with BeautyBasics * Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Use honey as a sugar substitute and have at least two glasses of milk in a day. Dear Mayuri, * Once a week make a paste of two tbsps milk powder and 20 volumes of hydrogen peroxide. 
Blossom Kochhar
Milk powder to lighten dark skin
Dear Blossom,
I have a dark complexion as compared to my husband. I am pregnant and want to have a baby with a fair complexion. What kind of food should I eat? 
Sandesh
sandesh_aathihe@yahoo.com
Dear Sandesh,
* If you have a craving for chocolate, dont worry; its healthy as long as you practise moderation. Paneer, yogurt, sprouts and apples are healthy too.
* Most importantly, smile and have happy thoughts.
Dear Blossom,
Please suggest a home remedy for lightening the colour of my skin.
Mayuri
mayuri_010@rediffmail.com
* To this paste add a few drops of glycerine and apply over your face and neck. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse.
* Use a moisturiser and a sunscreen, preferably with a cucumber base and SPF 30, available at beauty shops. Avoid going out in the sun.
For practical solutions to your every day beauty needs, write in with your full name, address and photograph to beauty expert Blossom Kochhar at beauty@mid-day.com
MyFirst
PET
Bhairavi Goswami
Actress
My parents bought me a rabbit when I was about five years old. It had a pink nose and large ears. His pen was kept right outside my bedroom.
Since I was made responsible for his caretaking, I would spend a lot of time with him. I saw someone lift a rabbit by his ears on television and decided to try it out on my bunny. He got so upset that he bit me all the way from my shoulders to my palms.
As told to Anjana Vaswani
KnowYourself
Are you reward crazy?
The New Year kicked off with the Star Screen Awards, which will be followed by a host of other such ceremonies. Is every move of yours calculated to achieve awards and rewards? Take this quiz and find out:
1. You accompany your mom shopping, only if:
a) She bought you something too b) You needed to shop urgently too c) It makes her happy.
2. A risk is:
a) An action that has no guaranteed reward b) A move that will cost you something c) The only way to achieve success.
3. Your friends call you a:
a) Reward seeker b) Attention seeker c) Self assured person.
4. You judge people by their:
a) Bank balance b) Family background c) Overall attitude towards life.
5. Everything you do:
a) Is aimed at winning material rewards b) Must deserve praise and appreciation c) Comes straight from the heart.
Shirley Bose
Should I have a court marriage?
Dear Shirley,
I discontinued studying after standard nine due to financial problems. Which profession should I take up? When will I get married?
Name: Deepika
Date of birth: September 10, 1989
Dear Deepika,
The tarot shows that a profession in the service industry will suit you best. Travel and tourism is a good option but pursue a course in the field for better job prospects. Borrow money for course fees from a relative and repay them gradually.
You could also study hair and skin care to become a beautician. You could also run a profitable catering business from home. If you have the space, baby sitting could draw a huge clientele. Of course, you will have to learn the basics of first aid before taking on the responsibility of looking after other peoples children. Think practically before making up your mind.
Your marriage dasha or period begins once you turn 24 and lasts for the next three years till you turn 27. The tarot predicts a love marriage and your husband will be friendly and sociable. Wish you success and happiness. God bless.
Dear Shirley,
I wish to marry the girl I am in love with, but her parents are opposed to the alliance because of my poor financial status. My parents have embraced my girlfriend, and we plan to get married in court. But I want a traditional wedding, which is impossible without financial support from her family. Please advise.
Name: Rohan
Date of birth: August 1, 1977
Dear Rohan,
It will take you another year to become financially secure, so it is better for you to wait. If you decide to get married according to custom, you need not opt for an ostentatious ceremony. Keep it simple and classy.
DailyDabba
ANUSHA DANDEKAR
Veejay
Whats in your dabba today?
Parathas, dal and sabzi.
What do you love to see in your dabba?
Chocolate.
What do you cringe to see in your dabba?
Soggy food.
Who packs your dabba?
I pack it with my cook.
As told to Kanika Parab
YourMail
I took a liking to Your Den the first time I read it. I enjoyed reading Cupid Scheming at Andheri (On The Job, January 16).
Mallika C.
crystalred2@yahoo.co.in
I read the section titled Your Den daily and am gladdened by the way Shirley Bose solves peoples problems. Yet, though I have written to her several times, but my query has not been answered.
Asha Ganatra
dolly15in@rediffmail.com
The above two readers have won free YOUR LIFE shopping bags. Call Selwyn on 24197178 to collect your gift.
