYTH 2: ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IS PAINFUL. In a very interesting survey, it said patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as “painless” than patients who have had no root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment helps to relieve

pain by removing all infected tissues and bacteria. MODERN TECHNOLOGIES AND ANAESTHETICS make root canal treatment as comfortable as a routine dental filling.

MYTH 3: A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IS EXTRACTION. Nothing can completely replace natural teeth. Root canal treatment alone saves more than 17 million teeth a year.

Although various options are available today to replace missing teeth, reinforcing natural teeth by performing a root canal treatment followed by a cap gives a success rate upto 95%. Extraction is only indicated in rare cases where there is tremendous loss of sound tooth structure.

MYTH 4 : FAILURE OF A PREVIOUSLY DONE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT LEADS TO ONLY EXTRACTION. I often have patients visit me saying, “My dentist told me to extract my tooth as the root canal treatment has failed. I want to save this tooth but I am in pain. Kindly do something.”

Although root canal failure is a reality, it happens more often than it should.

Having said that, when a root canal failure is present, Root Canal Re-treatment can often solve the problem. It does not require anesthesia and the process is pain free in most cases.

This is when an Endodontist or the so called Root canal specialists come into play. The dentist may refer you or take consultation from the root canal specialists in such cases. With their expertise, knowledge and equipments most of the failed root canals can be restored with predictable success.

With this era of science and technology, when every body part can be revived, then why not give your tooth this second chance and enjoy what is gifted by GOD Almighty!!

MYTH 5: TAKING ANTIBIOTICS/ PAINKILLERS WILL RELIEVE ALL MY TOOTHACHES. As part of all desperate attempts to avoid the dentist, you will be surprised how efficiently painkillers are able to treat most toothaches. However, THIS IS ONLY GIVING YOU TEMPORARY RELIEF, until the pain and infection activates again with a big bang at a later stage. At this stage, the life of the tooth may become questionable.

These situations are best avoided when visits are made at earlier signs like sensitivity to hot/cold, slight pain on biting/ chewing etc..

Over the years, dentistry has evolved from an imprecise practice based on folk cures to a structured medical discipline that relies on science and technology. So here we are, to remove the so called “dental fear” and make you all experience the new definition of dental treatment.

Dr.Esha Parikh Micro-endodontist (M.D.S, Mumbai) Plexus Multispeciality Dental Care 308, A-wing, Samartha Aishwarya Bldg, Above Marks and Spencer, Lokhandwala, Andheri West. Mumbai-40005.

Tel : 022-26336664 Mob : 9920036436 Email : esha.plexus@gmail.com 20

Beauty/ Health

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trekking

Dr Anjana Laungani, Consultant Physiotherapist & Rehab Specialist

The holiday season is back!!! And what a better way to enjoy it, than by being amidst nature either indulging in bushwalking, adventure sports or taking it to a level higher trekking up hills, mountains or the rugged Himalayan terrain.

Before you head off with all your fancy gear on your adventurous journey, it would be worth planning and preparing for a few things in advance to make your journey a smooth one with less pain and more pleasure.

Following are some of the common queries answered: 1. What kind of Trek should one choose?

The kind of trek one should do depends on individual preference. There is plethora of information available on the internet and various trekking operators that can aid you decide on the trek you should opt for.

Dr Anjana Laungani, Consultant physiotherapist and owner of PhysioRehab studio suggests choosing a trek based on one`s physical fitness levels. If one is new to trekking, she advises to begin with a shorter, less steep trek and progress over time to longer distances and a steeper terrain.

2. What kind of training is required for trekking?

• As with any physical activity, it is important to train the body for it. Trekking 22

requires a combination of both cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Since trekking involves walking on varied terrain, Dr Anjana suggests using the terrain available around you to commence training. Examples include walking hills, stair wells, inclined treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, etc.

• Walking with backpacks should also be included in one`s program to get accustomed to the weight.

However, these activities are of varying difficulty and it is recommended one consults a physiotherapist to help you decide the mode of training & time required, based on your age to avoid potential hazards.

3. What muscles need to be trained before your trekking expedition?

• In addition to cardiovascular endurance, a series of exercises that focus on lower body strength- hips, thighs, calves along with core musculature are a pre requisite to trekking. These will ensure that you

can sustain the long hours of walking/ climbing without getting fatigued.

• Exercises need to be designed based on one`s individual strength & body structure.

• Your physical therapist can aid in designing a tailor made program for you based on a thorough analysis of your posture, strength and flexibility to prevent potential injuries.

4. How does one avoid getting sore on the trek?

Long treks involve extensive hours of walking which can leave your muscles tired/sore at the end of the day. How one treats their body during and immediately post a long trek is a vital factor to be considered while trying to prevent or treat muscle soreness.

Dr Laungani suggests a few tips on reducing muscles soreness:

Each stretch should be held for a minimum of 15-20 seconds done 3-4 times.

• Massage: is a great tool that can assist muscle recovery. It helps by increasing blood circulation to the overworked muscles and aids in decreasing inflammation.

• Foam rolling: Using water bottles as a means of foam rolling is another easy way to get immediate relief from muscle soreness.

Besides these it is also essential one hydrates themselves abundantly during the trek and at rest. This will aid in flushing out any waste products accumulated and keep your muscles refreshed.

5. What are the common injuries that one can encounter?

• Sprains/Strains are the commonest

injuries that trekkers face. Common areas include hips, knees, ankles and feet.

• Muscle Cramps is another common complaint among trekkers.

If you develop these during your trek it is important you rest the part and support it with available equipment like a crepe bandage. If needed, one can also take some anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the pain.

needs & requirements.

The more fit you are before you commence the trek, the more you will gain out of your trekking experience. Hope the following tips helps make your trekking journey a memorable one.

Most common cause of muscle cramps is dehydration. Thus one must ensure adequate fluid intake through the trek. Sports drinks can also be used additionally to replenish the lost electrolytes.

6. How can these injuries be prevented?

As we know prevention is better than cure. If you suffer from repetitive strains/ sprains or any niggling injuries it is essential to get oneself evaluated prior to trek by a doctor or a physical therapist who can guide you & help develop a tailor made program for you depending on your

HAPPY TREKKING!!!

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Beauty/ Health

• Stretching: Stretching is one of the easiest and common measures adopted to reduce soreness. Common muscles that need to be stretched include- gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and the lower back.

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Fitness

IMPROVE YOUR GYM ETIQUETTE

by Gauri Gupta, Certified Image Consultant

The word etiquette means “conventional requirements as a proper social behavior.”

Learning etiquette will help you to fit in socially. It will modify your behavior so that you don’t embarrass yourself socially and you probably wont offend anyone in the gym.

ing plates around is not impressive-it is an example of sheer laziness and disrespect towards others.

REFRAIN from harming the machines, the floor and the weights. You do not own the gym!!!

Wiping off the equipment off is a sanitary matter. No one wants to lay on a bench coated with sweat. It takes very little time to clean it up.

When you use the floor mat for stretching please remove your shoes, after that clean the mat with a towel.

After a close examination at a prestigious gym, I have seen that gym etiquette is getting worse; many people don’t know how to behave while they work out.

Do not bang the weights on the floor,

You can show equipment etiquette, as well as personal etiquette in the gym.

These are basics, however we rarely follow them.

BASIC EQUIPMENT ETIQUETTE Rack the weights and wipe off equipment.

If you are strong enough to load the bar, you are strong enough to unload it. Leav-

www.shutterstock.com/AntonioDiaz

No sneakers on Yoga Mats-A lot of people use yoga mats for exercise in sneakers. If you have your own yoga mat and want to do that, then by all means, go ahead. If you are using the gym’s mat, use bare feet. Using sneakers on it can damage the mat.

Chewing gum in the gym and sticking it on the treadmill is a BAD idea. Not only it shows that you need to work on your etiquette, it also induces choking.

When you do vigorous exercise, you will normally need to breathe through your mouth. This provides more oxygen to your muscles, which allows them to 25

work longer. If you have gum in your mouth, then it will be difficult to open your mouth to breathe without the gum falling out.

www.shutterstock.com/Morgan Studio

Stop staring in the gym-When you go to the gym, your focus should be on exercising, NOT staring at other members. Don’t loose focus.

Do not bring your gym bag or other personal belonging into the gym floor.

Your breathing technique is the most important part of your exercise regime.

Stick to the posted time limits on all cardiovascular machines. Generally, it is 30 minutes on each machine.

Do not sit on machines between sets.

Be courteous when filling your water bottle in the gym.

Do not use your mobile on the gym floor, it disturbs your workout and it’s disturbing for others too.

Prevent wardrobe malfunction-Dress appropriately. Torn, dirty clothes do not belong to the gym. The gym isn’t the place for women to show off their cleavage or for men to go shirtless. You should be able to move around without exposing yourself.

www.shutterstock.com/ Sergey Nivens

BASIC PERSONAL ETIQUETTE Be courteous to others: Always aim to be friendly towards other gym members.

Watch your language, lend a hand if someone needs help and lastly be constructive and positive.

and leave the perfume in the bottle.

Wear Deodorant- Exercising will make you sweat and that can cause body odor.

Wear a good antiperspirant to keep odor to the minimum but do not spray yourself with perfume on the treadmill-some people are very sensitive to the potency of perfume. When you are exercising and are out of breath to begin with, this problem can be exacerbated even further. So, for the welfare around you, be respectful

Shut up and train-If you aren’t dedicated to improve yourself, please go home, others are serious about their training.

You are there for a purpose and do not lose your focus by talking.

Keep sounds effects to a minimum yelling with every rep is unnecessary and can be disconcerting to others. Grunting with exertion is acceptable but not shouting.

Lower the volume- While exercising to music is motivating and fun, blasting your music at maximum volume is not.

Respect the people around you and turn down the music.

Leave the gym complementary newspapers and magazines in the gym for others to read also.

www.shutterstock.com/ Syda Productions

A-NICE -THANK-YOU-Gifting etiquette to your trainer. One of the most meaningful things you can do for your trainer is to acknowledge their hard work in making you look beautiful and for you to feel healthy.

Above all, have fun with your ME time in the gym.

www.shutterstock.com/ Andresr 26

Making a gym part of your life can be incredibly gratifying. You can make new set of friends and probably will have a healthier lifestyle. So friends, do your small part to keep the gym experience a healthy one and an enjoyable one too.

Fitness

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Day Date Holiday Wednesday Thursday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Thursday Friday Tuesday Tuesday Friday Monday Saturday Wednesday Saturday Saturday Monday Tuesday Saturday Saturday Thursday Friday Friday Tuesday Thursday Thursday Wednesday Friday

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January 14 January 15 January 26 February 17 February 19 March 06 March 28 April 02 April 03 April 14 April 14 May 01 May 04 May 09 May 20 July 18 August 15 August 17 August 18 August 29 September 05 September 17 September 25 October 02 October 13 October 22 November 11 November 25 December 25

Lohri Pongal Republic Day Maha Shivratri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Holi Ram Navami Mahavir Jayanti Good Friday Dr Ambedkar Jayanti Tamil New Year May Day Buddha Purnima Birthday of Rabindra Nath Tagore Maharana Pratap Jayanti Idul Fitr Independence Day Teej Parsi New Year Raksha Bandhan Janmashtami Ganesh Chaturthi Idul Juha Mahatma Gandhi Birthday Muharram Dussehra Diwali Guru Nanak Birthday Christmas Day

l o orajit k i Kapur ng

E n t e r2t 0a 1i n5 m e n t

The 11th ICC Cricket World Cup 14th February to 29th March 2015

TOP HOLLYWOOD 2015 RELEASES Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens Avengers: Age of Ultron Fifty Shades of Grey Terminator Genisys Furious 7 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 Mission: Impossible 5

TOP GADGETS EXPECTED in 2015 Apple iPhone 6s/iPhone 6s Plus

Expected release date: Mid-September 2015

Apple Watch

Expected release date: Spring 2015

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Expected release date: Early September 2015

Samsung Galaxy S6

www.shutterstock.com/ Peshkova

Expected release date: Early March 2015

Apple iPad Pro (12� model)

Expected release date: Spring 2015

forward

29 www.shutterstock.com/fongfong

5

rules to negotiate a better salary

(BPT) - Between networking, polishing your resume, applying and interviewing, finding a job is time consuming. Once the offer comes in, all your hard work is done, right? Not necessarily. Now is the time for negotiating – a process few people are comfortable with. Skipping it, however, can mean that you miss out on better benefits or a higher salary.

“You should always negotiate a higher salary,” says Vanessa Jackson, director of career services at The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago. “Hiring managers expect this, so they do not start by offering the highest salary in their range.”

Rule 1: Be polite The first rule when it comes to negotiating is to always be polite. “Say ‘Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am so excited to join your company.’ Then move into the negotiation,” says Shannon Delecki, assistant director of career services at The Art Institute of Michigan.

Your requests should never sound like demands. If they do, you could negotiate your way right out of a job. Remember, the negotiation is a balancing act. You want a higher salary but you’re looking to work with the person on the other end of the negotiation, so be respectful and use good manners always.

Rule 2: Know your worth Make sure you’ve done your research.

“Know the average salaries for the position and for the market,” says Delecki.

That means what others with similar experience would make in the same city where you’ll be working.

And this isn’t a time to be modest about your potential value to the company. “Tell the company why you are worth more than you are being offered. Show them how you will contribute to the company’s profits and help their bottom line,” advises Delecki.

Rule 3: Ask for the right amount Ask for too little and you’ll sell yourself short, but if you ask for too much you’ll risk offending your future employer.

How much should you ask for? Jackson recommends anywhere from $3,000 $5,000 above the company’s offer. After conveying your gratitude for the job offer, confidently state: “I’m hoping to negotiate a salary closer to $XX.”

Rule 4: Don’t forget other benefits There are times that companies may not be able to budge on the dollar amount, but that doesn’t mean negotiations are done. This could be an opportunity to negotiate other benefits like paid time off. “Ask the company whether they can be more flexible about vacation or PTO days,” says Delecki.

In addition to vacation days, other benefits that you could try to negotiate for include flex time for working from home and subsidized day-care costs. “I’ve known people who negotiated for immediate vesting in the company’s 401(k),” observes Jackson.

Rule 5: Be realistic Keep in mind, people negotiating higher-level jobs will likely have more success negotiating. If you are just out of college and accepting an entry-level job, employers typically will not negotiate much, if at all. Young professionals can always ask, but they must be realistic about what they should ask for and about what an employer is likely to approve.

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2015

A step-by-step guide to

managing your money in 2015

We are now at that critical time of the year, where New Year resolutions could be in different stages of planning or action. Whilst I’m sure that not all of you make New Year resolutions, there are probably a large number of you who do. Since losing weight and quitting smoking/drinking are probably the top two resolutions for the year globally, we are simply attempting to create a monthly calendar to simplify the process of managing your money.

One of the biggest myths about managing money is that it is all about returns on your investment. Whilst returns are no doubt a critical component of managing money, we believe it is critical to take a more holistic view on finances.

January – Put it all together – There is no point in having made a large number of investments because of the potential for above average returns or tax savings or putting away excess savings and not knowing where the documents for these are or how they are doing. Create an inventory of all your savings and investments. Whilst this may sound simple, it can be much more challenging than it seems. It is critical that all the records are well documented and stored.

February - Question what you really want your money to do for you – For some it is retiring at 45 or sending a child to study overseas or visiting 100 places before dying. As you think deeply about these life goals, you will find monies would have an important role to. Try to put numbers to each of these goals and estimate how your finances are currently designed to get you to these goals. Seek help of a certified financial planner, if needed.

March - Keep what matters; let the rest go – This is one of the most challenging parts of managing money, since you may have to admit to mistakes that you made in the past. For example, if you have a large number of small value insurance policies that do not give you substantial life cover, it may be better to surrender these policies and buy term insurance, If equity investments made in the past have not delivered for more than 7 years, they may need to be substituted with better equity investments.

April – Cut costs rather than cutting back – As a resident of Mumbai, there are booming costs in our routine life. It may be necessary to control expenses on luxuries and reduce the spending on things that are not essential. Take advantage of festive discounts, weekday markets, family deals, online discount coupons, etc. to lower your monthly budget.

May – Make your family aware of your finances - You’ll save your family from worrying if you’ve got enough kept away.

Don’t let it become some huge family secret. Clearly designate and educate about all your assets and loans, and whom you want to receive and manage the assets.

June – Further your financial knowledgeLearning about your finances is not a rocket science anymore. The tech world makes educating yourself financially both fun and easy. Seek help where necessary though.

I look forward to hearing from you on what you believe is an ideal calendar for the second half of 2015.

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Vishal Dhawan is a financial planner by profession and founder of Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors Pvt. Ltd. He can be reached at vishal.dhawan@planahead.in He frequently writes columns in various business and general media, both domestically and internationally, and appears on television.

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Inside the crystal ball: mobile predictions for 2015 (BPT) - Mobile has certainly come a long way to help connect people with loved ones, improve productivity and simplify daily tasks - with simple swipes or taps, they can instantly locate the best restaurants in town or get directions from point A to point B among other game-changing benefits. But it doesn’t just end there. In 2015, significant developments in the mobile space will empower people to do even more with their devices.

Intel executives predict these top five trends will emerge across mobility in the new year. they are more comfortable with Windows or Android operating systems, there 1. LTE will take 2015 by storm. with a high influx of devices and how will be a tablet for everyone with great devices can connect and compute with performance. “One thing we’re seeing “People are used to associating LTE with one another. We’ll start to see 5G coming in the tablet market is how it is fulfilling their smartphones, but in 2015, LTE into focus in 2015,” says Aicha Evans, more specific needs as more people have technology is going to connect more than Intel’s vice president of wireless platform integrated tablets into their lives and adjust mobile devices. We’ll not only see research and development. opted them so widely,” says Chris Walker, LTE in 2 in 1s and laptops, but in other Intel’s general manager of tablets. “Now categories including fashion, wearables, 3. Emerging markets will dominate it is about more customized devices that home appliances and medical devices. mobile. address specific usage needs such as the More cars will be connected on LTE. This Kurio tablet for kids or the tablet we dewill give a new meaning to the connected “Emerging markets will be a key driver veloped with AARP for the ‘tech-shy’, as lifestyle and change the way people inter- for global smartphone growth in 2015. well as devices that can appeal to a wide act with their technology,” says Hermann There is a lot of competition among origvariety of uses.”

Eul, Intel’s corporate vice president of inal equipment manufacturers (OEMS) in the mobile and communications group. the emerging markets. More importantly, 5. Do and play differently with a new “More regions around the world will this growth and competition will push generation of tablets. begin launching LTE to help people more innovations forward at lower price points quickly access data on their phones and with more interesting capabilities and feaAs tablets evolve, innovation will drive increase cellular reliability.” tures built into smartphones and tablets,” new user experience and adoption in says Rupal Shah, general manager of Intel tablets. For example, the Dell Venue 8 According to the Global Mobile SupChina. “We’re already seeing skyrock7000 Series Tablet with Intel(R) Repliers Association, 331 operators have eting growth from Chinese smartphone alSense(TM) snapshot has multiple launched LTE networks and service in manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Lecameras to capture photos with full 112 countries, which is more than half of novo, and this trend is not slowing down depth information, enabling consumers the world. anytime soon. People will be getting more to dynamically change the focus of their value from their devices.” pictures after they have been taken with 2. Focusing on 5G in 2015. a single touch, among other exciting new In fact, CCS saw that the average selling usages. The Lenovo Yoga Tablet Pro 2 “The clock is ticking on 5G deployment, price of mobile phones declined for the tablet comes in a very sleek design that and 2015 is the year 5G starts to get first time in four years in 2014. Additionhas an enhanced kickstand or hangs on a real, as the mobile and wireless industry ally, Strategy Analytics predicts there will hook, and it’s also the first of its kind with moves from concepts to actual technolbe a 158 percent growth in tablets under an integrated projector that can project a ogy trials and standards development. $150 and only a 17 percent growth in 50-inch viewing screen. “2014 has been Designed with billions of connected tablets in the $150 - $249 price point in a great year and 2015 is shaping up to be Internet of Things devices in mind, 5G the next four years. exciting as well. We are pleased with the will be tasked with resolving a slew of partnerships and products that have come new challenges like network congestion, 4. One size does not fit all. out as a result of our efforts and there are spectrum availability, energy efficiency, some exciting, innovative features and cost, reliability and more. Put simply, it’s Consumers will see more choices when tablets on the horizon,” says Walker. no longer only about speed, but about it comes to screen size, price point and intelligence, and how people can connect new tablet capabilities in 2015. Whether 32

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6 things you can do to be more productive this year You can’t create more time, but you can ensure you make better use of the time you have. To help you be more productive this year, Hyatt Place Seamless Travel Series productivity expert Lindsey Pollak offers these tips. * Wake up earlier. Yes, it’s that simple.

Waking up 30 to 60 minutes earlier gives you a great jump-start on your day. You can exercise, catch up on email or just relax in this newfound peace and quiet.

Just don’t forget to go to bed earlier at night to ensure you’re awake to enjoy the morning. * Make a plan. Even the busiest of days will flow more smoothly if you are following a predetermined plan and schedule. So before your next busy day, week or season, take time to jot down a list of everything you have to do. You’ll be more efficient in accomplishing these tasks and you won’t waste time panicking about how you’ll complete it all. * Decide which decisions you’ll make.

Research has shown that the more choices you make during the day, the harder each

one becomes for your brain. Eliminate routine decisions whenever possible by having the same breakfast each morning, putting out your clothes the night before or parking in the same space each day, for example. By cutting these decisions out of your daily itinerary, you’ll be saving brain power for the truly important choices. * Delegate. You aren’t afraid to ask for help at work, so why not speak up at home? Ask family members to help you complete household projects or hire someone to help you maintain the yard, run errands or do the shopping. Any assistance you receive will save you time for other responsibilities. * Optimize your life on the road as well.

Whether you’re on vacation or traveling for work, you still want to be as productive as possible. Hyatt Place hotels help multitasking travelers stay productive on the road, offering free WiFi, free hot

breakfast, a 24-hour gym and more. To help you have a seamless travel experience from start to finish, Hyatt Place brings you the Seamless Travel Series, teaming up with leading travel experts to offer advice on travel, style, technology and health. * Be selective in what you commit to. Want to do more in 2015? Start by saying no. Life pulls you in all different directions, and every request you commit to eliminates time you could spend doing something else. Instead of committing to everything offered to you - including the things you don’t really want to do - don’t be afraid to say no. You’ll be more productive when you can focus on the few things you actually want to do.

You can’t turn back time or make more of it, but by implementing these productivity tips, you can make the most of it. So go out and get ready for a productive 2015, and remember, time is ticking.

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2015

(BPT) - Time. You never seem to have enough of it. Whether it’s work, family commitments, your kids or your spouse, there’s always someone or something that needs your time. And imagine the chaos if you were to actually want a little time for yourself as well.

PANEER METHI MALAI MATAR

Sarson ka Saag

Ingredients

Ingredients

350gms Paneer diced 1 cup Methi Fresh finely chopped 1 cup Mattar / Green Peas 1 large Onion chopped 2-3 green chilies whole 4-5 curry leaves 1 tsp jeera / cumin 1 tsp red chill powder 1/2 tsp dhania powder 1/2 tsp haldi powder 2 tomatoes pureed 1/2 tsp sugar (optional) 50-75 ml fresh cream 3 tbsp oil 1 tbsp ghee

2 bunches sarson/mustard greens 1 bunch palak/spinach (2:1 ratio) and 2 tbsp methi leaves (kasuri is better) 1 med onion chopped 5-6 cloves garlic 2 inch ginger or 2 tsp gng paste 3-4 green chillies 1 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp jeera whole 1 tsp garam masala powder 2 tbsp ghee for tadka salt to taste

Method

Method

Blanch the methi leaves and mattar in 3 cups of water 4-5 mins or till mattar is soft. Drain and keep aside. This is to remove the bitterness in the methi.

Blanch the sarson, palak and methi greens together in a deep pan, till cooked, alongwith with ginger and some salt, cool and blend coarsely together with garlic, red chillies.

In a thick bottom pan, fry the jeera n curry leaves, splutter; add the onions in the oil/ghee. Can avoid the ghee here. But I like the flavor. Add the turmeric n dhania n chili powder. Add tomatoes and fry till oil separates. Add the methi and mattar. Add the green chilies. Take off the flame and add the cream. Stir well. Add the paneer pieces. Done.

Note: I added raw paneer. Some like to fry it. I added the sugar at the end. It balances the bitterness of the methi and the sourness of the tomatoes. Need to balance it right. Adjust the salt in the end. Else it might split the cream.

Serve hot with paranthas or naan.

Eat n enjoy!

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Tadka - fry the jeera garlic and masalas add onions fry till brownish add the blended saag add ghee cook for 1015 mins. Add the garam masala in the end. Done.

Best eaten with makki rotis or rice or even naan bread and paranthas.

Eat n Enjoy !

by Sanjay Hingorani Andheri West Resident

Food

Fail-safe tricks for creating the perfect cheese platter (BPT) - Your social calendar is packed to the brim with dinner parties, family activities and holiday festivities with loved ones.

Whether you are hosting or attending as a guest, providing something delectable will always be a welcome addition to the celebration. Loved around the world, a scrumptious cheese platter is guaranteed to tempt everyone’s palate and be the perfect conversation starter.

Creating a delicious and interesting cheese platter is easier than you think if you make use of a few tips and tricks trusted by expert chefs. These four ideas will ensure your platter not only embodies the perfect array of cheeses but also showcases your personal taste and style.

The right varieties and correct amounts Confused about how many varieties of cheese to buy? And how much is needed for your size gathering? The goal is to give people a nice selection of cheeses to sample without overwhelming them; three to five cheeses typically will do the trick.

A simple way to ensure a nice spread is to make selections based on the type of milk used to create the cheeses. For example, cow, sheep and goat’s milk all create very different kinds of cheeses, and knowing about these differences can help you make better choices when shopping.

Prepare 4-6 ounces per person if cheese is the main food, and serve more or less depending on the time of day, whether other foods are served and the type of celebration. When in doubt, reference this handy online cheese calculator at www. dcicheeseco.com/party.

cheddar cheeses made in Wisconsin are aged for nine months, two years or even three years, and they feature a rich, sharp flavor. Pre-cut the cheese into cubes and place the pieces on the platter, or you can allow guests to cut their own. Educate guests by adorning each cheese with a candle featuring the number of years that the cheese is aged.

Create a worldly theme Want a crowd-pleasing theme for your cheese plate? Create a “Tour of Europe” platter that will delight taste buds while letting guests try different cheese styles.

Start with mild flavors, including French cheeses like brie and camembert that offer a soft texture. Next, guests can visit Italy when they sample Stella Italian-style cheeses like full-flavored parmesan or rich, semi-sweet asiago. Finish with

flavorful cheeses from Holland and Denmark, like extra-aged Gouda or nutty Edam. Add flags to your cheese offerings denoting each one’s nationality for the perfect finishing touch.

Accompaniments, preparation and presentation The sky is the limit when it comes to serving vessels. Go traditional with a wood cutting board or get creative by using marble tile or colorful vintage glass platters. Arrange cheeses artfully on the platter about an hour before guests arrive, as room-temperature cheese maximizes each variety’s flavor. Finally, remember no plate is complete without a selection of garnishes like crackers, bread, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, olives and meats. Then sit back and watch as guests munch away and strike up conversation.

Add an aged-cheddar flight www.shutterstock.com/ MaraZe

Do you love cheddar? You’re not alone, as it’s one of the most universally enjoyed cheese varieties. That’s why a flight of different cheddar cheeses is sure to capture your guests’ attention while satisfying their hunger pangs. Try selecting three different cheddars for people to taste - odd numbers always present well on a plate. Black Creek’s premium 35

L

ong Time No See… Model/ Actress Pooja Batra is back in the scene with the launch of her new venture – Radio Station in the USA catering to the Indian diaspora in North America. Settled in the USA, Pooja shares with us how life has been and how it is looking forward for her in the upcoming year.

It’s been a while. Almost a decade since you donned the avatar of a female lead in a Bollywood movie. Where did you disappear?

I moved to the United States.

What’s it like for a Bollywood female lead to quit the limelight?

It ain’t easy, in fact, it is pretty darn tough.

What is it that you miss the most about Bollywood?

I miss acting and having to play different characters on screen.

About India?

I miss my family & my friends.

You’ve recently started a radio station in the USA and Canada for the Indian diaspora there. What made you start this venture?

Living here for so many years I would yearn to listen to Bollywood music or the latest music or when to know what was trending in India and the only resolve was google or you tube. I would always

wish for Hindi music on the go, be it old or latest songs. So the idea came along to start something for the Indians living in the US. Now I have iPhone & android apps and people can listen to their fav songs for free.

You were crowned Femina Miss India International in 1993. How would you assess todays Indian Miss India winners?

I think they are great. The bars are really high internationally & I am sure all the standards are met when they select a winner.

Any unfulfilled dreams?

Many Many. One for example- I want to read all the books in the world ;)

Where are you today professionally?

My company Glowbellinc has bin successful in many ventures.

Casting Hollywood stars in Bollywood movies, starting a US talent portal company in India, launching a radio Station in the US. I have always gone out of my I want to read all the books in the world! way to help my friends from Bollywood or Hollywood if they ever wanted anything from either industries.

Who was your favorite co-star and Where do you stand today personally? which movie?

I live for the moment & in this moment I Salman Khan in Kahin Pyaar Na Ho am happy.

Jaye.

Have you thought of film production or direction?

I have thought of production but not direction. Too much stress ;) How is the work culture in the entertainment industry different in the West compared to India?

It’s a different animal ;) There is no scope for error, tardy ness, not knowing your lines, excuses.

The work ethics are very strong here.

Who is your favorite actor in the current Bollywood breed?

I like a lot of em, just to name a few....Aditya Roy Kapoor, Randeep Hooda, Shashank Arora, Ranvir Shorey, Aliya Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra.

There is a new breed of fitness training that has taken over the traditional gymming. What’s your fitness training mantra?

What form of exercise

36

and why?

I train in MMA. I am a blue belt with a green stripe. Plus I am an avid hiker, love hiking. I find going to the Gym very boring.

And spiritually?

I definitely can evolve spiritually. The endeavor to gain more spiritual evolvement is definitely there. I love meditating.

I think everybody should meditate.

Life’s biggest lesson so far?

Be Kind to Everybody.

Favorite Outfit My Lulu lemon track pants and top. I can live in them.

What does the phrase “You may be traveling global… but you are always living local” mean to you?

Means exactly what it says yo ;) Best way to say “Goodbye”?

See you around.

Facebook: Pooja Batra Twitter: @iampoojabatra Instagram: @styloholics

Entertainment

Favorite food Sushi

Favorite word Yo

India or USA Both in bits

Favorite cuss word Frack

All time favorite person Our Prime Minister Mr. Modi

Chai or Coffee Coffee

POOJA BAtRA

37

Zulekha Shariff, most well known for her designs that are traditional

craftsmanship of folklore to the modern day Indian global woman, most recently launched her new line of women’s apparel earlier this week. Well known actress Zarine Khan, who loved Zulekha’s designs did a special photoshoot for Zulekha in her designs. Zarine Khan also graciously inaugurated the launch on 15th December, 2014 at Nido, Bandra.

But what many don’t know about Zulekha is that she is a self inspired designer. Growing up in India and living her life in Bandra, Mumbai was a mix from old world customs to modern values. She uses her social influence and heritage as her design inspirations.

She believes in social perspective with the style and cut that flatters the feminine silhouette with superb taste and exciting and unique fabrics. With an Indian soul and product innovations, her clothes are refined, elegant, and classic. She believes your clothes is a reflection of your personality.

In 2002 for her wedding, Zulekha gave in two sketches to design her own outfit and her husband Junaid Shariff was impressed by them and suggested she become a fashion designer. This year was a year full of change and transformation. Zulekhai is already ahead of the game and has something above most designers in her category, because she was born with her talent and never went to school to learn how to drape or sew.

Zulekha has been working on building her brand and helping her business thrive. She will soon come up with a showroom in the garment district of Bandra and has been working on creating new collections.

The launch was done by Zarine Khan.

Make Up - Subhash Shinde Picture Courtesy - Shruti Tejwani

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In conversation with actress Zarine Khan and fashion designer Zulekha Shariff at the launch of her label ‘Zulekha J. Shariff’. We caught up with them at a private viewing at ‘Nido Cafe, Bandra’; the venue for the launch of her stylish merchandize of ethnic wear, gowns, drape sarees, pret line etc. article by Sidharth Sodhi

Zulekha Shariff

I was born and brought up in Bandra. I am married with 3 kids. I was always into designing, working from home.

However about a month back my husband suggested that since I am good at this, I should merchandize through reputed Boutiques and Fashion Stores. I knew Alka Nishar (owner of Aza). So I went to them. The marketing head, the merchandisers approved of the quality checks. So everything went through without a fuss. I am delighted that I will not miss this party season. My contemporary merchandize will be available at Aza, Bandra from 16th December, 2014. The gowns, drape sarees , short dresses.. the contemporary line is something I love working on. It is for girls who are very tall, slim, fashionable. My ethnic wear though, can also be worn by the woman next door. Even my mom or my aunt. Someone who is really big can also flaunt my clothes, look stylish and wear it at sangeet, parties, semi-formal events. The fabrics are stretch lycra and they are very pleasing. They can make a size 38 look like a size 36. The inner fabric holds on like a corset, so it can make you look really skinny or one size smaller than what you are. My ethnic wear will be available at my studio in Bandra. If things go well, Inshallah, someday I would like to open a store of my own (smiles).

Zarine Khan is gorgeous. She’s a dear friend as well. On this special day I’m very happy to have her support.

Zarine Khan

Do you have a personal favourite between the ethnic wear, contemporary, drape sarees?

I like all her outfits. They are very easy to wear. Very light. Unlike a lot of heavy garments which do not even suit the weather. The fabrics that she has used, the cut that she has used, it flatters every body type. It fits your body like magic. I love the drape sarees.

For a girl who has a body type like mine, who’s a little curvaceous. I think they really fall well and help to flaunt your curves.

We see a lot of dresses and gowns at fashion shows and events but you don’t normally see people wearing those in ‘real’ life ..

Exactly.. all of her clothes you can actually wear at red carpet events, appearances, parties, weddings. They can be worn everywhere.

You’re an actress. So is posing for pictures at photo shoots a breeze for you? ..perhaps. My job is to be in front of the camera.. to seduce the camera.

What, according to you, is currently trending in the world of fashion?

Honestly I don’t follow what trends are going on. I wear what I am comfortable in. What I can carry with confidence. But I feel ‘backless’ is something that looks really sexy. And the risk factor is really less in wearing that. ‘Backless’ never goes out of fashion.

What can one expect to find in Zarine Khan’s wardrobe?

Little black dress (lbd). It is a must in every girl’s wardrobe. It is a quick fix to everything. Also a well fitted sari.

The high statement fashion event was launched by none other than Salad Entertainment Pvt Ltd. SALAD ENTERTAINMENT is one of the leading names in the world of Indian Fashion and Entertainment since its launch in 2009 as an event management and production company. It is co-owned by Pachi Thadhani & Alistair Woodham.

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In Your

PROJECT DHAI AKSHAR

As I followed Nyla Ji to the front door of her NGO, Project Dhai Akshar , a lot of bright young kids warmly greeted her. ‘hello ma’am’, ‘good afternoon ma’am’.. a little girl in a blue dress with a beautiful smile gave Nyla Ji a big hug.

These kids aged between 5-14 years live in the slums and shacks around Versova beach. Every few months their houses get demolished. Project Dhai Akshar is like a home to them. It is a small intimate space with 2 rooms, 1 kitchen, 1 washroom.

The 2nd room which is smaller in size contains a well stocked library. Also kept on its shelves are the art & craft works, sketches, paintings, clay models made by the kids.

Nyla Ji was involved with Mr. Amole Gupte in the films “Stanley ka Dabba” and “Hawaa Hawaai”. ‘That’s how I got into it’ (working with kids) she says.

Nyla Masood and Shahla Raza used to volunteer at a place which ran for a few days a week. But that place was also used for auditions. The kids requested that they have a place of their own. A place just for the kids. It is then that Nyla Masood and Shahla Raza started ‘Project Dhai Akshar’ 42

in August 2013. Currently the center is open for 4 hours Monday to Saturday.

They’ve also employed a full time teacher as well as a lady to help out with the children’s needs.

Nyla Masood: Inn bachhon mein aur humaare bachhon mein fark yeh hai ki they are not scared.

They’re bindass. They have nothing to lose. Kya hoga yaar. Ghar apna hai nahin..kuch hai nahin.. they speak their minds. Everything comes from their

by Sidharth Sodhi

heart. Project Dhai Akshar is about providing these kids with recreational learning and imparting life skills. There are a lot of kids hanging around the beach all day.. smoking, doing drugs, not going to school because their parents have already left for work. At Dhai Akshar we do several activities like theatre workshops, dance, arts, crafts, painting, storytelling, teaching them to read and write, music, debates, chess, clay modeling etc. We keep a well stocked library. Saturday is ‘movie’ day where we show them animation and children’s films. We teach them basic values about life. About not lying, not stealing. We have what we call ‘circle time’ where we encourage them to talk about problems they might have.. not against each other though. Also, to say something positive about a child that they may have noticed during the day.

Sometimes one or two kids disappear for 10-15 days. Then I go looking for them at the beach. Then they say ‘haan teacher kantala hai..nahin aane ka’. I tell them just come spend time .. yahaan beach par bhi tum poora din baithey hi rehtey ho.

During Ganpati Visarjan we made Ganpati idols out of clay and did the visarjan

In between we were planning to shut down “Project Dhai Akshar’ because of shortage of funds. It’s expensive to sustain this. We spoke to the kids about it but they said ‘yeh toh hamara ghar hai, yeh aap kaisey band karenge..aap jo boliye hum woh karenge..’. We also give them a little snack everyday which includes ‘chana’ because it contains protein. We don’t know if they’ll get protein

Most of the children here are very bright.

Their grasping power compared to the other school going kids is much more.

They are specially interested in books on general knowledge, the solar system, history, aliens. They love (Japanese art of paper folding) origami. (she brings my attention to the beautiful butterflies,

improved since they have started coming here. Some of the kids who have never been to school can actually read. While teaching these children and interacting with them I have been delighted and humbled by their ability to survive and rise above circumstances such as hunger, violence, disease and fear.

insects, spiders made out of paper that are displayed on a wall). Also since they are young we make activities more interesting and experimental for them. Once we told them ‘aap jahaan rehte ho wahaan se raet (sand) lekar aana’. We taught them painting with sand. Someday it will be block painting, still life sketching, wax painting.. we keep mixing things up and they are thrilled. They love craft. The ‘games’ (indoor, cardboard games etc) that go bad, we do not discard them.

Ekta : (who teaches at Project Dhai Akshar completed one year with them on December 15,2014).

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Community

in buckets of water to teach the kids to be eco-friendly. Last week we had a debate on the topic ‘school is necessary for every child’. The points these kids gave ‘for’ and ‘against’ were very strong. The ones that were ‘for’ spoke about becoming an engineer, scientist…designing a building…home, housing, building is very important for them since their houses get demolished every 3-4 months.

at home. After completing a year we decided we’ll call the parents of the kids.

In some families both the parents drink, or take drugs. It isn’t just us or the kids.

The contribution of the parents is equally important. It’s necessary they support us.

If the parents have difficulties in getting the kids admission in schools, we go with them. Sometimes if there is a late admission fee to be paid we help out. Some kids still insist on not going to school. They tell me ‘ghar pe koi uthaane wala nahin hai’, so we gave them alarm clocks.

If we push them too hard they stop coming here. So I’m like ‘at least let them come here’ (smiles). We also help the kids with their school studies. Their grades in school have

We keep it so that the kids can use it, as these kids are very enterprising and innovative. For instance on Nyla Maam’s birthday, or on teacher’s day they create beautiful things out of inexpensive or free raw material. Everything from twigs to scrap to sand fuels their active imaginations. Through this they also learn about recycling.

Q. In a world where everyone runs after money, you give so much of your active ‘day’ time to teach kids in an NGO. This is not a lucrative proposition. So what brought you here?

A. I had no intention of working with an NGO. I completed my graduation in commercial arts and my aim was to get into advertising. I got to know of Project Dhai Akshar when I was doing my post graduation. I thought I’ll come here for a bit on occasion and get a job someplace.

Par jab main yahaan pe aayi.. these kids

We request you to be a part of this project to bring change into these children’s lives and through them in society as a whole. What would make the most difference are your gifts and donations. No amount is too small and we would appreciate anything that you can contribute. We are also looking for volunteers who can help the children with arts, crafts, performing arts etc. As Kabir put it ‘ Pothi padh padh kar jag mua, pandit bhayo na koye. Dhai aakhar prem ke, jo padhe so pandit hoye. The word ‘Prem’ in hindi is made out of dhai akshar.

Contact details : 9820087571. nylamas@gmail.com.

really are very fascinating. Unko dekh ke aisa lagta hai ki unko kisi ki zaroorat hai and that’s the main thing that attracted me. There are still fights at home. My parents tell me we have given you such good education. Why do you work with an NGO? Main inn bachhon ke saath jud gayi hoon. I feel I have to do something for them. And these kids have that talent!

Other kids with better backgrounds take tuitions etc and get ahead in life. These kids have no money but they’re still doing so much. These kids are doing better in life and giving results. So I am happy.

Sheila: (whose kids ‘Sagar’ and ‘Pooja’ come to Project Dhai Akshar straight from school).

School ke baad who seedha yahaan aate hain. Mere bachhon ko dono taraf ki shiksha mile. Toh woh school bhi aur 44

yahaan bhi aate hain. Unko achha lagta hai. (smiles).

Anne Makhijani : (Supporter . Friend of Project Dhai Akshar).

When you live in a situation of disadvantage and deprivation, it’s really easy to get sucked into it. It’s like living in a well.

So it’s very important for these children to see role models from amongst their own community, from amongst their own social group. Where they can see other children thrive and do well. Dhai Akshar gives them an outlet for creative expression and helps them to open their minds.

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Community

Associate Sponsors

The Annual Christmas Event at The Raheja Classique Club this year was presented in association with Living Local. A member and guests of members only invite, the evening saw Santa cheered by all the kids as he distributed goodies to all.

Set in the pool side area of the club, the weather was perfect for an outdoor setting of an event.

Christmas clarols played by the DJ took over the whole atmosphere in the festive spirit.

The event kicked in just around the time when the lights turned on and lit the whole area beautifully. The 10 ft. tall Christmas tree and a Santa House were the key attraction.

The event started with games for the kids and some funny tongue-twisters for the parents who seemed very supportive to be part of the same.

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The winners of all kids games were given gifts which were sponsored by V-care.

There was a beautiful dance performances by the Zenith group which included some Bollywood numbers that kept everyone tapping to their feet.

There was an interactive story-telling session in the event. “The Selfish Giant” was a short fantasy story for children by the Irish author Oscar Wilde. The story’s plot revolved around a giant who builds a wall to keep children out of his garden, but learns compassion from the innocence of the children. Which is the main essence behind Christmas - compassion and care...

Lucky Draw was announced in the end where prizes like Water Pearl Set and Watches were given to the lucky winners.

We would like to thank the sponsors for the event: Associate JBCN International School Anytime Fitness V-Care Others Enhance Aesthetics Itsy-Bitsy Zest4Life

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Community

WHY DAYCARE ?

by Meera

Dear Parents, Daycares are the need of the hour. With the joint family system diminishing, and with both parents working;especially in the cities; parents are increasingly looking at professionally run daycares to look after their children.

There is still a lot of resistance to this concept mainly by and when the elders of the family are consulted. There is no denying that no one but no one can replace the parents and what they can do with their children. However one doesn’t always have grandparents around and they too have their lives to lead. The hired help, however good, may not be hundred percent reliable, so choosing a daycare becomes a primary concern for parents.

A daycare has many benefits. If the weaning period is well handled, the child will feel less traumatised in being separated from her parents. Once she is settled in, the advantages of being with her peer group are many.

• She learns to interact with them (even if it may be

silently initially) • She eats varied food stuffs without making a fuss • A sense of having siblings and friends in the same set

up develops • The exposure to so many different toys and teaching

materials adds to the child’s holistic development.

Of prime importance are the care givers and teachers who maintain the atmosphere of a home away from home. The child feels secure, loved ,wanted and cared for. Over a period of time a routine develops which the child accepts and hence a rhythm sets in. Many values get inculcated such as caring and sharing, showing concern for others, team spirit and respect for all those around the child besides the fact that the language and creative skills are being enhanced too. The older children often express concern if they see a little one crying and try to soothe them.

They share their experiences and hence develop communicative skills. When a collage is being made or a story is enacted, they learn to listen and work as a team towards the end product and the entire process is enjoyable for them. Daycares give you the facility of exposing your child to various skills and arts all under one roof. It could range from dance to pottery to dramatization to learning French or sports training.

The child feels secure and develops a bond with all those at the daycare. and actually starts looking forward to being with her friends or peers. At the daycare I work; parents often say that the child misses the daycare over the weekend or doesn’t eat as well at home.

Having said that; a daycare is not outsourcing of parenting! Parents have to maintain their own balance of work (from Monday to Friday) and parenting (when the child is with them). It is important that when they have finished work in the evenings or on the weekends, parents their children 100% undivided attention to develop strong family bonds.

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Utopia

a dream for some , a desire for many, but the need for all.

An intersociety event held by the parents of Raheja for the kids of lokhandwala and around. A festival which brings kids from nursery to std. 10 under one roof to compete for trophies and medals. The only event where the society kids come together to become a team and win laurels for their society.

The 3rd Utopia was inaugurated by the former miss India 2009 Ms Pooja Chopra - Lighting the diya and encouraging the kids to perform well.

The event started with a classical dance competition on the RANG TARANG stage. The BOL BACHAN stage had kids start the day with elocution and the CHILLAR PARTY stage started with a fancy dress competition of the little toddlers. From seeing kids dressed as fall and autumn to milk cartons and corn flakes was really mouth watering.

Utopia has 25 events spread across the day in 5 different categories: Performing arts, literary, fine arts, Juniors, and Open events. In each of these categories there are 5 events - Performing arts had events like Nritya (classical dance), Jodi No 1 (where a parent and a child sang a duet together), an innovative event called FILMI CHAKKAR, where a team of 4 kids were assisted by two parents to come perform an impromptu skit. In this event, a team got an impromptu topic of ‘winning a lottery’ and they went on to win the gold for their performance.

On the literary stage the bol bachans didn’t stop - from elocution to debates the battle were fought hard. The highlight of this stage was a parent child debate called PUT UP YOUR CASE where the child could publicly argue with his parent and explain why he should be allowed to see more T.V. or why he should not be asked to read news paper, this was followed by another event called BABBLE that had the kids spinning yarns and going into a land of dreams. Various different people that were leaders in their domain 48

judged these events. Had actors like Nikki Walia, Harsh Chhaya, HR Heads to young achievers like Raunak Kapoor who is an ESPN Commentator.

The Chillar party stage had the little wonders dressed in fancy dress costumes, singing nursery rhymes to dancing and singing. The highlight of this stage was a chance to meet Akbar Birbal, or even Tenali Ram. Some displayed what freedom meant to them in an event called Action Replay where the kids enacted a story. This stage saw judges that were teachers from various different schools like JNS/ UTPAL SANGVI / JBCN/ Trinity trainers and TV personalities.

The young PICASSO stage saw events like poster making, Rangoli making, Painting and tested the creative side of kids. The talent and creativity displayed amazed not just the organizers but also the judges. The highlight of this stage was an event called ‘Dress me up’ where the young kids were given dolls and they were asked to dress them up. The older kids were given a real young girl and they were to dress her up. The new age fashion designers were taking birth right there.

The event was judged by Architects, fashion designers, painters, teachers and many eminent people from the field.

The Open events had the quizzers locking horns to win while the young girls were starting their careers in nail art. The highlight of this stage was an open photography event where the kids were to capture different moods of people in Utopia.

Utopia saw 16 societies coming together to fight for the coveted rotating trophy.

The host society RAHEJA CLASSIQUE

was glad to welcome Samartha Aangan, Green acres, Royal Classic, Mahindra emmiment, Gundecha Symphony, Dheeraj Heights, Meridian, Tarpore towers, Tarpore Gardens, Silver sands, Textile Tchs and more. The overall event was a close fight and Samartha Aangan defeated the two time champions, Raheja Classique just by 4 points to win the 3rd utopia. The thrid palce went to a very spirited Mahindra emminent.

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Can the power of positive thinking change your life?

(BPT) - A positive attitude is one of the most powerful assets you can have. Positive people find success, good health, happiness, wealth and rewarding relationships throughout their lives.

This is not because they are already successful, or because they are more confident, it is simply the attitude. The law of attraction is that positive thoughts lead to positive results. Your thoughts are much more powerful than just electric signals between synapses. They have the ability to define you and affect those around you. However, it’s not easy to summon this way of thinking on command. It may take years of patience and practice to change your overall mentality.

Learn from the example of others.

“Early leaders in the United States understood the true meaning of positive thinking,” says Stanley Murphy, department chair for the Graduate School of Business and Management at Argosy University, Nashville. “It is one aspect of the root of their success.

Philip D. Armour, F.W. Woolworth, Thomas A. Edison, Marshall Field, Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill and a host of other movers and shakers who participated in shaping our country in the early 20th century all understood these two powerful words: positive thinking.”

It is true that the most successful people throughout history have all recognized the power of positive thinking. Even Gandhi was a strong advocate of positive thinking. He is reported to have said, “A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.”

So what are some proven methods to developing mastery in positive thinking? Well for starters, believe that you can become a positive thinker. “Invest 52

and commit yourself to your own personal development,” suggests Murphy.

“You must first believe in yourself.

When you do, you will notice that others believe in you too. Examine how you are investing in yourself. Make note in your observation of yourself.

See if your personal investments are constructive or destructive. If they are destructive, then try to eliminate them.

If constructive, then perfect them.”

R. Brian Salinas, professor at Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area recommends interacting with people who are on the same journey, whether they are ahead or behind.

“People project who they are and you will too. You’ll start to pick up their traits and ways of approaching things,” says Salinas. “Read books that talk about handling the lessons and challenges that come up in life and that mirror those you want to overcome in yours. In a few years, you’ll find that your story of triumph over adversity mirrors those you read about.”

Consider the physical aspects as well.

Try to incorporate the practice of daily meditation (a minimum of 20 minutes a day) suggests Murphy. “Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

Moderate exercise, balanced diet and adequate rest will keep you physically fit for your daily task.”

Also, try to be realistic. Everyone has down moments, and that’s alright.

“Positive attitude is more than the sum of your feelings at any particular moment. If a loved one passes away or you are facing a challenge that feels overwhelming at the moment, it doesn’t mean that you’re not a positive person,” adds Salinas. “Positive people have every right to feel sad. It’s even healthy to express those feelings from time-to-time. Just remember that those moments don’t define us.”

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by Divya Panday

I wish that you realize the importance of this precious life and realize why you have entered this world. I wish you thank Almighty for every single little moment in your life. I wish you thank the Almighty for the people you have in your life because they have supported you, taught you lessons no matter good or bad because of which you have become wiser. I wish you see beyond materialistic and dazzling things that are slowly taking away the purpose of your life. I wish you spend more time in understanding yourself instead of finding faults in others. I wish you see beyond your own body which is merely a costume you are wearing in this birth and beautify your soul. I wish you sparkle with positive thoughts and reflect your sparkle onto others. I wish you are always the reason of someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smile

words. I wish you realize that things can be said and explained in lower and soft voice also and not always in a loud manner. I wish you realize you are a soul and not a body. I wish you realize that you are playing a role on this stage where the Almighty has sent you. I wish you believe that Almighty is with you always, I wish you have the attitude of Gratitude and in the end I wish you to lead a happy, peaceful and healthy life.

www.shutterstock.com/ Yeryomina Anastassiya

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Spiritual

I WISH

today, tomorrow and for many years to come. I wish you see and appreciate the qualities that others are having rather than their negative qualities. I wish you take all such positive and good qualities from others and imbibe in your life. I wish you are always untouched by the negative effects of the people. I wish you response to the things rather than reacting towards them. I wish that when someone is arguing with you on something you be at peace rather than being quite at that moment because when you are at peace your mind understand that the other person has lost his balance over life and you try to understand the person but when you keep quite you may react later which might be a bad outcome if not explained correctly. I wish you are able to help people does not necessarily mean helping in monetary terms but with your positivity energy. I wish you understand and learn to face the challenges of life in a more peaceful way than in violent ways and curse words. I wish you replace all the negative thoughts and words by positive thoughts and

HOROSCOPE (JANUARY) (Please note: The guide uses Zodiac Signs according to date of birth, and not according to your Sun Sign, Moon Sign or Ascendant. There is no cusp.)

The year ahead for CAPRICORN (22nd December-19th January): Happy Birth Anniversary! You have come a long way, dude, congratulations! In your new year, focus on that for which you have been struggling and warring. You have been spending far more energy on this particular aspect of your life than was perhaps warranted. Now the time has come to close this chapter; either insist on receiving the fruits of your labour, or move on. Certainly, use your inner compass to guide you. Nothing borrowed or modelled on another will do for you! Take good care of your health.

LIBRA (September 23rd-October 22nd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Though in not your exact style, situations forming around you The new year will have a very promising start. You may feel will be rather beneficial and in ways you can easily apprecithings are up to your speed, though through the month, there ate. Allow yourself to enjoy the flow as others take charge, and may be much too much of paraphernalia to attend to. Do it, you may even notice how wonderfully deserving of success even if it is a drag. You will benefit by the end. Even when some people are. You may also realise how different people others are leading, the game will be enjoyable. Health will be contribute to make life one dynamic whole. Health can be good, subject to your level of non-indulgence! stable if you follow familiar routines that work for you.

SCORPIO (October 23rd-November 22nd) A fairly difficult month, but one you can make easy for yourself TAURUS (April 21st-May 20th) by allowing true leaders to lead you. They can and they will.

You will have a good month if you decide to allow the push By relinquishing control into the hands of people unlike you, and the excitement being generated all around you. If you you will discover new paradigms on which to allow trust to resist what some of your cohorts are trying to initiate, you will grow. No one person can know or control everything, but evnot have a justification for it. Better to go along with the ideas erybody can do their bit for an integrated whole. This will be a of the more dynamic as everybody will eventually benefit. Your good lesson for you to learn this month. Don’t worry, it will be health will enjoy your amenability! a pleasant lesson. Your health will also be stable.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st) GEMINI (May 21st-June 20th) You must rein in your horse and trot through the month as If you allow yourself, you will have a chance to observe those there is much happening by way of building a new world. very different from you having a go at creating life. You may Right now, many things are not going your way, but most get to learn a thing or three from them, so bring out your things are under watchful eyes of those who know, so it is all patience-muzzle. You may yet get an opportunity for some right for you to trust. Go along with people you admire and I-told-ya-so’s… so keep looking. Watch your health; exercising you will fare very well. Do follow a familiar routine with your will help you particularly well this month. health.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd–January 19th) A month of huge responsibility and working things just the way CANCER (June 21st-July 21st) you think they ought to be, so look sharp and be alert. Pick The good thing is that you will understand and approve of each cue and respond according to your nature. Plan and act the way things are moving in your life this month. The better as though it is your game being played now, because that is thing, if you let it, is that they will not be in your backyard. You exactly what is happening. You are ruling. Take responsibility. will get to experience stuff you needed to know, second-hand.

Stay calm and be strong, and all is well. Health will be good if Though it takes the pressure off your back, do refrain from you do not hesitate to be yourself. barging in where the game is not yours. Health will basically AQUARIUS (January 20th–February 18th) be stable.

This month will be average for you, at best, and if not, it could LEO (July 22nd-August 22nd) turn boring. There will not be much to keep you engaged, A perfect month to show up your awesomeness, but… You unless you heed the point that the deepest secrets are often have to work hard at other people’s ideas, and that, too, folks hidden in the plainest sight. So, while life is routine, you who don’t have half your charisma. However, and this is big… might have the opportunity to understand what makes life this at this moment, they are doing things for your benefit, so lap it routine! And you will be able to spot the universality of this up. Make yourself willing. You may discover the joy of sharing routine-ness. Sometimes, you might also feel that you have the spotlight. Health will need to be looked after as routine. cracked the code of life. The beginning and the end of the month will be as exciting as it gets. You will need to look after your health.

VIRGO (August 23rd-September 22nd) PISCES (February 19th-March 20th) Things will be fairly well, though not quite your style. Try If you can trust the people who have proved to be generally to not force your ideas on your immediate superiors. Don’t trustworthy, the month will be fairly safe-sailing for you. worry; they appreciate your worth, but now there are other Middle of the month may feel to be interesting, but there is things they have to do, and in their way. Also, there may be a not much you can do except follow leads and examples you very happy surprise for you, though something totally expectapprove. Some little surprises may enchant you for a while, ed; so things are actually good! Your health, too, will be well but they, too, are not really your type, so pass. Keep yourself enough, if you can relax and just be. attached to stable habits for good health this month.

MOHINI BASU is a Tarot Card reader, Hypnotherapist and Life Coach. She can be contacted on mohini.tarot@yahoo.com.

Her website is theredfoxanddeerlady.wordpress.com.

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