SKIN CARE ROUTINE: Maret 2015

Selasa, 31 Maret 2015

Hollywood Celebrities Skin Care Secrets {Infographic}

Rave reviews from Pai’s lovely customers

At Pai we love to hear from our customers as it helps us to continually refine and improve our products. We have no idea whether we’re getting it right unless you tell us!

Here are some of the recent comments that have come in.

Bergamot Lip Balm

This lip balm is the business! I love the handy sized jar it comes in, and the zesty fragrance of it. The lip balm feels like a drink of water for my lips, and I love the way it gives a glossy sheen when it's on. Definitely a favourite with me! Thanks so much Sarah for all your work to make such lovely products. You're a real blessing!

Sally (from Dorset)

Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream

The greasiness disappears really quickly compared to many of the hand creams I’ve tried. In fact, I didn’t have to worry that my hands would leave stains on whatever they touched as they were not oily at all. Yet, they felt very moisturized and there is an improved suppleness and smoothness.

Sesame, Vivawoman.net

Philosophy

Having used Pai for about 6 months now, I find it FAB! Love it when new products are launched. I really appreciate your philosophy behind the products. ALL good ingredients and NO bad ones. Keep it up!

Lisa (Facebook)

Thanks for your continued support and kind words – they make all that hard work worthwhile.

If you have tried Pai and have something to say, then don’t be shy!

Facebook - Pai Skincare fan page
Email - info@paiskincare.com

Minggu, 29 Maret 2015

Is self-diagnosis a healthy habit? {Health}

I have had this habit of googling my symptoms to find out if I have a dreaded disease or condition since I have been hooked to internet. In fact, last August or September, I had been so convinced that I have PCOS/PCOD that I wanted to contact a gyneac immediately and it was all because of the facial hair.

Again what happened in October was I started visiting the washroom too many times in the day and my mum was staying with me at that time so she asked me if I have developed diabetes. I suddenly became so conscious that I reduced the intake of fluids!! And, started to search for other symptoms of diabetes.

I have done this multiple number of times like when I wanted to find out whether rheumatoid arthritis was genetic or when retina detachment was diagnosed in my eyes. Thankfully, either of the time I did not really land up with the doctor but it is a serious habit which can have long term implications if it becomes an obsession.

When I found out more about retina detachment and talked to my eye doc about it, the only advise she gave was that never read on internet about health condition. What she said was there are so many parameters which actually affect the said condition and our own body build plays a very important role in how far a condition can affect you so not all we read can be true for us.

It is a very subjective affliction and it is better to keep a positive mind about anything instead of reading a lot of depressing stuff.

On a very different plane, I am a subscriber of a very famous feminist blog but sometimes when I see the posts over there, I feel depressed. I think that it only brings out the worst parts of the society. Well, that is what the blog is aimed at and I am not want criticizing it. It is just that it does not appeal to my sense of optimism.

Similarly, reading a lot about medical conditions, pregnancies, cancers online can give you a personal perspective on a thing and act as a motivation but it can never really answer your questions correctly. If you are really interested in finding an answer for yourself, it is better to go to the doctor and get a professional opinion.

That being said, one should never run to the doc without much observation on their own part either!! It is very important to connect with your body to really listen to its needs and wants and what it is trying to convey.

Do you also try to self-diagnose?

Blogging Series Vol. 2 - Blogging on the Go!!

I gained enlightenment during this 10 day trip!! What happened, you say? Ok, lemme recount part of Guwahati trip, the part where maps were of only help when we were doing educated frolicking around the city. And, that was when I realized the importance of an Android-based phone.

Wait, more is yet to come! And, then, we sat in the bus and the guy started reading a blog. Then, it dawned on me suddenly what I am missing!! I wasn't able to make time in Guwahati and for that matter in Kharagpur either to come online and put up a post.

So, I thought what great fun it would be to have a mobile connected to internet round the clock and I can atleast put down my ideas which always seem to come at the most unlikliest of the times. And, sometimes, I just feel too lazy to get up and open the laptop.

Also, probably, I might interact with you all more if I have a portable device which is simple to use. I was of the class of people who deplore this amount of dependence on technology but it becomes imperative to stay with the

advancements when you own a business.

And, blogging is no less than business, trust me!! So, the next on my list is an HTC mobile. Well, BB and Nokia are not android based, Samsung is not high on my list of loves and iPhone is way too expensive and has compatibility issues if you do not belong to the Apple group.

So, that leaves HTC. So, here are my requirements - it has to have a big screen which is easily readable, clarity is very important, airtel gives 2g connection at 100 bucks a month or something and even with the usage of maps, one doesn't reach that limit it seems.

And, the final part of the story is that it will save me so much of time. I can blog whenever I want and I don't have to depend on the presence of laptop. So, if you are of the class of people like me, realize the importance of being connected. And, the best part, you won't miss any more mails from the PR's :D

Oh btw, do you have any model recommendations for me? Honestly, I am not interested in spending a lot on mobile. Its just a device for me unlike the camera which I am totally loving and guess what I learned how to use the shutter priority mode as well...yipeeeeee :)

Sabtu, 28 Maret 2015

Could salicylate sensitivity be causing your skin allergy?

As a long term urticaria sufferer I was interested to read recently about salicylate intolerance.

Salicylates are a protein formed naturally in plants. They are also manufactured artificially and are found in some medicines (namely aspirin), perfumes as well as in beauty products containing benzoate preservatives.

Salicylates are a bad trigger of skin conditions such as dermatitis, hives and urticaria. People who are salicylate sensitive are also likely to develop a histamine intolerance - which is what causes that uncontrollable itching in those afflicted by urticaria.

Just some of the natural foods that are particularly high in salicylates are:

- tomatoes
- broad beans
- green peppers
- apricots
- citrus fruits
- avocadoes
- strawberries
- almonds
- peanuts

Interestingly, no current method of food intolerance or allergy testing can identify a salicylate intolerance. Which perhaps explains why some people suffering from skin reactions get frustratingly inconclusive results from this form of testing.

Weekend Gossip Vol 3. - Trips and more Trips

travel - trip to guwahati, guwahati airport

that was at the airport, I donno why its not coming clearly!! its showing really well on the laptop though!

Wish you a Happy Republic Day!!

You all would already be aware that I am in Guwahati currently and I am staying here till Sunday and then I have another two day stop to make in Kolkatta in between before I head over to Delhi. This is the first time I have ever been to North-East so the experience has been pretty good in some ways. And, I am dead tired.

Yup, I did roam around a bit in Guwahati though there is not much to see here. Then, we are going to attend Republic Day celebrations after like what many years!! And, ya, I do have loads of snaps. The cam didn't fail me but I realized I am not so good with taking snaps which, obviously, wasn't a very heartening realization :(

Going across Brahmaputra on ferry is the highlight of the trip which I absolutely loved. We have done it many times but it never gets boring :D The trip details would come slowly and yes, I have another trip planned as well which I shall talk about after it happens.

What about you guys? How did you spend your week?

PS: This post was supposed to be published on 26th Jan but I had other things to publish before that so let this Tuesday be a weekend :)

Related posts:
What special you did this week?
Inkaar - Sexual Harassment or play of Emotions?

#OneMonthtoHealthyHair Challenge - How's my Hair doing?

Can you guess the products? I love how it adds a pop of color to my shelf!!

So, let me state three things which happened in the last week!!

1. I have been wanting to change my shampoo since quite long now - either the shampoo I have been using has stopped working or my hair needs a change or I am just too bored of using a single brand for more than two years. And, I had been seriously considering trying the two brand ranges which have been reportedly doing well for many!

2. I am prepping the hair for the #OneMonthtoHealthyHair event starting March 1st!

3. And, then, I get a mail from a brand about a hair challenge they are conducting. I have to use their products for one month and report back! Incidentally, this range is one of the brands I had been seriously considering so I said yes!

So, the first step in the activity is to detail out on the present condition of my hair!!

My Biggest Hair Problem!

I have dry curly hair which tends to develop lot of splits if not cared for regularly, and by that I mean ever week!! And, it does tend to get a bit rough sometimes like it did these winters which is the major reason why I had been thinking of changing the shampoo.

Also, it is possible that it has developed a product build-up so if you think your hair is going through the same phase, try out vinegar. Add a table spoon to the shampoo and then continue washing your hair!! Result - Bouncy and Shiny Hair.

Split Ends?

It has been again 3 months since I did my hair diaries post. I should have kept up with it! So, I had my hair cut in September and my hair did grow back but again a lot of split ends have developed. So, yup, hair cut is pending!!

Hair Fall, Weak Roots?

I remember that it was November when I used to find so much hair in my comb. Thankfully, it has reduced now. But, itchy scalp still persists! No, I have not yet tried the essential oils. But, tea tree and rosemary essential oils work for itchy scalp!!

Okay, I do not suffer from weak roots but for those who do, please remember that proper balanced diet is extremely important. Include a lot of protein in your diet and regular scalp massages help with improving blood circulation and improves the scalp conditions.

Frizziness, Dry Hair, Undernourished Hair, Rough Hair?

Due to the winter-y dryness, the hair has developed static and has become a little frizzy but regular after wash hair care does help with that!! Try to use 5 drops of rosehip or pomegranate oil. Even almond oil can help.

Hot Oil Treatment has been helping a lot to control dryness and rough hair! Also, eating a lot omega 3 helps with hair dryness so do not forget nuts and other dry fruits.

Dull Hair?

Curly hair, by default, lacks shine. So, yes, it is more prone to dullness. I, too, suffer from the same problem.

Summary

So, I shall be reviewing the product on the grounds of split ends - not getting more of them (remember that existing split ends can NOT be repaired), dry hair - soft and healthier hair and, if possible, shinier hair as well.

So, that is my hair condition right now. Let us see how much the product helps to improve it! And, by the way, you might have noticed I have blacked out the product name. So, can you guess it? Would you also like to take the hair challenge? Do share your hair condition in the comments below!

How to prevent drink from draining your skin

Woohoo – it’s Friday and most of us have been paid!

If you’re planning on spending your hard-earned cash on a big night out this weekend, try not to neglect your skin.

As I mentioned yesterday, alcohol can cause skin to become irritated, dry and flushed.

Luckily for you social butterflies, there are plenty of things we can do about it.

Here are my top three tips on how to avoid a serious skin hangover.

1. Prevention is better than cure

Although the classic glass of milk does work, it's best to line your stomach with a substantial meal.

The more food in the stomach, the longer it takes for alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Foods high in protein or fat are best as these also help "soak up" alcohol - perfect excuse for a burger!

Milk Thistle is also a great natural supplement for protecting the liver from alcohol's damaging effects, helping it to break down alcohol more quickly.

It is available in tablet form so pop one before you go out – it may not save you from hangover hell, but it will help rid your body of those toxins a lot quicker.

2. Remove that make-up

While morning-after panda eyes are generally the sign of a good night out, sleeping in all that make-up is definitely not good for your skin.

When we are asleep our bodies go through healing and regenerative processes to prepare us for the following day. The skin is no exception – but sleeping in our slap suffocates skin and clogs pores, hampering these important natural processes.

Before you leave the house, pop your cleanser and some cotton wool pads next to your bed. That way you’ll be more likely to be good and remove your make-up, even if it is from under the duvet!

3. Post-party pick-me-ups

Alcohol is notorious for dehydrating skin, leaving it parched and lacklustre the following day. Drinking lots of water is essential, and using a moisturiser high in essential fatty acids will quickly replenish a tired out complexion.

The eye area is often the most telling after we've had a heavy night, as the surrounding skin becomes darker and puffier. For a quick fix, apply our rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream straight from the fridge. The cooling effect will relax the skin and lift its tone, so you can be bright-eyed even if you’re not quite bushy-tailed!

Pai: Pampering Mums everywhere

Mums are the unsung heroes of this world, so we think they deserve a little more than petrol station carnations and the last card on the shelf with the words ‘Happy Birthday’ crossed out!

Treat your Mum to some Pai pampering this Sunday with one of the following gorgeous and affordable gifts.

Enter the code ‘MUMSTHEWORD’ at check-out and we’ll beautifully wrap your Mother’s Day purchase too – what could be simpler?

Serenity Bath & Body Collection (£15)

The perfect antidote to daily stress, Pai’s Serenity Set comprises a jar of Himalayan and Dead Sea Salt Blend as well as our cult Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream.

Allow Mum to relax and unwind in a therapeutic, skin soothing bath - perhaps while you prepare the dinner! Post-bathing, applying our intensively hydrating cream will leave her skin beautifully soft, supple and rejuvenated.

Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream (£16)

All Mums love a good hand cream, and if we do say so ourselves, the Pai Instant Hand Therapy Cream is the most luxurious and effective around.

Perfect for those who wash their hands often (ie. cleaning up after little mites), our rich cream soothes and regenerates dry or chapped skin.

And it’s practical too – our fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula means Mum can simply apply and get on with her day.

For more gift ideas, see our website – www.paiskincare.com

Jumat, 27 Maret 2015

Just Gossip Vol. 28 - The Secret is Out!!

I can not NOT share this with you!! Hehe...it is the most hilarious experience ever. My husband performed a google search on "What would be the first ideal gift" and the above pic explains all!!

He found the title interesting and started reading this post where I talked about our birthdays falling on the same day and what should I be gifting him! He thought that to be quite a coincidence. Then, he plunged further and checked out the New Year post where I mentioned Podgatlapalli which is his native place. Then, he plunged even further and found out the first night post which he was so angry with me for putting up :D He was like even I do not have those hotel snaps and you put them online :|

I have never disclosed about my blogging work to any of my family members and lately I had been contemplating on telling it to my hubby but I was a little hesitant. And, then he stumbles on it automatically which negates my need to tell him anything!

Anyways, telling him this has made me rather open with him so guess whatever happened was for the good :) Oh btw, we had a post-wedding photoshoot on the Republic Day. It was fun and I shall be relating the experience sometime soon!

Rustic Art Little Laundry {Product Review}

Price: Rs 160 for 500 gms

Pros

smells really fresh

cleans clothes well

really gentle on all clothes

My Experience

I have been using this laundry detergent since a month, more or less. My clothes are mostly washed by the maid so I had talked to her as well about how the new detergent was faring!!

And, she said that the detergent was good and cleans the cloths well. In fact, it makes the things easy for her because you know how well the maids actually do things, right?

The detergent doesn't really lather a lot or feel sticky like surf does. And, it gets washed off in just one wash so my maid is happy with less work and complaints!! She is soooooo happy with it.

Anyways, leaving my maid's stories, how did I find the product? First of all, it smells really fresh and lemony and is not strong at all. No, the smell doesn't linger on the clothes.

One table spoon is enough 1/3rd or 1/4th of a bucket capacity of water. It cleans the clothes really well. But, it doesn't really remove the stains or anything as far as I know. But, as they say, detergent is only for cleaning the clothes and not for stains.

I definitely prefer it more than surf and I do guess I shall buy it again. Oh and one more thing, I have finished only half of 500 gms in this one month with a decent amount of clothes load. So, yup, give it a try! But, yes, its a bit expensive.

And, the worst comes now!! I realized just now when I was writing the review that I got the baby clothes laundry powder instead of the regular powder. Shit!! Anyways, next time, I shall have to get the regular one. Do give it a try :)

Other Products from Rustic Art:

Rustic Art Spa and Lotus Organic Bathing Soaps

Rustic Art Aloevera Gel

Rustic Art Algae Organic Bathing Soap

Blogging Series Vol. 6 - How to design the layout of the blog?

So, layout is something which you would have seen a lot of changes in if you have been reading this blog since quite long. And, I am quite proud to say that I am happy with the current layout.

I have definitely received many comments saying it is not girlish enough or its too bland and not colorful or some other things. So, let me acquaint you with the first rule of design.

Some Pointers

white background, preferably!

minimal elements

ad placements should be not very obvious

font size should be decent (18 is the new 12)

It is good to have a really intricate design but when it comes to blogs, there are varied kinds of people, who would be reading it, with various tastes. And, it is not easy to make everyone happy. But, the least you can do is come up with a design which would be easy on everyone's eyes.

Readers are fickle. Trust me! If they would not find your blog easy to read, they would happily go to someone else's. So, try to keep the design layout of your blog as simple as possible with minimal elements.

Also, there is an issue of page loading and page speed which contributes to the user interaction in a major way. If your blog takes forever to load, people would be tired of waiting and not open it again!

If you keep a lot of widgets and gadgets on your blog which might be fun but take hell of a time to load, it can make anyone testy. So, try to keep the elements in your blog simple and as less as possible.

And, also, the design or layout of any blog is not perfect. You can only try your best. There can be thousands of things which can do with bit of improvement. So, always be patient with your blog and learn to play around. And, always remember, things always evolve over time and so will your blog. You wouldn't get it right the first time!!

Blogging Series Vol. 4 - How am I able to try out so many products and its affects on my skin?

Blogging Series Vol. 3 - Don't forget to buy the domain first!

Coup-o-nation!!

So, How many times have you bought online by now? Well, for me, the count is like around last one year, almost everything was done online. Well, am I fan of online shopping? Nah, I still like the idea of going to shops and checking out things, especially books.

But, things are still easy online when you are feeling lazy. And, now the good part is you have so many coupons which you can use to avail discounts on the websites. Sounds awesome, right? I recently came to know of the coupon culture in US and now its in India!

Anyways, let me recount what happened yesterday. My dad is gonna come to Hyderabad so he needed to finish the hotel booking. And, only recently, I came to know of Couponation. So, I was very happy to direct dad to the site when he asked me if I had any coupons or discounts!

And, guess what, he got a damn good deal on the hotel booking. But, the flight was booked just a day before when I totally forgot to tell him about the website. So, that was sad. But, still I went and checked out the website for what coupons it had and it had some good deals for Makemytrip, Yatra and GoIbibo (well, that's my favorite of all).

So, that was quite an experience, huh! Oh btw, in case you are thinking you have to waste money buying the coupons, its free! You don't have to even register which is like awesome coz I totally hate going to a site and getting a page which says fill in your details.

So, have you shopped coupons yet?

PS: This is a sponsored post but the personal experience described is true.

Skin Sins: Foods that are bad for the complexion.

Last week I posted about the foods that are great elixirs for the skin, but eating these while grazing on crisps and chocolate won’t have the desired effect!

A lot of skin flare-ups stem from the gut – so simple changes in diet can work wonders for allergy sufferers.

Here are just a few foods that are best avoided, or at least consumed in moderation, to maintain a radiant complexion.

Refined sugars

Our bodies require extra insulin to break refined sugars down. This insulin has a knock-on effect on our hormone levels and causes extra sebum to be produced. This in turn clogs pores and causes those dreaded spots. This process is explained in more detail in my previous blog about chocolate.

To avoid these sugars, cut down on sweets, cakes, fizzy drinks, sauces and salad dressings.

Alcohol

We don’t use ethyl alcohol in our products for a reason. When applied topically it can dry out and irritate the skin.

Alcohol, when consumed, has an equally unfavourable effect. It causes the blood vessels and capillaries to rapidly expand, making the skin feel itchy.

This is what can cause your face to flush after a glass of wine. In heavy and regular drinkers the vessels never get a chance to contract, and skin tone becomes permanently reddened or marked with burst capillaries.

Animal Fats

These are the bad fats. They contain a high proportion of saturated fat, an inflammatory that worsens conditions such as eczema and other skin sensitivities.

Fat also exacerbates acne by causing swinging blood sugar levels. This fluctuation leads to an increase in cell regeneration – in order to make room for new cells, more dead cells have to be pushed out. When combined with that excess sebum, these dead cells stick together, clog pores and cause breakouts.

Acidic Foods

Eating a diet high in acid upsets the balance of our cells, causing them to produce toxins that escape through the skin in the form of various disorders.

The link between highly-acidic foods and eczema flare-ups is particularly common, and one that has been around since the 1930s.

To calm skin allergies from the inside, it is best to eat a diet that is 70% alkaline and 30% acid.

Do your homework though as often foods you assume are acidic aren’t and vice versa. Foods that have a high acidity include: butter, eggs, red meat, oats and coffee.

As I said last week, it’s just no fun to cut out these foods altogether! Ultimately it’s about modifying and moderating our eating habits rather than turning vegan overnight. Forcing extreme changes will dramatically reduce your chances of sticking at it. It’s why that New Year’s resolve so often falters!

Make the good foods everyday eats and the bad ones special treats. Soon your clear, supple and radiant skin self will emerge.

Just Gossip Vol. 12 - Happy Holi!

eah, I have become very unreliable! I am angry with myself as well so please be easy on me. And, I am really sorry to everyone who has commented and sent queries to me. I am going to reply to them very soon. The thing is I am not able to do proper time management and excess backlog is creating a lot of workload. And, I have taken few decisions to keep up with the blog work.

Before I go on to other things, wish you a very very Happy Holi! Few of my friends were getting irritated that nothing happens in Hyderabad on this day. Well, as a rule, I am not a big fan of holi but true! Hyderabad is a little boring on Holi but even then our neighbors enjoyed a lot. The problem I have with Holi is the irritating chemical-laden Holi powders! I get allergies with them. And, they are not even good for the environment.

Ok, I shall stop my preaching! Anyways, these days eco-friendly holi colors have come up. So, have you used those? Guess what, the society I stay in decided to play Holi with kesar, turmeric, almond paste and flowers among all other good things. And, outside colors were strictly forbidden. Such a good initiative, na?

Anyways, regarding the blog, I have noticed that I have become really lazy and have been neglecting the blog a lot so I have decided that I shall re-time my posts. I have decided to post only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (three times a week) and then slowly get back on track to 5 days a week. I am also taking this week off. So, I shall see you all on April Fool's day :)

Related Posts:
Just Gossip Vol. 11 - Sneak peek into upcoming posts!!
Just Gossip Vol. 10 - Whats up?
Just Gossip Vol. 9 - Since how long have you been reading this blog?

Kamis, 26 Maret 2015

Just Gossip Vol. 29 - A Blind Test and The Week!!

the blind test for Love Long Hair Range at Perfect Skin Care for you

PS: I am sorry for posting this but my post went up live quite before it should have been!!

So, I was preparing lunch today taking instructions from my mom on phone when P got this courier. It could never have come on a more opportune time! I was just waiting for the bhindi to get fried to go for a head bath. I had slapped quite a generous amount of oil in my hair right when I got up thinking it would be a nice day to give my hair a very relaxed weekend.

What courier am I talking about? Ok, I was approached by these PR people to be a part of a blind test they are conducting. An international brand is launching itself in India with its Love Long Hair Range and it has found out a very innovative and interesting way to get everyone's attention.

So, I think many of the bloggers would be getting these shampoo and conditioner bottles with no names or anything and we have to test the product for two weeks and get the verdict out before the brand reveals itself!! Did it catch your attention? Well, it did mine!

And, I am soooo excited to test this product out. The best part is the conjecture about what brand it could be? Well, the conditioner smelt something familiar to me. My guess right now is on Pantene but I have to say that the shampoo did not really lather that much! Update: Now, I think it is L'Oreal coz it smells almost like the Total Five Conditioner!

Anyways, lets wait up to two weeks and see how the product works out for my hair. For now, I can say that, even though I thought it would fail, it did pass in removing all the massive amount of oil from the hair in two washes!! And, yup, today, I made the first almost entire meal of my life :D It is so damn exhausting to work the entire day in the kitchen :|

So, how is your weekend going on?

Even a Queen needs Maintenance!!

One day Draupadi was basking in the sun. She wasn't aware that this was the day which would change her entire life and, with her, the destiny of millions of people. In all ignorance of future events or even the present ones, Draupadi was busy daydreaming about the pleasant life she had been living.

Her husbands are on the peak of their fame, they have a beautiful house which was a constant source of envy, her sons are growing stronger and brighter everyday and she herself was loving the power which she could wield over her husbands.

They have come for a short sojourn to Hastinapur on invitation and would soon return. She was yearning to go back to her own house. Somehow, she had never felt comfortable here. Still, she tried to divert her mind thinking about pleasanter things while her husbands were busy in the court matters.

Suddenly, she heard commotion outside. She went out to check what was happening and found two male servants had come with a message to her. She delivered strict strictures to those guards and dismissed them without any ceremony. And, went back to the garden.

She did become disturbed. The guards were trying to say something, she realized, but she had turned them off without letting them say a single word!! She wished she had listened to them. Anyways, she turned her attention to the book lying open on the same page since hours.

As soon as she had just got herself engrossed into the page she was reading, Dushasana barges into her presence. She was outraged and questioned his boldness. He informed her about the dice game going on in condescending accents.

He informed her how her husband had staked and lost her and that she was no more than a slave to his brother and he had come to drag her to the court if she doesn't come willingly. She was aghast at this disclosure and tried to reason with him but he started dragging her holding her hair.

And, took her to the court where she entreated all the people present in the court with her pleas and rants and everything she could muster as long as her pride would allow. But, Duryodhana asked Dushasana to disrobe Draupadi so that she could dress like a slave.

And, the first thought which entered her mind was "Shit! I wish I had opted for my hair removal. What will everyone think? A queen doesn't even maintain herself!!".

This post is a part of the Gillette Satin Care contest in association with BlogAdda.com

PS: The last part of the story is a fictionized version of one of the crucial scenes in Mahabharata. It is not meant to make fun of any religious beliefs or hurt anyone personally or even make fun of the seriousness of this scene. It is just an entry for a contest and somehow this idea came to me because I am still in throes of "The Palace of Illusions".

Just Gossip Vol. 9 - Since how long have you been reading this blog?

Hey Everyone. Yes, I am skipping a beauty post today coz honestly I am very very tired and feeling a lot sleepy and its just 8. I have not yet had my dinner also so have to remain awake till then.

So, I thought I would keep today's post very light and try to find out who among you have been the oldest reader of my blog. I know most of you are passive readers but I would earnestly urge you to please comment on this post just to let me know you are there.

Bloggers are very insecure people. They need a lot of encouragement and lot of reassurances. So, please answer this question. Since how long have you been reading my blog?

The answer can be anything from the date if you remember :D or in months or years or at least a tentative year month specification like around December 2010 or whatever you remember. I am looking forward to your answers :)

Just Gossip Vol. 7 - What did I pack in my travel beauty kit?

Weekend Gossip Vol. 6 - On turning 27!

Rabu, 25 Maret 2015

Pee Safe Toilet Sanitizer {Product Review}

Source: peesafe.in

Ok, so when I was talking about bathroom hygiene, I had mentioned that it is a prelude to a product review. And, now, we have this product which is a toilet sanitizer which you can carry anywhere.

I have delayed its review by quite a long time. It came to me sometime in middle of September but I hardly had the chance to use it to my satisfaction or write the review. And, I most sincerely apologize for the delay.

How many times we see dirty toilets and wish that the place was clean just like our houses, right? Well, this product can be the first step towards that. Okay, at least the hygiene part!!

Now that I went on the trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh last week and traveled to Delhi in the train, I got to use the product to my liking, especially on the Train! The product should be sprayed on the intended object like commodes or taps or door knobs, wait for 5 seconds so that 99.99% germs are killed and then it is safe to be used.

The product claims to kill 99.99% germs. Now, I can not really say that how much percentage of germs are dead by this but let me just say that may be it will help at least with a 50% being very pessimistic.

Now, the spray is a bit strong so keep away the children when you are doing it. If you have sprayed a deo for 5 seconds, you would know how much gas it releases and how strong it can become. Probably its best to be a little away while spraying so that you do not end up choking.

Otherwise, its a pretty helpful object which can be used anywhere and it is easy to carry or wrap in a hand towel and at least can give you a mental satisfaction of cleanliness.

Price : Rs 120

Availability

Website : Safety Kart

Have you used any toilet sanitizer till date?

Exercises and Health {Health}

I have come to realize of one important factor. And, that is that if you are regular at exercising from the earliest in your life, any disease you might have developed can be controlled. Be it heart issues, blood pressure, diabetes, PCOS, any other hormonal issues, or any major chronic diseases, the exercise is your only savior.

The reason I am doing this post is because I have lately seen so many people who try to control what they eat in order to control their weight. Well, a conscious diet a very good habit but one has to remember that exercise is an integral part of your routine.

You might go for crash diets or leave milk or take to fruit diets or go for healthy diets (which is very good) but all of them can not do what exercise does for your body. Without exercise, your body wouldn't have proper blood circulation or properly toned muscles or stronger bones. And, these are very important to prevent any kind of diseases in the long run.

Yoga is one of the best ways to regain the body strength. But, how so ever much you want to avoid exercise, you can not do without it. So, do exercise for a healthy life and not just for weight loss. Think that as an added incentive.

The reality is that a person who has exercised all his life reaps the benefits during old or middle ages when a normal person is actually prone to feel the lack of energy. And, here comes one important message for even the thin people who don't ever feel the need to exercise - you do!

Related Posts:
Take Aways from the Yoga Classes!
Just Gossip Vol. 4 - Changes in my Lifestyle!
Just Gossip Vol. 3 - My Yoga Classes and changes in my Body!

How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

No discussion on skin care during pregnancy would be complete without addressing the biggie….stretch marks.

While most Mums enjoy pregnancy, they‘re not so keen on the souvenirs that it leaves behind - particularly when faced with the distinctly mark-free, post-bump bodies celebrities are forever flaunting.

First of all let me say that those bodies have probably been a) airbrushed, b) covered in make-up, or c) surgically enhanced!

In the real world it is difficult to avoid stretch marks – around 70% of us will develop them as our pregnant skin stretches beyond its natural ability. However, the good news is that there are a number of things we can do to minimise their severity and appearance…and if we’re lucky, eliminate them altogether.

Natural Oils and Butters

As stretch marks are an issue that resonate deeply with pregnant women, hundreds of products have flooded the market that claim to keep them at bay.

Adopt a healthy scepticism as many of the stretch mark oils available are paraffin oil based – a petroleum derivative. Don’t believe me? Check the ingredients list, and try and make this a habit every time you buy.

Natural oils and butters are safest for soon-to-be Mums. When massaged into the skin, Jojoba oil can help improve its elasticity and reduce the likelihood of it becoming over-stretched. If those red-purple lines do sneak through, applying this same oil post-natally can help to smooth skin and reduce their appearance.

Shea butter is another great ingredient for taming stretch marks and one that many women swear by. As well as being highly-moisturizing, Shea butter also has a unique ability to reduce and heal scars.

Pai’s Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream is bursting with Jojoba oil and Shea butter, along with a host of other natural active ingredients designed to nourish and regenerate the skin. The Comfrey and Calendula oils soothe and heal the skin, while the Stearidonic Acid in Echium promote its suppleness.

Feed your skin

A healthy diet is essential for smooth, supple skin.

Eating foods that are rich in Vitamins A, B, & C and Essential Fatty Acids (Omegas 3, 6 & 9) throughout pregnancy will allow your skin to stretch better and encourage the replacement of damaged cells with new healthy ones.

Nourished and conditioned skin is also more likely to ‘bounce back’ into shape after birth.

To find out which foods contain these key nutrients - see last week’s blog.

Monitor your weight

Although it’s a pregnant woman’s prerogative to eat whatever she likes, gaining weight too quickly can increase the likelihood of getting stretch marks and worsen their appearance.

If you have a healthy BMI you should expect to carry an extra 25-34 lbs – gaining 1-5 lbs in the first trimester, and 1lb a week from then on.

Moisturise inside and out

Dry skin is less elastic and so more prone to stretch marks. Keep it hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a daily body cream that is high in those Essential Fatty Acids.

So that’s it for my pregnancy blog series.

Of course I’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg – pregnancy affects women in different ways and what works for some may not for others.

Those nine months are among the most important in a woman’s life – remember to stay informed, open-minded, but above all…excited!

Nutty Nutty Coconuty!

As part of our heritage, we have many beauty rituals passed down through generations. Let us travel back to the village, Rampur, where women were very particular to adorn and beautify themselves. Coconut was about to be discovered.

In Rampur, the women had tried out every ingredient in their kitchen on their skin and wanted something new. And that was when, Leela and Neel went to an unexplored island to spend a day there. They reached a clearing.

Neel went in search for some leaves to make a comfortable sitting. He realized that the island was covered with only one kind of tree which was very tall. Being a deft climber, he climbed to where there were fruits and leaves. He collected a lot of leaves and fruits and went back.

The couple created some comfortable seating arrangement and sat down with their food baskets. After their lunch, they decided to play ball using the fruits. But, when Neel threw the fruit, it hit a tree and smashed. The couple found the fruit broken into two and a bit of liquid oozing out.

Quickly, Neel went back to the heap of fruits he had carried previously and broke one. It was white and soft inside and had a bit of the liquid left. Rest had spilled out. Cautiously, he tasted it. Since he wasn't sure it wasn't poisonous, he urged Leela not to take it.

They carried some of the fruits back to the village. The elders of the village were equally ignorant about the fruit so they decided to observe Neel for couple of days before trying the fruit lest it be poisonous. When Neel was absolutely fine after a week, everyone started using the fruit.

The liquid in the fruit was sweet and filling. The white meat tasted equally amazing. Thus, the ladies got a new ingredient to try in their beauty regimes. Every woman now drank the fruit liquid once a day. It had, already, become the best bridal routine because of the resultant glowing skin.

They used the liquid in their face masks. Oil was extracted from the meat and it became a staple. It was used to treat the injuries and wounds without leaving scars. Women slathered the oil on their bodies. It made the skin really soft and prevented any discoloration.

It healed the scars and blemishes better than their homemade remedies. The older women were particular fans of the oil. It prevented the skin from sagging and wrinkling. The oil kept their eye area soft as well. It also kept the feet soft and prevented cracks.

Oil helped with dark elbows and knees and stretch marks when applied during pregnancy. The skin was no longer that dry and the ladies loved the smell. They also tried using the oil for cooking. Intake of coconut oil helped their skin become more healthy and fresh from the inside.

Thus was found Neelafal named after Neel and Leela. Today its known after its European name, Coconut, but the benefits remain still the same and we still love it as much as those ladies almost 5000 years back.

PS: This is a contest entry and the story is fictional. I have no idea how coconut was discovered so please persevere with me :D

Are your beauty products truly organic? - Part 1.

The world of organics has come on leaps and bounds in the past 10 years.

Unsophisticated balm-based formulations and ‘earthy’ packaging is gradually making way for high performance formulations with proven skin benefits and premium presentation.

Unfortunately, the growing consumer demand for natural beauty products has led to a number of brands falsely labelling their products as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ in an attempt to cash-in on the trend.

As someone who works hard (and invests heavily) in organically certifying each and every product in my range, such misleading claims really get on my goat!

I’ve found a lot of shared frustration out in blogger land, and came across an interesting post over on the Beauty Bureau.

Entitled ‘Black Marketing’, the blog reveals common tactics many faux organic brands employ to reel you in.

Greenwashing – exploiting the absence of labelling regulations controlling the terms ‘natural’ or ‘organic’. Believe it or not these are very often the companies with the word ‘organic’ in their brand name!
Misdirection – alluding to the organic certification of a whole range when only one or a few of the company’s products has met any certification standard.
Trade Secrets – employing words such as ‘fragrance’ and ‘parfum’ in ingredient lists. The latter can be used as a cover for over a hundred different chemicals some of which have nothing to do with aroma.

There is plenty to say about every one of BB’s points, but for me Greenwashing is the one that most customers fall victim to.

Food and drink has to be independently audited and licensed to carry the word ‘organic’ in its title. Unfortunately the same rule does not apply to cosmetics.

Independent organic certification is the only way to be sure of a product’s true organic credentials. So, always look for the Soil Association kitemark.

Don’t be duped!