Make Up

The one which is done with cosmetics.

The only makeup I ever use is a Kajal and some moisturiser, irrespective of the event/place I am going to – taking my toddler son for a stroll or a wedding reception or a movie, anything. It is not because I detest make up. In fact, I would love to be able to (as they say) ‘camouflage my flaws and highlight my best features’ but all these years I neither had the talent nor the inclination to learn the art of makeup.

The only time in my life when I have been ‘made up’ had been (no points in guessing) on my wedding. When I look at those pictures, I am barely able to recognise myself.

I am always in awe of women who expertly use make up and transform into a glamour queen. I certainly wish I had that talent.

When I was getting married, I also did the whole hog – buying all sorts of cosmetics like eye liner, mascara, lipsticks, lip pencil, eye shadows (the 2-tier one) from Lakme and Chambor. I never used any of those cosmetics, since the make-up lady used her own on me. After about 2 years of my wedding, I had to travel for my sister-in-law’s wedding. It was then that I realised that I had a so-called make-up kit, tucked away in some corner of my house, which was no longer usable  So, what did I do? I bought a couple of new cosmetics for the wedding. I did use the lipstick once or twice. But guess what prompted this post? I just had to throw those cosmetics, since they are past their usability.

Despite reading over and over again about the importance of using Sun Screen, I don’t even use that and get tanned. Heck, I don’t even apply nail polish on my toes (or fingers). (That is plain laziness, I admit). The only thing I love is Kajal. I can’t do without it. I believe, it transforms my face. I use one from Chambor in black. I have also tried grey colour once, because the sales girl pushed it on me. I also make it a point to take off the kajal with olive oil at night.

Nevertheless, I wish I could use makeup sometimes. It wouldn’t have hurt to look good once in a while.

My husband insists I look good without make up, which tells less about my looks and more about his ability to keep peace at home. Husbands! I tell you!

A few things to do this Year

I am a list maniac. I make lists all the time like things to buy, things to do for home, for self, for kiddo, list of books to buy, and so on and so forth. I find solace and confidence in my lists.
So, I thought why not to put together some thoughts on things to do in 2013:

1. First and foremost, I want to be a regular on both my blogs. I have been blogging since 2004 but sporadically. So, this year, I commit to at least 1 post on each blog every week between Monday to Sunday - any day, anything.
2. I am planning to read atleast 48 books this year, averaging 4 every month. Looks completely doable. But my hubby pointed out that I read only 21 last year, so I should target 25 and then if I do more, I will be feel great. Really! we know each other for 9 years now, but he is yet to learn few things about me. 
3. I usually review almost every book that I read. I plan to do 40 or more book reviews in 2013.
4. I was fortunate to get back to my original weight (54 kgs) without making any effort from my side. But I recently noticed that I have put on 3 kgs in last 2-3 months. I plan to shed that and go back to 53 kgs. 
5. Post-baby, all mommies would agree, the issue is not so much about the weight loss but the difficulty of getting back into shape. So, this year, I have to focus on that. And I know, I am never going to join any gym or classes. Those things are not meant for me.
6. I am naturally an impatient and quick-tempered person, so I need to cultivate patience in me. It does not come naturally to me. But I really really want to learn to be more patient.
7. All pending home decor things which I have been dreaming since the time we moved into our home 4 years back, will have to be completed this year. We did 2-3 things but many things remain on the 'to-be-done' list.
8. I will focus on a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits. This will also include getting up early and organizing my days better. I want to find time for myself, so that I can read more. I read general fiction-non fiction books and parenting articles, so I need to find separate time for each.
9. Reduce the clutter. Give away things which I have been hoarding for so long but never used!
10. This year I plan to join a library and do justice to it.
11. Plan vacations in advance so that we can make trips to new places with complete research and plan.
12. I have been planning to make photo albums for so long now. This year, I am going to finish this project. I do not trust technology, and don't want to lose the thousands of pictures and memories!
13. Spend lots of time with the little one, which I am already doing but I need to make the most of it. This is the last year when both of us would spend so much time with each other. He is going to start school by the end of this year, most probably :-(
14. That reminds me, I need to research on Playschools around my place. First I need to figure out what kind of Playschool I want for him.
15. I would like to explore writing opportunities this year. I am not going back to any full time job right now but feature writing interests me.
16. I need to make time to catch up with family and friends.

So, far these things are on high priority this year. I hope I accomplish all of them. I would keep revisiting these points to check my progress and I may add a few more things 'to-do' this year.