Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays

Hello pretty Ladies!

Me and my husband are taking off on a little vacation during the year end. We'll meet up with my husband's friend and his spouse and ring in the new year together.

Incidentally, my husband's friend's birthday falls on the 31st Dec. So it will be a double bonanza for sure. I'm soo looking forward to this mini-break.

Meanwhile, I'm sure you all will have a fabulous time with your families and friends. So eat, drink and be merry and have a great time. And here's wishing you all Happy Holidays and a super duper Happy New Year. 

Bbye and see all of you in the New Year. :) 

Kareena's Top 5 Best Looks of 2012

With 11 days to go, it’s time to rewind isn’t it? Today’s post is dedicated to Kareena Kappor Khan (whuff! KKK) , where we’ll explore the top 5 looks she sported onscreen and off it in 2012. 

When it comes to Kareena, one has to admit that this lady is like wine, getting better with the passage of time. She appeared in quite many films this year and her filmography is as follows: 

• Ek Main aur Ek tu – This was her first film of the year. 
• Agent Vinod  - This much hyped film bombed at the box office. The whole of India was expecting her wedding to be held immediately after the film’s release. 
• Rowdy Rathore – Special appearance in Item Song
• Heroine – Author backed role and the film was directed by Madhur Bhandarkar. Due to its similarity with his earlier film Fashion, the movie was not well received by the audience. 
• Talaash – An interesting role played by her. She did put in a sensitive performance, and looked great. 

I will not talk about the item songs she appeared in. So it's only about the full fledged roles Kareena played in her movies this year. 

Ek Maun Aur Ek Tu: Starring along with Imran Khan, Kareena Kapoor looked every bit the girl-next-door and sported the normal everyday girl look. I loved her glossy lips in nude shades, with rosy cheeks. In some scenes, one could see her eyes thinly lined with eyeliner and kohl. She also donned the messy hair look in this film. 

Agent Vinod: Who can forget this actress in the song ‘Dil Mera Muft Ka’? She looked great and very different with the Jhumar on one side. Her look was quite varied in this film, where she sported a natural no make-up look to a slightly glamorous look in the mujra.   

Heroine: Honestly speaking, Kareena looked quite ugly in some portions of this film, particularly the greenish make up in the press conference scene. She looked pale and sick. But, she did look awesome in the black and pink bikini blouse and black saree, the sliver and golden short dresses with the gorgeous maroon lipstick and the bright red dress. As usual,she looks great in dark lipsticks on the screen. Her look in the Halkat Jawani was not too good according to me.

Finally I loved her look in one of the promotional tours of Heroine. Her overall look was just perfect… nothing more and nothing less. 

Talaash: Well, my opinion is Kareena just does not look like a top class escort, however much she tries. She looks like a super model, even in plain Jane type clothes. I guess my first choice would be her look in the promotional song ‘Muskaane jhoothi hain’. Her peaches and cream complexion completely gels with the berry color gown and lipstick. She looks every bit of an enigmatic woman and one cannot take off his eyes off her. It’s just the perfect look, I would say. 

Another look that I loved was the last scene, where she looked ethereal in the ivory dress. 



These were my takes on Kareena’s looks in 2012. Which ones did you like? 

My 1st Haul Post

Girls here's my first haul post. Agree it took me a long long time to write one. But then better late than never isn't it? So without much ado, lets check the picchas!

What I bought:

Himalaya Neem Pack
Himalaya Fairness Face Pack
Avon Senses Sunset Deo
Avon Senses Lagoon Deo


Himalaya Face Pack: I had bought this pack to combat tanning on my face and neck. This is a good product as well. After washing off my face, I can see the difference, as it really makes you fair. I like the fact that it is made up of natural ingredients and it smells great too 

Himalaya Neem Pack: A good product and works wonders for your skin. I use it when am ina hurry and have no time to prepare a face pack, from the scratch.. It is effective in removing the oiliness from my face and cleans really well. I love the sweet smell of it. The pack is dark green in color and the pack mentions the ayurvedic ingredients it consists. So I'll buy this again as it works just right for my skin. 

Avon Senses  Sunset Deo: I was hunting for a citrusy orangey deo from time immemorial. And after reading a lot about the Avon Senses range, I bought these deos. The Sunset deo has become my all time fave. And I have finished it already! I love the orangey smell, which lasts for 3-4 hours and yeah, I'll buy it again. 

Avon Senses Lagoon Deo: This was sitting in my dresser, since I could not wean myself from the Sunset Deo. The Lagoon Deo has a colognish smell, which did not impress me much. However, the smell lasts for 3-4 hours. This is a definitely a no-no for me. 

Have you used any of these? How did you like them? 

Stay Armed

The Delhi girl’s sad story , her pain and suffering is beyond description has shocked and numbed me. I can completely understand what her family must be going through. 

All the social media sites are flooded with women posting updates about this shocking incident, that puts a huge question mark over our society, the current situation, where  women are financially independent yet highly unprotected and the judiciary.

Naturally, moms who have little daughters are extremely worried about their little girls’ safety in the country. Some prefer to keep a close watch over what their daughters do, who they mingle with and accompany them wherever possible.

Some are frantic about letting their daughters mingle with neighbors, school bus drivers, distant relatives, and friends etc.

Many comments from politicians and people from other parts of the country seem to suggest that women should not venture outside their homes in the dark. While abiding by this is not possible and anyways it’s a very foolish idea, I was reminded of a conversation I had with my friend some years ago. Read on to know more about it:

A few years ago, I was asking  my friend about the new company she had joined. While talking about the regular things like salary, work-life balance etc, she emphasized on a particular item her organisation had provided to each and every female employee of the company  during the induction – A Pepper spray.

My friend could not talk more about the extra care her office took, and I could not agree more, that indeed the Pepper spray could be really handy, if such unfortunate times strike you, God Forbid!

 

The company advised every woman to carry the pepper spray in their bags. On days when women had a long day at work, security officials were instructed to check the bags of all the women employees to see if they carried this spray.

Considering the horrid situation the Delhi girl had to face, I am buying this spray for sure. Because I feel I would like to stay safe and protected first and then add other items to my vanity case. What about you, are you buying? If yes, then you can buy these at healthkart.com.  

 You can also check the multi-function alarm/pepper spray here. 

Though I know too well, that such hopeless men may find ways to counteract this spray, as evident in this incident, where they threw the cellphones of both the victims. Still, Prevention is always better than cure isn't it? 

Meanwhile, I pray to the Lord that the victim gets justice as soon as possible and the government takes stern action the culprits and takes measures to provide safety to women across the country. 

My Article on Sun Protection and Sun Tan

Hello pretty ladies!

So how was Monday? 

Today I have decided not to write another product review. 

Rather I'd like to share my article with you all, published in Pepperfry Blog today. 

As you can see, this piece of news made my day already. 

Click here to read the article. 

I'd be happy if you share your thoughts, opinions and suggestions. I'll look forward to all of it. 

Stay beautiful and happy always.  

Review: Jac Olivol Body Oil

During my vacation in Kolkata in October, I thankfuly managed to curb my splurging habit. However, I had to buy a few useful things such as a bottle of Suthol and a bottle of Jac Olivol. 
The last product I just mentioned is the topic of discussion today. Not everyone has heard about this body oil, so I'l begin with a little description of the product.

Jac Olivol is maufactured by the Hannemann Laboratories of Kolkata. The company predominantly develops and sells homeopathic medicines and herbal products across West Bengal. I got a chance to use Jac Olivol, when my mum gifted me a bottle of this oil last year. I tried it and liked it because it was non-sticky, but being a chhotu, it finished bottle long back. So I bought a large one for the ensuing winter season this time.

It is a light yellow colored oil with a smell that may remind you of baby oil. As the name suggests it consists of oilve oil, coupled with neem oil and badam oil. Other ingredients are also mostly herbal which include daruhidra, manjistha etc. 

Price & Quantity: A 500 ml bottle of Jac Olivol cost me INR 140. 
The MRP is INR 165, but I paid less as I bought from a wholesale shop. 

Likes:

• It is a very light oil with sandalwood odour, that seems like baby oil. 
• Because its light, my skin absorbs it very fast. 
• It leaves my skin smooth and glowing. You can use it as a massage oil too. 
• The moisturized or oiled effect lasts for 3 hours. 
• My skin becomes soft after I apply it. 
• I apply 3-4 drops of this oil on my hands and feet and I'm done. 
• It nourished my skin so well, that I can skip applying body lotion completely. 
• It is made up of ayurvedic ingredients. 
• It is quite pocket-friendly and lasts for 4-5 months. (I use it once a day that's why!)
• It does not leave any color stain etc. 

·           Dislikes: Only one and that's the odor. I don't want to smell like a baby now!

 Points: 4.5/5. I deduct points for the odor.

 Will I buy? I have already bought and I'll continue to do so.

        Final Verdict: A good product at a very reasonable price.

   Pretty ladies pls give this body oil a try. Its a must during winters and I use it during summers too, as it gets really dry during summer in Pune. 

Simple Tip 1: How to Apply Shampoo?

Last week my friend Disha, came home seeming very sulky. On nudging her for a good 10 mins, I got to know the reason.

Disha had fell for a latest shampoo of a reputed brand, and bought the bottle,despite its steep price, because the bottle looked great! She did check the shampoo type (whether it’s suitable for her type of hair) alright. But… when she used the shampoo that morning, her hair turned dry and coarse,and felt like a bunch of straw. 
She cried - “Look! My hair feels like dried hay. All my money went down the drain!’’

Familiar story right? All of us had our share of  such bad (shampooed) hair days, when in our excitement to get the glossy mane, seen in ads/fashion magazines, we pour the shampoo on our crowning glory. Often it’s not the shampoo which is at fault, but our carelessness, that results in such bad days!

Result: A bad day and a gloomy, sulky mood an dnot to forget, hair feeling like straw!

So, what can you do to not feel like my friend Disha? Read on to know more about how to use shampoo, the correct way. 

Note that, I have also incorporated a few other handy tips that are not only smart, but less time-consuming as well.

1. Oil before:

How much ever busy you might be, never forget to oil your hair, the previous night or 2 hours before you shampoo. If your hair is dry, oiling previous night would be great!

If you have an oily scalp, oily hair or normal hair, you can oil your hair, 2 hours before you shampoo. 

Yeah I know this is a bad tip for all the girls who hate oiling, but its very healthy for the mane! :P

Tip: Warm the oil in a double boiler. You can double-boil by placing a vessel of oil in a saucepan/large bowl filled with water. Pour enough water so that the oil vessel can float.

  

What I do: I oil the night before as I have dry hair. I have a steamer that I use to heat water. When water seems hot enough, I place the oil vessel on top to heat oil.

Result: After shampoo, your hair feels nourished, moisturized and squeaky clean too! 

2. Before you shower: 

Washing hair with normal water is preferable. If normal water is very cold, you can mix hot and cold water as you like. But never shower in steaming or very hot water. It rips hair off all the natural oils. Use warm water. 

3. Mix it: 

The thumb rule is to always mix two parts of water and one part of shampoo and then use this solution to wash your hair. You can mix one part of water as well, if your scalp is oily.

What I do: I take a pea sized amount of shampoo and mix it with twice or thrice the amount of water in a small bowl. After I have mixed this quite well, I wash my hair. ***(See below)

Do's and Don'ts:

1. Never over-wash your hair. After you've washed your hair once, check your scalp to see if the grease is gone. If not, then wash again. But do follow the diluting tip to wash your hair each time.

2. Shampoo solution is meant to be applied on the scalp only. Gently massage the scalp while you shampoo, and after you have cleaned your scalp, work the lather downwards to the ends of the hair and rinse lastly.

3. Don’t pile up your hair. This will lead to knots.

4. Never apply conditioner to the scalp and hair roots. Apply it from a little above the mid-length.

5. Never brush your hair while it is wet. Use a wide-toothed comb instead and comb only once. Don’t try to de-tangle the knots, while it is wet.

6. Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks are essential for your hair. You can do these twice a month.

***Super Tip: You can mix one part of shampoo and 2-3 parts of water in a spray or applicator bottle.  Then, shake the bottle and spray onto the scalp to wash your hair. 

Advantages of diluting shampoo: Diluting the shampoo in this way helps you to:

• Apply the shampoo to the roots and scalp directly and easily
• Reduce the harshness of the shampoo and the resulting dryness
• Lather and spread the dense/creamier shampoos
• Use less amount of the product and save money

So girls, Yeh thee khabarein aaj tak, ab intezaar kijiye kal tak! :P (This was the news for today, now pls wait till tomorrow.)

Please let me know your suggestions about this post and the topic too! :) Love always.  

Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser

I laid my hands onto yet another Patanjali product, after I had finished the Kesh Kanti Milk Protein shampoo earlier. Though I planned to buy the original Kesh Kanti shampoo(reviewed here), my eyes caught this bottle, that seemed to be a new addition. So I decided to try the Kesh Kanti Reetha hair cleanser. The main reason being, I have been using reetha to wash and clean my hair, ever since I can remember, as my mom never liked chemical laden, store bought shampoo.

The Company claims: Usefulness in dryness & roughness of hair. Prevents hair fall & improves hair shine. 

Price & Quantity: So, without delay I bought this shampoo and all I spent was INR 85 for a 200 ml bottle.

Likes:

•    It is a herbal based product and natural.

•  The one thing that I have noticed with all the Patanjali shampoos is – I do not experience hair fall at all. Without jumping the gun, I’ll tell you the entire story in a nutshell though. 

When I had used Head & Shoulders, Pantene or Garnier shampoo, I could see many hair strands fall off while I was rinsing my hair. The bathroom floor would be full of my hair. Of course this made me sad! Then I decided to switch to Patanjali shampoo. Initially, for the first 2 weeks, I could see lesser hair fall of during and after shampooing, but not anymore.

• The shampoo does not lead to dryness of hair and scalp, considering I have extremely dry hair. **

• Hair looks voluminous and bouncy and full of life.

•  It makes your hair super-clean.

Dislikes:

•  Honestly, I don’t like the color of this product. Its pitch black and looks like I am applying dark pitch used to construct roads, on my tresses. I’m sure this can be worked upon.

• Practically no fragrance. I believe a nice fragrance gives you a ‘feel good factor’.
• It contains chemicals, so its not entirely herbal and natural. 

Points: 3.5/5. Points deducted for the color of the product and for lack of fragrance.

Will I buy? Hmmm… I guess no. My next purchase would the Anti-dandruff shampoo from Patanjali that supposedly contains aloe vera.  

Final Verdict: It’s a good product at the price, but I wont use it on a regular basis, for I don’t like the color and the absence of fragrance demotivated me totally. However, it does its job well! 

Pls do share your thoughts about this product in the comment box below. 

Review: Patanjali Coconut Oil

Few months ago, I noticed my hair fall problem got worse! So then I decided to change my hair oil from the one I was using, which was - the Parachute Hot Oil. Initially the Hot Oil seemed to work fine, but seeing the rate of thinning hair, I told myself ‘enough is enough’. My research enlightened me about the benefits of pure coconut oil and I fell for it. I began hunting for the same and finally, I zeroed in on the Patanjali Tejus Coconut Oil. (I can see a lot of my blog readers raise their eyebrows in surprise, thinking oooo Patanjali sells a coconut oil too!)

Yes, pretty ladies Patanjali sells a coconut oil, which can be used for eating as well. The label clearly mentions – ‘100% Edible’ (Note the little text below the image of the coconut in the pic above).  When I first opened the bottle, the smell of pure coconut oil reminded me of Shalimar Coconut Oil, another similar product, widely popular in West Bengal. My grandmother still swears by the Shalimar Coconut oil. Now, let me list the pros and cons of this product right away.

The Company claims: The label says:
'Made from the mature & fresh coconuts, Patanjali Double Filtered Coconut Oil is a premium cooking and consumer oil that is pure and non-RBD... Patanjali double filtered coconut oil is pure and without any preservatives offering you the great taste, aroma and goodness of Natural Coconut Oil.'

The claim seems true and the oil itself is a proof of it. I'll talk about this later in the Likes section below.

Price & Quantity: INR 42 for 210 ml

Likes:

            
               

·         The smell of the oil will tell you that it’s pure coconut oil.

·         My hair feels smooth and moisturized, when I apply it after warming the oil. I have extremely dry hair by the way.

·         I did see some baby hairs growing in areas, where hair had begun to fall, after 2-3 weeks of using this oil.

·         The purity is proved by the fact that it solidified, as soon as the temperatures have begun dipping now.

·         I trust the brand and the product, since it’s purely herbal and natural.

·         It is cost-effective and the oil is not too thick as well. However, I use little of this oil, considering it's pure. And little oil does not lead to 'chip-chip' or stickiness. 

Dislikes:
               

·         Because it’s pure, it solidifies during the winter.

·         It is multi-purpose oil. I’m not advising you to cook food with this oil, but you can definitely use it to massage your hands and feet during the winter.

·         It can double up as a moisturizer too for people with dry skin. (I won’t dare to do so, since I have combination skin, with a really oily T-zone.) 

Points: 4.5/5

• A genuine product at a very cheap price and the bottle lasts for 2 months, for someone who oils regularly, like me.

So would you buy this wonderful oil? I'll continue to buy this. Please do share in the comments below.

What I did during my hibernation?

This is no review today, pretty Ladies! Rather today’s post is all about the confession I must make to all of you for being MIA so long. I agree I’m guilty of not providing enough time to my blog.

After coming back from my superb vacation, I got quite busy with Diwali celebrations at work and home, tidying and placing the stuff that I got from my city Kolkata and inlaws’ place in Jamshedpur/Tatanagar, at home. Also, unpacking takes so much of your time isn’t it?

Okay so coming to the point – during my vacation and even after it (right before Diwali) I bought some random stuff such as a Body Oil from Kolkata, an Elle 18 lipstick in gorgeous mauve color for regular usage, yet another shampoo from the Patanjali brand, a Himalaya Neem pack , a moisturiser and Mint gel from Somi's, and lastly two deos from Avon, etc etc and the list goes on.

This reminds me that I'm presently eyeing an eye shadow pallette of at least 40 dark shades that wont burn a big hole in the pocket. I'd like to use the pallette for smokey eyes, so girls, your suggestions are most welcome. Also my preference would be online shopping! So please suggest the sites I can buy the pallette from. 

I’ll be doing a review of all the above stuff pretty soon girls! 

By the way, I’d like to show you my newest desktop plant that I got, as part of the Diwali gift hamper at work. Coupled with this, I got an amazing light, that I refuse to take off, even after Diwali is long gone. I love the effect it creates, when all the lights are shut off. 

In my next post, I’ll share the pic of the light too.

Meanwhile I had a super pre-Diwali and Diwali celebration with friends and cousin. We ate and laughed till late in the night and made merry. What more can you ask for?

And for Dhanteras, we bought a Microwave and got a toaster and a blender free with it. Terrific isn’t it? 

Now I’m baking, steaming, grilling and making delicious food with the help of the micro. I’m elated for sure!

Handy Tip for Housewives/Single working girls who cook at home:

A blender is a must for all of you, as it chops vegetables in no time. All you need to do is cut the vegetable in 3-4 large pieces and chop them with the blender. It can easily replace the mixer grinder any day. 

See you all soon, till then atke care and be gorgeous! 

What's in My Jewellery Bag?

To keep my word, I’d like to show you my accessories bag today. 

So let’s see what I have decided to wear with the sarees and kurtas, I have bought for Durga Puja. 

Here is an assortment of the jewellery I’m planning to wear.

In this picture, you can see that I have chosen 4 jewellery sets, two pairs of earrings and two pairs of bangles. Since I’ll be wearing sarees mostly, so I have chosen sets for myself. :)

Now let me tell you about the sarees I’ll match these accessories with. (To read about the sarees and kurtas I have bought for this Puja, click here.)

From left to right: Red and Off White Jute and Bead Set, City Gold Set

The red and off white colored set on the left (in the pic above) is a gift (yes, again!) made up of jute and beads, and I plan to wear it with either the yellow kurta.






                                           

At the top is the pic of the earring of the jute set, and here is the neck piece of the same set for you. 

The City Gold set to the right of this is gifted too and i think it would look great with the yellow and red Patli Pallu style saree.

Next, this pink and light pink color junk set from Goa, has been given to me by my sister-in-law. Yes you guessed it right; this completely matches with the pink color Bengal cotton saree. 

Dark pink and light pink junk from Goa. 

Inside: Golden jhumka (packed in plactic), Jute and white bead earring

You must have noticed the earrings placed inside the junk set I just mentioned. The earring packed in a plastic pack, is a nice golden jhumka, which can be worn with the gold and blue kurta I have bought. 

Golden Jhumka

And I plan to wear the jute and white bead earring, kept beside the jhumka, with my dark green kurta.

Jute and white beaded earring 

I may team up this polki set,with the rani colored saree gifted by my dad.

From Left to Right: Pair of Golden Kada, Thin Bangles and Polki Set

Well, I have not forgot to talk about the bangles. :) 

The bangles kept at the left of the jute set are kadas, which I would wear with the Kerala Cotton saree. 

Kada

The thin bangles placed beside the kadas, could be teamed up with any saree. I love the little elephant heads on this one. 

Thin Bangle

And that’s not all. I have packed other accessories such as:

• A red colored mangalsutra
• A green bead long chain
• A long golden chain
• A multi colored long beaded chain
• A maroon colored neckpiece
• A pair of nice white (shankha) bangles and 
• A Hyderabadi pearl set as well. 

Long green beaded chain

After all, you never know,what will look good on you the day you wear these sarees, isn’t it? 

What jewellery or accessory do you plan to wear for Navratri/Durga Puja? Pls do share. 

PS: The Jealousy Provocation series does not end here. You may wonder why. Remember, my make up bag? It's not opened yet! :P