lifestyle
It's given, if I meet you for the first time I am not going to tell you i am a blogger, or anything about my online self. I would mostly say I am on time off or i write for a website or something like that. If at all i do tell you there is no way i am going to share what my blog name or social media handles are unless and until you are a person related to this field or in my opinion have the sensibility to understand it. Why??? Two reasons.
- Even in 2017, well 2018 now, people don't get it. Some are oblivious to the word. Some think it's not really an occupation and only a pastime. It's just free clothes and makeup. A person becomes a blogger for fame and not love for the profession. And a zillion other absurd opinions. Some actually not entirely the persons fault because a lot of girls take to blogging only for the social media fame. But they are not bloggers or content creators. It's also been really hard for me to explain what exactly I do to my extended family and I feel it takes a lot of patience to explain what I do so to just avoid that energy loss I take the easier path.
- If I meet someone for the first time I don't want to tell them about my online self and give access to so much about me. I mean I feel it should be fair you know me as much as I know you but if you have access to my online self you know much more about me than I know about you. Ok even though I am the same person you see and read here on the blog and social media but it's all curated. Real life me even though the same is not exactly the same. Even on instastories that are the closest to what my life is but they are just 1 min from 1440 mins in a day that I chose to share with you. So your judgements about me based on what you see and read on the blog and social media are not going to be right, so why create the confusion. I have also heard from my friends that both sexes decide on whether they want to meet a girl or boy again based on what they see of them on social media. My term for such boys is LAME BOYS and girls is LAME GIRLS. I mean like seriously. A girl i recently met on the train told me ( i like to chat with anyone and everyone and do a bit of a research) that she would not want to be friends with a blogger because if they go somewhere fancy the blogger would ask her to take pictures of herself (lol obviously i hadn't told her i was a blogger)!!!
Basically its all about judging. Some don't know what a blogger means and some who do will stereotype. And some will think they know you in and out just from your online personality. All ridiculous. So let there be a couple of meetings, let there be a fair play before i tell you i am XYZ.
Thank you for stopping by! See you with my next.
Suggested posts - The pressures of being a content creator
Love
Chichi
Why I don't tell anyone new I meet I am a blogger
It's given, if I meet you for the first time I am not going to tell you i am a blogger, or anything about my online self. I would mostly say I am on time off or i write for a website or something like that. If at all i do tell you there is no way i am going to share what my blog name or social media handles are unless and until you are a person related to this field or in my opinion have the sensibility to understand it. Why??? Two reasons.
- Even in 2017, well 2018 now, people don't get it. Some are oblivious to the word. Some think it's not really an occupation and only a pastime. It's just free clothes and makeup. A person becomes a blogger for fame and not love for the profession. And a zillion other absurd opinions. Some actually not entirely the persons fault because a lot of girls take to blogging only for the social media fame. But they are not bloggers or content creators. It's also been really hard for me to explain what exactly I do to my extended family and I feel it takes a lot of patience to explain what I do so to just avoid that energy loss I take the easier path.
- If I meet someone for the first time I don't want to tell them about my online self and give access to so much about me. I mean I feel it should be fair you know me as much as I know you but if you have access to my online self you know much more about me than I know about you. Ok even though I am the same person you see and read here on the blog and social media but it's all curated. Real life me even though the same is not exactly the same. Even on instastories that are the closest to what my life is but they are just 1 min from 1440 mins in a day that I chose to share with you. So your judgements about me based on what you see and read on the blog and social media are not going to be right, so why create the confusion. I have also heard from my friends that both sexes decide on whether they want to meet a girl or boy again based on what they see of them on social media. My term for such boys is LAME BOYS and girls is LAME GIRLS. I mean like seriously. A girl i recently met on the train told me ( i like to chat with anyone and everyone and do a bit of a research) that she would not want to be friends with a blogger because if they go somewhere fancy the blogger would ask her to take pictures of herself (lol obviously i hadn't told her i was a blogger)!!!
Basically its all about judging. Some don't know what a blogger means and some who do will stereotype. And some will think they know you in and out just from your online personality. All ridiculous. So let there be a couple of meetings, let there be a fair play before i tell you i am XYZ.
Thank you for stopping by! See you with my next.
Suggested posts - The pressures of being a content creator
Love
Chichi
I am one for celebrations so i always look forward to festivals and holidays but i realize they can be a hard time for people with any level of grief or sadness. I think all of us have or do just different levels and times. Could be breakup, or death or finance or loneliness or work or any sort of loss. Its not always glittery and sparkly and warm and cheerful. You want to be left alone and all the merry making to not be banged on your face, like literally. The decorations and festive cheer act more as reminders of the grief than anything else. Ah and social media overflowing with warmth to the point of disturbing. I mean the content is just so sickly sweet. And sometimes its nothing specific or wrong but you just want to keep low but the constant reminders 'x no of days left for diwali or christmas or eid' or whatever that is!!! 'have you decided what you are wearing?' 'what are you shopping for xyz blah blah blah', won't leave you. The traditions bite. Consumerism at its peak, i mean people spending more than they would ever earn in the next two months, its ridiculous. And then come the falsehoods of people acting and going far beyond their own happiness, its never 24x7 joy after all.
If you are going through any form of stress and not in the mood do everything to protect yourself. Like staying away from social media or whatever that adds to your stress. Be open just say you are not in the mood or you don't want to. Don't think just because it is some festival you owe it to it or anyone to celebrate or do something.
And for others be mindful of what you are saying, doing and putting up around festivals. Your state of mind and level of well being might not be others so care and be real. Sensitivity to others perspective is also a form of celebration after all!! Includes me, includes all of us.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love Chichi
A letter to the celebrators of festivals and holidays
I am one for celebrations so i always look forward to festivals and holidays but i realize they can be a hard time for people with any level of grief or sadness. I think all of us have or do just different levels and times. Could be breakup, or death or finance or loneliness or work or any sort of loss. Its not always glittery and sparkly and warm and cheerful. You want to be left alone and all the merry making to not be banged on your face, like literally. The decorations and festive cheer act more as reminders of the grief than anything else. Ah and social media overflowing with warmth to the point of disturbing. I mean the content is just so sickly sweet. And sometimes its nothing specific or wrong but you just want to keep low but the constant reminders 'x no of days left for diwali or christmas or eid' or whatever that is!!! 'have you decided what you are wearing?' 'what are you shopping for xyz blah blah blah', won't leave you. The traditions bite. Consumerism at its peak, i mean people spending more than they would ever earn in the next two months, its ridiculous. And then come the falsehoods of people acting and going far beyond their own happiness, its never 24x7 joy after all.
If you are going through any form of stress and not in the mood do everything to protect yourself. Like staying away from social media or whatever that adds to your stress. Be open just say you are not in the mood or you don't want to. Don't think just because it is some festival you owe it to it or anyone to celebrate or do something.
And for others be mindful of what you are saying, doing and putting up around festivals. Your state of mind and level of well being might not be others so care and be real. Sensitivity to others perspective is also a form of celebration after all!! Includes me, includes all of us.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love Chichi
The guest bedroom is always a challenge since it's not occupied for the greater time of the year there is a tendency to fill it up with crap, you know can’t think of a place to keep, lets just put it for the time being in the guest bedroom. Or when the kids leave home and you suddenly find yourself with a lot of extra space, it might be a challenge to decide what to do with it! If you don’t pick an idea and see it through, you’ll end up with spare rooms filled up with old boxes, not able to make any use of them.
It is only senseful to first stop the mindset of treating your guest bedroom as a dump room and then clear out if you have done some damage. If you have boxes and furniture you can’t simply dispose of, consider looking for storage facilities nearby to keep them safe. If you look at bystored.com you’ll find they also include free pick up of your stored items, so you don’t have to worry about actually getting them to the storage facility.
When you have an empty canvas to work with you can begin designing the perfect guest bedroom.
Beds and Bedding
Obviously, the centre of a guest bedroom has to be the bed. You need to keep your guests comfortable while they’re staying there. Beds and mattresses can be very expensive though, and compromising on price might lead you to end up with an uncomfortable bed that your guests can’t get a good night’s sleep on.
Fortunately, there are regular deals on mattresses, as it’s become an extremely competitive industry in the last few years so you might be able to pick up a bargain in a sale.
If you can’t, or you’re waiting for the right bargain to swoop on, it might be a better idea to pick up a high quality air mattress, and luxurious bedding as a stopgap measure. A good air mattress can be just as comfortable as a regular one and gives you a little more flexibility as well.
If you also get some good quality sheets, blankets and duvet covers, your guests will still have a perfect night’s sleep in the lap of luxury.
Going the Extra Mile
Once you have the basics established, the key to creating the perfect guest bedroom is adding extra touches.
Getting some fresh flowers in when you have guests arriving is a great idea that makes the room feel fresher and shows your guests some real personal consideration. Similarly, stocking a few key points in the room with candles is a lovely touch that makes it feel more intimate. You can even add scented candles to help freshen the room up before your guests arrive.
You could also stock the bedside tables with a few well chosen books and magazines so they’ll have a good read to hand. This is a great way to make your guest bedroom feel personal, and not like a bland hotel room.
Hope these tips were helpful, thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
The Perfect Guest Bedroom
The guest bedroom is always a challenge since it's not occupied for the greater time of the year there is a tendency to fill it up with crap, you know can’t think of a place to keep, lets just put it for the time being in the guest bedroom. Or when the kids leave home and you suddenly find yourself with a lot of extra space, it might be a challenge to decide what to do with it! If you don’t pick an idea and see it through, you’ll end up with spare rooms filled up with old boxes, not able to make any use of them.
It is only senseful to first stop the mindset of treating your guest bedroom as a dump room and then clear out if you have done some damage. If you have boxes and furniture you can’t simply dispose of, consider looking for storage facilities nearby to keep them safe. If you look at bystored.com you’ll find they also include free pick up of your stored items, so you don’t have to worry about actually getting them to the storage facility.
When you have an empty canvas to work with you can begin designing the perfect guest bedroom.
Beds and Bedding
Obviously, the centre of a guest bedroom has to be the bed. You need to keep your guests comfortable while they’re staying there. Beds and mattresses can be very expensive though, and compromising on price might lead you to end up with an uncomfortable bed that your guests can’t get a good night’s sleep on.
Fortunately, there are regular deals on mattresses, as it’s become an extremely competitive industry in the last few years so you might be able to pick up a bargain in a sale.
If you can’t, or you’re waiting for the right bargain to swoop on, it might be a better idea to pick up a high quality air mattress, and luxurious bedding as a stopgap measure. A good air mattress can be just as comfortable as a regular one and gives you a little more flexibility as well.
If you also get some good quality sheets, blankets and duvet covers, your guests will still have a perfect night’s sleep in the lap of luxury.
Going the Extra Mile
Once you have the basics established, the key to creating the perfect guest bedroom is adding extra touches.
Getting some fresh flowers in when you have guests arriving is a great idea that makes the room feel fresher and shows your guests some real personal consideration. Similarly, stocking a few key points in the room with candles is a lovely touch that makes it feel more intimate. You can even add scented candles to help freshen the room up before your guests arrive.
You could also stock the bedside tables with a few well chosen books and magazines so they’ll have a good read to hand. This is a great way to make your guest bedroom feel personal, and not like a bland hotel room.
Hope these tips were helpful, thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
I promise to speak nothing that is not from personal experience. I have been a shopaholic to the point of returning home with something I fancied almost every couple of days. It was a sort of a validation that I was doing well financially, you know I can afford to buy so why stop!!! This was when I worked in a bank, you know out of college, 0 responsibilities, new money in a decent proportion, haha!!! I left my stupid job but this habit continued for a good couple of years because Vaibhav had an even bigger belief, I should be just swiping cards and getting blow drys!!! Pieces would hang in my wardrobe without price tags taken from them, not for days and weeks but months and then they were out of season so basically never worn. It was all boiling, boiling too bad. From the inside, I was no more happy to buy anything but it had sort of become a habit and then I was blogging about fashion so all the more reason to be dressed in the latest trends. My overflowing wardrobe was suffocating me really bad but luckily, before it would need third party intervention my consciousness and strength returned and I said No. No to my nemesis.
If my story resonates with you and if you are struggling with shopping addiction I have these following 5 points that helped me get out of mine.
- Take every item out of your wardrobe including makeup, shoes, bags, and other accessories and then have a good look at everything. I don’t have a white t-shirt, well you find out you have 5, so obviously don’t have to buy.
- Start something new- like a new hobby or a new routine. It will distract you from your current favourite pastime. I started focussing on lifestyle and travel posts for my blog which meant not thinking about clothes and things.
- Unsubscribe all the store mailers and stop your pastime of browsing through online shops - mailers make you run to their site and buy n items you don’t need. Ok, you will lose the discount code sometime but a 10% or 20% dis loss is better than the bigger hole in your pocket from buying not needed items.
- There is no way that you wouldn’t buy anything. But before buying make sure that you have 5 outfits and occasions in mind that you can style/ wear the piece.
- This one is hard and not so pleasant and sometimes we don't want to care but actually, there are people dying without clothes. Realise. If you are blessed accept the blessing and choose to spread.
This is a small post, I feel each point needs a full-fledged blog post, consider it as an intro to the many posts that will come your way on not just how to not be a shopaholic but also how to choose less over more.
Do/ have you struggled with shopping addiction? Please share your suggestions in the comments.
Love
Chichi
How to not be a shopaholic
I promise to speak nothing that is not from personal experience. I have been a shopaholic to the point of returning home with something I fancied almost every couple of days. It was a sort of a validation that I was doing well financially, you know I can afford to buy so why stop!!! This was when I worked in a bank, you know out of college, 0 responsibilities, new money in a decent proportion, haha!!! I left my stupid job but this habit continued for a good couple of years because Vaibhav had an even bigger belief, I should be just swiping cards and getting blow drys!!! Pieces would hang in my wardrobe without price tags taken from them, not for days and weeks but months and then they were out of season so basically never worn. It was all boiling, boiling too bad. From the inside, I was no more happy to buy anything but it had sort of become a habit and then I was blogging about fashion so all the more reason to be dressed in the latest trends. My overflowing wardrobe was suffocating me really bad but luckily, before it would need third party intervention my consciousness and strength returned and I said No. No to my nemesis.
If my story resonates with you and if you are struggling with shopping addiction I have these following 5 points that helped me get out of mine.
- Take every item out of your wardrobe including makeup, shoes, bags, and other accessories and then have a good look at everything. I don’t have a white t-shirt, well you find out you have 5, so obviously don’t have to buy.
- Start something new- like a new hobby or a new routine. It will distract you from your current favourite pastime. I started focussing on lifestyle and travel posts for my blog which meant not thinking about clothes and things.
- Unsubscribe all the store mailers and stop your pastime of browsing through online shops - mailers make you run to their site and buy n items you don’t need. Ok, you will lose the discount code sometime but a 10% or 20% dis loss is better than the bigger hole in your pocket from buying not needed items.
- There is no way that you wouldn’t buy anything. But before buying make sure that you have 5 outfits and occasions in mind that you can style/ wear the piece.
- This one is hard and not so pleasant and sometimes we don't want to care but actually, there are people dying without clothes. Realise. If you are blessed accept the blessing and choose to spread.
This is a small post, I feel each point needs a full-fledged blog post, consider it as an intro to the many posts that will come your way on not just how to not be a shopaholic but also how to choose less over more.
Do/ have you struggled with shopping addiction? Please share your suggestions in the comments.
Love
Chichi
Occupancies on the personal front have kept me away from the events happening in Delhi. But I did go to a couple this month. Today I thought of sharing them on the blog too with you.
- Massimo Dutti a/w 17 collection preview - I always love their collection, tailored on trend and simple pieces with focus on textures and silhouettes for the chicest effortless urban looks. The a/w 17 collection was no different. The collection brings a sense of balance, echoing the Tuscan countryside, sun-baked red with soft greens and ochres echoing Mediterranean plants such as olives and vines. An ode to quality, expressed in the generous materials and their exquisite feel, brought together in unique designs. I particularly loved the use of the colour of the season red and also periwinkle blue.
- Balmain hair product and hair care launch - Balmain Hair has over 40 years of heritage in combining hair essentials with the latest catwalk trends. Over these 40 years, Balmain Hair has established its legitimacy in the field of luxury. Paying meticulous attention to detail and perfection and researching and creating new application techniques to guarantee the best quality products, while respecting their proud and rich heritage. Balmain hair couture is now available in India at selected Looks salons. I got hair spa done at the event and couldn’t stop touching my hair!!!!
- Aayna clinic opens in Khan Market - Leading cosmetic clinic, Aayna clinic, is now open in chic Khan market. The one and only specializing in nano blading in India, they offer a wide range of services from weight management to eyelash extensions. Some of the most popular and unique treatments available at AAYNA are Semi permanent make up, Margaret Dabbs Pedicures and Manicures and Dermal Fillers. Dermal fillers which is an Anti ageing treatment widely used but rarely done with so much precision that results look 100% natural. Dr.SimalSoin is well recognized for her work in the Anti ageing field and is one of the leading injectors in the country.We had a great chat session with Dr. Soin, the owner and cosmetologist, explaining the procedures and services in length, over wine and cheese.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
New in Delhi - October 2017
Occupancies on the personal front have kept me away from the events happening in Delhi. But I did go to a couple this month. Today I thought of sharing them on the blog too with you.
- Massimo Dutti a/w 17 collection preview - I always love their collection, tailored on trend and simple pieces with focus on textures and silhouettes for the chicest effortless urban looks. The a/w 17 collection was no different. The collection brings a sense of balance, echoing the Tuscan countryside, sun-baked red with soft greens and ochres echoing Mediterranean plants such as olives and vines. An ode to quality, expressed in the generous materials and their exquisite feel, brought together in unique designs. I particularly loved the use of the colour of the season red and also periwinkle blue.
- Balmain hair product and hair care launch - Balmain Hair has over 40 years of heritage in combining hair essentials with the latest catwalk trends. Over these 40 years, Balmain Hair has established its legitimacy in the field of luxury. Paying meticulous attention to detail and perfection and researching and creating new application techniques to guarantee the best quality products, while respecting their proud and rich heritage. Balmain hair couture is now available in India at selected Looks salons. I got hair spa done at the event and couldn’t stop touching my hair!!!!
- Aayna clinic opens in Khan Market - Leading cosmetic clinic, Aayna clinic, is now open in chic Khan market. The one and only specializing in nano blading in India, they offer a wide range of services from weight management to eyelash extensions. Some of the most popular and unique treatments available at AAYNA are Semi permanent make up, Margaret Dabbs Pedicures and Manicures and Dermal Fillers. Dermal fillers which is an Anti ageing treatment widely used but rarely done with so much precision that results look 100% natural. Dr.SimalSoin is well recognized for her work in the Anti ageing field and is one of the leading injectors in the country.We had a great chat session with Dr. Soin, the owner and cosmetologist, explaining the procedures and services in length, over wine and cheese.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
Well, I am one of those girls who would literally spend just about 5 minutes on her makeup, not that I do not have time but I like to have a simpler what works for me makeup routine than trying out a zillion things. It is the Diwali and wedding season, we want to have that great looking skin but are usually short of time so I thought of sharing my simple makeup routine with you all, the routine is simple but the look is well worth any festival, get-togethers or even a small party.
Step 1. Moisturize and prime your face - I can’t stress enough how important these are, a well moisturized and primed face is the prerequisite for any makeup. Whenever I wear makeup I use Embryolisse lait creme concentrate as moisturizer and for primer, I use bare mineral prime time or NYX hd photogenic primer. The Embryolisse creme is one of my holy grails, blending is a piece of cake, helps with staying power and above all makes skin very supple and hydrated which shows in the makeup.
Step 2. If your skin does not need much coverage I suggest skipping on the foundation. Here I used concealer to conceal my under eyes, even out the skin tone near my mouth and then whatever product was left on the makeup sponge I just patted it on my nose. I always use a sponge for concealer/ foundation and before I begin I spray smash box primer water on the sponge, this not only makes the sponge wettish which helps to spread the makeup but also helps with the staying power of the makeup.
Step 3. Next, I put Ben Nye banana powder on all the areas I applied the concealer, and then just run the same brush all over the face. Gosh, this is the one product that has changed my makeup game completely. Keeps my makeup rocking for more than 12 hours and the finish is superb.
Step 4. Blush it on. Soft pink or dusty pink look great.
Step 5. Do your eyebrows, yes go on fill them! So much structure and character in just one step. I either use the Maybelline fiber brow precise or the NYX brow kit in dark brown or both.
Step 6. Mascara, putting eyeliner and making sure they match is a task for most, so just do 2 quotes of mascara and tada!! I am wearing Loreal telescopic.
Step 7. Of course a lippie, for Indian festivals and weddings shades of pink and red work best.
that's all but if you have time
Step 8. Dab some highlight on the cheekbones and on the high points of your eyelid below the eyebrows. Here I used Mac soft and gentle.
Step 9. Softly define the crease of your eyelid with a soft brown eyeshadow.
This is a very basic simple makeup routine that barely takes me about 5-7 mins max.
Hope this post is helpful, would love to know whats your simple yet fancy makeup look.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
A simple dewy makeup for diwali / party/ get togethers
Well, I am one of those girls who would literally spend just about 5 minutes on her makeup, not that I do not have time but I like to have a simpler what works for me makeup routine than trying out a zillion things. It is the Diwali and wedding season, we want to have that great looking skin but are usually short of time so I thought of sharing my simple makeup routine with you all, the routine is simple but the look is well worth any festival, get-togethers or even a small party.
Step 1. Moisturize and prime your face - I can’t stress enough how important these are, a well moisturized and primed face is the prerequisite for any makeup. Whenever I wear makeup I use Embryolisse lait creme concentrate as moisturizer and for primer, I use bare mineral prime time or NYX hd photogenic primer. The Embryolisse creme is one of my holy grails, blending is a piece of cake, helps with staying power and above all makes skin very supple and hydrated which shows in the makeup.
Step 2. If your skin does not need much coverage I suggest skipping on the foundation. Here I used concealer to conceal my under eyes, even out the skin tone near my mouth and then whatever product was left on the makeup sponge I just patted it on my nose. I always use a sponge for concealer/ foundation and before I begin I spray smash box primer water on the sponge, this not only makes the sponge wettish which helps to spread the makeup but also helps with the staying power of the makeup.
Step 3. Next, I put Ben Nye banana powder on all the areas I applied the concealer, and then just run the same brush all over the face. Gosh, this is the one product that has changed my makeup game completely. Keeps my makeup rocking for more than 12 hours and the finish is superb.
Step 4. Blush it on. Soft pink or dusty pink look great.
Step 5. Do your eyebrows, yes go on fill them! So much structure and character in just one step. I either use the Maybelline fiber brow precise or the NYX brow kit in dark brown or both.
Step 6. Mascara, putting eyeliner and making sure they match is a task for most, so just do 2 quotes of mascara and tada!! I am wearing Loreal telescopic.
Step 7. Of course a lippie, for Indian festivals and weddings shades of pink and red work best.
that's all but if you have time
Step 8. Dab some highlight on the cheekbones and on the high points of your eyelid below the eyebrows. Here I used Mac soft and gentle.
Step 9. Softly define the crease of your eyelid with a soft brown eyeshadow.
This is a very basic simple makeup routine that barely takes me about 5-7 mins max.
Hope this post is helpful, would love to know whats your simple yet fancy makeup look.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
I am a quotes person, why? here are the reasons
- They put sense to so many things.
- They inspire.
- They are learnings and knowledge.
- They open different perspectives.
- This one is weird, but sometimes it's safer to use someone else’s words than yours.
- They say what I want to say in the best possible way.
- They lift my mood.
So I love collecting them be it on Pinterest or Instagram or wherever.
And since its the weekend I thought of sharing some of my most loved ones at the moment, with you.
- You know what you are but know not what you may be - Shakespeare
- The realest people don’t have a lot of friends - Tupac
- Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck - 14th Dalai Lama
- If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day- E.B White
- For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return- Leonardo da Vinci
Do you love quotes? Please share your favourite one.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
Why quotes work
I am a quotes person, why? here are the reasons
- They put sense to so many things.
- They inspire.
- They are learnings and knowledge.
- They open different perspectives.
- This one is weird, but sometimes it's safer to use someone else’s words than yours.
- They say what I want to say in the best possible way.
- They lift my mood.
So I love collecting them be it on Pinterest or Instagram or wherever.
And since its the weekend I thought of sharing some of my most loved ones at the moment, with you.
- You know what you are but know not what you may be - Shakespeare
- The realest people don’t have a lot of friends - Tupac
- Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck - 14th Dalai Lama
- If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day- E.B White
- For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return- Leonardo da Vinci
Do you love quotes? Please share your favourite one.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
Wedding season is here, if you are a bride to be bridal makeup trousseau is definitely on your list, we have two weddings in our family this year and i am full on in the wedding prep mode. Yesterday i was finalizing makeup with the two brides, we thought of essentials as well as items that will help the brides do their makeup for the pre and post wedding functions. Since indian weddings are so opulent we decided its best to book a professional hair and makeup artist for the wedding day and bigger functions like mehndi, etc and for the small get togethers do it yourself. After deciding on the must haves with the brides i thought its a great idea for a post so today i am sharing the items you must ensure in your bridal makeup trousseau.
A good skincare routine (day and night) for healthy, glowing skin is the mantra for every bride to be. While there is no replacement for this, sometimes we take the help of makeup to further accentuate our features. And to do this we need the right products and a go to makeup it. So what exactly should this kit contain? Here is the scoop :
1. Foundation – Base is everything, so make sure the foundation you pick matches your natural skintone. Maybelline Fit Me, L’oreal 24H matte and MAC studio fix are some of the best ones in the Indian market. MAC is running an awesome sale these days, go checkout them in your nearby store.
2. Concealer – If you have dark circles or blemishes you need to conceal, fret not. A good concealer that is lightweight and long lasting will do the trick. Maybelline age rewind, NARS radiant creamy and Bobbi Brown have a pretty good shade range.
3. Powder – A good habit to follow is to set your base with powder. For this purpose you can use L’oreal Mat magique compact or Clinique loose powder.
4. Eyeshadow – Palettes from Maybelline (The Nudes) and Makeup Revolution are super versatile and enable you to create a lot of different eye makeup looks. If you prefer singles, check out MAC All that glitters, Expensive pink, Coppering and Bronzed.
5. Eyeliner – Lakme Eyeconic and Maybelline colossal eyeliners have been crowd favourites for a while now and are still going strong. They’re easily available, pocket friendly and smooth to apply. Black, brown, green or blue – pick whichever strikes your fancy.
6. Lipstick – Every makeup kit should have atleast one nude, one MLBB (my lips but better) shade and one bright pink / red. Apart from these, you can add in more according to your skintone like corals, deeper maroons, pinkish browns etc. MAC has a lot of pretty hues like Mocha, Relentlessly Red, Mehr and Party Parrot. Huda Beauty has a wonderful line of liquid mattes – our favourite is Heartbreaker.
7. Blush – For a very subtle and natural flush on your cheeks, we recommend a lip and cheek stain. Benefit cosmetics Benetint (Luxe category) and Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse lip and cheek colour (Affordable category) are perfect for this.
8. Setting spray – The magic ingredient that ensures your makeup stays in place without budging or smudging for a longer duration of time. Our favourite is the MAC Fix + but if you have people coming from abroad you could ask them to get Urban decay or Makeup Forever fixing spray for you.
9. Brushes / Makeup sponge – The tools of the trade. If you prefer using brushes, look at ones from MAC and Sigma Beauty. For sponges, the most popular choice is the Beauty Blender which is now available online in India at Nykaa.
10. Makeup Remover – We’ve listed this at the end but it is the most essential part of every makeup kit. A variety of options are available out there so pick one that suits your skin. Makeup removing wipes from Clinique or The Body Shop, Micellar waters from Bioderma or L’oreal and Oil free remover from Maybelline are quite effective.
With the bridal makeup trousseau jotted i also suggest looking for Bridal Makeup and Hair photos for ideas on makeup looks and having a one to one session with your makeup artist before the event.
Hope this post was helpful, thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
10 Bridal makeup trousseau essentials
Wedding season is here, if you are a bride to be bridal makeup trousseau is definitely on your list, we have two weddings in our family this year and i am full on in the wedding prep mode. Yesterday i was finalizing makeup with the two brides, we thought of essentials as well as items that will help the brides do their makeup for the pre and post wedding functions. Since indian weddings are so opulent we decided its best to book a professional hair and makeup artist for the wedding day and bigger functions like mehndi, etc and for the small get togethers do it yourself. After deciding on the must haves with the brides i thought its a great idea for a post so today i am sharing the items you must ensure in your bridal makeup trousseau.
A good skincare routine (day and night) for healthy, glowing skin is the mantra for every bride to be. While there is no replacement for this, sometimes we take the help of makeup to further accentuate our features. And to do this we need the right products and a go to makeup it. So what exactly should this kit contain? Here is the scoop :
1. Foundation – Base is everything, so make sure the foundation you pick matches your natural skintone. Maybelline Fit Me, L’oreal 24H matte and MAC studio fix are some of the best ones in the Indian market. MAC is running an awesome sale these days, go checkout them in your nearby store.
2. Concealer – If you have dark circles or blemishes you need to conceal, fret not. A good concealer that is lightweight and long lasting will do the trick. Maybelline age rewind, NARS radiant creamy and Bobbi Brown have a pretty good shade range.
3. Powder – A good habit to follow is to set your base with powder. For this purpose you can use L’oreal Mat magique compact or Clinique loose powder.
4. Eyeshadow – Palettes from Maybelline (The Nudes) and Makeup Revolution are super versatile and enable you to create a lot of different eye makeup looks. If you prefer singles, check out MAC All that glitters, Expensive pink, Coppering and Bronzed.
5. Eyeliner – Lakme Eyeconic and Maybelline colossal eyeliners have been crowd favourites for a while now and are still going strong. They’re easily available, pocket friendly and smooth to apply. Black, brown, green or blue – pick whichever strikes your fancy.
6. Lipstick – Every makeup kit should have atleast one nude, one MLBB (my lips but better) shade and one bright pink / red. Apart from these, you can add in more according to your skintone like corals, deeper maroons, pinkish browns etc. MAC has a lot of pretty hues like Mocha, Relentlessly Red, Mehr and Party Parrot. Huda Beauty has a wonderful line of liquid mattes – our favourite is Heartbreaker.
7. Blush – For a very subtle and natural flush on your cheeks, we recommend a lip and cheek stain. Benefit cosmetics Benetint (Luxe category) and Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse lip and cheek colour (Affordable category) are perfect for this.
8. Setting spray – The magic ingredient that ensures your makeup stays in place without budging or smudging for a longer duration of time. Our favourite is the MAC Fix + but if you have people coming from abroad you could ask them to get Urban decay or Makeup Forever fixing spray for you.
9. Brushes / Makeup sponge – The tools of the trade. If you prefer using brushes, look at ones from MAC and Sigma Beauty. For sponges, the most popular choice is the Beauty Blender which is now available online in India at Nykaa.
10. Makeup Remover – We’ve listed this at the end but it is the most essential part of every makeup kit. A variety of options are available out there so pick one that suits your skin. Makeup removing wipes from Clinique or The Body Shop, Micellar waters from Bioderma or L’oreal and Oil free remover from Maybelline are quite effective.
With the bridal makeup trousseau jotted i also suggest looking for Bridal Makeup and Hair photos for ideas on makeup looks and having a one to one session with your makeup artist before the event.
Hope this post was helpful, thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
I often think about the events or tasks that might be basic and day to day or even special and occasional but can be taken to another level to give a real wow feel if done with an extra bit of help aka with the service of a professional. You know those things that we know how to do and do not usually want to spend on! Lol!! Today i am sharing 3 things that would be well worth spending that extra buck on.
- Professional cleaning- Alright we know how to dust and wash, might even have a maid to help but i am not talking about any random house help. I mean a professional who is well versed with domestic cleaning, works like a zen and leaves your house spic and span. I mean why not a professionally cleaned house stays clean longer and is much more hygienic. Whenever i have got my house cleaned by a professional i have had the wow factor living in for days that far surpasses the extra buck i spent.
- Wedding planning - It can be expensive and mostly people avoid the cost but weddings are full of stress, be it your own or a family members getting outside help only helps in letting one enjoy the special occasion. Should not be even said that a professionally planned wedding has a different shine and after all how many times one gets married so that extra cost is well worth.
- Professional photographer- Human beings are visual creatures and with the increased captivation of social media in our lives every moment seems like not lived if not captured in a photograph. Being a blogger with a social media following even more. Traditionally pictures were taken on special occasions like wedding, engagement, baby shower, birthday, anniversary, etc but now photo taking has become an unconscious activity, almost. For capturing moments and occasions we often use our phone but those random phone pictures more often than not get deleted after a few days as compared to a well composed well shot photo that can almost be a treasure and that is the reason I invested in a DSLR early on. Our DSLR works for my blog pictures as well as to take pictures of family functions and special occasions, having said that neither me nor anyone in my family is really professionally qualified. So we also lookout for economical and efficient photography services believing a well shot photo can almost be a treasure.
In the direction of getting professional services i would love to introduce you to Bidvine. It is a one stop online shop for all your service needs, from learning yoga to plumbing to cooking lessons to wedding planning to photographer to anything. Making hiring the services of local professionals easy peasy. I found the site very user friendly, just have to select the service you want, put a few details about your requirement and your area pin code. You receive a confirmation email from Bidvine with the number of days it will take to get response/ bids from local professionals. Once you start receiving the bids, review them and choose the best one. Done . Super simple. Through Bidvine its also become easy to get services done / gift services to family members. You are away and your parents sink is leaking, here comes Bidvine!!!! Gift a yoga class to your mom, etc,etc!!!
Have you ever employed a professional for any of the services above? Is there a service you think we wont usually but deserves to be taken care by a professional, please share in the comments.
Suggested in Lifestyle- 15 Items to never buy preowned
in Travel - Instagrammers guide to Santorini Greece
in Fashion - What to wear in London in summer
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
When to spend on the service of a professional
I often think about the events or tasks that might be basic and day to day or even special and occasional but can be taken to another level to give a real wow feel if done with an extra bit of help aka with the service of a professional. You know those things that we know how to do and do not usually want to spend on! Lol!! Today i am sharing 3 things that would be well worth spending that extra buck on.
- Professional cleaning- Alright we know how to dust and wash, might even have a maid to help but i am not talking about any random house help. I mean a professional who is well versed with domestic cleaning, works like a zen and leaves your house spic and span. I mean why not a professionally cleaned house stays clean longer and is much more hygienic. Whenever i have got my house cleaned by a professional i have had the wow factor living in for days that far surpasses the extra buck i spent.
- Wedding planning - It can be expensive and mostly people avoid the cost but weddings are full of stress, be it your own or a family members getting outside help only helps in letting one enjoy the special occasion. Should not be even said that a professionally planned wedding has a different shine and after all how many times one gets married so that extra cost is well worth.
- Professional photographer- Human beings are visual creatures and with the increased captivation of social media in our lives every moment seems like not lived if not captured in a photograph. Being a blogger with a social media following even more. Traditionally pictures were taken on special occasions like wedding, engagement, baby shower, birthday, anniversary, etc but now photo taking has become an unconscious activity, almost. For capturing moments and occasions we often use our phone but those random phone pictures more often than not get deleted after a few days as compared to a well composed well shot photo that can almost be a treasure and that is the reason I invested in a DSLR early on. Our DSLR works for my blog pictures as well as to take pictures of family functions and special occasions, having said that neither me nor anyone in my family is really professionally qualified. So we also lookout for economical and efficient photography services believing a well shot photo can almost be a treasure.
In the direction of getting professional services i would love to introduce you to Bidvine. It is a one stop online shop for all your service needs, from learning yoga to plumbing to cooking lessons to wedding planning to photographer to anything. Making hiring the services of local professionals easy peasy. I found the site very user friendly, just have to select the service you want, put a few details about your requirement and your area pin code. You receive a confirmation email from Bidvine with the number of days it will take to get response/ bids from local professionals. Once you start receiving the bids, review them and choose the best one. Done . Super simple. Through Bidvine its also become easy to get services done / gift services to family members. You are away and your parents sink is leaking, here comes Bidvine!!!! Gift a yoga class to your mom, etc,etc!!!
Have you ever employed a professional for any of the services above? Is there a service you think we wont usually but deserves to be taken care by a professional, please share in the comments.
Suggested in Lifestyle- 15 Items to never buy preowned
in Travel - Instagrammers guide to Santorini Greece
in Fashion - What to wear in London in summer
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
Everything runs in cycles, and the age of the pre-owned, rented and shared is back. Millennials are opting to buy pre-owned watches instead of the latest models. The new generations prefer to rent a tux rather than spend hundreds on a new one. And the first multi item rental shops are popping up.
But there are some items you should never buy pre-owned whether that is for hygiene or safety purposes, here are a few!
- Baby Crib
Baby cribs have been an item that has endured many recalls over the years whether it’s due to the crib being painted with paint containing lead or due to the risk of strangulation of the child. In 2011, the Consumer Product Safety Commission also banned the sale of drop-side cribs after several children died. All up-to-date information on recalls can be found at the CPSC.gov website. Check these before buying your child a NEW crib!
2. Car Seats
Many people do not know it, but car seats actually have a “shelf life” meaning they should only be used for so long before they are disposed of. Buying previously owned car seats can also be dangerous as it’s not known if the car seat was previously compromised or damaged. If you must buy used car seats do it from someone you personally know and trust.
3. Fine Jewelry/Watches
If you can’t authenticate the realness of it with 100% assurance you are probably wasting money. Spending money on something that “looks” real can land you in a lot of trouble. Even used these prices are not “cheap” and it’s a lot of money. There are a lot of fakes out there that look 100% real. Unless you have paperwork to authenticate your purchase, or you buy from a site like Chronoexpert who verify every one of the watches on their site, consider steering clear of used luxury items.
4. Baby Bottles
Buying used baby bottles allow any sort of previous viruses or bacteria from the previous child that used it to possibly get into your child’s mouth. Moreover, this can cause a serious illness to the child. Also, bottles sold before 2012 when BPA’s were found harmful and outlawed in the US may still contain them. New bottles are your best bet.
5. Mattresses
Mattresses may be one of the worst things you can buy used. When buying a used mattress then you are also buying all the owners previous bodily secretions and dead skin cells! While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can recommend signs to look for to find things like bed bugs no system of telling is foolproof. Point being your best bet is a new mattress.
6. Sheets/Pillows/Bedding
The same deal goes for sheets/pillows/bedding as did for mattresses. You are buying the previous owners bodily secretions and dead skin cells as well! It’s best to go new.
7. Used Pet Beds
Just like it’s not recommended to buy humans used bedding the same goes for your pet. The previous animal that used that bed is now passing its dead skin, fur, viruses, etc onto your lovely pet. Buy Fido a new bed, too!
8. Make-Up
Unless you want all of the bacteria and germs from someone else’s face spread onto yours, make-up is best bought brand new. Any germs or bacteria the previous owner had are lurking in that makeup. You are putting it all over your mouth and eyes and all over your face so avoid pre-owned make-up.
9. Hair/Makeup Brushes
If the person had a pink eye virus it may well be on their makeup brushes. If someone had lice it very well could be on their hairbrush. When it comes to brushes just buy new so you don’t risk getting what the previous owner may have had. You will spend more getting treatment than you saved.
10. Vacuum Cleaner
“But it’s still running just fine” Yeah! We’ve heard that argument before plenty of times. Chances are if the person is getting rid of the vacuum it’s not doing much vacuuming anymore. At that point, you are pushing a machine around your house just for a cardio workout. You’re not vacuuming much of anything. Plus, any bacteria, germs, or dust mites that got vacuumed up before will end up in your home! Check discount stores for better deals on new vacuums.
11. Shoes
It can be very tempting to buy second hand shoes at the charity of vintage store, but did you know that when you purchase someone’s used shoes you are also buying a shoe that conformed to someone else’s foot. That shoe is not likely to be very comfortable for you to wear unless you have the same foot shape. What are the chances of that? Slim to ZERO.
12. Worn Cookware
Buying slightly used heavy duty pots and pans are probably not harmful but buying well-used cookware with flaky surfaces and crusts on them may cause the chemicals in the coating on the pots or pans to leak into your food, and moreover, may contain potential carcinogens.
13. Small Appliances
These have become relatively inexpensive so buying new should be reasonable. You never know what will be wrong with a previous appliance you buy from someone else. The warranty has likely expired. If it breaks you will be out the money plus what you have to buy to replace it. Blenders, microwaves, toasters, just buy new.
14. Bike/Motorcycle Helmets
There is a very serious safety issue when it comes to helmets if it has been damaged or compromised then it will no longer protect you. See here for more info about how a bike helmet works.
15. Tires
Although the tire might pass the age old “penny test” it’s not a safe bet to buy used tires. If they were damaged like the sidewalls inside the tire you wouldn’t know it. If there’s a recall you won’t hear about it. Buy new tires.
I hope this post is helpful, please share in the comments any other item that you think should not be bought preowned.
in fashion- Casual chic summer outfit
in travel- How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Thank you for stopping by! See you with my next.
Love
Chichi
15 items you should never buy pre-owned
Everything runs in cycles, and the age of the pre-owned, rented and shared is back. Millennials are opting to buy pre-owned watches instead of the latest models. The new generations prefer to rent a tux rather than spend hundreds on a new one. And the first multi item rental shops are popping up.
But there are some items you should never buy pre-owned whether that is for hygiene or safety purposes, here are a few!
- Baby Crib
Baby cribs have been an item that has endured many recalls over the years whether it’s due to the crib being painted with paint containing lead or due to the risk of strangulation of the child. In 2011, the Consumer Product Safety Commission also banned the sale of drop-side cribs after several children died. All up-to-date information on recalls can be found at the CPSC.gov website. Check these before buying your child a NEW crib!
2. Car Seats
Many people do not know it, but car seats actually have a “shelf life” meaning they should only be used for so long before they are disposed of. Buying previously owned car seats can also be dangerous as it’s not known if the car seat was previously compromised or damaged. If you must buy used car seats do it from someone you personally know and trust.
3. Fine Jewelry/Watches
If you can’t authenticate the realness of it with 100% assurance you are probably wasting money. Spending money on something that “looks” real can land you in a lot of trouble. Even used these prices are not “cheap” and it’s a lot of money. There are a lot of fakes out there that look 100% real. Unless you have paperwork to authenticate your purchase, or you buy from a site like Chronoexpert who verify every one of the watches on their site, consider steering clear of used luxury items.
4. Baby Bottles
Buying used baby bottles allow any sort of previous viruses or bacteria from the previous child that used it to possibly get into your child’s mouth. Moreover, this can cause a serious illness to the child. Also, bottles sold before 2012 when BPA’s were found harmful and outlawed in the US may still contain them. New bottles are your best bet.
5. Mattresses
Mattresses may be one of the worst things you can buy used. When buying a used mattress then you are also buying all the owners previous bodily secretions and dead skin cells! While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can recommend signs to look for to find things like bed bugs no system of telling is foolproof. Point being your best bet is a new mattress.
6. Sheets/Pillows/Bedding
The same deal goes for sheets/pillows/bedding as did for mattresses. You are buying the previous owners bodily secretions and dead skin cells as well! It’s best to go new.
7. Used Pet Beds
Just like it’s not recommended to buy humans used bedding the same goes for your pet. The previous animal that used that bed is now passing its dead skin, fur, viruses, etc onto your lovely pet. Buy Fido a new bed, too!
8. Make-Up
Unless you want all of the bacteria and germs from someone else’s face spread onto yours, make-up is best bought brand new. Any germs or bacteria the previous owner had are lurking in that makeup. You are putting it all over your mouth and eyes and all over your face so avoid pre-owned make-up.
9. Hair/Makeup Brushes
If the person had a pink eye virus it may well be on their makeup brushes. If someone had lice it very well could be on their hairbrush. When it comes to brushes just buy new so you don’t risk getting what the previous owner may have had. You will spend more getting treatment than you saved.
10. Vacuum Cleaner
“But it’s still running just fine” Yeah! We’ve heard that argument before plenty of times. Chances are if the person is getting rid of the vacuum it’s not doing much vacuuming anymore. At that point, you are pushing a machine around your house just for a cardio workout. You’re not vacuuming much of anything. Plus, any bacteria, germs, or dust mites that got vacuumed up before will end up in your home! Check discount stores for better deals on new vacuums.
11. Shoes
It can be very tempting to buy second hand shoes at the charity of vintage store, but did you know that when you purchase someone’s used shoes you are also buying a shoe that conformed to someone else’s foot. That shoe is not likely to be very comfortable for you to wear unless you have the same foot shape. What are the chances of that? Slim to ZERO.
12. Worn Cookware
Buying slightly used heavy duty pots and pans are probably not harmful but buying well-used cookware with flaky surfaces and crusts on them may cause the chemicals in the coating on the pots or pans to leak into your food, and moreover, may contain potential carcinogens.
13. Small Appliances
These have become relatively inexpensive so buying new should be reasonable. You never know what will be wrong with a previous appliance you buy from someone else. The warranty has likely expired. If it breaks you will be out the money plus what you have to buy to replace it. Blenders, microwaves, toasters, just buy new.
14. Bike/Motorcycle Helmets
There is a very serious safety issue when it comes to helmets if it has been damaged or compromised then it will no longer protect you. See here for more info about how a bike helmet works.
15. Tires
Although the tire might pass the age old “penny test” it’s not a safe bet to buy used tires. If they were damaged like the sidewalls inside the tire you wouldn’t know it. If there’s a recall you won’t hear about it. Buy new tires.
I hope this post is helpful, please share in the comments any other item that you think should not be bought preowned.
in fashion- Casual chic summer outfit
in travel- How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Thank you for stopping by! See you with my next.
Love
Chichi
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