ICynosure

As soon as I started working, I realised the importance of investment planning and tried to find out about ways and means to investment my meagre earnings. As my investment journey was set in motion; I realised that I set out on a trip that was without any direction, without a goal, and without a destination. I made investments without understanding the product, purpose or concept of the vehicle. Friends argued with me about how difficult it would be to understand about investments, but very few actually knew how the entire gamut of financial planning worked. I first realised that investment planning without a well-thought-out financial plan does not yield the desired results.

The general notion among novice investors like myself is that financial planning and investment planning are the same things, but, financial planning is the larger spectrum that includes investment planning. Without any doubt, investment planning plays a very important role in a successful financial plan, but it is not comprehensive in itself. However, it is imperative to understand the difference between the two, to truly improve your financial health.

In layman terms, financial planning is a professional and realistic plan of organising money for the entire cycle of your life. This realistic financial plan is the evaluation of your current financial situation and a forecast of your future financial situation, that enable an advisor to plan your savings, expenses, taxes, term insurance, investments, asset, and last but not the least retirement. A good financial plan will enable you to achieve your short, medium and long-term financial goals, and will have to be revisited and altered at important junctions in your life.

In simple terms, investment planning is a systematic and consistent plan to allocate your resources to maximise the returns. This consistent plan is the structured method to continuously allocate the funds to investment vehicles even when the growth isn’t as much as forecasted, that enables an advisor to act on behalf of you and execute a pre-decided investment structure factoring in risk, diversification, and returns. A good investment plan will enable you to make decent profits even during market volatility and establish a good base for your financial plans.

The next question one would ask is when the right time is to start planning your finances. I would say it is TODAY, no matter what your age is. With every passing year there will be new challenges and with every passing decade, there will be new expenses that have not been accounted for. Both investment planning and financial planning are customised solutions and the most appropriate way to move ahead confidently would be to seek professional help. The way forward would be to work with a certified advisor to analyse your financial life, access your risk appetite and decode the best plan that will help you live your life the way you ought to.

Don't take your financial health lightly, it is as important as your physical and emotional health.

Until next time,
~ Heena

Aegon Life: A joint venture between Aegon – world’s leading financial services and Bennett, Coleman & Company – India’s leading media house, Aegon Life Insurance launched its pan-India operations in July 2008. Armed with a vision to be the most recommended new age life insurance company, Aegon Life adopts the power of global expertise by leveraging digital platforms to bring transparent solutions, and to prioritize customer needs. Our financial planning and investment solutions include term life insurance plans, pension plans, unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs), health insurance plans, child education plans, and more.

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India is a country of traditions where every festival, every occasion, every celebration is a multi-day affair; some with super intricate rituals and numerous functions. And those are the days when we throw caution to the wind and indulge in the extremes, be it elaborate decorations, sumptuous food, crazy music or traditional fashion. Ethnic wear and Indian celebrations go hand-in-hand. However, most people make the mistake of de-accessorising ethnic wear, which ultimately ruins the entire look. Fashion trends come and go, but the staple look always remains the same - a great outfit, complimented with beautiful traditional jewellery, flattered by some gorgeous heels and completed by designer handbags.

As a fashion stylist, I would at times compromise on things other than a handbag, but I know for a fact that only a perfect, outfit-appropriate hand accessory can do justice to an ensemble and make the person an iCynosure of the occasion. Not many think about a handbag when the outfit in itself is so enchanting. The easiest thing for anyone would be to dig into the pool of handbags, that you think will be complimentary and head out. But that sure isn't going to make any heads turn. You need to know which type of bag you shall need and when to carry it to look like an ace in the fashion game.

Potli Bag - Old World Charm
The potli bag has undergone some serious changes from the days our great-grandmas carried them until today. With new twists of embroidery and embellishments, the simple ladies carry purse has now taken the fashion world by storm. Perfectly complimentary with a saree, choli and even anarkali, the potli bag is now the most sought-after bag during Indian celebrations. The craze can be seen with every celebrity carrying designer potli bags and flaunting them away.

Clutch Bag - Lets Box It
A clutch bag has come into the spotlight for its structured shape, eased utility, effortless manageability, and overpowering appeal. The clutch bag steals the show at every occasion, especially when in multi-coloured hues or single toned in gold or silver. Perfectly complimentary with semi-modern traditional wear such as salwar kameez, half saree, etc; one can buy clutches online from numerous designer stores. One can even get a clutch personalised to redefine their individual style statement.

Minaudiere - Tiny Royal Wonder
The most modern yet most un-apt bag that works wonders with traditional Indian outfits is the new age minaudière. The cute little royal wonder is the first choice of a true blue blood fashionista, that will take you from good to great. Perfectly complimentary with modern ethnic wear like saree gowns, cape sarees, lenghas, etc; a minaudière though a bit too small to fit in all that you may need is a great way to show off your personal style and strut like a pro.

Do you agree with me? Let me know in the comments which are the types of bag you like to carry with your ethnic wear and why?

Until next time,
~ Heena

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I’ve always been a travel buff and my travels used to be spontaneous with spur of the moment plans. It really helps that DH also enjoyed exploring new places just as much as I did and was willing to throw caution to the wind during our travels. After #PrincessHeer was born we were extremely cautious about taking off randomly and started planning our holidays more meticulously. Over the last few years, we’ve learned a lot about what makes or breaks a holiday with a child. And we’ve also learned how travelling with a child is different from travelling in a group with many children. Just a few days earlier, my cousin, a new mom called me to ask zillion questions as she was to embark on a journey with her newborn for the very first time. I could hear the panic in her voice, similar to what I felt years ago with Heer.

In preparation for her trip, I shared with her some of my most useful baby travel tips. However, since she was travelling alone, I also included an essentials list that I realize most moms overlook, putting the onus of these on the dad.

The absolute essentials when travelling, with a child:

Passport and Visa
A valid passport, usually with a minimum of six months validity is required for all international flights. Numerous countries offer a visa on arrival, however, with an Indian Passport, many countries still require a visa to be organized before the travel day. So, do ensure that passports are checked and visa received for a smooth check-in, custom, and immigration process.

Travel Insurance
Apart from a visa, the next most important thing to obtain is a travel insurance to have the peace of mind should anything unexpected happen. You can get travel insurance online that will cover any issues that may crop up due to an accident, cover lost or stolen property and even help with flight delays and cancellations which may otherwise prove to be very expensive.

Consent Letter
When a child is travelling with one parent or with someone who is not a parent or a legal guardian to some countries, the accompanying adult should carry along a consent letter signed by the other parent or both the parents that they have permission to do so along with a bridging document like a birth certificate where both parents’ names are listed. It is important to get the letter notarized.

Get Vaccinations
Depending on your holiday destination and the kind of activities planned, it is important to check for any necessary vaccinations that may be needed before you travel. The safety and health of your child and your family are of utmost importance and sometimes you may not be able to travel without having undergone some tests and being vaccinated. Talk to your family doctor if you have any concerns.

Yes, the right clothes, the right skincare essentials, and baby food are important as well and as a mother, you will ensure you pack all of that, but the above list is something moms need to ensure as well.

So, get ticking and packing.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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“It feels like a thousand bombs are exploding inside my brain”, “It feels like someone is tightly squeezing my head” – these are some of the many ways people describe severe headaches. Although the words might differ when describing how we feel, when a headache occurs, it can give sleepless nights and restless days to almost anyone.

Mild or severe, most people experience headaches at some time or the other. It could be just a passing pain or a symptom of an underlying problem. The first thing you should know is that a headache is not really a pain in the brain.

Amongst the various causes of headaches, ear, nose and throat issues are the major culprits. Let us take a look at five ENT problems that can result in severe headaches and will require you to visit an ENT specialist without further delay. Some common ENT problems that cause headaches are:

Sinusitis
A sinus infection is a leading nasal problem that often leads to headaches. In India, a sinus infection is more widespread than coronary heart disease, diabetes or asthma. The Times of India has published in 2012 that 1 out of every 8 Indians suffers from chronic sinusitis, which surprisingly is more than the population of Japan! Debilitating headaches, nasal congestion, obstruction, and fever are the major symptoms of sinusitis. A person suffering from sinusitis usually experiences headaches at the same place every time. However, the location of a headache will depend on the kind of sinusitis the person is suffering from. A headache usually starts as they wake up and improves through the day.

Septal deviation
This is a physical disorder of the nose, which involves the displacement of the nasal septum. A deeply deviated septum can create health issues, with migraines and localized headaches being the most common problems.

Neuralgic pains
These are the intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. This aching, burning and throbbing pain, experienced on both sides of the head, can typically start from the base of the head and continue up the scalp. Neuralgic pain occurs mainly due to a damaged nerve anywhere in the body. However, such nerve damage is highly common in the face and neck.

Ear infections
According to an article published by The Hindu on December 25, 2017, ENT specialists in major hospitals across Bengaluru witnessed a nearly two-fold upsurge in ear infections that winter. Although an ear infection is painful in itself, what makes it worse is the intense one-sided pain it causes, which worsens when you press on the bone behind the ear.

If you are experiencing headaches similar to those mentioned above and feel that an ENT problem could be the cause, it is highly recommended to visit a specialist as soon as possible.

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When people become parents they want the best for their children. All parents have great aspirations for their children and that's what parenthood is all about. Giving your child the best, sometimes even beyond your own means is what parents are capable of pushing themselves to do. I only began to identify with those feelings when I first held #PrincessHeer in my arms.

There wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t want to stroke her face or nuzzle her ear or kiss her forehead. However, the little one who looked like she had just stepped out of a ‘Baby Product’ commercial began having break-outs in less than a few weeks. A long worried chat with her paediatrician made me realise that there is much more to caring for my little bundle of joy than just basic healthcare. I needed to look into her skincare routine closely as well and did I make that my mission.

Here are those simple, yet extra-special efforts I introduced in her skincare routine to ensure the protection it deserved.

Bathing Basics
Baby skin is the most fragile at the time of birth and has to be prepped up over time. Even though most paediatricians recommend not to massage a baby, the age-old tradition was followed for Heer. We would massage her every morning with home-made almond oil and then bathe her in lukewarm water. We paid special attention to the skin-folds and would let her air-dry or dabbed her gently while avoiding to rub her delicate skin.

Natural Products
Two rules we followed while using baby products for Heer were; to use natural fragrance-free products and to always do a swatch test to rule out allergies. After experimenting with a few brands we finalised on MamaEarth, a safe, toxin-free, international standard baby products brand. I especially loved the Milky Soft Face Cream infused with the goodness of Almond Oil and Murumuru Butter that moisturised the delicate skin, Milk protein that locked in the moisture and Shea and cocoa butter that improved skin texture especially formulated for sensitive skin and cures eczema as well.

Diapering Essentials
It was one of the most tricky parts of skincare; picking the right mode of keeping her skin dry. With recommendations from friends, we opted for diapers that were soft with all-round protection. While changing, we wiped her skin with baby wipes and applied diaper cream to keep the skin moisturised and rash free. We preferred to alternate between cloth and disposable diapers that allow the skin to breathe, thus keeping the skin soft and healthy, and Heer happy.

 Clothing Prerequisites
Depending upon the weather conditions we got baby clothing in natural fabrics like cotton, linen, hemp, and wool. Breathable clothing allowed Heer’s skin to stay hydrated while protecting it against the harshness of the heat and cold. Another very important aspect of clothing we followed was to wash all clothing before first-time use and also wash them in a mild detergent, the ones free of dyes, colourants, and allergens.

Vital Nourishment
Skin health and care is as important from the outside as well as from the inside. Just as the doctor ordered we exclusively breastfed Heer for the first six months, then introduced her to fruit-vegetable pulp and nutritious dals. Over the next few months, we started to include almonds and walnuts in her daily intake along with pulses and lentils for protein and vitamins. We also supplemented water with semi-solids and solids to ensure digestion, hydration and overall growth.

I think with these changes, we did pretty good at bringing up Heer. Is there something specific you included in your baby's skincare routine as #mamatakescare that could help new moms? Let us know in the comments below to include the tips in the post.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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