#Premium Family Photographer

[mayooramcruises]

Family Houseboat Packages in Alleppey: A Perfect Retreat on Kerala’s Backwaters

Welcome your readers and introduce them to the concept of houseboat vacations in Alleppey, highlighting why it's an ideal choice for families seeking a unique and relaxing holiday experience.

1. What are Houseboat Packages?

Explain what houseboats are and how they offer a blend of luxury and nature exploration. Mention the typical duration of houseboat cruises and what they include.

2. Why Choose Alleppey for a Family Vacation?Scenic Beauty: Describe the picturesque Kerala backwaters, known for their serene landscapes and lush greenery.Cultural Experience: Mention the opportunity to witness traditional village life along the backwaters.Safety: Assure families of the safety and comfort of houseboats, ideal for children and elderly members.3. Types of Houseboats AvailableLuxury Houseboats: Highlight features like air-conditioned rooms, modern amenities, and personalized services.Budget-Friendly Options: Mention options for families on a tighter budget without compromising on comfort.4. Activities and ExperiencesSightseeing: Describe popular sights along the backwaters, such as paddy fields, coconut groves, and bird sanctuaries.Cultural Interactions: Include visits to local villages, temples, and markets for an authentic Kerala experience.Cuisine: Mention the delicious Kerala cuisine served on board, with options suitable for families.5. Ideal Itinerary for FamiliesDay 1: Boarding the houseboat, introductory cruise, and dinner on board.Day 2: Morning cruise, sightseeing stops, lunch, and leisure activities.Day 3: Return to Alleppey, disembarkation, and departure.6. Booking Tips and RecommendationsBest Time to Visit: Highlight the ideal seasons for a houseboat vacation in Alleppey.Booking Considerations: Include tips on choosing the right package, reputable operators, and reading reviews.7. Testimonials and ReviewsCustomer Experiences: Share positive feedback from families who have enjoyed houseboat vacations in Alleppey.Book Your Houseboat Package: Provide links or contact information for booking family-friendly houseboat packages in Alleppey with us

[danielooifineartgallery]

Syed Abdullah and Family, Graduation Family Portrait Photos

Thanks for choosing us for your photography need, looking forward to see you again. Thank you. Daniel Ooi Fine Art Gallerythe most unique photo studio in town since 2011 http://www.danielooigallery.cominfo@danielooigallery.com

[empty-movement]

May I ask what scanners / equipment / software you're using in the utena art book project? I'm an artist and half the reason I rarely do traditional art is because I'm never happy with the artwork after it's scanned in. But the level of detail even in the blacks of Utena's uniform were all captured so beautifully! And even the very light colors are showing up so well! I'd love to know how you manage!

You know what's really fun? This used to be something you put in your site information section, the software and tools used! Not something that's as normal anymore, but let's give it a go, sorry it's long because I don't know what's new information and what's not! Herein: VANNA'S 'THIS IS AS SPECIFIC AS MY BREAK IS LONG' GUIDE/AIMLESS UNEDITED RAMBLE ABOUT SCANNING IMAGES

Scanning: Modern scanners, by and large, are shit for this. The audience for scanning has narrowed to business and work from home applications that favor text OCR, speed, and efficiency over archiving and scanning of photos and other such visual media. It makes sense--there was a time when scanning your family photographs and such was a popular expected use of a scanner, but these days, the presumption is anything like that is already digital--what would you need the scanner to do that for? The scanner I used for this project is the same one I have been using for *checks notes* a decade now. I use an Epson Perfection V500. Because it is explicitly intended to be a photo scanner, it does threebthings that at this point, you will pay a niche user premium for in a scanner: extremely high DPI (dots per inch), extremely wide color range, and true lossless raws (BMP/TIFF.) I scan low quality print media at 600dpi, high quality print media at 1200 dpi, and this artbook I scanned at 2400 dpi. This is obscene and results in files that are entire GB in size, but for my purposes and my approach, the largest, clearest, rawest copy of whatever I'm scanning is my goal. I don't rely on the scanner to do any post-processing. (At these sizes, the post-processing capacity of the scanner is rendered moot, anyway.) I will replace this scanner when it breaks by buying another identical one if I can find it. I have dropped, disassembled to clean, and abused this thing for a decade and I can't believe it still tolerates my shit. The trade off? Only a couple of my computers will run the ancient capture software right. LMAO. I spent a good week investigating scanners because of the insane Newtype project on my backburner, and the quality available to me now in a scanner is so depleted without spending over a thousand on one, that I'd probably just spin up a computer with Windows 7 on it just to use this one. That's how much of a difference the decade has made in what scanners do and why. (Enshittification attacks! Yes, there are multiple consumer computer products that have actually declined in quality over the last decade.)

Post-processing: Photoshop. Sorry. I have been using Photoshop for literally decades now, it's the demon I know. While CSP is absolutely probably the better piece of software for most uses (art,) Photoshop is...well it's in the name. In all likelihood though, CSP can do all these things, and is a better product to give money to. I just don't know how. NOTENOTENOTE: Anywhere I discuss descreening and print moire I am specifically talking about how to clean up *printed media.* If you are scanning your own painting, this will not be a problem, but everything else about this advice will stand! The first thing you do with a 2400 dpi scan of Utena and Anthy hugging? Well, you open it in Photoshop, which you may or may not have paid for. Then you use a third party developer's plug-in to Descreen the image. I use Sattva. Now this may or may not be what you want in archiving!!! If fidelity to the original scan is the point, you may pass on this part--you are trying to preserve the print screen, moire, half-tones, and other ways print media tricks the eye. If you're me, this tool helps translate the raw scan of the printed dots on the page into the smooth color image you see in person. From there, the vast majority of your efforts will boil down to the following Photoshop tools: Levels/Curves, Color Balance, and Selective Color. Dust and Scratches, Median, Blur, and Remove Noise will also be close friends of the printed page to digital format archiver. Once you're happy with the broad strokes, you can start cropping and sizing it down to something reasonable. If you are dealing with lots of images with the same needs, like when I've scanned doujinshi pages, you can often streamline a lot of this using Photoshop Actions.

My blacks and whites are coming out so vivid this time because I do all color post-processing in Photoshop after the fact, after a descreen tool has been used to translate the dot matrix colors to solids they're intended to portray--in my experience trying to color correct for dark and light colors is a hot mess until that process is done, because Photoshop sees the full range of the dots on the image and the colors they comprise, instead of actually blending them into their intended shades. I don't correct the levels until I've descreened to some extent.

As you can see, the print pattern contains the information of the original painting, but if you try to correct the blacks and whites, you'll get a janky mess. *Then* you change the Levels:

If you've ever edited audio, then dealing with photo Levels and Curves will be familiar to you! A well cut and cleaned piece of audio will not cut off the highs and lows, but also will make sure it uses the full range available to it. Modern scanners are trying to do this all for you, so they blow out the colors and increase the brightness and contrast significantly, because solid blacks and solid whites are often the entire thing you're aiming for--document scanning, basically. This is like when audio is made so loud details at the high and low get cut off. Boo.

What I get instead is as much detail as possible, but also at a volume that needs correcting:

Cutting off the unused color ranges (in this case it's all dark), you get the best chance of capturing the original black and white range:

In some cases, I edit beyond this--for doujinshi scans, I aim for solid blacks and whites, because I need the file sizes to be normal and can't spend gigs of space on dust. For accuracy though, this is where I'd generally stop.

For scanning artwork, the major factor here that may be fucking up your game? Yep. The scanner. Modern scanners are like cheap microphones that blow out the audio, when what you want is the ancient microphone that captures your cat farting in the next room over. While you can compensate A LOT in Photoshop and bring out blacks and whites that scanners fuck up, at the end of the day, what's probably stopping you up is that you want to use your scanner for something scanners are no longer designed to do well. If you aren't crazy like me and likely to get a vintage scanner for this purpose, keep in mind that what you are looking for is specifically *a photo scanner.* These are the ones designed to capture the most range, and at the highest DPI. It will be a flatbed. Don't waste your time with anything else.

Hot tip: if you aren't scanning often, look into your local library or photo processing store. They will have access to modern scanners that specialize in the same priorities I've listed here, and many will scan to your specifications (high dpi, lossless.)

Ahem. I hope that helps, and or was interesting to someone!!!

[fullscoreshenanigans]

Norman ratri fuckery or maybe Norman in lambda scenario if im understanding this right!

For an AU with greater canon divergence, I like tinkering with the idea of Peter being more hands on in interacting with Norman to better contrast with Emma and Ray getting Lucas and Yuugo for father figures.

22194 has been a child of interest since he scored a perfect 300 on his first test at age four. Potentially even earlier than that, if, like Ray, the demons kept track of his pedigree and his mother was also a full scorer. Regardless of exactly when it started, he continues to capture the attention of researchers and the demon nobility alike, so by the time Legravalima gives approval for him to be sent to Lambda so she can avoid handing him over to the demon god, Peter was already aware of his general existence.

He's thrown for a loop when he meets him in person though. The only potential photographs he would have of Norman would be from when he was an infant at headquarters. His incredibly light/white hair on its own wouldn't have been enough to give him much pause, but now that his features have had more time to develop, Peter's a bit startled at the Ratri ones he can pick out.

(@bon-nii's comparison of James and Norman from chapters 173, 152, 126, and 154)

(Chapter 74)

There's a bit of vanity in him saying he's too young to be Norman's father (never mind he was eighteen when Norman was born), but combined with the boy's looks, the phrase sits at the back of his mind, nudging him until he can't ignore his curiosity any longer. He looks into the genealogy records at Grace Field headquarters until he can't find any recording of a sperm donor, which isn't more than a few generations back. Odd, given that Grace Field is the top premium farm, but sometimes such documentation snuck through the cracks, and it wasn't unheard of for the occasional scientist to consort with the Sister candidates prior to the refinement of artificial insemination.

It's one of Norman's blood samples that confirms someone from the family—either from the main one or the branch Andrew's from—fathered a daughter with a Sister, and that daughter went on to have a daughter who then bore a son.

Pulling this bit from an earlier post:

…I still have trouble wrapping my head around the idea of Peter knowingly and willingly [putting a Ratri child in the farm system] on the basis of viewing them as an extension of the clan rather than as individuals, so it’s almost like it’s a worse reflection on him not being able to restore the honor of this wayward branch of it by “salvaging” the traitor’s children and raising them “correctly.” He places such great value in being a Ratri and displays such disdain when speaking of the cattle children as food, it’s hard to see him sullying the line in any way by condemning a member to the fate of the latter as opposed to just outright killing them, even if said member was an infant. That’s still Ratri blood—his blood—that would be going into the farm system, and he would never let anyone as lowly as food have any sort of claim to such a noble and prestigious status. […] However, I’m more inclined to entertain the idea of another family member taking advantage of their position as a Ratri to have a dalliance with a Sister candidate, as @officersnickers brings up in this post. It’s not something Peter would ever approve of, but what’s done is done, and importantly there was no explicit denouncement of the clan in this act, which I feel he would take personal offense to. There’s nothing he can do to save these children—the one-drop rule thoroughly entrenched in his mind, and their blood is thoroughly tainted—but maybe their Ratri lineage will win out and they’ll be able to rise above their pitiful status, so he does keep tabs on both as he approves of them being sent on their separate ways in the system.

This is where one has to make the concession that Peter cares more about having an heir and/or believing a child's Ratri heritage trumps their fate of being born into the farm system. Shirai never confirms if he has a partner, but regardless, no mention is made of biological children of his own or if he knows of any potential ones on the way.

And maybe that's getting to him as the thirty-sixth head of the Ratri clan who's going to turn thirty next year, along with this boy looking so much like James. He knew his brother had no children, and despite his traitorous ways knew he'd never father one with a Sister for a variety of reasons. Yet here is this distant relative whose genes were still so prominent even after being diluted with multiple generations of cattle blood (him being vain enough to include Norman's intelligence as being another gift of Ratri inheritance). He decides to take it as a sign and as a duty to reclaim and "salvage" this wayward line of the clan.

Norman knows something's off when he doesn't receive all of the drugs he normally does for the day. Everything else proceeds as routine until dinner, when he's escorted not by scientists or demons, but men dressed in suits to an area of Lambda he's never been to before. They arrive in a lavishly decorated room with Peter seated at a relatively small but well-furnished dinner table. Norman's never seen so much food meant for one person, but as Peter invites him to have a seat, he realizes it's meant for two people.

There's some small talk regarding the spread, Peter's recommendations and whether Norman's favorite dish is there. By sheer coincidence there is some chickpeas and meat stew present, and while Norman is still wary of the entire situation, he doesn't refuse the bowl placed in front of him by the butler. It's the most delicious thing he's ever tasted. Peter makes sure to clarify one of his personal chefs made it.

This segues into a brief discussion about the daily tests Norman's been taking at Lambda. He confirms they're harder than the tests at Grace Field, but he enjoys the challenge, the tiniest bit of smug pride seeping in in the event Peter had any ego tied up in his being bested by one of these tests. The proud tone in the response throws him off before his brain registers the words "as to be expected of a Ratri." Peter then apologizes at the small but still noticeable change in his expression, lamenting how he probably should have started out with that to ease any of Norman's worries.

He goes on to explain how he discovered this, interpreting Norman's silence as positive before moving on to provide a brief overview of how the Ratri clan came to be the mediators between two worlds and then explaining how his life will change now that he'll be staying in the Ratri visitors' quarters for the remainder of his time at Lambda. The process to remove his tattoo and brand will begin the following day, and he'll be weened off the remaining drugs he's been given.

Norman knows it's beyond his consideration, but he still can't believe the gall of this man.

As for what [being a Ratri] would mean to Norman, he’s never indicated any sense of loss related to not knowing members of his immediate birth family or fretting over his origins, but for him to be related to the clan that’s perpetuated this system of abuse over a millennia and with how his rigid sense of morality lent itself to the idea of exterminating every single demon, if he was in a particularly negative thought spiral, it might eat at him on some bad days.

Where Peter expected rapturous or reverential awe at being a long-lost member of the clan, he felt sick. He never knew his birth mother or other forebearers, but imagining everything those women had to endure after seeing what it turned Isabella into, all being said so casually without a hint of guilt over the horrors his clan perpetuated like he's discussing the pedigree of a thoroughbred animal instead of a human being, it's nauseating.

And his neck tattoo…the Lambda brand he wouldn't give a second thought to losing, but the tattoo has this paradoxical sense of kinship attached to it that I briefly go over in this post regarding the children still keeping their tattoos years after being in the human world. Even with it being a horrible symbol of their dehumanization under this system, it's been a familiar sight to him since his earliest memories. It's one of the physical markers of his connection with Emma, Ray, and the rest of his family, and this man will be flippantly erasing that. How easy it is for him having never bore the grief that comes with it.

This is already long but a tangentially related conversation to this eventually comes up with Peter asking about Emma and Ray. On the surface it's to connect with Norman and learn more about his life at Grace Field, but the ulterior motive is to see if there's any information he can glean about these kids to find and capture them quicker. Norman will give it to him for having the tact not to slip and refer to them by their numbers like he's sure he wants to do, but he's still incensed at their names in his mouth. There's also the chance that Peter might reveal a crumb of information himself about their status (because Norman can't see why he would be asking unless he had something to gain from it, so that has to mean their escape was a success and they were all alive. The alternative would kill him), so he entertains the conversation. He tries not to give any tells, but when he talks about them his thumb might have grazed the spot where his number used to be before covering it up with a cough.

Norman's never taken in by Peter's seemingly genial demeanor, but it's odd how personal and almost…amiable the man can be with him. Still, the love he's offering is contingent on Norman's continued assistance at Lambda (Peter sees it as their shared duty to solve the conundrum of faster high quality meat production) and at least the appearance of respect toward the clan. It's not unconditional like Lucas' and Yuugo's.

The clearest hint of this might be Peter mentioning how much Norman resembles James one night at dinner, building his brother up with the same admiration he displays in chapter 173 before lamenting his fall from grace, stressing the sacrifice he had to make by murdering him but still ultimately going through with it because the clan and balance between two worlds takes precedence above all else.

Alternatively, another scenario that's easier to work into canon is the Ratri clan realizing Norman's lineage when the cattle children arrive in the human world, also prompted by the databases at Grace Field sparking further investigation with a DNA test. Once it's confirmed, they keep pestering Norman about leaning into this kinship and actively working for them, along with having his family and friends seemingly on good terms with the clan for some PR optics. Norman finds the idea insulting and revolting, but he can't ignore the benefits that would come with it.

Like some other fans, I greatly dislike Norman becoming a CEO during the final major timeskip, as well as Lambda sickness being conveniently treated with no chronic aftereffects and absolutely no issues with them integrating into human world and being welcomed with open arms by everyone. I understand Shirai wanted to wrap up the series on his own terms after years of dealing with the strain that is weekly manga publishing, and he needed an explanation for how the kids could easily fund their expeditions to search for Emma, but oof, do I hate it lol. All of these remain a concern for the cattle children here, and while the Ratri clan wouldn't outright abandon them if he refused, Norman wouldn't put it past them to drag their feet on certain matters. Their finances and prestige shield them from any misguided resentment some people may hold for them. Their connections are a boon for securing future educations and careers. And god would it expedite the search for Emma.

I like to imagine a late night benefit-cost analysis between Norman, Ray, Don, and Gilda taking place at some point after they've settled in enough. The other three reaffirm that if Norman felt it was going to kill his soul to work for the Ratris, his friends and family would stand by his refusal, but they would be remiss not to acknowledge the pragmatism in further solidifying the relationship (particularly poignant coming from Ray, though not completely analogous situations). The conversation drifts off for a bit before Norman, looking exhausted across the table they're seated at with his hands on his knees, states, "I want her back with us."

Working with the clan would be odd in so many ways with how they would laud his status as a cattle child and how he was taking the lead on amending relations between the Ratri and the cattle children while never wanting to fully interrogate what that meant. There's a hierarchy with Norman at the top and the mass production farm children at the bottom in many of their minds. At one point in private after a publicity event someone says offhand, "you can cover that up now, you know," referring to his ID. Even in the winter he tries to make a point not to wear scarves or turtlenecks when he knows he's going to be around them.

I hate the idea of there being one good and upstanding Ratri member that befriends him just because it's too convenient, and if we're being real Norman would never let down his walls enough and let them into his personal world after everything he's been through, but I do like the thought of him maybe getting along with a few scattered members, probably younger, who recognize the terrible fate that befell the children from another world and are genuinely amiable with him without beholding him to form a meaningful friendship with them. A small attempt at a personal level of atonement that he can recognize and appreciate while still maintaining that mental distance. I also think he'd appreciate the very youngest children of the family who could give him insight into what the adults might really think of him and his friends with their uncensored commentary lol.

[uditkulshrestha]

A Jewellery campaign photographed on assignment from earlier this year which involved the Brand Vidyuta from Jaipur using authentic Indigenous Women from the Protected & Vulnerable Dongria Kanda tribe in the Niyamgiri hills in #Odisha

The project involved scouting the #indigenous women in Southern Odisha, some from Naxal geographies, during Peak Christmas and New Years in 2023. The scouting involved travelling over 3,500 kms from Bhubaneswar over 12 days supported locally by Chitr Sanstha (www.chitr.org) as part of their Odisha outreach program, where food distribution was also carried out in over 30 villages that the 5 member team visited.

With support from tribal authorities and councils, district administration and state authorities in Odisha, the #Indigenous women along with family members and tribal authorities travelled to Jaipur for the photo shoot and experienced sightseeing, shopping in the Culturally rich Jaipur. Most were travelling outside their district for the first time enabling the members of the tribe to have a lived experience of Rajasthan culture, urban life and bespoke handcrafted #jewellery firsthand.

Vidyuta is a Neo-ethnic #luxury jewelry brand that is bespoke and handcrafted, making each piece unique.

Since these images were for outdoors and Premium Jewellery exhibitions primarily that have been carried out in London, Dubai & #Delhi earlier this year, these were photographed with a 100 mp Medium format system by #Fujifilm, photographed over 2 days on the outskirts of Jaipur.

The background was sets made in the way the #DongriyaKanda tribe decorate their mud huts by Burning Rubber Tyre and painting this paste on mud walls. Certain Traditional cultural clothing motifs very unique to the Dongriya Kanda were adopted and embroidered in the blouses and certain jewelry pieces.

Team:

Brand: Vidyuta, Jaipur

Photography, Research & Ideation: Udit Kulshrestha

Assistants: Vicky Singh | Mohit Saini

Retouching : Manoj Raj

Lighting : Muskaan Lights

Set Design: Vidyuta Team

Styling: Janvi Kanwat

Makeup: Aliyah Khan

Legal: Avesh Chaudhary

Production Support: Dusmanta Sahoo | Adarsh NC (Felis) | Anil | Chitr Sanstha

Design: Collectives

Support: District Administration, Rayagada | TKDA, Niyamgiri | SCST Museum, Odisha | Tribal Min, Odisha & Delhi.

Image Coprights : Udit Kulshrestha | All Rights Reserved

[belongingsandbeliefs]

The Material World Portrait Gallery by Peter Menzel is a profound visual exploration of the disparities and similarities in material possessions across different cultures. By examining the possessions of families from various parts of the world, these images offer a narrative not just of economic status, but of values, priorities, and the very fabric of daily life as it varies from one culture to another.

In the first image, we see a family in a rural setting, surrounded by a diverse array of cooking utensils, textiles, and farm animals. The presence of livestock and agricultural tools suggests a lifestyle closely tied to subsistence farming and traditional living. Children growing up in this environment may learn the value of self-sufficiency, the importance of family and community ties, and a deep connection to the land from an early age.

The second photograph displays a family's possessions in a more urban setting. The outdoor living room arrangement, including a sofa and a television, indicates a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces common in warmer climates. The presence of cars and a satellite dish points to a more modern lifestyle with access to global communication and a level of wealth that allows for personal transportation.

In the third image, we observe a family in a densely packed urban environment, with their belongings neatly organized on the roof of their home. This setting suggests a community-oriented lifestyle where space is a premium, and possessions are likely limited to essentials and items of personal significance. Children here might grow up with an understanding of close-knit social structures and the importance of optimizing limited resources.

The fourth picture shows a family with a mixture of traditional and modern items, with a blend of cultural artifacts and contemporary appliances like a stereo system. This juxtaposition might reflect a transitional society where traditional values coexist with modern influences, offering children a diverse developmental niche that includes both ancestral heritage and contemporary global culture.

Finally, the fifth image portrays a family in a colder climate with musical instruments and a horse, suggesting a lifestyle that includes both modern amenities and elements of rural or traditional life. The presence of musical instruments might indicate a cultural emphasis on the arts and entertainment, and the horse could be a sign of a connection to nature or traditional means of transportation.

In the photographs, we see possessions that range from the essentials for survival, such as pots and food, to items of leisure and technology, like televisions and musical instruments. These images invite us to consider how the objects we surround ourselves with serve as extensions of our identities and societal values.

Reflecting on my own childhood environment, it was considerably different from many of the environments depicted in these photographs. While I had access to educational toys, books, and technology, which indicated a value placed on learning and staying connected with the world, some environments shown in the photographs emphasize self-sufficiency, with tools and agricultural implements taking precedence. This difference underscores how my environment was geared towards a knowledge-based developmental niche, while others are directed towards practical skills and immediate sustenance.

Comparing my childhood environment to the one with a tent and furniture arranged outdoors, I notice the communal aspect that seems present there, perhaps indicating a culture where family and community gatherings are central to daily life. Meanwhile, the photograph with a plethora of kitchen utensils and food items suggests a setting where cooking and sharing meals are significant familial activities, pointing to the nurturing aspect of their developmental niche.

The diversity of items, from the basic to the modern, and their arrangement around the families, paints a vivid picture of what each culture holds dear. It's interesting to note the presence of musical instruments in some, highlighting the role of art and music in child development, contrasting with environments where practical items for daily chores are more prevalent.

The developmental niche framework encapsulates not only the physical and social settings in which children grow but also the culturally regulated customs of child care and the psychology of the caretakers. These photographs vividly represent this concept, showing the tangible aspects of children's surroundings that, in turn, shape their development.

In reflecting on these photographs and my own background, I can appreciate the varied landscapes of childhood each of us has. While my environment was filled with books and computers, suggesting a value on education and global connectivity, other environments are rich with craft tools or livestock, indicating values of self-reliance and family labour. Each set of possessions reflects a unique set of cultural values and provides a distinct developmental niche for the children raised within them.

[infifashion]

Best Fashion Magazines In India

Fashion magazines have long been a popular way for Indians to stay up to date on the newest fashion trends. Before Pinterest and Instagram, fashion magazines were the only place to find out about famous celebrity looks, trends, makeup, haircuts, workout mantras, wardrobe inspirations, vacation advice, and more. 

If you want to remain up to date on the latest style trends, check out our list of the Best fashion magazines in India. 

Vogue Magazine - Vogue is a top fashion magazine in India. This North American magazine was originally introduced in India in 2007 and has since been one of the most reliable sources for fashion news. The magazine features fashion trends, wedding clothes, beauty tips, wardrobe essentials, styling guidelines, horoscopes, and lifestyle updates. In addition, vogue magazine covers include celebrities dressed in the most recent designer collections from both new and famous designers.

Savvy - Savvy is a globally recognised fashion magazine that focuses on women's well-being. It is a well-known women's magazine that publishes articles on topics such as lifestyle, health, food, beauty, and travel, with a tinge of Bollywood flavour. This magazine is apart from other fashion publications in India since it discusses and distributes stories about Real Women, Real Stories.

Harper’s Bazaar India - Harper's Bazaar is one of the oldest fashion magazines, having been published in the United States since 1867. In 2009, the North American magazine produced its inaugural Indian edition, which brought together fashion photographers, artists, designers, authors, and celebrity icons to provide a fresh perspective on beauty and lifestyle.

Elle Magazine - Elle is a French fashion magazine that covers all elements of fashion, health, beauty, and travel across the globe. The journal has over 42 worldwide versions, which are published in 60 countries. Elle Magazine used to focus on home décor. It now covers fashion, travel, entertainment, celebrity news, lifestyle, and fitness suggestions.

New Woman - New Woman is an Indian fashion and lifestyle magazine that compares favourably to worldwide publications. The magazine's editor is Hema Malini, a famous Indian actress. Pioneer Book Company handles the magazine's publishing department. The journal discusses a variety of themes, including relationships, finance, profession, cinema, books, legal issues, businesses, and more. However, the majority of the content is focused on women's health issues, body sculpting, and exercise. It also throws insight on the needs, aspirations, and goals of ambitious Indian women.

Cosmopolitan India - Cosmopolitan is one of India's most popular fashion publications, with circulation in 110 countries. The US-based periodical began as a family magazine and grew into a solemn publication. The Indian edition of the magazine covers topics such as health, horoscopes, fashion, beauty, sex, relationships, self-improvement, and careers.

Femina Magazine - Do you recall the popular beauty pageant 'Femina Miss India'? Femina is a prominent fashion magazine in India that also hosts and supports beauty pageants. This Indian magazine is one of the most popular fashion publications that tells the stories of Indian women.

Verve - Verve is one of India's leading home-grown premium international fashion publications, having been launched in 1995. The journal features interviews, Bollywood news, the newest style trends, beauty tips, food, travel, arts & culture, worldwide fashion, and more.

[blog4world]

Do you know Best profitable small business ideas?

Have you ever dreamt of starting your own business and achieving financial independence, all while being able to work from the comfort of your home with your family? If you thought that such dreams were impossible due to the high cost of starting a business, we have good news for you! Fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams is possible through profitable small businesses that require low investments.

In this article, we'll introduce you to some excellent ideas for profitable businesses that you can start right away without leaving your home. To make the most of these opportunities, it's essential to research different segments to find the most lucrative options.

1. Jarred Foods

With people's busy lifestyles, the demand for nutritious and portable foods is on the rise. Jarred foods, such as cakes, salads, fruit salads, cookies, cheesecakes, and more, are not only attractive in appearance but also hygienic and recyclable. You can choose from various food options based on customer demand and expand your business gradually. The initial investment is minimal, primarily covering the cost of products, packaging, and labor.

2. Phone Repair and Maintenance

The ubiquitous use of cell phones makes phone repair and maintenance a Best profitable small business. Many individuals prefer to repair their existing phones rather than purchasing new ones due to the cost factor. You can invest in a reputable online course to learn and specialize in cell phone repair. Starting by fixing phones for friends and family can help spread the word about your services.

3. Commemorative Baskets

Selling commemorative baskets presents another profitable opportunity. You can start by investing in basic supplies like baskets and products. The advantage here is that you don't need to maintain a large stock. As orders come in, you can buy the necessary items for each basket. Get creative with assembling baskets for different occasions like birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Valentine's Day, etc. Photograph your creations to showcase them to potential customers on social media.

4. Home-based Beauty Services

The beauty industry has always been in demand, and you don't need to own a salon to enter this field. Offering services like manicures, pedicures, makeup, massage, haircuts, hair removal, skin treatments, eyelash placement, and facial massages can be done from your home. By investing in accessible professional courses, you can acquire the skills needed to offer these services in a safe and qualified manner.

5. Fitness Lunch Boxes

As the demand for healthy and balanced diets rises, fitness lunch boxes have become popular. Many people don't have time to cook and prefer buying ready-to-eat, nutritious meals. You can capitalize on this trend by producing and selling delicious fitness lunch boxes. Promote your products on social media with enticing photos and menu suggestions.

6. Children's Crafts

Handmade crafts are increasingly valued, especially in the children's market. Whether it's crochet or knitted clothes, personalized crib protectors, themed rugs, booties, bows, tiaras, ornaments, souvenirs, hygiene kits, or maternity bags, the possibilities are vast. Children's crafts often sell at a premium due to their adorable and delicate nature.

Remember, the key to a successful small business lies in providing high-quality products or services that meet your customers' needs and expectations. Focus on customer satisfaction, as happy customers can become your best advocates and help grow your business. Read more: Blog4world

[mayooramcruises]

Life in Rural Alleppey: A Glimpse into Serenity

Introduction: The Heart of Kerala's Backwaters

Nestled in the southern part of India, Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a picturesque district renowned for its intricate network of backwaters, lush greenery, and tranquil villages. The rural areas of Alleppey offer a unique lifestyle that harmoniously blends tradition with nature, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The Rhythm of Daily Life

In the rural heartlands of Alleppey, life moves at a gentle, unhurried pace. The day typically begins at dawn, with the first light of the sun casting a golden hue over the misty backwaters. Villagers rise early to tend to their chores, which are deeply intertwined with the natural environment. Fishing, farming, and coir making are some of the primary occupations that sustain the local economy.

Backwaters: The Lifeline of Alleppey

The backwaters are the lifeblood of rural Alleppey, providing a means of transportation, livelihood, and sustenance. Traditional houseboats, known as "kettuvallams," glide gracefully along the water, serving as both homes and a source of income through tourism. Canoes and small boats are a common sight, used by locals to navigate the narrow canals and lagoons.

Agriculture and Coir Industry

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the rural economy of Alleppey. Paddy fields stretch as far as the eye can see, with farmers engaging in traditional methods of cultivation that have been passed down through generations. The coir industry, based on the coconut fiber, is another significant aspect of rural life. Women skillfully weave mats, ropes, and other products, contributing to the household income.

Cultural Richness and Traditions

The cultural fabric of rural Alleppey is woven with age-old traditions, festivals, and communal activities. Festivals like Onam and Vishu are celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring elaborate feasts, traditional dances like Kathakali, and snake boat races that draw crowds from near and far. Temples and churches dot the landscape, serving as centers of spiritual and social life.

Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition

The cuisine of rural Alleppey is a delectable reflection of its natural bounty. Meals are often centered around rice and fresh fish, accompanied by an array of vegetable dishes and coconut-based curries. Traditional cooking methods, such as using wood-fired stoves and earthen pots, enhance the flavors and preserve the authenticity of the cuisine.

The Simplicity of Rural Living

One of the most striking aspects of life in rural Alleppey is its simplicity. Homes are modest yet charming, often built with natural materials like wood and thatch. The interiors are adorned with minimalistic decor, reflecting a lifestyle that values functionality over opulence. The sense of community is strong, with neighbors often coming together to support one another in times of need.

Connection with Nature

Living in rural Alleppey means being in constant communion with nature. The environment dictates the rhythm of life, with monsoons bringing an abundance of water and sunshine nurturing the lush landscapes. Villagers have a profound respect for their surroundings, practicing sustainable methods of farming and fishing to preserve the ecological balance.

A Timeless Way of Life

The rural lifestyle of Alleppey is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the enduring connection between people and nature. It offers a peaceful retreat and a reminder of the timeless values that sustain communities through generations. As the world rushes forward, the serene backwaters and verdant villages of Alleppey stand as a tranquil sanctuary, preserving a way of life that is both enriching and enduring.

[cuntylestat]

hi! i hope this message finds you well. i have a question regarding photography, if you don’t mind me asking!

i’m looking to get a point and shoot film camera and was wondering if there are any models in particular that you’d recommend. a lot of suggestions i see online are quite expensive for a beginner, and the reviews are usually coming from experienced photographers detailing things i don’t quite understand lol. i don’t know what i should be looking for!

your photographs are so beautiful and inspiring. thank you <3

first of all, thank you for the compliment <33

if you're just starting out, i would noooot get any of the commonly recommended cameras because they're way too pricy. what you need to keep in mind is that these point-and-shoots from the 80s-2000s are eventually bound to fail because of the electronics, so spending too much money on something that will be a brick someday is not necessary, especially if you might just want to play around. i use a canon prima 5 (i think it's called a sureshot in the us) that i got for 25€ from some random person on ebay, not knowing if it would work, and it's great. so, don't listen to the hype (if you're gonna drop hundreds to thousands on a camera, it shouldn't be a point and shoot lol).

it's hard to give specific recs as there are soooo many p&s cameras on the vintage market, and even i don't know every brand on there. it's good to remember that these cameras were the go-to for most families in the 90s and early 2000s, so there's a wide variety from cheap garbage to premium quality, and it's hard to distinguish which are which. instead of specific models, i would think of what kind of things you want. for example, i knew i didn't want a super wide angle lens, i wanted a flash i could turn on and off, and i wanted a fixed focal length (no zoom) and decent aperture. this narrowed down my choices quite a lot. is it going to just be a camera for snapshots or do you want to really practice some serious photography? if the latter, a point and shoot is okay but not ideal, and you will get much more out of a cheap slr. however, for the former, a point and shoot can be nice.

you can go for one of the well known brands (canon, nikon, olympus, pentax, yashica, minolta), although cheaper cameras can also be fine. usually, the zoom models will be much cheaper than fixed lens versions. the trendier and sleeker something looks, the more expensive it will be. so, if you want to save money, get a camera that looks like what your parents would have used on a vacation lol. what i would look for is detailed descriptions of the functions, ideally it's been film tested and even better when they attach pictures of the test roll. you can usually tell the difference between someone that's just selling a camera they know nothing about (descriptions will be very basic and have little detail) and someone who's knowledgable (they might say why they're getting rid of the camera, for example). another tip if you want to be on the safe side is to buy from commercial sellers on ebay; at least in germany, you can return it if it doesn't work within a specific time window. so, if you buy a camera, shoot a test film and get it developed asap to see if everything's in order.

however, if you want to save yourself all the trouble of finding a used, vintage camera (although they will probably be better quality than anything new), there are some companies making basic point and shoot cameras. the caveat here is that they're usually not super capable, they might be half-frame cameras (you get double amount of pics but the quality won't be as high), and the lenses are likely made of plastic, meaning the quality won't be on the same level of a decent vintage point and shoot. however, the upside is that you can comfortably buy them in stores and you can be assured they work. there's the kodak m35, ilford sprite 35 and one from agfaphoto. however, if you're hunting for the more "cheap" p&s film look and just want something easy and simple, one of these may be the right choice for you. however, i'm not convinced they will last as long as a vintage p&s, considering the price.

i hope this helped, but let me know if you have more questions!

[danielooifineartgallery]

Thum Family, Casual Family Portrait

Thanks for choosing us for your photography need, looking forward to see you again. Thank you. Daniel Ooi Fine Art Gallerythe most unique photography studio in town since 2011http://www.danielooigallery.cominfo@danielooigallery.com

[racingliners]

Life In The Fast Lane Chapter 9 - Tarmac and Diamonds

Rating: Teen & Up

Warnings: None apply

Pairings: Original Female Character(s)/Original Male Character(s); OFCs & OMCs

Work Tags: Re-write of a previous work; Mentions of IRL current and past F1 figures; Eventual romance; friends to lovers; found family/work family; actual family; racing drivers and their various shenanigans; how to handle pressure (and how not to); with a sprinkling of the power of friendship; tags will be updated as work progresses

Chapter 9/57

Word count: 6.7k

Summary: Sophie finds herself in the French Riviera, as F1 lands in Monaco

Wednesday 24th May – Monaco

Monte Carlo. The so called playground of the rich and famous. With its glittering marina, luxurious hotels and casinos, it was nicknamed by many the jewel of the F1 calendar.

But to James, for the past seven years, it was home.

He turned the key to his apartment door with a firm twist, locking it tight, before securing the keys in his backpack and made for the nearest stairwell.

The race weekend schedule was always unique in Monaco. Custom meant that Friday was a rest day, so free practice one and two took place on Thursday, with Wednesday being the track walk and media day. Not that James was really looking forward to either, since he knew the circuit almost like the back of his hand. And it seemed that McLaren’s early upgrades had only bared fruit in Shanghai. When the rest of the teams had brought their upgrade packages to the previous race in Valencia, McLaren found themselves back where they were, languishing between the front runners and the midfield, in a lowly 8th and 9th place.

“Morning” James’ trainer Mike greeted him at the bottom of the stairwell, brown aviators over his eyes and his auburn hair looking freshly washed. As living space was at an extreme premium in Monaco they lived at opposite ends of the same apartment complex.

“You’re sure you want to walk in today?” James asked with a small frown as he led the way out onto the street.

“We’re going cycling on Friday, remember?”

“Right, Friday” James nodded, and took his own Ray Ban sunglasses from the front pocket of his team shirt and put them on as they walked out into the warm sunshine and began the fifteen minute walk down to the marina, where the team motorhomes had already rolled into town.

Another twist of the Monaco Grand Prix’s strange charm, was that the paddock was effectively split into two. The team motorhomes and engineering trucks were down by the marina, an almost ten minute walk away from the pitlane (which was even more unusual, as the team’s pitwalls were situated above the garages, as there simply wasn’t space for them in the pitlane).

James was long used to all of Monaco’s quirks, as long as he’d be able to drive the car on Sunday and hopefully score some points, he wasn’t really fussed at how jumbled the weekend was.

The walk to the paddock was quiet at least, one of the things James did like about living in Monaco was that there were no paparazzi anywhere to be found, as they were completely forbidden from the principality. (Exceptions were made during the Grand Prix weekend for the officially licenced photographers, of course). Occasionally a few other drivers or team members would walk or cycle past, but apart from that, James and Mike were free to talk amongst themselves the whole way.

“So,” Mike’s cheery voice cut through the warm air as he clapped a heavy hand on James’ shoulder, almost forcing him to turn his head to look at his trainer. “How are you feeling?”

“About what?” James asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Anything” Mike shrugged, still keeping a hand on his driver’s shoulder. “Thoughts for the weekend, the season so far, if there’s…” He paused to take in a small, sharp breath “…any problems with you and your team mate”

“I am not having any problems with Sophie…” James scoffed, and rolled his eyes behind his sunglasses for good measure. “And I’m fine mate, really”.

Mike hummed, but finally dropped his hand from James’ shoulder.

“Well, as your confidant slash personal trainer, I am allowed to worry about you. Especially after… you know”

After James and Petra had ended things for the second time right before Abu Dhabi last year.

Carrying on with their walk James took in a long, deep breath of now slightly salty air since they were almost at the marina, and let out an even longer exhale in the hope it would take as much of last year with it as possible.

Mechanical failures had been the main reason why neither he nor Nathan had been involved in the title fight last season. And McLaren had come through on their promise of fixing those gremlins over the winter break, though it seemed they had sacrificed a significant chunk of speed in the process.

Which meant that when the paddock entrance came into view, James rolled his shoulders back and had his best smile ready to go just in case (because some journalists really did take the look on a driver’s face alone as serious indication for what state their team was in).

As they approached the familiar turnstiles, James and Mike found themselves saying good morning to more and more paddock members. James even spotted Richard, who was stood a few metres away from the last turnstile on the left, talking with a shorter blonde woman who like almost everyone James had seen so far was wearing sunglasses over her eyes. She had a green paddock pass around her neck, and wore a peach coloured blouse with dark cotton slacks, with her curly blonde hair ever so slightly drifting in the breeze coming in from the harbour.

“Morning Rich” James smiled brightly at his colleague, who half waved back as the woman he was with checked her watch. There was something in the way her shoulders sunk with a sigh that looked somewhat familiar. So James looked at her again, and took in the gentle sweep of her nose, and somewhat sharp curve of her jawline, and the penny finally dropped in James’ head as he veered away from the turnstiles. “Good morning Mrs Knightsbridge”. His bright smile was completely genuine as he tentatively held out his right hand.

“Oh... Good morning” Her handshake was firm, but polite. “But please, call me Mary” Her accent was the same as her daughter’s. Very stereotypically English, but not posh. They even had the same hint of warmth in their voices. “It’s lovely to finally meet you James”

“Yes you too… No Sophie?” He asked with a raised eyebrow. Richard had seemingly been inseparable from his driver at every race so far this season. And from what James could gather about the Knightsbridge family, they didn’t seem like the kind that would travel to the circuit separately.

“Her and Vanessa decided to cycle in, so we walked down from the hotel. But the chain on Vanessa’s bike went so they’re running a little late” Mary explained.

“Ahh right” Mike, who had stayed a few steps behind James, quietly cleared his throat. “I uh… better head in, but don’t worry you’re in very safe hands” James gestured to Richard who gave a small smile in return as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. “We’ll see you in the motorhome” James gave a slightly awkward wave as he made for the nearest turnstile, scanned his pass, and waited for Mike on the other side.

“I am allowed to be friendly you know” He scoffed at Mike once he was happy they were out of earshot. “Heaven forbid I try to make Sophie and her family feel welcome around here”. It was true that Formula 1 had changed a lot in the past decade, both in the way it presented itself to the world, and the people that helped make it. And while there were more women and people of colour employed by teams, the FIA, or even F1 itself, there were still some people from the old status quo that weren’t exactly happy to roll out the red carpet for Sophie in Australia. In their minds, no matter what Sophie did or would ever do would be enough to earn her place in F1.

And Mike had been James’ trainer for the past five years, he knew the paddock well enough by now.

“You were turning on the charm a little too much” Mike teased as they reached the last of the engineering trucks, and made a right for the tightly packed together team motorhomes.

“Oh piss off!” James scoffed. Mike just laughed as they made their way down towards the McLaren motorhome, which thankfully for James wasn’t that far away as he was becoming increasingly tempted to chuck his friend into the sea.

“I mean I know, it’s really difficult being a very handsome very charming bastard, but don’t whip out the megawatt smile before ten o’clock in the morning!” James rolled his eyes and didn’t take off his sunglasses until he was safely inside the McLaren motorhome, and tightly hit Mike on the shoulder.

“Oh come on what was that for?” He winced as they climbed the stairs to the first floor.

“Being an idiot!”

  “Maybe we should have just walked in like everyone else… uh good morning!” Sophie winced as she wheeled her bike past a small huddle of Mercedes engineers. One or two of them said hello to Sophie as she passed, and she rushed to return the gesture before they were out of earshot.

While it wasn’t Sophie’s first visit to Monaco, having raced in Formulas 2 and 3 the past few years, the scenery of the principality always seemed to take her by surprise. From the dramatic cliffs near the French border, to the yacht filled marina, and the ribbons of road and pastel coloured buildings that were crammed in-between. As pretty as it was, Sophie wondered how anyone in Monaco had room to breathe, let alone live.

While Richard was leading the way to wherever McLaren had managed to find space for the motorhome, Sophie and Vanessa were more concerned with trying not to hit anyone – or each other – with their bikes.

“Yeah, we’re definitely walking in Saturday and Sunday” Vanessa groaned as Richard made a sudden left, with Mary quickly looking behind her to make sure their little group hadn’t gotten separated.

“You okay Mum?” Sophie asked with a slightly restrained smile. Mary just nodded as she tried to keep everyone together.

“Almost there, I promise!” Richard cheerily called out amongst the maze of team personnel, journalists, and team engineering trucks.

After what felt like an eternity of walking through the very crowded marina, the first of the team motorhomes came into view. And Sophie couldn’t help but gawk at what was very clearly Red Bull’s and Alpha Tauri’s base for the race weekend.

The regular motorhome she had seen at testing and in Valencia had been replaced by a barge that featured a smaller version of the Red Bull and Alpha Tauri shared motorhome atop what looked like the team’s own private pool deck. And if that wasn’t enough, images of all four Red Bull drivers were printed on tarpaulin that was stretched around the base of the barge. It was certainly one way to make an impression.

McLaren by comparison, had a downsized version of their motorhome for the Monaco Grand Prix. It was two stories high instead of three, and was a more solid cuboid shape. The reflective windows had been swapped for tinted ones, but the monochromatic colour scheme with hints of papaya remained as Sophie, Vanessa, Richard and Mary finally walked up the small ramp that led to the main doors. And Sophie finally let out a long exhale once she was inside.

She would never admit it publicly, but she very much considered Monaco to be her bogey track. She had the grand total of one podium finish in her three attempts at the circuit, and that was only due to the on-track winner being disqualified. Monaco was always an intense race not because of any actual racing, but because driving around the narrow streets was like threading a needle in a hurricane. It didn’t take much for a driver to accidentally or otherwise end up in the barriers. And that was before Sophie had considered the fact she would be doing the full race distance of 78 laps, as opposed to the measly 42 laps in the previous year’s F2 sprint race, where she’d finished in fifth.

“Morning Sophie!” She almost jumped out her skin as she reached the top of the stairs and saw James by the door of his driver room. “Rough time getting in?” Her team mate asked with a tilt of the head, clearly noticing he’d startled her.

“Something like that” She sighed as Vanessa entered the code to unlock the door to Sophie’s room.

“Ah well, just the journalists to worry about now” James replied with a grin as he clapped Sophie on the shoulder, and the pair looked at each other for a few seconds longer than normal. “See you later”

“See you” Sophie flashed a small smile at James before lugging her bike down the small corridor and into her driver room, and propped it against the wall next to Vanessa’s.

“You good?”

“Nope” Sophie sighed almost immediately, and flopped down onto the small sofa that sat opposite the massage table, slightly resisting the urge to bury her head in her hands. “I’m just…”

“Terrified of putting your car in the barriers tomorrow” Vanessa finished Sophie’s sentence as she sat down next to her driver, and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. Sophie just hummed in reply and leaned back, looking up at the ceiling. “You do know that if all you think about is not crashing then-”

“I’ll end up crashing anyway… I know” Sophie huffed as she looked over at the person who was her personal trainer, friend, and emotional support all in one. “Believe me, I’m trying to let it go I just… can’t” She buried her hands in her hair as she took in a long, deep breath, and slowly exhaled. “I’ll feel better after my track walk… probably” Sophie pulled her hair out of her low ponytail as she stood up, and re-tied to so it sat on the crown of her head. “And we should probably go before my Mum drags me downstairs… assuming she hasn’t texted you already”

Vanessa hummed as she stood up and quickly checked her phone with a relieved smile as Sophie opened the door.

“She hasn’t, but there’s still time” Vanessa chuckled as she followed Sophie out the door.

  Friday 26th May

“Mon Dieu Sophie, how long does it take you to grab things you’ve had organised since last night?” Nico scoffed as he looked at his watch with an overly dramatic sigh.

“Well I’m not even close to being late so ha!” Sophie screwed up her face at her friend as she handed him her garment bag without asking. “Hi Dana”

“Hi Sophie!” She beamed and eagerly embraced Sophie in a bone-crushing hug. Dana’s work as an architect and increasingly in interior design meant that she didn’t have as much time to attend races as other driver’s partners. They had last seen each other back in April, after Nico and Dana had taken Sophie out to dinner to celebrate her podium finish.

Dana and Nico had met in 2020, when the company she worked for had been invited to the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes to do some renovation work, on the same day that Nico in his then-duties as Red Bull test driver had been at the factory for a run in the simulator. They had started dating not long after, which meant that she had also known Sophie ever since. “It is so good to see you!” Dana said with a bright smile, squeezing her hands on Sophie’s shoulders. “And we finally have someone sensible to talk to” Dana grinned with a wink for Nico’s benefit.

“It’s about time” Sophie chuckled before looking over at Nico. “We love you really”

“Oh yes, of course you do” He jokingly rolled his eyes before going to check his watch. “But we really are going to be late at this rate”

Dana led the way out of the hotel lobby as Nico returned Sophie’s garment bag, and the trio walked out into the late afternoon sunshine for their walk over to the Grimaldi Forum.

Over the years the powers that be on the commercial side of F1 had found ways to fill in the traditional rest day of the Grand Prix weekend. Sophie, like a handful of other drivers, had spent much of the morning doing a sponsor photoshoot, before being freed to train with Vanessa, have lunch with Nico, Dana and her Mum, before squeezing in a quick shower to get ready for her final engagement of the day – The Amber Lounge Fashion Show.

No one in the paddock could quite pinpoint the exact moment it became a traditional part of the race weekend, but as the fashion show and accompanying gala was for charity, no one really seemed to mind. Around a third of the drivers on the grid were in attendance each year, as they even had their own slot during the show. Which was why Nico and Sophie’s garment bags contained some of their more finer outfits.

“I’ll be in the crowd, and Nico will be with you the whole time” Dana said to Sophie with a gentle hand on her shoulder. She had already changed into her ankle length navy chiffon dress which paired beautifully with her deeply tanned skin, and her dark golden brown hair was curled and styled in a half-updo.

“It’s not the fashion show I’m worried about” Sophie sighed, half-lying. Her main concern was ensuring that her ankles would survive a night in heels incident free, because there wasn’t going to be anything more embarrassing than having to pull out of the race because of a shoe induced sprained ankle.

When Sophie spoke with a sadder sigh than she intended, Nico stopped in his tracks, screwed up his face, and let out a small sigh himself.

“Habibi what is it?” Dana asked, looking between her boyfriend and Sophie.

“The date” Nico frowned, before handing Dana his garment bag so he could hug Sophie round the shoulders. “I’m so sorry ma amie”. Sophie let herself rest her head on Nico’s chest as Dana eventually placed a hand on Sophie’s arm when she realised what Nico was referring to.

That had Sophie not broken up with Tom after telling his parents they’d gotten engaged, today would have been their eight year anniversary.

Not really a day she felt like getting dolled up to be presented to the masses. If the fashion show wasn’t for charity, she would have twisted Vanessa’s arm into helping her pull a sickie so she could hide in her hotel room instead.

Nico and Dana had been the second and third people after Vanessa to help take care of Sophie after the fallout of her very brief engagement. She could still remember that week in mid-December last year clear as day. Signing her McLaren contract on the Tuesday, Tom taking her out for dinner to their favourite restaurant in Northampton and proposing on the Wednesday night, telling Sophie’s family over the phone on the Thursday morning… and then Saturday happened.

Tom’s parents were on the above average side of wealthy, his mother was the head of an estate agent, and his father a property developer. They had never sent Tom to a private school despite being more than able to afford it, because they wanted him to be ‘normal’. So he ended up in the same year as Sophie when they started High School. He never laughed when Sophie told him she wanted to be a Formula 1 driver, and he even went two a couple of her karting races before they got together. He had finally asked her out when Sophie won her first single seater race.

Tom had decided that it would have been best to tell his parents face to face, so when he and Sophie arrived at the five-bedroom Berkley family home, he had hoped that his parents would be over the moon to see the gold set emerald cut Diamond on Sophie’s ring finger.

But instead his mother’s face went white with shock.

“What are you thinking? Throwing your career away to follow her here there and everywhere” Tom, like his younger sister Alice, hadn’t went into either family business, and instead worked in IT. Even while Sophie had been sat alone in the large living room, she had heard every word Tom’s mother had yelled at him from the next room. Maybe it had been intentional. “I don’t care how successful she might be…” Sophie’s breathing had become more and more ragged as she heard Tom’s mother suddenly say all manner of things about her. That she’d never approved of Sophie being a racing driver, that she’d assumed Sophie and Tom would fizzle out either due to the increased amount of travelling Sophie did, or that Tom would find someone more ‘suitable’, whatever that meant.

Sophie still remembered biting down on her bottom lip as tears began to fill her eyes, and her engagement ring started to feel heavier and heavier on her left hand. Seeing Tom’s sister walk in with two cups of tea had been the last straw, as Sophie pulled the ring off her finger and left it on the coffee table. She would never force Tom to choose between her and his family.

“I mean, what was I thinking, getting engaged at 23?!” Sophie shook her head as she sat down on the nearest bench, with Nico and Dana joining her on either side. She’d found herself thinking about the end of her relationship on the odd moment throughout the year. She had loved Tom, completely. But there were times that she wondered if she’d said yes to marrying him because it felt like ticking the next box after securing her F1 drive. They had never really, properly, discussed getting married before he got down on one knee.

“You’ll be okay Sophie” Nico said softly as he took his friend’s hand in his.

“I am okay I just…” The fact that the most she currently felt was a small ache in her chest, and that she had been able to think straight in first and second practice yesterday, was a testament to that. “I’m making peace with it all I guess”. As was starting to be the case with every time she thought about Tom, she felt more and more at ease with the fact she definitely didn’t want to get married anytime soon. “I want to move on. I don’t know if or when I want to start dating again, especially since all the people I see these days are from the paddock”

Nico and Dana both chuckled.

“I’m sure that one day, you are going to meet someone who just… makes you so happy you’ll want to dive right into the deep end. So long as he respects you for who you are of course” Nico smiled, briefly glancing over at Dana. “And if that’s something you really want, then it’ll be okay… even if they do end up being from the paddock” He added with a small smile, and squeezed Sophie’s hand before letting go. And after letting out one final exhale, Sophie and Dana got up from the bench, and the trio carried on their journey.

Once they arrived at the venue Nico and Sophie showed both their F1 accreditation passes and passports to one of the people on the reception desk, and once Dana had gotten her guest wristband, a member of staff led the two drivers to the backstage area.

Vanity mirrors and chairs took up an entire wall on the left, half of which were filled with models, make-up artists, hair stylists, and one or two drivers. The rest of the space was filled with temporary cubicles, rows upon rows of clothes rails, and small sofas and armchairs wherever there was room for them. To the right, a large black curtain separated the backstage area from what Sophie assumed was the catwalk.

“When I told my parents I wanted to be an F1 driver, I never imagined it would involve anything like this” Sophie gulped.

“Ah, I don’t think any of us did” Nico sighed as he clapped Sophie on the shoulder.

“You’re Sophie Knightsbridge, yes?” A brunette woman in her 40’s approached Sophie almost out of thin air, catching her by surprise. Sophie just nodded. “Ah, you’re right on time. Come with me” She spoke with a French accent and walked a few hurried steps away before turning around. “Are you another driver or her boyfriend?” She asked Nico, completely straight faced.

Nico tried and failed to suppress his laughter before replying. “Driver, I’m Nico Dumont from Alpha Tauri”.

“Ah, good” And the woman turned round again, marching towards a pair of free vanity tables, as Nico let out some more repressed giggles.

“Of course you’re already more famous than me Cherie” Nico shook his head and hung his garment bag off the back of the make-up chair he was directed to.

“My name’s Marie” The woman finally introduced herself, and gestured for Sophie to sit down. “I’ll be doing your hair and make-up for the show” She explained while trying to peer through the small plastic window on Sophie’s garment bag. “What style is your dress?”

“Rose pink satin, it’s strapless” Marie just hummed in reply while she examined Sophie’s hair and hands. She frowned at how short Sophie’s nails were. “I can’t wear false nails when I’m in the car” Sophie huffed somewhat defensively. She had always kept her nails short out of necessity for both practicality and comfort, filed down to just past the tips of her fingers.

“That’s okay, we wouldn’t have had the time to put them on anyway. Can we paint them at least?”

“Sure” Sophie nodded, and Marie sprinted off to get something, saying that someone would be along to work on Nico shortly. Sophie pulled her phone out of her pocket to quickly text Richard that she had made it to the event safe, sound, and crucially on time. He texted back, both wishing her luck and saying that James was meant to be arriving soon as well.

“Ohhhhh no way!” Nico exclaimed, looking at his own phone with a wide smile.

“What is it?” Sophie asked cautiously, putting her phone into her backpack before turning to look at her friend. Nico gleefully passed over his phone, which was opened on the memories page of his Facebook account, and Sophie audibly gasped at the picture.

“No, you’re kidding!” The picture was of Sophie and Nico, both aged 14, stood on the podium with another driver (Nico had won, with Sophie in second) at the first international karting race they had both competed in together. Incidentally, they had only met each other for the first time the day before, when Nico had rescued a 9 year old Will from picking a fight with another kid who wasn’t exactly keen on being out-qualified by a girl.

Nico had eventually reunited Will with the rest of the Knightsbridge family, and Mark and Mary were so relieved that they offered Nico and his family to join them for dinner, once they found out the Dumonts were staying at the same hotel. Sophie and Nico had been friends ever since. “What do you mean I’ve been enduring you and your nonsense for ten years?”

Nico threw his head back and laughed as Sophie handed back his phone with a smirk. She was joking of course. Truthfully, she had no idea where she would be if she didn’t have Nico to turn to for advice, or to fight her corner. Something which Sophie gladly paid back in return without hesitation. She remembered Nico calling her on the eve of his F1 debut last year, as he tried to shake off any remaining nerves. He’d ended up dragging his Alpha Tauri into 9th place.

“Ah,” Nico grinned, reaching out for Sophie’s hand to give it a tight squeeze. “I love you too”

Eventually, Marie returned with a toolkit of make-up brushes, and goodness knew what else in a large pouch with more pockets than Sophie could count tied round her waist. She got to work on Sophie’s nails first, painting them a shimmering gold, before putting Sophie’s hair in large rollers. Much to Nico’s delight, as he took multiple pictures and videos of the entire affair to post on Instagram later.

“Have you ever been in a fashion show before?” Marie asked as she finished Sophie’s make-up with a few coats of mascara.

“It’s not something racing drivers normally do” Sophie sighed and pressed her lips together (though not too hard as to smudge her lipstick).

“Ah well,” Marie paused, taking a step back to look over her work. “You are certainly beautiful enough for it. Charlotte!” A younger woman, much closer to Sophie’s age, with strawberry blonde hair tied in a high ponytail shot up from one of the small sofas, and made a beeline for Marie and Sophie. “This is Charlotte, she’ll be your dresser”

“Oh, I’m done?” Sophie asked hesitantly, slowly reaching down for her backpack.

“Yes, all done” Marie smiled and handed Sophie’s garment bag over to Charlotte. Nico had left a few minutes ago, since he had less hair to style into place. Sophie politely thanked Marie for taking care of her and followed Charlotte’s hurried footsteps to one of the cubicles. The show was still a couple of hours away from starting, but the drivers were required to walk the red carpet first.

“It’s so nice to meet you” Charlotte smiled at Sophie brightly as she held open the curtain to one of the cubicles. “I had no idea women could be racing drivers until this year, I know you haven’t won a race yet, but I think what you’re doing is amazing”

“Well…” Sophie blushed, not really knowing what to say. Charlotte was far from being the first woman Sophie had met this year to be wowed by her presence. “I’m not the first, not in F1 anyway”

“Yes, you’re number six!” Charlotte replied excitedly as she closed the curtain and unzipped the garment bag, revealing Sophie’s strapless, calf length satin dress. "Oh what a beautiful dress! What label is it?"

"H&M" Sophie blushed as she toed out of her espadrilles. If Charlotte thought any less of it, she didn't show it as she slid to dress off the hanger while Sophie quickly undressed. "I didn't know being a professional dresser was a thing"

"Yes! Fashion shows are always so busy" Charlotte replied as Sophie stepped into the dress, and held it up as Charlotte zipped up the back. "Ah, perfect fit. Though I'll use some tape, just in case" Charlotte produced a roll of body tape from a bag at her hips. "Don't worry, it won’t damage the dress" She smiled reassuringly as she attached two pieces to the top of the dress, and gently pressed them down. "Any jewellery?"

"Uh yeah, in my bag" Sophie walked over to her backpack, and pulled out a shoebox, and a much smaller black velvet box. And as Charlotte took out Sophie's shoes, she audibly reacted when Sophie opened the small jewellery box, revealing a pair of small teardrop pearl and diamond earrings. "They were my grandmother's, on my Dad's side"

"They're very pretty, let me get your necklace" Both pieces were set in gold, and the necklace featured five small rice pearls scattered along the chain. Charlotte fastened it so it sat just on Sophie’s collarbone. "All done, you look beautiful" Sophie had avoided looking at the full length mirror in front of her out of fear at what she'd see back. It turned out that in all the time since breaking up with Tom to now, she'd forgotten how pretty she was.

Rose gold eyeshadow enhanced the swirls of brown in Sophie’s eyes, her cheekbones had been accented just enough to bring them out and add a small bit of definition to her face, and her lips had been painted a rosy nude shade that complimented her skin perfectly. Her look had been finished off with a blush of soft pink on her cheeks, and her hair that had been styled into large loose curls framed her face perfectly.

"What's wrong? Do you not like it?" Charlotte asked suddenly as Sophie’s eyes dropped to the floor. She wasn't sure how to reply.

"No, no I just... it's been a while since I..." Sophie glanced into the mirror again, noting that the rose satin dress gave her figure more of an hourglass shape than what she naturally had. "I don't get to dress up that often" She blushed, stepping into her suede nude heels. Charlotte had seemingly read between the lines, as she gave Sophie a knowing look.

"Well, you should. Oh, one more thing. Can you hold your hair back?" Sophie did as she was told, and felt a small dab of something wet on the back of her neck. "Eyelash glue, it will hold your necklace in place when you walk down the runway" Sophie felt the necklace clasp being pressed against her skin. "There, now you're ready" Charlotte said with a triumphant smile. "Your things will be put in a locker, just come and find me once everything's wrapped up" Already she had pulled back the cubicle curtain, and Sophie found herself rooted in place. "Own it" Charlotte said, tilting her head towards the backstage area. “No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin”

And after taking in a deep breath, Sophie stepped out of the cubicle, realising that Charlotte and Marie had put too much effort into Sophie for her to just hide in a corner. So she walked over towards where the drivers were supposed to wait, in the hope Nico would be waiting for her as promised.

  James couldn’t remember the last time he’d been at Amber Lounge, it might even have been as far back as when he was still driving for Aston Martin, but he wasn’t sure. Normally it was an event saved for the rookies and younger drivers. But the team had convinced James into going by saying how great it would be for their most recent world champion and most recent podium finisher to be seen together at the same event. Especially since McLaren were starting to think about gearing up for their 60th anniversary celebrations.

Plus, it was either the fashion show or a yacht party, and James hated yacht parties. At least this way he’d be with some of his fellow drivers, as he found himself catching up with Aaron Jones.

The dress code for the fashion show was formal, but not black tie, so the male drivers had a small bit of leeway in what kind of suits they could wear. James had opted for a three-piece charcoal and navy check suit, with a white shirt and burgundy tie – formal, but not completely bland.

“Is that Sophie?” Aaron asked out of the blue as he looked over his shoulder. James turned his head to look in the same direction and did indeed find himself looking at his team mate. He’d found himself noticing her a lot more than usual so far this weekend. But not in a ‘she was always the first person he saw’ kind of way. No, Sophie was the person he’d spot as he glanced round the room, then he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Oh wow” James said without realising. “Look at you!” He said louder, in a more affectionately teasing way, as Sophie walked over towards them. She blushed as she clasped her hands behind her back. “You look great Soph”

“Thanks… you haven’t seen Nico have you?”

“I think he went out to make a phone call” Aaron interjected before pulling his own phone out of his pocket, and asked to take a selfie with the two McLaren drivers. Sophie’s face lit up with relief when Nico arrived, in his pale blue suit, white shirt and black tie, and the two friends teased each other about how well they scrubbed up. James happily obliged when Sophie asked him to take their picture, and he couldn’t help but notice his team mate’s first genuine smile of the evening.

A few minutes later the drivers were eventually shooed off to the red carpet, which passed by in a blur of flashes and slightly forced smiles, and they found themselves seated on the front row so that when the time came for the driver’s slot they wouldn’t get in anyone’s way as they left. And for publicity purposes, of course.

As James sat down he smoothed down his tie, and as he inhaled he smelt the faint whiff of something sweet and floral. He took in what he thought was a subtle deeper breath, but it caused Sophie to quietly grown.

“I knew I put on too much perfume” She muttered, rapidly tapping her fingers against her leg. She was sat in-between James and Nico, who was chatting away to Marc Pavard in French.

“Oh no it’s fine really, I just wanted to know what it was. That’s all”

“You’re just saying that so I won’t get embarrassed” Sophie scoffed and looked down at the floor. “Orange blossom, for what it’s worth” She said quietly as the lights dimmed and the opening segment of the fashion show got underway.

After about half an hour or so, the drivers were quietly led backstage, and filed into order by one of the directors. It didn’t seem like the drivers were in a particular order – until James and Sophie were left until last, arguably being the most high profile of those present.

“You alright team mate?” James half-turned to look behind him, and saw Sophie looking blankly into the distance. “Hey” He reached out to gently place a hand on her forearm, and it worked in getting her attention without startling her. “Just… take a deep breath in and pretend you’re walking over to me to say hello”

“Uh huh…” Sophie hummed, pressing her lips together.

“Or, think about how happy your Gran would be to know her jewellery was getting shown off in Monaco of all places” He remembered Nico saying something about Sophie’s necklace and earrings when they left for the red carpet, and that netted Sophie’s second proper smile of the night.

“Thanks, don’t break a leg” She replied back.

“I’ll try” James chuckled, and turned round right as a group of models rushed backstage to change into their next outfits. There was a brief pause before the drivers segment was introduced to feverish applause, and a slick guitar riff started playing over the speakers, followed by a steady beat as Nico made his way onto the catwalk.

When it came to James’ turn he flashed a bright smile for the crowd as he walked down to the end of the catwalk, paused for a few seconds, then turned around. Only to be frozen in place. Sophie wasn’t just smiling as she walked out, but beaming – making her look absolutely beautiful.

And that terrified James beyond all belief.

Maybe all the long days at the track were starting to pile up, maybe it was because they genuinely got on with each other, or maybe it was because Sophie was exactly James’ type: friendly, smart and gorgeous, that he realised he maybe didn’t just like her as a team mate.

Shit, he’d told himself that wasn’t going to happen.

Working on automatic pilot, with his smile still fixed into place, James walked back to the top of the catwalk to stand in formation with the other drivers. And as she walked past Sophie, the pair briefly smiled at each other, the way good team mates did. Eventually when Sophie re-joined her colleagues as the music ended to more than polite applause, James put a hand on her shoulder and smiled for the cameras. And all he could smell was orange blossom.

He could start burying his feelings in a panic, but maybe with so many races to go until the summer break that wouldn’t be the best idea. Maybe if he just acknowledged it for what it was, a fleeting attraction at seeing her glamorously dressed up for the first time. After all, they’d known each other for four months now. Surely, if James really was attracted to Sophie, he would have felt something long before now. And maybe tonight was just a blip, a lock up on an out lap. Maybe if James registered what he felt, it would go away just as quickly.

Because he really, really, didn’t want to think about the consequences of the alternative.

[thephototales]

4 Perfect Reasons to Hire a Family Photographer in London - A & M Mazur Photography

What's more vital than the bond you share with your family? The beauty of family dynamics, the strength it brings - you should hire a family photographer to cherish the love. Children who grow up in a house full of family photographs have more confidence. They feel valued and develop a sense of belonging.

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Professionals offer fine-art prints that will remain the same for years. They use premium canvases and non-reflective glasses that will not wear and tear with time. You can get unparalleled quality that is impossible to find on the high street.

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A marvelous family photograph makes a thoughtful gift to your kids. Humans are mortal, and life will always run its course. When your kids look back at the classic photos, they can reminisce about their childhood and relive the bygone era.

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Last-minute Takeaway

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[freeappall]

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[woodartgalleryy]

Elevate Your Memories with Custom Oak Picture Frames

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In Canada, the demand for high-quality photo frames has grown significantly. Canadians value artistry and craftsmanship, which is evident in their preference for frames that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. Photo frames not only protect images but also transform them into captivating pieces of decor.

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[atplblog]

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