Review: Lotus Herbals AloeHydra Moisturizing Gel

Sorry, yougaiz. I've been crazy busy at work and have barely had the time to blog. Also, I've started another blog - Cold Kaapi which I've been updating the last two weeks. 

So, I'm back with another product review today. Keeping my face moisturized without it looking like a frying pan is one thing I've majorly struggled with. I used to have clear skin until one day before a big-ass vacation that i planned in 2009 when I tried bleaching my skin at home and ended up burning it. Don't ask.

Not only did it make me postpone my vacation, it also made my skin really, really sensitive and it has only made it harder to keep it clear and supple.

Since I have combination skin type, it's a tedious task finding the right moisturiser. The ones that deeply moisturize also make it look oily which again is a problem especially considering the heat and humidity here in Chennai. 

A few couple of weeks back, I found Lotus Herbals AloeHydra Moisturizing Gel and there has been no turning back since then. Quickly listing down the positives and negatives of the product.

What I Like About It:

• Non-sticky (oil-free)
• Gets absorbed within seconds
• Moisturizes skin to the T
• Makes skin look supple and fresh
• Fuss-free packaging making it easy to use
• Suitable for all skin-types
• Not too expensive. Currently its MRP is INR 245 and I'm pretty sure you can find it for cheaper at many sites online. 
• Easily available at stores
• Does not clog pores
• The pump works till the end and dispenses just the right amount of moisturiser.
• Can be used as often as required though I don't really feel the need to use it more than two times a day.

I can't really think of any negatives, except maybe I'm not too sure how this works on extremely dry skin. Do let me know if you have anything to share. 

What are your favorite products? 

Till the next post, 
Love
M

Bada-Bling!

People are getting married left, right and centre and that means lots of good food and SHOPPING. :D

As much as I love to splurge, I know I wouldn't wear all the bling very often after the wedding season's over. And that's when the Budget-Shopping-Princess in me wakes up. 

So a trip to a nearby accessory store was made with mummy dearest and here are some pictures of few of the things I picked. 

All these and some more pairs of earrings (15, to be precise) and some necklaces for a total of INR 1500 only. 

Happy Wallet = A Happy Mum & A Happy Me. :D

What are your picks this season? 

Much love
M

Id(e)licious.

Dealing with leftover food is an art in itself. Today, I'm going to tell you how to make use of one of the most common leftover foods at South Indian homes - Idlis.

Idli, when served hot with Sambar & Chutney is one of my favorite things for breakfast. But more often than not, amma ends up making way more than how much we require for breakfast. As good as it is, having idli all through the day is certainly not my favorite thing to do. 

There are quite a few ways of using leftover idlis and I will post one easy-peasy recipe every now and then, PROMISE. :D

Today's recipe is going to be 'Podi Idli'. I used mini idlis that paati sent over. These were one of my favorites when i used to go to school since everyone else used to get bigger idlis while I got to be the cool one who got mini idlis. ;)

Serves: 2 people

Ingredients:

1. Leftover Idlis. Duh! 4-5 idlis or 20-30 mini idlis
2. 1/4 tsp Mustard Seeds
3. A pinch of Turmeric power & a pinch of asafoetida
4. 2-3 tbs Milagai Podi* (as spicy as you want the idlis to be)
5. 1 1/2-2 tbs edible Coconut Oil

Method: 

1. In a kadai, add the oil and once it is heated, add the turmeric powder, asafoetida and the mustard seeds and let it splutter. Ensure it doesn't get burnt. 
2. Now add the idlis and sprinkle the milagai podi on top. 
3. Gently toss the idlis without breaking them so that each piece is nicely covered by the milagai podi.
4. Wait for 4-5 minutes till the idlis get crispy at the edges.
5. Serve hot with coconut chutney or raita. 

The Final Product. Yum!

Do let me know how it turns out in case you try. :)

Till the next most,

M.

*Milagai podi is a powder made with red chillies and lentils. Recipe here.