tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67358452419212279572024-03-14T06:40:13.517+05:30Dayle PereiraDayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comBlogger391125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-9059023780033629272023-04-27T20:55:00.003+05:302023-04-27T20:55:36.112+05:30It's ironic that goodbyes hurt when they include the word 'good'<p>I always assumed that the more often something happened, the more
accustomed to it I would be. That simply seemed like a way of the world.
I thought it would apply to everything in exactly the same proportion,
especially goodbyes. That hasn’t quite been the case. Experience has
proved to be quite opposing and as far as goodbyes are concerned, I
haven’t managed to take them any easier. They say first cuts hurt the
deepest but the second, third or fortieth don’t seem to pain any less
either.<br /><br />Going back home feels like a trip back in time. The air
is pure with notes of burning palm. The sky is blue and cloudless. The
sunshine bathes but never stings. The sunsets at the beach could be
framed on a wall, the mango trees seem to be perpetually ripe with fruit
and even walks around the grocery aisles feel languid and therapeutic.
So when the days begin to slip out of my fingers and packing cannot be
procrastinated anymore, that’s when the melancholy begins to settle in. No
matter how many days I’ve got left, it sinks in and rears its head
especially in the middle of a good time, as if to remind me - don’t have
too much fun, it’s ending soon. Packing bags is dreaded to begin with,
even more so when you’ve got your old friend reality to go back to. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr7DwfM8ccIQRWIRVnRMpLnW_cACSnQTja4GSuSKGFNMFOpVDm9jRSmxHIQ-mfEGeJh-gEEcyhP2114s0iqThGe_FGm6GzlHSnlH8kEYweLP0OPvsMaGK-IJtrUvlTs_BfrzqyziOOcgv1XSOVgIey0rh58ktbGvA4vx0gix5BKXMBpo-M6FeE6JWiw/s4032/blog%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr7DwfM8ccIQRWIRVnRMpLnW_cACSnQTja4GSuSKGFNMFOpVDm9jRSmxHIQ-mfEGeJh-gEEcyhP2114s0iqThGe_FGm6GzlHSnlH8kEYweLP0OPvsMaGK-IJtrUvlTs_BfrzqyziOOcgv1XSOVgIey0rh58ktbGvA4vx0gix5BKXMBpo-M6FeE6JWiw/w480-h640/blog%20pic.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>When
the duffels are loaded in the back of the car and I’ve double checked
my tickets, heading back at this point is nothing else if not
inevitable. The car being gassed up and gate swinging shut behind me are
subconsciously a signal that the white-trimmed yellow walls and
blooming garden will soon be in the rear view mirror and not one I’ll
be seeing every day. It’s also the exact moment when my steel resolve
cracks and the waterworks begin, no matter how hard I’d promised myself
that I wouldn’t do it again. The knot in my throat gives way to a flood
of tears and knowing my genetics, it has a domino effect in our home. <br /><br />I
lament about how the car ride to the station ends quicker than most of
my travels around my hometown and I think it’s because I want to stretch
out every second as much as I can. As the train comes in with loud
honks, we join the bustle with our baggage and I forget for a few
seconds that this is the last view of home I will see for the
foreseeable future. My anxious travelling instincts are fueled further
by the fact that I don’t know when I will be able to adjust my life and
schedule around coming back here again. When I do come back;
whether it’s weeks or months later, how much will have changed? Will the
palms grow a few feet higher? Will the dog next door still tilt her
head when I call her name? Will the jackfruits be ripe for picking and
will my favourite ice-cream store still stock the flavour I like? Most
importantly, will everybody I’ve said goodbye to still be there to greet
me when I come around next?<br /><br />There’s no crystal ball to answer my anxiety-ridden questions about the future when all I have is
the present. I’ve come back home to one less family member before, which
taught me about doing all I could in the present to never have regrets
in the future; maybe even cry a few happy tears that I did the best I
could when I could with the hand I was given. That’s all we can do
really; that and embrace the memories. John Denver relied on his country
roads to take him home and I can say the same for me; when the song
next shuffles on my playlist and when I walk those tree-trimmed roads
once more.</p>Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-20161040470116590882022-12-31T17:04:00.003+05:302023-09-28T09:56:17.940+05:30Grief Became The Accessory That I Carried Everywhere With Me<p>I've been a second hand witness to grief most of my life. I've dried tears rolling down cheeks, I've placed flowers at gravestones and I've even been a stoic shoulder to cry on. Up until this year; when I was inducted into the morbid fold of the grief-stricken. It wasn't watching from the front row anymore, it was stepping inside the ring. Initially, all I felt was numbness. While the rest of the world seemed to be weeping around me, I was powering through my routine on auto-pilot. I initially felt relieved that maybe; just maybe, I was one of those people who could process loss healthily. That didn't last very long though. It was beginning to feel like I was made of two different people. There was the one who woke up with hope in her heart and positivity to take on the day. And then there was her; the other half who felt almost handicapped with anxiety that this was my reality and life somehow had to go on. Unfortunately, the latter reared her head by afternoon and refused to leave until the wee hours of the night. Suddenly the automated routine I had gotten accustomed to was coming undone. Bottom of the barrel, meet me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSndR9JF0wLFpFnGgVpjxWXgXO0lbJwyPJTEcmn5i62_pQrpnuH5_6jj8BNNhgz4HBtwEgxSP7AOVuvLc8RwD6o_jquPNQAUlKhMZirFl736_zyFjWWEvOoEgcBqlmptfk6ePjX_46bF1PgXoQZEnCQJ_najO48sVlpTv3gIttBBUtVoubxRMK2kjjiQ/s2501/IMG-0376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2501" data-original-width="2456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSndR9JF0wLFpFnGgVpjxWXgXO0lbJwyPJTEcmn5i62_pQrpnuH5_6jj8BNNhgz4HBtwEgxSP7AOVuvLc8RwD6o_jquPNQAUlKhMZirFl736_zyFjWWEvOoEgcBqlmptfk6ePjX_46bF1PgXoQZEnCQJ_najO48sVlpTv3gIttBBUtVoubxRMK2kjjiQ/w628-h640/IMG-0376.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><p>Grief has a way of consuming you. Trip into it and you'll find yourself on a riverbed, trying your hardest to push through to the surface for a gulp of air. But look down and there are weights around your feet. It pulls you in and doesn't let go, even when your mind and body are begging for something, anything to feel better. After months of mentally staying afloat but barely; when I thought I couldn't fight the all-consuming feeling for a second longer, it's almost as if time stopped and suddenly, the pain in my chest didn't feel so debilitating any more.</p><p>(More: <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2018/06/style-files-13-reason-why-healing.html">What 13 Reasons Why taught me about healing</a>)
</p><p>You don't ever stop missing the departed, you simply begin to heal enough to not miss them as much. As days pass, the void in your chest begins to feel less empty. Even months down the line though, I don't believe it ever fills entirely. You may move past loss, but you can never really forget it. I'd be in the middle of a work dinner and a glimpse at my white shirt is a momentary reminder of how perfectly you used to launder yours. When I'm spring cleaning, the sight of the brass door knocker reminds me of when you polished yours until it gleamed. Your presence personified even the most mundane of objects, from blue cheese tins to white vests to black rubber boots. The memories of summer coconut harvests, walks in the backyard and cycle rides are so fresh in my mind, you'd think they happened yesterday. It's comforting to relive but then there's that familiar sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realise I can't get any of those days back again, even just one more time. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXbi3oTM0BgNElG4Z3a-lZmy-nY8eOE2cBKChMQw6n-3BnS4SU5NEsAHvjYYvYvvWjcfVk2maomG7KZNItaEz1d2j74eyN-4A4hzfiGl-bg3-7m7kKqUuXTQCCdecr86qgD4Vssrd81ZJg2tk4khFs6eVgalj10mdDNz4pIGGU-Fj8omGrpxNnKKWEQ/s3937/IMG-1750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3010" data-original-width="3937" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXbi3oTM0BgNElG4Z3a-lZmy-nY8eOE2cBKChMQw6n-3BnS4SU5NEsAHvjYYvYvvWjcfVk2maomG7KZNItaEz1d2j74eyN-4A4hzfiGl-bg3-7m7kKqUuXTQCCdecr86qgD4Vssrd81ZJg2tk4khFs6eVgalj10mdDNz4pIGGU-Fj8omGrpxNnKKWEQ/w640-h490/IMG-1750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div>I think about how a place that felt like home must look entirely different now. I have to rely on my memory for this part because I can’t imagine striding through the sun-streaked colourful tiled hall ever since you last left in a casket. I often think about how your vegetable patch must wonder where their gardener disappeared to or how the branches will droop with the mango harvest come summer. It made me realise how little meaning places have without people attached to them. Without your vigour and zeal, now it’s just empty rooms, dusty shelves and barren gardens. It has made my belief even firmer that the present is all we have because the future is promised to no one. I may not have known it at the time but all those summer vacations, Christmas parties, Saturday evenings and sunset drives down the hills were actually forming core memories that I’ll now be able to cherish forever. I’m fortunate really, because not many else can boast of that. Rosewood sofas, cuckoo clocks and cushioned arm chairs may be imprinted with decades of your presence but when my heart is full and mind is at peace with the time we shared together, nothing in the world can replace that.<p>(More: <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2019/01/lifestyle-new-year-resolutions-2019.html" target="_blank">Why we keep making resolutions every New Year</a>)
</p><p> </p></div>Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-76523957041346193572020-07-20T21:41:00.003+05:302020-07-20T21:43:34.962+05:30How I got back to reading after a long pause<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I recall being an avid reader when I was growing up. Enid Blyton came to my rescue during flu season and my Roald Dahl copies are dog-eared from the numerous summers I leafed through them. Somewhere down the line, I fell out of it. I can't pinpoint exactly what happened; all I know is reading took a hit once I hit adulthood. Since then, I've only picked up a book a handful of times. Generally it was few months prior to the release of its movie version to be fully prepared of what I'd see on screen. That changed in 2020. During the initial weeks of isolating at home during the COVID-19 quarantine, I followed the pattern majority of the world did. I decluttered my closet. I baked bread. I Marie Kondo-ed my house. Then I chanced on my Kindle which was packed with unread books and sitting quietly in a corner, untouched. So I said, why not?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That's where it all began. Soon enough I polished down the first book I started. It was a crime thriller and I was so taken by the surprise twist at the end, I almost thought, "Whoa! Books can do that to you? I thought only movies could." The pattern followed and so did more books. I initially wrote it off as a newfangled fascination to play with but almost half a year with continued enthusiasm has convinced me I've rediscovered my love for reading. I won't call myself a bookworm or pretentiously add bibliophile to my Instagram bio anytime soon but I can say with full certainty that I enjoy it. I love how my imagination stitches together visuals to create a full-blown feature film in my head. I like the break it gives my brain from the monotony of my routine. Here's a little note for those considering getting back to reading after a very long pause. You can do it and I'm sharing my tried-and-tested habits which made it possible for me.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqiJ-01QW1guBLXTwyY3wDfTZvkGFALNwIxOmIL0fbId8mJNSrSCgSfW7ucAHXqDLqMTjV5gY3M-vnizFMl_MV6Aw2Iqz2Z5-ONlg8DvDkWWJ8Y567GgqFhidzmX5uBjUQvSo4Aqyf4cf/s700/amazon_kindle_paperwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of woman's hands with long nails holding a Kindle book reader with bokeh Christmas lights in the background" border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqiJ-01QW1guBLXTwyY3wDfTZvkGFALNwIxOmIL0fbId8mJNSrSCgSfW7ucAHXqDLqMTjV5gY3M-vnizFMl_MV6Aw2Iqz2Z5-ONlg8DvDkWWJ8Y567GgqFhidzmX5uBjUQvSo4Aqyf4cf/d/amazon_kindle_paperwhite.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Enjoy The Process</h4></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>Right off the bat, let me say that reading isn't meant to complicated and tough to grasp. It's a recreational activity and you're meant to enjoy it. Which is why is it so important to choose your books thoughtfully. You don't have to pick books that look intellectual on Instagram or ones with language too complex to wrap your mind around. There are no wrong or right genres, writing styles or authors. They can be ancient historical facts or chic lit; absolutely any book is a good choice as long as you like it.</div><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Pick Your Way</h4></div><div>My kindle completely changed my reading habit. It eliminated the need for visiting book stores, hoarding hard bounds and lugging them along with me if I felt like reading. I've read in conference rooms, hotel lobbies and on flights without worrying about my carry-on exceeding the weight limit. I've heard purists turn their noses up at the mere mention of any form of reading that isn't a paperback. I couldn't disagree with them any more. I've previously read books on my phone as well as listened to audio books and enjoyed them just as much. Reading to me is about the matter, not the medium so as long as your method suits your lifestyle the best, it's enough. And no, I don't miss the smell of paper or flipping through pages with my finger. Environmental conservationists might agree with me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><h4><br /></h4></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h4>3. Set A Time</h4></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've begun dedicating pockets of my free time to reading; usually at morning and the last thing before I sleep at night. It isn't exactly a schedule because I skip it when I absolutely cannot spare the time. Thanks to this, I've fallen into the habit of reading while eating breakfast and right before I crash in the night. It has given me something to look forward to when I stop at an exciting point in the book. Plus, the latter is one of the best ways to stay away from the phone at night.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h4 style="text-align: left;">4. Step Back</h4><div>Restarting reading; any other habit for that matter, isn't an instant magic trick. It won't happen overnight. Initially you might find it difficult to even get through a page. You may read and never really absorb it. The language may be too complex to grasp or the plot too predictable. Expect it because it happens. Take a break, change your choice and try again after a few hours. Little by little, day by day, page by page, you'll slowly find yourself getting pulled back in and never wanting to leave the book you've stepped into.</div><div><br /></div><div>xo</div><div>Dayle<br /></div></div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0Mumbai, Maharashtra, India19.0759837 72.8776559-9.2342501361788472 37.721405899999993 47.386217536178847 108.0339059tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-65214870144009293312020-05-31T16:09:00.003+05:302020-05-31T16:19:53.074+05:30The beauty industry may not be as clean as you thought. Here's how you can help<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In a couple of day; us, the residents of earth will celebrate World Environment Day. Cue the barrage of emails arriving in your inbox with headlines like 'carry a canvas tote' or 'turn off your tap'. The arrival of this day and the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has got me thinking about the impact of beauty on the environment. I guiltily admit I haven't given it much thought before but the results were upsetting, to say the least.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Q75jKKCKno8FsmW-k8J6Pe5HRuKiuFMwfECVlW9dyydzOMA7sY3FFlr0YWcviixXZ5-mYQpI0IjYrUN8lcQqfk-mqJbKOFzM8tyz7a2CQaPgBLz8a3jQAYrBhMktlQZrqqnu7yWLrsw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Q75jKKCKno8FsmW-k8J6Pe5HRuKiuFMwfECVlW9dyydzOMA7sY3FFlr0YWcviixXZ5-mYQpI0IjYrUN8lcQqfk-mqJbKOFzM8tyz7a2CQaPgBLz8a3jQAYrBhMktlQZrqqnu7yWLrsw/d/DSC_2324_edit.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The problem can start with something as small as a micro-bead. Often a component of scrubs, micro-beads are solid pieces of plastic which can be as small as a fraction of a millimetre in size. It may seem miniscule but their effects are not. According to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/what-are-microbeads-and-why-are-they-illegal" target="_blank">Popular Science</a>, these beads are small enough to enter the material used as fertilizer and even water supplies. They can also potentially absorb pollutants; which means aquatic life can ingest it so it could land up on your plate when having a butter garlic fillet. Many unchecked formulas also contain ingredients which are toxic for the body and are not degradable. That's just what is inside tubes and bottles on your shelf. The exterior isn't any better either.<br />
<br />Take a hard look at products you are using and you'll discover pumps, handles and cartons, most of which are plastic. Probably enemy #1 for the environment, plastic is non-biodegradable and based on this <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/plastic-facts/#10-shocking-facts-about-plastic" target="_blank">National Geographic</a> report, is estimated to endure for around 450 years to forever. As of 2015, around 79 percent of plastic waste is present in landfills or the environment. If that isn't enough to terrify, <a href="https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts/" target="_blank">Plastic Oceans</a> says that around 40 percent of total plastic usage comes from packaging. Makeup removal wipes often slip under the radar because of how convenient they are. Unfortunately, they are responsible for clogging drains, spilling into the seas and washing up on beaches. Although wild and marine life are usually out of our sight, they shouldn't be considered out of mind. Like us, they too are residents of Earth and deserve the same treatment as human beings. My trip to Singapore's S.E.A Aquarium was an eye-opener to see how diverse the life forms are under the sea, the eroding effect of plastic in oceans and how they need to be protected. <br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If this is starting to feel more grim by the second, it isn't all bad. The beauty industry may have been one of the dirtiest on the planet but many conglomerates are taking strides to change that. In 2018, L'Oreal launched Seed Phytonutrients, a line by brand executive Shane Wolf who also happens to be a farmer. While the ingredients tick off the usual list of being free from parabens, sulfates and much more, it redefines product packaging by coming in a shell that is paper-based, recyclable and compostable, says <a href="https://www.packagingdigest.com/personal-care-packaging/loreals-paper-bottle-is-easy-on-the-earth-but-tough-in-the-shower-2018-04-30" target="_blank">Packaging Digest</a>. Beauty brands are also taking smaller steps to truly go clean; buy-back programs and bio-degradable ingredients are a few ways in which they are doing so.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwSI94mpFDTXyWvLZo8OmBISXDtaYhxOZ5OeNMxQlN5TviBm83xM140HzaoR8jlRUb7BlIFt-SEpsXH9RIubgS1rCGRqr3Me3ohYTES0-IPMqePPoZf0_R2GY81oWFmTwphKMMntCnJk6/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="biodegradable micro beads body scrub for skin" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwSI94mpFDTXyWvLZo8OmBISXDtaYhxOZ5OeNMxQlN5TviBm83xM140HzaoR8jlRUb7BlIFt-SEpsXH9RIubgS1rCGRqr3Me3ohYTES0-IPMqePPoZf0_R2GY81oWFmTwphKMMntCnJk6/d/biodegradable_micro_beads_beauty_environment.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Expecting one to toss all their products in the trash right away would be silly but you can evaluate your choices and routine to make it cleaner in tinier ways.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">1. The Body Shop has a recycling program and Indian vegan brand Plum has Empties4Good which encourage empty product containers being returned to be recycled.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">2. Avoid products with plastic micro-beads. I switched to chemical exfoliation and the Foreo cleansing device few years ago which has been satisfying for my skin and my conscience. FYI: Oriflame, a brand I'm personally fond of, only uses biodegradable, natural-origin beads in their exfoliators. You're welcome.<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">3. Not every product can be replaced by a home remedy but in the case of hair masks and face packs, where it can be, rustle through the fridge for a zero waste beauty concoction.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">4. Avoid wet wipes for daily makeup removal. It's okay if you need them when you're in a pinch but cleanser which can be used straight on your face without any applicator is the best choice for regular usage. <br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div> 5. The truth is, no matter how desperately you think you need this lipstick or that serum, you really don't. I drastically simplified my skincare routine on my dermatologist's orders over the past few years and it did me well. Besides the positive effect on your skin, simply cutting down and purchasing only what you actually need is a step Mother Earth will thank you for.</div><div><br /></div><div>xo</div><div>Dayle <br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-54487213569175026242020-04-13T21:16:00.001+05:302020-04-13T21:21:34.289+05:30Shifted priorities in times of Coronavirus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A little over a month ago, I was deciding whether orange blossom water or zest of a dozen Egyptian oranges would taste brighter and lend more citrus flavour to a cake I was baking. I had scoured 4 pharmacies over a few weeks in search of an absolutely inessential skincare cream my dermatologist had recommended. I was googling techniques to make Jager bombs for a dinner party. Life seemed to go on as it always had. Between juggling work, shoots and recreational shenanigans, everything seemed so normal.<br />
<br />
It isn't any more. Suddenly most things I thought were absolutely indispensable, absolutely weren't. In the wake of hundreds losing their jobs, even more losing their lives and depressing headlines seeping from every screen I turn on, it is very difficult to stay positive. It's tough to witness this situation with anything other than negativity, sadness, frustration and resignation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ4BGRIfOaJC2KdWlmgtOeKvr2c_HMALQdpIvVJVOnoSQWzkB5_KDcqQSvXmLNe7dqtB7GWV8QJpnyLGI5DgVb-jqC6JaE_7zr7Y7twBARfA-d1y7-lGhaHmEppDeJzzcNWhG1nBafXI1/s1600/flowers_vase_daisy_water_glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ4BGRIfOaJC2KdWlmgtOeKvr2c_HMALQdpIvVJVOnoSQWzkB5_KDcqQSvXmLNe7dqtB7GWV8QJpnyLGI5DgVb-jqC6JaE_7zr7Y7twBARfA-d1y7-lGhaHmEppDeJzzcNWhG1nBafXI1/s1600/flowers_vase_daisy_water_glass.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofpixels/" target="_blank">Raynor Pereira</a> / Style File</td></tr>
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To even be able feel like that is a privilege in itself. Sitting safely on your sofa is a far cry from fighting for your life in a hospital, finding yourself alone in a foreign land with your family thousands of miles away and not even being able to attend your loved one's funeral. Madonna received a great deal of flak for calling Coronavirus an equaliser. After all, what would a billionaire diva bathing in rose petals know. It isn't an equaliser because none of this is equal and some are suffering more than others.<br />
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As long as you are not fighting for your very survival, you're one of the more fortunate. Pay that forward in any way you can. Donating to the cause, feeding your neighbourhood stray and cooking a meal for the aged aunt who lives next door can go a long way. Even if you cannot do any of that, stay home to do your part in flattening the curve. Whatever you choose to do, remember this. <br />
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You're working from the comfort of your home, baking banana bread, getting paid and enjoying a new season of Money Heist; all in the middle of a massive crisis. You're posting video challenges on Instagram and TikTok. You're worried about your hair colour and acrylic nails growing out. You're eating more than 3 square meals a day. You're seeing the faces of your loved ones, even if it is virtually. You're breathing. Remember that everyone isn't that lucky.</div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-91639930677130676402020-02-10T22:10:00.001+05:302020-02-10T22:16:19.740+05:30My thoughts, doubts and apprehensions about To All The Boys I've Loved Before 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Although the first month of 2020 felt like it was 12 weeks long, February has finally made its way to us. For the mushballs out there, it signifies the month of love. For the pessimists, it's time to declare how much they value their independence and single status. For me? Well, it's the month when To All The Boys I've Loved Before 2 releases. Let me take you back a bit. It was the summer of 2018 and I decided to see what the fuss was about the very popular movie. Hours later, I was smitten. Sure Noah Centineo and his surfer boy charm had a huge part to play in that but it was also because I cannot resist a syrupy youthful rom-com.<br />
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Last Christmas, it dawned on me that TATBILB 2 was finally releasing in only a couple of months. Two trailers later, here we are. Along with my excitement however, I've got questions. Post the first part, I chose not to read the books so as to truly soak in the experience of the movie without spoilers. As a result, my mind is inundated with questions and thoughts that are floating around me like I'm some sort of cartoon character. If you're a fan of the movies, the books or Noah Centineo, you're one after my own heart. Since you have some interest in the subject, here are my thoughts about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43md4UQGzc1JsWwtoKO-H9S9uewE1i_rI-oopmem4iR9RZ6FlOQoY35jbeDZ0g2DHc23Y78e2A3TiFUkl45Y4wtNMkR_Z3j_ttuDcNlCUJc4cmDSmUL1tbIRl1dmA-DqI0QcQKxADSu6x/s1600/to_all_the_boys_ive_loved_before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43md4UQGzc1JsWwtoKO-H9S9uewE1i_rI-oopmem4iR9RZ6FlOQoY35jbeDZ0g2DHc23Y78e2A3TiFUkl45Y4wtNMkR_Z3j_ttuDcNlCUJc4cmDSmUL1tbIRl1dmA-DqI0QcQKxADSu6x/s1600/to_all_the_boys_ive_loved_before.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beyazperde.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
1. Continuity</h3>
We caught a glimpse of John Ambrose McClaren with his neatly combed hair in the first part. However, as the character was recast and Jordan Fisher is now playing the role, I'm wondering how the movie will account for continuity with the obvious change or if they will bring it up at all. If I had to take a wild poke at screen writing, I'd say it ended up in the hands of a completely different guy.<br />
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2. The Love Triangle</h3>
Now I know the concept of a love triangle spices things up significantly but this is the part I'm least excited about. Even in part 1, I hated when Peter's ex Gen (Genevieve? Jennifer?) was part of the equation, even though I understand the unpredictability of who he'd end up with was part of the charm. This time around, Laura Jean and Peter's roles are reversed but in the spirit of things, I'm going to cast my doubts aside and watch how it plays out.<br />
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3. More Of The Gang</h3>
At it's core, I know that this is a love story between two (and sometimes, three) people but it's not in isolation. The occasional features and scenes with Kitty, Chris and Doctor C were a delight in part 1 so I'm definitely in favour if secondary characters like them get more screen time without completely taking away from the main plot.<br />
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4. The One Other Letter</h3>
We know about the letters to Peter, Josh, Lucas and now John. What ever happened to Kenny from camp? The movie mentions that his letter ended up getting returned but wouldn't it be the ultimate surprise with the letter (that somehow got the address correctly changed and posted) in his hand like the second coming of John? <br />
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5. One True Love</h3>
This is probably what I'm most jittery about. Who does Laura Jean end up with? Will she continue to be head-over-heels in love with Peter in a magical relationship where the shine doesn't fade or will she give into the butterflies that appear when she's literally knocked off her feet by John? If I had to choose it would be with Peter, whole and sole. I'm not a Centineo fan for nothing, you know?<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Dayle<br />
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(More: <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2019/03/sierra-burgess-is-a-loser-noah-centineo.html" target="_blank">Why Sierra Burgess Is A Loser stayed with me (no, it wasn't because of Noah Centineo</a>)<br />
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Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-33398488857645803002020-01-30T22:48:00.000+05:302020-01-30T22:48:51.979+05:30What Not To Do During Sale Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Does a season where there isn't some kind of sale exist any more? Because it really feels like it doesn't. I always knew of bi-annual sales and the occasional mid-season one too but these days it feels like the discounts come as often as Mumbai's humid days i.e. far too often. There's no denying it has its positives but it also means exposure to a slew of steal deals almost every day of the year. As a shopping enthusiast (FYI it isn't the same as shopaholic), it can feel enlivening at first but that's temporary. After the red banners and increasing percentages give way to arms full of shopping bags is when you feel the shine wearing off, excuses adding up and wallet considerably lighter. Trust me, I know. Which I why I thought I'd share what I've learned through the years. While most write about what you should do during the sale season, here's what you shouldn't. Keep it handy through the year because well, almost every day is sale season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EIqPDM9oHIq2zxQ3q4tHtHMp4l10-mS_Iq2bDCtYD2wiRdAjladO6o75AV7DIeGmBo9pRd5IJfuBTjE03oS5sM090vD7FCACN9xqgk0FAfzzAhkdvZZBKHtxz1SrxX41GMmP6F_IhNeY/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EIqPDM9oHIq2zxQ3q4tHtHMp4l10-mS_Iq2bDCtYD2wiRdAjladO6o75AV7DIeGmBo9pRd5IJfuBTjE03oS5sM090vD7FCACN9xqgk0FAfzzAhkdvZZBKHtxz1SrxX41GMmP6F_IhNeY/s1600/giphy.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1304563578"></span>source<span id="goog_1304563579"></span></a></td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
1. Shopping at the get-go</h3>
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Though you may be eager to start shopping the moment you see an ad in the newspaper or the four-letter word splashed over billboards, restraint is a good idea. The beginning of the season is its busiest so expect endless queues to the changing room, crowded stores and payment lines that can take hours to clear up. If you wait it out for a few days or even better, weeks, not only will the crowd have simmered down, the discounts often do drop too.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
2. Clueless about sizing</h3>
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Stepping into a clothing or footwear store without knowing your exact size and simultaneously expecting to snag a sale item is as close to a crime it gets. Not only can it create tremendous confusion in the store, the lines to try on clothes are enough to throw you off shopping for a long, long time. While knowing your exact size in particular brands is ideal, if not then keep your measurements and a measure tape handy so that you can compare it with the garment in question and hopefully, skip the line.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
3. Dress for it</h3>
Shopping may not seem like a large scale activity that needs its own set of clothing like exercising does but trust me when I say it does. Outfits that are roomy and airy without laces, ties or buttons make changing in and out easy. Avoid single pieces like dresses and jumpsuits since you'll have to remove them entirely even if you want to try a pair of jeans. In the footwear department, sandals are a great choice as sneakers have too many laces and let's not even talk about heels.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
4. Don't stop at one</h3>
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So you've found the handbag/blouse/sports bra of your dreams and want to snag it before anyone else can, even though the discount on it isn't as deep as you'd like. Here's where your willpower comes in. More often than not, you will find the same garment or a similar one at another store with a better or similar priced offer if you just look. If not in physical stores, take a good look at online websites and you'll be happy you did. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
5. Do it yourself</h3>
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The thought of spending the afternoon shopping with your girlfriends, hanging in the mall and grabbing a bite is the stuff of chick flicks. When it comes to real world shopping that has razor sharp focus on the best deals, you need none of that distraction which is why you should shop alone. As long as you trust your choices, you'll be less prone to burn money because your buddies are buying something. If you aren't up for the challenge, then bring along a plus one who has the same thought process as you and won't encourage you to splurge without good reason.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
6. Take a step back </h3>
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Yes, you are excited to get your hands on the last jacket in your size at what you believe is an unbelievable price. Spoiler alert: It's not. In fact, you might even have something similar at home but you're momentarily swept up in the red tags and banners and bustle. Don't be. It's one thing to enjoy shopping the sales but it's quite another to unnecessarily make purchases you do not need and will definitely regret later.</div>
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xo<br />
Dayle<br />
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(More: <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2017/07/style-files-fast-fashion-quality-consumerism.html" target="_blank">Style Files | How important is quality?</a>)</div>
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Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-64867483336168693212019-12-31T22:17:00.000+05:302019-12-31T22:33:34.584+05:3010 Life Lessons I've Learned In The Past Decade <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It feels surreal how swiftly the past 10 years have gone by. The decade has seen me move from being a nubile college-goer to fairly more confident young adult. It has witnessed me gather degrees, find my career calling and also what I believe is my best version of personal style. In between, I managed to find my path to love and forge wonderful adult friendships. In a nutshell, it has been eventful which in many ways, is life's greatest teachers. In all the universities, colleges and business schools I've studied at, I've realised that some of the best lessons I've learned have been outside a classroom. That's why I've decided to take a leisurely stroll through the last decade and pick out some of the highlights. It should be an interesting ride and who knows, maybe you'll take some of it with you into 2020.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3Kt6tBhZBaoOktqXlGY2J6sBj04MfXw4yd1W2hmjMpGW3CbqzRCexacxC9iXzcchvNt8D0HmKm9C2-fXO8mMpuCH15qF0uPwff0UV7xwm6ixbWV4SsDeJvBfZm2CPVCxAE3ovU52eCHZ/s1600/new_year_decade_life_lessons_2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3Kt6tBhZBaoOktqXlGY2J6sBj04MfXw4yd1W2hmjMpGW3CbqzRCexacxC9iXzcchvNt8D0HmKm9C2-fXO8mMpuCH15qF0uPwff0UV7xwm6ixbWV4SsDeJvBfZm2CPVCxAE3ovU52eCHZ/s1600/new_year_decade_life_lessons_2020.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofpixels/" target="_blank">Raynor Pereira</a> / Style File</td></tr>
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<b> 1. Learn to let go</b><br />
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The only way to move forward is by letting go of the past. This applies to almost anything; be it broken promises or friendships gone sour. Sometimes things do not work out the way you want them to and that's okay. For your personal peace of mind, leaving it in the past is the best way to go.<br />
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<b>2. Health comes first</b><br />
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It's easy to get sucked into the cycle of chasing dreams and adding designations but it cannot ever be at the cost of your physical or mental health. Both form the very foundation on which your entire life runs; whether it's to function at work, socialise with your buddies or even just get out of bed on a Monday morning.<br />
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<b>3. Be Kind</b><br />
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The easiest reaction to an unpleasant situation is usually a negative one like screaming, scolding or scowling. Doing the exact opposite like brushing it off or accepting an apology with a smile is definitely harder but can have a wonderful effect. You never know what someone else is going through and the way a tiny gesture of kindness can turn their day around.<br />
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<b>4. Do more than work</b><br />
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Yes, jobs pay the bills but life has much more meaning than money. Don't be that two-dimensional person who only talks shop at cocktail parties. Build skills that aren't exclusive to your career; be it competitive running, playing the piano or line dancing. You'll be amazed at the way a hobby or recreational activity can clear your mind and broaden your horizon.<br />
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<b>5. Family is everything</b><br />
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No matter how independent you get, life barely has meaning when it's lived alone. Surround yourself with family, whether you're related by blood or otherwise is one way to change that. Whether for company on a movie night or when you need a sounding board after an argument, there's absolutely no one in the universe that can replace them.<br />
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<b>6. Invest in yourself</b><br />
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The only companion you will ever have throughout your life is yourself. That being said, ensure that you make yourself the most exciting and enriching partner you can have on this journey. Read books, study more, indulge in the arts, meet new people, polish talents you let go on the way. Put yourself out there to become the best version of you.<br />
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<b>7. Don't be ashamed of your choices</b><br />
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Because you read a certain book, watch a pretentious show or date a posh lad doesn't make you better than anyone else. Similarly, watching trash TV and reading gossip magazines doesn't make you worse. Your choices are just that; the choices you make and they don't determine anything else than that so it's silly to think otherwise.<br />
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<b>8. Declutter everything</b><br />
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Mario Kondo is a hit for good reason. Decluttering may be a physical activity but has psychological effects too. Whether with the spoiled food sitting in your fridge for months, the pile of clothes on your bed or messy office desk you've been working around, strip it down to the basics and you will find it more manageable to manoeuvre and easy on the eyes too.<br />
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<b>9. Think before you swipe</b><br />
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Consumerism is a modern epidemic. Purchasing everything from furniture to groceries has become so accessible with the internet that cards are swiped, CVVs are added and money is exchanged in minutes. While that's perfectly fine if it genuinely fulfils a need, if it isn't for one then take a step back. More often than not, you don't really need it, you're feeling temporarily indulgent and you already have what you're looking for at home.<br />
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<b>10. All for the mother</b><br />
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With resources running dry, global temperatures rising, ice caps melting and species going extinct, it's important to look at the larger picture which is beyond your life and work and social circle. We all inhabit the same planet and it is in desperate need of TLC. Expecting you to drop everything and join the Peace Corps may not be the most feasible solution but doing your best in your own way certainly can be by opting for reusable products, conserving water and cutting down on waste that isn't biodegradable.<br />
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Here's to a fantastic 2020 to come!<br />
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xo<br />
Dayle </div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-83389800109596076422019-12-04T21:28:00.000+05:302019-12-04T22:09:05.954+05:30It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Like any person who returned home from a vacation abroad, I was filled with bittersweet emotions; missing life as I knew it as well as dread at having to go back to life as I knew it. Confusing, I know. However, I do admit that the latter tugged a little more at my heartstrings. As if travelling to two different countries and catching flights so frequently that they felt like taxis weren't enough, the experience of new food, infrastructure, fresh air and culture in the middle of November was overwhelmingly magnificent. I stress on the month especially because that's what truly sealed the deal for me. For someone who religiously celebrates Christmas and everything it stands for, it's overwhelming to see streets, boulevards and malls decked to the halls with trees, wreaths and streamers in the month preceding December.<br />
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I almost broke into tears of joy when I walked into a completely decorated Marks & Spencer store which was stocked with almost everything from plaid jackets to mulled wine mixes; a sight I've never witnessed back at home even on C-day itself. Sure, I was probably a teensy bit dramatic because I'm known to be rather theatrical but simply walking down the streets and shopping in the malls were an experience in itself.<br />
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While most vacation round-up blog posts include significant amounts of poolside lounging and shopping bag pictures, you won't find any of that here. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I'm certain no one is interested in the number of Whoppers I ate (countless), the shopping sprees I went (also countless) or what I wore on vacation (which I'll say was quite cool). What you will find is the magnificence of Singapore's Orchard Street and Sentosa Island and Thailand's nooks all donned in Christmas colours. I won't be surprised if you begin to hum 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas' once you've viewed these photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXRV7hBbj1gQVozOqOFUomEkggMgg5HCtFmuMQJ_5-jUtM2YjzILfGJXaOhD-7s-iCjWYDzOe3xYmbLBOpwYOBQnRxtQhk8zu7s4g2HpLB-_g4WtI-S-ndkrnBYqRsWFxqzMozQV-FKIS/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_paragon_christmas_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXRV7hBbj1gQVozOqOFUomEkggMgg5HCtFmuMQJ_5-jUtM2YjzILfGJXaOhD-7s-iCjWYDzOe3xYmbLBOpwYOBQnRxtQhk8zu7s4g2HpLB-_g4WtI-S-ndkrnBYqRsWFxqzMozQV-FKIS/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_paragon_christmas_tree.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try fitting that in the living room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfD3xmbiASbQ6ywcMgsBSPzJsrUpV60UCGxm5N7OGy8JnXj8xLTHJFlp23cwq1cf5hAib9Tav_mClqMGFg47x4mXJfUFgr9t7ejSra3iXKu7tK2BSNKAAvAL9Jt4J34L8tRGh0vB-mnYT/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfD3xmbiASbQ6ywcMgsBSPzJsrUpV60UCGxm5N7OGy8JnXj8xLTHJFlp23cwq1cf5hAib9Tav_mClqMGFg47x4mXJfUFgr9t7ejSra3iXKu7tK2BSNKAAvAL9Jt4J34L8tRGh0vB-mnYT/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_sunset.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take me back to this sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnl3ZDwLuAqddUJflOijrIOiL_vf3DrETmvTqrgPbA1mEFaEQQCMoh0ePvGaBXXTo937EkVI4YbvtHqHfZmTtEOduJcx1AMRwpgMXEDdOdLRvxnCa-IABJIqFfIHVNsGwSYKCONKXPmi5/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnl3ZDwLuAqddUJflOijrIOiL_vf3DrETmvTqrgPbA1mEFaEQQCMoh0ePvGaBXXTo937EkVI4YbvtHqHfZmTtEOduJcx1AMRwpgMXEDdOdLRvxnCa-IABJIqFfIHVNsGwSYKCONKXPmi5/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_store.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I'm hoping is under my tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNucmdEZebK-ILNUhwB8P7UxvhBvgv-7LyX11m5i3WI-ZvytXphDF8XAFzyASC4BDK0OJWUiqB_GeqHRqRPGeTuL7fflK_Xjj-60sab14QUQKsTIjmWvQb7QkLoMof7Y14svO0iMwlV3z/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_mall_decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNucmdEZebK-ILNUhwB8P7UxvhBvgv-7LyX11m5i3WI-ZvytXphDF8XAFzyASC4BDK0OJWUiqB_GeqHRqRPGeTuL7fflK_Xjj-60sab14QUQKsTIjmWvQb7QkLoMof7Y14svO0iMwlV3z/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_mall_decoration.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the ceilings were decked up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatIGWghPyQtO8uMGYDtN0GcDsu8EpOMtZgvh2vZG225pe9AQ-N-OVeecHXdQsBeaUfFOIQVzu9txBQ5fD1xDqpVIpkmFBPGsNL0_aLjPUHUOqVzt2Vypq43u0STXD4MBRoFRozNBJcuyZ/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_christmas_rabbits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatIGWghPyQtO8uMGYDtN0GcDsu8EpOMtZgvh2vZG225pe9AQ-N-OVeecHXdQsBeaUfFOIQVzu9txBQ5fD1xDqpVIpkmFBPGsNL0_aLjPUHUOqVzt2Vypq43u0STXD4MBRoFRozNBJcuyZ/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_christmas_rabbits.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stars, buntings and bunnies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2ct2AkGvTdApedQhmBV77mKnMpuQshWH3454bueCtVhjH8gnNBK2vYUH6QXL4gmpoaum55HE6-jf-5xF48WwsrkBwfZYFKF4vd3Pku_ILyuDdPI318aWK4C_f6nyPDcb8eHoC5a2ZPck/s1600/christmas_singapore_sentosa_island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2ct2AkGvTdApedQhmBV77mKnMpuQshWH3454bueCtVhjH8gnNBK2vYUH6QXL4gmpoaum55HE6-jf-5xF48WwsrkBwfZYFKF4vd3Pku_ILyuDdPI318aWK4C_f6nyPDcb8eHoC5a2ZPck/s1600/christmas_singapore_sentosa_island.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tree of surprises at Sentosa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C9HBT4wbizjRSonbx7f1k8JJF91FIEATC1es3BSGR3eWYnF_3Ys95dRmhvgKGnRrLGvf2RmkbCJKhi2W9MAzjbeKdDwTpLseY-zMy0kiNvGlgb3IcLge-aeUgPS-8UKCICcN4m_p2WKB/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C9HBT4wbizjRSonbx7f1k8JJF91FIEATC1es3BSGR3eWYnF_3Ys95dRmhvgKGnRrLGvf2RmkbCJKhi2W9MAzjbeKdDwTpLseY-zMy0kiNvGlgb3IcLge-aeUgPS-8UKCICcN4m_p2WKB/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_streets.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"It's Christmas time in the city"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgnOo-JkmM4_cUvla1iFDYrP69ERIuAVo1qEvaiI7XVAYWBcala6uEAE3saeitTOn3L40ItKixzk3eMtD8ETld5MtSYDNle_fHPw8sAbz4M-DT78MV-HxJhldYl-iFrGjJI4ppuLXAttL/s1600/christmas_singapore_starbucks_sentosa_island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgnOo-JkmM4_cUvla1iFDYrP69ERIuAVo1qEvaiI7XVAYWBcala6uEAE3saeitTOn3L40ItKixzk3eMtD8ETld5MtSYDNle_fHPw8sAbz4M-DT78MV-HxJhldYl-iFrGjJI4ppuLXAttL/s1600/christmas_singapore_starbucks_sentosa_island.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pleasure of drinking from Starbucks Christmas cups weeks before they arrived in my local store</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67rdumeeOQdguH1ZXCBDY8jvFnVTzhlJSV4TnR7madY3y0ido_coG_-Vj74QPCG7mlZqYAgnVZOvRj-Blb-M9Snm6okCH74QJTQzKrU2W8x4EyVTYBYU5ZUQ3nROq2gYqFk1Xu45qlH41/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_wheelock_place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67rdumeeOQdguH1ZXCBDY8jvFnVTzhlJSV4TnR7madY3y0ido_coG_-Vj74QPCG7mlZqYAgnVZOvRj-Blb-M9Snm6okCH74QJTQzKrU2W8x4EyVTYBYU5ZUQ3nROq2gYqFk1Xu45qlH41/s1600/christmas_singapore_orchard_street_wheelock_place.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely not my first noel, hopefully not my last</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
The advent season is calling; hope those sweets are in the oven and tree is getting decorated!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Dayle<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-19882134113134535302019-09-29T15:02:00.000+05:302019-10-06T15:16:40.501+05:3012 years of Gossip Girl: The original fashion influencer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My tastes in television are a mixed bag. Some days, I live for a riveting plot that moves stealthily with stellar acting. On others, I'm going to (kind of embarrassingly) admit that my tastes aren't all that refined and I enjoy those that serve to entertain. I'm talking flash and drama so make that a double helping please. The summer of 2007 was when Gossip Girl first premiered, which coincided with a phase when I particularly enjoyed a lot of this kind of TV. A true GG lover will pinpoint that as the one where Serena van der Woodsen was famously spotted in Grand Central. And that is where it all began.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxII_sdP0VUgV0lmeckVGgc0WFv9ZNch5fpDpxYebSL4iQYx2exFY5me-JkGXZL39QosURqIzsL9WrSEMQaMHDRPg2bPKhhhggYJna8_bDUefPUxmuaNq86khsz8VS9axT88KKY-altPW/s1600/gossip_girl_cast_photoshoot_blair_serena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxII_sdP0VUgV0lmeckVGgc0WFv9ZNch5fpDpxYebSL4iQYx2exFY5me-JkGXZL39QosURqIzsL9WrSEMQaMHDRPg2bPKhhhggYJna8_bDUefPUxmuaNq86khsz8VS9axT88KKY-altPW/s640/gossip_girl_cast_photoshoot_blair_serena.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://imgur.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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It wasn't just the glitzy parties and weekly betrayals that I couldn't get enough of; their style was a large part of it. From Blair's preppy dresses to Chuck's suave suits, I was sold in a heart beat. To no one's surprise, this isn't even the first time I'm talking about Gossip Girl on Style File. During its run, I excitably wrote about the awesome twosome, <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2011/05/gossip-girl-style-serena-van-der.html" target="_blank">Serena</a> and <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2011/05/gossip-girl-decoding-blair-waldorf.html" target="_blank">Blair</a> and their incredible personal style; which ended up being among the most popular posts on the blog. And believe you me, it wasn't left at words on paper. I was experimenting with my own tastes, which meant I was open to almost anything. Cue the sequinned shorts, wispy floral dresses and blazers in sweltering heat. Don't even get me started on the bow trimmed hairbands. So. Many. Hairbands. With satin bows and pastel tones, I drowned in hairbands (evidenced <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2014/06/tropical-prints-lace-loreal.html" target="_blank">here</a>), some of which I'm still in possession of. It goes without saying that GG influenced my style great deal. But it wasn't all bad. I learned to love bows, designer handbags and sheer layered tight looks a little too much. The power of accessorising was never lost on me. And neither was a statement-making blingy dress to win back a boyfriend at a soiree.<br />
<br />
And that's only to do with my fashion sense. In fact, even my growth path and Gossip Girl's run intertwined and made for memorable times to look back on. I did go on to work in a few magazines and even dabble in fashion, even though none of them were The Spectator. I learned how to walk fairly well in heels. I witnessed the value of digital publishing and ended up in the same world and it's a lot less snarky than you'd think.<br />
<br />
2019 marks the 12th year since the beloved TV show premiered. A true fan (like moi) will admit to it being a bit ridiculous, impractical and excessive, especially for a bunch of high-schoolers. But maybe me and a million others loved it exactly for that.<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
Gossip Girl<br />
<br />
Kidding...it's Dayle </div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-78598444217615281482019-08-25T15:35:00.001+05:302019-08-25T15:39:02.676+05:30I can't get enough of these 12 makeup looks from Euphoria <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was fully prepared for what I was getting into when I decided to watch Euphoria; or that's what I thought. It covered themes like promiscuity and substance abuse on the young adult drama spectrum, which I knew I would be witnessing a lot of. But the makeup surprised me from the first episode itself.<br />
The show follows a gang of juniors in high school and along with their misadventures, their makeup looks take the cake. From Cassie's stunningly sexy Halloween look to <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2016/08/style-files-inspiration-zendaya-fashion.html" target="_blank">Rue</a>'s glitter tears in the midst of a hallucinogenic episode, they weren't dramatic for the heck of it but actually complemented their multifaceted personalities and revelatory situations magnificently. As much as I love a 'dewy-skin-and-bold-brows' look, I can easily get behind exaggeration and whimsy when worn in the right measure. Whether it was Maddy's signature crystal liner to Jules' multiple faces; each better than the next, it was tough to pick which makeup look I liked the best. So I didn't. What I did do was list 12 of my favourite makeup looks from the TV show Euphoria. From their fantastic backstories to the brilliant cinematography that makes them wallpaper-worthy, they'll be all the reasons you need to give the show a watch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVkCjaXTu1N3qt29f3qYz0Cv04z58djG0onecJculNNtah701X3luW0St18mXUNIkbuiuItgJu3JLtiHwbN3w1i3kb48Nw82RvVJpbIzyB916W51IX7iy3qPAGkuPfgUxXDB1L1y-UX31/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_maddy_eyeliner_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVkCjaXTu1N3qt29f3qYz0Cv04z58djG0onecJculNNtah701X3luW0St18mXUNIkbuiuItgJu3JLtiHwbN3w1i3kb48Nw82RvVJpbIzyB916W51IX7iy3qPAGkuPfgUxXDB1L1y-UX31/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_maddy_eyeliner_9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddy's comeback crystal look, for which you'll find many video tutorials</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZtFxwvOuriUeR88f0N_GZHrL0XR_XNZvGhsq_pkTPA1rjA3lQhxMdLGYt5ix7hP3u57sHo_NmQMEzSEnF8hzBGbYFG8LyiBnzieSwgCF5ZAQjaAAQy8v2XAcrl2CYsXQgc8Pe2TEqmxm/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_dance_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZtFxwvOuriUeR88f0N_GZHrL0XR_XNZvGhsq_pkTPA1rjA3lQhxMdLGYt5ix7hP3u57sHo_NmQMEzSEnF8hzBGbYFG8LyiBnzieSwgCF5ZAQjaAAQy8v2XAcrl2CYsXQgc8Pe2TEqmxm/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_dance_4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jules giving Xtina vibes at the dance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVvyC-Nj9gJeckC71wrUsQBQAg0E5hHWtBYrI7bw_E6bF2hvYXw1avBeVrzp9uXSTs4QFNiWSmg98wtC3ydrU4TCmwXk4D3zLEvk4F0gQGTNTFULIMa2IdmF8xcCMjcerhzs1nLZvQBWG/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_cassie_alabama_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVvyC-Nj9gJeckC71wrUsQBQAg0E5hHWtBYrI7bw_E6bF2hvYXw1avBeVrzp9uXSTs4QFNiWSmg98wtC3ydrU4TCmwXk4D3zLEvk4F0gQGTNTFULIMa2IdmF8xcCMjcerhzs1nLZvQBWG/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_cassie_alabama_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassie looks drop dead gorgeous. That's all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRM1CQn3ytrKm9H8TgW1fPH0ILWiJKNbtU22-nfICRuebG6SPKaFOvdiZT7viy_3pgXNLmSBFgYVblUCVmwzYVHoUekdos8LCJZNEw0nkwPuug30n3q_N7FDLeR4aol8chN5yk4_mWecI/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_rue_glitter_tears_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRM1CQn3ytrKm9H8TgW1fPH0ILWiJKNbtU22-nfICRuebG6SPKaFOvdiZT7viy_3pgXNLmSBFgYVblUCVmwzYVHoUekdos8LCJZNEw0nkwPuug30n3q_N7FDLeR4aol8chN5yk4_mWecI/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_rue_glitter_tears_10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue with glitter tears. Get set to see this everywhere this Halloween.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoLHBMjDLyDZqhdpxjCidtpofykzZBf0UY8HsU5HR2853DO-CMXSDlDmFBp17_dTpEYszyA6pStuD5L7nTqPaNguZiqxmaHMfuh5OT9qasimlscy5lD6ggKmgfAE5bs3PmE4Apn4xQVlO/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_colour_eyes_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoLHBMjDLyDZqhdpxjCidtpofykzZBf0UY8HsU5HR2853DO-CMXSDlDmFBp17_dTpEYszyA6pStuD5L7nTqPaNguZiqxmaHMfuh5OT9qasimlscy5lD6ggKmgfAE5bs3PmE4Apn4xQVlO/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_colour_eyes_3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dual toned eyes for Jules</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsKblHjFBEkoJJv1CoRxrlnW3GGVvVrz8cJ-H4aAC7Tf8Nj-LDOdcC9xuhJ0LZdCPahTED9vCPYr1N8ZMF2DkdoQkZHhwC33DgX8u_Bv_06SNdA5jzGW469ERIcZU_Csu8t06gV1rorg4/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_rue_makeup_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsKblHjFBEkoJJv1CoRxrlnW3GGVvVrz8cJ-H4aAC7Tf8Nj-LDOdcC9xuhJ0LZdCPahTED9vCPYr1N8ZMF2DkdoQkZHhwC33DgX8u_Bv_06SNdA5jzGW469ERIcZU_Csu8t06gV1rorg4/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_rue_makeup_12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue with glitter and dark smudges at the carnival</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8zW3bZW-_4WyTrK0UWipvX2OLBM4zOCizQF1lZHV74OD5TeGUEM7PEeYi_AD-E4Th6ADasjsouva9Vsl2H9FbgTgDsXEctAd_90ksLFllVvwmgJ-aL1v03o6YODD72B27YOUyGzibUTy/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_cloud_eyemakeup_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8zW3bZW-_4WyTrK0UWipvX2OLBM4zOCizQF1lZHV74OD5TeGUEM7PEeYi_AD-E4Th6ADasjsouva9Vsl2H9FbgTgDsXEctAd_90ksLFllVvwmgJ-aL1v03o6YODD72B27YOUyGzibUTy/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_cloud_eyemakeup_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud eyes on Jules</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccDgcXK88BQFLiogcygYYq0vTuvaujlXQgCDJy6TqVsYAmXdS8OHIGgjOImBlvuh8h6J1F1gO_y3P9PX4o9I_eboFea7XhNXU6ue32dlnoY_5__lqalHXvc-rJq61iVj19y_D9HfHBeXd/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_kat_makeover_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccDgcXK88BQFLiogcygYYq0vTuvaujlXQgCDJy6TqVsYAmXdS8OHIGgjOImBlvuh8h6J1F1gO_y3P9PX4o9I_eboFea7XhNXU6ue32dlnoY_5__lqalHXvc-rJq61iVj19y_D9HfHBeXd/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_kat_makeover_7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-makeover Kat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW8F0z5tNFh8Yx81L0Kk1jXvSqIS-boJeV1kT4WB9wxSmdpM8ZAYCt7dPTuPnZvS5HwNMB4WE2qp6VvgDn85fwY4Pdq1SI42Uzm_Hguh8RDcpQJ_wQQiu4tm2qYf80633GRVKJubgApjT/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_orange_eyes_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW8F0z5tNFh8Yx81L0Kk1jXvSqIS-boJeV1kT4WB9wxSmdpM8ZAYCt7dPTuPnZvS5HwNMB4WE2qp6VvgDn85fwY4Pdq1SI42Uzm_Hguh8RDcpQJ_wQQiu4tm2qYf80633GRVKJubgApjT/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_orange_eyes_5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neon nighclub eyed Jules</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72scZZpq4WNKFEGQ97fAoXLx7O68elsTSos2Bn2ZI83Um4aQ9OFil6UPBtzGRo8hHMIzzFHnbxvzJdH_0G6QiFZjo2hNdfNvdV_RmcC_8PgxW-CbfQtLnTTQw4YpcJ7_o-IIOg5rzowgf/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_maddy_carnival_makeup_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72scZZpq4WNKFEGQ97fAoXLx7O68elsTSos2Bn2ZI83Um4aQ9OFil6UPBtzGRo8hHMIzzFHnbxvzJdH_0G6QiFZjo2hNdfNvdV_RmcC_8PgxW-CbfQtLnTTQw4YpcJ7_o-IIOg5rzowgf/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_maddy_carnival_makeup_8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddy with more crystals and a glitter lip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAl1eJ_ChiG-4bMbE-VeiSphrJm8_hBtlc2yjXFEtaernZjZIJT9PSuiSml3OgHHLk0Bva4jTHV58BMwRy5cPvU0AJIbGnm9Fzx-pKx5Lq0TF9hHMuIGuVA0FQcws9DrL5_98PwbtL4M6/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_rainbow_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAl1eJ_ChiG-4bMbE-VeiSphrJm8_hBtlc2yjXFEtaernZjZIJT9PSuiSml3OgHHLk0Bva4jTHV58BMwRy5cPvU0AJIbGnm9Fzx-pKx5Lq0TF9hHMuIGuVA0FQcws9DrL5_98PwbtL4M6/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_jules_rainbow_6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happiest I've seen Jules with a rainbow eye to boot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqsZ1OXcAm1AFuqAo8hWd8XmVDv4Ar_WyKn553bp4_SBkIhhswNvlBOJlMpYGoty9UQJvP3aED-bBFH4jiZnbASaua8hWJYhS8Xmbmm4XtGOnBDx76LBQJ2DVQ44JYTJMJKfhlFqkmmy1/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_rue_halloween_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqsZ1OXcAm1AFuqAo8hWd8XmVDv4Ar_WyKn553bp4_SBkIhhswNvlBOJlMpYGoty9UQJvP3aED-bBFH4jiZnbASaua8hWJYhS8Xmbmm4XtGOnBDx76LBQJ2DVQ44JYTJMJKfhlFqkmmy1/s1600/euphoria_makeup_look_rue_halloween_11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue at Halloween in my favourite look from the entire season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Images source: HBO / Hotstar</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Dayle </div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-52160910914790363022019-07-03T22:48:00.002+05:302019-07-03T22:48:18.939+05:30What we can learn from the Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun feud<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Those who know me well enough will second my adoration for Taylor Swift. And it isn't even new. In fact, it dates back a decade when I played '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNIsY6JdUw" target="_blank">You Belong With Me</a>' on loop at a time when my heart was aching. '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdneKLhsWOQ" target="_blank">Wildest Dreams</a>' was the background track for my version of carpool karaoke. '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tmd-ClpJxA" target="_blank">Look What You Made Me Do</a>' vocalised many of my thoughts and more recently, it felt like a family reunion when Taylor and Katy buried the hatchet. So yeah, I'm a Swiftie.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8F8LAQKwszsR3FVfNb-2f12Dbj7IG0UkY4rptQ68sp-BpiZEDnT4mL_JVxogxipBwPm0RV8u-y2Bqpt9GBLBOFVKd-F3wyYDSXyhrbGWNfoWLswPCHxcx3_JpnVxVb4fGOxf8sqjRVbN/s1600/taylor_swift_reputation_concert_scooter_braun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1500" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8F8LAQKwszsR3FVfNb-2f12Dbj7IG0UkY4rptQ68sp-BpiZEDnT4mL_JVxogxipBwPm0RV8u-y2Bqpt9GBLBOFVKd-F3wyYDSXyhrbGWNfoWLswPCHxcx3_JpnVxVb4fGOxf8sqjRVbN/s640/taylor_swift_reputation_concert_scooter_braun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.simplemost.com/taylor-swift-is-headlining-amazon-prime-day-concert/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That also means I've read everything I could get my hands regarding the controversy about Scooter Braun and Taylor Swift. It is a pretty winding situation and if you aren't cued in, this <a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/7/1/20677241/taylor-swift-scooter-braun-controversy-explained" target="_blank">VOX article</a> will bring you up to speed.<br />
<br />
TL;DR?<br />
<br />
Big Machine Records has been acquired by Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings. Until her contract expired last year, Taylor was signed with the label. She claims Scooter has manipulated and bullied her for years and now, he essentially owns the master recordings of her 6 albums made during the period.<br />
<br />
You're probably wondering what celebrity feuds, pop music and million dollar contracts have to do with you. Well, nothing directly but there are some learnings from the episode and you don't have to be a pop star to take them with you.<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<u><b>Art Isn't Easy</b></u><br />
<br />
Be it music, painting, design or literature, art is tricky in a lot of ways. Creating it takes blood, sweat and tears and sometimes, that's the simplest part. The moment sellers, contracts and third party individuals get involved, it becomes more a business transaction than a creative process. If you're an artist in any shape or form, understand the contracts you sign, ensure they are as thorough as possible and get legal help if necessary. If you know an artist, slide into their DMs and tell them how much you enjoy their work - it's always welcome.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Bullies Don't Have A Type</b></u><br />
<br />
You'd think bullies would be left behind when you pass out of school but unfortunately, that's far from true. Bullying comes in many forms and it isn't restricted to the burly girl who stole your tiffin in class. It's possible to find bullies in your work place or friends circle. If you are facing any kind of bullying, seek help from a parent, a sibling or a friend. It isn't something you should handle alone and besides having a shoulder to cry on, they can talk you through it and guide you on the steps to take.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Never Back Down</b></u><br />
<br />
Standing up for yourself can be terrifying, I get it. That's especially so if you face pressure from family or society to accept the situations that be. Even so, you shouldn't be afraid to fight for yourself. Don't let your position, social standing or family background ever get in your way. If you are being manipulated, abused, bullied or harassed at work, school, college or home, speak up. Find someone you can trust like your mother, sister, best friend or cousin and tell them what you are going through. Having a support system will allow you to tackle the situation maturely.<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
Here are a few more articles I recommend reading for more perspective on the feud:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-everyone-can-learn-from-the-300-million-deal-that-taylor-swift-claims-stripped-me-of-my-lifes-work-2019-07-02" target="_blank">What everyone can learn from the $300 million deal that Taylor Swift claims ‘stripped me of my life’s work’</a> - Market Watch<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/taylor-swift-scooter-braun-catalogue-battle-about-more-just-music-ncna1025541" target="_blank">Taylor Swift-Scooter Braun catalogue battle is about more than just music</a> - NBC News<br />
<br />
<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/02/opinions/taylor-swift-justin-bieber-isnt-a-feud-campoamor/index.html" target="_blank">Like Taylor Swift, every woman faces a Justin Bieber</a> - CNN
</div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-19113214357259749742019-06-24T20:39:00.000+05:302019-06-24T20:39:31.699+05:30There's an Indian remake of The Office and I have strong opinions about it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;">
I first watched the American
version of The Office when I was in college. I was riveted to shows
like Gossip Girl with high drama, excess flash and galloping pace so
naturally, in comparison The Office felt monotonous and I stopped going back to it. Last year, I caught stray glimpses of
the show when my brother was watching it, which eventually led to me loyally following the series for the next few months.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqXCzj2QgvQH33L_OfH3YBD0xWhpfol4Ki8duc6odgSX-m1rL5hwzgNzyuybQvSSxeUq-sxiPlQogZ3F23s1k7FLLAHix_5ByCdQ2y-J-B1Sn6lqMzjRmo8eQqcQuZ9lIINMXcRe9GcRE/s1600/the_office_michael_pam_jim_dwight_ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqXCzj2QgvQH33L_OfH3YBD0xWhpfol4Ki8duc6odgSX-m1rL5hwzgNzyuybQvSSxeUq-sxiPlQogZ3F23s1k7FLLAHix_5ByCdQ2y-J-B1Sn6lqMzjRmo8eQqcQuZ9lIINMXcRe9GcRE/s640/the_office_michael_pam_jim_dwight_ryan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://uproxx.com/tv/best-office-episodes-ranked/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've completed a decent share of TV series in my lifetime
and if I were to rank them, The Office would fall somewhere on top. The
second time around with developed sensibilities and fresh
perspective, I appreciated the mixed bag of characters, their dry humour and the realistic
but lively setup most 9 to 5'ers can identify with.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;">
That's why, when I heard The
Office was getting an official Indian remake, I had to first
absorb this was really happening. After it sunk in, this was my
first reaction.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="271" src="https://giphy.com/embed/d10dMmzqCYqQ0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/the-office-mrw-d10dMmzqCYqQ0">via GIPHY</a><br />
</center>
<br />
I decided against judging it too
quickly and with an open mind, watched the trailer. For your viewing
pleasure and the purpose of this piece, check it out here.<br />
</div>
<center>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rdqZFIOhes8" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
The Office's American remake
premiered in 2005 and continued for 9 seasons until 2013. It was critically acclaimed during its run and went on to win Emmy's, SAG and Golden Globe awards for directing and acting. The early 00s during its run were very
different times, to say the least. The climate wasn't as politically
charged and neither was it as culturally sensitive as it is today. In hindsight, many of their jokes could be deemed inappropriate by
today's standard. I believe that one of their greatest challenges will be capturing the show's essence and humour
without offending anyone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
I was underwhelmed from the get-go when it seemed like a scene-by-scene remake of how Michael
Scott enters the office. From Pam's hapless look in the camera to the iconic 'world's best boss' mug, it feels like they took the word remake too literally. In the words of Dwight K. Schrute, "Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!" If that is the
case, they will have
to adapt some pretty tricky material like Meredith's drunken shenanigans or Oscar's personal life.<br />
<br />
We can't ignore one of the primary reasons behind The Office's success; its superb writing. The backdrop may be a regular corporate office, but every character is brilliantly crafted with unique personalities and quirks to go with it. No episode just coasts through a day at the desk; it's packed with hilarious meetings, office affairs and strange stakeouts. Here's hoping its desi counterpart has the backing of strong writing for the Indian context with hopefully, funnier jokes.<br />
<br />
The Office would be nowhere without its characters and their gags. Their roles are so incredibly played, you'd think they were written just for them. Let's not forget how finely nuanced they are. Take Micheal, for example. He has potential to be highly annoying but balances it with his social ineptitude and goofy charm. There's no doubt that Jim's gags (which have their own <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andyneuenschwander/this-is-how-much-money-jim-spent-pranking-dwight" target="_blank">Buzzfeed</a> article) as well as his frenemy-ship with Dwight have earned legendary status. So have Shrute farms, the Dundies and Threat Level Midnight. Will it have more iconic moments in its future? Only time will tell.<br />
<br />
The stage is set and all we can do is wait. Jagdeep Chaddha and the gang, you have massive white sneakers to fill. I sure hope we feel God in this Chili's when it premieres.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-46199204550360593902019-05-28T23:27:00.000+05:302019-05-28T23:28:55.229+05:30This menstrual hygiene day, can we talk about periods?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, periods.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It starts young; with a young girl on the brink of puberty. Menses weren't ever discussed with her by her parents or guardians. She learned nuggets of information from discreet sex-ed classes or Chinese whispers among her friends. Once she attained womanhood, knowledge grew from experience. She figured out more about her flow and what she had to do when the going (read: cramps) got tough. Remember that these were times when the internet was limited to terribly slow speeds and Google wasn't constantly available with the answer to everything. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Through it all, she couldn't fathom why periods were kept under a </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">veil. Chemists packed sanitary pads in layers of paper so tight, not even a sliver of the packet was visible. Her friends gave theirs menses borderline ridiculous names, especially around the other gender; God forbid they hear that women have a natural bodily process. For the life of her, she couldn't understand why the words '</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I've got my period' weren't ever uttered.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to think times have changed, maybe not by leaps and bounds. Periods exist for millions of women in India and across the world as part of their monthly cycle. Yet, they continue to keep it wrapped in secrecy. They pretend they actually want to wear the black skirt instead of the white jeans. They blame their cramps on bad Chinese food, not on their ongoing menstrual cycle. We can't fully blame them though. Decades of social conditioning taught them that they're impure, they should be ashamed of it and and it's unnatural.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mEnHBRLZvTK5XlsKeQBBbq6d44DDsgSsRkp_kk7pOImc0PZAad_LYTn2jQhpegszUXC1xUkNs_D_8dxLSylN5dGz5hFb2REGk5C_XbhgHlftbYKrwnu1-Vi49oOv62lCZjFcooT9VPam/s1600/menstruation_hygiene_periods_blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="700" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mEnHBRLZvTK5XlsKeQBBbq6d44DDsgSsRkp_kk7pOImc0PZAad_LYTn2jQhpegszUXC1xUkNs_D_8dxLSylN5dGz5hFb2REGk5C_XbhgHlftbYKrwnu1-Vi49oOv62lCZjFcooT9VPam/s640/menstruation_hygiene_periods_blood.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When, in fact, it's none of that. Periods aren't just bouts of abdomen pain so terrible, they can bring you to your knees. It isn't only about the strange mood swings that go from joyous to sobbing in 10 seconds flat. Neither is it about the stray spotting of blood on the lining of a panty. It's a marvel. It's a fountain of fertility. It is the female body's ability to create something out of nothing but itself. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The aim of menstrual hygiene day is to increase awareness about menstruation and its process. Besides education on how to put in a menstrual cup, periods need to be normalised. So that women everywhere can enter any kitchen, cook whatever their heart desires and serve it to everyone around. So that she can talk about it to her friends without nicknames and no, not in hushed tones. So that she can stride through the grocery store, uncovered sanitary pad packet in hand. So that she and everyone around her knows that menstruation is a wondrous process of the female body and there's nothing unnatural about it. Period.</span></span></span></div>
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Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-57866309231307943672019-05-26T21:22:00.003+05:302019-05-26T21:22:58.012+05:305 stages of an unrequited crush<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Stage 1: Starry eyed</b><br />
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It started with a gaze. She look directly across the room cluttered with cable machines and TRX ropes and locked eyes with a face. She recollected it, it was a familiar one. She had seen that face many times before but never really noticed it. The fluorescent lights illuminated his features perfectly. The tawny complexion, lanky arms that buckled under dumb bells that seemed too heavy for him and stray curl that fell over his forehead. Like seat fillers at the Oscars or the supporting cast of Riverdale, he had always been present but barely ever seen. Suddenly, it was like a spotlight was switched on and all it lit up was him.<br />
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<b>Stage 2: Suddenly I see</b><br />
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And just like that, her mind swirled with his presence everywhere she went. Sometimes, it was his laughter ringing in the room when he wasn't around. Other times, she willed him to appear at sight; as if staring at the door would make it happen, even though she knew well enough it wasn't his scheduled day to come in.<br />
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<b>Stage 3: It can't just be me...can it?</b><br />
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Then a spark lights. She begins to actually see him all the time - on the treadmill next to her, on entering the locker room and even outside when getting in some stretches. And she isn't even hallucinating. Did she will him to appear hard enough that it actually worked? No, that couldn't be it. So could something actually be there? Suddenly, the spark burned brighter and hope grew a little more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-YmtqxbuLxWs5cthDm5s-jTubd1j_MBnAuU694a9khHUtfVVtq4gjb73HpYcgEztQfmUiO3OirZlEY5VYQ1QLEpMzS7_H_x1dRBgCq4XvJWMQNngfdgN90JR5pphj8OhLOYF0skWddK7/s1600/broken_heart_pixel_design_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-YmtqxbuLxWs5cthDm5s-jTubd1j_MBnAuU694a9khHUtfVVtq4gjb73HpYcgEztQfmUiO3OirZlEY5VYQ1QLEpMzS7_H_x1dRBgCq4XvJWMQNngfdgN90JR5pphj8OhLOYF0skWddK7/s1600/broken_heart_pixel_design_art.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gameblog.fr/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<b>Stage 4: This is it</b><br />
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After weeks of nervous sweating before she even started working out and he being the only thing her mind could wrap itself around, it looked like things were finally turning in her favour. Literally, turning. During a mid-evening cardio session, she thought she caught his eye in the mirror. He turned in her direction, gorgeous curls falling the same way. He briefly brushed them away with a towel, patted the perspiration from his brow and began walking in her direction. It felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. She shrugged thoughts about how this was the worst possible time for him to approach her; right in the middle of the floor, mid-squat. She steadied herself, took a deep breath and waited for him to make the walk across the floor.<br />
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<b>Stage 5: Or not</b><br />
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It felt like everyone and everything else had come to a standstill. He took large strides, his tall frame steadily crossing the rubberised flooring. She paced herself and decided to play it cool; effortlessly unaware of what had been brewing between them for weeks. The seconds felt like hours. He was a foot away. Her breath stalled. He took another step and another, and then a few more and breezed right past her...to the girl a few paces behind her. She's in fitted tights, a crop top and high ponytail; looking so unfairly stunning, it's almost unconvincing that she's exercising. He tapped athletic Barbie's shoulder, waved at her and she proceeds to give him a coy smile.<br />
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Poor girl, she didn't know that her budding crush was a whole other love triangle.</div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-14932158463737751932019-03-31T20:07:00.000+05:302019-06-10T22:20:26.109+05:30Why Sierra Burgess Is A Loser stayed with me (no, it wasn't because of Noah Centineo)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's nothing I don't love about movie nights. A good film and a bucket of buttered popcorn can keep my eyes glued for 90 minutes straight. Like most, I experience movies with a wide range of emotions like giggles or tears but hours after I've watched the film, it's business as usual and most of the plot has vanished from the corners of my mind. That changed when I watched Sierra Burgess Is A Loser.<br />
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Last summer, you couldn't escape talk of Noah Centineo being the Internet's latest crush. I couldn't either so I gave To All The Boys I've Loved Before a watch one afternoon. Of course I adored it, not only for his endearing charm and sun-kissed surfer looks but also because I'm a grown woman who is a sucker for syrupy teenage romance. A significant amount of Centineo stalking landed me onto another of his summer releases Sierra Burgess Is A Loser, where he starred alongside Shannon Purser (a.k.a. Barb, who was tearfully left behind in Stranger Thing's Upside Down) and Kristine Froseth amongst others. A single viewing of the movie was enough to imprint it in my mind, like the visual version of an earworm. If you intend on watching it, there are spoilers ahead so close this page and back away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx08zkEq3El-SCLZIpc2o_bj3-IYin2PH_wV1BycQ6oxjTReKzuf6lkWn8XphbxAWjRQTQnDn7I_FpHjyj9Uk2_eZHS72XyKxxr_K5wty84X6D3simvtP_0_T0ZWhypAvGVTH1T_4osxw/s1600/sierra_burgess_loser_noah_centineo_shannon_purser-illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx08zkEq3El-SCLZIpc2o_bj3-IYin2PH_wV1BycQ6oxjTReKzuf6lkWn8XphbxAWjRQTQnDn7I_FpHjyj9Uk2_eZHS72XyKxxr_K5wty84X6D3simvtP_0_T0ZWhypAvGVTH1T_4osxw/s1600/sierra_burgess_loser_noah_centineo_shannon_purser-illustration.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration: <a href="https://www.behance.net/alemaoleo" target="_blank">Leo Alemao</a> / Style File</td></tr>
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I've read plenty about how the movie got it wrong with uncomfortable plot points and an all too expected conclusion; which I agree with in some part. But that's not what I'm here to talk about. The movie resonated with me on another level and here's why. For one, Sierra isn't your average protagonist. Previously, most movies with heroines who aren't conventionally attractive like The Princess Diaries, <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2011/10/devil-wears-prada.html" target="_blank">The Devil Wears Prada</a> or Miss Congeniality follow the familiar trope of going through an ugly duckling transformation and ending up traditionally gorgeous, affable and high on self-esteem. Not here, though. With assuring parents and a supportive bestie, Sierra is confident, bold and smart from the get-go and didn't need a makeover to make it happen. Her depth is far deeper than skin and societal standards, she stays above the cruel teenage fray and is aware she's a sunflower through and through, not a run-of-the-mill rose. She is someone me, and I'm certain many others identified with on some level.<br />
Then there are the retro touches. From the stunning golden hue throughout to <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-capsule-sierra-burgess-is-a-loser-review-20180906-story.html" target="_blank">Sierra's 80s-inspired wardrobe</a>, vintage vibes were infused within the fabric of the movie. It may have belonged to an era that's beyond my time but that didn't stop me from the wave of wholesome nostalgia that hit every time the floral wallpaper came into view.<br />
But what really made this movie click for me was its soundtrack. Over the years, I've developed an ear for seeking out melody and riffs woven into a film. In Sierra Burgess, the music stood out to me while blending into the movie's feel. The synthesised style, poignant lyrics and retro theme added depth to it. 'Sunflower' especially deserves a mention for being a touching anthem to embrace yourself the way you are.<br />
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It has been months since I watched the movie but time and again, my mind takes me back. Through its music especially as the album is still part of my current playlists. PSA: If the sole reason you watched Sierra Burgess Is A Loser is because you believe Noah Centineo is your future husband, his upcoming movie The Perfect Date (alongside Riverdale's Camila Mendes) is releasing on Netflix on April 12th. You're welcome.<br />
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Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-69539914431295937862019-02-24T15:46:00.002+05:302020-01-19T18:24:38.309+05:30The anatomy of a big cry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It had been building up for weeks now.<br />
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First, it was the rental agreement on the tiny studio apartment that fell through. One look at the sun laden balcony and I could envision myself sipping my morning cuppa there. But apparently you can't argue with landlords on the independent woman clause. <br />
Then it was the guy who said he'd call but didn't. The date went so well and he genuinely seemed like a nice, thoughtful guy. Apparently those don't exist any more.<br />
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But every ounce of restraint and patience really came apart today. The expected pat on the back at work (and the cold, hard green that comes with it) landed up on her back, yet again. No matter how hard I tried to swallow and bury it deep, I couldn't fight it. So unsurprisingly by early afternoon I found myself blubbering like a baby at how things had unfurled.<br />
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When Fergie said big girls don't cry, she was definitely lying. At first, it started with a sniffle. Then, teary eyes. Finally, when I realised I couldn't pass of my tears as allergies any longer, I made a beeline for the bathroom and bawled my eyes out while being as quiet as I possibly could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsczZxoYHS8lsP-kFfqXJKBnwXdcWLjBuRQwAPfux-TFJhJIVsLilqktmzVQPWp-9GEnljtAVBhlvx-8IP-rCCLFT9DC8p2TrB9mae6pqtFkPR2Enyv5s_723MSkep4Jw8tNXTRa6ZtR6/s1600/kim_kardashian_crying_illustration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsczZxoYHS8lsP-kFfqXJKBnwXdcWLjBuRQwAPfux-TFJhJIVsLilqktmzVQPWp-9GEnljtAVBhlvx-8IP-rCCLFT9DC8p2TrB9mae6pqtFkPR2Enyv5s_723MSkep4Jw8tNXTRa6ZtR6/s640/kim_kardashian_crying_illustration.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://dribbble.com/shots/4646210-Kim-Cry" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Big cries are like pressure cookers. Every unpleasant occurrence is a new ingredient in the pot. It cooks, it marinates, it stews within you. And when your very being cannot swallow any more, the cooker whistles with a shoot of steam. You erupt into a weeping fountain of tears, snot and sniffles. Ugly criers, it is times like these I feel you completely. I've never known what is to sob while looking dainty and delicate. Mine include black streams of running makeup, multiple failed attempts to hold it back and racoon eyes.<br />
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Suddenly, relief washes over you. Like a calm after the storm, you're overcome by a sense of peace. Your sudden geyser of emotions has dried up and so have your tears. This feels cathartic. Since it isn't a magic trick, your problems may not have disappeared at the drop of a hat but you're feeling...dare we say, better? Of course you can do this. From bad dates to missed promotions, you really do have it in you to take it on. It may have been a messy, wet few minutes but damn, does it feel good.<br />
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Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-60134250706397797732019-01-08T22:45:00.002+05:302019-01-23T22:37:15.429+05:30Why we keep making resolutions every New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Depending on what kind of person you are, the advent of a spanking New Year can mean different things to you. If you look forward to it, then you're sure to be bounding with excitement at the clean slate with new planners and promises for the rest of the 12 months. If you fall on the opposite end of the spectrum, the beginning of the year and excitement surrounding it can seem unnecessary and silly, especially when it comes to making resolutions.<br />
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Come the end of December and the ritual of goal-setting is expected by almost everyone. They can be dedicated to self-improvement or additional fulfilment; there's no restriction on what a <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2017/01/beauty-makeup-skin-resolutions-2017.html" target="_blank">New Year's resolution</a> can actually be. The most common one is that of getting fit, which is also why gym memberships see an increase in January every year. There's also the usual bag of eating clean, travelling more and staying motivated. They may be mentally vowed for the 12 months ahead but come February and already willpower begins dwindling. Lives start getting in the way and before you know it, it's summer, which translates to having fun in the sun, damn everything else. Before you know it, we've crossed the mid-year mark and all those resolutions we've pledged to ourselves have faded to a distant memory. Admittedly, it's a story we've lived through many times; for me especially.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vRrnfmRDMI35juChwHYo0FLSMg_XqClsPgRTEG1tVPLkQTD5OcCOTwl5Uek8g1TUxR20ZAYrplrn5lnBSjT29jQsdRy36csriUVxNANmilYEP-yGLSeZz0Pwa2WloEQdLba7C0ykyt1X/s1600/new_year_resolution_sparkler_fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vRrnfmRDMI35juChwHYo0FLSMg_XqClsPgRTEG1tVPLkQTD5OcCOTwl5Uek8g1TUxR20ZAYrplrn5lnBSjT29jQsdRy36csriUVxNANmilYEP-yGLSeZz0Pwa2WloEQdLba7C0ykyt1X/s1600/new_year_resolution_sparkler_fireworks.jpg" /></a></div>
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Like a proper cliche, I always make resolutions every <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2014/01/lbd-peplum-gold-accessories.html" target="_blank">New Year</a>. Admittedly, I've been setting similar resolutions for years now because I can't seem to see them through so it's an annual ritual, really. As cliched as it sounds, mine revolve around getting healthier, eating better and being more mindful. But year after year, why does the rest of the world and me insist on making resolutions we probably won't pay heed to in another month?<br />
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You could argue it's because we consider it unfinished business from the previous year. The missed workouts, skipped salads and unnecessary clothes with their tags still on are guilty reminders of our failures in the past year; which we try to rectify desperately.<br />
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Or it could be because every New Year is a beacon of hope. It's a crazy, frustrating, sometimes fulfilling and often unfair world we live in. Ever single day, there are calamities and tragedies; sometimes personal, sometimes in the world at large. I don't mean to sound depressing, just realistic. So when a brand New Year rolls around, everyone wants something to work towards, a goal that's bright and shiny; basically something positive to look forward to. Sure it's idealistic but hey, we're human.<br />
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So we waltz into each New Year, bright eyed and fresh faced. We repeat it with regularity like an annual tradition regardless of the results, brimming with hope, excitement and anticipation of what could be.<br />
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xo Dayle </div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-48854132066538923062018-12-31T21:29:00.001+05:302019-01-08T22:38:43.812+05:30Life | 7 things I won't be getting enough of even in 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The end of a year means two things; looking ahead at what's to come and looking back at the year that was. It has been a memorable year but I'm not here with a think piece on setting resolutions and pressing replay on its best moments.<br />
What I'm here for is a round-up of the best items I've used in 2018 which are good enough to take with me to 2019. Through my job and ever-willing spirit to try something new, I've experienced a plethora of makeup, skin and lifestyle products. While most have been good, a select few have gone on to outshine the rest. These are 7 things I've enjoyed using this year which delivered amazing results and ones I'll definitely be using more in 2019.<br />
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<b>1. Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9vGvpS8h0g_9vYOtkRZgnweQ6aRZm_q0Nm-kscCKTqiKDCIptz-4ujGknXBWHB2bJFe6oKq5I7wmKJevcs00_U-RoBSSFxft31LM0ytr8B2wzsTcpe1RnsOq7hHIgQQF7Rbt591jnl2x/s1600/smashbox_pore_minimiser_primer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9vGvpS8h0g_9vYOtkRZgnweQ6aRZm_q0Nm-kscCKTqiKDCIptz-4ujGknXBWHB2bJFe6oKq5I7wmKJevcs00_U-RoBSSFxft31LM0ytr8B2wzsTcpe1RnsOq7hHIgQQF7Rbt591jnl2x/s1600/smashbox_pore_minimiser_primer.jpg" /></a></div>
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At the start of the year, I decided that it wasn't worth spending hours applying makeup if the base beneath didn't stay put. After a few samplings, I settled on the Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer. It goes on as a super soft formula that gives a powdery-blurry finish. For oily skin like mine, it has worked wonderfully to hold makeup firmly in place, even on the greasiest areas like the lids and cheeks. It's pricey but you only end up using a smidgen for each application. My only regret is purchasing the pore minimizing variant, which I got talked into buying by the store person even though pores aren't a concern of mine, oiliness is. You can purchase the <a href="https://www.nykaa.com/smashbox-photo-finish-pore-minimizing-primer-a/p/191288?skuId=179014" target="_blank">Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer</a> for Rs 3100 for 30ml.<br />
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<b>2. Fitbit Versa</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW9eg6judxGcYL7Q9_ndUP5vizXlSXqEPJ2JCc7z_w1FUJt-Pw7zUibgP3DBdXIevGyniQtKFjpKh8RwLO0fTUlrQue3nIdNdtWg31AoL7c4x28teci5sL__gNH732JMtvML_r8qKsu0A/s1600/fitbit_versa_smart_watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW9eg6judxGcYL7Q9_ndUP5vizXlSXqEPJ2JCc7z_w1FUJt-Pw7zUibgP3DBdXIevGyniQtKFjpKh8RwLO0fTUlrQue3nIdNdtWg31AoL7c4x28teci5sL__gNH732JMtvML_r8qKsu0A/s1600/fitbit_versa_smart_watch.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Frequent visitors on Style File may remember that my Fitbit journey began more than 2 years ago and has only been getting stronger. Through the years, I've upgraded models, sported various straps and always found the brand's customer service to be the finest I've ever dealt with. This year, my loyalty and adoration went a step further when I bought the Fitbit Versa. It satisfied my itch for a smart watch that paired sleekly with all my outfits. As this isn't a tech review, I'm not dwelling on specs but in a nutshell, it's the simplicity and beauty of tracking my runs, sleep cycle and even the weather on my wrist that makes this a winner. You can purchase the <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Fitbit-Health-Fitness-Smartwatch-Onesize/dp/B07B9PSJGV/" target="_blank">Fitbit Versa Smart Watch</a> for Rs 21,999.<br />
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<b>3. L'Oreal Series Expert Liss Unlimited Masque</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8kEAiciOMi2N6ug4ZB7jgPdxWhn1xrIJDoVYiz6adm4yefOoEbtIXPY14ro9bkU0S2fsJfvboDbHZdq0RqYxnN9xtzLBkikzgjX-lCPhJPhKycAF7WT34_jldYleFfsO4uyqHJ6KgvPA/s1600/loreal_lissultime_hair_mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8kEAiciOMi2N6ug4ZB7jgPdxWhn1xrIJDoVYiz6adm4yefOoEbtIXPY14ro9bkU0S2fsJfvboDbHZdq0RqYxnN9xtzLBkikzgjX-lCPhJPhKycAF7WT34_jldYleFfsO4uyqHJ6KgvPA/s1600/loreal_lissultime_hair_mask.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
After a great salon treatment this year, I tried to replicate
the results at home with the L'Oreal Series
Expert Liss Unlimited Masque. The thick shimmery paste is to be applied
on damp hair and needs only a few minutes to sink into the cuticle. I
leave it for a tad longer to thoroughly penetrate the hair shaft. Even
with consistent care, thick hair like mine tends to get rough
and dry. This mask is a great fix with results and an incredible scent
that lasts for days. You can purchase the <a href="https://www.nykaa.com/l-oreal-professionnel-series-expert-prokeratin-liss-unlimited-masque/p/192169" target="_blank">L'Oreal Series Expert Liss Unlimited Masque</a> for Rs 780 for 250ml.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4. Plum Skin Clarifying Concentrate</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l259iEmMafMA4RKdtvl6h80TULrANtKrlY5y7tsPvVIbak96pV-zKdsIQXn5_DgHpOSbNsYwKzCdi5rcYY-Exg1A1QZDtotcVpJy9JKMT2a1G_-8_yFMuGf8hmJGivOdETWtX-yhrfC4/s1600/plum_face_skin_serum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l259iEmMafMA4RKdtvl6h80TULrANtKrlY5y7tsPvVIbak96pV-zKdsIQXn5_DgHpOSbNsYwKzCdi5rcYY-Exg1A1QZDtotcVpJy9JKMT2a1G_-8_yFMuGf8hmJGivOdETWtX-yhrfC4/s1600/plum_face_skin_serum.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
After unsatisfying
results from a clarifying potion by an award-winning beauty brand that cost thousands, I was wary about products with similar claims.
When Plum sent this one across, my hesitation was natural but
short-lived when I actually began using it. As someone who has
experienced the ravaging effect acne can have on one's skin (versus
someone with already clear skin), I witnessed
the Plum Green Tea Skin Clarifying Concentrate working wonderfully on my
skin. It has a lightweight formula, doesn't irritate the skin and showed
an improvement on dark spots and dullness over continuous usage over a
month or two. If the almost-empty bottle pictured above isn't proof
enough, I don't know what is. You can purchase the <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Plum-Green-Skin-Clarifying-Concentrate/dp/B07DK7DFVV/" target="_blank">Plum Skin Clarifying Concentrate</a> for Rs 1,175 for 30ml.<br />
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<b>5. Foreo Luna Mini 2 Skin Cleansing Device</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdghY6S9HML1VZhzy2yLfLdpOfavbfKm76zBDt8yyqqt1ZmBFn4Jyp-I9U8u-784S6TgFnTpceHi6gvFYUYZ2W0lP6jemVbuQhj98VbhUSVv_0c9DO2fkLr0uO2oVHTwkbgWhC_PdQ1gX/s1600/foreo_face_cleansing_brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdghY6S9HML1VZhzy2yLfLdpOfavbfKm76zBDt8yyqqt1ZmBFn4Jyp-I9U8u-784S6TgFnTpceHi6gvFYUYZ2W0lP6jemVbuQhj98VbhUSVv_0c9DO2fkLr0uO2oVHTwkbgWhC_PdQ1gX/s1600/foreo_face_cleansing_brush.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Skin cleansing gadgets have always fallen in the 'will they, won't they' category for me. As in, will they actually do more than a face scrub or won't they be an expensive purchase that doesn't yield results. When the brand sent me the Foreo Luna Mini 2 Skin Cleansing Device all the way from their international HQ, I arrived at my verdict. You can find my in-depth review on <a href="https://swirlster.ndtv.com/beauty/beauty-review-how-the-foreo-luna-mini-2-fared-on-my-oily-skin-1920152" target="_blank">NDTV Lifestyle</a> but simply put, it gives my face a deeper, more hygienic cleanse without traditional bristles, hasn't troubled my skin and left it smoother and softer from the first use itself. With a steep price, it's definitely a skin care investment but one which I now can't do a day without. You can purchase the <a href="https://sephora.nnnow.com/foreo-women-luna-mini-2-facial-cleansing-device---all-skin-types-LKABYBEBWSN" target="_blank">Foreo Luna Mini 2 Skin Cleansing Device</a> for Rs 14,430.<br />
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<b>6. Aroma Magic Lavender Essential Oil</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7j3y0dkVOXOX6pbprXJt8ihpxEyW7c2O0aCGD5lc88CjfUFI7uW2EnW7cuRfSS6IDFkgi9JKrier0l29DARDVGWecPQV7o2KPZLF2BVi7XBFJIOAGYyoLzi_hadX19howA3Qc4KKFIkm/s1600/blossom_kocchar_lavendar_essential_oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7j3y0dkVOXOX6pbprXJt8ihpxEyW7c2O0aCGD5lc88CjfUFI7uW2EnW7cuRfSS6IDFkgi9JKrier0l29DARDVGWecPQV7o2KPZLF2BVi7XBFJIOAGYyoLzi_hadX19howA3Qc4KKFIkm/s1600/blossom_kocchar_lavendar_essential_oil.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
After adoring the fragrance of lavender scented beauty products, I went a step ahead and added the Aroma Magic Lavender Essential Oil to my routine. Known for its various skin and wellness benefits, this little bottle has a neat dispenser and doesn't break the bank. Even a drop or two is enough for a relaxing whiff and has found itself in many of my masks and hair packs. You can purchase the <a href="https://aromamagic.com/products/aroma-magic-lavender-essential-oil" target="_blank">Aroma Magic Lavender Essential Oil</a> for Rs 300 for 20 ml.<br />
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<b>7. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 10th Gen</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2pA9DcQIRnU_9AIN0zGhjreJW33EgUGlItNF9-iNshf5vNQj1jXiHzOZDxKg7uWqz8GI9NteUcWiEg9WS8TXipmbbGkjZwEwDFHxztyW1Y-Dr0y1t60Mx7fSihPlWFSOg6yiWZ6dkqLs/s1600/amazon_kindle_paperwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2pA9DcQIRnU_9AIN0zGhjreJW33EgUGlItNF9-iNshf5vNQj1jXiHzOZDxKg7uWqz8GI9NteUcWiEg9WS8TXipmbbGkjZwEwDFHxztyW1Y-Dr0y1t60Mx7fSihPlWFSOg6yiWZ6dkqLs/s1600/amazon_kindle_paperwhite.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
As a child, I spent many summers poured over ghost stories and mystery novels. Unfortunately, it's a habit I fell out of as an adult and never picked it back up because of how hassling it can be to purchase books and lug around paperbacks. So the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-book Reader seemed like a natural choice for me. I purchased the newest edition of the reader which is waterproof, thinner and lighter with a backlight and slowly but steadily, I've found myself picking up the habit again. I'm no reading purist so I didn't miss the feel of paper between my fingers. The ease of finding books at my fingertips and reading in the dark before I sleep without straining my eyes has made this a clear winner for me. You can purchase the <a href="https://www.amazon.in/All-New-Kindle-Paperwhite-10th-Built/dp/B077454Z99/" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 10th Gen</a> for Rs 12,999.<br />
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On a separate note; for those who have noticed, I haven't been posting much on Style File and even when I have, the tone and nature of my posts have changed significantly. It's a deliberate choice that I've made for the blog; not only to explore my skill and thought process more but also because content about pretty outfits and new launches have kind-of reached peak saturation in the current digital climate. My intention when starting Style File almost 8 years ago was to write about what mattered to me, regardless of whether it got me followers or went viral. As I slowly get back to more regularity on Style File while balancing my job and the rest of my life, I'd like to thank you for reading what I have to say. Every single reader matters to me and I'm glad to have you on my journey.<br />
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Cheers to a year that I don't think I could possibly forget and to the one that is to come!<br />
<br />
xo Dayle <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-47683566307125676492018-12-19T21:27:00.001+05:302019-06-10T22:20:50.599+05:30Style Files | The big Bollywood wedding has never been more private<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The clock struck 7. Me, and almost everyone in India (and the world, to be honest) who has even the slightest interest in Bollywood glanced anxiously at their home screens. A few refreshes later, it arrived. And by that I mean, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's first official photos as a married couple. After years of shipping and weeks of waiting, it wasn't a surprise that the coveted pictures went viral within seconds. But why? Marriages happen every day; even in the celebrity world. So what made this one so special? Apart from the fact that they are currently India's most loved celebrity couple, what further heightened the anticipation was that most of the affair was kept under wraps.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz872697fm-6AYlMgo5lKfPen1IXbxXYG3p2pEw4gqzufElbDZt4wZvx762IBkhOjwhzSd8IztICGpJSt1nZLDnwbyNVig4BtnOlAZ1gdj1fJMNW7suxKeIGK3Hid9YVrTob2otOQvDIht/s1600/Deepveer_deepika_padukone_ranveer_singh_illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz872697fm-6AYlMgo5lKfPen1IXbxXYG3p2pEw4gqzufElbDZt4wZvx762IBkhOjwhzSd8IztICGpJSt1nZLDnwbyNVig4BtnOlAZ1gdj1fJMNW7suxKeIGK3Hid9YVrTob2otOQvDIht/s1600/Deepveer_deepika_padukone_ranveer_singh_illustration.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Illustration by <a href="https://www.behance.net/alemaoleo" target="_blank">Leo Alemao</a> / Style File</div>
<br />
Last December, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli made a quiet escape to Italy and returned as a married couple with the only intimation being pastel toned Sabyasachi clad wedding pictures on Instagram. This year started off rather differently in Bollywood with updates of Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja's summer wedding being readily shared online. But days later, maybe Neha Dhupia's surprise wedding to Angad Bedi should have been a telling sign that the secret <i>shaadi</i> was here to stay. Even Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' union, which saw numerous ceremonies marrying Eastern and Western rituals, came to life in a select spread in People Magazine.<br />
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For as long as I can remember, celebrity weddings in both Bollywood and Hollywood have had a reputation for being glitzy, larger-than-life and most notably, public. In 2012, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's regal wedding spanned across days with the country's finest in attendance. Two years later, Kim Kardashian married Kanye West in a lavish Italian wedding that included multiple designer gowns, a flower wall and 7 tier cake, all of which costed cool millions. In what could be considered a parallel universe, many quieter celebrity weddings have taken place since then. Lisa Haydon's 2016 hushed wedding to Dino Lalvani as well as Preity Zinta's vows to Gene Goodenough in the same year are proof. So was the surprising hush-hush marriage of Justin Beiber and Hailey Baldwin that took place months ago.<br />
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It looks like Bollywood took a note out of their book to make their weddings incredibly opulent and luxurious but even more private. On one hand; exotic locations that have only been seen in movies, couture crafted by the world's most talented designers and close pals staying in posh suites. On the other hand<i>—</i>the one which we can see<i>—</i>a handful of pictures on social media that look like something out of a magazine. It's resplendent and magnificent and we're privy to only as much as they choose to show us. No paps or livecasts; just pictures that are worthy of being turned into a coffee table book.<br />
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By no means is this a grouse or complaint; just commentary on the shift of the big celebrity wedding in Bollywood. The paparazzi may be unhappy with the trickle of precious wedding content and so may be the rest of the media. But at the end of it, the celebrity couples are making their wedding their own and driving up their following, who keep hitting refresh. Now all that's left is the anticipatory wait to see if the trend continues. That all starts by checking your mailbox to see if the next wedding invite has arrived.<br />
<br />
x Dayle </div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-41729768090459939502018-11-07T18:42:00.000+05:302019-06-10T22:21:26.625+05:30Style Files | Why the hustle is highly overrated<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The first time I heard the word hustle probably dates to a decade ago. It originally meant something of a swingy dance and found inclusion in rap lyrics at the time. Today if you look up its meaning, you'll have to sift through thousands of entries which have nothing to do with music. In millennial speak, hustle is now commonly known as a synonym for working extremely hard.<br />
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I've never actually used the word in my vocabulary but it has found favour in inspirational-positioned Instagram captions. More often than not, hustle is used in a positive context. For example, "she's really hustling by working day and night" or "you've got to hustle if you want to earn the green". Hard work is an exemplary value but when it's in the guise of wearing yourself too thin, that's where the problem lies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdAeA1k-jVEh4YcxFnCfqM7bTic759eQYscec7Ccy-Teczy_f5pLaww0cOMbj8cAB06p7dvRVw3cpfoq7d0LYW7kRlRdo-jFFTPQZznd6rNe61YsIUWlCaGXYo9v-pvMqSQQDBZhQ1I7M/s1600/work_life_hustling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdAeA1k-jVEh4YcxFnCfqM7bTic759eQYscec7Ccy-Teczy_f5pLaww0cOMbj8cAB06p7dvRVw3cpfoq7d0LYW7kRlRdo-jFFTPQZznd6rNe61YsIUWlCaGXYo9v-pvMqSQQDBZhQ1I7M/s1600/work_life_hustling.jpg" /></a></div>
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Many of us are on almost 24 hours a day. I sometimes check my email first thing in the morning from the crack of my eye, even before I get out of bed. Jobs have the accessibility of being done at home in your pajamas, which is great; but not always. It means you can't switch off; so to-do lists always have tasks, meetings are always scheduled and your phone is constantly buzzing. After tending to all of them, you're left with blurry eyes, decreased focus and a full night's sleep that is more worthy of being called a nap. Most of us who work in careers that can be done remotely have experienced this at some point or another. Egged on by pseudo-motivational words on social media, we push ourselves and we try and we push ourselves even harder, just because hustling is what we're supposed to do, right? I mean, everyone else is doing it.<br />
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The challenge is knowing where to draw the line until the hustle starts affecting your personal life and health. When your phone is beeping off the hook, you can't afford to take a day off or don't have the stamina for a leisure activity, that's a telling sign that you've crossed it. As Nigel popularly said in The Devil Wears Prada, "Let me know when your whole life goes up in smoke. Means it's time for a promotion." Many sacrifice so much in the journey to be a part of the phenomenon known as the hustle; which is worrying. With the value of mental health growing increasingly important, it's about time that changed.<br />
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Working hard is essential but when you're doing it to compete with others, prove a point or post a motivational picture on Monday, you're doing it wrong when you should be doing it for you. The hustle is nothing more than an extremely overrated digital trend. It can make you feel invalid if your buddy is clocking in overtime on Friday night while you're out getting cocktails when you should be enjoying your evening. Create a wholesome life for yourself, not one spent running on fumes to keep up with what everyone else is doing. Hustling may go out of style but living well certainly won't.</div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-4659098982979863962018-09-23T16:23:00.001+05:302018-09-23T16:28:19.376+05:30Beauty | Society's problem with body hair <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While gabbing with acquaintances recently, one took a pointed look at my exposed ankle and suggested that it was time for me to visit the salon. The reason? To her, a few stray hairs peeking from beneath my trousers meant that hot wax was a necessity. Almost immediately, I remembered the numerous instances of exposed body hair from the likes of Gigi Hadid, Madonna, Penelope Cruz and Drew Barrymore. Of course, I laughed it off but it sparked something within.<br />
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What's the problem with body hair? Nothing, really. Scientifically speaking, the functions of body hair are wondrous; other than to annoy you during summer. Body hair is meant to protect the skin, regulate the body's temperature and facilitate the evaporation of sweat. So why are we so averse to seeing it on a woman's body? That answer isn't quite as easy. Women removing their body hair dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome. Through the centuries, methods evolved and fuzz-free areas grew larger and larger. Today, almost every part of women's bodies are completely free of hair. From shaving and waxing to lasers and depilatory creams, the methods are many to achieve the same hairless result. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GW64jJ8sCuRxMu_-pCc6XfKpky7gxR5QRtmbhhqPzRewTRtx-D-m3HIke_iJBUTSjD3edUni3rhqfuE0lc-cHg8c9u-R4SYjkRxlBoqnj2gWhXx7tns4IHBQ22TTR1-JXydi7kJ9zTaz/s1600/body_leg_hair_women.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GW64jJ8sCuRxMu_-pCc6XfKpky7gxR5QRtmbhhqPzRewTRtx-D-m3HIke_iJBUTSjD3edUni3rhqfuE0lc-cHg8c9u-R4SYjkRxlBoqnj2gWhXx7tns4IHBQ22TTR1-JXydi7kJ9zTaz/s320/body_leg_hair_women.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://evanimation.net/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When you think about it, the problem with women's body hair is entirely based on how we've been conditioned. The second we see a strand, we immediately deem it unsightly, masculine and unattractive. Not because of the fact that women have just as much hair as men (okay, maybe a little less) but because we've been conditioned to think that way. Although it's deeply rooted in society and probably won't change for a long time to come, if each one of us changes the way we perceive body hair, that's a start.<br />
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By no means am I suggesting you toss your razor away and follow no-shave November like your man. Neither am I saying to strip every follicle of hair. I do and will continue to wax and shave my body hair whenever I deem necessary. But when I choose not to, that's my choice and even if it doesn't fit with society's idea of what is unsightly or attractive, that's okay. Maybe one day the generations ahead will be conditioned differently but till then, let's remember that keeping or removing body hair is a personal choice and there's absolutely nothing wrong with either of the choices.</div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-43544566645463172302018-06-23T09:57:00.000+05:302019-06-10T22:21:44.685+05:30Style Files | What 13 Reasons Why taught me about healing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whether you didn't care enough to watch the show or couldn't stop raving about it, ever since its release in 2017, 13 Reasons Why couldn't be ignored. Amidst many warnings of it being unnecessary and too graphic, I decided to watch it last summer and found the experience a slightly uncomfortable necessity. Before I say any more, a spoiler alert is in effect as I'll be diving right into the show so expect to see sensitive material of the plot and my opinions on it.<br />
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13 Reasons Why was unlike most shows I'm used to watching. It touched upon depression, rape, substance abuse and suicide; something I barely expected from a TV show about high school students. The second season of the show released last month and got even murkier. Along with the previous premise of Hannah's very graphic suicide and her notes left via cassette tapes, the new season also depicted more bullying, mental health disorders and loss. As you'd imagine, the death of their classmate left a Hannah-shaped hole in the lives of the teens at Liberty High. But that's only the start of the turmoil going on in their lives.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBw-DfMA0MD2g7BUg5JM2MmjjQ1N6aCc3g0T7jRiyEAngJfwkkdxG_24ks0TCgUlI7yl7JXDcoF8RIW1KRNvLYDZSHkgSe0W1Os8vj47VQVxYZ4d94nnvjtiMSKbhxySBMKY17X3UxrUV/s1600/13_reasons_why_hannah_clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBw-DfMA0MD2g7BUg5JM2MmjjQ1N6aCc3g0T7jRiyEAngJfwkkdxG_24ks0TCgUlI7yl7JXDcoF8RIW1KRNvLYDZSHkgSe0W1Os8vj47VQVxYZ4d94nnvjtiMSKbhxySBMKY17X3UxrUV/s1600/13_reasons_why_hannah_clay.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adweek.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Clay, the closest to Hannah, is seen to be hallucinating and even communicating with a vision of Hannah, at one time almost pulling a trigger because she won't stop talking. It's evident that Clay is heartbroken, lost and seeming to sink deeper into the dark end. He finds temporary solace in Skye, tries to right the wrongs done to Hannah and even attempts to get inked but healing is a far more complicated process. Thankfully, Clay seems to find some semblance of balance when he opens up about his love for Hannah during her eulogy where he finally accepts the grief and anger to let her go.<br />
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Jessica, Hannah's ex-friend, has her own devastating ball game going on. Besides being dragged into Hannah's trial, she is also coming to terms with her own rape. Jess coping with her situation has got to be the most heart-wrenching of them all. From the bold, bright cheerleader and part of Liberty's it couples, she turned into a quiet, scared little girl who went into a shell. Her friend Nina on the other hand, copes with things a bit differently by reaching out and taking charge of how she wants her story to be heard. Alex's failed suicide attempt was possibly the most drastic of coping mechanisms seen in the show's two seasons. It wasn't only Hannah's death that drove him to take the step but also the mix of guilt and grief that weighed on his shoulders.<br />
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There were many more characters like Zack and Tyler who were affected by the events but these stood out to me the most. Although Clay seems to have finally started moving forward, him asking for help about Hannah's manifestations would have been ideal. Because like it or not, they did affect him mentally and almost physically. Jess opens up steadily through the season, especially post the trial and falling back into old habits (i.e. Justin Foley) may be her way of doing so. Friendship, self-deprecating humour and physical therapy is what seemed to have put Alex back on track. For Nina to put her traumatic rape behind her, erasing it once and for all by burning the Polaroids seems to be her method of choice.<br />
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Healing is a funny thing. Everyone does it in their own way; sometimes that's with meditation, other times it's more destructive. That was one of the stand-out points for me on the second season of 13 Reasons Why. There was a lot more going on but how the characters cope with loss and pain play a crucial part, especially at a time when healing is key for me. Thing is, you can't put a time limit on it, imitate someone else's method or quicken the process. All you can do is create
an environment that's conducive and hope for the best. To heal, the destination is far more important than the journey you take to get there. <br />
<br />
xo<br />
Dayle <br />
<br /></div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-41807837951412910032018-06-03T16:22:00.002+05:302018-08-07T22:23:10.827+05:30Life | Snapshots: Summer Break 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My love for summer is renowned and this year, the wait for it seemed endless. The past couple of months have been physically and emotionally exhausting so the second the temperature began to rise steadily and my travel plans were confirmed, all joy broke loose. Especially if you live your whole life in the city, the smell of clean air and blissful sound of silence are a welcome change. From eating dinner under the stars to 8K treks up hills, it was heavenly to just live with the sea, sand and sky as my constant companions.<br />
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I've come back renewed, focused and peaceful, feelings I haven't felt in a long time. It's also why I haven't been present on the blog as much as I would have liked but slowly, I will get back into the swing of things. Till then, here's a look at what transpired on my summer break. Be warned: If you're in dire need of a holiday, this might not do you any good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsX-R2DnuwFiIgBhXeqr5VqHL5wLQT2qWAKvZZ_-k6rzqywZmxCmSrsT_-r_ReW_uSY-OW12TFsiIIPYxwWetS9G7tmVNyeMJRpcfzQc3YiujPFh6oLAtIPzx7RmBeRElrySYQ1_GKK0T/s1600/summer_goa_beach_waves_sea.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsX-R2DnuwFiIgBhXeqr5VqHL5wLQT2qWAKvZZ_-k6rzqywZmxCmSrsT_-r_ReW_uSY-OW12TFsiIIPYxwWetS9G7tmVNyeMJRpcfzQc3YiujPFh6oLAtIPzx7RmBeRElrySYQ1_GKK0T/s640/summer_goa_beach_waves_sea.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My happy place</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNEs1H7sjAKtjyNrUAC0p3tOD17YBi7G5WXQb8Bw62VXyIvVWK7Ld3lkowLrmkKOAsxvGW8l-m7bs96htZxvapfBVeNLERT5SPQ_YCaZ-DK7DAgvk5dPJNMyRtEFoN3BUDIhQRzyrgfxN/s1600/summer_goa_frangipani_flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of pink frangipani champa flowers with green leaves growing on a tree in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNEs1H7sjAKtjyNrUAC0p3tOD17YBi7G5WXQb8Bw62VXyIvVWK7Ld3lkowLrmkKOAsxvGW8l-m7bs96htZxvapfBVeNLERT5SPQ_YCaZ-DK7DAgvk5dPJNMyRtEFoN3BUDIhQRzyrgfxN/s1600/summer_goa_frangipani_flowers.jpg" title="In bloom" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooming buds, all rosy and bright, at their peak</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG30yXTHkCmBmk2VxQRZg1xjPu6emg1XNLHkNESQRF20xRd7yRZzzfW9VtrPlnlDPVcYsRvhrEf-JMNBrMy-cjwsYV_tvIl6sWRJOeq9YrmH-zfZcuH9PD91irhEHHGWb8-5dpa8evDWUl/s1600/summer_goa_river_water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a woman's feet besides a river with small fish swimming in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG30yXTHkCmBmk2VxQRZg1xjPu6emg1XNLHkNESQRF20xRd7yRZzzfW9VtrPlnlDPVcYsRvhrEf-JMNBrMy-cjwsYV_tvIl6sWRJOeq9YrmH-zfZcuH9PD91irhEHHGWb8-5dpa8evDWUl/s1600/summer_goa_river_water.jpg" title="Riverside view" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon solitude by the riverside</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnph3TqjOl1hX-bEjwRaCg2iIzgB-W05EdeqHooLaKC4mnGnj-3QBzEWBjRWtZseNpIhISUVluX1zVtrdR3WJ3KV5F3XyBp4FV665q9IBlRAYPzMnOFFpctrlfX4dNpiGpRFV7NQGGCjn/s1600/summer_goa_mountain_clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a dark grey sky surrounded by clouds on top of the mountains and hills in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnph3TqjOl1hX-bEjwRaCg2iIzgB-W05EdeqHooLaKC4mnGnj-3QBzEWBjRWtZseNpIhISUVluX1zVtrdR3WJ3KV5F3XyBp4FV665q9IBlRAYPzMnOFFpctrlfX4dNpiGpRFV7NQGGCjn/s1600/summer_goa_mountain_clouds.jpg" title="Cloud skies at the top of the mountain" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mountainscape dotted with grey clouds that look like something straight out of a documentary</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg747Lh_ctx6IhrUTDDQVlcivzl0zNvlf5xOeamv4dK-7spY-RBPw5csTD7HGRkS2RwUv6u-0v2bmLn-qPZTLnfkbAuTWRlFZwQ5Sx_LA9I_soXWc7hyphenhyphenxrzaefielfY6-o9Ok6a7Z7Nbd6i/s1600/summer_goa_dog_walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a woman wearing printed shorts going for a walk with a brown dog in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg747Lh_ctx6IhrUTDDQVlcivzl0zNvlf5xOeamv4dK-7spY-RBPw5csTD7HGRkS2RwUv6u-0v2bmLn-qPZTLnfkbAuTWRlFZwQ5Sx_LA9I_soXWc7hyphenhyphenxrzaefielfY6-o9Ok6a7Z7Nbd6i/s1600/summer_goa_dog_walking.jpg" title="Dog walking mornings" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon walks with a furry new companion</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR5xo8j9SanzZTBFZYaBbE8mqa5vjwXwxsQtpn7YFVfm1iZgLmjeiq-JDn_33KH_1Kf7l9zfZGggiYr3PdEdm2Mnnvh2B1HBGRT1JBg1qiuy3QbmDyQDo4G1LxaD6o4vLT5xFav4dvIrI/s1600/summer_goa_mango_fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a basket full of green mango fruit in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR5xo8j9SanzZTBFZYaBbE8mqa5vjwXwxsQtpn7YFVfm1iZgLmjeiq-JDn_33KH_1Kf7l9zfZGggiYr3PdEdm2Mnnvh2B1HBGRT1JBg1qiuy3QbmDyQDo4G1LxaD6o4vLT5xFav4dvIrI/s1600/summer_goa_mango_fruit.jpg" title="Mango lover for life" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't get any better than harvesting your own drool-worthy produce, right in your backyard</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSC98VC1qSFPMjSLtI4dCGRUUpiAPGAPtO2IOBwtUsRxJZaTu8bAV1i9isUp0LEo9MsDdKLBFflKIl1Znl__cCiENg9w6FLEgN4XxVT-4TJHRwZNlp8m1cwTb06PdghiriWKNjJNv3VBT/s1600/summer_goa_lightning_storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of lightning striking the sky during a thunderstorm while cars drive on the roads in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSC98VC1qSFPMjSLtI4dCGRUUpiAPGAPtO2IOBwtUsRxJZaTu8bAV1i9isUp0LEo9MsDdKLBFflKIl1Znl__cCiENg9w6FLEgN4XxVT-4TJHRwZNlp8m1cwTb06PdghiriWKNjJNv3VBT/s1600/summer_goa_lightning_storm.jpg" title="Bright even at night" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost otherworldly scenes with zipping cars and strikes of lightning at night</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWZy2nxTGWpKK4hE9GZycclY71XkCBCHdDhySXmxNo8U0NiNC8Ez0QKbrBCAUFjPKsew22VfCKYvGcDtMQBDerqOvVwqLCoSU_a08RUGMs6velPY2dpvpS5uKGwHXHUjwm2UHGhtngmr4/s1600/summer_goa_fishing_net_fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a fishing net filled with fishes and crabs freshly caught in the sea in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWZy2nxTGWpKK4hE9GZycclY71XkCBCHdDhySXmxNo8U0NiNC8Ez0QKbrBCAUFjPKsew22VfCKYvGcDtMQBDerqOvVwqLCoSU_a08RUGMs6velPY2dpvpS5uKGwHXHUjwm2UHGhtngmr4/s1600/summer_goa_fishing_net_fish.jpg" title="Fresh catch" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First catch of the day, fresh out of the ocean</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVFGZqRr2bmJzvXX4s2YVLI8Ri-KSW1w6qaomibBc1fDYzbRvUOK_gpn2gbHk0qqjOVPd5-iW3nnHej-appYJG92K3BlxYAXY-nva7Ln1DUS3qIHvG6U1a4gqhGR80TRzDXKtf1enuZ1L/s1600/summer_goa_sunset_beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a sunset by the sea in Goa with the sky in shades of orange, peach, purple and gold" border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVFGZqRr2bmJzvXX4s2YVLI8Ri-KSW1w6qaomibBc1fDYzbRvUOK_gpn2gbHk0qqjOVPd5-iW3nnHej-appYJG92K3BlxYAXY-nva7Ln1DUS3qIHvG6U1a4gqhGR80TRzDXKtf1enuZ1L/s1600/summer_goa_sunset_beach.jpg" title="Nature's beauty" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the many reasons why I adore the sea, through and through</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETLdhgU8dVrfclXGW-6iOqlKSBdyAjrTB8vb0DpN5kiAoY1gNNkM-3LOzgw-fN0esqKgTiMf8Z9-e-kwDBBcArDLPFscrKRsMqo1xN9b9n4Z0aKYd1nfZ-goFcUFmalOq4Y9mommitUno/s1600/summer_goa_berry_bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of fresh berries on the brand of a bush in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETLdhgU8dVrfclXGW-6iOqlKSBdyAjrTB8vb0DpN5kiAoY1gNNkM-3LOzgw-fN0esqKgTiMf8Z9-e-kwDBBcArDLPFscrKRsMqo1xN9b9n4Z0aKYd1nfZ-goFcUFmalOq4Y9mommitUno/s1600/summer_goa_berry_bush.jpg" title="Fresh berries for breakfast" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evenings spent berry-picking and eating all our day's work, almost instantly</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDPjMvy8cVDBMSuce2CIA8_pKvYMBRJCO6h3_Z1oCgbuQ10wyXNVXcG6XNEh3EFLSmDwfdN0KGYGzKkVT_W7t3r72694dSF5atUlbjJhGjN8tJdZRPgO_Ikv4hbh_8p4UGR1MIGH_r0QF/s1600/summer_goa_flower_trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a young woman in denim shorts under a flowering tree in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDPjMvy8cVDBMSuce2CIA8_pKvYMBRJCO6h3_Z1oCgbuQ10wyXNVXcG6XNEh3EFLSmDwfdN0KGYGzKkVT_W7t3r72694dSF5atUlbjJhGjN8tJdZRPgO_Ikv4hbh_8p4UGR1MIGH_r0QF/s1600/summer_goa_flower_trees.jpg" title="Blooming brightly" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely overjoyed at finding flowers blooming and beautiful</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxn995L77O_oipZmEeol0siHOR5Ez2ovS9FXsXmn4GASYE49vtUgtOQZXVdxQGdAatnetB2-I2y_M81T3AGGfydlqzACKZwygqFeibEN2x1v2vWC-hi_QmdPnwnruPosPIJPX6hWa5t3b/s1600/summer_goa_vegetable_market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a vegetable vendor sitting in a market selling carrots, beetroots, capsicum and cucumbers in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxn995L77O_oipZmEeol0siHOR5Ez2ovS9FXsXmn4GASYE49vtUgtOQZXVdxQGdAatnetB2-I2y_M81T3AGGfydlqzACKZwygqFeibEN2x1v2vWC-hi_QmdPnwnruPosPIJPX6hWa5t3b/s1600/summer_goa_vegetable_market.jpg" title="Fresher than ever" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can only imagine how good food tastes with produce as fresh as this</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2kOR8Prl8POzIZf0IFD1mERWoremCXYpeh0ydohKGyGdbkklCYD99DGa6Ybmlv-1MvfjC4_ajCB3lIdADgPQ-54ZULB2hf6ivQeJO4Dbl_zW4L5PEGGoYrprOTir4F9kEciQmSH1cgS0/s1600/summer_goa_green_mangoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a green mango fruit hanging from a mango tree in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2kOR8Prl8POzIZf0IFD1mERWoremCXYpeh0ydohKGyGdbkklCYD99DGa6Ybmlv-1MvfjC4_ajCB3lIdADgPQ-54ZULB2hf6ivQeJO4Dbl_zW4L5PEGGoYrprOTir4F9kEciQmSH1cgS0/s1600/summer_goa_green_mangoes.jpg" title="We all say yes to mango!" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a delight to get a glimpse of (and eat!) more mangoes than the eyes can see </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi8Cmugstr4w0bCx18-RjVGiUR18N8RukrSTOUEgLuiLmkT5fGRIwvcT1T08lNQTtxFsGHSfCWgqmmoNAu4TXB_OHRSDRaBJdsqNTN_Q29TxEn789t7qcBx63dydVAOeUq14oRA7af17W/s1600/summer_goa_beach_waves_palmtrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of a boats on a beach surrounded by mountains in Goa" border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi8Cmugstr4w0bCx18-RjVGiUR18N8RukrSTOUEgLuiLmkT5fGRIwvcT1T08lNQTtxFsGHSfCWgqmmoNAu4TXB_OHRSDRaBJdsqNTN_Q29TxEn789t7qcBx63dydVAOeUq14oRA7af17W/s1600/summer_goa_beach_waves_palmtrees.jpg" title="Mountains by the sea side" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet mornings and empty shores at beachside towns</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Photography: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofpixels/" target="_blank">Raynor Pereira</a> / Style File</div>
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Hope you enjoyed the pictures as much I loved experiencing all of them. It'll be back to business on Style File soon so here's to a fabulous last few weeks of summer.<br />
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xo<br />
Dayle Pereira<br />
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Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735845241921227957.post-66423182308828305902018-04-22T11:44:00.001+05:302018-04-22T11:44:17.797+05:30Life | Why self love is easier said than done<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Look up 'self love' on Google and you'll find trillions of tips to make it happen and affirmations to chant every morning. And why not? In the recent past, words like body positive and self image have become regular buzzwords, which all fall under the neat package that is self love. I've always been a 100 percent and more for it. I've even written about the time <a href="http://www.stylefile.in/2014/11/style-files-body-image-pop-culture-reference.html" target="_blank">booty went back</a> to being big (hah!) as well as my trials and tribulations of being petite. But did I believe every word of what I'd written? I'm afraid not.<br />
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The idea of self love is so much easier to wrap our minds around than self love itself. Who wouldn't want to wake up every morning, admire their fantastic figure and clear skin, blow a kiss to themselves in the mirror and walk out the door. The reality of it however, is very different. Remember that self image isn't just your body; it's also your skin, your hair and your every other feature on your person. And once you step into that divine bubble of self acceptance and love wholly, everything falls into place. You overflow with confidence and joy, which seeps into other aspects of your life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5RnPOk2xEwW1uKa8Adm549e7xaQRrRRjGetdJlixGkAjdyAbgZBhZ5MlCqgRFMwMue0eX9hUMKXLsaqicC-zyX6NqMnjG9wSEiJmlH8nc4BHVcdn_zwHCJ2Vz9QejwuruFRZFszmyOjq/s1600/feet_seashore_sand_beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5RnPOk2xEwW1uKa8Adm549e7xaQRrRRjGetdJlixGkAjdyAbgZBhZ5MlCqgRFMwMue0eX9hUMKXLsaqicC-zyX6NqMnjG9wSEiJmlH8nc4BHVcdn_zwHCJ2Vz9QejwuruFRZFszmyOjq/s1600/feet_seashore_sand_beach.jpg" /></a></div>
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But how does it start? You've tried so hard but when you see yourself looking back at your reflection, with the marks, split ends and muffin top, do you really love what you see? Or is the concept of self love making you think you do? It's something I've struggled with for a while now. After acne reared it's ugly head in my early 20s and then further, an injury; the scars it left in its wake seemed to be stubborn guests that refused to leave. I've envied women who can look fresh-faced when they wakeup. Or the hordes of Instagram influencers who do mini reviews but have flawlessly clear complexions without a stitch of make up. I had heard the chorus of self love and even preached it but fell short when it came to practising.<br />
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The quotes about 'loving yourself for you' are easy to spurt out but to live them? Not so much. The cold, hard truth is, self love is difficult and draining; a far cry from the sunshine quotes we're so used to associating it with. A large part of that is because of how closely our self worth is tied to our physical appearance. A single pimple, a few kilos, a bad hair day and instantly, we crumble beneath it and hate what we see looking back at us. Another reason is because of how acclimated we've gotten to unrealistic beauty standards. Day in and day out, we're privy to pretty young things across social media that resemble barbie dolls with airbrushed skin, thick brows, lifted butts and miniscule waists. In the due course of time, it's natural to have our own standards distorted.<br />
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With that out of the way, will you and me wake up in the morning tomorrow and love all of the flub, scars and hairy bits? Don't kid yourself. But the silver lining is, somewhere down the line, it's possible. It may not happen next week or even a few months from now but self love is gradual and can sometimes take a lifetime. Till it kicks in, allow space for gratitude. There are millions who would do anything to be in your shoes and being thankful eases in love. Give it space to envelope you, don't be afraid to feel your feelings and be honest with body. It'll take you on the journey ahead.<br />
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xo<br />
Dayle</div>
Dayle Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070082333540081400noreply@blogger.com