Is Detox Water Good For You !

These days no conversation is complete without the inclusion of a few words like toxins, anti oxidants, detox, organic n so on......I call them "flavour of the season" words. And, they are rightly so, after every few months a new terminology makes it to your "conversation starter" list. Isn't it??? 

Most of my friends especially the ones who wants to lose a few pounds fast are on a new fad -The Detox Water.

Detox water

So, What Is Detox Water

As most of you are aware, we need to drink around 8 - 10 glasses of water each day to keep us hydrated as well as keep your vital organs healthy.  Here, You don't have to drink plain water but add "something" to it. It could be a fruit, vegetable, seeds, leaves etc depending on your choice. These adds flavours to plain water. Some people find it difficult to drink plain water and always reach for colas/juices/tea/coffee. Detox water are boon for such individuals. 

Also, water has immense benefits and adding vitamins and minerals rich fruits only adds to it. 

Benefits of Water

- Removes waste

- purifies blood

- strong immune system 

- healthy skin and hair

- balance PH

- helps in weight loss

Popular Infused/ Detox Water Recipes

- Lemon & Mint Water

This is the most popular infusion and is aptly called "king of detox water" . The major ingredients are mint and lemon. Lemon is abundant in vitamin C and adds zing to water whereas mint is cooling and refreshing. Lemon is also known for its "weight- loss" properties. Ginger helps relieves body aches, cramps and indigestion. It is anti inflammatory too.

Lemon Mint Detox Water

1 Litre Water
1 Lemon (sliced)
8-10 Mint Leaves
1 Tsp Ginger (grated)
Put all the ingredients together and let it stand overnight. Serve the next day.

- Cucumber Lemon Water

It is a classic recipe which is great in taste and is an ultimate detox drink. Cucumber are rich in fiber and water thus helps avoid water retention. Lemon as you know help flush out toxins.

1  Litre Water

1/2 Cucumber (sliced)

1  Lemon(sliced)

4-5 Mint leaves

Allow the ingredients to sit in for a couple of hours before serving.

- Fruity Detox Water

This delicious detox infusion has strawberries and oranges. Both Strawberry snd orange are full of vitamins. Strawberries are anti carcinogenic and anti ageing whereas oranges helps overcome nausea.

1 Litre Water

2 Strawberry (chopped)

1 Orange (sliced)

All ingredients should be allowed to sit for 3 - 4 hours atleast before drinking.

Favourite Combos

You can add fruits of your choice and make your very own detox water right in your kitchen. The popular combos are
Strawberry + Mint
Raspberry + Lime
Pineapple + Mint
Raspberry +Pineapple 
Grapes + Mint
Apple + cinnamon

Favourite Combos

Tough, it is debatable if these infusion aids in weight loss but they are full of flavours, tasty and even fulfills your water requirement. Next time when you are thirsty, rather than gulping down a calorie laden drink, go for these delectable delights.


pic - pinterest

A Black Affaire !!

Hey! My lovelies,

This is Valentine's week and most of you would be gearing up for the D-day in panache. Generally, Red is considered to be the colour of love and passion and so most of the girls prefer red. What to you like???

Well, we still have a few days for that....

Anyways, last week was pretty hectic with work but still managed to have a few fun moments with my girlies.....we went to The Chocolate Room, MGF Metropolitan, and literally had a blast. We overstuffed ourselves with chocolate and more chocolate. Else, how would you explain ordering dessert for starters, drinks, main course and ofcourse ! Desserts. Yup !😉

And, I do have a confession to make.....whenever I go out with my friends, We simply get so engrossed in talking, laughing and chilling out that we literally forget clicking pictures. So, you would not get to see the amazing delicacies we savoured !! Sorry😥

To make up for that I am sharing a new outfit post...no, not bribing
It's still windy and temperatures are still a bit low so another shot at #winterdressing ....have a look:)

Pic Credits - Mehak

Winter Blues { n Reds & Whites }

After a fairly pleasant December and the new year, winter woes hit us and hit really hard around the second week of Jan. The temperatures dipped to 11-12 degrees in the day and dived down to  single digit in the night #Dillikisardi ......

        All one wants in this time of the year, is to snuggle in the cosy bed with lots of books and cups of coffee #Blissful. And that's what I really did....

I haven't done an outfit post in the longest time and was missing the fun. I decided to do a shoot inspite of the chilly winds. Generally, we associated winters with dark hues and wear shades of black, navy, grey but for me winters is #RedandWhite. I love wearing white and those who have been following my blog knows my penchant for this exotic shade.

I wore a midi sweater dress in white which had a delicate pearl work with red stockings and my statement pumps in red, white and blue worn HERE earlier.  Also I accessorised it with the multi coloured neck piece and polka dotted bag worn HERE

Photo credits : Mehak

Review - The Jan Fab Bag

I have been a rather late entrant in the list of  The Fab Bag lovers. Yes! I got my first fab bag around six months back but I have been an ardent fan since then. The best part about a #thefabbag is that month after month they relentlessly come up with amazing products and offers. This month ie January fab bag is a fine example of that. Plus, the Jan pouch is just too cute....have a look and judge for yourself.

How cute it is !!! Isn't it ?

WHAT'S IN THE FAB BAG

The contents of the JAN FAB BAG

VOTRE FACE SERUM : Face serum is supposed to be this magnificent product which when applied helps brighten your face, adds glow and reduces the appearance of fine lines. VOTRE face serum is a concoction of jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil with lemon and licorice extract among others. It comes in a dark coloured bottle with a dropper reminiscent of medicine bottle ..hehe... It has a mild fragrance and instantly renders your skin a smooth texture. Absolutely love it. We get a 12ml bottle worth Rs 1670.

Votre Face Serum

 NATURALS BATH AND BODY
RED CLAY MASK : Red clay mask comes in a tube and has goodness of sandalwood. Most of the ingredients are natural and organic and is suitable for normal to oily skin. I used it the same day and my skin felt squeaky clean and soft. It comes in a 20 gm pack worth Rs 90 (full pack is Rs 450 for 100 gm).

Red clay mask

VIT E WHIPPED CREAM : Loaded with the goodness of Vit E and a combo of coconut oil, argan oil and sweet almond oil, this cream has a fluffy texture. It has a pleasant smell and is easily absorbable. Comes in a 15 gm pack for 85 (full pack is Rs 275 for 50 gm).

Light and fluffy whipped cream

LA ROCHE POSAY SENSI WHITE ESSENCE : This product is especially meant for Asian skin and is indicated to reduce pigmentation, dull or uneven skin and dark spots. It comes from the stable of L'Oreal making it credible. It is in a 3 ml tube (Rs 2650 for 30 ml).

Whitening Essence

ITAL VELOCE FINE FRAGRANCE : Mist - Chii town blushes. A 12 ml pack of mist is a part of the Jan fab bag. It is like any regular mist, having a flowery smell (full pack is Rs 499 for 210 ml).

Blush coloured Mist

BE A BOMBSHELL - THE ONE STICK :THE HOTTNESS : I opted for this thick lipstick from a range of products given. It comes in bright red and has smooth gliding texture. The only flaw is its too thick to be applied as it is and a brush would be required for perfect application. It comes in full size and is priced at Rs 1300.

The thick lipstick 

 

All in all, the bag is a winner. The best part about #thefabbag is that you can try new products at nominal cost. 
All in all, a great buy.

Book Review - Ramayana The Game Of Life : Stolen Hope

                      "Real beauty awakens love in every heart and envy in none" *

Ramayana The Game of Life : Stolen Hope is the third book of the six book series by author Shubha Vilas.  I must confess I haven't read the first two titles of the series namely "The Rise Of Sun Prince" and "Shattered Dreams". But, it doesn't forbid me from savouring this literary masterpiece

                         
               "when hope is the launch pad, even a blind man can soar to the moon. Transcending personal defects become a cinch when hope is in vicinity" *

Ramayana is the greatest Epic in the world and has been written infinite times. It  had been my favourite bed time story, which my grand mother sincerely narrated every day for years. Though, I loved listening to it as a child but to be honest it's still the same old story. Why did the author think there was a need for it to be retold again? 

                               "Within every big lie is hidden a small truth. Unlocking the many mysteries locked within our hearts require the key of compassion or hammer of troubles" *

You read the book and you get a the answer "yes", there was a need to rewrite it to suit the taste of this generation. This new series of book, takes you through the life of Lord Rama in the forest of Dandakaranya, during his years of exile. It reveals the tale of love between Rama and Sita, the bond of trust and respect between Ram and Lakshmana and Ravana's eternal quest for power. It also entails  captivating stories about sage Agastya.

                                          "Responsibility is not a choice it's an honor"*

The book gives a synopsis of the life of the trio in the forest. It covers their life in exile, well almost (13years). From the time the set their foot in the forest of Dandakaranya to Sita's abduction in Janasthana. Also, not only does it gives an insight about Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana but also about Ravana, his brothers Khara - Dushana and sister Suprankha. It reveals so many little known facts that most of us may never have known. Like how attractive Ravana looked or him being a connoisseur of beauty or women being his weakness. All most of us knew was Ravana was a powerful rakshasha king of Lanka and a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

 Another noteworthy thing was the character of Bharata, for living a life of atrocities and devoid of luxuries to be at par with Rama, who was living a austere life in exile. 

              "What inspired Bharata to not allow his self discipline to change into self pity was that instead of focussing on his inconveniences, he chose to empathize with Rama's miseries"*

Contrary to what we think, Sita is happy about her life in Dandakaranya as it gave her an opportunity to be in close proximity to Rama which would not have been the case, had they been in Ayodhya because of his administrative responsiblity. Rama showered Sita with love, care and abundant time.

                         "The best Experiences of love are obtained not by waiting to express it on the right day but by making routine expressions of love daily "*

The book takes inspiration from Valmiki's Ramayana and stays true to it. For example Lakshmana Rekha was not a part of Valmiki's Ramayana and the author has refrained from writing it here. This concept was a part of  the latter versions of Ramayana.

      "when latent power changes into active power latent desires to control turn into active ones" *

The narrative is enticing and fascinating. The moment you lay your hands on the book, you are hooked. It was like watching a blockbuster.....each event is described wonderfully and remains etched in your memory. Rama's rendezvous with Surpanakha and the war with Rakshasas Khara and Dushana is intriguing. Each character is written beautifully and importance is given to minute details.
The author has taken great pains to present the book in such a manner as to appeal to all age groups.The writing is simple and lucid and easily understandable.The cover page of "Stolen Hope" is extremely appealing with a gorgeous looking Lord Rama arching his Bow and a Giant Jatayu.

And the highlight of the book were the footnotes!  These were little pieces written at the end of each page that offered detailed view of the above said lines. They were like pearls of wisdom .

                                     "Life often leaves you with limited options. Often the choice is between limited happiness and limitless void" *

This book is definitely a food for thought and leaves you yearning for more. This book is one such book which you would want to read again and each time you learn something new from it. A collectors delight.
It is a must read.....double thumbs up!!!
Star rating - 4.5/5

         "Excellence is a by products of persistently choosing quality over quantity" *

* refers to footnotes from the book.

    This review is a part of the biggest  book review program  for Indian blogger. Participate now to get free books.                                                                                                                                       

Happy New Year !

Hey!! A very Happy New Year to all my lovely readers ! How did you guys ushered in 2016....... I Celebrated with my family.

2015 had been a real "special" year for me, a life changer of sorts. I did a lot of stuff, I had been wanting to do since ages. Being regular with my blogging being the first. Last year around April, I restarted my blog and it has been the best decision of my life. Writing is therapeutic to me, like meditation. I wrote a whopping 74 Blogpost in 2015, which is a big personal achievement for me. Being regular with my writing has not only improved my ranking on various blogging platforms, But I have even been nominated as one of the top bloggers of the country. Touchwood.

I attended quite a few bloggers meets and events and met some really fun loving, talented and passsionate bloggers. It was a privilege to have met such stupendous bunch of people. This has helped me broaden my horizon.

I entered the unexplored foray of "Event Management", and hosted a Christmas carnival named "Santa comes to town". It has been a great learning experience for me though very frustrating and tiring at times. After a successful first attempt, I am planning to take it forward in a big way.

Also, I attended a party sometime back where I experimented yet again. I draped my Saree in Maharashtrian style and added a head band to give it a Retro edge. I call this look "Disco Lavani", Lavani being the traditional folk dance of Maharashtra.

Have a look and let me know, what you feel about it.......I am all ears!!!

10 Products To A Younger You

10 Best Products That Will Make You Look Younger

Women always want to look young and beautiful. Even after reaching 40’s they strive to make themselves look younger because they fear to see themselves getting aged. They rely on parlors, and a lot of anti-aging products that they think can help them in resolving their dilemma on getting older.

A lot of products are available in the market that can help you in making you good and beautiful; that can hide your flaws to an extent. Here is a list of products that will make you look younger instantly. Check them out and start using now so that you will still look in your 20’s even after reaching even 40’s!

Face Scrub

Your face is likely to get a little of patches, wrinkles and other signs of aging while you cross your 30. These might ignite your concern about getting aged. Use face scrub once in three days to make sure that wrinkles and dead cells do not create a fuss on your face.

Facial Mask

Facial masks are good to tighten your skin, making it firmer and glowing. It helps to make your skin look younger and visibly fairer as the facial ingredients will have the ability to lighten your melanin and it will make you look younger as well.

Blush

Blush is something that is inevitable when it comes to makeup. It helps you to look a little more beautiful if you highlight your cheekbone with soft colors so that it will look natural on your skin. Buy blush at affordable rates. Buy makeup online via Snapdeal using coupons.

Foot Scrub

Not only your face but your feet also play a key role in making you look younger. Use any branded foot cream scrub to remove the dead cells and to polish your skin. It will also help in preventing cracked heels.

Teeth Whitener

A smile is very important to make you look beautiful. And what if you don’t have white teeth but a yellowish one? You will never smile or will hesitate to smile whole-heartedly. With age, you are likely to lose the whiteness of your teeth. So it is better to use teeth whitener. White teeth can make you look beautifully younger!

Eyeliner

Wrinkled or swollen eyes do leave an impact on your age undoubtedly. So make sure that your eyes are always lively, enhance its beauty with eyeliners and mascaras. They can do magic on your eyes, making it look more wide and beautiful. These will impact on your age as well.

Skin Renewal Firming Cream

As you become aged, the firmness of your skin will be lost, and then you will start getting wrinkles and dark patches that will make you look older. A skin renewal and firming cream is a great product to use so that your skin gets more firm and you will look younger.

Fragrance

Fragrance too plays a great role in making you look younger. The smell of your perfume will denote your age. If you are using a very subtle fragrance, then people might doubt you for an aged woman, and if you are using some cool fragrances that have a tinge of citrus smell, it will apparently make others feel like you are ten years younger to what you are! Check perfume for women online at Flipkart to get them at discounted prices.

Hair Protector

Grey hair is a great tension when women cross their 30’s. Too much exposure of your hair in the sunlight will give you a lot of grey hairs, and it will make you look aged as well. So, it is important to use a good hair protector that can help your hair look smoother, shine, thicker and black.

Illuminating Foundation

Once you feel that your skin isn’t doing good, work on it. Use products that can do wonders on your skin, to make you look younger. The illuminating foundation will

illuminate your skin. Make sure that you use warm colors on the skin so that you do not overdo your look.