A lot of us talk about freedom all the time, either to others, or to ourselves in our heads. Some are seeking freedom from the established norms and structures, some from their parents or partners, and some from the demons residing within their own selves. Not a day goes by, when I don’t question mine or someone else’s notions of freedom. So what is freedom to me? What is freedom to a teenage girl? Is it roaming around on the fearful New Delhi streets way past her curfew, or is it defeating the monstrous self-doubt buried in her chest to finally go learn something like bellydancing which sounds absolutely fascinating to the insides of her head? What is it that makes me, you, or anyone, free? For an atheist, freedom might amount to getting rid of religious role-playing in the name of taking care of other’s sentiments. For a writer, it may mean being able to write whatever comes to him/her instantly, as raw as it might be, without any prescribed objective in mind. For a poor person, freedom would mean being able to break free of financial constraints.

My idea of freedom, of real freedom, is not freedom from things, but realising that one is already free.I’ve realised that everyone here is a free soul, who will be loved and protected in their own way, but all we have to do is embrace the freedom within us rather than look for it outside. I do fight, I fight the world and rebel almost radically, to destroy the structures and norms existing since time immemorial, but I’m not dependent on breaking them, in order to feel free.

All I have right now are some acquired skills and my destructive (maybe constructive) doubts and my flawed self and beautiful dreams of what I want to become and how I want my life to be. But I’m not dependent on becoming or having any of those great things, in order to feel free. Whoever I am, with whatever I have, in this moment, this very moment, is free, absolutely free. Why should I keep running after something or the other all the time, why should I regret whatever was, and why should I live in hopes of a beautiful tomorrow? No I won’t. All I will do, is realise and remind myself, that, in this moment, I exist, and forevers are often not longer than a moment. If all of us, could just take a moment, and exist with everything we have, in this moment, we’d all not only be free but we will realise that we have always been. We have always been free.

People won’t believe in your dreams, they won’t believe in your belief. But you need to hold onto your freedom aggressively. You’ll be your own person and that will be your freedom.

This post is written as part of “Freedom Blog Train’ hosted by https://blogsikka.com and https://theotherbraininc.com.

I would like to thank Sinduja from www.mytinytigger.com for introducing me in her blog post. Over to Sabeeka from MomsMethods which is a destination for articles on adopting a healthy lifestyle using natural remedies. She believes – “Nature is bountiful and provides easy ways to heal and maintain a healthy lifestyle and momsmethods helps bring these to their readers.” . So head over to www.momsmethods.com to read her thoughts on freedom.

Until next time,

Lots of love

The post Your own sense of Freedom appeared first on Itika Singh.

Dear Greeting Card Writers:

Another Father’s Day is approaching and yet again, you leave me empty-handed. You see, my father does not have a flatulence problem. I’ve never seen him crack open a can of beer, and the remote control is more likely to be in the dog’s mouth than in his hand. My Dad is not the fix-it guy. He’s the guy who calls the fix-it guy ‘my chachu in my case’ . While I go through the usual search, I know I won’t find a card that is suitable for me to send to him and that is a shame, because I would like to express my gratitude. He has given me so much and amongst the many things I have to be thankful for are the life lessons that he has taught me. Here are just a few:

5. Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out alive.

Having this perspective on life makes it all the more fun. Tell jokes. Do something crazy. Be silly. Finding the funny in everyday situations as well as sharing it with others is our way of living life to the fullest.

4. Just ask!

If you want something, ask for it. A simple thought, yet many of us, including myself, never ask for what we want. In most scenarios, the worst they can say is “No.”

3. If you’re not invited, invite yourself.

My father has always been a proponent of this philosophy and in many cases it has worked in his favor. While it may seem a bit pushy, and can sometimes come off as rude, often, it gets you to where you want to be. Your friends are going to an awesome concert. Hey, got an extra ticket? Someone mentions a fun house party they are going to. What time should I show up? Of course, I realize this advice has its limitations but it can lead to some really enjoyable experiences if used properly.

2. Don’t let others hold you back.

If there are things in life you want to do, do them regardless of if you can get someone else to come along. It’s a lesson in independence. Opportunities shouldn’t be forsaken because you can’t find a companion to join.

1. Try it, you’ll like it.

My father is open to new experiences and has shared this thirst for life with me. Often referring to food, he’ll say this catchphrase when anyone is hesitant. If you try it, you’ll like it (perhaps) but you’ll never know if you don’t try.

So you see, I need a greeting card that speaks to my father’s sense of adventure, his confidence, and his ability to go for what he wants in life. And I’m sure there are many more unrepresented fathers out there.

Sincerely,

Help A Daughter Out, Please?

This blog is a part of blog train hosted by Preety Tiwari of www.delhiblogger.com and Priyanka Lodha Patwari of www.flavorsofworld.com.

Thanks Ritika Kapoor for introducing me in your blog post on www.pearlsbyshakespeare.com for the blog train. Next in the blog train is Sneha. So head over to momandmusings.wordpress.com to read what her father helped her unlearn.

Until next time,

Lots of Love

The post 5 Indispensable Things My Father Taught Me About Getting Through Life appeared first on Itika Singh.

Why?

These hairpieces are easier to use and more realistic now.

They cannot only help decide if your bang style is on-fleek, but also new hair systems are boon for women with medical conditions who just want hair that looks and feels like their own.

Wigs have been around since the Egyptians built their empires but many women—particularly those who turn to wigs and clip-ins because of hair loss—have regarded them with a sense of embarrassment.

But today, taboos around wigs are evaporating, thanks to celebrities as well as improvements in product and application technology.

We change our makeup daily, why not our hair?

Divatress is a leading beauty e-commerce company that offers wigs and hair care products.

If you are someone like me who have hair blues most of the time, then braids may be for you because they are a great protective hairstyle, are fairly low maintenance, they’re a great everyday hairstyle. There are so many braid styles that you can create, it’s always possible to have that exclusive braid style that keeps heads turning. In addition, adding your favorite pink, purple or blonde color to distinguish your braids is easy to do.

At Divatress, you’ll find all braids that you’re sure to love. Their selection of braiding hair can be customized to create truly unique look that sets you apart from the crowd. No matter your taste, you’ll find the braids that match your personal style or personality.

My particular favorite, from their collection of thousands is curly crochet hair.

Let’s be honest here, these wigs do not require any fuss, you can actually save your real hair from all those heating equipments & can rock any hairstyle you like.

So to conclude I would say a new spin, a fresh twist ain’t gonna hurt anyone. Also, we’re constantly searching for new looks to add to our repertoire.

With the rise of such chic trends that express your unique charm, the possibilities are endless.

Wigs are fun and games for the many models and celebrities who now wear them, their positive, open, and playful approach is having a wonderful impact on the women who are seeking them out for medical reasons.

That’s cause to celebrate.

Until next time

Lots of love

The post Divatress appeared first on Itika Singh.

How are you guys? Hope this article finds you in the best of your health.

As it is rightly said that ‘A nation’s progress lies in its ability to provide health and care to its people’.

So today we will talk about a rather serious topic i.e. ‘cancer’. Cancer is a modern day devil, it has dug its claws deep into the very existence of humanity, & we as a species are relentlessly fighting this devil.

According to me, with cancer what kills faster is the cost associated with it. A single sitting of a chemotherapy costs about 90k, a full fledge cancer treatments runs into lakhs of rupees. What makes the matters worse is availing any kind of treatment for the poor is a challenge. They either face a shortage of quality care or shortage of money or often are deprived from timely care.

I had the privilege to attend the inauguration of ‘NEW INDIA’ – a self funded NGO by Bangalore based entrepreneurial couple Mr. Vijay Tata and his wife Mrs. Amrita Tata. The NGO will focus on creating a new hope for the betterment of underprivileged. As the first initiative by NEW INDIA, it has already pledged 50 acres of land worth Rs 100 crores In Bangalore to the trust. Additionally Rs 100 crores will be used towards construction of the super-specialty cancer care hospital SACCI, SAANCHI ADVANCED CANCER CARE INSTITUTE. All underprivileged cancer patients from across India will be treated completely free of charge. This will be the first cashless hospital across India.

Actor Emraan Hashmi graced the occasion with his presence and inaugurated the NGO.

The entire hospital will be of 150 beds and will be completed in different phases. It will be state of art infrastructure with renowned oncologists and consultants on board. Entire hospital will be designed by a UK based Architect and Engineering firm, BDP formerly known as Building Design Partnership.

New India is self-funded and doesn’t accept any funds. It only seeks volunteers and supporters who are willing to share their time and skills and help propel the positivity the NGO stands for.

Vijay Tata, trustee, new India charitable trust is a man; committed to a greater common good as he believes that every life is precious, and that it is our duty to do the best we can to protect it.

Let us not let the lack of money be the lack of empathy!

Until next time

Lots of Love

The post NEW INDIA: A self funded NGO Cancer Hopital appeared first on Itika Singh.

AHOY!  Mate…

Today I am not sharing any look-book, any review of product or any DIY treatments.

Today, it is going to be different; today I am going to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you. Well! Gear up you for it is going to be a deep one.

When you’re flawed and paranoid about your surrounding it is difficult to be yourself.

You are being insecure because you aren’t perfect at all. 

I am writing this today because I have learnt ‘Nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities’.

So let me get done with it…

I started this blog because I can feel writing in my veins, because I love my work. No, like I’m literally obsessed with it. It’s like my morning cup of coffee I need to drink. I need to write to keep myself sane. My brain is chalking full of words and sentences and fragments always running and running.

I have to write at least once a day, to feel okay about myself and about my self esteem. I do it to share my thoughts. I do it because I love it. And I do it to try to help people out, and honestly to help myself out.

But recently I got really insecure about my follower count, my subscribers. In this race of bloggers where brands only collaborate with those who have followers in a two digit number & ‘k’ in the end, where your words don’t matter for all that matters is the number of comments & likes you get, I was losing myself. 

I forgot why in the first place I started out with this blog?

The more you get addicted to social media, the more life seems to be about expensive handbags, shiny cars and pretty faces. My blog was for those who seek an escape from this picture, for making fashion affordable, for genuine reviews so that you don’t invest in something that will be a waste for you, for giving positive vibes out a little here, a little there. But no, I was blindly running after brand collaborations not thinking that my quality of work would be affected by this.

Suddenly my words were not mine…. & That was the end for me. The end of that one thing I am so good at, the thing I love doing from the core of my heart, the thing that made me who I am today- MY BLOG.

That came as a red sign to me, sirens like that on an ambulance were ringing in my head. I knew something needs to be done. 

I just cannot work under someone constantly bossing around me or judging me, be it on my content or the followers I have.

I started the blog to be my own boss & somewhere down the lane I was losing it.

I started getting irritated all the time trying to please others. I could literally feel that entire big load on my head.

You might have observed I was not regular in between that is when I realized this ‘Don’t compare yourself to anyone. If you want to, compare yourself to you. You are your fiercest competition’.

Then I promised myself that I am not going to let myself sink down in this race of so called ‘perfect people’ & that day I won.

No one will ever help you to get rid of your endless fears and insecurities. But you, yourself is the one who can. Start loving yourself. Start accepting that you are flawed and realize that it is okay.

Insecurities are a pain. They limit us and they’re not something we can hide behind, or avoid. There needs to be a conscious choice to start moving forward and kick those insecurities out. Concentrating on your own insecurities is just going to take you to a place you never want to go to: depression, loneliness and fear.

Don’t let insecurities destroy you. Take charge of your own life.

Share your stories with me via a personal message on my Instagram page @colour_diva. I would love to help you out.

Until next time

Lots of Love

The post Never shrink again for anyone Darling! appeared first on Itika Singh.

Here’s some of my favorite tee photos and stylings that I hope inspire you to grab a graphic tee. What’s even better?

Printoctopus helps you Choose trendy designs from a host of showcased Indian artists to create unique customised merchandise that is cool and oh-so-you. They are a one-stop solution for all your customisation needs – whether you want funky stylish comfortable cotton t-shirts both men’s t-shirt and women’s t-shirt, matte finish hard phone covers for your smartphone and handsets, wall art to brighten up your walls, or mousepads which you can proudly call your own – simply indulge yourself! they have awesome designs and quirky merchandise designed by artists from all over India. 

& this is not it! The best part about shopping with them is that they offer Free Delivery, Cash on Delivery (COD), PayTM with easy returns as well.

Whatcha waiting for??

Happy Shopping!

There are a lot of ways to style a graphic tee but I have put a few looks together for you guys.

Here you go:

If you are looking for something quick, a pair of jeans or jean shorts is always a go-to. Here I have paired it with a cullotee.

If you are aiming for a full glam look, all you need is a graphic tee, a black skirt and a choker. If you want to dress up your graphic tee, this look is so pretty. Pair it with a neutral shoe and you’re all set. If you are feeling creative, pair your graphic tee with a patterned sequin skirt!

You can never go wrong with pairing a midi skirt with a graphic tee. It’s more of a dressier look and you can wear this to work with a blazer or by itself! Or you can wear a mini skirt with it of course. Either way, pairing the midi skirt with a graphic tee is work appropriate and stylish.

Here I went on pairing the tee with a kut-chi gown with a knot on side.

That is it for this post. Hope you guys enjoyed reading it & I hope to see you guys styling your customized tee from Printoctopus & if you do please let me know via a dm on my instagram page @colour_diva

Until next time,

 Lots of love

The post GOT inspired vibes appeared first on Itika Singh.