Jeans in Vogue

Jeans in Vogue

Our favourite jeans serve as our knight in shining armour all year long. They are the answer to our sartorial needs on days when we are struggling to figure out what to wear. Sure, we don’t want to be enslaved by fashion or lose ourselves to trends and be loyal to our all-time favourites – the ones we found after an unavoidable search, which lasted for days and left even the most expert shoppers feeling defeated – but style and colour updates are necessary from time to time and if you wish to be on-trend then you need to keep up with the latest jeans trends.

You don’t have to go over every magazine, fashion blog or catalogue you get your hands on to know jeans in vogue. We spoke to the top tier denim manufacturers and industry insiders to know what’s hip and happening and subsequently rounded up the colours and styles you need in your arsenal this seasaon.

Nothing reflects fashion’s laid-back new narrative like the latest shades of denim. Ladylike designs in azure blue (bright blue) are on-trend. Jeans dyed in bright colours are making a strong comeback this season and of course, black jeans remain a timeless and classic style staple. “One colour that is seriously down-played and not given it’s due importance is tan. It is incredibly chic and versatile. Pair up your tan jeans with a deep red top and you will be sure to hit a super high fashion note,” says Saman Javed, fashion editor at Daraz.pk.

Having established the colours of the season, let’s shed some light on the styles that you shouldn’t think twice before adding to your fashion trousseau. Skinny jeans have been the jeans in vogue for years now and they are sure here to stay, however, another fashion essential that has been carried forward from the preceding year are the uber-trendy crop pants – they are sure to instantly lift your outfit’s ante. While the skinny leg has been ruling the roost and is an absolute fashion must-have, the breezy and comfortable wide-leg pants are a stylish go-to option for people of all ages and body types. Experiment with different colours and prints, mix and match and choose something that will not go unnoticed.

6 Time-Saving Kitchen Tricks

6 Time-Saving Kitchen Tricks

How to simplify cooking and speed up things in the kitchen to save time for yourself. Here are some strategies and tricks:

• Drench the pasta or spaghetti in water, in a plastic bag for a few hours or overnight. It will cook in about 1 minute in a boiling water or just add it straight to a hot sauce in a pan and let it finish cooking there.
• Freezer trick: freeze things flat. The flatter and wider they will be, the faster they will freeze and defrost.
• The quickest way to defrost meat is to run cold water over it. However, if you want to save water and speed things up a bit; place your meat on an aluminum tray. Aluminum is a great conductor of heat and will fetch energy from the surrounding into your frozen meat and defrost it faster.
• Slicing meat to grind or cook can be tricky. To make it easier, place the meat in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to stiffen it up.
• The empty half of an egg shell is the best tool to take out immovable bits of cracked shells that have ended up in the bowl. They work like magnets.
• Ginger can be tricky to peel with all its bumps and irregularities. Rather than using a knife or a peeler, reach for the spoon. Scratch it against the peel and it’ll come right off.

TIPS & TRICKS TO BREAK IN YOUR SHOES

TIPS & TRICKS TO BREAK IN YOUR SHOES

“Give a woman the right pair of shoes and she will conquer the world,” said Marilyn Monroe and boy was she right or was she right? If you are a shoe lover like most women out there, you probably follow every fashion blog, magazine and catalog to stay up-to-date with the latest shoe trends. The thrill of slipping into a new pair of shoes is unparalleled especially when wearing high heels, there really is no better way of feeling an instant boost of confidence.

However, often times our new kicks may not feel as great as they look, especially if they are suede or leather. “Sure, fashion isn’t supposed to be about comfort, but it’s interesting how we voluntarily wear shoes that inflict so much pain and make us indulge in long ice baths to recover. After all, these style must-have elongate our legs, shape up our calves and make us feel like a boss when wearing high heels and we hear our feet clacking against the floor,” said Saman Javed, from Daraz.pk

Yes, it’s true, it is incredibly hard to ditch wearing high heels for the sake of comfort and the good news is that you don’t have to. You can get the best of both worlds – style and comfort – by following this easy trick that will make you effortlessly break in that fresh pair of leather shoes.

Follow these quick steps and break free:

1. Fill up a sturdy Ziploc bag with water until it’s half full.
2. Make sure you squeeze out the air in the bag before fully zipping it.
3. Place the Ziploc in the shoe, or simply where the problem area is. If you don’t want your entire shoe to loosen up, you can always block off parts of the shoe with cloth or newspaper and place the bag of water where you want it.
4. Put the shoes in the freezer until the water is completely frozen. As the water turns to ice, it will expand, stretching the leather with it and consequently loosening your shoes.
5. Pull out the shoes from the freezer, wait for the ice to thaw and then remove the bags. Wearing high heels should be comfortable now.

Stressed Out? These Food Ingredients Would Help

Stressed Out? These Food Ingredients Would Help

Living in the 21^st century can sometimes be quite stressful. With all the humdrum of daily routine and loads of multi-tasking, one feels cramped and exhausted at the end of the day. Stress has indeed become part and parcel of living in recent times, even when you plan on defeating this stubborn enemy daily. We all suffer equally from stress. So besides many cures sought by us, one should try to cure stress by food’s way!

Add food ingredients that can help reduce level of stress and help build mental and physical well being. Here is your stress busting armory! Grab it and enjoy.

1- Vitamin C helps lower stress hormone cortisol and keeps the blood pressure in control. Some of the vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C are Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, oranges, guava, cantaloupe, Red sweet pepper, green sweet pepper, kiwi, grape fruit, strawberries, parsley, broccoli, persimmon, spinach, cabbage and cauliflower. Foods and juices made from these vegetables and fruits make great stress busters. Add these in your daily food intake and see the magic of food ingredients!

2- Foods with high amount of vitamin B make great stress releasers. It helps in smooth functioning of nervous tissues thereby decreasing any harmful effects of stress. To fulfill your daily dose of this stress buster, add following in your diet: yogurt, avocado, whole grains, banana, potatoes, beans, lentils, nutritional yeast and brewer’s yeast.

3- Folic acid is another nutrient that helps build the body towards fighting stress. It works as natural mood brightener. Many vegetables are high source of folic acid. Some of them include: asparagus, spinach, mustard greens, turnip, collard, lettuce, broccoli, okra, cauliflower, beets, carrots and all citrus fruits.

4- Omega-3 fatty acids not only work as stress releasers, they also help our bodies by reducing inflammation, prevent too much blood clotting and lower the cholesterol in blood. Foods that you may refer to for this nutrient include: flax seeds, walnuts, salmon, sardines, soybeans, scallops, shrimps, tofu, tuna, collard greens and winter squash.

5- Carbohydrates help increase the level of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone which is related to regulation of mood, sleep and learning. Its certain level in our body affects mood. Therefore, adding a certain amount of carbohydrates in your foods can help you soothe your mood. For this purpose you may need to eat more of these: whole grains, breads and oatmeal in your breakfast can set the mood for rest of the day, However, Brown rice, potatoes, Berries, banana and yogurt are some of the ingredients for your stress busting foods. Add them on!

6- A good amount of calcium and magnesium intake is indeed the best one can do to curb stress. Calcium helps in reducing irritability and nervousness. It also helps in releasing premenstrual stress disorder. On the hand, magnesium keeps adrenals in check and retains nerve cell fluidity to respond. Some of the foods that can provide with calcium and magnesium sufficiency are: Milk, almonds, cashews, soybeans, yogurt, leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, legumes and whole grains.

So, with all the ingredients at your disposal, now is the time to get going. Here experimentation is the key to success. Take fruits and vegetables and invent your own favorite recipes to bust stress. However to get 100% results, don’t overcook your ingredients.

Prevent Weight Gain After Marriage

Prevent Weight Gain After Marriage

As a matter of fact, you can keep the same weight even after getting married. It is unfortunate that many women in Pakistan lack the knowledge to manage weight.

 Knowing the factors that contribute to immediate post wedding weight gain and being proactive can help you avoid it.

DIETING

  

It is a well known practice for the brides to cut down on calories to look slim for the big day. While they lose weight and inches, they are unaware of the drawbacks of low calorie diet. Once you get back in the routine, you regain the weight and some more.

 Solution: Follow a proper weight loss program with realistic targets. Cut down calories not less than 1100 – 1200 Kcal (approx). Everyone has different calorie requirements according to their height, weight and activity level. Whether you have time left till the wedding or not, getting in touch with a fitness consultant can give you optimum results.

WEDDING FESTIVITIES

 

Mayun, Mehndi, Shadi and Valima are incomplete without irresistible dishes. While they are fulfilling to your taste buds, they are packed with high amount of calories. The bride is indulged in the sweet eating tradition (mun meetha), calories of which are taken for granted. In only four days you can gain a pound!

Solution: Eat and drink water properly throughout the day, you will feel less hungry at the events. When food is served, have a non-creamy salad first. Choose chicken over beef (Bar-B-Q/Grilled) and Nan over Paratha. Your portion size should be less than what you normally have. Arrange low fat/sugar sweets for the rituals. Options like bite-sized dates with nuts and chocolate covered fruits are healthier choices. They are new and unique as well.

DINNERS OR LUNCHEONS

 

When the wedding festivities are over, parties at relatives go on for a month or so. More calories add up and increase your weight.

Solution: Try to minimize the frequency and if not possible, follow the strategy mentioned above. Encourage/talk into Luncheons instead of Dinner parties. You remain active after lunch.

THE COOKING

 

The newly wed takes time to adjust to the new environment. In order to impress or please the family members, lavish dishes are made in the beginning by the bride that are mostly high in calories. Due to busy routine or tiredness, eating out or ordering food gets frequent as well, significantly contributing to weight gain.

 Solution: Use less oil/sugar when cooking dishes. Get creative, cook something new. Choose healthier options when eating out/ordering.

EMOTIONAL RELIEF

The wedding day is often the farthest girls think health-wise and lose track of their weight after it. They start caring less about their physical well-being, instinctively blaming it on their busy routine. Maintaining a good fitness level is essential for the life ahead.

Solution: Change the mindset! Start focusing on your health and fitness; it will benefit every aspect of your life events. The most vital of which is Motherhood and the challenges it brings.

ENERGY LEVELS & RELAXATION

 

The level of excitement reduces after marriage in response to the feeling of fulfillment. As a result, you get in-active, relaxed and burn fewer calories than you used to.

Solution: Develop a more active routine, continue your exercise habits and encourage your spouse as well. The coziness and love is all good, but knowing how it can lead to weight gain, you need to maintain your activity level.