M A N A A L A Y A
Every Grooms
Bestman
Page 01 Self Improvement Monday 11
April 2016
SIMPLE WAYS TO TRANSFORM
CRIPPLING STRESS
INTO GREAT STRENGTH
We often hear over and
over again about how damaging stress can be to our health and this state of
mind is truer if you are a groom readying yourself for the great day to dawn in
a couple of months or days.
What most people don’t
realize is that stress is natural. Some form of stress (whether physical or
emotional) is actually happening to us every second of the day from the moment
we’re born until the moment we die. Breathing, walking, talking, eating; these
are all forms of stress on the body.
But researchers are
starting to realize how beneficial stress can actually be to our wellbeing
because if we view stress as a positive thing, we can actually improve from it.
MANAALAYA’s got a few
suggestions that you can use to turn stress on its head and transform it into
true strength.
REFRAME THE STRESS
Do you remember the old
cliché; always look at the bright side of life? This is actually very good
advice that is heavily backed by science. In a study at Yale University, people
who viewed old age in a positive light went on to live an average of 7.6 years
longer that’s almost as much time as you lose from a lifetime of smoking.
Remember though, this
doesn’t mean being blind to the negative impacts that stress could have. It’s
about seeing both sides of the coin and consciously choosing the positive one.
LEARN TO LOVE THE
STRESS
In order to turn stress
into productive energy you need to learn to appreciate it for what it really is,
an opportunity. The reality is that the sooner you accept stress, the sooner
you are likely to creatively develop new strategies for dealing with whatever
is stressing you out. When you learn to see stress as normal, you will improve
your confidence to deal with stress as your beliefs manifest themselves as
self-fulfilling prophecies.
TALK TO CLOSE FRIENDS
AND LOVED ONES
Talking to other people
is a positive response to stress that can help you build resilience. Doing so
releases the age-fighting hormone oxytocin and allows us to better connect with
others. By relating to people through stressful experiences you’re able to feel
more empathy towards one another and develop more trust, both of which are
vital in a meaningful life. The brain will also reward you by releasing
dopamine, encouraging you to proactively reframe and handle stress in the
future.
HAVE A HIGHER PURPOSE
Having a higher purpose
is another factor that allows you to reframe stress and turn it into strength. But
your purpose doesn’t need to be religious. You just need to commit to some
cause or idea greater than yourself. Having a greater purpose allows us to give
our stress meaning and improves our life expectancy.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business Writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
Page 02 Health Monday 11 April 2016
Foods to Boost Groom Health
MANAALAYA
has this list of disease-fighting foods that can be a good start to improving
your health before you start planning your HONEYMOON or the first vacation
together as husband and wife.
OYSTERS
Could
there be something to the legend that oysters are the food of love? Well, it's
true that just a few oysters each day will deliver a full day's supply of the
antioxidant mineral zinc. Zinc is involved in hundreds of body processes, from
producing DNA to repairing cells.
Sexual
functioning of the male reproductive system, including increased sperm counts,
is enhanced with zinc. You can also get your daily recommended dose of 11
milligrams a day by eating other shellfish, lean beef, lean pork, or legumes.
BANANAS
Bananas
are a great portable source of quick energy and are rich in potassium, which is
needed to regulate nerves, heartbeat and, especially, blood pressure. Diets
rich in potassium and magnesium (which is also found in bananas) can reduce the
risk of stroke.
As a
super source of vitamin B-6, bananas can also aid your immune system, help form
red blood cells, ensure a well-functioning nervous system, and assist protein
metabolism. So enjoy a banana each day, at breakfast on your whole grain-cereal
or before your workout at the gym.
Not a
banana fan? Orange juice, milk, tomato products, and beans are other good sources
of dietary potassium.
FATTY FISH
No
list of superfoods would be complete without the healthy fat, omega-3 fatty
acids. These polyunsaturated fats are the preferred form of fats in your diet
for many reasons. They can benefit the heart, circulation, and immune system
and reduce the risk for prostate cancer, among other things.
Fatty
fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, herring) are the richest sources of
omega-3 fatty acids. You can also get omega-3s in plant-based foods, like walnuts, soy, canola oil, and fortified
products such as eggs. But there are other good reasons to eat fish.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli
is loaded with vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, and a phytochemical called
sulphoraphane, which has strong anticancer properties.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business Writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
Page 03 Grooming Monday
11 April 2016
Habits of Impeccably-Groomed Grooms
·
Develop
a daily routine that is quick, simple and above all else about maintenance,
ensuring you don't let yourself (or your carefully assembled outfit) down with
unsightly hair or unnecessarily puffy eyes. How
about giving a try to MANAALAYA’s routine.
BECOME
A REGULAR AT YOUR BARBERS
Book your next appointment while you’re there for roughly 4 weeks time and stick to it.
Book your next appointment while you’re there for roughly 4 weeks time and stick to it.
KNOW WHICH HAIR
PRODUCTS WORK FOR YOU
Thicker hair and messy styles can handle waxes and
pomades, but if your hair's thinner, then lighter products and sprays will give
you more staying power. Ask your barber if you're a bit in the dark.
FIND YOUR SIGNATURE SCENT
Aftershave isn't supposed to be loud or obvious. You don't want people to stop in their tracks and notice (if they do, you've worn too much). Rather, it should become a subtle part of your overall presence. Rather than owning 8-10 average quality bottles you pick from each morning at random, find one or two classic scents you really like and invest in them.
Aftershave isn't supposed to be loud or obvious. You don't want people to stop in their tracks and notice (if they do, you've worn too much). Rather, it should become a subtle part of your overall presence. Rather than owning 8-10 average quality bottles you pick from each morning at random, find one or two classic scents you really like and invest in them.
DO A DYLAN" WITH YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Two things every bride notices: your shoes, and your smile. When it comes to the latter, there is no longer any excuse for ignoring advances in technology. Electric toothbrushes are designed to do most of the work for you, plus, they’re better for your health as rotating brushes could reduce 11% more plaque than manual toothbrushes and can also significantly reduce gum problems. And while you're at it, use a mouthwash after you brush, first thing in the morning.
Two things every bride notices: your shoes, and your smile. When it comes to the latter, there is no longer any excuse for ignoring advances in technology. Electric toothbrushes are designed to do most of the work for you, plus, they’re better for your health as rotating brushes could reduce 11% more plaque than manual toothbrushes and can also significantly reduce gum problems. And while you're at it, use a mouthwash after you brush, first thing in the morning.
SCRUB YOUR FACE
Face scrubs are just textured face washes designed to get the dead skin off your face (particularly the nose, the most exposed part of your face). Use one on a Monday morning to scrub the weekend off your face and every other day of the week go for a plain face wash that's less abrasive. You'll be looking better than you feel in no time.
Face scrubs are just textured face washes designed to get the dead skin off your face (particularly the nose, the most exposed part of your face). Use one on a Monday morning to scrub the weekend off your face and every other day of the week go for a plain face wash that's less abrasive. You'll be looking better than you feel in no time.
LEARN TO SHAVE LIKE AN EXPERT
You might not have time in the morning for an extensive wet-shaving routine, but learning the basics of a good shave is important. Preparing your skin beforehand with a shave oil will help the razor glide over your hairs, while soaking the blades in warm water will help your pores expand, allowing the hair to come off your face with less redness and irritation? If it still feels like a chore, leave your precious face in the hands of the experts and get a professional shave once a week.
You might not have time in the morning for an extensive wet-shaving routine, but learning the basics of a good shave is important. Preparing your skin beforehand with a shave oil will help the razor glide over your hairs, while soaking the blades in warm water will help your pores expand, allowing the hair to come off your face with less redness and irritation? If it still feels like a chore, leave your precious face in the hands of the experts and get a professional shave once a week.
Put your best feet forward
They might not be on show at your wedding, but a good foot care routine is still important. Take care of them after a bath or shower (when the skin is softest) using a pumice stone on any dead skin, before lathering a generous amount of moisturizer on.
They might not be on show at your wedding, but a good foot care routine is still important. Take care of them after a bath or shower (when the skin is softest) using a pumice stone on any dead skin, before lathering a generous amount of moisturizer on.
SORT OUT STRAY HAIRS
Big eyebrows aren’t a problem but if they're meeting in the
middle, you’ve got a problem on your hands (and face). Pay attention to the
spot in the middle and any errant hairs above and below your brows are also
worth staying on top of. Plucking is time-consuming, though, so if needs be ask
your barber to tidy your brows up when you’re next in.
NAIL YOUR HAND-CARE ROUTINE
Cutting your nails once a week – preferably after a bath or shower, to soften them and make them easier to trim – is basic. But that rough, flaky skin around the nail bed that somehow irritates you more than it looks like it should? Treat with a tiny bit of moisturizer every couple of days to smooth things over.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business Writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
Page 04 Fashion Monday 11 April 2016
Buying the Right
Shoes
What is
undoubtedly true is that most men don’t stop to think about the style,
construction or purpose of the shoe they are buying – so long as it looks good
and is within budget.
But when
it comes to your wedding you absolutely must look your best; So, to help you
make a quality purchase for the big day MANAALAYA has put together this little
shoe buying guide.
Getting the colour right
Where
better way to start than with the colour of a shoe? You basically have two
options here – black or brown – but what you choose most definitely depends on
what you are wearing on the rest of your body.
Traditionally
a black shoe is considered more formal than brown and MANAALAYA think this
still largely rings true today. If you are wearing any dark coloured outfit
(with the exception of navy) then black shoes are a must. This applies to all
suits, morning dress and black tie.
Brown
shoes should only be worn with navy blue suits – so long as it is not too light
a brown - or if you are going for a more relaxed look across the whole of your
outfit.
Shapes & Styles
The Oxford
(or Balmoral as it is sometimes known) is characterized by having its shoelace
eyelet tabs stitched underneath the ‘vamp’ – the part of the shoe upper that
covers the top of the foot and toes. This type of construction is known as
‘closed lacing’ and offers the most clean – and as such most formal –
appearance of any lace up shoe. Oxfords are a timeless classic that will serve
you well at any occasion and will be a sensible choice for you on your wedding
day.
The Monk
The next
most formal shoe after the Oxford, the Monk is a half shoe / half boot hybrid
that will feel like heaven to any man who suffers from considerably wider feet.
The shoe is closed by one or two buckles that run across the top of the foot
instead of lacing, allowing for variable widths to be achieved with ease. If
you fancy something a bit different from the bog-standard lace-ups you’ve
always worn, why not put on a pair of these for the big day.
The Loafer
Loafer epitomizes
comfort and freedom of movement. If you can avoid the ‘Friday night out’ shoe
look and find something with more elegance and class, you might be able to pull
off a pair of these with your wedding suit.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business Writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
Page 05 Finance Monday 11 2016
Money Mistakes to Avoid on Your Honeymoon
If you're planning a trip, one in which
you and your significant other will start your new life together by visiting an
exotic destination, this is likely an opportunity fraught with the potential
for financial blunders.
If you
aren’t careful, your honeymoon will not be memorable in the way you intended.
So if you're planning a post-nuptials vacation, avoid the following money
missteps.
Failing
to budget. Before the big day, couples are often
consumed with wedding planning and might not be thinking too deeply about the
details surrounding the honeymoon, which should include contingency planning.
After all,
the last thing you want is to be on your honeymoon in another country and
suddenly realize your credit cards are maxed out and your checking account is
overdrawn.
Even if you
don't end up using your debit card to fund the remaining two days of your
honeymoon, praying it isn't declined, other problems can arise.
Not
going big enough. There are a lot of great arguments for
taking a modest, fiscally responsible honeymoon, and no one’s suggesting you
start your marriage by going deep into debt to fund a trip around the world.
But if you can swing it, consider vacationing somewhere you normally wouldn't
go.
Going
too big. Don't think about the amount of money for this point – instead,
consider what you're each getting for your money. After all, you aren't getting
much bang for your buck if one of you doesn't enjoy your honeymoon. If one
spouse loves to travel and the other doesn't, have a lengthy discussion about
that before you both, say, embark on a trip that will take you to eight hotels
in England and Scotland via numerous rental cars and trains.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business Writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
Page 06 Travel Monday 11 April 2016
Treehouse Hotels Perfect for Honeymoons
On the edge of Ecuador’s Yasunà National
Park, La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa brings eco-enthusiasts to one of the
country’s greatest examples of biodiversity. Each treehouse suite lets the
outdoors in with a porch hammock and an alfresco tub. Inside, floor-to-ceiling
windows overlook Lake Garzacocha.
Aqua Wellness Resort in
Nicaragua is cradled
in a quiet cove along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, which means aquatic
adventurers have ample surfing and snorkeling opportunities right at their fin
tips. The hillside teak villas each come with a wraparound deck and a plunge
pool, as well as beach, ocean or jungle vistas.
The arboreal villas at Ladera
Resort sit
1,300 feet above sea level among Saint Lucia’s volcanic Piton mountains. Luxury
lovers will swoon over Caribbean Sea-facing plunge pools and a wall that is
open to the outdoors for unobstructed sights.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business Writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
Page 07 Honeymoon Monday 11 April 2016
UNIQUE
HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS &
TIPS TO PLAN
YOUR OWN TRIP
There is a lot to consider when planning a
honeymoon so MANAALAYA has a few tips to
help you get started.
HOW TO START RESEARCHING DESTINATIONS?
To make a fun game of it, have you and your fiance made
a list of honeymoon destinations you’d like to go to. Compare lists and
see how many you have in common and start narrowing down your list from there.
You’ll also want to discuss the type of honeymoon you want. If you would rather
spend your week relaxing on the beach, the Caribbean may be the way to go. If
you’re an on-the-go adventure couple, think about Europe or even Asia.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND?
Once
you’ve decided on the destination, you’ll want to start thinking about what
your budget is. Traditionally the groom pays for the honeymoon, but as it
becomes more common for both families and the bride and groom to pay for the
wedding, this allows the bride and groom to organize and plan for the honeymoon
together. Regardless of who is paying, you’ll want to have an honest
conversation about expectations upfront so there aren’t any disappoints down
the road.
WHEN TO GO?
Traditionally
the bride and groom leave directly after their wedding for the honeymoon, but
it’s becoming more and more common for the newlyweds to leave the day after, a
week after or even a few months after. A few things to consider are
seasonality, vacation time for you and your spouse and holidays.
If
you plan on taking a longer honeymoon (2 weeks+) you’ll want to take into
consideration how much time you’re taking off work before the wedding and how
much time your companies will allow.
Lastly
to maximize your vacation days, think about planning your honeymoon around paid
holidays. Just keep in mind traveling on holidays can increase your cost.
OFFBEAT HONEYMOONS
Cross-Country Road Trip
It’s becoming increasingly popular for
newlyweds to travel all over the country
for their honeymoon. Check out for
houses, cottages and condos you can rent at a variety of price points you can
stay at as you travel the country.
Go Glamping
Glamping isn’t for everyone, but if you are the kind of couple who
love an adventure, but also appreciate a little luxury this could be the trip
of a lifetime for you. Glamping.com offers high-end camping destinations around
the world. Think less tent & sleeping bag rather than more cozy beds and
five-star luxuries.
Under the sea
How about a honeymoon
aboard a luxury submarine. We have to warn you this is quite pricey (but this
will be an experience you’ll be sharing with your grandkids and
great-grandkids. The sub comes with a butler and chef and you can pick your
underwater destination from anywhere in the Caribbean.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
Page 08 Sex Monday 11 April 2016
WEDDING
NIGHT SEX: DO'S AND DON'TS
After the stress of
the wedding, it's quite likely that the prospect of wedding night sex –
especially if it's your first time – is likely to cause you some anxiety and
nervousness. Read on to find out how to cope with the pressure.
Do...
·
Feel
confident
There's nothing sexier than confidence. You can also set the mood by playing some romantic music.
There's nothing sexier than confidence. You can also set the mood by playing some romantic music.
·
Talk
to each other
For first time lovers, it's vital to communicate and share what you’re feeling with each other during sex. It may feel more natural, but it's important to tell her how you feel about what they're doing. If you like it, then you could say, "That feels good," or moan a little bit when you like what they're doing.
Also, observe your partner's reaction to what you’re doing, and try and do it differently if they seem to be very still and quiet. Sex is supposed to be pleasurable for the both of you.
For first time lovers, it's vital to communicate and share what you’re feeling with each other during sex. It may feel more natural, but it's important to tell her how you feel about what they're doing. If you like it, then you could say, "That feels good," or moan a little bit when you like what they're doing.
Also, observe your partner's reaction to what you’re doing, and try and do it differently if they seem to be very still and quiet. Sex is supposed to be pleasurable for the both of you.
·
Take
things slowly
All the hype and sly jokes surrounding wedding night sex may make you keen to see what it’s all about and hurry. Instead relax and take it slow. Savour and enjoy every moment. Even if it may not be the best sex ever or meet your expectations, the wedding night is still likely to be amongst your most romantic experiences with your spouse.
All the hype and sly jokes surrounding wedding night sex may make you keen to see what it’s all about and hurry. Instead relax and take it slow. Savour and enjoy every moment. Even if it may not be the best sex ever or meet your expectations, the wedding night is still likely to be amongst your most romantic experiences with your spouse.
Don't...
·
Expect
too much
Savour and enjoy every moment. Even if it may not be the best sex ever or meet your expectations, the wedding night is still likely to be amongst your most romantic experiences with your spouse. Whatever happens, it's far more important that you enjoy yourself and feel connected to your partner.
Savour and enjoy every moment. Even if it may not be the best sex ever or meet your expectations, the wedding night is still likely to be amongst your most romantic experiences with your spouse. Whatever happens, it's far more important that you enjoy yourself and feel connected to your partner.
·
Be
stuck on the idea of the wedding night
Between the endless round of relatives you've had to meet, the rituals you've had to go through, the parties you've had to attend and maybe all the alcohol you've had to drink, it is more than understandable if you’re both too tired for lengthy foreplay. If so, it might be better to wait for morning. You'll be more rested, fresher and still in your wedding bed. It’s a shame to waste your special occasion because you have the idea you have to ‘get the job done’ before bedtime!
Between the endless round of relatives you've had to meet, the rituals you've had to go through, the parties you've had to attend and maybe all the alcohol you've had to drink, it is more than understandable if you’re both too tired for lengthy foreplay. If so, it might be better to wait for morning. You'll be more rested, fresher and still in your wedding bed. It’s a shame to waste your special occasion because you have the idea you have to ‘get the job done’ before bedtime!
·
Let the first time impact you too much
Sex takes practice and if it's your first time ever, you're likely to feel a bit clumsy. Take things slowly and keep communicating with your partner. Don't focus just on the physical feelings instead be gentle with each other and remind yourself how lucky you are to finally be married and in each other's arms.
Sex takes practice and if it's your first time ever, you're likely to feel a bit clumsy. Take things slowly and keep communicating with your partner. Don't focus just on the physical feelings instead be gentle with each other and remind yourself how lucky you are to finally be married and in each other's arms.
CONCEPTUALIZED AND DEVELOPED
BY JAI SUNTHUSH ABEYEWARDENE
Advertising Supplements Journalist (Ex Sunday
Observer & Daily News)
Electronic Publications Editor (Ex Wills
Design Private Limited)
Author + Business Writer
+ 94 774546069 incrediwriter@gmail.com
