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Heer was hooked on the Rubik's Cube when my friend Rajiv gave her a 2X2 when she was three years old. She spent most of the day twisting and rearranging the cubelets that day and every day after that. Now she can solve 3X3 and even 4X4 within a few minutes.

Although the Rubik's Cube is now a leisure activity that stimulates the intellect, it was invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik to help students with their studies. Since then, enthusiasm for the cube has tripled year on year, especially among young children. In recent years, more than 15 million cubes have been sold in India, which is also reflected in the increasing number of cube competitions across the country.


Heer has taken a keen interest in the cube, and I can see how it engages her in a good way. I've noticed that she takes time every day to practise and try to improve her timing. She has over 25 different cubes and is always discovering new brands and variations to keep her interested in the game. She recently acquired the Gan Cube 356 X, a new, improved and reinvented flagship product; a version with a magnetic system that helps the super cubes move the cubelets with precision, especially when the cubelets are spun at high speed in seconds. The Gan Cube 356 X is available in two versions: one without stickers and one with stickers.

As the Gancube.com Spring Festival approaches, Heer is currently obsessed with the Megaminx, a dodecahedron-shaped puzzle with 12 sides and 62 cubelets, 12 in the middle, 20 in the corners and 30 on the edges. As she works her way through the Megaminx tutorials to understand the challenges of solving the cube, she takes notes on the variations and her attempts at solving it. I love that she never loses interest in the cube and tries a new way every day to get as close as possible to the current average of 27.81 seconds.

When I saw how passionate Heer is about such a healthy hobby, I realised that the cube isn't only for children, but also for adults. I became more attentive after attempting to solve the cube and realised that there is no room for stagnation in such an exciting hobby. So if you're a late starter like me, don't fret, check the website, join in and make this superpower puzzle your stress buster too!

Until next time,
~ Heena


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With the temperatures dropping, there is a slight dip in the air that makes it difficult to figure whether it's a dewy morning or a windy evening or even a cold night. But that hasn't deterred me from pre-planning my looks for the beautiful next few winter months... yes that's me!

It’s funny that no matter how season-perfect my curated looks are, and I will step out of home in gorgeously snug sweaters and boots, by midday I shall look like I’ve been walking endless in a desert, but mind you not I shall still keep supporting these fabulous looks with a quick change of clothing all stuffed into my large handbag. However since not all of us are that crazy, I’m putting together a collage of pieces that will look almost perfect for the winters but won’t make you feel like being in the summers, in good old Bombay. 

Layered Corset 
The staple of the summers is making its way into the fall but with a twist, layered with either a button-down shirt or a cotton maxi dress. With the right underlay, a little bit of styling, I can wear my corsets during the colder months too. Not only does the look feel out of the box, when paired with graphic long sleeve tshirt, the styling creates an avant-garde look. The look will look fantastic on everyone who wants to flaunt their curves and will feel in place for a dinner date at the pub, or clubbing with friends and more-so-over at a music festival.

Bold Cut-Out 
It may seem bizarre that I’m suggesting cut-outs for winters, but trust me its all over, from the runway, to the red carpet and even in the streets. Right from the slit at the neckline to a navel barring pinched dress to mid-rib flaunting geometrical cuts, its all about a little skin show this winter. I’ve found a vintage knit dress that lets me bare my back while keeping me super chill literally. Cut-outs work best on everyone, its like one’s own little show, and can be covered up with a long cape or a stylish shawl. 

Cosy Turtleneck 
My all time go-to look in the winters is a warm, cosy turtleneck sweater that makes you feel warm inside out and pair it with casual tops for women, a pair of straight fit jeans, over-the-knee boots and I love to throw in a light bright scarf. This looks is so comfortable and easy to wear, and can be pumped up with the right accessories and toned down with an underplay. The best part is that this look will compliment everyone and will feel just right for an outing with he girls, a brunch with the family or a night out with the boys. 

So what style will you incorporate this fall, let me know in the comments below. 

Until next time,
~ Heena
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How many of us can say that we know our skin, what works for it and what doesn’t; across ages, seasons and locations? I’m sure we all think we can, but truly none of us can, not even a part of the whole. This realisation dawned on me at a ‘Skin Awareness Month’ panel discussion organised by the skincare brand Galderma. The awareness month is aimed at educating consumers about skin and skin types, and more importantly skin issues and what efforts are required to keep skin healthy and beautiful. 


As personal experiences were shared during the discussion, one thing became extremely clear - eight out of ten women self-diagnose their skin issues and try home remedies that may or may not be helpful. It became abundantly oblivious that as influencers who talk about beauty and skincare we have to take forward the main goal of the initiative and encourage readers to avail access to experts and science-driven recommendations to help improve the overall quality of their skin and resolve their skin issues.

Apart from this singular theme, I had two major take aways from the discussion. One pointer was how ofter skin issues are misunderstood and that skin care does not follow the one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Suraj Shetty emphasised on how often every skin issue be it acne, dark spots, discolouration, pigmentation or others requires a professional diagnosis and personalised care with products specifically designed for it. 

Another pointer that stayed with me was Dr. Kaleem Khan’s insistence on keeping skincare routines simple with effective products that are appropriate for your skin type, health and condition.


I had a chance to interact with Dr. Kaleem Khan who give me a few simple pointers to keep my skin looking fresh and healthy. 
~ Upgrade my CTM routine with the new improved Cetaphil range of cleansers and moisturisers that offers better formulation with added gentle ingredients such as Glycerin improves Hydration, Niacinamide for Brightening and Panthenol for moisturising.
~ Use sun protection daily not only for UV rays but also for harmful IR radiation emitted through household gadgets. Cetaphil Sun SPF 50 for outdoor protection and Cetaphil Sun SPF 30 for indoor protection. 
~ Elevate my skin texture and tone with Biluma Advance Skin Brightening Lotion blended with natural ingredients and antioxidants and formulated with microemulsion luminous technology for natural skin glow and brightening.
I’ve now kickstarted my professionally recommended skincare routine with Cetaphil and Biluma.

My final thoughts about the Skin Awareness Month initiative is a more in-depth understanding of Skin Circadian Rhythm that is maintained through nourishment, brightening, rejuvenation and protection. Both Cetaphil and Biluma products mimic the skin’s natural mix, making it easy to absorb and work. With natural and hypoallergenic ingredients, and dermatologically approved Cetaphil and Biluma products are ideal for all skin types.

To know more about the products, please visit Cetaphil(@cetaphil_india) and Biluma (@bilumaindia). 

Until next time,
~ Heena
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How To Travel To Thailand in 2022 - iCynosure

Thailand has evolved to become one of South East Asia’s most popular tourist destinations for its beautiful white sand beaches, thrilling water sports, an array of shopping options and exciting nightlife. And add to these amazing features; low-cost airfare, inexpensive accommodation and even a huge selection of Indian food chains make Thailand a suitable getaway for just about anyone. 

Over the years, I have travelled to Thailand for quick time off, a family holiday or a solo sporting trip and just early this summer we travelled to Thailand for a kiddie trip, an entire article coming up on it in a couple of days. 

One thing that I've noticed is that the Thai Government has time and again tried making small but meaningful alterations to travel guidelines to make it convenient for travellers from across the world. However in the wake of the pandemic when we travelled to Thailand, I received a lot of queries so here's a quick update on the new guidelines to travel to Thailand in 2022:

Step 1 – Check Travel Eligibility
Thailand is open to travellers, however, it is a must to check your travel eligibility to the nation so that you can apply for the appropriate visa and understand the new Test and Go, Sandbox and Quarantine programs.  

Step 2 – Apply for the Visa
Thailand offers visas by way of visa exemptions, tourist visas or special tourist visas with an option for extension, and also visas on arrival. Ensure you check with your travel agent or Visa Services to begin your journey fuss-free.

Step 3 – Confirm the Trip
The three current requirements for a trip to Thailand especially for a tourist visa are confirmed flight reservations, hotel reservations and proof of financial means for the duration of the stay in Thailand. 

How To Travel To Thailand in 2022 - iCynosure

Step 4 – Insure the Trip
You probably never think about this, until it’s mandatory. However, seasoned travellers will reiterate that insurance is one of the most important, cost-effective things you’ll need during your trip. Insurance not only covers travellers against unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances but also covers: 
~ loss of belongings, including loss of passport
~ medical expenses and emergencies. 
~ minor mishaps re delays or overbooking
~ coverage for short-term adventure sports
~ unplanned situations re political unrest or legal aid

Step 5 – Buy a Forex Money Card
The money you set aside for Thailand never seems enough, and though you may have cash in hand and a credit or debit card, the advantage of a forex card is unparalleled. Forex cards allow withdrawals and use in local currency that is devoid of expenses of exchange rate and international charges.

Now that you have a document checklist, start putting your travel itinerary together. 

Until next time, 
~ Heena
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Makar Sankranti is just around the corner and this gujju household is in full preparation mode. Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan as popularly known in Gujarat is a day of fun and celebration complete with lights, colours and challenges. The sky is dotted with different hues of colourful kites that become a bone of contention between youngsters looking to soar into the sky. Similarly inside the house one can see an array of colours in the form of mouth-watering delicacies. 

Unlike most Hindu festivals that follow the lunar motion, Makar Sankranti follows the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn and thus is celebrated on January 14th each year. Though the day is celebrated all over the country, each state has its own local flavour attached to the celebrations; that is symbolic to the beginning of the spring season.


Year-on-year my mother has celebrated this festival with aplomb in our homes, even though we have been far away from our home state. Just like every other festival, the first thing done is a thorough cleaning the home and most importantly the kitchen. So this year Heer and me, did clean and decorate our home with the assistance of our house help making sure it is festive-ready. Whilst cleaning we cleared out things that we haven’t used in a while to share them with those who need them. 

No celebration is complete without food, ‘undhiyo’ preparation will dominate our kitchen like every gujarati kitchen. Undhiyo; a green vegetable curry full of assorted beans, roots, seasonal vegetables and methi tikkis is a huge hit amongst all young and old. And since kite-flying is a day-long adventure, fun foods like puffed rice balls and dhoklas are also prepared. The other two dishes that may also make the cut are Daal-Bhatti Churma and jalebis.


Looks like I'm already late and need to get a head start so, here to a wonderful day. Happy Sankranti!

Until next time,
~ Heena
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About Me

About Me

Hey, my name is Heena and I'm a Mumbai based blogger, influencer and content creator.

iCynosure.in is my cozy corner on the internet, where I've chronicled things that fascinate and inspire me.

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