An avocado a day keeps my mother at bay

         H&M dress

The creamy natural butter and my taste buds don’t really agree with each other. Yet, my mother is bent on feeding me at least an avocado a day that grows plentiful in our garden. Avocado sandwich, avocado salad, avocado dip or just plain avocado- is what greets me at the table every morning. Under the strict surveillance of my mother, I have been forced to gulp down (literally) this ‘very’ healthy fruit.

However, this has changed since the last few weeks due to two discoveries. Besides numerous health advantages, avocados make your hair and skin healthy. The second discovery is Kimanoko, which according to my sister-in-law is the best soya sauce in the world. Amazingly, my picky taste buds have no objection to the mix of avocados and soya sauce. They actually enjoy this blend.

These discoveries have been serving as motivation and a catalyst respectively. Consistent consumption has resulted in two outputs- healthy hair & skin and a happy mother.

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EC

His

        Cashmere sweater

There is always an item or two in his wardrobe that takes your fancy. In my case there are numerous- his shirt, his cardigan, his waistcoat, his briefcase, his watch and even his cologne.

There is something about wearing his things. It is chic in an I-don’t-care kind of a way. It is trendy and oh-so-comfortable.

My recent discovery was a grey 100% cashmere sweater. Feminine curves drown under this sweater making them almost non-existent. The soft feel of the wool is a luxury to the skin succumbing you to wear nothing underneath.

The faint scent of him lingers in the sweater assuring that you are not alone. It makes you want to wear it all winter long.

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EC

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

          Next trench coat, Vintage Chanel bag

What made Holly Golightly happy- strolling down a Manhattan street and longingly gazing into Tiffany’s showcase with a Danish pastry in one hand and a paper cup of coffee in another?

The definition of happiness differs from one individual to another, just like an order for a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Each cup of coffee has different ingredients of various proportions- yet it is still a cup of coffee!

The main ingredient for happiness may be materialism for many.  I once read an article in The New York Times that said materialism is bad for you according to studies and research. Of course, the article had quotes of professors, researchers and psychologists from the Ivy League colleges.

I am a materialistic girl and I would be ecstatic if I were given an LBD from Chanel or a pair of Louboutin heels. But I know what truly makes me happy and it is definitely not materialism. What makes you happy?  Don’t let The New York Times or the Ivy League professors decide for you. Experience it yourself.

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EC

Reflection

                                    Forever21 biker jacket (fmirror), Bakers Wild Pair

He sits beside you, soaking in the morning sun while you eat your breakfast. He walks you to the door as you leave for work every morning. He is always waiting at the gate eager to hear your footsteps-time does not matter. He will follow you because he wants your attention and he also knows that you have a treat hidden for him. He has a sweet tooth and a warm heart.

He comes to you when you call on him. He intensely listens to every word you say but a pigeon or a squirrel occasionally distracts him. A spontaneous run and he is back, sitting by your side and gestures you to continue. He makes you feel better although he has not said a word. His eyes reveal that he understands you.

He loves the people who are close to you. He will guard and protect them. He becomes fierce and malicious when his loved ones are threatened. He does not retaliate when you wrong him. He never keeps count. He gives you numerous chances to improve.

He never asks for anything in exchange for his selfless affection. Looking deep into his eyes I often wonder, can we ever be a reflection of him? I don’t have to ponder over the question for long. We leave him out in the open to guard our house in the freezing cold while we sleep in our warm cozy beds.

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EC

Monday to Friday

         H&M belt

         Empty Closet coat

         H&M cardigan

         H&M wrap-around cardigan (fmirror)

        Empty Closet pallazo pants

Many are under the misconception that dressing to work is a tedious task. Empty Closet shows you how to have fun while you say hello to formal wear.

Wear palazzo pants from Empty Closet in five different ways.

MONDAY: Everyone hates to go to work on a Monday. Make it a fun workday by wearing chirpy colors.

TUESDAY: A meeting! Nothing works better than a smart well-fitted coat in a darker shade from Empty Closet.

WEDNESDAY: Brunch with boss. Look comfortable in a soft cardigan from H&M while you update your boss on the weekly progress.

THURSDAY: Meeting with a client! Look professional in a wrap-around sweater from H&M. You cannot go wrong with it.

FRIDAY: It’s Friday but it is still a workday. Look confident and chic in a black top. And at dusk, you are ready for drinks and dinner!

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EC

Day to Date

           H&M Gown (fmirror), H&M Cardigan, Pashmina Shawl, Salvatore Ferragamo Sunglass.

I love to pamper myself especially before an occasion- prepare a nice bath with soothing scents, enrich my hair with conditioner, manicure my nails and mix-and-match to put together an ensemble that thrills me. Most of the time than not there is always a constraint of time. Time is a luxury not all can afford and has become an expensive affair.

How to manage? It is the age where ‘instant’ is the magic word and a flamboyant affair. I frequently cheat on time with instant this and instant that. After a busy day at work I am ready for a date in five minutes-face touch ups with Clinique that make me look squeaky clean, L’Occitane hair serum that gives my hair a fresh and healthy look, Sally Hansen’s pen manicure kit that give perfect french-manicured nails within seconds and most importantly an ensemble that is suitable for work and perfect for a date too.

Get a casual look for work with a gown, cardigan and shawl. The same gown looks chic for an evening date when you team it with a clutch and high heels.

Instant commodities do make a hectic life comfortable and manageable. So, the affair continues!

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EC