DocDivaTraveller

Is there any girl who does not like dresses? Well no one that I know of! Stripes are a universal favourite; especially vertical ones as well as bodycon dresses and high low ones. We always hear that one should dress according to the body type and not according to trends. Having said that, both can be combined too! So embrace things that are classic yet always trendy like stripes. And today I would like to elaborate few ways on how to accentuate your figure from my favourite online store dressab.com .

1.Maxi Dress: A maxi dress should be elegant and classy as well as a bit of fun infused in it. This kind hugs your body at just the right places and slims your pelvis and elongates your lower half. You can choose from a myriad of floral big hem maxi dresses here.

2. High Low dress: The best part about this style is that the longer back hides your bottom which is often the most insecure part of a female. I love how flirty it is without being revealing. Also you can stoop without any worries! Explore a lot of options here.

3. party pure color bodycon dresses: Not everyone can pull this look but those who don't have flab can look even fitter! I love bodycon dresses for many reasons: they make me look slimmer and smarter. I love longer versions though. They look less provocative!

4. See through dress: Okay so this may not be for everyone but is very flirty nonetheless. You can layer with a cami or just go with it as it is! Here are plenty of see through dress for you!

5. A vertical striped blouse adds an illusion of height. It makes your torso look longer as well as your legs. The vertical stripes also makes you look slim since it elongates the body. You can select a lot of cheap blouses.

6. Avoid anything very contrasting to prevent looking shorter. Like a solid white blouse with a solid black skirt or vice versa. It divides the body sharply making you look short and stubby.

7. Wear nude heels to elongate the legs. Avoid footwear that has ankle straps as they shorten your legs.

8. Avoid big prints to prevent looking fat. Go for solid colours or monochromatic look to defy the same. Also small prints make you look slim and youthful.

9.Wear dark colours to look slimmer. That is a cliche but very effective! So with major points now on the mind, go shop to your heart's content and body style! Dressab.com is my favourite online brand when it comes to online shopping! Also I have an offer for you. Appply code BLOG8 ($ Off Over $100)

8/19/2019 No comments

8/15/2019 13 comments

The valleys, snow-capped peaks and the rush of adrenaline, all in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal has always beckoned tourists, especially those who spend most of their year wiping beads of sweat off their brows. Serenity, a shroud of calmness which seems to envelop you and picturesque and panoramic scenery present wherever your gaze travels; this is what Himachal Pradesh is all about. Before you pack your bags and head off to this heavenly tourist destination you should know that Himachal Pradesh offers tranquility in the same doses as it offers an adrenaline rush and thrill for the adventure seekers. Oh, and did I mention that a trip to Himachal will let you experience the Tibetan culture as well? So you can sample some delectable thukpa while wearing a warm and cozy Tibetan shawl.

If you are wondering how to start your amazing trip to bestplaces to visit in himachal pradesh, let me get you started on your itinerary.

Kullu Manali

Kullu Manali is a place that has to be ticked off the list when you are going to Himachal Pradesh. I mean how can you not go and see the place which has given the Hindi Movie industry some of its most beautiful songs. The time to visit Kullu Manali is after the monsoons recede which is in September and October as you wouldn't want to get stuck in the infamous landslides that occur here in July and August. You can visit the bird sanctuary here if you shy away from too much adventure. If not, then head over to Rohtang Pass or do river rafting on Beas.

Shimla

Almost half of North India heads over to Shimla during summers and the rest half can be seen there during the winters, throwing snow cannonballs at each other. Yup, it is overrated, it is overcrowded but it is still one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla will give you nostalgic feels about the colonial era in almost everything, right from the buildings to the clubs.

Kasauli

When you simply want a relaxing weekend, doing almost nothing expect watching verdant forests and clear skies and listening to the chirping of birds, all you have got to do is head to Kasauli. This tiny city is right at the borders of Punjab and Haryana is not going to disappoint you when it comes to rejuvenation. Simply taking a stroll through the town will make you want for nothing more.

Dharamshala

I am sure you have heard of Dalai Lama even if you haven’t been to this place. Set in the gorgeous Kangra Valley, the quaint town of Dharamshala is the abode of the Dalai Lama. Soak in the beauty of the place and mediate at the Tibetan monasteries to soothe your soul. Head over to Kareri Lake for some great pictures for your social media and the tea plantations if you are a tea lover like me.

Bir Billing

Had enough of the tranquil and soul-soothing places? I cannot for sure leave out places that will interest the adventure lovers who throng to Himachal Pradesh to have a taste of some thrill. Bir Billing is just the place for such adventure mongers. This small village in Western Himachal is frequented by adventure seekers from all over the world all the year-round. There is paragliding to indulge in the summers when you get a breathtaking view of the valleys below and winters allow you to do some trekking and mountain climbing

Dalhousie

Well, for one I did spot a lot of couples in Dalhousie, holding hands and enjoying the scenic beauty of the town. It is not known as ‘mini Switzerland’ for nothing, for it is the perfect place for couples. My to-do list for Dalhousie included St. John’s Church, Daikund Peak, and Chamera Dam so I had my fill of sightseeing and nature watching with this list.

Spiti Valley

Oh no, I am not done with the adventure list yet as there is still Spiti to talk about. Now, this one is a brilliant mix of adventure and panoramic views and so is perfect for all kinds of travelers. Meandering roads, snow-capped peaks dotted with lush green trees; I mean it cannot get better than that. It can as I did not mention yet that Spiti is located at an altitude of 12500 mt above sea level and is not for the faint-hearted, literally! The high altitude may cause a problem to you so you need to keep that in mind when visiting. Spiti is accessible by only two roads, of which one shuts down during the winters but that is precisely the time when you should be going to this place for your fill of thrill. Best time to visit Spiti is between May to July when you can enjoy trekking here.'

Kasol

No, I am not talking about Kasauli. This one is Kasol which is a tiny village that is home to a lot of Israeli population. The place has got such an immense Israeli influence that you will find some of the signage too in Hebrew, not to mention the fact that you can sample a lot of Israeli delicacies in Kasol. This place is known for its jungle hiking where you can follow the Trail of Parvati River. Along the trekking trail, there are hot water springs that add to the charm and beauty that serenades you to stop at places and simply gaze at the work of nature.

Kufri

I am sure you have heard of Kufri for if you love the sound that your feet make when you walk on fresh snow and you love making snowmen and snowballs, Kufri is your Mecca. Since it is at a great height, Kufri is blessed with snow all the year-round which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. You have nature hiking, trekking and skiing for the nimble-footed and for those who love reveling in the laps of nature, trust me Kufri will wow you to no end.

Well, we are talking about best places to visit inhimachal Pradesh which is a treasure trove of beauty here and there are so many destinations there that did not make this list in detail like Chail, Kinnaur, and Palampur to name a few.

8/13/2019 12 comments

Pregnancy is one of the most cherishable experiences in a female's life. Don't agree with me? Well ask those women/couples who have been trying long to conceive. Holding the little one in your arms is absolutely delightful. But this surreal phase comes with its own share of woes.

As if the entire child bearing process was less painful, it causes enough ugly changes in the physical appearance and I am not just talking about weight gain. I am talking about grey hair, facial hair, cellulite and the ugliest and most rampant of all... Stretch marks! Yes ladies, the struggle is real! But the fact is that it's just not restricted to pregnant females/mothers only.

Are you struggling with stretch marks? Girl or boy, everyone faces this issue at some point or the other. Sometimes these appear after gaining weight and sometimes after losing weight because the skin becomes lax and loses its elasticity. Females are particularly prone as their bodies undergo a huge change during pregnancy.

I have been trying to fight the stretch marks on my tummy especially after my second baby. I love sarees and crop tops but these marks look so ugly!

So what can be done to prevent these?

Well in case of pregnant women, they can start right from the beginning. Prevention is better than cure right? Adequate hydration and moisturisation is the key. Drink at least 3 litres of water everyday so that the skin remains hydrated internally. Slather up your belly, buttocks, thighs and arm (the areas which are more prone to stretching) with coconut oil or shea butter to keep the skin hydrated externally.

For people trying to lose weight, the same approach of skin hydration should be applied.

However what about when the stretch marks have already appeared? It's so frustrating. But fret not, maybe I have found a solution.

After a lot of research, I found Nature Sure Pores and Marks which removes stretch marks as well as pores. I have been using this oil for the past 2 months and the marks have faded to a small extent. Anyways, baby steps towards no marks.

So what does it contain?

This is made from 100% pure and cold pressed oil extracted from Moringa oleifera. This is commomnly known as drumstick.

So how does it work?

Moringa oleifera is believed to contain Vitamin A which helps build collagen. Also it contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E which have anti oxidant properties and are indispensable for the health of the skin.

Its collagen building properties helps prevent loss of elastin and hence removes stretch marks and fine lines naturally. It also unclogs and heals enlarged pores. It helps maintain elasticity of skin and smoothness.

What all does it do?

It is a natural moisturiser and also doubles up as a sunscreen.
It's an amazing moisturiser that hydrates and deep cleanses the skin.
Acts as an antiseptic and a natural anti oxidant.
Fades age spots, blemishes and scars, repairs blackheads and dark circles and controls various skin disorders.
Since it prevents wrinkles, it also prevents sagging of facial muscles.
Exfoliates dead cells in the skin.

How to use?

Wash the affected area and apply few drops of Nature Sure Pores and Marks twice a day. Massage in a circular motion with clean hands till it is fully absorbed.

Price: 1379 for 100 ml

I am pretty satisfied with what it has done for my marks in the past 2 months. What is your remedy for stretch marks?

8/08/2019 7 comments

If you have a passion for travel, you are, by definition, a dreamer. Thinking of adventures still to be had and new experiences that are awaiting you makes your heart race with anticipation.

The very idea that there is someplace out there where you will find new memories for a lifetime makes you jittery and unable to sit still. And who can blame you? The world is there for you to explore, your mind and heart to open up and the further you travel, the more you will understand and experience the concept of ‘home.’

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The Worst Way To Enjoy

Most people look forward to going on holidays. Some might want to see new (or ancient) cultures; some might want to try new foods, others want to lie down on a towel on the beach. We do tend to focus on destinations more than anything, trying to find the best deal or the cheapest option possible, as if the actual travel is not part of the journey. By doing so, we sometimes subject ourselves to the most horrible traveling experiences one could encounter. Crowded airports, cramped flights, and impossible to time tables to keep.

A More Absorptive Experience

Glorifying the destination and accepting a low bar of the actual physical act of traveling has created this counterintuitive acceptance of bad traveling simply to get to a nice hotel. And that’s not to say that focusing on the destination is terrible. It’s just that making the traveling part more enjoyable enables someone to absorb and experience the adventure fully.

The Romanticism of the Train

Take the previously mentioned train ride, for example. What if it was on a historic track, with comfortable seats, and a view to die for? Would you mind sitting on the train, watching out on snowy mountain peaks, flowing water rapids and stretches and stretches of landscape? Might it be possible that this is appealing in its own right and you don’t really care what the destination is? This is one of those rabbit hole things; once you start exploring with wondrous train rides there are, you will want to embark on one.

The Great Outdoors

Or perhaps a road trip through the beautiful outdoors, hauling one of those adventurous Austrack Campers behind your car, will spark that traveling bug. There is nothing that spells freedom like being able to explore on your own terms. With your own little accommodation in tow, you can decide on what your story is. Only limited by the amount of asphalt (or gravel or sand) you are willing to drive on.

The City Cruise

Some people swear by cruises. And not necessarily those hallmark Caribbean style cruises, but those shorter haul city trip cruises. You kick back and enjoy eating, drinking, socializing, and sleeping, only to pop into a different town every day on the journey. You kind of get the best of both worlds, plenty of destinations but done on a very leisurely pace.

And maybe that’s the key to enjoyable travel: traveling slower. Once you stop focusing on the destination and more on the act of traveling, you will find it’s more enjoyable and immersive.

8/07/2019 24 comments

Some people are all for making to do lists, and we totally get why. They help you stay on track during the day, they help to keep your thoughts organised, and they make you feel like you’ve actually achieved something if you stick to the list. But a to do list filled with chores and errands is not the to do lists we want in our lives, we want to make it as fun as it can possibly be. And what better way to make a to do list fun, than to make it one based around travel. We think you should be making a to do list full of all of the countries you want to conquer, and what you want to do whilst you’re there. It’s so good to have travelling ambitions, but we think so many of you are missing out on exploring some of the best places in the world, simply because you aren’t taking the time to look into them properly. So this article is going to be the start of that list for you, because we’ve got some excellent locations that you can visit around the world, that should definitely be in your top five places to go. So keep on reading, and get scribbling down your travelling to do list.

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South America

South America might be being a little vague, because there is truly so many places you could visit if you were to go. But that’s why we want to keep it vague, because we can’t pinpoint one specific part of it that you should be going to. It’s natural beauty is stunning, and the climate matches it if you go at the right time of year. You could do an Andes galapagos tour, or you could target one of the places specifically along the route. If you love steak, then Argentina is the place for you to go. If you love rich culture, then Columbia is the place for you. It all really depends on what you’re aiming to get from the holiday, and what you enjoy most. So have a little research, and see what part of it you could dive into!

Seychelles

Seychelles is one of the islands found nestles in the Indian ocean, and we just can’t understand why people are not visiting this country more! It’s the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, and tropical forests for you to explore. With the amount of beauty if displays, you would think that this one would be far more expensive to visit than it is, but it’s actually not that expensive. It’s a holiday perfect for those of you who are just dying to relax, and to get back to nature. You really will feel like you’re on a secluded island, and the locals are always so welcoming on tourists!

Dubai

Dubai is one of the most up and coming places to visit in the world, with people seeming to flock to it at the minute. If you haven’t been, now is the time to think about exploring this city with the beauty that it is, rather than waiting a few years and it perhaps becoming a location just full of sky rises. From zip wires to indoor theme parks and dancing water features, this place has it all!

8/03/2019 23 comments

Road trips are one of the best forms of travel there is, especially for a family. After all, you get to choose to stop when you want, so even if the kids do have a meltdown en route, it's no big deal. Additionally, you can select your destination, and also stop off at fun places along the way! Of course, for a family road trip to be successful, you will need to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. Happily, this is something that the advice in the post below can help you achieve.

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Plan your route.

Road trips with the family are only fun if they are balanced, and if you have a meaningful destination to visit at the end. After all, the kids are only going to tolerate driving around aimlessly for so long while.

What this means is that it is crucial to carefully plan the route you will be taking well ahead of time. In fact, many parents choose to plan not just the road they will be taking, but the places of interest they will be visiting along that route as well. Something that helps to break the whole trip down into sections, and so make it much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Keeping everyone comfortable.

Comfort is a big deal on a road trip. In fact, even the calmest and patient person's limits can become frayed if they are wedged into a space that is made even smaller by overpacking. Luckily, there are several ways that you can make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible.

One is to use something like these Roof Racks DIY so you can secure your luggage to the outside of your vehicle. Something that can help free up as much room inside the car as you can. It's also a good idea to pack travel pillows and blankets for the kids so they can take a nap in comfort when they need a sleep too.

Keep the kids entertained.

Next, to have a successful road trip, it's essential that you provide plenty of in-car activities to help keep the kids entertained while you are driving. In fact, not only can this make the journey a lot more pleasant for everyone but as far safer as well. After all, you won't want to have to deal with the direction of crying children when you are navigating unfamiliar roads.

Happily, there are a whole bunch of activities you can provide for the kids that will keep them gainfully employed through the entire trip. Of course, one is to load games and music onto their smartphones or tablets. While another effective tactic can be to provide reading and colouring books.

You may also want to put child-friendly audiobooks on the car stereo for everyone to enjoy. Alternatively, downloading some of the kids' favourite films and TV shows to their tablets is always a worthwhile activity. In fact, it is a tactic that will give you a good few hours to drive in peace!

8/01/2019 8 comments

Have you ever wondered what's your purpose on earth? One may be content with their lives but I am sure that at one point or the other, one is compelled to stumble across this question in one's mind. If you have studied psychology then you must have read about Maslow's law of hierarchy. The primitive requirements (food, shelter, sex) are the most basic needs of a man. And as we go higher, the needs graduate from basic towards spirituality and the highest need is 'self realisation'. I too have come across this question several times in my mind and that is why I have decided to discuss this book.

Title: What on earth are you doing?

Author: Abhinav Goel

Genre: Non fiction, motivation

Pages: 217

Author Abhinav is a successful corporate professional who decided to give up his comfortable profession to pursue something that he loved. And that's what made him pen this book. He wants to help others succeed and reach their dreams because that is what he loves to do. He realized that his life purpose is to harness his creativity to inspire people to live a life filled with love, courage and freedom.

This book is a practical guide to help you find success, lead a more meaningful life and find a purpose of one's existence.

I would like to particularly highlight few points which I learned and loved.

1. Accountability: You should be accountable for yourself. How many times does it happen that we blame our failure on our spouse/circumstances/boss/family etc etc? We have to stop doing that. When we will start holding ourselves accountable, the chances to fail would drop miserably too.

2. If you are not early then you are late. We, especially Indians should learn this because IST (Indian Standard Time) means two hours later than the mentioned time. Time is money. When should we start valuing it?

3. Ikigai

This is a Japanese concept which doesn't have an exact translation in English. It helps to decipher:

What do you love?

What are you good at?

What does the world need from you?

What can get you paid for?

If we are able to decode these questions, our life is solved.

Law of attraction: I have read so much about this but I am yet to be convinced because I haven't had success so far. Maybe I need to crave more for a particular thing before it starts showing results. But I am really impressed the way Abhinav explains this and teaches to exploit it to the fullest.

Last but not the least, lines by my favorite writer Mark Twain which Abhinav mentions:

The two most important days in your life are the day when you are born and the day when you find out why.

Presently, author Abhinav Goel is a success and happiness coach and a speaker whose purpose in life is to 'inspire people to live a life full of love, courage and freedom'. He has been a student of world renowned teachers like Jack Canfield and Dr Marshall Goldsmith. He believes he was born again at the age of forty. Currently resides in Delhi, he is a father of two teenage sons.

You can follow him on Instgram at Yourbreakthroughlife for more inspiration.

7/31/2019 14 comments

I am a single child. Not that it is something that I am sad about; I have always got the sole attention of my parents. I have been pampered to the hilt and have always been the element of envy for my friends. But there used to be a single day in the entire year when I used to feel the poorest. That day used to be Rakshabandhan. Yes this very beautiful day when every girl waited for the gift from their brother and every boy waited to have a wrist full of rakhis! How I wished I had a brother!

After I got married I was deeply touched by the strong bond my husband shared with his elder sister.No matter wherever she is, she manages to send rakhi gifts to India for brother. Since Rakshabandhan is just around the corner, I have decided to narrate an incident from their lives from decades ago when buying online rakhi gifts for brother was tough.

My husband has been brought up in a very close knit family. But as the child of working parents, he got very less time from his father and mother. He is the younger of the two siblings and hence his elder sister has been a mother to him. Though she is just three years older to him, but maybe it's the maternal gene or pure love that she has always treated him like her baby. When he was just three and she six, she used to comb his hair, tie up his shoe laces just like a mother would do while going to school.

So he is more of a sister's boy than a mamma's boy.

As they grew up they drifted apart physically but got fonder of each other. They were in different medical colleges in two different cities. But there used to be two days in the calender when nothing could keep them apart...her birthday and of course Rakshabandhan.

About twenty years ago when they were in school, his didi had gone to NCC camp. Rakshabandhan always falls in the rainy season. She was posted in a remote area far from their hometown of Varanasi. No one was allowed to see her during the camp. It could not have been possible that he would not visit her on Rakshabandhan...he had to meet her at any cost. So his parents accompanied him to her camp posting. They travelled the entire day by train and then took an autorickshaw and then walked across the forest to reach her camp. It was raining cats and dogs and was muddy everywhere.

But nothing could deter him from meeting her. Finally they reached her tent.

Those were not the days of mobile phone. His sister never expected them to turn up but deep inside she was dying to meet them. So she was immensely surprised when she found her family at her door step. Their joy knew no bounds. He took out the rakhi and let her tie it on his wrist. Since they were not allowed to stay there, they immediately had to return, all amidst the rain ....all the way back to Varanasi. That journey remains the most testing of all in all these years. Nothing could stop from meeting his darling mother like sister on Rakshabandhan.

Now eight years into this loving family,not only my husband, but we all look forward to meeting her on this day every year. She has two sons and we have two daughters (the second addition this year), it's a huge festival for both of our families. I am also involved in this process and I try to buy personalised Rakhi gifts for brother. We travel all the way to Rishikesh and celebrate the pious bond of brother and sister.

7/29/2019 17 comments