Vellvette Box 2013 November

Dear Chikoo,

I received the following products in this November month’s box –

LA SPLASH MASCARA-ABYSS (Thank-God,It’s Black)

VOTRE PORE SHRINKING TONER (Is it From Thalgo? If not,I dont understand why they used Thalgo logo in the data card then)

I LOVE….LEMON AND LIME (Wanted this for so so so long)

BONUS OFRA SOFT PEARL PEEL – 7 gm (Excited to try it)

-Love V.

Vellvette Box 2013 October

Dear Chikoo,

I received the following products in this October month’s box –

VANTIV ENERGIZING SHAMPOO (Loved it)

REFRESHING LEMON SHOWER GEL (Would have loved it if it was a little milder)

FLORELLE WET & DRY BLUSH – MARMORIZED (Did not like it because the product was too dry)

BROCATO ACTIVES RESTORATIVE HAIR INFUSION SERUM (Loved it)

I loved the shampoo; also on close analysis the ingredients are similar to those of L’Oreal. Many people in the blogosphere were angry because Vellvette didn’t send out branded samples. But I believe products need to be judged on their intrinsic value and not their brand name. That is just the work of fools!

Blue is also a nice colour for a bag because carrying around a frilly pink or bright red bag does not make a good impression if you are a working professional.

-Love V.

Oils 4 ur Scalp

Dear Chikoo,

I recently discovered a new way of thinking to tackle my hair problems.Have you ever wondered that why things that work for your friends don’t work for you?

Using the ancient Indian form of medicine ‘Ayurveda’,I have ventured forth to find the reason.And here it is…………………

A human skin,hair and nature are the composite result of our constitution called ‘PRAKRITIS.

PRAKRITIS are basically of 3 types:-

1. VATA

2. PITTA

3. KHAPA

When these 3 types get unbalanced within our body we suffer.Here are some symptoms given below:-

For example if there is unbalance due to excess PITTA then we have a PITTA DOSHA. If there is unbalance due to excess VATA then we have a VATA DOSHA. And  if there is unbalance due to excess KHAPA then we call it a KHAPA DOSHA.Each DOSHA brings forth a different type of skin/emotional/hair issue/features.See the chart below.

To find your constitution(Prakruti) and ailment (Vkriti/Dosha), You can also take a test online at

Option 1

http://tridosha.com/self-test 

OR

Option 2

http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/

Once you know your Prakruti use the following chart and pick out an Base oil and Essential oil (6-15 drops for 2 tablespoons) suited to your Prakriti.

Say you have a Prakruti of type Kapha(me),then you are bound have a Kapha dosha since your Kapha will increase faster than others hence you have to use Kapha-calming oils for the Kapha type(SEE TABLE BELOW).

In most cases,people have dual doshas,say Kapha-Pitta(as in my case),then you take the external envionment (season/weather you stay in) into account and concentrate on a particular dosha. (I have to calm Kapha during wet weather and Pitta during warm weather). See below how to manage similar conditions.

http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/dual_dosha.html

Always do a patch test of all the oils you plan to use.If your scalp feels scratchy,discontinue use.The main point is that you should feel better after using that oil mix not worse.

Here is the list of Base oils:-

VATA		PITTA		KAPHA
Almond oil	Nourishes a dry scalp	Coconut oil	Reduces Hair loss or thinning due to medication, hormonal changes, stress and pollution.	Mustard oil [not in summer]	For Hair-shine and Split ends
Olive oil	It has oleic acid similar to castor oil so mix the 2 together and apply for better results.	Olive oil	Prevents the formation of dihydro- testosterone, a hormone causing male-pattern hair loss & hair thinning in women.	Olive oil	If you have thick but unmanageable hair, olive oil is a great  remedy.
Sesame oil	Stress reliever & relaxant			Jojoba  oil	Brings out  the natural hair colour and keeps hair tangle-free.But it can cause allergies.

And here is the list of Essential oils as per Ayurveda:-

VATA		PITTA		KAPHA
Ashwa gandha/ Bala          oil	For Glossy hair & Soothing the scalp	Amla  oil	Cooling effect.Take caution if u have hypertension, diabetes, immuno suppression, etc.	Neem     oil	For scalp itching or infection
Castor/       Eranda    oil	For thick hair & to alleviate scalp infection	Hibiscus oil	Clarifying effect	Tulsi      oil	Improves blood circulation in the scalp.
Bramhi   oil	Calms & aids sound sleep	Sandal wood oil	Used for moisturization	Bramhi   oil	Anti inflammatory
Calamus/ Vaccha   oil	Brain tonic for scalp	Bringa raja oil	Promotes hair growth and rejuvenates the mind.	Bringa raja oil	Reduces dandruff, grows fresh hair
Bilwa/      Beel        oil	Darkens the hair roots making hair shiny

You could also use this list which is more based on Western sources:-

VATA		PITTA		KAPHA
Camphor oil	Relaxant But it can cause allergies.	Gardenia	Cooling oil	Sage	Light and Simulating oil
Cinnamon oil	Head  ache   cure.	Mint	Cooling oil	Pine	Light and Simulating oil
Cypress oil	Regulates blood flow to the scalp.	Rose	Very useful. Cooling oil.	Cedar	Light and Simulating oil
Jasmine oil	Moisturizes dry skin	Jasmine oil	Reduces acne.	Myrrh	Light and Simulating oil
Pomegranate Seed Oil	Revitalizes dull and dry hair.	Pomegranate Seed Oil	Revitalizes dull and dry hair.
Avocado oil	For hair fall, dandruff & thinning hair.	Avocado oil	For hair fall, dandruff & thinning hair.

As my  personal experience,I have found that since I am a Kapha with Pitta ailment,the following items suit me more:-

1. Hair Oil-Coconut(I use Parachute scalpie therapy,I am planning to add rose/hibiscus oil to it now)

2. Moisturizer-Jojoba oil(I use Nivea soft)

3.Face pack-Neem (I use Himalaya)

Hope this helps.

-Love V.

My Tryst with the Indian Beauty Boxes (September 2013-PART 2)

Dear Chikoo,

Now lets take a look at this month’s ‘VELLVETTE BOX’ September anniversary edition. I received the following items:-

BEAUTY UK EYE SHADOW PALETTE – SOHO(I am a beginner with eye makeup,in truth I don’t use any eye makeup)

SALLY HANSEN MIRACLE CURE(Very effective,Gives a shiny coat to the nails)

VELLVETTE COMPACT BRUSH

JUST HERBS ADVANCED PIMPLE TREATMENT KIT(I am happy to receive this.It says on the instructions to use with curds and lemon.I personally am not a fan of curds,I wonder if I can substitute curds with milk,Any ideas?)

That’s all 4 now.Good Night.

-Love V.

Green Peas Usal 4 Foodies

Dear Chikoo,

Here is one of my most loved vegetarian recipes.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Serves 4 people

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cup fresh green peas
1/2 cup freshly ground coconut
1/2 cup coconut milk
Salt, Pepper  to taste

Tempering:
2-3 tsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
3/4 tsp asafoetida
2 green chillies(slit)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Method:

Heat oil in a Kadai,Add tempering ingredients.

When they start to sizzle, add the freshly ground coconut

After another 5 minutes, add the green peas

Cover the Kadai and Stir as and when you see the need.

After about 7 minutes and pour 3 cups of water on it and coconut milk.

Simmer the flame and let it cook until the water dries up.

Check if the green peas are cooked by tasting, if not add some more water and let it simmer.

Finally add salt and pepper. Mix well and Serve.

One option is to serve hot with Chapattis. But you can also serve it with Rice, Dal, Fried Potato slices and Coconut Kokum curry.

-Love V.

My Tryst with the Indian Beauty Boxes (September 2013)

Dear Chikoo,

You will be happy this time cause the ‘TRYNBUY TRYBOX’ contains Biotique Men’s Hamper.So this review is based from a 3rd person perspective.In gaming terms this is a Third person shooter not an RPG.

My ‘TRYNBUY TRYBOX’ contained the following items:-

BIO SEAKELP SHOWER GEL (Pros: Nice cooling sensation on use & Cons:None I could find )

BIO GRASS AFTER SHAVE GEL (I gave it to my brother , let’s see what he says)

BIO APPLE HAIR CLEANSER (Pros:Hair do become shiny and smooth & Cons: Green apple scent should remain after bath)

BIO ORANGE NOURISHING LOTION (Pros:Loved it’s mild scent & Cons:Couldn’t notice any marked difference from other Vitamin E lotions)

BIO ORRIS FACE & BODY CLEANSER (Pros:Lathers well & Cons:Distasteful scent)

BIO CUCUMBER FACE FRESHNER (Pros: Beautiful green in colour,Gentle on the skin & Cons:None I could find  )

BIO BASIL TALC (Pros: I spilled the whole contents hence can’t write about any pros & Cons:Even though it is a sample ; A talcum powder should not be packaged in such a way that when you open it , you become a white ghost )

That’s all that is too it.I have one more box which has not yet arrived which is the ‘VELLVETTE BOX’. I will write about it later.Good Night 4 now.

My Tryst with the Indian Beauty Boxes (August 2013)

Dear Chikoo,

In the month of August,I decided to subscribe to not One but Two Beauty Boxes.The first one was the ‘TRYNBUY TRYBOX’ and the second one was the ‘VELLVETTE BOX‘.

The idea of receiving a beauty box is fun.Though there is a commercially viable business model behind it.And it is no different than ordering something online.It felt like I was receiving a gift.Though it was only from myself.Still it was really super fun.

My ‘TRYNBUY TRYBOX’ contained the following items:-

NEUTROGENA FINE FAIRNESS TONER (Pros:Good Scent,Mild  & Cons:Slight discomfort if it goes into the eyes)

NEUTROGENA FINE FAIRNESS EYE CREAM (Gave it 2 Papa,He said his dark circles did vanish in a day!)

NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN FACIAL CLEANSER (Loved it’s scent,Good cleansing ability)

NEUTROGENA LIP MOISTURIZER (Didn’t open yet;saving it for the future)

I liked the fact that the box arrived early in the month.The presentation also was quite good.

Lets review the VELLVETTE BOX next…………………………

The ‘VELLVETTE BOX’ contained the following items:-

SALLY HANSEN LIP PLUMPER-SHEER BARE(It causes a tingling sensation,has cinnamon flavor and did it’s job as a lip plumper quite well.A general recommendation for those with sensitive lips is to apply a lip moisturizer like Nivea before application of the lip plumper.)

H20+ SEA MINERAL MUD MASK(It’s freaking blue ! And it had a cooling sensation.My skin was smooth after use.)

FIGS & ROUGE ALOE AND MINT BALM(Have heard a lot of good reviews about it so will keep it for future use in the winters.)

It was actually not a Box but a Black Bag which I simply loved.Also it was scented which made it even more delightful.

Please enjoy the photo with my Balcony view. 🙂

Well then see you later.Come home for Ganesh.

-Love V.

NEUTROGENA FINE FAIRNESS TONER

NEUTROGENA FINE FAIRNESS TONER

Spinach Soup Recipe 4 Soup Haters

Dear Chikoo,

Here is a great recipe for you. True that it is vegetarian recipe but, it has an awesome taste. Also Spinach contains Iron and Calcium giving us ‘Shaolin Soccer’ strong bones.(See this movie)

Preparation: 20 minutes (But that will not be true for the first time cook )

Serves 3 people

Ingredients:

1 Handful washed Spinach Leaves

1 medium-sized Potato salted, boiled and mashed

1 medium-sized Onion

2 tsp Grated Coconut

2 Green Chillies

1 tbsp Butter / Oil

1/2 tsp Rice flour (To thicken the soup)

A small pinch of Nutmeg (You will have to powder these little round spices, Handle them with care since Nutmeg will increase the Masala Quotient of your soup!)

3/4 tea cup milk

1 cinnamon stick (whose length is equal to your little finger)

1 Piece of Star Anise

Pepper Powder to taste

Chinese salt or Sea Salt or Ordinary Salt to taste

Optional Garnish with Cream OR piece of Butter 

Optional 1 tsp Worchester (Or Worcestershire) sauce (But for God sakes don’t put soya sauce)

Optional 1 Vegetable or Chicken Maggie seasoning cube

 

Method:

Start the Burner and keep on low flame. (I used a traditional Indian container for some flavorsome cooking.)

Heat Butter / Oil in a pan. Wait for 30 seconds.

 Add the Onion and Sauté. Do this for 3 minutes.

Add the Spinach leaves. Give one stir. Wait for 30 seconds.

 Add Green Chillies. Keep stirring as you see fit for another 2 minutes.

Add 3 cups of water. Let it Boil, return after 4 minutes exactly to close the burner. (Overcooking will make the soup taste like cooked grass. Use your Mobile’s timer. And if your highly sophisticated mobile does not have a timer, Please Toss your hi-tech gizmo in the Trash can. Do not over cook Spinach Onion Mixture.)

Use a Strainer (Indian Tea strainer) to separate the liquid Stock from the Mash. (Do not throw out either. I let the Wash-Basin eat the Stock the first time, only to realize my mistake laterL)

Cool the Spinach Onion Mash and Toss it in the Mixer/Blender/Grinder with the Potato mash along with ½ teacup of the Stock. (Now that I think about it you can just throw in a whole boiled potato without mashing. Why do work when your mixer can do it?)

Now take your Cooking vessel.

Add the following:-

Milk
Spinach-Onion-Potato Puree
Left over strained Stock
Star anise
Worcester sauce
Vegetable or Chicken Maggie seasoning cube
Cinnamon stick
Nutmeg Powder

And let it simmer it on medium heat. Add salt and pepper and mix well. Simmer for about 8 minutes.

Serve hot topped with Butter (Not a great lover of cream on soups).

Croutons are essential. (Just toast some bread with butter, Why be lazy now after doing an entire soup)

-Love  V.