Home Remedy: Say no to cold and sore throat

Heya,

It's winter and with snow, wind and rains, its getting even more cold. For some it may be the best time of the year but people like me freeze even in a warm house. ;-) And I catch cold just like that! Trust me I hate to get sick especially with cough & cold. Also with a baby at home, I can't really afford to get sick. I have to be constantly moving and be healthy to enjoy every moment (special) with my dearest family. 

For those of you who are on the same platform as me, here's a quick home remedy to prevent & cure common symptoms of cold. This home remedy is a concoction largely based on the Ayurveda and ingredients can be easily found in any indian kitchen/ asian stores.

Ingredients:

Ginger (1/2 inch)

Black peppercorns (12-15)

Honey (1 tsp)

Water ( 1Tsp)

A Mortar-Pestle or a similar equipment

Preparation:

Crush the black peppercorns in a Mortar-pestle to a fine powder. 

Add the ginger piece in the same pestle and crush and grind the two together. The juices will now start separating

Add a tablespoon of water and again grind for a minute.

Filter the syrup in a clean jar/bottle.

Add a teaspoon of honey and your concoction is ready.

How to use it:

Take a teaspoon of this concoction and let it sit for a few seconds on throat before gulping it down.

If you have a heavy cold or flu like symptoms, drink a teaspoon of concoction 4-5 times a day. 

If you have a mild cold, take it 2-3 times a day.

If you are just suspecting cold or just at the onset of cold, take a teaspoon and observe the symptoms in the next 2-3 hours. If the symptoms still persist, treat it as for the mild cold.

Also, don't forget to drink a lot of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration that might occur due to ginger.

Seriously guys, this remedy provides instant relief. Last year I had a very bad flu and took this 5 times a day for straight 3 days and I cured my flu within a span of a week. Since then, I take it at the slight onset of cold symptoms like frequent sneezing, coughing, running nose or body pain.

This remedy works better than most of prescribed medicines. My entire family swear by this remedy.

Definitely try this out! I guarantee you an instant relief. :-)  

DIY: Multi-purpose container/holder

Hello there,

It's me again with a super easy DIY. This DIY is all about getting your stationaries in place or shall I say a decorative stand for your candles or even better what if it serves as your cosmetic brush holder. Well, well, well....for me it's a multi purpose stand, holder or whatever you want to name it. Currently, I am using it to place my jumbo candle that was my birthday gift. Here's a pic for you guys!

And since you have had a look at the picture, any guesses what it is made of ?? Uhhh...

Ahaaa..looks like someone got it right! Yeah baby, it's that "tin container" which you have just emptied after eating your nuts.

So quickly, here what you need for this easy-peasy DIY Multi-purpose holder.

1) A tin container (any size will do)

2) A gift wrapping paper

3) A Pair of scissors

4) Glue stick

5) Some ribbons for decoration

HOW TO:

1) Measure the length of the tin container and cut the wrapping paper accordingly

2) Glue the wrapping paper on the tin container. Make sure that the edges are clean.

3) Now decorate the container with ribbons as you may want. I chose to attach 4 bow-knots followed by wrapping a pink ribbon just in the centre of the container.

And tadaaa.... our beautiful decorative container is ready. Store you pencils, pens, brushes or like me give your candles a beautiful home.

And what good about this DIY is that even you kiddos can make these and plenty of them!

Now it's time to say goodnight and I shall see you with some other interesting post soon.

Till then..HAVE FUN & KEEP SMILING :-)

Review: "Makeup Revolution" baked vivid highlighter

Hey beauties,

A healthy natural looking glow is what we all want while applying make-up. For that purpose we need a good highlighter. Now you all know, there are zillions of highlighter from different cosmetic companies are available in the market and it gets really difficult to choose the one appropriate for you. There are some of you who won't budge from their regular MAC's and THE BALM "Mary Louminizer's". And there are some beauties on budget who can't really afford to go that far off and spend a ton and just for them I have this review about the baked vivid highlighter from the house of Makeup Revolution cosmetics.

I had ordered it from the online shop kosmetik4less.de in the shade "golden lights". However, there are two more shades to choose from, namely, Peach lights and pink lights with peach and pink undertones respectively.

Coming to golden lights! 

Well in the pan it appear as a pearly white pressed powder with fine golden shimmer particles. It feels like satin and is quite good pigmented. You may use to highlight your inner corners of eyes, under brow bone (if you like shimmer there!) or you may even use it as an eyeshadow to add an extra bit of drama and oomph on your eyes.

Here are the swatches.

The one on the very left is just a single layer, in the middle are two layers and on the right is thrice the effect. So yo can see, it's easily build-able to give the optimal luminosity to your high points. I usually go with layering it twice! 

It has a fairly good longevity with lasting up to 5-6 hours and afterwards I just took off my makeup. On my warm skin tone, it does wonders and that too at a small price of 3.79 € for 7.5 g of product. At present it's my constant companion and use it every single day I wear make-up. Honestly, after having it, I don't find the urge to buy the higher end highlighters.

I recommend it highly to all you lovely beauties who are just freshers on the makeup side as well as to those who want to add on some more glamour to their collection. And my budget beauties, no I'm not forgetting you at all. You won't ever regret buying it...Trust me! :-)

Surprise Blogger X-mas Box from Rossmann

Hey lovelies,

This week started with a bang for me. I received my much awaited blogger box from the drugstore Rossmann. Ideally, I should have received this on Christmas but due to some difficulties in delivery over christmas and new year, it came to me this weekend. But as they say, "All is well that ends well".

So here's a quick look at the awesome surprise.

Mind you! All the products in the box were in their original sizes and are well suited for the entire family.

And the product details are as follows:

1) Neutrogena hand-cream with Nordic berry

2) Sebamed body milk; I use their bodylotion for baby on my son and I have no complaints. Now we shall see how this one is!

3) Weleda Men active shower gel

4) Rexona cotton deopsray; it's my backup for the summers!

5) Tetesept Zeit für dich; a bathing salt is my must-have for winters. Besides I have the whole collection for tetesept bathing salt. I just love them!

6) Colgate total whitening toothpaste 

7) Isana Men Augengel (Eye gel)

8) Facial Peeling Pads; now this is interesting!

9) Essence Lash Princess Mascara; It's a very hyped mascara from the house of essence and that too since it's launch last year. Glad I have it now!

And last but not the least,

10) Pantene Pro-V Trocken-Öl (dry-oil); this light hair oil with Vitamin E nourishes your hair thoroughly without being too greasy.

Well Well Well, I complement Rossmann Blogger-Team for putting so much effort in choosing variety of products suitable for each of the family member. And when I say that I also mean that the range of products they have selected for this box covers all you need on daily basis (from morning to evening). I just love this surprise and would like to thank the Rossmann-Team for arranging a second delivery attempt of this box.

I shall review some of these products soon. So keep following me!

Personal Care Haul from Yves Rocher

Hello beauties,

Today I have an very interesting Haul for you guys. Those of you who follow me on instagram knows what I am talking about. Yesss! It's my Yves Rocher Packet that came in last week.

Here's a quick overview of what all products I ordered from their shop online.

1) Redberry shower gel (Xmas limited edition, 200 ml at1.50 €)

2) Sebo vegetal gel cream to improve skin texture (50 ml at 5.99 €.

3) Winter Set containing following products at 8.99 €

• cle vegetal peeling gel, 200 ml
• Jardins du Monde Shower gel in lime, 200 ml
• Fresh deodorant with Pomegranate extract, 100 ml
• Bathing towel (free)

4) Fruity Lip-balm set at 3.99 €

• Lip-balm with vanilla flavour, 4.8 g
• Lip-balm with strawberry flavour, 4.8 g
• Lip-balm with Red cherry flavour, 4.8 g
• a Pink pot with white polka dots (free)

Apart from these, I also received surprise gifts. Well not exactly because while online shopping they provide you an option for the free gifts to select for. And this is what I grabbed

1) A Pink sport/gym bag. 

2) Anti-ageing cream from the range Riche Creme

All in all I ended up paying 20.43 € for all these wonderful products. The shower gels smell heavenly. I am already using the Lip-balm in Strawberry and they do not dry up my lips, it provides a very soft orange sheen to the lips. 

Ohhh well, I will soon review each of the product separately here on my blog. 

So if you want to know more about any particular product, stay tuned in by subscribing to my blog. 

Alternatively, like and follow me on facebook and instagram for regular updates.

Homemade Natural Scrub with Orange Peels

Hey beauties,

I hope you all are in best shape and gearing up for the weekend. Finally, a time to say bye to the busy week and to welcome the chilled out days of the week. I love to pamper myself on weekends with relaxing warm bath and exfoliating my skin. And since the weekend is approaching, I thought of sharing one of my favourite face scrub using orange peel which can be made very easily at home.

This orange peel scrub is nothing new to me and I have been using since my childhood. After eating oranges we used to rub the peels (the orange side) on the entire skin (face, hands, legs etc.). I was introduced to this beauty treatment by my mother but at that time it was more of a play with orange peels rather than focusing on the beauty aspect. And years later, I swear by it and it really does wonders. 

But do you know, why orange peels?

Firstly, they are the powerhouse of vitamin C which protects skin from free radical damage. It reduces acne and provides healthy glow. Yes my dear, orange peels contains more vitamin C than the fleshy part.

Secondly, the citric acid in the peels is a great exfoliator and helps brighten skin. And lastly, it contains minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium which aids in healing of dry, itchy and flaky skin, preserving moisture thereby providing healthy glowing skin.

So my dearies, you may choose to buy readymade orange peel powders or you may start collecting those peels after eating the flesh to get the double benefit.

Here's what you need to do:

To Prepare the Powder

1) Collect the orange peels from at least 2 oranges and dry them. Don't sun dry the peels to prevent loss of essential nutrients from the peels. Depending on the climate of the place you live, it might take from a couple days to a week.

2) Make sure the peels are completely dried. The peels at this point will appear crisp and hard.
3) Grind the peels to a fine powder and store them in an air tight container for further use.

Preparation of Scrub

1) Mix a tablespoon of freshly prepared orange peel powder, honey and yoghurt and make a thick paste. 

2) Apply it on your face or body and leave it for 5 minutes or till the scrub dries a little. Avoid contact with eyes! 

3) Now start scrubbing your face gently in circular motions for a couple of minutes and then let it sit on for a another 2-3 minutes. 

4) Rinse thoroughly with normal water and pat dry. 

5) Follow up with your regular moisturiser and enjoy the healthy luminous glow.

For oily skin, you may use it 2-3 times a week. However, reduce it's use to 1-2 times a month for dry and itchy skin. 

So, next time you eat oranges don't throw away the peels!

Review: "Blushing Hearts" I Heart Makeup

Hey beauties,

Last week I received my order from kosmetik4less.de. I have already posted a Picture of the products on my Instagram. I was super excited to try these new products and one of them was "Blushing Hearts", a triple baked blusher from the company "I Heart Makeup". This was the first time I actually bought the product from the brand "I Heart Makeup". Best to my knowledge, it is a sister brand of london-based make-up company "Makeup Revolution". Honestly speaking, surfing through their website, I just fell in love with the sweet heart-shaped packaging apart from the beautiful pink tones of the blusher. So, I decided to gave it chance and bought it.

SO here are the facts,

As you all can see the blusher came in a beautiful heart shape cardboard packaging in gold (at the bottom) and lovely pink (top) with gold detailing. It's an instant eye-catcher and I just love the packaging. But there is more to blusher than just packaging. The beautiful pink toned blush has three different shades of pink with varied intensities. Each one is pigmented enough and has a decent shimmer. Although, I believe pigmentation could be enhanced because for my warm skin tone, I really need to press into the blusher to get a that luminous appearance. But those of you are on the fairer side or with pink undertone, a light swipe may be enough for that glamorous and bright look.

Here's swatches for all the three individual shades (in day light). 

You may use the shades independently or swirl around to get a flush of pink. For me it's the combination of all three that works wonder and gives that rosy colour on the cheeks which actually freshens and enlightens up the face.

Yahhhh my dearies, priced at 6.99€ for 10g, it's definitely a bargain for the quality of product you get. Also, from different platforms, I learnt that it is a dupe for "Two faced" blushes. In terms of packaging they do look quite similar. But I cannot provide you a direct comparison as I don't own the "Two Faced" blushes. And I don't think I need to invest ca. 30 € for quite sometime (guess so!).

All in all, I am glad to have this product in my vanity and ready to explore the whole world of "Makeup Revolution". I am sure I can definitely see some of their amazing products (like iconic palettes or the lipsticks). Well, as in when I grab them, I'll update you guys here. 

Till then...Keep smiling! :-)

Look Book

Hey you all,

 This page is dedicated to all the makeup looks that I have worn or like to wear. 

 Alongside, from time to time I will be posting my outfits both indian and western. 

Alternatively, you may follow me on instagram or facebook

So enjoy the picture gallery!

A simple and all natural look! 

Products Used: 

Face: Maybeline Dream Satin liquid foundation #21 Nude, I heart makeup blush (blushing hearts' lightest pink shade), W7 Honolulu bronzer, Astor anti shine Mattitude face powder  #002

Eyes: Manhattan eyeshadow base, Essence 3D eyeshadow #08 irresistible vanilla latte (out of sortiment now!), Lotus Herbals Kajal in black, Essence lash princess mascara

Lips: Manhanttan X-treme last & shine lipstick #56V

Neutral yet glamorous with bright red lips!

Products used:

Face: Maybeline Dream Satin liquid foundation #21 Nude, I heart makeup blush (blushing hearts), W7 Honolulu bronzer, Astor anti shine Mattitude face powder  #002, Makeup revolution baked vivid highlighter "golden lights"

Eyes: Manhattan eyeshadow base, Sleek i-divine eyeshadow palette "The Original", Lotus Herbals Kajal in black, P2 beauty insider eyeliner, Max factor masterprecise transform mascara
Lips: P2 absolute color lipstick #101 vibrant barolo

A Simple all day look!

Products used:

Face: Maybeline Dream Satin liquid foundation #21 Nude, beauty UK blush & brush #4 rustic peach, Astor anti shine Mattitude face powder  #002

Eyes: Lotus Herbals Kajal in black, P2 beauty insider eyeliner, Manhattan supreme lash mascara

Lips: Manhattan X-treme Last & shine lipstick # 43N

Glow glow glowing!!!

Products used:

Face: L'oreal LUMI MAGIQUE foundation in N3, Manhattan concealer, I heart makeup blush (blushing hearts), W7 Honolulu bronzer, Astor anti shine Mattitude face powder  #002, Makeup revolution baked vivid highlighter "golden lights"

Eyes: Manhattan eyeshadow base, Sleek i-divine eyeshadow palette "The Original", P2 beauty insider eyeliner, Manhattan supreme lash mascara

Lips: Manhattan X-treme Last & shine lipstick # 49D

Review: Maybelline Jade "Dream Satin liquid" Foundation

Hey dearies,

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying weekend. Well, here in Germany it's evening now and we are gearing up for a new week starting tomorrow. And to rescue you from Monday blues (ahh..well for those who actually so), I have just the right review about a really great drugstore foundation from the brand Maybelline. 

Honestly speaking, I was never fond of Maybelline products until last two years and I'm truly captivated by the range and quality of products they have introduced in the last two years. And that too at a very affordable price range (very important factor!). One such product that caught my attention was this foundation by the name of "Dream Satin liquid". Initially, I wasn't sure to buy this as I was in constant conflict for some little pricey, widely reviewed & loved foundations from other known brands. But testing it from the shelf, I liked the soft, creamy, mousse-like texture with a satin finish (as the name claims!). And hey...that's what I was looking for my foundation. Besides it's availability in 5 different shades at my local drugstore gave an option to mix-up two shades to create my own shade. But good lord saved me and I found my true shade in "NUDE 21". 

I LOVE IT because

• the air-whipped liquid glides on efficiently and provides a perfect coverage (medium to full)
• it feels very light on skin
• it's ultra-blendable and super easy to build up
• it gives a satin-luminous finish (read: not shiny)
• and provides almost poreless finish (I've big pores around my T-zone!)
• it's oil & fragrance free and suits best to my combination skin
• And most importantly, very easy to clean up and no clogging of pores

CONCERN

It doesn't contain SPF. 

HOW I USE IT

Unlike many other foundations, It works best when applied using fingertips. It almost feel like if I'm applying a thick moisturiser. No brushes or beauty blenders required until and unless you prefer it otherwise.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

In Germany, it's available in drugstores like dm, Rossmann, Müller and Parfumeries like Douglas. Or else, you may purchase it online through amazon. It costs ca. €8 for 30 ml of product but price may vary depending on where you buy it. Also, depending on the country you live in you might also get various shade options.

FINAL VERDICT

All in all it's a very good foundation considering the coverage, application, quantity and price. I have been using it for my combination skin for about 2 months and have no complaints whatsoever. It is the foundation that I grab on daily basis and a little goes a long way as you need only a pump and half for an even skin tone. For anyone, who has a clean & clear skin and doesn't want to cake up their faces with heavy foundations, it's worth your attention. At the same time those with little imperfections might build up the foundation for better coverage without being looking cakey or artificial.

I hope this review will be helpful to some of you! I shall see you soon with a new product review and many more events. For updates subscribe to my blog, follow on facebook, instagram or via bloglovin'.

DIY: Easy Wall Decor

Hey you beautiful people out there,

Hope you all are doing great! I am also doing great and busy in decorating four walls of my new abode. And while thinking of new ideas which will not be pricey at all, I came up with this very easy DIY using a couple of beautiful greeting cards that were sent to our family on some occasions. 

This way we'll be able to cherish beautiful memories and would be able to do true justice to feelings of relatives and well wishers. And really, it turned out to be really fun idea.

SO here's my quick guide to make a simple yet attractive wall poster/frame. 

You'll require the following items:

• Cardboard
• Wrapping paper
• Greeting cards (5-6)
• Scissors
• Glue stick/fevicol

HOW TO MAKE:

1. First punch in the holes on the back of the cardboard and stuck in a decorative thread or lace through which you may want to hang on your frame.
2. Then cover the cardboard with wrapping paper. This is just to make a background a more pretty.
3. Place the greeting cards to make a pattern. It's perfectly OK if the cards doesn't fit the cardboard.
4. For this pattern, I have glued the cards only half-way on the board to make an unique uneven pattern.
5. Satisfied with the pattern, Glue your cards on to the wrapped cardboard. Make sure to glue the folds of the cards (in case of greeting cards)
6. Place a heavy flat object on the back side of the frame and leave it to dry for minimum of 30 minutes.

Hurray! Your wall decor frame is ready and is looking awesome. You may increase the length or width of the frame.

Unboxing: Glückskind dm-box

Hi everyone,

My very first post on this blog and what could have been the better way to flag off my blogger journey but to start with a my baby news.

Yup, I am a proud mother to my 10 month old "bundle of joy" son. Coming back to the topic...

During my pregnancy, I registered (online) myself with drugstores like Dm and Rossmann, here in Germany. It is kind of tradition here, that almost every drugstore and companies dealing with baby stuff like baby food, toys, clothing etc. offer their customers a chance to register themselves for their premium (baby bonus) programs. A part of these programs generally offer customers with free samples and gifts after the birth of the baby and from there on every couple of months or say developmental stages of the baby.

I also happen to receive my coupon after the birth of my baby for the "Glückskind" welcome box from drugstore dm.

And I am excited to share this box with you people as the contents of this box are quite useful and comes very handy for short travels. But before I come to the contents, I must say dm did a very good job in creating this box, which in the shape of a small suitcase/luggage bag. Everything from colour to the pattern on the box is so charming and matches perfectly to the bright and colourful baby's world.

So here's a look at the contents of this box.

• Babylove (dm's own brand) premium diapers in size mini (3-6 kg)
• Pampers sensitive baby wipes travel size containing 12 wipes
• Lansinoh breast-feeding pads (2 pieces)
• NUK pacifier ideal for babies up to 6 months
• Rotbäckchen Mama Eisen+ (iron syrup for mommies), 30 ml
• Weleda Granatapfel (pomegranate) Lotion,  20 ml
• Bübchen (Nestle's brand) Milk for babies, 50 ml
• Penaten (from house of Jhonson&Jhonson) multi-purpose cream for babies, 25 ml
• Sargotan hygien wipes
• Durex condom
• A big Coupon block ideal for all family members

On the whole, I find most of the contents are well suitable for babies-diaper bag or can be your companion for short journey's. The box in itself is made up off hardboard and can very-well be used to store your babies items. I use this box to store my babies first items- like his ultrasound photos, hand&foot imprints etc.. For us, It's a sweet-memory box and when my son grows up, we will gift him his first ever's. I am already getting goosebumps thinking about his reaction than but it's still a long way to go. Till them I will keep on collecting and storing his memories in this box.

At this point I thank, dm- drugstore for a such a pleasant welcome box. It's indeed a great effort. Keep up the good work! :-)

Subscribe to my blog for more updates!