Welcoming the Winter Wonderland!

Winters in Pakistan tend to be gloomier as compared to other parts of the world. We don't go through that exhilarating feeling upon seeing the entire country lit up with Christmas lights, embellished with glitzy ornaments and buzzing with melodious jingles wherever you go. We are also deprived of the luxury of 'centrally heated' homes and the ever-present 'gas shortage' takes its toll as well.

So amidst this entire dilemma, how does one ensure a fun-filled, rocking December? Here are 5 things you definitely should be doing!

1. Gear up for the 'shaadi' season

Our flashy and flamboyant 'shaadi' season which kicks off as soon as the last spell of heat diminishes, is nothing less than a grand Bollywood movie. A perfect answer to the holiday season celebrations. So how do you tackle that 'shaadi' mania?

Plan your mehndi/ shaadi joras at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid your darzis' and designers' tantrums. 

Source: Rahim Pardesi

Confirm your salon's bookings in advance as this is the place where hordes of women will flock in hope to look perfect for the wedding season.

Lastly, expect the unexpected i.e the guests from all corners of the globe. Get the deep cleaning of guests rooms done, hire some extra help, stock up on grocery and toiletries to avoid last moment embarrassments.

2. Flaunt it while you have it

Winter season comes, chills you to the bone and is gone by the time you adjust to it.
So without further ado, flaunt those ultra-trendy designer coats/ jackets, chic capes and smart ankle boots, before they find a place in a hidden corner of your wardrobe to be taken out only for a trip up north.

Source: Google Images

3. Focus on your skin care regimen

Winters are not only chilly, they are also very dry. Cracked lips and flaked skin is not a very pretty sight especially when you are already feeling super cold.

Source: Google Images

Your best bet is to invest on good moisturizers, sunscreens, humidifiers, socks and gloves, chap-sticks, lip balms and vaseline. Staying hydrated and eating power packed warm stuff will also keep you alert.

And lastly, as sad as it may sound, restrict those luxurious warm baths as they only add fuel to the fire when it comes to your dry skin.

4. Enjoy that 'layer of fat'

Because it wouldn't show underneath those multiple layers of clothing. One more reason to simply love the winter season! :D

Source: Google Images

Winter is just the right time for some cheat days or possibly even a cheat month! Also, the fact that you will be feasting on those delicious wedding meals, will make those diets fruitless anyways. So ditch those diets while you can, and embrace that secret layer of fat. After all, what is it that a smart-fit jacket can't hide? ;)

5. Savor those wintery delights

Source: Google Images

Winter is the right time to munch on all that ' comfort food'. Picture yourself nibbling those roasted peanuts, being snuggled up in a warm and cosy blanket with a huge mug of freshly brewed coffee/ hot chocolate on your side table! Sounds divine right?

Dig out and try different recipes of soups, fish/ seafood and steaks. Oh and did we forget garma garam gajjar ka halwa? And that basket full of oranges on a bright sunny 'picnic' sort of day? Annar ka juice overload?

Last but not the least, throw a bonfire bash with a live BBQ served with some pink tea and some amazing melodious music to turn it into a perfect wintery night to remember.



Here's to a wonderful Winter season ahead!
Stay warm guys :)

Skin Tips To Keep You Glowing This Winter Season

Winter may be about to say it’s goodbye while leaving us with the usual problems that it brings in tow: dryness, rough hands, cracking, peeling and chapped lips. Well, not to fret! We’ve compiled a list of winter ‘ to do’ things. 

The real problem? Using the same products that we use throughout the year; Foaming face washes, alcohol-based toners, and astringents are all designed to strip oil — and in winter ladies, there's little oil to strip.

So make sure to follow through on a few of these tips to keep looking great this winter.

Exfoliate! It’s a must, and cannot be emphasized enough. The best way to get the maximum benefit from any product that you use is to make sure that you prep your skin. An exfoliator with gentle granules (not made with any nuts) is the best. Also, winter is actually the best season to start using Retin A (but do make sure to talk to your dermatologist before using it as it can have unwanted side effects.)

Sunscreen. Yes, it’s winter and it might get cloudy – but that doesn’t mean the sun isn’t there. Sunburn can happen even if it’s not sunny. So make sure to slather on some SPF 30 (at least)! Another tip is to buy make-up or moisturizer that already has SPF in it. Sunscreen is a must the whole year round – even indoors.

Hydrating Mask:  when your regular products are just not doing what they should! Look for a mask with sunflower oil, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed oil), tocopherol (vitamin E) or glycerin and make sure to use it once a week. Switching your moisturizer in winter to something a little thicker or with some these ingredients should also do the trick.

Chapstick. So you wear a luxurious lipstick… but in winters even that can’t salvage chapped lips. Time to think beyond the balm and treat lips to the same TLC the rest of your face enjoys. Want to try a little home remedy? Try exfoliating with a mixture of fine salt and olive oil, which is an effective and easy little regimen. For painfully chapped lips, use a dab of hydrocortisone cream once a day for no more than a week. 

Now, don’t let winter cramp your style and enjoy the season while it lasts and still look fabulous!