How ActivKids Immuno Boosters Helped Me Become My Son’s Best Friend

"Telling a mother not to worry about her child is like telling the water not to get wet." 

When my son was born, I realised that I too had entered the big league of worrying. Delivering a preterm baby caused me heart-thumping fear that kept on growing as days passed. Sacrificing my job to be with the little one came so naturally to me that I never had to give it a second thought. There were occasions when the overwhelming weight of worries about Shamit’s health would steal the joy of holding him in my arms and I would only wish his overall development to even out with his peers as early as possible.

My anxiety piled up into trauma and crossed the line of normal care and concern the day my son had to attend school for the first time. Refusal to school was no choice, so I decided training (rather warning) my son about what should be avoided when I'm not around... I still recall my frequent diary notes going to his teacher stating NOT to allow him share tiffin with classmates, NOT to take part in weekly splash-pool activity, NOT to play in sand-pit and the list was endless... I have to admit that his days were mostly dominated by playing indoors with me. As a result, he started resisting being face-to-face with the world beyond our front door :(

Well! I probably saved him from many dangers of outside world and managed to overcome number of health risks. But I barely could register how the personality of a little child was impacted by recursively saying 'NO' and turned him into a self-absorbed person.

Recently during the #YesMom campaign by ActivKids Immuno Boosters, I got a chance to watch an insightful video that shook my belief and pushed the demon of restrictions out I was living with. This video was launched as an awareness initiative on the impacts of saying NO to kids, by brand ActivKids Immuno Boosters, a unique nutritional supplement for kids that helps in strengthening immunity.

To be honest, I couldn't believe the product claims that a tiny-looking choco-bite kind of candy can offer up to 100% RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of key immunity.

During one of my regular visits to our paediatrician, I got a chance to learn about benefits of ActivKids Immuno Boosters when a mother had similar doubts like I had. The doctor validated why the kids should be given this supplement choco bite by stating that most kids lack even 50% of RDA of key immunity nutrients due to improper diet, insufficient physical exercise and external factors like environmental pollution. This makes their body have low resistance power against disease causing organisms and they fall ill more often.

After this informative dialogue with the paediatrician, I confidently ordered a month's pack of ActivKids Immuno Boosters. You may buy the product here. 

No wonder, my son was joyously surprised to find that his mom who always has to say NO to chocolates had allowed him to enjoy a choco-bite everyday ;) 

When it's a 'real' struggle to pick right nutrition for our kids these days, it's blissful for moms like me to find a scientifically developed product that brings together the desired proportion of Anti-infective Vitamin A, Anti-Immune Stress Vitamin B9, Anti-Cold Vitamin C and Anti-Microbial Iron that will practically prevent us from crushing childhood of these kids because of our imaginary fears.

Give it a glance on to understand what ingredients go into product composition and how they help build immunity-

Inclusion of one Immuno Boosters choco-bite in my son's diet plan has actually given me the courage to undergo a transition to be #YesMom. Shamit usually likes to carry his daily dose of choco-bite to school. Isn't it actually an ideal time to conclude his meal in a tasty yet healthy way. This healthy snack helps in smoother digestion and increases his metabolism too. Now he remains more energetic and cheerful doing all his activities to seize the rest of the day after tiring school hours. I can clearly make out great improvement in his body's defence system. He barely fell ill in past months and needed no antibiotic as his immunity was stronger. 

Children's time in today's world is much more pressured than it once was. So I promised to myself to allow my son explore his world beyond my secure fencing, be it feeding the pet dogs of his friend, cycling through the muddy road, passing through the bushes to find his ball in the play ground or coming back home with pocket full of rocks. I would now let him set his own challenges, assess his own risks, take his own responsibility and learn from every situation. And here’s the TV ad for Immuno Boosters, a product that has made a significant impact in my life.

Becoming a #YesMom definitely wasn't a cakewalk for me, but maintaining a strategic balance during decisive moments has certainly bridged the gap. I truly feel accomplished as a mom to find my son with not just better immunity physically, but reaping emotional benefits like showing reduced aggression and increased happiness. The beautiful change that is filling up our hearts is a distinctive experience of nurturing our relationship. I cherish the moments when my son confides into me and instead of holding back his emotions, shares his feelings with me. I always believe that it's imperative to let the happiness bug pass on to our kids so that our emotional connect becomes intense and deeper. It's no less than a reward for me to be showered with purest of love by my little one and a sincere promise to be his lifetime friend.
You can read more here

Lastly, here is an honest confession from a mom -

Let your kids be the anchors of their lives. Because life doesn't come with a manual, 

it has its own ways to teach lessons.

4th Blog Anniversary Contest (Closed)

Alive n Kicking is completing 4 years on Jan 5. So to celebrate our special day, we've collaborated with "Euphorbia Box" who has curated an exclusive hamper for you.

✅Compulsory steps-
* Like Alive n Kicking and Euphorbia Box on Facebook.
* Share the post, tag us and tag as many friends as you wish to.   

✅Optional Steps-
* Follow @shilpabindlish on Twitter and Instagram.
* Comment on blogposts.

We will select 1️ winner randomly based on consistent performance who will receive products worth 1100/-

🎁What you win? * MCaffeine Shea Caffeine Cold Cream With Vitamin E (Rs.349)
* ML Matt Look Lipstick- Poppy Red (Rs.310)
* Bath Sutra Strawberry Lip Polish (Rs.250)
* Boho Earrings (Rs.199)
* Bella Feminine Wash Satchet (complimentary)

The contest starts on 29 Dec and is open to all Indian residents (male or female) till 7th Jan. 📣P.S. The winner will be required to post a pic of the giift after receiving. It's a sponsored contest, so Alive n Kicking won't be responsible for delay or damage in transit.

No waiting anymore...let's begin the hunt for our LUCKY WINNER ;)

Winner Update: (9 Jan) - Preeti Sanghvi

Oriflame Love Nature Energising Mint & Raspberry Products Review

Love Nature range from Oriflame celebrates ingredients from nature that smell and feel fantastic. Every pleasurable product has been created to benefit your body and respect the planet. The Mint & Raspeberry range from this collection tantalized me and I felt like adding these products to my Bath & Body selection for ongoing cold winter days.

Love Nature Energising Mint & Raspberry range includes three products i.e. soap bar, shower gel and body lotion. All three products visibly follow bright red and green colored themed packaging that is so apt to give us Christmasy feel today ;) 

Love Nature Soap Bar Energising Mint & Raspberry
Feel vibrant and fresh with this soap bar containing mint and raspberry. The invigorating scent will make you smile as it cleanses. Biodegradable, so you know that nature is smiling too!

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Aqua, Talc, Glycerin, Parfum, Palm Acid, Sodium Chloride, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Palm Kernel Acid, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Tetrasodium Edta, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Mentha Aquatica Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, CI 77891, CI 17200, CI 47005

It's a cute shaped pink coloured soap bar that resembles paisley pattern. Infused with anti-oxidant powers of raspberry and refreshing mint, the soap does replenishes your body skin. It lathers rich and doesn't strippes your skin off it's natural oils. My dry body skin didn't feel scratchy or stretchy after a bath with this soap which generally happens with me on using any random commercial bathing bars, rather I felt properly cleansed all over. I like the fact that the soap bar doesn't melt excessively and retains its shape after many uses.  
Price: Rs. 99 for 75 gms

Love Nature Energising Mint & Raspberry Exfoliating Shower Gel 

Wake up and reinvigorate. Our exfoliating shower gel with mint and raspberry makes cleansing time a treat with its fresh, energising scent and natural-origin scrub beads. Fully biodegradable formulation

Ingredients:
Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Benzyl Salicylate, Mentha Aquatica Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Phenoxyethanol, Agar, Potassium Sorbate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Glucose, Potassium Chloride, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Ammonium Polyacrylate, CI 16035, CI 77288, CI 17200, CI 77492, CI 42090 

Like always, there will be debate about soaps being hygienic or not. So people who avoid using bathing bars, but would love to try Mint & Raspberry bathing products should pick this shower gel for a relaxing shower.

The shower gel is of moderately thick consistency and has tiny green coloured granules in it. I thought of getting exfoliation feel on skin due to these granules. But as you rub the shower gel on your body skin, you will notice these to be melting but there is mild grainy feel on skin that is above and beyond these granules. I am totally loving the way it gently exfoliates my skin for deeper and more thorough cleansing results. And yes! only a coin-sized quantity is enough for full body cleansing.

Price: Rs. 418 for 250 ml

Love Natue Body Lotion with Energising Mint & Raspberry
Soften and moisturise your skin with the uplifting and inspiring scent of mint and raspberry. The perfect partner after your shower, this skin softening body lotion will help to energise and delight!

Ingredients:

Aqua, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceteareth-20, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Parfum, Limonene, Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Mentha Aquatica Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 16035 

It's a pale pink coloured (looks white though), creamy, smooth lotion that has sweet fragrance to it. It takes no time to get absorbed into the skin and is so lightly-textued. It leaves skin soft, hydrated and prevents getting it flaky. You won't get to see any greasy shine on skin once it's spread onto the skin. It can be used all round the year for normal to dry skin types. For the excessively dry skin type like mine, you may need to reapply the lotion during winter season to enjoy supple, moisturized skin all day long. 

Price: Rs. 465 for 200ml

All the products smell predominantly of raspberries that is a plus for fruity fragrance lovers. The smell is not overpowering and lingers on for quite some time. I personally would have loved it more with more minty scent into it, but my family is using the products lavishly these days enjoying the goodness.

Year-End Celebrations Recipes from Dr. Oetker FunFoods Creative Kitchen

The year is coming to an end, so let’s make December special! The year-end always brings back memories of the year gone by.. and also a fresh hope for a better future.

Food has always been a comforting element all our lives, so why should this time be any different? Let family and friends take the fore-front , and celebrate December and the beginning of the new year. Coupled with a few exceptional recipes courtesy Gaurav Chadha, in-house Chef Dr. Oetker India, it is sure to be unforgettable!

Hawaiian Veggie Burger
Serving: 1
Level: Beginner
Preparation time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 20 Minutes 

Ingredients:
1 tsp Butter
2 rings canned Pineapple
½ medium Onion, rings
50 (3 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Veg Mayonnaise Burger
1 Burger Buns, cut horizontally in two halves
1 Lettuce Leaf
1 Veg Burger Patty, deep fried

Directions:
1. Heat butter in a griddle pan (medium flame). Grill the rings of pineapple and onion until caramelized and there are nice grill marks on both sides.
2. Spread 1 tbsp burger mayonnaise on each half of burger bun.
3. On bottom, half of burger bun place lettuce leaf, followed by burger patty, onion rings,
pineapple (a dollop of mayonnaise on pineapple) and top it up with other half of the
bun. Serve.

**********************************************************************************
Chocolate MousseServing: 3
Level: Medium
Preparation time: 10mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:
2 tbsp Dr. Oetker FunFoods Dessert Topping Chocolate (30g)
4 tbsp Whipped Cream (60g)
1 tsp Veg Gelatine (5g)

Directions:
1. Soak gelatine in chilled water for 4-5 minutes then warm on low heat for 1 minute until all
the granules melt.
2. In a bowl, add whipped cream, dessert topping chocolate, gelatine and mix well.
3. Pour in 3 glasses. Leave in a refrigerator for 30 minutes to set. Serve.

Courtesy:Dr. Oetker FunFoods Creative Kitchen

Indian Signature Style - Saree OOTD ft. Triveni Ethnics

The origin of 'Saree', one of the most sensual Indian wear, dates back to ancient times. For Indian females, a saree is firmly ingrained in our culture since ages. You must have seen the statues of Indian Goddesses showing them draped in decoartive sarees. Initially the saree used to be a three-piece-ensemble consisting of unstitched stretches of cloth draped as a lower garment, a chest band and a longer piece of cloth covering ones shoulder or head. The presence of saree has come a long way from streets of rural India, to our conservative grandmoms to bollywood movies to runways of fashion shows in terms of wider acceptance.

Not only the parties, functions, weddings and festivals are the time to grace a saree, but picking a right kind of saree makes you to stand out ditching your usual everyday wear to office, college, travel, outing or everywhere else. Make sure you choose the type of saree acoording to the ocassion, time of the day and your body type.

Another element that makes a saree quite a functional ensemble is the regionally-specific draping styles. You go to any part of the country and you will fall in love with the elegant, tasteful, more or less sophisticated style of donning a saree. Isn't that so fascinating!!

Infact, in today's fashion-forward world, you can always add a modern twist to your traditional saree and lend it your own style. Take your saree game up a notch by using a narrow belt around your waist to secure the drape in place or play with a trendy cape to strike a feminine touch to your personality. An easy-peasy transition that can turn you into a fashionista is by swapping your basic blouse with a button-down shirt, crop top, short kurti or a bold corset belt. I bet you may come up with numerous innovative ideas on how to kill boredom of dressing same everyday.

I personally am a great admirer of sarees and have got really a good collection of sarees in different fabrics bought from different parts of country. I don't even mind demanding my friends and relatives visiting me to get me one from their native places because there is a uniqe aesthetic appeal and hint of tradition to every number ;)

All thanks to hi-tech era that we may now be on shopping spree right at the comfort of our home from online stores. My all-time favourite destination for buying ravishing ethnic wear is Triveni Ethnics. Precisely a few clicks will present you with an array of Bridal, Festive, PartyWear, OfficeWear and DailyWear clothing. I've been shopping from them since many months because every piece they design is a marvel in itself.

This Time I ordered an embroidered festive saree in faux georgette fabric with border work. Many people insist me to go for heavy textured silk, cotton, tussar, orgenza or brocade sarees; but I somehow find it comfortable to carry off a look in lighter fabrics and feel trapped in stiff drapes.

Broad, elaborate borders always make a place on my outfits as they work like a charm for me. Embroidered butis in pink n golden thread all over the garment is another eye-catching element that has introduced a richness to the saree.

Once a saree is selected with care, I stress upon complimenting the look by styling beautifully crafted, high-quality jewellery pieces. Too much of loud and colourful jewellery can ruin the look of the saree, so be selective and smart to accessorize. I've got a matching statement necklace and danglers to complete my look with glass bangles around my wrists for a feminine touch.  

Here I would like to mention about Triveni's onsite facility of getting your garment stitched while placing an order. You may fill in the stiching guidelines form on the site and the professional tailors will get your outfit prepared in a ready-to-wear form. There are a number of sassy, cutesy neckline cuts, sleeves patterns that you may select. Just make sure to be very specific with measurements. Because a perfectly stitched blouse actually brings the good amount of attention, but certainly in a right way. ;) 

Look at the pretty dangling embellishments added to the back of my blouse with golden strings!!

I feel urban women of today are turning into practical wardrobe selection than just being hoarders of unusable stuff. That's all for today in appreciation for this figure-flattering outfit! Will bring more variety of OOTD soon (but selfies first) :)

Waiting to hear your views on this post and look :)

LipzLite Lip Lightening Cream Review

Early this month, I received a beautifully curated kit from emegamartIndia containing best os skin care, jewellery and accessories. (I unboxed the kit here.) Those who missed vieweing the content, check out here what I received in the Dashing December Kit.

To quickly name all the products, I got -

• A pair of cute ear-studs.
• A pair of pretty jhumkis.
• A beautiful wrist watch
• Hydrofil emollient cream 
• Lipzlite Lip Lightening Cream

Today, I'm reviewing Lipzlite in this post after a use of almost a month.

Product Info:
Ultimate lightening cream for a lips, underarms, groin areas and other sensitive parts of the body.

Ingredients:

Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Liquorice Extract, Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Beta Arbutin, Bearberry Extract, Mulberry Extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.

It comes in a sleek white and pink tube that is absolutely eay to carry in your bag wherever you go. Also the tight screw cap would lock the product inside and relieve you from worries of spilling inside the bag.

You need to take the cream on your finger tip to apply on lips. I'm ok with application with finger, as it avoids causing unhygienic condition when more than one persons use the same tube. But it would have been nice for direct application if the tube had a tapered orifice.

The cream is white in color and a little amount is required to apply on lips. The formula that is an fusion of ingredients developed thoughtfully works as a balanced lip moisturizer that gives supple lips instantly. It's non-sticky and has just mild scent that doesn't bother. 

After a use of more than 3 weeks, I saw little bit of lightened lip color. Be warned that just by using one tube, don't expect a dramatic change in existing pigmentation. You might notice it works a bit slowly, but it will work effectively. The time taken is all dependent on the kind of pigmnetation you have. You should apply it atleast twice a day or as need be, but night time is best time to cure dry and peeling lips while working on lightening. I suggest exfoliating your lips regularly while you use this cream to regain the natural pink color on your lips.
This cream is a multipurpose formula and can be applied also to your dark underarms or around dark genital or areolas area for the same purpose. (I've not tested it though). 

Price: Rs.249 for 15gms. (Buy here)

Giordani Gold Essenza Parfum Review

"Perfume is the indispensable complement to the personality of women, 

the finishing touch on a dress," -Christian Dior

The statement above fits well on iconic Giordani Gold Essenza Parfum that's a energizing women fragrance from the range of Oriflame. 

Product Description: Composed around Oriflame’s exclusive Orange Blossom Luxury Essenza note, radiant Giordani Gold Essenza Parfum evokes true luxury and craftsmanship from its exquisite glass bottle, its cap dressed in real gold leaf to its highly concentrated and diffusive fragrance. A premium floral woody parfum that inspires beautiful living.

Ingredients:

ALCOHOL DENAT., PARFUM, AQUA, LIMONENE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, GERANIOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, CITRAL, ISOEUGENOL, FARNESOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 19140, CI 16035

The fragrance is available in a see-through, double-layered glass bottle that bears a gorgeous gold stopper and top cap with brand logo on its top. The bottle is bit heavy, so depends how comfortable you find to carry it around while travelling.

This bottle looks no less than a 'dazzling object' kept on your vanity table even on a crowded space on the area. Certainly an attention grabber for the keen perfume lovers.

Composition:
Top Note: Bergamot
Middle Note: Orange Blossom and White Flowers
Base Note: Woody

An asthetic fusion of ingredients, Essenza literally turns out to be one of the best fragrance that takes your fancy to next level. You spray it right after taking a shower or before getting dressed, it stays 'true' for many hours when worn on the skin.

The assertive composition of the fragrance with bergamot as head notes brings addictive citrusy energy of the finest degree that lasts for few minutes after application. 

While the heart notes start emerging in a brilliant mix of ultra-feminine orange blosssom and classy white flowers, the wearer is bound to start feeling the warmth of fragrance with time.

The woody base notes makes the composition really distinguishing. I personally love this kind of darker composition that lasts 6-8 hours easily on me without bothering me.
It's depth and intensity suit to be worn on any time of the day at any ocassion, be it under the night sky or the shining sun.

In totality, I feel Essenza is your superbly aromatic companion with great longevity that provides an instant boost of confidence with just a few spritz.

Price: Rs. 3,719 for 50 ml
  
Pro Tip: I recently discovered that oily skin holds the fragrance for longer and so it is recomended to hydrate your skin well to increase the scented trail left by the perfume wearer. Do give it a try.

Oriflame Express Lip Crayons Review

For the women who think lipsticks are too old-fashioned, the newer and adorable version of lip crayons are flooding the markets these days. These lip crayons are really cute, indulgent and fun to use. I've got a few in my makeup bag and wanted to have more in as many possible colours. So on the launch of Express Lip Crayons by Oriflame, I quickly ordered all the shades fearing non-availability later ;)
I received this set of all seven crazy shades...

The Express lip crayons come in a roly-poly, pen-like packaging in black colour. Each of the crayons have got transparent cap over the neck that lets you see the shade. The labeling on the crayons has got details like shade name, quantity, price, shelf life stc pinted on it. The crayons' packaging at the bottom end can be twisted to take more product out.

Bubble Gum Pink- It tends to wash out warmer skin tones like mine. Seriously I cannot pull this shade off. I doubt I may use it as it is. But nah! this is no reason to discard the lipcolor. I'm definitely going to use it underneath a deep lipcolor to balance out the shade.

Coral Craze: It's a muted shade of pinkish orange with slight hint of red. Perfect for everyday wear to college or work that doesn't look very bold, rather brings a decency to your look.

Fuschia Fantasy: This shade is the brightest shade of pink that is owned from flower of the fuchsia plant. So girly and just so right for a glam finish for this party season.

Orange Crush: Orange is among the most widely accepted lipcolor among girls these days. My prefernce for an orange lipcolor is a fire-like shade. This one is a lovely vibrant shade that will look equally good on cooler or warmer skin tones.

Red Rush: This one is not the traditional crimson red colour, but is close to scarlet shade. It looks ravishing even on slightly darker skin tones. My face looks really glowing when I apply this shade.

Purple Haze: This shade quite closely resemble the wine colour. It's intensity makes me love it. Its one of the most comfortable and wearable shade for my skin tone. I feel it will be liked by most women with varying skin tones.

Indigo Dare is a dark navy blue kind of shade that looks mysterious. It's definitely a unique addition to my collection, but wearing this fierce shade takes courage for me ;)

All the lip crayons are beautifully pigmented and glides on the lips due to its buttery texture. The rich pigmentation makes sure that you end up with an opaque finish, but I like two swipes atleast that can build up colour to my desired level.

The lip crayons don’t dry lips either. You may skip the lip balm completely and it can still keep the lips supple. The lip cayons don't bleed despite its creamy texture but do transfer if you drink or eat. The relatively shoter staying power of upto 3 hours is the one of the downside, so requires touch-ups if you are out for long hours. I would have loved these more if these settled to matte finish for enhanced longevity, otherwise I'm loving playing with Express lip crayons :)
Price: 585/- each (2.8 gms)