Friday, 26 August 2016

Because Everyone Deserves a Throne Right?!


                   

Have a seat please, is the first thing you hear when it’s a bad news, an important decision making intervention or even a declaration of any sort. You need to take a seat, be it at a job interview, on a date, at a doctors clinic or even while you try and apply that winged eyeliner flawlessly. We may take a “Chair” for granted but let’s be honest, if not comfortable enough; we might end up with back aches, bad posture and some serious soreness on all the wrong places.



From highly decorative carved back Mexican to Australian string heraldic embellished antique art pieces, chairs date back to early Egyptian dynastic period. Of course, nothing more needs to be said on the importance of a good chair and its role in glamming up your home or office, but the question is how?




Sofa Chairs: A great piece for your creative bug to play with and extract out all your artistic vision onto. Make them look rich and unique with intricate patterns or even floral designs, combined with different textured cushions. The easiest way to modify something from trash to treasure!


  My Canvas Chair
        My Canvas Chair     
           
     Classic Urban



Dining Chairs: Now we’ve all seen, those boring iron rods, wooden or acrylic types, but for some reason they never stand out. I mean you are what you eat right? But where and what you eat on, should be equally important as well. Even the simplest wooden chairs can be glammed up by adding a bit of chair cushions on them. Try using alternate colors if you have a bigger 8 to 10 seater dining table. For smaller tables chose one tone for your chair cushions and have a contrasting color table runner on the table. Viola - An instant makeover! Lit up some scented candles, with some fresh flowers and prepare your best dish – you won’t resist feeling you’re at a high-end restaurant.


Dinner With Colors
                                      



Dresser Chair: Isn’t it our most favorite spot? It has to be comfortable, yet sturdy. I know you don’t want to get sluggish while applying makeup. It always looks pretty and very feminine to use delicate and plush fabrics on dresser chairs, like satin's or velvet, that too in pale colors like ivory, pale pink, gold etc. But an honest advice, try and go for darker tones, because that eye-shadow powder spill or a dab of hair product would not come off that easily and will be pretty visible on the surface.


 Perfect in Pink
  Prettier in Purple



Office Chair: It can be your little work table at home or even at your office, it has to define you and your post! 3 words trendy, stylish and luxurious. 


                                                Your The Boss Chair
  The Glam Boss





While chairs can be accentuated with many accessories like chair covers, pads, mats, glides or even remote control bags but beauty and class is always while playing it simple. 



My most favorites is this and I'm overly obsessed with it. In case you fall in love too visit the website for ordering details or you can contact me through my page Manxara and my team can help arrange a modified version of it, assembled and designed particularly according to your needs and requirement.              

      


Give your base that extra cushion :D 















Monday, 18 July 2016

My Hair Experience at JY Style Studio





They say invest in your hair, it is the crown you never take off. Now I being the curious self, have been experimenting a lot with my hair, for as long as I can remember. Be it hair dyes, bleaching, crazy cuts etc. But honestly I am one of those lucky ones who are just blessed with good hair. Because even after whatever my hair has been through, I still manage to have healthy, shiny and voluminous hair on my head. 

I don’t mind taking risks when it comes to hair, I am one of those very few people who would go to a salon and tell the stylist to do whatever the hell they want, without nagging about the length, techniques or products they use. I like to call myself a stylist pet! Not to mention I get bored with my hair every now and then, and this every now an than is so often, I change looks every 1 or max 2 months. So this time, after a great research I made a quick stop at JY Style Studio.

JY Style Studio is situated in Khayab-e-Bukhari DHA Karachi, with a very warm and cozy atmosphere, full of accommodating and customer friendly staff members.. I was lucky to get an appointment with their senior stylist Samreen, who by the way was a magician!

This one particular time, and only this once I did not want my length gone. I am going on a vacation and wanted to flaunt beachy curls, also I had some uneven bangs at the front of my face, which looked like I chopped them off myself while drunk. Well the first part is right, I did chop them off myself, but I wasn’t drunk, just didn’t realize they weren’t the same length on both the sides and this time my hair experiment turned into a disaster. Also another point, a major one, I had some burned hair strands at the front of my face – obviously that was another hair experiment turned bad, but anyhoo.

So there I met Samreen and she was I think the first stylist EVER, who did not criticize me for having a bad haircut, or a dry hair texture – which I don’t have actually. But for some reason whenever you go to a new salon, the first thing they do is talk shit about your current look and try and pressure sell you their services to make you spend more. It happens to all of us, and I HATE it. It’s not nice hearing bad comments about your skin, eyebrows, hair all the time. I mean the sole reason we are there is to fix it, spare us the horror of shoving the negatives on our face again n again.

Yeah so well, Samreen gave me an AH-Mazing cut! Layers of Silk I swear. They not only went from crazy to celebrity like but also, became very manageable and luminous.



Did I mention the customer service? Oh I did, but I’m going to say it again! The service was spot on, nice ambiance, nice cuppa coffee and good music. I am so obsessed I just sent my husband in there yesterday for a hair and beard appointment, and he has never looked more irresistible. Thank you Majid, another Senior Stylist at JY Style Studio, I owe you!

I am going in again tom! Because guess what I’m bored again, this time I might get something extra done, how about a hair tattoo and some more of those bangs on the side please?

P.S: Make sure to get an appointment before you step in, because these people are busy and the place is hustling & bustling with customers at all hours. Because in their own words ...
"JY - The style studio is not just another unisex salon in town but a whole new vision".




Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Eid 2016, Prettier and Sweeter with Gul Khan and Fiori Cafe

It’s not very often that I come across people I genuinely like. Call me a snob, but I usually don’t click with people, for of course my personal bazillion reasons. But when I do, I fall in love way too quickly. Just very recently I got an opportunity to come across a beautiful family at our very own Dolmen Mall Clifton Karachi.

No they weren’t a bunch shopping prior to Eid, or enjoying food at the food court, but actually were a local chocolate seller. Dolmen mall has been hosting a “Bazaar” at the food court area for quite some time now, and this was the very first time, me, my husband and our little one happened to stop there for a little sneak peak, while we were waiting for the food that we had ordered.

My little one is obviously a fan of balloons, so our first stop was at a balloon stall, I am not sure of who runs that service, but I came across two very polite and creative young women, who were making customized balloons for all the kids out there for just 250 a piece. My son got a spider man made, and it was way too accurate and cute.

After that our second stop was at Gul Khan, a local brand that makes hand painted khusas (flat shoes), utensils, décor items etc. Their shoe collection is definitely to die for, as its one of a kind and is very vibrant yet chic-ish-ly cultural. I didn’t shop there, although I regret that decision now, but I will be spending my money for this noble fashion addiction soon. I usually come across many ladies trying to find reasonable and good quality hand painted kola puri’s and khusas all over social mediums and thorough my blog and it’s a big shout out to all you gals out there, try Gul Khan. Gul Khan is a go to place if you need to amp up your fashion wardrobe this season, also because I think khusas and kola poori’s match with anything and everything, be it eastern or a western fusion look. As i couldn't take any pictures of the stall, I'm afraid i wont be able to post any here, but make sure to click on the hyper link above and see the magical creations yourself, before you are fashionably obliged to order some for yourself.
The Ultimate Chocolate Spoon

The final stop was at a chocolate stall, and this is where I met the most creative and down to earth family, who were selling hand crafted chocolates, and to be honest, their customer service made the chocolates taste way sweeter than I can explain. The brand is called Fiori Cafe, run by Mrs. Amna Zia and the gentleman dealing with us was her son Mr. Nasik Zia. The stall had a beautiful arrangement done with different flavors of chocolates, all imported. My husband being the ultimate chocolate lover tried their chocolate mousse, and to be frank, it was so delicious, one wasn’t enough! My son tried there mini chocolate bar, which he finished within seconds and I got the cutest spoon I’ve ever seen in my life, which was actually all edible as it was made out of pure chocolate!
Mr. Nasik Zia - Fiori Cafe

Nasik told me that his mother actually makes all the chocolate assortments herself, and personally looks over customer dealing and one on one costumer interaction. But while our little conversation; he also mentioned that because she stands at the stall herself all day, she was on a break, while he was handling the sales. On my request he made me meet his mom, and after meeting her I realized the secret to her delicious chocolates creations … the secret surely is the unique mother's love, that she leaves in every bite the customers take.

A genuinely sweet family, serving a deliciously sweet treat!



Mrs. Amna Zia - Fiori Cafe

Fiori Café does  premium quality artisan chocolates with a variety of cookies, cupcakes and cakes. They also cater party favors, corporate giveaways, all customized on order, and I have no doubt, I will be a regular customer to their services now. Thank you for the amazing chocolate treat and the love Mrs. Amna Zia, more power to you ma’am!






Saturday, 2 July 2016

Summer Vacations just became a lot more fun!





Life was going well, and suddenly it was that time of the year – summer vacations! Now judge me all you want but summer vacations can be a very stressful time for working parents. Yes it comes with all the extra hours that you get to spend with your little ones, but it also comes with an extra bundle of energy and hyper active state of being from your children. 6 o’clock in the evening when you finally get a chance to change in your Pj’s after a busy, robotic corporate life day, even to steel 5 minutes, just so you can wash your face and dress down is a big struggle. Why? We’ll all the parents out there know the hell why! It’s because when kids are not in school, they are loaded with some sort of natural child ecstasy overdose. They talk louder, jump higher (on sofas and beside delicate house décor) and they sleep less (which is a God’s joke on all us parents here, because otherwise during school days, they somehow can never 
wake-up on time, with a smile on their face – there’s always grumpiness, tantrum and a big no to breakfast). BUT during summer vacations, the clock ticks 8 -9 maximum and they are out of the bed, all energetic to scare the shit out of parents with never ending demands to go out for adventures, shopping, movies, playing – anything, just  ANYTHING. They are like a ticking time bomb, full of energy and enthusiasm ready to break loose on the count of 3 – 2 – oh never mind, they’ll already gone to destruct!


This year, me and my husband decided, as much as we love our child, we will make sure they spend time outside house, because we needed our kid to use all that energy into something beneficial and constructive. God knows we both had enough with the Disney movie marathons, fast food family dinner and junk but expensive toys to pleasure our son’s complain of being bored!

Now don’t start judging our parenting skills, because we definitely are one set of COOL parents. And to be honest we ourselves wanted our kid to enjoy vacations rather than just doing summer vacation homework and lying down in bed eating snacks. Now our family of three is very much into performance arts and sports and we thought this could be a good opportunity to make our son learn some useful yet fun skill.

Don’t even make me start on how much I researched on the summer packages available here. From martial arts, to guitar lesson, to arts and crafts, but nothing excited as much or our son, because nothing ever seem fun to him. Then I came across The Wellness  Company situated at Zamzama Karachi, a chic looking, well managed fitness club by Mantahaa Tareen Maqsood, who by the way is awesome at what she does! 

My son enrolled in the ZUMBAKICKS class last month, which was a combination of Kick-Boxing and Zumba. To be honest our son was a little shy and skeptical to join the classes at first as he is just 5, turning 6 soon. Obviously the gym setup was something very new to him; also he was the youngest in the class so it did get intimidating in the beginning. But believe you me, in just 2/3 days, I and my husband could see visible changes in his punching skills, confidence, stamina and the cutest was his dance moves.

Sadly the 1 month course just ended yesterday and my son has already announced that he would be joining back as soon as they offer another junior class.

This blog is to spread the word for The Wellness Company’s excellent customer service plus the extra love and affection they showed to all the kids. I see a well-trained and confident young boy in him now and it’s all thanks to Manta Aunty, Sir Hasan and Sir Jahanzeb (as my son Izaan, likes to call them).



Sunday, 26 June 2016

Coconut I love you - Part 2






OK so to begin with the 2nd part of my Coconut Blog, I’d like to start with pointing the fact that Coconut is perfect! If only coconut could be my boyfriend.
During my journey to find out coconut benefits I’ve come across numerous findings and it’s actually funny because we all have been looking the wrong way for cures and remedies when coconut was just right there in front of our eyes, but we never noticed. (That’s what my boyfriend is actually like – LOL)

Like I shared earlier coconut is beneficial for weight loss, as it burns fat – YESSS, also including plus points for boosted digestion and cellulite reduction. It’s miraculous  for low blood sugar, cholesterol, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and it’s a great home ingredient for insomnia, wrinkles, dry skin, dry hair,  – I swear I can go on and on!
I have shortlisted some easy, tasteful and most beautiful looking recipes for all of you to begin happy and healthy living with.

The Ultimate Energy Drink


- 2 cups coconut water
- 1.5 tbsp. Chia Seeds
- ½ tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
- Sweetener to Taste (Maple Syrup or Honey)

Soak chia seeds in coconut water for a good 10 mins, that would make these seeds, swell up. Add lemon, sweetener and Enjoy!

P.S: Don’t forget to give your container a little stir as chia seeds tend to sink and rest and the bottom.

Coconut Milk Smoothie


- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 peach
- 2/3 mint leaves
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Sweetener to taste
- Ice

Blend all together and go crazy!

P.S: you can substitute peach with any fruit – (but obviously the ones that blend well with milk base)



Coconut Oil Coffee



- 1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 1 Cup Organic Coffee
- 1 Tsp Organic Unsalted Butter
- ¼ Tsp vanilla

Blend all ingredients together for 20 secs and drink immediately after. If need be feel free to add natural sweetener. This coffee would be closest to Black, if you like it with milk, add in a little coconut milk as well.

Coconut Scrub



- ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ Cup Coconut Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Citrus Fruit Zest

Mix all ingredients well, and secure in an air tight jar. It would be nice if you don’t try and store it for prolonged periods, better would be if you make as much as required.

Coconut Oil Moisturizer



- 1 Cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- 
Vitamin E (Oil Capsule)

Dump in a blender or mix with an electric blender for 6 -7 minutes on high speed. Pour the mixture and enjoy its benefits, best for dry skin and chapped lips. You can store this mixture in a cool dry place. Also feel free to experiment with different essential oils like lavender, dandelion etc.

And if not all this – the least you can do is have a Table spoon of coconut oil early in the morning empty stomach, or right before bed at night time. Seriously – that’s it! And coconut will start its magic before you’d know it.

I wanna climb up on a mountain and yell my lungs out …

Coconut, You Are The Love Of My Life!!!!


Saturday, 25 June 2016

Pantone Top 10 - Because Colors Matter!





Rose Quartz, Serenity, Butter Cup, Lilac Grey, Iced Coffee, Peach Echo, Snorkel Blue, Limpet Shell, Fiesta, and Green Flash – don’t you feel like wandering in a tranquil, serene place with a happy and soothing sense of mind, just by reading these names? I know I do!

These are the names of the top 10 Pantone colors of the year, which means everything you’ll see, eat, smell, wear and shop for, will be in these shades at every grand designer store, or even at thrift shops.
So first things first would be to know how to carry these tones in your garments or accessories and to know what goes best with these tones for specific body and complexion types.

Now the most common assumption people have is that lighter tones make you look broader, although it’s not something to be worried about but if that’s your choice of preference, and makes you happy, so be it! But by pairing these specific Pantone Colors of the Year with monochromatic tones, you can achieve the best looks for all seasons. I will be sharing updates on how to's and trends and tips on fashion and lifestyle using these colors shortly, so id suggest you stay tuned.

For now let me tell you the most unique things about these chosen colors is a) they are unisex, because of course, it about time we stop telling them, boys can’t wear pink and b) - The big “O” - its homage to the beauty of natural resources and emerging colors in the sky. These colors levitate you to a happier, calmer place leaving us with a sense of relaxation.  Because seriously, fashion had to do something to bring upon peace and what better way than to change the scenery around you, scenery being your wardrobe, upholstery, everything you see.

But how can colors do that? – Glad you asked J.  The answer is color physiology. Colors influence a person’s perception and behavior, marketeers would know, because that’s how every single product in this world is branded. For say if we look at the placebo effect “Hot colored” pills are used as supplements, while “Cool Color” pills are used as depressants.

Colors can affect both emotionally and physiologically and light colors for sure help people perceive world as a calmer place. In 2000, Glasgow installed blue lights in certain troublesome areas in the city, and reported significant change in the crime rates – the color worked it's magic and made people less aggressive!

Even if not for the sake of all the personal benefits that you can get out of these colors, try incorporating them in you daily styling and household for the sake of fashion. There will be positive changes, and even if not, you’ll still be apt on the fashion radar!






I will be writing more about Pantone Color clothing and décor – because other than my interest in blogging, the fact that I’m in love with these colors, gives me an idea that I'll be writing quite a lot about it.

To Serenity, To Fashion, To Peace!





Friday, 24 June 2016

Gold and Real Flower - Its what a Lipstick should look like.





Aren’t we all just too greedy in this day and age? Greedy for money, success, honor, and pleasure – greed is bad! But then there comes a little nature’s beauty reminder that fills our life with joy, and really, like literally brings a smile to our face.

The internet is going crazy over it, and I couldn’t help but fall for it myself. This one thing that actually made me feel serene and I felt beauty just by looking at it. I’m too philosophical, so it has to be something major right?! It is!

Jelly lipsticks by Kailijumei. It is by far the prettiest creation I at least have seen in the cosmetic industry. Now it sure does not have pigmented hues to it, as the lip trends impose on now days, but it is something I would definitely be saving and using for the rest of my life. For now it is out of stock – because it is so amazing, they sold all pieces obviously but pre-orders are on and I can’t insist you further enough to get your hands and lips on it.

The Lipsticks give out a color of natural pink, which changes shades with your body temperature. Say Hello! to your mood lipstick.The most startling thing about the lipstick is its look! The fairy-tale stick (as I like to call it) is infused with gold flakes and real, actual miniature flowers. 




If the definition of beauty had a picture, it would be this!


 I'm ordering one NOW, how about you?!