The Mid Week Therapy Night

There are those days at the end of the week (or even in the middle) where I need some serious relaxation/pamper time. When your budget is tight and you don't exactly have the facilities required for a bath tub AND no Wi-fi in your PG (yes folks, it is true),
To be honest, I think it's given me time to really switch off when I get home and spend time reading or watching Desperate Housewives on TV.

But all in all, these nights are when I really get to spend some 'me' time and chill the f*** out.

I usually start off with a nice warm shower (hot water damages my skin like CRAZY). The Palmolive Thermal Spa Skin Renewal Crushed Coconut Body Wash is one of the best scrub-cream wash combinations ever. I feel like a hula dancer when I step out of the shower. Really moisturizing, gets the job done. Although it says to apply it with a loofah, I feel like that defeats the purpose of getting down and dirty with the scrub. So I use it with my hands first and then go over it with a wet loofah.

After that, this is the time where I work on my face. The Jovees Apricot and Almond scrub is what I use to get all that grit off my face. It's not harsh at all, but gently exfoliates, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

Then, pore strip time.
When people ask me how much my tattoos hurt - here is an answer. 1 pore strip pulling = 5 tattoos.
But the satisfaction of seeing all the goo from your pores on that strip is satisfying to the nth degree. I used the Clenz U (much Wow) carbon strips from Health n Glow. You get 3 in a pack for a little over 100 INR, so it's pretty worth it, cause they're really nice quality too.

I paint my nails because well, makes me feel ladylike.

And for my beverage choice - I love a cup of Cadbury's Cocoa. For you tea drinkers, Tulsi Ginger Green tea is my alternative. You get this at places like Fab India or Nilgiris. 130 INR for 25 sachets or so.

Like I said, my room is a Wifi free zone, so I love curling up in bed with my drink and listening to Radiolab podcasts - DEFINITELY check them out here. They really simplify science and technology for challenged people such as I. A book that I've been loving lately - The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. The 'real' story of the Dracula. Chilling, gripping, and makes me sleep with my light on...

Another favorite I've had this month is my headphones. They're these - the Philips ActionFit sport headphones. They fit SO snugly, they NEVER flop out, and they're so comfortable to fall asleep in. I credit my S.O for helping me out with this, I know 0 about headphones/audio paraphernalia and this was a pretty sweet deal at INR 539.

So this is how I unwind and destress. This doesn't even have to be on a weekend. Just whenever you have a couple hours to yourself.

Try this, I swear it works!

The Skin Perfecter that actually Perfects

When I finally bit the bullet and bought the full size of the Loreal Paris Skin Perfect 20+ (phew), I felt no buyer's remorse whatsoever.


This product is REALLY targeted at the 20-30 age bracket. Loreal really understood that the issues 20-year-olds face with their skin are extremely different from what say, a 40 year old would. I definitely don't have the time for a beauty regime with my schedule, and Bangalore pollution makes it that much worse! Plus those late nights don't exactly have me looking like a Disney princess.

This is truly an erase-all/do-over/imsorryididntgetenoughsleep for your face.

 I'm not a fan of whitening day creams, so I was skeptical at first, but this didn't have that instant 'bleached' effect that some lower priced day creams do (I'm talking to YOU, Garnier White Complete Multi Action Fairness Cream). It's also really light, so it doesn't leave you feeling oily or greasy.

It's made my skin very smooth and imperfections have reduced a LOT (even some old zit scars have noticeably faded)  - basically, it does exactly what it says on the tin, which I really appreciate.

Would I recommend this? Absolutely. I see results, and that is good enough for me. And at 325 INR for 50g, it didn't break the bank.

Bag-packing.

So I'm pretty sure a lot of you are going away on holiday this summer. And some of you may not have the luxury of a 25kg check-in luggage, if you're backpacking.

I've had a bit of experience, living out of a tiny bag when I was traipsing around Scotland and London (but it had wheels, so it's not EXACTLY backpacking). And I didn't know if I was hiking, biking, or partying. It's all about being prepared for anything, but without OVERPACKING.
So one of my lovely friends who is backpacking in Europe this summer asked me if I could do a post on this.
And I realized while making this list, that it would definitely serve as a master list for myself as I travel this summer.

So, in essence, you need 3 main bags. A backpack/duffel, a totebag (packed INSIDE your backpack when you start your trip, but used to hold things that you may buy through the trip, and a big makeup/washbag (preferably with compartments).

Like, I said, pack minimal, but with clothes you can multipurpose with. Dressing up/dressing down items is something that is very important. You may be trawling through mud one day, and the next day, you may have a swanky dinner. You need to be ready for anything.

So without further ado here are my lists:

AND FINALLY...

Keep your passport in a place YOU can access easily. The front zip of your backpack is not the best place. Buy a plastic pouch that you can keep all your documents in that serves as waterproof protection also, and slip this in between your clothes.

Buy a couple of pouches for your electronics (waterproof, preferably) so that your wires don't get tangled up.

GOLDEN RULE FOR STUFFING YOUR CLOTHES IN: ALWAYS ROLL. NEVER FOLD.

Happy Holidaying, and let me know if you guys want a makeup/jewelry accompaniment!

How I sorted out my Wardrobe Gaps

In any wardrobe, there are those gaps that we all tend to have. We sometimes don't know what they are. But once you've worn the same formal pants to work around fifteen times, or only have that one pair of heels for sarees - you know you need to do something about it.

I decided that I needed alternatives to the same old, safe colors/items that I was going for again, and again, So I bit the bullet and started looking beyond what I wanted, and looked to what I needed. #deep

Here are some of the wardrobe 'gaps' I've had for the past few years and what I have now replaced them with. I hope this helps some of you guys break away from the buying patterns that you have, allowing you to try something new.

1. Smart shoes (brogues or moccasins) and dull metallic ballerinas - an alternative to strappy flats for work
 Instead of wearing your usual strappy sandals to work, get yourself a couple of pairs of smart shoes. I got these blue suede brogues from Forever21. They look super formal with any outfit, and the color adds interest (step away from the blacks and browns, ladies!). I needed a pair of ballet flats that weren't any specific color, so this dull gold pair from Westside REALLY hit the damn spot.

2. An ink-blue or wine work dress - an alternative to a black work dresses
Step aside blacks,whites, greys and navys. I work front-end at work, so it's essential that I don't look like something the cat dragged in even if I feel that way. And bright blue/purple is a great alternative for anyone looking to switch up their darker basics with some color, be it for a dress, pants, a skirt ot a blazer.


3. Chiffon plaid shirt (still can't believe I found this) - an alternative to my worn out black cardigan 

In Chennai especially, I tend to start off my day with a tank, and will step into some godawfully cold restaurant or movie theater that feels like that damn Arctic. I used to have a black sweater to throw on, but it was getting really old and fugly. I wanted something thin, but that still gave me coverage and looked like it was a thought out part of my outfit. Behold, my chiffon plaid shirt.

4. A formal maxi dress (for weddings, marginally fancy events, grown up parties) - an alternative to the LBD for formal events
I have wanted a maxi dress for the longest time. So when my best friend got married, I knew exactly what I'd wear to the ceremony. I have way too many short dresses that really don't do it for the really dressy events. So I got myself a red (didn't want black) halter for just those purposes where it'd really suck to look under-dressed.

5. Wine colored pants - an alternative to all my black ones
I started my colored pant collection this year with a dark blue and a pair of wine ones. Not much of an explanation needed here other than the fact that I was stepping out of my black box.

6. Designer looking grown-up bag - an alternative to cheaper ones that LOOKED their price
Have done a whole post here. I needed something that I could carry around and look marginally superior. This did the job nicely.

Anyway, I must get back to work.
Happy Monday!

The Revlon Ruby that Wooed

I love a good lipstick.

And a red, can never go amiss. Recently, I rediscovered this gem that I've had for a while, because of my best friend's wedding. It's got a bit of sheen, a bit of gloss, and a LOT of character.
I'm a matte lipstick girl through and through, but I will make an exception for this one. Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Ruby (610 INR). 
It's that perfect 'Indian wear' lipstick, and I tend to pull it out when I wear more traditional outfits.

Cons? It's pretty slippery, and application is a bit tricky. Lipliner will go a long way here (need to get me one of those).

So if you're looking for a do-it-all dressy red - this one is it.

Pre Sangeet selfie :P

Little (?) Black Bag

So I've been on the lookout for a nice black handbag that looks designer but in terms of cost, lets me keep my kidneys.

This little number from New Look (retailed on Myntra) was everything I was looking for and more.

I love the feel of the bag. It's soft, and matte.And the imitation of snakeskin done by quilting? Genius.

I am terrified of owning patent-esque bags because I always feel like I'm going to scratch them. 

I am not a careful person.

It's a brilliant size, large without looking tote-y. And I'm a small person, big bags tend to drown me.

Buying bags online is always a toss up. I know New Look's quality, so I went with it.  More often than not, there will be a picture of the bag on a model, but if not, check the size chart. Or the 'sling shoulder bag' you wanted for work will be able to fit a tissue and one housekey. At most.

I'm really glad these e-comm sites are stocking more and more international brands now, so that till H&M and New Look finally come to our shores in the form of B&M stores, we can spend the better part of our salaries on these pretty imports that we probably don't need, online.
You can still get it here on an even bigger discount than I did :D

Street Finds: The White Edition

Once in a while I succumb to the temptation that is Commercial Street. You find some really good export reject stock and I got pretty lucky.
I've been on the hunt for white pieces for my wardrobe for a while now. And these two hit the spot.
I'm over the whole sheer-chiffon-buttondown craze that hit the streets a few seasons ago and I'm looking for more interesting textures. The white blouse had permanent pleat crepe and lace applique and the dress was lace and tulle (the ballerina in me was very excited).

Priced (I kid you not) at 200 INR for the white sleeveless blouse and 400 INR for the dress - I think you all can fully appreciate why I love nosing out export reject stock. They're good quality and have the tiniest defects (trust me, Zara has defected pieces in-store at times), and I couldn't find anything wrong with either of these pieces. Thank you to Nisha for helping me with these shots. And strategically blurring out the garbage in the background :P

                        

Have a great Sunday!
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