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February 13, 2015

Winter Hair Care With Head & Shoulders { With A Step By Step Hair Tutorial}

#sponsored #MoistureCare

#sponsored #MoistureCare
I have thick hair but they easily get dandruff and flakes if I am not careful about my hair care routine. Because I have dry hair to begin with, during winter my hair gets even drier and loose shine and smoothness. I usually am diligent about conditioning, but most anti-dandruff shampoos make my scalp very dry. Luckily, I have found a new hair care collection from Head & Shoulders that tackles both my problems - have a flake free scalp and make my hair smooth and soft. 
Head & Shoulders Moisture Care Collection provides moisture for scalp and hair immediately and over time, and leaving you 100% flake-free. Designed for textured hair, this collection includes a shampoo, 2-in-1, co-wash (conditioner wash)  and scalp soother. Made with vitamin E rich almond oil, coconut essence and dandruff-fighting ingredient zinc pyrithione, Head & Shoulders new Moisture Care collection is a must have for winter for someone with hair texture like mine!
I love the scalp soother from this collection a lot/ It has peppermint oil complex and Vitamin E that cool the scalp and improve moisture balance. It can be applied like a serum, anytime anywhere!
#sponsored #MoistureCare

I love my flake free hair! Today I am sharing an easy, bohemian inspired, romantic hair style that is perfect for Valentine Day. Here are the steps -
 First, I curl the hair with a curling iron. I use a 1.5 inch or sometimes 2 inch curling iron, and just curl the ends to get a fake-blowout effect.
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Then I make two braids on one side of my parting, starting from my forehead.
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Secure the braids with pins. 
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On the other side of parting, instead of making another braids, and to avoid the milkmaid look, I just twist the section of hair and secure with pins. 
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The dandruff free hair looks stylish and healthy and the braids and twists in the hair don't show any flakes, thanks to my Head & Shoulders moisture care products!
#sponsored #MoistureCare
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February 11, 2015

Movie Review: Fifty Shades Of Grey

Fifty Shades Movie Review, Fifty Shades Of Grey Movie Review
(My impression of the movie from the early screening of the movie in New York)

First a word to all those critics who are labeling it as 'mommy porn' (and implying that 'housewives' and 'moms' should be ashamed to like this movie!) - it is as much a mommy porn as the story-of- a-super hero-saving-the-world-from-the-greatest threat (with guns, gadgets and dynamite) is a daddy porn! I mean come on! It is a fantasy! The story of a simple, innocent, girl-next-door meeting a sexy, handsome billionaire, with a fleet of luxury cars, private jet, and helicopter, who is a God between the sheets and plays piano AND he is little bit damaged and broken (that only she can heal!) - if it is not the ultimate female fantasy, I don't know what is! It is Cinderella 2015, with an eye mask and a braided leather flogger!
Some critics are wondering why women (world over) are so interested in Christian Grey? Well, it is no secret that women are often attracted to a take-charge, confident, alpha male (I know, I am married to one!) and Christian Grey is the very definition of alpha (with a six pack!). So...

And I say this as someone who actually didn't like the book this movie is based on! Here is a little context as to where I am coming from. I first heard about the Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy on a Saturday Night Live skit. Ofcourse, I was intrigued! So I borrowed the e-book from my library and read it. All three of them.  BUT I really didn't like the books. I found writing to be atrocious and thought that the first book was specially very difficult to read, purely on the basis of the way narration went. I liked the premise, the set up of the characters and thought it could have been a good love story, only if the writer bothered not to publish the very first draft! It was like a pretty fabric that you love, cut into a bad dress pattern that you hate! What do you do - can't wear it but don't have the heart to throw it out either! I thought that even I could edit and re-write it to make a better book! That is why when I heard they are going to make it into a movie with people who have much better credentials than I do, I WAS HOPEFUL! Last week, just by chance, I got a ticket to see this movie a full week ahead of time when NBC Universal had a special early screening in New York! And let me tell you, director Sam Taylor Johnson with the help of script writer Kelly Marcel has magically carved out that intense love story hidden in somewhere under all that fluff in that blob of a book! The tawdry, smut is almost gone to make way for a 'relationship'! Here are my thoughts -

The Cast - Jamie Dornan is almost perfect as enigmatic, brooding, richer than Croesus Mr Grey. Some critics are saying he is too stiff (no pun intended) in the movie, but IMO, it is the way his role is written in the first book. There are scenes he feels aloof and less engaged, but it is the nature of his character as well and  he truly plays the part. In the book he comes across as stalker-ish and sometimes little creepy, but in the movie, the script shaves off some of his obsessive, control freak part of the character and he is much more believable. He conveys his angst and emotional conflict with the steely gaze and hot damn he is the 'epitome of male beauty' as Ms James had us believed! (between you and me ladies, I don't want to give away the spoilers, but you might need to brace yourself when Mr Grey's buff posterior makes an appearance!)
As much as swoon-inducing Jamie is in the movie, I think the true star of the movie is Dakota Johnson who brings Ana to life with an emotional, sensible and relatable way. In the book, the odd 'inner goddess' dialogues and unlimited 'Holy Crap/Jeez' made Ana one dimensional and sometimes even weak, but Dakota gives Ana the backbone most readers wanted when they read the books! She is funny, charming and her transformation from a timid, virginal college graduate to the sassy, sophisticated woman who charms the controlling Mr Grey is pure joy to watch!

The Chemistry - Some early media reports suggested that Jamie and Dakota might not even like each other in real life and they may lack the chemistry on screen. I say utter (holy) crap! They both have a great chemistry and spark! The back and forth banter between them is one of the best parts of the movie!

The Humor - You will laugh aloud in the movie. Mainly because of Dakota. Her 'drunk dialing Christian' scene (readers would know!) made the audience laugh and giggle collectively!

The Love (and SEX!) - Once again, you might need to fan your face! The 'vanilla' and BDSM sex scenes, both are shot beautifully and tastefully, yet they are HOT! Although bondage scenes may feel little 'uncomfortable' if separated from the narrative of the story (which is not explained in the first book, but it was explained in the second book)

Interestingly the movie is very close to the spirit of the book, yet totally fresh and has so much better script!  The funny part is - you will enjoy the movie more if you have read the books - and will have a better appreciation for the scriptwriter and director for their transformation of the book! So, if you are a fan of the books, you will surely love the movie, and if like me, you were not crazy about the books - you will love the movie even more!
Gone with the wind, it is not, but it is a fun, sexy romp, fit to see with your significant other or with a giggling group of girlfriends! 
Oh, BTW, it definitely leaves the room for a sequel! And I strongly wish this time Sam Taylor Johnson gets even more freedom to 'better' the books and EL James doesn't restrict the process!

Before I sign off, here is a little primer (for those who have not read the books - good for you!) as to what to expect from Fifty Shades!

Laters baby!

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February 9, 2015

Snow, Snow And More Snow!

As soon as we got ready to take some outfit pictures - here comes the snow! Houndstooth coat over a cashmere sweater (and layering tees underneath it) kept me warm and a wool hat kept the snow out of my hair. I hope we get better weather (good enough to take decent outfit pictures!) soon!
Forever 21 HOundstooth Coat, Houndstooth Jacket, Brown Houndstooth Coat, Wool Fedora


Forever 21 HOundstooth Coat, Houndstooth Jacket, Brown Houndstooth Coat, Burgundy Wool Fedora

Forever 21 HOundstooth Coat, Houndstooth Jacket, Brown Houndstooth Coat, Burgundy Wool Fedora


Forever 21 HOundstooth Coat, Houndstooth Jacket, Brown Houndstooth Coat, Burgundy Wool Fedora, Tall Lace Up Boots, Born Boots
Coat - Forever 21 (in Blue) // Similar
Boots - Born // Similar // Similar
Hat - Forever 21 (old ) // Similar

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February 4, 2015

Best Gift For Valentine's Day: The Gift Of Togetherness! #LoveOurVDay

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias
Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias
I had heard my husband before I had seen him. We were the early prototypes of 'online dating', more than a decade ago, way before Facebook or even Gmail! Our first 'date' was a phone conversation, across continents, that lasted almost 3 hours. I know it sounds super cliché, but he literally had me at hello! We both felt that we had an instant chemistry between us, but over the years we have discovered that we have a deep connection that somehow feels eternal and anew at the same time!  We both were in our early 20s when we married. Entering the real world with our youthful ideas and our first jobs. We both were at the 'similar' places in our lives and when I look back, I feel that as a married couple we embarked on a journey that was akin to exploring our Universes side by side, together! From our first ever trip to Vegas, to our first road trip to Key West, from buying our first house to welcoming our daughter to going back to school as young parents with student loans- we have shared some crazy, fun and really profound moments together.  As we grow 'old' together, every day adds another layer of trust and togetherness.  For me, this trust and bond makes our relationship not old but rather new every day! When I look back at all the events, moments, realizations,  I have come to believe that we mean home to each other! If I try to really sum up this relation in one word, I have to say the togetherness comes right at top! So, this Valentine's day I decided to celebrate this feeling of togetherness with a simple DIY gift for my husband! A photo frame that reminds him that he is my home. And all we need to be happy is to simply be together!Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

For this 'heartfelt' frame DIY, you will need
 - A dual photo frame (mine has two 4"x6" photo spaces, and I got it from Target)
- A map of USA (or any country you live in)
- white card stock paper
- Marker pen

First, print out the map on a photo paper matching your frame's dimensions. Mine got cut at the West Coast, but that is OK - imperfection is the perfect 'handmade' touch!
Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

Then mark  all the places you have lived with your significant other with a little heart! This is the first half of my frame!
Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

For the bottom half, write a heart felt note that has a special meaning for your relationship!
For me, my journey started in a new country, away from the rest of my family. Over the years we changed states, we changed towns, we changed houses, but he is the one who makes me feel 'rooted'! In him, I always find my home.Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias



Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

To make make this Valentine day extra special, I assembled a little gift basket for him. BTW, my husband loves dark chocolate and I found small little boxes at Target that are perfect to add special sweetness in your Valentine's Day gifts!

Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias
Well, he knows how much I love shoes, so I am sure he appreciates the sentiment! :-)

I rounded up my gift basket with fun things that bring love, passion, closeness and intimacy in our relationship! Really, this gift basket is partly a 'gift' for me too!:-) Like these K-Y® Love products (K-Y® Love PassionK-Y® Love Sensuality) exclusively available at Target for Valentine's day.  For limited time, you can get 10% off on new K-Y® Love products via Target Cartwheel coupon! Hurry, the coupon expires 2/14! YOu can find  K-Y® products right in the feminine care aisle. 
Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, K-Y® Love at Target, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

 After all, the best gift is love and togetherness! Always.
Valentine's Day DIY gifts ideas, Valentine's day gift ideas for him, Home is where heart is map DIY, #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias
Do you do DIY gifts for your significant other?  I'd love to hear your V-day DIY gift ideas!
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February 3, 2015

Winter Outfit: Polka Dot Coat & Red Hunter Boots

Polka Dot Coat, Target Polka Dot Coat, Red Hunter Boots, Tall Hunter Boots, Glossy Red Hunter Boots
These pictures were taken last week with freshly fallen snow. All the friends and kids in my community loved playing in the snow. But it seems like the groundhog has seen its shadow and now we have six more week of this weather! As much as I love winter time and snow, I and not fond of the slushy ice that has been going around here in New York for past couple days! I hope the coming week has better road conditions and the snow only comes in powder soft form, not as the sheet of icy slush!
Polka Dot Coat, Target Polka Dot Coat, Red Hunter Boots, Tall Hunter Boots, Glossy Red Hunter Boots

Polka Dot Coat, Target Polka Dot Coat, Red Hunter Boots, Tall Hunter Boots, Glossy Red Hunter Boots

Polka Dot Coat, Target Polka Dot Coat, Red Hunter Boots, Tall Hunter Boots, Glossy Red Hunter Boots
Coat - Target (old) // Very similar style




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