Thursday 11 June 2015











M A N A A L A Y A
                EVERY GROOMS BESTMAN




Page 01                   MANAALA  Health              Thursday June 11 2015

The Importance of Sleep
HOW TO SLEEP



Our overall quality of life can be seriously affected by lack of quality sleep and this can heavily influence how we behave and perform, how we feel and even how we look.

 ‘Sleep hygiene’ is the term used to describe the environmental and behavioral factors that may affect our ability to fall asleep and gain a good quality of sleep.  People who suffer from insomnia (inability to sleep or stay asleep) may work hard on their sleep hygiene in an attempt to control the disorder, however, many of us can benefit from good sleep hygiene regardless of whether we suffer from a sleep disorder or not.

To sleep and stay asleep during the night, it is important to relax both your body and mind; you may find the following tips helpful.

AVOID BIG MEALS BEFORE BEDTIME - Although eating a heavy meal can make us feel tired it can also make us feel uncomfortable and therefore prevent us from falling asleep or staying asleep.

AVOID CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE OF HOURS BEFORE BEDTIME - Both caffeine and alcohol are stimulants and may prevent sleep. If you are a smoker, avoid smoking for at least an hour before bedtime, nicotine is also a stimulant.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SLEEP ENVIRONMENT -  Ideally you should aim for a quiet, dark, cool and comfortable room in which to sleep.

STICK TO A ROUTINE AND MAKE ENOUGH TIME FOR SLEEP - Although everybody is different, most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep in each 24 hour period.  Try to keep bedtimes and wake-up times consistent and allow enough time for your sleep.  If you feel tired in the day then you are possibly not allowing enough time to sleep at night.

AVOID WATCHING TV, USING A COMPUTER, TABLET OR SIMILAR DEVICE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE BED -  Try reading, something easy or listening to relaxing music for 30 minutes before you feel like sleeping.

TAKE A WARM BATH EARLY IN THE EVENING - Although a bath can relax you, do not take a hot bath immediately before bedtime - your body needs to be cool to fall asleep and remain asleep. Take a relaxing bath a few hours before bedtime so that your body has time to cool down.

TAKE REGULAR EXERCISE IN THE DAYTIME, BUT NOT CLOSE TO SLEEP-TIME -  Physical exercise can help promote good sleep as well as many other benefits to health and well-being.

STAY COOL DURING THE NIGHT - Sleep with a window open or use a fan or a lighter comforter or blanket - your body needs to be cool to sleep effectively.


Find out what works for you. Everybody is different and if you regularly have problems falling asleep or awake frequently in the night - seek professional advice from your doctor. Sleep disorders are not uncommon and should not be left undiagnosed.

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



 Page 02                           MANAALA  Finance              Thursday June 11 2015

WEDDING COST CUTTING

& live 'happily ever after' without worrisome debt

Wedding season is ramping up and soon-to-be newlyweds are realizing that tying the knot comes at a premium price.

Going over budget can happen for several reasons. Often, it's a lack of financial discipline but sometimes you just wouldn’t know or rather in the dark of how much wedding services truly cost. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you don't set your marriage up for a post-wedding financial nightmare.
BE SMART NOT STINGY WITH FOOD Keeping guests satisfied with ample food and beverages shouldn't mean sacrificing your honeymoon fund.
Be inventive when serving your guests. For instance, instead of a formal, plated dinner, consider casual, all-you-can-eat fare.
REACH OUT TO TALENTED FRIENDS Couples blessed with creative friends and family can leverage their robust network in lieu of hiring expensive vendors such as a pianist with songbird vocals and a friend with a cinematography background to record cherished moments.  
Not only will they give you a good, friendly price, they will also make sure they provide you the best service for your wedding. Of course, staying humble and expressing gratitude is a must to ensure these relationships don't turn sour!
FULL SUIT HIRING WITH CAUTION Grooms spend a lot on a tuxedo or a full suit that is worn one day, sometimes for only a few hours. As a budget-friendly workaround, consider hiring a full suit. Often, you can find floor-sample suits at a considerable discount. 
However, while price reductions on these worn suits can be anywhere from 25 to 75 percent off, be wary of any odors or stains, particularly on the inside where grooms step into the suit. Also, ensure there is no damage to the suit, such as missing buttons or beading.
STAY OPEN TO AN OFFBEAT WEDDING DATE There's always a high demand to book weddings on a Saturday; it avoids having guests take the day off from work and provides the following Sunday off to wind down from a night of partying. But you can easily shave off in thousands  by booking your venue on a Sunday through Friday. 

FAKE IT TO AFFORD IT
 Save a considerable slice by using decorated foam tiers to mimic the look of a grand wedding cake, but have your baker create a few sheet cakes for your guests to eat instead.
You can also save on centerpiece fillers. If you're using containers filled with sand, coffee beans or stones, for instance, place a plastic cup upside down in the vessel before filling it. This strategy results in less filler (i.e. less money spent) per centerpiece.
PARE DOWN DAY-OF VENDOR STAFF Try to keep vendor staff at the main event to as few as possible without sacrificing speed of service for your guests. Vendors need to eat too; you'll often find vendor contracts include meal requirements as an additional out-of-pocket expense. If you're on the fence about whether to hire a DJ or six-person band, the extra cost associated with vendor meals may help sway your decision. 
MAKE SURE YOUR VENUE PROVIDES CHAIRS To unassuming newlyweds; it might seem like a no-brainer for event spaces to provide basic furniture, like tables and chairs, at no extra cost. However, venues host various types of events – from weddings to business conferences – and some expect couples to rent tables and chairs separately. A bare bones venue at a value can quickly start eating into your budget.
ASK ABOUT FEES FIRST Before signing a contract with any vendor or venue, make sure you receive an itemized list of fees, in addition to the base service rate. For example, if your venue states chairs come at no extra cost, ask about setup and tear down fees. Some venues waive the rental fee and instead pass off labor costs to you.
LET FLOWERS SERVE A DOUBLE PURPOSE If your florist budget is tight, have ceremony flowers do double-duty by re-purposing the bridal bouquet for floral decor at your sweethearts table and place bridesmaid bouquets in other common areas of the venue like the lounge area, bar or restrooms.

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




Page  03                                 MANAALA  Fashion                 Thursday June 11 2015

Old World Fashion Trends Still in Vogue
THESE FASHION TRENDS ARE TIMELESS

GRAY FLANNEL SUIT  
 Also called the "businessman's look," the gray flannel suit takes the number one spot because it was so common in days gone by.

POLO SHIRT     
 The polo shirt remains trendy even today as part of a leisure style of clothing and is ideal as a grooms-wear.

CARDIGAN SWEATER   
Would be grooms were anxious to wear a cardigan sweater to achieve their "Ivy League," preppy look.


HATS    
          Hats are not only a fashion accessory; they are also a way of distinguishing and highlighting social distinction.

For instance, the fedora was one of the most stylish hats men back then could wear; they are identified by their pinch on both sides.


CUFFLINKS   
        Cufflinks may be annoying to wear, but, they were all the rage and very popular with guys and had to be worn with just the right type of shirt.

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




Page 04                           MANAALA  Grooming               Thursday June 11 2015

GROOMING HABITS LEADING TO
Dashingly Good Looks

Taking a little extra care with your body can pay dividends in the long run. These grooming tips will ensure that you always look dashingly handsome and rugged.

Become mates with a moisturizer
If dry, skin’s natural defenses are weakened and it’s susceptible to premature ageing. So unless you want to look like a dried-up prune, always use a moisturizer. Given that most will only keep skin cells hydrated for between six to 12 hours, apply in the morning and at night.

Wear sunscreen
It may feel great, but exposure to the sun is the main cause of premature ageing (not forgetting the skin cancer risks). Guys serious about their looks should know how important sunscreen is  and not just when they’re basking on a beach.

Even during cold weather we are subject to ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA rays that will penetrate deep into skin’s layers, triggering premature ageing. So invest in a moisturizer with a decent sun protection factor.

Get a proper shaver
Years ago, a guy’s grooming routine chained him to the washbasin but today’s time-poor bloke needs to think on his feet and on the go. And since surveys repeatedly show that most women prefer clean-shaven guys, it’s worth keeping a few grooming essentials – including a top-notch shaver.

Floss
Brushing is all very well, but it only cleans three of your teeth’s five surfaces, so flossing is essential and it also helps dislodge food particles which lead to bad breath.
Go easy on the aftershave
A good fragrance can boost a guy’s confidence, so a carefully selected bottle of cologne is a great weapon to have in your grooming armory. But never overdo it. As a rule of thumb, two or three sprays will do the trick.

Get a manicure
Reckon you don’t have time for spa treatments? Think again: that slick groom can easily squeeze a 30-minute manicure, pedicure or express facial into his cramped up space and those key treatments can make all the difference to your appearance.

Keep trim and trimmed
There’s no point in spending hours at the gym if you hide your pecs and abs under a carpet of fur. If you want to look your best in the buff, think about a little manscaping and remove any excess body hair using an all-over shaver.

Little details count
You can be the best-looking or best-groomed bloke in the world, but if your nails are dirty, hair sprouting from your ears or you missed a bit shaving, all your good work will be undone. So check your reflection before you leave home. MIRROR TIME IS NEVER WASTED TIME.

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



Page 05                        MANAALA  Bachelor Party                 Thursday June 11 2015

BACHELOR PARTY DRESS IDEAS

If you plan your bachelor party to be on the beach then a casual wear, like a cool T-shirt will look exciting. Complement your look with a pair of flip-flops, sunglasses and a straw hat.

If the venue is a five star restaurant or a bar, then you should choose a completely formal dress, such as a dress shirt paired with blazers. Complete how you look by wearing a pair of black or brown leather shoes, cufflinks and a leather belt.

 If you want to relax a bit, wear a flannel shirt with a pair of khaki pants. Dress it up with black dress shoes to increase the overall appeal of your appearance.

If it is an informal occasion, you may slip into a pair of jeans and a v-neck t-shirt, complemented by a pair of sneakers. Another option is to wear a pair of black or tan pants with a shirt or a t-shirt.

Whatever you choose to wear, just make sure that you feel comfortable. This is the most important thing to keep in mind while dressing up for your bachelor's party.

Go for a dress that breathes and at the same time looks presentable. It should not be too tight, as you are going to wear it for the next couple of hours, even dance with the same pair of clothes on.

Remember that your bachelor's party is not the night to break in a new pair of dress shoes, as you will be partying hard. You can try them sometime later. As far as footwear is concerned, stick to the pair you know to be comfortable.
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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter


Page 06                        MANAALA  Travel                Thursday June 11 2015

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
IN SRI LANKA
Trekking in the Knuckles Range
The wild mountains of the Knuckles Range are Sri Lanka’s very own Shangri-La – remote, beautiful, and known only to a privileged few. Swathed in a dense tangle of dwarf cloud-forest and often concealed behind veils of drifting cloud, the Knuckles’ jagged grey peaks can only be properly appreciated on foot (roads only nibble at the edges of the wilderness).

 The entire region remains little visited, despite being inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2010. Trekking offers the chance to appreciate the range’s status as one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots, with leopards lurking in the shadows (although they’re rarely seen) along with other rare creatures including purple-faced langur monkeys, giant squirrels and some unusual endemic birdlife.

Boating with Dolphins in Kalpitiya
                

The remote Kalpitiya Peninsula is one of Sri Lanka’s truly undiscovered gems. The peninsula comprises a narrow sliver of land with the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing against its eastern side and the tranquil waters of the Kalpitiya Lagoon on the other.

 There’s world-class kite-surfing here, plus idyllic accommodation at a cluster of eco-lodges at Alankuda Bay. The biggest draw, however, are the vast pods of spinner dolphins (along with the occasional whale) regularly to be seen offshore.

 Dawn trips offer an unforgettable oceanic experience, as your boat bobs and ploughs through the waves and the waters around churn with literally hundreds of dolphins racing, cavorting and frolicking alongside and occasionally shooting clean out of the ocean in acrobatic leaps and twirls.  

Exploring ancient Ritigala
              

Buddhist monks established a monastery here some 5000 years ago and although most of its buildings have now been swallowed up by the surrounding jungle, substantial remains survive, including the beautiful “meditation walkways” running through the trees and quaint little monastic residences dotting the forest floor, comprising a pair of tiny houses, connected by an even tinier bridge and surrounded by miniature moats.

 And you’ll almost certainly have the place to yourself be very surprised if you see another tourist.
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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter



Page 07                     MANAALA Romance           Thursday June 11 2015

The Top 5 Romance Heightening Aphrodisiacs Foods

Before you go for costly medical techniques and psychological therapies to give a boost to your romantic life, you could give a try to some readily available aphrodisiac foods.

CHOCOLATE 

Experts have discovered that women's capacity of producing endorphins (chemicals which are produced by the pituitary gland hypothalamus during excitement) increases four-fold after they eat chocolates as compared to a passionate foreplay.

GARLIC 

Garlic is once again a famous aphrodisiac and it works wonder for both men and women through a chemical known as allicin that increase blood flow to the sexual organs.

ORANGES 

It doesn't really have some really awesome aphrodisiac properties but it is indeed a sweet and seductive fruit. You could use it as a good alternative to chocolates to entice and pull your partner for a stormy intimate experience.

ASPARAGUS 

It's not for nothing that this exotic plant is also called “erotic asparagus.” It has the special quality of evoking a feeling of lust in both men and women.
Back in 19th century, the prenuptial dinner for French bridegrooms included three servings of the juicy asparagus spears.

Asparagus is ripe with potassium, fiber and vitamins like A, C, Folic Acid and Thiamine. Folic is one of the key substances which boost the production of histamine in the body which is necessary for the attainment of orgasm in both sexes.

WATERMELON 

It may be a cool fruit but multiple servings of watermelon everyday can add fireworks to your intimate life for it is often called “natural Viagra.”

Watermelons contain an amino acid called citrulline which aids blood vessel dilation and thus heightens intimate pleasure. It can also be used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) naturally.
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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter




Page 08                           MANAALA  Honeymoon           Thursday June 11 2015

Newly Wed Wife’s Secret Desires
IN HONEYMOON BED

TO BE DOMINATED
Even if she is a big-mouthed, bigger-balls-than-yours sort of woman who puts her independence before any other aspect in her life, trust MANAALAYA, she still wants you to take charge in the bedroom.

The trick here is to start slow. Be commanding but sensitive to her responses. The balance will have her begging for more.

LIGHT SPANKING
A reasonable number of women like it as rough as you can give it. But don't go there unless you've worked your way up or you might get more than a playful punch in your face.

Before you get too excited about 'smacking your bride,' start light. It can feel amazing for both of you and women in particular tend to claim that that's the kind of roughing up that sends tingles to all the right places.

Though MANAALAYA promises you she’d love it, most feel too embarrassed to ask for it for fear of how it sounds. It's up to you to break this barrier.  Also, try and refrain from causing bruising or injury of any sort!

DIRTY TALK
This is a very grey area and once again, if you jump the gun, you could find yourself out of a great session between the sheets.  But let's not make any bones about it - she loves dirty talk. And you guys almost never give it to them. You could become the first in her life to provide her with this secret sensual desire and chances are, she's never going to let you go!

The reason is simple. Women are imaginative, vocal creatures. And they don't want to hear your flowery sweet nothings whispered into their ears--many want you to be downright twisted. Be very basic about it, ask her if she likes what you're doing, what her fantasies are and gauge her responses before you march on.

Heavier, quicker breathing are sure fire signs that she wants more but if she turns away from you or stiffens up a bit, stop right there. This one really could go either way, so tread carefully!

TO DOMINATE
Yes, we know we said they want you to take charge but haven't you learned anything about women--they want it all!

Let her be in charge and more importantly, make her feel as though she's in charge. Be responsive too; let her know that what she's doing is really working for you. Once she's had a fair amount of time taking the reins, switch it up to dominate her without warning. The sudden transition will leave her hot and heavy for you.

KISS HER DURING THE ACT
A surprisingly large number of women complain that men tend to get lost in their own world while making love, entirely ignoring them and making no effort whatsoever to kiss while still engaging in intimacy.

Women are emotional and they'd like to be bruised and beaten (lightly of course) it's all about maintaining the perfect balance.

Everything comes in pairs and it would be nice if every once in a while, you could show her you're making an effort to please her between the sheets--both physically and emotionally.

MORE ORAL
This one's a little tricky. For some reason, the entire male population has a strange and ill-defined relationship with female genitalia. They expect oral intimacy for themselves but rarely return the sentiment to women, in the right way anyway. 

Once you've got your technique down (which is vital because it's so easy to get wrong) be generous. Endow your newlywed wife with the kind of foreplay she deserves.

COMMUNICATION
Ok guys, time to sit up and take some serious notes. Women are vocal beings. Moan with pleasure when they do something you like, tell them they look amazing, tell them what you'd like to do to them and ask for what you'd like to be done to you.

You'll find the more open you are about intimacy with your partner, the better and better it gets. Don't let your ego get in the way and drop all those walls.  Don't be too aggressive about the communication, let it flow naturally.

 A LITTLE EXHIBITIONISM
We're not sure who invented the myth that all women are prudes but it's a downright lie. Pull her into an entirely unexpected space (public bathrooms, in the kitchen, on your dining table for instance) hike her skirt up and give it to her right then and there.

But make sure the chances of you actually getting caught are slim.

FANTASY FINDING AND INDULGING!
Ah, to delve into the depths of a woman's mind is so strange and exciting. This is going to be a very telling experiment but if things go according to plan, your intimate life is never going to be the same again.

All women have fantasies and they want the man in their life to indulge them. Of course, societal perceptions and the fear that you'll be put off by them if they told you themselves makes it a little hard to probe them about it.

Be persistent though because once you know what it is, you can work on indulging every last fantasy. A favor they'll only be too happy to return in the future, MANAALAYA is sure. Be prepared however for anything.

The dark trenches of a woman's mind hold all sorts of possibilities and it might be a bit of a Pandora’s Box if you open it up entirely! Still, if at any point you feel uncomfortable doing something she fantasizes about, just be upfront and tell her the same. She'll be glad you did and appreciate your honesty.

BE AGGRESSIVE
Save this one for the last and feel free to venture into this slightly darker world of intimate fantasy. So let the mild asphyxiation, hair pulling, tying up and skin scraping begin.  

There's no hard and fast rule here - you don't necessarily have to be the aggressor on every occasion and also, pick her up and throw her around a bit. There's nothing she'll love more than that.
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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter



Page 09                           MANAALA  Intimacy                    Thursday June 11 2015

Hot Honeymoon Intimacy
MANAALAYA SHOWS HOW HONEYMOON INTIMACY TURNS SENSATIONALLY STEAMY

TAKE A NAP
Let’s face it, after months of meticulous planning and a day or night filled with crazy emotions, meeting, greeting, eating and dancing, sleep may be higher on your to-do list than getting it on with your bride.
 It’s important not to put too much pressure in being intimate on the wedding night as many couples are just too exhausted to conjugate. So if too many champagne toasts have left your libidos lagging, don’t push it.
Instead, curl up your sweetheart on your arms and get a little shut-eye. After all, you’ll have the next morning, the entire honeymoon and the rest of your lives to break the bedsprings and you’ll need some energy to do it!
PLAY ALADDIN
Even if you two are already plenty passionate in your intimate encounters, there are bound to be some things you've been dying to try like some secret fantasies. Start by listing gentle activities, like a sensual massage, having her brush your hair or taking a bubble bath together.
 You can work up to the kinky stuff later. These wishes will give you both some intriguing tricks to try on your trip and will also open the doors for communication and experimentation down the road.
TUNE INTO YOUR "SIXTH SENSE"
To create an über-sensual honeymoon experience, pack massage oils, candles and bath salts and stock up on delectable’s like strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate (to tease your taste buds).
Ask the concierge to place fresh flowers in your hotel room and don't forget to bring the music that will bring pleasure to your ears and the rhythm will heighten your kinesthetic sense and put you in the mood for motion.
TAKE AN EROGENOUS-ZONE EXPEDITION
All parts of your body is intimate  but it's hard to know exactly what spots will make your sweetheart melt and the fact is, she probably doesn't know about it either!
To overcome the obstacle have a go at it -  make her lie down naked. Starting at the top of her head, kiss, caress and nibble every inch of her body, front and back. Be sure to include even the most seemingly unintimate parts, like her eyelids, the tips of her fingers and the backs of her heels.
You never know when you'll hit a hot spot! While you're exploring, have her rate each inch that you touch on a scale of one to 10. As you move along, make mental notes of those zones ranked 8 to 10 and file them away for future reference.
Once you know where her hot spots hide, make a point of seeking them out randomly during intimacy. Only go for one or two of her most sensitive spots at a time, so that you keep her guessing and begging for more.
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Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter














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