Mumma, Love Yourself - A Survival Guide for All Mothers

Amidst all those mother-centric articles to rejoice Mother's Day, I settled on writing something that is a forgotten concern since forever and yet so vital. 

Having gone through motherhood myself and after watching many other women around, I can assert Motherhood is a constant hard work. We, the women, take great of ourselves during pregnancy because we know that it directly affects the little baby growing inside us by what we eat, drink and do. But once the baby is no longer a part of mother's body, women easily forget that there is a close association between a mother caring for herself and caring for her children (and family).

Why moms should take care of themselves?

Most women see a direct correlation between placing everyone else’s needs above their own needs each day and many of them even find it 'selfish' to take away time from kids and doing something exclusively for themselves. But I believe women are the center of the home and are worthy of self-care and respite. A mother who is well-rested, well-fed and mentally relaxed is far more equipped to be a 'better mother' than the ones who 'escape' doing these things.

With that in mind, let me suggest how moms may take care of themselves ...

Post delivery, it's a real joy to have visitors to congratulate you and meet the new born, but remind yourself to let someone else take care of all responsibilities to entertain guests and feel free to excuse yourself for a nap to comfort your body when needed. It certainly makes a big difference.

Go for easy but heartier meals when you are the one who has to cook and you don’t have energy for elaborate cooking. Avoid exhausting yourself due to long n stressed cooking times.

If you feel isolated and depressed being at home, avoid clinging to the TV or internet; plan a short meet up with close friends at your place to cheer yourself up.

Meditate, chant or pray for a few minutes every day for your mental well-being.

I understand it's almost impossible to spare an hour or so in one go with little ones in house. But you can certainly break your self-care habits into smaller chunks and do one each day. Spending a few minutes under shower to soothe, refresh and energize yourself is a great option. Make sure you use a gentle body wash for added detox and relaxation. I personally recommend Mama Earth Calming Body Wash that is enriched with goodness of Coconut based cleansers and Jojoba Oil to nourish your skin. The Allantoin & Vitamin E in the bodywash help skin to lock in moisture and promote healthy cell development thus preventing dull and sallow skin. Above all, I loved how instantly it uplifts my mood, lessens fatigue and promotes emotional wellness. 

While your new role as a mom takes up most of your time, do not ignore your skin looking dull due to stress and tiredness. Think about investing in a quality body lotion and spend a couple of minutes hydrating your skin. Mama Earth Nourishing Body Lotion comes handy in this situation for its protective, moisturizing and skin strengthening properties due to all-natural ingredients like Shea Butter & Cocoa butter and Jojoba Oil. The product is clinically tested in Europe, hypoallergenic and free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrances etc. This body lotion also forms a barrier to external irritants and prevents any skin problems like eczema.  

Getting back to shape and attaining that natural glow is a desire of every new mom. You may not be a makeup freak, but little time for quick beauty fixes need to be taken out for 'feel good' factor. Using a multi-functional product like Mama Earth C3 Face Mask is the key to flaunt brightened skin. It's a Charcoal, Coffee and Clay based mask with a boost of fruit extracts like papaya, mulberry and cucumber. The skin rejuvenation comes easily as the mask works towards curing irritated skin, inflammation, pimples, acne & other bothersome skin concerns. The mask has antioxidant properties which help remove toxins, unclog pores, even skin tone. Sounds promising ;)

Now, after talking at length about health and beauty concerns, I would strongly stress upon the point Do not expect to win any awards for checking off all the items on your long to-do list at home. Lighten your burden by eliminating unessential responsibilities and don't fall for praises at the cost of your health. Because moms need to take better care of themselves while taking care of their babies. Only when a mom is healthy and happy will the baby and family be happy. 

Celebrate  the spirit of motherhood by shouting out loud #MamaLoveYourself

Svayam Urad Daal Face Pack Review

I had written about Svayam oils few months back and totally loved each of the variant I tried. It's but obvious that once I like a few natural products from a brand, I'm keen to try more n more. So this time, I'll come up with few posts on skin care products including scrub and packs.

Today's post is about the all natural Urad Daal face pack that I've been sent to review by the brand a few weeks ago.

As the name suggests, the face pack has key ingredient Urad Daal with few others like Multani Mitti, Neem Leaves, Camphor.

It comes in a clear glass jar with screw cap. The jar is bit heavy and not easily portable along your travel essentials until transferring the product in a smaller container. I wish there was an inner lid as well inside the cap.

The face pack is a finely grained powder and depending on your skin type you may mix curd, milk, rose water or just plain water into it to turn it into a fine paste. I preferred adding spoonful of milk to treat my dry skin. The face pack doesn't come up as a smooth paste after mixing and resembles a home made ubtan from our kitchens.

Make a point to mix only required milk/curd, else it drips over your face and seems messy. But you can always thicken the paste by adding more face pack powder. While on face, the pack doesn't smell pleasant, but I totally like the brand's idea of NOT adding any artificial fragrance to maintain product authenticity. So I'm fine with its natural smell. After rinsing off the face pack, the skin feels instantly brightened up and you may retain the glow by adding the product in your regular skin care regimen.

A jar of 100 gms costs Rs 415 that pinches initially, but looking at the natural ingredients and chemical-free composition, one can overlook the cost for sure. You may order the product easily from online portals like Flipkart, Amazon, Shopclues etc. Also the per-usage quantity is really very less, so one jar goes a long way. The shelf life of the product is 2 months considering the natural ingredients used in the formula. 

The pack which I used is aimed to offer smooth skin and cure mild spots. The brand also sent me a sample pack of Neem face pack that works towards reduction of acne. But since I don't face acne issue ever, I've not personally used it on myself.

In short, these cruelty-free, chemical-free handcrafted Svayam products are worth investing in :)

My Real Mommy Vs Reel Mommy

Citing the examples of on-screen mothers and finding the closest match to my mom seemed easy to me when I decided to write about #MyFilmyMom, but brought back many episodes flashing instantly in front of my eyes that declared she is an iconic mom who blends certain characteristics of our fav Bollywood mothers.

Since the day I could remember, I've recognized a saree-clad humble woman as my mom who has inevitably essentialized what an Indian mother ought to look like. With her typical motherly features and prominent value system, my mom ideally exemplifies the Golden Era's mothers like Nirupa Roy and Waheeda Rehman.

Irrespective of the socio-economic class my family belonged to, my mom supported me despite all odds. Be it the matter of pretty dolls, frilly frocks or my higher education; she's been a key player in getting me all those without being asked. I would always feel mom has a supernatural power to read my eyes. And now when I live far away from her, she still catches up with my feelings over a phone call. That's the reason I lovingly sing to her "Tujhe Sab Hai Pata, Meri Maa."

Something what hurts me about her is that she’s the kind of mom who refrains from expressing any emotions. She loves her children to bits and stands by us when it’s most needed; but never shares her grief or worries with anyone. Her worrisome personality at times reminds me of SriDevi of English Vinglish who give up everything for the happiness of her children.

There has been no day in my life when I don't thank her from the core of my heart for allowing me tying a knot with my beloved despite it being an inter-cast alliance. Truly, the emotional weight of this divine relationship of mother-daughter got raised that day to infinite when she battled the society for my happiness and changed my fate for the 'better'. I honestly cannot ask for anything else being blessed to have a mom like her who stood like a pillar of strength in all my #BigSmall decisions. For me, she embodies a mother who believed in her kids beyond and above everything else... Just like sacrificing filmy moms Jaya Bachchan and Rakhee.

Mom & Me

On this Mothers' Day, I consider myself privileged since she plays the mom who every daughter dreams of having. To reiterate the emotional journey with my mom, I would love you all to meet my gracefully ageing mom who is the most selfless woman I have ever met...

Mom Dad

Do surprise your loving mom with a token of love, Visit Bigsmall.in for fantastic gift ideas.
This article is the entry for Mother's Day Bloggers Contest by Bigsmall.in, unique gift store in India.

Oriflame Flamboyant Privé Review - Fragrance For Men

Hey guys

Time for a new review for a manly fragrance from Oriflame...I got an opportunity to own Flamboyant Prive last month that actually turned out to be a perfect choice for the spring and summer months for its playful effect. Read below about the perfumery notes that made me like this fragrance very much. 

About Flamboyant:

A confident, unique fragrance for the man with a luxury lifestyle. Some men dream it, the flamboyant man lives it. Spicy scent of bergamot, mandarin with a wood mix and hints of salt accords of the sea.

Fragrance Composition:

The new fragrance opens with a citrusy blend of Bergamot and Mandarin along with sweet, juicy Fruity top notes. The heart/middle notes incorporates Sea Salt combined with Sea Air and Geranium, while the base closes the composition with Oak Moss, Vetiver and Musk.

Using Flamboyant Prive for the first time felt like it was transported to my favourite holiday destination enjoying a beach party and left me surrounded with a calming effect. I looked and felt like a happy soul sitting at my office desk on a crazy day and loved the fresh burst of this fragrance all the day long. Don't be surprised when I say, I've been guilty of distracting my colleagues with the potent scent. The interesting mix of Bergamot and Geranium in the fragrance worked as an ideal office wear scent. The traces of the scent stay on to give you a fresh n energized feeling the whole day.

Since warmer weather demanded a lighter approach to my signature scent, I thought of playing safe by replacing my heavy colognes that I usually sport during the colder months and mind you, it was a wise decision I made. This scent with its refined and balanced notes of Vetiver and Musk adds to my sporty, energetic side after a workout, during a movie show with family or while on a drive with friends. 

The musculine yet seductive appeal of a gentleman certainly gets wild when you wear Flamboyant's mysterious and dramatic fragrance to celebrate your love relationship. Every time you wear this scent, you experience an irresistible urge to indulge in its magic deeper. It's one of the most aggressive scent that I cannot take off. It's a charismatic accessory to instantly feel high-spirited.

I also liked the clear glass luxury yacht inspired poker chip embedded in bottle with the unique silver cap that looks appealing without any embellishment. 

I'm totally baffled by the overwhelming number of choices at the Oriflame Fragrance counter, but I bet these citrusy fragrances being the best of the lot give you the desired mood-lifting effect that you expect from them.

Some men dream it. The Flamboyant Man lives it. 

So what are you waiting for...

Order one for someone you love :) Available here at Rs 2299.

(Reviewed by: Amit)

Oriflame Essence&Co Lemon & Verbena Liquid Hand Soap - New Launch

A new addition to Oriflame's wide range of products is the Essence&Co. Recently, the brand launched a few skin care products in this new range and I was really to get my hands on it. I chose only one item i.e. Essence&Co Lemon & Verbena Liquid Hand Soap for this time and I can't wait to share my views on the same.

Product Info:

Vibrantly scented liquid hand soap infused with natural essential oils hydrates as it delicately perfumes skin with uplifting Lemon and Verbena. Luxurious, moisture-rich formulation is suitable for dry skin and gentle enough to use every day. Dermatologically tested.

Ingredients

Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Laureth-3, Parfum, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citric Acid, Citral, Linalool, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Hydroxycitronellal, Cupressus Sempervirens Oil, Sodium Citrate, Verbena Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ci 19140

This newly launched liquid hand soap won my admiration in the first sight because of its eye-catching packaging and blazing colour. 

The hand soap in fluorescent lemon colour looks superb in its transparent pump dispenser bottle. The screw cap on the bottle neck is in rose golden colour and bears brown pump over the top. The pump is smooth to operate and its much more hygienic option than the soap bars. 

The golden lettering on the label and the engraved words 'Essence&Co' on the bottle add to the overall classy look of the packaging. 

Once you apply a drop of liquid to wet hands and work into a lather, it'll make you feel instantly refreshing with its lovely fragrance. The zesty, citrusy scent of the hand soap can truly exhilarate anyone. The fragrance lingers on and on (for longer time than my expectation) and I really love smelling my hands repeatedly after every hand wash. The soap gets all kinds of dirt, oil, germs etc off my hands and cleanse effectively.

The hand soap is enriched with natural essential oils and is ideal for people who usually complaint about dry skin after using a soap...no stripping feeling indeed! What sets this hand soap apart is the botanical ingredients like Lemon & Verbena that gives any usual hand soap a super purifying boost. I confess that I felt like using this gentle formula on my face n body but controlled myself (Well, there are other products in this range specifically for body and face that I'll try soon) ;)

Oriflame Essence&Co Lemon Verbena Liquid Hand Soap is the best way to introduce some luxury into your everyday routine. I'm sure your guests won't leave without a special mention of this hand soap, if they get to use your washroom ;)

 Available here at Rs 499 (300 ml)

Oriflame Eco Beauty Face Cream Review (Product Code: 32199)

Indulge your skin with the best nature has to offer. Oriflame has sourced some of the finest natural and organic ingredients, with all vitamins and nutrients preserved, for naturally healthy and radiant skin and name it ECOBEAUTY.

About Ecobeauty:

This range consists of complete skin care package namely Cleaning Milk, Toner, Face Crea, Eye Cream and Serum. EcoBeauty is the most natural, ethical and environmentally responsible product range that the brand has ever created. All products are of natural or certified organic origin. Each Ecobeauty product contains two key ingredients that have been carefully selected for their unique effects on the skin. Because of the gentle extraction process, the essential vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids are kept intact.

I'm reviewing Ecobeauty Face Cream today. EcoBeauty Face Cream is certified by Fairtrade and it contains no silicons, mineral oils or synthetic fragrances and Paraben. 

Product claims:

Intensely hydrating cream nourishes your skin with Arctic Lingonberry and Sea Buckthorn Seed Oils. Infused with natural oils rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids to replenish skin. The result? Softer, smoother and brighter skin.

Ingredients:Lingonberry and Sea Buckthorn Seed Oils are rich in two fatty acids which the body cannot produce naturally. These fatty acids are essential to healthy skin and help hydrate skin. Lingonberry and Sea Buckthorn Seed Oils also contain Vitamin E, thus helping to offer antioxidant protection to your skin! So bid farewell to tired-looking eyes and say hello to a smoother, brighter skin with EcoBeauty Face Cream and Eye Cream.

Price: 1699 for 50 ml 

Ecobeauty cream comes in a handy pump dispenser bottle. The bottle has beautiful Lingonberry plant printed on it that is one of the key ingredients other than Sea Buckthorn. It's quite effortless to take out the product from bottle.

This white colored cream is actually a superfood for skin. The key ingredient Lingonberry seed oil extract used in the formula is loaded with vitamin C, provitamin A, B, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and Omega-3 fatty acids in great quantity. All of these are directly inflential for maintaining normal functions of skin cells. The regular use of the cream reduces skin sensitivity, and promotes tissue regeneration. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the cream works to soothe the skin irritation. The fatty acids present in the formula improve the appearance of the skin, reduce water loss and offers a more moist, less dry skin. Sea Buckthorn Seed extract has healing and rejuvenating effects on the skin and works like a great cleanser.

The cream is too light to absorb in a matter of few second of massage. There is no white cast or shine left behind. My skin is loving the light-textured cream so much. The fragrance is a mix of floral and woody which is nice to inhale and short-staying. Though the packaging mentions it as a Day Cream, I've incorporated it in my night time skin care regime too and it's doing really well that way.

In long run, Oriflame Eco Beauty Face Cream is sure to improve the health of skin by enhancing hydration and elasticity. 

Inspiring My Students Disney Style

I've completed 15 years of being in Teaching profession this month (on 7th April) and in all these years, I explored so many new skills that I never knew I had in me.

I've been designated the Wardenship for the first time in this new academic session and I'm expected to enforce certain rules and regulations at the institution. In this process, one of my responsibility was to motivate the students by putting up some thoughtful ideas on the bulletin board at the corridor passage from where the students walk towards their respective classrooms.

Till date, I had seen and admired many of my colleagues exhibiting best of thoughts on this board, but what I had in my mind was something distinct than those strenuous quotes by famous personalities which the students of tender age find hard to relate. This Monday, I put up my bulletin board on the theme Disney and I was so joyous to find many students taking a halt near the board, reading and going ahead with a smile.

The idea was to present the simple yet inspiring dialogues of our favourite Disney characters that each of us should live by. So sharing with you how my board looked like...

I'm still waiting for the feedback of Head of the Institution on my idea to motivate students indirectly instead of imposing them to rote learning. But feeling happy that it is liked by those for whom it was created ;)

How our kids are becoming the wind beneath our wings

For many of us, our dreams and aspirations tend to get buried because of our personal or professional responsibilities. I can attest to this as I have my own that were packed away and stored on a cupboard shelf for many years. My camera has been collecting dust for quite some time now as I put it away when motherhood became my priority. Other reasons like finances and time also played a vital role in its going into storage.

But sometimes Karma has a wonderful way of showing usthat we’ve not been forgotten and that we’ve done some good that will be repaid. It was my son who observed my secret obsession for photography and always admired my random clicks. He consistently complimented me on my pictures and unknowingly renewed my faith in my old hobby. My kids motivated me to brush up on my skills and also got me enrolled in an advanced photography course. I was amazed how much blind faith these kids had in me. Today, I can proudly say that my children helped me get back to my forgotten dream of photography.

After my kids did so much to ensure I was back on track with my DSLR, I started to notice similar encouraging cases with friends and family around me. While visiting a close friend recently I was surprised to find her house crammed with our neighborhood children, all engrossed in reading books. Naturally it piqued my curiosity and I was informed that it was my friend’s mother-in-law who had orchestrated the ‘event’. She explained that her mother-in-law always wanted to do something creative with children, but her financial situation didn’t permit and thus she opted for a more “traditional” desk-job that forced her to shelve her dream. I empathized with her.

Her children noticed how she loved to organise things for the kids in the building and made sure that it was always educational, as it was fun. She never did speak of her dream to work with kids, but noticing her actions and passion, her children continuously encouraged her to do more. With all the time on her hands post retirement, she started a small library in their home to which even her grandchildren contributed. She was apprehensive at first, feeling that supervising children might be a rather strenuous task, but her family didn’t let her quit. From making the right modifications to her diet to getting her to start brisk walks daily, they were by her side all the way. Soon she became a woman to reckon with inspiring a whole new generation of readers with a motto to #livenonstop.

Another instance of children supporting a rather unique dream of a parent was that of my uncle’s. On his 50th birthday, his children and wife gifted him a monogrammed music composition book as he announced he was taking up music as a hobby. He was quite surprised and overwhelmed with the wonderfully personalized and thoughtful gift. His perseverance toward his dream and his family’s support made it evident that keeping dreams alive is the key to ensure anyone can #livenonstop.

It may sound unlikely, but in these changing times, children are coming forward as staunch proponents of their parents’ ambitions. The world is definitely seeing a positive adaptation where children are introducing and exposing parents to various avenues of opportunity and success that they may have only dreamt of in their younger years.

As a parting thought, if your children care for your dreams, be thankful and proud that you raised such supportive individuals. And remember to #livenonstop without giving up till your dreams become a reality.

For more inspirational stories of people living nonstop, check out this interesting link. It will ensure that you’re inspired and motivated to fulfil those dreams you’ve neglected and #livenonstop.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd; however, the views shared in this article are my own.