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Back to University with Leela Ambience Convention Hotel!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Wanna revisit college days, head straight to Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, and in case you have missed eating the typical canteen food, the Back to University Food Festival at Leela, will help you recreate those memories again.

The ambience really catches your eyes the moment yo enter Cafe Knosh, with a huge gold spot bottle forming the centre piece and scholar hats and degrees hanging on the ceiling and blackboards on the walls.  A nice bus stop, sports zone and cycles, trophies shelf and loads of interesting artistic decor really brings the college life magic alive.

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Loved a Tapri Chai Thela, which served some cutting chai along with age old rusk and cookies. It was like a Deja Vu, remembering number of times we went for tea and biscuits to a near by thela and enjoyed simple things of life chatting away with friends.

The food has been inspired from various colleges across Delhi and typically served specialities from all these colleges. Like Rajma Chawal and Dosa from Hansraj College, Egg Fried Rice and French Fries with Mint Chutney from Ramjas, Minced Cutlets, Omelletes and Chicken Curry from St Stephan’s, Chole Bhature from SRCC and so on.

We tried Vada Pao, which was nice, crispy and spicy. I really liked it. Next on my plate was a piping hot Mattar Samosa, which was delicious. The stuffing of potatoes and peas was perfectly done and was very flavourful. You can’t afford to miss this one. Relish it with a glass of cutting chai and you will experience sheer bliss.

Then came one of the best dishes of the evening, the chicken sliders. Juicy chicken patty in soft buns, it was mouth meltingly delicious and again a must try.

We tried both Chicken Maggie and Masala Maggie, I mean how can you ignore Maggie in college days, its been a lifeline for most of the people and one dish which has evolved so much in taste. I mean the typical masala maggie is actually a legacy of colleges and at Leela, the same tastes were recreated, I personally enjoyed the Masala Maggi more.

We also relished some Crispy Fried Fish with Tartar Sauce and Paneer and Chicken Tikka and all of them were delectable and perfectly done. This is something that at least I didn’t get in my college days, changing times.. but I am glad I could experience it this way!

Then we came down to trying a plate of Kadhi Chawal and Chicken Curry Rice, a staple diet for many in college time. I still remember how we used to crave Rajma Chawal and Kadhi Chawal and the days Chicken was served was a boon. I loved the typical way of how Kadhi Chawal and Chicken Curry Rice were served here, nothing fancy, steel plate, rice topped with gravy and some onions and voila, you are good to gorge upon those plates.

Apart from trying these college legendary dishes, if you have appetite for more, Cafe Knosh serves an amazing spread of buffet that you can lay your hands on along with this special menu

I thoroughly enjoyed this REWIND.. BACK TO UNIVERSITY concept as those are the best days of anyones life and who doesn’t want to revisit them again. SO catch hold of your friends and head straight to Leela Ambience Convention Hotel to indulge in some great food and create new memories. The festival is on till 13th August so make the most of it!

 

 

Don’t Forget The Little Details That Will Make Your Wedding Special!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

There are a lot of things to think about when you’re planning a wedding. In fact, the sheer number of things that you have to think about can often be pretty overwhelming. Because of this, a lot of people, rather understandably, tend to focus on the big picture elements of their wedding. Things like the venue, the guest lists, the dress, and the rings take up huge amounts of space in their minds. However, as important as all of these things are, it’s crucial that you remember that there are more aspects to making your wedding really wonderful than just the big stuff. Here are a few smaller details that you really don’t want to forget about when planning your wedding. 

Photography

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Since your wedding is pretty likely to be one of the most important and special days of your life, it only makes sense that you’re going to want to immortalise it with some beautiful pictures. However, if you want your wedding memories to be as beautiful as the day itself, then you need to hire a really great photographer. Leaving it too late and hiring someone who isn’t very good, or simply relying on friends to take pictures for you, is just going to leave you with pictures that don’t do your perfect day the justice that it deserves.  

Seating arrangements

You’ve probably got a pretty good idea of who it is that you want to invite to your wedding. But one thing that many people forget about is where those people are actually going to sit. The seating arrangements might seem incredibly simple, but the reality is it can make a lot of difference. You don’t want to create a divide among the guests, with one side of the family separated from another, but you also need to be diplomatic about it. Not everyone is going to get along, and if you’ve got a lot of guests, there are going to be people who won’t agree with each other. The last thing you want is your big day getting disrupted by a shouting match on table five!

Decorations

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The venue is one of the most important parts of any wedding, and it is often one of the very first things that people pick out. However, you need to remember that the venue is only half the battle when it comes to creating the perfect wedding atmosphere. You need to think about the decor as well. The decor that you choose will depend heavily on what kind of theme you’re going for. Do you want something homemade? Something Traditional? These kinds of questions are not only important when deciding what style you prefer but also which styles work best with the venue that you’ve chosen.

It can often be pretty tricky to keep track of all of these things, so it’s worth making a very clear plan of everything that you need to deal with well in advance of the big day. Trying to wing it is almost certainly going to leave you feeling pretty stressed out!

Trip Ideas That Everyone In The Family Will Love

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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There are always squabbles during summer about where the family should go on vacation. The parents want a relaxing trip, but the kids don’t want to be bored out of their minds. Of course, there’s always the factor of money; you don’t want to spend a fortune on a short trip, and you might not be able to afford to do so anyway. Here are some ideas for trips that everyone in the family will love (and you’ll be able to afford them).

A road trip.

As talked about over at ikreatepassions.com, nothing beats a road trip with the family. If there’s one way to compromise and give everybody in the family something they love on your next big trip away then think outside the box. You don’t have to settle on one destination if you can’t find one place that’s everyone’s cup of tea. Head off on a road trip and see several destinations in the space of one day. Give everybody a taste of what they want from a family vacation. It’s the perfect solution. Make sure you’re prepared in every sense. Bring plenty of food and water with you, and create a solid plan for the day (or several days) involved with your trip. If you’re seeing multiple places then you want to make sure there’s time to fit everything into your vacation.

Exploring nature.

Perhaps your family isn’t the wealthiest in the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise and give up on the idea of a vacation this year. A family vacation is all about spending some time together with your loved ones and having a laugh. It might be nice to do that on a sunny beach in some distant, exotic resort, but you don’t have to go somewhere so far away and so expensive to do that.

You could have fun simply by keeping things closer to home and exploring nature in a nearby valley, national park, or trail. You could turn it into a fun camping trip, as suggested over at densonline.com, with fun daytime activities involving seeing the natural sights which surround you. You don’t need to head off on a ten-mile hike; a small walk to admire the natural sights, whether that be a lake or a stunning forest, is enough to get a feel for your surroundings. Better yet, it usually costs next to nothing to hire out a camping site for a night or two.

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Head to the city.

Of course, if you’re really running out of ideas to keep everyone happy then you could go to a place wherein there’s enough to do to keep all people of all preferences happy: the city. You don’t have to spend a fortune going abroad, and you don’t have to worry about running out of things to do. You could check out some options on sites such as familyvacationcritic.com for cities near you that the family may never have visited before. You don’t always have to go to a different country to experience a cultural shift; vacations can be had practically on your doorstep. The world is a diverse place.

 

Ethical Profitability From Your Fertility

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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A lot of people don’t like the idea of having kids. Some will be too caught up in their work or studies to have children in their lives. And others won’t want to have a child while they aren’t in a permanent relationship. Unfortunately, some people don’t have this choice, though, and are stuck without the chance of having kids on their own. Thankfully, there are some modern methods which can solve this problem. For those that don’t want children but have the ability to have them, some extra income can be generating if you take the right steps. There aren’t many ways that you can make money while also helping someone realise a lifelong dream.

Donation has long been one of the best ways to help in this sort of effort. Both eggs and sperm can be stored for long periods, nowadays, making it easy for donations like this to be possible. Men make a lot less from this sort of thing than women, though. If you have the ability to donate eggs, you could be compensated from $7,000 (US) each time you donate. Of course, prices will vary depending on where you are, but most will reward donations generously. Men, on the other hand, will rarely make more than $50 (US) for each donation. Though, males can donate much more often than females. Look for sperm and egg donations near me to find your closest clinic. Most cities and towns have a couple of options to choose from.

In some cases, egg or sperm donation isn’t enough, and a donor body is needed for the baby to develop. Surrogacy is becoming more and more common as it becomes easier for doctors to guarantee success. Being a surrogate mother, you can expect to be compensated for between $40,000 (US) and $52,000 (US) for your time. Along with this, all of the medical and legal fees would be covered, too. This sort of effort can be a lot harder than donating eggs, as you will form a bond with the child inside you. And, of course, this job can only be done by a female.

Like with most things, there are some definite pros and cons when it comes to these sorts of donations. To help you decide whether or not this sort of action is right for you, the section below will be going through some of these deciding factors.

Pros:

  • You get to help a family in need, providing them with the missing pieces they need to complete their lives.
  • For all of your work, you will be fairly compensated. In some places, these earnings may even be tax-free.
  • As a surrogate, you will get some valuable experience before dealing with your own pregnancy.

Cons:

  • A lot of surrogates feel attached to the child they help to develop, as is natural during pregnancy.
  • It will take a lot of your time to do something as grand as this, making it hard for some to justify.
  • You might have ethical conflicts when it comes to taking money for something like this. Of course, you deserve compensation, but this doesn’t make it easy for everyone.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start thinking about donating this personal part of your body. If you don’t plan to have children, you can use your fertility to help others without the choice. This is an incredible thing to do for someone. Of course, though, it’s worth thinking long and hard about the impact it could have on your life.

Book Review- Second Chance by Sandeep Jatwa

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

A word about the author first.
Dr Jatwa by birth is from the holy city of Ujjain and did his M.B.B.S. from M.G.M. Medical College, Indore.
He has a passion for writing and since 2006 has written two novels, with Second Chance his Second Book is the first one to be published.

Second Chance is based on the phenomenon of Near Death Experience which it’s main protagonist Shekhar Kapur goes through. Shekhar is a ruthless businessman with absolutely no scruples,intent only on taking his Aerowalk Shoe Company to the top irrespective of the means.

Despite subtle warnings from an unknown third force of the consequences of following his inglorious ways he continues on his path least caring about the number of people he hurts on the way.
He has no qualms about how many people despise his very being and barring a couple of people who love him despite his erring ways. Shekhar meets with a near fatal accident and during that period he experiences death and it’s aftermath.

The author has used great imagination in describing the after world,Hell to be precise.
He paints hell and the subsequent punishments an inmate has to go through in vivid detail and it really gives you the goosebumps.

Does Shekhar return to life as it gives him a second chance? Does he atone for all his wrong doings and how?
Go grab your copy and find out,makes for a ver interesting read.
One thing I would like to bring to the author/publishers Attention:
Proof reading leaves a lot to be desired.

You can buy your copy from Amazon, for Rs 190/-

My Rating 3.5/5 Stars

ChaoBella- A perfect amalgamation of Oriental and Italian Cuisines!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Situated in Crowne Plaza, Okhla, ChaoBella as the name also suggests represents unity of two different cuisines under one roof. It serves authentic Oriental and Italian food and I simply loved it. The place has a very warm vibe, and his chic and classy interiors.

As it was my first visit to the place, I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to try both the cuisines and hence ordered a perfect mix of starters in order to have best from both the worlds.

Shredded Crispy Mushroom, Zhang Fei Spicy Chicken, Vegetable Dumplings and Chicken Jaozi made for the Chinese starters and Pizza Con Pollo Affumicato and Margarita Pizza for the Italian appetisers. I loved the mushroom and zhang chicken, both. The dumplings were perfectly done and I loved the way a green dot represented the vegetable dumplings and a red dot on Chicken Jaozi, they both looked as amazing as they tasted. I also tried Chicken Manchow Soup, which was great and loved a tiny miny chicken dumpling that floated in the soup and gave it an added taste.

The Margarita Pizza, Veg Pizza and Smoked Chicken Pizza were amazing, I especially loved the Veg Pizza. The juices of the vegetables, cheese and a nice crust made for a great pizza, I thoroughly enjoyed relishing a big slice of it.

For the main course, we tried Pan Fried River Sole, a stir fried fish served with Sichuan pickled vegetables and pine nuts and it was really nice. The fish was tender and juicy and the pickled vegetables made for a great accompaniment.

Sautéed Chicken Breast served with Charred Asparagus and Porcini Sauce was another amazing preparation. Loved the juicy chicken breasts, it was mildly spiced and I really liked it.

Chicken in Sichuan Sauce, Malak Vegetables, Chilli Garlic Noodles and Vegetable Fried Rice made for a perfect Chinese Meal, I loved each and every item and I can really gorge on these anytime. Its surely been one of the finest Chinese meals I have eaten.

For Desserts I tried the Tiramisu, which was the only thing I found below standards, as I could not taste coffee much and neither the taste of mascarpone cheese was coming across. I loved the presentation though and the macaroon served along was yummy.

ChaoBella - Crowne Plaza Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Male Matters: The Health Issues Every Man Should Know About

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Whether you’re a man reading this, or someone who has a man you care about, take the time to read about these common make health issues, so that you can spot the warning signs and get treatment early should you or your loved one become affected:

Heart Disease

Heart disease id the number one cause of men aged over 50. Usually, it is caused by obesity, smoking, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Common signs of heart disease include breathlessness, palpitations and a heavy feeling in the chest. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention straight away.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the 20-25 age group, and that makes it one to look out for. Common symptoms of this cancer include lumps and heaviness in the testicles, but it is usually painless, so you need to check the area regularly just to be on the safe side.

Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is not as common or as well known as some of the other health issues in this post, but it is worth mentioning because, not only can it be very deadly, but because it is often an easy cancer to avoid by maintaining proper hygiene practices, and perhaps visiting a circumcision clinic. Common symptoms of penile cancer include thickening of the skin, ulcers and unpleasant discharge from under the foreskin.

Depression and Suicide

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Men in the United States are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, and approximately 30 percent of all men in the country have felt depressed at some point in their life. It is important then that you are able to recognize the symptoms so that you can seek professional help from a therapist immediately. Common symptoms of depression include lack of interest in things you once loved, fatigue, sadness, suicidal ideation, and inability to concentrate.

Bowel Cancer

Bowel or rectal cancer, as it is also known is extremely common in men over 60. The main symptom is blood in the stool, which if you see it, should prompt you to see your doctor immediately. Bowel cancer can be a silent killer, so as well as checking for blood, be aware of changes in bowel movements and discomfort in your lower abdomen if you want to catch it quickly.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is becoming somewhat of an epidemic in men and women, but fewer men seek treatment for the illness before it develops and that can have devastating consequences, including the amputation of one or more limbs! Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst, blurred vision, fatigue and dizziness. Luckily if caught soon enough it is possible to treat diabetes with diet and exercise alone. If you leave it too long, a life of medication may lie ahead.

If you notice any symptoms of any of these illnesses, don’t panic, but do act. Make an appointment with your doctor and make sure you keep it – your future health could depend on it.

 

 

 

It’s Your Wedding Too: Handling The Responsibilities Of The Groom

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

When planning the wedding, contrary to popular belief, it’s a two-way street. As the groom, it’s your responsibility, to make sure the budget is set and stuck to. You’ll be in charge of the photography as is the modern trend to get future husbands more involved. You’ll also be in charge of picking out the attire for your groomsmen, best man, and the immediate family. You’ll also have the pleasure of buying small gifts and writing thank you letters to the guests that came to your wedding. There’s a long list of responsibilities in each of those categories and carrying them out; you’re going to need some help from your family and friends. However, the traditions of the wedding will give you the outline you need to perform these tasks as many men have gone before you. Experience is on your side because wisdom is readily imparted on those who need it for being the best groom they can be.

Image credit – PublicDomainPictures

Photographer

The one who captures the moment is the responsibility of the groom. Look for high-quality work, by searching for the regional wedding photographers rather than local. Because they cover a large area, they’ll have the experience to back them up. Don’t book your best mate who you know does a bit of photography on the side, get somebody who is or has, forged a career out the profession. You need to build a rapport with the wedding photographer you choose, so you can advise them about what kind of lighting you want. Just in case they fall through or take pictures that aren’t up to scratch, you could book a wedding insurance policy that covers photography, such as from www.wedinsure.co.uk. It’s also great to have this kind of safety net if you’re going to be recording video. The lighting and the angles of the pictures are going to set the mood, so make a schedule of when pictures and video will be taken. Don’t leave it too late in the afternoon to take pictures as the natural light will begin to die down.

Image source – vargazs

Your men’s attire

This is your chance to show a little style because it’s your responsibility to pick the attire of your groomsmen and best man. Don’t wear a tuxedo or even a gentry suit, because although both look good, they’re not traditionally worn at weddings. Book yourself into a meeting with a Victorian Era fashion specialist. They will fit you for the proper kind of suit that will have tails to it which aren’t too long but go down to the back of your knees. Most wedding fashion for men has evolved from the Georgian Period, where the coat would hang on the floor, but has since evolved to become more practical. The same with the three-piece suit; your waist coast will be slightly longer than normal. You must choose contrasting colours to those of the bridesmaids and of course the bride herself. Therefore, dark blues and greys, perhaps even silver, would be a surefire way to not compete with their tones.

As the groom, you must get involved more than you might have been taught to believe. It’s your wedding too, and booking the right photographer to take the pictures, will determine if your memories are secured throughout the rest of your lives, in the highest quality. The attire should both reflect your style, but stick to the customs of past centuries of tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

Going Nuts over Dunkin Donuts!! Unbeatable Prices Will Make You Drool Even More..!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

” A Donut a Day Keeps My Sadness Away” If you wondering who said these valuable lines, please don’t look any further, its me, yes these valuable lines come straight from my heart 🙂

And now for the best part, when yummylicious donuts from Dunkin Donuts are available at unbeatable prices, you surely deserve more than one donut a day 😉 A box of 6 may be.. yes a wonderful box of 6 assorted donuts.. can’t ask for more..

I recently order one for myself and starting at those beautiful looking donuts is a delight in itself. I ordered myself a box full of my favourites, Cookie Cart Wheel, Death By Chocolate, Alive By Chocolate, Classic Glazed, Caramel Donut and Cinnamon and each of them was just out of this world. The cookie cartwheel loaded with oreo crumb is so so delicious and death by chocolate and alive by chocolate have all always been my weakness, I just can’t have enough of these. Loaded with chocolate on top and melted chocolate that oozes out from within, its pure food orgasm.

The caramel donut with oodles of caramel goodness can’t be ignored. I am a sucker for cinnamon so its a must in my box and a classic glazed donut tastes amazing with a hot cup of coffee.

And can you imagine getting a small glazed donut at just Rs 25 and Death by Chocolate, Alive by Chocolate and all at only Rs 35, I mean isn’t a steal away deal. This will surely make you go for more than one donut, so what are you waiting for, order your box now..!

Helpful Tips On How To Massage Feet With Oil

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Your feet are extremely important because they help you in moving to places.

Isn’t it unfair if you didn’t bother about its well being?

Yes, it is! You must give a good feet massage to your lovely feet once in a while. It not only keeps your feet healthy and beautiful but also relieves you from pain and other feet related ailments.

It is important because your feet carry the entire body weight. They must get some refreshment for functioning properly. A massage is the best thing you can give to your feet after a long tiring day. But, the technique is equally important.

You must know what is best for your feet while massaging it with oil. Here, we will tell you about helpful tips related to feet massage with oil.

Benefits of Massaging Feet with Oil

There are innumerable Benefits of feet massage and here we are listing some of them for your knowledge. Have a look!

  • Sound Sleep: When you massage your feet for some time or at least 15 minutes, you get sound sleep like never before. It calms down all the stress and stabilizes your blood circulation. Because of proper blood circulation, your muscles and bones feel relaxed.
  • Good for Diabetic People: After functioning and bearing a load of your body for an entire day, your foot deserves a kind gesture from you. Give at least 10 minutes of oil massage, especially if you are diabetic. People with diabetes often feel numbness in their feet due to poor blood circulation in that area. A proper oil massage will relax the nerves and make your feet feel light.
  • Relieves a headache: This is an astonishing fact that feet oil massage relieves you from a headache or a migraine. The reason is simple. There are points in your feet which can stop the inflammation and stress in different parts of your body. When you thoroughly massage your feet, all these points are activated and they reduce a headache to a greater extent.
  • Helps in neurological issues: When you are depressed or when you have anxiety issues, the best and simplest thing to go for is feet oil massage. It stabilizes your mental chaos and ensures that your mind and body are relaxed. Your stress and anxiety settle down and you can have a sound sleep. Doing this on daily basis will definitely help you in getting rid of depression.
  • Multiple benefits at one time: A foot massage gives many benefits to you and your body in just 15 minutes. It lowers down your blood pressure, ensures proper supply of oxygen throughout your body, and makes sure that blood is circulated properly in all parts of the body. All these things altogether help in relaxing your muscles, mind, and whole body.

Tips to Massage Feet with Oil

There are many things which are a part of feet massage and plenty of techniques involved. These are not too difficult or time-consuming. You can try these simple tips without struggling. So take a look.

  • Take a warm shower or just soak your feet for 10 minutes in warm water bath. For better results, you can add few drops of essential oil of your choice in a water bath.
  • You can combine two or more essential oils of your choice in a small container. Use this wonderful mixture to give your feet a relaxing massage.
  • It is always suggested to start massaging your feet and reach up to your ankles slowly. Use both the hands so that your nerves get relaxed symmetrically.
  • If you can massage on your own then it is well and good. You can move your hands in any direction as per the area which needs more massage. However, it is difficult for a diabetes patient to bend their body so they can always get someone who can readily massage their feet. The best option is spa and body massage salon.
  • Never strain yourself or keep your body stiff. If somebody else doing massage for you then always sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Only then you will be experiencing the results of massage.
  • Apply the oil all over your foot and always pull it upwards. This will circulate your blood towards your heart and will also open your blocked nerves if any.
  • Do not be too stiff with your feet. Start gently and increase the pressure slowly. If you start applying more pressure all at once, it will only result in more pain or uneasiness in your feet.
  • Give equal time to each of your feet. If you massage one foot for 10 minutes, do not leave the other one in 5 minutes. This will make the other foot feel sense heaviness and it will not feel relaxed. Also, it is advised to use the same technique for massaging both the feet.

Tips on Selecting the Oil for Massage

There are plenty of oils available in the market and each one of them provides different benefits to you. Do not simply pick random oil for your feet massage. Examine the requirements of your feet and choose the one which suits your skin as well as needs. In the below section, we have listed out properties of various essential oils which can be used for feet massage.

  • Myrrh is used in aromatherapy mostly. It helps in calming down your emotional imbalance and giving a sense of spiritual enlightenment.
  • For stress, depression, and anxiety disorders, you can use Frankincense. This helps in providing sound sleep.
  • To get rid of fungal infections like Athlete’s foot, you can thyme oil. It freshens up and deodorizes your skin. Peppermint oil can also be used for the same purpose.
  • Lemongrass oil is for those who get a lot of sweat in feet. This can also help in providing relief from swelling.
  • Rosemary oil is the best choice when you have pain or swelling in any part of your feet.
  • Tea tree oil is good for skin related ailments in feet. You can massage accordingly.
  • Grapefruit oil is used for boosting your immune system through feet oil massage.
  • Lavender and Geranium are best options for relaxation therapy because they help in maintaining proper blood circulation across your body as well as feet.

Follow the simple guidelines and keep them in mind while choosing the feet massage oil or technique next time.

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