Breastfeeding in America... August 21, 2012 15:15
Breastfeeding: What's Wrong in America? Why do so many American women eagerly anticipate breastfeeding their new baby only to find themselves three weeks later partially breastfeeding and then by six weeks not breastfeeding at all? Everyone knows that breastfeeding and breastmilk is what all babies need. We've all heard breast is best. So what's the problem or should I say dilemma?image Used only with express written permission If you are wanting to breastfeed, go ahead right now and realize that you need help. Women need other women to help them figure out this so called natural process. Why? Because natural, as it pertains to breastfeeding, doesn't mean it comes naturally. Ahh, is that so? Let me tell you a story: There was a gorilla living in captivity most or all of her life. There were no other female gorillas around her giving birth and nurturing their young at their breasts. When her first baby was born, she peered at it and threw it over the fence--the baby died. What does one do with this little unfamiliar thing? Second pregnancy: the very wise zoo keeper called the La Leche League asking for volunteers--nursing mothers to nurse their children in front of the gorilla's cage. Everyday mothers came and nursed while the expectant gorilla and zoo workers watched. What a sight, so wish I had been a part of one of the first nurse-ins. Arrival of baby number two brought anxiety to all. What will she do this time? Take a guess. She put the baby to breast and nursed and nurtured this baby and everyone lived happily ever after. How are you suppose to know what to do? How many of you have watched nursing mothers throughout your life or even your pregnancy? If you live in America, the answer is slim to none and slim has left town. Sure you can feed your baby at your breast, but will you be able to continue beyond 3 weeks? Will you even leave the hospital without your baby getting formula? Will you be comfortable--pain-free? Will your baby gain weight well? The odds are against you. Breastfeeding in a world of formula is like speaking an ancient language that know one knows how to interpret. You must find experienced breastfeeders for help, support and expertise. Sometimes other mothers fit the bill; sometimes you need a specialist such as a certified lactation consultant or IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Here are the most common questions every breastfeeding mother asks: Is breastfeeding suppose to hurt? Is my baby drinking? Am I making enough milk? How often is my baby suppose to eat? Who do you have lined up to help you? Meet with a lactation consultant--one that works with mothers and babies beyond the two to three day hospital stay--while you are pregnant; many mothers say it was the best thing they did to prepare for baby's arrival. As a side note, budget for lactation help: it's much cheaper to get breastfeeding working well than to pay for formula.
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The technique of Stress management... August 20, 2012 16:02
Everything in life has a technique to solve, so as the ‘Stress’ factor that actually makes us so stressed out… all we need to know is the technique how to over come stress... Rest, Relaxation and SleepWhen many people are faced by a stressful situation at work, they respond with complete commitment, by working intensely hard at resolving it. To do this, they may work all hours, cancel vacations and cut back on sleep, all to make more time to tackle the problem. If this is short-lived, then negative effects will be minimal and success will often be spectacular. However, if this level of hard work is sustained for a long time without relief, people increasingly risk ill-health and burnout. We rest and sleep because we need to. Rest and RelaxationRest is what we do to let stress subside. Rest at the end of a day, and at the end of a week, helps us to calm down. Doing fun things that we enjoy in our leisure time compensates us for the stress we experience at work, bringing some balance back into life. This is particularly important if we routinely experience unpleasant levels of stress. A good way of getting rest and reducing long-term stress is to take up an enjoyable, non-rushed sport or hobby. If you spend all your working day competing, then can be very pleasant to be completely non-competitive for some of your free time. Slow physical activities such as sailing or walking are good for this, as are others where there is little or no pressure for performance. Reading novels, watching television or socializing can also be very restful. Vacations are particularly important, and you really do need to take these. Where possible, take two weeks off rather than just one week: A common observation that people make is that they really do not start to relax properly until the end of their first week of vacation. Make sure that you take your vacations and that you use them to relax. Also, make sure that you get enough good quality rest during the week, so that you can keep on enjoying life to its fullest. SleepOn average, people need around eight hours sleep a night (although this can vary between three hours and eleven hours, depending on the person and his or her age).If we are regularly short of sleep, then our concentration and our effectiveness suffer and our energy levels decline. We have all seen and experienced this. This diminishes our effectiveness in our job, and can therefore increase stress: As our concentration wanders, we start to make mistakes. As our energy declines, we become less proactive in what we do, reducing our control over events. This means that a situation that is already difficult and stressful can become worse, needing even more sacrifice to bring it back under control. Make sure you get enough sleep. If you have become used to being tired all the time, you will be amazed by how sharp and energetic you will feel once you start sleeping normally.
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Giving too much airs to self is hazardous August 19, 2012 14:29
Drawing battle lines between colleagues has been a common trait among some chauvinists. They think no end of themselves and forget to be a team player. Such people are ridiculed by one and all in the team. Those high headed people try to take any simple thing to convert it into a missile and hurl at others, using powerful words, even at the slightest provocation, if done inadvertently, too. Pathetic for the team who bear the brunt of such chauvinists. In our daily life or at work, we find such people who feel masters of every thing. Inspite of our knowledge of such cons we at times submit ourselves and that proves to be disastrous. Better to avoid such people who talk too nice but unknowingly drive a wedge into you. Maybe initially they win but on the long run there traits are hated by one and all. A recent encounter with an old colleague reminded of the way things would turn violent at times by this sordid 'attitude' of your fellow team player. Such 'attitudes' could be hazardous for the team. Try to change your attitude for the benefit of the team or else your CVs will be filed with short 3-4 months tenures, which would diminish one's chances in getting a good job. Take pride in work but do not show pride in your work, to be a team player. Such people are termed as,'Scientifically-literate and at the same time public-illiterate.' To stay away from similar branding, is to leave the negative, 'attitude' at home while you leave for work. Because we spend maximum awake time out here and our attitude only makes the 'work place a heaven or a hell'. I wish I could drive some senses in to such people who would be depriving their companies of working individuals (without attitude), who should better network (than them) for reaching targets on time. Because humans are ultimately social animals and team work depends much on team efficiencies, which eventually co-relates to the success of the company, we work for. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Fingers crossed for Vanya Mishra August 18, 2012 16:10
Vanya Mishra with 115 other beautiful young ladies is now at Ordos, China, which is the beautiful stage set for the 62nd Miss World 2012 pageant. She has been selected to compete on behalf of the nation after she had won the Femina Miss India title this year which was held on 30 of March. The Indian beauty is a native of Chandigarh and is pursuing her undergraduate course in Electrical Engineering. Never before has this pageantry witnessed such a huge number of competitors. Is this something that we, men, should feel happy for, since the number of beautiful ladies has been increasing in the years? 116 members representatives of their countries, one per country, would take part in the finals of the highly desired competition, both by the audience and the participants themselves; it has always been a matter of national pride to win such an event. That being said, the hopes of all Indians now rest on Vanya Mishra's victory in the pageant. If she emerges victorious, she would be the sixth Indian to win the title and the first to win it since 2000. The last Miss India was Priyanka Chopra, who was crowned the most beautiful lady in 2000. The Chandigarh girl, only 21 years old, bursting with beauty and youth has her eyes fixated on the Miss World Crown. She also said that it was her dream to bring back the crown to India. "I know I have to win in the same way I kept telling that I will win Miss India and became the runners up. I want to bring back the Miss World crown to India," said Mishra. She added that even before she was Miss India, Diana Hayden and Priyanka Chopra were her favorite, Miss World winners. (Anil)
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North East Indians, is your city safe for you! August 17, 2012 17:56
North East natives have been facing a lot of commotion and feeling of insecurity since the violence of he communal riots has apparently spread to many major metropolitan cities and other big cities in India like Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad. Many natives of the sister states have been feeling insecure with the assailants on the prowl. There were numerous stray incidents of attacks in the nation after the riots in Mumbai recently. A few of the victims have fled to their hometowns, a few of them had endured the attacks and are waiting for the nightmare to pass while a few others are defiant and decide to stay put in the city. In the Bangalore news, it has been understood that the students are avoiding areas like Annapalya, Neelsandra, Austin Town, Ejipura and Koramangala. Few people had been threatened by assailants who were armed with knives while few others had brawled with their bare fists. The North East students who had come to the cities to get their education had said that they were often inquired if they were from Assam. Even if they said they belonged to other neighboring states in the sister states, they were assaulted. San, also from Nagaland, who was attacked a few days ago said, "I won't go back; I just have to be alert. I've warned my friends too." Shatlien, a Manipuri, had also been intercepted and beaten up. Both of them had not registered FIR as they feared that the people would attack them again. Ningkhan, also Manipuri was not very lucky. He was confronted by a group of 4-5 people who asked him if he was from Assam. When he said he was from Manipur, they ceased to listen to him calling him a liar. They violently attacked him, breaking bottles on his head. He also had not approached the police since he didn't want the matter to proceed further. With the haters on the prowl, and the notion behind the ideas not very clear, it is always safe to seek the help from the government and the police. The police in all the affected cities had said that they were willing to assist and provide protection to the North East students who had come to the cities to chase their dreams. In such sensitive times, it would be wise to ask the police for extra protection and stay under their vigilant patrol. (AW- Anil)
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A 'good' night for a 'good' morning... August 17, 2012 13:16
Who does not want to get a proper sleep at night, throwing away all mental and physical tensions aside??? But, thanks for a hectic life style filled with 'targets' to be completed and 'deadlines' to be met, both personally and professionally, adequate sleep has been almost impossible... but, just take some time out and know what all an adequate sleep could give us in return; Heart attacks and strokes are more common during the early morning hours. This fact may be explained by the way sleep interacts with the blood vessels. Lack of sleep has been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Your heart will be healthier if you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. People working the late shift have a higher risk for breast and colon cancer. Researchers believe this link is caused by differing levels of melatonin in people who are exposed to light at night. Light exposure reduces the level of melatonin, a hormone that both makes us sleepy and is thought to protect against cancer. Melatonin appears to suppress the growth of tumors. Be sure that your bedroom is dark to help your body produce the melatonin it needs. When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body's functions are put on high alert which causes an increase in blood pressure and a production of stress hormones. Higher blood pressure increases your risk for heart attacks and strokes. The stress hormones also, unfortunately, make it harder for you to sleep. Researchers do not fully understand why we sleep and dream, but a process called memory consolidation occurs during sleep. While your body may be resting, your brain is busy processing your day, making connections between events, sensory input, feelings and memories. Your dreams and deep sleep are an important time for your brain to make memories and links. Getting more quality sleep will help you remember and process things better. Researchers have also found that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to be overweight or obese. It is thought that the lack of sleep impacts the balance of hormones in the body that affect appetite. The hormones ghrelin and leptin, important for the regulation of appetite, have been found to be disrupted by lack of sleep. So if you are interested in controlling or losing weight, don't forget to pay attention to getting a good night's sleep. Sleep impacts many of the chemicals in your body, including serotonin. People with a deficiency in serotonin are more likely to suffer from depression. You can help to prevent depression by making sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, between 7 and 9 hours each night. Sleep is a time for your body to repair damage caused by stress, ultraviolet rays and other harmful exposures. Your cells produce more protein while you are sleeping. These protein molecules form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair damage.
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Your shoes say much about you August 17, 2012 11:12
Your footwear can determine the personality you want to project. Love your sparkly stilettos and those impossibly high pair of strappy sandals? Or are your sturdy, lace up shoes or your practical Mary Jane brogues, the shoes you swear by? Trend watchers now say that a person's footwear can transform their personality. For instance, a stylish pair of sandals in ladylike heels reportedly shows that you have classic tastes. Wearing flat shoes or sandals all the time shows that you are grounded, down-to-earth and laidback too. A pair of serious shoes in jet black or deep brown with mid heels can show that you are the boss whereas high heeled boots can make the wearer look very powerful and smart. The interesting aspect of this study lies in the fact that you can wear different shoes and change your entire personality. You can have fun with footwear and even improve your mood for the day. For instance, bright sandals, wild patterns, details like straps, bows, tassles, buckles can make a person look extroverted and sexy. Pretty stilletos immediately add length to the legs and changes a woman's silhouette. When you wear flat footwear, you immediately look relaxed and comfortable. A pair of gorgeous floral pumps can make you seem instantly sweet and feminine. So, always pay attention to what your footwear because it conveys all kinds of messages to an onlooker. Try different looks right through the week, so that you can sport a new personality each time and feel amazing too.
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Setting up a guest room August 16, 2012 11:15
Having family or guests come and live with you for a vacation? All you need to do is plan and equip your guest room well so that your guests are self sufficient and you do not have to be up and about, on your toes providing things for them. Here's what you need to remember: - Arrange for a decent and comfortable and clean bed and a couple a spare sheets, pillow covers and extra blankets to ensure they have a good night's sleep. To conserve space, you can opt for a sofa cum bed or a bunk bed. - Keep an empty shelf or a corner where your guests can store their luggage. If you do not have a corner to spare, make arrangements for a table where they can keep their bags. - Even if the cupboard in the spare room is full, if you know you're having guests over, make space. Provide them with space and hangers to hang their clothes. Alternatively, you can put some empty rods in a corner and stock plenty of spare hangers and clothes hooks. - Some of the things you can equip a guest room with, include a side table with a jug of water and a glass, a torch and some interesting reading material. Keeping a spare iron in the guest room is also a very good idea. This way, your guests can be independent and they won't have to worry you for each and every small thing they need. - Make sure the bathroom is well equipped with extra towels, toiletries like soap, toothpaste, spare toothbrushes, toilet paper, handy equipment like a bucket and a mug and even a couple of pairs of bathroom sandals. More importantly, make sure it is clean and every tap and flush working properly. - If your guests have a child, they could probably need a table lamp or a dim night light so that they do not have to fumble in the dark when the baby suddenly wakes up in the night and cries. If it's an infant, you could also keep and electric kettle so that they can easily prepare the baby's feed if the need arises. - Make sure you keep a couple of chairs in the room to allow for your guests to sit down and laze around. Using the bed continuously can indeed get a bit tedious.
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FB adds expecting a baby to its timeline August 14, 2012 13:16
Social networking major, Facebook seems to leave no stone unturned. After transforming the status update to time line and giving an option to update whether a person is engaged or not, Facebook now added another option to the timeline, which is 'expecting a baby,' as a life event on its timeline. Apart from this a person can include the fields of the baby, which include the gender, expected dates, the other parent, story and also the location. In a recent post Facebook mentioned that life events were expressive ways to mark significant moments in one's life such as getting married or traveling to new places. And in case one chooses, he/she can now share as to when they are going to expect a baby. This move has been apparently welcomed by scored of the netizens, who have already seemed to be excited about this new option. (AW Phani)
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Main Trends of Autumn-Winter Bags of 2011-2012: August 13, 2012 15:14
Continuing to acquaint you with the most fashionable trends of women handbags of fall-winter season 2011-2012, we would like to mention six main trends. This fall and winter fashionable women will have a wide range of bags and Clutches of all tastes and occasions. Fans of strict accessories can choose minimalistic bags, fans of "rock" style can expect bags with rivets and chains, and for creative girls, fashion deploys a fan of original trends. MinimalismIn the history of handbags of this season, a separate chapter is dedicated to the modernist direction, standing out among other with its simplicity and functionality. Bags with rivetsOn the contrary to minimalism, denying any jewelry, develops the opposite direction, welcoming metal nails and studs, with which are generously covered the models of this trend.Rivets of different forms-pyramids, domes or flats cover the entire surface of the bag or, as with Alexander Wang, form a series of sharp, intimidating spikes on the edge. Embossed BagsThis trend is not yet very popular, but may have a considerable potential for future seasons.Consumers increasingly give preference to inexpensive goods, and designers have to think about how to make their products cheaper. The obvious solution is stamping the surface with relief pictures and elusive finish. All this will cost less than the creation of models with lots of metal parts and external decorations. And the bags will look even nice: take a look at the carved model of Proenza Schouler, trompley techniques from Hermes, and no less interesting quilted finish of McCartney and Dior. Hanging claspOnce this small detail ensured the great success of the Chloe Paddington collection, but since then has passed enough time and it is partially forgotten.Therefore, this season the designers have again started to use the hanging clasp as the focal jewelry of the bag.Louis Vuitton has a number of monogram clasps on the width of the bag, Loewe has a belt buckle instead of a clasp, and both Luella and McQueen put emphasis on the shape of a heart. Bags with chainsBag with a chain-a mandatory attribute of any show, and winter collections were no exception.New trend include: flat links, large, massive chains, ultra-modern elements, such as rubber links or semiprecious stones.Particularly interesting is the jeans model of Pucci, where the chain covers the bag on the perimeter, then gradually moves into the handle. Natural furFur is one of the key materials of autumn-winter season of 2011-2012For bags are actual natural, coarse varieties of natural colors. This may be long-haired fur of fox and rabbit, a hard goat fur and striped polecat.Bags are spectacularly decorated by fur tails or tassels of horse hair-for example, the model from Alessandro Dell 'Acqua.
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Radha Krishna cult for fashion August 09, 2012 12:57
Shravan month brings joy to one and all and the vigor is virulent in youth. Catching on the threads of gen next desires, well acclaimed designer Neeta Lulla offered up traditional Indian designs at the Lakme Fashion Show. And this time the concept revolved around Radha Krishna. Radha Krishna are best remembered for their eternal romance. And their dressing styles as per the present day context are surely to be the most sought out for by gen next. The collection of lehengas, cholis and dupattas in gorgeous, vibrant colours, complemented by kundan necklaces, chandelier earrings, maang tikkas and bangles from Forever Jewellery. Added the vibrancy of the show. Radha Krishna trends are keeping up with the Janamashtami scheduled for national celebrations on August 10. Inspite of the Lord Krishna having 16,000 concerts and Rukmini the reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi as the head-queen of the Dwaraka palace, Radha was most reckoned. Radha is the symbol of selfless devotion, while the Lord ruled the entire living beings, it was Radha who ruled him. This was possible due to her severe and constant thoughts that only had the Lord in its epicenter. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay) {besps}stories/slideshow/RadhaKrishna{/besps}
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Fashion needs to be recession-friendly August 09, 2012 10:49
Designer Neeta Lulla presented a bridalwear-centric show, which opened with a live performance by Hema Malini as Radha. Just after the show, when we chatted with Lulla, she told us that as the country faces recession again, it's time for designers to look at cost-cutting measures. And one of the ways to do it is through reduction in embellishment. "Texture treatments on the clothes have become a far more practical solution. For instance, in this collection, instead of overdoing embellishment, we've taken patches of rich fabric and embroidered that on to the clothes."
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