Saba Irfan's Blog, page 18

Secret to lustrous hair revealed – Sesa’s Onion Haircare range!

Beautiful and lustrous hair is a dream that everyone aspires of but hardly anyone achieves. Unless you’re gifted with naturally wonderful tresses, getting that lustre and life in your hair can leave you tired of the unsuccessful attempts. Yes, I agree there is a plethora of options available in excellent haircare range. But don’t forget the amount of harsh chemicals that enter your hair with these hair care products can actually lead to more damage than benefits. So, aren’t we in a desperate need to try some products which are exceptional in providing healthy and shiny hair, but doesn’t have any side effects as well!

Enters Sesa Onion hair care range! The three weeks usage of these entirely natural products ensure that your hair get better and healthy, just like as you dream! Want to know how? Keep reading!

About Sesa

Sesa is a 25 years old hair care brand embracing Ayurveda and herbs under its wings and providing mild but effective products to beautify your hair better. Recently, they have launched a special onion haircare range that ensures proper regrowth of hair, leading lesser breakage and making them attractive and stunning. I have tried their three exclusive products which are:

Sesa Onion hair oil with Bhringraj — The ayurvedically blessed Sesa’s onion hair oil includes Bhringraj that not only prevents hair loss, but also promotes collagen production that ultimately boosts hair growth considerably. This is an absolutely cold pressed oil that ensures to nourish your hair getting within making it appear stronger and vibrant. Another astounding feature of this hair oil is that it contains no nasty substances like paraben or mineral oil, silicone or fibres that tend to damage your hair. Since it comes with an easy to apply hair brush, using it becomes all the more easy and I apply it very conveniently twice and even thrice a week. Sesa Onion shampoo with reetha and shikakai — After oiling my hair, I leave it overnight and next day wash it with Sesa Onion shampoo with reetha and shikakai. Both of these ingredients are very healthy for the hair and that is why they prevent extreme loss making them stronger in due time. What’s more, using this shampoo also prevents hair breakage and make them grow again. Even this shampoo is without any harsh or harmful chemicals or components that may lead to negative effects on hair.Sesa onion conditioner with reetha and shikakaiand other healthy ingredients — My post shampoo ritual is using Sesa’s onion hair conditioner evenly and letting it stay for around 2-3 minutes on my hair. Since it contains amazingly beneficial ingredients like reetha, shikakai, aloevera, hibiscus, onion and amla, it further boosts the strength of my tresses. The deep conditioning effect makes my hair appear smoother and softer for long preventing the breakage and fall.My take on Sesa’s Onion Haircare range

 I have used this hair care range for three weeks and I must say that very positive impact and effect on my dress is. Would highly recommend you for healthy growing smooth and silky hair.

To avail discount use this coupon code: SESA-SCB-ONION

To order please tap on this link

Switch to swadeshi with itokri!

I am a shopping addict! Obviously, you can imagine the online shopping and e-commerce sites I hit all the time. Yes, there is a myriad of options available in incredible fashion accessories and necessities on these sites. These are from all across the world and made with extra care and consideration. I don’t even doubt their quality. No doubt we all provide them a generous business throughout the year. But do you know we have some amazing talent in our country as well? And believe us, the accessories, the materials and varieties you get here won’t be found even in the most premium international brands.

Introducing itokri

Itokri is a brilliant shopping site that offers incredible options of items from fabrics to jewelleries, shoes, handcrafted home décor items, home décor items and more. These are made especially by the craftsmen from the ground level workers and also the best workers from across the country which are expert in these tasks. They also ensure to not to waste the natural resources by any which ways and use all eco-friendly items to produce and manufacture these products. Providing only eco-friendly packaging, they win hearts all the more!

My experience with iTokri

After hearing so much buzz about itokri, I thought of shopping for some unique items from their website. Let’s read how I liked their website and products.

Website — The itokri website is easy to use and mobile friendly as well apart from being easily accessible via desktops. You’ll find a different section for each and every item which is adorned with the right images and the exact details of the items. Even checking out with the products in the cart, applying codes and payments and placing order is simply efficient on this website. I found placing order for different products on this website totally a breeze.

The products — Let’s talk about the products! So, I bought a 100% pure cotton readymade pant from the stitched clothes section of itokri and I must say, from the Lucknowi thread work to the colour and fabric, everything is top notch and just as described on the website. Even the oxidise necklace with some colourful fonts on it is simply astounding and worth the rate. My favourite is the tiny nose clip that’s priced rightly and looks fantastic. Even the bamboo hair clip and 100% cotton face mask won my heart. So far, I have no complaints of issues with the products I bought from itokri. These are of excellent quality and looks just as perfect as they were in the images on the website.The packaging — You’ll be surprised that itokri packs all these items in a box made up of used paper and wrapped neatly in an old newspaper. This is really thoughtful of them as they believe a lot on sustainability and urge you to try these as well by shopping through their website.My take on itokri

I would highly recommend itokri for your regular day-to-day lifestyle shopping and even for luxurious options of occasional items. The items in here are suitable for gifting as well. So, when swadeshi is so impressive, why pay double the amount to others?

Book review — Something’s Cooking – Healthy Indian Breakfast Recipes by Kalyon Subbarao

Food books have all been my favourite. I love reading about new food varieties and even try them out at home. And breakfast being my favourite meal of the day, I’m always considered about having this in healthy manner that keeps me active and healthy throughout the day. And when I got my hands on this book by Kalyon Subbarao, I felt too glad that I read it.

About the book

This book by Kalyon Subbarao is something that every family should own. It not only guides you with some exclusive Indian breakfast meals, but also lets you know about the energy you get through it. (Since the calorie count is given in the recipes) . Even the systematic way in which each recipe is listed out makes it absolutely convenient to find the recipes and access it perfectly. From the content page to the last one, everything is to the point and precise and I don’t think so could get a better editing done on any cookbook. (Plus marks for the attractive fonts and infographics.)

About the author

Kalyon is a passionate cook. He left with years of corporate job just to start his journey towards being a chef. And his great efforts made him a founding member of Kitchari Katering, a food on wheel initiative that partnered with IRCTC to provide food to passing travellers. He is also associated with GORB, a startup of ZEE livingfoodz. He also has an You tube channel and blog where he shows off his culinary talent perfectly.

My take on the book

Personally, I’m a new fan of Kalyon and his food blog. His recipes are totally enticing and something I found totally easy to prepare as well. I have tried some of the recipes of this book like rava dosa, lapsi rava pulao, vegetable upma, urad dal roti, Palak spinach dosa and Besan ka chilla. These are really fantastic and super easy to prepare and yummy to taste. Have found these recipes really useful.

This book is certainly a must read for all good enthusiasts. Whether you are a pro in kitchen or are an occasional cook, you’ll certainly find this book very interesting and useful. I think even you should try all the recipes in the book by downloading it from here.

Noble Gesture by BYJU’S- EdTech provides Education support to kids who lost parents to COVID-19

The coronavirus has affected the lives of many children in India and the world. My biggest concern is as to what would happen to children who lost a parent (or both parents) to this cruel pandemic? Kids don’t just lose the most important person in life, but they also lose crucial years of education if they don’t find help immediately. Just imagine, where would most of us be if not for our parents and their efforts to educate us?

Education is a human right, and the kids who lost their parent/s to the pandemic are eligible to that right like every other human being. Thankfully there are good Samaritans who have stepped up to help the children who have lost their parents to COVID-19. In this article I want to highlight one such initiative.

A great step by BYJU’S and Breakthrough Global Foundation.

I am sure most of us are familiar with BYJU’S the learning app and their interactive learning solutions. BYJU’S has recently received $1 million in funding from the Breakthrough Global Foundation and Saurabh Gupta to support the COVID-19 initiatives in India.

BYJU’S will utilise this funds to support the education of children who have lost their parents due to COVID-19, under the BYJU’S “Education for All Initiative.”

BYJU’S Education for All is an initiative that is striving to provide digital learning access to children from underserved communities. This program has already created a positive impact on the lives of over 5 Lakh students in the last 8 months across the country. 

 

Yuri Milner the founder of Breakthrough Global foundation said that, BYJU’S and Breakthrough Global Foundation are working towards overcoming the pandemic and generating growth, and India’s future and all of humanity depends on knowledge.

Education is a true catalyst and perhaps the only shot that remote and marginalised communities have at achieving better living standards. With ‘Education for All’, and the funds given by Breakthrough Global foundation and others,BYJU’S will provide equal learning opportunities and empower children across the country through its tech-enabled learning programs.

Here are some links to the impact of BYJU’S Education for All.

BYJU’S & Vision Rescue: Educating Children in Slums | News X Media

The Impact of Education for All – BYJU’s Helping Children – Patrike

You too can help make a difference. Visit BYJU’S Education For All | BYJU’S Corporate Social Responsibility | Mission 2025 (byjus.com) for more information. Please don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Five Women’s Dresses Every Wardrobe Must Have

Every time you start looking for a wardrobe must-have; you end up with a list that is not even relevant. Most of the items in that are items that you don’t need. Generally, one should own such type of must-have according to the place he lives in. Truthfully, the list is big enough to get one overwhelmed, there are a few basics that can help you to look good throughout the year. There are always options to mix and match your attire and this brings a whole new change to your look. These items can be purchased in different colors, textures, and prints according to one’s comfort. Below is a concise list of the 5 women’s dresses that every wardrobe must-have.

A Little Black Dress

A little black dress is one of the most important things you should have in your wardrobe. It is easy to style; does not ask for a lot of accessories, can be worn on any occasion, be it big or small and most of all is available everywhere. From dinner dates to the office, you can carry it anywhere you want to. Depending upon your choices you can pair it up with a pair of heels, earrings, and most likely a watch if you like.

A Shirt Dress

There are several days when you are not in a mood for a shirt or pants; that is when you can wear a shirt dress and step out. It is one of the most casual dresses, it looks cool, and you don’t have to worry if you are overdressed. A shirt dress is not a dress that might make you look overdressed and can be worn on lunch dates, casual catching-up with friends, and even a business meeting. A shirt dress is so versatile that you can carry it on almost every occasion.

The Night Out Dress

There are always nights when women want to step out of their houses and just party for the whole night. A glam dress does not always need an occasion. It is a perfect dress that you must have in your wardrobe for the time when you are going out for drinks, dancing, or even a party. This never goes out of style plus makes you look a stand-out in the crowd. Invest in a piece that you can wear all year round and is comfortable as well. Explore Myntra for trending & sensational fashion, use the coupon codes & discount offers to make your purchase inexpensive,

Maxi dress

A floral maxi dress never goes out of style. It is suitable in summer season and is the most useful piece in your wardrobe. It is best for the days when you want to wear something nice and comfortable plus it makes you look super cute. You can wear it on a movie date, during breakfast meetings, or on a simple visit for shopping at a mall. It goes on any day without a doubt.

Work dress

There are some dresses that you can wear to a business meeting or a big presentation you might have. Whether or not you have a dress code at your office, every woman should have a work dress that can go from interviews to meeting effortlessly. There are several options to pick from; choose a one that is easy to be paired up with a jacket and can also be styled with different accessories, and the footwear of your choice. For starters, you can pair it up with stilettos and you are ready to go.

Even if you are more into jeans, you might agree that there should be a couple of dresses in your wardrobe resting perfectly for the right occasion. These timeless pieces of clothing come in different style, texture, color, fit, and designs. It is almost difficult to choose just one for the million options available. For starters, above is a list that you can buy first and start filling up your wardrobe. Apart from the ones mentioned above, you can have an off-shoulder dress, a sheath dress, an A-line dress, a white lace dress, a cocktail dress, and many more. The list is never-ending and so are the options for you to choose. So, when you start investing in dresses, make sure your wardrobe has one for every occasion. 

Book review — How to raise a curious learner by Vidya Panicker!

They say, each book is a new enlightenment to knowledge! And that’s why I make it a point to up introduce you to new books at regular intervals. So, today I am here with another book review that will surely help you a lot. It’s a must read for all the parents and is rightly named as “How to raise a curious learner!”

About the book

The book — “How to raise a curious learner” is all about the right upbringing of your child. It covers every stage of your child from the early childhood (the preschool learning process) to making the kid an independent person. You’ll also get to view some of the best activities to keep the child engrossed in knowledgeable activities and enhance the skills in a better way. It’s available in the e-book form presently and is curated well in a systematic manner bringing all the topics back to back in a perfectly easy manner.

About the author

The author of this book – Vidhya Panicker is a millennial mom who loves to educate in a creative manner. She even has an active creative learning space for children in Bangalore and is also the founder of a famous community – “Bangalore Moms Tribe”. She is also awarded as the best Mommy Blogger in Bangalore by Baby Chakra and has an active website providing excellent knowledge on parenting and kids upbringing.

My review on the book

I personally found the book, “How to raise a curious learner” pretty interesting and insightful. It has a detailed and infographic view of each an every phase of development of a child. It also helps you in planning all the necessary activities to keep your kids engrossed and learn better. From painting tips for the kids to the perfect rainy day activities to keep the kids busy at home, from Earth themed activities to activities for different motor and cognitive development of your child – you’ll find a complete information of everything in this book. Basically, it’s a quick and to the point book to become a better parent and raise an explorer or a curious kid who’ll definitely grow up to become a great individual.

I’m totally impressed with the systematic way the book is compiled and how each every phase of raising a healthy and curious kid is included in the book. The info graphics are especially very interesting and to the point as well and there’s no glitches in the editing of the book as well. I’ll personally give a 5 star to this perfect parenting guide by Vidya Panicker.

If you are impressed with this review and this this book is a must read, then download it by clicking the link here.

Three steps to glowing shining skin!

The regular exposure to chemicals and pollution often leaves your skin dull and stressed. And we all know that just regular washing your face isn’t going to help you get rid of this top layer of dust on your skin. Sometimes no matter how much you try, you can’t get that lost glow back on your face. And especially if the face washes or cosmetics that you use contain harsh chemicals, it effects your skin quality even more. So, what is the solution to it? Don’t you want to have a glowing clean skin that is entirely healthy as well? And if that is what you are seeking to know today, then we have got a super rapid solution for a naturally beautiful skin.

About MCaffeine

Before we proceed further about the key idea steps for a glowing and naturally clean and healthy skin, let us introduce to a fantastic brand which excels in offering some naturally personal care products – MCaffeine! They provide you all sorts of personal grooming products for better skin and hair health. From the exclusive naked and raw range of caffeine infused skin care products to exclusively natural haircare kits, you name it, you’ll get it all here. And today, we are sharing some wonderful tips as to how their three best products are going to give healthy and shining skin instantly.

MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Face Scrub

Very first step to get a flawless glowing skin is to take a small amount of MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Face Scrub infused with naked coffee and vitamin E and gently scrub your skin. The pure Arabica Coffee that’s finely textured in this scrub penetrated in deep and exfoliates your skin naturally. Rub it with mind upward motions for few minutes and wash with cold water. The instant glow is visible within seconds. (Repeat this procedure at least twice a week for clean skin always.)

MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee moisturiser

You required to stay hydrated always, isn’t it? Then how can your skin be healthy without getting its proper dose of hydration? Make it look healthy, smooth and hydrated with the help of MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Moisturiser that consists of Hyaluronic Acid and naked coffee that helps in making your skin plump. The infusion of Provitamin B5 along with these controls the excess oil in the skin and keeps it hydrated and gleaming. (Use it once or twice a day for oil free beautiful skin)

MAcaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Face Wash

 Your face requires deep cleansing at least twice a day. The daily exposure to dust and dirt makes it mandatory. Thank God we have MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Face Wash with Arabica Coffee and white water lily that ensures clean your skin deeply leaving it absolutely pure and smooth.

Well, isn’t having a nice smooth skin simply easy and wonderful? So, how about heading to the MCaffeine website now and order yours now.

5 Summer spring fashion trends to adopt with Fabcurate!

Is the new arriving season giving you some major fashion goals? Are you interested in changing your wardrobe entirely to embrace the new fashionista style with the latest change in the weather? Well, then we have some great ideas for you in store over here. Naturally you can’t go around and roam in your sweaters and sweatshirts during the high summers in the spring and summer season. You obviously require a nice cool wardrobe that not only lets you enjoy the weather comfortably, but even suits you fantastically. So, Are you ready to indulge in a fabulous fashionable spree with us this summer and spring season? Let’s read more then.

About Fabcurate:

Before we move ahead, let’s talk about the ideal website where you can get all sorts of fabric for your latest wardrobe up-gradation. So whether you are looking for the classy satin material or plain printed cotton shirt fabric, whether it is your lose cool comfortable kurta or a simple saree that you might want to wear in flower patterns, for all such needs, you just have to click on the website Fabcurate and get a list of some exclusive fabrics at affordable rates. You can even custom your own designs and get the fabric delivered at your doorstep without any inconveniences. Having a plethora of options for both male and female Indian, western and fusion wear, their materials are of top notch quality and certainly long lasting. Well, we can call it a one stop shop for all your fabric requirements.

Top 5 ways to style and look your best this summer and spring season!

Oversize is the new perfect size — Have this happened with you? You have given away your new dress just because it was oversized? Well, then it’s time to embrace this style now! Your body is going to thank you for over sized loose fit tops and frocks in light hues when the temperature is really soaring high. Now it’s totally up to you if you want this is plain or prints. But yes, an over sized top or frock goes really well with puffy sleeves and loose pants! (Don’t forget that!)

Match it baby — Are you the one who always went for contrasts and thought matching is all an old school fashion? Then this year, during the springs, get a nicely digital printed material from Fabcurate and create a pant or leggings and crop top of the same material. You can choose the bright sunny shades in yellows and pinks or simply orange in geometric, flowery or Buddhist style prints – enjoy the classy makeover this summer! 

Cover but uncover — The sun is definitely hot- you can’t go all covered. But wait, the harsh rays are ready to tide you a nasty sun burn. Then why not do both? Cover and uncover together? Wondering how? Create a nice thigh touching kurti in thin rayon material from Fabcurate with loose fit and long bulky sleeves! Get soft colours of pastels in prints and plains and look stunning beating the heat this spring season.

Cotton is eternal — We aren’t understating when we say that cotton material is ever living. It gives you such a pleasurable and comfortable feel without irritating and is highly recommended during the summers and springs. So, it’s fixed then! Get a trendy printed 100% cotton material from Fabcurate to design your casual sundress, typical Indian salwar suit or simply make it a long gown! If you are off to office, then plain cotton makes some exclusive formal wear too.

Satins for parties — Yes, the party is going to be online and on Zoom, but it’s going to be party after all. You have to look jazzy and sassy! Wondering what’s the best style for such unique celebrations this summer spring season? Well, just pick some royal looking elegant Japanese Satin from Fabcurate and create a wonderful jumpsuit in dark hues. Pair it with a nice belt and loose hair to look your best. You can even create a floating gown with this fabric or give a nice classical touch to yourself in a saree, the choice is yours!

Now that you have a list of some mind blowing fashionable ideas for this season, we think you are going to rock your look and look all classy and comfortable in the same. Happy summers! 

3HF – a platform meant for home chefs and hygienic meals!

Are you a home chef and looking for an amazing platform to show off your skills and earn more? Then you obviously can’t resist reading this title! Yes, we are introducing a special website today called as 3HF – Home Health and Hygiene Food. It’s a fabulous new platform especially launched to upgrade the women home chefs of India. And not just that, if you are looking for home cooked meals that is made hygienically and is healthy too, they provide you that as well. Want to know all about this? Keep reading!

3HF

What is 3HF exactly?

First thing first! Let us tell you what is 3HF! It’s an initiative to uplift the women of India, especially the women chef population. They strive to provide a common platform for all the talented women out there to show off their skills to the world and even earn double through them. They also intend to provide hygienic home cooked meals to all those who want to regularly or occasionally enjoy such meals at their place and can’t cook these. So basically, 3HF is the bridging gap between a customer desiring home cooked meal and the chef eager to provide it to them!

The benefits for you as chef through 3HF

When you register for FREE on the 3HF website, you get the following benefits for doing so:

You get a source to earn more as they’ll bring lots of customers to you through their appThey provide you the packaging material and delivery convenience. (So absolutely no headache to you!)Free health check up to ensure the food you’re sending is hygienicLots of fame to you as they send across your cooked meals to the top food bloggers for reviews and promotions.

The benefits you get as a customer through 3HF

When you are ordering food from the 3HF app – (the link for android app is this and the link for iOS app is this), you get these benefits through them:

Healthy, hygienic and homemade yummy food delivered straight at your place whenever you want Live tracking of the meal being cooked No minimum order

3HF being helpful during Covid 19 outbreak

India is currently facing the biggest fear and crises of its history. Well, 3HF is ready to help the country in this tough times too. Read how:

Providing home cooked healthy meals to Covid 19 patients at their doorstep at minimum charges Providing meals to corona warriors like our doctors, nurses, medical staff at their locations at the least expense. (Even you can order to provide them these meals.) Regular 3 times meal plans to coronavirus patients or house members at their location.

To conclude it perfectly, the launch of 3HF was much needed and is a win win situation for all. There are whole lot of more benefits of this app coming soon. Until then, it’s time you joined the bandwagon and enjoy all the benefits they are providing you!

Zakat – the obligatory charity by Muslims to make the world a better place to live in!

If you ask us what is zakat? We would define it in one word as charity. In detail, it’s the third pillar of Islam which completes your Imaan or faith. It’s something are been instructed in Quran and guided properly by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) in Hadith (The prophet’s sayings.)

You shall observe the Salah and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down.’ (Qur’an 2:43)

Now you’ll be confused as to how to measure it and to whom you are obliged to give charity. So, here is a short guide and instructions for you that will surely he’ll you up to carry out this duty rightfully. 

What is zakat actually — A  well to do Muslim has to pay an obligatory 2.5% of his/her earnings as charity annually to the ones in need. Why to give zakat — Giving Zakat purifies your wealth and keeps it safe from sudden mishaps and losses. It also benefits you spiritually as you tend to understand what giving actually is and care for others in this way.Zakat is not a tax — Remember, you aren’t paying tax in the form of zakat. It’s something that you give through all your heart and soul to the people who are desperately in need of it. And the rewards of the same can never be fake or worldly claps. It’s all about expecting the rewards from Almighty alone.When are obliged to pay zakat —  Not all Muslims are expected to carry out this task. You can only give zakat if you are sound adult Muslim with a specific amount of wealth for at least one lunar year. By the specific amount we mean the amount that exceeds your regular basic amount leaving your house or vehicle and the minimum amount of expenditure on your family.Whom can you give zakat to — It is very important to inquire about the person of a group whom you are paying the zakat. They should be really deserving and not having good beyond the Nasab level. For the amount of Nasab, you’ll have to check with the Muslim scholars of that time about the amount it includes.

Most of you think that zakat should be given only in the month of Ramadan. But that’s not true. You can give this charity on any month when you feel you can take this amount from your servings. But yes, it’s rewards do get doubled when you give zakat during this month. We just hope you got all your queries answered about zakat. It’s such a noble action that you all should perform with your utmost best wishes. Remember, if every wealthy Muslim provides the zakat regularly and properly there will be no poor person sleeping hungry in their homes.

Note – This post is a part of #blogchatterA2Z challenge