Sunday, 28 April 2013

Habits of men that most women don't like! ;)

Let’s take a closer look at a few common traits that women detest in their man.

Untidy toilet habits: Often husbands/boyfriends use the bathroom and leave it dirty with muddy footprints and marks. This leads to serious health turnouts and invites diseases. Other acts include reading newspapers and magazines in the bathroom and also smoking in the bathroom.

Wet towel: To a woman’s utter disgust, she often find that husbands/boyfriends keep the wet towel on the bed or on the couch after a bath, and the wife/girlfriend is supposed to put it on the strings to dry.

Scattering shaggy clothes: Women are often victimized by husbands/boyfriends, when he scatters his clothes (including those smelly socks) in the room. The woman’s punishment is to clean those used clothes scattered all around and make them shine up.

Hurried eating: Most often women find that he is in a hurry to finish up everything in his plate even though you might find it filthy.

Cleaning up plates and tables: It is quite normal for some husbands to think, that you are expected to pick-up and clean up the plates, bowls, vessels and the dining table, however, dirty his food habits might be.

Late return: Most husbands/boyfriends don’t feel it necessary to discuss the reason behind late returns. The woman keeps on worrying and bothering but the things remain undisclosed and the hubby/guy doesn’t even feel the need to explain.

Mess in the Kitchen: He might be an over-enthusiastic cook and might want to help u cook a dish, but would never help you clean up the mess that he would create in the kitchen.

Carelessness towards her health: Sometimes you are supposed to inhale the poisonous gas, your husband exhales, when he smokes inside the room. Passive smoking is as if not more dangerous than active smoking.

Husbands/Boyfriends with these habits should certainly try to rectify these mistakes, for the sake of their woman. They deserve a better deal.

Psst: If you girls find any more additions to this you could add a comment below or email us at transform@parivartancta.com ;)

Saturday, 27 April 2013

Get Better at Communicating!

Relationships are incredibly challenging for human beings, probably because we are remarkably poor as a
Image Parivartan www.i.parivartancta.com
species at communicating! Though we are the most developed among the species walking the face of the Earth, possessing the best mean of communication; We tend to think that if we spit out words, then meaning will be conveyed. Sometimes we even think that words aren’t necessary. But good communication takes both keen awareness and care. Relationships flourish as the quality of conversations improves. Here are some communication tips that we find helpful.
Be a good listener – When someone is talking to us, they deserve our full attention. They deserve at least a short space of uninterrupted time to speak what’s on their mind. And we can’t listen properly if we’re rehearsing what we’re going to say while they’re still speaking.

Speak in “I” statements – I know what I’m experiencing but I can never know with certainty what’s happening for anyone else. If we always limit our statements to our own reality, we avoid speaking incorrectly for and about others. It is always safe to crack a joke or talk bad about ourselves rather than at others.

Choose words with care – How often have you thought one word and said another? It happens all the time when we’re not really paying attention. And those kinds of inadvertent mistakes wreak havoc on clear communication! It helps to slow down and be conscious of what we’re saying.

Ask, don’t assume – As noted above, we can never know what another person thinks and feels, so we should never assume that we know what’s going on for another. We can ask them to tell us. For example, rather than saying, “You must feel terrible about this!” simply ask, “How are you feeling?”

Ask open-ended questions – Open-ended questions can’t be answered with a “yes” or a “no” response. Asking open-ended questions helps us avoid assumptions and misinterpretations because we’re asking the other to provide details that strengthen our understanding. For example, substitute a question like, “Do you like being a parent?” with “What do you find most challenging and rewarding about being a parent?”

Avoid blaming – Whenever we blame someone, we are blocking open communication. Rather than criticizing someone else’s behaviour, we can look inside and take responsibility for ourselves. This is the time to use the “I” statements described above.

Take time outs – Don’t try to converse when emotions are high. Whenever possible, postpone any discussion to a time when everyone is more calm and stable.

Become aware of habitual patterns – When we’re in an ongoing relationship, we adopt habitual patterns that unconsciously govern the way we interact. It can be helpful to reflect on how we repeatedly react in different situations. Awareness of our patterns brings the freedom to choose to act differently.

Understand the other person’s needs and wants – It seems obvious but have we ever asked our partner what s/he needs and wants from us? If one partner is upset, does s/he want space? To be held? To be heard? To receive advice? Knowing the answer to this fundamental question helps us offer the best kind of support when it’s most needed. And be patient if your partner doesn’t initially have an answer – we don’t always know what we most need and want. If you don’t get an answer at first, persevere!

Value diversity – Communication is easily blocked when people move into judgment that basically says, “I’m right and you’re wrong.” When we can open to different points of view, when we respect the opinions of others even when they differ from our own, we pave the way for true communication.

Interested in more guidance around effective communication? Talk to us at iParivartan call +91 77 360 350 77 or visit www.imageparivartan.com


Friday, 26 April 2013

Hair & Skin Care for Summer

Roshni Suresh Image Parivartan
Also known as the ‘Bollywood Doctor’, Dr Rashmi Shetty is a dermatologist with over 12 years of experience in the field of beauty and aesthetics. With high-profile clients ranging from film and television stars, to corporate bigwigs, she knows a thing or two about hair and skincare.

Dr Shetty is also an expert advisor with the Parachute Advansed Knowledge Centre and was kind enough to spend time with us and give us some great tips on using coconut oil to keep your skin and hair hydrated.

 

Dr Rashmi Shetty’s summer skin care advice


It’s most important to keep your skin clean in the summer. Shower twice a day, making sure you keep the folds and creases of your skin clean.

Use a moisturiser with an SPF of 20 and keep your skin protected.

You may have noticed stars or pluses on some of your beauty products. These refer to the ‘Tan Protection Index’ of the product. Using a product with 2 – 3 stars or pluses should be enough to give you the right amount of protection.

There’s a difference between hydration and moisture and Dr Shetty lies to emphasis on the ‘hydration’ part of skincare.

In the winter, we rub oils into our skin after our shower. In the summer, make this a pre-bath practice:

Start with a gentle application of coconut oil all over your face and body, before your bath.

A few minutes before your shower should be fine. If you have the luxury of time, apply it half an hour before your shower.

Coconut oil has a very light chain in its chemical ingredients. Which is why, when you shower, only the top coat gets washed away and the right amount penetrates your skin to keep it hydrated.

Dr Shetty even recommends it for the face, as a form of hydration and anti-aging tool

Remember, if you have acne or suffer from an extremely oily skin, you must be careful. Don’t apply it in case you have acne on your face right now.

After sun-care protection

Often, in spite of applying sunscreen before going out, our skin becomes red and irritable after prolonged exposure.  When you come back, you must wash your face with plenty of cold water to help to soothe and calm the skin. Follow this up with calamine lotion or a mud-pack.


Dr Rashmi Shetty’s summer hair care advice


We always think of the sun being bad for the skin, but it can also be very bad for the hair. Sun exposure to the hair can have an adverse affect on the hair. For instance, when people with coloured hair go to the beach and are out in the sun, their colour changes and fades. This is proof of how harsh the UV rays of the sun can be, even on our hair.

If you have coloured hair, use specially formulated hair and colour protecting shampoos.
 

Coconut oil provides great protection for your hair. You can apply it before shampooing and then wash and condition your hair as usual.
If you like to leave apply oil after shampooing, consider using a lighter version of the coconut oil. This works like a thin coat of protection.
In the summer, hair swells due to humidity and with coconut oil your cuticles (the outermost layer of the hair shaft) remain well protected.
 

If you’re in north India, which has more of a dry heat, you have to be mindful of the fact that sun is harsher and the dry wind or 'loo' that blows can really damage your hair. The damage really shows in the rough ends of the hair. As protection, you must oil your hair well, from root to tip. 
The doctor advocates massages. It tingles your scalp, improves circulation and gives you an overall feeling of wellness and rejuvenation. However, it is best to avoid massages if you have dandruff or some other skin infection.

Dr Rashmi Shetty holds an MBBS degree from Mysore University, FRSH London, Diploma in Cosmetology, Chester, United Kingdom. She currently practices in Mumbai and has in the past trained under famed plastic surgeon, Dr KS Shekhar.

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

So you want to be a model? Do you have what it takes? 


Anjali S Nair www.i.parivartancta.om
Many pretty-in-person girls make terrible models and sometimes the plain girl next door just take your breath away on film. It takes much more than just a pretty face and a slim figure to make it as a mainstream model. You need to have the total package, a mix of genetics and personality, in order to thrive in the modeling industry. So what traits does a successful model need to have? Some of the qualities of a mainstream model are obvious but the others may surprise you.

The base line parameters are very small, models need to have a specific body type, be within a certain height range and have good bone structure. Have these core ingredients and you have a good shot at making it as a model. Have the right skills and personality and you just may be the next supermodel.


Physical characterises

A well toned body

Slim is the word that most agencies and the Hi-Fashion world swears by, but that doesn’t mean that only size zero figures can survive in this field. There are several avenues for bigger size models apart from ramp modelling.

Height

A minimum height of 5'5" for female models and 5'9" as per the unwritten Indian standard, again as with the size, a wannabe with shorter height can always find their opportunity at Glamour, Petite, Plus size,  Teen, Mature, Body part (hand, eyes etc.) Character or "real people" modelling. Not to mention the Television, Videos, Editorial (magazine and newspaper) & Print advertisement modelling opportunity.

Attractive facial features 

Models almost always have very angular faces with strong yet balanced features. Symmetry is also important; most models have very symmetrical faces meaning one eye is not bigger or lower on the face than the other, the nose is centered on the face, the cheekbones are high and level and the jaw line is even. Ironically, angular faces are often considered odd looking in real life. In a three dimensional world angles create shadowing which can look strange at times. Being naturally photogenic and/or a good knowledge of one’s ‘angles’ is very important.

Posture

 Good posture is a modelling must as 70% of a models career is runway modelling. Good posture and a solid walk are essential modeling skills but they can be learned. If a slouchy model doesn’t ever develop good posture she may find her career is cut short.

Personality

 An ideal model will have a strong sense of self with well developed self esteem and a resilient psychological makeup. Modelling is stressful work and models are exposed to all sorts of potentially self destructive influences. Modelling is a glamorous life and with the glamour comes an element of risk. Models are at a very great risk for falling prey to the trappings of glamour; alcohol, drugs, late night partying and unhealthy dieting regimes are always around. It takes a girl of strong character to face these things without succumbing to the temptations. There are numerous cases where prospects have been turned down because he/she does have the right personality.

Professional requirements

Portfolio

 I'm sure you'll all know what one of those is but for those that don't it's basically a selection of pictures showing yourself in different outfits and poses. The standard size for the photos is 9 by 12 inches and you'll need around 10 - 12 photos. Make sure you focus on quality rather than quantity, remember, you're only as good as your worst photo. Make sure your portfolio has a selection of both head shots and full body shots.
 

The Comp Card

You'll definitely need one of these. A comp card (Composite card) is what your modelling agency will use to market you. They serve as the latest and best of a model's portfolio and are used as a business card. Comp Card is an essential marketing tool for a model because they are an inexpensive way to effectively and professionally showcase a model's ability.

The Agency

The agency/coordinator provides you with work (That is their main purpose. It is safe to say that they work for you!) They make a commission on your fee. GOLDEN RULE - Don't go with an agency who asks for money up front! You'll probably never hear from them again and I certainly doubt you'll ever get any work from them. Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine. The agency/coordinator provides you with a safe working environment and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. It is wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully so you can stay with that them.

This is an industry filled with lot of unprofessionalism and unprofessional people. Stay clear of them if you are serious about your career and making it big in this industry, else you will end up losing a lot more than just time and money!


Did you know that Image Parivartan grooms models and wannabe media and entertainment personalities?
Check out our package


Bollywood Rs.35,000/- Be the star  

Grooming & Styling + Media Skills + Persona makeover + Photoshoot+  Modelling & Acting Basics + Portfolio & Comp Card

Includes:
  • Face Clean-up/Facial
  • Manicure, Pedicure
  • Hair Spa
  • Hair Cutting/Setting
  • Waxing
  • Styling
  • Oil Massage
  • Personal Counselling & Motivation
  • Basic Etiquette Training
  • Personality Enhancement
  • Personal Stylist
  • Essential Communication Skills
  • The Attitude Factor
  • Professional Photoshoot
  • Modelling Portfolio
  • Composite Card

Talk to us at +91 77 360 350 77 or visit www.i.parivartancta.com you will like us ;)

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

What your underwear says about you!



I was at a party some time ago when this really attractive guy (he said he was a model) and I started to have an in-depth conversation about men’s underwear – my party-conversation skills are obviously very sophisticated.

He told me that underwear was the most important part of a guy’s outfit. And he loved to see men in funky underwear at the models dressing room or at the gym. Uh oh! That sounds quite ‘eeks’, I thought.

The model-guy then went into detail about how he likes to wear black underwear when he wears black clothing, because it makes him feel sexier. “It’s the same as women wearing lingerie,” he said.

Most of us are old-school – Who go with the tried and tested VIP frenchies. To me, underwear is just about functionality, comfort and style statement. I’ve always had the mindset that if a guy wears really expensive or “sexy” underwear, he actually lacks confidence – he makes up for his insecurity by expensively framing the goods. Likewise, boxer briefs and thongs tell a different story. So here’s my break-down of men’s underwear and the type of guy who wears them.


Briefs

Unless they are whitey-tighties, briefs are usually considered the sexiest type of men’s underwear. Briefs hug the waist, accentuate the upper thigh, and increase the front-bulge. Popular brands include: VIP Frenchie, Dixie Scott, Hanes etc.

Verdict: Brief-wearers may take too much stock in their appearance and could be superficial. They might make for selfish lovers. Conversely, they probably have good hygiene and will compliment your outfit/ lingerie.

 

 

Boxers

When I was in college, boxers were the only thing that the guys in gym wore. Now that I look back, I think it had something to do with the fact that boxers are effectively just another pair of shorts and conceal any bulge (which was important in college gym). Boxers are the most uncomfortable things to wear because they bunch up and provide no support.

Verdict: A guy who wears boxers has no direction in life and is stuck in his high school/college ways. This probably means that he has a high sex-drive and will go on late-night fast food runs for you.

 

 

Boxer Briefs

This is the liger of underwear, the hybrid combination. Boxer briefs provide good support, while allowing for just the right amount of fabric. Boxer briefs aren’t usually sexy – they cover the upper thigh, the waistband is usually more forgiving, and they don’t create the desired hammock effect that briefs do.

Verdict: While a no-name pair of boxer briefs may be a sign of confidence, they might also equal a lack of ambition or drive. This underwear may not be the most passionate-type of underwear, but the wearer is probably more prone to cuddling.

 

 

Thong/ Jockstrap/ Bikini Briefs

I’ve seen it on store shelves and on the internet, but I don’t think I know anyone who wears any of them on a daily basis in Kochi.

Verdict: The miscellaneous underwear guy might be a little more adventurous in bed or the most inexperienced – yes, this is contradictory, but there is really no way to tell unless you get in bed with them. This underwear is like a grab-bag – you never know what you will get.

 

 

Commando

Guys who don’t wear underwear are often considered “gross” or lacking basic hygiene. But don’t judge them right off the bat. The commando-man is probably the least concerned with appearance and might be the most easy-going of them all.

Verdict: The commando-man is hard to read: he could either be a free spirit or just plain lazy/ forgetful. The plus-side to not wearing underwear is that there is one-less step in the undress-process. He probably doesn’t care what you are wearing and won’t take any notice to your sloppy appearance. Oh, by the way dear ‘Commando’ man, be careful when zipping up after a trip to the men’s room ;-)
 

Essential Morning Beauty Regime for Every Woman

Suchitra_Madhusudhanan www.i.parivartan.com

Getting up each morning is one thing and looking fresh and energized is another. With the current age hectic lifestyles, most women tend to ignore themselves and their beauty regimes. The damage that your skin and hair suffer due to your negligence may at times be irreparable. Here are the most essential morning beauty regime tips that every woman should follow to maintain a healthy skin, especially this summer.

It is a common misconception that only expensive skin treatments and costly skin products can make your skin look radiant. Although, there is no doubt about the fact that good brands apart from being expensive, deliver the quality they commit. But you can also look beautiful and have glowing skin by following these simple steps each morning before starting your day. At iParivartan we recommend you to stick to the basics and use natural products as far as possible.

 

1.    A good wash along with exfoliation

Your day does not start on a fresh note until you wash your face as soon as you get up. After a good night's sleep it is essential to wash you face with a gentle face cleanser to make it look radiant. Face cleansers should be chosen according to skin type and strong ones such as those that are anti-acne should be avoided on a regular basis. Exfoliating the skin with a gentle scrub is also recommended at least two times in a week to scrub off the dead skin that makes the face look dull and lifeless. After that you should dab a face towel on your face (and not rub the towel on your face).


2.    Toning and moisturising

For flawless skin you must cleanse, tone and moisturise your face, at least twice a day. Follow this routine once in the morning, before applying any make-up, and once before going to bed. A good toner is essential in your skin care regime as it helps the skin to maintain the proper pH balance and also shrink the pores. Toning should be followed by the application of a cream or gel based moisturiser depending upon your skin type. Dermatologists, however, do not recommend cream-based moisturisers for people with oily and acne-prone skin.


3.    A neutral colour blush

Beauty experts say that a nicely done base with a compact face powder along with a subtle blush shade is the perfect make-up solution. It takes less than 10 seconds to apply, and adds grace and elegance to your face. But make sure you stay clear of using loud shades on your cheeks. That could turn out to be a total disaster. Always buy and apply make-up according to your skin tone.


4.    Well-defined eyes

Applying an eye-liner might look as a very difficult and time consuming task to some. But with enough practice, your hand gets used to it and it can be perfected in one stroke. Well defined eyes always make an impression. Even if you do not have the time to do anything else, apply a thin layer of eye-liner on the upper eyelid and a eye pencil on the lower one; and let your eyes do all the talking!


5.    Lip gloss

Your look is incomplete without glossy colourful lips. If you are not a big fan of loud lip colours, you can go for a transparent gloss/lip balm/lip butter. For women with fairer complexions, colours like blood red or hot pink do wonders. For someone with dusky skin tone, earthy colours such as peach or softer shade of pink or a neutral brown would be perfect. Nowadays, good brands offer a wide variety of lip colours and glosses that have moisturising elements in them that hydrate the lips along with giving them a glossy coat.


6.    Afternoon hydration

As far as possible hydrate your skin at noon by washing with enough water and reapply your foundation, kajal and lip gloss.


7.    Hydrate from inside out

Ensure you drink plenty of water each day - atleast three litres - to clear spots and hydrate skin. Bad skin quality can also be caused by a poor diet and lack of vitamins, so make sure you eat plenty of fruit, protein (especially if you are vegetarian), and get enough exercise. We're sure you've had this preached to you thousand of times before but trust us, it works!