Hello everyone,

How are you all doing?? Hope everything is good. How am I doing? Well, physically not so great, but emotionally? Ohhh!! HOLY BATMAN!!!!

We have a news for you all…Well, I’m afraid we haven’t been social distancing and the result is… POSITIVE ;)

Yes, Arijit and I, we are having a baby. Well, by now most of you have probably seen our pregnancy announcement on Facebook, but I have a different world of friends and followers here who aren’t there on my friend list, and this post is especially for you all.

Throwback to January 2021, one day, suddenly, Arijit’s Old Spice after shave started smelling like fresh, deliciously homey, voluptuous donuts. For the first time in years he smelled so good… Mmmm.. I ignored!
Then one day, out of a sudden, I got this severe fatigue. Totally out of the blue, my body became achy and sore, breathing became hard and I was feeling groggy and dizzy throughout the day. While half of me thought that I might be pregnant, the other half of me was scared of being Covid positive…..

Jumping to 31^st January 2021, at around 9 AM, I was sitting in the bathroom and watching “it” cross slowly, filling the test kit window, eliciting a range of emotions that I have never felt before and revealing two deep pink lines.
It feels surreal and we are extremely grateful and feel incredibly blessed as we enter this new phase of our lives together.

The first question people ask, how did I feel when I saw the two pinky lines on the kit? Well, joy, terror, disbelief, happiness, fear all rolled up together, but more than anything else, the only constant upon discovering you are pregnant is the knowledge that life is about to change…irrevocably, forever.

Last, but not the least, I am thinking of starting a new section on my blog, “Tiny Tales”. My pregnancy hasn’t been a bed of roses and I often found myself googling things I was going through only to find that there isn’t much information available on the internet about those. Those made me feel, “What? Am I the only one having such pregnancy related issues?” I was really looking for articles that would give me some information regarding the issues I was facing and possibly find me some remedies too, but often I failed to find any help and that’s when I thought of starting this section. In “Tiny Tales” I will talk about my journey, how I feel and most importantly about how I am coping up with the pregnancy related physical and mental issues, in a hope to help someone in need.

So thats enough for today.. Hopefully I will be able to stick to my plans on working on the blog better this time..
Take Care and Stay Safe... 

Birth stories, I always loved reading them and I can’t believe today I am writing mine. Ten months back, on 22 September 2021, our little sunshine arrived on an otherwise very gloomy and rainy day. We waited for quite a while to share this lovely news. Reason? Hahaha… Well, someone had rightly said, “Managing a baby isn’t tough, managing other work with a baby is tough”. Actually, it had taken quite some time to even wrap my mind around Arini’s birth story but I finally am ready to put pen to paper. I don’t know if this is the best that ever happened to me, I don’t even want to go into that debate, but trust me, there’s no feeling in the world like this.

21/09/2021 at 4 AM, my water broke. I wasn’t sure at first. During pregnancy, many women experience urinary incontinence and I thought that it was one of those “oops” moments. I tossed and turned in bed, a little worried and a little apprehensive. While I understand that it's only natural to worry a little throughout your pregnancy, especially if it is your first pregnancy, because this whole thing is new and yes, nail-bitingly unpredictable. People advice to stay as calm as possible, but that day I couldn’t. 6AM, and it happened again. That’s it. I took out my phone and whatsapp’ed my gynecologist. She advised me to come down to the hospital for a quick checkup. It was still raining cats and dogs, I looked out of the window and this is what I saw…

Here in the hospital, I was being given a dose of prostaglandin to help ripen the cervix, as my due date was still more than a week away as per LMP and there was no contractions. First step towards my normal delivery….

22 Sep 2021, I woke up, freshened up and was taken to the labor room, again. No contractions till now. It has been more than 24 hours since my water started leaking. The doctor decided on giving the hormone oxytocin to stimulate contractions. It was given continuously through an IV, first in a small dose and when the contractions didn’t start even after that, the dose was increased. The maximum dose that can be administered was reached and I was having mild contractions, just like subtle period cramps. But slowly, the contractions increased and the pain got intense. Oh boy! It was kind of like the muscles and organs inside me were pulled and squeezed, like they were colliding with each other and slowly twisting harder and harder until it became unbearable, and then it would slowly subside, just to get worse the next time. My tummy was ready to squeeze out all its contents, not just the baby. Sometimes I felt like sitting alone, patting my own back while I breathe and scream through the surges, the other times I needed and missed the feeling of touch, the presence of my husband and maa to remind myself that I could do this. The doctors arrived hoping they would finally find a softened cervix and some dilatation. Nothing! The baby was where she wanted to be, but stuck as there was no amniotic fluid left for her to move freely. It was past 2 pm and that’s when the doctors decided that an emergency C section has to be done. I prayed and wanted the baby to be healthy and could not wait for the moment when I would keep the baby in my arms.

Everything was arranged super quickly and I found myself inside the operation theatre within 2:30pm. The pain was at its extreme and only after receiving the epidural, I felt a sense of relief and was able to relax. During the surgery, I asked the anesthesiologist if it was okay to fall asleep and she said yes, but I didn’t want to miss anything so I fought to stay awake. The operation started and the doctor showed me on the screen how the umbilical cord looped around the baby’s neck. She was also showing signs of Meconium aspiration syndrome. For people who don’t know, Meconium is the first feces/stool of the newborn and Meconium Aspiration occurs when a baby swallows and breathes a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. It might lead to severe breathing problems in newborns. But fortunately, my little one was in no danger. She was out, hale and hearty and with a frown on her face. Quite annoyed, she opened her eyes wide and crooked her brows, but did not cry. Doctors had to give quite a few pats and only then she cried. The doctor took her and placed her near me. I can't describe in words all the emotions I felt the moment I saw her and felt her warmth on my cheeks. I was smiling and crying tears of joy, something so not me, yet it happened.

My only regret is, when the nurses took her out for my family to see, Arijit was unable to be there to catch a glimpse of her. That morning, as the flood water entered the car and damaged the engine pistons, our car broke down in front of the hospital and the police and towing assistance came to tow down our car at that very moment. Though he had seen her through the video call that the doctors made from OT, still……. L But the doctors were sweet enough to allow him see his little baby as soon as he reached the OT, like within 5 minutes.

I was feeling so many different things the day I gave birth, things I never felt before – a mix of being afraid and incredible happiness, from being apprehensive to being scared, to impatience, to the burst of love, euphoria and gratitude when I first touched my baby. She was so precious and angry, it cracked me up and it was that moment that made me realize everything I had gone through was totally worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

This is not a review or look post today, neither a food related nor any other fun post, today I am here asking for your prayers.

Yes, after 2 years of dodging it, it finally got me and I tested positive for Covid last November and trust me, this is NOT the test that you want to see positive. And you know the funniest part? I am Covid positive again. Yes, second time in a span of 9 months. I have been so careful ever since this whole thing started that everything feels extremely funny right now. We have been extremely cautious of whom we be around and where we go. It would be an understatement if I say that I had been maintaining social distance, I have actually completely distanced myself from the outside world, I have forgotten the last time I ventured out, I have been washing and sanitizing everything on earth like a maniac and still, here I am locked in my bedroom, away from my family, especially my infant daughter and nothing can feel worse than this.

Yes, it is true that physically I don’t feel too bad, except a fever that isn't going below 104 and a head that literally feels like an elephant is sitting on it- and mainly I just want to sleep, which has always been the case when I’m ill; but this disease, it takes a dire toll on your mental health. I feel absolutely horrible and I have been isolated in the back bedroom away from everybody. It’s killing me already.

The last time I tested positive Arini was just 1.5 months old and she is 10 months old now. If staying away from the 1.5 month old baby was tough, staying away from the 10 month old is tougher. Last time she was too small to miss me or look for me. Yes, she used to cry, but daddy dear could easily handle her. But now, as she has turned into the big lady that she is, she has started missing me and crying “mumma mummaa…” until I peek out of my isolation room. It is so painful, seeing those tiny hands trying to reach you with tears in eyes and you still not being able to hold her, love her and soothe her. This is breaking my mommy heart into million pieces. She tries to crawl to me but had to be dragged away. My heart sinks seeing her being taken away but that is for her own good.

The uncertainty is what making me anxious and staying away from family is worrying me. Last time, I did a RTPCR test on my little one and she came out to be negative. It was so painful to see her go through the tests. So this time we decided not to perform any test on her and let time decide everything. Thankfully my daughter is either negative or asymptomatic till now. I am also so thankful to have a mother-in-law, a mad sis-in-law and husband who has been staying up and taking care of Arini so I can mostly take care of myself.

This was the first picture taken after the end of Isolation after I got affected by Covid the last time.

Be it starting your morning by greeting your gentle skin with a good face wash or be it washing off the day’s dirt and grime before hitting the bed, face washes play a major role in getting that clean, soft and glowing skin. Don’t you agree? So today, on TUG of WAR, I will be talking about and comparing two famous face washes that are ruling the beauty industry since last few years, INNISFREE Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam and THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser. Both of these face washes have earned their own place in the beauty industry and are tagged as “best sellers” on various e-commerce platforms throughout the globe. So without blabbering any further, let’s get into their nitty-gritty details…

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:-
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam is one of the most popular Korean facial cleaners. As the name says, it has a pore clearing formulation where the Jeju volcanic clusters absorb sebum and dirt from your face, eliminate excess oil and deeply cleanse the clogged pores giving you squeaky clean face.
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is another popular face wash from a renowned Korean brand. This gently, brightening cleansing foam is enriched with rice extracts that offers your skin a clear and even complexion.

PRICE and AVAILABILITLY:-
INNISFREE Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam is available in 150g and 300g tubes and are priced at 699INR and 990INR respectively.
THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is available in 100ml, 150g and 300g tubes and are priced at 590INR, 749INR and 8$ respectively. The 300ml size isn’t available in India.

SUITABLE FOR?
INNISFREE Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam is best suited for oily-combination skin. THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is suitable for all skin types.

PACKAGING:-
The Innisfree cleansing foam comes in a light brownish beige color tube where all the necessary information regarding the face wash is printed on the back as well as front of the tube. The tube has a dark brown color cap with a flip open lid which closes with a click.
The Face Shop cleansing foam is packed in a pinky beige color tube a black color cap with a flip open lid which closes with a click. All the necessary information regarding the face wash is printed on the back as well as front of the tube.
Both of their packaging are good, sturdy and travel friendly. Some may find them to be bulky and thus not so travel-friendly, but you can always go for the smaller sizes to avoid that.

PRIMARY INGREDIENT:-
The primary ingredient in this Innisfree face wash is Jeju volcanic cluster which is a remarkable natural ingredient that forms when the lava from a volcano eruption solidifies on the Jeju Island. It's excellent for absorbing sebum and dirt.
Whereas, The Face Shop face wash is enriched with a natural rice water solution. The rice extracts offer a clear, brightened and even-toned skin.

TEXTURE and FRAGRANCE:-
Both of them have very mild, soothing fragrances. They feel nice and don’t bother sensitive noses. The Innisfree one is white in color and has some brown beads in the smooth-creamy base, whereas The Face Shop one is plain white with a soft, velvety whipped-cream like texture. A tiny amount is enough, they spread evenly and foam well.

My EXPERIENCES:-
I was not much of an over-the-counter face wash person. I have always been a fan of homemade stuff, until Korean skincare products stormed the market and blew our mind. I bought these two face washes when I first ventured into Korean Skincare (Read about my journey HERE).

I have normal skin which becomes drier during winter. My first pick was the The Face Shop face wash and it was love at first use. This is such an amazing face wash. It gently cleansed my skin, removing every trace of makeup, dirt and grime. Skin felt squeaky clean, bright, fresh and glowy. It didn’t strip the skin of its natural oils making it tight and dry. It brightened my face like no other! I was super impressed. I am going to stick to this face wash for a long time.

My journey with INNISFREE Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam started when the “Fiddy’s Pore Shrinking and Blackheads/Whiteheads Removal Method” got me. The process (read about it HERE) worked better with a deep cleaning/pore cleaning face wash and hence I thought to give this raved face wash a try. It does everything it says. It cleanses beautifully, removes dirt, makeup and excess oil. The scent is not overpowering, rather mild and calming. My only issue is, sometimes my skin feels a little tight after using this, but nothing that a moisturizer can’t fix.
Note: These are able to grime off all traces of dust, impurities and light makeup from your skin in a jiffy, but remember that no face wash can alone remove those stubborn waterproof makeup, for that you need a proper makeup remover or cleansing oil/balm before using face wash.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHICH ONE TO PICK?
THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is so gentle on your face and gives an instant brightness, you will feel the difference once you start using this. This cleanser does not make you fairer; so if you have fairness obsession, you will be disappointed with this. If you want a healthy glow, it is worth investing every single penny here. Been using this cleanser since 4 years now and don’t feel the need to switch. I see myself buying this face wash again and again, just hope they don’t discontinue it. It is so cheap in other countries. I got 2 huge 300ml tubes from my last trip to Vietnam at just 4$ each from duty free, imagine!! I already have my backups. And about the INNISFREE Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam, it is definitely one of the best face washes if not the best face wash I have tried. Just a reminder for dry skinned beauties, deep cleaning products can pull out the natural oils from the pores along with the dirt and grime, so moisturize abundantly after using this! Now which one to pick, that totally depends on your preference. If you want a gentle face wash that cleanses beautifully without leaving skin dry and imparts a healthy radiant glow, then go for the The Face Shop one. If have oily or combo skin and want a deeper cleaning, then Innisfree might be your thing. My sister who has oily, acne prone skin claims that her skin is getting a lot smoother and clearer after she started using this.

If you are still in a double mind, I would suggest you to go for the smallest sized tubes first. Try both and then decide. I am sure you won’t be disappointed with any of them.

Durga Puja, it evokes so much nostalgia in my mind. Though considered loud and feverish by non-Kolkatans, the Durga Puja of Kolkata has something very special about it, something that I can never express in words and something that will forever remain close to my heart.

The Pujo gondho and the drumbeats still take me back to the past and I wish I could travel backwards, at least for once. I remember how I used to be all giddy and extremely happy for Pujo, though now I feel that the joy or the sheer euphoria of Durga Pujo have eroded with time. Maybe staying away from Kolkata or the absence of Maa-Baba or just the pressure and complexities of life played roles in it. Sometimes, when life gets hard you tend to slip away from the basic mundane things that cause any other happiness, maybe that’s the case and that’s why I don’t feel the same joy anymore.

But now, being a mother, I want my little baby girl to feel and experience the same joys of Durga Pujo that I did. The Kash Phool, Dhaker Sobdo, Autumn clouds, Shiuli Phool, Pujo’r chhuti, Pujo Barshiki, gaan, cinemas, new dresses, gifts, get-togethers, Pujo Porikroma, Pujo Prem, Pujor Ranna, Bijoya Sammelani, I want her to get drenched in the Pujo fervor so much so that she would always look forward to the arrival of the festival next year, with the same anticipation of "Pujo asche" and the hope of "Asche bochor abar hobe", just like I did. I want her to feel the undeniable goose-bumps of that inescapable sentiment whenever she hears the magical enchantments of Birendra Krishna Bhadra on Mahalaya, just like I did. Now whether she will like the cacophony of the city or the somberness of a rural pujo, mad pandal hopping or a peaceful private adda, a trip to relax or just snoozing throughout the days, that’s up to her.

I used to go out to see Durga Thakur with my baba, and in front of the thick crowd and jam packed Pandals father used to pick me up and hold me high above his shoulder level so that I could see Durga Maa clearly. Those days are still alive in my mind and I can already visualize Bani visiting pandals while riding on her Baba’s shoulders…

Anyway, that’s quite a lot of hopes and wishes, all I want is her to have safe and fun Durga Pujos.

Coming back to today’s post, if you remember, I love featuring my favorite women (the real life Durgas) on my blog for Pujo and now that I have this new tini-mini favorite woman of my life, how can I miss gracing up my page with her? I planned to post this on Mahalaya, but as you can see, it didn’t happen!! So posting today, on the auspicious day of Maha Asthami..

It just doesn't seem real that we celebrated one whole year of her life just few days back. She is by far the sassiest, craziest, mischievous, most stubborn and bull headed girl you’ll ever meet. (I thought I had these in the bag). Her personality is unreal and she keeps us on our toes! She LOVES to dance, boss you around and keep up with her meow dada. She's pretty much mastered walking unless she decides to be lazy and will eat anything that’s inedible. We love you baby girl. Wish we could rewind just a bit….

Anyway, that’s a lot for today! Wishing you all a very happy Durga Pujo.. J
Stay safe and have fun..

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Hello everyone,

Hope you all are doing great! Halloween is here and today I am back with a super easy Halloween special look. I love playing with makeup and SFX and eagerly wait for this time of the year to channel my inner demons. Last year I couldn’t involve myself in Halloween fun, I was a new mother then. But this year, I didn’t want to miss adding some makeup to the fright night festivities. So here goes the step by step tutorial of the LAVA MONSTER.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:-
This look is pretty easy to create and doesn’t need any hard to get, fancy stuff. You just need some Multani mitti and paint, and of course brushes and sponges to apply the paint.

INSTRUCTIONS:-

• Cover yourself in clay. I chose Multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth). You have to add a really thick layer. Don’t bother about the evenness.
  
  
• Wait for it to dry and crack up. Now this is the hardest part, especially for someone like me who has zero patience. You can take the help of a stand fan or hairdryer to fasten the process. Make sure the cracks are deep. The thicker the layer, the deeper and bigger are the cracks and the better the effect.
  
  
• Now you have to paint the clay and then in between the cracks. I painted the clay portion first and then filled in the cracks, you can do whichever suits you.
  
  
• I took a black oil paint and started dabbing it on the clay portion with a sponge. Be very gentle or you might peel off the flakes. You can go for any oil based paint, because water based paint will dampen the clay and damage it.
  
  
• Once you are done coloring with the black, take an orange color and start filling in the cracks. You can choose acrylic/fabric/oil based colors. At first I thought acrylic and water based colors won’t work, but for filling the cracks, it looked better with the water based colors than the oil based ones.
  
  
• After filling in with the orange, take red and yellow color and add shadows and highlights. This step really enhances the whole look.
  
  
• Now for the eyes. You can go for spooky contact lens or just paint it like I did. Paint a circle with orange paint and apply a black dot in the center for the eye ball.
  
  

That’s it. You are a Lava Monster now. I have added two small devil horns, you can absolutely skip adding it; it will look spooky nonetheless. For making the devil horn, I just cut two cardboard pieces to shape, stuck it to a hairband and applied the clay and paint accordingly. I also wore a swimming cap to cover my head and applied the clay to the visible parts. You can directly apply clay to your hair, but there is a risk of your hair getting excessively dry because of the clay. So wear a shower cap or swimming cap to avoid that.

Hope you find this tutorial helpful. Do let me know what you feel about it. Pour in your comments. Your words and your encouragement mean a lot to me. Also, you can click HERE to go through my other Halloween Makeup Tutorials.

Thank you again for all the love. Take care.

If you had a chance to go back in time and talk to yourself as a new mother on day one, what would you say?

It was midnight, I was rocking my baby girl to sleep (she is a night owl like me) when suddenly this thought came to my mind. My sweetheart was just few days shy of her first birthday then. I was gently caressing her soft hair and watching her, a thousand emotions flooded me. Time flies, it sure does…

So what would I say to the new mom Madhubani?

I would probably say this…

‘Darling, today has been scary and tomorrow might feel scarier. Laying in your hospital bed with an excruciating wound while your heart is full of happiness and excitement, sometimes your heart feels empty and your head feels heavy, as this new role set it aflame. Although terrifying, this situation won't last forever.You will walk out of this hospital and into a life that is beyond anything you might have pictured for yourself. The highs and lows of the upcoming days will teach you a lot; you will learn so many new things, you will have to unlearn so many old things, but if I could throw in my 2 cents here, it would be this…

Slow down, mommy!!! Slow down. Try to be where you are. Avoid dwelling on the future plans and expectations that can so frequently go awry in parenthood. Live each day as it comes and be open to whatever this experience brings you. Engage in fun stuff when you have the energy, give kisses and cuddle when you feel the love but zone out and rest when you need that. It is important and is totally fine. Ask for help if you need. Don’t make things harder for yourself by thinking that you are a failure or not good enough if you reach out or seek help. Trust what you need. Trust that you’re not a failure. Trust that it’s ok not to fit into the mold that you believe everyone else does. Know that your baby was divinely chosen to enter this earth with you and through you. You …just as YOU are, both you and your journey is meant for her. Perfection isn’t the gift. You are the gift. Maybe the days are long and the nights are longer, but the years are short. It gets better, hang in there mom. Enjoy the time with your little bundle of joy, they grow up so fast. 

Motherhood is hard, I know, especially when you are a new mother. It won’t be always all rainbows and smiles. There will be a new challenges every step of the way. But don’t be scared because mamma! You got this. You’ve got it under control every time, even when you feel like you don’t. This might feel like the scariest time of your life and it probably is and even though it seems like you will never ever feel “normal” again, trust me, you will. Stop trying to find the old you and fully embrace the chaos and magic of the new you that has also just been born.

Take a deep breath, it is okay to not know and understand it all. Go easy on yourself. Be kind to yourself. You are amazing. You are doing a great job. You are not a failure for asking for help, you are not a failure for spending some “me-time”, you are not a failure if you do the dishes and laundry later and definitely not a failure if you are not being able to exclusively breast-feed. Know that you are doing your very best and she already loves you so much. Everything gets better and trust me, you wont regret a thing.

Is there anything that you’d like to whisper into your ear if you could travel back in time? Share below and you never know, maybe some other mamas can find some comfort in your words tonight …

Hello everyone,

I am back, probably after a zillion years and what better way to revive the blog other than to start with my favorite section with my favorite brides?
Today, we have with us the super adorable Sohini Chatterjee, Sohu di as I fondly call her, our MSB Maata J She got married in December 2021, so a lots of tips from the brides to be in the city of joy.

Without wasting anytime, let us welcome her on “BlushingBrides” today.

Well, we met or knew each other through Facebook, specifically through messenger. Around 11 years back, one day I had seen a few messages in my inbox, and one of them was for joining an official FB page called ‘Bandage’ (l, later, came to know that was a mass message sent to many profiles), and that was from a person named Saurav Bhattacharya. Around those days, I was very, very strict in replying to stranger messages, but when I found that it was for an invite for joining the band FB page ‘Mir and Bandage’, I got interested and checked out the profile of the person. I seemed to connect with him somehow and decided to reply; that is how we started the journey of communication that went via Gtalk and FB messenger since there was no Whatsapp those days. After about a month’s talking to each other, one day, he happened to pass by my balcony, and that was totally unplanned or undecided, and thereafter it was almost every day, he would message me (text message to be precise), that he is passing by and I would go to the balcony just to see him for 3 seconds!

So how long did you get to plan your entire wedding?

In the real sense of “planning”, it was hardly 2 months I think! I have always been a very private person in life. We always wanted a low profile, simple, basic wedding, and a one-day affair. So, on 11th December 2021, we finally got married in a one-day event (no separate reception)!

Tell us something about where you got your outfits and accessories.

My outfit was a red, traditional saree which I bought from Rajgharana, Park Street. The other gold-plated accessories like maangtika, some bangles, nath, ring etc. were from Shree Hari at Gariahat.
Some of my gold jewelry was from Tanishq, PC Chandra, and BC Sen. The veil was from Amazon.
The blouse was stitched beautifully by a NIFT designer and a friend of my friend. Hair color and treatment prior to wedding day was done by Sadique Alam of Hairology Salon and Senior Technical Trainer at Davines India.

Where did you get your makeup and hair done?

Gaaye Holud makeup I did myself. But for the wedding, I did my makeup and hair from none other than my favorite Krishnakoli Mitra Ghosh. I have been very, very particular and specific about how I would want to look! From top to bottom, I had different ideas which were very specific and I had shared everything with her since the time I had my marriage fixed. I had always wanted a very traditional, simple, and old-school Bengali bride look, with a simple shola mukut and aalta. I had wanted my chandan to be minimal in the form of red and white dots only (no kolka). For the hair, I wanted no crimps, no extra volume that looks very OTT (on my face), a simple messy kind of front look with very few lines, and a bun. For the bun, she suggested I use white and red carnation flowers with gypsies. For the eyes, I had wanted a red and gold only halo look, a very simple yet glamorous one. I wanted a good contour. My eyebrows too were very naturally done. I did not even want mehendi (although my mom was very keen on that and went on insisting me ), a simple aalta look was my choice. The bridal mukut too was the smallest and simplest I could get from Shola Ghar. So, these were all my specifications and I was very, very particular about them! For me, looking simple is the key. Simplicity is my funda! And I am so satisfied and happy that Krishnokoli handled it so patiently throughout the studio time I spent with her and listened to all my requirements from A to Z! She did wonderful justice to what I actually wished for on my D-Day (that you can make out from my pictures).

Tell us something about your photographer.

My Wedding was a crisp, close-knit event, as per our choice (my husband and I) and it was a one-day event. But we made sure each moment was captured very emotionally so that we could cherish them lifelong! The photographer was my husband’s choice and one of the favorites in the industry. Ashok Chowdhury photography and his page, Canvas.

Any special moments you want to share with us?

Every moment was special to me, from the time, we decided on the wedding date till the final day. But if I had to choose one single moment, it would be the moment I saw him enter the venue dressed as a groom, after his ‘boron’. I can’t really put into words, how special that moment was for me.

Any advice you want for all the readers out there?

Just that, it is not always a mandate to have all the events, days, or rituals for two persons to be together. It also does not make you out of the box to not have all the days of a typical wedding. When you decide to be together, and you know you have your family, your close friends, and genuine well-wishers with you along, just go ahead with whatever basic rituals you can and save the rest for the entire life together. Opting for such a one-day event really does not hint at anyone’s financial status too!


 

DeckandDine says:

Well, when its Krishnokoli di behind the brushes and its Sohini di’s face as the canvas, there is nothing much you can say. You just stare in awe. “Ekdam deadly combination” as they say. I totally loved how Sohini di looked on her D-day. She was the perfect amalgamation of grace, elegance, sass, tradition and modernity. Also quite liked the fact that she ditched the archetypal 3-4 days wedding affair and just went with one grand celebration. And I still feel terrible that I was unable to take part in your special day. Missed the chance to see this gorgeous bride in person. Nevermind, my warm wishes are always with you. May you two keep growing in love.
 

It doesn’t feel too long when Yashica film camera used to be a thing at my home; my father had one and I remember what fun time we had with it. My tiny toddler fingers were impatient and went all “click click click” with it, while my father tried his best to meticulously teach me; loading the film into the camera, looking into the viewfinder and making sure everything was in focus and in frame, so you don’t waste even one click of that precious film on a bad shot. Yes, it took all that effort followed by more effort of taking the roll to the photo studio and then waiting for days for it to get developed until you finally have the pictures in your hand. And then came the task of putting them inside the album. A lot of effort went into capturing worthwhile moments. But a lot has changed since then. In this era of smartphones, where you can click whatever and however you like, without fearing the roll to finish or worrying about them to get processed, with the ease of going through the pictures whenever and wherever you want, is it at all necessary to get the photos printed? Well, if you ask me, yes! The joy of holding the album in hand and flipping through the pages is totally different and much more joyful than just browsing them on phone or laptop. And hence, when Zoomin contacted me to collaborate with them, I didn’t give a second thought.

Well, I had been planning to document my daughter’s incredible journey so far in pictures and a photobook seemed to be a great option. Thus, I went ahead with their Hardcover Premium Photobook.

SPECIFICATIONS and FEATURES of HARDCOVER PREMIUM PHOTOBOOK:-
This photobook is available in different sizes and designs and the one I have is Classic White in 10”x8” containing 40 pages. You can choose the sizes and designs according to your wish. As per the finish, you have two options to choose from, Premium Matte and Premium Non-tearable Glossy finish. I chose Premium Matte.

Below are the full details of Zoomin Hardcover Premium Photobook:

THEMES:-
I went for Classic White because I wanted the theme to be clean, simple and white. I feel images and colors, they look much better against a white background. However, there are 47 other themes that you can explore.

PRICE:-
The price depends on what combination you choose. You have to select the size, number of pages and the template to get the final quote. My Classic White 10”X8” photobook containing 40 pages came with a price tag of 1599 and I found it to be pretty reasonable.

DESIGNING:-
Designing the photobook was super fun and easy. Once your have decided the size, the number of pages, the finish, pick the theme that you would like to use throughout your photo book. After you have gone through all those steps, upload the pictures from your device or G-drive. Before I started designing, I had spent quite some time organizing and selecting the photos. It was an extremely tough job selecting just 41 pictures amongst the thousands and thousands of photos that I have of my baby girl, hence along with single pictures, I uploaded few collages so that I could accommodate more images. After uploading the pictures, you will be taken to a page where you can change the order of pictures and also select the one that you want on the cover page. Then you will be taken to the pages individually so that you can edit your photos and the layout, add text or change the position or replace a particular photo with a completely different one from the gallery, etc. You won’t be directed to the next page unless you swipe through all the photos to confirm the final layout. I was astonished to see that so much care has been taken so that we can be fully satisfied with what we are buying. Here I realized that you can create collage directly on the website. Had I known it earlier, it could have saved a lot of time. And one small suggestion, if you are planning to include collages, I would recommend you to create the collage in the Zoomin template itself. Because, I had fit issues with a few pre-created collages, especially when I tried going full page. So create the collage on the website template itself, there are many options and it will be easier and better. So after going through all the pictures you will be given a preview of your photobook and then if you are satisfied, you can add it to your cart.

FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAGES: OUR THOUGHTS:-
For the album, I chose my little girl’s pictures, starting from her birth to the present days. And maybe that’s why I was a little more excited and a little less patient. But I didn’t have to wait long and the photobook reached me super soon. While unboxing it, I could sense the same excitement that I felt as a kid, when something new and exciting came up.
First impression? We absolutely loved the look and feel of the photobook. The pages are neither too thick and nor too thin, perfectly meaty and offers a real nice tactile experience as I flip through the pages of this photobook. As I said earlier, that I chose their Premium Matte finish and I love how the velvety matte papers enhanced the beauty of the images. Also, this photobook has a lay flat binding and since it opens a 180 degrees you can see the full spread from one edge to the next page, without fighting pages that want to curl up.

I am getting those warm fuzzies every single time I am looking at the photos. Zoomin didn’t take the live out of the pictures, but added more zeal to them. There is nothing more rewarding than looking back at old photos, reflecting on the amazing time you had. We just can’t stop going through the pictures over and over again, reliving those days and smiling. Overall, we are extremely happy.

As Rakhi is almost knocking at the doors, why don’t you visit Zoomin and gift your loved ones one such photobook displaying those cherished photos? You can even choose from the numerous other product options that they have. They are also running special discount for Rakhi. Trust me, this kind of photobook is the pinnacle, the tip of the sword of the most meaningful gift that you could pass on to somebody. Not only as a gift, I can now see myself getting a photobook for every big and small event of my life. I have already started selecting photos for my second photobook from Zoomin.

* PR Sample. But review is honest as always.

Poetry on Fabric- that is how the people describe Chikankari as, and I cannot agree more. Chikankari is one of India’s oldest and finest embroideries and Lucknow is the city that is known for it. This embroidery is known for its delicacy and elegance, for its exquisiteness and I am a great admirer of this art form. I have lost count how many Chikankari kurtis and sarees I have in my wardrobe, I crave for more.

I came to know about House of Chikankari while just randomly watching a Shark Tank episode on TV. Being a Chikankari lover how could have I not instantly dropped the remote, picked up my phone and quickly visited their website and social media pages!!!
House of Chinakari is the brainchild, heart and soul of Poonam Rawal and Aakriti Rawal, a mother-daughter duo whose mutual love is Chikankari and whose mutual desire was to revive and preserve this exquisite art form and to create a deeper impact on India’s craftsmen during the unprecedented times of 2020. Their aim is to take Chikankari to the world and also to support and provide economic ansd social empowerment to the artisans.

HOVERING OVER HOC WEBSITE: HOW WAS MY SHOPPING EXPERINCE:-
From pristine white and subtle pastels to a palette of vibrant colors; from elegant kurtis to flamboyant dresses, from royal angrakhas to stunning sarees, their collection showcases the grace and grandeur of Chikankari. The fabric range is vast as well; from comfy cottons and buttery rayons to breezy Chanderis and luxurious silks, you name it and they have it. They have an enviable men’s range too. It totally boggled my mind. I could not decide lwhat to order. After spending quite some time adding this and that to the cart, I finally zeroed down to one. The shopping experience was totally seamless. The layout is clean, simple, and easy to navigate, in a word, very user-friendly. Everything is well categorized and sectioned. Hence, placing the order was fuss free and delivery was super-fast.

 
WHAT WAS INSIDE MY HOUSE OF CHIKANKARI BAG:-
I picked up House of Chikankari’s Yamama Chikankari Kurta Set. The kurta set felt so me the moment I glanced upon it on the website; relaxed fit (the way I love my kurtas to be), maroon colored (my favorite) with minimal Chikankari work, just the way I like. When I placed the order, even when I was opening the parcel, little did I know that a surprise was waiting for me. Along with the kurta set House of Chikankari team sent me a pair of white palazzo as well. House of Chikankari, do you have some psychic ability to read minds of others? I am sure you do, because I had been wanting to add a white Chikankari palazzo to my wardrobe for so many years now.

MY THOUGHTS:-
The first thing that I noticed on receiving my order was the lovely packaging. The apparels were neatly packed and they also sent me a Chikankari bag to store them. My House of Chikankari shopping bag also contained a sample of Fae Beauty SPF Juice. They also added a "stitch-guide" to the shopping bag. How thoughtful!

Talking about the palazzo, it is the best pair of palazzo I have owned so far. The quality is incredible; so beautiful, delicate, soft with gorgeous work. I love it and it is a wardrobe must have.

I will have to give extra points to the pants. Since my c-section, most of the pants that I wear, they start hurting after sometime. These bottoms are absolutely gorgeous and so comfortable. The elastic bands are neither too loose, nor too tight, feel just perfect and don’t at all hurt my post-partum tummy, even if I wear them 24 x 7.

Now, one thing that might come to your mind is their pricing. Initially, I too found their price a little bit on the higher side, as we are so used to seeing all the Chikankari stuff available in the market at such low rates. But trust me, after wearing these, I can simply say they are worth the price tags. I too have inexpensive Chikankari kurtis bought from different places both online and offline, quality of those justify their prices and the quality of these justify their prices. So, please don’t compare.

The only issue that I faced is with their size chart. I wear L (40) sized kurtis, but intentionally went with XL as I wanted relaxed fit. I went through the size chart carefully and saw that bust measurement for XL is 42”. But what I received is not 42”, but 48” on tape, in spite the tag saying XL. The already relaxed fit kurti turned out to be way too relaxed for me. I had to clip it up at the back for these pictures. But it’s nothing that a quick visit to the tailor cannot fix. Still, I would recommend you to consult with the HOC team once before placing your order. Their customer service team is really helpful and will answer all your queries promptly.

Overall, I am so happy with the products that House of Chikankari lovingly sent to me. They exceeded all my expectations.Everything is so beautiful and cozy, yet luxurious about this kurta-pant set and the white palazzo; the fabric, the design, and just the sheer feel of wearing them. They feel like second skin.

House of Chikankari knows how to give the sophisticated and luxurious feel to their customers. The fabric, the design, the embroidery, the overall quality, their customer service, delivery everything is top notched. So, if you want to indulge yourself in this elegant and royal art form, you know where to stop and shop. Yes, House of Chikankari is your solution for all your Chikankari needs, be it a pretty every day wear or some stunning, timeless festive piece. And for me, ….……………………….. 
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(SYNTAX ERROR! SYNTAX ERROR! Author has vanished from this page and found hovering over House of Chikankari website to shop more for the coming festive season)

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*PR Sample. Opions/Review is 100% honest, as always.

Thank you House of Chikankari and Digiacai, being able to collaborate with you fills us with pride.

I have always been fascinated by those mischievous and fledgling bottle-gourd vine that Maa planted in the garden and how it always furrowed longitudinally to the roof. Maa and thamma, no matter how much they tried to tame those adventurous tendrils, the vines always found ways to play truant and spread its arms scouting for the brave new world (read old roof). I used to see them struggle, while my tiny toddler fingers punctiliously pulled and de-coiled those long-forked tendrils. Flash-forward to 2023, I am in my thirties and married and guess what, my Maa-in-love has the same hobby, taming bottle-gourd vines. She spends hours in the garden so that the luscious leaves and vines stay on the frame that’s meant for them. Last week, Maa gave me this huge task of taming the rebellious vines before the roof turned into an oasis of verdant green and a world of leaves and tendrils. I did my job, but my petuk Bangali soul couldn’t leave the garden without foraging a sheaf of leaves from the vines.

Lau Pata diye Dal Paturi, it is an age old, traditional Bengali recipe. While Paturi is known to the world as a traditional Bengali dish where the main ingredient (mostly some fish) is wrapped and steamed or roasted in banana leaves, but today we will go with these bottle-gourd leaves instead.

So lets get into the recipe…

INGREDIENTS:

• Masoor dal paste
• Bottle-gourd leaves
• Finely chopped onions (Optional)
• Chopped Garlic (Optional)
• Chopped Ginger
• Chopped green chilies
• Turmeric
• Salt as per taste
• Mustard Oil

You can skip the onion and garlic if you want it to be a vegetarian dish. I prefer it with onions.

RECIPE:

Soak masoor dal for about an hour and then grind to a paste. You can keep the texture as per your preference, but for this particular recipe, a smoother texture ensures a perfect wrap.

Soak the bottle-gourd leaves in luke-warm water for about 15 minutes, take them out shake off the excess water.

Add rest of the ingredients to the masoor dal paste. Mix well.

Now comes the most interesting part, adding the paste and wrapping it. Take a leaf and place it on a flat surface.  Add a spoonful of the dal paste on the center of the leaf, take a corner of the leaf and place it over the paste. Add some more dal paste over that folded part. Now do that on all the corners till you get a nice firm shape. (Follow the picture)

Heat up some mustard oil in a pan and place the parcels gently in it. Be careful not to disturb the folds. Turn down the flame and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them over and cook for another 3-5 minutes. You can insert a toothpick to make sure it’s done.

Serve hot.

Enjoy your lau-pata diye daal paturi hot with piping hot rice.
Note: Dal tends to loose the moisture and juice when it becomes cold. It is best to have it fresh from the pan, so if possible, prepare it just before the meal.

India is known for its vivid cultural heritage. Every region has its own traditional art form that makes them special, making our country beautifully idiosyncratic. West Bengal too has its own artistic diversity and Taira Handicrafts and Handloom brings all that to you under one umbrella.

Taira Handicrafts and Handloom is a new brand that specializes in creating unique and beautiful handicrafts and handloom products. The company is based in West Bengal and has been in business for a few months now. They are dedicated to preserving traditional Indian crafts and promoting the skills of local artisans. Taira aims to bridge the gap between the dexterous handloom weavers and us consumers, with a vision and a strong will to promote India's rich culture and heritage with the world.

PRODUCTS:-
Taira Handicrafts and Handloom houses some of the most beautiful products that depict the true beauty of Bengal art. Each and every product is carefully handcrafted and handpicked. They use eco-friendly materials and techniques to create their products, which include hand woven textiles, handcrafted home décor and fashion accessories. This not only helps to protect the environment but also supports the local community by creating job opportunities for artisans in the longer run.

Let’s go through some of their bestsellers here…

·       KANTHA KATHA:
This is my most favorite section of Taira Handicrafts and Handloom. They have one of the finest collection of Kantha work bags. From totes, potlis and clutches to jewelry boxes, bangle boxes and sunglass cases; from subtle pastel colors to brighter and vibrant hues, they have it all. The designs, the shapes, the intricacy of kantha work, the quality of fabric used, the soft cushion padding inside wherever needed and the perfectly stitched cotton lining, attention is paid to every detail.

·       TERRACOTA and BLACK CLAY Jewelry:
These are all made of finest natural clay, 100% handmade, eco-friendly, nontoxic, safe and clean. The designs are to die for, traditional with a touch of modernity.

·       FABRIC DIARIES:
Want to scribble, doodle or write down your daily notes and thoughts? This is your place. These hardbound notebooks are available in assorted colors and patterns in different sizes. As per the inside story, you have the option to choose from pure handmade and semi handmade sheets and the price varies accordingly. I will undoubtedly go for their diaries whenever the creative child in me will want one.

·       FABRIC JEWELLERY:
Fabric jewelry are in trend now. These hand-painted and handcrafted jewelry are perfectly designed to complement your look. They are super light and looks so pretty. Works well as every day wear or for special occasions. Go for them if you want to add a traditional yet a whimsical and chic vibe to your look!

·       LEATHER JEWELLERY BOXES:
The newest addition to their collection, jewelry boxes handmade with the most premium leather. These boxes are classic example of timeless Santiniketan art. The emboss work on them are truly admirable.

·       KHESH BAGS:
Khesh is a weaving technique which involves tearing old sarees into thin strips and then again weaving them together, giving a vibrant and stunning array of hues and a rustic patch finish. Taira handloom has a lovely collection of handbags and clutches made from these khesh fabric. Such an exclusive way to upcycle old cotton saris!

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

An amazing array of products to choose from and an extremely friendly team for support and assistance. What else do you need? They ship super-fast as well.

OUR THOUGHTS:
Soul of Bengal, that’s what Taira Handicrafts and Handloom is all about.It is a brand that is dedicated to preserve our traditional crafts while also promoting sustainability and supporting local communities. The company’s products are known for their high quality and attention to detail. Each item is carefully crafted by hand, ensuring that it is unique and one-of-a-kind. Whether you are looking for a stylish accessory to complete your outfit or a statement piece to decorate your home, Taira Handicrafts and Handloom has something nice and unique for everyone. And you know the best part? They custom make as well. So, if you have a design or particular color in mind, you know whom to contact. And all these, without burning holes in your pocket.

This wonderful and unique feature and their commitment to quality and attention to detail in every product they create, make them a brand worth checking out for anyone interested in unique and sustainable handicrafts and handloom products.

So whether you want to add some beautiful handcrafted products to your collection or you simply want to solve your gifting woes with something that’s truly unique, give Taira Handicrafts and Handloom a chance to adorn you and your loved ones. Because when you do so, you are not only supporting a budding business and their dream, but also supporting and nurturing the artisanal effort and craftsmanship while protecting the environment. Time to carry Taira with pride.
Contact Details:Taira Handicrafts and Handloom Facebook Page 

Hello everyone,

Hope you are all doing well.

Today I am here with a quick review on three of the bestselling lip colors from Belora Cosmetic’s Long Kiss Liquid Lipsticks range. Belora Cosmetics has been creating a lot of buzz these days, courtesy of their high glam and super affordable made safe certified makeup and skincare products.

PACKAGING:

The lipstick comes in sleek and sturdy cylindrical bottle with blue cap and long doe-foot applicator attached inside. The doe foot applicator is of great quality that helps in applying the product evenly and easily. The transparent tube makes it easier to know about the quantity of the product still left. The cylindrical bottles further come housed in a cardboard boxes.

SHADES

Belora Cosmetics has 27 beautiful shades in their Long Kiss range.
The shades that we have on our review table are:-

Unique Kiss: Again, true to its name, a unique brown with hints of mauve. The color looks different from different angles and under different lights. Sometimes it leans browner, sometimes it leans towards wine, looks very sophisticated.

Kiss Me More: A beautiful merlot. Instantly brightens up face.

DETAILS (TEXTURE, FINISH, COLOR PAYOFF and STAYING POWER):

The texture of the lipsticks is light, creamy and glides on lips like soft butter, settling into a powdery matte finish. Fierce Red Kiss settled superfast, while Unique Kiss and Kiss me More took almost 2-3 minutes to settle fully. As the finish is full matte, your lips have to be well-exfoliated and moisturized prior to applying these, otherwise you might find these lip colors patchy, chalky and settling in lip lines. So to nail that smooth and comfortable finish, well prepped lips are must.
Also, they are incredibly pigmented and were opaque with just a single swipe. However they look more beautiful and even with the second swipe. They would hide lip pigmentation beautifully.

Yes, they are smudge proof and won’t budge till something comes in contact with the lip color. They didn’t survive a peck of a spoon of oatmeal that I had, let alone a long kiss. These lipsticks come off with the slightest touch of food and water. Yes, they don’t survive meals, not even snacks or a few splashes of water. I wore them for 5 hours straight and they didn’t budge or fade a bit; but started chipping off from the center of the lips the moment I started with my food and drink. The lipstick flakes were on my spoon, on the glass, on my teeth, everywhere. You have to watch out for that and remember to reapply if something like that happens. I would recommend you to completely remove it and then apply fresh coats to avoid the patchiness.

Fierce Red Kiss

Kiss More

Unique Kiss

HOW I APPLY:

I have extremely dry lips throughout the year and this is what I do with almost all the liquid lipsticks that I own. I apply a thick coat of Boroline and wait for around 10 minutes. Then using a wet wipe or wet cloth, I gently wipe it off using circular motions. Again I apply a thick coat of lip balm or petroleum jelly, wait for a minute or two, lightly bloat the excess with a tissue paper and apply the lip color. This makes the matte finish less drying and more comfortable, my lips don’t feel stretchy or parched. This might take the lip colors a few more minutes to settle, but the once they settle, they become totally smudge-proof and transfer proof and not to mention again, feeling super comfortable.

FINAL THOUGHTS:-

Let us end today's post by quickly summing up the PROS and CONs:

What I Liked about Belora Cosmetic’s Long Kiss Liquid Lipsticks:

Beautiful shades.

Classic matte finish.

Feels light on lips.

Soft and smooth texture.

Glides beautifully on lips.

Insanely pigmented.

Vegan and Cruelty free.

Enriched with Vitamin E and Chamomilla.

Packaging is good.

Made safe certified lipstick.

Decently priced.

What I Do Not Like about Belora Cosmetic’s Long Kiss Liquid Lipsticks:

Long kiss? Excuse me?

Feel drying and patchy if lips are not well prepped.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The colors are great, have amazing texture and color payoff. Other than the fact that they don’t survive meals, there is nothing else to not like about them. I would wear these lipsticks only when I know that I won’t be eating anything, but again, that never happens. So I guess, these lipsticks will be lying on my cupboard now. I would really like to try some other shades from their some other range.

RATING:
2.5/5

Have you tried Belora Cosmetics Long Kiss Liquid lipsticks? Or anything else from the brand? How was your experience? Do share with us in the comment section below.

When it comes to clothing, I have not been much of a fussy person all my life. I used to buy and wear whatever pleased my eyes. Let’s be honest, from luxurious silk and comfy cottons to terrible skin-harming culprits like acrylic, polyester and other synthetic materials, we have worn it all. But when it comes to our babies, we always want the best for them, right? No matter what we are wearing, we would always want to outfit our little ones with the safest, softest and comfiest products. And to help us in this beautiful, yet complex and overwhelming journey of finding the best outfit for our babies, MAMA and Peaches has come with their range of high-quality baby clothes for us to choose from.

WHAT THIS MAMA GOT FOR HER PEACH:
After spending quite some time going through each and everything on the site, I zeroed down to Colorful Llama Kurta set, Fishy Fishy In The Sea Night Suit Shorts set and Neon Checkered All Dayer Set.

I have been wanting a cute kurta pyajama set for my little one since quite some time and was thinking of asking Maa to make her one. Glad I found exactly what I was looking for on MAMA and Peaches website. MAMA and Peaches is cozy, comfy and minimal and have colorful and playful prints and simple patterns which I absolutely love. The kurta set is so fun, bright and colorful and not to mention looks super adorable on my munchkin. The other two sets are no less cute and quirky. These are all made from organic cotton, which feels heavenly soft, is light, chemical free, non-itchy, breathable, and super comfortable on baby’s delicate skin. Cherry on top, they are all sustainably and ethically made clothing, which mean, they created these beautiful clothes by means that not only reduced the impact on the environment but were also mindful of the people who worked to produce the garments. Everything looked exactly as described, the colors of each item too were exactly as on the images.

My little one is quite enjoying wearing her Mama and Peaches dresses, and thus I have already washed the clothes quite a few times now. The clothes didn’t deteriorate even after so many loads of laundry, the colors didn’t fade and they are getting softer each time I wash them, giving my little one the ultimate comfort.

As already mentioned before that the clothes are made from superior quality material that are gentle, organic and sustainable, and hence the price might feel on the higher side, but trust me, the quality justifies the price. You can check the bundles and sets as well, they are practical staples at an amazing price. Also, my recommendation would be to subscribe to their mailing list so that you get alluring discount alerts whenever there is any.

Another thing, MAMA and Peaches is termed as a hybrid brand as they house other premium brands as well. But they never compromise on the quality. Be it their own in house brand or the other brands under their wings, the quality is top notch. For instance, the Colorful Llama Kurta set and the Fishy Fishy In The Sea Night Suit Shorts set are from Mama and Peaches while the Neon Checkered All Dayer Set is from BamBam boo, all three of them are amazing and left no room for complaints. Trust Mama and Peaches to curate the best for your bundle of joy.

 

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS:

Behind every “don’t buy so much clothes, your babies will outgrow in no time” is a mother like me who loves to shop (till she drops) for her little one. I know not everything go with the wear and tear of a growing child, but I can’t help it either. I just love shopping for my munchkin and I am glad I got a chance to shop from MAMA and Peaches.

From a smooth website navigation to prompt customer service, from the wide range of products to the simple, fuss free packaging and super quick delivery, I am utterly impressed and pleased with their products and overall service. These printed cotton sets are so very cute, charming and comfortable, ideal for the hot and sultry weather here. Arini wore the kurta set to an event yesterday and we got so many compliments. I just wish I would have stumbled upon the brand earlier, their below one year collection is even more terrific. But it is okay, it is better to be late than never, I shall definitely be ordering more in the coming days; the MAMA and Peaches Angrakha set (keeping the upcoming festive season in mind) and Full Sleeves Nightsuits (keeping the changing season in mind) are already in my cart!

And you, if you are a mom to be looking for that perfect maternity dress or a new/experienced mom throwing the house upside down trying to find the most fun and quirky clothes and accessories for your little sweetheart without compromising on quality, then this is where you need to stop your search. If you want to gift someone, you can also choose from their gift boxes/gift cars or simply contact MAMA and Peaches for a personal gift shopper facility to help you curate a personalized shopping experience. Just give MAMA and Peaches a try, you won’t be disappointed.

 

 

Sponsored post, but our views are genuine as usual.

Thank you MAMA and Peaches for collaborating with us and Digiacai for providing this wonderful opportunity.

Aromas that bring back memories of forgotten days and forgotten foods. The rich flavors that amazes and enlivens your soul, the freshness that reminds you of the warm sunshine and open fields, that is how people describe Local Sparrow as, a Bangalore based woman owned brand that houses authentic, flavorful and all-natural spices, cold-pressed oils and also multiple varieties of millets. Cherry on the top, they are committed to work with small scale farmers across the county and promote organic and sustainable farming, thus along with the gifts of restoring the ecological balance, they are empowering the farmers to receive a fair share of the fruits of their labor as well.

WHAT I ORDERED FROM LOCAL SPARROW:-

Cold Pressed Mustard Oil - 500ml                 ₹325.00

Sankeshwari Red Chili Powder                      ₹130.00

Sugarcane Jaggery Powder - 500grams          ₹139.00

Sorghum Millet Flakes - 500grams               ₹299.00

Pearl Millet Flakes - 500 grams                     ₹299.00

Finger Millet Flakes - 500 grams                   ₹299.00

OUR EXPERIENCE:-

Local Sparrow Cold Pressed Mustard Oil:
We will start with the Cold Pressed Mustard Oil. We Bengalis and Mustard Oil are emotionally twisted, tangled and weaved together. Our identity has become entwined with the pungent and sharp flavor of mustard oil and I feel it makes Bengali dishes taste so much more delicious.
The moment I opened the Local Sparrow Cold Pressed Mustard Oil, the strong smell totally enlivened my senses, and yes, that’s the first sign of a good quality mustard oil. I first had it raw with my favorite mashed boiled potato and eggs, the reason being that I wanted to know exactly how intense and a nostril-flaring the pungency is. Absolutely loved it! Seems like I can still feel the warmth while I write this. In cooking too, we just love how it added a unique warmth and stingy spiciness to the dishes. I even did a purity check by placing some of the mustard oil in a bowl and placing it in the fridge for a few hours, there was no crystallization or white spots, indicating that it is pure, uncontaminated and unadulterated.
Murky amber yellow, a delightful strong fragrance with a flavor that is so pungent and seems so untamed, that’s exactly how I want the mustard oil in my kitchen to be and that’s exactly how Local Sparrow Cold Pressed Mustard Oil is.

Sankeshwari Red Chili Powder:
Now it is time to bring in the richest flavors of chilies. Local Sparrow houses two variants of Red Chili Powder, Sankeshwari Red Chili Powder and Byadagi Red Chilli Powder, the former is fiery hot with a rich flavor and superior aroma, while the latter is a less spicy one, slightly sweet and imparts a brilliant red color.
I chose the first one, given my love for hot shots. And I am not disappointed, this just blew my mind off.  It feels just like freshly grounded chilies and is as spicy as it possibly gets, reeking of high quality. The heat, the flavor and aroma just won our hearts. This is definitely for those who love their food spicy.

Sugarcane Jaggery Powder:
Well, I got this mainly for my toddler who has a sweet tooth. Sugarcane Jaggery powder is a natural sweetener that is considered healthy and boosts the immune system. Hence, I always prefer swapping white sugar with natural powdered jaggery. This is devoid of any chemical, bleach or sulphur or any binders. There is no added artificial colors, synthetic flavors or taste enhancers, this is just pure natural jaggery powder made from raw sugarcane with no additives, but rich in all the goodies like iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. How to you: You can use sugarcane jiggery powder instead of white sugar in all your recipes, be it halwa, ladoos, payassam or any drink. I have tried making our famous Bengali recipe “Nolen Gurrer Payesh” with this Sugarcane Jaggery powder, and it turned out to be so yummy!

Sorghum Millet Flakes, Pearl Millet Flakes and Finger Millet Flakes -

Jowar, Bajra and Ragi, are together known as millets and have myriad health benefits. From a toddler to a senior citizen, anyone can have millets and reap the benefits, hence they are staples at my home. The sprouted millet flakes are Local Sparrow best sellers and I had to try at least a few of them. They are all gluten free, and are jam-packed with protein, iron, fiber, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and many other vital minerals. Cooking these are super simple as well. I prefer having them as mix poha. Sprinkle some water on the millet flakes and let them sit for around 7-10 minutes. They become fluffier, softer, easier to cook and the quantity doubles too. Nosw, the softness depends from In the meantime, fry the veggies of your choice, add salt and masala (optional), and then toss the pre-soaked millet flakes into them, give a good mix and you are done. It tastes heavenly. You can make porridge as well adding milk, nuts and Local Sparrow Sugarcane Jaggery powder to the flakes. The Local Sparrow millet flakes are easy to cook, utterly yummy and healthy.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Local Sparrow is a brand that chooses quality over quantity. Right now they might not have thousands and thousands of products under their umbrella, but the ones that are being sold, hold to the highest standards of quality. All of their products are 100% clean. They go through everything thoroughly and carefully, complying with the most rigorous sampling and food safety norms to ensure that only high quality products are reaching us. Some of their products might feel a little on the costlier side, but trust me, organic products are expensive for a good reason. The fact that you pay more, makes it possible to avoid cheap fertilizers and pesticides, and choose only high-quality crops with round-the-clock manual care, thus aiding to the planet and people better.
Overall, I am extremely happy with the products I got from Local Sparrow and would love to try things from the brand as well.

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PR Sample. Opinions are honest, as always.
Thank you Local Sparrow and Digiacai for collaborating with us.

iTokri is a brand that needs to introduction. I remember I was in college when I first came across iTokri while randomly surfing the internet. Note that it was a time when online shopping was still at a nascent stage. I wanted to badly buy that kurti from them, but was apprehensive thinking if the product will be good, if I could trust them, what if the kurti don’t reach me, and all these thoughts just made me held my horses. Still, my best friend and I, we used to spend hours hovering over their website discussing their products. We were in awe thinking that how can a website store everything, from all the nooks and corners of India. From Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, from Gujrat in the west to Assam on the east, iTokri seemed to have the vision of bringing India close and world closer, so that we could get every little thing that you want to have without any hassle and without actually having to travel to those places. My wish to place an order with them kept on increasing and I couldn’t hold those horses for long and placed my first iTokri order. (Shhh!! The people in my home still don’t know). We humans tend to remember the exact taste, texture, and emotions that were once felt, even after ages and in an exact way I still remember how I felt when I held those kurtis for the first time. Since then iTokri and I have come a long way, I have lost count how many times I have shopped from them; and today a new feather has been added to our e-relationship, my first collaboration with i-Tokri.

iTokri is a brainchild of Jia Pamnani and Nitin Pamnani whose love for handicrafts and handmade products and will to help the artisans of India gave rise to one of India’s leading e-commerce portals. They rejected the glitz and glamour of city life, quitted plush jobs and decided to move back to their roots in Gwalior to embark on a journey that not only changed their lives, but also made a huge impact on the lives of thousands of artisans and other people. The duo travel to different parts of India unveiling fascinating art from each region. They encourage the artisans to partner with them and share their legacy and craftsmanship with the world.

PRODUCT RANGE:
Dive into the beautiful world of Indian art and craft with iTokri’s quintessential products and designs. From clothes to accessories, personal care items to stationary, home décor to kitchenware, they have got you covered. Their carefully curated products are not only beautiful but are also sustainable and functional, and yes 100% made in India!

MY RECENT SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

iTokri is known for their fabrics and clothing line, and talking about fabrics, from casual wear material to wedding wear fabrics, they truly have a vast collection. I have shopped fabric from them innumerable times before and had amazing experiences. But I skipped buying fabric this time as I wanted to try some other products.

So, what were in my shopping box?

Batik Hand Block Printed Pure Cotton Saree:
I love cotton sarees, especially due to their unmatched comfort, texture, breathability and also the versatility. And I don’t think there is a better fabric that can keep you cool and comfortable in the hot and sultry weather. I come from a place which is known for batik-printed textiles. It feels li have worn batiks forever now hence had ordered a cotton batikThis saree from the house of iTokri is a perfect amalgamation of simplicity, comfort, elegance and glamour. The fabric is so soft, gentle on the skin and gives you enough room for air circulation, making it perfect for the long days. Love the color scheme of the saree, it is muted, still turns heads and makes you stand out in the crowd.

PIPAD Handcrafted Quilted and Block Printed Cotton Sling Bag:
It is a simple, lightweight, textured and extremely pretty fabric bag, made from durable natural block printed cotton fabrics. It has a soft foam lining inside and four pockets makes it easy to categorize and carry your essentials.

Handcrafted Patwa Threadwork Wooden Peacock Earrings:
I am in a fun and funky earrings phase and this pair is perfect to elevate my mood and look in no time. It is colorful, pretty and unique. The quality too is top-notch.

Madhubani Handpainted Bookmark:
I love using fun and quirky bookmarks to clip the pages which I want to tag, in order to continue to read for next time. They bring joy and beauty to my reading experience.

Neev Natural Handmade Kesar Gulab Soap:
I love using handmade soaps, because they devoid of harsh chemicals and are more gentle on skin. This is no exception. The soap lathers decently and cleanses well. It doesn’t dry out my skin and keeps in soft and supple. The subtle fragrance lingers which I totally love. 

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Handlooms and handicrafts,are two of the most important cottage industries which are providing livelihood to most of rural India. The handloom artisans and craftsmen are a salient section of our society and they enhance our life’s aesthetics by providing us beautifully crafted products. iTokri has successfully bridged the gap between the artisans and customers. I feel delighted in shopping at iTokri and happy too knowing that this is a sustainable initiative and the artisans making these wonderful products, receive a fair share for their time and effort.
It is always a pleasant experience shopping from Itokri, which makes me go back to them time and again. So if you want to experience real India, this is your one-stop destination.

Another thing which is worth mentioning is their thoughtful packaging. The saree came carefully packed in a biodegradable fabric bag, which means it is totally recyclable and if/when discarded it will break down quickly and easily without leaving behind any harmful residue; moreover will add valuable nutrients to the soil. How cool is that! The outer box too is made with recycled paper, so that it doesn’t add load to our mother earth. They stay personally involved throughout to ensure there are zero defects and grievances. Their products are high in quality yet friendly to the pocket. But, the best part is the handwritten note, adding so much warmth to the whole shopping experience. They were sweet enough to add a freebie as well, a cute cotton Ajrakh scrunchy, my day was made.

Before I conclude, I would like to list down a few things from the house of iTokri, which are on my wish-list. And who knows, it might end your gifting woes as well. Gifting is such a beautiful way of making special moments even more memorable, isn’t? But choosing the right gift is a task. So in the upcoming auspicious occasion of Diwali, Dhanteras and Bhai Dooj, if you want to gift your loved one something that they will love and cherish, then go through this list that we have put together for your reckoning, you won’t be disappointed.

1.     Fabrics in different materials, weaves, patterns and prints. I can never get enough of itokri fabrics.

2.     Ajrakh and Kalamkari sarees

3.     Lambani Embroidery Handloom Cotton Kurti and Kurti Fabrics

4.     Dresses, especially those flared natural dyed block printed ones.

5.     Bengal Kantha Embroidery and Sanganeri Printed Stoles

6.     Patchwork Jackets

7.     Shibori, Sanganeri and Crewel Embroidery Cushion Covers

8.     Hand Embroidery Belts

9.     Kutchi Embroidery Bags

10.Madhubani and Gond Paintings

11.Bagru and Dabu Block Printed Cotton Crinkled Long Skirts

12.Aari Embroidery Kashmiri Velvet Pheran

13.Natural Handmade Soaps. Available in gift sets as well.

14.Akola Block Printed Cotton Men Short Kurta

15.Ajrakh Printed Cotton Men Shirts

16.Bindas Naturally Dyed T-shirts

17.Kutch Leather Laptop Bag

18.Natural Attar (Unisex) Perfume Oil

19.Handmade Torans and Hangings

20.Handmade Diyas and Candles

Other than these you can also choose freshly cooked homemade sweets and assorted dry fruits to gift in Diwali and Bhaidooj. You can also opt for personalized e-gift cards to send festive cheers and wishes.

So wait no more. Visit iTokri, now!!!

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Sponsored Post. Reviews are authentic and unbiased, as always.
Thank you iTokri and Digiacai for collaborating with us.

Ayurveda and Beauty are synonymous with each other for years, decades and centuries in India. Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal practice that connects mind with body. The most effective Ayurvedic beauty secrets lie in using the skin to mirror one’s internal imbalances. Ayurveda believes that, beautiful skin is not only about the outside beauty that we see, but is also an indicator of balanced health from within. And to achieve the beautiful skin, a well-nourished body, a beautifully balanced mind and peaceful spirits are essential, and that’s what Ayurveda is all about. Given its clean and holistic approach to beauty, many beauty brands are incorporating the goodness of Ayurveda into their products. Sadhev is one such luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand, whose products are infused with precious insights from Mother Nature and traditional Ayurveda, are delicately blended with purest of ingredients, sourced with utmost care and responsibility from their own eighty acres sustainably grown organic conservation park /sanctuary- Sadhevana in Kerala. And today on my review table, I have one of the bestsellers from the house of Sadhev, their Ayurvedic Rosehip & Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

So without wasting anytime further, let’s get into the details.

PRODUCT CLAIM and NOTABLE INGREDIENTS:-

Sadhev’sRosehip and Hyaluronic Acid Ayurvedic Facial Serumcontains a wealth of Rosehip seed oil, Liquorice, Aloe vera, Banana, Safflower and Hyaluronic Acid. This perfect blend of ingredients soothes and softens the skin, fights signs of aging while protecting the skin from day to day damage.

PRICE:-
750INR for 10ml
1900INR for 30ml

WHERE TO BUY:-
Sadhev’sOfficial Website, TIRA, Nykaa, Netmeds and many other online shopping portals.

MY EXPERINCE AND DETAILED OPINION:-

Packaging:-
Let us take a moment and admire Sadhev’s aesthetic packaging. The serum comes in a small glass bottle and there is a dropper given for the ease of usage. The bottle and the dropper further come housed in a super pretty floral cardboard box.

Texture and Feel:-
Sadhev Ayurvedic Rosehip & Hyaluronic Acid Serum is pale yellow in color with a runny consistency. It feels a little sticky at first, but that goes away within a few seconds of gentle patting. It is light, applies pretty easily, absorbs quickly, smells nice and doesn’t negatively impact any other skincare or makeup products.
I am not too fond of skincare products that leave behind residue; like no matter how little you apply, they have enough of a residue to let you know something is on your skin. I absolutely hate that feeling. I love skincare products that absorb completely and leave a glow and not a residue. And I am glad that this serum is exactly like that.

Smell:-
I am quite weary of scents in my facial products and I am glad this face serum has a subtle and clean fruity fragrance that doesn’t bother my sensitive nose and goes away once it absorbs into my skin.

Application:-
I just take a drop or two and apply on clean, damp skin and pat gently till the serum absorbs into my skin. I wait for around 2 minutes and then layer other daily skincare products on top of it.
I prefer applying serums on damp skin because I feel moist skin is more permeable and makes the serum penetrate more quickly and effectively. I apply the serum only at bedtime, but you can apply it both in the morning and at night.

First Impression and Immediate Results:-
I have normal skin which sometimes leans on the drier side. So I always prefer skincare products that will give my skin some hydration boost. When I first laid my hands on this serum from Sadhev, what caught my attention was that this has Hyaluronic Acid as one of the main ingredients. Hyluronic Acid works wonder on my skin and so I was quite excited to start my journey with this.

I used the serum at night first, and immediately fell in love with the “leave no residue” formula. It provided an intense hydration boost to my skin and imparted an instant healthy glow. The serum felt so great on my skin that it made me optimistic about the product right out of the gate.
When I woke up the next morning, my skin looked and felt a lot better than the previous day. There was a noticeable glow, skin looked brighter, plumper and healthier and felt super soft and supple.

It was an amazing first impression as I was super happy with the initial results the face serum provided!

Long Term Results:-
A lot of skincare products work magic and show terrific results in the initial days, but fail to show impressive long term results.
But the results I achieved with Sadhev Rosehip and Hyaluronic Acid Serum are very impressive and some of the best I’ve seen recently. Post pregnancy, my skin care had taken a backseat. Either I didn’t have the time or didn’t have any energy left to do proper skincare. I have again started my skincare journey with Sadhev and my skin is noticeably brighter and healthier looking than how it used to look and feel even a month back. I truly have a glow on my face throughout the day. Furthermore, I have also noticed a decrease in skin discoloration and congestion. The sunspots look lighter.
As per reducing wrinkles, I don’t have any wrinkles as such, so it wouldn’t be fair to comment on that. But my mother has been using it for the past one week. It is too early for a skincare product to show its full potential, so please bear with us and allow us to update this section later. I don’t mind if an organic product with all those natural ingredients take time to work.

FINAL THOUGHTS:-
It is dermatologically tested, vegan and devoid of paraben or any other harsh chemical; a very safe and comfortable serum to both apply and wear! I just love how cared for my skin feels every time I use this serum.Just a drop, and I am amazed at how smooth my skin feels and how naturally radiant it instantly looks. A total game changer. Yes, it is on the costlier side, but for me, the results are worth the price tag. I would recommend you to go ahead and give this magic potion a shot. You would love this product.

*PR Product. Review is genuine, as always.

People are living such stressful lifestyles nowadays that having health issues has become a norm. The situation become worse when we choose products with all those harmful chemicals. In order to see quick results, we tend to ignore the long-term adverse effects. For me, a perfect skincare is not only about just pampering yourself, its self-love.

Though my extensive skincare regime has taken a backseat post pregnancy, but I make sure to at least invest 5 minutes at night, after my baby sleeps. And trust me, that 5 minutes too makes a lot of difference. 

Night is the best time to treat skin and repair concern and hence, recently I have incorporated Sadhev Ayurvedic Rosehip & Hyaluronic Acid Serum (read review HERE) and Sadhev Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Night Cream into my night skincare regime. While I was totally blown seeing both the immediate and long term results of the serum, the night cream was taking time. So could Sadhev’s Ayurvedic RejuvenatingNight cream impress me finally? Read more to find out…

PRODUCT CLAIM and NOTABLE INGREDIENTS:-
Filled with the goodness of Ayurvedic ingredients like Almond Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Avacado Oil, Aloe Vera, Licorice, Bakuchi Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil and Cucumber Seed Oil, Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Night Cream claims to boost hydration, promotes collagen production, increases blood circulation and helps you wake up to glowing skin.

PRICE:-
850INR for 15gm
2500INR for 50gm
Currently, Sadhev is running huge discounts, they are available for INR850 and INR1250 now!

WHERE TO BUY:-
Sadhev Official Website, TIRA, Nykaa, Netmeds and many other online shopping portals.

MY EXPERINCE AND DETAILED OPINION:-
 

Packaging:-
The night cream comes in a small round tub which further comes housed in a super pretty floral cardboard box. The tub is handy, sturdy, leak-proof because of the additional stopper lid and doesn’t take up much space in your bag, making it quite travel friendly as well. I just wish it came with a little spatula for the ease of scooping out the product instead of dipping in your fingers.

Texture and Feel:-
Sadhev’s Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Night Cream is a white colored, soft textured cream with a rich consistency and silky feel. It is weightless and instantly absorbs into skin leaving face soft, non-tacky. It is gentle with no tingling sensation or burning effects.

Smell:-
I am not fond of strong fragrances, especially in my skincare products, they give me headaches. Luckily this night cream has a subtle and very natural fragrance. It just lingers for around a minute, feels kind of therapeutic and just helps in easing my mind and senses.

Application:-
I scoop out a little using a spatula, apply it on my skin and gently massage with upward and outward strokes till the product gets absorbed. I make sure that there is at least 5 minutes gap in between the previous skin care product and this night cream.

First Impression and Long Term Results:-

The first time when I used this cream before hitting the sack, it did make my skin soft and supple in the morning, but I was looking for something more. A lot of cream can make our skin feel soft and supple for some time. Isn’t? Then why would I choose this and not any other night cream available in the market!? And I won’t lie, it took quite some time for Sadhev’s Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Night Cream to impress me. After almost a month of using this, I found the results to be truly wonderful! I have normal to dry skin and no matter what skincare products I used, my dry patches came back as the day progressed. This cream, from starting by hydrating immensely and repairing any dry patches on my skin, it beautifully transformed my entire skin texture! It has been a month, and my skin never felt so hydrated and moisturized before. Skin feels a lot softer, smoother and brighter and the effect lasts throughout the day. I have used this cream alone and along with other skincare products, it works well both ways. Just that when I use this cream alone, I need more product than when I use this after some other skincare product like the Sadhev’s Rosehip and Hyaluronic Acid Ayurvedic Facial Serum.

FINAL THOUGHTS:-
There is so much to love about Sadhev’s Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Night Cream, starting with all of wonderful natural ingredients that it is jam-packed with! From Licorice and Aloe Vera, to all the essential oils, and a bunch of other brilliant ingredients in-between, this night cream just screams goodness for your skin. It is so lightweight and nourishing, and I am so happy that my dry patches are gone. My skin feels so happy and healthy. And as far as “it takes time to show results” is concerned, I don’t mind if an au-natural product with its au-natural ingredients take time to work. Talking about the price, yes, it does feel pricey, but I don’t mind shelling out extra for something that actually works.
In a nutshell, if you want incredibly hydrated, glowy, healthy, supple skin, get yourself a tub of this magic cream as soon as possible.

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PR Sample. Review is honest, as always. Thank you Sadhev Ayurveda and Digiacai for collaborating with us.

According to some research, an average individual uses nine different skincare products daily. However, when it comes to men, it is more than enough for them to choose and use a single product for their body, face, and hair. That could seem practical for them, but it might damage your skin over time. But, according to experts, every man needs to choose the best face wash for men that suits them according to their skin type and requirements.

A soap designed for bathing can be excessively harsh for facial skin since the skin on the face is more delicate than the skin on the rest of the body. Additionally, this may cause dryness or aggravate pre-existing skin conditions like acne or ingrown hairs. So, are men allowed to borrow cleaners from their female family members? Or do they require a specific male-oriented product? Let's examine some of the benefits of choosing a face cleanser and which is the ideal face wash available on the market.

Benefits of Using Face Wash for Men

1. The first and most well-known advantage of using a face cleanser is that it facilitates the removal of the buildup of debris, dust, and oil that develop on your face during the day. All of this results in lifeless, dull skin. Every man needs to add a cleanser to their daily skincare regime and cleanse at least twice a day, as environmental pollution can harm their skin from within. A cleanser helps you eliminate all the impurities and look clean and natural.

2. By controlling your skin's pH levels, washing your face with a natural face wash helps keep your skin moisturized for longer. Face wash for men hydrates your skin enough to delay aging and prevent it from drying out.

3. Cleansing your face often helps in removing the outermost layer of dead skin that, if left on, causes breakouts and makes your skin appear dull and damaged. Using a face cleanser helps prevent dirt and debris buildup, which causes clogged pores and causing breakouts.

4. Using a face cleanser designed for males helps massage your face while you wash it, as it helps deeply nourish your skin and maintain its moisture. This promotes blood flow to your face and makes your skin glow from within.

Changes Men Should Adopt For Clear & Healthy Skin

●         Eliminate the Use of Soap Bar- The harsh chemicals frequently included in soap bars may give you a smooth texture shortly after a bath, but only briefly. No matter what sort of skin you have, they are harsh on it. Men like you frequently wash their faces with soap after bathing because they are unaware of the finest products for their skin and why. A soap bar only balances your skin's oils and makes it easier to handle if it is tailored or composed of natural substances.

●         Cleanse Your Face Twice A Day- Face washes are explicitly designed to condition skin as you gently remove dirt and pollutants from the skin's pores. Face wash for men is made with components that have a milder effect on the skin than a soap bar. Men may choose from a variety of face washes with powerful ingredients that successfully act to brighten, soften, and calm the skin with each wash.

●         Rinse With Cold Water and Apply Face Wash- For best effects, the face should be washed with cold tap water rather than hot water and then cleaned with a facial cleanser. Typical face and beard washes, washing milk products, and facial cleansers are all examples of cleaners.

How and When should you use face wash for men?

Here are some of the ways to use face cleanser for men for clear and healthy skin:

➢         It is essential to wash your face at least 2-3 times a day, depending on your schedule, ideally in the morning, after you get home from work or school, and before you go to bed.

➢         If you often travel, cleaning your face after contact with the scorching sun or dirty air is advised. A face wash will remove the harmful radicals and stop additional harm in these situations. Using a face wash that protects against damaging UV rays when traveling will also assist you in avoiding sun damage.

➢         Deeply cleanse your face and remove all the harmful dirt to achieve healthy and clear skin.

Which is the best face wash for men?

Choosing a face wash that suits your skin type is challenging, as a product that suits your wife or mother might not serve your skin. Often, men ignore that using a random face wash can ruin your skin rather than doing good to it. Adding visible results to your skincare requires natural and safe products. The easy and handy way for a man is to rub the same bar of soap on their face and think that you are cleansing your skin deeply.

Therefore, experts recommend men choose a safe, natural product that can be used twice daily without damaging the skin. Not all products that claim to be safe and gentle provide similar results. Mamaearth is one such brand that offers various gentle, safe, and effective products that have shown visible results. Being Asia’s first MadeSafe-certified brand, Mamaearth has shown visible results for people and won thousands of hearts. It is also PETA-certified and is often a part of every household in India nowadays.

It’s time to look into some of the bestselling face washes for men to choose from for the best results and maximum care.

1. Mamaearth Multani Mitti Face Wash- Mamaearth Multani Mitti Face Wash combines your favorite traditional skincare treatment, Multani Mitti and Rose, for controlling oil and acne into a convenient daily face wash. The face wash, made with the beneficial properties of Multani Mitti, gently cleanses your skin, removes extra oil, and prevents acne.

The face wash is infused with the benefits of Bulgarian Rose, which thoroughly moisturizes your skin. Niacinamide and Vitamin E help balance skin tone and manage oil production without making your skin feel dry or stretched out.

1. Mamaearth Charcoal Face Wash- This face wash absorbs and removes pollutants such as impurities, grime, pollution, makeup, sweat, & excess oil, leaving skin fresh & radiant. Removes excess oil from pores gently without causing skin irritation or drying out.
                 

Activated Charcoal and Clay clean pores blocked with dirt, oil, and other contaminants. This activated charcoal face wash will help cleanse your face thoroughly, making the skin smooth. Tea Tree Oil and Activated Charcoal deeply cleanse and absorb excess oil from pores without irritating or drying the skin.

Summing Up!

Skincare is essential, and so are the promises that different brands make. One should review the ingredient list to determine which products are best for his skin type. Any regimen that should be followed begins with cleansing your face. If you want to start your regime strong, get-set-go with a nourishing and deep cleansing face wash. It’s time to get your bottle of pure and mild face cleanser for men and be ready to flaunt your clear skin with Mamaearth’s wide range of skincare essentials.

When it comes to chicken recipes, my favorite is undoubtedly the simple, classic chicken curry. Simmering away in a pressure cooker, it is my ultimate comfort food and gives me a feeling of home no matter how far I actually am from my place. Being said that, I never shy away from experimenting with chicken either.

Begmati chicken or Begmati Murg is one such recipe that not only is unique, refreshing and utterly delicious, but is also super easy and quick to make. This chicken recipe has always been a winner at my home. So before the winter wonder scallions vanish from the market and coriander prices skyrocket, head to the kitchen and work your magic.

INGREDIENTS:

1kg Chicken (cut into medium sized pieces on the bone. You can go for boneless if you wish to.)

Cashew/Kaju paste (8-10 cashews made into fine paste)

1 medium bunch Scallions/Spring onions

1 medium bunch fresh Coriander

3 medium sized onions, finely chopped (you can use onion paste)

1 whole garlic, finely chopped (you can use garlic paste)

1 inch ginger, grated (you can use ginger paste)

10 green chilies (use more or lesser as per your preference)

2-3 green cardamoms

1 tsp cumin/jeera powder

1tsp coriander/dhania powder

1tsp dry chili powder (optional)

A pinch of Turmeric/haldi powder

Salt (as per taste)

Sugar (as per taste)

Oil (mustard or refined as per your preference)

RECIPE:

Add chicken and stir on high flame. This will help in sealing in the juice.

Now add jeera powder, dhania powder, turmeric, chili powder, salt and sugar. Mix well, cover and cook for around 5 minutes.

Add the kaju paste once the masala is done and you see oil separating. Add warm water if necessary. (I didn’t add any extra water)

Now simmer and cook till the chicken is almost done. Keep stirring in between to make sure the gravy isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.

In the meantime we will prepare the green mix. Boil water in a pan and dunk in the scallion and coriander leaves. Wait no more than a minute and quickly take them out and transfer them into ice water. This process will help you in getting that natural bright lush green color. Now transfer them to a blender jar, add the green chilies and blend well. Don’t add water if it isn’t absolute necessary.

Uncover the kadai and see if the chicken is almost done. Now pour in the prepared paste and stir on high flame till the chicken is fully done. You have to remember two things here, not to add the paste before the chicken is almost done and also not to overcook the chicken after adding the paste. This will make sure that the bright color of the scallion-coriander paste remains intact.
(But you know, it boils down to your own preference, the actual recipe of my mum-in-love says not to overcook it to retain the actual color, but I prefer a lil for sauted version of the dish, so I prefer cooking a minute more, doesn't matter if the bright green color remains or not.)

Anyway,

Once done, drizzle some lemon juice and serve with piping hot rice, pulao or roti.