Hi all, it's been so long to get back to blogging. I had been busy shifting from Germany to Bangalore. Yayy finally in India now, so happy to be back to my home town as I missed our language in Germany. I struggled with the difficult German language a bit there yet Germany was nice to me though. I am excited to let you all know that I'll be sharing my trip experiences very soon(Germany, Paris, Prague, Switzerland, UK, Thailand etc).

Today Iam gonna share kinjal pulusu as it is called in Telugu. This is my favorite gravy passed on from my mom's kitchen. In Tamil they call it as kathirikai kaaramani kuzhambu. This is made with black eyed pea(it's as good as our black eyed peas pop😜)and brinjal(small ones) along with Indian spices. I'll now list down the ingredients necessary. 

Ingredients:

Black eyes pea (2 hands full)

Brinjal Indian variety(small ones from any Indian grocery store)-4 to 5

Cumin seeds-1tsp 

Garlic pods around 7 to 8 

Onion-1

Tomato -1

Turmeric powder 1tsp

Coriander powder 2Tsp

Chilli powder 1stp

Tamarind juice quarter cup

Coconut fresh or frozen thick paste(ground into fine paste-1/2 cup)

Sunflower oil-2 tsp 

Mustard seeds-1 tsp 

Hing/asafotida-1/2 tsp

Curry leaves a few

Coriander leaves a few

Procedure:  

The cooking gets easier if the black eyed pea are soaked in water for about half an hour to one hour in a pressure cooker, add in 7 to 8 garlic pods if they are small and limit them to 3 or 4 if they are strong and large. Next cumin seeds, one chopped onion, one chopped tomato and 1tsp of turmeric powder has to be added along with the required amount of water. 

Now pressure cook all of it for about 2 whistles. Once the steam is down open up and give it a quick mix. It's time to add in our delicious brinjal cut into small pieces, let it cook well in the gravy.  When the mixture comes to a quick boil add in one tsp of chili powder and 2Tsp of corriander powder. 

After about 5 to 7 minutes of boiling add in the tamarind extract or juice to the boiling mixture, let it boil for another 4 minutes. It's time to add in our coconut paste and let the gravy boil for another 5 minutes. We are just one step away from our final tasty gravy and that step is tadka. Take a small Kadai or a vessel, add a tsp of oil then mustard seeds, after they splutter add asafotida and Curry leaves. 

 

At the end for any Indian gravy the corriander leaves is a must for enhancing the flavor and taste.  Take a bowl, serve rice and the awesome kinjal or ginjal or kathirikai kaaramani kuzhambu on it and enjoy your meal. For any queries please post it in the comments below, I'll respond as quick as possible. If you liked my recipe please do post your comments below. I am eagerly waiting to hear from you. 

Left- Right : Pink lolita, Tangerine pop, Pink guava, Vaseline rosy lips, bebe young care, Neutrogena 

Hi all !! How's life ? Sorry for the disappearance. I promise you all I will be blogging frequently from now on. I missed blogging. By the way I have so much to share with you friends. All the ghost make up includes cracked lips but then why to have it in our everyday face ? Lets get to know more about chap sticks and get rid of those ghost lips.

When i was in my teens.

Dad: Which is your favourite color ?

Me: Pink !!

Now,

Dad: Pink dress right ?

Me: Pink is girly.. Yellow is Happy color.. Green is pleasant..

 Dad: Sigh! Which one do you want ?

Me: One in each color :D

Dad: :O

Likewise my first tinted lip balm was in pink color then i kept changing.

Maybelline lip balm

Maybelline baby lips Pink Lolita :

Tangerine pop & Pink Lolita

My favorite lip balm This is one of those lip balms which replaces lipstick. Such pretty rosy pink shade which has hints of berry to it. Will look good on every skin tone. This makes lips soft and little shiny. I won't say it heels badly cracked lips but does a good job of keeping lips soft once applied. It stays on the lips for 4-5 hours. When I wear this my friends question me about this. So I recommend this one to all. We won't regret buying this one.

Price: Rs.165

Maybelline baby lip Tangerine pop

This is the second generation of baby lips -Bright new collection range. Tangerine pop is coral orange shade. This one looks very very pretty in sunlight. My lips get a better kind of shade. Packaging is similar to 1st generation except that they have replaced the fevistick kind of look which we could be  seen in the above picture and contains SPF 16. According to me staying power of pink lolita is better than this. This stays for 2-3 hours on the lips. 

Price: Rs.150

Maybelline Color Bloom Lip Balm

Looks colorless in the tube but when applied changes color. Pigmentation is not much, but shows a hint of pink on your lips. Contains SPF, which is a bonus. While applying we will feel like it melts upon the touch on our lips. Staying power is 3 hours. Moisturizing but needs frequent reapplication. 

Price: Rs.135

Vaseline lip therapy rosy lips

   Vaseline lip therapy rosy lips

A non glossy lip balm. This one contains SPF 16.Does cover up pigmented lips. Need to swipe at least thrice to get the color pay off, love the color, but is viewable only for some time and then fades away. For people who doesn't like a glossy lip balm this will be a go to product. I am not happy with the packaging. Cap is loose and comes out often. 

Price: Rs. 109

Nivea Fruity Shine in Pink Guava

Pink Guava

Aww.. Look at the color in the picture. Love this one. This one replaces the need for a gloss. Glossy juicy lip balm. Love the fragrance and feel like eating it while applying. It has an amusing  property of making lips look fuller. Moisturises lips and stays for 3 hours. Color pay off is good. Its a pinkish berry color. I am sure lips will be happy once applied. Does help cracked lips a lot. 

Price: Rs. 135

Bebe Young Care Lip balm 

Left - Right: Bebe young, Nivea Pink Guava, Vaseline rosy lips

German based lip product. Never seen such a matte lip balm in my life. Berry shade, can be intensified by two to three swipes. Does not heel cracked lips, but this can be used as a lip stain more than a lip balm. This is not available in India, but don't worry my fellow Indians we can miss this product. The only thing I like about this one is color.

Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer.

Left- Right : Pink lolita, Tangerine pop, Pink guava, Vaseline rosy lips, bebe young care
 Neutrogena 

Best Best Best of all lip balms I would say. No matter how cracked my lips can get this can help it in a few minutes. It doesn't have any color. Transparent, tasteless, scentless with SPF 15 but when applied this makes my lips look healthy and less pigmented. I would recommend everyone to get this lip balm no matter whether you are a boy or girl. The only thing that scares is the description" For external use only, If swallowed, contact poison control centre right away. I would say apply this after eating, never before. 

Price: Rs. 130

I will be posting lip balm tubes in my next blog until then bubye !

Hii, Its been a long week for me. So here I am with a review of pressed powder. The one I am holding on is my second one. You know we all don't get the best in our very first try. (I didn't say only about compact here ;) ). I want this review to be short and sweet so I am going to jump to the product now. It ended up in my hands because of the hype this product got. 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Compact Pressed Powder Review

Price: 

Rs. 230 for 14 g.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Claims:

Control shine for up to five hours with this matte finish powder by Rimmel. Up to 5 hours natural shine control with natural minerals. Helps minimise the appearance of pores. Dermatologically tested. Available in 6 shades.

My personal views about this product:

Finish-

This  one does mattify skin. For oily and combination skin this one is Hit. This powder has soft texture which gets blended to your skin's natural color and gives a no makeup look. This one controls oil, but does not give a glowing face. Of course you can't expect anything better for the price you pay.

Packaging- 

It comes in a beige colored pan with transparent cover. No puff ( I need to spend for this one). Packaging didn't impress me but it's light weight and easy to carry .

Staying Power- 

This doesn't stay for 5 hours but, it stays for 2-3 hours and fades away. It gives sheer coverage so we shouldn't expect too much from this. No fragrance so people with sensitive nose like me need not worry about getting a headache.

Availability -

Here comes the negative aspect of this product. It's available only at www.slassy.com and in malls I guess but, I got this from the website I mentioned above. These Rimmel Compacts are available in 7 different shades like-Cashmere, Silky beige, Sandstorm, Warm beige, Mohair, Amber and Warm Honey.

What I think could have been better:

We can't complain about this product as it does justice for the price we pay.If I still have to mention then I would ask for a puff.

If you love the earrings then go grab it from Clare's shop. I personally think they have got wonderful collections of accessories, but costs money much. 

Price: Rs.400. 
 

See you all in next post beauties. Bubye :) 

This is how it started. I strolled into the mall. Maybelline called me...But Bourjois screamed to me. I went around the stall and tested many products. I fell in love with Bourjois Paris.(Of course, who wouldn't love anything from a place like Paris! ) I went to bill place carrying a handful of products. Anxiousness smothered me. Inside, my brain said no.. Not this much, but my heart said you can't leave this behind, they may discontinue it (Desperate me! ). At last the Heart always Wins out over the Mind is true indeed. I got these beautiful products from Bourjois and ended up paying 2.7k.

Bourjois Shine edition lipstick Mauve Tabloid 25

As the name says its pretty Mauve maroon color. I actually didn't choose this, but the sale girl gave me this by mistake. I was badly disappointed when i came home and saw this. Reluctantly, I tried it on my lips, this color impressed me. So no more regret (Yes, Smile continued). There was a buy one get one sale going on so I got one more lipstick which is below.

Price: Rs 990. 

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick 08 Rose Delicat 08

This is 100% natural lipstick. A shade which is wearable for everyday use. Such a tender pink color. Maybe MLBB for some people (MLBB- My Lips But Better). Packaging is unique. Almost everyone will love how this color looks on the lips. I am really feeling lucky as I got this for free. I will go into detail about this in another post.

Price: Rs 700.(Free) 

Bourjois Paris Levres Contour Lip Liner Enjoleuse 11

This is a nude pink color. Again an everyday shade which will suit almost all skin tone. It comes in easy to use pencil type. It is well pigmented lip liner and definer. A pink with a tint of brown in it. I like using this with sweet kiss rose delicat lipstick as it intensifies the color. This one goes with many cool toned lipstick.

Price: Rs 240. 

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in Shade 55.

Okie, I have been searching and searching like forever for a foundation of my skin tone and at last became tired of it. Lakme disappointed me. Mac made me happy but, I wanted one from the drugstore. If you are between NC 40- 45. This shade is perfect for you. This foundation is named correct! . This is the perfect foundation in my vanity. Love this product.

Price: Rs 1550. 

Here comes the happy ending part. If we purchase for more than 2.5K in Bourjois we get a handbag free from the same brand. A cool gray color. By the way i didn't get any dream that night :D.

The Vampire Academy series is over. Last part ~ The Last Sacrifice is a Bittersweet novel. I thought the last sacrifice would be Rose (Main Character) but it was Adrian who did it. Loved First three parts of this series much more than last three. That's it for now. See you all soon in another post. Happy weekend :)

Hii all !! Today i am going to talk about BB cream. So let me first share what I know about BB creams. Firstly full form of BB cream is beauty balm. It's an all in one cream, which replaces the need of serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock (Reiterating exactly what i learnt about BB creams !). BB cream even's out skin tone and helps boost skin glow. Okie now lets jump on to review. I don't use BB cream daily but when I go out for outing with friends I use it to get the makeup mellow look. 

Garnier B-B Cream

Garnier claims

Is B.B.Cream right for me ?

Yes,If you are looking for skin care that instantly and effectively helps make your skin perfect, which is 

• Fairer  
• Glowing
• Smooth
• Even Toned
• Moisturized

For more information read the description in the below picture.

Price: 

Rs. 99 for 18 g.

Shelf Life:

  36 months from the Mfg date.

My personal views about this product:

Finish-

This even's out our skin with a subtle glow. Skin looks to an extent hydrated and healthy. It doesn't cover blemishes or heal them as far as I noticed. If we are looking for something to replace our foundation ,this will disappoint us. We all know it's a competitor for MNY BB cream. If we want a budget friendly product with light coverage, then this is the one going to top the rest of the brands.

Packaging- 

It comes in a cute little tube. I like the color of this packaging. It is so small and cute so we can carry it and need not worry about space for rest of items.

Staying Power- 

This stays put for 5 hours, but doesn't fade away. It doesn't turn color or anything like that. I have not experienced any break out after using this. 

Consistency- 

Its a thick liquid which, when blended disappears into skin. Even though it  looks thick it isn't a tough player in blending.

Fragrance- 

It smells cosmetic which I don't like at all. This didn't cause headache, but I am not happy with how it smells.

SunProof-

 Okie this one got me totally!. It has SPF 24 which rocks in my world. This Product also claims it gives protection against both UVA and UVB protection. If you want to know more about sunscreen (Click).

Availability -

In all malls and even almost all shopping websites. Only one shade available.

What I think could have been better:

• Fragrance
• Coverage
• Many shades

Coming to my novel time. I read Blood Promise (4th part of Vampire Academy). This book was not at all like VA series. I got frustrated and annoyed reading this, I had to slog through nearly 120 pages to go to the main story just to find that I am going to hate Rose (Main character) and Dimitri (Her so called bf who turn's into strigoi). When I read at last she killed him I was happy( Even though part of me wanted him alive with her). So we go through how she again saves Lizza (her Bff and bond mate). At the end, we get a letter from D (From where did this come?). I feel like the author has dragged the story too much in this book. I skipped many pages which I never do, that too din expect it in VA series.

That's all for now. Will meet you all soon with an amazing product. Bubye.

Brown is the new cool . So, today I am going to introduce you to a brown liner which recently got added into my vanity. I got this product along with my biotique anti acne gel (Click). "Mam this product is not animal tested". The girl at Chambor prattled on. She handed me a liner and lured me to try it and I, even though not interested made a swatch of it(That moment!). It was so soft. Softer than MNY kajal. Then, I had to get it.

CHAMBOR EYE TATTOO LINER ET 04 CLAIMS

Helps to highlight and shape your eyes to get the desired look. Be it – natural sans make up look, simply subtle or dramatic fluttering eyes.

• Helps define & shape the eyes giving either a Dramatic, Subtle or Natural look.

• Can be used both as Eyeliner & Eyeshadow.

• Matte Finish and in pencil form – easy to carry & apply.

• Water Proof – Stay On & Smudge proof.

• Vitamin Enriched: Vitamin – E & A.

• No Animal Ingredients.

• Non – Comodogenic.

• Dermatologist Tested.

• Ophthalmologist Tested.

INGREDIENTS

Not mentioned (-point for this).

My personal views about this product:

Finish-

This gives brown with gold shimmer. But the gold shimmer is not too much. Can be worn everyday. Brown liner gives naturally shaped eyes.

Packaging-

Pencil type with a silver cap. Since it is so soft it becomes flat in one use so, we need to sharpen it every time we use it. I prefer retractable pencil than this. Doesn't comes with sharpener and I feel like the product is getting wasted every time i sharpen it.

Staying Power-

This stays put for 4 to 5 hours on your eyes. It does smudge a bit.

Waterproof-

It is waterproof. Doesn't smudge or transfer to clothes (So thumbs up for this).

Price-

Rs.400. Not a budget friendly product.

Availability-

Only in Chambor stores and in (www.slassy.com). Also available in metallic blue, black and green colors.

Okie coming to my novel time. I have finished FROST BITE  2nd part in Vampire Academy Series. Frost Bite is about how Rose (Main character) kills strigoi (Evil) and saves friends, even though she lost one guy who had a big crush on her and sacrifices his life for her. This part does leave scars behind. Then I started with Shadow Kiss book (3rd part of the series).  Always second or third part in a series are not very interesting, the same goes with this series too. I will post you soon about this book in my next post. Bubye !!

I Think it's time for me to share my current favorite douche products.These products, I have been using for a very long time and loving them. More over they are easily available in almost all supermarkets. Okie without further ado, let's start !

Palmolive Thermal Spa Mineral Massage Shower Gel Review

Palmolive Shower Gel claims:

The secrets of thermal massage transported to your shower! With white clay and thermal minerals, its unique formula provides a gentle scrubbing action and massage kind of an experience. Your skin feels velvety soft and your body is relaxed in a delightful home spa experience! Palmolive thermal spa shower gel can be used with a loofah or by hand.

How to use:

Pour a little Palmolive Thermal spa shower gel on your wet loofah. Apply gently over your wet skin. For best results, use loofah to work up rich, fragrant lather before rinsing off.

My views about this product:

Firstly,I am giving ++ for the packaging. Very hygienic and the flip flop is tight enough from letting the product spill out. After every wash my skin feels fresh and soo soft, I don't know whether its because of Thermal salt & White clay content in it.  Freshens up enough and mild  fragrance keeps lingering in my skin throughout the day. I don't think anybody can have sensitive nose than me but this didn't give me headache or any kind of allergies to my skin. The colour they have chosen for packaging makes me feel like, I am in beach :) I Love this product a lot. I have been using this for months. Hope they release in small sizes soon for making it travel friendly.

Price:

Rs.135 for 250 ml.

Clean and Clear Morning Energy Face Wash: Energizing Lemon

My views about this product:

When I go and pick a face wash or face mask I always pick the one which has lemon content in it because, I believe that only lemon can clean my face :P. This one after use makes my face bright. It does have some brightening effect which is though temporary yet impressed me. The yellow beads in the liquid work as a gentle, mild scrub and clean my face. After wash, it leaves behind a bright, glowing and happy face. Clean and clear company is a pioneer, they released in different quantities which helped me to leave behind the large one at home and carry a small bottle out. It doesn't clog pores or cause redness. This product never gave me a thought to try another face wash. I am on my fifth bottle. I even tried strawberry flavor but according to me lemon won over it.

Price:

Rs.95 for 250 ml.

Vega Soft Sponge Brush.

My views :

This is not my first bath brush I have tried two or three of some other brands, but the brush's fiber would come out of it or it would scratch me. This one I guess is made for my skin type. I use palmolive shower gel along with this and it makes my skin squeaky clean (i feel like I took bath only after using this!! ) . It has two parts in it out of which one is for cleaning and other is for massaging. The part in the second image is for massaging our knee,elbow,feet and so on. So this does multi-tasking. That's why I like using this brush. Maybe daily usage may make our skin dry so I use on alternative days. Its been 2 months and still the fibers of this brush din't get torn or came out. I recommend this brush to all of you, who have serious concern about keeping skin super clean.

Price:

Rs.100.

I would like to share that I am so happy for Narendra modi becoming PM and Jayalalitha becoming CM(Tamil Nadu). My hearty congratulations to them :) I have faith that they will make India a better country soon(Fingers crossed !!). Coming to my novel part, I have started Vampire Academy Series and I am left with 40 pages in the first part ( I wish I had compelling and healing powers like lizza!! ). What would you do if you get those power ? 

Hiii all, hope everything is going fine!! Today I am going to review yet another Maybelline's product. This product is going to be very interesting because, Maybelline's first product to launch was a mascara. I got this soon after it was launched in India but posting it now..

Okie let me share a story which you might probably know. Its okie read on,this is my version of it. A girl called Mabel used to apply kohl by mixing Vaseline with coal dust to her eyelashes to make it look fuller and thicker. Her brother thought he must help his sis with it and did some study in chemistry and brought out an amazing mascara product(What a brother uh ?? my brother would say go wash your make up..!!). That's how the name "Maybelline" came. Okie without any further ado, I will start with the mascara I'm holding on.

Maybelline Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline claims:

Its unique formula plumps lashes, one by one, giving your eyelashes dramatic volume. Apply on a single coat and voila! You’re ready for the party!

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Comes with a patented Mega Brush which prevents clumping

• Has a unique formula that plumps eyelashes

• Comes in waterproof and washable variants

• Can be easily removed with soap and water 

How to use-

Apply it from root to tip. Keep the brush close to your roots, wiggle a bit and slowly take it out reaching the very end of the lash.

My personal views about this product:

Finish-

This one does make a difference when  applied, It opens up our eyes and giving us fresh look  all day long. It makes my lashes look thicker and longer. Its a good product to use when we go out for birthday party or even for everyday use. This doesn't make us look like we applied grease on our lashes unless we din apply it properly.

Packaging-

 It comes in a cute yellow bottle with a  cap. It's easy to carry even though it looks big.I love the color combo- yellow & purple. (Well we cannot carry it in our jean pocket without looking funny :D)

Brush-

It has a fine bristles which doesn't clump our lashes. We just need to apply it properly to get a dramatic looking lashes. 

Staying Power-

This stays put for 7+hours on our eyes. While removing it with face wash, it goes off in little chaps, but completely goes off if we use a makeup remover.

Waterproof-

It is waterproof as Maybelline claims. It can stand the tears,drizzle even if you pour a bucket of water.

Price-

It's a budget friendly mascara if you want a good brand and with super good quality.

Maybelline colossal kajal review

My personal views about this product:

Staying Power-

It stays for long time better than eyeconic kajal if you are wondering. This product does smudge.

Quality-

It gives dark or jet black color pay off. The only thing that turns me off is, we should have only  little product out of the can otherwise it tends to break while applying, Mine breaks often.

Finish- 

It gives a nice matte black color. We will love it once applied. Actually I think it's a mixture of black and gray don't know why I get that feel.

Availability -

In malls and even almost all shopping websites. 

Texture-

It is soft but not the softest. Better than other kohl in this price line i would say.

                                                             

What I think could have been better:

Quality-

It breaks and breaks my heart too. How many of you closed it with the cap when the product is still out? I did it many times.

Waterproof- 

This is water-resistant, but not water proof. It does fade away when rubbed with water. This is not an issue for me but for some it might be.

Smudge-

This does smudge a bit and needs re-application.

Okie as mentioned in my previous post (Click). The Edge Of Never is Awesome. I won't say its a true love story, but every girl will wish for a guy like Andrew (In novel) and I don't blame Camryn falling for him. It's a beautiful story showing how two characters start falling in love for each other during a journey. When we are facing downside in our lives, we should definitely take a break and go out for a while. That's how the story starts, it goes forward through a beautiful love, romance and fun filled journey, then comes a heart wrenching and breath taking moment which I couldn't take at all but survived somehow. Don't worry, it is a happy ending novel. It's a journey that I wish never ends. This book does have adult content in it so I don't recommend this to people below 18 years. Give it a try if you are into love stories. Happy weekend friends!!

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