Here are a few ways you can waterproof and take care of those expensive and oh-so elegant leather items.

Your leather shoes, belts or jackets look classy and sophisticated and needless to say must have taken a hit on your wallet. With the chaotic rains playing havoc in our daily lives, it's important to know how to take care of these expensive leather products. Leather is resilient and can last long provided the proper precautions are taken. Despite it's durability, if it is not looked after, especially during the monsoons, it can get spoiled way before it's time is up. Here are a few ways you can protect your leather items and make them last longer.

Quality of leather: Be sure of the quality of your product. If the leather is not original and if it's soft, it tends to lose its shine and toughness faster than actual leather. Buying products from a reputed brand or store will give you the value of money that you deserve.

Waterproofing compound: A waterproof compound is interesting to combat the rains for your leather shoes. Depending on the kind of leather you wear, go for a waterproofing compound. To make sure that it doesn't affect your leather shoes, consult a cobbler and spray it generously over your shoes to form a sort of protective layer.

Dry out the water: If your leather product has gotten exposed to the rain, gently brush off the dirt and dry off the water in room temperature. You can take out the moisture from the shoes with the help of a newspaper or a towel.

Storage area: Moisture is a common element during the monsoons. Even if your leather products are safely kept, they are susceptible to being affected by the moisture. Storing your leather in a completely dry place is important.

Dry cleaning: Make sure you keep your leather clean, it is important to regularly wash your leather and get it done professionally instead of at home. Clothes like leather jackets need ample space to breathe so it is advisable to hang them on a hanger.

Condition: You can use a leather conditioner to ease out your leather product. Make use of your fingertips and focus on areas that have gotten wet. Start by applying a small amount and gradually move to using more.

Things to avoid

Do not use heat in any form to dry out the shoes. Excessive heat makes the shoe at risk of cracking.

Broken or spoiled leather cannot be fixed, so any forms of artificial fixing should be avoided.

Do not expose your leather products to a blow dryer. Especially if they are wet.

Since the rain is constant and unyielding, keep a spare pair of rain shoes or gumboots in your bag in case of an emergency.

Just like your clothes, even your favourite style of shoes can make a strong statement about your personality traits.

Whether you're a sucker for stilettos or obsessed with wearing boots, your choice in footwear can give people a sneak peek into your inner self. Find out what your shoes have to say about you...

Sky-high heels

Walking around in towering heels may give you a backache and cause your feet to cry out in pain! But that doesn't stop you from owning a rack full of these. This shoe style means you are a person who takes pride in her looks and loves attention. You are incredibly confident about your sex appeal.You love to show off your sexuality and even though people call you shallow, you like to put in effort in the way you look.

Wedges and platforms

A fusion between style and com fort, wedge heels and platform shoes indicate that you like to strike a balance between being sexyfashionable and being down-to-earthreal. You're practical, self-assured, straight-forward and just the right blend of narcissistic and altruistic.

Training and running shoes

If you're more into sporty footwear like keds and converse, apart from being an outdoor, outgoing and athletic person, you have an artistic side to you as well. You like discovering new places and travel is one of your favourite hobbies.Sometimes, it also denotes that you're too busy to care about the rest of the world!

Loafers and oxfords

Fiercely independent, you love doing things on your own, and will do anything it takes to accomplish your goals. You have a creative streak and your style is versatile. Also, you don't like to reveal y o u r actual feelings t o people.

Bootie-shooties

Boots signify that the wearer is well-travelled and highly sociable. You are independent and like doing things on your own.

Though your personal rela tionships matter to you, you don't tolerate any one's rude behaviour and may even come across as a tad bit aggres sive.

Flats forever

Flip flops, ballerinas and any footwear that has no trace of a heel, is what you swear by.

You are friendly, under standing and sweet natured. You give out the perception that you're an extrovert. But your penchant for comfy , homely footwear also means that you aren't someone who is open to changes.

What a man's shoe says about him

Formal black shoes: A hard worker, you are respectful towards others and expect them to treat you the same way.

Sandals with socks: Apart from looking silly , you also give out the perception of a lazy guy! Flip flops: Laidback and chilled out, you never succumb to expectations and often don't care much for the outside world.

Oxfords with lace: You are a responsible guy , who people often think of as gentlemanly .

Moccasins: Since these shoes require upkeep and care, they signify that you are a very stylish but high-mainte nance man.

Boots: If you often wear ankle-length boots, you give out the vibe of a masculine, trendy , detail-oriented person, whom everyone adores.

Shoe trivia

According to psychologists, apart from the style of your footwear, its colour and condition also tells a lot about you. For example, if you go for boring shoes in dull colours, researchers suggest that you may have a difficult time forming relationships. If you like to wear worn-in shoes, you are an extrovert and emotionally stable.

College is certainly one of the most exciting phases of our life. The anticipation of embarking on a new journey can make the first day of college rather important.

From meeting new people who might soon become your best buddies to finding that special someone, college brings many memories that get etched in our hearts for a lifetime. And since there is so much to look forward to, why not do it in style! So add a dash of style and oodles of attitude to these memories by looking your best and making a strong style statement. Shun the normal and get on to some experimenting mode that is sure to make you a head-turner. Here's how to do it...

For him

Wardrobe essentials

While new fashion trends keep emerging every year, the basics remain the same. Agrees designer Swati Goradia, "This season is again all about experimenting yet having your unique personality shining out. From culottes, fitted jeans, to vests and jackets teamed with funny prints on t-shirts, will be a staple." "Shades of pastel solid colours in men's wardrobe will be in this season," says designer Kalgi Shah adding, "Opt for fitted jeans and avoid baggy ones. If you want a more casual and relaxed look, then team your fitted jeans with a plain solid coloured tee and add on a quirky jacket or a checkered shirt on it. The trick is to add a hint of colour on a plain toned colour combination. The denim on denim look is in rage too."

Colours, cuts and pattern rulers
With florals also entering menswear one can smartly add these prints and still look like a stunner. "Florals can be started incorporating in their outfits in small ways, by wearing it on shoes, belts, bow-ties, tie pins, pocket squares, lapel pins, (for more formal events and even in college parties) and then can slowly add on small floral prints either on shirts or pants; one at a time. Also floral inspired jackets with tropical linings is a trend to look out for," adds designer Kunal Anil Tanna. Apart from florals, checks, monochromatic, soft pastel shades and solid hues are in. l Accessories it right: Loafers, smart flip-on, casual shoes, sneakers or even smart boots during monsoon can take your look notches up. Do not wear over-sized watches. Keep the bling effect to a bare minimum. A small stud or a simple thin chain works well. Loafers in bright and solid colours are in. From colourful shoes, mismatched shoes, floaters, to quirky printed chappals there are many options. l Last minute tips: Don't follow any fashion rule blindly. Keep experimenting with various trends and add in a small aspect of it in your daily wear. Avoid wearing aerodynamically designed shades and over accessorizing. Though a neat clean-shaven look always works, a day old stubble makes girls drool too. Spikes have always been in. Make sure that while applying hair gel or mousse you don't empty the entire bottle in your hair.

For her

Wardrobe essentials

Every year there are certain trends in fashion that stand out and can be carried forward in the next season also. This year too there are trends that have been taken from last season and blended beautifully to fit in this season. Vadodara designer Archana says, "Try experimenting by adding small accents to your everyday look. Wear palazzos, or skirts, instead of denims or linen pants. Add stoles with quirky messages/prints on tops or kurtis. You can also opt for flared ghagra skirt in bold colour and team it with a ganji and a shrug that's either white, black, pastel or neutral in colour." "This season is all about going experimental with cuts and silhouettes, yet being relaxed by opting for these experimental cuts that suit your frame. Boyfriend jeans, crop tops, tops with asymmetrical hemlines are going to rule the fashion roster," adds Vadodara designer Swati Goradia.

Colours, cuts and pattern rulers

"From florals, stripes to asymmetrical to gingham prints and even checks are going to be in vogue. As for colours, monochromatic colour combination will be seen more along with pastels and bold colours. Adding capes to your casual wear adds more funk to overall ensemble," adds Kalgi Shah. Other colours like orange, indigo, white, lemon yellow, neon green are also going to be seen majorly this season. Loose fits, straight A-line skirts, geometrical prints, pencil skirts, shirt dresses quirky prints are pretty much in rage. l 'Bling' it on: Be it statement jewelries, stacked up bracelets, earcuffs, handcuff, palm cuff, statement rings all are going to be in fashion this season too. Chokers can also be given a shot for parties or casual occasions. l Accessories it right: Swati opines, "Sneakers are a big rage. From wearing them on one piece dress to normal boyfriend jeans, or on floor-length dress, sneakers in varied hues and quirky prints are definite show stealers. Also mules are something one can wear on and off." "Slip-ons, flats, flip-flops, flat belley or those with kitten heels, wedges will keep you comfortable throughout your long day. As for bags totes or sling bags with tassels are in rage," adds Kalgi. Sunglasses with round frames, along with aviators can be a treat to wear. Also jackets in monochrome or edgy prints and bold colours can be a life saver on bad fashion days. l Last minute tips: "Avoid over accessorizing! One of the biggest don'ts of following fashion trends is don't follow them blindly," says Archana. Make sure that the trend suits your body frame and experiment as much you can to get a trend right. No matter what you wear, do it with confidence and elan, and rock the look.

There is more to us than just the physical body. Our body is an energetic system through which the universal life force flows. Our seven chakras are a part of this energetic system - they connect us with the larger part of ourselves, the universe, and at the same time they hold the secrets to a healthy, prosperous and gratifying life. Read on to know more...

Tapping the energy of our chakras
Imagine having the ability, at any given moment, to instantly uplift any aspect of your life by tapping into one of your 7 Chakras, and empowering it. Your thoughts and attitudes, whether positive or negative, influence the energy in your chakras. When you understand the chakras and learn to heal them you will be able to create instant change within your state of consciousness and your body.

Physical and intellectual connection
The seven main chakra centers are aligned along the spinal column. If there are disturbances on any level, this shows in the chakra’s vitality level. Also each of the seven main chakras is their own intelligence center. This means that each chakra is not only associated with our physical health but also controls aspects connected to our emotional, mental and belief system.

1st Chakra: The Root Chakra
This first chakra is located around the tailbone at the bottom of the spine. It is represented by a red color. Its primary functions are to give vitality to the body and to perform basic survival processes. People with an open root chakra find it easy to plan their finances and work towards success. They feel stable and secure both personally and professionally. Those with closed root chakras often find they struggle with financial matters, or feel disconnected from the world around them.

2nd Chakra: The Sacral Chakra
The glowing orange sacral chakra is just below the naval, and is responsible for the flowing of energy between yourself and your loved ones. Having an open sacral chakra usually results in a comfort with one’s own sexuality, and a longing for pleasure — which is free from guilt or shame. However, should the sacral chakra be closed, a wide range of problems may manifest including: sexual frustration, addiction to narcotics or other substances, a joyless over-indulgence in many things.

3rd Chakra: The Solar Plexus Chakra
Between the naval and the sternum is the third chakra, represented by a golden yellow color that gives us the energy to make the choices and decisions that lead us to our goals. The symptoms of a closed solar plexus chakra are feelings of insignificance and voicelessness, or having little faith in one’s own opinions, goals or dreams. Conversely, blockages in the third chakra can also create a sense of false confidence.

4th Chakra: The Heart Chakra
In the center of our chests is the heart chakra, which has vital importance to our inner health and happiness. It gives us the power and energy to love not only each other, but also ourselves. Those with closed heart chakras find it difficult to forgive and move on from emotionally difficult situations, leading to misery and suffering.

5th Chakra: The Throat Chakra
Located inside the neck, the bright blue energy of the throat chakra is the center for our expression and creativity. Those who have an open throat chakra generally find it easy to express their opinions without causing offence, are thoughtful listeners, and do not shy away from opposing what they see as unfairness. A closed throat chakra can result in something of an identity crisis

6th Chakra: The Third Eye Chakra
We are all born with the gift of intuition, foresight and belief in the power of our senses. This comes from our sixth chakra, located in the forehead and represented by a powerful yet soothing indigo color. People with an open third eye chakra are comfortable with the existence of their unconscious minds. They recognize and know how to listen to their dreams, visions, premonitions and gut feelings.

7th Chakra: The Crown Chakra
The seventh and final chakra is located on the top of the head. Represented by a vivid and regal purple color, this chakra gives us the energy that drives us towards a sense of enlightenment and spiritual accomplishment. An open crown chakra will produce elevated thoughts and feelings, and more divinely orientated aspirations. A closed crown chakra can lead to feelings of a lack of direction, jealousy and bitterness.

While you have to stock more coolers for summer, here's how you can make space for other things in your fridge.

Compartmentalise
Although, refrigerators are already designed with specific compartments for each item, you can make it even more organised by creating different within the existing ones. For instance, if your egg holder is too long, then utilise it to keep small items like sauce or oregano sachets, soup and popcorn packets, etc. You may also want to extend your meat drawer to accommodate other frozen items like peas, potato smilies, etc. Also, you can use the horizontal space of your freezer door to keep dry and powdered spices, so that they do not go bad during this season.

Label your food
For most of us with huge refrigerators, it is leftover food that takes the maximum space, as they always keep getting stocked behind fresh food. Check the shelves every alternate day to find if there's anything older than two days. Keep track of your food basket, as rarely used veggies like coriander leaves, etc. might start rotting after a day or two during this season.

Manage leftovers
Checking cooked date is much more reliable than tasting or smelling refrigerated food. Label your food items to make it easy for you to find them when you need. If you have similar boxes to store sprouts, cut vegetables or spice mixes, make sure you label them so that you do not hve to open every container when you need something. Also, mention the cooked date on stored food so that you know when to discard it.

Maintain uniformity
Since every shelf is of a different height, categorise them into small, medium and large containers to make each one of them visible. Be sure, the relatively bigger and less used containers are kept behind. Choose round and rectangular containers for the door shelves.

There are many ways of removing facial hair. The method should be chosen according to quantity or thickness, location and rate of growth. Read on to find out more

Temporary methods of facial hair removal

Plucking
This method involves the use of tweezers and removes hair from the follicles. Therefore, re-growth takes time. Plucking is suitable for stray hairs on the chin, between and under the brows. It should not be used for hair on the upper lip. The area should be first wiped with cotton wool, soaked in a mild antiseptic solution. One should also take care not to pluck out hair from a mole, before consulting a doctor.

Threading
It's the most common method of removing facial hair. The disadvantage is that the effect is temporary and the procedure has to be repeated periodically. It is useful for areas like the upper lip and the eyebrows. In fact, threading is done to shape the eyebrows. Frequent
threading can cause skin irritations. On sensitive skins, there can be redness or a rash. Avoid threading on areas with eruptions, like pimples or acne. A zinc ointment or ice can be applied to soothe the skin.

Waxing
Many beauty salons offer "katori" waxing for facial hair. Cold wax would be safer for the face. Waxing strips are available. However, large areas of the face should not be waxed. It would be good for smaller areas like the chin, area above the lips or sideburns. For excessive facial hair, many women use a combination of methods, like threading chin and area above lips and bleaching the rest of the face. Or, threading chin and upper lip and waxing sideburns.

Epilation
An epilator is a small gadget for hair removal. Epilators for facial hair are different from the ones for body hair. The effect lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks. Epilators pull out the hair by the roots. It is said that the smallest hair can be removed with an epilator. There is
some initial pain, which may decrease gradually.

Electrolysis
Although this is said to be a permanent method of hair removal, re-growth can occur. In electrolysis, the diathermy method was common. It involves the use of fine needles, through which an electric current is passed. But now a new procedure is being used, known as transdermal electrolysis, in which needles are not used. Also, superfluous hair can be removed from larger areas.

In the earlier method, needles were introduced into the hair follicle to cauterise the hair root. This checked re-growth. It is extremely important to make inquiries, as scarring can occur in the hands of an unskilled operator.

Laser
This is the latest method of permanent removal of facial hair. Laser produces an intense beam of light, which is absorbed by the hair follicles. The laser disables the hair follicle's ability to produce hair. Cooling devices are used to prevent damage to the rest of theskin. The advantage of laser over electrolysis is that the laser light can scan broader areas. Therefore, fewer sessions are required. However, it is more expensive than electrolysis. Re-growth occurs in some cases, but is slower and scantier. It is very important to find agood laser clinic. The temporary known side effects are redness, swelling and itching. The main risk in laser treatment is the possibility of skin burns. So, before choosing the clinic, it is essential to find out its reputation, by making inquiries and talking to people who have been through the treatment.

Home remedies
For very fine hair, scrubs and exfoliation can help. This would discourage hair growth over a period of time, if used regularly. Make a thick paste of sugar, lemon juice and water and apply it in the direction of hair growth. Wash off when it dries. Apply it once or twice a week. Apply a paste of turmeric powder and milk and rub this on the skin with a circular motion. It is said to discourage facial hair, but it may leave a yellowish tinge on the skin.

When women go through all possible fashion guides looking for summer style tips, why don't men do the same, or at least follow a few of them to remain comfortable and at your fashionable best all through this summer?

Choose The right accessories: Compared to women, men have fewer options for summer and mostly sport shorts and T-shirts. So, accessories like moccasin and vintage leather backpacks will help you play up your summer style.

Bright colours do the trick: Shades like black, grey and white may look boring in summer. A pair of bright coloured chinos or accessories like wallet and sneakers in eye-catching colours will do the trick.

Apply sunscreen: Make sure you apply sunscreen every time you step out. You can't put your health at risk. Too much direct sunlight speeds up aging process.

Get That haircut: A perfect haircut gets you so much attention. But also make sure that you have the right haircut during summer, one that helps you stay comfortable.

Be confidant: be confidant that you can carry any style. Its not only cloths that make u stylish but your confidence that will help you to impress people. 

so go ahead and have fun this summer

You work hard the entire day, and the moment you step home, your baby welcomes you with a cute smile. Seems perfect, isn't it? Having babies is definitely a pleasant experience since they bring a lot of joy to life. However, they also bring in more responsibility. So, if you are thinking to start a family, here are seven questions you must ask yourself before taking the plunge.

Is it just an instinct? After attaining a certain comfort level in the relationship, you may feel like having a baby. If you see a couple spending some quality time with their kids in a park, your parental instincts start knocking. However, see the big picture, like financial issues or adjustment problems. Do not take a hasty decision driven by emotions.

Are your finances in good shape? Having a baby is expensive, right from the time you conceive. Hence, you need to make sure you are financially stable to support a child. Being financially sound doesn't mean just your savings, it also means emergency funds, medical insurance as well as policies for your and the baby's future.

Is life already perfect? You are at the best stage in your career, have a fabulous social life and an equally amazing love life. Once you decide to enjoy parenthood, you might have to take a career break and sacrifice your social life. Are you ready to make these changes? Being happy and childless doesn't mean you are selfish or that something's wrong with our fundamentals, it's a major life decision.

Are you under pressure? Especially in a country like ours, the first question a couple is asked after the wedding is when they plan to have a baby. Having a baby is a decision that you have to take based on your preferences.

Is your relationship strong enough? The popular belief of a baby bridging the gap between you and your spouse might just be a myth.The first few days after having a baby might be lovely, but in the long run, you might think it was a wrong decision, especially if you and our spouse are not on the same page. Concentrate on the two of you first and make your relationship better. When you are sure all is well in your paradise, then start planning for a baby.

Do you or your spouse gave genetic complications? It's important for couples to get a thorough medical check-up done before planning for a baby. You need to ensure none of you have any serious ailments or genetic complications. After all, you don't want your child to suffer. Seek professional help before planning a baby.know if you are ready

Are you ready for more chores? Being parents is the most selfless job ever as you would be putting your independent self on the shelf (for some time, at least). This is something you need to be mentally prepared for. Are you okay giving up hours with friends, time in the gym and quality time with your partner to equally important chores like feeding the baby, changing the nappy, sanitising his/her clothes or simply spending managing other household chores after putting the baby to sleep? If you have a hectic work schedule and are hardly left with any stamina at the end of the day, you might want to rethink your decision as a baby would add more to your daily schedule. Discuss this with your spouse before you take the big decision.