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Take a stand, and take action, to ensure every day is lived out at its best!

Simple ways you can use to start losing weight right away!

FINDING THE RIGHT VENDORS, MEHNDI TRENDS,

& A LOOK AT THE COMPLEXITY OF WEDDING

PLANNING

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012

Beauty 7 Make It Last! Products to Help

Keep Make Up on All Day!

Health 5 Ten Diet Tips That Work

What ‘Chya Say? 12 The Evolution of Bollywood Love

Stories

Cover Stories 9 Three Must Have Products for

Great Skin

17 Make Today a Better Day

22 Getting Ahead in Life

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“Love doesn't make the world go round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” -Elizabeth Browning

Picture By: Aventography Photo & Video

Mummi O Mummi Tu Kab Saas Banegi? Challenges of the

modern day marriage. By Farida Hasanali

the Miss Diwali competition November 17th. And Masala Radio is getting ready for their Diwali celebration which will be held at the Sugar Land Skeeters Stadium on November 10th. With 2013 right around the corner, these events are definitely an exciting way to bring the year to an end! For more information on local events, health tips, beauty advice, and more “Like” us on Facebook and stay updated.

haadi season is here! Seems like just about everyone knows someone, or is related to someone, or is someone that’s getting ready to tie the knot! The thought of marriage comes with the task of planning and organizing. With this issue of SBR, being our “shaadi special” we’ve got some great tips and ideas for that special day! Remember, weddings aren’t the only events that require special attention; these tips can be applied to any major event ranging from a grand birthday celebration to an anniversary party!

Outfit by: Sameera - Poshak

To help with the hungaama, I suggest stopping by at the Bibi Bridal show taking place on October 21st. I usually stop by to get décor and new trend ideas, but this time I’ll be touring the expo as a bride-to-be myself! I’ve got to admit, as exciting as it is to plan your own wedding, things can get a little stressful. If you’re planning to attend the Bibi bridal expo, remember to log onto their website and register for a goodie bag! More details are in their article on page 6. I’m definitely excited to see what they have in store for us this time! We’ve got quite a few exciting events taking place in the next couple months. Star Promotions is back on the entertainment scene with their upcoming, and highly talked about Mika Singh concert on October 4th at the Arena Theatre. With the festival of Diwali around the corner, ICC and India House are organizing

Photo By: Zia Ahmed Aventography Photo & Video 832.618.0718

Wardrobe By: Viranski 713.781.0880

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1. Drink plenty of water or other

calorie-free beverages: Don't confuse thirst with hunger. You'll be surprised how quickly a glass of water will calm your feelings/thoughts of hunger. If plain water is not for you, try adding lemon, lime, or a splash of juice, or brew a calorie-free tea. Also, hydrating your body is great for your skin.

2. Think about what you can add to

your diet, not what you should take away: Work vegies and fruits into meals to fill you up. Take seasonal vegetables and make stir-fries, frittatas, risotto, pilafs, soups, or layer on sandwiches. Not only will you feel more satisfied from the volume of food, you will also get all the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.

Consider whether you are really hungry: Are you eating out of boredom? You should feel better after eating, not stuffed, bloated, or tired. When a craving doesn’t come from hunger, eating will never satisfy it.

3. Be choosy about nighttime snacks:

Don't eat mindlessly. When you're sitting at the computer or in front of the television munching on chips or cookies without being hungry, you're eating mindlessly. For some, food keeps them company and lessens their sense of being alone. Is this you? To curb nighttime eating only allow yourself one low-calorie snack at night, such as a half-cup scoop of low-fat ice cream or a 100-calorie pack of cookies. After you've become satisfied with the low-cal snack, try substituting it with a cup of zero-calorie tea or other calorie-free

beverage. You can also try closing down the kitchen after a certain hour.

4. Enjoy your favorite foods:

Do not cut your favorite treats out completely, instead, limit them. Moderation is key.

Enjoy your treats away from home: By doing this you don’t have to worry about the temptation of having treats in the house. You will also begin to associate eating unhealthy with eating away from home. This will also help you eat at home more often than eating out. Reducing the amount of fast food you eat will not only help your waistline, but your pocketbook as well.

5. Eat several mini-meals during the

day: Divide your daily calories into smaller meals or snacks and enjoy as many of them as you can early in the day. Ideally, dinner should be the last time you eat.

6. Eat protein at every meal: Protein

encourages fat burning and helps preserve muscle mass while keeping you feeling full. It will also give you energy for a longer period of time. So try to spread your protein consumption throughout the day. Be sure to include healthy protein sources, such as yogurt, cheese, nuts, or beans, at meals and snacks.

7. Stock your kitchen with healthy

convenience foods: If you can make a healthy meal in 5 or 10 minutes you'll be less likely to hit the drive-through or order a pizza. Having ready-to-eat snacks and meals-in-minutes staples

on hand will set you up for success. Try stocking your kitchen with items such as 94% fat-free microwave popcorn, frozen vegetables, fresh fruits, canned diced tomatoes, pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts, whole-grain wraps or pitas, canned beans, and bags of pre-washed greens.

8. Eat foods in season. In season

fruits and vegetables are much more flavorful than when out of season. Try simple fruit desserts, like low-fat yogurt topped with fresh berries or mix fruits together into a fruit cocktail.

9. Use non-food alternatives to cope

with stress. If you're stressed don't reach for food for relief. Instead, try practicing meditative deep breathing, listening to music, reading a few chapters in a novel, writing in a journal, or looking at a photo album of loved ones.

10. Be physically active. You'll be

surprised at how great you feel, how much better you sleep, and how much more energy you have when you exercise. Do not use exercise as a punishment for eating or as a reward to "earn" the right to eat more. Keep physical activity positive and build a lifelong habit, it is good for you whether you are trying to lose weight or not.

It may seem like you’ve heard about every diet out there, and tried just about everything. From Jenny’s plan to the one at the gym, nothing seems to work. Regardless of what you do to stay healthy and fit, we encourage you to try these simple and effective ways to change your everyday habits and loose those extra LBS!

SBR MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 5

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You’re engaged and have set the date, and of course, are bewildered by the number of wedding vendors out there. As daunting as this task may be, ready or not, you have got to get started! It is never too early to

start planning your wedding or at least formulating ideas about your special day such as your colors or your theme. The sooner you and your fiancé get the ball rolling the better; you want to book those

key vendors early as most popular vendors are reserved six to nine months in advance and if you have always dreamed of that certain photographer

capturing your wedding day, then move on it. One of the best ways to meet an array of vendors is to head to one of our Bibi Bridal Shows. By attending the intimate boutique style Bibi Bridal Show you will be able to meet an echelon of wedding professionals under one roof in a short amount of time. Saving yourself a lot of drive around time just for an initial meeting. Bridal shows are fun, exciting and an excellent place to

foretaste a vendor’s work, sample their cuisines, confections and cakes, and see some gorgeous bridal wear fashions. Our shows will undoubtedly help you narrow your selection and plan your own fairytale wedding. Before you head out to our show, check out some of my tips for finding the perfect vendors. Develop a strategic plan; establish a budget and a timeline. We find that a big binder works wonders in organizing all of your materials. Decide on your requirements and must-haves. Be clear on how much you would like to spend on each event and in each category, i.e. clothes, decor, flowers, food, etc. If you and your collective families are starting to feel overwhelmed, hire a wedding consultant/planner, they tend to pay for themselves through the savings they can negotiate on your behalf. Ask Questions! Ask recently married friends and family for recommendations about the vendors which they may have hired for their own weddings or events. Pinpoint local vendors that will fit into your budget, reflect your style, and understand your culture and religion. Be inquisitive and research! There are a million options in every city, and a great way to find vendors is online. Wedding resource websites, such as Bibi Magazine’s vendor database, are a good place to start. Once you and your fiancée have narrowed it down to the vendors whom you are considering, do some more specific research. Check out their websites and read through the comments and testimonials. This is a great way to double check recommendations by the vendor’s actual clients. Schedule a meeting with the vendors and ask questions; educate yourself. Let them inform you about their philosophy and vision. If necessary, request the vendor to provide you with additional references. Request written estimates and quotes from the vendors that you are interested in. You two should also send them a written request of your requirements for each function with the event’s dates and timings. In order to have a comparison on services and pricing, request estimates from at least three vendors so that you can make an informed decision. Finalizing vendors might be easier said than done with all of those creative and innovative experts out there, but go with your first choice and stick with it. Planning your wedding is a very special time in your and your family’s lives. Good luck and best wishes! See you all at the Bibi Bridal Show! By: Zeb Mamsa - the Advertising Director of Bibi Magazine and the Producer of Bibi Bridal Shows which is the longest running South Asian Bridal Show in Houston, TX.

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SBR MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM

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We love smokey eyes, but definitely not smudgy eyes! Keep your eyeliner in place with this bold easy to use eye liner!

EYES Always apply a base first, like Urban Decay’s primer potion. Using an eyeshadow brush, on this bride, our beauty editor applied “Amber Lights” by Mac on just the lids. Then with a blending brush, she blended

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my favorite part of the eyes,” said Sahela, “I make sure I spend my time perfecting it. I use waterproof cream liner by Smashbox. I almost always wing it out for my clients!” Line the waterline with “Kajol” by Stila or “Smolder” by Mac and then finish the look with a nice

pair of false lashes.

CHEEKS A great blush is “pink swoon” just apply it on the apples of the cheeks and highlight cheekbones with “Albatross” by Nars.

LIPS “Since I went with a bold eye shadow look, I kept the lips simple and neutral. I lined the lips with “spice” by Mac and filled it in with “Crème De Nude” by Mac, then dabbed on a little gloss. The one I used was “Orgasm” by Nars.” Explained Saleha.

Q: Almost all of my friends get regular facials. But with my wedding coming up I want to make sure I look my best in all the pictures! I’m not sure which type would be best for my skin, can you tell me more about the different skin treatments available to help my skins appearance? A: I’m glad you asked! Let me give you a brief break down of 5 of the most common and most effective facials. Photofacial Want to look picture perfect? This is the right facial for you! A photofacial is performed though the use of intense pulse light technology. IPL photo-rejuvenation technology improves the appearance of sun damaged skin on the face and body by treating broken capillaries, age spots, and sun damage with absolutely no down time! Hydrafacial The HydraFacial removes dead skin cells and impurities while simultaneously infusing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective. Irritation has been proven to increase the signs of aging. The HydraFacial is a hydrating non-irritating procedure. Microdermabrasion Uses fine inert (micro) crystals to help rid the top layer of dull, aging skin, to reveal newer, more vibrant skin. Once these dead and damaged skin cells are removed your skin will feel and look smoother, healthier, and more youthful! Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment Pigmentation or skin discolorations are caused by many factors including sun exposure, aging, hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy or menopause and trauma to the skin such as acne. Successfully treating these indications is possible, lightening the visible discolorations and inhibiting the cycle which causes pigment to surface later can be achieved with Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment. Dr.K’s Chemical Peel At Med-Cure, we combined 3 key ingredients to the skin to get the same effects as a deep chemical peel. A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. Typically administered as a facial peel, a chemical peel enhances and smoothes the texture of the skin. It is an effective treatment for facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.

in “Nocturnelle” by Mac towards the upper part of the crease. Then with the same brush, blended in a matte black shadow “Carbon” just on the line of the crease, towards the bottom. Next, comes a good highlighter on the brow bone and on the inner corners of your eyes. In the picture, she used “Nylon” by Mac and also “Rice Paper”. “Eyeliner is

Q & A Brought to you by Dr. Naz

Keshwani at MedCure Anti-Aging & Skincare.

(281)498-5600/(713)552-1112

SBR MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 7

SALEHA ABBASI saleha@salehaabbasi.com

www.salehaabbasi.com

EDITOR: BEAUTY

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Intensive Pore Treatment A powerful treatment that addresses the causes and symptoms of pores. Intensive Pore Treatment purifies the skin, unclogs the pores, and helps to firm the cell walls restoring skin to its more youthful, naturally healthy state. It is formulated with state-of-the-art technology and proven effective to treat the causes of pores, rather than mask the symptoms by clogging and further aggravating the pores.

ProGenius™ Treatment Oil NUDE’s most coveted product. ProGenius™ Treatment Oil contains 10 carefully selected plant oils and is rich in omega 3, 6, 7, and 9. This 100 percent pure and active treatment oil provides a precisely balanced diet of vital nutrients for luminous and healthy looking skin. The all-absorbing formula delivers deep and long lasting skin cell nourishment, revealing skin that appears lit from within.

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With Shaadi season here, we thought we’d sit down with henna experts, Zohra and Fatima Siddiqui, the lades behind ‘Hooked on Henna’ to get more information on the cultural art form of henna. What is henna / mehndi made from? "Mehndi" is the plant, Lawsonia imeris, which has a natural orange-to-burgundy staining capability. The plant leaves are dried into a powder and then blended with water and 'secret' ingredients. In the states, we can either purchase the powder and whip up our own; or purchase ready-to-use cones. The most common color enhancing ingredients are coffee, cloves, or lemon. However, eucalyptus oil is our favorite! It promotes optimal stain absorption into the skin. Are there any differences in henna cones? YES! We have two types of henna cones: our "Instant Gratification Henna Cone," which can be applied even the day of your occasion (imported quarterly from Pakistan), and our "Delay Release Henna Cone," which deepens from orange to burgundy over two days upon application. What are some tips to keep the henna’s color on longer? An easy way is to apply petroleum jelly on the henna stain during your morning shower or while doing the dishes. (Or you can use henna as an excuse to avoid those dishes!) The one thing you never want to do is go for a manicure or pedicure after henna application! Please! This should be taken care of prior to your henna appointment. What’s some advice you’d give a bride to be? The most heartbreaking thing is hearing how brides blow their entire shaadi budget on so many other things, that when it comes to henna providers, they simply go for the cheapest one. We believe that you and your bridal photo album deserve the best henna artistic skills money can buy! That's why we will beat any quote by 10%. Are there any current trends in henna designs? The current trends in bridal henna designs: "Less is More!" With our traditional shaadi colors being in the 'red' family & henna being in the vicinity, the henna gets lost among all the red! So, we recommend your

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super-intricate henna fantasy to be applied on the inside palms of both hands, all the way up to the antecubital area. For the upper sides, we recommend: a wide vine of an intricate floral design going down one finger, plus small floral design halfway up each finger; or a circular 'chakra' on the upper hands with no extension to any fingers, along with complementary finger design for all fingers. Any bridal henna design looks more amazing with the tip-topis! If you pair that up with a metallic or glittery nail color, it goes to a whole new level of gorgeousness!

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If low interest rates and special purchase incentives have drawn you into looking for a new home, then you probably have noticed and perhaps visited one of Houston’s many master-planned communities. A well-planned community offers a variety of home choices, recreation and resort-style amenities, parks and trails. Plus, master-planned communities are located near quality schools, healthcare and shopping. But beyond location, how can you be sure you’re selecting the right master-planned community for your family? Here are five tips to consider. First, check out the community’s amenities. Visit its pool and aquatics complex, fitness center and tennis courts and compare them to other communities. One of the most impressive collections of recreation amenities can be found in Sienna Plantation in Fort Bend County where residents enjoy a sprawling recreation complex including the South’s largest water adventure park. Ask about the scheduling of resident events and activities in the community. Tuscan Lakes, a master-planned community in League City, employs a full-time Lifestyle Director who schedules fitness programs, family festivals, holiday events and day excursions. Third, look at how well the community is maintained. Are shrubs and other landscaping manicured? Are the parks and playgrounds within the community well kept? Learn about the developer of the community. What is its track record and what other communities has the company developed? Houston-based Johnson Development, for example, has developed a number award-winning master-planned communities, many of which rank among the top selling in the United States. Finally, take a drive through the neighborhoods and see if you get a sense of “community.” Talk to current residents and ask about their impressions of where they live. You’ll certainly get an honest and open assessment. “There’s plenty to choose from when selecting a home in a master-planned community,” says Susie Goff of Johnson Development. “Take your time, explore the community and get a feel for its lifestyle. If it feels right, then you’ll know you’ve made the right decision for your family.”

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Are we over the romance?– The romance often shown in Bollywood movies might be over rated, but still, the probability of seeing Raj Malhotra fly over from London to meet Simran who is somewhere in between yellow “sarsoon-ke-khets” getting married to some random “Punjabi” munda seems believable…and beautiful. There were no “bikini bodies” – there was nothing sensational about movies back then. It was just good stories that made us sit in awe, like when Anjali told Rahul [again clad in the heaviest Manish Malhotra bridal wear] – “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Rahul… Tum Nahi Samjhoge?” Maybe the story plots weren’t as realistic as they seemed. And maybe Anjali was a passive aggressive person and needed to stop her romantic charade. But somewhere in the movies of today’s generation, I miss the innocence of the story lines. There was something magical about love stories back in the day. People of my generation grew up watching movies and realizing how life could be. My favorite movie is Lamhe... but not many saw it. It was relative and confusing but hey.. that's amore... That's love. As Karan Johar rightly pointed out in a recent interview with Anupama Chopra: “Jab We Met is the ONLY love story in the 2000’s that has left an impact.” I agree, and why not, because this Imtiaz Ali film had the same innocence about two characters who were dealing with internal issues and meet each other and rest is “mauja hi mauja” – The current advent of romantic comedies has become pretentious. But somewhere there might be hope, and come November, a Yash Chopra movie with Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, will unveil with chiffon sarees, Switzerland scenery to AR Rehman/Gulzar melodies… Somewhere, in some yellow ‘sarsoon’ ke khet there is a cow with a bell and its ringing with joy.

the evolution of

here was a time when we didn’t want to believe anything else but what happened in the movies. Our frame of references was not quite open to the social networks of today. We were not obsessed over social networking where now, every second person seems to be trying too hard to be cool, wherein the reality of life is contradictory leading many to a lifestyle of denial and ego trips. And then there were the movies, ah! those movies….Before everyone had this social network “mirror mirror” complex; we were living beings with human emotions and might I add, foolish, careless, and illogically emotional over just about everything. Why? – Because of the magic of movies! We believed all schools were like St Xaviers High School from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and we wanted to meet our “Anjali” there. I was schooled in Dubai and I saw this culture

Advances in society, education, technology, and way of life have always been looked at as a positive change. But in the pursuit to growth, should one loose there core beliefs and values? Growing up, one of our major influences was Bollywood movies. It was a treat to go to the movies with our families and enjoy a special occasion or night out. However, the “G”rated movies we grew up loving, have taken a more nontraditional, Hollywood inspired rout. Does this change signify a modern outlook on life and the new generation, or take away from the culture and values our society was once proud of? Has Bollywood gone too far? Take a look at what some of our readers had to say:

Aiman Syed: "Yes they have gone too far. Bollywood movies should stay true to who they are and not just copy American movies styles. The true authentic Bollywood makes us unique."

Amsal Ali: "I think Bollywood has changed a lot recently. What we may think is inappropriate, is totally not in Hollywood. Regardless of how Hollywood films are, I think Bollywood films have become rather inappropriate in the past few years. It can get quite awkward when watching something with the entire family."

SHAHBAZZ ANWERR

Writer, Director, Visionary

mecraziest@hotmail.com

of filmi-students there. It was not such a bad thing. It connected us all to something more – just like now probably social networks and ‘being your own idea of who you are, connects many to others.’ However, I do see a disconnect in our entertainment industry because of this newfound technological change that has evolved in humankind.

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Yasmin Khalfe: "I think Bollywood has gone too far in the last few years. Some of the changes have been positive, such as creating stronger female characters.

Natasha Naik: "Yes I agree that the Bollywood industry is becoming inappropriate. Bollywood movies have way too much sex and most of the costumes are pretty bad too, as in revealing. The culture of the country isn’t at all reflected in the movies. Our culture is sway more respected than what is depicted in movies."

Natasha Dhanani: "I definitely agree with Bollywood movies being inappropriate. As a child I would go watch movies with my family, but now when we go, I feel awkward at times. Our culture isn't

Tanya Hussain: "Yes I believe it has gone too far because even though they are trying to keep up with the society, they are forgetting our culture. Our culture is more

Salman Khan: "No they haven't gone too far, this is just how the whole system is, they are basically showing the reality and to be very honest majority of the people like it, it’s not inappropriate it’s just how the real life is."

Aliza Sharoon: "I do think Bollywood has gone way too far, I never used to watch American movies with the family cuz of all the wrong scenes and now it's the same thing with Bollywood movies. There just trying to copy Americans when really they should just stay true to their own culture, because like in India and Pakistan, those things generally are still not accepted in the public!"

Zaib Pirani: "I wouldn't call it going too far, but rather evolving. They finally started evolving their movies to reach the standards of older

However, I believe Bollywood movies have become too inappropriate recently. It can be hard to find a movie for my whole family to watch together. Because of this, my favorite Bollywood movies are now the classics."

depicted in the right way. Bollywood

back in the day and now is completely

different. I miss the old Bollywood."

conservative and more family oriented. It is understandable to modernize a bit but they are taking it too far."

Ali Shan: “The film industry is a business and in the end businesses have to make money, so all the Bollywood industry is trying to do is make money."

audiences instead of only making them

for families, you know? "

"I grew up watching movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Lagaan, Dilwale Duhlanya Lehjayenge and so forth. Nowadays, I have to check reviews online to see if its clean enough to see it with the family. I believe Bollywood has tried to mesh with the American culture, but even American movies don't show vulgarity like that." – Zahra Malik

Zahra Malik zeeyayoo@gmail.com

EDITOR:

What ‘Chya Say :

“ My Knight in shining armor!” “Oh! My Princess….”the two lovers float towards each other and embrace lovingly. Wake up!!!! It’s only a dream, or is it a nightmare? Yes, I am talking about the joys and fears associated with finding “the one” and the additional stress of getting married. Finding the one can certainly be the most exhilarating experience a person can have. That moment when the whole universe seems to be working in your favor and everything looks and feels perfect. Thankfully for us, we are designed (hormonally speaking) to stay in that state for a while and I am glad we do, otherwise we would never get married. Just recently I was watching the interaction between a couple that is getting married soon. Before he popped the question, these two were constantly at each other’s throats, suddenly after the ring, they are so lovey dovey, the sweetness is causing a diabetic epidemic. I wonder how long it will last and when they will get back to normal again. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying they don’t love each other very much, they do! It’s just that being mushy is not their natural nature; it’s the pheromones talking. Please realize I am being light-hearted in this article about marriage, not mocking it. I believe deeply in the institution of marriage, in the singular commitment of two people towards each other to be together in good times and bad, till the end of their lives. The institution of marriage has several social commitments too. Humans have the longest child rearing period in the animal species so a marriage provides stability for a child to grow and it establishes paternity of the child. Marriage also provides companionship, friendship and love and in general it makes us happier because we are social beings and do not fair well when left alone for long periods of time.

Even as I write this though, I see how truly

difficult a proposition it is in today’s world for marriages to realize all these benefits. Our parents didn’t have a choice. They were told whom to marry and when to marry and so they did. The idea of “not working out” did not exist. You played the hand you were dealt until the end of your days by working things out in your marriage. In contrast, my generation is either the “lost” generation or the “turning” generation. We’re lost because we have traditional values in a society full of choices and we are turning because we are making choices and at times the choice is not to stay married or in some cases not to even get married. The challenge is we are now responsible for finding our own soul mates and sometimes too many choices can cause confusion and indecision

leaving more and more people constantly “looking” instead of settling down or getting started with their families. The millennium generation, especially here in the United States may just have lucked out big time. So many barriers for them have been dropped. For most of the kids the restrictions of caste, class, and religion have been dropped. Divorced parents tend not to force their children into early marriages or to choose someone they (parents) like because they fear the outcome might be the same as theirs, and kids themselves are looking for like-minded companions in terms of outlook on life and core values instead of matching zodiacs and family histories. The verdict is still out though on the longevity of these

relationships since it takes a good 10-20 years to know the sustainability of a marriage. Let’s bring back our knight in shining armor and our princess to talk about the physical act of being married. How many of you agree that marriage ceremonies and celebrations have just gotten out of control. I mean seriously out of control especially in the South Asian community. In the Western culture the cost of a marriage is dependent on the cost of the venue, the gown and the number of guests you invite and on an average (not counting Donald Trump) the number of guests invited stays within 50-200 with 200 considered an outrageous number. In fact, the wealthier or more famous you are, the smaller the number of guests invited to maintain exclusivity. Contrast that to a South Asian marriage. Back home the number starts at 500 and goes up to thousands. The rich and famous may have a couple of thousand guests easily and the

display of wealth and grandeur is plain ridiculous. This trend is now being adopted in the States too, with children of Indian origin wanting their dream wedding with a knight riding a white horse and a princess waiting to receive him in a beautiful sparkling gown. To ensure I had some validity behind my claims, I requested two newly engaged couples to share their thoughts about preparing for a marriage. Planning and visualizing the wedding happening was the most exciting part of the physical act of marriage for both girls. They said they always dreamt about how their marriage ceremonies would unfold and finally they were planning on making those

dreams come true. On the flip side, the very same thing was what the boys hated most except maybe with a small exception related to food and cake tasting. What both couples unanimously agreed on was, that venue selection was the most nerve racking, time consuming and contentious part of the planning. Everyone wants their wedding to be unique and beautiful but how much can you truly change an interior reception hall. You have flowers, curtains, pillars, stage and lighting. The most extravagant décor can be made to look like a movie stage that depicts heaven. A series of arches covered with flowers and sheer white curtains creating a flowing effect of clouds leading up to an elevated stage where the lovers

“My Knight in shining armor!” “Oh! My Princess….”the two lovers float towards each other and embrace lovingly. Wake up!!!! It’s only a dream, or is it a nightmare? Yes, I am talking about the joys and fears associated with finding “the one” and the additional stress of getting married.

Banegi?

Kids themselves are looking for like-

minded companions in terms of outlook on life and core values instead of matching

zodiacs and family histories.

MUMMI O MUMMI Tu Kab Saas Banegi?

MUMMI O MUMMI Tu Kab Saas

Banegi?

Picture By: Aventography Photo & Video

14 SBR MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM

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will meet. This visual desire has to be tempered by budgets and couples have to make decisions about what they want to give up in the décor in order to fit their budget. That’s where the contention comes in. The second largest issue with halls is size. Given that our smallest weddings typically start at 500 people, couples angst over whom to invite and whom to leave out. Especially if both families have lived in the same city for a generation, the parents have their whole community, and the kids have theirs and both sets have to be invited. It’s no wonder more and more couples are opting for destination weddings. My nephew got married in a park across the Sydney Opera House in Australia. He didn’t have to pay for decorations, the park was in full bloom and his guest list automatically pared itself down to his family and his closest friends and relatives who were willing to make the investment to go to Australia. What’s a girl’s second best friend (diamonds are first)? Clothes of course! Brides struggle for the perfect wedding attire. The aim again is to be unique. They want outfits that are one of a kind, not seen on others recently and ones that make them look like little princesses or ranis. To get an insight into the latest wedding outfits I visited a couple stores on Hillcroft; Laxmi Sarees and Poshak. Vimla Patel from Laxmi Sarees shared a sample of her wedding outfits, she said “her customers still seek traditional wedding outfits, a shalwaar kameez for the henna function, a lehenga for the reception and a

sari for the wedding itself. Sameera Faridi from Poshak had a completely different view of what her customers wanted. She said every client of hers comes in with a visual (of course) of how they want to look. Most of them want to maintain a traditional angle but want it fused with a Western look. Sameera custom designs most of her outfits to fit the needs and desires of each bride. As she walked me through her bridal boutique she said “brides these days don’t follow the old color trends anymore, except maybe for the actual wedding ceremony where they prefer red.” According to her two tone outfits are becoming popular, purple is one the season’s most favorite colors and velvet trims seem to be trimming bridal budgets. “Indian origin brides are opting more for the Pakistani looks these days,” said Sameera, “they want a trendier look like a bustier corset top, covered with a long sheer coat.” The overall effect is an East West fusion look. Of course there are brides who want it all and budgets are not an issue so they fashion an event for every outfit they want to wear; the wedding ceremony for the saree, the shalwaar kameez for the Henna, the lehenga for one reception and a gown for a western style reception. Sigh! Remind me again what we do all this for? My dear friends shared this with me…it’s worth it! “The only emotion I can feel at this time is excitement. I'm excited about the transition, the new lifestyle, and most importantly spending the rest of my life with someone who truly complements me”

said one of the brides to be. Her groom to be said “If you find the right person like I did then the most exciting part about getting married is now having a partner in crime. It’s a WE thing now.” Awww! Isn’t that just too cute? What is the scariest part about getting married? I loved the difference in answers between the girls and the guys. Both girls mentioned their physical wedding ceremonies. Things like it would be awful if you’ve prepared for so long and dreamed of the perfect wedding and then everything goes wrong. Both guys talked about the emotional side of being married. “Being married is great but it will bring with it changes to our lifestyle.” Compromises will have to made, decisions will have to be shared, and social lives will change! In the end though all four agreed that yes life would change but change isn’t bad, they are looking forward to starting their new lives with the people they love and are looking forward to being settled, being loved and moving into the next phase of their lives.

Farida Hasanali Network of Indian Professionals

farida.hasanali@gmail.com

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f you are like most people, you started out the year with dreams, good intentions, and new hopes. However, it's all too easy to let busy schedules, work priorities, stress, and inclement weather cloud over the optimism of those great objectives.

While anticipating the arrival of your goals is a wonderful way to create direction for your life, don't fall into the trap of postponing self-love and happiness until the end of the journey. Delaying happiness is a big mistake! That's because if you are not having more of the feelings and experiences you want today (more joy, more worthiness, more self-love, etc.), then they won't be there at the end of the goal journey.

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Are you enjoying life right NOW?

Be present in this moment. How? Take several slow deep breaths. With each breath relax and let go of tension. As you settle down, unwind, let yourself smile. You'll feel a little better right now.

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Make daily

decisions that allow you to reprogram yourself to believe that you are deserving of having what you want. You are deserving of feeling good in your body, worthy of focusing on success, and worthy of your own love and appreciation. Although it may require effort and perseverance, you can become your own best friend and unwavering supporter of yourself. Determine how you want to feel and then take daily actions that promote those feelings.

Are you taking action to have what you want most?

Remember what you wanted most this year, and then complete one important action today

related to your dream. When you achieve one important action, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. That will make you feel great today!

What can I do to enjoy my life today?

Instead of focusing on what you want to banish from your life, focus on actions and choices that add to your life. Make it a point to indulge in luxury that increases your joy and love. This doesn't mean giving yourself permission to down a pint of Hagen Daz ice cream if you're deciding to lose weight, or going on a wild spending spree if you're already struggling with debt. Instead, look within your heart and do something that will make you smile and feel alive inside.

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or years the Indo Cultural Center has kept the essence of our tradition alive in the hearts of locals by organizing various events throughout the year. One individual who’s always willing to give her time and volunteer her talents and resources is Jasmeeta Singh. With her upcoming venture, the Dewali 2012 Beauty Pageant, we thought we’d get a little more insight on what makes Jasmeeta the vibrant person she is. When I think of local cultural events and festivals, you are the first person who comes to mind! How long have you been organizing and coordinating various events in Houston? I have been involved in cultural events ever since childhood. After finishing my degrees in science and diploma in vocal and kathak dance, I performed in All India 4 day dance and music competition between 21 Universities in India, and I won a first prize. I started helping Rathna ji in 2006 at her center, Anjali School Of Performing Arts by teaching Kathak. Since then I have been teaching Kathak and semi classical dances and organizing, coordinating cultural events which later have become a passion of my life. I am thankful to God and my family for the opportunity to be able to do what I love to do. You are definitely a very talented person! What motivated you to get involved in the community? Life inspired me and the unlimited possibility to dream. My motivation is people who genuinely care for others and quietly try to make a difference in people's life. I volunteer the causes I am passionate about. I started volunteering and participating

SBR MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 19

at ICC and became a director/Secretary in ICC and then volunteered in Interfaith Ministries for few years and became a director. Volunteering and coordinating our biggest Sikh festival "Vaisakhi" every year since 2006 has been an excellent experience. So my motivation is to volunteer and help the community by promoting the culture and the causes. You are a huge asset to the Miss India Pageant, from the auditions, to training the constants, to the choreography of the dances, what motivated you to develop the Miss India Pageant to what it is today? It’s something I’m very passionate about. I was Miss Haryana, Miss B.SC and came first in the Mrs Pageant, so I thought of doing pageant in a different style which brings the talent of girls and give them opportunity to perform in their unique way. What are your expectations for the Miss Diwali Pageant? My expectations are to have the winner exhibit different cultural values of India. Teach them the ritual of this festival and why and how we celebrate Diwali. And be a role model for the new comers and new contestants by encouraging confidence and motivation. Do you have any words of encouragement for participants? I would like to say that everyone is a winner and all of you come with different talent and different energy and all of you light up the stage with your beauty just like a Diya in Diwali. What advice would you give to today generation when it comes to being more involved in the community?

Volunteer Volunteer and Volunteer. Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop. How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving. For more information on the Miss Diwali pageant email jasmeeta_singh@yahoo.com.

“The spirit of volunteerism is something that is inherent to my being. This is my beloved addiction and will be part of

my DNA and it will never leave me.”

imiting his influence to Houston may not be accurate since Star Promotion’s Rajender Singh is figure whose reach is spread worldwide. Known for his passion for the entertainment business, Mr.Singh started his event management company in 1995. Ever since then, the promoter has organized over sixty major local shows and five international tours promoted worldwide. Concerts and shows today are much different than what they were years ago. The audience is more cautious when it comes to spending $35-$50 on a single ticket. A family of four can easily rack up a bill of $200 for a couple hours of entertainment. However, even with that in mind, locals trust Star Promotions ability to put together entertaining shows, where fans don’t think twice as to if the show will be worth their hard earned money. One lady who went to Star Promotions last concert featuring Bappi Lahiri said, “I had such an amazing time at the concert with my husband! We have been so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to take time out for ourselves. We left the little ones with their grandparents and decided we’d go on a date night, just the two of us! And the energy and hype of the venue made us feel like we were young again! I know Star Promotions next show is around the corner and I can assure you that we will be there!”

Star Promotions is getting ready for their next much awaited show featuring the singer, composer, and song writer of numerous Bollywood hits, Mika Singh. He is considered a highly acclaimed musician, and most of all the 'Powerhouse Entertainer'. Amongst a wide catalog of smash hits, the prominent ones remain Singh Is King (Singh Is King), Mauja Hi Mauja (Jab We Met), Idn-e-Batuta (Ishqiya), Dhanno (Houseful), Dhin Chika (Ready), Desi Beat (Body Guard), Subah Hone Na De (Desi Boys), and the list goes on!

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SBR MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 21

Anil Kapoor with Rajender Singh of Star

Promotions at the IIFA Press

Conference held in Toronto

Rajender takes pride in his shows and assures that many people who attend them leave with a similar feeling of satisfaction. From the time he began, till now, what keeps him going is knowing that he brings entertainment in people’s lives.

Rajender Singh with

Award Winning

Singer Aisha Bhosle at a

Recent Concert He Brought to Houston.

With over 20 years of experience in the field, he has won the respect of friends, fans, business associates and industry legends. Rajender has always been in the forefront of celebrating his passion for Indian Culture and Heritage.

This particular show which promises to be one you won’t forget will be held at the Arena Theatre on October 5th. For more information and to buy tickets log onto www.starpromotionince.com or call 281-222-4500.

5 Ways to Plan for Retirement in Your 20s

1. Invest in Permanent Life Insurance. Permanent Life Insurance Policy owners receive lifetime financial protection, guaranteed tax- deferred cash value growth, and easy tax-free access to your savings funds. Purchasing Life Insurance at an early age results in cheaper policies, higher cash savings, and allows the possibility for you to pay off the policy 10 - 25 years pre-retirement.

2. Sign up for a 401(k) account and start saving. A 401(k) account is a great retirement savings tool. Everyone should sign up even before their first paycheck rolls in if they can. That way your 401(k) contribution is automatically deducted from your paycheck and you won't see that amount in your checking account. This will help with lifestyle inflation because if you don't see the money, you won't be tempted to spend it (Like Permanent Life Insurance). Start contributing right away and then increase this amount a little bit every year until you reach the contribution limit.

3. Avoid lifestyle inflation. Most of us are unable to avoid lifestyle inflation after we start making more money. Who wants to drive an old Hyundai around when you can afford a new BMW with a low interest rate? Spending money is fun and our consumer culture encourages that. However, it's difficult to reduce monthly expenses once they creep up. It's best to avoid lifestyle inflation as much as possible and save early.

4. Open a Roth IRA. The best time to contribute is when you are in a low income tax bracket. The money invested in a Roth IRA is after tax, but you won't have to pay tax on any earnings

5. Buy income producing assets. Think about depreciation values before making large investment. If you buy a new car, its value will depreciate significantly in a year. If you buy dividend stocks instead, you will receive dividend income and the stocks might gain in value. Another example of an income-producing asset is a house. You can buy a house and rent out some rooms to generate income to help pay the mortgage.

It's not easy to think about retirement when you are in your 20s or 30s, but your future self will be very grateful you did so.

If you would like free financial consulting or guidance on the above information, please free to contact: Nishant “Rayyan” Lakhani at (832) 236-8400.

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