Tips On Having The Perfect Girls' Night In! (Published in Anokhi Magazine)

 Here is the link - http://www.anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/tips-having-perfect-girls-night

Warm weather, great food and good friends. So what are you waiting for?                       Start planning! 

Want to gather the girls together for some summer revelry? Fret not! We've got exactly what you need to make your evening perfect!

Everyone loves to party but there are times when the girls just want to hang out.  It could be to catch up with friends, unwind, or even share their best secrets. While we agree that a girls' night out is always fun, once in a while it makes sense for the girls to hang out together at home. In these tougher economic times, a girls' night in can be a fabulous option and will not even cost a fortune. So, here are some tips to make that wonderful girls get together a night to remember.

Where's the party tonight?

It's important to select a venue where everyone feels comfortable. It's quite likely that some of your friends will spend the night over. Hence, choose your place or a friend's place based on how many individuals you plan to invite. The party could either be planned indoors or outdoors — like patio or poolside. For outdoor parties, make sure to let your guests know to bring their summer hats and sunscreen lotions. And for hanging in, pajamas or comfortable clothes make the perfect night. Remember, planning the right venue in advance saves time and allows others to come prepared.

Send out the invites early

You want this to make it an evening to remember. Hence, decide on the number of guests. Plan the date few weeks in advance allowing for everyone and their busy work/life schedules. You could call your friends whom you haven't met for a long time or even mix old and new friends so that different people can get to know each other. For the invites, if you have time, you can have customized cards sent to all friends or just send them an evite.

A cute theme and decor for the party

A theme party always excites the guests. Ask the girls to dress up to a theme. Some exciting themes for the party could be "Dress like a diva", "Be your favorite Bollywood or Hollywood star". Other themes and decor for the party include color themes (pink is very popular) and themes like Mediterranean, Greek or Italian. A theme party needs some décor and one does not have to invest a lot. You can get simple, cost effective decors from the nearby Dollar Store. Sometimes, having a banner can make the atmosphere festive. Experiment by dimming the lights or putting some scented candles. Do not hesitate to ask your friends to bring with them if they have something at their place that goes well with the theme for that evening.

Plan the food

It could be pot-luck, ordering takeout or just preparing food yourself. The food could either be some heavy snacks or as much as whole dinner. If you love to cook, then this is a great opportunity to prepare something special and showcase your talent. If you don't have the time to cook, pick up some wonderful frozen appetizers from the nearby grocery store. Snacks like cupcakes, chips, potato wedges could be fun to eat. South Asian snacks like bhelpuri, panipuri, dahivada, samosa are relatively easy to prepare, tangy and extremely popular. Adding popcorn to the snacks menu is a must if you plan to watch a movie. For those who love something sweet, consider little bowls of candy or jellybeans, chocolate covered pretzels or mini cookies. It's often observed that girls never eat as much as you think they will. So, plan accordingly.

Raise a toast

The girls might just want to let themselves loose and drinks certainly help build up the mood. Vodka, rum, and wines are usually the easy and popular choice. For those who love cocktails, GoCocktails is a good place to get some ideas. The site offers some portable, single-serve sugar-free, powdered cocktail mixers that come in a packet and could be served to those who are watching their health yet still want a high quality cocktail that tastes great, without guilt! Popular flavors are Appletini, Lemon Drop, Margarita and Cosmo. For those that prefer wine, have a couple of bottles of white and red wine. For those who love to experiment, print out some interesting drink recipes. Encourage guests to try out the cocktail recipes from the printed list. 

Music, movies and masti

There is no life without music. So make sure to have some latest hits and old classics or ask friends to bring some party music. You can also download some popular numbers or even build a CD of some of the music that'll go well with the theme of party. If you plan on watching a movie, set up a poll and ask for suggestions on a romantic comedy movie that will be liked by the guests. This would make the environment more lively and fun-filled.Watching a good movie, laughing and crying with friends is all a part of the girls bonding exercise!

Let's play

Be it 'Truth or Dare', UNO, Antakshari or Dumb Charades, we all have a child hidden inside us when it comes to playing games. The games should be about having fun. There will be guests who might be reluctant to start; hence an icebreaker will open everyone up. The main purpose of a girls' night in should be to allow all to enjoy themselves and become kids again by forgetting all worries of life.

Cheers to all night halters

Some friends might want to return home late night. But for friends staying over at night, make sure there are enough blankets and pillows. Do ask a few of your friends to come prepared with blankets and pillows. No one will mind and it will make things easy for all. Also make sure to have coffee and some light refreshments like cookies, cereal, fruit  or bread and eggs for the next morning.

Ask for help

The goal of the girls' night in is to have some fun. So, make sure that you reach out to your friends if you need a hand — whether you are cooking, buying or setting up the place. People love to be a part of the program. Don't forget about the guys. Your man can be of great help too — especially if you need to get the kids into bed.

A girls' in  party is essential to rejuvenate your souls and to relax from all the day-to-day chores of life. At the end of the event, do not forget to share the pictures with the entire gang so that every time they look at them, it inspires them to start planning the next soiree! 

BY SMRUTI DAS / POSTED JULY 12, 2012

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOTOLIA.COM

Tips for a Perfect Wedding (Published in Anokhi Magazine)

Here is the link - http://www.anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/tips-perfect-wedding


Whether you're the bride or the bridesmaid, make the big day blissful with our fab tips! 

 Love is in the air. Your fiancé and you have finally decided on the wedding date. This is no doubt the happiest moment of your life- something that you had been waiting for a long time. A new life awaits you shortly. You realize that in these moments of excitement, joy, and laughter, there is a lot to achieve in a relatively short amount of time and you are not sure where to begin. Yes, planning a wedding can be stressful but it doesn't have to be. Here are our tips for helping you plan the perfect (or near perfect!) wedding:

Identify your key stakeholders

It is a big moment for you and everyone close to you (your parents, siblings, friends, and fiancée) wants it to be special. While they are all excited and want to help you out, your job is to make sure that their energy and enthusiasm is channelized in the right direction. As you plan for the event, allow your parents, groom, friends have their say in the wedding day preparations as they care about you. Even if you don't totally agree with their inputs, just remember it is an important day for all of you, especially your partner. If you are not the kind of person with strong organization skills, you will need their help for sure.  

Figure out the budget 

 Budgeting can be a boring exercise but it is an important one, especially for a wedding. It is the process of creating a plan to spend your money. Creating this spending plan allows you to determine in advance whether you will have enough money to do the things you need to do for your wedding. If you are having trouble budgeting your wedding activities, consult a wedding planner for advice. 

Finalize the venue and the menu

Assuming that the dates for the wedding has been finalized, decide on the size, formality and setting of your wedding. Would you want to have a wedding with long rituals spanning over days or a simple short one? The decision for this will impact all your key stakeholders. So, do think about the options and the impact. In North America, June through October is the most popular wedding season. Getting a location of your choice can be tough. So plan early and make a reservation regarding the location. Once the venue is finalized, decide on the menu and the options available. 

Finalize the guest list

  This is perhaps the most stressful part! How do you decide who needs to be invited? Especially, if it is a South Asian wedding where the culture prompts for a big guest list. We recommend that you start with the people closest to you (family members) and then work outwards. As you create the initial list, do not worry about the actual number of people but make an exhaustive list of everyone you think need to be invited. Once you think you have the exhaustive list, start crossing people off or at least categorizing guests for your wedding, reception and mehendi. As you finalize the list with your folks, be prepared to accommodate the inputs of your folks but make the final list keeping the budget in mind. Once the final list is ready, send out your invites a minimum of 8 weeks before your wedding.  

Chose a ring to remember for life time

Now that you have set a date, finalized the venue and allocated your budgets, you can really begin to spend! All girls have always dreamt of the exquisite piece of jewellery on their finger. So, spend a few days with your fiancé looking for that piece of jewelry that works the best for the two of you. An important tip here is to shop for wedding rings through a reputable source and most importantly, shop around after doing homework. If you can be patient, it will ultimately pay off. 

Dress to impress

Choosing the dress is one of the most fun and exciting parts of the whole wedding preparation process.
It does not matter what shape or size you are but your wedding dress should be such that it should make you feel the center of attention. Whether you want a designer outfit, a made-to-measure gown or a vintage-style dress, take your time to decide on the dress of your dreams. 

Capture the magic moments

Throughout your wedding day, you will experience so many wonderful moments that you will want to remember forever. Make sure that you book a good photographer to capture your favorite moments. Deciding on a wedding photographer is largely a matter of faith. Hence, do your homework -

Research online, visit bridal shows, read local phone books, or go by the recommendations of friends.
 
Plan for the honeymoon

You have already spent endless amounts of time planning your wedding, now you have to plan your honeymoon? Relax. Your honeymoon is normally your first few weeks alone with your new partner, so it will be very exciting. Visit your local travel agent and let the agent take the load off your mind. The agent can provide you some great suggestions on the best location for the couple based on your budget. 

Enjoy your Bachelorette Party 

This is the party that makes the transition for you from a single independent lifestyle into the commitments of married life. This is your chance to really go wild and forget the stress. The maid of honor is usually responsible for planning a bachelorette party. As you enjoy the party, make sure that the party is not the night before the wedding. Of course, you and the groom want to be at their best for the big day. 

The final rehearsal

Now that you are a couple of days away from the big day in your life, you'd want to go through the final rehearsal. Meet up with the key suppliers- final meeting with the florist, reception hall/caterer, baker for that cake. Make sure that the wedding gown fits your right. A final meeting with photographer will allow you to talk about the specific pictures you want, choose album style and color. 

Relax and let it all sink in!

The most important thing is get adequate amount of rest. Make sure that you sleep for 8 hours a day.. Remember, a good diet makes your skin glow and look healthy. Do not hesitate to go for facials before your wedding, as it is certain to give a radiant glow and shine to your face. Pamper yourself with the manicures and pedicures and get your groom to have these treatments too. Don't stress yourself too much about the little things. You won't remember them in the long run. 

After the Wedding

Once you are back from your honeymoon and getting used to your new life, send out your thank-you notes. Do send a thank-you letter to suppliers and attendants and if they have done a good job, let them know that you will recommend them to others. Arrange for cleaning and preservation of your gown.

Often people get caught up in the actual wedding day and forget that it is really an event marking the transition into a lifelong commitment. So, while you prepare for your wedding day and want it to be perfect, don't sweat the small stuff. Your wedding will be perfect no matter which way it is done!

By: SMRUTI DAS / POSTED JULY 26, 2012
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOTOLIA.COM

How to spot a bad company culture

How to spot a bad company culture

http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/1590-warning-signs-how-to-spot-a-bad-company-culture-during-the-interview  - Click on the link to read more

Sometime we might end up in a job interview where the company culture is not worth the efforts. Though walking away from the potential opportunity might be a risky move, but its better to stay on the market rather then making ourselves look miserable.

Red Flags to watch for -

1) They leave you hanging  

  

Some employers wait a really long time after the initial interview before getting in touch with you about next steps or a decision. This is extremely discourteous to candidates who generally have a lot riding on the outcome of a job interview. This can be an anxious and emotional period for many people. Leaving candidates hanging without a word for weeks after an interview is disrespectful. You can take a clue as to how a company treats their employees by how they treat their prospective employees. 

2) It's like visiting the set of a zombie movie

Try to get a look around the office when you're in for the interview. Do the people look happy? Are they talking with each other at all? A quiet work environment can be good for concentration, but if you're going to be joining this team, you want to know that people are friendly and that they get along. If everyone seem dreary and miserable, watch out.

Also take a look at the work stations. Some people like shared open concept tables, other people need a more private work space. Make sure that you can see yourself actually working there.   

3) Your life would become a casualty of the commute

I once borrowed a car for a job interview. I drove up there in the mid morning for the interview. It took twenty minutes to get there.

This didn't prepare me for the reality of what the rush hour, public transit commute was really going to be like once I got the job. It required taking the subway to the end of the line, then a bus ride into an industrial park area and then walking a pedestrian bridge across highways and into what was basically a wasteland of office spaces, warehouses and parking lots. It took over an hour and a half each way. Although I lasted a year out there, I was never so happy as when I landed my next role with an easy commute in a cool city neighborhood with nearby cafes, shops and atmosphere.

Okay, the commute is not part of the company culture, but it will have a large impact on your quality of life. Keep it in mind when sizing up an opportunity. 

4) The interview is way too short

We'd all like to get snapped up and hired quickly, but when a company offers you a job without bothering to find out anything about you, it likely means that they're desperate. This can indicate that the position has a very high turnover rate. There's usually a reason for that. (And it's usually not good.) 

A very short interview can also mean that the employer has already decided on another candidate and is just going through the motions with you. In that case you also shouldn't get your hopes up for this job.

On the other hand, when the process is ridiculously long and you have to jump through countless hoops, it can indicate that a company has many layers of bureaucracy behind everything they do. This can be an indicator of a frustrating place to work.

5) No one seems to want to work there for very long

If the person interviewing you and everyone you meet have only been with the company for a very short period of time, it can indicate an unpleasant work environment that people leave as soon as they can. Like I said, be wary of high turnover rates.

Of course it could also be a sign of growth. The company may have been on a recent hiring spree. Do some research. Find out if they've been expanding and what their reputation is amongst former employees. Google them. Look them up on RateMyEmployer.ca.

If it turns out that people are anxious to jump ship, you might be better off not signing on in the first place. 

6) It's all done surreptitiously 

Sometimes it happens that you're being hired for a role where the person you're replacing doesn't know they're being replaced. This causes several problems. Walking in the door Monday morning to take the place of someone who was given the axe on Friday afternoon can lead to resentment among your new team as you are seen as responsible for their former coworker's downfall. (This despite the fact you've never even met the person.)

Also, when you're hired on in such a hush hush way, you don't get to meet anyone on the team. Sometimes the interviews themselves take place in coffee shops and other locations to keep the person being replaced in the dark. This means you don't have the opportunity to see the working environment or get a look at how happy the people seem to be. (So you may be missing some of the red flags.)

Plus, once you've seen the company treat your predecessor this way, it can make you a little paranoid that they may be lining up your replacement behind the scenes at any time too.

It's important to work and to have a job, of course. There are bills to pay. But being in a toxic environment can take a huge toll on your mental and even physical health. The quality if your work will suffer and your own personal brand can be tainted by association. You need a paycheque, sure, but you that's not all that you need. Steer clear of noxious workplaces if you can.

 

Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa (Published in Anokhi Magazine)

Here is the link - http://anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/hot-spot-st-lucia

A romantic getaway at Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa! 

 Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa
Soufriere, St Lucia, W.I
www.stonefieldvillas.com

Think of romance and images like pristine beaches, scenic beauty of the nature, cascading waterfalls and lots of adventures come to our mind. Undiscovered by many tourists, yet rated as one of the perfect honeymoon destination of the world, St.Lucia, a mango or avocado shaped island, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean could be your choice for spending time with a loved one.
Be it for romance, rejuvenation of the soul, an adventure or a family getaway, the Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa at St. Lucia is a genuine choice for its exceptional service and ambiance. This Caribbean hideaway with luxury villas, fun excursions is currently offering a 40% discount through October 31, 2012, for all tourists.

The resort is situated in Soufriere, a picturesque colonial town, once the capital of St Lucia, and now the center of a district known as the breadbasket of the island. There is a magical air about this resort, which is evocative of a more romantic age. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Pitons, the two volcanic plugs listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stonefield Estate Resort is a luxury boutique resort. The resort boasts of several traditional West Indian style luxury villas amongst the tropical greenery of the southwest St. Lucia. The villas are beautiful, airy and bright, accented with allusions to French colonial style including open verandas, attractive jalousie shutters and antique four-poster beds. Romance abounds at the Stonefield Estate Resort where couples can spend a romantic getaway in their own self-contained villa with dramatic ocean, mountain views, tropical surroundings, private plunge pool, private outdoor showers and excellent customer service.

Guests at the Villa Resort can take advantage of Stonefield's Summer Special that includes 40 percent discount off its regular price. This special pricing includes various villa sizes such as-

• One bedroom Majestic Hillside/Ocean View villa for $370 USD per night (normally $617 USD)
• One bedroom Majestic Piton/Ocean View villa for $313 USD (normally $522 USD)
• Larger villas like Stonefield's three bedrooms Plantation House for $516 USD (normally $860 USD)
• Five bedrooms Chez Anista for $722 USD (normally $1204 USD)

The villa has some excellent amenities and guests visiting can have access to:

• A new 860-square-foot yoga studio equipped with tatami mats for martial arts and yoga
• Red Door Spa offering couples massages
• Lush tropical gardens
• State-of-the-art, air-conditioned gym equipped with Cybex cardio equipment, free weights and multi gym machines.                                                                                                                           There is a lot for you to do and explore at St. Lucia. Secluded and infinitely accessible, the resort is minutes away by shuttle bus from the Malgretoute and Jalousie beaches. The resort can also set up a private boating experience for couples who want to enjoy a sunset sail. If you end up catching a fish during your boating trip, the resort's chef can prepare the fish for a romantic dinner that night at Stonefield's Mango Tree Restaurant. From rainforest hikes to coral reef dives, waterfall excursions, botanical garden tours and hot sulphur baths, there is a lot to do at St Lucia. In short, the resort at Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa has a lot to offer and is an ideal choice if you want to experience special moments with your loved one that you'll cherish forever.
  
  For more details or to make a reservation, visit www.stonefieldvillas.com or call (800) 420-5731.
  
  BY: SMRUTI DAS / POSTED AUGUST 16, 2012

Enchanting Odisha! (Published in Anokhi Magazine)

 Here is the link - http://anokhimagazine.com/lifestyle/enchanting-odisha

When you head east, keep going, as on the East Coast of India lies Odisha (Orissa), where you can explore its untapped (non-touristy) magic.

If you are thinking about visiting India, places like the beaches of Goa, the Taj Mahal at Agra, and the backwaters of Kerala are likely to come to your mind. But with several hundreds of international visitors making a trip to these places every year, wouldn’t you be interested in exploring a place that has it all and hasn’t been exploited commercially? Odisha, which until a year ago was called Orissa, is a state located on the east coast of India and is yet to be explored by the international tourists. It has scenic landscapes, verdant valleys, cascading waterfalls, amazing flora and fauna, rich architectural heritage and colourful tribes adding to the cultural diversity.

Realizing the immense potential the state offers to international tourists, Jitendra K. Mohanty, chairman of Odisha Hotels and Restaurant Association, along with India Tourism, introduced Odisha, the land of pristine beauty, to Canada last April. Be it an adventurous family vacation, a peaceful tour for the elderly or a romantic memorable trip for the young couple, Odisha has a lot in store for tourists from all walks of life.

Prepare for the spiritual voyage

If you love temples and carvings on the ancient monuments, Odisha is a perfect destination. The state is a subliminal integration of exotic past with contemporary strength. It is dotted with temples all over. Every temple has a tale of its own and still reverberates with the sound of chanting and worship. The Golden Triangle of Odisha, Bhubaneswar – Puri –Konark, is a treasure-trove of art and architecture. The capital city Bhubaneswar boasts of monuments starting from 2nd century B.C. while the Khandagiri-Udaygiri Caves go back to the 13th century A.D. Puri, one of the four holiest places of India, is world famous for its Jagannath Temple. The temple, a monument from the 12th century A.D., possesses all the richness and uniqueness of the Kalinga style of architecture. The magnificent Sun Temple or Black Pagoda of Konark is another great wonder of ancient India and is also UNESCO’s World Heritage Monument. Commenting on the Sun Temple, Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore once said, “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.”

Experience the azure blues

The sparkling waterfalls, virgin beaches, bubbling hot springs, meandering rivers, large lakes and reservoirs along with the tranquility of verdant valleys can keep the visitors spellbound. Taptapani, surrounded by hills, is a place famous for its natural hot sulphur springs and beautiful environs. Among beaches of Odisha, the famous Puri beach with golden sands, soothing sunbath, colourful sunrise and sunset has excellent beach facing hotels and guesthouses and is an ideal holiday spot to bathe and laze or enjoy seeing the local fishermen plying their catamarans and sailboats. Chandipur beach is unique in India, as the water recedes up to five kilometres during the ebb tide. During low tides, it can be a paradise for swimmers. The Chandrabhaga or Konark beach has been famous for its spectacular sunrise. The vast numbers of beaches of Odisha have been forming a timeless heritage, and continue to share and gift its innumerable bounties to all who care and visit the shoreline of Odisha.

Enjoy the wild!

One of the greatest benefits of Odisha’s natural landscape has been its ability to offer a protected yet natural habitat to the state’s incredible wildlife. Some of the most important experiments of wildlife conservation are taking place in these natural habitats, giving the tourists an excellent opportunity to see nature’s beauty and bounty, propagated in an environment that is both healthy and beautiful. The Similipal Sanctuary, with its astounding flora and fauna, has won the distinction of being a Tiger Reserve. Known as “a slice of paradise on earth,” the Bhitarkanika Sanctuary has the second largest mangrove forest in India and provides an ideal habitat for reptiles, including crocodiles, sea turtles and water monitor lizards. An experience of a lifetime can be seen at Gahirmatha, the world’s largest nesting site for turtles. Every year, thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles migrate in huge numbers for mating and nesting along the coast. This one is a must-visit for all those who love wildlife. Dotted with small islands – including the picturesquely Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island – Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lake. The pear-shaped lagoon is one of the few places in India where one can find Irrawadi dolphins and exotic migratory birds. The Nandankanan Safari has been another major attraction for tourists for its white tigers.

 Meet the colourful tribes 

Odisha has a large concentration of tribals of India, forming about one fourth of its total population, mostly inhabiting the jungles and hilly regions. Each tribe is unique as it has its rich music, dance and traditions. The tribals decorate their bodies with tattoo marks, occasionally painting with red and white strips. They use ornaments like bangles, anklets, earrings and huge necklaces. “Odisha embraces 62 diverse tribe ethnicities that still adhere to and guard their respective distinct traditions. These traditions have remained relatively unchanged throughout centuries. If would like to meet the tribals, you’ll need special permission and we can arrange that for you,” adds Bipasa Mohanty, executive director of Swosti Travels.

There is more to explore at Odisha. Apart from the wildlife, temples, beaches and tribes, Odisha’s Buddhist antiquities like the Peace Pagoda or Dhauli, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udaygiri and Langudi are an example of the bygone era. For those who love shopping, there is a world of possibilities. A visit to Pipli, a village known for handicrafts and fabrics, will provide you plenty of options.
 Odisha is a state that offers something unique to everyone. There are some places in India that are special, and Odisha is one of them. So, do explore this undiscovered destination of India!

Season: The best season to visit Odisha is from September to March.
Connectivity: Air – Odisha is linked with major cities of India through Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar. Kolkatta is the nearest international airport.
Rail – Bhubaneswar is linked by fast and express train services from all major cities of the country.
Websites for more information: www.orissatravels.com and www.swostiindia.com

BY SMRUTI DAS / PUBLISHED IN THE FASHION & STYLE ISSUE, OCTOBER 2012PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SWOSTI INDIA

Toronto hip-hop trio Starchild X is positioned to be among the galaxy of music stars(Published in Anokhi Magazine.Com)

Here is the link to this article -http://www.anokhimagazine.com/entertainment/x-factor-starchildx

They are young, energetic and full of attitude. Meet Starchild X, Toronto’s emerging music group that is all set to charm and sway the audience with their urban pop music. Their hit song “Superstar” is making waves and has earned them a loyal fan base. Starchild X consists of the trio: Sean Hakim (Starchild), Delon Omrow (D’Couture) and Jeni Walls (J-Wallz). The group’s style of music (a mix of hip-hop, new wave, rock and dance pop) has been heavily influenced by American hip-hop group Public Enemy, English electronic band Depeche Mode, rapper Timbaland, and modern producers such as David Guetta.

The history of the group dates back to 2006. After working for a few years in North America as an actor, Sean decided to seriously pursue a career in music. He started writing and producing his own hip-hop style of music under the name “Starchild.” With time, he improvised his style and introduced more “poppy” tunes. Jeni Walls, with whom Sean had worked on motivational speaking sessions, joined him to provide the female voice. Delon Omrow, Sean’s cousin, had heard about Starchild’s work. He was talented and could write and compose songs. So, the three of them teamed up, got the chemistry working and created their own style of music to form Starchild X.

The group tasted its first success in December 2011, when their song “Superstar” was aired five times a day on Toronto’s popular FM station, Virgin 99.9 Radio to a pretty amazing response from the listeners. Ultra Records recognized their talent and within two weeks of their radio debut, Starchild X was signed for a three-album deal.

The group is also gradually making its presence known in Canada. Their song “I Think I’m In Love” was submitted for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Fashion Rocks fashion show that was held in Toronto last summer and was selected among the top six from 500 applicants. The group also recently performed at the benefit show for theKirabo Foundation.

I was curious to know why the group was called Starchild X. Sean notes that the name was inspired by a 900-year-old skull found in New Mexico. The skull had an elongated forehead that gave the feel of an “Alien Child.” Sean connected with that and considered himself as the child of the stars. He was obsessed to know more about the universe and addressed himself as the “Starchild.” The “X” is for the additional factor that Jeni and Delon add to the group’s music.

In the future, Starchild X wants to etch its name in the music industry. They know that the industry has several one-song wonders and they don’t intend to be another flash in the pan. They have ambitious plans and are working hard on the music for their upcoming albums. Their hit single “Superstar” has been released in May to all the major radio stations in Toronto. A music video for this song is also in the works. With a sparkle in his eye, Sean says that the group wants their music to be loved in Europe and Asia, as well as in North America. He adds “I see a dream where we have sold out stadiums in the next five years. I am certain that if we stay focused and continue to write from our hearts, we can do it.” Interesting! For a group that has the talent, passion and believes in itself, this possibility might just turn into a reality.

BY SMRUTI DAS / PUBLISHED IN THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE, SUMMER 2012

Tips on how to make your child's camp experience the best ever! (Published in Anokhi Magazine.Com)

Here is the link to this article of mine - http://www.anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/prepare-your-child-for-summer-camp

It's that time of the year again. The snow is long gone and the temps are rising. Children can be seen playing outdoors. I joined my friend Nitika at the nearby park where her ten year old daughter was having a great time. As Nitika and I chatted, she revealed to me that she was planning on sending her daughter Rhea to a summer camp for the first time. She was excited yet anxious. How could she prepare her for camp!

Rini Mishra is mom to two wonderful twins — Snehal and Dionee. The kids had their first summer camp when they were in their fourth grade and they loved it. As Rini puts it, "The kids made new friends, learned something new and developed a sense of responsibility. They are eager to start the next one". A summer camp is an important step for children and parents. It's a time that the children will remember in the years to come. So, in that spirit, we talked to a few experienced mothers and collected some some insightful pointers on how you can prepare your kid for summer camp.

Know more about the camp

It's a good idea to do a bit of summer camp research. As a parent, talk to the camp organizers about any fears and concerns that you may have. If your kid  is internet savvy, have them go online and check the camp website out so they too can be involved in the process and get excited about it. That way, your child will know what to expect and the transition from home to camp will be much easier. Here are a few key questions to ask while you are doing your camp research:

• What kind of activities and programs does the camp offer?
• How many counselors does the camp have? Are they qualified enough to conduct a summer camp?
• Will there be field trips for campers and if so where?

Develop a sense of responsibility

At camp, children will be expected to perform tasks on their own. A sense of responsibility has to be developed. It would help if the child is encouraged early on to participate in daily chores like making their own bed, keeping their room tidy and helping you in shopping. These habits are likely to continue at camp. If the child is scared to stay away from home, encourage the child to spend quality time at a relative or friend's place as a teaser to camp-life. This will most likely remove any fear and anxiety from your mind and of course help your child relax as well. 

Pack smart

It's important that you pack all the essential items that will be required at  camp, and include your child in the packing process. This way they will actually know what's in their bag as they head off to camp. A list of "must carry" items is usually provided by the camp organizers. Essential items that you should pack would be:

* sleeping bag
* pillows
* toiletries
* shampoo
* soap
* swimsuit 
* pyjamas
* sunblock
* insect repellant
* comfortable clothes for day and warm clothes for the evening
* towels
* first aid box
* rain gear
* sportswear
* sport shoes
* emergency contact info (always have them tagged to your child's luggage)

If your little one is on medication and needs special treatment, let the camp authorities know. As a parent, you might be tempted to give your child an iPod or a cell phone, but many camps don't encourage electronic gadgets (remember, it's CAMP!) So, to avoid your child being crushed by the last minute removal of these items right before they head off, do your research to make sure they are allowed in the first place. If the camp is for a longer duration (beyond a couple of weeks), include a family photo for the child in case they get homesick. 

Develop good hygiene habits

Have a chat with your child about hygiene issues at camp. Small but important practices like washing hands before eating, applying sunscreen to avoid sunburn, brushing teeth and changing clothes before sleeping at night will ensure that they stay healthy and relatively germ-free. And yes, just like before school, always give your child a quick lice check to make sure they are clean and good to go. Mothers should talk freely to their teenage daughters about periods and overall feminine hygience. Again, having that conversation with the counselor will also avoid uncomfortable situations.

Communicate with your child

It's important that the child is able to tell you, if they're experiencing any problems at camp. If this is a second trip around, and this time they aren't that enthusiastic about it, there could be a reason, so read the signals. Maybe they aren't crazy about the camp activities, not being able to perform them, or possibly, a case of being bullied. Initiate a conversation with your child so that they can open up to you or to the counselor if a problem occurs. Rini adds, "Children don't open up at this age. So, we need to be friends to them so that they open up". Encourage your child to record their thoughts in a journal about how they feel about the camp. You could even write a few positive reaffirming notes and drop it in their bag for them to discover during camp. Provide some sheets of paper and stamped envelopes so if they want to write home, they can.  

Sending kids to summer camp can be a wise decision as the result is experience, friends and a lifetime of memories. With a little homework and ensuring that your child will enjoy the overall experience, camp can be a great time for everyone!

BY SMRUTI DAS / POSTED MAY 17, 2012