The event commenced with the national anthem, followed by the hosts of the evening, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sanam Saeed, inviting President of HUM Network, Sultana Siddiqui, to address the audience.

Amidst a resounding round of applause, Sultana Siddiqui, President, HUM Network, clad in an elegant black outfit, stepped on the stage, smiling and exuding radiance, in an atmosphere pulsating with anticipation of what was to come. She began her speech by thanking Arif Alvi, President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Samina Alvi, the first lady, along with the dignitaries and guests present on the occasion. The President expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the President Alvi for gracing the event with his presence.

During her speech, President, HUM Network, emphasised the need for awards such as the HUM Women Leaders Award, to amplify the accomplishments of exceptional women across diverse sectors, both nationally and globally. Pointing towards the significance of these awards, she underscored their role in spotlighting the remarkable advancements made by women and hailed the recipients as trailblazers and beacons of inspiration for future generations. Furthermore, she extended recognition to the international women awardees who have left an indelible mark in their fields, spreading the essence of female greatness worldwide. Ms. Siddiqui expressed optimism that this platform will serve as a catalyst for enhancing the status of women on a global scale.

“These women represent hope, resilience and inspiration for women worldwide. The event commemorates their contributions and accomplishments, aiming to ignite a fresh wave of female leadership.”

The Chief Guest for the evening, Dr. Arif Alvi, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, delivered a compelling speech at the event, highlighting the significance of youth education and the crucial role of child upbringing in ensuring a safer and brighter future for women in Pakistan. Dr. Alvi underscored the crucial role of education in enabling women as well to effectively leverage these resources to realize their aspirations. Encouraging women leaders in attendance, he urged them to embrace mentorship roles, facilitating the empowerment of other women by sharing their expertise. Dr. Alvi emphasized the significance of women supporting and uplifting each other, fostering a culture of opportunity creation. His impassioned speech concluded with the assertion that education for women and children will be the cornerstone of our society’s future development.Bottom of Form

The awards ceremony kicked off with the hosts, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sanam Saeed, recognizing the advisory committee of the HUM Women Leaders Award (HWLA), which included Ameena Saiyid, Rehana Hakeem, Amin Hashwani, Maliha Lodhi and Dr. Huma Baqai. Nine women and two men, recognized for their outstanding achievements both nationally and internationally, were honoured at the awards ceremony. Among the distinguished female awardees were Dr. Razia Korejo, Sheeba Najmi, Huma Fakhar, Dr. Amanay Asfour, Khursheed Bano, Bibi Amina, Sadiqa Salahuddin, Sheema Kirmani, and Namira Saleem. Additionally, Dr. Prof. Izzeldin Abuelaish and Dr. Amjad Saqib were acknowledged as the male recipients of this year’s awards. Sania Saeed, renowned for her exceptional contributions to media and arts, was honoured with the prestigious Kashmir Golden Plate award at the event.

The event featured extraordinary performances, beginning with Sahir Ali Bhagga and Aima Baig’s dynamic musical presentation, followed by Resham’s captivating dance performance, and concluding with Ahmed Jahanzaib’s enchanting melodic session.

The awards ceremony, scheduled to air worldwide on HUM Network in March 2024, aims to acknowledge and pay tribute to influential women from Pakistan and beyond, who are catalysts for change in their domains. These women represent hope, resilience and inspiration for women worldwide. The event commemorates their contributions and accomplishments, aiming to ignite a fresh wave of female leadership. Through the portrayal of their triumphs and the recognition of their obstacles, HWLA endeavours to promote gender equality, empowerment, and advancement for women everywhere.

The post Kashmir HUM Women Leaders Award Honours Nine Iconic Women and Two Dynamic Men from Pakistan and Abroad appeared first on Glam Magazine.

As I cycle through eastern Germany and stay with friends, I also perceive that despite the efforts to bring the two parts of the country in line to each other for nearly three decades since reunification in 1990, the East and West divide still remains. On the surface, economical differences have lessened, but deeply entrenched prejudices and psychological boundaries still persist today between Easterners and Westerners.

I roll from one friend to another visiting them in their home place. All of them I have met unexpectedly on the roads of Asia. The random encounters with other cyclist travelers who have been on the road for a few years and with whom communication is not a strenuous effort, bring a sort of freshness and joy into your day. It can even result in an instant of closeness and connectedness too. In a way, they mirror your own experience and can relate to what you are doing without the need to justify yourself.

When travelling through an unfamiliar country, it is not always easy to explain in a foreign language that a journey on a bicycle that extends over many years is not a vacation or a simple gap break. Something deeper, that I am myself not even able to articulate, must move you to endure all aspects of travelling, the joys and also the discomforts. The good and the least good often intertwine in the most mysterious ways and are all part of the one and the same experience.

So, here I am in Germany visiting some of these people who share a similar intimacy of travel. Back for years already or having returned just recently. I find them at different turns of their post-journey life. I am now in my last push to Spain to visit my family I have not seen in almost six years. I wonder how it would feel for them, being back after so many years on the road. How one could possibly readjust back home and at the same time keep the freedom of the road.

In Dresden, I meet with André. We met on the commercial street in Gilgit two years ago and later again in Almaty, Kazakhstan. André is back into working life with future plans of travel. Easy-going and relaxed, he seems to embrace his new job with the same energy and novelty as his life on the road.

I visit Manu in Leipzig who had recently returned from her bicycle journey across Central Asia and Europe. We met in Kyrgyzstan the previous year, and she is now staying with her sister after many years in Asia. She is dedicating herself to job hunting so that she can move out soon in order not to abuse her sister and brother-in-law’s hospitality.

I am also hosted by Jochen in the countryside of south Germany. Four years have passed since we met in Yunnan, China, as we were cycling in opposite directions. He is living with his parents and has started his own project of growing organic food and searching alternative ways of being self-sufficient away from company job constraints.

There is also Tobias I had met more recently cycling across the mountainous Svaneti region in Georgia. We were cycling in opposite directions, but at the end of our cycling day, we shared campground, food and stories. Now that I am making my way to south Germany, I would meet him again in Lindau, a charming Bavarian little town stuck on the Austrian border.

Tobias is in his mid-thirties but his tall athletic figure and soft features make him look younger. He is originally from the nearby industrial city of Friedrichshafen, but lives now in Lindau. He is an engineer and commutes to work to the Austrian city of Bregenz, only a 10-minute drive. But Tobias has already decided. He is going to quit his job in a couple of months and set off on a long cycling journey across Europe and Asia

When Tobias talks about the orderly German society and the cookie-cutter lives, he sounds disenchanted with his own country. There are so many rules and regulations for everything, people seem always ready to scold and complain about futile misdemeanours of each other’s lives. I think of the many people I had met in Iran and other developing countries who also want to escape their own countries and fantasise about living and working in Germany precisely for the same reasons Tobias wants to escape: the rules and the order.

Tobias received me in Lindau with the same excitement I received Emily in Japan five years ago. Emily had arrived all the way from England by bicycle and had taken a ferry from South Korea to Japan where I lived at that time. She was at the end of her journey, and I was about to start mine.

This time I was the one at the end of the journey and Tobias at the beginning of his. It was like closing a circle.

Cradled on the eastern shore of Lac Constance fed by the Rhine river and in a backdrop of Alpine peaks, Lindau sits on a unique location and attracts sightseers and holidaymakers all year round. Offering water activities on the lake and plenty of hikers in the Alps, visitors come to Lindau for its great outdoors.

There are not many places in the world where you can visit four countries within a short ride distance. Within 90 kilometres you can visit Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. There are no border checkpoints between the countries and you can drive freely without being asked for your passport.

The day after I arrive it is Friday and Tobias comes back from work at midday. After a quick lunch, we drive to the small town of neighboring Bregenz in Austria and leave the car next to the Pfänderbahn station, a cable car that has been running since 1927. It is a short ride to the Pfänder mountain top but we prefer hiking. There is a well-developed network of short walks and trails and we follow the sign to the Pfänder departing behind the cable car station.

It is a radiant afternoon of November. The sunlight beams through the trees and shines on the forest path dressed in its autumn colors. We come to a large meadow and walk past small cottages dispersed on the slopes of the mountain and big farmsteads converted to holiday stays and inns.

Further up we come across a small chapel overlooking the valley and a 360-degree panoramic view opens up in front of us. It is a spectacular lookout over the Rhine flowing into the lake and over the hundred of Alpine peaks stretching across Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. The sun starts slowly to disappear behind the silhouette of the mountains. The big cotton candy cloud that had formed starts to blend with the velvet sky as it quickly turns into a rich spectrum of violets, reds, pinks, and oranges. Delayed by such an eye-catching spectacle of colors on our way down. It’s already dark when we reach the car.

The following day I say goodbye to Tobias and his girlfriend who has come to spend the weekend. Before cycling to the Austrian border, I want to visit the historical medieval old town of Lindau which is actually an island connected by a road bridge.

In the island, the short ride along the sea promenade takes me to the lighthouse and the statue of a lion, symbol for the region of Bavaria, presiding over the entrance of the harbour. The lakefront restaurants and quaint cafés are getting ready for lunchtime.

Through Maximilian Strasse, I stumble on the Altes Rathaus – the town hall – one of the most significant buildings in the Altstadt decorated with cherubs and a few streets away, the lively weekly is held in Markplatz, a square surrounded by historic buildings and dominated by the St. Stephen Church. Local producers sell organic frsh fruit and vegetables cheese and other specialities from the region.

It is my last day in Germany, I am only a few kilometres from Swtizerland, the country where I lived throughout my childhood and teenage years. Home in some ways. Ten years have already passed since my last visit.

The post Where Three Countries Meet… appeared first on Glam Magazine.

For people who have watched Iron Man or Star Trek, the name Faran Tahir comes to mind immediately. The laurels do not stop there – he has played the title role of Othello at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC and performed in over 50 roles in major theatres across the US in classical and contemporary acts. Faran has been a Hollywood insider for over 25 years now and has starred in many TV series and films. His debut appearance was in Disney’s The Jungle Book in 1994 as Mowgli’s father. The star spoke about roles and the possibility of working in Pakistan.

You have worked in many Hollywood films and TV shows; how difficult is it to get a role for a non-American actor?

It is not easy and I won’t lie to you but I always find if anytime someone says no to me, that’s not rejection to me that’s fuel to my fire because if you take every no personally or get rejected or discouraged then where are you going to go? I can’t change the colour of my skin. I can’t change who I am as a Pakistani so I embrace that and make it my strength. I call it my USP – unique selling point.

You have done Broadway and played Shakespearean roles despite being from Pakistan. I think if you focus on trying to develop your merit, sometimes all those things that might hold you back disappear, so what I did was I got my Masters in Performing Arts, studied Shakespeare and tried to make sure that I could understand the spirit of it and how to use that diction, and that language because that’s what Shakespeare gives you. The question is not where you come from, it’s the question of understanding the real spirit of something.

Why haven’t you worked in Pakistani films where you have a fan base?

I would love to work here and a few times I was offered to me, but unfortunately because of logistics and sometimes if I don’t connect with the storyline, then there’s no point of doing it because then I can’t give it my all. To me, content is everything. I am hoping it will happen soon and that’s why I directed this play to perform in Pakistan, to start the process and reintroduce myself through theatre or whatever I can possibly come up with. If I look at the film industry right now I feel very encouraged because the path we are on is actually creating our own distinct voice. For the longest time, our movies and our content was very monotonous. We are finally coming to a point and on the verge of exploring the new genres and exploring new issues.

Tell us about your performance on-stage with your brother Ali Tahir and your experience directing in Pakistan for the first time.

Nervousness is not in my lexicon so I bypass nervousness and fear. I look at fear as energy and channel that energy into my work and leave it to the audience. To be honest, I love criticism because sometimes constructive criticism makes me want to do better but yes, if someone is criticising me maliciously then I am not going to take it.

Coming from a family that is into acting, I started off from the mirror of my bathroom and used to act in front of it. My parents wanted me to make sure that their children had a normal childhood. I grew up literally backstage. I would come back from school and my playground was the costume shop, the makeup room and I used to know everyone’s lines at the tender age of just five. After the show, I used to give them their notes and point out which lines they had missed. In a way, it was great because I could then experience regular life and what do we do when we are trying to act.

When did you start acting?

I started proper acting when I was a freshman in college in US and when I came back, the first play which I did was written by Bano Qudsia and my mother and I acted in it. I have done a few plays in Pakistan, back then my brother Ali Tahir was doing a TV serial named ‘Samjhauta Express’ on PTV and I was in that too. We picked this play ‘Bhai Bhai’ which is a dark comedy to pull people in with laughter, but there is an underlying message which is a real commentary on the society today that we move in, so it had to have that balance. As far as the audiences are concerned, I think every audience whether it is here or from England, the US and other places, creates unspokenly a similar culture. It does not matter when you are doing it as long as the audiences are engaged and you are doing an honest piece of work. It works out. Play ‘Bhai Bhai’ wasn’t for an average person; it was for a certain class.

Your father Naeem Tahir is a pioneer of theatre in Pakistan, how will you carry his legacy forward?

By being honest in whatever I do. The thing I love about my father is that he has worked witout an ego and has always taught me to do my best, and there is nothing you cannot succeed in as long as you work on it. His legacy to me is his untiring effort and that’s what I want to do.

You have worked with Mahnoor Baloch in Hollywood movie Torn. Tell us your experience.

It was really good and we clicked from the very first day; when somebody has talent you know it and you know it’s going to raise your bar also. Similarly, I just worked in an upcoming movie ‘Forbidden Steps’, semi-produced it and we brought Qavi uncle to the US to play my father. The other thing that we must do is start to promote our own legends. We can go to other countries and have them cast there, we have so much to offer to this world and shouldn’t keep our gems hidden. It was not only a pleasure working with Mahnoor Baloch and Qavi uncle but also an honor.

How was the experience of becoming the first Pakistani to star in a Marvel film and Star Trek?

Doing a Marvel film or Star Trek takes you back to being a 10-year-old boy. As a Pakistani, I must give my best, and it’s a merit that makes Pakistan shine as well and what makes me and my country proud. Most of all my dream roles of course are classics, like I was blessed to be part of Othello, which is a huge Shakespearean play and now I want to do something different whether I fall or succeed. One of my teachers once said that ‘If you fall back you are resisting, if you fall forward, you are adventuring, so always fall forward and take the risk and see where you go with it.

In the next five years, I see myself as an honest storyteller. Perhaps as a producer or an actor of what I am very passionate about and find the means to bring it to people.

Your message to aspiring artistes.

My message would be to always dream big and always be ready, work hard to turn those dreams into reality. I have been there and there were times I had no money and lived from hand to mouth, but I do not take that as an embarrassment. In fact, I wear that as a badge of honor. All your failures must be faced with bravery and humility, and your successes must be faced with grace.

The post The Man from Hollywood appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Explore the fun side of Hajra’s world with a rapid-fire round. From her go-to comfort food to unique preferences, discover the charm and charisma of Hajra Yamin!

Describe yourself in three words

Persistent. Ambivert, Punctual.

Guilty pleasure meal

Desserts.

Go-to restaurant on your day off

Any restaurant which has a separate menu for desserts.

Are you a foodie?

Very much a foodie.

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate

Dark chocolate.

iPhone or Android

Android.

IF you could have one magic power, what would it be?

Invisibility.

Best piece of advice you ever received

Hear people out, but use your discretion. Do what feels right to you.

When did you first realize you wanted to be an actor?

I was 13 when I watched my first theatre play. It was a musical and that’s when I decided what I wanted.

The artists you look up to

Nimra Bucha, Sania Saeed and Nadia Jameel.

One thing you like most about yourself

That I get to live a variety of lives.

If not an actor what would you have been?

A vet as I was good at biology, but nothing else.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to become an actor?
Just be yourself, and believe that the process of learning and self-discovery ends.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of: –

Competition: should only be with one’s own self.

Love: is life

Living in Pakistan: Pakistani food

Cake: I’ll have one now, please!

Money: temporary

Item song: such a waste

Family: my weakness

The post Hajra Yamin – Fast and Fun Rapid Fire! appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Apple cider vinegar has several health and beauty-boosting benefits and remedies. Here are a few reasons you should try it:

It cures a dry scalp

summer is here and we all want our hair to look healthy, shiny and clean. If you are experiencing an itchy scalp or have a sudden outbreak of dandruff, apple cider vinegar is your solution. Just combine two ounces of ACV to equal parts water and apply it to your scalp. The acidity in the product aids in eliminating the dryness of your scalp, as well as getting rid of germs and flakes of dandruff. You can also rinse your hair with it to restore its shine.

Treats blemishes

ACV can also actually be used as a great toner, and can additionally help you get rid of blemishes. The summer sun can be harsh on the skin, and if you aren’t drinking enough water you might just have annoying pimples popping up on your face. To get rid of these pesky pimples, mix some ACV with water, apply it on a cotton pad (as you would with a toner) and smooth it all over your face. It will clean out the bacteria, dirt, oil and even any make up that may be leftover from your cleanser!

Eliminates bad breath

Who wants a smelly mouth? No one! And with all the summer soirees on your agenda, you want to look your best and be able to converse with people without leaving a bad stench. To get rid of bad breath, put one teaspoon of ACV in a cup of water and gargle with this mixture for a few seconds. ACV will help remove the plaque in your mouth, which is basically one of the main sources of a foul smelling mouth.

Whitens Teeth

We all love a little laugh and love to pose for the camera too – but with a great, big, clean smile. Rather than spending a nerve-wracking visit at your dentist’s clinic (unless of course you absolutely need to), give ACV a try to help you with a home-based teeth whitening technique. Gargle a mixture of ACV with water to kill the bacteria in your mouth, gums and teeth, and to also remove the stains from your teeth. Then you can go about flashing your pearly whites!

Effective Face Scrub

Clear skin for the win – always! Clearly ACV is an all-rounder ingredient and will also make your skin look healthy as well as fight the blemishes. For the perfect DIY face scrub, mix equal parts honey, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and use it as a face scrub. It will help to peel off the dead skin, making your face look refreshed, healthy and bright!

The post Apple Cider Vinegar appeared first on Glam Magazine.

A Natural Sunscreen 

The scorching heat in Karachi makes the skin itchy and dark, so take care of the skin by using a tomato. Take one raw tomato, blend and apply on face, leave for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water. One can also apply on hands, feet and neck. It is one of the best hacks for a smooth and soft skin.

Removes Blackheads 

To remove blackheads make tomato paste by taking half tomato, crush it with a fork and add ½ tsp turmeric powder; mix well and apply on your spots with a brush. Its application leaves a healthy glow and removes blackheads.

Brightens Skin Complexion

Apply grated raw tomato on your face on a regular basis for about 30 minutes and your face will become smooth, clean and bright. Another method is by taking half a lemon and tomato juice, mixing it well and applying on the entire face – it lightens the skin naturally and gives a glow.

Acne Healer

If you have severe acne on your face then using tomato extract reduces and clears the skin. Apply the inside pulp of tomatoes, scrub onto the face gently and leave it on for an hour, rinse off and moisturize. Repeat the process for a few days till acne spots clear.

Scrub/Mask 

Tomato extract can be used as a facial which is not only natural but very effective. Simply cut a fresh tomato into two pieces, dip each piece in sugar and rub gently on your face, leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off with cold water. It removes the dead cells from the face and makes your skin glow.

The post Tomatoes appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Melbrew Coffee Bar

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Melbrew Coffee Bar, with its multiple Karachi locations, has become the heartbeat of the city’s coffee scene. Known for its diverse coffee offerings and inviting ambiance, Melbrew is more than a coffee spot; it’s a community hub. Whether you’re after a quick espresso fix or a laid-back cold brew, Melbrew has your coffee cravings covered. With its loyal customer base, Melbrew isn’t just brewing coffee; it’s creating a culture of connection in every cup.”

Drop Coffee bar

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Born from a small shop near a pump, Drop Coffee Bar has evolved into a go-to hangout spot for Karachi’s vibrant Gen Z community. They have expanded their reach, establishing a presence in major areas across the city. Known for serving top-notch coffee, Drop has become more than just a caffeine fix – it’s a haven where quality brews meet youthful vibes. Whether you’re savoring a latte in its original location or exploring one of its many branches, Drop is synonymous with great coffee and good times in Karachi.

Sync

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A coffee spot so awesome, it’s practically a selfie paradise! Sync is this fantastic coffee spot near the sea, and it’s like a dream for anyone who loves not just amazing coffee but also some epic Insta-worthy moments. It’s like having the best of both worlds – a tasty cup of coffee and some great pics for your Instagram feed. What more could you want from a coffee place, right?

Kremsi

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If you’re all about pairing your coffee with some fresh, mouth watering donuts, then Kremisi is your go-to spot. This place not only brews up delicious coffees but also serves up sugary delights like donuts and sweet snacks to make your coffee experience even more delightful. A cozy, comforting place filled with sugary goodness where you can sip your coffee and indulge in some tasty treats. It’s like a little slice of heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Groove Coffee bar

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Groove Coffee Bar, where aesthetics meet caffeine cravings in perfect harmony. This place is a haven for anyone who appreciates stylish surroundings and a good cup of joe. With vibes that could rival those of Riverdale itself, Groove’s frappes are not just drinks; they’re served with an extra dose of flair that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stepped into your favorite TV show.

But wait, there’s more! Ever heard of an Espresso Mocktini? Well, Groove’s got it, and it’s as intriguing as it sounds.

June

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Craving a dose of creativity with your coffee? Look no further than June! This vibrant spot isn’t just about serving up your favorite cup of Coffee; it’s a canvas for art enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. With a menu that’s as quirky as it is delicious and an atmosphere that’s downright fun, June adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your coffee experience. 

Froth Coffee bar

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Froth, living up to its trendy name, has swiftly made its mark in the coffee community.Despite its recent entrance into the coffee scene, Froth has already created quite a buzz, drawing in a crowd that’s as diverse as its menu.Now, let’s talk about frappes – because Froth has taken the game to a whole new level. We’re not just talking your standard frappes; we’re talking about a lineup so wild, it includes a Cotton Candy Frappe that’s basically a party in a cup!

Alright, coffee enthusiasts, we’ve dished out the deets on some fantastic spots in Karachi to get your caffeine fix. When’s your next coffee expedition happening? But hey, if we’ve missed out on a hidden gem, spill it in the comments below! Your coffee adventures are as important as the first sip of a perfectly brewed cup.

The post Local Coffee places to try in Karachi appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Makeup Remover

Many makeup removers can be harsh on your skin, especially the delicate area around your eye. To avoid damaging skin, simply take aloe Vera gel either store bought or straight from the plant) on a cotton pad and swipe away makeup from your face before hitting the sack.

Sensitive Skin Facial Mask

If you have sensitive skin, mix some aloe Vera gel with cucumber juice, yogurt and rose oil. Apply this paste on your face and neck. Keep it on for 15 minutes before washing off the mask with cold water. It is also an effective pack to get rid of skin rashes, impurities and dirt.

Acne Fighter

If you have acne prone skin, apply aloe Vera straight from the plant to your blemishes, and allow it to absorb. The soothing properties of aloe Vera will light inflammation and eradicate bacteria.

Exfoliating Scrub

Aloe Vera is an excellent addition to a homemade scrub. It will not only get rid of dead skin cells but also brighten and enliven your skin. Mix aloe Vera and cucumber dices into a thick paste before adding oatmeal to the mix. Apply this on your face and scrub it in circular motions for 5 minutes. Then let the paste stay on for ten more minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Dry Damaged Hair Mask

Apply raw aloe Vera to the scalp and leave it on for thirty minutes before rinsing thoroughly. It will not only calm an irritated, itchy scalp but also strengthen growing hair.

Face pack for Oily Skin

If you have oil and greasy skin, then aloe Vera is the perfect moisturizer for you. Boil aloe Vera leaves in water and then grind it into a paste. Make sure you have removed all the thorns from the leaves before you boil them. Mix honey to the paste and apply it onto your skin. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat once a week.

The post Aloe Vera appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Spread plain yogurt over your face in a gentle, circular pattern. This simple treatment will leave you feeling soft and refreshed after just a few minutes. For optimum effects leave a thin layer of yogurt on your skin for 10 minutes. The lactic acid in yogurt is a natural hydroxyl-acid which will soothe and hydrate your skin.

2. Foot Scrub

Mix ½ cup of finely ground walnuts with about 1 cup of yogurt. Scrub this mixture on your feet to clear dry patches and calluses, as well as even out and improve the texture of the skin on your feet. While yogurt itself is a natural moisturizer, ground-up walnuts will soothe the soles of your feet.

3. Natural Face Mask

Blend 4 tablespoons of yogurt with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of honey and apply it gently on your face to give your skin a natural glow. The antioxidant ingredient in honey will protect your skin from sun damage, wrinkles and blemishes, while cocoa will even out your skin and brighten your complexion.

4. Hair & Scalp Conditioner

Fill a bowl of plain yogurt and use it after you have washed your hair. Apply it to wet hair and let the yogurt soak in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out. Yogurt will not only moisturize troubled areas the scalp, but will also fight off itching and general irritation.

5. Hair Mask

Beat 1 egg white until it get foamy, then mix it in with 6 tablespoons of plain natural yogurt. Apply this mixture to your hair and let it sit there for fifteen minutes before rinsing it out. This all-natural mixture is perfect for conditioning, de-frizzing and shine-enhancing treatment.

6. Natural Soother

To delicately sooth blemishes, redness, and sunburn, apply plain yogurt to the affected area of your skin. Leave the yogurt on for 10 minutes before rinsing. Along with moisturizing, it will alleviate any pain, itching and redness your skin may be suffering.

The post Yogurt to the Rescue appeared first on Glam Magazine.

By the time I reach Chillam from Astor, I have grown enormously intrigued by the desoi plains that open space at the far-off edge of the northern areas of Pakistan. I am the first cyclist across Deosai this year, the police tell me. They also suggest I should have an escort across the uninhabited plains, but I insist I don’t need any escort, that I feel safe and that I can manage alone. After all, trusting my intuition has always proved right in my three-and-a-half years on the bicycle.

Chillam is the last village before Sadpara, so I get some food supplies for the days ahead. In the morning I pack some chapattis and boiled eggs and start the climb to the Pass. On the fringes of the park the landscape soon starts to change, almost like building the surreal beat of what lies ahead. When I reach Chachur Pass at 4266m, I can barely describe my first view of Sheosar Jheel with the late afternoon light filtering through the cloudy sky and casting shapes on the mirrored surface of the lake. I want time to stop right there and make my descent to the camp last forever.

Surprisingly, the owner of the camp tent and small hotel is expecting my arrival. Some previous visitor had told him that a lady on a bicycle was on her way to Sheosar. He welcomes me with a warm cup of chai and a meal of chana and roti. It is still early and I go for a stroll around the lake before setting my camp.

When I wake up next morning, the meadows are covered with a thin layer of melting snow and the surrounding landscape is dressed with yet another different mood from the day before. I gather some information about the possibilities of finding food and tea on the way to Bara Pani, and after the usual breakfast of roti and chai, I continue to the next camp.

It is the end of August. The autumnal colors are getting ready for winter and the temperatures have started to drop. The uneven and unpaved surface of the track makes it challenging on the bicycle and I find myself pushing my heavy load in some stretches where the gravel and stones put too much pressure on my rims and tires. Another exercise of endurance, I think to myself. But these are the off-roads and landscapes I have grown to love. It is off season and devoid of the crowds of visitors that visit each year in summer. It seems almost like Deosai has been waiting for me to cast its spell, to dazzle my senses with its vastness and project the clarity of light and color into the deserted wilderness. A real fairy tale suspended above 4000 meters, one of the highest plateaus in the world above the tree line.

By now the news of a foreign lady cycling along across Deosai has spread and when I reach shatung Nala, the next wildlife station and police check post I am invited for another doodh patti chai favorite drink in cold weather

The magnitude of the undulating meadows and the infinite expanse of the horizon pierces my skin. The fields are carpeted with patches of bright-coloured wild flowers and the all-embracing silence is only interrupted by the whistle of the marmots, the murmurs of the pristine water streams and the bleating of the goat herds passing by. And at times, the occasional roaring of the jeeps and motorbikes, whose passengers word stare at me in wonder. Some would stop for a chat or ask or a picture. Others would approach me with words o encouragement or praise my efforts which I accept with so much joy.

In Barapani, I sleep in one of the wildlife tents at the research station of the Himalayan Wildlife Project, an initiative that was established in an attempt to monitor the remaining Himalayan brown bears under serious threat, and to learn about their behavior and habitat. What! Are there bears here? I cannot hide my excitement at the prospect of having a safe encounter with a bear! Staying another day to go tracking wildlife seems an obvious choice.

The following day, with a group of wildlife game watchers, we hike across the marsh before we intercept a female bear with her two cubs grazing and lazing around at the far edge of the swampy meadow. Observing them through binoculars is exciting, but having them run at full speed in your direction is such a rush of adrenaline that words won’t suffice to describe what it is like to have a family of bears so near, barely five meters from us, while standing silently our ground with our hands raised up high to show we are no threat. After a second day of tracking wildlife in Barapani, I leave with is my senses fully awakened to the loud and amusing whistle of the marmots that emerge from their burrow to search for food, or to the rapid flight of the birds hunting for fish in the nullah.

By now, the news of a foreign lady cycling alone across Deosai has spread and when I reach Shatung Nala, the next wildlife station and police check-post, I am invited for another doodh patti chai, my favourite drink in cold weather. The road surface has not improved yet, and my progression is slow. In the afternoon, I reach the last camp at Ali Malik with a big bag full of litter I collected from the roadside. Despite the efforts of the Wildlife Project to keep Deosai litter free, I am still saddened by how little responsibility people take for the garbage they produce, throwing it out the window without a thought.

At Ali Malik, I set my camp in an abandoned tourist lodge and warm up inside the tiny hotel with a cup of tea. Local herders coming down from the high pastures and visitors heading for the park stop for a hot drink. I am told the road improves soon after Ali Malik, so the next day I am enjoying the fastest descent in days towards Sadpara lake.

But I feel like going slow, trying to make the most if it. I feel as if I am leaving a bit of myself behind. Deosai is a soul-stirring experience after all, one of the wonders of Pakistan and a unique place on earth.

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