Picture Review : January

So, 2014 is now one month old. Yes, so quickly. 

January was lil too good to me. Whatte Start to this amazing year. !!!

Anyway, since I'm such a social person, I'd love to share my month in pictures with all of you. 

Here's a compilation of last month :

The New Years Ball.

My Darling Sister turned 10

Met my cousin after ages.

My First Marathon

Yayy !! Contingent Leader for a College Festival.

Jam sessions with awesome people

Sunburn with Armin !!! So intense :D

My attempt at Smokey Eye Makeup. haha

You cannot say good bye to the month without some whipped cream and strawberrry *wink*.

So, that was it. Not all of it obviously. But a few highlights.

I'm sure you guys had an awesome month too. :) 

Take Care,

Alisha D'souza

xoxo

January, Thank you.

February, be good to us.

Easy Step by Step Cat Eye Tutorial

A perfect cat eye look is forever fashionable and suits almost all eyes shapes. It can give you the desired look. Right from sultry to mysterious and from cute to bold. Just a perfect cat eye with subtle makeup looks fabulous too. You can use any color pencil or gel eye liner to achieve this look. (I use a simple, black eye pencil)

Here are 4 easy steps to achieving the perfect cat eye:

1.     Starting from the inner corner of your upper lid, draw a line as close to you lashes as possible. To create a dramatic look make this line thick, or create a thin line for a more subtle look.

2.     To create your eyeliner wing, draw a line starting from the last lash outwards. You can now decide the length & angle to your eye liner.

3.     After drawing your wing, draw a line back to your upper lash line. This should create an empty triangle on your upper lid. To make you eyeliner thick, draw a bigger triangle, ending at the middle part of your lash line. For a more subtle look, draw a small triangle that finishes in your outer corner. 

4.     Color in the triangle with your pencil.

You’re now all set to flaunt your Perfect Cat Eyes.

Don’t forget to use a coat or two of mascara to complete this look.

Take Care,

Xoxo

Alisha D’souza

PS. Please do let me know when you try this out.

HAS REPUBLIC DAY REALLY LOST IT’S SIGNIFICANCE ?

So, Today India celebrates its 65^th Republic Day. But except that it has fallen on a Sunday so, no extra holiday for us this year or it being a dry day, does it really matter to us?

Honesty, I’m no different!!I was woken up today morning by my 10 year old sister, she had The Indian Flag in her hand and she very sweetly wished me ‘Happy Republic Day’, I got up cribbing about what a waste of a holiday but like a good child wore an Indian outfit and went to church. I thought, since its Republic Day.. That’s the right thing to do, dress all traditional. But to my surprise, it was just like any other day; I didn’t even see a flag around. What’s happening? Has this day reaaallyy lost its significance?

I’m sure we were all taught the significance of Republic Day in Indian History. But the question is whether it actually holds any significance for us beyond passing an 8th Std history examination?

Let me tell you this, If  the midnight of August 15, 1947 marks the day India  gained independence from British rule, it was only on January 26^th, 1950 that the constitution of India was finally adopted, making the country a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic. India was functioning under the laws enacted and implemented by the British until this day. The constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949, following several amendments and finally came into force on republic day.

It is a people’s day. On Independence Day, the past is re-called , on Republic Day, the pledge is renewed. The essence behind the celebration of Republic day is not only to celebrate India’s secularism and democracy but also to make us feel proud of our culture, languages, social norms, traditions, customs, religions that make India a wonderful multi-cultural country.

But do we realize this attribute of our National culture?

I think we need to stop cribbing about how we are leading the most miserable life anyone can have or how the political system of our country is going down the drains or how the population and corruption is exponentially increasing and maybe start trying a little harder to change these things that are hampering our society. Like its said,‘Be the change you want to see’.

Are we really playing the part of a true Indian? If you take out just 2 minutes from your daily lives you’ll surely get the answer. Have you ever tried to get your work done through the proper channel? Whether it is following the traffic signals or getting a drivers license, we go through the corrupt way. Up to the extent that we even try to get admission to the best college not on the basis of our ability but on the basis of donation.

Our freedom fighters have sacrificed their life for us. They died dreaming of a Free INDIA, but they never thought that although India will be free from British, it will then be a slave of Corruption, Treachery, Illiteracy, Exploitation and many more such evils.

With the rise of corruption and justice being denied everywhere, it is proved that we still are being governed by the evil forces. Although India is rising in terms of technology and economy, it is getting HOLLOW from within.

On this day, let me end this post by a famous quote by John. F. Kennedy, here keeping India in mind -

‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’

                                 

Happy Republic Day.

-         Alisha D’souza

Don't you worry child :)

One night, while I was sitting and sipping on my green tea, I realised that I was humming the tune of ‘Don’t you worry Child’ by Swedish House Mafia. That song is surely one of my favourites, the tune jumps into my brain and bounces there forever. But for some reason, that night ... I completely zoned out and the song took me to a completely different world. Maybe I was over thinking, but I realised that the song has so much meaning to it.

It made me realise how I was so different as a kid, a little more carefree, little less judgemental, a lot more happy ... and then I grew up and reality hit me. Exactly like the song!!!

Have you ever stopped to think about the words? How the song starts with a ‘happy’ time when, as a young boy, he was the ‘king’ , on a ‘golden throne’. And then he comes back to the present and says that ‘those days are gone’ and they are now just memories. He believes that everything changed.

Isn’t life like that?? When you’re a child, you’re safe, secure, loved, carefree and happy and you suddenly grow up and you’re made to face the world!! At least I feel like that at times. Alone in a crowd! I feel that I have suddenly grown up, all independent, I feel that ... one wrong move and I’m finished, I feel judged and yes, scared !

Coming back to the song, he is surely in despair and he is broken but still finds comfort in his father’s words, ‘Don't you worry, don't you worry, child. See heaven's got a plan for you’.

I think we can all relate to this. The older we get, the more we live, the more likely we are to have our hearts broken, dreams shattered and relationships strained. But, in all these crisis whom do we turn to? A fond memory, parents, a friend?

I’ve realised, that for me as a Christian, this song has a much profound meaning. For we have a heavenly father, who invites us to come to him with all our worries and concerns – Big or Small. He tells us not to worry but to pray and tell him all our problems. Peace is ensured.

And, I am assured that God has a plan for us.

“ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope’’ – Jer 29:11

It’s not just that ‘heaven’ has a plan for you (whatever that actually means). It is God that has a plan for you, to change and become a better person and he can even use the heartbreaks and heartaches of life to make that happen.

But all said and done, a father can have a plan for his sons life but the son can chose to ignore it. So, we cant blame God for everything that happens and all the choices we make. He has given us the gift of free will and we need to exercise it well. For example, in a real life scenario a child does have free will, but a good father exercises control over the child and at the same time, allows the child to mature and make choices. He allows his child to learn by mistakes and failures. In the same way God has a perfect will and plan but also has permissive will, which allows us to learn the hard way.


So the next time your heart is broken, your dreams shattered, you feel rejected or relationships strained, remember :

1.    Don’t worry; you have a father who will take care of it. PRAY. Ask him to help you make the right choice.

2.    He has a plan for you. TRUST IN HIM.

3.    Listen to the lyrics sometimes. It got me writing this post.

Take care :)

xoxo

- Alisha.

What's in my bag ? / Essential Bag Items.

These are a few items that are always in my handbag/backpack, either for emergency or daily use. I consider these as must haves for an already packed bag. 

Today I'm going to share with you a few essential ideas for your bag. Don't forget to make note and shove it in immediately.

1. ANY FORM OF IDENTITY

You should always carry some form of identification with you; you never know when you’ll have to prove your identity and that in itself makes this item top my list of essential items for my handbag. So, don't forget to carry either or college/office ID card or maybe or driving license.

2. PURSE/ WALLET

No one can survive without money. That makes it the most essential item in my bag.

3. MEDICINE

You don’t need to take the whole medicine cabinet with you, but grab a few pain killers and a crocin, and you're good to go.

4. LIP BALM

Keep those lips hydrated (especially in cold weather!). I cannot do without 'Baby lips.'

5. DEODORANT/ BODY MIST

No one likes the stench of body odor! Shove a mini deodorant into your bag, one thing that you can't miss for sure.

6. BAND-AID

Stock up on band-aids. You never know when you'll get an unexpected cut. Accident prone that I am, the band-aids definitely come in handy!

7. PENS

In case you need to sign something, you'll be prepared with a pen. Or if you need to jot down a small reminder to yourself.

8. PACK OF TISSUES

 I am real clumsy, so this is surely an essential for me. You never know when you’ll get hit with a bloody or runny nose. I carry a small travel size pack with me.

9. HAND SANITIZER

Hand sanitizers come in so much handy (especially in these winter months when the flu is going around!) while traveling, before eating, etc.

10. A FEW SAFETY PINS

You'll never know when a button of a shirt will pop out or any need of last minute alteration comes your way. All you need are a few safety pins for last minute damage control and you'll be prepared for almost ant fashion emergency

11. KEYS

How could you leave your home without your keys? This necessity is pretty much a given. House keys, car keys, office keys; make sure you got them all!

12. POST ITS

You’ll never know when you’ll need to scribble down a reminder or a phone number you’ll need to call later. Post Its are perfect for this. A pad of paper can do the trick as well!

13. MINTS OR GUM

Fresh breath? Yes, please! Dump a pack of gum or mints into your everyday bag so you won't be stuck with bad breath all day long!


14. SUNGLASSES

The sun, I hate !!! Just can't take.

15. WATER

So, ladies, do you have any (if not all) of these essential items in your bag? If not, do you have any other items that you must have in your bag at all times?

New Year Resolutions 2014 :)

Hello,

So, we’ve said goodbye to 2013, all the Christmas eating and drinking and general merriment is left behind us and we are now looking to the next year and making those all-important resolutions, you know, the one's we make and try to keep every year?

So what do I plan on doing (and not doing) in 2014?

( Yes, I know making New year resolutions are a little too mainstream... but anyway ! )

1.EAT FOR HEALTH NOT WEIGHT
I know that one of the most commonly made New Year’s Resolutions is to lose weight. To get skinny is everyone’s favorite resolution.  But I feel a resolution to eat for health instead of weight loss could be a better choice. So, I am going to choose to eat in order to be healthy which will surely give me a side effect of weight loss. Not only will I be a slimmer version of myself but also a healthier one. YAY !

2. GET SLEEP
Yes, That! Get sleep!! I really don’t get enough sleep.

3. DRINK MORE WATER
I struggle with my daily intake of water, but I’m now going to make it a habit and limit the amount of sodas and sugary drinks in the house.

4. SPEND ONE DAY A MONTH ALONE

With the daily hustle-bustle, college, work, projects friends etc. I have forgotten how it is to spend time with myself. We all need alone time. So, I am now going to take time out for myself - Watch a few movies, catch up on my favorite shows, read a little bit, go shopping, or do anything that I enjoy - for myself and by myself

5. LEARN A LANGUAGE
I realised, that this could not only be fun, but really helpful in life. Whether I want to travel somewhere or don’t want to, it’s a great resume builder or just a lot of fun to show off. You never know when a new language will come in handy or what opportunities it will lead to. So, I’m going to continue with French that I left behind in junior college.

6. STOP BUYING JUNK AND SPENDING WISELY

I am so, so guilty of doing this! Buying stuff that I don’t even need just because they appear pretty. If I counted all of the money that I have wasted on useless junk, I'd be rich!

7. SPEND TIME WITH THOSE WHO MATTER
Due to the busy schedule, taking time out for myself has become a task. But coming to think of it, purposing to take time for those who matter is such an important thing in our lives. It is one of those very important things that slips by us if we are not careful. This is a decision I am sure I will never regret.

8. AVOID FRENEMIES
This resolution may sound odd if you’ve never had a frenemy, but if you do have one, then you know how much time and energy they can sap from you. They’re mean, cruel, and worst of all, they pretend to be your friend, and you just can’t seem to cut them loose. Well, this is the New Year, and I am done wasting time on people who don’t deserve me! Blahh ! Bye !

9. PURSUE A HOBBY
I remember how much I loved music and how into my keyboard I used to be. It’s been years I haven’t touched my keyboard. It’s funny how time flies and other things become a priority.

10.  THINK BEFORE I SPEAK
I know this is funny. But I’m sure most of y’all agree with me on this (Especially those who know me well). Haha. Here is an area that I have big trouble with. I know that I don’t really think before I talk most of the time. But I promise to work on it. I am also going to try my best to start listening more and talking less. Happy now?

So, those were my list of resolutions which I am going to try my best to stick to. If you think I need to work on anything else... do let me know.

Take Care.

Have an awesome year ahead :)