Monsoon Getaway with American Tourister #PlanATomorrow
Hi Guys,
So I went for a really fun one day monsoon getaway last to last Saturday with American Tourister. We went to Khambale at Igatpuri which is about 3 hours from Mumbai.
The view on route itself was so beautiful, road trips during monsoons are absolutely amazing and a mesmerizing experience.
We left from Santacruz at around 7.30 am and reached Khambale at 11 am, we even took a break in between for some vada pav and chai, of course! You can’t miss that when travelling across Maharashtra 😀
After reaching Khambale, we hiked about 1-1.5 kms and most of it was pretty easy and smooth, except for one steep slope. But then that was the most fun part! Once we reached on top, the view was mesmerising. We just couldn’t stop clicking loads of pictures.
I took some panorama shots, boomerangs and a lot of Snapchat pictures and videos of course :p If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t) or Instagram, you must have already seen those.
We enjoyed the view and sat there for some time. We even planted some trees. The entire area has tree plantations and there were quite a lot of pot plants kept aside, which you can plant anywhere you like.
I am glad that not only did we enjoy and had a fun trip, we even did something to give back to the nature. While we were coming back, it started raining heavily and we got completely drenched. Now you cannot go for a monsoon getaway and not get drenched, right? 😀 That was fun too, basically I enjoyed every part of the trip and Mother Nature made sure it included every element.
We left Khambale and had a proper Maharashtrian thali for lunch at a nearby restaurant. We were so hungry after the hike that the hot, yummy food seemed perfectly appetizing!
It was a fun day and I so needed a break, thank you American Tourister for this fun getaway. American Tourister also has a #MonsoonTourister contest going on, where you have to just send in your monsoon getaway pictures and you can win American Tourister merchandise! Join the contest on their Instagram (@amtouristerin) or twitter (@amtouristerin)
Plum is a new emerging brand which many people might not be aware of. Its slowly getting popular. Today, am not just reviewing this body lotion, but also the brand as a whole. I have used a few of their other products and they have worked very well on my sensitive skin. Also their website is intuitive and the entire ordering process is easy and smooth. Also they have a rewards program, plus they give discounts at times. I got their Hello Aloe Moisturiser and the face wash came at Rs.99 instead of the regular price. Additionally, got some samples too. Its good when these companies send such samples, as after I used them, I found it works well for my skin and I might repurchase the full size. And this “Plum Choco Latte Luxuriant Body Lotion”, actually I won it in their instagram contest. So let’s move on to the review.
Product Claims: Strictly inedible! Indulgent aroma and silky texture – this smoothie is only for your skin to drink. There is nothing better than a friend, unless it’s a friend with a chocolate.
The body lotion comes in a white, opaque, plastic bottle. The packaging could be slightly improved to bring in a more fun factor. It has a pump at the top for dispensing which makes it super convenient. The pump has a lock mechanism which shuts on twisting. I have carried it while travelling and there has been no spillage. Plum is transparent not just about its ingredients (What's in). But also lists the What’s out on the packaging. The entire description makes it fun rather than the boring descriptions we usually read in other brands.
Texture and fragrance:
It looks and smells exactly like a hot chocolate drink. No artificial scent like Vaseline, TBS, etc. The smell immediately reminds me of the warm chocolate drink I had at a Himalayan campsite in the cold weather. 😉
My experience:
No doubt it is rightly labelled as a luxuriant body lotion. Its one of the best I have ever used. Has perfect consistency, no stickiness and provides deep nourishment. I have extra dry skin and this has helped me greatly when other lotions haven’t. The staying power is pretty long. And I enjoy the delicious aroma every time on applying. I don’t know how they have bought the exact natural scent of chocolate into it when many other brands have just had artificial fragrances. But those who want to indulge in a Willy Wonka kinda experience, soak yourself in this delicious choco-latte and enjoy 😀
Plus, its free of parabens and all other harmful chemicals. Suitable for sensitive skin. My skin loves it totally and it feels healthy and nourished. You might feel the price is on the higher side. I do feel the price is higher for a body lotion as we use it very often and it gets over quickly in around two weeks. But in the current market, compared to the available body lotions, most of us are seeking paraben-free, artificial fragrance-free and other shit-free products. And they are all highly priced. Plum seems to offer them at more a reasonable price.
Maybe, as more such brands enter the market, the prices might slowly lower with increasing demand. One final thing, check out their website. I ordered from them before and being a software engineer, I couldn’t help admiring the entire UI, easy and intuitive ordering and checkout process, rewards program, etc. I have used other websites for ordering beauty products but Plum is really excellent. Wishing for newer products and innovations. And discounts too 😉
For oily/normal skin types, am not sure if it would work well. But for me, I am going to repurchase this and recommend it to dry skin and choco lovers.
What I like about it:
* Provides deep nourishment to skin.
* Retains moisture for a longer time.
* Delicious, yummy natural aroma of choco-latte.
* Super convenient packaging.
* Free of parabens, SLS and PABA.
* Cruelty-free.
* Reasonable price compared to other similar brands.
Suggestions for improvement:
* Price can be little lower for a body lotion.
Rating: 6/5 (I couldn’t resist giving 6 😉 It was awesome )
Verdict: Plum Choco Latte Luxuriant Body Lotion is really an excellent treat to nourish and pamper your skin. I would surely recommend this to everyone. Additionally, I would like to add that Plum gives back 1% of its sales to non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the environment. Good to see such brands emerging in India. 🙂
There are some words in English whose meaning is best explained by the Oxford English dictionary. And then, there are some words which are best explained by the men from across the border. For instance, dashing, debonair, hunky, charismatic, alluring… Phew! I can go on and on with this. The point is our neighbours are blessed really well in the looks department and it doesn’t hurt to admire them overtly once, does it? 🙂
If the women set hearts aflutter thanks to their piercing eyes, captivating smile, lustrous mane and striking features, the men make our hearts skip a beat thanks to the visual service they do to us. Thank you, Zee Zindagi for treating our minds to dramas with rock solid plots (with a few exceptions here too) and people who are ridiculously good-looking. So, on that note, why not feast our eyes to those very men from the other side of the border who leave us drooling? 😀
WARNING- DO NOT FAINT AS YOU PROCEED.
ISSUED IN THE INTEREST OF WOMEN THE WORLD OVER.
1. Osman Khalid Butt- A comedian, YouTuber, script writer, poet, secret dancer(or shall I say ‘Dancer in the dark’?) and an actor rolled into one, Osman Khalid Butt- Obi for short, is one of the A-Listers of Pakistan’s drama industry. With a chiselled jawline, piercing eyes and witty one-liners thrown on the spur of the moment by the man, he surely ranks high on the desirability meter. Spare me a minute for I am swooning By the way, his performance in the subtly nuanced comedy drama Aunn Zara remains my favourite so far.
2. Mikaal Zulfiqaar- You saw him umpteen times scorch the screen with his regal looks on Zee Zindagi. In fact, you even saw him in the 2015 Hindi film – Baby play the role of an undercover Indian agent. Mikal Zulfiqaar is a London-born Pakistani actor and model who too features as an A-Lister in Pakistan’s drama industry. He won Best Actor title in Hum TV Awards held in Dubai in April, 2015, for his role in the drama serial ‘Muhabbat subah kaa sitara hai’
3. IMRAN ABBAS NAQVI- Born in the city of lights- Karachi, Imran Abbas Naqvi catapulted to instant fame with the success of his drama- Dil-E- Muztar in 2013. His chemistry opposite Pakistani actress Sanam Jung was the talk of the town. His features are the textbook definition of ‘well-defined’. Intense eyes, a mesmerizing voice and brooding looks make him a complete package.
4. SHEHRYAR MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI- Just have a look at that melting smile and cute eyes. Swoon… Okay, come back now. You saw him perhaps the first time as the unassuming, obliging and sweet as saccharine Usama in Zindagi Gulzar Hai and were left wondering,“Who is that guy?” 😀 An actor by profession, Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui is notable for his role in Hum TV serial Meray Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley, for which he won Hum Award for Best New Sensation Television. Here’s to this chocolate boy who strikes a chord with his honest performances 🙂
5. AHSAN KHAN- A thorough gentleman… that’s what bursts in my mind the moment I look at him. Prim and proper, courteous, dignified and inexplicably good-looking, it is as if the word gentleman was coined after him! Ahsan Khan is a Pakistani film and television actor, host and performer. The fact that he bagged the Hum Award for Best Actor Critics for his show Mausam speaks volumes about his acting chops.
6. ALI ZAFAR- Cute face? Check. Soulful voice? Check. Acting skills? Check. Desirable? Double check. That’s Ali Zafar for you. A Pakistani actor, singer-songwriter, musician and painter, Ali is the first to establish a career in the Hindi cinema and his success led many Pakistani actors to venture into Bollywood films. He made his acting debut with a leading role in the 2010 Bollywood satire film Tere Bin Laden which I find one of the most sensible comedy movies in recent times churned by the Hindi film industry. His performance in the film garnered critical appreciation and earned him several nominations in the Best Male Debut category, including Filmfare.
7. DANYAL ZAFAR- Closely following the footsteps of his elder brother Ali Zafar, the 22 year old Danyal is exceptionally good-looking. Need evidence? Scroll up and come back within 15 minutes. I bet you can’t 😛 All of 22 and Danyal gained recognition with his first appearance on the screen in the short film The Time Machine, released in 2014. A singer and a guitarist by passion, Danyal who has keen interest in blue and rock music genre jams with his brother Ali and also accompanies him in stage performances. We know where the influence is coming from now 🙂 One thing is for sure, great genes run in the Zafar family.
8. DANISH TAIMOOR- ‘Heart break alert’… He’s married and that too, to none other than the alluring Ayeza Khan. They have a daughter named Hoorain and look picture perfect together. Doesn’t that speak volumes about the charm of Mr. Taimoor? Danish Taimoor is a Pakistani actor and model. He began his career in 2005 and his notable work includes Meri Behen Maya, Mannchalay, Jab we Wed , Shert, Sari Bhool Humari thi, Aik Pal and Mehreen Jabbar’s Rehai.
9. ADNAN MALIK– A Pakistani television actor, model, documentary filmmaker, video and music video producer, commercial and music video director, Visual storyteller and former VJ all rolled into one, Adnan Malik is the new sensation of Pakistani entertainment industry at the moment. Born in Islamabad, Adnan made his television debut as an actor in Sadqay Tumhare which earned him a Hum Award for Best Actor Popular nomination at 3rd Hum Awards.Not to forget, he looks the notorious, suave and charming funny man who has the ladies swooning over him as much as they are laughing their hearts out on his witty one-liners.
10. FAWAD KHAN- They say ‘Save the best for the last’. I followed suit. He needs no introduction. Look at those deep, intense, piercing eyes as if staring straight into one’s soul. Melt. That smirk which turns one’s cheeks into all shades of red needs no elaboration. Melt again. His voice that strikes all the chords. The tehzeeb with which he speaks… I can go on and on but eventually nothing will do justice to the man who is the textbook definition of desirability – Fawad Afzal Khan. All I have to say is- You sir, are incredibly good-looking. I am staring at you SHAMELESSLY :p
Editor’s Note: Fawad Khan was a little skinny earlier, then he put on some weight and I saw him in person at an event, needless to say, I am a fan now! Also love Ali Zafar. Imran Abbas Naqvi is going to be a new favourite, I guess 😀
Created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, and launched in October 2010 as a free mobile app, Instagram has come a long way. Available in 25 languages, this app is widely used even by celebs and when it comes to our Desi celebs, they have hogged it like never before posting updates of their life and letting us have a sneak-peek into the same From their dietary choices to their exercises routine, from their red-carpet appearance looks to movie posters, almost everything you want to know about your favourite celebs is now provided by themselves at their own sweet will at the click of a button. On that note, let us have a look at those 7 Bollywood ladies who you should follow on Instagram for their profiles are worth it.
1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE-(@deepikapadukone) The reigning Queen of the Hindi film industry’s box office at the moment, Deepika’s account lets us have a sneak-peek into her sartorial choices, red carpet looks and behind-the- scenes of her upcoming film ventures. Not only that, now that her own apparel line has been launched ‘All About You by Deepika Padukone’, we get to feast our eyes to this actress-turned- designer’s designing skills. And if that is not enough, those stills of her upcoming Hollywood flick- XXX: The Return Of Xander Cage and BTS camaraderie with Ruby Rose are sure to get you hooked to this leggy lass’ account.
2. NARGIS FAKHRI-(@nargisfakhri) Talk of fitness and miss out Nargis Fakrhi? That’s not happening anytime soon. This towering lass’ exercise routine and diet are whole-heartedly divulged by her on her Instagram account. Hers is less of a celeb’s account aimed at movie promotion but more of Nargis- the person’s account. Up, close and personal are the words you’ll cherry-pick to delineate her account.
3. PRIYANKA CHOPRA-(@priyankachopra) Desi Girl is no longer limiting her turf to Bollywood but is jubilantly making inroads into the glitzy and glamorous world of Hollywood. How do we know that? Her Instagram account. From stills of her American thriller-series Quantico to now, Baywatch (in which she plays the antagonist), PC is making all the right moves.
4. SONAM KAPOOR- (@sonamkapoor) If there were a University in Fashion and styling in Bollywood, Sonam Kapoor would make for its Dean 😀 Seriously, hand this lady a blanket and she’d wear it in a way you’d be left dumbstruck. Quite naturally, for all the fashion enthusiasts out there, her account is Aladdin’s cave. It is a like a tour to her eclectic wardrobe and no lady who is fond of fashion would want to miss it. Need some inspiration to style a particular jacket or want to try a new hairstyle? Sonam’s account is right there for recourse 🙂
5. ALIA BHATT-(@aliaabhatt)‘Moody, floaty, fire and desire’ so goes her bio and while we cannot comment on the first two, we surely know that there is a lot to be discovered about this perky and zealous actress who many desire irrespective of their age. All of 23 and her sartorial choices are apposite to her age and persona- young, vibrant, energetic, ebullient and vivacious with lots of cuteness peppered on it.
6. SHRADDHA KAPOOR-(@shraddhakapoor) ‘Living the dream’ as her bio suggests, Shraddha Kapoor’s account shows day-to- day updates of all what’s going on in her life. Be it movie promotions or random selfies clicked in elevators, movie stills or her LOTDs (looks of the day), her account lets you in her life…errr… dream for sure.
7. ANUSHKA SHARMA-(@anushkasharma) No-makeup selfies anyone? For here is a perky, pert and drop-dead gorgeous woman who looks equally (and at times, way more) pretty when she ditches makeup. Be it the gym or while feasting upon a meal, Anushka usually ditches makeup as is seen through her pictures (or if she wears it, it is mostly minimal) and you get to treat your eyes to the mesmeric person who keeps you hooked on to herself on the silver screen via her Instagram account.
Image Source: Instagram
Editor’s Note: I do follow Priyanka and Sonam 😀
Do you follow these Bollywood ladies on Instagram?
Who would have thought that a leading Bollywood lady would don a bikini given the holier-than-thou and ultra-conservative setup of our society in the 60s- a time when even the vamp’s (dressed in a saree) viciousness had to be manifested by the rhythmic raising of her brows?
It took Sharmila Tagore a Filmfare shoot to mellow down the shame/discomfort in sporting one. A trailblazer in the truest sense of the word, she took everyone by storm when she sported a tow- piece on the cover of Filmfare. It was in 1967. Roughly, half a century later and we have B-town actresses sporting bikinis well relative ease 🙂 A great many of them not just sport it but in fact, sizzle in it compelling both men and women to drool uncontrollably. On that note, let us have a look at those B-town ladies who manage to set temperatures soaring with their bikini avatars.
1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- Touted as the ‘Bollywood Actress with the Best Body’, it is no surprise that Deepika makes it to the list. Do I even need to expatiate a bit on why? Just look at her. Isn’t her body typically what we call “body goals”? Sculpted to perfection, chiselled with grace and carried with elan, Deepika raises temperatures with her bikini act.
2. LISA HAYDON- This towering lass who is a former model by profession, is blessed with luminous skin, well-defined features and a body to kill for. Naturally, it goes without saying that she carries off a bikini with sheer aplomb.
3. SAPNA PABBI- This Khamoshiyaan actress may look like a typical girl-next- door thanks to her effervescent and pert features, but transforms into a sultry, sizzling and sensual diva the moment she dons a bikini. We are left panting, Ms. Pabbi!
4. BIPASHA BASU- This Bengali bombshell sets the silver screen on fire with her bikini act EVERY TIME she makes an appearance in that two-piece. The sheer confidence she exudes is unparalleled. Didn’t we drool helplessly as she strutted down the beaches in Dhoom 2 and Players? Oh, yes we did.
5. NARGIS FAKHRI- Spare me a minute to compose myself. Those long, unending legs are droooool-worthy. This half Czech- half Pakistani leggy lass is a former model and carries off outfits with aplomb. Period. We had a little sneak-peek of her bikini avatar in Main Tera Hero’s song ‘Galat Baat’ but here is a full-blown visual of this smouldering lady who is sensuality incarnate.
6. ADITI RAO HYDARI- Cuteness is the epithet for Aditi any day. With a heart-warming smile, doe-shaped eyes and pert persona, Aditi resembles a typical girl next door but she magically turns into the seductive diva as she dons a bikini. That is one heck of a transformation but who’s complaining? 😀
7. LARA DUTTA- If there was anything remotely memorable about the movie- Blue, it has to be the visuals of the sultry and exotic Lara Dutta sauntering beaches and swaying underwater. Her sun-kissed skin added an exquisite touch to her bikini avatar. Sensual, exotic, sultry, mesmerising, captivating… keep the adjectives coming. It’s Miss Universe Lara Dutta after all!
Editor’s Note: Deepika Padukone in Cocktail and Bipasha Basu always are my favourites. I also like Priyanka Chopra in the gold bikini in Dostana, Shilpa Shetty in the same movie in the Shut Up and Bounce song.
Top 10 Berry/Wine Lipsticks Available In India, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
Berry wine lip colors are really trendy and it is definitely not confined to winter now. Previously, girls used to think twice before going for a dark lip color but now, thanks to the winged liner or neutral eye makeup, it is very easy to sport a dark vampy or berry wine lips, flaunting every bit of boldness. The color berry/wine itself compliments the warm Indian complexions so much that literally every brand has their own version of it. To narrow down the search for your favorite berry/wine color, scroll down for the list compiled for the top 10 berry/wine lipsticks available in India.
1. Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Black Cherry – 599 INR (BUY HERE)
This Super Lustrous Crème lipstick from the house of Revlon is counted amongst one of the most popular wine/berry shade. The versatility lies in the color which suits every complexions so beautifully that it will make you feel like a diva! The lipstick is formulated with silk-enriched mega-moisturizers and vitamins, which keeps your lips soft and supple. This ultra-creamy saturated lip color is enriched with LiquiSilk technology that moisturizes your lips and boosts hydration. For the price, I would say this is a steal!
Wine and Forever from the range of Maybelline Superstay 14 Hrs Lipstick is one of the popular lipstick and also a dupe of Kylie Jenner berry lip color. It is a deep plum/berry wine with hints of maroon in it. The lipstick has 14 hour long lasting formula with ultra-light texture that glides on the lips like a dream. The pigmentation is rich and intense and successfully hides every layer of discolorations on the lips. It is incredibly comfortable to wear all day long with satin matte finish with luxurious texture and vivid color.
3. Sugar Vivid Matte Lipstick Big Bang Berry – 599 INR
Sugar Vivid Matte Lipstick Big Bang Berry is a beautiful purple tones berry color devoid of any shimmers. It is, by far, the best and comfortable matte formula I have come across with such an implausible texture that glides on the lips without tugging yet that a gel-matte formula to it. The shade is best suitable for medium to dusky Indian complexions. The lipstick is extremely long wearing and price point is great.
If you are looking for a pretty rich berry shade with a blue/purple pearl undertones, then Streetwear Color Rich Ultra Moist Lipstick Berrylicious is the one for you. The texture is beautiful with soft satin formula and without any gaudy shimmers. It’s not very hydrating but it’s not drying either. The lipstick has a faint vanilla scent with a soft satin finish to it. The color is also long wearing and a great budget friendly berry/wine color.
5. MAC Satin Rebel Lipstick – 1450 INR
A lipstick compilation is incomplete without the inclusion of a MAC lip color. MAC Satin Rebel is deep plum shade with rich berry red undertones that augment on to the intensity of the shade on the lips. The texture is startlingly intense and incredibly comfortable to wear all day long. The color saturation is great and single swipe gives you the rich and dark color. The staying power is also commendable and moisturizing on the lips that doesn’t accentuates on fine lines.
The Soft Matte Lip Crème of NYX are the all-time hits and counted among the best matte lipsticks. I recently came across this color in this blog itself (Sahiba’s review and swatches) and loved the color. It is a dark berry with a deep plum undertones. The color will be a flattering one on any Indian complexion, especially for special occasions. It doesn’t make your lips feel dry and gives you a smooth and matte finish. Further, the lip color is extremely long lasting and highly pigmented.
7. MAC Media Lipstick – 1450 INR
Another stunning lip color from the house of MAC. MAC Media is a stunning deep burgundy plum color. It has a very creamy and smooth texture but not shining and glossy. The pigmentation is praiseworthy with two swipes and great when paired with neutral eye makeup and most mauve / pink blushes. With the signature vanilla scent of MAC, this lip color stays for a very long time without getting patchy. It will also suit all skin tones easily when worn correctly.
The Persistent Plum is a beautiful wine shade with a touch of plum which makes it an ideal shade for brides and winter occasions. It is also a great warm wine color for Indian complexions. The lip color gives an intense pigmentation is a single swipe and will effortlessly cover any lip pigmentation. The hydrating vitamin E locks in moisture while to give your lips nonstop moisturization and yet has a satin finish on the lips. The lip color is extremely long wearing but doesn’t feather or bleed.
9. Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Wine Not – 599 INR (BUY HERE)
The Super Lustrous Matte range has the color Wine Not, a deep wine red color with slight brown accents that looks gorgeously for any winter and bridal occasion. It glides easily on lips evenly and without any tugs and gives a comforting matte finish. The lip color does not feel dry or settle in fine lines and you can easily skip the lip liner if you want. It is extremely long wearing and one of the best wine colored lipstick with such an impressive price tag.
This lip color, Grape Wine is a beautiful deep plum with pink undertones. It is enriched with sun filter and exotic botanical butter formula to make your lips smoother and suppler than ever. Although the name suggest matte, it has a satin formula without any obvious creaminess though it glides on the lips like a dream. The color stays well for good 5-6 hours after the application. It doesn’t accentuates on fine lines and has a admirable staying power without bleeding.
If you want to have own just one berry shade in your stash, the L’Oreal Paris Pure Reds Lipstick in Sonam’s Pure Garnet is an absolute must have! Just buy that and you are sorted. It is the most unique and universally flattering deep berry shade. This shade also won the Vogue Beauty Award last year and I always get complimented and asked what shade I am wearing, when I have that on! Definitely try it or just buy it 😀
