An Edge To The Others #4

Blog Post of the Week: Since discovering The Nailasauras I’ve been captivated. Sammy makes nail art look so simple. With her step by step tutorials you’ll be decorating your nails like a pro in no time. Take a look at her latest creation the Nimbus Nail Art Tutorial.

Video of the Week: The second episode of Brand Focus by essiebutton takes a look at Bobbi Brown. Estée discusses the history of Bobbi Brown and shares with her viewers her favourite Bobbi Brown products. I can’t wait to watch the next in the series! 

The Heels - Indian Wedding Raves #3

Finding the right shoes for an Indian outfit is far from easy and the task often comes with a tick list. They have to be comfortable, sturdy, no more than 3-4 inches and they need to match the embroidery on my outfits.

Well, with so many demands being made I can never manage to find the right pair on the high street, as they just never seem to fit the requirements. So when I shop for heels the only place that I seem to head to is an Indian shoe store.

On a recent trip to Southall Broadway I kept my eyes open for two sets of heels, a gold pair and a silver pair. Gold and silver seemed like ideal colours as they would match the embroidery on most of the Indian outfits I own.

After failing in a few shoe stores, I soon found both of these beauties. I was fortunate enough to spot them in the end of season sales, and at £20 each I knew I had found a bargain! The second pair of heels isn’t quite silver, but due to their pewter tone I knew I could get away with wearing them with my pink sari.

I am proud to report that after two days of dancing in these heels my feet have survived. With no pain it’s safe to say that I’ll continue to buy my shoes from Indian stores.

The Sikh Wedding - Indian Wedding Raves #2

Image: theurbannexus via Flickr

“They are not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together.

Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies.” 
Guru Amar Das Ji, Pauri, pg. 788

Anand Karaj

This week my cousin will take the traditional steps to marrying his beloved. Behind the glitz and the glamour, it is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, dating back to the times of our Guru Jis.

A Sikh wedding is referred to as an Anand Karaj where a man and woman are joined together before a congregation at a gurdwara in the holy presence of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

The bride and groom take their place in front of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which is followed by an Ardas. The only people who stand for this Ardas are the bride and groom and their parents. After the Ardas a Hukam is read from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Then the father of the bride gets up to give his daughter away. He takes one side of the groom’s scarf and places it in his daughter’s hand.

After the bride has been given away there are four Laava. The Laava are marriage hymns written by Guru Ram Das Ji. They are recited while the groom leads his bride and circles around the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in a clockwise direction. These Laava guide the couple on how to live in a harmonious marriage by explaining the relationship between Waheguru and an individual.

The ceremony is drawn to a close with an Ardas and the offering of Karah Parshad to the congregation.

A brief summary of the Laava

First Laava: Let go of the past and look forward to a new beginning. By worshiping Waheguru Ji all your sins will be forgiven.

Second Laava: Waheguru Ji is the centre of the marriage and the couple should advance towards him.

Third Laava: Fill your mind with ‘Divine Love’ through worshipping together. It is through this worship that you will know your destiny.

Fourth Laava: You will be a peace once you’re married life is combined with love for Waheguru. The couple become one soul in two bodies.

Glossary

Anand Karaj	“Blissful Union”
Ardas	A prayer.
Gurdwara	A Sikh place of worship.
Guru Granth Sahib Ji Guru Amar Das Ji	The holy scriptures of Sikhism. The third of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism.
Guru Ram Das Ji	The fourth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism.
Hukam	Meaning command or order. Hukam is commonly used to refer to a hymn that is read after the Ardas.
Karah Parshad	Is a holy offering that is given as a blessing from the Guru.
Laava Pauri	The marriage hymns written by Guru Ram Das Ji which are recited during the Anand Karaj. Paragraph or verse from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Waheguru Ji	Is the term used by Sikhs to refer to God.

My Roman Holiday

As many of you may know on the 26th of August I decided to end my summer in style and headed off to Rome. I felt compelled to share a few of my holiday photos as the city has exceeded my expectations. It is definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. With so many things to see and do, you'll hardly grow tired of Rome.

Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps

Pantheon

The dome in the Pantheon

Piazza Novana

Fountain of the Four Rivers

Colosseum

Circus Maximus

Campidoglio Square

Altare della Patria

Trajan's Market

St Peter's Basilica

The Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge on the Tiber and Castel Sant'Angelo in the distance

When in Rome try a gelato

Goodies from Kiko

I have a feeling that my recent trip to Rome won’t be my last, but one of many more to come. Roma è bella!

An Introduction - Indian Wedding Raves #1

Want a peak into the glamour of an Indian wedding? With the guests often stealing the show, it’s not just the bride and groom who look dashing. Stay tuned for my Indian Wedding Raves and let me take you on my journey. All will be revealed shortly.

An Edge To The Others #3

Blog Post of the Week: The blog post of this week is not dedicated to a post, but to a blog that has captivated me.  The Man Repeller by Leandra Medine is a must read for women everywhere. She's witty, intelligent and has some serious style that I envy. Leandra is a woman who dresses for herself, her clothes might repel men, but they win the hearts of her readers. Let's all embrace our man repelling ways.

Video of the Week: Video of the week goes to the gorgeous Amelia Liana from Liana Beauty. Since Amelia began making videos I have been absolutely addicted to her YouTube channel. And after watching her Autumn Overhaul I have been feeling inspired to switch up my skincare, makeup and hair care for the colder months. I have definitely added many of the products mentioned to my wish list. Thank you Amelia, you have made the transition to autumn/winter easier for me. 

Duty Free Beauty Buys

On the 26^th of August I rushed through airport security in order to reach World Duty Free. I found myself heading straight to the Giorgio Armani counter as I had heard many beauty fanatics rave about their base offerings. I was soon drawn to Luminous Silk and it became love at first swipe. It is light in texture, but manages to give you a medium to full coverage and with every scar covered I swooned. I was matched to shade 6 and at £28, a saving of £7, I was sold.

After browsing the Armani counter I headed to MAC. I have always lusted after their eye shadows, but have always refrained and walked away. However, on this occasion I just couldn't help myself and I quickly saw myself grabbing Patina and Sable (£10 each), which was immediately followed up by a 217 (£13) to add to my ever growing stash of brushes.

A few pounds lighter I saw myself waving goodbye to London and saying Ciao to Roma.