Investing in Yourself: Unleash Your Inner Henna Diva with Henna4you!
Today, we're diving into the world of self-investment and the art of henna with none other than the fabulous Bhupi from Henna4you. So, grab a chai latte, sit back, and let's embark on a journey that promises to make you glow both inside and out!
Write comment (0 Comments)Henna: The Cool Secret to Beating the Heat and Menopause
Henna, the mystical and mesmerizing reddish-brown paste that adorns the hands and feet of many in vibrant and intricate patterns, has been a beloved tradition for centuries.
But did you know that henna has natural cooling properties that go beyond its aesthetic appeal? Yes, henna is not just for creating beautiful temporary tattoos; it's a secret weapon against the heat and even those pesky menopausal symptoms.
Write comment (0 Comments)Embracing Change with Henna: Adding Fun to Tradition
Life, as they say, is a rollercoaster of emotions. We're constantly evolving, and so are our traditions. Just like the wind carries away the old leaves to make room for new growth, sometimes we need to let go of old customs that no longer resonate with us, and other times, we find ourselves embracing traditions we never thought we would. Karva Chauth, a festival celebrated by Hindu and Sikh women in Northern and Western India, is a prime example of how traditions can become a part of our lives, only to be rediscovered and redefined.
If you've been a keen observer of Karva Chauth, you know it's more than just a fast; it's a celebration of love, community, and of course, the epic competition of who can get the darkest henna. Let's dive into the deep sea of this festival, a tale of fasting, henna-stained hands, and self-pampering with a touch of sassiness.
Write comment (0 Comments)Ink and Inner Peace: Bhupi's Journey of Henna, Mandalas, and Mental Health
A few months ago, I had the privilege of being interviewed by a university student about the intricate connection between mental health and mandalas. This student, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared a remarkable journey that warmed my heart. Many years ago, when she was a high school student, she took part in one of my workshops. Her love for mandalas was evident even then, as she expressed her desire to celebrate her birthday with her family and friends by drawing these beautiful creations. Now, as she nears the completion of her degree and prepares to graduate as a psychotherapist, I am overflowing with pride for the amazing, kind, compassionate and wonderful woman she has become. I've had the privilege of watching her transition from a teen into an exceptional woman dedicated to helping others. Her anonymity doesn't diminish the brilliance of her story; it only adds to the wonder of her transformative journey. Read on….
Allow me to introduce you to Bhupi, a henna maestro with over three decades of experience. She's the heart and soul behind Henna4You, renowned for its use of natural ingredients. But here's the exciting twist: Bhupi is not just a henna artist. She also teaches through her Mandala Workshops. This unique combination allows her to offer invaluable insights into how drawing mandalas promotes mindful breathing, unwavering focus, and nurtures our mental well-being.
Write comment (0 Comments)Expressing Gratitude Through the Art of Henna: Let's Get Sassy and Thankful!
Welcome, fellow gratitude enthusiasts and henna lovers, to a unique journey where we blend tradition with Bhupi-ness! Today, we're diving deep into the magical world of henna and exploring how this ancient art form can become your expressive companion in the fabulous realm of gratitude. Grab your henna cones, put on your sassy pants, and let's embark on an adventure of thankfulness like no other.
Write comment (0 Comments)Self-Care and Self-Love: Give Yourself Some Henna - DIY or Henna Artist?
Today, we're diving into a world of self-love, and self-care, with a sprinkle of Bhupi-ness. What's my secret ingredient, you ask? Henna, of course! Whether you're a DIY diva or prefer the pampering touch of a henna artist, I’ve got the scoop on how henna can be your ultimate self-love accessory.
Write comment (0 Comments)Henna and Body Wellness: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits
Let me tell you about the wonders of henna and its magical touch on your body and soul! We all know henna as that beautiful reddish-brown dye that creates intricate designs on our skin, but did you know that it's more than just a pretty adornment? Henna has been around for centuries, and it's not just for looks. It's a whole-body experience that can leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's dive into the therapeutic benefits of henna!
Write comment (0 Comments)Henna as a Cultural Symbol: Unveiling the Significance
Let's talk about henna! We're diving into the world of this captivating cultural symbol that has been turning heads for centuries. From its intricate patterns to its deep red hues, henna is more than just a pretty picture on your skin. Get ready to uncover the significance and history behind this timeless art form.
First things first, henna, scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis, is a flowering plant that hails from the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. We're talking about a natural wonder that has been used as a dye and body art for thousands of years. We've got evidence of its existence in ancient Egyptian mummies and Hindu rituals!
Now, let's talk about weddings.
Write comment (0 Comments)Ru_Paul Says It The Best
In my mind, nobody says it better than RuPaul, “If you don't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”
It makes me smile every time I hear it now, although it felt like a slap in the face years after my last relationship ended, and I was still single.
Write comment (2 Comments)What to do if you win the lottery...and if you don't!
More money would make a big difference in your life; you’ve thought it, we have too. Even just a little, tiny bit more could lift you up! That’s why you buy the scratch tickets, go to the BINGO hall, and enter the 50/50 draws. It doesn’t cost you much to try, and you can’t win if you don’t play.
Write comment (0 Comments)Giving Money or Gift Cards Isn’t Thoughtless!
No matter your cultural or religious background, there’s a pretty good chance that you have to dig into your budget and supply gifts for someone at some point every year – often multiple times per year. Many of us have a go-to gift shop, and even a gift bin hidden under the bed that gets refilled every time you come across a good sale.
Write comment (0 Comments)Can I Go Through Menopause With Rose Coloured Glasses On?
Menopause seriously sucks the fun out of everything. Here you are in the prime of your life, the kids are old enough to make their own lunches, you can go away for girls’ weekend without feeling guilty that you’re not at home helping out, work’s good, your mortgage is coming down, and you’re totally ready to embrace wellness activities for the mind and body. You are SO ready for your 40s and 50s.
Write comment (0 Comments)Fun (almost free) holiday activities to do with the kids this year
The holidays can feel like a whirlwind from the time we start shopping, planning big meals, wrapping, and frantically cleaning the house while our kids/spouse/pets run around behind us making a mess. This year, we have been given the gift of less social commitments, less access to shopping malls, and more time stuck inside to spend quality time doing what truly matters. Give yourself a break this year and have more fun!
Write comment (0 Comments)DIY Henna At Home During COVID-19
So you’ve suddenly found yourself with a house full of kids who have endless energy and a shockingly short attention span. Seriously though, how DO they have that much energy? And can they give some to us?
Write comment (0 Comments)Henna FAQ: Is It Offensive to Get Henna if You’re Not Indian?
I get this question a lot, and the short answer is NO, it’s not offensive to get henna if your culture hasn’t been using it for thousands of years! I honestly cannot think of a single situation in which a henna application could be relevantly viewed as disrespectful, aside from if the design itself was intended to be.
All Those Birthday Parties You Attend Could Be Good For Your Health!
We can all relate to this moment: You receive yet another invitation to attend a birthday party, anniversary party, baby shower, wedding, or graduation and you think for a moment, Do I really need to go? It’s difficult not only to fit a fete into our jammed schedules, it’s also a challenge to find the energy to celebrate our friends and family as they deserve on their big day. And so, that little voice inside suggests that maybe we skip this one.
Write comment (0 Comments)Are store bought henna cones safe?
Before buying pre-made cones from the grocery or any store, ask the store owner/sales associates the following questions to determine how safe their cones really are.
Write comment (0 Comments)Our CEO Broke Her Ankle During Our Busiest Season. What Would You Do?
Quite recently our fabulous Henna4You leader, Bhupi, missed the last step walking down into her basement. We’ve all done that, but perhaps not as spectacularly as Bhupi: she broke one ankle and sprained the other. While recovering from eye surgery.
Write comment (0 Comments)Another work social? Go for it!
You spend most of your waking life at work, parking in the same spot, sitting at the same desk, in the same chair, surrounded by the same people. You get into what you think is a routine, but in reality is a rut. There’s little time in your corporate life to build a strong team atmosphere without the opportunity to spend time with your colleagues when you aren’t on a deadline. But at the end of the day you just want to run errands and go home. That’s when corporate retreats, office holiday parties, or even team potluck lunches comes in handy.
Write comment (0 Comments)Henna in the News!
Often news about henna is about allergic reaction and chemical burns to synthetic henna paste, and while I continue to caution you about black and white henna, and henna paste made with anything other than natural ingredients, there is a lot more to talk about. So let’s get to it!
Teach Your Children to Boost Creativity with Boredom!
As a henna artist and owner of a henna business, I spend a lot of time with families. I love attending children’s birthday parties and letting the kids go through my art books to choose a henna design from the huge list of cartoon characters and pop culture logos I have on hand, or listening to their customized requested that they’ve dreamed up in their minds.
Write comment (0 Comments)Stealing is Not Cool
For almost four years, I’ve been trying to find the right words for this blog. Today, I just decided to take the bull by the horn and share my feelings.
Write comment (0 Comments)Owning Your Own Business Is Self-Care: A Woman’s Perspective
I thought I would talk a little bit about what it’s like to be a business owner from a woman’s perspective because, I’m really glad to say, that I meet more and more women who have entered entrepreneurship all the time. And it’s wonderful and terrifying and exhilarating and confusing and so completely satisfying! I really feel like we need to talk about these things more so that we can come to this conclusion: we’re normal! The primary reason I started this blog was to keep in contact with my clients, and I love that I have the platform to connect with you and have many conversations on self-care, creativity, and living our best lives.
Write comment (0 Comments)How Do Henna Temporary Tattoos Work?
The henna plant is a shrub native to Asia, Australia, and northern Africa. It’s very pretty, grows delicate flowers that range in colours from red to white, and so it’s not a surprise to see it in gardens. Historically, cultures found in those regions have harvested the leaves of the henna plant, dried and milled them into a powder for use in henna temporary body art for generations over thousands of years. It’s painless and beautiful, so it’s easy to understand why the practice has persisted and become a fashion statement all over the world.
Write comment (0 Comments)The Value of Body Art to Self Confidence
Tattoos, piercings, henna, body paint, scarification, branding, temporary tattoos, bling, shimmer dust…why do people indulge in body art? Self-expression is a key component of a healthy state of mind. When we take an opportunity to express ourselves with our voices, we feel that we are making a contribution to the situation, be that a problem or a celebration.
Write comment (0 Comments)Henna is not just for girls, boys can have some fun too!!!
Henna4You is breaking tradition and rules. We are bringing down the barriers and have gone rogue.
Write comment (0 Comments)Colour Stages of Henna
To test the colour of our henna paste, Bhupi ran an experiment while temperatures plummeted to -35 over the winter. Using our 100% certified organic henna powder mixed with lemon juice, sugar & tea tree oil, she applied henna to the palm of her hand and followed the same aftercare instructions we give to you, our clients. Photographs were taken over the 3 days.
Write comment (0 Comments)Mandalas and Mantras for Everyone!
The henna artistry of Henna4You does take a turn towards pop culture these days – you want a Wonder Woman tattoo, we’ve got you covered! Our traditional designs stem from East Asian inspirations, the birth place of henna after all. Also from this culture comes the mindful meditation of mandalas and mantras. The benefits of practicing mandala artistry and meditative mantras include relaxation, improved focus, and general wellness that comes with taking time for yourself, which in our busy North American culture is extremely satisfying!
Write comment (0 Comments)You Deserve to Treat Yourself!
You can identify the most well-known signs of stress by now, thanks to the growing conversation we’re having about mental health. You notice it more in others than yourself, but when you realize you’ve been clenching your jaw, holding your breath, lost your appetite, and experience unexpected moodiness that you should probably go for a walk. That’s fantastic!
Write comment (0 Comments)Journaling for Mindfullness
You’ve heard the old adage, There are 3 sides to every story: your side, their side, and the truth. While not as immediately inspiring as wise words about climbing mountains and perseverance, it’s a reminder of one of the keys to a healthy mindset: realistic perception. The ability to make a distinction between what is really happening and how your feelings may cause you to see it as negative or impossible when the occurrence is neutral, or even beneficial, can diffuse stress and allow for innumerable learning experiences. In short: when you take the time to see the world clearly, you ditch a ton of stress.
Write comment (0 Comments)The Life of a Henna Artist
I’m of Indian descent, although I wasn’t born in India, and henna is a part of our culture so it was something I grew up with. But I didn’t get started as a henna artist until I was in my early 20s while backpacking through India, a world away from my native England and yet a place still very much home. I’ve always been a visual artist, so adding henna to my repertoire was a no-brainer, especially in the small Indian village I learned – it’s not like we could just go the mall to hang out! And besides, I was there to connect with my extended family and ancestral heritage.
Write comment (0 Comments)Put Art at the Heart of Your Birthday Party
A while back we talked about how to take the stress out of birthday party planning, but now we want to talk about making art the focus of your party.
Write comment (0 Comments)Stress Buster: The Minimalist Wardrobe
Human beings make thousands of decisions every day, anything from the inconsequential to the life-changing. You know you’re overwhelmed by decision making when you get to the point where you feel like your brain is floating, you’re having trouble concentrating, you can’t make simple choices, and you feel like you’re going to snap at the next person who asks if you want to get sushi or subs for lunch.
Write comment (0 Comments)A Thief Took off with my Galaxy S6 and Debit Payment System – Now What?
Most of us are completely dependent on our mobile devices whether it be a smartphone, laptop or tablet. I know I am, my business runs via my smartphone.
Write comment (0 Comments)Reap the Benefits of Routine
Habits, rituals, routines, whatever you call your repetitively scheduled events you get a sense of serenity when they go as planned. Even if you hate waking up every morning at your usual 6 a.m. you fear the resulting chaos of sleeping through your alarm more. A healthy routine supports your personal and professional needs while leaving room for spontaneity. In 2017 the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to 2 scientists for proving just how powerful our internal clock is to our daily schedule. How can you tell when you’ve got things down to an art and when you should let your hair down? It all depends on how you feel in relation to your personal goals and your health.
Write comment (0 Comments)Stress-Free Gift Giving Ideas for Everyone on your List
Still searching for the perfect gifts and aren’t sure where to turn? We’ve all got someone on our list who is challenging to shop for, and the truth is how much stuff do people really need? The best gifts are useful, and from the heart. How about a gift-giving strategy aimed at reducing stress, both for the gift-giver and the giftee? Yes, it’s really possible! To reduce your own gift-giving stress, we’ve compiled a list of gifts and experiences designed to soothe, pamper, and encourage proper self-care for everyone on your list from your kid’s teacher to your mother-in-law.
Write comment (0 Comments)Back to School’s Reality Check: Take Care of YOU!
Summer’s over and we’ve got the kids back on a proper sleep schedule, we’re making lunches every night, and everyone’s back to school or work, as per usual. A month into the new school year and you’ve finally got a moment, and you think; my GOSH that took me a lot of work! Herding your family back into a healthy routine sets them up for success, so it’s a worthwhile effort. How have you incorporated your own self-care into your family’s routine?
Write comment (0 Comments)New Year's Eve
It’s only September, but we have to talk about end of the year festivities. I know! I hear you, summer is barely over, but it’s not like I’m whipping out the Christmas carols just yet, (I am chilling the bubbly – no need to wait for New Year’s Eve to pop that open). What do December and January have to do with henna? If you’re planning on pulling off The Party of the Season, everything!
Write comment (0 Comments)Birthday Party Planning Made Easy!
Six months in advance you start to browse Pinterest. By 2 months before you’re sweating. The week leading up to the big date you can’t eat, can’t sleep. We’re not talking about your wedding, or even the arrival of a new baby.
We’re talking about your kid’s birthday party!
Write comment (0 Comments)Henna: Beach Body Art for Everyone!
Vacation season is here in Canada and we, like you, couldn’t be more excited! For Henna4You it means festival season and we’re having a blast all over southern Ontario meeting new faces and delighting festival goers with traditional, custom, and fandom temporary tattoos. When you see us, why not ask for a design to compliment your bathing suit?
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