Earthquake Fear, Cesarean & Birth of my 2nd child

Here I am sitting with my 22nd day old baby girl and having some remarkable luxuries of absolute Nepali household via post natal care, I still am in fear of impending aftershocks of previous earthquakes that has been hitting hard upon Nepal last month. Yes, it did affect me as well as a 38 weeks pregnant !! The unpreparedness beforehand was the major cause as we had never ever faced such level of earthquake ever since we existed !

After exact 1 month of the major earthquake, I was admitted in the hospital which we selected for its amazing services before. But here I was diagnosed in the tents, thanks to the effects of earthquake. Fear jolted inside me for impending Cesarean operation to be carried on the next day, will I be capable to deal with it in the tents ? Luckily, I was privileged again to get operated in the ground floor of the 14th floored hospital and they were prepared for the obvious fear of their patients. 

The point here I want to highlight is life simultaneously gives us many reasons to rejoice even amidst fear and trauma and we get sanity if we acknowledge those reasons and learn to move on.  I was still one of the few lucky ones in our country with hospital facilities and care of family members. As I write this, there are still many women and children deprived of major sanitation, care and other post natal services required in those districts which are severely affected from the Earthquake.

In some selfish way, I still fear of the upcoming shocks (if any) as a new  mother. I fear of the situation where there will be no food around, no sanitation for needy people in such natural disasters. Such situation largely affects pregnant women, those who have recently delivered, children and aged people. We can only hope for the best days and be prepared for any worse scenarios.

What I've learnt from these earthquakes is life is such a precious gift and being alive to experience different facets of it should be the greatest achievements. We may not have the best of everything but we still can rise from whatever we have. Having instant faith in our strength and capabilities and working on them are the greatest assets. We will definitely bounce back. Thanks for reading me after a hiatus. I wish I could update you regularly and as a new mother again, I can only WISH so at least for some time. :-)

Basics of French Style (Easy and Chic)

I asked myself what do I know about French style? The words classic, sophisticated, feminine, minimalistic, simple, Chic and confident instantly came to mind. 

No need to wonder that the French have been showing such an immaculate and iconic style as the home of amazing design houses, like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Louboutin, etc. While it is odd to generalize an entire culture of women and their fashion, (after all, not everyone is impeccably dressed in France as well); what truly makes French style one of a kind is their philosophy behind it.

Here, I am no expert on all things French, but have noticed some underlying themes after lusting over French styling sense which is easy and chic at the same time. Whether or not you love French style as much as I along with many other in this planet do; there are a few things to be learned from these fashionistas. 

Their secret behind the immaculate easy style sense are:

1. Focus on the basics:

Yes, French don’t ignore trends, but almost always they tend to focus on buying quality pieces that are timeless. Usually this means that they are more basic, such as dark skinny jeans, white button-downs, and solid-colored tees. Many times, we have seen them wearing many kinds of Black and white, that means they are versatile.

Investing in key pieces is also ideal for us with tight budget, because we won’t get as tempted to spend money on items that will only be wearable for a short time. Focus on versatility rather than trendiness when you shop.

Also, french women opt for flats rather than heels (sometimes even when partying !!). Why? You can have more fun in flats and best of all, they make dancing so much easier.

2. Dark colors are Evergreen:

While wearing dark colors many times, we tend to think they are boring, but hold on!! There’s a reason black is always in style. It looks good on everyone, matches almost with anything, and is dominantly stylish. Other neutrals, like camel, brown, gray, and navy blue, are also great and they do complement each other.

A wardrobe built from these colors (with some pops of color in between) makes it easy to create outfits because everything already matches. So, French know how to create fuss free and less time consuming wardrobe.

3. While dressing, Less is more:

Choosing Minimal accessories, fewer patterns (like Classic stripes) and colors often works wonder.

Their key is never look overdone or overly styled. Same is for Make up. Think subtle eye makeup and natural looking foundation and lip colors. 

 

 Also, they know how to make a statement with their Red Lipstick. Many times, Makeup isn't essential but colour-popping lipstick is French girl for "I'm making a statement".

Similarly, simple outfits can be amazingly stylish. For example, a black knit turtleneck and a leather skirt are both basic items, but the play with texture would create a chic outfit.

4. Choose Quality over quantity:

Because closet space is more limited (and expensive) in France, French woman often invests in fewer pieces of quality clothing that will last far longer than many cheap pieces of clothing.

5. Play with accessories:

A French woman’s closet may consist of more simple basics; their creativity lies in how they accessorize their outfits. Since accessories are usually cheaper than buying an entirely new outfit, this is especially handy for a tight budget as well.

 As a key ingredient in French girl style, scarves can take a boring outfit from blah to fashion-forward.

6. Invest in at least one Leather jacket:

French women can give us ample reasons for why every girl should own at least one leather jacket ! 

They’re incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down. They’re also super easy to clean, they are warm without being bulky… The list goes on.

So Investing in one, definitely wont make us regret later.

7. Show Confidence!

There is reason French women have such an enviable style because they wear their clothes with confidence.. 

French designer Yves Saint Laurent, is famously quoted as saying:

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”

It’s not what you’re wearing, but how you’re wearing it. So, ladies, exude confidence and ooze style in what you have worn. Have a thoughtful day ahead and choose your thoughts just like you choose your clothes. Stay blessed. :-)

Image courtesy: web 

Pantone has announced the Color for 2015

Remember the Color of the year 2014 declared by Pantone last year? Radiant Orchid ! The results of Pantone's annual poll of esigners, retailers and manufacturers is out now, and 2015's Color of the Year is: Marsala, the wine color.

Every year since 1990, the Pantone Color Institute has announced its pick for the Color of the Year, which involves a surprisingly exhaustive selection process. While past picks have ranged from fuchsia-rose to emerald, it looks like 2015 is going to be filled with marsala, an earthy, reddish-brown hue.

 The color is more subdued than its aggressively pink predecessor, Marsala is a red that Pantone describes in the following ways:

"Enriches our mind, body and soul," "exuding confidence and stability." "Like a fortified wine," "tasteful," "the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal," "grounding," "sophisticated, natural earthiness." "Hearty yet stylish," "burnished undertones," "versatile," "complex and full-bodied," "welcoming," "plush."

Comparing with last year's Radiant Orchid, Marsala is going to be a lot easier to wear on your face and person. No matter your skin tone, the sophisticated hue is an excellent choice for those looking to spice up their look. Add just a touch of color with a pair of shoes or turn heads in a vibrant coat. We also love how well Marsala plays with other colors. Look for items that are color-blocked with similar red-brown hues. In the winter, pair the color with jewel tones for an even bigger statement. Come spring, opt for marsala with icy pastels. It's also going to work well against rich fabrics.

Décor wise, the Marsala color is so rich which works along almost many earthy hues and even pastel colors. So, comprising the color in home décor has already been widely accepted.

The only thing I didn’t get is why did Pantone call the Wine color ‘Marsala’, not Oxblood or simply ‘Wine’ ? It seems like Pantone also like to make their own range of colors ! Anyway, acceptance of any color in our wardrobe, designs etc largely depends upon indivisual perception, and Marsala is already wearable one. Come on, you have got quite a hint for this New year’s gift shopping, haven’t you ?

Wishing you a hopeful New year ahead ….

Worst Face of Mankind - Peshawar Attack

Last 3 days have been terrible for me. Not only to maintain positiveness within but also for staying calm and peaceful. It simply refers to the cowardish Lindt Café hostage in Sydney, Australia and above all, worst face of mankind we have faced till now that occured in Peshawar, Pakistan. Terrorism has no religion and repeatedly fail to understand the idea of reaching out to ‘Jannat’ (Heaven) referred by the so called terrorists. Even they will have to answer for the cowardish acts they have been doing to their God, wont they ?

This blog is about Life style, a regular happenings of our life and I can not jot down a single word of happiness these days due to those inhuman and coward attack on children. Everytime I try to maintain my inner peace and utter some positive words, I become speechless. Is God on leave or forgot to control those who are not good enough for the sake of humanity !

I along with this Blog, pay heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy upon very sad and untimely demise of those beautiful children who were in uniform and at school to pursue their education. I don’t have words to console for the broken parents and people dealing with the fateful incident on their face. I don’t know how to react and my anger has no limits. Thoughts have been suppressed viewing the dead bodies of children which surpassed the 100 number. Yes, it is 142 till now !!

This is the most vulnerable time for tackling Terrorism which needs urgent treatment. Yes, treatment because it is more dangerous than Ebola, AIDS and even cancer as it wont spare a single person for any 20 days, 1 year or 2 months…..Once we are captured, we will see deaths, many deaths around and some brutal ones like in Peshawar. Can you imagine the fearful face of the innocent bundle of joys before being shot at head ! I am disturbed, mentally disturbed.

This blog will never able to wish a Very Happy New Year ahead to you readers and this is not beginning of a good year as well. Because, we are mourning. Mourning for those who lost their treasured lives and were 'still to be' blossomed because of some coward people who enjoy seeing blood.

Lets hope, our children are safe, lets make their future better and work together for it. Humanity is not limited within border and this is and should be a single religion we follow globally. Rest of the things are only personal choices. And ultimately, we are given beautiful life to enjoy, not for destruction. Aren’t we ?

How to style a Motor cycle leather jacket

Nepal has been witnessing chilly morning and evenings recently which is obviously beginning of winter season. So this post is related to one of my wish list which hopefully gets fulfilled in this winter. I want a nice Motor cycle jacket (Not to ride in motorcycle by the way) which will assist to most of the outfits we already own and also provide many different  looks altogether.

The jacket is mainly made up of leather but you can wear a faux one if you want to. Leather jacket are one of those addition to your wardrobe that will instantly add sophistication in your personality. Make sure, as other accessories, your rest of the outfits are well co-ordinated. You can certainly not wear flat slippers with a biker chic motor cycle jacket. So, How to style a Motor cycle leather jacket is described here.

# With your regular Jeans, tees, boots combination. Leather jacket easily blends with classics like striped tee and black boots.

# Wear with your colored and printed pants, leggings.

# Style your leather jacket with girly skirts, printed frocks as it will add the boldness required in girly and ladylike attire. This way it will toughen up your entire soft look.

# Make it’s utmost use in layering. Chambray (jeans) and check shirts, tees and even sweaters will go under it. So, actually you will have a Layering master in the form of Leather Jacket.

# If you are daring enough, leather jackets in color are in trend this spring and winter. So extremely suggested.

# Make your all white and all black look a top notch with help of leather jacket.

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# Style with an old fashioned overall you already have. People will not notice as it will give look of a regular jeans.

 Hope you like this post and useful to you. Have a great time ahead.