Posts in category: Life Style

This one refuses to die. Women don’t have the hormonal environment to bulk up easily. They have one-tenth the testosterone levels of men, which means building lean, defined muscle is a far more realistic reality than looking ‘bulky.’

In fact, resistance training is one of the best tools for hormone balance, bone density and fat loss, particularly for women in their 30s and 40s. It raises metabolism, improves posture and strengthens the joints that high-intensity cardio often stresses.

Myth 4: More sweat means more muscle

A dripping T-shirt might feel satisfying, but it’s not a sign of growth. Sweat is your body’s cooling mechanism, not its progress report. Muscle isn’t built through exhaustion. It’s built through adaptation.

Hypertrophy, the cellular process that grows muscle, depends on controlled resistance. Lifting with intention, using progressive overload and recovering properly will do more for your strength than any “no pain, no gain” mindset ever could. The goal isn’t to break your body, it’s to teach it resilience.

Myth 5: Muscle building is all about food

Food lays the foundation, but it’s not the full equation. “If your workouts are inconsistent, your sleep is off and your stress is high, even perfect nutrition won’t fix that,” Singla notes.

The real builders are invisible: hormones, recovery and neural recalibration. During deep sleep, growth hormones and testosterone peak, guiding the very repair we credit to protein. Chronic stress, on the other hand, floods the body with cortisol, a hormone that signals breakdown, not growth. One drink of alcohol can flatten your recovery curve; one sleepless night can erase a week of careful eating.

Beyond the gym

Muscle is vitality. It’s your body’s savings account of strength, one that compounds with consistency. Omega-3s temper inflammation. Creatine fuels ATP turnover. Vitamin D modulates insulin sensitivity. And no supplement can replace what seven hours of deep sleep delivers effortlessly.

And as with everything else in life, patience is key. Build the confidence of someone who knows progress is happening beneath the surface, even when the mirror hasn’t caught up yet, and the muscle will build itself.

Also read:

What grounding really means and why everyone’s talking about it

Why everyone thinks they have insulin resistance (and what it actually means)

Hot girls have acid reflux (and antacids in their handbag)

This is your Rapunzel moment, Taurus. Are you going to stay trapped in the tower, doubting yourself and your existence? Or are you going to chop off those tresses that bind you and set yourself free? On a side note, every time you experience a major shift in life, the reason a lot of people are drawn to chop off their hair is because the hair is our spiritual antennae, and in a way, pruning them helps reconnect with Source and the cosmos in a new manner. So if this message calls out to you, feel free to book that salon appointment. On another note, watch your words and thoughts and intentions as they are manifesting rapidly. Speak only words that you’d like to bring to life.

Cosmic tip: Master the earthly as much as you’d like to master the divine—your emotions across the spectrum included.

You’ve been waking up from your stupor, and in many ways, irrespective of your gender, you are awakening and tapping into your inner feminine aspect—read: creativity, intuition, assertiveness, nurturance, acceptance, passion; and they are all learning to co-exist. Gem, the path ahead for you will be different, and the only thing you can do about it is pay close attention to the quality of your life. You may be feeling like you are going round in circles, but you need to remember that every time you slip too much into logic and rationale, the same spiral occurs again. This is your cosmic cue to slip into softness and make it a part of your life in a structured, consistent manner. This is the balance you seek and need.

Cosmic tip: Focus on your own light. Let the rest go.

Cancer, getting okay with the greys is what you are now going to need to master. Your code of ethics may be high, your dedication to something may be great, and you may actually be able to deliver more often than not. BUT, all your guides have been trying to make you understand through a repetitive cycle over and over that you have got to make peace with half-baked goods more often than you already are—not because you are not worthy, but because perhaps your half-baked goods may be someone else’s version of a 100% baked to perfection. And accepting things the way they come, people included, will not only make your life easier, but will also open your heart and help you anchor more peace for yourself.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Pisces, do you see parts of you that need to be tweaked? Or do you see a reflection of all the experiences that have shaped your existence and persona? Your guides remind you that true freedom begins in thoughts, and each moment you are given a choice to pick the same traps or choose to see your true inner reflections. Today, decide to love yourself as you are and if not love, at least begin accepting yourself just as you are. This could be the beginning of the best love affair of your life.

Cosmic tip: This is your pivot point—the point where you get to choose yourself.

Also read:

Aries November 14, 2025

Taurus November 14, 2025

Gemini November 14, 2025

Cancer November 14, 2025

Leo November 14, 2025

Virgo November 14, 2025

Libra November 14, 2025

Scorpio November 14, 2025

Sagittarius November 14, 2025

Capricorn November 14, 2025

Aquarius November 14, 2025

I believe in love! Just not with the kind of man who wears one dangly earring, trousers that sit too high on the waist, and who, after sharing a moment of intimacy, will look me in the eye and say, “Hey”. There are other things that make me uncomfortable, too. Like when men wear dressing gowns anywhere except a hotel room, when men like fizzy drinks, when men wear rucksacks, and when men have games on their phone. But there is a simple ick—which, if you stick it out long enough, you can overcome—and then there is having a genuine, stomach-twisting embarrassment about even being in a relationship with a man.

The experience, as Chanté Joseph wrote in her most recent piece for Vogue on embarrassing boyfriends, is “culturally loser-ish”. “Being partnered doesn’t affirm your womanhood anymore; it is no longer considered an achievement and, if anything, it’s become more of a flex to pronounce yourself single,” she said. “Where being single was once a cautionary tale (you’ll end up a ‘spinster’ with loads of cats), it is now becoming a desirable and coveted status, another nail in the coffin of a centuries-old heterosexual fairytale that never really benefitted women to begin with.” Isn’t that a more thrilling prospect than, I don’t know, being with someone who breaks up with you via a Post-it note or sparkles every time he steps out into the sunlight?

The world is awash with cringe-making men, and the entertainment industries have long taught us how to spot them. Here, a guide to the biggest losers and embarrassing boyfriends in pop cultural history.

Jack Berger, Sex and the City

Everett Collection.

At the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner in New York—a celebration of craftsmanship and emerging design—Isha Ambani arrived in a sharply tailored plum satin ensemble styled by Jamie Mizrahi. The creation, by New York-based label Wiederhoeft, blended the designer’s signature corsetry with sleek, architectural lines.

Cut in lustrous satin, the blazer featured a sculpted waist cinched with visible boning and a wide belt, while a single-button closure accentuated the fitted shape. Beneath it, a corseted bustier peeked through the neckline in the same rich plum tone. The matching column skirt maintained a clean, uninterrupted line, adding softness, central to the label’s precise yet romantic tailoring.

Accessories stayed minimal: a slim black-strap watch, small stacked diamond studs and pointed black heels. Her hair, parted at the centre and worn sleek, paired with matte skin, softly defined eyes and a glossy nude lip, rounded off the look.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Isha makes a strong case for this deep glossy plum hue from head to toe. Take a cue from her with a leather skirt in a similar shade paired with a tee in the same color family. As we head into winter, layer on a jacket to add texture and some edge to the look,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

Also read:

Isha Ambani Piramal makes a scarlet statement in a sequinned co-ord set for her birthday celebration

Ananya Panday’s Bhumika Sharma lehenga paired a textured tissue skirt with an embroidered velvet bodice

Ariana Grande’s custom Rahul Mishra gown is a love letter to The Emerald City

It’s important to let sheer dresses have their moment. Joshi adds that the most common mistake is trying to do everything at once. “They tend to either over-layer, losing the delicacy that makes sheer fabrics so special, or under-layer, which can feel accidental rather than intentional.”

“I love pairing sheer with a corset, clipping the sheer layer to the corset instantly adds structure and elegance. Try gathering or crunching the sheer slightly for extra visual interest, and if you’re feeling bold, layer it over a semi-sheer corset for a daring yet refined look,” advises Tupili.

In case you are planning your next vacation, Joshi recommends Sheer dresses over bikini sets or bralets. “It really enhances the figure and is perfect for vacation dressing.”

And for everyday elegance? “Tailored blazers or waistcoats instantly add sharpness — pair a sheer blouse with wide-leg trousers and a blazer or waistcoat for an understated power look,” says Joshi. “A crisp white shirt under a sheer dress really balances androgyny with an otherwise feminine silhouette.”

“There’s something so poetic about sheer fabrics being paired with delicate lace detailing. The sheerness allows the lace to truly stand out, creating a play of texture that feels feminine yet understated,” says Jajodia.

But in a country where the weather is always plotting against you, layering takes strategy. “Balancing layers in sheer dressing is about creating depth without overheating. Pair sheer overlays with fitted inner slips or camisoles in breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or modal. Soft, pastel colours and light fabrics naturally help keep the look airy and elegant,” says Jajodia.

This year belonged to sheer, from Margot Robbie’s Armani Privé moment to Madison Beer at the Grammys 2025. And maybe it can be yours too, minus the red carpets and minus the oopsies.

Often, when I talk to relatives or friends about healthy eating or a particular healthy eating habit, I hear the reply, “Why give up so many pleasures? Our fate depends on our genes anyway.” And while this is partly true, research teaches us that everyone’s eating habits and lifestyle largely influence the quality of our lives. One area of genetics, epigenetics, is concerned with studying how the environment around us, and especially our daily behaviour and habits (including eating habits), affect the expression of the genes we have inherited, encased in DNA. In other words, it reveals that we are not at the mercy of our genetic inheritance. We can take our destiny into our own hands by determining how our cells behave through our daily choices, whether physical activity, stress management, social relationships, exposure to pollution or nutrition, a crucial factor in gene expression.

How do we nourish ourselves to express our protective and longevity genes and “turn off” those related to inflammation? By adopting the epigenetic diet, a type of nutrition that helps express genes that reduce inflammation, slow ageing and reduce our biological age. This approach overlaps with what many know as a bold longevity diet, since the goal is to support long-term health through targeted foods. As explained by an authority on the subject: Dr Lucia Aronica, professor and researcher at Stanford University, a leading expert on epigenetics whose work has even appeared on Netflix.

How does nutrition affect our genes?

Food is not just calories: it’s code. Every bite we eat sends precise instructions to our genes, turning them on or off like molecular switches. This happens through epigenetics, chemical changes that sit “on top” of DNA (from the Greek “epi” = on top) and regulate its expression without changing its sequence. Think of your DNA as computer hardware. Epigenetics is the software, and what you eat reprogrammes it every day. Epinutrients in food, from broccoli to eggs, fish to green leafy vegetables, communicate with special enzymes that write or erase these epigenetic marks, just like editors reviewing a text. The most powerful message? We are not passive readers of our genetic code; we are active authors of our health story. While we cannot change the words (the genes), we can choose how we use them through daily choices that influence gene expression.

What is an epigenetic diet or nutrition?

I do not call it “epigenetic diet” (the name “diet” is often, though mistakenly, associated with “restriction”). I call it epinutrition, a practical approach I developed at Stanford to support gene expression through nutrition. Epinutrition is like a friendship between plant and animal foods, where each offers unique benefits. It is based on two basic categories of epinutrients, nutrients essential for the functioning of our epigenetic processes:

Methyl donors (such as folate, B12, choline and betaine): they provide the building blocks for epigenetic changes. We find them both in green leafy vegetables and in animal foods such as eggs, liver and fish.

Winter changes the way perfume behaves. Cold air slows diffusion, skin holds on to richer ingredients and suddenly the light florals that worked in July don’t linger past noon. This is the season when winter perfumes lean into depth. Woods feel denser. Spices feel brighter. Vanilla turns velvety instead of sticky. Amber and oud glow the way a room does just before the lights dim.

Across perfumery, there is a shared logic to winter scents. Cedarwood and sandalwood bring warmth, like the inside of a shawl after a long walk. Cinnamon and clove add lift. Vanilla settles the composition into something plush and familiar. Oudh and myrrh step in when the temperature drops, lending mystery once the sun clocks out early.

This edit moves from cosy to opulent, the way a winter evening does: first warmth, then mood.

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle L’Elixir

A velvet-soft floral built around violet leaf and cocoa butter. It opens with sweetness before moving into a creamy, gourmand haze that will envelope your knitwear. It is floral at first touch, fruity around the edges and indulgent in its drydown. A winter pick for someone who wants warmth without losing brightness.

Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense

A dark rose steeped in oud, lifted by clove. The Damask rose gives it a plush centre, while the oud turns it shadowy. The result is floral but not fragile. Deep but not heavy. A rose for people who are bored with traditional rose perfumes.

Rabanne Million Gold For Her Parfum

A warm sandalwood centre wrapped in jasmine and ylang ylang. The woody twist gives it grip in cold temperatures and the floral heart keeps it luminous. This is a party scent. Gold in spirit. Warm in its trail.

Hermès Barénia Eau de Parfum Intense

A chypre reimagined for intensity. Butterfly lily and oakwood sit over Barénia leather, with patchouli adding weight. It is elegant in a way that feels lived-in rather than pristine. The closest thing to the scent of a beloved leather jacket warmed by winter sun.

Guerlain Absolus Allegoria Santal Royal

Sandalwood meets neroli, jasmine, peach and rose before moving into leather, amber and oudh. The composition shifts as you wear it, opening bright and finishing with a darker afterglow.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense

Patchouli in abundance, warmed by vanilla absolute and tonka. Rose and jasmine soften the scent profile, while citrus keeps it from feeling heavy. It is deep and sensual, familiar but never predictable–winter perfumes for anyone who likes their classics with more body.

Kilian Paris Angels’ Share Paradis

Think of this as a boozy dessert by candlelight. Cognac, raspberry liquor and warm spirits set the scene, followed by a molten heart of tonka bean, oakmoss and Bulgarian rose. It settles into praline and sandalwood over aged oak. Perfect when you want your perfume to feel like a private ritual.

Ajmal Chapter 4

Chapter 4 starts with olibanum and pink pepper, a quick spark of spice. It moves into a woody blend of leather, cedarwood and sandalwood supported by benzoin, patchouli, Peru balsam and cypriol. The base shifts into a richer mood with black cherry, caramel and davana, adding a final hit of sweetness that contrasts the earlier smoke and wood.

YSL Libre Le Parfum

Lavender, but not as you know it. Here it is wrapped in saffron from the Ourika Gardens, making it warmer and more vivid. Vanilla softens the spine. A strong winter companion for anyone who wants something confident and spicy.

Valentino Donna Born in Roma Intense

Vanilla opens this fragrance with a richer character than the original, drawing you in before the jasmine trio begins to round the edges. Benzoin adds a warm, resinous quality that lends the vanilla its lasting presence in winter air. The result is a floral amber scent that makes its presence known without overwhelming the room.

Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Le Parfum Intense

La Belle Le Parfum Intense opens with a ripe green pear note that feels juicy rather than sugary. Vanilla builds through the heart of the fragrance, giving it a creamy warmth. Tonka bean settles in at the end in this sensual, oriental gourmand.

Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace

We can’t talk about winter perfumes without mentioning By the Fireplace. Chestnut. Clove. Guaiac wood. Vanilla hiding just beneath the smoke. This is winter to its bones. Comforting and warm, it sits close to the skin the way wool does, and lasts through long nights and longer commutes.

Also read:

The secret to smelling good all day long? These 8 lustrous hair perfumes

Do you really love matcha if you don’t own a matcha perfume (or five)?

I visited the French town where the morning air smells like jasmine

Let’s be honest-sarees garner all the limelight, yet it is that blouse that seals the deal! Maybe it will have a backless display, puff sleeves that drape drama, or the fitting to give the glitz of a corset, blouses can make or break an outfit. And whom else to take fashion cues than these glittering Bollywood divas? From Deepika Padukone’s regal styling to Suhana Khan’s Gen-Z swag, these stars free the saree from the shackles of dry banalities.

Have your coffee (or cutting chai), and let’s decode five celebrity saree blouse designs you need to experiment with this wedding season!

1. Deepika Padukone – The Royal Velvet Affair

Every saree moment for Deepika Padukone is a red-carpet moment. Her favorite combination appears to be luxurious fabrics with absolute classic cuts and that queen energy. With her own signature velvet blouse, it presents ever so slightly a sexy V-neckline and long sleeves: Maharani mode activated.”

Feel a blend of velvet silk with Banarasi silk for a royal look. Do a sleek bun, wear statement jhumkas and winged eyeliner, and voila, off you go from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali frame!

Bonus: Velvet is perfect for a winter wedding, so you’ll be looking hot and staying warm—literally.

2. Alia Bhatt-The Minimalist Muse

If there were an Indian ambassador for the concept that ‘less is more,’ Alia Bhatt would undoubtedly be the ideal choice. Her style of saree blouses is simple with a touch of charm. Pastel shades-It’s all about soft organza drapes that whisper elegance rather than shout about it.

Your Alia-inspired blouse would be your best mate for any daytime function or pre-wedding brunch. One would want to pair it with pearl jewelry or floral pieces to keep the feeling tender and romantic.

Pro tip: Keep one wear makeup dewy and hair loose with a little bit of “I woke up like this”-but Bombay style.

3. Kiara Advani—The Beyond-Glamour Girl

Kiara Advani’s saree looks are an advanced lesson in balancing glam with grace. Be it a mirror-work blouse or the more risqué corset style; she always means business. These metallic and sequined blouse styles are apt for cocktail nights or sangeet parties where one intends to sparkle brighter than the disco ball.

A blouse in the Kiara style should go well with a chiffon or georgette saree for that balancing effect. Set those lips glossy, create beach waves on flowing locks, and stomp those stilettos—thus laying a jaw-drop-worthy carpet that would do the bride proud (Oops!).

4. Katrina Kaif – The Timeless Classic

Any day can be turned into a chic day by impeccable styling of Katrina Kaif’s saree looks! Katrina has a rather chilled style and often goes for solid colors with sleeveless or halter neck blouses. There’s an amazing charm in Katrina’s style: the beautification is created through simplicity rather than drama.

A halter or high neck blouse like Katrina’s goes beautifully with a chiffon saree or even a crepe drape on the light side. Chandelier earrings, soft curls, and nude makeup will let you shine with the aura the “classic Bollywood heroine” glowed with. You would be the calm within the storm at a wedding, and believe us, it is a superpower!

5: Suhana Khan–The New-Age Glam Queen

Suhana Khan who gets traffic in the spotlight is made of modern-day magic when it comes to draping saree looks. She has put that youthful twist on traditional styles with perhaps even daring cut-outs, contemporary silhouettes and interesting fabrics like organza and shimmer net. Her blouses speak a language of their own—chic, cropped and totally trendy—ideal for bridesmaids with a love for experimentation.

Want to pump some of Suhana’s moods? Go for a fitted corset blouse or maybe a backless one with sleek strap detailing. Diamond studs, glossy skin and an aura with a smile are what would just complete this outfit-the two words suggest new-age diva and yes, we stand partner.

Bonus Tip: Mix, Match and Rock Those!

The beauty of today’s saree and blouse is that there are no rules to break into. A traditional saree could find itself paired with a contemporary blouse, or mixing prints and fabrics could be trend-making in its own rights. Try sleeve styles-puff, cape, bell, or off-shoulder! Experiment with neck styles-sweetheart, boat, halter, or a deep plunge. The blouse galaxy is your playground!

Whichever way you look at it, confidence is your resort in any outfit, scream comfort into that ! Whether you are going for Deepika’s regal vibe or Suhana’s chic Gen-Z spin, the right blouse will have you feeling unstoppable.

Read more – Saree Secrets: How To Steal The Spotlight At Every Wedding

Final Drapes & Thoughts

This wedding season, just owning a saree won’t be enough. Let your blouse whisper a story-elegant, bold or sparkle worthy. When you look good, you don’t just create eyeballs, you make memories (and probably drop a few aunts’ jaws along the way).

Go ahead and raid your wardrobe, or present this creative challenge to your tailor. After all, saree blouses aren’t just garments–they’re style statements wrapped in six yards of sass!

You’ve decided to go all out and have more fun, Scorpio—live in the moment, more present, more aligned, and more alive. However, what happened? We see you clutching onto your golden goose as though that is the only one left? That really is not the case, you know. Your guides remind you that abundance and nurturance both begin in the heart, and as long as your heart remains open, they find a way into your life. When something feels off—be it a vibe, be it your relationship, be it something else —Leo, take a break and work it out before making long-lasting decisions. Yes, fears around money and security might be on the rise for you, and yes, this is a very crucial aspect in everyone’s life here on the planet. Be tactful, Cancer. Be tactful. You are not wrong, your ideas are not too out there, but you need to be able to deliver your thoughts in a way that will be received and understood by the other side—so yes, as tempting as it may feel to jump the gun and blow things off, it will only lead to destruction. This may be a time to buckle down, Sag, but this is also a time to reflect, assess and make decisions instead of mulling over your future in a loop. Happy times don’t just arrive; you have to create them, gear up to welcome them and do your bit to craft them. Aries, this is time for you to seek out mentorship and really go out there in understanding the underlying thread that holds it all together.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Are you fearing being typecast or slotted into a stereotype or a box? Or are you thinking about the worst-case scenarios? Aries, this is time for you to seek out mentorship and really go out there in understanding the underlying thread that holds it all together. Be it in your personal life or your work life, or anything else that you are feeling lost with, your guides suggest that you adopt a slightly more traditional/ structured approach to life. You are not trapped, Aries; you are simply stuck looking at the hurdles you are only meant to jump over.

Cosmic tip: Brilliant new ideas are here for you—embrace them with love and enthusiasm.

You may have been looking out into your past, mulling over burnt bridges or simply not realising how pretty it is where you are presently sitting. Taurus, this is your time to celebrate and enjoy your hard work. A sense of community, belonging, and celebration are here for you—and yes, suddenly things may feel like they are moving ahead, but they also need you to creatively engage and act upon things that are lining up. Linear thought and outdated ways of behaving may not be the way ahead for you. So think things through carefully and then jump right in.