Author: yachnaa

6- Step Guide To Becoming The Ultimate Sex Goddess

It’s simple: we as humans were made to want, have, and enjoy sex.

Why is it then that most people feel uncomfortable talking about sex or being talked to about sex? Why? Because shame surrounds this taboo topic. We, as a society, are reluctant to accept female sexuality in all its richness and beautiful complexity.

Do most people act out their fantasies?

YOU can be %100 turned on by fantasy and NOT enjoy it in practice: What!?! Many of us like to feel taken, submissive, powerful, dirty, and deceitful, in the bedroom and in our minds with the help of dirty talk, fantasies, and roleplaying– that does not mean we want that Outside the bedroom or even to perform the exact fantasy itself. This can be confusing and cause us not to share our fantasies because we think there is something dark or wrong with us for having these desires.

Remember– Whether you act on them or not, taking a closer look at your fantasies can be a healthy way to learn more about yourself, your sexuality, and your partner. Understanding the feeling you want to have in your fantasy- can help you achieve greater intimacy and sexual satisfaction with your partner. Don’t be afraid to explore what your mind is turned on by, and if you can create it in a safe space with a loving partner- GO For it.

Here are seven steps you can take to step into your authentic sexual power-

1) Accept your desires-

Think: Can you think of a time when you were shamed for exploring and being curious about your sexuality? Maybe your parents thought sex was immoral, so you had to repress or tone down your sexuality for social acceptance.

It took me years to accept that it’s natural and healthy to explore one’s body. For the longest time, I judged myself for having completely normal sexual desires and fantasies, only to later realize the shame and judgement that I internalized did not belong to me. It can be very powerful (and liberating) to learn that your desires aren’t the weird, strange, or unusual things you thought they were.

Allow: yourself to experience passionate and intense sexual desires without any judgements and act on that desire through safe and consensual sex.

2) Rewrite your sexual story-

Rewriting your sexual story means looking at your sexual history and looking clearly at the experiences you’ve created and how and why you did that — the painful ones as well as the exciting ones. It’s time to look closely at the beliefs you carry around your sexuality.

Ask yourself: how do I define myself as a sexual being? How do I express my sexuality? How do I feel about my body?

When you work on this step, you give yourself the gift of releasing the parts of it that no longer serve you and rewriting your authentic sexual story.

3) Embrace and honour your body-

Love and celebrate your body so you can enjoy it in a way that you forgot you could or didn’t even you could. In doing so, you take your pleasure and power into your hands and build powerful sexual confidence and self-esteem.

4) Develop your sexual love language-

As you unlearn all the shame and guilt surrounding your sexuality, you’ll notice a powerful shift in your emotional, physical and spiritual energy. Your mind, body, and soul will be in a beautiful alignment in its most authentic power bringing you closer to your sexual love language.

5) Create a sacred sexual practice-

Give yourself the freedom and power to explore and enjoy your sexual needs, desires, and fantasies. Step into your highest sexual and spiritual power by activating your daily attention to your sexuality and desires. Energy flows where attention goes!

6) Indulge in self-pleasure

Put yourself first. Even if you think you’re too busy, schedule solo-pleasure dates, even if it’s just 10 minutes. It’s where we are self-aware and, most of all, self-compassionate. Tidy up your space, and add some candles and flowers. Make a sensual playlist and do whatever is calling to you.

Do you suppress your sexual fantasies?

Thank you, Simone. Pleasure Plus is now offering a FREE Erotic Mediation to get your mind going.

xx

Yachna

P.S.

9 powerful foods for a gigantic orgasm.

(Image by dromsjel)

June 5, 2021
Six Powerful Ways To Unwind After A Stressful Work Week.

Stressed? Tired? This weekend love yourself enough to take some time to recharge your mind, body, and soul because you can’t pour from an empty cup.

1)Connect to Creativity

The more open and connected you are to the world around you, the more creative you become. Put your phone away. Read that book you’ve always wanted to. Do joyful painting. Cook your favourite meal. Take up gardening or pottery. Learn how to play the flute. Use this time to connect with yourself and the world within and outside you.

2) Get Outside

Step outside. Take a long walk in nature. Listen to the sounds that you hear or don’t hear. Be in the now. Enjoy the present. Embrace life. Watch the sunset, gaze at the moon and the stars. Feel the light summer breeze on your face, the rain on your hair. Fill your world with nature’s delightful colours. There’s so much love out in the universe. Soak it all in!

3) Come home to yourself

Love yourself enough to connect with your body. Find a quiet spot and reset by indulging in some much-needed self-pleasure or with a partner. Listen to your body and its needs. Giving your body the pleasure it needs is the best way to honour it. A little after-work delight if you will 😉

4) Shower/Long Bath

Wash away your stressful work week so you can feel refreshed and start anew. Take a long relaxing aromatherapy bath. If it’s legal in your country, make that aromatherapy a gram of weed in a diffuser because why not? Or, drink your stress away. Pick a poison. Follow your heart!

5) Imagine What You Want

What do you want? What kind of life do you want for yourself? What situation do you want to live in? Imagine your life in detail. Write it down. Visualize it. Put into action. Make it real. Make a plan for your new life where you don’t have to unwind from your stressful life next Friday. Always remember, life is what you make it. You have the power to redefine your world.

6) Let the laughter and music find you

Let the music sweep away your soul on your toughest days. A little dose of laughter with your people goes a long way. Sometimes both at the same time. Let life’s rhythm find you.

I hope you take the time to honour yourself and how far you’ve come. Find healing and lots of magic within yourself. Have a relaxing weekend!

xx

Yachna

P.S.

Seven self care tips!

(Featured Image filthymouthcreative)

May 28, 2021
11 Best Romantic K-Dramas That’ll Make You Swoon!

For all the hopeless romantics in this cynical world, here’s a list of 11 best romantic K-Dramas (in no particular order) GUARANTEED to make your heart swoon and ache at the same time. Here goes-

1) Boys Over Flowers

Is there anyone that’s not in love with this fun and fluffy binge-worthy K-Drama? With the endless romance and swoon-worthy moments, instantly dubbed a classic, it was one of the first Korean drama that took the world by storm and rightly so.

With a fabulous display of emotions, this series will take you to an adventure of a lifetime that’ll make you laugh, cry, and feel immense butterflies leaving the viewers at the edge of their seats in desperate anticipation of what’s next?

Since its release, the show has been remade several times in different languages. My favourite one being the Chinese remake of Meteor Garden. Click here

2) Legend Of The Blue Sea

Utterly beautiful and one of the best Korean drama ever!!

Legend of The Blue Sea is a kind, beautiful love story about reincarnation and a love that transcends time. The chemistry between the two main leads was off the charts. This show has all the fantastic elements- romance, comedy, suspense, fantasy, and an engaging storyline that’ll keep you hooked from the first episode.

From the beginning until the last episode, the continuity is strong, and the slow character build-up from different centuries makes the show even more enticing.

3 Something in the Rain

MY FAVOURITE!!!

Something in the Rain is one of the shows that’ll forever stay with me because of the beautiful and heartwarming chemistry between the two main leads. This show is for those who have not felt the sweet beginnings of love for a long long time. The characters got me hooked within 15 minutes. A heartwarming love story with slow and beautiful character development, impeccable timing, effortless comedy, and heartfelt music built on a forbidden yet deep romance. This series is guaranteed to make your heart flutter and ache simultaneously!!

4) Wok Of Love

Wok Of Love is a beautiful story about love, friendship, and lots of delicious, mouth-watering food. The details given to the food preparation are simply impeccable, while the chemistry between the leads is just irresistible. Simply a mood refreshment with a storyline that’s fresh, light, and delightful. The flirty playfulness and love of the show will leave you wanting for more. Every episode is exciting. The concept is a mix-up of love, romance, career, passion, acceptance and striving hard for what you want to get in life no matter what. This is totally a BINGE!!

5) Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

Breathtaking is the word for this pure and soulful show. Everything of the drama, including the story, songs, background music, dialogues and especially everyone’s acting, was terrific. Some very emotional scenes in the series are bound to pierce the heart of even an unemphatic person. It made me feel some way; it’s almost godly in my mind. Every single episode of the series was glittering. This is seriously one of the most powerful series I’ve seen so far. I will always remember the emotions this series gave me.

6) Coffee Prince

This one-of-a-kind quirky, full of humour, light romantic comedy will steal your breath away. Watching this show felt like sipping a delicious hot cup of coffee. The clumsiness, fun, touching and heartwarming moments made me fall in love with it. The charisma and charm of all the actors are to die for. Beautifully made series with such simplicity yet such longing, it left a hole in my heart.

7) Descendants of the Sun

It’s one of the Most Exquisite shows that I’ve ever seen. A complete package of Comedy, Romance, Action and Lots of emotions in a single series is rarely seen.

With a fantastic background & a fabulous display of emotions, values & relationships, this series keeps you excited throughout all the episodes, from the start till end, while pulling out various emotions from within you & making you eager to look forward to seeing ‘what’s next & how?’.

8) What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim

If you’re looking for a quarantine and chill series, consider adding this one to the mix. A cute, feel-good, light and funny rom-com themed series that will make your heart smile. The leads have their chemistry bang on- they are funny and quirky yet “super hot “as a couple. There is a good storyline with suspense that will keep you guessing till the end.

9) The Heirs

The Heirs is the series that’s guaranteed to lead you down a life of watching endless Korean Dramas. One of the best romantic series that I’ve ever watched; it covers many different emotional facets of life, including depression and social acceptance. This series is full of top gun actors who play their roles well with sweetness, jealousy, humour, and some silliness. Overall, very entertaining series with rarely any dull moments.

10) I’m Not A Robot

Imagine living in a world where you have to isolate yourself from everyone because it is a possibility you might die if you come in contact with them? This drama isn’t your everyday love triangle; it delves deeper into human emotions and the beauty of companionship, both platonic and intimate.

The writers have done an exceptional job writing the story and goosebumps-inducing scenarios that relate to one another in an entirely unexpected way. The ending of the story is beautifully and leisurely written, which warms your heart.

11) Rain or Shine

It is a beautifully executed story focusing on real people, emotions, tragedy, and how it can impact lives well into the future. A simple yet beautifully profound story that sends a strong message to the audience. As the story unfolds, you enter into a different world. It feels as if you’re watching someone else’s life story for real. It makes you fall in love with every character. The leads certainly deserve some love and attention for the superb acting! The story ended exactly how it should have. If only we could get a season 2 🙁

Do you have any recommendations to add to this list? Have you watched any or maybe all of them? Do you have any favourites? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

xx

Yachna

May 22, 2021
9 Powerful Foods For A Gigantic Orgasm

Eating clean and healthy allows the body to perform better on all levels, including sex. Eating food that nourishes our body on a consistent basis literally gives you energy, puts you in a vibrant mood, and boosts sexual performance and pleasure. I’ve always been keen on the idea of foods that boost your libido because you can eat them to elevate your sex life without having to worry about any weird side effects associated with sex-enhancement drugs. Plus, eating right and taking care of your body will just help you feel comfortable in your own skin which means more confidence and pleasure in the bedroom.

Today, Simone Farschi, a sex and intimacy coach recommends incorporating these nine powerful foods into your diet for a mind-blowing climax. Here goes-

1) Greens

Leafy green veggies facilitate the production of the female hormone estrogen. They are also loaded with zinc, which is known for its libido and sperm production qualities in men.

2) Seeds

Seeds such as flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds etc. are again friends of sexual hormones. These seeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, a drop in which affects hormone levels leading to a plummeting sex drive. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc which is a mineral needed to produce testosterone.

3) Seafood

Be it fish or raw oysters, they contain the wonder sex drug in them! It’s also found to boost the hormone dopamine that lights up the brain’s pleasure system. ⠀⠀

4) Nuts

All kinds of nuts provide one with energy that’s directly proportional to your stamina while having sex.

5) Fruits

All fruits, especially those rich in vitamin C such as pineapples, papayas and strawberries can be vital in sexual gratifications. The body needs vitamin C to keep the sexual organs fine-tuned. Vitamin C increases the number and quality of sperm produced. Not to mention, it makes you taste better 😉

Fruits such as Bananas are ideal to give you endurance in the bedroom as they are a rich source of vitamin B that converts carbohydrates into energy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

6) Spices

The right kind of spices not only spice up your palette but also your bedroom. “Chilli pepper, red chillies and ginger perk up blood circulation. ⠀⠀⠀

7) Dark Chocolate

A natural libido booster! Chocolate contains a chemical called phenethylamine that triggers feelings of relaxation, intoxication, and pleasure. releases mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin and stimulates physical contact desires and lowers inhibitions.

8) Olive Oil

Orgasm worries in women find an answer in olive oil, which triggers the production of the testosterone hormone.

9) Garlic

A wonder sex booster, regular consumption of garlic in food can bring a marked difference in your sexual prowess.

P.S.

The art of self-pleasure.

This post was originally posted on Pleasure Plus, an online sex education community created by Simone.

(Featured Photo by Alicia Pitaluga)

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May 14, 2021
The Art of Yoni Steaming.
The other day I did something incredible that I had never come across before. It’s called Yoni (Vaginal) Steaming. Maybe you have heard of it. Perhaps you haven’t. Yoni is the Sanskrit word for the vagina that translates to “a sacred space.” Beautiful. Isn’t it?

During the two hours of doing my first Yoni Steaming together (virtually) with Simone, I learnt about the art of deeply caring for your body, your womb space, and that beautiful yoni of yours. It reminded me how essential it was to take the time to sit and cultivate a deeper connection to your feminine wisdom. It was an experience that I didn’t know was so desperately needed in my life.

Between menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth, the vagina withstands a lot. When you add changing hormones and pelvic floor issues to the mix, sometimes the vaginal area is anything but comfortable. That’s why the ancient practice of yoni steaming is coming back.

Below, learn all about this beautiful spiritual ritual to connect deeply with your yoni. Remember, yoni care is self-care.
What is Yoni Steaming?

Yoni steams are a holistic health practice where a woman straddles (sits) over steaming water with a combination of herbs (basically, a warm cup of herbal tea).

The warmth of the steam softens and opens the pores of the vaginal and vulvar skin. You sit and receive the warmth of the herbal healing steam. Then, the herbs absorb into the skin and uterus, leaving your yoni and you relaxed and rejuvenated from inside out.

Stay with me, as we’ll be going over all the juicy details to safely practise this ritual in the comfort of your house.

Remember: You never want to steam while you are bleeding. It’s to be done 3 days before your cycle or 3 days after your cycle ends. Or once every week.
Herb Blends:

You can incorporate so many healing herbs in your Yoni Steaming practice, make it your own, and get witchy. The process of creating your own blend in itself is a very soothing ritual and can be a way to step into your sensuality. Incorporating herbs in my yoni steams is one of my favourite things about the ritual, and it really gets me deep into my body. ⠀⠀

Simone recommended a few of the following healing herbs that I used for my Yoni Steaming-

1) Lavender

You can use the tea bags too! It’s a disinfecting herb. In case you have dampness that causes UTI. It will help clear and dry out the dampness in the uterus. Plus, it’s aromatherapy, and part of the ritual is aromatherapy.

2)Rose Petals

Rose petals are cleansing herb by the Chinese medicine standard. They are blood movers; they will create a movement of blood in the body. This is for somebody who cramps a lot. It’s not suitable for someone who spots/bleeds a lot.

3) Nettle

Also known as birth and kidney tonic. It helps hydrate the body and brings a lot of moisture. It’s a high nutrient and rich in Vitamin B and Iron. As we steam with nettles, it replenishes our bodies with these properties.
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Directions For Yoni Steaming At Home

Tried and tested by Simone at her sex workshops, here are the directions to safely practise yoni steaming at home:

1) In a medium-sized pot, pour roughly about 8-10 cups of water.

2) Boil water in a steam pot soaking your herbs in it. Do not add or use any essential oils, as they are too strong and may burn sensitive genital tissue.

3) Bring the water to a boil for about 5 minutes.

4) Then, turn off the heat and let the herbs steep for another 5 minutes with the lid on.

5) Now, it’s essential to test the temperature of the steam before using it. If it’s too hot, let it sit for 15 seconds and re-test it. Only go ahead if you feel comfortable with the temperature of the steam.

6) Pour the water into a pot, and cover the pot with a towel.

7) Remove your underwear and straddle above the steaming pot.

8) Wrap a large blanket or a wrapping around your waist, making sure no steam escapes.

9) You should feel comforting warm heat for about 15 minutes before the steam dies down.

During The Steam- You sit and receive the moist warmth of the healing steam. It enters your body directly through your yoni and penetrates to your uterus, pelvis, and even up through a deep central channel connecting to your heart so you can feel better in your body and your life.⠀

After the steam – “we gift the sacred waters back to a plant or tree to offer out prayers, release our stagnation and gift seeds for growth.”

Please note: don’t steam for longer than 15 minutes if you have an IUD.
What To Expect After The Steaming Ritual?

After a V steam, some may notice more moisture immediately or shortly after steam. This is due to the radiant warmth of the far-infrared heat, which penetrates deeply into the muscles and tissues of the vagina, and increases oxygen flow and circulation to remove impurities and harmful toxins such as cholesterol and heavy metals-much like with a standard sauna treatment.

The warmth of the steam softens and opens the pores of the vaginal and vulvar skin. You sit and receive the warmth of the herbal healing steam. Then, the herbs absorb into the skin and uterus, leaving your yoni and you relaxed and rejuvenated from inside out.
Benefits

During my session with Simone, she took the time to walk me through a wide range of benefits that Yoni Steaming gives to your body. Here are a few of them:

1) Helps heal bad cramps/PMS:

The stream flows into the Vaginal Canal, helping soften and release any stagnation and regulating the uterine lining, therefore relieving camps.

2) Helps decrease chances of vaginal infections:

Infections are a result of left residue from sex, menstrual cycles and stagnation. When the lining is not completely cleared in our cycles, it is like a leftover residue, worsening when we stress the body.

Steaming helps clean and clear the uterus of any bacteria or dormant dampness that creates a home for these bacteria.

3) Helps with remedying painful intercourse:

Think of steaming like foreplay; women need 20-40 min to become completely aroused-meaning for our erectile tissue to engorge and thus produce the lubrication and padding around our vaginal canal for repetitive penetration.

4) Connect to your wisdom and feminity:

When we spend time intimately in our womb and genitals, we get to know our body, patterns, discomfort, and messages.

These traditions have been lost to us in the western world. As you steam, you will gain more insight into your body and what you need.

5) Promotes restful sleep.

6) Assists in creating regular cycles.

7) Decreases chance of cysts, fibroids, and endometriosis.
Finally, sharing this beautiful message from Simone.

” Steaming is a tool that can help release heavy emotions out of the body. When we have a safe space in our own home on our own time to connect and release the damage, pain, memories stored in our body, we can heal. I know this from personally healing the effects of a toxic relationship. When we are with people that dim our light, that have intentions of hurting rather than loving us, and we let them, our energy changes, our self-worth changes. We are incapacitated on many major energetic levels. We frankly don’t want to be sexual or fall into patterns of wanting it from unhealthy partners. That is why Sex healing check-in and tune-ups are essential!⠀⠀⠀

Thank you, Simone. You can follow her online community, Pleasure Plus for all the juicy and sensual tips.

Take time this weekend to sit and connect with yourself. Remember, yoni care is self-care!

P.S.

The art of self pleasure.

xx

Yachna

(Images: Pleasure Plus)
May 1, 2021
12 Beautiful Spring Dresses.

In the hopes of warmer weather, I’ve been treating myself to fun, bold and vibrant coloured dresses. I figure a year in loungewear deserves a pretty pick-me-up, an invitation to get back into the world, an opportunity to look at myself clothed in something beautiful and wear the smile that I feel inside. Here are 12 beautiful spring dresses options-

This simply gorgeous dress is going to be soft, light, and breathable for hot summer days. Also, so perfect for brunch or a casual date night!!

Floral split thigh dress.

Elegant minimalist slit-dress.

Its like wearing poetry! Find this midi dress here.

Crisp cotton trapeze dress.

This lime dress is love!!

Maxi Dress.

Puff-Sleeved Mini Dress.

Gingham Dress.

Maxi dress.

Over sized denim dress.

Shirtdress.

P.S.

How cute is this pink flirty dress?

April 23, 2021
A Beginner’s Guide to Being a Plant Parent.

Now that we’ve been spending more time than ever at our homes now; we can’t help but look at every room with a closer eye. Should we rearrange the furniture a certain way? Should we add some art? And most importantly, should we get some plants?

With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to add a new and fresh life to your home. Today, we partnered with Glass Earth Plant Store to get you started on your plant parenthood journey.

Being a plant parent is a learning experience, and it’s 100% never perfect- and that’s okay! If you kill your first plant, that’s okay; we won’t judge, for we’ve been there too! To get you started on your first plant, we’ve put together a beginners guide to being a plant parent to make sure your experience is a pleasant and delightful one:

1) The lighting in your home

Do you have enough light in your home? Is your home lighting dim even during the summertime? It’s best to consider your home’s lighting and then go for a plant that would be most compatible with your house’s lighting.

Always check which way your windows face and observe the lighting. This will go a long way in helping you choose the right plant for the correct location.

What windows provide the best lighting?

East windows generally provide the best lighting for tropicals, while south and southwest exposure can often be too intense.

Keep in mind that most tropical plants grow under the canopy of the jungle, where it is pretty dark and therefore does not need direct sun. This is the location best suited for cactus and succulents and a few thicker leafed tropicals.

2) Your Schedule

Are you often out and spend days away from home? Are you a homebody? Think through about how much you’ll be able to tend to your plants. Some plants need closer attention to thrive than others.

3) How much water is too much water?

Proper watering is crucial for your plant survival. You ideally should always have your plants planted in pots with good drainage holes so that excess water can leave the roots and the soil. Also, try to avoid bowls or saucers full of water after watering your plants. Make sure to empty them.

It is an excellent idea to research any plant you bring into your home and find out where it is native. That will tell you a lot about the water needs of your plant.

For instance, plants like cactus, which grow in the desert, only need water a few times a year, whereas most tropicals need water every week. The best way to know when your tropical plant needs water is to use your fingers and dig down into the soil and feel it. In most cases, you want the soil to be barely moist before watering. Other plants like to dry out completely in between waterings, so it is best to know a bit about your plant beforehand.

4) Clean the leaves!

It is always a good idea to keep the leaves of your plants clean to photosynthesize effectively. Remember that the rain and the wind help keep the plants’ leaves clean and pest-free in the wild. And occasional showering can help a lot.

Regular wiping of large plant leaves with a Foliar feed and Leaf Shine helps a lot. Make it a habit to check the undersides of your plant leaves for pests. That’s where they like to hide!

5) Fertilize your plant

Occasionally if you own plants, you will encounter pests. We constantly push for natural solutions such as introducing predators to keep your plants healthy.

Choose a natural fertilizer rather than a chemical one to avoid burning the roots. Most soils used indoors have no nutrients, so a good fertilizer like Glass Earths Organic Plant Tea will help feed your plants. Avoid touching roots when transplanting to avoid transplant shock.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about some of the few great plants for you as a beginner: Snake Plants, Pothos, spider plants, Cactus, many Philodendrons, Peace lilies, and bird of paradise.

I hope this info will helps you as much as it helped me!

xx

Yachna

(Images in this post from Unsplash)

April 13, 2021
How to Rock A Bold Lip Colour?

“I swear I cannot pull off amazing bold lips!” I cried out to a friend one evening while getting dressed to get to a dinner reservation. “I see so many of you rock stunning bold lips. But, when I try and do a bold look, I hate how it looks,” I added further. So, when lines like Fenty Beauty expand their popular lipstick palette to include shades like wild lilac and wicked green, the last thing I felt was intimidation. And, that’s the last thing you should feel too! Later that week, I texted my most trusted makeup artist turned friend, Chantel, to spill her secrets of rocking a gorgeous bold lip. Here she shares her four best tips:

1) Exfoliate lips

Exfoliating lips are so healthy for removing dead skin. It eliminates flakey skin that builds up over time. Exfoliating lips can soften the lips and make them naturally plump.

Here are some of my favourites: Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator, these fun and delicious lip scrubs from Lush (all vegan!!).

Fun Little Tip: You can also use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips. It immediately softens and plumps the lips. Keep in mind, don’t use the brush too harshly. Instead, use light and gentle strokes.

(Bella Hadid from Allure 2018)

2) Moisturize + Hydrate

Buff away all the dryness on the lips with a blissfully buttery and super hydrating lip balm. “I’ve been using the Biossance squalane+rose vegan lip balm religiously,” advises Chantel, my gorgeous makeup artist. “Lip balm is also an excellent base to lipstick and allows it to glide on easier and gives your lips a silky smooth finish.” she further adds.

For deeper hydration, use overnight lip masks. I love the lip mask by LANEIGE. Although a sleeping mask, I’ve been using this mask as lipgloss as well, and it makes my lips look glossy and hydrated. A little goes a long way.

Little Tip: For sensitive lips, I would avoid using lip balms that have harsh chemicals, alcohol, and menthol in it. It can lead to skin irritation and cause an allergic reaction.

(Photo from LUVALASH)

3) Line the Lips

“Adding a lip liner before and after a bold lip helps to define and bring back your lip shape, as it can sometimes get hidden within a bold lip colour,” suggests Chantel.

Depending on the look you’re going for with a bold lip colour, a lip liner can help achieve several looks. For instance- you could create an ombre lip effect and change your lip’s shape (bigger or smaller). Additionally, you could intensify the colour by adding a soft layer of lip liner over the lipstick.

Here are a few of the lip liner brands that we highly recommend at different price points:

a) Essence Soft Contouring Lip Liner

Category: Super- low Priced

Essence is one of the lowest-priced drug-store brands that does not compromise with its high quality.

b) e.l.f. Cosmetics

Category: Super-low priced

You won’t regret owning this non-irritating lip liner. This lip liner comes with a blending brush on one end and a retractable lip liner on the other end. This $1.20 lipliner is surprisingly smooth and high in pigmentation and doesn’t bleed because the blending brush helps to blend out any harsh lines very easily.

c) Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner

Category: Medium priced

The variation in nude colours sold me on these lip liners and that they were super creamy and long-lasting. The colours are just intense enough to give a beautiful wash of colour to wear all over the lip.

d) MAC Cosmetics

Category: High-End

We love MAC Cosmetics! For the liners from MAC, a little goes a long way, and it lasts forever!

(Photo by skintypesmag)

4) Fill in the lips with your favourite bold colour:

If you want to try an intimidating colour for yourself, don’t think you can’t go for it! The first step would be to research what colour suits your skin tone best. The easiest colour to start with is orange. It’s light, fun and fresh! And, from there, experiment with several different shades of the colour.

At the end of the day, it’s just lipstick. It’s fun and temporary. You’ve got nothing to lose. Make up routine, you just a got lot more exciting! Muahhhhhh!!!

Thoughts? Are there any tips that you’d like to share? Is there a colour that excites you? Let us know all about your fun lipstick adventures in the comments below.

xx

Yachna

(Featured image by Essence)

April 7, 2021
A Refreshing Mango Key Lime Tart.

Hey, how’s your week going? This week I’ve been craving all things mangoes+ mango-flavoured desserts. While scrolling through endless mango desserts, I came across Mei Yee‘s refreshing mango key lime tart (vegan+plantbased) that looks like it would make all my problems go away with just one bite. I’ve never thought of mixing mango with key lime, but now that I think of it, the key lime would make the dessert so refreshing with its tartness. Here’s the full recipe:

Crust

1 1/4 cups gluten-free rolled oats

3/4 cup almonds

1/3 cup quinoa flakes @suncorefoods

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla bean extract.

Filling

600g mangoes, purée

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tbsp key lime zest

1 cup full fat coconut milk

2 tsp agar agar powder.

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a tart pan. Set aside.

In a food processor, process rolled oats, quinoa flakes, almonds until finely ground. Add the maple syrup, vanilla, coconut oil and pulse until well combined. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan. Bake for 20 mins or until it turns golden brown. Let cool completely…

In a food processor, purée mangoes until smooth.

In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, lime juice, key lime zest, bring up to a boil and add agar-agar powder. Whisk constantly until agar completely dissolved. Then add in maple syrup, whisking constantly. Allow boiling for approximately 30 seconds.

Remove from heat and pour the mixture into the food processor with the mango purée. Pulse until well combined. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Then pour mango lime mixture into a cooled tart shell and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours to set.

Thank you, Mei! Check out Mei’s delightful food page with delicious vegan and plant-based recipes.

xx

Yachna

P.S.

More food recipes, including a charcuterie board, and this creamy yummy bolognese!

March 27, 2021
What Turns You On?

Seriously though, the past few weeks have been intense! Pleasure is the last thing I have time for or can even think about when there are so many other things to be navigating right now. Or so my inner voice always says.

I find myself craving a deeper and meaningful experience in times like these, which is a cry for help for more intimacy that can easily slip our minds. It wasn’t until I attended a self-pleasure workshop lead by Simone Farschi, a sex coach who helped me bring new awareness to connect with my body on a deeper level through pleasure mapping.

What is Pleasure Mapping?

Pleasure mapping is a practice, much like yoga or meditation, to better explore your body on a deeper level, authentic desires, expanding your ability to receive more pleasure.

In simple words, it’s the practice of getting to know your body and how it responds to various touch, sensations, and potential emotional stories held in those areas. In pleasure mapping, we’re just noticing everything. Where do we feel resistance? What do we enjoy the most? How can we change up our routine to experience more pleasure? It’s an incredible way to practise slowing down and savouring the journey.

You can practise this on yourself and can also explore it with a partner. When practising pleasure mapping, you’re encouraged to be more playful, have curiosity, as if you know nothing about yourself or your partner. Having an open mind allows opens up room for more pleasure.

Follow along if you want to feel more pleasure in your sexual life, intimate life, personal life and your daily connection with the world with SIX simple steps –

1) Listen to your body

“Your body is a vast landscape with much beauty and pleasure to be explored,” says Simone. Communicate with your body so you are entirely in alignment with your needs and desires. Create a conversation with yourself and ask your body, the most intimate parts, what they have to say. Allow the parts of you that often go unnoticed a space to be heard.

For instance, ask yourself, “how does your body feel when the touch is light or deep. Does this (touch) feel good or just blah?” suggests Simone. You’ll discover new ways of touch or old ones that just continuously hit the spot. After all, this is the time to awaken and be in your most divine feminine truth and sensual power. ⠀⠀⠀

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2) Bring attention and awareness to your body

Allow yourself the deep awareness to slow down, become curious, and explore your body from your best lover’s perspective.

Pleasure mapping is all about having a deeper connection with our bodies and awareness of what we like and what we don’t like and connecting with all of it on a more juicy level. Noticing your body, are there any kinds of aches or pains? We are not ever judging ourselves, just bringing all our awareness to our body gently. ⠀⠀

Use this time and space to awaken your senses so that you can fall into deeper satisfaction either with your partner or through self-pleasure. It gives you the awareness to notice the nuances that generally pass you by in life – allowing for greater presence, intention, relief, and connection.

3) Take your time

Self-pleasure is something we do in secret by staying quiet, performing quickly, and taking as little space as possible. We rarely ever give ourselves the time to notice the small things about how we like to receive pleasure, how we want to receive intimacy when we are not with a partner.

When we give ourselves the time for some self-pleasure, it’s usually very quick, and we have these patterns repeated since we started connecting with our bodies. Connects with your desires — giving your thoughts and emotions a voice while giving you space and time to receive with ease and grace.

So, set aside some alone time. If lighting candles, playing some relaxing music, putting on some sexy lingerie gets you in the mood, then do it. Make sure to turn off your phone, lock your door, and be present with yourself.

4) Remember, there’s no finish line:

As a sex coach, Simone often advises against having any expectations or agenda when indulging in self-pleasure (this rings true for partnered sex as well).

“There is a whole lot of sensation to experience before we get to the big O, such as waves of feelings, emotions, sensations, desires, and flows of pure ecstasy and anticipation before that, and frankly even after. It’s those little things, the build-up and then the sweet aftercare that makes most of the experience.”

So, instead of worrying about whether you will come or won’t come, bring awareness to how incredible and fun touching yourself feels.

5) Don’t go straight for the clit:

There’s a tendency for women to go straight for the clit when indulging in self-pleasure. One of the biggest takeaways from Simone’s Pleasure Mapping workshop was to break that habit.

Simone wants you to take time to turn yourself on first by exploring other parts of your body that often go unnoticed. “Try light touch on the neck and forearms, pinch/squeeze your nipples, massage your inner thighs, gently rub your belly,” Simone says. “This will get the juices flowing and create room for more pleasure.”Doing this opens up the capacity for sensation.

6) Breathe:

Focusing on your breathing helps build a deeper connection with your body and calms down the nervous system. It brings your awareness back to the present and helps escape any distracting thoughts. Just concentrate on deep inhaling and exhaling, and your body will take care of the rest.

Let’s take a breath together to access more pleasure in our lives.

xx

Yachna

(Information credits for this blog go to Simone Farschi, a sex and intimacy coach. For more information on all the sexy stuff, you can become a part of her community Pleasure Plus).

(Image Credits: Pleasure Plus)

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March 23, 2021