Posts in category: Life Style

To ensure every look is truly valuable, Thália’s white satin ballerina flats are there to create the most seamless blend of exclusivity and quality. These handcrafted flats, featuring a soft satin finish, provide both comfort and sustainability, with the detachable grosgrain tie-up being the cherry on top. With a strong sense of commitment to ethical practices, Thália partners with One Tree Planted to plant a tree with every purchase, reinforcing their dedication to sustainability. Their every step aims to have a positive impact; and with vegan, cruelty-free products, they curate exclusive flats to help you embrace elegance this season, surrounded by love and positivity.

The key to your heart

In fashion, accessorising is the ultimate charm that brings your look together. With this in mind, One Less introduces Rafia Mini Tote—a versatile tote with a good mixture of style and sustainability. Their newest offer— ‘Custom corners by One Less’, helps you personalise your tote with your initials in vibrant colours and a signature smiley embroidery. Functionality and sustainability are key to the brand, and this tote makes you ever ready for any occasion—from basking under the sun to city outings with your friends. It balances thoughtful design with timeless style, making it a must-have accessory that never goes out of style.

A love that shines

“So instead of using dull colours that fencing cloths usually come in, my neighbours think this is a much more foolproof method,” says Khambe. Rural Maharashtra commonly depends on monsoon rains to grow rice. But recent interest in growing winter vegetables has led to a need to safeguard their crops in harsh weather conditions—where the farmers can’t be as vigilant. A repertoire of saris, from the closets of the women in Ramgad, is easily available. Khambe says, “They solve the purpose, and add some brightness too.”

Khambe has grown up and lived in this village all his life, and he believes his photographs document the lived realities of a community that doesn’t make it to films or stories. “I generally enjoy taking pictures of the people and their unique fashion while they go about their daily chores—from women selling fish to actors dressing up for jatra (folk theatre) festivals.” He has spent all of his forty-two years in his hometown. “I have never moved out. So in most of my work, my connection with the land is very evident”. A commerce graduate, he did not take up photography until he was thirty-two.

Without much guidance in the field, Khambe decided to work odd jobs in computer repair in his village until he stumbled upon a camera. “Photography brings me a lot of joy now. I am proudly a full-time photographer and that is what I want to do for the rest of my life—to preserve Sindhudurg in a way,” Khambe tells Vogue India.

Without boundaries around them, these tense discussions can take over and define the relationship, Manes says. And they can also cause partners to fall into a dicey pattern where one person feels responsible for keeping the couple on task, while the other constantly feels nagged, leading to feelings of blame, anger, defensiveness, and even resentment. “It’s a really bad dynamic to get into,” Manes says.

Plus, when you bring up relationship concerns or life logistics on the fly, there’s a good chance you won’t effectively hear one another. “You can miss what each other’s saying because you’re not primed for attentive listening or you feel infringed upon—like, there you are trying to have your moment and someone is poking at you,” she adds. (Poor communication, as you’ve probably heard, is a research-backed relationship killer.)

With a meeting on the books, on the other hand, you know what you’re walking into and are more prepared mentally to have these potentially tough conversations. “It feels less stressful and more collaborative, and like you’re making decisions together about how to handle the corporate stuff that comes up from being a couple,” Manes says.

Overall, the couple’s check-in offers a safe space to address your issues and better understand one another. The end result: You’re able to talk about everyday struggles (like splitting chores or cooking at home more often as a team) and deeper stuff (like if you’ve been arguing way too much) more compassionately, and actually problem-solve. You’re inviting your partner in, as Manes puts it, and having these intentional moments of vulnerability and openness can build intimacy and trust in a relationship.

How to plan—and participate in—your couple’s meeting

Meet regularly and when you tend to be less stressed

Scheduling check-ins is the easy part: Pick a time and a day when you and your partner are free—block off 30 to 45 minutes on your calendar. Manes suggests nailing down a window when you both feel relaxed, is possible. When my husband and I first gave these meetings a go, we chose 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, which was very stupid on my part because I was still in the middle of my workday. I arrived tense and left on edge about finishing up my work. Now, we touch base at 6:30 p.m. during dinner. Depending on your needs, you can meet every week, every other week, or once a month—or copy us and begin with a weekly meeting and then, once you’re in a flow, scale back to biweekly.

Bring up anything that’s been affecting your relationship

As for what to talk about: It can include anything from what’s coming up in the week ahead (who needs to get groceries or take the dog to the vet, for example, or what your social plans are), to long-term goals (do you want to move to a new city? Or try for a kid in a year?), to conflicts you want to resolve (is there a frustrating issue that keeps popping up, like your partner spends way too much time on their phone when you’re together?), to your intimate life (how’s it going in the bedroom?)—really anything that’s impacting your relationship.

It’s not only creams, treatments and good habits at the dinner table that help our collagen reserves. This protein is naturally present in our skin and is largely responsible for its firmness. And, according to Marie Hélène Lair, director of scientific communication at Clarins, “the native collagen reserve can decrease by 1% each year from the age of 20-25”. We already know how we can try to prevent this degradation from accelerating with various creams and good lifestyle habits.

But what is striking is the statement made by the pharmacist, who talks about how social relations and “good vibes” with family and friends also have an influence when it comes to slowing down this loss and preventing ageing.

“It all has to do with epigenetics. In short, 85% of the signs of ageing are directly linked to our lifestyle. By adopting a healthy lifestyle we can be the ‘pilots’ of our ageing, as only 15% is linked to genetic inheritance. The five pillars of this healthy lifestyle are: nutrition, optimism, stress management, sports practice and positive social relationships,” she explains.

“Avoid toxic people and spend time only with positive people,” she adds. In the end it’s a chain reaction—good social relationships reduce stress levels and that has a direct impact on collagen reserves and skin firmness because stress is an aggression that makes our cells not work properly.

The four pillars of good relationships (and skin longevity)

Precisely Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins (director of Clarins), in his book Guess My Age If You Can, devotes a chapter to the influence of social relationships as a catalyst for healthy ageing. In fact, he refers to a study that analysed the relationships of more than 300,000 men and women and found that people with fewer social ties were twice as likely to die prematurely compared to those who maintained these strong ties. Hence, the expert talks about his four basic principles for having positive social relationships:

• Acknowledgement and gratitude toward others. “It has a ripple effect that also benefits us.”
• Dialogue. “We all need to feel that we can express our thoughts and feelings and that we are going to be heard.”
• Trust in others because distrust “drives stress, uneasiness and mutual distrust,” she says.
• Support: “It’s not possible to have a quality relationship without minimal support.”

Other habits that help

Clearly, in addition to emotional connection, skin firmness is directly impacted by lifestyle. “Excessive smoking, alcohol, junk food, stress, sun rays and even an improper skin care routine can change the components of the skin responsible for skin’s firmness. Skin fibres (collagen and elastin) can be damaged by oxidation linked to environmental and daily aggressions,” says Marie Hélène Lair.

She also insists on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet—an active life—”Move, move, move whenever possible, use the car less, walk, climb stairs,” she says, and get enough sleep.

This article first appeared on Vogue Spain.

Also read:

I drank collagen for a month, and this is what it did to my skin

Do collagen supplements actually work? The experts tell us

5 ways to boost your skin’s collagen

In the burgeoning fashion landscape that thrives on sartorial experiments and reinventions, there is but one trend that never loses its relevance– black and white. Far from being pale and ordinary, this monochrome palette thrives on contrast, offering endless possibilities to play with structure, texture, and patterns as seen on stars like Sonam Kapoor, Athiya Shetty, Alia Bhatt and more. All turned to the good old B&W shades with a side of gilded accents for just the right amount of polish. Let’s check the looks out.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve already seen Alia Bhatt’s look for Sabyasachi’s quarter-century celebrations. Draped in a Murshidabad black silk sari, she embodied the designer’s signature style while letting the maximalism shine through her intricately embellished bralette—decked with precious stones, sequins, and metallic threads.

Across the country, Sonam Kapoor marked her presence at Paris Haute Couture Week as Dior’s newly appointed ambassador, sporting a sheer bandeau dress layered under a faux fur coat. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the look was anchored by knee-high boots and a striking ‘kaala gajra’ from Nomad—handcrafted black florals woven with chanderi over four days. She punctuated the look with traditional Indian accents, like Sahara earrings blending heritage with high fashion– true Kapoor style.

In an era obsessed with the fast and the latest, Sharvari has championed a style that boasts undercurrents of new and old. Enduring essentials, from Indian wear to off-duty pieces, serve as building blocks of her closet. Her most recent look, a black Sabyasachi sari attests to her fashion philosophy.

Channelling old-world glam, the actor made her way to Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s blockbuster fashion show held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai which celebrated his 25th year in the industry. Rose-tinted nostalgia was embedded in the veteran couturier’s landmark outing, which featured exuberant separates, ornate dresses and even exquisite saris. Sharvari opted for a breathtaking black sari in tulle from Sabyasachi’s current collection. Her frothy drape was accentuated with intricate sequin work and thread embroidery, rendering itself foliage motifs.

Reinstating her penchant for classic-meets-contemporary was her blouse, illustrating a cropped blazer-esque design with lapels and a striking melange of handiwork and textures. The upcycled Sabyasachi blouse was made using Levi’s denim and lavishly frosted with the couturier’s archival embroidery on the sleeves and finally brought to life by Beg Borrow Steal Studio. “The contrast of textures delivered an unexpected yet elegant look—a fitting tribute to the craftsmanship and the visionary man behind the legacy,” shared stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania about the look. Drop earrings from the designer’s eponymous label and a Chanel hairpin made for her accessory look. Her winged eyeliner and half-up, half-down updo further injected that vintage vibe.

This week’s best beauty looks featured dewy skin, metallic shimmery eyes and nude lips. Dressed in a black and gold corset gown, Shraddha Kapoor opted for a dewy and luminous base, bronzed cheeks, and nude lips. A gold-brown shimmery eyeshadow paired with a kitten-eye flick, coats of mascara and minimal faux lashes added depth to her gaze. Her makeup featured a wash of bronzer on her forehead and cheeks, highlighter on the high points of her face and well-defined eyebrows. Shraddha Kapoor accessorised with golden drop earrings and matching golden heels. She styled her hair in a pulled-back bun that accentuated her features.

Similarly, Suhana Khan embraced minimal glam with a fresh, dewy base and soft matte nude lips. Khan chose a gold bodycon dress with her hair styled in blow-dried soft curls falling over her shoulders. The actor wore a red backless jumpsuit and accessorised with silver earrings and rings. Her eyes were defined with metallic gold shimmery eyeshadow with champagne gold eyeliner, a coat of mascara, and well-defined brows.

Meanwhile, Sonam Ahuja Kapoor was spotted with smoky golden brown eyes, coats of mascara for long lashes and defined brows. A soft peach-pink blush and glossy nude lipstick added warmth to her face. She wore her hair sleek and straight with a middle part falling over her shoulders.

Aditi Rao Hydari opted for a radiant matte base with highlighter on the high points of the face and matte warm nude lipstick. Her look comprised defined brows, soft brown eyeshadow, a winged liner and coats of mascara with minimal faux lashes. Mira Rajput Kapoor also chose a dewy and luminous skin, rosy cheeks and matte soft nude lipstick. She sported a brown smoky look paired with defined eyebrows. A soft pastel blush and highlighter added a natural glow to her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Athiya Shetty went for a clean base with soft contouring and a hint of blush. Brown eyeshadow, a coat of mascara, well-defined eyebrows and ruby pink tinted lips completed her understated look. On the other hand, Kiara Advani embraced the soft glam makeup and her hair in wavy curls falling naturally over her shoulders. Dressed in a white cutout Valentino dress, Advani opted for a soft contour that highlighted her cheekbones.

One of the easiest ways to help fight off an iron deficiency is through eating iron-rich foods. We all know that iron is one of the most important minerals we need to function properly. As Katie Sanger, MS, MA, a registered dietitian at WellTheory explains it, iron is needed to deliver oxygen, give us energy, boost our immune system, and produce hormones. Sanger adds that iron is important for our cognitive function as it makes sure that we maintain our focus, memory, and concentration. And when we don’t get enough iron, Samantha Dieras, DCN, RD, director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital, says that it can result in fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale or yellow skin, heart palpitations, headaches, brittle nails, and hair loss.

Luckily for us, iron-rich food is pretty easy to find and incorporate into our diets. There are just a few things to keep note of when thinking of iron-rich foods.

What types of iron are in food?

There are two types of iron you can find in food: heme iron and nonheme iron. Dieras says that heme iron is more biologically available and easier for your body to absorb. This type of iron, she says, can be found in meats such as red meat, organ meat, poultry, and eggs. You can also find heme iron in seafood. Nonheme iron can be found in nuts, seeds, beans, vegetables, and fortified foods such as cereals and breads. One type of iron isn’t necessarily better than the other. You just have to be mindful that your body may not absorb the nonheme iron as easily, which means you might need to increase your intake of iron-rich food to get the sufficient amount your body needs.

How much iron one needs is dependent on several different factors, such as your age, sex, and overall health. Sanger says that in general, adults from the ages of 19 to 50 need anywhere from 8 to 18 milligrams (mg) of iron a day. Pregnant individuals need 27 mg and older adults 51 years or older need about 8 mg of iron. Some of the best foods to make sure you keep your iron levels high include:

Red meat

Red meat is a great source of iron. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans created by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS), 3 ounces (oz) of beef contains about 2.5 mg of iron.

Poultry

If you’re trying to limit your red meat intake, you can always turn to poultry for your meat fix and for iron. Sanger points to chicken breast and roast turkey as some great options. 3 oz. of turkey contains 2 mg of iron, while chicken contains almost 1 mg per every 3 oz. cooked.

Organ meats

You can also turn to liver, tongue, oxtail, and other organ meats for iron. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, organ meats contain about 1.8 to 1.9 mg of iron for every 3 oz. cooked.

Eggs

Need more reason to believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Eating eggs regularly will help get you your needed iron. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one chicken egg contains 0.9 mg of non-heme iron, with most of the iron being found in the yolk. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans adds that one turkey egg contains 3.2 mg of iron and one duck egg contains about 2.7 mg.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate continues to prove that it’s the superior indulgent for those of us who happen to have a serious sweet tooth. On top of its other health benefits, such as its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to lower cholesterol, it is an iron-rich food. Sanger says that 1 oz. of dark chocolate can contain 3.4 mg of iron.

Legumes

If you’re looking for non-meat options to get your needed amount of iron, turn to legumes. These plants, which include chickpeas and lentils, are rich in the nutrient. Half a cup of cooked chickpeas contain about 2.4 mg and half a cup of lentils contain about 3.3 mg. Other lentils such as green peas can contain about 2.5 mg for every one cup cooked.

Spinach

Spinach is an easy vegetable to incorporate into your meals and it is one of the most iron-rich foods out there. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans says that one cup of cooked spinach will give you 6.4 mg of iron.

Black beans

Black beans are one of the most iron-rich legumes you can eat. Sanger says that one cup of cooked black beans contains 3.6 mg of iron. Other beans are also super rich in the nutrient. One cup of cooked lima beans contains 4.9 mg of iron and half a cup of cooked soybeans 4.4 mg of iron.

Nuts

Whether you like to snack or add it to your bigger meals, nuts are extremely beneficial to your diet. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans says that an ounce of cashews, for example, contain 1.9 mg.

Oysters and other seafood

Those happy-hour oysters aren’t just beneficial for our wallets. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, having just three oysters can get you 6.9 mg of iron. You can also turn to other seafood if oysters aren’t something you crave. Clams, crabs, and sardines all contain 2.5 mg of iron for every 3 oz. servings. Shrimp has 1.8 mg of iron for every 3 oz.

Potatoes

Potatoes are rich in vitamins and nutrients, especially iron. Sanger says that a medium-sized potato contains 1.9 mg of iron. If you love sweet potatoes, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans says that one cup of cooked sweet potatoes can also give you 1.9 mg of iron.

Brown rice

Grains are one of the best food options if you’re looking to add more iron into your diet. Take rice, which can contain 2 mg of iron for every tablespoon. Sanger recommends opting for brown rice, which has 0.8 mg of iron for every one cup cooked.

Oatmeal

Easy to make and hearty to keep you full all morning (or whenever you feel like it), Sanger says that oatmeal can help up your daily iron intake. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, one cup of oats contains 9 mg of iron.

Cereal

Dieras recommends looking to fortified foods such as cereal for iron-rich options that are easy to incorporate into meals. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans lists that half a cup of ready to eat whole wheat cereal contains 16.2 mg of iron and one cup of hot whole wheat cereal contains 12.8 mg of iron.

When should you use iron supplements?

Sanger says that iron supplements are often prescribed to those diagnosed with iron deficiency, consume little to no animal products, struggle with heavy menstrual cycles, had surgery, or been injured. “Iron supplements can be extremely helpful when addressing iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia,” she says. “But their use should always be guided by proper testing and professional advice.”

Dieras agrees and says it’s not recommended to take iron supplements unless it is under your doctor’s supervision. Too much iron in your system is just as bad as not having enough. “High doses of iron can be fatal, cause organ failure, coma, and convulsions,” she says. “Large amounts of iron can cause inflammation of the stomach lining and ulcers, and decrease zinc absorption.”

As with anything related to your diet and overall health, be sure to ask your doctor if you’re concerned about your iron intake. But at the very least you can start focusing on adding these foods to your diet. Most—if not all—of these foods are packed with other nutrients and vitamins, so adding these foods to your diet won’t hurt either way.

This article first appeared on Vogue.

Also read:

In small quantities, chestnuts can boost energy and iron levels

10 omega-3-rich foods that could help reverse the clock on ageing

10 vitamin C-rich foods that can help stimulate collagen too

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate romance with Kalories™ Intimacy Dark Chocolate, a bold expression of love and connection. Crafted with 55% rich cocoa and infused with natural aphrodisiacs like epimedium and maca root, this decadent treat ignites desire and deepens intimacy. It’s sweetened with jaggery for wholesome indulgence and enriched with DHEA to enhance vitality. Each bite unfolds with refined richness, offering an experience of pure indulgence, an elegant complement to an unforgettable evening. Perfectly blending indulgence and wellness, Kalories™ Intimacy Dark Chocolate redefines the art of gifting, offering a flavour as intense and unforgettable as your love.

For the literary enthusiast

This Valentine’s, let The Blind Book Date sweep you off your feet with the perfect literary romance. Inside, you’ll find two carefully chosen books wrapped in brown paper, each with a cheeky pick-up line to pique your curiosity. Accompanied by two bookmarks, two postcards for sweet notes to your special someone, and playful stickers to seal the deal, this bundle is a whimsical tribute to love, connection and all things bookish. Whether you’re gifting a partner, or a best friend, or indulging in a solo love story, this thoughtful set turns any moment into a core memory. It’s the literary date night you never knew you needed without the hassle of reservations, awkward pauses, or the need to get dressed up.

Love is in the air

Understanding that it’s counterproductive to assume you know someone’s circumstances—and then measure them against your own—will ultimately help you avoid the comparison trap, Dr. Gooden says.

Show yourself kindness with a gratitude journal or letter

We’re going to venture a guess that you’re not a certified hater who’s rooting for your pal’s downfall. More likely, their sparkly achievements are shining a light on your perceived shortcomings. That’s why Dr. Gooden says it’s crucial to focus on the positives when you feel like the flailing side character in the rom-com of their life.

If you have a hard time counting your blessings, a gratitude journal can be a great place to start. You don’t have to write a novel’s worth—simply write down five things you’re thankful for each day, Dr. Gooden suggests. “These can be small things, like a nice text from your sibling or your favourite morning beverage,” she says. “This can help you appreciate what you do have, instead of dwelling on what you don’t.”

We understand that daily journaling isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if you have a little time and you’re up for the challenge, you can also consider what Dr. Roberts calls a self-compassion letter. “It’s a note to yourself expressing your current feelings while also providing positive affirmations and compassion as if you were writing this advice for a friend in a similar situation,” she explains.

An example: “I know you’ve been feeling as if you’re falling behind, but just know that you’ve already accomplished so much in a short period of time, and more good things will certainly come with time.” The goal, Dr. Roberts says, is to mimic a sweet handwritten note you would write to support a loved one. That way, you can hang onto it and reread it when you need some words of kindness to lift your spirits and confidence.

Depending on the situation, be honest with your friend about your feelings

To tell or not tell your friend why you’re not 100% happy for them—that might be your question. It would be great if we had a foolproof script for handling these types of awkward conversations, but admitting you’re kind of resentful—without sounding like an evil witch—isn’t so easy.

“There are some risks to telling them about your jealousy, but what’s important is being mindful of the way we communicate what we’re going through,” Dr. Roberts says. As a general rule, it’s best to share these feelings one-on-one, since you don’t want to make the conversation any more awkward for your friend. And certainly avoid guilt-tripping them or implying you deserve their success more. In other words, don’t make it all about you.