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Life & StyleLifestyleReviews

House of Chikankari Review – My Shopping Experience of Chikankari Kurti online 

by tinabasu October 9, 2023
written by tinabasu

Chikankari is an art everyone is mesmerized by. I love wearing chikankari kurtis in pastel shades. With Indian fashion becoming so popular and online shopping bringing the works of local artisans anywhere you want, I wanted to get some authentic chikankari kurtis online too. I came across this brand, House of Chikankari, in one of the episodes of Shark Tank and really liked their collections of Lucknow Kurtis, so I had to try it out. Here’s sharing my shopping experience with them in this detailed House of Chikankari review. 

shopping experience with house of chikankari

House of Chikankari Review – Shopping Mulmul Chikankari Kurta 

Generally, you find Chikankari on cotton or georgette, but I was surprised to see the vast collection of Chikankari kurtis on The House of Chikankari. From cotton to Chanderi and velvet, they seem to have the delicate work of Chikankari in such a wide variety of fabrics. 

I ordered for myself a Mulmul Chikankari Kurta because I love the soft Mulmul fabric – they are breathable, easy to carry, and extremely light. I ordered the Marwa Chikankari Mulmul Straight Kurta in a pastel blue shade. I have a personal bias towards pastel shades and chikankari. 

 

 

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Let’s go through the House of Chikankari review in detail and find out what the kurta actually was. 

Fabric

The mulmul fabric of this chiknakari kurta is light and pretty soft. It is way softer than cotton. The kurta is lightweight and has a good silhouette.

Size & Fit

If you are buying from House of Chikankari, I advise you to go through their size chart because, as I noticed, there are no margins for alteration. It is better to buy the one that fits you well. The one I chose fits me perfectly. 

I was a bit concerned about getting the right size, but the size chart provided on the website was accurate, and the Kurti fit me perfectly. I appreciate that they had detailed measurements to guide me in making the right choice.

house-of-chikankari-review

Product Quality

The Marwa Chikankari Kurti I received exceeded my expectations. The attention to detail is remarkable. The intricate Chikankari embroidery work is stunning, and the fabric is comfortable and of high quality. It’s exactly as described on the website. There are work on the font, on the sleeves, and on the back too. It is a long kurta that can be paired with both leggings and palazzos. I have paired it here with Chikankari palazzos from my collection.

Price

 This Marwa Chikankari Kurta by House of Chikankari was worth Rs 2950/- 

Shipping and Delivery

The delivery was prompt, and the Chikanakri Kurti arrived in perfect condition within 5 days. It was well-packaged to ensure it wasn’t damaged during transit. And it also came with a Chikankari stitch guide. 

Overall Shopping Experience with House of Chikankari

My shopping experience for this House of Chikankari online was fantastic. That is why this detailed House of Chikankari review was needed on the blog. I now have a beautiful and unique addition to my wardrobe, and I’ll definitely consider purchasing from this online store again because I am so mesmerized by their Chikankari Kurta collection. All of their Chinkankari embroideries are made by hand by local artisans in Lucknow, which is so impressive to know. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for Chikankari Kurtis 

 

October 9, 2023 0 comments
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Home & GardenLifestyleReviews

Nestasia Review – Aesthetic Excellence in Bakeware and Dinnerware

by tinabasu September 1, 2023
written by tinabasu

Who doesn’t like elegant and sophisticated bakeware and dinnerware? In this Nestasia Review post, I am going to share my kitchenware haul and the aesthetic appeal of these products. 

Functionality and aesthetic appeal are things to look for in bakeware and dinnerware, especially when you are a food lover. Meals become artistic experiences because of sophisticated decor and harmonious color schemes. When I came across Nestasia’s eye-catching collection of dinnerware and bakeware, I knew I had to try them out. Thus goes my Nestasia haul, and I got a ton of home decor and kitchenware products from their site! From cute ramekins to ceramic baking dishes, I’ve got it all. Thus, I had to make this Nestasia review post to share my experience shopping on this site. 

Nestasia Haul

nestasia-review-blog-product-review-pin

Okay, first, let me show you my haul. I got these cute little ramekins in yellow and pink. There was a time when finding a good ramekin was so difficult here. (I am talking about some 12 years ago when I had found my newfound love in cooking.) I didn’t find any place that sold proper ramekins, which I picked up from Malaysia after a holiday. 

Then I got this beautiful ceramic baking tray with handles. As you know already, I love baking, and I put up a lot of baking recipes on my food blog. So this cute one will only make my food photos prettier! 

I also got this medium-sized baking dish with handles. I loved the mandala-type print on it. 

The other massive one in this Nestasia haul is this ceramic serving bowl. This is my favorite among all the bakeware and dinnerware I ordered on the site. I am so tempted to order some more. I recently had a few guests over, and I served curries in this one! 

nestasia-review-blog-product-review-home-decor-haul

Nestasia Review – Bakeware

 

The packaging of the products was on point, and there were no damages when they were delivered. I am always a little worried when I order glass or ceramics online. They were nicely wrapped in sturdy boxes. 

The ramekins look cute and I have already used them caramel custard! My son has been asking for a souffle now. Maybe I have to do that over the weekend. 

 

The yellow baking dish is decent-sized, maybe I should have got an even bigger one because I am quite impressed with the quality. 

The subtle textures and elegant designs on the baking dish convey a sense of refinement. Each item from Nestasia, strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and usefulness, boosting both culinary creations and table settings. Every meal becomes a feast for the senses thanks to these carefully chosen accents that enhance the environment.

I am very happy with this purchase and I think this Nestasia review post will help you in choosing your own bakeware, kitchenware or dinnerware. 

About the Brand – Nestasia

Nestasia is a homegrown brand with a collection of exquisite home decor products from around the globe. They have ceramic products made with traditional techniques using skills of the artisans from various parts of the world brought together with a hint of modern style. 

 

In addition to dinnerware, Nestasia’s wide selection of products also includes silverware, vases, cake stands, candles, bathing sets, bathroom decor and much too many other items to list them all. 

September 1, 2023 0 comments
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Beauty & MakeupLifestyleProduct ReviewReviewsSkin Care

82E Review – Cucumber Quench – I Tried Deepika Padukone’s Skincare Products

by tinabasu August 31, 2023
written by tinabasu

In this 82E review post, we are reviewing Cucumber Quench, the lastest offering from Deepika Padukone’s Skincare brand 82°E. this lightweight moisturizer for oily skin is helpful.

In the last few years that I’ve been doing beauty content, I have realized that investing in your skincare is a better approach than hiding behind the concealer! So I try not to skip my CTM. For an oily-skinned girl like me, uncovering the ideal moisturizer is similar to uncovering a hidden gem in the world of skincare. However, this light moisturizer gel, Cucumber Quench by 82E, is one such hidden gem that has captured my attention. It claims to be the perfect moisturizer for normal to oily skin, so I had to try it. In this 82E review post, let us look at the ingredients and practical uses of this game-changing lightweight moisturizer designed by our favorite Deepika Padukone herself! 

 

82E Review – Cucumber Quench – A Lightweight Gel Moisturizer

Let’s look at how this lightweight moisturizer, Cucumber Quench, fared, in this 82E review post.

82E-Review-Cucumber-Quench-Deepika-Padukone

Packaging: 

Deepika Padukone’s skincare brand, 82°E, is no doubt an expensive brand, and thus I was expecting premium packaging. This skincare product came in a well-designed, premium-feel box that hosted the glass jar of Cucumber Quench. It is also, thankfully, packed with sustainable material and not plastic bubble wrap! Overall, the brand gets brownie points for its innovative packaging. 

Ingredients in 82°E Cucumber Quench

Since I have oily skin, I am very particular about the kinds of ingredients I use. I stay away from products that have shea butter or coconut butter. So before ordering, I checked the ingredients on their site. The product contains a host of skin-friendly ingredients, some of which I am not very sure of; however, the two main ingredients in this lightweight gel moisturizer for oily skin are cucumber and xylitol. 

Cucumber is something I use extensively in the summer because of its soothing properties. Xylitol is a kind of naturally derived sugar that is known for its moisturizing properties.

82E-review-cucumber-quench

My Experience of Using 82E Cucumber Quench

Imagine a moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy on your skin but still keeps it hydrated and supple all day. That’s the promise of Cucumber Quench – weightless hydration. And this thin moisturizer gel successfully fulfills its promise. Cucumber Quench gets absorbed into the skin immediately after application and doesn’t leave any oily residue. The light texture offers hydration without the worry of clogged pores or excessive shine, making it a godsend for anyone with oily or mixed skin.

However, you might want to reapply it after 4-5 hours or use a hydrating mist to keep the hydration in your skin going, especially if you are in an air-conditioned setting. 

Overall, my experience with Deepika Padukone’s skincare brand so far has been good, though this is the first product I have tried out. I am, however, pretty intrigued with their sunscreen range, as I believe good sunscreen is a must for healthy skin. Let’s see if I can try out one of the sunscreens at 82°E. 

cucumber-quench-82E-deepika-padukone

About the Brand – 82°E by Deepika Padukone

Famous Bollywood star, Deepika Padukone is now a successful businesswoman after making her debut in the Beauty & Cosmetic industry. Her own cosmetics and wellness brand, 82°E promises to bring cruelty-free, vegan, skincare products that make self-care joyful. 

Ashwagandha Bounce and Patchouli Glow were the first two skincare products in DP’s skincare brand. The brand promises to bring the best skincare products that have roots in Indian secret herbs and blend with the innovations of science. 

 

August 31, 2023 11 comments
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Unlocking the Art of Aesthetic Look: How to Curate Your Personal Style and Transform Your Appearance

by tinabasu August 26, 2023
written by tinabasu

Welcome to a journey through the captivating realm of aesthetics! In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the world of aesthetic looks, offering you actionable insights and inspiration to craft your unique style. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist vibes, vintage charm, bohemian flair, or any other aesthetic, we’re here to guide you step by step. Get ready to unlock your true aesthetic look and potential that’s authentically yours.

Art of Aesthetic Look: How to Curate Your Personal Style

Let’s decode the art of aesthetic look and how you can curate your personal style.

Understanding Colour Theory and Fashion Trends

When it comes to creating an aesthetic look, colors and trends are key factors to consider. Understanding color theory is crucial in achieving the desired vibe. By exploring the psychology of colors, you can discover shades that best represent your personality and mood. Whether you prefer soft pastels for a dreamy feel or bold primaries for a lively touch, the color palette you choose sets the tone for your aesthetic look. Additionally, keeping up with fashion trends is important. You can add your own unique twist to the latest trends by mixing vintage pieces with modern cuts or experimenting with bohemian patterns for a bold look. Remember that an aesthetic look is like a blank canvas, waiting for your imagination to bring it to life.

Mastering Makeup Techniques for Aesthetic Appeal

Makeup is an art that complements your aesthetic look. Achieve a flawless finish with makeup techniques that resonate with your chosen aesthetic. For a minimalist appearance, opt for a “less is more” approach with neutral tones and subtle highlights. Vintage lovers can embrace winged eyeliner and bold red lips, while the bohemian spirit welcomes earthy tones and playful accents.

art-of-aesthetics-makeup

Accessorizing

Consider accessories as the punctuation marks that complete your aesthetic sentence. They add personality and intricacy to your outfit. While accessorizing, prioritize quality over quantity. One statement piece can have a greater impact than a collection of small items. For the minimalist, a delicate necklace; for the vintage enthusiast, a retro scarf; for the bohemian soul, a stack of bangles. Allow your accessories to narrate your aesthetic story.

Crafting a Cohesive Wardrobe

An aesthetic look thrives on coherence. Your wardrobe should be a collection of pieces that seamlessly intertwine. Mix and match items that resonate with your chosen aesthetic, ensuring they work together harmoniously. This doesn’t mean you need a closet overhaul; it’s about curating what you have to suit your aesthetic vision.

Reflecting Personality and Boosting Confidence

Your aesthetic look is an extension of who you are. It’s a visual representation of your personality, passions, and values. As you curate your aesthetic, remember to infuse elements that feel authentic to you. This alignment between your appearance and inner self can remarkably boost your confidence. Walking in sync with your aesthetic empowers you to embrace your uniqueness and stand out with pride.

By understanding color theory, incorporating fashion trends, mastering makeup techniques, accessorizing thoughtfully, and curating a cohesive wardrobe, you’ve laid the foundation for a distinctive aesthetic look that mirrors your individuality. Your aesthetic look is a canvas where you blend creativity with style, resulting in an appearance that not only turns heads but also makes you feel truly exceptional. So go ahead, step out with confidence, and showcase the masterpiece that is your aesthetic look to the world!

 

August 26, 2023 0 comments
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Sadhev Ayurvedic Hair Care Range | Sadhev Review | Using Ayurveda for Strong Hair

by tinabasu August 15, 2023
written by tinabasu

With so much of pollution around, my hair has been facing the brunt since a while. Add to it the hard water of Bangalore! Hair fall, dandruff, brittle hair, you name it and I have dealt it! This is the very reason I have altered my skincare and hair care routine with natural Ayurvedic products. When I found out Sadhev’s Ayurvedic products I knew I had to try them. Today let me share detailed Sadhev review on their Ayurvedic hair care range that I have been using over a month now.

Why I am choosing Ayurveda

Lately, I am practicing mindfulness in everything that I am doing. For skincare I have already banished all kinds of chemicals and in fact I am cleaning my face with pure almond oil! It is working, so choosing natural products over chemical ones is a choice for me now.

Ayurvedic ingredients like amla, brahmi, and hibiscus are said to be beneficial for hair health. I also like using hair oils over the much popularized ‘oil-replacement’ products.

Since Ayurveda seeks to improve hair strength, gloss, and general vitality by avoiding harsh chemicals and concentrating on natural therapies, I think it is the right choice for me.

Sadhev Review – Ayurvedic Hair Care Range

Sadhev-review-ayurvedic-virgin-coconut-oil-shampoo

I am a big believer of hair oil massages and I usually apply hair oil twice a week before washing my hair. So, I got the whole range of products with Sadhev Virgin Coconut Oil, Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo and their Ayurvedic Conditioner. Let’s delve deep in these products and their ingredients in this Sadhev review.

Sadhev Virgin Coconut Oil Review

Sadhev-virgin-coconut-oil

This coconut oil is an extra virgin cold-pressed oil. Let’s look at a detailed review of the same.

Packaging

Sadhev Virgin Coconut Oil comes in a recyclable plastic bottle with a pump jar. I am happy with the fact that you can open and lock the pump jar which makes this oil a travel friendly option. Who wants the oily mess in your luggage! The outer boxes of these products are even prettier!

Price: – Rs 375/- for 75ml bottle

Consistency & Texture

When this Sadhev Virgin Coconut Oil was delivered it was super cold in Bangalore due to the incessant rains. The oil was pretty thick at that time. I did immerse it in a mug of warm water to melt the oil. So it did pass on quality & purity test. Once melted the virgin coconut oil turned into its liquid form in no time. I also liked the fact that this cold pressed coconut oil is free of any artificial fragrance or colour.

Sadhev-virgin-coconut-oil-colour

Did you know?

Have you wondered why coconut oil freezes with the slightest drop in temperature? Pure coconut oil contains 90% saturated fats, and 10% unsaturated fats. At higher temperatures, it remains liquid, but as the temperature drops, it solidifies. The increased proportion of saturated fats in coconut oil is thought to be responsible for this quality.

My Experience:

I have used this virgin coconut oil to massage my scalp and hair and also applied on skin. Pure virgin coconut oil can restore moisture in your dry hair very quickly. I noticed the difference in the texture of my hair with the second use only. I generally apply this Sadhev Virgin Coconut Oil early in the morning and leave it for 2-3 hours and then wash my hair.

This cold pressed coconut oil is pretty non-greasy and a lighter viscosity so I can totally recommend this one, specially if you have dry brittle hair.

Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo Review

Hair fall and hair loss is something everyone has to deal with in their life and I am not new to it. That is choosing natural ingredients in shampoo over chemical laden ones is essential for me. When I was using Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo I was pleasantly surprised to find hibiscus in it. I remembered how my granny used hibiscus leaves in a hair oil she used to make herself. Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo is a luxury shampoo made with natural ingredients and is free of SLS, paraben and other chemicals. So a big plus point from my side.

 

Packaging

Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo comes in a recyclable plastic bottle with a pump jar. It’s small and compact you can easily carry it while travelling.

Price: – Rs 550/- for 75ml bottle

Ingredients in Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo

  • Bhringraj – a rich source of vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin E, magnesium, and vitamin D.
  • Hibiscus Flower – increases collagen and guards against hair dryness
  • Curry Leaves – contains antioxidants and amino acids that strengthen the hair follicles.
  • Amla – contains good fatty acids and conditions the hair.

Consistency & Texture

This Ayurvedic shampoo has a creamy texture. It doesn’t contain SLS but lathers up decently. So you don’t need to much of shampoo in every wash. I wash my hair twice a week because I read somewhere washing everyday can also make your scalp greasy when sebum secretion increases.

My Experience:

I was a little worried about curry leaves smell, but this Ayurvedic shampoo has a mild pleasant scent. It also lathers up fairly well, even though I didn’t anticipate any immediate changes, just one wash has left my hair looking noticeably softer and smoother. It left my hair well-conditioned as well and I have not always used the conditioner after washing my hair with the Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo.

About Sadhev – Luxury Ayurveda Brand in India

Sadhev is a luxury Ayurveda in India who formulates natural Ayurvedic skincare and hair care products based on their 200-year-old ancestral Ayurvedic wisdom. Most of the Ayurvedic ingredients are sourced from their own farm Sadhevana.

Hope this Sadhev review will help you while selecting natural skin or hair care products. If you want me to do more review posts like this Sadhev Virgin Coconut Oil review or Sadhev Ayurvedic Shampoo review let me know in the comments below.

August 15, 2023 14 comments
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Life & StyleLifestyle

This Is How to Style Your Stainless Steel Skull Ring

by tinabasu June 30, 2023
written by tinabasu

A well-chosen piece of accessories can make a powerful style statement. A stainless steel skull
ring is great if you love edgy, alternative fashion. It can be the perfect addition to your wardrobe
to make a fashion statement.
It’s a bold design that has a rugged charm. It can instantly elevate your look and showcase your
unique personality. However, knowing how to style it can sometimes be a challenge.
Fear not! In this article, we’ll explore tips and ideas on how to style your skull ring to create a
striking and cohesive outfit.

Mix and Match Metals

Feel free to mix your best skull jewelry with other metal accessories. This can create an exciting
contrast and add visual appeal to your look.

For example, try wearing skull jewelry alongside silver or brass bracelets. You can even go for a
chunky chain necklace too. The combination of different metals can create a unique and eclectic
style.

Keep it Simple

Sometimes, less is more if you want different types of skull jewelry to be the focal point of your
outfit. Keeping the rest of your accessories and clothing minimal would be best.
Opt for a monochromatic outfit in black, white, or gray tones. Let your jewelry stand out as a
statement piece.
This approach works particularly well for formal or semi-formal occasions. It’s a great way to add
a touch of personality to your attire.

Contrasting Colors

Jewelry with skull designs can be paired with clothing of contrasting colors. It’s a great option
when you feel bold and want to make a statement.
For example, wear your jewelry with a black or deep red shirt. It creates a striking contrast, and
this combination adds an element of drama.

Layering

Consider wearing your skull ring alongside other rings. Try stacking it with different styles and
materials.
For example, you can mix some gemstone rings for a touch of color. Experiment with different
combinations to find what works best for you.

Embrace the Rocker Aesthetic

Skull rings are often associated with rock and roll culture. Try to embrace that vibe when styling
your ring.
Pair your rings with a leather jacket, black skinny jeans, and a graphic band t-shirt. You can
make an effortlessly cool look.
Complete the ensemble with studded boots or sneakers to add an extra edge to your outfit. If
If you want to enhance your edgy style, remember to buy skull bracelets to complete your
rebellious ensemble.

Confidence is Key

No matter how you style your stainless steel skull ring, the most important thing is to wear it
confidently. Feeling good in your clothes will shine through and enhance your overall style.
Rock your skull ring with pride. Let it be a reflection of your individuality and self-expression.

Styling with a Stainless Steel Skull Ring

A stainless steel skull ring can be a versatile and eye-catching accessory. It can add a touch of
rebellion and personality to your outfits.
It’s perfect for a rocker aesthetic, a minimalist approach, or something in between. There are
countless ways to style your ring and make it an integral part of your style. So, embrace your
inner rebel and experiment with different looks!

June 30, 2023 0 comments
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Welcome! I’m Tina Basu, a parenting author and lifestyle blogger dedicated to making family life simpler, healthier, and more creative. Dive in for practical parenting guides, self-care routines, and fun DIY inspiration. Let's make everyday life beautiful - click my photo to learn more!

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