Products Curated With Love - Shopped from Qtrove.com

A new home, when you move into it, deserves your love and undivided attention just like a newly embraced relationship. The euphoric feelings that I experienced on this big purchase have been so novel to me. Since last one n half month, my eyes are only looking at home decor items everywhere I go and I'm leaving no chance unattempted to grab one or two exclusive items from best marketplaces. Now, not just the local markets are under my scanner, but I'm hunting online portals as well to pick unique home decoration products that are a mix of antiques, metal crafts, wall decor, lamps, candles, clocks, paintings etc.

So 'what new stuff I purchased and from where' is the story for today ;) 

It's an interesting web portal Qtrove.com which I found catchy for its eye-pleasing layout firstly. There is a judicious exhibit of array of products on the portal including gifting options, accessories, home decor, food and drinks, bath and body essentials and some pet care stuff too. All these products are handpicked from choicest vendors nationwide who are committed to deliver quality stuff to customers.

I loved the fact that this portal retails in best of handmade and sustainable products coming from skilled artisans. Without any further delay, I clicked on Home Decor section,I found it divided quite wisely into sub-categories namely Living Room, Kitchen, Garden etc. so that one can directly check out products needed for specific space in the home. I landed on a page showing handmade clocks and my eyes sparkled bright to find that my heart desired. I ordered a stunning hand painted wall clock to enrich the look of a plain wall in my drawing room. 

The black, circular clock looks classy with few swarowski stones on its diameter.

The neatly done painting work in golden and white color combination looks prominent on the black background :)

Also, there is a special section called '199 Trove' that lists products priced below 200 bucks means you may get almost every kind of item at a price as low as Rs. 40 onwards. I felt irresistibly attracted to natural bath n body products as usual and chose to buy a set of three Kashmiri Saffron Soaps which are good for my dry skin type.

 

There is nominal shipping charges for each order which actually doesn't bother. One can choose to make the order prepaid or can opt for COD option, as per suitability. I'm overall delighted with both the products bought from Qtrove and would recommend you all to enjoy shopping some handmade, upcycled products from them :)

Last, but not the least, I loved this cute card that is sent to thank the customers for supporting local craftsmen <3

You may use the code BLOGSB20 to avail a 20% discount for your first online paid order worth more than Rs 300 till the end of November.

Newly Launched Aster Luxury Soaps (Coconut and Turmeric) - Product Review

Aster Luxury Soaps, that I've been using since many months, has got some new launches recently and lucky me got to try two of the new variants few days back. So here is a word about the two
I got the soaps in Coconut and Turmeric variants.

So, starting talking about the packaging transformation that the Aster soaps have got. Earlier, the soaps used to be wrapped in a thin transparent plastic sheet soap by the brand, but this time the new soaps have come packed in a black non-glossy recyclable paper with beautiful golden floral motifs printed on it. The labelling on either side has got flavour name, weight, ingredients, price etc. printed on it.

The soap bar inside the outer cover is wrapped in disposable non-sticky paper similar to baking sheets. Overall, the packaging has taken a classy avatar now which looks go glam.

These handmade soap bars are made of 100% natural ingredients, paraben free, cruelty free and are not tested on animals. The turmeric soap is semi-opaque while the coconut soap is non-opaque. The scent in the coconut soap is so close to natural coconut fragrance that I cannot help myself smell it again n  again. The turmeric soap, on the other hand, is mildly scented. The fragrance doesn't linger on for long but makes you feel really fresh after bath. The fluffy lather coming out of the soap is easy to rinse off and doesn't leave the skin greasy.

The soaps are destined to improve condition of skin as turmeric is one of the best known antiseptic, while coconut soap has anti-oxidants properties.

People whose skin is prone to infections are advised to try turmeric soap to promote skin's tolerance. I've been bathing my son with this soap for more than a week now as his skin is sensitive for insect bites and the turmeric soap speeds up healing without causing him inflammation due to its antibacterial properties.

Coconut Soap is excellent to relieve the skin from itchiness, redness and irritation arising due to rashes that is personally observed by me on my skin. I'm lovingly using this milky white, humble-looking soap bar these days.

The soaps are safe to use on sensitive skin also since these are preservative free and work gently on any skin type. When a natural soap enriched with such ingredients is used on skin, its a way to ensure no loss of skin elasticity and reap great benefits like hydrated, soft skin. As the cold winds are already being experienced, I bet these luxurious soaps can help you keep the occasional dryness at the bay during upcoming winter months too.

All in all, both of these soaps are the storehouse of multitude of beneficial characteristics that our skin deserves. If you are look out for a great cleansing bar that is not harsh and loaded with harmful chemicals, then these Aster Luxury Soap Bars are worth giving a try.

Each of the soap bars weighs 125 gm and is priced at Rs. 200 each. The shelf life of the soaps is 24 months from the date of mfg. You may buy these from Flipkart or Amazon for yourself or can order the soap gift packs for your loved ones :)

Triple Diwali Dhamaka giveaway with my favourite bloggers! (Closed)

Hey guys,

The festival of light and delicious mithai is right around the corner and we (Khushboo, Jhilmil and myself) would love to celebrate it with you guys by giving away 3 awesome Diwali hampers containing make up, beauty, skin care products and jewellery, too.

You can win these for yourself by following these simple rules.

Mandatory Rules:

1. Subscribe these blogs via email:

http://maliveandkicking.blogspot.in

http://www.jhilmildsaha.com

http://munniofalltrades.blogspot.in

2. Follow on Facebook :

Alive n Kicking

Beauty & Beyond

Munni of All Trades

3. Follow on Twitter:

@artisanme79

@jhilmildsaha

@kbmotihar

4. Follow on Instagram:

@shilpabindlish

@jhilmildsaha

@munniofalltrades

5. Share this contest with above contest picture on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tagging atleast five friends and use the hashtag #TripleDiwaliDhamaka across platforms. It will help us track your entries!

6. Leave your profile/user name used on all three platforms for playing the contest and your email id for verification of your entry.

Optional Rule:Leave comments on blog posts of any or all three blogs of your choice during the contest period.

Remember, the more you comment n share, the better are your chances of winning!

And now the time to reveal the prizes... There will be 3 winners picked on the basis of active participation (no gift preferences will be entertained).

The gift hamper sponsored by Munni of All Trades will contain

Vivid Blush Lacquer 

Anti Tan Facial Kit 

Kronokare lotion 

VWash wipes 

 The gift hamper sponsored by Beauty & Beyond will contain

L'Oreal Moist Matte 

Pond's BB Cream 

VLCC Enchanting Eyes kohl in Green

VLCC Enchanting Eyes kohl in Blue

The gift hamper sponsored by Alive n Kicking will contain

Loreal Paris Shine Caresse in Shade Bella (604)

VLCC Enchanting Eyes kohl in Blue

Kleancolor Trendy Nail Art Strip 

Necklace Set

The contest will run from 16th Oct to 31 Oct. 2016 and is valid for any male or female residing in India only. That's it! All the above rules are compulsory to be eligible for the contest. So let's begin the fun !!

Have a Happy and Safe Diwali to one and all from three of us :)

IHA Skin Rejuvenating Facial Therapy for Wrinkle Lift - Product Review

Hi folks

IHA Vedic, a famed Ayurvedic brand for personal care products launched some new products some time back and I got to try few of the newly introduced items. Last month, I did a detailed review post on Complexion Smoothing Facial Therapy that has been showcasing as one of the most popular post on my blog :)

Today I'm giving my opinion on another similar facial therapy combo from the brand that addresses concerns like fine lines, premature wrinkles, age spots etc that can make anyone unhappy about the skin's health. The product is named Skin Rejuvenation Facial Therapy.

This facial therapy is a combo pack of 5 products which are to be applied in given order-

1. Yazas- Facial Cleanser
2. Ozas - Facial Scrub
3. Shreyaz - Massage Cream
4. Tezas - Face Mask

5. Rejuvena - Anti wrinkle Cream

If you are planning to get your facial done at home, I would recommend starting with a nice steam for the face. The warmth of the steam causes your face to sweat, opens the pores and softens the surface of skin. It increases blood circulation as well. While using the IHA Skin Rejuvenation Facial Therapy pack, I began with applying the gentle cleanser Yazas that is shiny white cream with pleasant but bit strong fragrance. It's made up of Neem, Lemon, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Indian Basil etc. The cream looks thicker than usual cleansers but spreads easily as you massage on skin. The cleanser doesn't lathers and is completely soap-free. It removes excess oil, makeup, dirt and debris that could have been trapped in pores and cleanses the face deeply. The cleanser requires thorough massage to rinse off.

Follow the exfoliation step using ayurvedic scrub Ozas after cleansing has been done. This humble scrub contains micro granules of walnut generously mixed into product including other ingredients like Red Sandalwood, Indian Madder, Mango Ginger, Indian Drumstick, Saffron etc. The scrub has moderate consistency to dissolve easily over the skin surface. A tiny scoop of the product work up to loosen the dead skin accumulation. You may concentrate more on the areas of concern to remove blackheads or whiteheads but avoid being very firm if your skin is acne-affected else you will end up worsen the acne scar. It's enough to scrub your face once a week for getting plump and smooth skin.

When the top layer of the skin feels unclogged and is free from dead skin, give it a good massage using a nourishing cream. This combo pack comes with massage cream Shreyaz that aims at replenishing skin moisture and promoting even-toned skin. The cream has light milky fragrance and gives cool effect to the skin. It penetrates easily and immediately without much effort. Loaded with natural actives like Pink Lotus, Mustard, Aloe Vera, Indian Madder and many more; the cream treats the skin to improve skin's elasticity and brings out healthy glow.

Don't forget to give your face a quick lift using an effective face mask formulated with precious herbs like Tezas mask. It uses Sweet Cherry, Licorice, Gotukola, Drumstick tree extract , Fenugreek etc. Keep a thick layer of mask on the face for 10-15 minutes to fight problems like dry and rough skin, pigmentation etc. I don't know why but its fragrance resembles a lot to Jasmine flower which I liked a lot. The brown creamy mask is easy to apply being a cream and requires no mixing up with any plain water/ milk/ rose water etc unlike powdered masks which I find a hassle to use.

Complete your home facial with an anti-wrinkle massage cream Rejuvena. Just apply a thin layer of cream all over the face and neck, massage gently in light strokes and forget. This cream is meant to be left on the skin and not to be rinsed off to avail maximum benefit. This can be used as a night treatment cream every night before you go to bed to reap the ultimate effect.

This combo pack is also a good gift option for your friends or loved ones, especially females or anyone else who is craving for youthful glow this festive season.

The product is priced at Rs. 500.

Once you are committed to the skin-care routine religiously, many of the skin concerns would bid you goodbye and leave you happier within healthy skin.

Unlikely Friendship that changed my life

A lot of people would acclaim that life is incomplete without friends or friendship. But a person who doesn't smile much and walks with long face most of the time doesn't actually deserve to indulge in merriment of friendship. Today, I know that real friendship has that life changing power; but this realization never touched my heart back in 90's during my college days. I would have attended almost cent-percent of my graduation lectures, because making friends and enjoying with them was just a waste of time for me. My classmates would not dare to interact with an 'unsocial and unspirited' person like me. The elements of happiness, blissfulness and ecstasy almost eloped from my life; and poor me could never open my eyes towards the reason why disappointment would blanket me all the time. 

But the fascinating tale of the magical relationship of friendship started during the last phase of my college days when a bunch of my classmates including me co-incidently got common place to work for our training. As usual, I had been pretty nervous, lacking all the self-confidence anticipating things that would never occur. 

Standing in front of office building on the very first day of training punctually on time boosted my morale and I bucked myself up. But the moment I stepped in the office, my confidence evaporated as I found myself so awfully outdated dressed in desi style among the western-cultured tip-top staff. I could not gather courage to punch-in my arrival signatures and stood there muddle-headed for few minutes that seemed longer than life. Everything else flashed in my mind when a familiar voice called my name and touched my shoulder from back. With terrible sadness in my eyes, as I turned back to find my classmate 'Jyoti', she gave me a warm handshake with a big smile on her face and almost wrapped me in her arms congratulating me for grabbing a great opportunity to work at one of the best industry in the town. I swear I can not thank her ever for 'giving' me one of her smile that day which I reciprocated with one of my best smiles full of real gratitude. This was the first 'tiny conversation' that sowed the seeds of 'friendship' between two of us. I started believing that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give to someone. 

Many a times, she would fill up my dull world with her chirpy conversation about cute girly things and I felt being alive. She would occasionally bring self-cooked dishes to office when she experimented with the most tasteless stuff and would look into my eyes with so much of hope for appreciation. I used to burst into laughter when looking at my expression she would judge the yucky tatse of her dish and would say "arre yaar, bas iss baar thoda thik nahi bana, tu dekhna agli baar ungliyaan chaat ti reh jayegi." Being with a bubbly, jovial friend for many hours every day for almost six month transformed my personality in such a way that my family couldn't help giving the whole credit to Jyoti. She gave a simple but beautiful reply and her words always echo in my heart that "God puts us all in each other’s lives to impact one another in some way. And the kindest of people come in our life as true friends."

I owe my friendly and positive attitude to this girl who gave a meaning to my life. I call her my 'ready-reckoner' coz she won't mind giving me immediate solution to any problem. Our friendship is anew and afresh after more than 15 years now and we have faith to lift up each other's spirits no matter what may come.

I really feel moved when come across stories of 'Friendship' and this is why I'm setting my clock for 8th October at 8 PM to watch Yaaron Ki Baraat on Zee TV that brings together two living legends of Indian cinema Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha for the very first time on a television chat show.

Lets Celebrate friendship with #YaaronKiBaarat

Disney Themed Kids Products From Biotique - Product Review

Hello everyone

Today I'm introducing a popular ayurvedic brand on my blog that is known for offering authentic and 100% vegetarian skin care, hair care and wellness products for men, women and kids of all age groups. The name Biotique is not new to those who pamper themselves with organic products.

At Biotique, hybrid plant and plant extracts are combined with biotechnology to produce highly effective products. All their products are designed, manufactured and packed by qualified Ayurveda Doctors, Swiss Cosmetologists and Dermatologists since last 25 years.

Recently, the brand partnered with Disney India and launched a special range of preservative-free, organically-pure products for kids and babies. I was sent a mix of the complete range for my child including Bio Berry Body Wash, Apple Twist Shampoo, Honey Sunshine Nourishing Lotion and Bio Almond Oil. 

Since all the products are especially created for our little ones, not only the mild formulation is kept in mind, but also the packaging is done in catchy color theme. The body wash and massage oil are packed in sleek cylindrical plastic bottles, while the shampoo and body lotion are packed in flattened plastic bottles. Both the types of bottles have convenient opening to take the product out. The quality of bottle material is undoubtedly one of best in the line.

You can't avoid noticing the cute compelling characters inspired from Disney stories printed on each of the product labels viz. Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Micky Mouse, Lightning McQueen that kids would surely adore :)

After having the first hand experience of all these 100% natural products for more than a fortnight, here is an exclusive review:

Bio Almond Massage Oil:

Massage is the time when mommies get to strengthen their affectionate bond with their babies. An good massage oil and motherly touch make an excellent combination. Biotique's Almond massage oil is one of the best choices to use on babies because it is an outstanding blend of many oils like Kusumbhi Oil, Neem Oil, Soya oil, Erandi oil, Sunflower oil, Sesame Oil and Almond Oil. This concoction makes oil naturally rich in emollients and pure enough for baby skin. This gentle oil is thin, non-sticky and light on skin to help it absorb easily. The mild, sweet scent of the oil is absolutely non-irritant for baby as well as mother. The faint golden yellow color doesn't transfer onto baby sheets or clothes. Its quite effective to improve skin's condition by curing scaly rashes or dry flaky skin etc. 

Price: 150/- for 200 ml.

Bio Berry Body Wash:

This is a refreshingly smelling, neutral colored liquid in moderately thick consistency and contains Banhaldi, Tesu, Neem, Gajar, Ritha, Madhu and Ghrit Kumari as the key ingredients. The mommies can pour in required quantity in baby's bathtub or can use a soft, wet washcloth to rub the product on skin while bathing the baby. It's a rich-lathering, but an ultra-mild cleanser for your baby’s delicate skin that leaves the skin soft, smooth and moisturized.

Price: 180/- for 200 ml. 

Apple Twist Shampoo:

Removal of dirt, sweat, dust particles and oil from hair and scalp of baby's scalp should be done with an extra-tender shampoo. Biotique's Apple Twist Shampoo is a 100% soap free shampoo. Its a natural blend of pure green apple extract, sea algae and centella to cleanse delicate hair and scalp of the baby without causing dryness. It doesn't sting or irritate baby’s eyes. It boasts of being pH balanced, no-tear formula. I personally loved its invigorating green color and fruity scent very much ;)

Price: 175/- for 200 ml. 

Honey Sunshine Body Lotion:

There are occasions when you may want to provide your baby's skin a nourishing layer of hydration any time of the day (other than bathing time) to maintain the suppleness of the skin. A body lotion comes handy in such situation to keep dryness at bay. Honey Sunshine body lotion made from choicest ingredients like Ghrit Kumari, Methi, Madhu, Ankurit Gehun, Kusumbhi Tail, Moongphali Tail nurtures baby's skin with all natural botanicals extracts. Its a great product to include in night time baby care routine. It has efficacy to make skin look healthy and glowing without being greasy. It's soothing fragrance lingers on for some time and keeps the baby smelling nice.

Price: 280/- for 190 ml. 

There are many other products in Biotique Baby and Kids line and the entire Disney product range is available on Amazon, FirstCry, Nykaa, eBay etc. to order online. So give your kids an engaging bath time with these organic, chemical free products.

Rocking The Trend in #TheVanca Slimfit Jumpsuit

Whether your mood is to hang out with friends or you want to go for a date with your love, you can always make a statement with a stunning jumpsuit. 

A few days back, a well-packed parcel arrived my doorstep labelled The Vanca and what I got inside was a chic jumpsuit which won my heart in the first glimpse.

Obviously, I wanted to rock the dress and I got a chance to wear it yesterday for a weekend outing after so long :)

 The top of this poly-crepe jumpsuit overlaps beautifully in the front, embracing the feminine beauty while keeping it as sassy as one may want to. The half-collar band 

The neckline of the jumpsuit with half collar band gave the dress a much elegant look. I'm so glad about the excellent cut & stitch of the outfit that got me slip in the jumpsuit perfectly as if tailored exclusively for me. 

I'm not an admirer of wide-legged dresses usually and I loved how the fall and flare of its pants gave my lower body a curvy shape. The proportionate cut of the outfit is elongating my body so precisely.

The color combination of the jumpsuit is my next favourite to monochromatic tones as navy blue closely equates black and raises appeal of the outfit.

You can either achieve a breezy, street style look instantly or can go glam for fancy events when paired with right accessories. I've kept my accessories limited to a floral statement necklace and a classy wrist watch to create a very put-together look. And keeping my hair straight down certainly calls attention to my face like always ;) 

And yes! I can visualize myself layering this chic jumpsuit with either a contrasting blazer, leather jacket or just a shirt to give it an edgy vibe and make myself look dressed for the fall. No surprise that I'll try an easy-going fall-winter look for some special occasion coming up this season!

So the trick is to 'look timeless in no time with a functional one-piece jumpsuit' <3