M A N A A L A Y A

 Every Grooms Bestman

Page 01       Health            Friday 18 September 2015

Exercises for Sexy, Strong Legs you should try at least once a week

Fitness enthusiast spend a lot of time on working out ‘show muscles’ like abs, biceps, chest but your legs need attention too. Your legs are the foundation of strength, these exercises will not only help you build mass and help you get faster but also activate the biggest muscles in your body and releases growth hormones and testosterone.

You’ll need 25 pound dumbbells. In case you don’t have weights at home don’t sweat, you can still continue the workout, just increase the reps. Or the best way is to get backpack and put some weights in it.

In case you haven’t done leg workouts for more than a month, it is best if you start with 4 or 5 reps rather than going in for 10 rep sets straight up. You don’t want a no leg day, right?

Squats -10 reps

They work your quads, glutes and your hamstrings.

Back lunges-10 reps each leg

You work on the same muscle grip like squats, but are doing it at a different angle one leg at a time.

Front lunges-10 reps each leg

Remember when you are lunging, bend you knees up to 90 degrees for both your front and back leg.

Explosive jumps-10 reps

Set up something to jump over. You can use a small table; cover it with a sofa mattress but not something very high. The point is to give you something to aim for; this will also give you consistency as you might get tired with the workout.

Stiff leg dead lifts-10 reps

Works great for your hamstrings and calves. Do this workout at least once a week

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author +  Freelance Copywriter

 Page 02     Grooming          Friday 18 September 2015

Tips for the Bride Groom

Some men take grooming to the extreme. They experiment with hair styles and colours, try different aftershaves and colognes, get manicures, pedicures, facial treatments at the spa and maybe even a wax!

At the other end are the men that consider brushing their teeth and applying deodorant sufficient. If you are at this end of the scale, then you might consider trying a few new things when preparing for your wedding.

Pay attention to any problems with your skin, and consult a dermatologist if necessary. You can also try some facial treatments to help you have the same glow as your bride when it comes time for the photos. You may need to have several, a few weeks apart to get the right result. You can always book a double appointment and go with your bride-to-be.

Try a manicure or pedicure. Particularly good for those men who work with their hands as they tend to have rougher skin. An inexpensive hand cream can really help if your skin is rough and dry.

If you have particularly hairy hands or eyebrows waxing would be a solution to consider and if you're not a regular at the dentist, then it may be a good time to go in for a quick check and clean.

A regular massage is something else you may want to have. After all, you don't want to look stressed on your wedding day!

Get plenty of sleep. Try to get at least half an hour more than usual in the fortnight leading up to the wedding. You want to look fresh for the photos.

Drink lots of water. This is the number one thing you can do for your health. It cleanses your body of toxins, helps you have clear glowing skin and shiny hair and helps you keep your weight in check.

Exercise is good. If you're a regular exerciser then just keep doing what you do, if not, then consider some simple exercises like walking or bike riding. If you participate in dangerous sporting activities, you may want to time your wedding to coincide with some down time. Crutches and casts on the wedding day are definitely not going to impress the bride!

Remember, a well cut suit can help you look great, even if you have a few extra kilos. You should avoid last minute crash diets because they tend to be nutrient poor and you may get run down and ill as a result. Better to be three or four kilos heavier and hide it with your suit, than to feel sick, tired and grumpy on your wedding day.

The groom's suit should complement the bride's dress in style and elegance. If the bride's dress is white and simple, then the groom should not use colours that are too bright or choose a suit style that overshadows the bride's attire. Similarly, if the bride's dress has splashes of colour, then the groom's attire should have some matching elements.

They say that it's bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the big day, but apart from that being superstition, it is important for the groom to know what his partner will be wearing, so he can choose his attire accordingly. If you really believe in the above saying, then at least get a look at the dress hanging on a rack or at worst, a photo of it. Suit jackets come in many styles. Contemporary and popular is the mandarin jacket, with its stand-up collar. More traditional are tuxedo or tails jackets.

Dinner jackets are also popular and very elegant. For most men, black or grey will be the colour of their suit for their wedding, but in warmer climates particularly, coloured suits are becoming more common. Unlike the coloured suits of the seventies, modern coloured suits are cut to look elegant and flattering. Even if you don't go with it, have some fun and try one on when you're shopping for your suit.

Of course you'll need a shirt. Again, many styles from which to choose. Mandarin collar shirts match with mandarin jackets or classic tuxedoes. Wing collar shirts are formal and often have a pattern down the breast of the shirt. They combine best with a bow tie. Spread collar and classic collar can combine with most jackets and require a tie of some sort.

 A white shirt is best for a wedding, no matter what colour your suit. If you want to have some splashes of colour, there are shirts that come with coloured collars and sleeve cuffs. A note on sleeve cuffs while we're here. They should extend about 1cm below the jacket with the arms by your sides. Ties, belts, vests, shoes, socks, cuff links, etc. There is a long list of accessories to match with your suit. Lots to cover, so let's start with the essentials.

Shoes: They must be comfortable! You will spend most of the day in them and you will be on your feet for a large part. Most men will re-use their wedding shoes, so it's worth paying the extra for a good pair. Try to get them as early as possible, so you can wear them around the house a bit to break them in. If you wear them out at all before the wedding, remember to clean and polish them for the day.

Socks: They should be clean and colour co-ordinated. Other than that, choose ones that will be warm or light enough, depending on the wedding location and season.

Belt: It should match your attire and have a simple, elegant buckle. If you are wearing a cummerbund then it still matters because most men remove the cummerbund once the official parts of the ceremony and reception are over.

Tie: Depending on the shirt you choose, you may or may not wear a tie. The contemporary looking mandarin collared shirt is worn without a tie. If you are wearing a tie, it could be one of several different styles, according your choice of suit and shirt. Bow ties are popular and elegant.

Vest or waistcoat: Popular in Britain and North America for formal affairs. They are optional in most cases, although some suit / shirt combinations really beg for a vest. This is one way that you can add some colour to your attire without fear of making a mess of it. There are some beautiful waistcoats available with gold or cooper tone thread patterns, that really add a touch of class to your while outfit.

Cuff links: If your shirt requires them, use them. Elegant gold or silver coloured look good with anything. Otherwise, match the colour of your suit.

Hat: Hats are not too popular these days, but can be a lovely touch. Top hats and tails look fabulous together and can even be finished off with a gold topped cane for that old time regal look.

Cummerbunds: Popular in the United States, the cummerbund can be easily matched with the bridesmaid's dresses to add a splash of colour to the groom and groomsmen's attire. The cummerbund goes best with a matching coloured bow tie.

Suspenders: Generally speaking, this ancient way of holding up your trousers should be avoided for formal occasions. However, if concealed by the jacket for the official parts of the day, they can be fun during the reception festivities and later into the night!

The best way to choose the right attire for the groom and groomsmen is to go to several shops, with the bridal party in tow. Why not have some fun together and go out to dinner afterward. Once a general consensus has been reached, the bridal party need not go along to any other fittings. Whether you hire a suit for the day or buy one, you should let your own personality and style show through. Just remember, you and your bride should look wonderful together.

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Freelance Copywriter

Page 03        Fashion         Friday 18 September 2015

Choose Right Wedding Wear to get a Maharaja Like Look 

Gone are the days when grooms can either look traditional or stylish. Modern designs in grooms wear give them stylish, royal and luxurious look all together.

Weddings often tend to be much about the bride, her D-day, her wedding trousseau, her dream attire and so on. Even though MANAALAYA want the brides to enjoy all the attention and adulation, we also want the groom to complement her in all her glory.

Dhoti Kurta:

Dhoti kurta is the customary indian clothing for men. Not only is the attire comfortable and lets the groom be at ease, it can also help you pass a royal style statement, reminiscent of a maharaja-like glory.

Choose fabrics like silk and brocade that have a sheen of their own, and keep the embellishments minimal. After all, you don’t want to be stealing your wife’s limelight.

Sherwanis have been making a prominent mark on the ramp as well as in the wedding section for men. The icon of a big fat indian wedding, if chosen right (go for pastel and matte shades with a contrasting colour of churidaar and stole to complete the look), a sherwani can steal it all.

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Freelance Copywriter

Page 04       Finance         Friday 18 September 2015

Smart Wedding Financing

Shee finally popped the question and now your dreams are focused on planning the big day, your day, the day you have been waiting for all your life. Little girls dream of prince charming and fairy tale weddings and now it's all coming true, but hold on a minute.... you're not a little boy anymore and fairy tale weddings cost real money.

Don't just start reaching for the plastic, applying for a loan or borrowing from family; why not rethink your wants. Having a more realistic wedding you can afford is far better than beginning married life with a big debt. The smart groom can have his cake and eat it too, with a well thought out budget and plan for his perfect day. Start with MANAALAYA Wedding Planning Checklist.

Once you have made a plan, it's crucial you stick to it. If you do go over budget, you should try to trim someplace else to maintain the overall spending limit. Setting aside money for out-of-the-blue expenses is also important when figuring overall cost.

If assuming some debt is inevitable, what is the best approach? Tally how much money you have saved and how much of the wedding you still have to finance. Put together an after-marriage budget and calculate what can be set aside for wedding bills each month, after taking into account existing loans and obligations.

Money advisers agree that it's best not to take on liabilities you can't pay off within a year. If you are using an existing credit card to fill the money gap, call the credit-card company and ask them to lower your interest rate. (But keep in mind this will only work if you always meet your due date.) If you're opening a new account, look for a card that offers either zero or low interest during an introductory period and try to get the balance paid off during this time.

When you feel crazily caught up in the moment and are tempted to go on a buying binge, take a deep breath and consider what is truly important: celebrating your love and the beginning of your lives together. Focus on what is meaningful for you and your spouse not just doing something for show.

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Freelance Copywriter

Page 05     Travel       Friday 18 September 2015

Your first true getaway as husband and wife

Your first true getaway as husband and wife can be a one-of-a-kind experience that builds your bond without breaking your budget. MANAALAYA could help find one that’s right for you without compromising on the romantic atmosphere and indulgent attention you desire. Read on for the top time and money saving tips for savvy couples.

Nothing eliminates the stress of vacation planning like easily finding an affordable all-inclusive honeymoon resort. And when it comes to affordability, location is the key to unlocking more choices.

If you want the best value for your money, consider a Cancun honeymoon, a Jamaica honeymoon, or a Punta Cana honeymoon. These three locations provide a wide choice of truly romantic honeymoon resorts that fit your budget. Plus, with relatively lower airfares to these romantic destinations, the money you save can be used to splurge on once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon activities.

All-inclusive packages are less expensive than you think. Prices for all-inclusive honeymoon packages often include food, drinks, activities, taxes, entertainment, airport transfers and even tips.

Compare the flat fee all-inclusives offer with the total price you would pay by booking your own vacation and you’ll find that these all-inclusive honeymoon packages offer highly competitive rates.

Subtract the hours of independent travel planning saved by booking an all-inclusive honeymoon, and you’ve saved lots of money, avoided stress and found yourself a memorable honeymoon at a bargain price!

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Freelance Copywriter

Page 06      Honeymoon       Friday 18 September 2015

Turn up the heat

Want a really romantic dinner? Sure, candles and soft music are nice, but what you and your beloved nosh on could truly take things to another level. The following (healthy!) foods may actually affect hormone levels, brain chemistry and energy, heightening arousal and sex drive.

While there aren't double-blind studies proving the aphrodisiac properties of these foods, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting they really help, so why not work in one (or more) on your honeymoon.

                                                                 Asparagus 

This veggie's phallic appearance no doubt has something to do with its legendary aphrodisiac status, but the goods are inside, too. Asparagus is rich in vitamin B6 and folate, both of which can boost arousal and orgasm. And it also boasts vitamin E, which stimulates sex hormones in both men and women.

                               Avocados

Energy and a healthy libido are crucial for great sex and avocados can give you both. They're loaded with minerals, monounsaturated fats (the good kind that protect the heart and lower cholesterol), and vitamin B6—all of which help keep your energy and sex drive up. They're also a top source of omega-3 fatty acids, which naturally boost your mood, making you more likely to feel ready for bedroom action.

Chile peppers  

Chile peppers can really spice things up and not just in your mouth thanks to capsaicin, a chemical that's been shown to induce the release of endorphins in the brain, which creates a feeling of euphoria. The potential payoff? Enhanced foreplay and hotter sex.

Chocolate

This sweet has long been linked with love and sex for good reason. It contains tryptophan, which helps the body produce serotonin, a natural feel-good chemical that may play a role in sexual arousal. Chocolate also offers a hit of phenyl ethylamine, a stimulant thought to contribute to that lovey-dovey feeling. So, go ahead, indulge a little!

Licorice 

This candy (sold conveniently in, um, whips) is thought to mimic the effects of estrogen and progesterone, critical hormones for normal reproductive and sexual function and response. Eating it may help you get in the mood and stay that way more often. Plus, enjoying this candy may reduce symptoms of PMS, a real perk both in and outside the bedroom. But note: Don't settle for just any old licorice-flavored candy. Be sure to buy a variety that contains real licorice-root extract.

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Freelance Copywriter

Page 07      Sex     Friday 18 September 2015

Secrets to Better Orgasms

Just can't seem to quite get there? Or would you like your big moment to be even bigger? A friction position may help you have an orgasm during intercourse. Get on top, for example, so the top of your clitoris is rubbing directly on your partner’s pubic bone. Or lay on your back with a pillow underneath your butt.

Let your partner know when he’s on the right track, either by telling him what feels great or by moaning. Engaging in thrill-seeking behaviors together (whether it’s rock climbing or just going to see a scary movie) stimulates dopamine in the brain, which gets your juices flowing.

The longer the arousal buildup, the bigger the explosion. Get her close to orgasm, then slow to a simmer. Repeat that a few times before she climax. focused breathing—may boost your pleasure. Partners who breathe in tandem may slow the rush to orgasm and create a bigger buildup, which can intensify pleasure.

Porn isn’t all about big penises and deep throats. Erotic movies and books can be tasteful and arousing, and the more aroused you are, the better your orgasm chances. If it takes you longer than your partner to warm up, get a head start by e-mailing or texting each other sexy messages (but don’t get too graphic—e-mail is not necessarily private).

Women are more likely than men to take antidepressants, which are known to hurt a person’s sex life. If you’re having trouble, talk to your doctor about your meds. Women are more likely than men to take antidepressants, which are known to hurt a person’s sex life. If you’re having trouble, talk to your doctor about your meds.

A low libido, obviously, lowers chances of orgasm. So ditch life’s distractions at your bedroom door and check out these aphrodisiacs like chocolate, chile peppers, asparagus, avocados, and oysters.
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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Freelance Copywriter