6 Simple things to help you declutter!

With the ‘New year, new me’ mantra still reverberating in our ears, it's just the time to start new. And the first thing to hit the refresh button on is….your wardrobe? Nay! It’s that living space which sets a positive tone.

‘Decluttering’ helps regain your focus, kick off unnecessary stress and gives you a lot of room for newer, more exciting things.  Yayy! And cherry on the top is that being organized adds to your classy persona! So, let’s get you started with these six simple tricks that can work for about any family and in the tightest schedule.

1. Get everyone into the Groove

As you embark on a decluttering adventure, save yourself those hair tearing, nerve-racking moments by making sure everyone in the house shares your frequency. Yes, even that trouble maker who shamelessly dumps clothes on the floor, leaves dishes where they are and sneaks out before they meet your eye!

2. Delegate Tasks

Throw away your ‘super woman’ robe and stop being a sacrificial lamb NOW. ‘Division of Labor’ is the smartest way to go around as you can delegate tasks like sorting those ‘piles of files’ and that monstrous heap of clothes to dad and kids. Or hire help! Just be kind to your tiny fragile shoulders, please!

3. Involve Kids

Not only is it productive but it also inculcates some essential life skills in them. After all, if they can fiddle with those gadgets, they can pretty well make their beds too, right? Make it fun by having a game, a sibling’s competition or simply playing ‘Barney Clean-up’ song to get them on their toes.

4. Designate a place for everything

That jumble of newspapers, files, shoes, clothes and that useless collection of bric-a-brac sitting idly in your living room, need to have a dedicated place. Invest in smart organizers, spacious baskets, and portable closets to give them a home! 

5. Do little at a time

Decluttering will feel like a cumbersome task if you take it like one. Set smaller goals, focus on one area/ room at a time and make it a routine ritual to get more done in less time.  Little steps go a long way. 

6. Get rid of things you don't need

Being a hoarder never helped anyone! Toss, Donate, hand them down or Olx – create a breathing space for you and your house by getting rid of those extras. And for next time, buy only the utterly essential items. 

So folks, roll up those sleeves and get started already!
Best of luck for Mission Decluttering!!

6 Goals to add to your 2017 Resolutions!

It's that time of the year when we slip into our party heels and celebrate the New Year’s Eve. Also the time to get a bit haunted by that weight machine index which has remained unaffected despite all our year start promises. But we love making them because what is a new year without some renewed annual vows, right?

Here are six simple and smart goals which are a must add to your 2017 resolutions list.

1. Opting for a healthy lifestyle

Pretending those 1000 calories per meal or that daily dose of a big fat juicy burger can help in achieving health targets will never work. And those size zero dreams should be buried where they belong i.e fashion magazines or runways. Thanks to all those gazillion food raids this year for tactfully diverting us to ammi kay hath ka khana again. 'Healthy' is trendy!

2. Sticking to your personal style statement

Did that designer monogrammed bag that you paid an arm and a leg for work any magic? Were you fidgeting all day in those ‘oh so trendy’ cut-out sleeves? Do you feel like a fashion fool while donning a certain style? Time to come out of the whirlwind of fashion trends and identify your personal style statement. 

3. Organizing yourself

Much to some people’s dismay, ‘sanu key’ is not the key that works to beat the competition, but ‘organizing right’ does. Plan your daily activities, prioritize right, stay away from distractions, figure out your triggers, bury that sloth six feet under and get set go. 2017 is about getting your act together. Period. 

4. Facing your Fears

Say 'Bye' to that comfort zone and do stuff that intimidates the hell out of you (except for facing a lizard of course :p). Swim with sharks or jump from a plane, confront an annoying person or try out that venture you always thought was too risky. This year, walk the less traveled but 'magical' path and do things that have scared you. 

5. Giggle and Laugh!

Laughter is not only therapeutic, it is contagious too. So spread some smiles, crack up whenever you can no matter how silly you look and be a source of joy for others.

6. Spending time with Friends and Family

Last but not the least, the daily grind of work life can brush aside our loved ones. Having witnessed some tragic losses last year, let's commit to spending quality time with those who really matter. The bonus outcome: no more taunting by friends for being snotty, biwi kay nakhrey over a forgotten special day or mama ki chappal for always being late! 

Happy 2017 folks! :)

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 :)