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Thursday, June 27, 2019

Posted On June 27, 2019 by Team iCynosure.

10 Things You Must Have While Travelling To Thailand

Thailand has evolved to become one of South East Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. Whether it’s the beautiful white sand beaches, thrilling water sports, an array of shopping options or its exciting nightlife and cheap travel possibilities; it seems like Thailand is suited for just about anyone from solo back-packers and couples to families and friend circles. 

Now, whether you’re travelling there for a quick time off, family holiday or a solo adventure trip; we guide you through the ten things you must take with you during your trip to Thailand:



Sturdy Backpack
Whether you’re going on a backpacking trip or not, you will still need a sturdy backpack that you can use on your trips to the temple, hiking trails, island hopping or even just when you’re going by to the nearest beach!


          
Travel Insurance for Thailand
You probably never think about this, until it’s mandatory. However, it may just be one of the most important things you’ll need during your trip. One of the most cost-effective ones in the market includes the digital insurance company, Digit Insurance. For example, for a 7-10 days trip, it would cost you less than Rs 500 to insure yourself against all unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances that could arise during your trip. This broadly includes:

~ Cover for any loss of belongings that may happen, including loss of passport. Unfortunately, Thailand is home to many scams that could lead to loss of money or belongings. 
~ If you fall sick during your trip, the travel insurance will cover all medical expenses and emergencies. 
~ Minor mishaps like flight delays, delay of check-in luggage and baggage loss too are covered as part of Digit’s travel insurance policy.  
~ Coverage for Adventure Sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, zip-lining, etc; as long as you’re not going in for a long-term course or the like. 
~ Other unplanned situations such as trip abandonment, political unrest, legal bail and bond, etc. would be covered as well.

Always go for online travel insurance that is easy to claim and access. Additionally, we also recommend you carry copies of your passport; you may need it at some places and it’s just safer to carry copies during your day trips instead of carrying your passport everywhere!

Slip-On Shoes
Two of the most common places to be at in Thailand are the beaches and the temples. What’s common between the two, is that you’ll need to keep taking off your shoes while visiting them. Therefore, it’s necessary you carry a good pair of slip-on shoes or slippers you can use while moving around the many beaches and temples. 

             
Mosquito Repellent & Sunscreen

You’ve probably already heard this before and it’s true, you’re going to need mosquito repellent during your time there! Whether it’s at your hotel, the beach or while you’re just meandering around town, it’s always better to be protected against bites that may only ruin your little holiday.

               
Beach Essentials

If you’re visiting Thailand, you just cannot miss the beaches! After all, that’s the highlight of it all. Beautiful white sand beaches and the quaint blue waters; Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and you want to make sure you make the most out of it! So, make sure you have all your beach essentials in place. Right from the right swimwear, water gear, hats and sunglasses to your beach towels, sunscreen, and beach slippers. 

            

Rain & Waterproof Gear

Depending on what part of the year to plan on visiting Thailand, there can be occasional light showers even in the driest of weathers. Therefore, make sure you carry an emergency raincoat or umbrella, and some waterproof gear for your gadgets (works even when you want to capture your water sports!) 

             

Basic Medical Kit

This is a must for all your travels, no matter where you’re going! You never know when you might just need it. Moreover, with all the street food and water activities in Thailand, you can be prone to minor illnesses like a common cold, cough, sea sickness, etc. Therefore, it’s always better to be prepared and carry a handy medical kit that includes basic painkillers, Band-Aids and medicines for the common cold, headache and sea-sickness.

Thailand Power Adapter & Portable Charger

While you might just find this at the airport or the local Thailand stores, you may end up paying more than it’s worth. So, it’s always recommended you carry the required adapter and converter beforehand. Additionally, a portable charger can come handy as you’re mostly going to be spending your time outside and the last thing you want is a dead phone! 
             

Forex Card
 Money
The one thing that will drive most of your time in Thailand. While you may already have cash in hand or, your credit/debit card...the advantage of a Forex card is that you can withdraw or use your car for expenses in the local currency itself. This way you save up on the exchange rate and extra international charges! 
                            

Guidebook

This may sound a little cliché, and you are probably like “what’s google for?”, it’s always nicer to have a guidebook while you’re travelling to a new place. Moreover, you won’t really have access to the internet all the time. So, before you travel- get a guidebook you like and let it help you make some beautiful memories on your trip to Thailand.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Posted On June 20, 2019 by Team iCynosure.

Today, the millennial consumer wants complete control over the products he purchases as he is armed with a fearless purchasing power that no previous generations enjoyed. With the power, he has set his demands and the one that he strives for is customised products which allows him to put her individuality on his things. Be it handbags, clothes, or shoes; the millennials want everything stamped with their uniqueness. 

Even though jewellery has always been considered a personalised purchase, a bespoke commodity, over the years it has lost its value due to mass production and set design patterns. The swelling product lines offered affordability that previous generations loved. The very concept custom-made pieces violated, and thus long gone were the days of interchangeable elements, multiple wearability, and at best consumers engraved pieces with a little personal symbol or message to call it customised. 

However, with the new dawn, consumers are no longer afraid to demand what they want and willing to pay a price for it. This has enabled the personalised jewellery category to re-evolve, creating an ‘emotional connection’ to every piece designed. The easiest way to create this memory is to get name necklace for a loved one, which is unique yet not very complex to achieve. Personally, I love custom made jewellery from earrings to rings and necklaces, for good reasons, and I'm sure most of you will agree with me on this. 

Customisation 
A customised piece allows a wearer to use interchangeable elements like beads, charms, rings, etc to create a style that resonates with them. Even though the elements are usually manufactured on a large scale, no two individuals will use a similar combination to design a piece of jewellery, thus rest assured no two pieces will ever look the same and so the purchaser will always have a winner at hand.

Individualisation
A customised piece also allows the purchaser to add unique features to the piece such as name engraving, personal message, fingerprint, photograph or even DNA, that ties it forever to the wearer. Many brands these days also offer breastmilk jewellery, blood jewellery, placenta jewellery and much more, to make an occasion memorable and forever lasting.

Sentimental
A customised piece always involves a lot of thought, discussion and insights; which gives a clear background into a purchaser's character. A lot many people are involved from start to finish, checking options, looking at ideas from the new arrivals, and more; especially if they are looking to purchase star sign and birthstone jewellery.

Control
A customised piece gives complete control of the buying process to the purchaser. Not only is the person involved in buying, but also the selection of materials, shape and size of gemstones and above all the time duration and final cost. For example to get name necklace 1034 the purchaser will select fonts, discuss placement of a gemstone, deliberate the combinations depending on the total cost, etc. 

Subconscious everyone wants to own things that actually matter, and thus personalised jewellery is becoming popular and meaningful as love and precious memories never go out of fashion.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Posted On June 19, 2019 by Team iCynosure.

Heer has a love-hate relationship with her school. She loves going to school and wouldn’t want to miss it even for a day but hates waking up at dawn to be in school by 7:30 am. We love her summer holidays; however, over the years I have experienced that summers lower Heer’s immunity and she suffers from health issues like dehydration and diarrhoea. Though most of the conditions are easy to manage at home, managing and treating diarrhoea is challenging. I've noticed that during diarrhoea as her little body defends to flush out the bacteria, it loses body fluid, electrolytes, and nutrients, making her vulnerable and weak.

Now Battling Diarrhoea Is Easy With Enterogermina - 1

I've recently read that every year there are over 1.7 billion cases of diarrhoea globally, of which 1.3 billion people succumb to the disease. The statistic is scary, and it can be changed with a little bit of information about the condition. That’s the thought team Enterogermina had when they planned the #HappyTummiesMeet in Mumbai with parenting bloggers.

Now Battling Diarrhoea Is Easy With Enterogermina - 2

The focus of the Enterogermina meet was to help mothers understand how to manage diarrhoea and put the word out to educate other parents about the causes, treatment and prevention. As the event progressed, I learnt numerous little details about diarrhoea from Dr. Zinal Unadkat, a leading paediatrician from Mumbai and I’m sharing them with you.

Now Battling Diarrhoea Is Easy With Enterogermina - 3

What is diarrhoea?
The child's digestive system is sensitive to dietary changes and when unfamiliar substances enter the body, digestive problems occur, the most common of which is diarrhoea, which is an infection in the intestinal tract. It results in loose or watery stools that occur frequently and are accompanied by stomach ache, fever, headache, nausea and loss of appetite.

What are the common forms of diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea can either be viral or bacterial. Viral diarrhoea or stomach flu is very common and runs itself out in a couple of days. However, bacterial diarrhoea is caused by consumption of food or water that has become contaminated with bacteria or toxins.

How to manage and treat diarrhoea? 
Since diarrhoea in a child causes rapid dehydration, it is important to keep her hydrated, by constantly offering plenty of fluids, including water, fresh fruit juices, broths and soups. It is also advisable to give the child a probiotic like Enterogermina to help balance the good and bad bacteria for quick recovery. 

When to visit the doctor for diarrhoea?
Most times, diarrhoea in children can be treated with home remedies and Enterogermina, Paediatrician's No.1 choice. However, if the condition lasts for more than two days it is advisable to seek medical attention. Also if the child has severe abdominal pain, a fever of 102°F or higher, rush to the doctor immediately.
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One of the best parts of the meet was the Good Food-Bad Food activity organized for the children, in which they participated with gusto. Heer was the most curious child at the meet, asking many questions and getting her food queries resolved. As we headed home, I knew I had to make Enterogermina a part of my children's daily routine for #HappyTummies. I’m always keen to incorporate new things to keep my children healthy and germ-bacteria free.

Now Battling Diarrhoea Is Easy With Enterogermina - 5

Check the brand’s new TVC  to know more about their products.



Until next time,
~ Heena

Disclaimer: The information shared and the views and the opinions expressed in this article are personal, the brand nor the blog assume any liability for the contents. The article is a public awareness initiative and not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation, or a medical recommendation or a prescription for treatment. All readers are advised to specifically consult a doctor for more information and follow the suggested course of medical treatment.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Posted On June 18, 2019 by Team iCynosure.

There are some things that I just need in my closet like it a little black dress, a blue boyfriend jeans, a tan handbag and a red lipstick. Similarly, there are five tops that I absolutely need at all times to mix and match looks, to create never-ending fashion combinations and never run out of options. 

Scroll down to know the must-have ladies tops in my closet, that even when repeated ensures a second glance. 
Basic Tees
A basic white tee is an essential in every closet, for both functionality and style. I prefer to always have a scoop neck, v-neck or crew neck white tee as it works splendidly for my body type and can be easy to pair with jeans, shorts, skirts and more.

Silk Camisoles
A silk camisole is a go-to to go from day to night look within minutes. I love to dress up my silk camisoles with pants for an office look and throw in a simple blazer for effortless style. I pick camisoles with lace details and zigzag straps.

Halter Necks
A halter neck top is a perfect pick to look trendy while keeping it simple and casual. I love halter neck tops as it allows me to flaunt my back without much fuss, is super flattering and is also an ideal choice in the Mumbai weather. 

Turtle Necks
A turtle neck is a form-fitting top that makes the arms look slimmer and the upper body leaner. Though most turtle necks are available in full sleeves, my favourite is those in sleeveless styles which lend a sophisticated alternative to basic tops.

Crop Tops
A crop top can either be a tight fitted one that is best paired with loose bottoms or relaxed fit which works best with high-waist bottoms. I have a few crop tops but I love to pair a slim fit one that sits just above my natural waistline with a balloon skirt. 

Peplum Tops
A peplum top is a perfect option for a formal look, for a more structured look. I love my peplums for their nipped-in waists and forgiving flares and pair them with almost all bottoms for a stylish and comfortable look. 

Button-Down Shirts
A button-down shirt is a staple for formal wear and is a must-have in multiple solids and patterns. I prefer to always pair my button-down shirts with formal pants, jeans, shorts, a skirt for a smart and tailored look.

Wrap Blouses
A wrap blouse gives an illusion of a dress, highlighting the neck and upper body. I love to style my wrap blouses with simple leggings or slacks for a fun evening look. 

Denim Shirts
A denim shirt gives a peek into a stylish wanderer girl who loves the outdoors. I usually layer one of my many indigo-hued denim shirts with my silk camisoles or basic tees for a night out. You can also create novel looks with denim shirts.

Statement Tops
A statement top or two are the only ways to personalise the style and stand out in a crowd. I pick statement tops that speak to me in out-of-the-box colours and prints. I also stock up on party tops that are blingy that make bold statements and are the cynosure of all eyes. 

All-in-all each of these ladies tops make styling my looks easy breezy and fun. Let me know which of these are your must-haves. 

Until next time, 
~ Heena