M A N A A L A Y A

                EVERY GROOMS BEST-MAN

Page 01                   MANAALA  Health                             Friday 19 June  2015

Ayurveda Tips for a Healthy Life
Ayurveda or the Science of Life is a kind of celestial knowledge perfected thousands of years ago in India that balances life through diet. According to Ayurveda everything is associated with our body and the diet we take. Any imbalance in this may lead to complications. So to stay fit in life you must have a proper routine, therefore follow the simple steps of Ayurveda for good health and a healthy life.

AYURVEDA TIPS FOR MORNING
Wake up in the morning to stay fit. Brush your teeth and massage your teeth and gums with sesame oil. After this, drink a glass of warm water. Empty your bladder and bowels to release toxics and waste from the body. Massage your body with warm oil and after 30 minutes take a bath. Eat a healthy breakfast.

AYURVEDA TIPS FOR MID-DAY
Take your lunch between 12 to 1 PM. Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes after lunch. After this take about 108 steps of brisk walk. This will help in easy digestion of food.

AYURVEDA TIPS FOR EVENING
Have your dinner between 6-7 PM.

AYURVEDA TIPS FOR NIGHT
Do not watch TV for a long time at night and avoid any kind of mental stress like running, dancing or jumping during this time. Go to bed before 10 PM. Your sleeping time and the last meal must have the difference of at least 3 hours.

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewarden – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

 Page 02                           MANAALA  Finance                          Friday 19 June  2015

KEEP YOUR WEDDING COSTS FROM SPIRALING OUT OF CONTROL

with these savvy money-saving strategies.

PAYING LESS FOR VENUES

Naturally picturesque locales don’t need much adornment, which reduces your decor budget. The key is working with what you’ve got: if your site features a stone patio, consider using that as the dance floor rather than renting one.

Another way to save, feels MANAALAYA is by holding your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception in the same venue - as a church or synagogue with an attached hall, or a restaurant with multiple party rooms.

Religious and charitable organizations tend to rent for nominal fees, as do government-run sites like cultural institutions and public parks. Plus, what you do pay to rent these places benefits the community. Parks, in particular, can be great bargains, considering they often include scenic backdrops.

                   

STATIONERY

A significant factor in stationery costs relates to your choice of  the method of printing. At the most expensive end are engraving and letterpress techniques, where the script is artfully raised off the page. If you like this formal feel but don’t want to pay top more, consider thermography - it's much less costly.

Offset printing comes next on the price scale, while digital printing is very economical especially for incorporating multiple colors. Because offset and digital printing are cheaper to produce, stationers recommend using them for all your day-of needs, like wedding invitations, ceremony programs, place cards and menus and  these pieces are often left behind at the end of the night.

ENTERTAINMENT 

From the melody that plays as you walk down the aisle to the band or DJ that gets guests out on the dance floor, hot music is a must. Therefore explore your city’s nightlife scene. A group that performs in local bars or clubs tends to be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding band. 

DJs typically cost less than bands because  of the greater variety of songs they can play and the fact that they don’t take breaks. DJs at times double as emcees — introducing the bridal party and announcing special dances and toasts. They could also provide and hook up speakers, which you may have to rent unless your venue has a built-in sound source.

When it comes to booking a band for your reception, size matters. A five-member group will almost always cost less than a nine-piece orchestra (not to mention individual tips and the number of mouths you will have to feed).

CATERING

Refreshments are an important part of every wedding, but feeding all your guests can eat up a good chunk of your wedding budget. Here’s how to get more bite for your buck.

Think about it: Food and drink may run into thousands per head, meaning that 10 or 20 fewer chairs will result in significant savings. If you can’t get your numbers down, buffets may come in as a budget-friendly option because you don’t have to pay for waiters; however, it’s important to serve less expensive fare that can be easily prepared in bulk.

If you’re serving a beautiful salad with seasonal veggies and simply leave off the cheese, you’re savings will be significant per person. Whipped potatoes cost less than fingerlings but make an equally fine side. And if you must have a fancy food like lobster on your menu, offer a small portion as an appetizer rather than an entrée. 

Another way to cut back is by shortening the event. Costs are driven by length of time, so stick to an hour or less for cocktails, for even deeper savings, skip dinner altogether and opt for a brunch, afternoon tea and dessert or late-night cocktail reception.

Go with one or two signature drinks in addition to red and white wine and two types of brews. And if the drinks are passed on trays as guests enter the room, most won’t even realize the bar has been scaled back.

Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

Page 03                                 MANAALA  Fashion                      Friday  19 June  2015

Wedding Suits for Men – a Guide for Grooms

GETTING THE FIT PERFECT

Getting the fit perfect is essential and quite frankly, there is no excuse to mess this up. MANAALAYA recommends in getting a good measurement the first time around. This means inseams (length between crotch of pants and bottom leg), jacket size and waist size should be accurate. If you have a feature that is prominent, such as muscular arms or thin legs, make a note of it and tell your tailor.

The groom and his entourage should try out their outfits a couple of weeks prior to the big day. During this trial session, they should test the jacket in particular. Move around it, dance around it, hug your buddies with it and jump around it.

The jacket not only has to give you a full range of motion, it also has to be intact. If you feel like the jacket and pants could rip-off when you dance in it, express the concerns with the tailor. Make sure the shirt is also comfortable, use the finger test (one finger should fit between the collar of your shirt and your neck).

 Other basic points: ensure that the cuffs sit well and won’t dangle and move around. If it’s a French cuff shirt, the cuffs should break about 1/2 inch further out from the wrist. For a button-cuff shirt, the cuffs should break close to the wrist.

Shoes should also be tested to ensure that you will be comfortable in it. If the wedding is in hot weather and there is a chance that your feet might expand, take that into consideration. Try breaking in the shoe if you have the chance. Remember, you will have to dance admirably in these shoes.

Of all the part of the suits, pants is the most difficult to get right. Some people like a baggier look and some like a slimmer look. The individual taste is up to the individual. Work with the tailor to address your specific needs. Regarding pants, pants should be 1/3 down the shoe but not much further. And unless your style says otherwise, the pants should clearly break over the instep.

UNDERSTANDING THE SETTING

When choosing a wedding suit for men, the groom should ensure that the color will go well with the bride’s dress and the flowers that the bride will be carrying. The color scheme for the couple is the first thing that people observe; any deviation will be looked down upon.

Importantly, the groom cannot outshine the bride. Special attention is needed to ensure that the groom doesn’t draw attention away from the bride. In a traditional formal wedding, a good starting point will be a sharp, well-fitting tuxedo with a tie, vest and a formal shirt.

You can finish the pants with a satin trim and can be pleated or have a flat front. Accessories such as ties or vests can be combined with the bridal dress or wedding colors.

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

Page 04                           MANAALA  Grooming                      Friday 19  June  2015

Professional Grooming

 Tips for Grooms

First impressions make an impact and the first thing most people notice is your face. Proper skin and hair care is just as important for men as for women. A lack of grooming not only detracts from your appearance, but it also hinders your chance of making a good impression.

An important aspect of grooming is to use quality products for men’s shaving. This means using sharp razors and lubricating shaving cream, so that the razor glides effortlessly over the face. The proper use of products will prevent nicks and get a clean shave.

Keeping your face well conditioned is also important. Moisturizer is not just for women. Men suffer just as much from dry skin, combination skin or oily skin. If you have oily skin you may shy away from moisturizer, fearing it will make the problem worse.

However, there are products for different skin types. It’s important to check labels before purchasing skin care products. Moisturizers that are created for oily or combination skin should not clog pores or make your skin feel greasy. When possible, buy small bottles of different products to test on your skin.

Do not neglect your eyebrows or nose hair. Some grooms give little attention to the brows or nose hair, but this is a mistake. Although you will not be worrying over your eyebrows in the same way women do, if you have bushy eyebrows or brows that meet in the middle, you should keep them well trimmed.

The subject of nose hair may elicit laughs, but you probably would not continue laughing if you knew how most women feel about it. Your friends and colleagues may not even notice the hair, but women do and most find it unpleasant. Check your nostrils as part of your daily grooming routine and use tweezers or special nose clippers to remove any visible hair.

Hair care should never be undervalued. Use shampoo, conditioner and other products suitable for your hair type. If your hair tends to be on the dry side, avoid products containing alcohol. Keep your hair trimmed to keep it looking its best and to avoid split ends – this usually means visiting the barber or stylist every four to six weeks, depending on your hairstyle and your rate of hair growth

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

Page 05                        MANAALA  Bachelor Party                  Friday  19 June  2015

Unique Bachelor Party Destinations and Ideas

Now when you plan a bachelor party it should be a unique experience in a unique place because MANAALAYA feels that stereotype bachelor parties are outdated and cliché. If that’s what you are looking for, we’re not the ones to help you.

However, if you’re looking for a “Mannymoon,” aka a sort of guy honeymoon, then we think we could help. Here are a few unique bachelor destinations and activities that MANAALAYA recommends.

Kiev, Ukraine

When most people hear the name Ukraine, they think bad things automatically. However, not only is the capital city of Kiev safe, but it’s vibrant and fun. The hotels are top-notch, there are great nightclubs and there are some really cool activities on the outskirts of the city.

You can drive Soviet-era tanks around a field. You can shoot AK-47’s at an old Soviet military installation and do much of this while being driven around in a stretch limo with limitless vodka or other drinks of choice.

The best thing about Eastern Europe is you can also hire hosts for your bachelor party. This is a person or people who accompany you and arrange things for you along the way because they speak the language and have connections all over town–it’s a must in Kiev!

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is the epitome of modern opulence and indulgences. This is 100 percent true. However, if you’re looking for a truly luxurious bachelor party then Dubai and the Emirates may be the place for you and a group of your closest friends assuming they don’t mind the long flight-but why not charter a jet?

Everybody knows that Dubai offers some of the world’s best hotels, but it also offers luxurious live-aboard yachts so you and your buddies can coast around the Persian Gulf or along the great beaches in the Emirates.

You can ride quad bikes in the desert dunes surrounding the city and do one of the coolest skydives anywhere in the world over the custom-designed islands. If that’s not your thing, maybe just rent a Lamborghini and play the part of the desert baller, driving to Abu Dhabi in record time.

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

Page 06                        MANAALA  Travel                          Friday  19 June  2015

In a country famed for its beauty, the most iconic images associated with Montenegro are of the tiny islet named Sveti Stefan.

Attached to the coast by a narrow isthmus, the island lies across the bay from Villa Miločer and the resort’s stand-alone Aman Spa, and together these historic sites comprise Aman Sveti Stefan.

Once a fortified village dating back to the 15th century, the island of Sveti Stefan is a uniquely atmospheric setting of cobbled lanes, quaint courtyards and remarkable sea views.

The stately stone manse known as Villa Miločer – once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karađorđević – lies on a 32-hectare seaside estate graced with more than 800 olive trees and embraced on three sides by ancient cedar and pine forests.

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

Page 07                     MANAALA Romance            Friday  19 June  2015

ROMANTIC IDEAS TO DEEPEN THE CONNECTION WITH HER

Romance-Her

Looking for a few ideas to add a little sizzle to your romantic life? After all, the quickest way to a better relationship is through creating the right romantic setting. In fact, you’re one of the smart men who know that every romantic gesture brings you closer and closer to her.

She Really Craves Romance

Romance is primal… a deep biological craving that’s irresistible to women. Your wife will respond to your romantic gestures, even if that means you do “all the work” in the beginning. Keep at it and soon she will be romancing you back! When it comes to romance, the more you give, the more you’ll get.

Bring Her Closer

Romantic gestures range from subtle flirting to outright seduction and even vulnerable declarations of love. With every action you take, tell her the joy you get from romancing her. That you don’t do it to get anything, you do it for the pleasure of seeing her thrill to your advances. Because this joy you get will naturally evolve into more opportunities for intimacy.

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

Page 08                           MANAALA  Honeymoon                Friday 19  June 2015

A dramatic hideaway

IN A RAINFOREST WONDERLAND

 Tucked away in a pocket of the Maya Mountains, Blancaneaux Lodge is a 20-room luxury resort hotel in Belize where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy. Its remote mountain setting makes it a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

You could explore the ancient civilization of the Maya, which still endures in the sacred sites throughout this magical region.

From the ceremonial caves along the white-water rivers of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve to stalactite caverns and the vast ruins of Caracol deep within the lush rainforest, Blancaneaux is your window into a world of natural and archaeological wonders.

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter

Page 09                           MANAALA  Intimacy             Friday  19 June  2015

A GUIDE TO

Wedding Night Intimacy

Whether you have never had an intimate encounter or have had it with each other a million times before you got married, you’d want wedding night intimacy to sizzle.

 A little bit of planning and a whole lot of love will do the trick. Your goal should be to woo each other with romantic gestures, genuine sentiment and hot passion. This is MANAALAYA’S way of guiding you:  

ROMANCE EACH OTHER

Intimacy is nothing without romance, especially on a day as romantic as your wedding. You must do whatever it takes to infuse the night with romance (even if you start to feel exhausted from a full day of celebrating). The wedding night, after all, is just for the two of you. 

EXPRESS YOUR LOVE

Find the perfect way to demonstrate how happy you are to have married your spouse. Hugs, kisses, whispering sweet nothings, work. The key to finding the perfect expression of love, however, is knowing your lover. What actions send the message to her that you are in love? 

LEAVE A LOVE LETTER UNDER YOUR SPOUSE’S PILLOW.

A handwritten note, especially in the age of e-mail and text messages, is heartfelt and meaningful. If you never write your spouse a love letter, you should do so on your wedding. Leaving such a note under your spouse’s pillow ahead of your passionate night together is thoughtful and perfectly timed.

SET THE MOOD

Preparation can make all the difference when it comes to wedding night intimacy. After the ceremony and festivities, you might be exhausted. But you can make sure there will be champagne on ice, rose petals on the floor and a few candles. 

Either take care of it yourself the morning of the wedding or ask someone you trust to do it for you. Make sure you pack your fancy underwear for the wedding night. If you forget that, however, nudity always works well. 

PREPARE YOUR BODY FOR INTIMATE PLEASURE

If it is your first time having intimacy (or the first time for your spouse), you should prepare your body for intimacy. Women can feel pain the first times they have intimacy, but there are things you can do to minimize the pain – from going slow and being patient to using lubricant. Get the details on what can be done long before the wedding night itself. 

Spend lots of time on foreplay to make sure both are hot and ready to go. 

SET THE STANDARD FOR INTIMACY

Think of your wedding night as the first night of the rest of your intimate life. From the start of your intimate relationship, you should be open and comfortable with one another. 

You should also take responsibility for your own intimate pleasure. In other words, make a plan on how you are going to continue to pleasure one another and keep things exciting.

ALWAYS STRIVE FOR IMPROVEMENT

Intimacy, like most things in life, can always get better. Living out reasonable fantasies, using intimacy heightening toys, or simply talking might make your intimate life go from boring to spicy. The hard part is determining what the two of you need and how to merge those needs. 

KEEP THE PASSION ALIVE

Married intimacy runs the risk of getting boring. For couples who have had lots of intimacy ahead of the wedding night, this can happen from the very first night. 

But you can do something about a lack of passion. Court one another and put the zing back in your intimate life

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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter