How 'Feet Up' Gives You Healthy & Happy Feet

Spring is already here and we're ready to wear open shoes, cute sandals and stylish thongs :) But are our feet ready for this show off? Not many people (men and women both) are successful to stick to their usual foot care regimen during cold winters. The reason may be just chilly weather or other issues like skin allergies arising due to low temperature. As a result, the feet tend to become dry-skinned, itchy bearing cracked heels. The most common foot care product in anybody's list would be a foot care cream, but make sure you start by exfoliating your feet.

I'm currently using Feet Up Deep Exfoliating Cream and Feet Up Overnight Moisturizing Cream from Oriflame that help me keep an eye on my feet's health.

Exfoliating your body skin is a good skin care practice and your feet are no exception. 

Scrub away rough, dry skin with Feet Up Deep Exfoliating Foot Cream. This high performance, rich, creamy rinse-off foot scrub with natural origin Pumice beads, Mineral 4E Blend and nourishing Shea Butter effectively exfoliates, purifies and conditions hard, rough skin to leave your feet soft and buffed to perfection.

Feet Up Exfoliating cream is a soft-smelling, white-colored cream that has micro Pumice beads in it. I start by soaking my feet in plain lukewarm water and smoothen the sole of my feet using pumice stone. Once the skin feels little softer, I massage the exfoliating cream focussing on the drier areas like heels, toes and balls of my feet. Wash the cream off after the product does its job through a light massage.

The exfoliator cream is a blend of four minerals Copper, Zinc, Iron and Magnesium that have ultimate benefits for skin repair, softening and smoothening. This cream not just takes dead skin off instantly but helps avoid building tough calluses and clogging of pores. I could see my feet untanned and healthier-looking right after the first use which is worth all the applauds.

A nourishing massage after the exfoliation is always a must, be it your face, body or feet. 

Wrap your feet up in the creamy richness of this intensely moisturising overnight cream. Infused with natural extracts of Avocado & Aloe Vera, Feet Up Overnight Moisturizing Foot Cream will soften even the toughest skin and help to soothe tired feet while you sleep. Massage into feet at night and wake up the next morning to find them improved. 

Feet Up Overnight Moisturizing Cream is advised to be applied before bedtime and to be left overnight on your feet. But I don't mind availing its benefits after a scrbbing on my feet. It's a mildly fragranced, white-coloured cream that is ultra-hydrating on my dry skin. Though I apply only little amount of the cream, it makes my feet super soft to touch and I'm totally loving that feeling.

The power-packed protective antioxidants and fatty acids, Avocado oil has outstanding regenerative properties that helps to heal cracked heels when used on everyday basis. Due to it's deep penetrating capability, it carries the hydration into deeper layer of rougher foot skin and gives result as we want without feeling greasy.

This combo of Feet Up products is an ideal pick for those who care for their feet equally as they do for their body. When used on a weekend, it's a perfect pampering for my tired feet after a long hard week at work. It also helps me relieve the pain and inflammation I usually have on my feet. And the bonus points for making my feet smell nice. 

Both the Exfoliation and Moisturizing Foot Creams are priced at Rs. 375 each for 75ml.

I recommend the result-oriented Oriflame Feet Up product range to ease your aching feet coz healthy feet are happy feet! 

Brew Perfect French Press Coffee ft. InstaCuppa

Who doesn't love the rich taste in a cuppa? Espresso, Mocha, Cappuccino or French Press; whatever is your favourite style, but coffee brewed to perfection is liquid wisdom ;)

I'm more of a tea-person, but if I have coffee that has to be deliciously strong. Frankly speaking, I never considered myself too good to prepare coffee as good as we enjoy in parties and that probably stopped me be a coffee-lover. But over the past few months, what changed the entire scenario at my home is InstaCuppa French Press Coffee Maker.

This french press coffee maker features an extra tough and heat-resistant, cylindrical pot made of borosilicate glass that doesn’t break as easily as the others and lasts for years.  Look at the grace it has. :)

The pot's outer holder made with highly polished stainless steel accents a classy look to the appliance. The spout on the pot helps to pour the beverage without spilling. 

You would find a plunger piston and built-in mesh filter screen that presses hot water through the ground coffee. Both the components that is plunger and filter are made of high grade 18/8 stainless steel that keep rust at bay. The pot handle is heat-resistant and causes zero heat-transfer.  

Now here is the secret to utilize the coffee maker to optimal use. It's an open secret that a good cup of coffee starts with the beans. The freshly roasted and ground beans immediately before brewing do magic to bring aroma your flavourful drink. Make a point to grind the beans to medium size with uniformity and consistency throughout, because coarsely ground beans may clog the filter, while very fine grinds may pass through the filter.

Coming to the not-so-tough task of brewing, start by cleaning the pot thoroughly since you last used it and pour ground coffee into the pot. 

Now pour hot water (or probably milk, if you like it) into the pot and gently stir with a long spoon.

Wait for a while to let the hot water help release aroma from the grinds. Then firmly hold the handle of the pot, insert the lid back into the pot and press the plunger all the way down to filter the grounds from the coffee. 

As seen in the image below, the mesh filter generally does a decent job to hold back the grounds; but if a small quantity of fine grounds gets mixed in your beverage, it would barely affect the taste.

This InstaCuppa coffee maker can hold an ample quantity of 600ml that eases your effort to serve almost 5-6 cups in a single press. Looking at the awesome features of this durable appliance, a price of INR 1499/- is a steal deal giving you an off on MRP 2000/-. Available to order from brand website or from Amazon. 

Whip-up Lip-Smacking Recipes at Home This Month of Love

Historically, St. Valentine is known to only spread love amongst humans. Nevertheless, what if this was extended to one’s love for food? Cupid might as well strike a juicy burger or a sumptuous brownie! The opportunities are endless. Prepare to fall in love forever as you celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a lot of love and some beautiful flavours. Chef Gaurav Chadha, in-house Chef Dr. Oetker India, Chef Nader Shaikh, Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel and Chef Shreyas Gharat, Sous Chef, Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa will help you make your Valentine’s Day special at home.

Chocolate Cake with Raspberries: (Recipe courtesy: Chef Gaurav Chadha)

Servings: 2

Level: Beginner
Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
Baking Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:
250g Dr. Oetker FunFoods Eggless Bake Mix 11 Cakes
100g Butter, melted
75ml Full Cream Milk
100ml Water
30 g (2 tbsp) Powdered Sugar
30g (2 tbsp) Cocoa Powder
200 gm Whipped Cream
100 g Raspberries, frozen

Directions: 

Pre-heat oven to 180°C.

Mix bake mix, butter, milk, water, sugar & cocoa powder until batter is smooth.

Grease and flour heart shape-baking pan & pour batter in. 

Bake for 30mins or until a toothpick inserted in the center, comes out clean. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes and then cut it from center, into two parts.

Take one piece of cake and spread half of the cream in the center, place another piece of cake on top and spread rest of the cream. Decorate the cake with berries and serve.

Ginger Berry Passion: (Recipe courtesy: Chef Shreyas Gharat)

Servings: 2
Level: Intermediate
Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
Baking Time: 4 hours

Ingredients:
50g Fresh Strawberries
50g Fresh Raspberries
50g Fresh Red Currants
50g Sugar
150g Cream Cheese
50g Milk Maid
50g Whipped Cream
2g Agar-Agar
50ml Passion Fruit Puree
100g Heavy Cream
2g Agar-Agar
20g Soften Butter
50g Ginger Cookies

Directions:

• Wash and clean all berries and cook with sugar for 10-15 min on slow flame add agar-agar.
• Using hand whisker combine cream cheese, milkmaid & whipped cream.
• Add puree and mix well.
• Line heart shape mould with ginger cookies.
• Pour mixture in mould set it in refrigerator for 2 hours.
• Boiled passion fruit puree & agar-agar.
• When coming at room temperature add heavy cream, soften butter, and blend it nicely.
• Pour it the mixture in half hemisphere mould and freeze it for 2 hours.

Red Velvet Cheese Cake: (Recipe courtesy: Chef Nader Shaikh)

Servings: 2
Level: Advanced
Baking Time: 8 hours

Ingredients: 
1 1/2 cups vanilla biscuit crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
300g packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1-cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
2 (1-ounce) bottles red food coloring
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1-teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Directions:

• Stir together vanilla biscuit crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan.
• Beat 220g packages cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar at medium-low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Add eggs and next 6 ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared crust.
• Bake at 160°C for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 145°C, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm. Run knife along outer edge of cheesecake. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes. Cover and chill 8 hours.
• Beat 80g package cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over top of cheesecake. Remove sides of spring form pan. Garnish, if desired.

Herboveda Hair Care Products Review

Switching shampoos after a few weeks is recommended for everyone by many beauty enthusiasts and I definitely follow this recommendation. Be informed that it doesn't cause hair fall or any other issues, just make sure you choose products that lead to healthier hair and scalp.

Today, I'm sharing my views on Herboveda's Anti-Hairfall Hair Oil and Shampoo that my family is using for past few weeks.

Anti-Hairfall Oil With Olive And Rosemary Oil
This premium hair oil contains essential oils which are proven to prevent hair fall and stimulate hair growth. Rich in Almond and Olive oil, it provides full protection from UV rays & harmful radiations of the sun. It contains orange, lavender, rosemary and chamomile blended with the goodness of palmarosa oil that gives longer hair full of life. With no added perfume or paraffin this hair oil is a herbal cure for all your hair problems.

This oil is an infusion of plenty of essential oils, all added to provide nourishment to your hair. Rosemary oil benefits your hair by trating dandruff and relieves common hair care issues like flaky scalp. Lavender Oil is used to soothe the scalp and stimulates growth. Almond oil is well known for containing healthy ingredients for hair like Omega-3 fatty acids that strengthens hair and has also got conditioning properties.

The oil is not thick in consistency and gets absorbed properly when massaged onto hair. It's recommended to keep the oil overnight and wash it off the next morning. The fragrance of the oil is certainly not-so-mild and may be overpowering for some, but for me it's stress-buster and like a natural remedy to cure a bad headache after a hectic day at work. The positive results of the oil might be noticed after a continuous use of atleast two consective months.
The 100ml bottle of this oil is priced at Rs. 399 which is bit expensive, but worth the price if suits your hair and brings results.

Hairfall Control Shampoo with Bhringraj And Jatamansai 
This is a formula fortified with  Bhringraj And Jatamansai herbal extracts that help in strngthening the hair from roots. It also contains D-panthenol with Hydrolyzed Keratin. It treats hair that have been damaged due to perming, chemical straightening, bleaching or environmental stress. Finally it makes the hair stronger and prevents hair fall.

The shampoo is of golden yellow color and has medium consistency. A dime sized shampoo lathers well and does it work to cleanse your hair off all the dirt, oilyness and pollutants. But if you use it on oiled hair, it would require shampooing your hair twice for effectively taking out the oil. The shampoo doesn't dry my hair, but the frizz is somewhat not controlled.   

The shampoo has herbal fragrance that is not bothersome and doesn't last for long after a headbath. Once my hair dry, it looks lusturous and is easily manageable. I'm neutral to the claims of the shampoo to reduce hair fall as it has neither increased nor reduced the issue. The ingredients list on the shampoo bottle mentions SLES, Paraben Sodium which disappointed me to certain extent as I prefer using SLS-free products. Despite having many herb extracts like, Amla fruit, Jatamansi, Brahmi, Reetha, Aloe Vera etc, I probably won't be recommending this product :(

The shampoo is yet to be placed on the brand website. I'll be updating the Buying Link as soon as it's available. 

Denim Midi Dress for Valentine Outfit Inspo + Contest ft. Triveni Ethnics

Are you one of those women who advocate a no-fuss look over everything in hot pinks and ravishing reds even on the day of love and romance?? Are you the one who wonder why to paint the town red and not any other colour? Are you the one who would please herself more by looking 'uniquely dressed' in a crowd of rosy reds?

Well! As long as you feel this matter requires resolution, we've got you covered. Go for a denim midi dress for something a little bit more unique this season.

Practically, I'm obsessed with denim and my obsession is not only confined to denim jeans, skirts and jackets; the one-piece denim dresses are my absolute favourite. My closet probably have a few already, still I couldn't resist owning one more from Triveni's Blue Trunk Collection:)

How about checking out how I portaryed my classic favourite in an approachable, easy-to-carry way!!

Wearability is certainly the factor that attracts me the most in a comfy denim dress. And this cotton dress is all about the chic button-front details that beautifully pops against the light wash tone of the fabric. I usually tend to wear tones of true blue when it comes to denim in my outfits and even in shoes. Other shades somehow don't dictate denim culture to me (may not be true for you though).

I'm styling the dress with on-trend heels for Valentine party season, but of many ways that denim dresses let you be more flexible with your style, you may pair it up with high-top canvas sneakers, pointed pumps, ankle boots or quirky flats for more of masterful dressing.

I'm probably sold on the fact that pocketed dresses are my best picks ever. And the denim dresses with pockets are big this season and look so extra trendy. While I liked a few more options from the Blue Trunk collection, the adorable waistline pockets pulled my heart <3

A front slit on this dress shakes up the modest style that particularly brings in that missing sex appeal to the complete look specially when you aim to be someone's cupid ;) 

To conclude the curation, minimal makeup and luxe accessories helped me keeping this denim outfit actually on the casual side of things. So I ditched gold toned accessories without having people thinking I'm overdone rather opted for a pendant and a swipe of lipstick to keep the understated dress effortlessly chic. 

Click for an exciting Valentine Contest happening on our Facebook page for a chance to win a saree.

Herboveda Skin Lift Anti-Wrinkle Day & Night Creams Review

Today I'm introducing Herboveda Care, an initiative towards combining the benefits of naturally obtained herbal ingredients and the age old magical beauty secrets to transform the entire idea of beauty and beauty care. Living in the present times of stressful life styles, hectic work days and this super polluted environment, Herbovedacare aspires to provide your skin a relief from the pollutants and the intense sun. With the soothing herbs and natural oils from pure plant extracts, Herbovedacare promises the best of care for your skin.

From the herbal product range that the brand has to offer, I'm reviewing a combo of Anti-Wrinkle Day and Night Creams meant for Skin Lift.

Packaging: 

Both the day and night cream come in elegant white tubs. The packaging is sturdy enough and has got the key ingredient printed on the top screw lid. This light-weight packaging is easy to carry around. The ingredient list, usage instructions, price, quantity etc is labelled on the pack as well. 

Day Creme With Pomegrenate And Rose Hip Oil

This cream completely replenishes your skin. It deeply moisturizes and prevents ageing. The active ingredients work naturally and activate the cells. Thus, the premature ageing of your skin is prevented. It's a perfect day cream.

Looking at the pomegranate infused cream at the first sight, it reminded me of using pomegranate peel powder in my younger days when such good products for skin care were not accessible to everyone :)
The texture of Herboveda Day Cream is light, thin and smooth. The moment you massage it on the skin, it is absorbed as if it was there ever. But the skin gets a boost of hydration instantly that feels really good to touch without oilyness. The beauties who are battling with dryness of skin will definitely love the plumped skin what they crave for.

Pomegranates in the cream help delay the signs of aging being rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. Another active ingredient i.e. Rosehip Oil is loaded with anti-inflammatory fatty acids to repair damaged skin. Rosehip Oil also helps to tighten your pores due to astringent properties. The rosehop oil renders light fragrance to the cream that is pleasant to smell and won't be irritating anyone. Just ensure to give your skin the suppleness of this cream whenever you cleanse your face and neck area (I do it twice a day). I'm liking using this cream for it's hydration but would have loved it if were SPF rich too for everyday protection of skin from any and all sun damage.

                                                                        ***********

Night Creme With Veg Squalene & Grapeseed
The anti wrinkle night cream vitalizes, regenerates & improves the elasticity of the skin and aids your skin to fight against free radicals & ageing process. It also boost skin cell renewal system while smoothening up fine lines & wrinkles.

The Herboveda Night Cream is similar to its day cream in color and texture, but it has lighter fragrance. This cream infused with grape seed oil and veg squalene tends to sink in the skin very easily. It's a non-irritating formula that would be suited to people with sensitive skin type as well. Squalene is effective to reduce redness, stinging of skin due to it's anti-bacterial properties. Grape seed oil is packed with Polyphenols that are anti-inflammatory antioxidants and hold up the aging process. 

Even the beauties who are skeptical to pick a night cream for themselves dreading acne breakout may try this formula and may nourish their skin. I personally like creams that are light to the touch, quick to absorb and don't leave skin feeling heavy or greasy. Herboveda Night Cream ticks all these pros for me. I would especially like to mention here that grape seed oil is well-known for skin balancing so even if you have oily skin, you're in for this treat for your skin to treat oily patches too.

Daily use of both these creams will help your skin regain elasticity and be firm-looking by fighting signs of aging and dull wrinkled skin.
For a price of INR 325 each, the 50gm pack with a shelf life of 36 months is a must-buy.