Do you think you feel more attractive during periods? {Women Stuff}

I know that those few days of the month are really horrible and most of the girls are simply in no mood to take care of themselves. But, yesterday, I came across a different point of view.

My friend said that she had read somewhere that during those days of the month, there is a glow on the face of the girl and she is supposed to be more attractive to the opposite sex.

 

Apparently, at this time, there is a chemical production which gives a unique scent off the body which is attractive to the male species. Well, I don't know if any of this is exactly true and I have not yet bothered to google about it. If I do find any evidence, I shall let you know!!

Anyways, the above story of not googling is a story of the past. I was curious and in the middle of an extremely boring meeting and on the verge of falling asleep, I decided its a topic worth googling on.

And, guess what, its not the days when you are menstruating but the days when you are ovulating that you have a glow on the face and give off the unique odor and attract the opposite sex. This is in ritual to the mating of the jungle law.

The time when you are ovulating, you are ready for breeding and that is when the mating actually takes place among the animals. And, though humans have evolved, the primal instincts and rules still apply. It means fertility is more attractive to the opposite gender. And, thus, the females are more attractive than usual at least once a month!

So, did you know about this? 

Related Posts:
Should you do exercise when menstruating?
Infertility and Emotional Health
Vaginal Hygiene

Does your night moisturizer have spf? {Your Opinion}

Where did this question come from? I recently got a product to review and I was too excited to try it out so without checking out the details of the product, I simply used a pea-size amount for the face.

And, then, I sat down checking the details. And, then, I realized it was not an anti-aging serum-cum-mositurizer meant for night but has spf factor of 15. So, it was supposed to be used only in the morning.

And, it got me thinking if the night creams should have spf factor at all? Well, the obvious answer comes to no but the thing is the thing is even lights and television and computer screens emit radiations which harm our skin.

So, technically, should we not protect our skin from them as well? What do you say?
 

Related Posts:

Have you been a parlour girl to anyone?
Do you use moisturizer in summers?
Should you use body powder on face?

Just Gossip Vol. 15 - A trip to Ayurveda!

It has been like ages since I have written about hair. But, there was an interesting development last month. Have you heard of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala? They have quite a number of outlets in Hyderabad which I came to know through google. It is a long story!

Anyways, there is a store decently close to my house so one day I went forth after the office. Now, they have Ayurvedic doc also coming to their store every alternate weekday so I went at the very moment when I could find a doc! The doc holds MD in ayurvedic studies so that was reassuring.

I went to the store with a very long list of products to get from there. And, I asked the doc about the hair growth issue. So, he prescribed me two tablets (lets call them A and B) and Neelibrigandi oil. Now, I have no issues talking about one of the tablets, A which is meant for hair, because it is I think pretty much available everywhere but I shall do it some other time.

this is tablet A

Now, you would ask me if I saw any benefits? First, the hair doesn't generally show any significant changes in the first month of some treatment so lets say I shall continue those tablets for an indefinite amount of time for now. Second, I don't know about the B tablets. These tablets for weight loss and taking care of the metabolism and digestion issues. 

I am completely against such tablets but since they were totally ayurvedic, I was fine with them. But, I don't think I shall get them again and that's not for the want of the benefits. But, I think its better to maintain weight with physical efforts than resorting to all kinds of tablets, howsoever safe they might be! But, the constitution of both A and B tablets are totally safe. 

this is tablet B

And, coming to the oil, I did not use it more than twice by now but it smells really really bad! Everything ayurvedic smells or tastes really bad, it seems. Coz, the tablets also taste bad :( Anyways, this oil should be used every night before going to bed on the scalp. But, since I do not wash my hair everyday, I avoid doing that! 

But, an interesting discovery was Neelibrigandi helps in cooling the scalp! Thanks to Pranali, I came to know of this. So, I think I shall try using this oil at least on alternate nights or may be every night! I shall do that and let you guys know about how effective it is! In the mean time, let me tell you that the store is pretty popular and many many people came in the time frame I was there. I think you might also want to visit and check it out.

Have you ever been to Kotakkal Vaidya Sala's clinics?

Related Posts:
Just Gossip Vol. 14 - What did you do this weekend?
Just Gossip Vol. 13 - Do you watch movies on weekdays?
Just Gossip Vol. 12 - Happy Holi!

Grooming Lessons Vol. 3 - Don't drag your feet!

I am continuing with this series after a long time. And, honestly, when I think, the lessons or the entire series sound condescending to me! It might project out an image as if I know things better than you and that it makes me in a position to advise you. 

But, let me tell you that neither is that the case nor is such my intention! In fact, in reality, I am never the best dressed person in a regular routine. I am too lazy for that and I just pick anything in front of me. But, yes, there are certain habits which are better if avoided. 

So, I would like to talk about such habits. And, please do not be judging on this series. It is something I am doing for fun, to remind myself to avoid certain things and also to help people remember what they might be doing wrong.

Btw, most of the people know what their short-comings are. Its just that either they hate being reminded of it or they are too lazy to change it! And, some do it sub-consciously. So, lets just go ahead!

Please do not drag your feet

This is something my mom absolutely detests and she always scolds me those few times I do it. In fact, I can empathize with her now that I regularly hear someone else dragging their feet. No doubt it is sure fun to drag feet but it sure is as hell irritating for other's ears.

Plus, it gives a very wrong notion of your personality. Dragging your feet literally means you are careless and you have no motto in life. Or, it can also put your forward as a sickly person. And, that is definitely what you do not want to project, irrespective of the truth! 

Analyzing the Body Language is something which comes naturally to all humans and we are used to summing up and judging the person and it is a human nature to exaggerate the negatives they can find then and there! So, better not give another negative to add to which is simply non-ingratiating.

What's your Say?

Related Posts:

Do not slump your shoulders
Walk softly and quietly

Kiya Bath n Body Oats Milk n Lavender Soap {Product Review}

Pros

gentle on skin

does not dry out the skin

Ingredients

My Experience

Writing a review on soaps is difficult when it comes to the handmade soaps. Handmade soaps are all good when made in the right way and this one falls in the same category.

It lathers very less but cleanses well. It is gentle on skin and at least now I do not feel any need for moisturizer. I can make do with out it but that might not apply for winter months.

And, I felt as if one side of the soap has some granules like a scrubbing part or something but I can't be sure coz they are too small. Anyways, about the lasting period, the product worked for me for 15 days with twice a day of usage so it is like all other handmade soaps in my experience.

Availability

Location - Plot No.74, Road No.5, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Also, if you are interested to get the products, you can contact Bindu via facebook.

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

Related Posts:

Difference between Soap and Bathing Bars

Rustic Art Spa and Lotus Organic Bathing Soaps

Neev Almond Rose, Lemongrass and Patchouli Handmade Soaps

Remove pesticides from Oranges {Reader's Tip}

Hey Everyone. Firdaus left a very useful tip to remove pesticides from oranges. Check it out.

I'd love to share something very important with u and with all the visitors on your blog. You r right when u said we dont have organic oranges available in India. But there is a way to remove the pesticides from oranges or any fruit or vegetable we eat. Take oranges in a big bowl or bucket, pour white vinegar, add some baking powder to it and table salt. mix it in water and leave for 10-15 mins. Before throwing water, rub the oranges nicely with your hand. Now rinse with fresh water 2-3 times and your oranges are free of pesticides. To make your "anti-pesticide liquid" more powerful, u can add some lemon juice. This is the best home made method based on my research to remove pesticide. Stay healthy and beautiful :)

You are right, Firdaus. Baking powder and vinegar do help to remove a bit of pesticides. Fruits having an outer covering are free from sprinkled pesticides. But, this method can be tried on grapes.

But, I have to add here that this method would work only if the pesticides are on the outer covering of the fruits. If they are absorbed by the fruits in the process of plant growth, it is impossible to remove those absorbed pesticides.

What do you think, guys?

Related Posts:

Get bouncy hair without hot tools

Aloevera for Skin and Banana Hair Pack

Facials from the fridge

Re-application of Sunscreen {Sunscreen}

Treat this as the second part to yesterday's sermon on sunscreen. Sometimes I do feel my posts sound like sermons? It's ok. You need not be polite :P Anyways, lets proceed.

So, where was I? Yeah, I was talking about how much sunscreen to apply. I finished with that and left you to think about re-application! This is probably one of the most frustrating routines of skin care. And, there are quite many roadblocks to reapply sunscreen.

I have makeup on!

Sunscreen is supposed to go under makeup and not over, right? So, how can I reapply it? Well, fair enough!

Its so yucky!

The two finger rule itself not being enough, you have to apply the same amount of sunscreen every two hours. How many layers of stickiness should I have on?

Fortunately, quite a lot of high-end sunscreens are coming matte. So, you can probably go with reapplications. But, seriously, I am the wrong person to answer this.

I use Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen and one pump of it itself makes my face oily after a few minutes and using more of it is way too difficult. I have tried re-application but honestly my work place also doesn't facilitate the process.

Taking a sunscreen bottle to the washroom kinda looks weird to me. I don't do touch-ups there so I have only one application and the days I try re-applying, the tint gets too much for the skin and either it shows up as patches or white cast!

One of the ways to reapply the sunscreen is by removing the previously applied layer. Well, there is a huge hitch in that. If you have makeup on, you can obviously not remove the entire thing and reapply so that goes a little impractical as well.

So, the answer again comes back to the same thing - apply according to your schedule and amount of time you would be spending outside. If you stay inside, there is no need for re-application. But, you might go for just one thin layer so as to protect yourself from the light and computer radiations. 

But, you have a team outing or a shopping spree planned, you can go for a thick application. In such cases, always make sure you have applied a thicker-than-usual amount of sunscreen and follow with lighter makeup. Also, make sure that the loose powder you do touch-ups with has adequate protection. 

Though, I would like to make another point here. Just as a bit of sunscreen doesn't really provide any protection, a bit of loose powder dusted on the face doesn't give spf 25 amount of protection. For that much of protection, you need almost 1/4th of the product quantity.

What do you do? Do you re-apply your sunscreen? How do you protect yourself when outside all day long?

Related Posts:

Application of Sunscreen

What happens when you do not use Sunscreen?

Sunscreen Regulations in India

Application of Sunscreen {Sunscreen}

How can any summer pass-by without me talking about sunscreen :-O That would be a travesty :D Anyways, the reason I did not write about sunscreen till now is first because I wasn't serious on the blog and second I have written so much on the topic last year. So, if you missed it, you can check out the entire list of posts here.

Anyways, coming back to today's topic, one thing I have always remained indecisive about is how much sunscreen should be applied. Last time I wrote about this topic, I mentioned the two fingers rule. But, that is actually impractical and I had realized it long back. But, I still tried my best to keep up with it!

But, I was always skeptical and I read a lot on that topic. So, here are my pennies on it.

Two finger rule holds

Yes, you actually have to apply that much sunscreen to give yourself optimum protection. But, re-application is necessary.

Apply according to the Day's Schedule

If you know you are going to spend the entire day in hot sun, you SHOULD follow the above rule. And, if you already know you will sit inside the house or office and roam only till the in-house canteen or washroom, you can apply enough to cover yourself for the time you are outside.

So, decide according to your needs and schedule. Do not follow any rule blindly but don't take things in a stride and ignore them either! Its a very delicate balance.

What if my day is unplanned?

Yes, this is worst of the situations! And, always remember that applying sunscreen doesn't prevent tanning. And, just like you are always ready when it comes to waxing your legs or getting your facials done on time, same rule applies here as well.

Apply sunscreen everyday whether you go out or not and if the outing is sudden, just make do with as much application as possible in the bare minimum of the time. This is where physical sunscreens come more effective as well.

They start working as soon as you apply them whereas the chemical ones need 20-30 minutes of incubation to start working. And, then, when you are outside for the entire day, make sure you reapply the sunscreen every two hours and follow the two finger rule on all parts of the body, specially which are naked.

So, how much amount of sunscreen do you apply everyday?

Related Posts:

What happens when you do not use Sunscreen?

Sunscreen Regulations in India

Sunscreen and Myths

How to treat a water burn? {Skin Care}

So, on Thursday evening, I inadvertently placed my hand under a running hot water tap and the water was scalding hot. And, it burned my hand for almost a second. But, that was itself enough to burn the hand.

And, that was when I realized that how much can an acid burn scorch the body! The skin on the top wasn't affected at all. I didn't get any peeling or any blisters but under the skin it was burning like hell!!

Anyways, I tried out quite a few remedies to improve the condition. Let me discuss them.

Aloevera Gel

Incidentally, when my hand burnt, I didn't really care much for it. I went on with my usual activities of having bath and getting relaxed in the evening, all with a burning hand. Then, I applied the Rustic Art aloevera gel.

But, honestly, it didn't really help much. It was cool for a second and back to square one next! Though, I don't really think it is meant to help with deeper burns! May be aloevera gel from leaf helps though can't say much but it does soothe superficial burns.

Ice and Iced Water

Well, this was my savior. I have, god knows, wasted how much water that day. But, keeping cold ice on the hand wasn't really easy either. It hurts equally. This I did when I told my mom about my burnt hand.

And, later, when I was going to bed, I wrapped my hand with wash cloth soaked in ice water. This I kept on changing till I slept off. I kept a very huge bowl of cold water by the bed to dip the hand if I felt any burning. Fortunately, I slept off.

Toothpaste

Not the gel ones but the regular white toothpaste. I did apply quite a bit of it but I don't really think it helped me at all.

Vinegar diluted in Water

Apparently, this helps! Vinegar acts as a painkiller so if you get a painful burn, you can bathe the burn with water diluted with vinegar. I did pour some vinegar once into the iced water I was using but can't say how much helpful it was.

Sensitivity after the Burn

Ok, those were the few things I did. Honestly, had not my friend insisted so much on the ice water, I would probably have let go of the remedies after an hour only :D

Anyways, the next morning when I got up, I was expecting my skin to be peeling off from the hand but fortunately there was not even a small blister over there. No redness, no scar, nothing!

The only thing was the area was bloody sensitive and if it touched water, I would feel a discomfort. And, I was irritated the entire day because of the slight discomfort I was feeling in the hand.

So, one thing I learnt from the story was that you can burn yourself anytime so always keep a burnol or something else at hand so that it really helps. Once, I remember, a drop of oil fell on my hand when I was frying something. I didn't do anything and the scar is still there!

So, have you burnt yourself ever? How did you deal with it?

Related Posts:
Sleep and Skin
Have you tried Aloe Vera?
Baby Oil vs Vegetable Oils

Just Gossip Vol. 14 - What did you do this weekend?

Please don't get bored by my rantings! I just felt like gossiping with you :)

ME? I didn't do anything much but my Saturday was bad! My personal laptop had decided to break its hinge long while back and I had just delayed taking it to the service center.

Finally, I did that last week and guess what HP people say! They were overcharging for the repair by almost 1/4th of the price of the laptop! So, I decided to give a local shop a try. 

But, can you imagine that I found two of the bushes on which the laptop rests on the bottom were missing when I was in that other shop and that was mistake of the service center guys. I was so infuriated.

I again rushed back to the service center and back to that shop. Finally, gave the laptop for repair and praying it wouldn't cost me exorbitant. And, finally, I went to Godrej Nature's Basket (GNB) on my way back.

I love the shop for the yummy cheeses they have. This time I got Gouda chilli. Its seriously yummmm. And, I got litchies as well but damn expensive over there. I was hoping to see some exotic fruits but none.

They had cherries which was like a box complete which is impossible for me to finish. And, there were blueberries. Too few for the cost. And, there was something called mulberry. I don't know what they are but looked like jamun to me.

And, then, I went to Inorbit. I splurged on Caca Maroon finally and a book. Overall, a very hectic day in hot sun and the best/worst part was I couldn't get a cab coz they were overbooked! Traveling in public transport has a different charm altogether.

Oh btw, yesterday, I applied Caca Maroon. I kept it for 5 hours almost and still no color as predicted. I told you, right, that Lush Cacas give color only after applying them twice or thrice in a row! It's a mess but I love it. I still have to see if my hair has got any benefits. 

So, how was your weekend? What did you do?

Related Posts:

Just Gossip Vol. 13 - Do you watch movies on weekdays?

Just Gossip Vol. 11 - Sneak peek into upcoming posts!!

Just Gossip Vol. 10 - Whats up?

Homemade Castile Soap

Guest Post by Waseema

This is the first time that I am writing a review and I am excited and nervous at the same time. Today I would like to review a pure olive oil soap also called Castile Soap handmade by me at home.

Why I got into soap making is because my daughters aged 5 yrs and 1 yr have very sensitive skin and any soap I use caused dry flaky skin or dry patches with redness and itching on them. 

The soaps I make are cold process soaps which have a high percentage of glycerin in it as a result of the saponification process. Hence, these soaps are very conditioning and do not dry out skin unlike commercial soaps.

Ingredients

Saponified oils of olive, castor, lye and distilled water.  Unscented, Uncolored.

My Experience

This soap does not lather like the commercial soaps as it contains 90% olive oil, but the addition of castor oil helps with bubbles as seen in the picture above. If you use a pouf/nylon mesh scrubber you can get decent lather. Though this soap does not lather much but it cleanses very well and does not dry the skin. 

Ever since my daughters have been using this soap their skin is behaving well and does not break out in itchy rashes or flaky patches.  I would recommend this soap for babies and those with sensitive and dry mature skin. Overall this works as a great soap for all skin types.

Editor's Note: This is so true. Read what I wrote about the difference between soaps and bathing bars.

Due to high glycerine content these soaps melt very easily and to keep it around longer you have to avoid holding it in the shower stream, and make sure that you store it on a well-draining soap dish, or else it can end up in a gloppy mess. 

I make these soaps at home. Currently I have a batch that’s cured and ready to be used. You can check more pictures here. If you would like to buy them, let me know. 

Price: Rs 99 for 80gms 

Thank you so much for reading my review!
Luv,
Waseema.

Editor's Note: Thanks a lot Waseema for letting us know about the castile soaps. They are indeed really awesome!

Related Posts:

Auravedic Ritual Cleansing Ubtan Mask Sandal Saffron
Skinetica Anti-Blemish Solution
Cosmedic Dermave Nourishing Cleanser

My Hair Diary - April 2013

No snaps this time! Apologies! Anyways, I did not really take that much care of my hair as I did in March. I did not do anything special for my hair except once treating it with egg and musk root. Btw, egg with musk root and ginger essential oil did not really stink! 

What else did I do? 

Since summers are a bane for me, I made do with a few drops of Navratan oil almost twice or thrice a week. Seriously, it helps with tiredness and mild insomnia! The review will come in due time.

And, no, I do not wash my hair daily even though I sometimes really wish it. One tip is just let the sweat on the scalp dry out before you tie your hair. And, keep the scalp clean. Itching can be considered an indication to wash the hair. And, for some, I think the hair be better washed everyday if they travel daily in lot of sun and pollution.

Oh btw, I have also been taking some supplements of which I shall talk in another post so stay tuned! 

Products Used

• Shampoo - Organic Surge Moisture Boost

• Conditioner - Kamini Conditioner

• Leave-in and Scalp Treatment - Soulflower Grapeseed Oil with Rosemary EO + Soulflower Pomegranate Seed Oil

• Hair Oil - Neelibrigandi + Navratan Oil

Related Posts:

My Hair Diary - March 2013

My Hair Diary - February 2013
My Hair Diaries - January 2013

Have you been a parlour girl to anyone? {Your Opinion}

Have you ever been a parlor girl for your friend or mom or dad, may be? I have! And, on the weekend, I did something which I had never done! I applied henna on my friend's hair with an application brush minus the gloves! 

Results? Fingers and nails which are orange-y! And, I have gotta an engagement to attend in a week! Anyways, when I was henna-ing my friend, this idea struck me. So, this is my question to you all. Have you done any beauty parlor services to anyone?

As regards me, apart from this experience, I am a very good masseur. I don't know about the body yet but head yes. I give a really good head massage :) I did that for my mom, my dad and some of my friends. And, every time I do it to someone else, I always wish if there was someone who would do it to me as well :)

Waxing is not my cup of tea, though! It requires quite a stroke to pull that piece of strip and it hurts when you yank so that is something I don't think I can do! But, yes, I have also done facial but I don't remember doing it to someone else. Though, I do wish I do want to do it to my mom! She is one woman doesn't really bother about herself but still looks awesome!

And, oh yeah, what about hair styles? I was always a guinea pig for the new styles. I hardly did trials on someone else and then lately I learned some of the new styles which I tried on my hair only! So, sadly, I would love to have a guinea pig for myself but this is where I miss sisters most! Having sisters makes life really easy for maintaining a routine, right? 

So, what about you? Have you been a parlor girl to anyone else? Do you find it fun?

PS: I am sorry but I am not able to check the mails or comments. Please give me sometime. Net sucks over here and the entire weekend was a huge waste of time! I wasn't able to check or reply to the comments. Shall do so soon enough and let you know and sorry!! :(

Related Posts:
Do you use moisturizer in summers?
Should you use body powder on face?
Do you apply Egg on Hair?

5 Do's and Dont's for Hair {Five Series}

It has been ages since I have written any hair care post! But, this year, I have resolved to take more care of my hair. Good news is I am partly succeeding in the resolve.

Last month, sometime, I went to the Arya Vaidya Sala store where an Ayurvedic doc also sits. I consulted him for hair growth. So, following are the tips he gave regarding the hair well-being. They are something we already know but I would like to re-iterate them.

Exercise and Weight Loss

Always keep yourself active and take care of your weight. It is extremely important for healthy hair growth and the overall well-being of the person. Also, exercise improves the blood circulation and carries more oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles. 

Tip: Get a relaxing hair massage or use essential oils for improved oxygen flow to the scalp!

No Sugar, Salt and Spices

They interfere with your body's proper functioning and affect the digestive system as well. Salt bloats you, sugar increases the insulin which leads to hair loss and spices make your digestion haywire. So, make sure you eat balanced nutritional diet keeping all the spices, salt and sugar in control.

Note: You need only 1gm salt in a day which naturally is available to the body without the need to add extra salt!

Oiling the Scalp

Applying a few drops of lighter oils at night like grapeseed or argan oil which improve hair growth is good for hair. They nourish the scalp and improve the hair growth. It is especially important for dry hair as the new growth would have better moisture levels. 

Tip: Using essential oils with the oil improves the hair growth. Peppermint and Rosemary are especially helpful!!

Get a health checkup done!

PCOS, thyroid, diabetes are some of the issues which can cause hair loss and impede hair growth. So, if you are facing any such problem, it is always good to get a health checkup done. Prevention is better than cure! But, a proper health checkup is recommended only when the hair loss or itching or dandruff or any other issue is more than normal.

Tip: Make sure you are exercising properly and eating well and drinking a lots of water because more often than not we do not take care of the normal routine and rush to the doctor for every small thing!!

Drink lots of water

Yes, very very important! Hyderabad is so damn hot that I am literally gulping down the water every 15 minutes and the worst part is everything is evaporating :( It is becoming really difficult but this way I am at least intaking a lot of water. 

Tip: Drink green tea, watermelon juice, cucumber juice or eat cucumber or kakdi or coconut water! 

What are your tips for hair growth?  

Related Posts:
5 tricks to sleep quickly and deeply
Tips for Lip Care
5 Steps to get fairer skin?