Pre-Wedding Detox Plan

Every Bride wants to look fresh and flawless on her most important day. And to achieve this, they try innumerable crash diets that their many friends and cousins may suggest. But even though almost all Bride-to-be follow various diets and fitness routine before the big day, they often miss something else that is most vital- Detoxification.

Detoxification basically refers to the body’s natural process of getting rid of harmful toxins. Naturally, when the body is devoid of all that is harmful and toxic, it looks and feels healthier.

No external beauty treatment can replace what detoxification does from within.

Why go for Detox?

Detoxification helps cleansing body at the cellular level, and helps boost the body’s daily functions, leaving you feeling healthier and energetic. Detoxification also acts as a remedial process for poor digestion, skin allergies, acne, weight gain, and even high blood pressure. Getting rid of harmful toxins from your body not only does wonders to your system, but also projects a more beautiful you by clearing your skin from the deepest layers, giving it a natural glow.

Can you do it yourself or you need expert help?

Of course! Even though it is a natural process, by aiding detoxification, with a well-planned pre-wedding routine, you can stimulate and enhance the process to achieve a naturally glowing and healthy body. You can do so by following some very simple steps.

What should you do? 

Well detoxification can be achieved by implementing simple habits in your daily diet routine. Other than the usual advice of healthy diet plan (small portions of 6 to 8 meals a day and more fresh fruits and veggies) and regular exercise (at least 45 minutes a day for at least 4 days a week), here is what you can do to improve your daily detox.

• Forget junk food - Before you begin to plan your detox diet, you must give up all the fizzy drinks, fried, sugary, cream-laden treats. These foods are heavy to digest and cause bloating of the stomach. Moreover, they can also lead to skin breakouts, which is definitely not something you hope for, a few days before the wedding. Also, stay away from strong coffee and alcohol, as they can tamper with your digestion and sleep pattern, reflecting badly on your skin.

• Hydrate the right way - The basic detox technique that you have probably been hearing about everywhere is- hydration. You must have enough fluids in your body to help detox. However, you must be careful about choosing the right fluids. 

• Grab a bottle of water instead of a fizzy drink. - Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, or other energy drinks. Squeeze some drops of lemon, or add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your regular glass of water. Include at least 2-3 cups of green tea in your diet. Not only does it help fight disease by boosting immunity, but it also enhances the detoxification process. Apart from fruits juices, add some green vegetable juices to your daily diet. Drinking fresh, raw juice is a definite way to keep those comfort food cravings at bay while still getting the best nutrition. Adding a freshly made juice or smoothie into your daily diet will increase your energy, cleanse your skin and soothe your eyes. Avoid commercially packed juices, as the quantity of sweeteners and preservatives are high while the nutrients are low in them. 

• Eat the correct detox foods- Including just the right foods in your diet will promise a good detox and cleansing for your body. Here are some foods that will do the trick for you:           

            Fresh fruits: Fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and many 

            other vital nutrients that are great for your system. Simply include a large bowl of fruits in 

            every meal. 

           Whole grains: Make sure you choose whole grains (wheat, jowar, bajra, etc.) over 

           refined flour products (white breads, cakes, pasta, etc.). Whole grains are not only rich in 

           nutrients and antioxidants, they are high in fiber too. Fiber helps keep your system clean 

           by ensuring regular bowel movements. While trying to detox, the last thing one would 

           want is constipation or bloating. 
          Green leafy vegetables: Leafy greens help your digestive system with enough 

           antioxidants and fiber to get rid of toxins. You can either eat them raw in form of salads, 

           add them to all your favorite preparations.
          Lemons: These fruits are an amazing source of vitamin C, which is known to be the 

          most potent agent helping the body detox and burn calories too! You can squeeze lemon 

          juice on your salads or fruits, or simply begin your day with a glass of water with lemon. 

         This is a great way to neutralize acidity in the body, and aid digestion. 

• The mental detox- Effective detox is not just physical, but also a mental mechanism. Your body will produce more of the damaging free radicals if you are stressed or exhausted mentally. So, just take a break from the unending wedding chores to get a breather. Practice yoga, meditate, or do some simple breathing exercises. Or, read a book, take a walk in the park, or just sit in garden or on the terrace to calm your mind. This will give your body and mind time to rejuvenate and refresh.

Astrological Compatibility

Compatibility is complex and ofcourse important for couples to lead a long and happy married life. Couples usually go for Astrological compatibility before tying the knot. We read daily about Bollywood celebrities and even international stars seeking astrological help to determine the best time or day to get married. Famous Indian Cricketer M.S Dhoni got married hardly 24 hours after his engagement as opposed to plans to get married in 2011. Reports stated that reasons included astrological advice that he had to formalize the relationship as soon as possible

Newlyweds…Are you Compatible? What do your stars say??

Although astrology cannot answer all questions, it can definitely help you walk towards the right path. For marriages, most traditional Indian families choose to have a Vedic charts or Janampatri’s drawn up through the art of astrology. This chart helps interpret the characteristics and destiny of a person. Not just that, it also helps check the suitability and compatibility of a prospective match. Marriage compatibility analysis will give you a glimpse of your future married life and help you find out where both of you stand on love and sharing, harmony, family and children, mutual growth and career, etc.

Marrying for love? 

Even if you consider love to be the most important element in your marriage you can choose to consult an astrologer to know what to expect in the future and be wary of problems that may arise. For marriage, they generally consider the “Kuta” agree-ability and larger strength of the 7th and the 8th houses of the Vedic chart.

According to astrology, similar birth-signs signify compatibility and affection in married life. Apparently, there are 36 Gunas in total in a birth-chart. They are considered for compatibility check, and a match of 18 Gunas is considered auspicious for the couple.

Matching Horoscopes for a Happy Marriage

For harmonious, balanced and healthy relationship, especially in the case of a traditional Hindu arranged marriage, parents seek the help of an astrologer and match horoscopes of the prospective bride and groom.

Mangliks.com - We match better.. only for Mangliks.

Apart from the Gunas, the horoscopes are checked for Manglik dosha (determined by the placement of planet Mars in the houses in your birth chart) and to check for tendencies of long separation or any signs of divorce.

Choosing the right Varmala

Exchanging garlands is one of the most important rituals of a traditional Indian wedding. Varmala or Jaimala symbolizes a new journey for the bride and the groom where both promise to be together in every walk of life. Garland complements the wedding outfits of the couple; thus picking that perfect wedding garland is really essential. But due to a large variety in flowers, picking the right garland can get a little confusing. Here are some excellent tips to find the right Varmala for your wedding.

Keep the season in mind

While choosing your garland, always keep the season in mind. Though some flowers are evergreen, yet every flower is not available throughout the season. If you prefer orchids or special roses then you need to plan ahead and order. Ask your vendor or the florist about the flowers that are used to make garlands during that season. Marigold and roses are most common flowers that are available through all seasons. However, you can add exotic flowers to your garland, for instance lily and orchids for your winter wedding or dahlia and iris for a summer affair.

Colors to complement your wedding

Many times flowers are chosen based on the wedding themes. Any particular 

You can even discuss your wedding theme with your florist to know which flowers will go best with it. If you are using a particular colour combination or theme for your wedding then the garlands can match that tone. For instance, if you are using red and gold colours for the wedding décor then have a garland with red and orange flowers in it. Or, if you have a beach themed wedding then you can add flowers like orchids and lilies to the varmala. You can go for either one colour or for multicolour flowers. Pick anything from roses and marigolds to more exotic carnations, hydrangeas or tulips.

Match the wedding wear colours

Wedding garlands come in various colours, designs and sizes, so be careful while choosing the colour scheme of your garland. Pick those garlands that will complement the colour of the wedding outfits. Dear brides, you can even take colour inspiration from your outfit. Look at the embroidery, thezari work or any other embellishments of outfit and from there let the florist come up with a colour scheme that matches your attire. If your lehenga or saree is all bling-bling then pick some elegant flowers like white and pink roses or delicate orchids. And if your attire is simple then go for a heavy garland made with roses or jasmines.

Give importance to design

Simple garland designs are best but these days garlands come in various designs, which are simple and creative at the same time. So, if you want to break the monotony then choose some unique design as it will enhance the beauty of your outfit.

Decide according to your community

While deciding, look for garland that represents your community. The size of the garland and quantity of flowers to be used are also important factors when it comes to making a garland. They both may vary from community to community. Like the varmala in South Indian weddings are usually longer and larger as compared to those used for North Indian weddings. So, whether you want a long, thick garland or short and thin one, be sure about the size and the quantity as it can make a huge difference in the overall look.

Know your flowers

Before you take the final call, make sure you are aware about the flowers and the emotions they symbolise. It will help you to decide better. Here are a few flowers that are widely used in wedding garlands and what they represent:

· Pink rose– happiness

· Red rose– love

· Orange rose– passion

· Orchids– love, magnificence and beauty

· Marigold– prosperity

· Arabian Jasmine (mogra) – blessing and piety

· Lily of the valley - sweetness, humility and happiness

· White rose - charm and grace

Chocolate Spa Therapy for Brides

Pre- bridal is an important part of the bride’s beauty regime, you and me have all done it. It’s the day you can glow and look your best. The pampering and bridal spa helps in reliving stress and helps in making your skin supple and tight. If you are busy planning your wedding, or tired of all the shopping and incessant last minute calls from flower guys etc, then my suggestion is you go for chocolate spa therapy. Its one of the best therapies that are trending nowadays. 

Pampering is the most important part of a soon-to-be bride’s beauty regime. Just as it is important to have clear skin, it also helps to de-stress. This helps the bride to release the fatigue that might be building up in the months before the wedding, while she is busy planning and preparing for the big day.

The chocolate spa is therapeutic as it helps in making you look young. The caffeine content of chocolate stimulates better circulation and improves blood flow. 

Chocolate spa gives your skin a firmer look, as it helps in breaking cellulite and firms up the skin. 

Cocoa butter often used in massages contains high amount of natural oils that are essential with cocoa butter massage. It is helps in rejuvenating tired and dull/dry skin. 

Say goodbye to rough skin spots! With Chocolate massage, your skin can be rid of stubborn dark spots on elbows, knees and feet. The cocoa butter helps in moisturizing and softening of the skin. 

Darker chocolate is rich in anti-oxidants and helps in getting rid of the toxins collected on your skin due to pollution, dust and sweat. 

Dark chocolate is also knows as an aphrodisiac! So you can get chocolate spa not only as a pre-bridal but also for your honeymoon to add an extra spark to your marriage. 

For chocolate spa you need to take some time out to relax. Don’t just squeeze the spa in between shopping and calls. Try to relax and enjoy the pampering. Ideally you should go for the spa before your functions start. Many brides go for chocolate therapy before their wedding day. It’s is known to be a sensual massage that helps in nourishing your skin and heightening your senses. 

The chocolate scrub works on the cellulite getting rid of the dead skin, cells and grime. The spa also includes caking your body with chocolate with a combination of coffee, walnut grits, cream depending on your skin type. Coffee and grapefruit are also added for additional benefit. So go for chocolate spa therapy now and share with us the results!

Bridal Jewellery and its significance

Every Bride wants to look like a princess on her D-day and jewellery plays a vital part of it. I am sure you are all familiar with the traditional jewellery pieces. But, did you know a nose ring or Nath is, traditionally, representative of a bride’s virginity? 

In fact, each piece of jewellery that a bride wears symbolizes something traditionally or culturally. Given the cultural diversity, the list of different pieces worn religiously or regionally would be a long one. We give you few of the significant ones in this Blog.

The very significant Maang Tikka - This gorgeous hair accessory is held by a hook at the 

center parting of the hair, with the pendant falling on the center of the forehead. The point where it falls is believed to be the ajna chakra, which in Sanskrit means “to know or perceive”. The chakra is represented by two petals signifying the holy union of male and female on a spiritual, physical and emotional level.

The middle eastern influence, 'Nose ring or Nath' - The custom of wearing a nath (nose ring) began in the 16th century and became popular here during the Mughal era. According to the Ayurveda,women who have their nose pierced on the left side experience less menstrual pain and easier childbirth. In many cultures the Nose Ring represents Bride’s virginity. In some cultures, size of the Nath worn by the woman of the house is directly proportional to the financial power of the husband, i.e. richer the husband, bigger the Nath!

The beautiful Earrings-  Legends claim that the evil spirits could enter the body through body openings. Ornaments are believed to prevent this. Scientifically, the ear is considered as a microcosm of the body, and earrings are said to have Acupuncture benefits. The father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, advocated ear piercing as a remedy again for menstrual problems in girls. Hence in India, most of the girls go through a short ceremony of getting ear pierced. Also, traditionally, earrings were used to balance energy; i.e. wear gold earrings if there is a deficiency in energy and silver if there was excessive energy.

Sign of Married Women- Mangalsutra-  The word mangalsutra comes from mangal meaning holy or auspicious and sutra meaning thread. This sacred necklace is tied around the bride's neck by the groom on the day of the wedding. The wife, thereafter, wears it as long as she or her husband is alive as a sign of their love and commitment to one another.

The Wedding Ring- The wedding ring, worn on the third finger of the left hand, is a priceless ornament. Ancient Romans believed that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart.

The colorful Bangles or the Chooda-  Traditionally, glass bangles represent a charm of safety and luck for a married woman’s husband. These are broken if her husband dies as an act of mourning (highly exaggerated in old Hindi movies!). The color and designs of bangles vary in different regions. In Bengal, the mother-in-law gifts her daughter-in-law an iron bangle which is usually plated with gold. In South India, green bangles signify fertility and prosperity. The north Indian brides wear a chooda- a set of ivory and red bangles worn for 45 days to a year after marriage.

Lastly the Bride wears a Smile! Not available at any shop, this one is the most precious ornament a bride wears! No matter how expensive and how many the other embellishments are, it is only a big genuine smile that makes her look gorgeous.

Had a Arranged Marriage? Make your First Anniversary Special

First marriage anniversary is always special for couples, you are completing a whole year that was spent exploring each other, finding love and each passing day makes it more special. But what happens if your marriage was arranged? In an arranged marriage you adjust and fall in love with your husband slowly. The day is special because you feel you are special for each other. 

Take the day off

This is your first anniversary and you deserve a break So just forget work and deadlines for a day. Take the day off and spend it together. Why not visit a place where you met post the marriage was arranged? How about just doing something that you enjoy together? A movie or dinner maybe?

Or simply go through your wedding album together and enjoy laughing about how awkward you both were back then?

Have an anniversary Photo shoot

With all the photos from engagement and wedding where you were awkward and your discomfort was obvious in any frame. Now that you are in love the pictures will reflect it. You can hire a professional photographer and do the photo shoot. Dress up and get some romantic shots clicked. You can frame them for posterity. 

Go for a Romantic Date

Instead of going on romantic getaways like any other couple, why not spend the day out. being teenagers in love? You can go for long rides on your bike, plan for a picnic on the outskirts of the city or just relish street food together! You can take your better half to your favorite cafe in college- a place where you once spent hours with friends, wishing for that someone special to come into your life! 

Make your gifts special

Because you have linked through arranged marriage, your first wedding anniversary gift holds a deeper significance than the rest. The gifts you give each other today will be like a representation of your love developed in the year. So, what can you gift which will hold true to your feelings? You might decide to get something that your partner likes. But you can also add a little note expressing your feelings or talking about fond memories built over the months. 

Just the two of you

As the day ends, you can spend the evening cozying up. Plan it all out- the candle lights, forget cooking today and order for your favorite food and wine, play your favorite soothing music and just enjoy each other’s company. You may have done this before, but your first wedding anniversary makes it more special. Intimate moments will be even more pleasurable and enjoyable tonight, Cheers!

Find out if he is your Soul Mate

You have been dating him for months now, and recently you have got a strong feeling that he might be the one, but how can you make the final decision. How can you be sure? There is always this fear that I may be wrong in catching the signs or maybe it’s unreal and dreamy. I have had my friend’s talk of such feelings and few weeks later they are heartbroken. 

We all question the difference between infatuation and love. No worries! We are here to help you understand the clear signs you need to look out for. Read on..

Listen to your Intuition

What we mean by this is that is he comprehending your thoughts and feelings? We are not expecting him to complete your sentence, that’s just mush talk. The attraction and love leads to an unspoken understanding where he will be able to understand your actions and motives even before you do them. When we have a certain connect with a person we love, we are able to intuitively know his moods. We are able to judge his highs and lows and support him accordingly. 

Does his company relax you?

In this time and age when our lives are governed by anxiety, pressures and deadlines we all need some time off to relax and de-stress. We are not talking to taking a spa here! Do you feel relaxed and completely at ease in the current relationship? If you’ve had a bad day at work, are you comfortable enough to share your angst with him? Does his word act as a soothing balm and encouragement to you? If yes then you are in a compatible relationship where you can be yourself and chill on your terms. We are glad that you have found your soul mate if few minutes with him can make your worries melt away. 

Can you share your darkest secrets with him?

You have few personal secrets that even your parents or close friends may not know. But now that you are in a relationship and want to take it forward, you want to unburden yourself and start on a clean slate. Are you able to share your darkest secrets with him? More importantly, is he ok with this? Many of us may share our secrets as a sign of trust and love but the reactions expected can vary. If your lover shows love and understanding and assures his love inspite of this then hold onto him and never let him go. Such men are rare. 

What role he plays in your life?

If your lover is just that then I believe this relationship won’t go far. If he talks to you as a friend, supports you in your problems, encourages you in your lows, pampers you when you are stressed then he is playing a lot of roles as a friend, lover, protector them he is for keeps. I am not just saying this girl! You hold on to this man, as you have certainly found your soul mate. 

Akshaya Tritiya – Auspicious Day for Weddings

Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej, is considered to be an Auspicious day for Hindus in India. It is a day to start new ventures, buy something significant and most importantly a day for muhurat for marriages. In Urban India, this day is auspicious for buying jewellery. You will see many top jewellers offering schemes and discounts to attract customers. Culturally, this day has lot of religious significance. 

The importance and significance of Akshaya Tritiya- 

Akshaya means ‘eternal’ and Tritiya stands for ‘third day'. This day falls on the third day of the lunar fortnight of the Hindu month of Vaishakh (Baisakh), and hence the name. It is said that holy rites, rituals and acts of charity performed on this day bring unending Bliss, Grace, and Prosperity. The grand importance of this day roots back to Indian mythology. 

It is said that the God of wealth and the treasurer of all deities, Kubera, prayed to Goddess Lakshmi on this special day, and was granted a gift of perpetual wealth and prosperity. This is why this day is so auspicious for starting new business ventures like buying a new property or investing in Gold. The day is also important to get married, as it assures prosperity and benefits in a relationship. In many households, a day-long Kubera-Lakshmi puja is performed.

Mythological it is said that on Akshaya Tritiya the holy river Ganga descended on Earth from the heavens on this day. This is the day when the sage Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, was born. Also this day the Treta Yug, the period of the holy Ramayana, commenced. Hence its holy significance. Also on this very day the Guru Ved Vyasa initiated the recital of the great Indian epic Mahabharata before lord Ganesha.

Lord Krishna’s childhood friend Sudama, visited Dwarka to him and offered him a humble gift of poha (rice flakes). Therefore, Vaishnavas (worshippers of lord Vishnu) fast throughout the day and open their fasts with rice.

Significance for couples

According to a South Indian legend, Goddess Madhura got married to God Sundaresa (an incarnation of lord Shiva) on this day. Therefore, the couples who marry on this day are blessed with eternal prosperity and bliss, by the gods themselves. Akshaya Tritiya always sees an unprecedented rush in the number of marriages taking place in the India. There is an unmatched demand for venue bookings in the urban and rural cities of the country. 

The auspiciousness of this day arises from the belief that on this day, sun and moon are in their most radiant phase and, astrologically at an exalted position. It is believed that  couples with un-matched horoscopes can also get married on Akshaya Tritiya. The day washes away all the negativity of the charts and stars and there is a new beginning for the couple.

There are endless tales and legends that depict the divine virtues that are inherent in the day. In many states, mass community marriages are organized under a single mandap, on this day to help the brides and grooms with limited financial means.  

Bollywood Actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai got married on Akshaya Tritiya in year 2007. 

Akshaya meaning eternal or something that cannot be destroyed or never diminishes. Therefore, it is a popular belief that buying something as valuable as gold, on this day, will bring luck and prosperity. Therefore, Gold shopping is a popular activity on this day. If not jewellery, many people simply buy small gold coins with Goddess Lakshmi engraved on them.