The Dawn Of Spring

After a cold winter, plants, trees, animals are coming back to life with colors! Bears are coming out of hibernation and so are bathing suits, dresses, and shorts out of those drawers. Are you ready to put them on? I am so excited to wear a dress I bought from Charolette Russe couple weeks ago. For the most part I am in shape but I could use a little bit of toning up.

Sport It Up
Pick a sport you like to play. I love playing volleyball, tennis, & soccer. However, for soccer and tennis I have to put shoes and socks on and I abhor wearing shoes and socks. It is already hot as it is and to put socks on is just unattractive to me. For this very reason, I love playing volleyball. I just get out of the house in a bathing suit or board shorts, walk to the park and play volleyball. Sometimes I will just bump it on the street.
Volleyball is great because it allows one to jump, squat, sprint, and to stay focused.

Drink It Up
No I do not mean alcohol. Alcohol is empty calories with zero nutrition and turns into vinegar ( acetate)  upon entering human body. It dries skins, dehydrates cells, and causes wrinkles as well as decays liver and stomach functioning. Do drink water. Hydrate from within. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

Swim It Up and Beach It Up

Go to a pool, swim a few laps and be sure to apply sunscreen. Living in Southern California has definitely given me access to some of the greatest beaches on the planet and I must admit I don't take full advantage of it. Its nice to run on the sand, swim in the ocean, surf, skimboard, etc... These are all such wonderful work outs. Its great to be in the ocean because the natural salts from the seaweed and water bring out the impurities from your body with the help of the natural exfoliators: sand, dirt, and clay in the ocean!


Eat It Up
Eat lots of berries, mangoes, watermelon, salads, pasta, and pizza! Whatever you eat, eat a plate of veggies first and then start your carbs/protein course. Eat any dessert you would like but before you move on to a dessert, eat 2 CUPS of fruit and then eat dessert. Initially it is not about the calories, it is about the nutrition. Give your body proper nutrition.

Pizza can a be a very healthy meal if consumed in smaller portions.

Better Health. Better Body. Better You. Better Relationships. Better Life.

I hope you enjoyed reading the post.

xo, 
sonia

It Is A Crime To Deny Hydration To Your Skin

Did you know that majority of headaches are caused by lack of water intake? 50%-60%of the human body is made of water and when running low on it- there could be serious consequences like head aches, unconsciousness, and in some cases death.  There is a detailed Biological explanation to why and what causes dehydration but to put it in simple terms basically the cells shrivel up due to lack of water while the body is trying to circulate water to the cells but cannot do so because there isn't enough water; therefore, causing the human body to work harder than normal and its the hard work of the body that causes head aches. To prevent from skin cells from shriveling or better understood as drying and severe wrinkling, you must hydrate your skin.

Hydration is important inside out. If you want to have smooth, silky, radiant, and desirable skin then you must hydrate it! Take charge and give your skin the look 

it deserves--healthy, with the help of the tips below.

 Hydrate From Within 

 Skin is like a banana. You can tell that a banana is not ripe and not ready to eat by it's skin color (green) and you also know that it is ready and ripe when the skin color is yellow. Just like that, one can tell if your skin is dying on the inside because it shows on the outside as wrinkles or dryness no matter how much lotion you use. It is pointless to put lotion on the outside when the body is quenching for hydration on the inside. 

Drink lots and lots of water. I like to add lemon slice or orange slice to my water because it adds hint of Vitamin C (which is good for skin). Make your cells happy 

by satisfying their thirst. Don't leave them sad and thirsty.

Olive Oil Treatment

Have you ever wondered why the Greek and Italian people have the prettiest, silkiest, smoothest skin? Its not simply because they live in a mediterranean climate but also because they use what is available to them-OLIVE OIL.

Olive Oil treatment is my favorite. It is hypoallergenic, 100% natural, and it consistently works. 

Take about 3-4 table spoons of olive oil in a small bowl or a cup and heat it up. (You don't have to heat it unless preferred by you) CAUTION: Warm it up mildly. Hot Oil can harm your skin so use your discretion. The Serenity Walk is not responsible for any injuries.

Take the oil and apply it on your skin after a  bath or a shower. 

This will be little sticky but worth it. I recommend you do this at night so that your body will have time to soak the oil  as well as it will keep away from the dirt and pollution outside. 

Benefits of Using Olive Oil:

100% Natural ; chemical-free

Cost effective. It is not expensive and available

Prevents skin from premature aging or aging further or delay wrinkling

Hydrates the skin cells

Gives skin a radiant glow

hypoallergenic

LOTION TREATMENT

Must know about lotions:

*Expensive lotion doesn't necessarily mean they will work on your skin or do what they say

*Inexpensive doesn't mean they are not effective

*First ingredient under the "INGREDIENTS" should ALWAYS say "WATER" (This means that it does what it is suppose to do: hydrate your skin. There is no hydration without water)

Usually face, neck, and body lotion are more effective

*It is not always easy to find a lotion that works for you so be patient! =)

Below are few that I recommend and it is also favorite choices of  mine, my closest girl friends and celebrities in Hollywood.

I use this lotion every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week after showering. This lotion keeps my skin moisturized for hours (even when I am out and about walking in the cold air of October), and has shown significant change in my skin tone. It is more even now than it was before. I love Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lotion because it smells good, effective on my skin the way it says it is effect (love the integrity of this product), and inexpensive. I bought it for under $5 at Target! 

I use this lotion on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. This is a light lotion that keeps me hydrated all day long. If you have stretch marks, this helps eliminates stretch marks. =) I bought Queen Helen's Cocoa Butter from Longs Drugs Pharmacy for $3.95! 

Vaseline body gel (oil) is hydrating but sticky, it is stickier than olive oil treatment! I like to use this before I go out because it makes my legs and arms look shiny and makes my skin smooth as well. Have you ever seen some celebrities on the Red Carpet with shiny, radiant, and healthy looking skin? If so then let me tell you one of their few skin care secrets. They use this oil to have a shinny look and it is very noticeable in pictures, on t.v. and some magazines. 

I use this oil every other sunday and switch with olive oil. 

NOTE: Try your best to apply moisturizer everyday and do it after you shower. This is because your pores are open the most after showering and by lotion instantly on your skin will allow your skin to trap the water in the open pores, thus, keeping your skin hydrated, shiny, radiant, and glowing all day! 

xx, Sonia 

Do you use any moisturizers that you love and have proven to work for you?

Is Your Cleanser Good Enough For You?

I was so happy when I was hired as a restaurant manager a while back (no longer my job) but I did not realize the responsibilities that would come with such a position. While I am used to working 8-9 hours a day, managing a restaurant required me to work 12-13 hour work days, school demanded academic responsibilities, and personal relationships demanded time. Most of you can relate to this hustle and bustle of life regardless of who you are and what you do. You can be a full time mom, employee, student, a full time student and an athlete, a mom with 2 kids and a third one its way, starting a new career, etc... You think that you might be able to smile away the chaos of your life and that no one will know. Well ladies, you are wrong. The tension shows on your face; it can truly reveal the internal struggles on the outside. One can tell that you have been ignoring facial care, you are tired, and stressed. Don't let life lead you; you must  lead life. This starts by taking care of yourself and that starts by taking care of your body. Face is a good place to start. Discover the ways to truly cleanse your face and shine!

Steps to CLEANSE:


1. Steam:

Take a washcloth, soak it in hot water, squeeze the water, and let it rest on your face for 60 seconds.
OR Pour some hot water into a big bowl and bring your face close just enough to be able to feel the hot steam on your face. Steaming the face is important because it allows the pores to open up and this will allow the cleanser to clean deeply within the pores!

 2. Remove make-up and dirt

It is a common misconception to think that this step is the final step to facial cleansing because it is not. Because you have been out and about all day and have been either wearing make-up or been exposed to smog, smoke, oil and dirt; your face is covered in these chemicals. Yuck! It is important to use a good make-up remover that suits your skin type. POND'S is a great product for almost all skin types. POND'S is not paying me to say this so it is not a sales pitch but this product works! I use it every night. After steaming my face, I apply the cream and then use either the washcloth I used to steam or a cotton ball to wipe the cream from my face. Now I am ready for the next step! But before I tell you the next step, I want you to take a look at all the amazing ingredients POND'S use. Click on the link below to understand how and why POND'S work for me, my best friend Melissa, and so many other people that I know! You can buy this from Target, CVS Pharmacy, almost any store for a reasonable price!Note: Do not skip this step if you don't use make up. POND'S is a great make-up and a dirt remover product.
http://www.ponds.us/ingredients.aspx

3. Wash

Choose a good cleanser that cleans your face, enhances your complexion, gives you even tone, and gives your face a smooth feel. I have been using "Oil-Free Acne Wash" Neutrogena product for years now. This product can be used and should be used to prevent acne. Don't wait till you get a pimple to use it. I can honestly say that I have less then 20 pimples in my life so far. This might be a result of genetics but it could also be that I have always used this product and maybe that is the reason for my rare pimples or lack of frequent pimples because it does what it's label says, "fight acne"! So again, find a cleanser that works for you!

You can buy Neutrogena products at stores like: Walmart, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Ralph's, and on the Neutrogena website.

4. TONE

Find a toner to tone your face! Using a simple yet good toner will allow to clean any left over dirt and minimize the visibility of pores!
 5. Moisturize

Don't think it is okay to got to bed or start your day after washing your face. You need to moisturize and hydrate your face. Moisturizing your face daily will allow your face to glow, look firm, toned, and healthy! Find a moisturizer that works for you! Vaseline is a great moisturizer that is sold at a reasonable price. I love vaseline products because they are simple and they work! Especially the new Vaseline products rick in cocoa butter. I use Vaseline Body Lotion (in the picture) not only for my body but also for my face. This lotion is a face, neck, and body lotion. To learn more about Vaseline products visit: www.vaseline.com









I hope you will follow these steps to clean your face and keep in mind, you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars for face wash, moisturizers, and cleansers. The products above are under $20!








Have you tried other simple products or home remedies facial cleansing?

Have a great weekend!

xx, Sonia =)

Simple is Fashionable

As a kid, I loved playing dress up and I loved dressing up as an Indian Bride. Indian Brides typically wear tradition red/white/green clothing with bracelets (Bangles), earrings, anklets, nose ring, necklace, rings, toe rings with nail polish on the nail, henna tattoos, and bindis (dot sticker on the forehead). Indeed, my love for fashion started very young. My cultural background is of North Indian Heritage and in case you didn't know, North Indian women are expected to stay dressed up in saris, traditional jewelry and clothing at all times. It is not at all a religious thing but rather a cultural aspect. I am glad I was born into that heritage because I love dressing up. Why am I brining dress up? Well, as I child when playing dress up, I would often put on either black or white clothing (plain) but would wear colorful bracelets, apply my mom's shades of lipstick all over my face, and would paint each nail in different color because I loved colors. Rainbow was my favorite color. Well, not much has changed! 

Wearing black is great or any dark color is great but be sure to add a touch of color to your outfit. It will for sure enhance you! 

This is Lake Kakarya in Ahemdabad in the State of Gujarat in India. My childhood best friend Himja and I went to this lake during my visit to India. We had a blast. I really wanted to sit in this bubble ball but there were only young kids in the line so I didn't go. In retrospective, I should have gone! Who cares if I am no longer 5 years young! :)

Nothing looks more adorable and innocent than a straight hair bobby pinned to the side. This is a great hair style for lakes/windy ares because it keeps the hair back as it is usually windy around around bodies. It would be really easy to put your hair up but if you really wanted to keep it down while enjoying the cool lake breeze, you need to buy some bobby pins! 

Straight hair with a slim long sleeve sweater and confident stride= Amazing! 

One thing I love about India is its' simplicity. Everytime I go there, I land with a lot of make-up on my face (U.S. standards) and by the time I come back to California, I hardly have any make up on my face. Make-up is neither good nor bad, its merely a cultural thing and your perspective. I love make-up but when I am in India, slowly, I begin to feel no need for it because no one wears it there. Simple outfit like the one in picture is simply elegant.  A black sweater wrap with a brick red tank top with a navy blue jeans is sometimes all you need to be fashionable. 

My friend Kelsey rocking a black Bebe blazer, a scarf I bought from a Tibetan Market in Vadodara, India, a black and silver ring from Nava Bazaar in Vadodara, India, a black bracelet from Forever 21 in Irvine, California.  A plain black BeBe blazer looks great with accessories and these fairly reasonably priced accessories add so much character to the black blazer but also to your personality. 

Yet again, another little black sweater enhanced by a bright cream tank top and red nail paint. :)

Notice the checkered scarf has a little brown shades as well. The brown nail paint helps to bring out the brown color in the scarf. 

Wear what makes you the happiest to your deepest core. Be original. 

Pink scarf with silver-brown bead earrings at the Mysore Palace in South India. 

St. Phillamena Church in Mysore, South India. All dark colored outfit with a bright pink scarf! 

Scarves, rings, toe rings, and long dangly earrings are my must have accessories. What about you? What can't you leave your house without?

xx, Sonia 

Its Face Time!

Every week should be a face mask, home made facial time week. Why wait for the professional spa day or for crazy salon appointments when you can make your own facial masks at home? Most likely you have the ingredients lurking in your home, waiting to get your face's attention. Give these ingredients the attention they deserve. Use them wisely, God created these ingredients for a reason. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on chemical induced facials, try to use natural ingredients in your own home.

Mediterranean Facial

2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1.5 Tbsp Sea Salt

1 Tsp Lemon Juice

Mix all the ingredients well, apply it on a clean, dirt-free, make-up free face. When applying it first, use your finger tips to gently scrub the face. The salt will help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells while the olive oil will hydrate your face as well as aide in removing impurities of the face. Lemon is acidic and for this reason it will promote even skin tone.

All American Facial 

3 Tbsp  Ground Oats (also known as oatmeal)

1 Tbsp Honey 

1 Tsp Whole Milk

Mix all the ingredients well and apply it on a clean face. This is a hydrating mask. Whole milk helps eliminate dark spots over time while oats and honey are purely hydrating. Honey causes the face to glow. 

Ayurvedic Facial 

This is a seven step facial process but worth it. I suggest you watch the video of this facial process. 

Step  1: Apply almond oil if you have either normal or dry skin and sunflower oil if you have oily skin. 

Massage with your finger tips until you feel that the oil has been absorbed in your skin. 

Step 2: Steam your face either with a steamer or soak a face towel in hot water, wring it out, and then lay it on your face. Repeat once the towel cools down. 

Step 3: Apply Ubtan (pronounced- oobton). To make your own Ubtan you will need  2 Tbsp of gram flour or chick-pea flour, 1 tsp of Turmeric, 2 tsp of whole milk, 1/4 tsp of almond/sunflower oil.  Rinse after 25 minutes of application. 

Step 4: Wash your face with lukewarm water. Do not wash with cold water. Your pores must remain open or begin to open at this point. 

Citrus Fruits are Highly Beneficial to Health and Beauty!
Don't Take Them For Granted! :)

Step 5: Give your self an herbal steam. Use herbs of your choice. Rosemary, mint, basil, oregano, etc... Typically, mint and basil are recommended. Add these in boiling water with 1 tsp of lavender oil. Let the water sit for awhile until warm. Then soak the towel in the warm/hot water, wring it out, lay it on your face. Repeat for 3-4 times.  (You might want boil the water infused with herbs and lavender oil before or while your face is drying for 25 minutes--during step 3) BE CAREFUL: BOILED WATER COULD BE VERY HOT, SO USE YOUR DISCRETION. Fashion Percepshion is not responsible for any injuries. 

Step 6: Add 1 Tbsp of honey, 1 Tbsp of Sugar, and 1 Tbsp on freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix well and apply. Let it sit on your face for 18 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. 

Step 7: Take an ice cube and rub it all over the face gently. This will wonderfully tone your face and leave your refreshed.

Which facial did you like the most? Do you have your home style facial favorites? What are they? 

With love and Style, 

sonia 

Plain ole Plaid

Growing up in India, I always thought that plaid/flannel shirts were worn by nerds, however, as of late they have grown on me. The comfort they bring is simply hard to resist. Did you know that Plaid style was bashed, looked down upon on the Runway during the Fall Fashion Show 2011? However, this year, PLAID is back in full swing; especially the color combination of red and black. However, to show you something other than red and black, I have used the turmeric yellow and a pencil grey color combination in the pictures below: (Model: Veronica)

 

If boots, shorts, plaid shirt, and a Cowboy Hat  doesn't scream Autumn then I don't know what does.

Bright nail paints weren't just made for summer ya know!? It is always nice to lighten your look up in the calm, misty, foggy fall.

 The plaid shirt actually belongs to Veronica's boyfriend Anthony! Oh the ways a man's closet can turn into a fashion hot spot for women.

 When wearing boots like this, make sure to tie the laces tight, as if the boots are embracing your legs because loosely tied boots just looks sloppy!

 

Rule of thumb: If there is one loose accessory then make sure everything else that you wear is tight. For example, in this picture, the plaid shirt is the only loose clothing and everything else (boots, bracelet, shorts are skin fit). You can wear more than one loose accessory/clothing, however, you just may not look as sharp or as bold as you desire.

  

With love and STyle, 

Sonia 

Prevent the Walkin' Pain

Buy Steve Madden Heels Here

I wore my first pair of 5'' heels when I was 18 years old. My friend Kyle and I decided to go walk around Downtown Disney. As I stepped out of the car in my nice, dark brown pair of Jessica Simpson Heels, I knew that walking around in in them was going be difficult because I could hardly balance myself, let alone walk straight. Half way through the night, I took off my heels because my ankles were starting to hurt. Later when I got home, I  searched for tips on walking in high heels on the internet I was surprised by the amount of useful information and tips I found. I wish I had read it before purchasing pair of high heels. 
I thought I would be okay to walk in high heels...all those girls on television wear them then why couldn't I? Little did I know that walking in heel shoes is a skill to be learned; most people simply cannot walk in 5'', 6'' heels on day one. You must keep the following in mind when thinking about wearing heels.

Spice It Up With Peppermint This Holiday Season

Peppermint: Refreshing. Delicious. Cool. Healthy.Soothing. Beneficial. Colorful. Red. White. Green. Brown. Radiant. Sensational. Savory. Smart Choice. Stimulant. Brain enhancer. Thought enhancer. Life enhancer. Beauty. Slim. Slender. Aromatic. Voluminous. Ignored. Neglected. Taken for granted. Life Changing.

Recognize the plants below? In some or other way, they are part of your everyday life.

They are Peppermint Plants.

Life Changing? Whaaaat? How can

BACK TO BASICS: November 2011

I have subscribed to five different magazines, watch five different fashion shows and follow sales at almost every clothing store (local bargain stores or corporate stores). Last week I was out shopping at Forever 21 and Styles For Less and I was overwhelmed with the amount of choices I had and the amazing bargain priced clothing. I bought eight items under $65, their original worth probably $200. Yah, it is possible to shop smart. But back to the overwhelming part...I realized I really need to go back to the basics, the basic trends in general that I must have in my closet. After staring at my closet for over an hour, I was finally able to jot down the basic trends. Let me take you Back To Basics and help you discover what is truly "in" right now.