Free health and beauty tips

Candlelight is the perfect accent to decorate your home this Christmas. Set our floating snowflake candles adrift in your favorite bowl or cylinder for an icy, refreshing décor solution. This classic symbol of wither is dusted with glitter for maximum sparkle. Turn your home into an oasis of relaxing candlelight. Use sleek, sinuous ranches, aglow with the flickering luminosity of ten candles. Suspend sparkling glass cups that capture every dance of the flame. There are a wide array of candle holders and candles to choose from. Placed on a hearth or mantel, they become an eye-catching focal point. Usher in the holidays with the timeless charm of a candlelit tree. The small tree creates an enchanting dining table centerpiece. Enjoy the serene beauty of a fresh snowfall ambience, backlit by flickering candlelight. White porcelain lanterns, richly detailed with snowflakes silhouetted with snowflakes silhouetted against a warm glow, lend a look of wintry magic to your surroundings. Group several as a radiant centerpiece for the table or as a mantel display. Silver reindeer candleholders too add character to the home. You could also opt for the shimmering optic glass and fill it with water to place floating scented candles. The slightly scalloped texture of the bowl captures every flicker of candlelight. A glowing centerpiece for the table, the bowl can also serve as an elegant fruit or serving dish.

Cushions, drapes, & upholstery are the fundamentals of a stylish interior. The way you put together the three elements of cushions, drapes & upholstery can make or mar your living space. Here are a few pointers to help you choose the right ones foe your home.

CUSHIONS:-

Don’t get carried away by oversized floor cushions. Stick to the conventional 16/16 or 18/18 & mix them around with smaller sized cushions to create a visual design. You can also mix conventional square with round ones, kept singly on chairs etc. Cushion covers can be in neutral shades with any décor theme. Just make sure the bold element in the neutral shade is also complementary & not contrasting. Look out for interesting designs, thread-work, appliqué, velvet, & embroidered cushion covers. Floral, paisley, & pastel hues are also very popular.

Handcrafted designs have more value than machine-made ones. You can have cushions on your sofa, divan, chaise lounge, love seat, or even on a large ottoman. But make sure you store the pillows in a chest. When used in a cluster, cushions create an impact & make the space look contemporary.

DRAPES:-

There’s an overwhelming variety when buying drapes. Most people select the fabric & have it stitched & patterned to their doors & windows. Textured, woven, & linen drapes, & those that have yarn, wool, Lycra, or silk woven into them, are sturdy. Drapes in lace, satin, & ikkat prints give your room a charming feel. Fabrics that have classic & pleasing motifs, but don’t look too crowded, also work well. You can have two sets-one that is thick & textured for the winter & another that is in organza, mul with block prints, or kadi work, for the summer. Ideally, drapes are used over windows & door entrances.

You can even use them in your kitchen & balcony depending on how stylish you want to make the space look. The ones for your living room can be rich, patterned, & pleated in a classic style, while those that are meant for the kitchen & the balcony or event the children’s room can have a frill on the edges or a valance on the top, giving it a European touch. You can have two drapes overlapping each other – one sheer & the other textured, using the lighter one during the day, & the darker one at night or when you need privacy.

It’s cool to be hands on in the kitchen even if you have staff to do the work. Whether for your own pleasure or to entertain, cooking for family and friends is an intimate touch, which is greatly appreciated. This is no longer a chore what with the slew of hi-tech gadgets available today. Health is also an issue and one wants safer, better products to ensure a healthier lifestyle.

Ovens, cook-tops and grills

You can cook in style, and comfort. Induction cook tops are the way to go. Not only are they safer and faster but they are also easier to clean and more energy efficient. There are self cleaning ovens and what could be smarter than that.

All these come with range hoods, which reduce kitchen odors. Tandoori dishes are a big part of Indian cuisine. Traditional tandoors emit a lot of smoke and such cooking is usually done outdoors. The smokeless grills available today enable healthier cooking in a smokeless environment and so can be done indoors as well. Those harmful carcinogens are eliminated, not to mention the fumes and tears.

Fridges and freezers

Refrigerators are bigger and better and come with several add-ons all at the touch of a button. Food preservation is top priority but cooling mechanisms are graded for different functions. The Chardonnay or Merlot to accompany your meal can be stored in the wine cooler section. Ice water and ice cube dispensers on the fridge door are nothing new but snazzier options are now on offer. How about a high definition LCD television screen fitted on the front door of the fridge. A built-in radio with accompanying speakers is also part of the deal. You won’t miss your favorite programmed. In fact, you could still follow the cookery show and turn out the specials.

Waste disposers

It is smart dispose of waste efficiently. Waste disposers attached below the sink, grind and treat organic food waste, enabling it to be discharged without clogging the drainage system. Food stored overnight and then thrown in garbage cans give rise to odor and encourage rodents. With waste disposers, each household can treat garbage in a safe, hygienic manner. The result is a germ free, odorless kitchen. These are only some of the innovations you can use for a more convenient kitchen. Every facet of the kitchen from tiles to taps, pots to purifiers and hobs to humidifiers comes in a smart option. These hi-tech appliances are exclusive but more importantly, promote a healthier lifestyle.

Coffee-makers

Be it the breakfast brew. After dinner coffee or anytime coffee going by current lifestyles, there are machines available that make coffee brewing smart and hassle free. Starting from scratch. Integrated grinder units grind fresh coffee beans for your espresso. For those who prefer decaf, there are models, which feature a pre-ground coffee chute. If cappuccino is your choice, it’s there at the touch of a button. The Cappuccinatore comes with a frothing nozzle to instantly deliver creamy cups of coffee.

Family heirlooms speak volumes of the rich legacy. Giving them a special place in the home, can keep those memories alive. Create a special alcove in your living room to display your family treasures. Though some artifacts may not be significant in terms of commercial value, they are priceless for their sheer historical eminence.

A triangular corner stand with glass shelves can look vividly enchanting. Place tiny bulbs under the shelves to light up the heirlooms from below. The glass will seem like it’s floating in midair. Arrange tiny marble figurines depicting classical Indian mythology. If you place marble statues on one shelf, display terracotta ware on the next one for a contrasting visually appeal. Have about three shelves at least to display a variety of artifacts. A large trunk or wood chest with bronze handles is another perfect display platform. Since the trunk cannot fit into the corner aptly, arrange it across the corner and place an antique urn or bronze statue to fill up the corner. Then, place tiny brass or bronze curios on the chest as large ones could hide the corner display. Once you have chosen the kind of artifacts or heirlooms to display, settle for a different theme each week. If you begin with bronze statues one week, change over to marble or glass the next. The following week go in for family photographs in antique or ornamental photo frames.

The week after that, you can display ancient yet dainty kitchenware. The whole idea is to make the corner look not only interesting each week, but also to create a nostalgic feeling for family members and visitors. Family photographs, most often, never fail to become conversation pieces and lead people down memory lane. If you have ancient sundials or pedestals, they are sure-fire stands to display the most cherished family gems. However, for safety’s sake, never position your treasure alcove near the windows. Subdued or muted lighting, that creates a halo over your treasure display, can have the most surreal effect and can cast a mysterious spell over the room. So, if you have those marvelous family curios stashed away in that dark safe, bring them out to enrich your interiors.

Imagine a picturesque array of Euro-style chateaus lined up all the way on the ever-growing peripheral outskirts of Baroda, with the archaic look on Indian home fronts. Now with the tech-savvy modern mindsets of city based civil engineers and architects, and the ready to experiment consumers, the western ambience will be created locally. Natural elements in décor breathe fresh life into home interiors, which has seen an overdose of concrete and glass. These vernacular materials are getting popular as homeowners acknowledge their beauty and utility.

Exposed bricks giving an 80’s look:-

Exposed bricks bring incomparable color into the ambience. Chamber bricks have a rustic texture that offers various décor opportunities. For example, a wall can be effortlessly brought into focus or the décor of an atrium or courtyard can be made to blend with the environment. This rugged texture can be used exclusively in wall niches to offer relief and contrast to an otherwise bare wall. A wall or column of exposed bricks can be stylized with wooden beading in a contemporary or traditional set up. This means that the wooden beading can be either straight lines for a contemporary look or can be ornately designed to look traditional. The warm color of wood will actually highlight the texture of the bricks. Other places where exposed bricks look good are as borders for arches, doors and window frames.

Stony Physique to carve a European Feel:-

The use of stone within home interiors conveys an old world charm. Its cool look provides an interesting relief to the décor. Stone masonry and random rubble masonry can easily become the highlight of a room. Either can be used for walls, fireplaces or outdoors in the verandah or courtyard. Generally, colored stones offer a customized look to the masonry. Undressed granite stones can also be used for this purpose. Coming to other possibilities, unpolished Cuddapah stones are used in areas like patios, interior courtyards and atriums. They effectively demarcate spaces while offering an alternative texture. Granite is another resourceful stone that can be used polished or otherwise in floorings along with sandstone and slate. Interior columns of stone offer much versatility by incorporating niches, moldings, ornate carvings or just a broad plinth that can double up as a seating area. Inbuilt seating areas can be created with stone, the typical granite bench being one charming example. These are good since they can multitask as alternative worktops or display areas. Other innovative use of stone is in the form of tiles, which are then laid on the floor or walls. Stone tiles are particularly attractive for the uniqueness as no two tiles are same. There is an amazing variety available including pebble tiles where pebbles are embedded on the tile. Imaginative use of stone renders a rugged, ‘back to nature’ look.

Options Otherwise:-

Other natural elements that can be used within home interiors are the traditional burnt clay tiles, terracotta tiles and handmade customized tiles like the Chettinad tiles and Attangudi tiles, both famous for their vibrant colors and originality. Natural building materials have inherent appeal that has withstood the vagaries of trend and fashion. By using them in home interiors, you will merge beauty and functionality to create a timeless appeal.

With dressy wrist-watches and fancy wall clocks being quite the range, watches have become more than time-telling devices. A timepiece, especially on your wall, adds style to your room and makes a nice addition to the decor.

From antique pieces to funky modern designs, wall clocks come in a variety of avatars. An antique wall clock not only has great monetary value but also makes for wall decoration and the best specimens are actually each a great piece of art. There are different materials to choose from like teakwood, rosewood, oak, different kinds of metal, glass, and plastic. Some clocks use a combination of materials. Appearances too can vary from the elaborate, ornate specimens to the sleek, minimalist ones. Moreover, there are plenty of unusual-looking varieties in store today.

If you inherit an antique wall clock, then it adds a traditional look to your house. If you don’t have one, then are there are certified antique shops, which can provide you one. If budget is a constraint, then you can have antique look-alikes. There are plenty of clocks with retro designs and even a finish and polish, which make them, look like antiques. Among the mire popular styles are the classic grandfather clock, the aviation clock, and the cuckoo clock.

Among the modern ones are those styled to resemble human faces, animals, birds, fruits, cartoon characters, famous monuments or other objects like wristwatches, ladles, quills, etc. sometimes, the clock is in a standard and staid design and there are different motifs engraved or painted on the dial. Geometric designs are also popular with some. Modern-art inspired designs and abstract forms are also popular with those who like a distinctly different look to their wall clocks. There are lots of pieces, which come in bright colours and are ideal for children’s rooms or even the family room.

In fact, it is the function and décor scheme of the room, which will decide the kind of wall clock that is ideal for each space. A spacious drawing room, which reflects old world elegance, is the perfect place for that large, wood, classic-style clock or an antique specimen. A children’s room on the other hand, could do with a fun design like a clock, which resembles a giant wristwatch, has cartoon characters or animals painted on its dial. For the kitchen, a utilitarian specimen where the dial clearly shows the second, minute, and hour needles is ideal. The wall at the end of a corridor should have a striking clock as this is the focal point of this area and immediately attracts the attention of anybody entering and walking down the corridor. Today, as we look at the clocks on our cell phones and PCs, some of us might have sidelined the wall-clock but it is good to re-look its utility and its value as an object of decor.

There is nothing like natural greenery. Natural, real plants are invaluable if you need to brighten up spacer or provide that vital oxygen. However, there ar4e certain times and places where you can’t afford to go for the natural one and have to do with the artificial version.
Among the many faux kinds of greenery you can bring in, there are plastic plants, and flowers and flowers and ferns in silk and glass which are especially available in home-décor or design stores. Besides, you can also go in for artificial trees. Prime among these are bamboo and palm trees. They are widely used in homes, offices and especially in hotels and spas. When these plants and trees are housed in elegant terracotta, metal or ceramic containers they enhance the aesthetic effect. Sometimes, a row of them is installed in a bed of sand with marble pebbles with beads strewn around the base of the tree to add to the décor.
If you purchase one from a good brand or something, which is a designer piece, you can be sure of a product, which looks exactly like the real thing. Also, there is plenty of variety in size and shape. The tree trunk or fronds and the way they branch out may all very. From the tall ones typically placed in corners of large rooms or outdoor party areas, to the small desktop ones, you have a great range to suit any type of use. Generally, the tall tree should be used in a spacious room as it would dwarf the small room and look totally incongruent there. There is a wide range in prices too and typically the cost depends on the height and weight of the palm tree, the extent of the foliage, the diameter of its trunk, quality of the materials used and the overall appearance that is how real or natural it looks. Advertising professional Govardhan Hegde has a wife who suffers from pollen allergy and is also paranoid about insects. However, they did want a green touch to their interiors. So, on one of his trips abroad, he brought home two big, artificial palm trees and had them installed in the large drawing cum dining room of his villa. “We have also placed a lot of silk and glass flowers, in flower vases across the home for the same reason.”
In other cases, artificial plants and trees are installed at home by a family whose members are traveling for most of the month and hence have little time to tend to the greenery at home which soon withers and wilts form lack of care. For software professionals Ujjwala and Shankear Rao, the decision to go in for their faux palm trees was because of their hectic travel schedule. They have installed several palm trees beside a couple of bamboo clusters at different points in the home like the drawing room, verandah and outside in their porch as well as one in their gazebo. “It is not only about watering the plant, even the associated problems of clearing fallen leaves or cleaning any smudges on the floor or carpets, for which we have no time, are also eliminated.” Besides, of course, one is also freed of the hassles of regular trimming and fertilizing of the tree. Indeed, the low-maintenance factor has become a big draw of artificial plants and trees. The faux palm tree, in particular needs little care. Besides, the fact that the good variety lasts long has also led to their popularity. The artificial palm tree is also chemically treated so there is no fear of damage from insects or indoor pollution. Some of the good products are so real looking that most guests can’t tell the difference until they go close and touch the tree or leaves. These palms add an unusual and interesting touch to your interiors or even in semi-open areas like gazebos, verandahs and porches. This is why there are many homeowners who can afford to take care of natural greenery and do have plenty of real plants in and around the home, but still go in for artificial palm trees.

Probably no other room in the house needs to be as tuned to your lifestyle as much as your master bedroom. Every little fancy takes prominence in this room be it as basic as a comforter or as high-tech as a home theatre, if you like it then it should be here. Even then, there are some designing principles that apply to this space.
Master plan
A room has its own constraints, mainly owing to the size and traffic flow. Both cannot be helped. Furniture arrangement will naturally be around these two factors. If the size of the bedroom is small, it is best to keep some standard furniture out of the room. For example, instead of nightstands, wall-mounted bed lights, like those in hotels, will do. The vanity counter can be replaced with a wall mirror and a shelf to keep toiletries. A bigger bedroom benefits from the extra space when the design consideration is given to personal preferences. An entertainment zone, a library, a study, home office, a seating area, or a walk in closet can be incorporated here. Sometimes, sheer size can fit in two concepts instead of one. But whatever be the size of the bedroom, traffic flow needs to be considered. It is always preferable to keep the way to the attached bathroom and the two sides of the bed free and easily approachable.
Colour scheme
Colour selection is purely personal. While one colour relaxes someone, it can evoke an opposite reaction in some other person. But designers, studies, and traditions have slotted colours with moods. The colours and the mood usually associated with them are pink for love, green to bring calm, lavender for relieving stress, and blue for serenity. These colours are most likely to be picked up for the bedroom rather than bold colours. A neutral shade like white or cream can also be used with a bold accent colour on one wall. For that matter, decorative claddings on the rest of the walls. Popular wall claddings for the4 bedroom are bamboo, timber, and marble.
Storage
A large bedroom should have a suitable walk in closet to hold acquisitions of all shopping jaunts. The rest can benefit from built in cupboards. Floor-to-ceiling cupboards offer good storage and so does a chest of drawers or a storage chest. For a small bedroom, it is better to store seasonal clothing in another room in order to reduce clutter.
Decor
Choose a theme and work with it. Furnishings like curtains, bed linen, upholstery, and area rugs need to be well coordinated. Area rugs act as great separators and can be used freely in bedrooms of any size. Flooring that looks    warm and stylish like par4quet or vinyl, for budget watchers, is good over here. Beautify the bedroom ceiling, as you are most likely to look up at it. Ornamental ceilings medallions or decorative ceilings are extremely attractive to see. A dropped ceiling will make a large bedroom inviting whereas a raised ceiling will create an illusion of space in a small bedroom. While at it, do not miss fine details like moldings, trims, and cornices, in wood or Plaster of Paris. Wherever possible, display pictures and paintings that give you immense viewing pleasure. If looking at your collection of crystals makes you happy, then go ahead and have them here in an elegant display unit. Consider extra frills like a window seat or a skylight.
Lighting
The central lighting in the bedroom is best with a dimmer to create appropriate mood lighting. However, sharing a room will require some alternative lighting that can be kept on without disturbing anyone. Thus, there is a need for bedside lamps. The entertainment zone, if present, will require soft and unobtrusive lighting. The seating or reading area will need bright portable lamps, and a dressing table will want bright strip lighting. Cupboards can be fitted with fluorescent strips that switch on when the doors are opened.

The art of clipping trees, shrubs and hedges to create designs and sculptures goes way back many centuries. Topiary is an art that is striking and varied. The different shapes give an unusual yet ordered look to the garden.
Basics
The selection of the plant is the first step towards a beautiful topiary. The foliage needs to be dense with small leaves. The plant chosen should be evergreen and needs to grow in a stout compact manner or as a column. The world’s tallest topiary in Imphal has grown to 61 feet. The topiary, Samban-Lei Sekpil, is clipped from the Nilakantha plant. To get a shape from a growing plant requires a lot of patient pruning. However, you can get a specific shape by training the plant around a wired frame. Beginners need not be discouraged if the shape is not as desired. A little bit of manipulation can probably get another form, which may be equally delightful. Either the clipping can be done as the plant is growing or after it has grown to the required height. Also, topiary shears are available for intricate clippings.

Designs
Elaborate designs are art pieces. However, they are equally difficult to create. To begin with, ivy can be used to train over wire cages or balls to give clean geometric designs. For a more complex spiral pattern, experts advocate tying a string, preferably nylon fishing line, from the top of the plant and circled around in downward sweep. Subsequently, any stray twigs or leaves can be clipped to maintain the shape. Weak stems can even be tied to keep with the shape of the design. Sharp and straight designs are achieved with plants that have small leaves.
Aesthetics
A garden gets a face-lift with elegant topiaries. For a formal look, geometric designs are better suited. One such example is freestanding topiary globes dotting the lawn. Hedges along a lawn can be dotted with green columns and arches can be made along entryways. Simple designs can be achieved with a little practice. Once these are easily dealt with, elaborate forms can be tackled. These can be either standalone designs or part of a tableau, which can incorporate other elements. You can get creative here grounded only by the formation of the design. Animal designs are particularly popular and the frames for them are easily found. Elephant and bird patterns are popular in animal designs. Tableau scenes generally require human figures or fairytale characters which are slightly difficult to conceptualise on a wire frame. Other designs that will look good in any garden are mythical creatures and automobiles.
Maintenance
Topiary needs regular maintenance for its shape and health. You must regularly water it. Over-watering is a sure way to kill it. Mist all parts of the topiary with water. Occasionally spray insecticide to keep away spiders and other insects. Plant supplements can be used to ensure that the topiary remains healthy.
Some tips
If you have a potted bougainvillea, ivy, or jasmine, then there is an easy way to have a beautiful topiary. Simply trim the leaves to form a series of globes and your topiary will be the focus even in a small balcony. When using a hollow round frame, it is better to first stuff it with wet moss. Gently place the roots of the ivy on it and make sure that the roots entrench into the moss by making tiny holes in it. Use simple hairpins to secure the plants to the frame.

How many times in the year do you recollect planning a color makeover, then postponing it for later, and then re-planning it? A common tendency delays it to the concluding year-end chore and finally a fresh layer of paint adorns your living room. Colors decide the look of a room. When you choose colors for your walls, upholstery, cushions, bedspreads etc. you begin the process of giving the room its own character. What better way to define a ‘Christmas’ look for your room than by using a festive color scheme? You can use a combination of red and green, red and white, red with white and gold, red with green and silver to arrive at a merry combination.