Weekly Roundup1: Rants, Instagram et al

I am going to Mumbai yet again! :D And this time it's special cause it'll be like a reunion of sorts... Family side as well as my school friends' side :) Plus since the pati is out of town, I'll get to have a guilt-free trip without having to worry about what he had for dinner and if the maid came to do "bartan" and all that gharelu stuff ;) On the flip side my mom-in-law who really keeps worrying about me being alone here will get to have some rest mentally not having to worry about my safety! :D hehehe Isn't she sweet? :) Plus my mum in Mumbai is ecstatic cause this weekend not only her daughter (ahem! me) but also both her sisters are visiting from Kolkata and Nagpur.... So she is like on Cloud 9 or something :D And of course papa is just so relieved that I am coming to give him company cause else he would have been totally smothered by his "saalis" hahahahha :D

And most important of all, I get to visit MAC :) Cause Pune MAC is shut due to a fire in the mall :(

 This week went by in a daze... You would think with pati out of town I would get all the time in the world to do makeup for my blog and stuff but I have been so busy with the Handlooms Of India photoshoots that I am not even getting time to breathe :( Not that I am not enjoying it! I am loving it to the core... I am getting to know so much and prance around in the best handlooms I have ever laid eyes on that I am almost in a dreamworld. The HOI people have become really good friends and I am enjoying so much :) But since the weather is so unpredictable in Pune (rains, drizzles and sudden sunshine), we are unable to shoot outside :( Waiting for the next month when we will be able to have some outdoor shots as well :) Here is one from this week...

I don't know if I am allowed to tell you all but there is this another super exciting thing coming up :) We will very soon be shooting for North Eastern handlooms at HOI :D yay! You have no idea how beautiful Manipuri handlooms are! They are simple amazing and something you would have never seen anywhere else :) Gorgeous is the word! I am so proud of it you :) What say Awungshi and Bharati? ;)

Oh and there are so many products that are pending review. My sweet co-sister Kannu had very thoughtfully sent me some Kryolan eye shadow bases but I am just so not getting time to even try them :( Sighhhh... But next week pakka! :D

 Btw I have lost a huge amount of weight! Some people say it's because I am pining for the pati to come back soon but I say, it's cause of the healthy lifestyle I am getting to lead in his absence ;) Ha ha no no not that he forces me to be unhealthy (he'll kill me if he reads this) but somehow he has the "Punjabiyon di shaan wakhri" waala effect on me and yup the newly acquired Punjabi-ness starts rearing its head in me and I become super liberal with desi-ghee and makkhan on my aloo parathas :P You know what I mean ;) Oh how I love to share makkhan maarke aloo parathas with malai waali-dahi Sunday brunches with him :( Awwww I miss him! :'(
But on a happier note, here's the thin me! Yup this is last night's pic I took after coming back from a girl friends night out with my besties Prajakata and Manu :)

My skirt has gotten loose :(

 Oh coming back to pending posts, my co-sister Kannu had started her own design house called Patola... She designs some totally unique "kurtas" and well she has been sweet enough to design a couple of them for me :) Yeah yeah I will be flaunting them too especially since I am in this major "clothes-horse" mode all thanks to HOI.. LOL :)

Oh! I am planning to get my nose pierced for the 3rd time now... I had my nose pierced first in 2008, then since it was bit lower than it is supposed to be I got it pierced again in 2010 in the correct position but after my wedding I removed it and now the pierce is no longer "usable" and it has left an ugly mark :( So am gonna get my nose pierced again and restart wearing a nose ring :)

See the mark?

Ok I am signing off right now... Going to meet some more of my girl friends to Mc Donalds, who were like really close to me in my previous company :) Yeah since I have lost some weight I can gorge at Mc D's ;)

Read more ►

Is it True that Cheese Can Reduce Risk of Diabetes?

Exactly what the health benefits of cheese. Dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamins known to help reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus. But of course must be balanced with a healthy diet and active. Whereas previously rarely revealing the relationship between cheese with diabetes. Is it true that cheese can reduce risk of diabetes?

Preliminary research by a team of European researchers say people who have the habit of eating cheese, 12 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than people who do not like cheese.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinic Nutrition examines the extent to which the intake of dairy products affects the development of type-2 diabetes in eight European countries.

"Intake of total dairy products are not associated with diabetes. Consumption of cheese is one of the dairy products tend to have an inverse relationship with diabetes," said the researcher.

For those who do not like cheese, do not worry. Because the consumption of milk mixture is also associated with lower risk of diabetes, including other fermented products like yogurt and fermented milk.

Researchers could not explain why this correlation exists, but they suspect that it has to do with the fermentation process involved in making cheese.

Although the researchers did not specify the abstract conclusions which countries studied, the incidence of diabetes will probably tend to be lower for those with more active lifestyles. Researchers also confirmed that the reduced risk of diabetes in the population as a whole, not solely because cheese consumption only.

However, those who are already suffering from diabetes mellitus, consumption should be limited to the portions of cheese. American Diabetes Association recommends low-fat cheese as an option.

Read more ►

Prakriti Herbals Rose Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Review

Facials gels, body gels and everything that is GEL based would be my favorite anytime. I don't know why but I am fond of skincare gels. Most of them are refreshing, cooling and also light on skin. When I happened to check this new come herbal skincare brand, Prakriti Herbals, I checked out their skin gels first. And this is the product attracted me a lot because of its rose and aloe content. Though I am not a huge fan of Aloe vera (It's smell.. uff), I have always been a lover of rose flowers, rose petals and rose water. I love the rose's very refreshing fragrance and almost use rose water everyday. When I came to know about this gel, I was super exited to try it as it has rose extracts. I have been using this soothing gel for past few feels and let us now check my detailed review. Before going onto the review, do check few lines about Prakriti Herbals.


Prakriti Herbals Rose Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

Product Description:

A natural concentrate of aloe vera juice and rose water brings life back to dry skin, reducing sunburn, wrinkles and pigmentation.


Price and Quantity:
Rs.120 for 60ml


Usage Directions:
Apply to face and body liberally as a protecting day moisturizer, a nourishing night cream.


Natural Pampering Ingredients:
Aloevera juice, Rose water, CMC, Food Colours and Food Grade Preservatives, Perfume, Purified water.


Shelf Life: 1 year


My Experience with this Product:

Packaging
I was really impressed with this product's packaging when I first received it. It comes in a broad transparent tube made of thick plastic. It has a screw cap which can also be flipped and squeezed to take the product out. There are no leakage or spilling while travel as the packaging is sturdy enough, hence I have no complaints about the packaging part. The pack is simple, cute, easy to use and of course handy; Yes! you can carry it around in your handbag very easily.

Colour, Consistency and Fragrance
The gel is clear and transperant with a very light lavender tint (Which I loved).  It has a moderate to thick consistency and a smooth spreading texture. It goes smooth onto the skin and gets absorbed in a jiffy. The fragrance of this soothing gel can be said as rose water-sh and floral but surprisingly the fragrance is very mild and not over powering. You will like its fragrance if you are a rose water/floral fragrance lover like me and in case if are much on the side of very sweet fruity fragrances, this won't attract you much; and after all, it is a soothing skin gel, no a fruit flavoured cake or chocolate, no so worries :D

How it works
I was impressed of the packaging and consistency of this gel and hence started using it from the day itself after I got it. It goes smooth on the skin and gets absorbed easily without taking much time. Skin feels a nice cooling and relaxing sensation soon after this gel has been applied. I use this gel mostly after washing my face and before applying a moisturizer. When I am out of my toner, it acts well as a toner in closing pores and gives my skin an oil-free even finish. If you have very oily skin and afraid of using any moisturizer (Yikes, most of the moisturizers leave oily skin greasy except some water-based ones, don't you agree?), you can definitely try this gel as your day time moisturizer.
        Simply dab this gel on your facial skin, massage gently until it gets completely absorbed and wear your compact. This will be a great simple moisturizing routing for extra oily skin types. This gel soothes out the dry, stretchy areas and gives a cool relaxing sensation to the skin. If you have normal skin type, use this gel before putting on your moisturizer and dry skin beauties, you will surely need something rich and creamy but you can use this for an instant relief; Say 10-20 minutes, it will keep your skin soft without drying. Currently, I am using this gel as my day time and night time moisturizer (I have oily-combination skin type in monsoons) as this monsoon is making me feel frustrated of irregular temperature. This gel just balances out the moisture loss in cheek areas and keeps my nose areas oil free and this shows that this gel is very much suitable for oily and combination skin typed people. I have nothing bad to say about this soothing gel, it is just perfect for everyday use, especially in summers when our (Oily skin typed people)  faces tend to change as oil wells.
       Rs. 120 for 60ml is not that an expensive price for this multipurpose product, so get one for yourself and use it to know its worth. It can be used as a skin toner for all skin types, moisturizer for oily skin type and what not? It also serves as an under eye gel (Yes! It calms eyes so well) and after tan skin gel. I highly recommend this product to everyone who love gels and rose flavour!


PROS:

• Soothes and refreshes skin
• Gives a nice cooling sensation
• Does provide enough moisture for oily skin types
• Best for summer usage
• Can be used after long sun exposure to calm down skin
• Gives relief from irritating sunburn
• Can be used as an under eye gel
• Mild rose fragrance
• Gets absorbed quickly
• Can be used as a toner as well
• Leaves skin soft, supple and smooth
• Handy and travel friendly packaging
• Price is not expensive comparing with its goodness

CONS:

• Availability is an issue but you can get it from few Indian online shopping sites
• It claims to moisturize all skin types but dry skins would definitely need something rich and creamy. (This can't be taken as a con for the price and other goodness. If you're an oily skin typed person, this will definitely move to your HG list)

Rating: 4.5/5


Recommendation: I highly recommend this product (Yes, It just jumped into my HG list) for every oily and combination skinned beauty out there. Even if you have dry/normal skin type, you must give this a try at least once for its cooling and calming sensation on skin. No one can hate this product, especially the gel lovers!


Would I Repurchase?: What do you think I will say other than YES? :)

Hope you liked this review of Prakriti Herbals Rose Aloe Vera Soothing Gel.

Have you tried it? Do share your views and feedback below!

Product sent by the brand for consideration; Honest review as usual

Read more ►

Hair Care. About shampoos. Wash the head. Shine and strength of healthy hair.

 Hair should be washed to the extent of contamination. Before washing the head, comb your hair is desirable.Wash your hair - always boiled or filtered water, ie soft. Water softener in the home it can boil and allow to stand for 5-6 hours, or just defend. Can a 2 liter of water add 1 teaspoon of baking soda or a few drops of ammonia.


 Pick a shampoo for hair type, and preferably soft. To find suitable shampoo or not, do this test: Mix in a glass of water with the shampoo and allow the mixture to settle. If you see a curdy precipitate - to use this shampoo is not necessary. This is difficult to wash the shampoo from the hair and can be a problem: seborrhea, dandruff, itching.

 Change is often the shampoo is not necessarily important to choose the right depending on the needs of hair and scalp.For long hair shampoo is better to have two: one for oily hair, which wash the scalp and hair at the base, and the other for dry - wash the entire length of the hair. You also need to use two balms conditioner. Now there is a shampoo for the mixed structure of hair, which is used for skin and hair. It should not be a long time to wash my hair from the hair of the degreased and lose its luster.
 Rinse your hair it is necessary. You can use special balms, conditioners. And you can acidified water with vinegar, preferably apple or grape. The acidified water is used to neutralize the residual alkali on the hair. If the water is hard, then rinse hair with vinegar is absolutely necessary: ​​a tablespoon of 6% vinegar in a bucket of water.


 Dark hair shine from acetic rinse.   Do not believe the inscriptions on shampoos such as "suitable for everyday use." Wash your hair should be two to three times a week. Not more. Otherwise you can damage the hair.   The frequency of shampooing has no effect on hair loss, of course, if properly selected shampoo and you do not comb wet hair. Man loses a day from 50 to 100 hairs regardless of whether or not they are washed.   It is useful to 1-2 times a month instead of shampoo to use sour milk.

 They generously greased hair and rubbed into the skin, and an hour later wash thoroughly with warm water. With frequent shampooing shampoo is applied only once. Hold for thirty seconds and then shampoo wash hair. Well-washed hair "squeak." Do not wash your hair with too hot water. The water temperature should not exceed 50 ° C. Follow the exact dose and expose the air conditioner on your hair the specified time, if you want to get the desired effect. Rinse your hair as long as possible, shampoo, rinse under hot running water for about a minute, and spend as much time on the flushing of the air conditioner.
 Each time, use only a clean towel. Wipe washed hair preferably a hot towel. Dry at room temperature - not the sun, not over the fire, and preferably without a hair dryer. During the drying of the hair do not rub strongly towel wrap your head in a turban and soft movements promakivayuschimi dry hair and then remove the towel. It is advisable to dry the hair naturally in the air - no hair dryer.
 Do the shampoos "brilliance and strength of healthy hair"?Many shampoos promise us "brilliance and strength of healthy hair." The action of the majority of shampoos based on the fact that they form on the surface of the hair thin film. As a result, the hair at the time become thicker, softer and beautifully shiny.But the health ... By advertising of expensive imported shampoos and other "miracle" of hair care products should be treated with caution. For example, one popular American hormonal agent for women at first sight really slows down hair loss, but at the same time only enhances hormonal imbalance. It turns out that it does not cure, and "encourages" the disease, temporarily masking it.
As for shampoos with provitamins, the experts point out that for one type of hair they are useful, but for another - are dangerous. So before you apply, you should consult with your doctor. Dandruff shampoos can help with menthol? Thought so for a long time, but in 1990 the Agency for Food and Drug Administration issued a U.S. document that listed the 223 useless components that are widely used in medicines and cosmetics. Among the substances effective against dandruff, and was menthol. In addition to menthol, the "black list" were boric acid, allantoin, evkalip-thick, juniper and pine resin, methyl salicylate, phenol, povidone-iodine, sodium salicylate, thymol, and many other lesser-known components of the shampoo.
 But do not think that these substances are very very useless. The same menthol is used widely today, being a part of medicine, candy, cosmetics. Justified and its application in a number of shampoos, where he was assigned the role of money is not anti-dandruff and refreshing the component. But the main enemy of anti-dandruff shampoos in the current zinc pyrithione is.

Read more ►

Essential oils - beauty and health of women

Lovely woman, this topic is for you. We want to always be beautiful and healthy, certainly in terms of health, rather than the volume! We are constantly worried. What to wear and how to dress. How to use makeup to work, how to relax. What kind of perfume to choose the mood of the morning, what a day for a business meeting, which for an evening communion. How to give your image more mysterious and sexy.
Of great importance in this are our hair, their color, shape styling. Important is the condition of the skin, its tenderness, inner glow. But all this makes sense for the beauty of our body, perfect shape. And aggravate our moods and reduce the beauty of our body is capable of cellulite. The deposition of fat in the most popular areas of our body. How nice to look our hips, buttocks and tummy, if not for this cellulite!

And now we are ready to do anything to lose weight, so clearly reminiscent of the excess, in our opinion, the weight. This is a grueling workout at the gym at home and in fitness clubs. This is different (and not always safe) pills for weight loss. Endless and varied diet, which reduces the body to obtain the necessary materials for its normal functioning. And very often, and so that the body lacked something very important for yourself, we signal.

 And we are following the successful passage of a regular diet, perky pounced on the same piece of chocolate, which tried to deny myself. And get even more calories, which are then laid on our sides, and the pope. Lose weight easily, pleasantly and profitably. This will help the essential oils of tropical plants. It is no accident, they were used long ago in the East. Where to devote so much time for pleasure and enjoyment.
 Essential oils for oral use - weight loss, metabolism, health and beauty. Thus, the essential oils. There are so many and they have a broad spectrum of action on the body. Some of them help to cope with stress, calming the nervous system. Indeed, one reason for eating, if your body is not hungry, have the ability to "stick" in trouble. Other oils work on the excretion of excess fluid in the body, which is also a cause of excess weight.
 Still others - improve intestinal function, normalize metabolism and rapid elimination of all unnecessary substances from the body. All these functions are performed by essential oils.
Rosemary oil, a long-shrub plant has tonic properties, normalizes the body's metabolism, while also stimulating the work of the brain, improving memory. Tea with rosemary and thyme mountain. To cook it you need to mix 1 teaspoon of rosemary and thyme, pour boiling water and stand 15 minutes on low heat. Broth to infuse, strain and cool. Take 1/3 cup a day before meals. Rosemary works well on skin. As part of the lotions, prevents it from fading and smoothing, the formation of wrinkles. It tones the face and head.

 Oil of fennel, fennel, anise-flavored, delicately and gently purifies the body, improves digestion. Reduces appetite and hunger, if you just chew on his seed. A fat and sugar sends to the side of proper assimilation, thus correcting the shape and weight.

Fennel tea. 1 teaspoon fennel seeds combine with 2 teaspoons of nettles, pour 3 cups boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes under the lid closed. Strain, cool, take 1/3 cup 3 times a day. The essential oil of ginger improves circulation, speeds up the metabolism and metabolic processes. At the same time also helps the skin stay longer young and beautiful. Teas from him and with him have exquisite taste and a warming effect. Tea from ginger. Cut strips of ginger, add honey and lemon juice, cover with water. Bring to a boil, boil for 15 minutes, cool, strain and drink from a cup to 2 liters a day. If here we add mint leaves and lemon balm, get tea for weight loss on Hollywood beauties.

 Cardamom, another wonderful tool that from the time of the Roman emperors used from obesity and excessive gluttony. Now, we know that the essential oil of cardamom has beneficial effects on the body and helps to lose weight. Since normalizes metabolism and excretion of toxic wastes and excess fluid from the body. A bath for the body and the skin will make an unusually beautiful and help get rid of skin stretch marks. 8 drops of essential oil of cardamom should be diluted in milk or yogurt, pour in the water for bathing. The water should not exceed 38 degrees C. Take a bath, and you will feel an extraordinary burst of energy.

 An excellent tool for weight loss is black pepper. Its outer layer contributes to the destruction of fat cells, thus helping to burn fat, lowering the rate of insulin in the body. For example, chili pepper contains a substance which is capable of destroying those extra pounds for 20 minutes after eating. Eating foods seasoned with hot peppers we grow thin. And the tasty and healthy.

 Will help you lose weight and grapefruit. Once in the body, it lowers insulin levels, thereby reducing appetite. Eat half of grapefruit or drink 150 ml of juice with each meal and at 2 weeks will decrease your weight by 2 kilograms. If you taste it for you bitter, its juice can be diluted with lemon juice or orange.
These two citrus products are also excellent for weight loss. Since oil and lemon enhances the gastrointestinal tract, utilizing fats and naturally displaying the body of toxins.

 Rosemary, black pepper, fennel, ginger, cardamom, lemon and grapefruit not only help you lose weight. Eat them as food for your health and beauty. Some - as spices, other - make juices. So you will improve the state of the body, strengthen the immune system and feel much more cheerful. A drop of essential oil of the rest put in place a pulse behind the ear, it will help you seduce anyone!

Read more ►

REVIEW: Kiehl's Stylist Series Silk Groom Serum

Unlike my skin, my hair has a mind of its own... It ignores my pleas, my efforts behind it and completely disregards the amount of money I spend on trying to tame it... Sometimes I feel like pet owner where my skin is a dog and my hair, a cat :P Strange analogy, I know... But pet owners and lovers will agree for sure ;)

This was the story of my life until I found Kiehl's Silk Groom Serum. This was the first product that I bought from Kiehl's and I must say that this totally got me hooked to the brand! I got it from the Kiehl's store in Inorbit Mall in Mumbai when Jinal, Preetha and Jyoti had met up long long time ago ;)

What The Brand Claims
"For A Glossy, Non-Frizz Finish". This unique, ultra-light and non-greasy serum tames frizzy and rebellious hair for a groomed look with a glossy shine. Infused with a blend of natural oils derived from Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and Soy beans, our formula smoothes frizz and dry-ends and controls hair without weighing it down. Our blend enriched with Vitamin E, protects hair from humidity and boosts shine, leaving hair clean, soft and silky.
For styles ranging from smooth and straight to curly and wavy.

Directions For Use 
Apply a few drops into palm, rub together and smooth through clean, damp hair from roots to ends. Finish with a blow-drier or allow to dry naturally for a non-frizz look or for glossy, springy curls. Apply on dry hair to control split ends and fly-aways.

What I Think?
Well, it doesn't make any claims to nourish your hair and make it stronger and longer and all that jazz. It just says that it tames the frizz and gives a glossy shine to your hair. And yup! It does what it claims to do... FULL STOP... Nothing more, nothing less. No it does not make ones hair greasy and nope it doesn't weight it down... It smells so fresh and spicy-herby... I totally love it!
It comes in a convenient pump dispenser bottle and a little product really really goes a long way! I have been using it since February every single day and I have just finished half of the bottle :) Not bad right? :)

Image of the Product:

On My Hair

Ooohhss And Aaahhhsss!!!
1. It tames frizz and makes your hair feel silky smooth
2. Adds shine and gloss to dull hair.
3. Is not greasy and does not weigh down ones hair
4. Has a very pleasant and a unique fragrance
5. Just a little bit of product goes a really long way.
6. Has a pump dispenser and hence is great to prevent wastage of product :)

Ouches!!
1. It is a bit on the expensive side.
2. Kiehl's products are not available easily in all cities.

Price
It is priced a bit steeply at INR 1350/- for 75ml.

Repurchase?
Oh definitely!

Do I Recommend?
I definitely do recommend for all types of hair. The most endearing thing is that they deliver what they claim! No false claims and no hogwashing the customers.

Overall Rating:
10/10   

Read more ►

9 Keys How to Maintain a Romantic Relationship

To maintain a romantic relationship, it is sometimes not easy. Would be easier if we knew how to maintain the relationship. We share 9 keys how to maintain a romantic relationship.

Your sweetie needs to know that you enjoy your time together, even when it's not a holiday or your anniversary. Include special treats, such as packing his favorite fruits in the picnic basket, or taking her to a restaurant where her favorite live music will be playing.

1. Tell your partner you love them.

Although it’s true that actions speak louder than words, words often speak more clearly than actions. Take a moment every now and then to verbalize your feelings for your partner. A simple “I love you” or “You mean the world to me” can go a long way towards making your significant other feel wanted, cared for, and secure in your relationship.

2. Show some affection.

Small acts of physical intimacy – the hand on the small of the back as you brush by in the hallway, your arm around their shoulder on the sofa, your hand on their thigh when seated side-by-side, holding hands while walking down the street – give your partner a warm feeling and convey the love and affection you feel for them. The littlest touch can be as important, or even more important, than the longest night of sexual intimacy.

3. Show appreciation for your partner.

Let your partner know on a regular basis what it is that you like most about them – what you admire, what makes you proud, what their strengths are in your eyes. Building a romantic relationship isn’t jsut about the initial bonding – it’s about encouraging and supporting each other’s growth over the course of your lives. Help your partner achieve his or her potential by constantly building them up.

4. Share yourself.

Don’t keep your likes and dislikes, dreams and fears, achievements and mistakes, or anything else to yourself. If it’s important to you, share it with your partner. More than that, be sure to share more with your partner than you do with anyone else. While there is certainly a need for some personal space in even the closest relationship, give as much of yourself and your time as you can bear to your partner.

5. Be there for your partner.

It’s obvious what you need to do when your partner faces a major life challenge like the loss of a job or the death of a loved one. But it’s just as important to be supportive when your partner faces life’s little challenges, too – an argument at work, a rough commute, a misplaced check. Don’t let yourself be a doormat, and definitely don’t stand for physical or verbal abuse, but thicken your skin a little and be the voice of calm and reason when chaos strikes. Listen to what’s bothering them and offer whatever help – even if it’s just sympathy – you can.

6. Give gifts.

Take advantages of opportunities to give material tokens of your love. Just the right book picked up at the bookstore, a special dessert, a piece of jewelry or clothing you noticed at the store – anything small or large that tells them you were thinking of them. Leave a love note for them, or send them an SMS at work to “I love you” – again, the little reminder that they’re always on your mind will help your partner feel better about themselves and secure in your relationship.

7. Respond gracefully to your partner’s demands and shortcomings.

A big killer of relationships is unreasonable expectations. Unless you married a robot, your partner comes pre-loaded with a whole range of human failures and foibles. These are features, not bugs! Learn to recognize and appreciate your partner’s quirks for what they are: an essential part of who they are as people. Since our weaknesses are often at the core of our deepest insecurities, make sure you don’t pick on or otherwise go out of your way to highlight your partner’s flaws.

8. Take nothing for granted.

Cultivate a daily sense of gratitude for your partner and the thousands of little blessings he or she has brought into your life. Remember that, if you’re happy in your relationship, your partner is doing a thousand little things for you every day to make your relationship work (as, hopefully, you are for them). Never take that for granted – a relationship is work of the highest order, and the second you stop it starts to slide away.

9. Strive for equality.

Make sure you follow the Golden Rule in your relationship: do unto your partner as you would have done unto you. Strive for a fair division of household duties and other tasks, and don’t expect or demand special considerations you’d be unwilling to offer in return.

Read more ►