SOUTH INDIAN WEDDING

THE RITUALS AND THE RATIONALEAS YOU ENTER YOU SEE..../ USHERING-IN OF THE BRIDEGROOM / GANAPATI PUJA / NANDI DEVATA PUJA / NAVAGRAHA PUJA / VRATHAM / KASI YATRA / VAAKU NICHAYA MUHOORTHAM / EXCHANGE OF GARLANDS / OONCHAL / PAALIKAI- SEEDS SOWING / VARA PUJA / KANYA DHAANAM /THE BRIDEGROOM’S ASSURANCE / KANKANA DHARANAM / MAANGALYA DHARANAM / PAANI GRAHANAM / SAPTHA PADHI / PRADHAANA HOMAM / TREADING ON THE GRINDSTONE / SHOWING HER THE "ARUNDHATI " STAR / LAAJA HOMAM / SHOWERING OF ‘AKSHADAI’ / GRIHA PRAVESAM / NALUNGU / THE NIGHT TIME HOMAMS  / THAAMBOOLA CHARVANAM & BALA DHAANAM / MANGALA ARATHI / SHANTI MUHOORTHAM

THE RITUALS AND THE RATIONALE

The Hindu Wedding Ceremony has a number of rituals and customs most of which are often labelled as superstitious or time wasting. It is believed to be nothing but rituals more rituals. But have we asked ourselves what a " Ritual " is? A ritual begins as a creative rational action to express a sentiment or idea – like the lighting of lamp to dispel darkness at twilight or folding of hands into a "Namaste" to greet an elder. As more and more people succeeding generation repeat the action it becomes a convention – then a RITUAL. A ritual is thus an action on which time has set its seal of approval.

The Ritual of the Hindu Wedding too is each symbolic of beautiful and noble sentiments. Unfortunately today many parents and couples perform them without an awareness of the rich meaning behind them.

A modest attempt has therefore been made to briefly describe the meaning and significance of the rituals of a Tamil Brahmin Wedding. Mostly this are applicable to any other Hindu section. For the elders, this information may be superfluous but it is hoped the younger generation, especially those yet to be married, may find this useful.

So let us take you around . . . . .

As you enter you see . . .

• Full-grown plantain trees tied to both the gateposts – Eternal tree of evergreen plenty for endless generations!
• Festoons overhead of mango leaves, and screw-pine petals that never fade!
• Notes of the Nadaswaram, the South Indian Shehnai!
• Kolam or Rangoli designs at the doorsteps – an artistic welcome!
• At threshold of the hall, sprinklings of rosewater, offerings of flower, sandal batter, sugar candy!

THE EVENING PREVIOUS TO THE MARRIAGE DAY

USHERING-IN OF THE BRIDEGROOM

On the evening prior to the wedding day, the bridegroom is to be brought in a procession from a temple in a flower decorated car. He is escorted by the bride’s parents, and welcome at the marriage mandap, which is the bride’s abode. Nadaswaram band leads the way along the streets, the flower decorated car jam-packed with children.

This is a social function, called JANA VASAM in South India and BARAAT in North India.

Through such a parade, public approval is sought of the groom, chosen by the family.

After reaching the marriage hall, there is a formal ceremony of betrothal.

ON THE WEDDING DAY

THE PRELIMINARY INVOCATION

‘GANAPATI PUJA’As in an inauguration of any function so also in a marriage – Ganapati, the God of Initiation is invoked, to keep away all impediments.

‘NANDI DEVATA PUJA’
There are several presiding deities – the Nandi Devatas. To propitiate them, a leaf-laden branch of the pipal tree is installed, and an ablution with milk is performed by five Sumangalis (housewife, with husband living). This puja is followed by a presentation of a dhothi, and a saree to the marrying couple.

‘NAVAGRAHA PUJA’This is performed to propitiate the nine astral planets that rule over man’s destiny.

VRATHAM The marriage ceremonies begin with the Vratham performed separately by the bride and the groom. For the bride, it means the tying of the KAPPU – the holy thread on her wrist which is meant to ward off all evil spirits. It symbolises a kind of the protective armour for the bride. For the groom, the various Gods – Indra, Soma, Chandra, Agni. From there on, the groom prepares himself for a new chapter in his life as a householder or Grihasta. The days of his bachelorhood or brahmacharya are now over and the acceptance of this is all what the Vratham is about.

‘KASI YATRA’This a very important part of the ceremony. Immediately after his student-life, the young bachelor has two alternatives before him – Married life ( Grihasta ) or asceticism ( Sanyas ). Being by nature escapist, he prefers the ascetic life to the tribulations of married life. He therefore ‘makes his way’ to kasi (VARANASI), complete with slippers, umbrella, bamboo fan etc. On his way, the bride’s father intervenes and advises him of the superiority of married life to ascetic life. He also promises to give him his daughter as companion to face the challenge of life. The umbrella is to remain with groom, to remind him in the future, of this advice.the real tradition.

(However there are different view points on this aspect. Given below is an observation by Sri. Narayan of Malaysia :

During the wedding ceremony the groom is welcomed as Mahavishnu Svarupaya varahaya ie maha vishnu himself ( or the Siva the equivalent in the Adi Saiva tradition ) and the bride as Lakshmi. Thence , it is imperative he knows no sin, thence he needs to perform a yatra to kashi , submerge in Ganges and comes and does the wedding purified.

In the days of yore , when a man after education takes a yatra like this ( it takes up some months, sometimes a year on foot) , he gets to see the world , otherwise which he would not have been exposed to , thence from Brahmacharya , before moving to grahasta ashrama he come experienced and purified, disiplined ( goal oriented) and fit to take up the challenges of married life. And those days the groom would have been engaged ( nischya dartha) , and proceeds on this yatra and is welcomed back after the father in-law etc after coming back, with this words Maha Vishnu Svarupaya, and given the kanya dhana.

Samnyasa and Grathasta ashrama are both pillars of the society , which is still relevant and have positive contributions to society.This has to be clearly understood.

Narayan, Malaysia )

‘VAAKU NICHAYA MUHOORTHAM’At the marriage hall, the bride’s father and the bridegroom’s father facing each other, solemnise the final betrothal ceremony, the vedic priest chanting the relevant hymns-in which the names of the bride, the bridegroom, as well as the names of their three generations of ancestors, are cited in presence of friends, relatives, and invitees.

The manthras say : "O God Varuna, Be she harmless to my brothers and sisters! Oh Brihaspathi! May she no evil to her husband! O Lord Indra! Bless her to be a good guardian of her children! O Surya!Bless her with all wealths! "

EXCHANGE OF GARLANDS The bride and the groom are lifted to the shoulders of their respective uncles; and in that position the two garland each other thrice for a complete union. A garland worn by a person, should not be used by another, ordain our shastras. Here the exchange of garlands symbolises their unification – as one soul in two bodies. It is inward acceptance by each of the very fragrance of the other.

‘OONCHAL’

SWING, RIDE AND SINGING OF LAALIThen, the marrying couple is seated on a swing ( OONCHAL); they rock forth and back, as the ladies around sing – LAALI, songs to praise to the couple. The chains of the swing signify the eternal Karmic link with Almighty above; the to-and-fro motion represent the undulating sea-waves of life; yet, in mind and body they shall move in harmony unperturbed, steady and stable.

‘PAALIKAI’ SEEDS SOWINGThis is fertility rite. Paalikais are earthen pots prepared a day earlier – pots spread at the base with hariali grass and Bael leaves (Vilvam); nine kinds of pre-soaked cereals are ceremonially sown in these pots by Sumangalis. After the marriage, the sprouted seedlings are released in a river or pool. This ritual invokes the blessings of the eight-direction-quartered guardian angles, for a healthy life and progeny to the couple.

‘VARA PUJA’The feet of the bridegroom is washed in milk, and wiped off with silk.

Water, and lighted lamps are circulated around the swing in order to guard the couple against demons and ghosts.

Coloured globules of cooked rice are waved in circular motion, and thrown away – to propitiate the evil spirits.

‘KANYA DHAANAM’The bride is made to sit on her father’s lap and is given away as gift by him, to the bridegroom.

On the girl’s head, a ring made with Kusa, the sacred grass called DARBHA, is placed, and over it, is placed a yoke; the Gold Mangal Sutra ( or THAALI ) is placed right on the aperture of the yoke, and water is poured through the aperture. The Mantras chanted at this time, say:

"Let this gold multiply your wealth! Let this water purify your married life, and may your prosperity increase. Offer yourself to your husband! "

The bride then is given an auspicious ablution, and an exclusive new KOORAI Saree is draped around her – this is done by the sister of the bridegroom.

To bride in her new saree, a belt made of reed-grass is tied around the waist. The manthras chant:

"She standeth here, pure before the holy fire, as one blessed with boons of a good mind, a healthy body, life-long companionship of her husband ( Sumangali Bhagyam ) and children with long life. She standeth as one who is avowed to stand by her husband virtuously. Be she tied with this red-grass rope, to the sacrament of marriage! "

Thanks giving vedic hymns follow to the celestial caretakers of her childhood: the Deities of SOMA, GANDHARVA and AGNI. Having attained nobility, the girl is now free to be given over to the care of the human – her man.

The Vedic concepts underlying this ritual is figuratively this: that in her infant stage, SOMA had given her coolness of the moon, and strength; in the next stage, GANDHARVA had given her bodily beauty; and lastly AGNI gave her passions.

The father of the bride, while offering his daughter chants: "I offer ye my daughter, a maiden virtuous, good-natured, very wise, decked with ornaments to the best of my ability-; that she shall guard the Dharma, Wealth, and Love! "

THE BRIDEGROOM’S ASSURANCEThus offering her daughter, her father gets a word of assurance three times that the bridegroom shall remain for ever her companion in joy and sorrow – in this life, and after death too!

‘KANKANA DHARANAM’The bride ties a string fastened to a piece of turmeric, around the wrist of the bridegroom – to bind themselves by a religious vow. It is only after tying the Kankanam that the bridegroom gets the right to touch the bride. A little later, the bridegroom ties a Kankanam on the bride’s wrist.

‘MAANGALYA DHARANAM’Next, timed to exact auspicious hour, is the tying of the Mangala Sutra ( Thaali ). The bride seated over a sheaf of grain-laden hay, looking eastward, and the bridegroom facing westward, ties the gold Mangala Sutra around the neck of the bride. As he does so, the Nadaswaram drums are beaten loud and fast, so as to muffle any inauspicious sounds at the critical hour. This is called Getti Melam; as it sounds, the Sumangali ladies sing "GOURI KALYANAME, VAIBHOGAMAY! "

Three knots are tied – the first one by the bridegroom, the other two knots by his sister to make the bride a parts of the boy’s family. The Vedic hymn recited by the bridegroom when he ties the knot, is: " Praying the Almighty that I be blessed with a long life, I tie this knot around your neck, oh soubhaygavati, may providence bestow on you a fulfilling life of a ‘Sumangalis’ for a hundred years to come! "

‘PAANI GRAHANAM’This means "holding hands". The groom holds the hand of the bride. The Manthras say: The Devas have offered you to me in order that I may live the life of a householder ( GRIHASTA ); we shall not part from each other even after we grow old! "

‘SAPTHA PADHI’Holding the bride’s hand, the bridegroom walks seven steps with her. This is the most important part of the marriage ceremony, and only when they walk seven steps together ( i.e. perform SAPTHA PADHI ) is the marriage complete legally. The belief is that when one walks 7 steps with another, one becomes the another’s friend. The manthras recited then, mean: "Ye who have walked seven steps with me, become my companion, where by I acquire your friendship. We shall remain together inseparable. Let us make a vow together; we shall share love, share the same food, and share the strength, the same tastes. We shall be of one mind, we shall observe the vow together. I shall be the SAMA, you the RIG: I shall be the Upper World, you the earth; I shall be the SUKHILAM, you the HOLDER – together we shall live, beget children, and other riches, come thou, O sweet-worded girl! "

‘PRADHAANA HOMAM’A crucial part of the wedding is the homage paid by the couple to AGNI, the fire- God. They circle around the fire, and feed it with ghee, and twigs of nine types of trees, as sacrificial fuel. The fumes that arise, are supposed to possess medicinal, curative and cleansing effects on the bodies of the couple.

AGNI, the mightiest power in the cosmos, the sacred purifier, the all-round benefactor, is deemed as a witness to the marriage (AGNI SAAKSHI )

TREADING ON THE GRINDSTONE Holding the bride’s left foot toe, the bridegroom helps her tread on a grindstone kept on the right side of the fire. The Manthras says: "Mount up this stone. Let thy mind be roc-firm, unperturbed, by the trials and tribulations of life! "

SHOWING HER THE "ARUNDHATI " STARNext he shows her the Star ARUNDHATI ( of the SAPTHA RISHI Constellation ), as also DHRUVA the polestar. Arundhati, the wife of VASISHTA Mahrishi, is exemplified as an ideal wife, the embodiment of chastity. DHRUVA is the one who attained immortality through single-minded devotion and perseverance – virtues to be emulated through out married life.

‘LAAJA HOMAM’This shall comprise the bride’s own offering to the sacrificial fire. As she is forbidden to do it herself, her brother helps her. He gives her a handful of parched rice grains which she hands to bridegroom who on her behalf, feeds it into the fire. Through this food offering, the bride seeks a long life for her husband, and propagation of the family. Participation of the bride’s family members indicates the continuance of links between the two families, even after marriage. The couple circle around the fire, three times, and the feeding of the fire with parched rice, is repeated thrice.

SHOWERING OF ‘AKSHADAI’Akshadai, i.e. rice-grains coated with turmeric and saffron, are showered on the couple, by elders and invitees – as benediction.

‘GRIHA PRAVESAM’Taking with her, fire from the Laaja Homam, the bride takes leave of her home, and enters the new home of her in-laws. The vedic hymns now sound likes the mother’s words of advice to her daughter: "Be the queen of your husband’s home. May your husband glorify your virtues; conduct yourself in such a way that you win your mother-in-law’s love, and be in the good books of your sister’s-in-law."

‘NALUNGU’The evening of the marriage day is the time to relax and play. The newly wed wife calls her husband for play, inviting him through a song. Much to the merriment of one and all gathered, there follows list of playful items: the bride anointing the groom’s feet with colour paste ; fanning him, showing him a mirror; breaking papads over each other’s head; wrenching the betel pack from each other’s hand; rolling the coconut from one to another as in ball-play; and so on. During these items, the ladies sing songs poking fun at the bride, groom and the in-laws.

These events brings out many qualities of the bride and the groom – sporting spirit, kindness, strength, co-operative nature etc.

THE NIGHT TIME HOMAMS

• THE JAYAATHI HOMAM – is performed to propitiate the Gandharvas and deities.
• PRAVESA HOMAM – is done to solemnise the bride’s entry in to the husband’s home. The sacrificial fire is brought along by the bride.
• SESHA HOMAM – is Fire oblation with the residual ghee, a little of which is sprinkled on the bride’s head four times.

THAAMBOOLA CHARVANAM & BALA DHAANAMThe girl’s brother gives the ceremonial first betel to the couple to chew. Certain other gifts are made to bless the couple with children and long life.

MANGALA ARATHIA solution of lime and turmeric powder, and in colour, is prepared on a plate, and circled around, and thrown away to ward off evil eye. This is done a number of times during the entire wedding ceremony, and at the end.

SHANTI MUHOORTHAMThe consummation of the marriage at night – the nuptials!

Emma Watson short hair as the most influential hairstyle

The fact,haircut style of Hollywood celebrities often inspire people to change the appearance. Last year,pixie hairstyle of Emma Watsonand Justin Bieber haircut even elected as the most influential hairstyle.

This is based on the discovery of the Google search engine. Many of internet users, choose the model haircuts Harry Potter star, Emma Watson, and the singer of 'Baby', Justin Bieber.coiffurethese two artists, able to influence many people to change hair like their appearance.

Some beauty experts even claim that the short hair style and models of Emma Watson and Justin Bieber into trends last year. Some salons also revealed that they were swamped by customer demand to change the appearance of hair like Emma pixie style and Bieber swish.

As quoted from page Daily Mail, Salon Director and Manager, Michael Lendon at the Aveda Institute in London reported that the number of women who require  short haircuts increased dramatically since Emma watson changed her hair look with short pieces.

Emma Watson haircut

"This is the first year since the late 90's short hairstyleis really trendy," he told MailOnline.

"Obviously there are many women who are often asked for a short haircut But, ever since Emma Watson cut her hair, her new look style became much more popular than other artists," he added.

Seeing stars like Emma Watson managed to change the view to inspire women to transform long hair into short, is full of risks. However, the likes of Emma Watson, Michelle Williams, Carey Mulligan, and Halle Berry managed to show more feminine look through theshort hair.

"My client, often need to look at a person's appearance to be an inspiration. They may want to cut hair shorter, but need to see someone, like the artist, which made them realize that they still can be sexy if it looked like it," said Michael.

Justin Bieber hair

But, while women are attracted to imitate the style of Emma Watson's hair, he actually reluctant to cite the appearance of Bieber hair to influence their style.

"He would never say they want to look like Justin Bieber," said Michael. "But, they may describe themselves want to look presentable to the edge of the Bieber hair sweepy."

"They would often explain that they girlfriend were eager boyfriend like Bieber," he said.

Even so, anyone can inspire you to change the look of shorter hair, still the decision is yours. Do not be too hasty when wanted short hair. Although the number of requests for short haircut is on the rise, he warns that you must be absolutely sure to decide want short hair.

Emma Watson short hair

"Keep in mind your hair grows six inches per year. You have to really be ready for it. I always tell my clients to be sure, they really need to be sure if want to cut off hair," he said.

21-year star, who recently signed a contract deal to promote the cosmetics brand Lancome, said cut her long hair made she feel free.

"It feels amazing. I loved it," said Emma Watson to Entertainment Weekly at the time. "I want to do this since the age of 16 years, so as soon as I can, I do."

New anti-wrinkle cream will trick human cells into regenerating themselves

A new range of anti-ageing creams which ‘trick’ human skin cells into regenerating themselves is expected this year.
The products, designed to smooth out wrinkles and repair damaged skin, have been designed by experts in ‘glycobiology’, the science of using naturally occurring sugars to improve health.
L’Oreal hopes its attempt to harness the technology, registered as Glycanactif, will prove a popular addition to the £2billion British cosmetics market.

Ruling out the wrinkles: Scientists claim they have found a cream that can help skin cells regenerate

Artificial chemicals have been developed to mimic the behaviour of natural chemicals which penetrate the surface and stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
These natural chemicals become less active with age, so it is hoped the cream would cause a manufactured stimulus to the skin to hopefully improve its condition and appearance as if the body was much younger.
Researchers are reported to have found improvements in skin’s elasticity, thickness and smoothness.
Bruno Bernard, research director at L’Oreal, said: ‘There is still much more to cell signalling and the ageing process, but all the cosmetics we had before were acting on the surface.
‘Now we are able to create a rejuvenating effect on the deeper levels of the skin.’

Fountain of youth? Researchers are reported to have found improvements in skin¿s elasticity, thickness and smoothness after testing the chemicals

Similar technology in glycobiology has led to the medical advances such as a vaccine against fatal infant flu. It is also expected to be a key element in the fight against cancer.
Peter Seeberger, a director at the Max Planck Institute in Berlin, has been working with L’Oreal on the project, said: ‘The research has shown clear beneficial biochemical changes [to skin quality], both in the laboratory and in human studies.’
He added: ‘I’m interested in health, not face paint, but I was very surprised to find out how much real scientific experimentation was going on in a cosmetics company.
‘I could see a value for our work in collaborating with them.’
L’Oreal could not be contacted yesterday to discuss the price of any new cosmetics due for release in 2012.
But Richard Gallo, a professor of dermatology at the University of California in San Diego, says there is still room for more research into the creams.
He told the Sunday Times: ‘The study results are surprisingly good, but we don’t know if these molecules are really getting into the skin or how the beneficial effect works.’
He added: ‘There are a number of companies looking into this area. The optimistic side of me says it does have the potential... but the pessimist in me says it might be just another piece of hype.’

Beauty confidential: Top treats for under a tenner!

Don’t panic if you’ve left everything to the last minute, our gift guide has something lovely for everyone on your list — and even better, nothing costs more then £10.

Season's treats: Here's a list of things you can slip into almost anyone's stocking

MAGICAL MUM

Soap & Glory Peace  Hand Love, £10 (Boots)

Perfect for leaving next to the sink, this hand pampering kit includes Wash Your Hands Of It liquid soap and Hand Food hand cream. Smells delicious.

NSpa Relax Exotic Spa  Retreats, £8 (Asda)

This big box of goodies will be loved by any mum. It contains hand soak, hand lotion, body spray, pillow mist, hair conditioning treatment and a giant body scrubbing puff. Fantastic value in a box they’ll want to keep.

Comfort and Crumbs Gift Set, £8 (Asda)

A huge gift set in pretty vintage style packaging, it contains bath fizz, bath confetti, body lotion, body scrub, body wash and cosy slipper socks.

PAMPERED PA

Mr Grumpy Soap on a Rope, £4.49 (Sally Salon Services)

A fun gift that can be hung in the shower to remind them to cheer up in the mornings.

Blue Energy Body Spray and Shower Gel Duo Gift set, £6, (M&S)

Scented with bergamot, pine and apple, this gift set is a lovely bright blue, with full-sized products. Great for dads who don’t like fussy toiletries, it looks and smells classy.

Ted Baker Soap For The Best Duo Gift Set, £10 (Boots)

this is a little piece of designer luxury at a great price. Scented with sandalwood, cedarwood and musk, the set includes soap on a rope, body wash and body spray in a gift box.

From left: NSpa Relax Exotic Spa Retreat Pampering Treats, Mr Grumpy Soap on a Rope and Brrrr-illiant box from Lush

LADY IN YOUR LIFE

Perfect Sanctuary  Essentials, £10 (Boots)

this contains Essentials Body Wash, Body Scrub, Foaming Bath Soak, Body Lotion and Luxury Bath Float. Should last for a few relaxing evenings.

Baylis & Harding Beautilicious Pink Cashmere Set, £7.99 (Sally Salon Services and Tesco)

A gorgeous set containing bath milk, shower gel, hand and body lotion and body polisher scented with a Pink Cashmere fragrance in an elegant box.

Lush Brrrrilliant, £7.95 (nationwide)

Lush gifts are beautifully packaged and ready to pop under the tree. This box contains Whoosh shower jelly and Snow Globe soap, both with zesty lemon and grapefruit oils.

MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Natural Men’s Heated Pillow, £4.99 (Superdrug)

Great for aches and pains, this green mint-scented pillow takes less than a minute to heat in the microwave and will also help relieve stress and tension.

Men’s Maca Root Gift Duo, £8 (thebodyshop.co.uk)

Containing Maca Root from Peru and Brazil nut oil, this face scrub and face wash are invigorating and refreshing. A good gift for the man who enjoys no-fuss skin products.

Champneys Men’s Spa Essentials Refreshing Duo, £10, (Boots)

packaged in masculine colours and generously-sized, this set contains  24-hour protection deodorant and a body and hair wash.

From left: Natural Men's heated pillow, mini hair straighteners and a woods of Windsor fragrance pomander

GLAM GIRL

MUA Professional Immaculate  Collection, £8 (Superdrug)

A GOOD value eye shadow palette containing 24 highly-pigmented eye shadows in both matte and shimmer. A lovely gift for the girl who has everything.

Santa’s Little Helpers Gift Set from Bliss, £10 (Debenhams)

This gift set is a mix of hand and lip products. Containing Fabulips, a lip-softening balm and a trial-sized tube of High Intensity Hand Cream.

Things I Love … Mini Hair  Straighteners, £9.99 (Superdrug)

In bright pink, these are perfect for popping into a handbag to take you from day into evening and are also great for travelling.

GRANDPARENTS

Yardley Perfumed Talc and Luxury Soap Gift Set, £8.99 (Boots)

Lots of women still love talc, and it doesn’t come more traditional than this gift box from Yardley. Choose from English Lavender, Lily of the Valley or English Rose, with a generous-sized tin of talc and a pretty soap.

Baylis & Harding For  Him 3 Pack, £8.99 (Tesco)

VALUE for money gift set containing hair and body wash, aftershave balm and shower gel, all lightly fragranced with black pepper and ginseng.  

Woods of Windsor Fragrance Pomander, £9.95 (Lloyds pharmacies)

pretty pomanders, which gently fragrance the air, and are perfect for hanging along with Christmas baubles. They’re  a good size and decorated with flowers. Choose from True Rose or Lavender.

From left: Yardley luxury soap gift set, Floozie by Frost French Tea Cup Candle and Gilette gift set

BEST FRIEND

Limited Edition Born Lippy Gift Pop, £10 (The Body Shop)

This is a unique lip balm set that looks like a giant lollipop stick, containing five lip balms in Strawberry, Raspberry, Satsuma Shimmer, Watermelon and Passionberry.

Cath Kidston Wild Flowers Shower Gels Set, £6 (Cath Kidston stores)

These travel-friendly sized tubes of shower gels are perfect for a weekend away. In pretty rose print packaging, there are three fragrances of honeysuckle, bluebell and wild rose. They contain no parabens or sulphates.

Floozie by Frost French  Tea Cup Candle, £10 (Debenhams)

This fabulous range always has something special for Christmas and this tea cup candle is perfect for a dressing table.

GORGEOUS GUY

Jump Start Pack, £9.99 (Sainsbury’s)

This Moosehead gift pack contains Gritty Styling Clay to give hair a strong hold, and Invigorate Hair and Body Wash, a refreshing and reviving wash, as well as a loofah.

FCUK Man and Bodywash, £8 (Boots)

Containing full-sized products of Urban Body Spray and Bodywash, this classy gift set is scented with refreshing citrus, amber and musk.

Gillette Urban Explorer Washbag, £10 (Boots)

A robust toiletries bag contains a Fusion ProGlide Razor, mini moisturiser and Cool Wave deodorant. Great for boys who play sport.

SURVIVAL TIPS FROM SAVVY SHOPPERS

Lulu says: 'Always wear flat shoes. Decant your bag so it¿s as light as possible or, better yet, use a small bag with a cross body strap with essentials only'

With only three days to go, there’s nothing for it but to hit the High Street and face the Christmas crowds. Help lighten the load with some top survival tips from these self-confessed retail junkies.

Nicky Kinnaird, founder and president of SpaceNK

Shop alone, because having to deal with someone else’s dilemmas is never helpful and definitely will distract you from the job at hand. I also always carry a small bottle of water to keep thirst at bay.
Don’t forget to pick up wrapping paper, ribbon and cards — you don’t want to be heading back into the fray later on.

Lulu, singer and 2011 Strictly Come Dancing contestant

Always wear flat shoes. Decant your bag so it’s as light as possible or, better yet, use a small bag with a cross body strap with essentials only. Go early before shops get too busy. Ask for gift wrapping if they have it — it saves so much time. And buy yourself a little something as a reward!

Retail shopping expert  Lorna Mackay

Talk to the sales assistants. The staff should be polite, knowledgeable and keen to please and if they are not, shop somewhere else.
Ask what promotions they have, what their best deal is and what their recommendations are. Will they do any specials for Christmas?
Ask about gift receipts and if there are any benefits if you are buying more than one, or if you spend a certain amount.
Do not be embarrassed to ask. If you don’t ask you will not get. It is okay if they say no, but at least they know you mean business.

Catch the beauty bug Friendly bacteria aren't just good for your tummy - they can boost your skin...

Many people believe that the so-called ‘friendly bacteria’ in yoghurts do wonders for the digestion. New research even claims that these ingredients can help boost our immune systems and control weight.
But probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (essential fuel for the beneficial bacteria) aren’t only good for our tummies, they’re also the latest buzzword in beauty — tackling everything from acne to ageing, skin sensitivity to dehydration.
Clinique, Lancome, Chantecaille, Nude and Revive are just a few of the brands injecting bugs into anti-ageing serums and moisturisers in the belief they help soothe and plump the skin — and can even turn back the clock.
The idea is that probiotics and prebiotics can improve the balance of bacteria in your skin, in the same way they are known to improve it in your gut.
We all have good and bad bacteria already present in our skin, called skin microflora. However, anything from overly astringent cleansers to sunburn and alcohol can disturb the balance of bacteria, which, in turn, affects the skin, causing it to become sensitive or develop acne or eczema.

Two respected studies have shown that topical probiotics significantly helped eczema and acne by restoring levels of ‘good’ bacteria in the skin.

  

More...

• Master strokes: Perfect your look with these make-up brushes
• Treatment of the week: Make a fresh start to the year with a body purifying MOT

But before you start slapping a yoghurt drink on your face, experts say that the probiotics used in creams are designed to penetrate the skin in a way that live yoghurt is not able to. They also contain different strains of bacteria.
Clinique has been researching the beauty benefits of friendly bacteria for the past ten years and has found that probiotic creams soothe general irritation and inflammation — which is why it has added a bacteria called Lactobacillus to its Redness Solutions Makeup.
So can these friendly bugs help reduce signs of ageing as well as soothing skin? The British skincare company Nude was the first to develop a whole brand of skincare around friendly bacteria. When it launched its Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum, which contained a very high concentration of probiotics, in September 2010, it sold out worldwide.

Holding back the years: Model Helena Christensen, left, and actress Kim Cattrall are fans of Nude's Advanced Cellular Renewal Moisturiser

Celebrities including Helena Christensen, Uma Thurman, Kim Cattrall and Erin O’Connor claimed it was a ‘knock-out’. Three months ago, the company launched its Advanced Cellular Renewal Moisturiser.
‘We are very excited about how probiotics work with the skin to correct ageing, repairing damage and accelerating cellular renewal, so we use them in high concentrations in all our anti-ageing products,’ says Emma Newman, product manager for Nude.

Gut feeling

In a healthy adult colon, there can be up to 500 species of bacteria

‘Probiotics also stimulate the skin’s immune system, repairing natural defences, preventing collagen damage and hydrating skin, thereby slowing the ageing process.’ 
Nude claims that its ‘probiotic technology’ reduces cellular damage by up to 50 per cent, activates cellular renewal by up to 70 per cent while reducing skin irritation by up to 35 per cent, but the trials that came to these conclusions were very small.
Still, Nude is not the only brand to be convinced of the potential of probiotics. Lancome’s top-selling serum Genifique and L’Oreal Paris’s Youth Code contain bacterial extracts for the same reasons.

Sell out: Nude's popular serum contains a high concentration of probiotics

For now, however, the experts urge caution. The research into probiotic creams is still in its infancy and for some the proof that it helps combat wrinkles just isn’t there yet. ‘I think there is a lot of hope and hype here,’ says Dr Nick Lowe, consultant dermatologist.
‘While there is some evidence probiotic creams can help with eczema and acne, the research is not there yet to prove it can be anti-ageing.
‘It’s true that if you can reduce inflammation, you can reduce the rate of ageing, but there are  many ways to do this that don’t involve probiotics.
‘People should also understand that normal healthy skin has its own very good system for managing bacteria.’
The experts advise sticking  to your probiotic supplements  or yoghurts for general well-being and maybe trying probiotic creams if you have sensitive, spot-prone skin.
As for turning back the clock — we’ll have to wait and see.

Real life couple - and that moment she was not a character in a film but a bride': Twilight wedding dress designer Carolina Herrera on how Kristen Stewart was 'moved' by gown

With the exception of the Duchess of Cambridge, the wedding dress worn by Twilight's Bella in the new Breaking Dawn: Part 1 film was one of the most eagerly-anticipated of last year.
And for actress Kristen Stewart, it seems, the gown was more than just a costume.
In the new issue of Town & Country Weddings, designer Carolina Herrera revealed that the actress was visibly emotional when trying on the dress.

Moved: Kristen Stewart, pictured as Bella with Edward (Robert Pattinson) in Twilight: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, was visibly emotional when trying on the gown

She said: 'We did three fittings. When she initially put on the dress and looked over her shoulder into the mirror, she was very moved.
'In that moment she was not an actress or a character in a film but instead a bride, and a happy one at that.'
Of course it is not lost on us that Miss Stewart's real-life beau is her co-star Robert Pattinson, and Mrs Herrera's revelation brings new significance to the scene.

Emotional moment: Wedding dress designer Carolina Herrera said the actress seemed like any other happy bride-to-be during fittings

Mrs Herrera, a veteran of the fashion industry who has worked with women as varied as Jackie O and Christina Hendricks, also described how the design of the dress came about.
'I took into consideration the character of Bella and Kristen’s portrayal of her, and what this fantasy character would choose to wear for the most important day of her life,' she said.
'It's made of a crepe satin with two inserts on the front and beautiful silk thread topstitching.

Top-secret project: Mrs Herrera spent six months designing the gown, working closely with Twilight author Stephenie Meyer

'The neckline is a slight V, just enough to see the collarbones. The back is oval-shaped, with a Chantilly lace border veiled in tulle.
'It's very romantic, and when all the details come together, it creates a vision specific to Bella’s style and personality.'
The gown, which was apparently inspired by vampire Edward's Edwardian heyday, took six months to realise, and the designer worked closely with Twilight author Stephenie Meyer.

Art imitating life: Since meeting on-set, the movie series' stars have been dating in real life for the past couple of years

It was worth the effort though. Mr Pattinson told the Today Show last November: 'It's an incredible dress. She looks amazing.'
Since the film was released at the end of last year, replica gowns have gone on sale for $799 at Alfred Angelo boutiques.
And Mrs Herrera will be selling more high-end versions for brides-to-be that may be prepared to part with $35,000.

A powerful new alliance with the Queen.Organic hair dye to hide (whisper it) the first hints of grey.

Rarely can a woman facing 30 truly say her life is just beginning. For most, it is one of those grin-and-bear-it milestones, made all the more manageable by a stiff gin and tonic.
But the Duchess of Cambridge, she of the preternaturally glossy hair (reportedly thanks to a newly applied organic vegetable dye, of which more later) and storybook romance, is entering not only her fourth decade, but also the most challenging and exciting phase of her life.
Earlier this week, St James’s Palace finally announced details of the first clutch of lifelong royal patronages Kate has agreed to take on — charity work, of course, being the mainstay of the Royal Family.
The announcement was a long time in the coming — eight months after her wedding, to be exact — thanks to the royal household’s almost fanatically cautious approach to her duties.
It is an attitude that has, on occasions, left Kate open to ridicule (Duchess of Dolittle is one of the less flattering monikers she has acquired).
After all, in her first year of marriage William’s own mother, Princess Diana, undertook more than 170 official engagements — compared to the mere 34 Kate has racked up so far.
Even the Duchess of Cornwall — once cattily dubbed the laziest woman in Britain — threw herself into royal duties following her marriage at the age of 57 to Prince Charles and notches up a respectable 250 engagements a year.
The Duchess is aware of such criticism, but with the support of William and, more crucially, that of the Queen, she has stuck to her guns and refused to commit to a full-time public role.
At 85 and about to celebrate 60 glorious years on the throne, William’s grandmother has several lifetimes of experience under her belt and is determined to avoid the mistakes the family made by throwing a 19-year-old Diana headlong into the bear-pit of public life.
The monarch believes quite firmly that the Royal Family should let Kate — of whom she has already grown extremely fond — enjoy some time as an ‘ordinary’ military wife before a lifetime of public service calls.
So the Duchess has spent the past four months working her way through applications from the  hundreds of charities that contacted the Palace begging for her backing after the Royal Wedding and asking her staff to approach organisations on her behalf.

 More...

• No big birthday bash for Kate as she celebrates 30th with 'low-key, private' family event
• Kate Middleton, the little Brownie who grew up to be leader of the pack

The fact that she has only chosen to become, initially, patron of four relatively small charities — Action On Addiction, the National Portrait Gallery, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and The Art Room — plus taking on an ad-hoc role with the Scouts, is part of her determination to become intimately involved with causes close to her heart, rather than spread her largesse too thinly.
‘It is impossible to predict whether her engagements will rapidly raise in the next year, but they will be broadly in line with those of her husband, the Duke (who carried out 90 last year),’ said one senior aide this week.
‘The couple are in a unique stage of their life and the Royal Family are very supportive indeed of their prioritising a lower-profile life and spending time together.’

The Queen believes that the Royal Family should let Kate enjoy some time as an 'ordinary' military wife

The military is a huge part of Kate’s life and — contrary to reports that she has ‘begged’ William not to leave her for his posting with the RAF to the Falkland Islands next month — the increasingly confident Duchess is actually planning to use his absence to launch her solo royal role.
‘It is a natural moment for her to step out on her own,’ said one involved in the process.
‘Until now she has been taking a back seat as all of the engagements she and her husband have conducted have been associated with the Duke’s charities.
'William is hugely protective of his wife, but is also very proud of her and agrees that she is more than ready to set off on her own.’
Nor is it is true that a bereft Kate is planning to move in as a guest of Charles and Camilla at Clarence House while William is away over February and much of March.
The couple have two homes — their rented farmhouse close to William’s base at RAF Valley on Anglesey and two-bedroom Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace, which they use as their London base.
Both residences are deliberately unstuffy. In North Wales, the couple have a part-time cleaner who comes in for a couple of hours a week, but no formal domestic staff, while in London they are, I can reveal, about to employ a part-time housekeeper.
The new member of staff’s duties will include cleaning, running domestic errands and basic grocery shopping — although Kate insists she will still do the bulk of it herself in her local Waitrose on Kensington High Street. The Duchess also does all the couple’s cooking herself (with occasional help from William).
And she has continued to refuse the offer of either a dresser to help with her working wardrobe (which most senior female royals have) or even a lady-in-waiting (Diana appointed eight in the first six years of marriage), a position with which many had linked her sister, Pippa.
Kate does, however, have at least one ‘Girl Friday’ in her husband’s 11-strong office.

The increasingly confident Duchess is planning to use Prince William's absence to launch her solo royal role

Rebecca Deacon, a Home Counties sort in her 20s, was first employed by William and his brother to work on their Concert For Diana in 2007.
She quietly moved to the Princes’ private office as a ‘project officer’ when William and Kate’s engagement was announced in November 2010, but her real brief has been looking after Kate, particularly when meeting members of the public.
Having a woman on the staff is particularly useful when it comes to accompanying her on what courtiers quaintly call the royal ‘comfort breaks’ — popping to the loo in common parlance — as well as holding her handbag, introducing her to the right people and gathering up bouquets.
William and Kate’s long-standing personal private secretary, Helen Asprey, has also appointed a female PA dedicated to dealing with the couple on a day-to-day basis — making travel arrangements, booking hair appointments and the like.
Hair appointments, of course, have become something of a regular occurrence for the Duchess, who sports what is arguably one of the most admired styles in the world.
Now she is 30, even Kate needs, dare one say it, a little helping hand to keep those tumbling tresses in tip-top condition.
Indeed, impeccably placed sources have told me that the Duchess has, to her horror, started finding the odd grey hair (‘stress highlights’, her friends joke) and has been having an organic vegetable-based dye and subtle low-lights applied during regular four-hour sessions at the Richard Ward Hair And Metrospa in Chelsea.
But that's not to say she is anywhere near becoming one of those self-indulgent, pampered princess-types.
Kate is still a sporty, outdoors sort at heart — last week she was pictured running across a field as she played with her family dogs — but has, almost inevitably, given the levels of public scrutiny to which she is now subjected, become far more conscious of her looks.
Whether this has also led to her much commented-on weight loss is open to speculation.
Sources close to her vehemently insist she merely eats well and exercises regularly. But one associate who has known Kate since her days as a sports-mad teenager at Marlborough College recently remarked in horror on what they described as her ‘drastic’ change in figure.
It is, say friends, of enormous ‘frustration’ to Kate that her appearance is so heavily analysed.
‘She is happy and healthy and has never set out to present herself as a style icon, so gets hugely frustrated that is all anyone wants to talk about,’ says one.
‘Like any young woman, she wants to look nice and has more than a passing interest in fashion — but that is it.’

Kate's determination to lead as low-key a life as possible extends to her 30th birthday celebration

Her determination to lead as low-key a life as possible — despite her high-profile position — extends to her 30th birthday celebration on Monday.
Suggestions that her husband and sister have planned an Eighties-themed party featuring karaoke at a secret ‘pop-up’ venue in London have provoked guffaws of laughter at the Palace.
‘Nothing that exciting, I’m afraid,’ said one source.
‘It’s all very private and family orientated.’
On the eve of her big day — tomorrow night — the Duchess will accompany her husband to her first royal film premiere, Steven Spielberg’s hugely anticipated War Horse, which is being held in aid of William and Harry’s charitable foundation.
Bizarrely, she and William will share the red carpet with the film’s star Joey — a real horse. Another royal first, one presumes (and this despite the fact Kate is famously allergic to horses).
Afterwards, she and the Prince will mingle at an hour-long private reception for up to 100 guests, including Spielberg and wealthy donors who have paid up to £10,000 a ticket to brush shoulders with the most  glamorous and sought-after couple in the world.
The couple plan to spend Monday with Kate’s family — possibly enjoying a lunch out — before returning to Wales, where William is due at work.
Quite an ordinary day for an extraordinary young women — but that, in a nutshell, is Kate’s life.
She is, say those who know her, at her most content pottering around their home in Anglesey, visiting the supermarket and making life comfortable for her husband.
‘She just loves being William’s wife, it really is as simple as that,’ said one.
Another source adds: ‘As a couple, she and William are already beginning to get into a routine which they hope to continue, at least until he leaves the military (possibly at the end of 2013). There is a quiet confidence about Catherine at the moment that is growing every day.’
In the coming months, their rural idyll will be shattered by the demands of their new royal roles (and possibly, the patter of tiny feet — although again friends insist this is something on which they will not be rushed).
The Duchess is set to achieve a royal landmark in her 30th year — sitting for her first official portrait.
A spokeswoman for the National Portrait Gallery yesterday confirmed that discussions were underway for a picture to hang alongside that of  William and Harry, as well pictures of the Queen, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana.
‘William and Kate will also take a leading role in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with a high-profile tour of Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and exotic Tuvalu in the Pacific.
Royal sources insist the Duchess is undaunted by the prospect.
In fact, she is apparently ‘raring to go’ —  particularly as she is set, I can reveal, to undertake a joint engagement with the Queen next month.
‘It’s a remarkable show of support from Her Majesty and it is no coincidence that she has chosen to do this while Prince William is away,’ said an impeccably placed source.
‘Catherine will, after all, one day be Queen — and who better to learn the ropes from?
‘The Duchess may be turning 30 next week, but by that age the Queen had already reigned for four years and given birth to two of her four children.
‘She is keen to hand down her reserves of wisdom while she still can.’

So how does she compare to the other royals at the Big Three-0?

Queen Mother, 1930: Married to Bertie with daughters Elizabeth and Margaret, she became Queen in 1937

Queen, 1956: Four years into her reign as sovereign, she'd already given birth to Charles and Anne

Princess Margaret, 1960: With one unhappy love affair behind her, she was nearly 30 when she wed Antony Armstrong-Jones

Princess Anne, 1980: She was 23 when she married first husband Mark Phillips in 1973. At 30, she was mother to Peter, three

Princess Diana, 1991: Married to Charles for ten years, with two young sons, but a year later the couple split

Duchess of York, 1989: Mother to Beatrice and pregnant with Eugenie, the toe-sucking scandal unfolded three years later