Rock Painting - Kids Craft DIY

Spending a weekend with kids engaged in something creative is a great feeling for most parents. How we spent the weekend this time was really fun paint activity. While my sister gave us a visit, we found some rocks outside an under-construction building during our evening walk and we were tempted to turn them into cute artsy pieces. We picked a few in different sizes and shapes.

Most kids will have a set of acrylic paints and paint brushes in their school stationary supplies that come handy in the project. So what our children (my son and my nephew) created is really adorable
and I thought of posting it for mommies who are looking for a cool kids activity.

Material Required:
Smooth Surfaced Rocks
Acrylic paints
Painting Brushes
Pencil/Fine Point Marker
Sealer

Steps:
1. Wash and clean the rocks to remove all the dust and pat it dry. Avoid using the rocks that have rouch patches on those as the paint job won't look graceful.

2. After the rocks are dried up properly, colour those for a bright base to provide you a nice canvas. It may take one or two coats of paint for better finish. Let it dry under the sun, if possible.

3. Help your child envision how the finished project should look like and then draw it first with a pencil. For the older children, a thin marker can be used to draw fine detailing on the rocks.
4. Using acrylic paint for painting should give the rocks a glossy finish. Continue the drawing in repeatitive process until it is visibly appealing.
5. Be patient letting each coat dry before moving on. You may use a hairdryer to dry the paint faster.

6. After the finished rocks are completely dry, give them a coat or two of Craft Varnish/Sealer/Mod Podge. This makes the paint colours pop and will also make your child's art last longer.

These rocks may be used as paper-weights, garden decor or simply an indoor decor piece.

(Just one regret, didn't click any pic while little hands were at work) :(
How do you think the kids performed.... we love it though!!

MamaEarth Under Eye Cream Review

Tiring days and sleepless nights can harm your beautiful eyes and make you look dull and tired. Turbo charge your daily morning and night skincare routine by using MamaEarth Under Eye Cream and give your eyes lasting energy all day and restorative benefits throughout the night. With a unique blend of Vitamin C, Peptides, Caffeine and plenty more, your eyes will be fully loaded to fight against dark circles, puffiness, bags and wrinkles.

This is what today's product-under-review claims to do ;) I'm up with yet another ah-mazing wellness product from MamaEarth range. Though the product is said to be designed for new mommies, but anyone who needs a solution for the above said issues can use this product. I'm using it for 15+ days now and liked its performance so far.

Mama Earth Under Eye Cream boasts of ultimate ingredients like Caffeine, Collagen, Cucumber extract, Almond oil, Calendula Extract, Mulberry extract & Rockweed extract that make the composition a matchless product. Have a look at the image below for detailed ingredients list that is printed on the pack.

The eye cream comes in a good quality plstic jar that has double lids on it. The cream is off white coloured and is more on the thinner consistency (though cannot be considered watery thin). It runs down if you tilt the jar. The cream has light scent to it which seems fine to me. This is the first time that I have used an eye cream whose application can be extended towards our forehead and cheeks area too. As I read the product stating that it can be used as a complete face treatment, I really trusted it. Why so? because the composition of the product sounded so efficacious to me. 

When I apply the cream over my face, it gives my skin mild sensation that lasts just for a minute. I assume it's a hint that the product is well absorbed by the skin. The brand recommends the day and night application of the cream, but I do it only in the night since I find the cream bit greasy on my skin. I simply feel uncomfortable wearing a greasy layer on my skin during work hours. Moreover, night time is the best time to let the product work for deeper results. 

The eye cream moisturizes the fragile skin around eyes better than a typical moisturizer due to shea butter, sweet almond oil, extra virgin olive oil etc. These moisturizing agents help prevent water loss from the skin and improve elasticity. Other active ingredients like Rockweed Extract, Mulberry Extract and Caffeine Anhydrous soothe and nousrish the skin. Caffeine greatly helps blood circulation which reduces morning puffiness in turn. The eye cream feels and works better on puffiness and eyebags, if you refrigerate it for some time. Sounds strange, but true ;)  

Being Parabens, Phthalates, SLES, Mineral Oil, Dyes & Fragrances free is the best trait of all Mamaearth product including this eye cream. Now if you're wondering that I didn't talk about dark circles yet, they can't be get rid of in a matter of few days. One may notice slight skin lighting if coupled with proper diet etc. I'm patiently working towards achieving to dimnish the dark circles entirely by following the regime every night with complete faith in restorative MamaEarth Under Eye Cream. 

Buying guide: Order at Rs 500 for 50 ml.

Have you used the product yet? How did you like it?

North for Men - Men Grooming Kit

Raksha Bandhan is approaching soon and I see everyone talking n fretting over what gift to choose for their brother or sister. I myself had been planning to buy him a gift of utility that won't end up collecting dust in his closet. So I thought of collating a cool grooming kit for my brooding brother this year that not only lures him, but would also make it easy to wake up looking his best. 

I reached for North for Men by Oriflame that is a trusted male grooming brand designed for men who value looking and feeling great and strive for greatness every day. No matter your skin type or how straightforward or advanced their needs are, they'll find the quality products they need to complement their daily grooming routine, and inspire them with the confidence to go out and be the best they can be.

My brother is very specific about the quality of grooming product he uses because he believes in not looking good, but feeling confident from inside. And gifting him with the best quality personal care essentials is ultimate choice. This combo includes 4 products viz. soap bar, shaving gel, face wash+ scrub and face cream. 

North For Men - Normal Skin Shaving Gel

My bro doesn't do well with electric razors and resorts to traditional manual shaving method. However, he is choosy for nice lathering shaving creams/gels. This NFM shaving gel is non-foamy, ultra-rich gel that provides easy razor gliding on skin to get a close, smooth shave. It helps protect skin against micro cuts and irritations plus heals the scrapes quickly. 

The 60 ml tube is priced at Rs. 149.

North For Men Fairness Face Wash & Scrub

The first step of an effective morning routine is to ensure a brighter and cleansed complexion. With natural menthol for an invigorating kick, simply give yourself a gentle yet deep exfoliation of this dual-effect product. The best part is that the soap-free formula avoids leaving you with stretchy dry skin post rinsing, but also guarantees oil-free skin without any impurities. Men will difintely love the alluring aroma of the product.

The 150 ml tube packaging is priced at Rs. 549

North For Men Fairness Soap Bar

Make a man feel good taking good care of himself with this silky touch fairness soap. Enriched with white complex to help brighten skin tone and improve skin complexion. Pure menthol gives a refreshing feeling with its pleasant scent all the day long. 

The 100 gms soap bar is priced at Rs 129. 

North For Men Fairness Face Cream

A face cream may sound unwanted or optional in a men grooming kit, but I would say men's rougher skin needs nourishment and hydration more than women's. To deliver the benefits of Artic pro Defence and Polar White Complex, this moisturizing cream leads to boosting skin health from within. The added advantage of SPF 18 in the cream is here to shield his skin from sun damage with UV filters while reinforcing skin's resistance against pollutants etc.

The 50 gm tube is priced at Rs 449

In short, this suave hamper from "North for Men" is apt to pamper my bro this Raksha Bandhan and make him feel classy on this auspicious day and forever after. 

p.s. if you're impressed with the NFM combo and wanna gift it to love of your life, Friendship Day is the ocassion that'll give you this golden opportunity to woo your man with a thoughtful gift set ;)

Monsoon Special Snack-Time Recipes from Dr. Oetker FunFoods Creative Kitchen

Monsoons for some reasons have its own special space in India. It is the time of the year when people love to experiment with snacking recipes for their families and friends. Bhajiyas and pakodas paired with masala chai have been the all-time favorite. This rainy season, Chef Gaurav Chadha, In-house Chef, Dr. Oetker India Pvt. Ltd. has crafted some innovative recipes to help you create delectable restaurant style snacking recipes at home.

Tex-Mex Calzone

4 Servings

Level: Average

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Cooking Time: 90 Minutes

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

350 g Maida (White Flour)

5 g Dried Yeast (1tsp.)

5 g Salt (1tsp.)

2 1/2 g Sugar (1/2tsp.)

150 ml Water

15 ml Olive Oil

For the Tex-Mex Filling:

70 g Onions (1 small, chopped) 

70 g Tomatoes (1 small, chopped)

70 g Red Bell Peppers (1 small, chopped)

70 g Yellow Bell Peppers (1 small, chopped)

70 g Green Bell Peppers (1 small,chopped)

10 g Green Chillies (2-3, chopped)

60 g Dr. Oetker FunFoods Salsa (4tbsp.)

60 g Mozarella Cheese (grated)

15 ml Vegetable Oil (1tbsp.)

Preheat oven to 180°C.

• Saute onions, tomatoes and capsicums in oil for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp and soft from inside. 
• In a bowl sift maida, add yeast, salt, sugar and water. Knead with hands to make dough. 
• Place the dough on the working surface then briefly knead it while gradually adding oil until soft dough is formed. 
• Cover the dough with a thin kitchen cloth and leave for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
• Remove from heat and add in a bowl. Stir in salsa and green chillies. 
• Make four balls of equal size from the dough and roll out in approx. 8inch dia. spread to make the calzone crust. 
• Spread the filling in the center and sprinkle cheese on the filling. Fold top of the calzone crust into a half moon shape and seal the edges by crimping them with a fork. 
• Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until base of the calzone is slightly brown in colour. Serve hot.

Macaroni with Creamy Corn and Nachos 

2 Servings 

Level: Beginner 

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

Cooking Time: 15 Minutes 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp Olive Oil 

3 Garlic Cloves (Chopped) 

1 Onion (small. Chopped) 

50 g Corns Salt 

1 tsp Black Pepper Powder 

100 ml Hot Pasta Stock 

60 g Dr. Oetker FunFoods Mayonnaise Veg 

(4 Tbsp) 120 g Macaroni (Boiled) 

20 - 25 g Nachos 

(8-10 pcs., Jalapeno flavour) 

50 g Cheese (Processed, grated) 

• Heat oil in a nonstick pan (low flame) add garlic, onion and cook for 30 seconds or until onion, gets caramelize. Add corn and sauté for 1 minute. Season it with salt and pepper. 
• Add pasta stock to above vegetables and stir. Take the pan away from flame, add mayonnaise and stir well. Bring it back to flame and let it simmer for 1 minute or until sauce thickens. 
• Add pasta to above sauce and toss well. 
• For Assembling- Place nachos around the plate, add above pasta in the middle and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve. 

Savoury Pancakes

Servings: 2

Level: Beginner

Preparation time: 10 Minutes

Cooking Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 medium Carrot, grated

1 medium Onion, sliced

4-5 Coriander Leaves, chopped

100 g Rice, boiled

1 medium Potato, boiled and grated

2 tbsp Refined Flour

1 tsp Red Chilli Powder

50 g (3 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Veg Mayonnaise Original

Salt

Black Pepper Powder

30 ml Water

2 tsp Refined Vegetable Oil

Chopped spring onion for plating

• In a bowl add carrot, onion, coriander leaves, rice, potato, refined flour, red chilli powder, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper powder and water. Mix well until smooth mixture is formed.
• Heat oil in a non-stick pan (medium flame). Spread 2 tbsp of above mixture and cook from both sides till golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter and serve hot.

So if you're also a fan of delicious Dr.Oetker products, indulge in yummilicious snacks this rainy season.

Disclaimer: The recipes are sourced from http://www.oetker.in

Mamaearth Argan Hair Mask Review

I'm obsessing over brands that primarily exist to rule the world with their skin-friendly products prepared out of natural eco ingredients. Infact a few brands have carved a permanent place in my vanity because each of the product they offer is as impressive and effective as the other ones. One of such adorable name is Mamaearth that has rekindled my love for its line of MadeSafe certified products for babies and mums. This brand has been around for a while now and I persnally have tested and reviewed many of their products including Baby Oil, Baby Shampoo, Insect Repellent, Daily Lotion.

When the brand came up their product range for mums on mothers' day, I was way too excited and my post talking about mother care products received great readership too ;) 

Today, I've another star product Argan Hair Mask from Mamaearth to talk about and it's meant for tackling your hair concerns.

Ingredients

Milk Protein, Curd Extract, Argan Oil, Rosemary Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Purified Water, Sodium Citrate, Brassica Alcohol, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Caprylic Capric Tri Glyceride, Hydrolysed Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate

How to use?

Apply a generous amount to towel-dried clean shampooed damp hair. Use your hands and fingers to evenly distribute through hair, beginning at scalp to hair ends and leave for 5 to 15 minutes and then rinse. Use 1 to 2 times weekly.

Packaging:

Argan Hair Mask comes in a sturdy plastic tub packaging with screw cap over it. I liked an inner disc plate under the cap for extra protection. The packaging lists every detail that a user should know about the product. Not to forget the cute outer carton on which quirky mommy quotes are printed.

Since all the products by the brand follow same color theme, it takes time to read the label to know what product you want to pick from your shelf. I would like to recommend something on the packaging that may differentiate a baby product from mumma product.

Mamaearth Argan Hair Mask is a power-packed mix of ALL NATURAL plant sourced ingredients. It's a thick creamy paste in ivory color that smells lovely for blend of oils gone into it. I find the smell quite refreshing, but some may find it strong for them. The mask is absolutely smooth and without any lumps. It's super easy to spread on hair. The thick consistency makes the mask a non-drip formula that lets you sit relaxed post application. 

The brand recommends using the mask either as a leave-in formula or as a rinse-off. I tried leaving the mask on hair after shampooing, but that didn't work for me. My straight hair weighed down and I didn't dare to step out of my house in that condition. Also I was not convinced to wear a helmet on my head the next morning on bit greasy hair else it would have attracted more dirt and grime. So I took a head bath after few hours to rinse it off. I'm not sure, but the mask may be advantageous to drier hair type.

As a rinse-off product, the mask is a comprehensive hair treatment. I massage my (wet) hair and scalp with generous amount of creamy mask and leave it on my head for an hour or less. It helps my scalp absorb maximum nutrients and guarantees me soft, lusturous hair after headbath. I like the mild cooling effect on my scalp when the hair mask is on. After a few uses, I could notice the amount of hair fall getting down (not to a great extent though) that used to happen at the time of shampoo my hair. 

Rosemary oil in the mask claims to boost hair growth and curd extract + milk protein contribute towards strengthening of hair and deeper nourishment. The lasting effect of the mask may be judged after prolonged usage and I'm certainly going to do so.

The product pack of 200 ml priced at INR 599 may sound expensive to some. But inclusion of all pure ingredients that lead to ultimate results makes the deal justified. Moreover, a little goes a long way. So I expect this pack to last for atleast two months. And if you're considerate of its shelf life, the brand has used Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Citrate to preserve the goodness of product for long :)

I bet its one of least complicated and quite promising hair treatment you may give to yourself to cure hair issues. 

Ethicare Remedies Halixir Nourishing Hair Oil Review

Oiling my hair has been a regular practice since childhood. Everyone knows that a careful hair care routine includes a good oil for head massage that works as a tonic for healthy scalp and shaft. In past few usages, I've been appying Halixir Nourishing Hair Oil by Ethicare Remedies that is a concoction of 7 effective oils i.e. Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, Castor Oil, Amla Oil, Brahmi Oil, Bhringraj Oil and Almond Oil other than few more oils. 

The Halixir oil comes is a pump-enabled bottle for easy dispensing of oil. I liked the packaging because it prevents wastage of products since oils generally tend to flow out of usual bottles in excess quantity than required whenever you try to pour it out. All the details like ingredients, usage direction, price etc is printed on the bottle.

Earlier I used to leave a hair oil on my hair overnight, but I discovered that it doesn't add to the benefits by leaving it longer 1-2 hours. So I've made a point to alter my routine accordingly. This oil is light in texture and doesn't leave hair greasy. Just ensure to use only the amount that gets absorbed by strands properly, else the excessive oil may obstruct the pores.

Coconut oil and Sesame oil have fatty acids for the healthy of hair while amla oil gives antioxidant protection. A non-vigorous and light head massage done regularly will  not only improve the tone and texture of your hair, but will stimulate hair growth and inhibit hair fall. The blend of many other natural oils bring nice shine to hair.

Since the oil is not sticky, women who have rough and frizzy hair may leave the oil onto their hair as a leave-in serum to enable easy detangling and reduced flyaways. The oil smells good and the smell lasts for few hours. My personal choice is to oil my hair in a milder fragrant oil than this one. In my opinion, no hair care product can reduce existing split ends, but yes! if your hair have been cared enough to prevent splitting when you start using Halixir, then this oil will certainly protect that condition.

Availability: Rs. 299

Pack Size: 100 ml

Shelf Life: 3 years

Oriflame Memories Women Fragrances Review

Amongst the new product launches by one of my favourite cosmetic brand Oriflame, I saw some new women fragrances listed on their catalogue under the label 'Memories'.  

The Memories range of fragrances has got three variants to offer that are beautifully called as Chasing Butterflies, Day Dreaming in A Hammock and Flirting Under the Fireworks.

I bet you must be loving the catchy names. Isn't it so melodious to hear?? Uttering such lovely names of these fragrances instantly makes you start visualizing the scenario in your fancies. I'm lovin' it. ;)

I received two variants i.e. Day Dreaming in A Hammock and Flirting Under the Fireworks due to unavailability of Chasing Butterflies. 

The colour-coded packaging of fragrances is quickly identifiable. The outer cardboard box of each of the fragrances have graphic image synonymous to the fragrance name. 

The fragrances look glorious in delightful glass bottles. The variant name has been labeled at the bottom of bottles. Wish it were printed on the rear of the bottles. The packaging size of 30 ml each makes the bottles easy to carry around. 

Day Dreaming in A Hammock 

The blissful relaxation of a sunny tropical beach is captured perfectly in this dreamy floral-watery fragrance. Sensual frangipani on the breeze, kissed by the delicate ocean scent of cascalone and the indulgent warm embrace of fresh coconut milk.

In my first few uses, I presumed this perfume is not my type. I felt the whiffs of coconut milk bit unfavoured. But the way it settles on my smelling senses after an hour or so, I started adoring it gradually. Frangipani, being a preferred note in my fragrances, made this fragrance truly elegant and enchanting. I'm sure this will be my office-wear staple for many days or may be until I get another equally delicious perfume. 

Flirting Under the Fireworks

Discover the alluring excitement of a romantic encounter in this oriental-vanillic-fruity fragrance. Tempting tender apricot with a captivating heart of white rose and passionate, addictive trail of sweet praline will sweep you off your feet and leave you wanting more.

This fragrance boasts of Top note in Apricot; middle note in White Rose and base note in Praline. I find this composition quite feminine and velvety. With more of a sweeter tone, it opens to a floral note which I specially enjoy in this sultry weather. I prefer wearing my fragrances on clothes, so it lasts longer than when someone wears on skin directly. It'll win your votes if you like smelling soft all the day long that uplifts your mood. A fragrance as good as this rosy one can certainly complete your nightouts dressing, just don't forget to shine and sparkle. :)

Can't resist to buy, order at INR 1099 each.

Jolen Crème Hair Remover Review - (Sandal for Dry Skin)

Hi

Today's post is a product review for Jolen Crème Hair Remover.

Product claims:
Jolen Hair Remover is just 3 Minutes formula. It removes unwanted body hair from the follicle bulb, leaving the skin baby soft, silky & beautiful while forming a protective natural barrier. The goodness of Olive oil & Shea butter have been specially added to it for their beneficial properties on the skin.

Jolen Crème Hair Remover comes in normal tube packaging placed inside a cardboard box. It's is a light-weight packaging and can be taken along even in the handbag. A good quality plastic spatula also comes along in the pack to help you spread and remove the creme during the process.

There are 3 variants available in this product i.e. lemon, rose and sandal. I chose the Sandal variant, not for the fragrance but for its suitability for dry skin type. It's a pale peachy coloured cream. The consistency is like a usual cream that's not so thick. It spreads on skin like a dream.

The product boasts of sandal fragrance, but I somehow didn't find its smell very close to sandal. It's not intolerably bothersome, but I didn't enjoy it while the cream rests on my skin.
The hair under the cream start shrinking in 3-4 minutes, but that depends on how coarse and thick hair one has. Moving the spatula in reverse direction of hair growth lets you easily remove the product.

The cream removed the hair completely from the area I covered with the product i.e. my legs. After the skin is cleaned off the product using spatula, I gave my skin a good rinse with plain water to remove any residue of product else my skin itches. The skin feels smooth as expected, but I could still smell the faint fragrance. It's recommended to use a good bodywash, if you wish to get rid of the fragrance immediately.

The Jolen Crème Hair Remover is priced at Rs 70 for 50 gms pack, but I got the pack with 20% extra offer. (available here). I ended up finishing almost half the quantity in one use for my legs, so it's so economical than a salon visit for similar service. 

Remember to tightly close the tube after using once else the product efficacy might be affected and it may not work as good next time.

For a closer look at the product composition, refer the image below -

Now talking about how long the product effectively lasts... my body hair is quite thin a, short and light; so for me I won't need reusing the hair remover on the same area earlier than 10-12 days.

Have you used any of Jolen Hair Remover Cremes? Which fragrances you liked the most?