To Forget is to be human and enjoy it......

Yay!!! Was judged as a wow post .......



“Forgetfulness is a form of freedom.” ― Kahlil Gibran

Truer words have never been spoken.I tend to associate this with myself more than anyone else in my life though Ill even add my mom to the fray.There may be severe ramifications in case you forget to lock your car , forget to switch off an iron when you are not at home or even when a souffle falls flat due to over cooking.Forgetfulness can also be a form of emancipation if its a trait you have .It can literally set you free.We all carry a lot of emotional baggage along with us .We analyse each instance in our life and whether it was right or wrong , who hurt us and how we were wronged etc etc.If we forget and don't mull over past blunders and past wrongs we can be free,free to be fearless and free to do what we want.

This story is about a new baker who was struck by the forgetfulness fairy if there is one. Sanskriti was well versed in the art of eating cakes - Cakes iced and decorated with marshmallow fondant,chocolate cakes and even mango cakes thanks to the passionate bakers in her house - her mom and her aunt . Soon she  was starting out on her culinary journey and baking though rewarding has its own pitfalls. ..oooh the batter thickens 

Mom's Jewelery is beautiful and wearing her mom's baubles was Sanskriti's favorite past-time and yes they glittered more so on her young and butterfly like disposition.So dawned the day when Sanskriti decided to surprise her mom with a home made mother day cake.Adorned with her mom's engagement ring she consulted her recipes.She measured , she sifted , she mixed , she poured and finally she baked. Once the cake cam out all soft and spongy , she set about icing the cake with her mom's favorite chocolate fudge sauce. Aaahh!!!!!! The lusciousness of the cake was a sure treat.Sanskrit's mom was received home and given the customary hugs and Happy Mother's Day was shouted on top of the Voices. The Duo decided to go for a celebratory dinner and decided to dress up . When the Mom decided to bling up she searched high and low for her engagement ring but it was for naught ..Boo Hooo.. With a sad heart and not wanting to disappoint her offspring , mom went on the  dinner.All through the yummy pot-stickers the mom thought of the ring , she slurped the soup and her tears and the noodles and cashew and veggie studded chicken reminded her of the studded ring.

They returned home and the cake was duly produced and admired and ooohed and aahed upon and then was cut (The Sacrilege ).Mom was given the first slice as the guest of honor.She bit into it and thanked her toothpaste and her religious dental routine when she almost cracked her teeth on you guessed it , her engagement ring. It was a new birth at-least for the ring .All was forgiven and it was a happy ending to a happy day .

It was all good and though sanskriti was contrite , she being of the sunny disposition promptly  forgot about the almost loss of her mom's ring and hence being fearless about other mishaps carried on baking.  So carried on her culinary shenanigans and her next adventure was the incident when she made  home made cinnamon rolls while wearing her Mom's Diamond solitaires ..Stay tuned 



This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda

First Aid Kit - Travel

Kids are always getting into scrapes and scratches and specially when we are far away from home.Over  a few posts I am going to detail how I travel with my toddler and include information about things to carry in a diaper bag and these are the essential ones.I will not travel without these .I also make sure to keep a small first aid kit for boo-boo's and believe me they have come in handy. I have made use of my first aid kit when my toddler fell and scraped her knee in a zoo among other things.

I received this kit courtesy a children's hospital so I know that it is pretty comprehensive.You can add or subtract as your heart desires.I think the prerequisite is a small bag as we have a mentality of stuffing everything but the kitchen sink in it.Its important to emphasize on the word "travel" hence the need for concise yet comprehensive.

Here are the things you need

1. A small bag - I use the small zippered bag that I received.It has a hook .It is conveniently red and transparent so I don't spend all my time digging for it. Zip-lock bags work in a pinch 
2. Band Aids- This is a no-brainer. Make sure to have 5-6 band-aids  preferably water proof and replenish at least once a month.You can get cute character themed ones like Dora and spongebob .It eases pain...trust me 
3. Hand Sanitizer Towlettes - Its only for hands and not to clean the wound
4. Antispectic Ointments Singles / Small tube of Antiseptic Ointment .To cleal a wound or scrape an antiseptic / cleansing wipe may be used 
5. Soothing Moisturizer like tube of Aquaphor or Aloe Vera Gel for relief from sunburn and minor skin irritations.A small vial of Lacto Calamine may be used. Lacto Calamine is also helpful for relief from insect bites 

All individuals have different needs and this is by no means a complete list.Remember travel lite and stay safe.If all else fails a lot of hugs and kisses will also seal the deal.Leaving you with Barney's Anthem.It sure makes me feel good and the toddler adores it.Make sure you also check the expiration dates for all the items .You can also purchase ready made kits .

In the Summer time - the weather is fine

Ya Baby!!!! When the weather is fine its time for summer friendly footwear and pedicures.Trust me summer is the time when clothes and shoes start coming off and we all appear out of our chrysalis.We also hope that the summer makes us more active and we end up lighter  figuratively and literally . On that note here is another video that I am hooked on.My daughter is so acquainted with these videos that whenever I put it on ,she will exclaim "Jillian Michael" and enter into that same more .I swear my daughter is a punishing trainer and she has her routine down pat. We start off with a warm-up for 2 minutes and then she goes around inspecting me and my hubs forms.Watch out Jillian Micheal's you have competition

Anyhooo. I scored these awesome flip - flops cause hey summer is the time for flip-flops and its all about flip- flopping everywhere.Check it out

This really called to me it says sunshine... Warm buttery sunshine .The colors are so vibrant that they call for a special pedicure . I used a Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel Marmalade 110. Before you say boo!!!! its orange.Ill let you into a small secret that minime picked it up for me and it looks for bright for summers.

If I buy for me how can I forget my Baby so she also got some summer sandals - Drool Drool

And Finally the finished product - Ta da !!!!! Let the summer games begin....

Trial sized products pack a punch

I've always wanted to live like a kid in a candy shop. Sample this ,sample that etc etc.We do it for food among other things but we usually never do it for cosmetics and beauty products.Over the course of the year I've received and brought many trial sized products. These are our same old products but miniaturized. I've always been fascinated by miniatures.Dolls bring them on , miniature tea sets and cooking utensils send me salivating and don't even get me started on dogs and other animals( teacup pig anyone).Just the thought of something tiny makes me go gaga and mushy with lots of oohs and aahs... Ask my Mini -me .


I started exploring beauty products and I have been hooked ever since. The cute packaging and sized - ooooooohhhh baby .The best part of trial sized products is Variety.You had me at trial sized.Here's a fun look at how to use trial sized items 

1. Travelling - Be it to a hotel or mid flight emergencies
2. Purses/ Diaper Bags- No need to take add /remove things just use duplicates .Especially good for date night emergencies. Food stuck between your teeth( next time go easy on spinach) ,use your handy dandy travel size floss
3. Gyms/ Schools- Mini wipes and hand sanitisers .
4. College /Hostels- You never know when that mini deodorant will come handy 
5. Guest Bathrooms - Leave a little something for your guest and they will thank you 
6. Car - Hey a little mini gloss never hurt anyone
7. Emergency / First Aid Kits -I will do a more in depth post for first aid kits for kids. Yes but bandages and trial sized antibiotic creams do the trick 

You can buy the trial sized items for anything and yes I heart beauty products.Here is some stuff I have been using.Sometimes its the little things that matter most in life...

How about you?What products do you use 

Palmer's Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil Review

Pregnancy is filled with joy and trepidation.Joy about the new life you are nurturing and yes trepidation about it also, but more trepidation about the changes to your burgeoning body. While I was pregnant I gained the ubiquitous 20 pounds. I ate nutritiously , yes I sneaked in golgappas and all and yes I exercised as well but I was still stretching and growing. When the skin tears and stretches to accommodate the growing baby it results in scarring or stretch marks .They are silvery grayish and white and can occur due to weight gain. They start off as reddish and purplish and fade over time though not completely.I had done all my research and realised that you can't prevent them but you can try and reduce their appearance and hence I turned to one of the most famous pregnancy products called “Palmers “.They manufacture a whole line of products but I used the “ Palmer's Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil”

I used it throughout my pregnancy and also post it. I used to massage it onto the more prone areas at least twice a day. A little goes a long way .It is safe for pregnancy .It contains vitamins and ensures fast absorption.I have stretch marks but using it as a mode of moisturising ensured that my skin was soft and supple and slowly and surely it is also lightening the stretchmarks. See , its not a miracle oil but applied religiously will at least make some difference .The best part is that its not limited to stretch marks and is actually a skin therapy oil with vitamin e , so it can be used for old scars, stretch marks , wrinkles , uneven skin tone and its even anti aging. So its a all in one product. Adding it to your beauty regime provides multiple benefits and makes away with many products. It's also reasonably priced .

Pros

1. Non - greasy and gets easily absorbed into the skin
2. Convenient dispenser means no more messes or splatters
3. Lovely chocolate like smell - yes its made out of cocoa butter.Trust me this is a huge plus . A jolt of chocolate aromatherapy never did anyone any harm
4. Makes the skin soft and supple.I've been  noticing a difference in my hands when I massage
5. Does make the skin more elastic and also improves the appearance of scars

Cons

1. The fragrance may not be as agreeable to everyone
2. Results will vary based upon the mode and frequency of application

I was mostly satisfied and I will give it 3.5 stars out of 5 specially for the chocolate like aroma and how it makes my skin supple and soft

Summer summer - Strappy Sandals

Hey Summer ,where are you ? When will I be free of the winters bulk and the boots ....? I salivate about short and wispy clothes .I drool about summer manicures , pedicures and strappy sandals.Please come as soon as you receive this
xoxo
Jiya

Thats my letter to summer and dang it , it had better come soon..or else .....
Well summer seems to be in a fickle mind but meanwhile we enjoy some good days.. Days that call for these ..my new summer sandals

Well to wear such cute sandals your feet need to be prepped.So for this I tried this pedicure routine.I used these products to prepare .

1. Epsom Salt - Soak your feet in warm water .Add Dr Teal's Epsom salt (As required) and soak .This is the relaxation phase of your feet makeover.Say Om!!!!Soaking your feet in a tepid bath makes you feel refreshed .All the tension seems to seep out of your feet and you feel fresh.Bonus if your feet are tired and sore after hitting the sales ,this soak will revitalize you for round 2.God save the Husband.

2. Exfoliater/ Scrub -Use any that handy.I had a St. Ives apricot scrub that I use for my face.Just a gob and scrub away after drying your feet with a towel.This helps to slough off the dead skin and brightens the skin tone.This scrub will also remove rough skin around the heels .

3. Moisturizer Cream- After Rinsing and toweling off your feet show your feet some more love by massaging in a cream.I used Eucerin Every Day Protective Moisturizing Body Lotion, SPF 15, Makes your skin soft and dewy and extra marks for the SPF.Every little bit counts and reduces the exposure to sun

4.Nail Polish- Now we have come to the heart of all this primping.A nail polish can make or break this look.Heaven Forbid!!! I chose a nice pastel color from NYC.Cashmere Mist No 184 .This link is just for reference .The color sells for about a dollar. Add a bit of nail art.I added flowers and butterflies to symbolize spring and layer with a clear top coat 

5.Strappy Sandals - Drum-roll for the show stopper.You need killer sandals to complete the look.Slip them on and let the word sigh with envy and say whose that girl (ahem who do these feet belong to at-least)

Tada....

Think of this when you are out shopping for a new pair or falling in love again with a slightly older pair. As I always say ,If you have it then flaunt it 

Ready set for Summer - your summer essentials in a bag

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood so what are you doing sitting at home? Its summertime and the beach , the parks and the outdoors beckon.During the summer its a big whirlwind of activity where you have day trips and sometimes overnight trips where the common thing is that you are away from the hum drum and your home.Do you often feel that you've forgotten something and wish that you had a go to essentials bag to help you in your day trips? Here is the answer.This is my go to bag that I keep in my diaper bag and It has served me well.depending on your needs you can subtract and add  but here is a list of my summer essentials 

1. A pretty bag - Tada... Get a bag which is pretty and fairly roomy.It should be thick enough to absorb any spills or swipes and the zipper can be attached to a hook in your bag.Here is mine .It Looks pretty feminine.

2. Face Cleansing Wipes - These are a must and do double duty for the parents and the kiddos.Make sure that they are alcohol free and relatively gentle for faces.I use "Simple facial  cleansing wipes" in a travel size.I cannot emphasize the convenience of travel sized on such a trip.These wipes are kind to the skin and that's soo true.Gentle enough for me and the kiddo.The lack of frou frou ingredients defines its moniker. It contains added vitamins and helps nourish your skin.The wipes are gentle enough to remove make up from your face and eyes.They are perfect for sticky toddler faces as well.

3. Moisturizing Lotion - This is good for dryness or slight scrapes.Again choose a simple moisturizer without any fancy ingredients.My go to travel sized is the "Nivea Extended Moisturizer ".Its perfect for extra softness and nourishment of the skin

4.Facial Cleanser - A must must must. There are summer days where all the dirt and dust comes to rest on your skin and the toddler seems to have a diaper accident and even rolls in the mud like a pig. This comes to your rescue.Try to use a double duty cleanser for you and the kids. My go to is the "Neutrogena Visibly Bright ".It includes vitamin C and with its special formula dissolves skin- dulling impurities and hence the skin looks brighter and less tired .This is a boon specially after a long day of fun

5.Sun screen -This is the most essential item in your bag so make sure you choose wisely.You cannot forget this and since you need to reapply .Choose wisely and choose ones that are mostly water repellent.I use the "Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen , SPF 70 ".Its water proof, dries to the touch and has SPF 70 .It delivers very high ,very broad and photo stable protection. Like all sunscreens it dries on a little white but it does the job.I like it.

This covers all my essentials and then you can add anything you want .I even added some nail polish remover pads for little manicure related accidents .I recommend the "Cutex one step pads"  mainly cause they are ones I found.I like the fact that they are compact.

So what are you waiting for? pack it up and let the fun begin......