Posts in category: Life Style

Cosmic tip: There is no point in changing yourself for others. Be yourself.

Your ears are wide open, and your nervous system may be on high alert. However, Sag, do you even have time to keep up with good friends and people who matter, or are you lost in chasing something or the other every passing moment, even if mentally? See the wonders around you and notice how even the mundane begins to light up. Feel grateful to wake up next to your loved ones, feel the magic hidden in the first rays of the sun, and feel the tingling in your body as you take your first sip of water. It is all magic hidden in plain sight.

Cosmic tip: Open up to different ways of being.

How long have you been suppressing yourself, Capricorn? How much longer will you only accept your ‘goodness’ and perceive all that the world rejects as ‘bad’? The time has now come for you to rise, to shine and soar. The time has come for you to embrace your imperfections instead of allowing them to hold you back, keeping you feeling stuck. You see, abundance and happiness are not things that are meant to happen to us in the future. They are mindsets that activate in the present moment through presence and compassion.

Cosmic tip: Walk towards wholeness.

Through love, you will find meaning and purpose, Aquarius. And I do not mean that fluffy kind of love. I mean that I got your back kind of love, the one you must also extend to yourself. Your power lies in the light of your own magic, Aquarius. And for you to take that first step, you must remember that your desires are not selfish, as long as they don’t mean harm or unfairness to others. So accept everything as it is to heal the wounds that keep you feeling less or unworthy.

Cosmic tip: Remember your magic.

All things are interconnected, Pisces. There is not one shred of doubt in that. If someone tries to dupe you, the cosmos observes and makes notes. If you try to do the same, then it is noted too. And ultimately, nature figures out its way of balancing things out. So find peace in your present moment, knowing fully well that nothing, absolutely nothing, goes unnoticed, especially not the good you are doling out. So today, rise up to the occasion and ask the cosmos, What is my task, and then diligently move towards accomplishing it with fervent servitude.

Cosmic tip: You must master the earthly just as you master the divine.

Some heirlooms come strung together—rubies, pearls or silver beads passed down through generations. Others are woven into fabric—faded saris and hand-embroidered dupattas that have outlived their original owners. But what makes an heirloom special isn’t just its beauty or age. It’s also how it holds time. Like old photographs, heirlooms can freeze a moment.

They become an archive of family histories, wedding days and memorable milestones. Like Arpita Mehta’s sari—a gift from her grandfather to his wife, her grandmother, on their first wedding anniversary. Over 60 years old, the piece doesn’t just carry heritage, it also carries a love story, wrapped in silk and memory. Or take Anvitha Rao’s necklace, where Victorian inscriptions on gold British guineas have been eroded by time and touch. The coins, dating back to 1805, were collected by her great-grandfather during his trading years across India and Australia. Worn now as jewellery, they’re a reminder of both legacy and love.

Leading up to the Vogue Wedding Atelier presented by HSBC, Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, and Kulsum Shadab Wahab, social entrepreneur and philanthropist, cohosted an Editor’s High Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE. Surrounded by Farmerr’s beautiful blooms, the best-dressed people in Bengaluru enjoyed an intimate evening of couture and conversation. They left with cherished memories, a full heart and sweet mementoes courtesy of Bombay Sweet Shop.

Below, Bengaluru’s most stylish tell Vogue India about their precious heirlooms.

All images: Israni Photography

Kulsum Wahab Shadab

“I love how it carries a story, and every thread has a history.”

There’s no polite way to say it; most of us are consuming far too much sugar, often without realising it. While the World Health Organisation recommends limiting added sugar intake to about 6 teaspoons a day, studies show that the average Indian easily overshoots this, thanks to everything from mid-morning chai to “lightly sweetened” biscuits and deceptively healthy granola bars.

It’s not always because of conscious decisions. Sugar can be hidden in everyday packaged foods, from ketchup and sandwich spreads to store-bought dals, snacks and even so-called “diet” drinks. Ingredients like liquid glucose, maltodextrin and fruit concentrates often sneak in under unfamiliar names. Sugar has become a stealthy staple.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to cut back. First, learn to read ingredient labels and remember that anything that ends in “-ose” is usually a form of sugar, like glucose and sucrose. Next, avoid processed foods as much as possible. And, lastly, find substitutes for white sugar that won’t cause blood glucose to spike.

The latter isn’t as hard as it sounds. Many natural sweeteners come without the glucose-spiking qualities of conventional white sugar. Here, we’ve listed some favourites along with their glycemic indexes (GI)—AKA the rate at which the glucose level of the blood is raised on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being pure glucose. After all, sometimes you need a little something sweet. Life is short, and a life without the occasional treat would be no fun at all.

5 natural sweeteners that won’t spike glucose

1. Agave syrup (GI 15)

Agave syrup is a natural sweetener extracted from the sap of the agave plant, which is the same plant that tequila is made from. Agave has a fluid texture and a sweet flavour thanks to its fructose concentration, but its glycemic index is three times lower than that of white sugar (GI 15). It can easily be used in drinks, desserts, dressings, and other dishes that require a little sweetness.

2. Honey (GI 55)

Though vegans may want to stay away, raw honey is a great sugar substitute. With a moderate glycemic index (GI 55) and distinctive flavour, it’s the perfect complement to healthy breakfasts and snacks. Most honey—especially Manuka—also contains medicinal properties and can be used for everything from soothing sore throats to healing wounds. Win-win.

3. Coconut sugar (GI 35)

Coconut sugar is the natural sweetener obtained from the sap of coconut blossoms. Less refined than white cane sugar, it has a fairly low glycemic index (GI 35), making it a sensible alternative for curbing cravings. It also contains a significant amount of inulin, a prebiotic fibre beneficial to digestion. And its unique, sweet, caramelised flavour makes it an indispensable part of the culinary repertoire, especially in pastry-making.

4. Monk fruit (GI 0)

Monk fruit is 250 times sweeter than cane sugar, yet it contains no calories or carbohydrates. Derived from the fruit of the monk fruit plant, this natural sweetener contains mogrosides that do not raise blood sugar levels; it does not contain any glucose or fructose. Thus, the glycemic index of monk fruit sugar is 0, which means it does not raise blood sugar levels.

5. Date syrup (GI 47)

Dates are like nature’s candy, with a sweet, caramel flavour. But despite their confectionary conjurings, the fruit’s glycemic index is around 47, less than half that of conventional sugar. Same goes for date syrup, which contains essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron as well as antioxidants and fibre.

This article first appeared on Vogue.fr

Also read:

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Cosmic tip: Reduce your stress and give it to your angels to carry the load for you.

Your golden cup is full, and you, my dear Libra, are shining. However, your angels suggest that it is okay for you to ask for help and support. It is okay for you to expect divine intervention, and it is absolutely okay for you to want the very best from life. This is a time to act with courage and clarity. Passion needs direction, so channel your energy into what truly aligns with your values and speak up, even if with a shaky voice. The right kind of doors will open for you to walk through.

Cosmic tip: Leap out of the door.

If you’ve been wondering what your purpose is, Scorpio, the answer lies within your relationships. Be it attracting and maintaining them, be it becoming the emotional anchor or be it simply to live your version of your spirituality through them, you are protected and divinely safeguarded. Now, Scorpio, the question is, are you willing to see how everything you do in your life is primarily centred around your relationships? Be it at work, at home or anything else. Now, while you focus on this, remember to also keep yourself in the picture and rewire your relationship with the cosmos.

Cosmic tip: This is your time to care for yourself.

If you know you know, Sag. And your intuition is telling you that you know. This is a time of heightened emotions, and you, my dear, are being guided to become gentler on yourself. You are being pushed into a corner, perhaps to help you reevaluate your life and priorities. You are being pushed to rediscover yourself, your inner strength and even your connection with your intuition. This is a time period that feels like a life-changing epiphany, and you are here to rediscover life itself.

Cosmic tip: This time calls for extra self-care, gentleness and a no-rush approach to life.

Give it to God or The Source or The Universe or whoever else you believe in, Capricorn. You may be ready to fall in love once again in life, and this is your chance to let go of the burdens that surround you. When you take action, know that you and your loved ones are supported. When you make decisions, remember the same. Clarity about your goals and plans will get you to places faster than getting swayed by emotions. Remember this, too.

Cosmic tip: Inhale. Exhale. Destress.

Balance. Aquarius, balance. Your big ideas need some time to marinate. Your visions need others to catch up with. And your energy leads your reality, which also picks up pace in a slow and steady manner. Now, Aquarius, in times of indecision, trust your logic and intuition equally. Let go of outdated thinking and embrace new ideas. Calm is the answer to your question, not urgency. So take steps from an expanded viewpoint.

Cosmic tip: Easy does it.

When resilience and adaptability go hand in hand, they become your greatest assets. Challenges may test your patience, Pisces, but loosen your grip a little to allow opportunities to walk through the door. It is important to embrace change without losing sight of your core values and to balance ambition with self-care to avoid burnout. Your vibe is magnetic as can be, so use it wisely to advance your goals thoughtfully. Staying grounded, even when things feel uncertain, refines both your persistence and openness to new possibilities.

Cosmic tip: Honour your emotions presently.

As meme-able as her one-liner has become, this moment hit differently for me (and anyone else who’s been branded “sensitive and intense”). For as long as I can remember, my unapologetically bold energy, notoriously loud voice and tendency to cry easily (whether from mild office stress or a sad animal video) have been met with shame and judgment. Calm down. Stop being so extra. You’re…a lot. In dating, I’ve often found myself in Amaya’s shoes—falling fast, craving affection and blurting out “What are we?” long before it’s considered socially acceptable.

So like anyone who’s been told they’re too much, I tried to be less—or a version of myself that seemed “easier” for the world to handle. I learned to bite my tongue and quiet my laugh, all in the name of taking up less space. I wasted years playing dating mind games that would prevent me from coming off “too strong,” like waiting an hour to open a text. I pretended to be low maintenance, chill and unbothered when really, I’ve always just been a small girl with big feels.

But who decided that stoicism equals strength and that softness is something to hide? Or that it’s “clingy” to ask for words of affirmation, yet confident to act like you don’t care?

The idea that expressing emotion is somehow weak or inappropriate is a misogynistic myth designed to keep us small, says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a New York-based clinical psychologist. “There’s a cultural double standard. What’s called ‘passion’ in men is labelled ‘too much’ in women.” We’re praised for being caring, warm and vulnerable, but only until those same qualities make someone else uncomfortable. Show affection early on and suddenly you’re clingy and desperate. Tear up in public and you’re hysterical, messy and overdramatic.

This tired conversation isn’t just playing out on Love Island. The “messy,” emotional heroine is making a broader comeback on our screens, as Lena Dunham’s new Netflix show (yes, aptly titled Too Much) proves. In it, we meet a heartbroken New Yorker who’s chaotic, unhinged and wildly unfiltered—many of the same qualities that once made Dunham’s iconic Girls character, Hannah, so polarising. Yet Too Much has already received rave reviews from the likes of The New Yorker. Perhaps after the whiplash of Girls, Dunham is signalling she’s in on the joke: Being too much isn’t an insult. In fact, Dunham poses with her new show, it’s realistic, wonderful and, dare we say, likeable to feel it all.

Recently, graffiti scrawled across a wall in Barcelona read: TOURISTS GO HOME. In Paris, the Louvre was shut down last month due to a staff strike triggered by overtourism and its impact on working conditions. In Venice, locals used water guns on tourists who were overcrowding their streets. Closer home, in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, residents have been voicing their frustrations over the strain mass tourism puts on water, waste systems and livelihoods.

The pushback from locals isn’t a personal attack against tourists themselves but an overall commentary on how, when and where we choose to travel. It’s easy to think of ourselves as conscious travellers in theory: obviously, don’t litter or increase your carbon footprint, avoid places that are already creaking under the weight of tourists, and try to travel during shoulder season to offset the effects of peak season.

Still, with work and family commitments, most of us do not have the luxury to travel off season. Holidays often have to align with school breaks or limited time off, making peak travel periods hard to avoid. So how do we balance our own desire to travel and the restrictions we may have with an equally pressing desire to preserve the destinations we travel to?

Below, travellers share tips on how to be a responsible tourist in a world full of nightmare travellers.

Book a heritage eco-homestay

“Eco-conscious heritage homestays are one of the best ways to not just travel [in an eco-friendly manner], but also to understand the local way of life,” says Chennai-based Nivetha Kannan. She specifies that this shouldn’t just be a property that the owner stays in but one that they have a history with. It could be an ancestral property or something they’ve built from the ground up because they themselves want to live consciously. “Typically, these homestays follow practices that you can actually take inspiration from, like how they try their best to live in harmony with the environment without taking too much from it.” Kannan is most inspired by the restoration in such homestays. The wood used for the furniture in these lodgings is not brand new, but usually comprises restored antiques and thrifted pieces, and the decor is made from locally available materials. “When we go after creature comforts, we miss out on experiencing a place for what it is,” Kannan reflects.

Opt for reusable bottles and straws

While Vani Sahjwani was travelling around California in June, a seemingly simple and straightforward practice helped her reduce her waste while she explored the West Coast of the United States: carrying a reusable water bottle and straw. An average of 1.67 kg of waste is produced per tourist per day, with most of it being small-sized plastic packaging with a limited lifespan, commonly known as single-use plastic (SUP). “It’s also helpful to have your own water bottle on flights. Even though you can’t carry a full bottle of water through airport security, you can avoid smaller plastic bottles by asking the flight attendant to fill your empty bottle instead,” Sahjwani advises.

Experience the culture beyond the bare minimum; shop local

Getting immersed in the local culture of a region is an important travel practice for Isha Chawla. “Half the beauty of travelling is actually being able to meet different kinds of people, having new experiences, learning about cultures, and, of course, becoming familiar with the nature of a place—because before countries were countries, they were ecosystems,” she says. Chawla finds it helpful to take an interest in the local specialties of the place she is visiting, like researching indigenous herbs or seasonal fruits, because it helps her keep track of the provenance of what she eats. Sharing the monetary benefits of tourism with the local community is of utmost importance to her, so she recommends ditching international luxury brands in favour of local treasures. “Every country has tons of handicrafts, jewellery and artwork made by residents that are so unique to that place, you’ll never find it anywhere else.”

Leave no trace that you were ever there

Navjot Nagi, an author and advocate for regenerative tourism, tries to move through places without leaving any trace, be it physical or energetic. “Waste isn’t only what we throw away, it’s also what we consume subconsciously. I try not to carry excess baggage, consume mindlessly or take more than I need,” she shares. Nagi also believes that the energy we put into a place equally matters. “ Sometimes I just sit, observe and let the place meet me. I don’t document everything. That quiet awareness is what helps me leave less and embrace more.” So the next time you feel tempted to geotag that ‘hidden gem’ you stumbled upon during your travels on Instagram? Consider whether it can handle the influx of visitors your reel might reach.

Promote using renewable energy sources

Ishita Khanna, cofounder and director of the social enterprise Ecosphere, recommends using renewable energy whenever possible while travelling. Make efficient swaps such as using solar-powered chargers instead of batteries or promote accommodations that use renewable energy like solar cookers and solar lights. This not only helps reduce energy consumption significantly, but can also educate like-minded travellers about the hotels they should choose.

Spread the economic benefits of tourism evenly

“Every decision you make—where you stay, where you eat, what and where you shop—has a ripple effect on the local community,” says Sri Lankan creator Sahani Dikkumbura. “Consider going beyond the touristy hot spots and venturing into lesser-known areas because this helps spread the economic benefits of tourism more evenly. It also reduces the pressure on popular places that may be suffering from overtourism,” Dikkumbura suggests. “These choices really matter in destinations with fragile or unstable economies so supporting local businesses helps keep the tourism revenue within that community, where it can eventually make a meaningful impact.”

Low-impact transport

Opt for low-impact modes of transport such as trains and buses instead of taking short flights to and from different cities. While this admittedly does increase travel time, I find travelling by road to be a relaxing way of viewing the scenic in-betweens and the seemingly never-ending patches of open land between major cities. I most recently took a train from Vienna to Prague whilst travelling around Europe, and the hours seemed to pass by as smoothly as the postcard-like woodlands rolling by outside the window.

Don’t foist your culture upon unsuspecting bystanders

A better understanding of the environment is just one of the answers to how to be a responsible tourist. A crucial part of temporary assimilation into a place is also about keeping the peace and respecting its customs. Which reminds me, surely, there’s a better way to express your patriotism than by breaking into garba on the top floor of the Burj Khalifa or in the middle of a street in Austria. What you can do instead? Why, do what every Indian has done since the Stone Age: fish that box of khakras out of your backpack and polish it off in one go.

Also inspired by Schiaparelli’s artistic director, Daniel Roseberry, is recent Istituto Marangoni graduate Charu Bhasin. Her latest collection, Orphic, brings the art of metal casting to chunky bangles, cuffs, rings, corsets, even a waist-cuff resembling a human arm. “It’s about the idea that everything in the cosmos is so apt that you can’t deny that question of a greater power,” says the Indore-origin designer. She’s now toying with the idea of “mutation between different species” for a collection that’ll explore more sustainable materials.

“What can be better than nature protecting you?” asks Delhi-based designer Sonika Bansal, who has been turning foraged wood into metal-encased trinkets. Neti Neti brings its own spin to the idea of wearable art, and both India Art Fair and Milan Fashion Week have come calling. While she works with ebony and teak as well, driftwood is special because it “has no fixed shape, no mandate on how it’s supposed to look. Some of the driftwood pieces are so ugly, in fact, they might as well be ‘nazar battu’,” she laughs.

The deeper you dig, the longer the trench seems to grow. In London, Sweet Lime Juice is hooking precious stones to spiky silver chains. Shaun Leane is wrapping our throats, wrists and arms in rose thorn vines. Bhavya Ramesh’s traditional Indian trinkets get witchier with each new collection, while Naaz Bijouteries’ waist chains have their own cult following, including Tyla and Sanya Malhotra.

What is anchoring this subculture? It might be the mainstreaming of the punk aesthetic, says Malakai, but there might be another, more fourth-wave feminist hook. Met Art’s 2018 book Jewellery: The Body Transformed states that jewellery has, through history, been defined “primarily through its connection to and interaction with the body—extending it, amplifying it, distorting it or transforming it.” In this contemporary moment, Naaz Bijouteries’ founder Richa Chandok, who likes to “add a bit of sexiness” to all her designs, says: “It’s also about owning it.”

Also read:

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7 Indian jewellery designers making waves internationally

It seems like high jewellery brands are having a love affair with textiles

For years, eye creams have carried the reputation of being skincare’s most debatable step—often overlooked, sometimes overpromised and frequently misunderstood. But formulas have evolved. Today’s eye creams are no longer just miniature moisturisers. With carefully selected actives and textures designed for the thinner, more sensitive skin around the eyes, they can help address specific concerns like puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and dryness, without overwhelming the barrier.

One size rarely fits all, especially when it comes to eye care. You need to figure out what it is you want to address. Whether you’re looking to de-puff, brighten, smooth or repair, the newest generation of eye creams is doing far more than just hydrating. Here’s what to look for and what to buy.

For under-eye puffiness

Puffiness is usually about fluid retention and sluggish circulation, not ageing. Look for caffeine, green tea extract, niacinamide, and peptides that support microcirculation and reduce inflammation. Cooling gel textures and metal-tip applicators also help (not magic, but mechanics).

For dark circles

Not all dark circles are created equal—some are genetic, others are pigmentation or thin skin. For pigmentation, look for eye creams with vitamin C, niacinamide and liquorice root extract. For vascular or bluish tones, peptides and brightening optical diffusers can help over time.

For fine lines and wrinkles

You want retinol or retinal, but buffered with ceramides, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to prevent irritation. The skin here is thinner and more reactive, so look for eye-specific retinoid formulas that won’t compromise the barrier.

For dryness and barrier repair

Dry, flaky under-eyes often need more than water; they need ceramides, fatty acids and occlusives to seal in moisture. Peptides and hyaluronic acid offer plumping benefits too. Look for textures that don’t migrate into your eyes and cause irritation.

Also read:

Why eye health is the next wellness frontier and what you should be doing about yours

According to facial reflexology, a targetted face massage can boost overall wellness

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