OPEN EYED MEDITATIONS REVIEW

Open Eyed Meditations is a self-help book written by well-known author Shubha Vilas (Author of the bestseller Ramayana-the game of life). I received the book as a part of Blogadda Book review programme. After receiving it, I was expecting to come across some tips to cope up with everyday problems through meditation. A different perspective towards meditation has been explained, we all think meditation to be a close eyed phenomenon but the author differs from this view held generally by people. After finishing the book, I have decided to gift each copy of it to both my siblings. I think it would be a great gift for our near dear ones. It is not just any self-help book but an asset with a collection of topics which everyone from all age groups can relate to. I loved reading each of the 64 topics, as each topic has its relevance in today’s world. I personally felt, few topics covered in the book are exclusively written for me, to guide me where I was wrong and reflect upon my actions, so that I could move forward without regrets.

 

Another unique feature of this book is the inclusion of short stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata under each topic. In a very lucid manner each issue has been discussed. The short stories make the book more interesting and keep a reader hooked onto it. It also breaks the stereotype that only Ramayana and Mahabharata are relevant in Hindu Mythology and has no significance in today’s realty. There are people who find Ramayana and Mahabharata quite boring, however this book has a great collection of stories which anyone will find useful and can find solutions to their problems

This book is so addictive, I finished reading it within 4 days. There is so much to learn from this book, it gives us deeper insight into our complex lives. I

can go through it again and again. Now my mother has started reading it, she is someone who is very choosy when it comes to books and movies. So far she loves the book. There is one topic ‘Who drives your decisions?’ made me retrospect my actions made in past. Especially I have taken career oriented decisions either out of fear or force, and those decisions have backfired at the end. These days youngsters are under immense peer pressure. Due to peer pressure they get easily distracted and focus on momentary happiness. Instead of harnessing their potential and developing skills, their focus is on romantic relationships, enjoyments and excursions. There are certain topics covered in the book which I find completely apt and suitable for today’s younger generation. I would like to suggest few such topics to them:

>Valentine’s day secret tips.

>Do you need what you shop or shop what you need?

>Is real love in kisses and gifts?

>Are you scared to be offline?

>Conditions apply- in Love.

>Can I hurt others without getting hurt?

>Why do people once I loved now appear detestable?

Several topics on leadership have been covered and enough examples and short stories are given which will be very useful for people to identify their blind spots and inculcate new habits and manners that will make them efficient leaders in their area of expertise. I kind of felt, as if am going through a book on Organisational behaviour and development but with a twist and difference. Essence of each topic is given at the end of the chapter in form of snippets. This book not only makes one reflect on career oriented decisions and professional life but also on personal and spiritual life. ‘HIGHLY RECOMMENDED’.

Review by: Tapaswini Swain
Author: Shubha Vilas
Rating: 4.5/5
Publishers: Fingerprint! Belief
Price: Rs 250/-
Pages: 279
Cover: The image given has a deeper meaning and gives certain hints regarding what the readers can expect from the book.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

SoulTree Ayurvedic Kajal in ‘Fern Green’ Review

Hello Sweeties,

Today I am back with a review on a very interesting product from the Ayurvedic brand SoulTree. So let us check out the review and pictures to decide how good their colour khols are.

What The Company Says?

Handmade carbon black collected from vegetable oil lamps combines with organic ghee (clarified butter) natural mineral colours and organic sweet almond oil to make this kohl safe and give it a colour that will highlight your eyes and keep them cool. Natural Organic Kajal made with organic ghee. Smudge proof and pleasant to the eyes.

Contains No Paraben or Lead

With Organic Ghee

Natural Mineral Colour

100% Natural

Not Animal Tested

Made from camphor and organic ghee the kajal has a soothing softness that keeps the eyes cool & clean. The natural pigments enhance the natural beauty of the eyes.

List of Ingredients:

Isoamyl Laurate, Ricinus Communis(Castor)*oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Candelila cera, Copernicia cerifera cera, Clarified butter (Ghee)*, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) butter, Garcinia Indica (Kokum) butter, Prunus dulcis (sweet almond)* oil, Mel (Honey)*, Tocopherol (Natural Vit. E), Camphor, Linalool**, May contain + or – Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499, Cl 77019, Cl 77891, Cl 77268:1, Cl 77288, Cl 77007 *From Certified Organic Farms **From Natural Essential Oils.

Price: Rs 350.

My take on this product:

Packaging: It comes in a twist up steel matte packaging. Packaging is very similar to their lipstick range. All information including usage tips, full ingredient list and number of shades available are mentioned in the outer carton. I have never seen such a funky, colourful and informative carton packaging. More than the product, I got interested in its packaging. :p Shade name is mentioned on the bottom of the Kajal casing.

Pigmentation: I have the shade ‘Fern Green’ with me from this range. I find it richly pigmented. It glides easily on my waterline and shows up nicely with two swipes. It does not require much layering thus would be liked by all. In the swatch picture, I have swatched once and you can see how pigmented it is.

Shade: ‘Fern Green’ is able green Kajal toned down forest green shade. If you are looking for one wearable green khol for your eyes, do not miss this shade. It brightens any dull look instantly and never looks gaudy or OTT. It is neither too bright nor too dull, I am a big fan of such wearable green shades.

Texture & Finish: It has creamy texture owing to presence of shea butter and loads of other carrier oils in it. But it sets into semi matte finish. It is not as creamy as other twist up khols we have in market that do never set. It glides effortlessly on my eyes. It does not sting and has slight cooling effect due to presence of camphor. It would be a great pick for people with sensitive eyes.

Staying Power: Staying power of this khol is way better than any twist up khol in the market. Whenever I swipe multiple times, it gets difficult for it to set and thus it smudges a bit. However, once it sets I have it on my eyes for 4-5 hours easily. I could see traces of the green shade on my eyes till evening. It does not smudge unevenly or does not make eyes look messy with time.

Availability: Available at several online shopping sites in India.

What I liked about SoulTree Ayurvedic Kajal in ‘Fern Green’?

-It is enriched with shea butter and several carrier oils.

-It contains organic ghee.

-It contains camphor and can be used for sensitive eyes.

-It does not sting my eyes.

-It is very well pigmented.

-It glides easily and sets to creamy matte finish.

-Its stays on my lower lash line for a long time.

-Some 13 shades are available in this range.

-Funky packaging.

-It is preservatives free and devoid of any synthetic colors or silicones.

What I disliked about SoulTree Ayurvedic Kajal in ‘Fern Green’?

-Price may seem higher to some people.

-It gets blunt with usage, cannot be sharpened.

-It does not stay long on waterline if you have watery eyes.

Rating:

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Shade: 5 out of 5

Pigmentation: 4.25 out of 5

Staying power: 4.25 out of 5

Texture & Finish: 4 out of 5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Will I repurchase it? Yes for sure, but in different shades. They have so many amazing shades, so would go for any of those.

My Overall Recommendation: Highly Recommended! If you are looking for a wearable green khol for everyday wear with decent color pay off and staying power then look no further, pick this shade up.

*PR Sample

Subtle Day and Sultry Night Makeup Look

Hello Friends,

Today I am back with a post different from what I usually write. It is a makeup look created in collaboration with my lovely blogger friend Arpita from Thatsdway. You must check out her blog guys, I personally loved many of her makeup looks which are versatile and quite easy to create. In this makeup collaboration, she decided to go with everyday makeup look and I have created a dramatic night look. So let us check out the looks guys!

Day Look:

In this look, Arpita has paired up a purplish eye shadow with a pale gold shadow for creating her eye makeup. It is quite wearable and yet has an oomph factor in it. She has used a gold shadow at the inner corners which has completely enhanced the entire look.

I am loving the combination of shadows she has used here. With this fantastic eye makeup she is sporting a pretty mauve pink shade that has further enhanced her features and looks wearable for day time. I am personally impressed with the way she has filled her brows, I really need tips from her regarding it. Adding to this makeup look is her contagious, genuine and lovely smile that can touch all hearts. 

Guys surely check out her wonderful blog here and her facebook page here.

Night Look:

Guys for recreating this look, I have used Mac studio fix fluid foundation in NC 42, Revlon colorburst lipstick soft rose, Diana of London emerald stone eye shadow and Inglot DS 459 and Loreal Million Lashes mascara.I have also used Mac Improper copper for highlighting. I usually love khaki shadows a lot, so for a night look I chose a khaki shade and blended it with a matte deep brown shade. I chose a wearable rosy shade for my lips.

I hope you enjoyed both the looks guys. Kindly let me know regarding your views in the comment section.

Essence Gel Eye Pencil Waterproof in Cocoa Bean Review

What The Company Says?

The latest trend from asia: gel eyeliner in a pen-shape. Instead of in a tub, the soft, waterproof and long-lasting texture of the gel eye pencil waterproof comes in a retractable pen. velvety and highly-pigmented, these pens offer intensive eyeliner styles.

Price: Rs 259

My Experience:

Packaging:

Essence gel eye pencil comes in retractable pen form. Usually such eye pencils from other brands need to be sharpened regularly which is really cumbersome. However Essence is one step ahead of those brands. This gel pencil does not need to be sharpened and can be twisted and used. I loved its packaging and recommend all other brands like Faces and Colorbar to follow Essence in this regard.

Pigmentation: Essence gel eye pencil in cocoa bin is richly pigmented and one swipe was enough for intense pigmentation. I did not need to swipe it twice. I was surprised with this eye liner. It is way better than other liners available in the market.

Shade: Cocoa bin is a beautiful intense matte brown shade. It is perfect for college and office wear. People who are interested in trying some other shade than black for a change, surely do check this out. This shade is absolutely wearable and would suit all. Shade as such is not unique but I am really happy with its quality and price. If you are looking for a matte brown eye liner, do not miss this one.

Texture & Finish: Eye pencil has smooth texture it does not tug my eye lids even a bit. It is not so soft that it will be prone to breakage but it is smooth enough to glide on my eyes effortlessly. Its finish is completely matte.

Staying Power: Okies now coming to staying power, I do not know if you guys would believe me or not. This eye liner stayed on my eyes till I did not remove it with a makeup remover. I have never seen any eye liner as stubborn as this. This liner once sets, does not fade or smudge even a bit. Even in humid weather it stays put until I remove it. No amount of water or rubbing could fade the liner even a bit. It stayed fresh for the whole day. I cannot tell you guys how excited I am, I have never seen any liner from any brand to have such incredible staying power.

My Overall Recommendation: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ( 100%). This is the best pencil liner available in market. It is quite affordable, won’t burn a hole in your pocket. It comes in retractable pen form, glides smoothly on eyes without tugging and with incredible staying power. I am a big fan of eye pencils from Faces and Colorbar. But to my utter surprise this liner has beaten them in all aspects.

Rating:

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Pigmentation: 5 out of 5

Shade: 5 out of 5

Texture & Finish: 5 out of 5

Staying Power: 5 out of 5

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

After rubbing 10 times

PR Sample.

My Kellogg's Healthy Breakfast

Hello Guys !

Today I am going to write something that’s apart from  my usual posts. Recently, I joined a gym and since then, I have been lot careful with my meals. Earlier I used to neglect my breakfast and sometimes used to postpone it. It used to drain me out quite easily and also led to severe weight gain. Now that I have changed my routine and taking care of my meals more often, I can see the difference. You must have heard guys: "Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince, and Dine like a Pauper." My philosophy was completely opposite few months back and I suffered a lot for that. Now I always make it a point to have a healthy breakfast. Most of the time my intake includes Kellogg’s oat poha and muesli or corn flakes served with either chilled or hot milk. Most of the days I run out of new ideas and seriously guys same breakfast recipes do feel boring for me each day. I am a good cook and a big foodie but since 3 months, I am monitoring my diet. I no more indulge in paranthas laced with extra desi ghee or maggi which were my favorites and used to give me immense gastronomic pleasure. While I was running out of fresh ideas on breakfast recipes, I stumbled upon Kellogg's facebook page. To my utter surprise, I found nearly 100+ recipes all prepared with Kellogg’s corn flakes. I am so happy to have found this page, it has some yummy and super easy recipes. You can whip a recipe within 5-10 minutes. I never knew, corn flakes could be used in such fun ways which will appeal both children and adults equally.

 

So do you want to visit Kellogg’s wale Gupta ji’s home with me? Each day they have some or other yummy, mouth watering dishes made with simple ingredients like corn flakes. Have you ever heard of walnut cornflakes choco balls?The very sight of those choco balls made me drool. We all want to indulge in super tasty recipes each day but the thought calories keep us back. The word choco balls itself sound unhealthy. But no more guys, Lets head to Gupta Ji’s home and try their ‘Subah ka naashta’ which is super healthy, looks amazing and tastes much better. I would love to try Chapatti cornflakes Chivda first as I do not much prefer sweet breakfast recipes. I love eating poha and upma, so this one would be my first choice, when I would visit Gupta ji’s home. I would also love to have corn flakes salad, it is a yummy healthy dish made with lots of veggies like cucumber, carrot, tomatoes and fruits like grapes mixed with crunchy cornflakes. Oh god, so much talk on breakfast recipes has made me super duper hungry. So am leaving guys, heading towards Gupta ji’s home for a perfect naashta. I would love to learn more and more recipes from them and would try out those recipes at home. So till then, good bye. Have a yummylicious day.