New Year Resolutions 2017

Hello,

My first introduction to New Year Resolutions was in primary school. Our teacher was away and we were making a racket. The teacher from the neighbouring classroom walked in and asked us to write down 5 New Year Resolutions.

I do not remember my resolutions for that year. But I do remember that for a long time I kept on making a list of New Year resolutions. I stuck to very few, broke most of them.

In recent years, I have not really bothered making a list. Why? Is it because I break most of them anyway so why waste my time? No. I'm not cynical. Not yet. 

I think I have changed the way I look at New Year. New Year to me now means buying a new calendar and getting used to writing the correct year. Ha ha!

I see each day as the 'first day of the rest of my life'. Not because I am doing something momentous each day, but because I'm trying to live each day, each moment. So now I have more 'what is my resolution for today'. Not lists. One thing at a time. 

For instance, I noticed over the past couple of days that I was not drinking enough water. So, today's resolution was "Drink at least two litres of water today". Did I stick to my resolution today? 

You bet I did. In fact I drank some more. 

I cannot handle vagueness. I need concrete doable things. So I feel like a winner today. 

What's my resolution for tomorrow? Eat 2 whole fruits. Not drink packaged juice, but chew two whole fruits tomorrow. Will I keep my resolution? You bet, I will.

Goodbye 2016. Welcome 2017.

Happy New year to you all!

As we move into the year 2017, I'm hit with thoughts of transience. 2016 was a year I came face to face with death. I lost my mother quite suddenly. Though she had been unwell for a while, I didn't expect her to pass on all of a sudden. It took me a while to make sense of it all. One moment she was with us, watching TV from her favourite seat. A week later I was looking for a photograph for her memorial rituals. 

As we brought back her mortal remains from the hospital and I was preparing her for her final journey (dressing her up like a Hindu married woman) it just seemed she was sleeping and would open her eyes suddenly and ask what the hell I was up to!) 

What about her thoughts, wishes and plans? A family friend's grand-daughter was getting married. She asked if she would be able to go. Did the stopping of her heartbeat and end of any electrical activity in her brain mean the end of her completely?

Is there some part of us that lives on after our body dies? Is there a soul? Has Ma been reborn somewhere? Does she remember this life? Did her thoughts outlive her body? Do some part of our loved ones live on within us? What is the point of life?

Humans have come up with so many theories and ideas surrounding death. Each community, culture and religion tries to answer these questions. But do we really know?

2016 also brought news of so many people passing on. Friends losing a parent or a sibling. 

But 2016 also brought in news of new life. A new tiny new human.... New? 

Life goes on... So many people commented how strong and steady I was through the entire time. Tears did come unbidden, but I didn't break down and weep like a child. I don't know. Did I feel any less sorrow than most other people? I don't know. But I do know that I knew my mother to be a strong and practical woman. I tried to make her last journey as I think she would have liked. No great show, but prompt, practical cremation. A long drive to Garh Mukteshwar, a boat ride, a walk through sugarcane fields. Ma would have loved a trip like that. 

I think the presence of my children had a stabilising effect on me. They have helped me to remain steady. The grandmother was deeply attached to her granddaughters. They miss her but do not get teary eyed when they talk of her. They just talk of everyday memories like how she would give them a bath, or feed them. Or even how they lay in her lap as she watched her favourite shows on  television.

Ma lived a full life. When people came home to express their condolences, they all talked about how she had touched their lives. Even now when we meet, they talk about her and what they miss about her. 

I am not sure why this is my first post of this year. Maybe the news of my favourite uncle's demise has something to do with it. 

'The sun cannot rise if it does not set.'

'There is no joy without sorrow.'

'When you are born, you cry while the world smiles down at you. When you die, you smile while the world cries for you.'

(Stock Image)

Is it the sun rising? Or is it setting? Is it the same with birth and death?

My Envy Box December 2016 Edition

Hi Everyone!

So, in just a couple of weeks we will bid farewell to year 2016 and ring in 2017. But before we do that, let's take a peek into the last My Envy Box of the year.

The theme this month is Lashes and Pouts. So the box is accented with stylized eyes and lips. The pattern is very attractive and is definitely going out with the next birthday gift!

SoulTree Lipstick in Deep Blush (820)

Product Price: INR 550/-

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

KronoKare - The Frizz Kiss Lip Balm

Product Price: INR 95/- for 10 ml

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

Roots and Herbs Brightening Nutmeg Undereye Tailam

Product Price: INR 1190/- for 50 ml

Sample Size: Full Size

Bliscent Raspberry Lip Butter

Product Price: INR 150/- for 5 gms

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

Gubb Eyelash Curler

Product Price: INR 299/-

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

My Thoughts:

When I first opened the box, I wasn't sure what to think. Two lip balms, an eyelash curler........ But when I examined the box more closely, it wasn't so bad. To begin with, all the products are full size. 

And then there is the Roots and Herbs Undereye Tailam that looks promising. 

Total Value of Box: INR 2284/-. So a good deal if you have paid INR 850/-.But you needn't. Just look below for a discount!

Feel free to use the code to get a flat 20% discount on the December Beauty Box.

My Envy Box is a subscription service which brings you 5 trial sized beauty products (typically 2ml-10ml) from the top international luxury and prestige brands delivered to your door step every month. Priced at INR 850/- for a month, it may be subscribed for 3, 6, or 12 months. You may subscribe to this service HERE

What's In my FabBag: December 2016 Edition

Hi Everyone,

As yet another year comes to an end, lets us look at how FabBag has decided to close the year. FabBag has been the favourite of many bloggers including mine. It's USP is personalised curation and one product of customer's choice and preference almost every month.

So let us see how FabBag fares this month.

This month's bag has a gold and black checkered pattern, which honestly, is a bit too blingy for me. The theme goes with the season.... PARTYHOLIC!!

This month, FabBag has included 4 products out of which one make-up product was customer's choice, The be a Bombshell lipstain.

Natural Bath and Body Thank God It's Friday Hair Mist

Product Price: INR 525 for 100 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 50 ml

Its really a hair perfume..... I've never really had an bad hair odour problem, so I'm not sure I'm quite crazy about the product just yet.

Iba Halal Care Nourishing Foot Massage Cream

Product Price: INR 95/- for 50 gms

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

I like the addition of this product in the this month's bag. My heels tend to crack in the dry winter months and this Foot Cream is a very welcome addition in the December Bag! 

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

Product Price: INR 460/- for 60 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 15 ml

My skin is definitely drier right now and I'm looking forward to see how this oil will work for me. However, I'm not so sure about the reduction of scars part.. 

be a Bombshell Lip Stain in the shade Bash (Coral)

Product Price: INR 750/- for 3.2 gms

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

I selected this product from a range of 5 shades. Its a nice shade of coral. Watch out for a swatch and review post of this product.

Value of November Bag: 1222.5 (approx)

My Verdict: So what do I think about this month's bag? I wouldn't say spectacular..... but I'd say 'Thoughtful'.

FabBag is a monthly subscription service starting at INR 416/-. Each month's bag contains 3-5 products from national and international brands ranging from drugstore to luxury. Product sizes range from small sample sizes to full size. To join this service click HERE.

Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick: Swatches

Hi Everyone!

Matte lipsticks are the latest rage and all known and lesser known brands are joining the bandwagon. The latest entrant has been Avon India. They have launched 10 shades in pinks browns and reds,under the name True Color Perfectly Matte. In today's post I'm showing you the colour swatches. I'll do a detailed review only after I have had a chance to try them out some more.

This range claims to be more matte than MAC, but, since I have not tried the MAC lipsticks, I cannot really comment on that. 

However, this product won't burn a hole in your pocket. It is priced at INR 479/-, currently the brand is offering an introductory 25% discount. So you get it for INR 359/-.

In Natural Light

In Natural Light

Under Florescent Lighting

Under Florescent Light

That's a fair range of colours, however there are some  shades which will not suit a fair number of India skin tones.

Shades I Like from this Range:

Mauve Matters
Ruby Kiss 
Vibrant Melon
Coral Fever
Splendidly Fuschia
Red Supreme 
Chocolate Crush

Shades which may not suit Indian Skin Tones:

Au Naturel would be almost invisible on most of us
Ideal Lilac
Electric Pink


So which ones do you like?

See you later........!!

What's in My FabBag? November 2016 Edition

Hi Everyone!

The November FabBag is FAB!!

Now that That is out of the way, let me show you why I am loving this month's Fab Bag.

City Color Be Matte Lipstick in Francesca (M21)

Product Price: INR 500/- for 

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

This was a the member selection item. There were a number of shades to choose from. With the onset of winter, I decided to choose this deep wine shade. Absolutely loving it. Watch out for a more detailed review.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate

Product Price: INR 2895/- for 30 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 7ml

Perhaps the most exciting product in the Bag! I have been eyeing this since it was launched, but the price tag sort of put me out. Now that FabBag has sent me a sample, I can test it out to see if its worth buying. There is a 10% discount coupon redeemable at any Body Shop Exclusive outlet. The offer is valid till November 30th 2016.

Just Herbs Aloe Vera Facial Massage Gel

Product Price: INR 445/- for 100 gms

Sample Size in Bag: 50 gms

A very timely product in my Bag! I like to add a facial massage to my bi-weekly home-facial routine. And I had been planning to buy it after I had used a sample that had come in the FabBag sometime last year. I am loving the generous sample size in this time round!

Natural Bath and Body Body Mist: Beautiful Day

Product Price: INR 325/- for 200ml

Sample Size in Bag: 50 ml

I must admit this did not make me jump up in glee and say 'Yippeee', but the herby-smelling body mist does not disappoint either. Ok, but not GREAT...

So, 3 out of 4 HITs is a big deal!

Value of November Bag: INR 1480/- approx. A great deal, I would say, if you spend around INR 499/- for the Bag.

My Verdict: Book your Bag right away!

FabBag is a monthly subscription service starting at INR 416/-. Each month's bag contains 3-5 products from national and international brands ranging from drugstore to luxury. Product sizes range from small sample sizes to full size. To join this service click HERE.

  

Unboxing My Envy Box October 2016

Hi All!!

Happy Diwali!!

My Envy Box turned THREE this October. Anniversary editions of subscription boxes always have a buzz and we subscribers look forwards to specially curated Anniversary Boxes. So did My Envy Box live up to its hype on its 3rd Anniversary? Let's find out!

The Box looks a plain monochromatic but the Team actually wants you to colour the box and send them a pic and the winner will get a bestseller box worth INR 3000+ as prize. Well, I just did not get around to colouring my box, so definitely I'm not getting the prize!

This moth's Box has a total of 8 samples, that's 3 bonus products! Let us dive into the box for more details...

Vichy Ideal White Brightening Deep Cleansing Foam

Product Price: INR 1550/- for 100 ml

Sample Size in Box: 15 ml

Ayca Jasmine Body Wash

Product Price: INR 875/- for 200 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 100 ml

Vert Loose Powder in Shade Miss Pink

Product Price: INR 1250/- for 10 gms

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

Forest Essentials Face Cleansing Paste

Product Price: 1850/-

Sample Size in Box: 15 gms 

Nertia Nail Art

Product Price: INR 80/- for 1 packet

Sample Size in Box: Full size

Island Kiss Lip Moisturizer in Puerto Berry Blush (Bonus Product)

Product Price: INR 499/- for 14 gms

Sample Size in Box: Full Size 

Keratase Elixir Ultime Oleo Complexe (Bonus Product)

Product Price: INR 2300/- for 125 ml

Sample Size in Box: 3ml

L'Occitane Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner (Bonus Product)

Product Price: Not mentioned

Sample Size in Bag: 6 ml each

So a total of 8 products in the October Box, instead of the standard 5 products. I wouldn't say its a mind-blowing Box, but its definitely generous. The Vichy, Forest Essentials and the Ayca body wash samples are decent sized. Three of the products are full sized. The curation is nice too, a mix of make up and skin and hair care products.  The only disappointing product in the Box is the nail art sticker set. Its not the kind of nail art I enjoy, but that's only a personal preference. 

Approximate Value of the October Box: INR 3500+. A great deal if you have paid only INR 850/- for the box!

My Envy Box is a subscription service which brings you 5 trial sized beauty products (typically 2ml-10ml) from the top international luxury and prestige brands delivered to your door step every month. Priced at INR 850/- for a month, it may be subscribed for 3, 6, or 12 months. You may subscribe to this service HERE