Monday 29 December 2014

Three Random Things Vol.6



Hey Everyone!

How has the past week been for you? Its been a mixed bag for me. Christmas and catching up on pending work!

So here are my Three Random thoughts:

1. What do you do for Christmas?

I studied in a convent school and Christmas celebrations were big there. I was always part of the school choir, so I know all the carols. My family also had a tradition of going to the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi to view the nativity scene, followed by a visit to our Christian friends' homes. So for me Christmas means singing and listening to carols, going to a nearby church with my children and visiting with friends.

      



 



2. How often do you stay up late (much later than usual) at night to catch up on work?

Ha Ha!! About two nights a week on an average, sometimes more!

 

3. What did you cook today?

I cooked and over-ate Lal Maas. Click here for the recipe!



I  tag you to answer these questions. You don't have to answer all of them. Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Have a great week ahead! 


Cook With Me: Easy Peasy Lal Maas (Red Meat)

Hey Everyone!

In the recent days Delhi has been colder than Shimla and even London! So, on one such cold, cold evening I tried out Lal Maas. I had written down this recipe from a friend. And its really easy! And as my regular readers know, I love easy recipes!

So here goes.............

Warning: Its quite hot/spicy for those who aren't used to this kind of taste.

Ingredients:

1. 500g of mutton or lamb cut in cubes.
2. 5-6 dry red chillies, or if you want it easier, 2 tbsp of red chilli powder.
3. 3 medium onions chopped finely
4. 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste.
5. 1 tsp Garam Masala powder.
6. 1 and a 1/2 cups of curd/yogurt, hand-beaten to remove lumps.
7. Fresh coriander leaves chopped.


Method:

1. Dry roast the whole/powdered red chillies till it changes colour and releases its fragrance. If you've used whole red chillies, remove the seeds and blitz them in the dry grinder. Put it in a clean, dry bottle.
2. Heat some oil and fry the washed and pat dried mutton/lamb to seal it. Remove from fire.






3. In the same oil fry onions and ginger garlic paste till translucent.


4. Add the sealed off mutton/lamb. Fry till it begins to change colour.
5. Add the beaten curd/yogurt and cook till the oil begins to separate. Stir occasionally.


6. Add 2 tbsp of the roasted chilli powder and garam masala and give it a good stir.




7. Cook it on low flame for about 2 whistles in the pressure cooker.
8. Sprinkle some chopped coriander and serve hot with steamed rice, roti or some toasted bread.




 Bon Apetit!

Friday 26 December 2014

Seasons Greetings!!

Hey Everyone!!

Wish you all a Merry Christmas and a great Holiday Season ahead!!


 Its time to bid adieu to the old and ring in the new, let go of past regrets and prepare to forge ahead. 

Wish you all of these!!

Monday 15 December 2014

New Product Launch: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick (Nykaa Exclusive Launch)

Press Release: 


Transform your lips from ordinary to extraordinary with L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick. The doe foot brush gives it a 3-D effect making your lips pop and stands out. This is a 3 in 1 lip colour, which takes care of your lips like a lip balm, highly pigmented as a lipstick and shiny as a gloss.
  • It comes with an easy applicator, which makes the gliding of the lipstick even.
  • The gloss does not smudge.
  • Keeps lips moisturised and hydrated.
  • It is formulated with precious micro-oils and rich colour pigments.
  • It makes your lip fuller and plumper.
 Price: INR 950/- for 3.3ml

The product has been launched exclusively on Nykaa. Click HERE to buy online at Nykaa.

Free L'Oreal Paris Kajal Magique - Black :
Get the best for your eyes with the all new L’Oreal Paris Kajal Magique. Infused with the goodness of cocoa butter, Vitamin E and olive oil esters, it glides like butter. The mineral pigments deliver deep black color in a single stroke. Use it on your lash line or as eyeliner, the vivid bold strokes would add instant definition to your eyes.
Additional Information : L’oreal is a French company and leading beauty brand across the world. L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick will make you ready for a perfect pout.
FREE OFFER : L'Oreal Paris Kajal Magique Worth Rs.275/- Free for a limited time. Hurry while stocks last.

(Product not available anywhere till February 2015)





Ingredients List: 
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Styrene/Methyl Styrene/Indene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica Silylate, Pentylene Glycol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Alumina, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Argania Spinosa Oil / Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Magnesium Silicate, Silica, Tin Oxide, Nelumbium Speciosum Extract / Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Parfum / Fragrance.



Three Random Things Vol. 4

Hey Everyone!!




What a turn the Delhi weather has taken! Till a couple of days ago we were all wondering when would winter arrive. And how it has arrived!!It started with a windy Thursday, a cloudy Friday, a really chilly Saturday and now, a rainy Sunday!

So, for today's Three Random Things......

1.  What is your favourite season of the year?

I love winters! The soups and the coffee. The lazing in the sun. Oranges. Chrysanthemums.  The smart jackets and blazers. The warm and fuzzy feeling........


  


  

 

 2. Are you an only child, or do you have a sibling?

I grew up with a younger brother.

3. Do you drive?

Oh yes! My husband says I drive him crazy. Tee Hee!

 

I  tag you to answer these questions. You don't have to answer all of them. Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Have a great week ahead! 

Sunday 14 December 2014

Fabulous New Launches at Nykaa!!

Hi Everyone!

Nykaa has recently launched a number of new brands, both Indian and international and is offering a tempting 10% introductory discount on these new products!

Lets have a quick look!



 





















I'm keen to try out Natio and Macadamia. What about you?

Head HERE to shop these new brands!!

Tuesday 9 December 2014

GOSF 2014 Alert!!

Hey Everyone!!



Great Online Shopping Festival
The Three Day Online Shopping Extravaganza Great Online Shopping Festival (GOSF) starts tomorrow! This initiative by Google was started in 2012 and participating retailers include Flipkart, Jabong, Myntra, Nykaa, Healthkart, Amazon and Voylla among many others! During this period 10th Dec-12th Dec, you can get massive discounts, freebies and special deals on products ranging from electronics, beauty and personal care products to clothing and accessories.
Hope you bag some good deals, happy shopping! Do let me know what you pick from the GOSF sales in the comments box below!

For more details click HERE

Monday 8 December 2014

Three Random Things: Vol 3


Hey Everyone!

So here are this weeks random thoughts.....


1.  What do you like best about your job?
      
     I love the fact that I am learning new things constantly, trying to keep up with my students. They keep me  on my toes!!


2.  What is your favourite makeup item?

      I absolutely LOVE lipsticks! I find it difficult to resist buying them! 


3. What are you looking forward to most, this week?

    I am doing a project with my students which involves them teaching themselves and their peers.The introductory session went well. Lets see how it develops over the week.






I tag you to answer these questions. You do not have to answer all three. Looking forward to hearing from you and reading your responses.

Have a great week ahead!

Sunday 7 December 2014

Avon Ultra Color Absolute Lipstick Review and Swatches

Hey Everyone!

Today I will be doing a review and swatches of Avon Ultra Color Absolute Lipsticks. 


 Product Price: INR 500/- for 3.8gms      



Product Claim: 

This winter get a lipstick with rich colour and deep moisturization, that keeps caring even after you've taken it off.

6 Beauty Benefits
  • Collagen
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • SPF
  • Moisture
  • Health
 
My take on the Products:

Avon Ultra Color Absolute Lipstick has 8 beautiful shades ranging from bright to neutrals and nearly nudes. The formula is quite creamy and it glides over the lips smoothly and give true, opaque colour in 2-3 swipes. The product is quite moisturising and feels like a lip balm after application. My lips continued to feel smooth and dewy even after the colour had worn off. The lipstick does not feather or bleed and did not emphasise the lines and you do not have to worry about exfoliating your lips before application. They are quite perfect for the winter.

The formula is not transfer proof and long lasting. To its credit, the product does not claim to be either. The product lased on my lips for about 3-4 hrs with some snacking and lots of talking (my job requires that ;))
Each of the shades are suitable for a wide range of Indian skin tones. The darker shades leave a faint stain which doesn't look half bad.

Pros:
  1. Smooth and creamy formula
  2. Smooth application 
  3. Give true colour in 2-3 swipes
  4. Moisturising, even after the lipstick wears off.
  5. Does not bleed or feather.
  6. No need to exfoliate lips before application.
  7. Colour range suitable for indian skin tones.
  8. Contains SPF (though does not mention how much)
  9. Fulfills its promise.
Cons: 
  1. Bit pricey, considering that they are not long lasting.
Swatches:


Bare Ruby

Buttered Rum

Rich Merlot

Caring Coral

Smooth Plum

Coffee Creme

Lovely Fuchsia

Tea Rose





Bare Ruby, Rich Merlot and Smooth Plum are lovely autumn-winter colours. They could be worn in the evenings to add a dash of colour. The other five shades are lovely pastels suitable for day-time or work wear. They would look great worn with  smokey eye makeup.
 Which shades do you like? Leave your comments in the box below. 

Take care!