The year’s most awaited shopping season is upon us, and Britain’s favourite heritage retailer – Debenhams, is not holding back this Black Friday. Check out FFR’s hand-picked recommendations, to make shopping easier and more efficient this season.
Gifts For Her
Principles Pu Trench : This is sleek, faux-leather seasonal wardrobe staple. A long sleeve and longline coat that will keep one feeling warm and looking chic. Available in two stylish colours of red and tan.
Karen Millen Compact Stretch Trousers & Blazer: Add a bright pop of colour to the greys of winter, with this pair of straight-leg trousers. Pair with the matching Karen Miller Compact Stretch Single Breasted Jacket for a look that means business!
Coast Sequin Flare Sleeve Dress: The LBD takes a glamorous, colourful and twinkling twist with this number. A sequence studded pencil dress, that exudes shine and sparkle wherever she goes this party season.
Carvela ‘Jin Mini Winged Tote’ Bag: Give an upgrade to the black tote with this seasonal and moody Carvela piece. The wine fabric is off-set by gold-toned chains and hardware that instantly elevate the bag and make it a winter essential.
Yves Saint Laurent Deluxe Black Opium Eau De Parfum 90ml Set: This set consists of the brand’s signature, scintillating, yet energising fragrance, its travel-size cousin and the empowering Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream lipstick in shade #206 Club Bordeaux. A worthy splurge that will find its permanent residence on her vanity this party season!
Mantaray Nordic Fairisle : An ideal jumper for those looking for a more relaxed and casual attire during the festive season. The chunky-knit with a classic pattern will keep one warm and cosy for any and every winter wonderland scene.
Pure Luxuries London ‘Barracuda’ Leather Wallet: A classic brown natural leather bi-fold wallet with ample storage including note compartments, several card slots and three pouches. This one has a minimal, yet sophisticated aesthetic, with maximum utility!
Maine Wax 4pkt: Make way for a heritage jacket that will become a wardrobe staple on days of unpredictable weather. Not only does it offer resistance from rain, but subtle nuances of a corduroy collar and the check lining elevate the style quotient.
Tog 24 ‘Ezra’ Scarf: This textured scarf is not just a statement, but the snuggle-like cosiness is a blessing during cold and windy days. Add an extra layer of warmth with this colour-block piece!
Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Homme Eau De Toilette 125ml Gift Set: A luxurious set that he will not be able to get enough of! With its iconic aquatic, woody and citrus fragrance profile, this consists of a shower gel, an after-shave balm and the iconic Eau De Toilette.
Blue Zoo Boys Large Checkered Shirt: A classic checkered item is a winter wardrobe favourite, and this long-sleeve navy shirt fits the bill perfectly. Layer this under a parka coat for a stylish windbreaking winter number.
Blue Zoo Younger Girls Check Dress: Our little fashionistas also deserve a silhouette that brings this timeless pattern to the foreground. And this dress is fit to go out and about in the crisp autumn and sparkling winter seasons.
Tog 24 ‘Duggan’ Waterproof Jacket: It’s warm, it’s waterproof and it’s every child’s best friend to tackle fickle weather. This parka jacket will keep the little ones happy without interrupting play-time outdoors in the winter and rain.
Regatta ‘Bitsie III’ Knit Scarf: Made with durable-knit and with an array of fun colours to choose from, this scarf will wrap your little ones in warmth and style!
Furn Winter Woods Super King Duvet Set: Dress up your bedroom with this bright coloured duvet set, featuring scenic woodland flora and fauna and set a cosy, warm and cheerful tone this festive season.
NastyGal Santa Paws Knitted Dog Jumper: This one is for all those who have a furry family member at home – why should they miss out on the festivities?! So here is a cosy, knit jumper to have them dressed for the occasion.
I visited the Pernia’s Pop-Up studio, London to try some outfits, and it is a one-stop-shop for all the wedding and Indian wear shopping.
Shopping is always fun, but nothing is more exciting than Indian bridal shopping. And what makes bridal shopping even more exciting is finding everything one needs from outfits to jewellery in one place. All the Asians settled in the UK will agree with me that shopping for Indian wear is a bit tricky here as there are not a lot of good options. One has to do a lot of research and go from shop to shop to find everything they need. I recently visited the multi-designer Pernia’s Pop-Up studio in London to try some outfits, and I am happy to report that our search is over. It is a one-stop-shop for all the wedding and Indian wear shopping. Checkout more Indian bridal shopping blog here.
Located in London’s luxury shopping district, Mayfair, Pernia’s Pop-Up studio is home to some of the leading Indian designers. This is Pernia’s first international store and they have a beautiful collection of outfits to choose from. No matter what someone is looking for, there is something for everyone. With gorgeous lehengas, elegant anarkalis, chic indo-western pieces, and stunning accessories, Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio is a traditional wear heaven for all the would-be brides and fashion lovers out there.
Collection & designers at the Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio
The thing that I love the most about the collection is that it’s not just limited to heavier pieces, there are light outfits as well, that is ideal for smaller functions or evening parties. The collection is carefully selected and there is a perfect combination of pretty prints and edgy embroideries.
Some of the designers available at the studio are Payal Singhal, Anita Dongre, Masaba, Abu Sandeep, Kalista, Aisha Rao, Yashodhara, Seema Gujral, Nupur Kanoi, Anushree Reddy, Tarun Tahilani, and more. Women’s clothing is not the only thing they have, there are great options for men as well. So, the grooms get to have some fun too.
Services they offer
Pernia’s has an online store too, but I think being at a physical store is an entirely different experience. One gets to look at the outfits, see what they like the best, and then make an informed decision to buy them. There is a beautiful trial room at the studio, where one can try on the outfits. They have jewellery, footwear, and clutches too, so it’s easy to see what the final look will look like after adding all the accessories. In my opinion, it’s always a good idea to try and buy heavy Indian outfits, as they are an investment and we wouldn’t want to go wrong with those.
They offer fitting services as well and there is also an option to get an outfit customised as per our preference. If we like something and want it in a different size, colour, or style, we can order and if it’s doable, they’ll get it made. I think it’s amazing to have a specially made designer outfit in our wardrobe.
I had a great time at Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio and it lived up to my expectations. I loved the collection and was so mesmerized by the outfits. Whenever I have to shop for Indian wear next, I am going to buy it from them. If you are in London or are looking to buy good, designer Indian clothes in the UK, I would recommend you to check out Pernia’s Pop-Up studio. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.
I have been to many Indian food places in Birmingham. Here are the must visit Indian restaurants in Birmingham according to me.
Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and food is one of the things that makes it so exciting and unique. It is home to a lot of Asian population and that’s why there are many amazing Indian restaurants here. No matter what kind of Indian food one is looking for, Birmingham has it all, from spicy street food to modern Indian food. There are so many good places to eat, that sometimes it becomes hard to choose which one to go to. I have explored a lot of restaurants over the years and here are 10 must visit Indian restaurants in Birmingham.
Dishoom
I have mentioned Dishoom in my London restaurants blog as well, so one can easily tell how much I love this place. It is a cozy restaurant inspired by the Irani Mumbai cafes. The turquoise and brown tones in the decor blend together nicely. The food here is fresh, high quality and tastes great. The incredible and rich flavours leaves one wanting for more. The nice ambience and amazing food, makes it’s a perfect place for a fun family dinner or an intimate date night.
Where – Dishoom Birmingham, One Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3AX
2. Itihaas
Itihaas is a fine dining restaurant known to add their contemporary touch to traditional recipes. Their exquisite decor is so mesmerizing and takes one back to the 18th & 19th centuries. The menu mostly has North Indian dishes, but there are also some interesting options from other parts of the world. The food here is impeccable and there is a kind of uniqueness to it. I am a fan of their Indian Thali, chaat and lassi.
Where – 18 Fleet Street, Birmingham B3 1JL
3. Opheem
Opheem is a Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on modern and progressive Indian cooking. Just by looking at the decor of the restaurant, one can tell it is thoughtfully put together. The twinkly gold lights compliment the grey tones perfectly and gives it a warm feel. The food is well presented and there is a lot of variety in tastes and textures. For someone who is not a big fan of the typical Indian food and likes it with a twist, this a place to be.
Where – 65 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ
4. Indico
Indico specialises in Indian Street food and serves it with their own touch. Their menu is carefully selected to showcase the best and most loved dishes from the streets of North India. The decor of the restaurant is quirky with paintings & pictures on the walls and reminiscent of Indian cinema. The food is traditional & authentic and they have everything from spicy chaats to rich curries. Overall it is a great place to get that true Indian dining experience.
Where – 113-115 Wharfside Street, Level 3, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RF
5. The Indian Brewery
The Indian Brewery is an ideal place for someone who loves Indian street food and craft beer. The place has a casual yet energising vibe to it and the colourful bollywood posters on the walls give it a retro look. The food is fantastic and their homemade beer is like a cherry on the cake. There are good vegetarian and vegan options and the portion size is also adequate. It is a great place to chill with friends or a relaxing drink after work.
Where – Arch 15-16 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 1EU
6. Mowgli
Mowgli is a restaurant by Nisha Katona and they have many branches. The idea behind Mowgli is to serve simple Indian dishes that people usually eat in their homes and streets. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy & the ropes decor looks spectacular.Their food is healthy, light, full of fresh flavours and is served in tiffin boxes. The quantity of the food is small, so one might have to order a variety of dishes, but the prices are reasonable.
Where – Unit 30, Grand Central, Stephenson Place, Birmingham B2 4BF
7. Tamatanga
Tamatanga is a restaurant that focuses on serving fresh, homely Indian food prepared with local ingredients. They grind their own spices and the food is prepared by trained chefs in a clay oven. The decor is fun & lively with bright tones of orange, red & turquoise, wooden furniture and mirrors on the walls. Their menu is huge with good options in thalis as well as small bites .The food is just as vibrant as the decor, it’s like a burst of flavours in the mouth.
Where – Orion Building, Navigation Street, Birmingham B5 4AX
8. Lasan
Processed with Focos
Processed with Focos
Lasan is one of the most popular fine dining Indian restaurants in Birmingham and is the winner of Gordon Ramsay’s F word. The decor is exquisite with the right balance of modern and traditional. Everything from the furniture to the cutlery is carefully selected to match the fancy vibe. All dishes are excellent and of high-quality and the presentation is beautiful. With scrumptious food & stylish decor, Lasan is a must-visit place for Indian food lovers.
Where – 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James Street, St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1SD
9. Zindiya
Zindiya serves food inspired by the street food from different cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The idea is that they want people to enjoy food just as they do in the markets or streets of these cities. The bright, quirky and trendy decor does justice to the it’s theme and it feels like having food in a local market back in India. They specialise in small plates and high chai. The food is flavourful and immediately takes one back to the streets of India.
Where – 21 Woodbridge Rd, Birmingham B13 8EJ
10. Pushkar
Pushkar is a multi award winning fine dining restaurant that serves modern Indian food. With tasteful decor and chic ambience, it is a luxurious place perfect for that one of a kind dining experience. The quality of food is impeccable & high-end. The dishes are not like the normal Indian dishes, everything has a nice, modern twist to it. Everything about this place is amazing and if someone is looking for unique Indian food, Pushkar won’t disappoint.
Where – 245 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HQ
So, these are 10 must visit restaurants in Birmingham. Next time you are in Birmingham, do check them out.
Salad bowls are my favourite thing to have in summers as they are healthy & easy to prepare. Here are my 5 most-loved salad bowls.
It’s summertime and apart from the sunshine, the thing I love about summers are colourful, fresh salad bowls. Healthy salad bowls are my favourite thing to have for lunch in summers as they easy to prepare and keep me full for a long period of time. I like my salad bowls vibrant, that’s why I mix lots of colourful veggies. They don’t just look fantastic, but are full of goodness and taste amazing too. Find more healthy food recipes here.
Healthy eating has been on my agenda for a long time now and I try to stick to it as much as I can. Over the past year I have tried many new healthy recipes and experimented with various salad bowls. I like trying new combinations and getting creative with my salad bowls to make them just the way my family and I prefer. Here are 5 tasty and wholesome salads bowls that I absolutely love and are perfect for summers.
Mediterranean Salad: Black Beans & Avocado Salad Bowl
No one is unknown to the nutritional benefits of black beans and avocado. Black beans are rich in antioxidants, protein, fiber & carbohydrates. Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, K, B-6 and E and are high in good fat which makes them beneficial for heart health. Combined with other vegetables, this bright and wholesome Black Beans & Avocado salad bowl gives the much-needed kick on a lazy afternoon.
Ingredients
Cooked Black Beans
Sliced Avocado
Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
Boiled Sweet Potato
Chopped Red & Yellow Pepper
Chopped Cucumber
Chopped Coriander
Chopped Red Chilli
Lemon Juice for dressing
Salt & pepper to taste
Edamame Beans & Sweet Corn Salad Bowl
Edamame beans are low in calories, gluten free, full of magnesium and are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin K. Rich in essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese, sweet corn is amazing for the overall health. It also promotes eye health, as it has antioxidants lutein, carotenoids and zeaxanthin. Mix edamame beans & sweet corn with other nutritious ingredients to make this vibrant Edamame beans & Sweet Corn Salad bowl.
Ingredients
Cooked Edamame Beans
Boiled Sweet Corn
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
White Sesame Seeds
Beetroot Hummus
Chopped Cucumber
Salad Mix
Moroccan Salad: Chickpea & Falafel Salad Bowl
Chickpeas also known as Garbonzo Beans aids in weight loss and help in managing diabetes as they are an amazing source of plant-based protein. They are packed with essential minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins like Vitamin B6, B12, A, C & K, and niacin. Falafel is a Middle Eastern food made with chickpeas, herbs and spices. It is usually deep fried but I baked it to keep my Chickpea & Falafel salad bowl healthy.
Ingredients
Boiled Chickpeas
Baked Falafel Balls
Hummus
Sweet Potato Fries
Cherry Tomatoes
Salad Leaves
Herbs Dressing
Lemon
Tahini Sauce with Herbs
Roasted Sweet Potato & Beets Salad Bowl
Sweet Potatoes are high in fiber & antioxidants and promote gut health. They contain various vitamins & minerals and are good for building immunity and boosting heart health. Beetroots high in iron and help in regulation blood pressure. The antioxidants present in beetroots detoxify the body, boost stamina & energy and improve skin. The blend of these two superfoods and few other healthy ingredients results in this scrumptious Roasted Sweet Potato & Beets salad bowl.
Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potato
Roasted Beetroot
Feta Cheese
Spinach Leaves
Sunflower Seeds
Pine-nuts
Lemon Juice for dressing
Olive Oil for dressing
Vinegar for dressing
Salt & pepper to taste
Quinoa & Sweet Potato Salad Bowl
Quinoa is gluten-free and is loaded with protein. It is high in fiber, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium antioxidants and has sufficient amounts of all the nine essential amino acids. Sweet Potatoes are a great source of healthy fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and are filling. They support the immune function and are good for overall health. This Quinoa & Sweet Potato salad bowl is a treat for taste buds.
Ingredients
Cooked Quinoa
Roasted Sweet Potato
Roasted Shallots
Boiled Chickpeas
Baby Kale
Walnuts
Rosemary
Maple Syrup for dressing
Olive Oil for dressing
Salt
So, these are 5 of my most-loved salads bowls. I hope you like these and will try them for yourself. If you do try any of these, don’t forget to share with me on Instagram.
Stay tuned for more fashion, food and lifestyle blogs.
I am a sucker for Indian food and have been to many good Indian restaurants in London. Here are the best Indian restaurants in London.
London has always had some nice Indian food restaurants, but over the years the Indian culinary scene has evolved so much and many new places have come up. I am a sucker for Indian food and always looking for good Indian restaurants to go to. I have been to many Indian restaurants in London, some didn’t impress me, and some became my all-time favourites. So, I have combined them for you all. Here are the best Indian restaurants in London. You can also checkout more restaurant reviews here.
Pali Hill
Pali Hill is a beautiful and spacious restaurant in Fitzrovia. Named after an affluent residential area in Mumbai, this is the place to be for good regional Indian food. It is an open kitchen restaurant and everything from their ambience to food is so exquisite and will leave one wanting for more. The bright colours and eye-catching paintings on the wall make this place welcoming. They offer a wide variety of authentic Indian dishes, so there is something for everyone.
Where – 79-81 Mortimer St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7SJ
2. Chokhi Dhani
After many successful restaurants in India, Chokhi Dhani brings the rich heritage and wholesome food of Rajasthan to London. As soon as one enters Chokhi Dhani, it is like a whole new world. The ambience is so inviting & instantly lifts up the mood. Most of their furniture, cutlery, and decor has been sourced from India and it seems like they have gone the extra mile to make one feel at home. The food is authentic and has a contemporary twist to it and there are so many options to choose from.
Where – 2 Riverlight Quay, Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5AW
3. Dishoom
One of the most famous Indian restaurants chain in London, Dishoom is a restaurant that pays a tribute to the old Irani cafes of Bombay. The ambience is cosy with painted brickwork and photographs on the wall. The place has a relaxed, fun and vintage vibe to it. They serve brilliant, classic Indian food like bhel puri, pav bhaji, samosas, chole bhature, the list is endless. The fabulous food and retro feel make it a number one choice for Indian food lovers. It is usually very busy and there is waiting, but it’s worth it.
Where – 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB
4. Masala Zone
Masala Zone is a restaurant that has many branches in the UK and they specialise in Indian thalis, curries and street food. With elegant and lovely interiors, it is an ideal place for a lunch or a family dinner. They offer so many different recipes from all over Indian, that choosing just one can sometimes be hard. The food is great & authentic and they also have some famous Indian soft drinks like jaljeera, masala coke and nimbu pani which takes one down the memory lane. All the fans of Indian food will love this place.
Where – 9 Marshall Street, London W1F 7ER
5. Benaras
Benaras is a Indian fine dining restaurant that has won a Michelin star. The restaurant gets its name from the holy city of Banaras and is a perfect combination of elegance & luxury. A person who is fond of everything classy is a place to be. Apart from the lovely ambience, the food here is exceptional and creative. It is not like the usual Indian food, they have added their own unique, modern touch to it. For someone who loves trying fusion Indian dishes, this place is a must-visit.
Where – 12a Berkeley Square House, London W1J 6BS
6. Bombay Bustle
Bombay Bustle is a lovely and relaxing place that draws its inspiration from the Mumbai dabbawalas. The decor of this place is superb and bears a slight resemblance to the coach of Mumbai train. It is intimately lit and a calming place to be in which makes it perfect for a cosy evening. The food is scrumptious and they have an extensive menu with a combination of familiar and new dishes. Everything about this place is amazing, and if one is looking for good Indian food Bombay Bustle won’t disappoint.
Where – 29 Maddox Street, Mayfair W1S 2PA
7. GymKhana
Gymkhana is a Michelin star restaurant and is one of the most preferred Indian restaurants in London. It is inspired by the elite clubs of India and serves classic & contemporary Indian cuisines. The fine Indian food and magnificent decor make it an ideal place for an incredible dining experience. The food here is top of the line, flavourful and is beautifully presented. The decor at Gymkhana is elite and surely does justice to its name and makes one feel like a member of a private club.
Where – 42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH
8. Cinnamon Kitchen
Cinnamon Kitchen is a modern Indian restaurant that serves modern-Indian dishes. It is a lively, industrial themed restaurant with magnificent glass doors, brickwork, mirrors and high ceilings. It also has an open terrace area where one can enjoy a meal in natural light. The menu is a fusion of classic Indian dishes and British dishes with an Indian twist. The food is high on flavours, is perfectly balanced and moderately spicy. All in all this is a fantastic place to enjoy a scrumptious meal with a drink or two.
Where – 9 Devonshire Square, Spitalfields, London EC2M 4YL
9. Jamavar
Jamavar is a fine dining Indian restaurant from The Leela Palaces. This place is dimly lit and calm and its extra & lavish decor makes it what it is. They also have a lot of Indian artwork on the walls, which makes it bright & vibrant. The quality of the food is top-notch with many interesting options on the menu to choose from. It is a bit pricy but the beautiful decor and excellent food make the spendings worth it. Jamavar is an ideal place to go for an extraordinary dining experience.
Where – 8 Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K 3NF
10. Brigadiers
Brigadiers is a barbecue restaurant and sports bar inspired by the army mess clubs of India. It has a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a pool room, whiskey vending machine and flat screens. One can go here for a nice lunch with friends or a family celebration. The menu is huge with various types of Indian BBQ, from tandoor & charcoal grills to a wooden oven. The tasty food combined with a lively environment makes the overall experience at the Brigadiers one of a kind.
Where – 1 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
So, the next time you are in London, do checkout one of these restaurants. Hope you liked this blog. For more For more fun fashion, beauty & lifestyle content, follow me on Instagram.
Sunscreen are our best friend in summers as they protect us from harmful sun rays. Here are the best sunscreens to keep sun damage at bay.
Summers are approaching and I am excited as I love spending time in the sun and enjoy the sunshine. But being out in the sun has its own downside. It can damage the skin, cause premature ageing, sunburn & skin cancer and that’s why I take sunscreens very seriously. Checkout more skincare and beauty blogs here.
No matter what the weather is, one should never skip applying sunscreen, especially while stepping outdoors. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents any skin damage that might happen. Therefore, using a good and effective sunscreen with the right amount of SPF is very important.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The level of protection a sunscreen gives the skin from the UVB, or burning rays is measured by the SPF number it has. It also indicates how long a sun protection product allows us to stay in the sun without getting sunburn.
What do different SPF numbers mean?
A question that many of us struggle with while buying sunscreen is what number of SPF to buy. We usually think that a sunscreen with a higher SPF number will give us better protection than the one with a lower SPF number, but that’s not the case. A sunscreen with SPF30 blocks 97% of the UVB rays, whereas one with SPF50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, so the difference is not that much.
Although using a higher SPF is always a good idea, do remember that SPF only protects us from UVB rays. For overall protection, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 is recommended. While staying indoors, when not in direct sunlight, a sunscreen with SPF15 can also work.
Types of sunscreens
There are 2 types of sunscreen commonly found in the market, chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen. A chemical sunscreen soaks into the skin, absorbs the UV rays and changes them into heat and releases them from the body, whereas a physical sunscreen creates a protective barrier on the skin that filters out UV rays.Physical sunscreens tend to be more moisturising, cause less irritation and are best for sensitive skin, but they can be a bit heavy and leave a film on the skin. Chemical sunscreens on the other hand absorb quickly, are thinner and spread easily, which makes them best for swimming & sports.
Both physical and chemical sunscreens are equally effective in protecting against the harmful rays, it is our personal preference which one to choose. Another thing to keep in mind while choosing a sunscreen is to go for a non-comedogenic sunscreen as it doesn’t clog pores and prevents breakouts and acne.
When to apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied daily, even while staying indoors and one must never-ever skip them while stepping outside no matter what the weather is. A question that many of us have about sunscreen is, in which order it should be applied. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before stepping outside and it should be the final step in your skin care routine and therefore it should be used after the moisturizer. When doing makeup, sunscreen should come before the primer. Primer acts as a barrier between your sunscreen & makeup and keeps its effectiveness intact.
When it comes to protection from the sun, using sunscreen just once a day is not enough, it should be reapplied every 2 hours. While swimming or if one sweats heavily, it is recommended to use a water-resistant sunscreen or apply it more frequently.
Top 10 Face Sunscreens
Now that we know the importance of using SPFon a daily basis, here are 10 face sunscreens to try these summers:
Bioderma Photoderm Anti-Pigmentation and Ti-Wrinkles Sunscreen SPF50+
This Bioderma Photoderm Anti-Pigmentation and Ti-Wrinkles Sunscreen with SPF50+ moisturises and is ideal for everyday use. It shields against the UV rays and doesn’t feel heavy & sticky, as it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly.
Avène Very High Protection B-Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin
Packed with antioxidants, this 3-in-1 Avene Very High Protection Sun Cream with SPF50+ is perfect for sensitive skin. This light coverage, tinted sunscreen protects against the sun & pollutants and covers any spots or blemishes.
REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral with SPF30 is formulated with naturally-derived ingredients such as yellow passionfruit seed extract and soothing rice extract, it forms a protective shield against harmful rays, manages excess oil and gives a matte finish.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield SPF25 Moisturiser and Facial Sunscreen
Give the skin a boost of hydration with Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Sunscreen with SPF25. It is an oil-free, water-gel based sunscreen that protects the skin from sun damage & pollution while keeping it moisturised throughout the day.
VICHY Idéal Soleil Dry Touch Face Cream with SPF 50 provides flawless sun protection by creating a protective film. It has a water-resistant texture & gives a soft, dry-touch finish and doesn’t leave the skin shiny.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50 PA ++++
Shield the skin from UVA/UVB rays, sun damage, pollution and blue light with mineral rich Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum with SPF50 PA ++++. It’s suitable for all skin types, brightens the skin and gives it a soft peach tint.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50 provides high protection against UV rays. It is water, sweat and sand resistant, which makes it an ideal choice for the day at the beach. Its fluid formula is easy to apply and doesn’t leave white marks.
Shiseido WetForce Expert Sun Aging Protection Cream SPF30
With a unique WetForce formula, the Shiseido WetForce Expert Sunscreen with SPF30 provides UV protection that becomes even more effective when it comes in contact with water which makes it perfect for a beach day and swimming.
This medium-weight, day time Dermalogica Pure Light Sunscreen with SPF50 guards the skin from harmful UV rays and reduces hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. It evens skin tone and creates a natural moisture barrier reducing the appearance of fine dehydration lines.
SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection
Boost the skin’s natural defences UV rays and sun damage with SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen with SPF50. It spreads easily on the skin, dries quickly without leaving any residue and gives a nice sheer, weightless matte finish.
Protecting just the face from sun damage is not enough. Securing the body from harmful rays is just as important and that’s why having a separate sun product for that is essential. So, here are some effective body sunscreens:
Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+
Powered by anti-UVA and UVB technology, this Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen keeps skin safe. Its water-resistant formula spreads over skin effortlessly, creates a protective barrier and prevents sunburns and inflammation.
This Clinique Mineral Sunscreen is perfect for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. The invisible shield technology of this sunscreen creates an invisible layer and protects the skin. It’s light-weight and super-comfortable to wear.
VICHY Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Tan Enhance SPF50
As the name suggests, this VICHY Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water mist hydrates, defends against environmental aggressors and enhances the tan at the same time. It is fast absorbing and is perfect for people who want a nice tan without burning the skin.
Ideal for both face and body, this NUXE Sun Melting Spray protects from UV rays, prevents premature ageing and the appearance of pigmentation and sun spots. Its light-weight formula quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
NIVEA Sun Protect & Dry Touch Sunscreen Spray SPF50
NIVEA SUN Protect & Dry Touch Invisible Sun Spray is extra water-resistant and leaves skin feeling refreshed. It’s non-greasy formula, light formula is highly effective and provides immediate protection from UVA and UVB rays.
These are some sunscreens that can help protect the skin from sun and prevent premature ageing and other skin problems. Try them and soak in the sun without the worry of skin damage.
I hope you liked this blog and it was helpful in some way. For more fun fashion, beauty & lifestyle content, follow me on Instagram.
Press London’s 28 days meal plan is great if you want to build healthy eating habits and switch to clean, plant-based eating.
Healthy eating is something that I bet we all want, but sometimes we fail either because of our busy schedules, or we find it’s too much work to stick to a meal plan & cook it every time. Find quick, easy & healthy recipes here.
I have been there, and it feels like there is a constant battle between the cravings and the need to eat healthily, and eventually, I fail and give up. I can’t even recall since when I have been trying to get on track with my eating habits, it goes well for a few days and then before I even know it, I am back to square one. The same thing happened this time, but just when I was about to give up, Press London came as a blessing and introduced me to their 28 days healthy meal plan.
I had heard of Press London’s meal plan before and even thought of giving it a try, but I never got to it. I like my food fresh, and I am not a big fan of packaged food; that’s why I was a bit sceptical before giving their meal plan a try. Now that I’ve tried their meal plan, I will share my experience with you all.
About Press London & 28 Days Meal Plan
Press London is a UK food & juice company. They have 100% plant-based foods & cold-pressed juices to help people live happier, balanced lives.
They have100% plant-based meal plans that are customised to hit all of our body’s macronutrient targets. The meals are nutritionist-designed, chef-prepared, and all plans have little but frequent meals & juices throughout the day to keep us full. Every 28 days plan comes with a set of smart scales, giving us the ability to track our weight and body fat %, muscle mass, total body water %, visceral fat, and an overall physique rating. Once the meal plan is selected that suits us the best, it is delivered every week.
The first step before choosing the perfect meal plan is to calculate the calories our body needs daily. The system asks for height, age, gender, weight, exercise routine and based on that calculates our daily calorie intake. And then, we decide what we want to achieve, if we wish to lose weight, build healthy eating habits, or feel more active. Once we have our calorie count and are clear on what we want from their meal plan, it is now time to select the meal plan.
My Goal and Meal Plan
I wanted to build healthy eating habits and switch to clean, plant-based eating with the Press London’s meal plan. I have always struggled with eating clean, so I thought the 28 days plan is a good way of getting used to it.
So, this is what my meal plan for the day looked like:
07:00 AM – I used to start my day with their cold-pressed daily celery juice.
08:00 AM – For breakfast, I had a smoothie. There were different smoothies for each day, Green Smoothie, Berry Smoothie and Creamy Smoothie. They send all the ingredients for the smoothie, all one has to do is put them in a blender and blend.
11:00 AM – It was now time for the morning snack, for which I had their Lean Green & Ginger Shot. Their Ginger Shot can either be had straight from the bottle or with a cup of hot water. I had it with water.
01:00 PM – Lunch consisted of their plant-based, super soup and protein bread. There were different soups for each day, Balance soup, Glow soup, Pea & Mint soup and Refuel Soup. I had to pour the soup in a bowl, heat it for some time, and ready.
04:00 PM – For an evening snack, I had their MisFits Protein Bar.
08:00 PM – Dinner consisted of their chef-prepared meals. For each day, there were different meals, Coconut curry, Mac & Greens and Vegan Chilli.
My Experience with Press 28 Days Meal Plan
I am happy to say that Press London has impressed me with their service and meals. Their meal plan comes with a chart telling you what to have when, it is super-easy to follow. The delivery of the meals was done on time every week, and the meals were delicious & fulfilling. Just after trying their meal plan for one week, I could see the changes. I felt more energetic, fresh and healthy. Although weight-loss was never one of my goals, I have still managed to lose a bit of weight. After being on their meal plan for three weeks, I have lost around 3 pounds.
The meal plan has made it easier for me to stay in alignment with my healthy eating goal and I haven’t gone off track even once. It has saved me so much time on the meal preparations in the past few weeks, and I feel like I have more time for myself now. Press London lives up to the claims they make and serve plant-based, nutritionist-designed and chef-prepared meals that are delicious..
If you also want to switch to healthy eating and a plant-based diet, then you should try Press London’s 28 Days Meal Plan. I am sure you’ll love it just like I did and would be happy to eat clean, wholesome food and be on track with your health goals.
If you are not sure in what type of outfits should you invest in, then here are 5 types of dresses for every wardrobe.
If there is one piece of clothing that’s feminine and looks effortlessly chic & graceful, it’s a dress. Investing in some nice dresses is the best decision women can make for their wardrobe, because no matter where you have to be or what mood you are in, there is a perfect dress for every occasion. Find more fashion blogs here.
Dresses are my favourite, as they are so versatile & easy to carry and I can dress them up or down effortlessly. For someone like me who is always in a rush, dresses always come in handy. Whenever I am struggling to put together a last-minute look, my search somehow always ends on a dress. I also love my denim and skirts, but nothing beats the femininity of a dress.
There are a lot of women out there who want to wear dresses, but are not sure what type of dresses to invest in. Well, this blog is all about that. I’ll be telling you the 5 types of dresses that one must have in their wardrobe and how to style them. So, let’s get into it.
Types of dresses you need in your wardrobe
Mini Dresses
Mini dresses have been ruling the fashion world for a long time. They are fun & flirty, and that’s what I like the most about them. They can be worn for a fancy brunch or a date night with bae, all one has to remember is picking the right dress. During day time, go for dresses that are flowy & playful and for the evenings turn up the sass in fancy, bodycon dresses.
For a casual look, wear a mini dress as is or layer it up with a shrug or cardigan and complete the look with nice wedge heels or boots. Style a mini dress with a pair of pumps or stilettos and a statement clutch for a more eye-catching look.
Midi dresses have to be one of my favourite. They are classy, modest and perfect for someone who is not comfortable in showing too much skin. Midi dresses have the right amount of casual & formal appeal to them and they look good on any body type, which makes them a big hit in the fashion world.
One can pair a midi dress with classic, pointed toe pumps and a handbag for a formal & dressy look, whereas for a casual look, grab a comfortable pair of flats, a sling bag & a hat and make heads turn.
Whenever I hear the term maxi dress, I start thinking of a beach vacation and all I see is me running in the sand wearing a flowy maxi dress. They are super comfy, stylish and effortless, which makes them a number one choice for a day by the pool or a beach vacay, just be sure to pick a dress with breathable fabric.
Pair a maxi dress with strappy sandals, long-hanging light jewellery and a cute straw hat and nail that holiday look. One can also pair their maxi dress with tan boots and bohemian jewellery for that boho-goddess vibes.
Whenever I am feeling lazy and don’t want to put in a lot of efforts, a shirt dress always comes to my rescue. I love shirt dresses as they are so chic & easy-to-wear and can be styled in so many ways. They are playful & yet make you look put together and the best thing about shirt dresses is that no matter how I choose to style them, the final look is always stunning.
I usually like to style my shirt dresses with a denim jacket & sneakers for a casual look. It can be styled with a belt to accentuate the waist or with a solid blazer and pumps for a more polished & put together look.
I bet most of us have some high-end dresses in our closet that are reserved for extra special occasions, like weddings, parties, etc. These are those sequinned, embroidered, lace, & tulle dresses that we can’t wear on a daily basis, but whenever we do they look so elegant and give us all the princess feels we want. I believe investing in good occasion dresses is a decision a woman can never regret.
When it comes to styling occasion dresses, less is always more, so don’t go overboard. Go for simple and minimal jewellery like studded earring and necklace, carry a classy clutch and complete the look with chic stiletto heels.
Dresses are evergreen and these are some of the types I think every woman must have in her wardrobe. While buying a dress, always remember that no matter what type you go for, make sure it’s comfortable, as comfort is the most important thing when it comes to fashion. I hope you liked this blog and it was helpful to you in some way. Let me know your views in the comments and stay tuned for more.
This Healthy Snack Recipes E-Book has some delicious and easy-to-make snack recipes that will come in handy for every occasion.
It is often said, “You are what you eat” and this statement is truer than you might think it is. Healthy eating is something that I have always been fond of, but during this lockdown, I have started loving it even more, as I got a chance to try many new Healthy food recipes. I think I have become the biggest advocate of eating healthy in my family (pun intended) and I am always telling my family members about the benefits of eating healthy.
According to me the food that you consume shows on your face and affects all the areas of your life directly. When you eat clean and healthy your skin becomes clear, your mood is uplifted and you feel more energetic. Fast food may seem tempting, but the impact that it has on your health is not very good. We can’t change our habits overnight, but a few simple choices can make a huge difference.
Why Eat Healthy?
1.Improving Overall Health
Eating healthy and nutritious food can help improve your overall health, making your body stronger from within, and helping you perform day-to-day activities better.
2.Better Mood
Good food = Good mood. Healthy food not only improves physical health but also your mood. It is a tested fact that healthy food makes you feel better and uplifts your mood.
3.Reduce Weight
When healthy eating is combined with regular exercise, it can help you reduce and maintain a steady weight.
4.Prevents Heart Diseases
Healthy eating maintains the blood pressure and cholesterol level of your body, thus helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases.
5.Good skin & hair
Eating healthy food that is rich in vitamins & other nutrients can help in improving your skin and hair health over a long period of time.
The most common reason why people usually don’t like healthy food is that they think it wouldn’t taste good. There was a time when I used to think the same, but over time as I tried and experimented with new recipes, my opinion changed. My favourite recipes have to be the Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta, Sweet Potato Salad and Coriander Pesto Pasta.
When it comes to healthy eating, the thing that I used to fail miserably at the most was snacking between the meals. I would eat healthy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but snacking was where I failed almost every day. Whenever those hunger pangs used to hit, I would always find myself reaching out for chocolates, chips, etc. So, one day I finally decided to make a list of some healthy snacks that are easy to make & also taste good.
Once done with the list, I thought why not combine them to create a 21 Healthy Snack Recipes E-Book for you and that’s what I did.
This 21 Healthy Snack Recipes E-Book has some delicious and easy-to-make recipes. Whether you want a snack for a quick bite, a family dinner, or a movie night, this e-book will come in handy, I promise. So, what are you waiting for, click here to download and indulge in tasty food almost every day.
When it comes to wardrobe staples, styling is everything and it can make or break your look. So, here is a guide on how you can style them.
I have always believed that you don’t need to have a wardrobe full of clothes to be fashionable. According to me, all you need are a few wardrobe staples pieces and style them in a way that they look perfect. When it comes to wardrobe staples, styling is everything and it can make or break your entire look. So, today I am here to tell you what wardrobe staples you need in your collection and how to style them. Find more fashion blog here.
1.5 ways to Style a Slip Dress
With a Top
With a Denim Jacket
With a T-shirt
With a Belt
With a Blazer
Slip dress, an effortless piece that can be styled in so many ways and make you look glamorous without even trying hard. Since the time, the slip dresses have made a comeback they have been winning hearts. No matter what the occasion is, a slip dress will always have your back and you’ll never be short of options while styling one. Here is how I style my slip dress to create new fun looks.
Blazers are never out of style, but we often struggle with styling a neutral-toned blazer. But, what if I tell you that the neutral blazer sitting at the back of your wardrobe is all you need to create awesome looks, be it for a day out or a date night. A neutral blazer can be styled in the most basic way or it can be super glamorous. Here are a few ways in which you can style your neutral blazer.
If you don’t have a white shirt in your wardrobe then it is incomplete. It is without a doubt one of the most versatile wardrobe staples. No matter what time of the day it is, a white shirt will never disappoint you and will always help you make a statement. You can play around with a white shirt as much as you want and style it in so many creative ways. This is how I usually style my white shirt for different occasions.
4.5 ways to Style a White Shirt in Indo-Western ways
With a Sharara
With a Dupatta
With a Palazzo
With an Ethnic shirt
With an Ethnic jacket
Apart from creating awesome western looks with your white shirt, you can also style it with the ethnic pieces in your wardrobe to create some cool Indo-western looks. Whenever I have trouble finding an outfit for function, all I do is take out my white shirt and pair it with my favorite ethnic piece and I am ready to rock. This is how I style my white shirt in Indo-western ways.
One fashion accessory that I always choose over others is a scarf. Gone are the days when scarves were only tied around the neck, now they can be styled in so many different ways, as a headband, as a belt, etc., and that’s why I am a big fan of them. Whenever I have to jazz up my basic outfit, all I do is add a scarf and tada. Here is how I use a scarf as a perfect accessory for my outfits.
These are some wardrobe staples that I absolutely can’t live without and this is how I like to style them to create new outfits. Hope you liked the blog and it helped you in some way. If you recreate any of the above looks, do share it with me on Instagram.
Due to COVID-19 outbreak all across the world, businesses of all sizes have been hit hard. Here are some ways in which you can support them.
This year due to COVID-19 outbreak all across the world, businesses of all sizes have been hit hard. With social distancing and lockdown still in place at some places, the operations of many businesses have been affected. Bigger businesses have started to get back on their feet, since they are well known, as people usually buy from them, but it’s the small businesses that are struggling to get through these tough times as they work on low budgets with limited resources.
I have always made it a point to support small businesses and have encouraged people to do the same, and I believe during these times they need our support more than ever. Therefore, I want to use this platform to support small businesses. A small way to give back through the medium of this blog. You can also checkout my previous blogs here.
Over the years, I have worked with or shopped from many small brands and sometimes I feel like they don’t get the recognition they deserve. Hence, to support the small businesses, I started a Support Business Campaign on my Instagram. As a part of this, I am sharing some awesome small brands using hashtag #SupportSmallBusiness and calling out more brands who want us to feature them in our Support Small Business Campaign. Below are some posts that I have done for this campaign. Two posts are for small Indian wear brands and two posts are for small western wear brands.
This is the first post I did for announcing the #SupportSmallBusiness campaign on my Instagram. In this I featured few small Indian wear brands.
Here are a few ways in which you can do your part and support small businesses.
Ways to support small businesses
1.Shop from them
Buying from small and local businesses is the best way in which you can support them. Whenever you are looking to buy something, try to find small businesses that sell that stuff and shop from them. While going out to eat or ordering food online, prefer local restaurants and eateries.
2.Support them on Social Media
Support the small businesses by following them on your social media. Help them get more exposure by liking, sharing and commenting on their posts. Whenever you buy something from a small business, post a story or picture tagging them and using their hashtags.
3. Tell your friends and family about them
Work of mouth is the most powerful way of supporting a small business or any business in general. If you come across a small brand with good products make sure you spread the word by telling about them to your friends & family and encourage them to buy from them.
4. Buy their Gift Cards or Vouchers
If there is nothing on your buying list, you can help small businesses by buying their gift cards and vouchers. You can also opt for gift cards and vouchers for gifting during the holiday season instead of physical gifts. Gift cards have a long expiration date so the recipient can redeem it whenever they want.
5. Leave a positive review
A positive review from a customer goes a long way for a small business, as it helps other potential customers to know more about the brand and their services. Before buying from a brand people usually check the reviews they have and are more likely to buy from them if they have positive reviews.
The pandemic has and is still impacting businesses in various ways and these are few things you can do to support them. Our small steps and efforts can help local businesses in ways that we can’t even imagine. So, next time while buying something do not forget to consider a small brand.
If you are a small brand who wants to be a part of our Small Business campaign, you can reach out to us on archana@fashionforroyals.com or DM us on Instagram.
Christmas is incomplete without Christmas cookies and this year we baked & decorated them together and here is the recipe.
The most beautiful time of the year, Christmas time is finally here and I bet you are as excited as I am. With our tree all set up and decorated, we are in full Christmas spirit at home. But, I felt like something was missing. This year Christmas will be a bit low-key as compared to previous years and finding ways to make the most of it with family is the best thing to do. So, to spend quality family time and to celebrate the festivities we decided to bake and decorate Christmas cookies together. I think simple fun activities like these are great for that much needed break from routine and for bringing the family together in the kitchen. Find more fun Christmas content here.
These soft & chewy Christmas cookies are super yummy and can be easily made with ingredients you may already have in your pantry. The pretty red, green & white decoration is like cherry on the cake and is what makes these cookies perfect for the holiday season. Enough talking, now it’s time to share the recipe so here it goes.
These soft & chewy Christmas cookies are super yummy and can be easily made with ingredients you may already have in your pantry. The pretty red, green & white decoration is like cherry on the cake and is what makes these cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Prep Time25 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time2 hourshrs
Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: Christmas Cookie, Christmas Recipes, Sugar Cookies
Servings: 20Cookies
Author: Archana
Equipment
Electric Blender
Ingredients
2 & 1/4 cupsFlour
1/2 teaspoonBaking powder
1/4teaspoonSalt
3/4cupUnsalted butter
3/4cupGranulated sugar
1largeEgg
2teaspoonsVanilla extract
Icing for decoration
Instructions
Add the flour, baking powder & salt in a bowl, mix them together and keep aside.
In another bowl, add unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and beat them with an electric beater until smooth.
Once done, add egg & vanilla extract and beat again until everything is combined together nicely.
Now add the dry ingredients that we kept aside to the wet ingredients and mix them.
Knead the mixture to prepare the cookie dough.
Roll-out the dough. The dough should be 1/4 inch in thickness.
Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into desired shapes.
Remove the extra dough and refrigerate for around 1-2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for around 10-15 minutes until the cookies are light brown in colour.
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes and decorate as you like with icing & enjoy.
This is our easy-peasy Christmas cookie recipe, I hope you like it and will try it with your family. Stay tuned for awesome recipes.
Finding a perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones can be a challenging task, so I have created this Christmas gift guide to help you.
Christmas is just around the corner, and we all know that Christmas is incomplete without gifts. Finding a perfect gift for your loved ones can sometimes be a challenging task, that’s why I have created this Christmas gift guide to help you with your gift shopping this year. Know about my favourite Christmas Advent calendars here.
Gifts for her
From £10 – £25
1. L’Occitane Floral Hand Cream Trio
3 of L’Occitane’s most-loved hand creams packed in a reusable steel tin to pamper hands and nails on the go. This trio includes Cherry Blossom Hand Cream, Néroli & Orchidée Hand Cream and Rose Hand Cream. Price – £21.00 Buy here!
2. Benefit Cosmetics Beauty Thrills – Primer, Mascara and Brow holiday set
A limited-edition fun holiday tin packed with minis of Benefits best-selling products, The POREfessional primer, Roller Lash mascara and Gimme Brow+. This mini combo is perfect for all the busy girls out there. Price – £19.50 Buy here!
3. Lush Beauty Sweetest Thing Gift Set
This gift has a bath bomb, bubble bar and a sugary bubblegum lip scrub, perfect for anyone who loves a relaxing bath and handmade products. Price – £18.00 Buy here!
4. MAC Fireworked Like A Charm Mini Lipstick Makeup Gift Set
A tiny treat for holiday that packs a trio of limited-edition Mini MAC lipsticks in red hues in a frosted, fuzzy pouch. Price – £22.50 Buy here!
5. BareMinerals Mini Skin-Comforting Duo
Infused with the goodness of Coconut Water and Coconut Milk to help hydrate and soothe this vegan cleanser and moisturiser is a gift that every skincare lover will love. Price – £22.00 Buy here!
From £25 to £50
6. Laura Mercier Kisses From The Balcony Lip Glacé Collection Makeup Gift Set
A limited-edition gift set of high-shine, perfectly pigmented lip glosses that deliver rich colour and brilliant shine while creating the appearance of fuller lips. Price – £36.00 Buy here!
7. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets
This Charlotte Tilbury Lip secrets set includes a lip liner, a plump-effect lip gloss, a matte lipstick & a shimmer lip gloss. This set is all one needs to nail those full lips. Price – £40.00 Buy here!
8. The Body Shop Glowing British Rose Big Gift Box
Made with the essence of handpicked rose petals, this British rose gift set is a bloomin’ lovely Christmas gift for treating your family and loved ones. Price – £35.00 Buy here!
9. Hambleton Hall Gift Voucher
Hambleton Hall Gift Voucher, a perfect gift for women who love elegant English interiors, and good food. Hambleton Hall is one of the UK’s finest country houses and is fantastic for relaxing stays, romantic escapes and gourmet getaways. Price – Starting from £50.00 – £250.00 Buy here!
10. Temple Spa Do Not Disturb gift – Peace & Relaxation Collection
A 6-piece gift collection of aromatherapy essentials to help relax, calm, restore and rejuvenate before the festivities begin. Price – £46.00 Buy here!
From £50 to £100
11. Ted Baker Kalila Leather Crossbody Bag
This luxurious envelope design bag from Ted Baker is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. It has a statement metal hardware and a stylish chain shoulder strap to make it even classier. Price – £97.00 Buy here!
12. Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Cologne
A gift so fragrant that the recipient will remember it forever. Colonge made of ruby-rich juices of exotic pomegranate, spiked with pink pepper & Casablanca lily and warmed by temptingly-smoky guaiac wood and patchouli. Price – £100.00 Buy here!
13. Head Over Heels Tilla Buckle Trim Knee-High Riding Boots
Knee-high boots are always in trend, so why not give it to your girlfriends to make their Christmas extra special. Price – £62.40 Buy here!
14. Sosandar Belted Trench Coat
Keep your friends in trend by gifting them this double-breasted belted trench coat. I bet it will be a stylish and chic addition to their wardrobe. Price – £99.00 Buy here!
15. Cover FX Primer Set
Three of Cover FX best-selling primers together in one set that will nourish the skin and create a flawless base for makeup. This set includes a mattifying primer, a blurring primer and a gripping primer. Price – £56.26 Buy here!
Gifts for him
From £10 – £25
16. L’Occitane Voyage Collection
A gift for all the modern men out there, this kit includes travel-sized L’Occitane Shower Gel, L’Occitane After Shave Balm, L’Occitane Soap and L’OCCITANE travel bag and feature peppery notes of smoky woods and aromatic lavender. Price – £19.00 Buy here!
17. John Lewis & Partners Ties
A tie is an accessory without which a men’s wardrobe is incomplete and John Lewis & Partners have a wide variety of ties to choose from for all the men in your life. Price – £25.00 Buy here!
18. HUGO by Hugo Boss Contrast Edge Silk Blend Pocket Square
Pocket square, a timeless formal accessory that can take any formal outfit to the next level and a nice addition to any man’s wardrobe. Price – £25.00 Buy here!
19. John Lewis & Partners Cufflinks
A pair of cufflinks is a super versatile accessory and can be worn on many different occasions, and they always look classy & stylish. Price – £20.00 – £25.00 Buy here!
20. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash For Men
Nothing better to gift a man than something to pamper their skin. This energising facewash removes dirt, keeps the skin from over-drying and tightening and prepares skin for a closer shave. Price – £19.50 Buy here!
From £25 – £50
21. BaByliss Japanese Steel Shaver
A steel blades shaver for exceptional cutting performance and effortless trimming to maintain shape and style beard. It also comes with a 3-year guarantee. Price – £39.99 Buy here!
22. Ted Baker Hexagonal Drinks Bottle
This unique and stylish water bottle with hexagonal lid by Ted Baker is ideal for the daily commute or keeping hydrated during a workout. Price – £26.00 Buy here!
23. John Lewis & Partners Laptop Bag
A functional and sleek laptop bag like this one by John Lewis & Partners is a great gift to keep the men in your life up-to-date with the trends. Price – £45.00 Buy here!
24. John Lewis & Partners Scarves
Gift this warm, wool-rich blend colour block design scarf to kill the winter blues with a splash of colours. Price – £28.00 – £38.00 Buy here!
25. Clinique For Men Essentials Oil Control Gift Set
Give him the gift of great-looking skin with some of Clinique’s best products. This set has Clinique Oil Control Wash, Clinique Face Scrub, Clinique Oil Control Mattifying Moisturiser, and Clinique Anti-age Eye. Price – £39.50 Buy here!
From £50 – £100
26. Fitbit Inspire 2
Keep him aligned with his health and fitness goals by gifting him water-resistant Fitbit Charge 4. It has a built-in-GPS, a POLED screen, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring and battery that will provide up to 7 days usage. Price – £89.99 Buy here!
27. BVLGARI Man Wood Essence Eau de Parfum
This luxurious and manly fragrance is a perfect gift for someone special. With notes of Italian Citrus Zests, Essence of Coriander, Cypress Wood, Haitian Vetiver Essence, Cedar Wood, Ambergris Accords and Benzoin Siam, it will be his new favourite fragrance. Price – £91.00 Buy here!
28. John Lewis & Partners Wallace Shower Resistant Harrington Jacket
Take his wardrobe to the next level by gifting him this shower-resistant cotton-blend jacket. It has a vintage yet trendy look and will even make a basic outfit look good. Price – £89.00 Buy here!
29. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 Bluetooth Waterproof Portable Speaker
This Bluetooth speaker is an ideal gift to set the mood for Christmas. You can take the party anywhere with this as it has an outdoor Boost mode and is waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof. It also comes in 8 different colours. Price – £89.99 Buy here!
30. Leather wallet and Cardholder Gift Set
A man’s wallet tells a lot about him, so why not gift him this classic leather wallet that’ll help him make an impression everywhere he goes. Price – £69.00 Buy here!
Gifts for kids
From £10 – £25
31. John Lewis & Partners Battleship Game
A great gift for kids that encourages the learning of problem-solving skills, teaches the value of concentration and attention and supports the development of their communication and social skills. You can choose from many such games by John Lewis & Partners. Price – £12.00 Buy here!
32. LEGO Harry Potter 75966 Hogwarts Room of Requirement
For all the kids who are Harry Potter fans, this is a gift that will get them excited and bring a smile on their face. There are various versions of this available for you to choose from. Price – £17.99 Buy here!
33. John Lewis & Partners Binoculars
A fantastic gift for kids to help them build an early knowledge of numbers, shapes and colour recognition. They can use it to watch a plane, a bird or something exciting far away. Price – £10.00 Buy here!
34. Original Scrabble
Know a kid who is always eager to learn new words? Why not gift him the original scrabble so that he discovers new words every time he plays. Price – £24.99 Buy here!
35. Galt Nail Designer Kit
For all little lovers of manicure and pedicures, this Galt Nail Designer Set contains an exciting collection of seven colours to varnish the nails and two pens to create amazing designs. Price – £12.99 Buy here!
From £25 – £50
36. John Lewis & Partners My First Scooter
This John Lewis & Partners Scooter is an excellent gift for all the active kids. It has an adjustable T-bar with a pushpin feature with three different height settings, a handlebar that grows with the child for extended play value. Price – £49.00 Buy here!
37. John Lewis & Partners Rockstar Electronic Keyboard
An electronic keyboard carefully designed for all the little musicians out there and helping them put a rock concert of their own. Price – £40.00 Buy here!
38. Paddington: A Classic Collection Children’s Books
Every bookworm will love and enjoy reading this particular pack of ten classic Paddington paperback novels. Price – £45.67 Buy here!
39. John Lewis & Partners Wooden Chalkboard & Easel
Let the kid’s imagination run wild by giving them a wooden chalkboard & easel. It helps in improving their creativity and expressions Price – £40.00 Buy here!
40. John Lewis & Partners Wooden Mini Kitchen
This mini wooden kitchen is a great way to introduce the kids to some basic food preps. It is not too big to take over the entire room, but big enough for them to enjoy playing. Price – £35.00 Buy here!
From £50 – £100
41. John Lewis & Partners Drum Set
Help the little musicians begin their journey to rock stardom with this John Lewis & Partners drum set. Price – £69.00 Buy here!
42. Tonies Toniebox Starter Set
Unlock a whole new world of audiobooks, music and even educational fun for children with Tonies Toniebox Starter Set. Price – £62.95 Buy here!
43. Osmo Creative Starter Kit
Osmo Creative is an interactive reality game system for the iPad that opens a world of hands-on learning and play for the child. It brings your drawings to life and offers a range of activities that develop an understanding of creative magic, picture and physics. Price – £79.99 Buy here!
44. Barbie 3-In-1 Dream Camper Bundle with Barbie Travel Doll and Accessories Set
This large Barbie Travel Doll and Accessories Set is full of hidden surprises and fun. There are five different living spaces to explore and over 50 accessories to enjoy. Price – £97.99 Buy here!
45. BRIO World Travel Switching Train Set
With a battery-powered train, several passengers, two different level platforms and a couple of switches this is a great gift to help young minds get creative with their decisions. Price – £84.99 Buy here!
Food and alcohol gifts
From £10 – £25
46. Fever-Tree Ultimate Pink Gin & Tonic Gift Pack
What better way to enjoy the holiday season than with some gin and tonic. This gift pack includes 1 Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Water, 1 Slingsby Gin, and a Fever-Tree branded Copa Glass. Price – £20 Buy here!
47. Charbonnel et Walker Gingerbread Truffles
What’s Christmas without chocolates, so why not gift these delicious gingerbread truffles to someone and make their day extra sweet. Price – £15.00 Buy here!
48. John Lewis & Partners Christmas Treats Tray
A selection of treats for Christmas, including cranberry crunch biscuits, raspberry champagne truffles and a bottle of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy it with. Price – £25.00 Buy here!
This gin liqueur is the perfect mix of sweet & spice and is ideal for a sparkling cocktail. Bright and bold in both flavour and colour, it has an aroma of sweet, succulent strawberry. Price – £16.50 Buy here!
50. Moët & Chandon Moët Impérial Mini Champagne Cracker
Moët & Chandon Moët Impérial Mini Champagne Cracker makes for a perfect Christmas gift as it is one of their most iconic champagne. It reflects the diversity and complementarity of three grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Price – £20.00 Buy here!
From £25 – £50
51. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne and 2 Glasses Set
A perfect gift to accompany the fancy festive dinner, a full bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne and two glasses. Price – £38.00 Buy here!
52. John Lewis & Partners Afternoon Tea Treats Gift Basket
With refreshing raspberry lemonade, strawberry & elderflower jam and a selection of treats for afternoon tea, this makes for a fabulous festive gift. Price – £40.00 Buy here!
53. Glengoyne 12-Year Old Single Malt Whisky
This 12-year old Glengoyne Single malt whiskey is a perfect balance of rich intensity and citrus freshness and that’s what makes it a must-have in every whiskey collection. Price – £42.99 Buy here!
54. Holdsworth The Indulgence Collection
Holdsworth’s most famous signature creations put together in a beautiful brass-coloured embossed box. It has 48 chocolates including intense dark chocolate salted caramel cups, dreamy white chocolate truffles and many more. Price – £40.00 Buy here!
55. Revelation Chardonnay & Cabernet Merlot Gift Set
A duo of red and white wine will make a delightful gift for Christmas. This wooden box has one Cabernet Merlot and one Chardonnay. Price – £35.00 Buy here!
From £50 – £100
56. Laithwaite’s Christmas Cheer and Champagne
This fine festive bouquet of elegant amaryllis, red roses and carnations with pine cones and white thistles and a bottle of superb Louis Roederer champagne is great to spread some sparkle. Price – £75.00 Buy here!
57. John Lewis & Partners The Chelsea Hamper
A sensational hamper, which includes red and white wine and a selection of English teatime favourites including honeycomb bites, jam, Viennese biscuits and coffee. Price – £100.00 Buy here!
58. John Lewis & Partners Christmas Eve Basket
Packed in an attractive woven basket, this hamper contains a bottle of Prosecco and snacks for everyone. It also includes a game and candy canes for the tree. Price – £85.00 Buy here!
59. Maison de la Villette Wine Crate
Special selection of six wines, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Grenache Syrah Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon packed in a traditional rustic wine crate. Price – £90.00 Buy here!
60. Waitrose & Partners Christmas Favourites Gift Box
This Christmas is an eclectic mix of savoury and sweet treats. Crumbly shortbread stars, whisky and marmalade fudge and turkey stuffing tortillas are the highlights of this hamper. Price – £75.00 Buy here!
Here are my gift suggestions for your Christmas gift shopping this year. I hope you liked my Christmas gift guide and buy something from this for your loved ones. Also let me know if you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear.
No Indian festival is complete without food and Diwali is no exception. Here is the grand thali I prepared for Diwali this year.
It’s finally Diwali time and I couldn’t be more excited. Without a doubt, Diwali is my most favourite Indian festival.
The lights filled the streets, rangolis, card parties and whatnot, but one thing that I love most about it is the food. We all know that no Indian festival is complete without good food and Diwali is no exception.
Back in India, my Mum would always prepare a grand meal on Diwali and then serve it in those big thalis. I always try and follow the traditions and make sure that I cook something special, but this year I went a step further and prepared a Grand Diwali Thali with Shan Foods.
For the thali I decided to make Punjabi Chole, Aloo Bhaaji, Dal Tadka, Vegetable Dum Biryani, Cucumber Raita, Badam Kheer, Gulab Jamun, Popadum and Chapati. I was really excited to prepare this Grand Thali and had so much fun while cooking all the dishes. So, I thought why not share some recipes that I cooked with you all. Keep reading for the recipes and to know how to make most of Diwali at home click here.
Punjabi Chole
This is my mother’s recipe and every time I am craving Punjabi Chole made by her, this recipes comes in handy. Whenever I cook this I make sure that I send her a picture.
Keyword: chole, Indian food, indian recipes, punjabi chole
Servings: 4people
Equipment
Blender
Pan
Ingredients
3tbspCooking oil
1teaspoonCumin seeds
2tbspGinger-garlic paste
2choppedOnions
3choppedTomatoes
1tbspSalt
2tbspShan Chana masala
1teaspoonGaram masala
1tbspCoriander powder
2cupssoaked & boiled Chickpeas
For garnishing
1Lemon
ChoppedCoriander
Instructions
Heat oil in the pan and add cumin seeds. Cook the cumin seeds for 1-2 minutes and add ginger-garlic paste.
After the ginger-garlic paste is well cooked and is slightly golden in colour add chopped onions.
Once the onions are light pink in colour add chopped tomatoes, salt, Shan chana masala and cook for few minutes. Add garam masala & coriander powder and let it simmer for some time.
The next step is to keep the mixture aside and let it cool for sometime. Once it has cooled down, pour the mixture into a blender and blend it to make the gravy.
Put the gravy back on the flame and add soaked & boiled chickpeas into it. Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.
Your Punjabi Chole are ready. Garnish with lemon juice and coriander and serve with chapati
Vegetable Dum Biryani
Vegetable Dun biryani is one of my favourite Indian dishes, because it has lots of veggies. For this one, I added a little modern twist to the traditional dum biryani recipe.
Keyword: biryani, dum biryani, Indian food, vegetable biryani
Servings: 4people
Author: Archana
Equipment
Pan
Oven
Ingredients
3tbspCooking oil
1teaspoon Jeera
1choppedOnion
1choppedTomato
1tbspSalt
3tbspShan Biryani masala
1choppedPotato
2bowls chopped Mixed vegetables
1bowlYogurt
4cupsBoiled rice
For garnishing
Fried onion
Instructions
Heat cooking oil in the pan and add jeera. Cook the jeera for 1 minute.
Add chopped onions and cook them until they turn light pink in colour.
Once the onions are done, add chopped tomatoes and stir for few minutes.
After the tomatoes become soft, add salt, Shan Biryani masala and mix together.
Add chopped potatoes & mix vegetables to the mixture and cook for 10 minutes.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add yogurt and mix everything together nicely.
Now that everything is ready, take a glass bowl and add a layer of rice, then top it with a layer of biryani mixture and then complete it with a third layer of rice.
Cover the bowl with foil and cook in oven for 10-15 minutes.
Your Dum Vegetable Biryani is ready. Garnish with fried onions and serve.
Badam Kheer
Kheer is that one Indian dessert that I can never say no to. Even if I am full, I manage to make room for kheer. So, making kheer for the Diwali thali was a must.
Put milk in a pan and add Shan Badam kheer mix to it and mix them together.
Add boiled rice and cook for 10-15 minutes. Make sure you are stirring it frequently.
Once done, pour the kheer into a large bowl, garnish with chopped pistachios, rose petals and serve.
I hope you like the the recipes and all the things I prepared for the grand Diwali thali. I would love to see your thalis, so don’t forget to share them with me on Instagram.
This cauliflower sauce is a healthy alternative for your traditional alfredo sauce. It is exactly like the original sauce, just lighter and healthier.
I am sure everyone loves a good, creamy alfredo pasta sauce. I personally can never get enough of it. It’s smooth, buttery, and rich texture always leaves me wanting for more. But since I try to incorporate healthy eating in my lifestyle as much as possible, the traditional recipe just doesn’t fit in. So, I thought why not find a way in which I can enjoy alfredo pasta and not worry about the calories at all. That’s how I discovered this low-fat vegan cauliflower alfredo sauce recipe. You can find more healthy recipes here.
To be honest, I was a little skeptical about this recipe at first, but once I made it all my doubts vanished instantly. Believe me, when I say this, it’s as good as the original alfredo sauce, just more healthy & less heavy and you just need 15 minutes to make it. I am so excited to find this alternative for alfredo sauce, that I couldn’t resist sharing it with you all.
This cauliflower sauce is a healthy alternative for your traditional alfredo sauce. It tastes exactly like the original sauce, but it’s on the lighter side,so you won’t have to worry about the calories.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: alfredo pasta, alfredo sauce, pasta, pasta recipe
Servings: 1Bowl
Calories: 75kcal
Author: Archana
Cost: £3 – £4
Equipment
Blender
Ingredients
1bowlBoiled Cauliflower
2tbspSautéed Garlic with Olive Oil
1cupAlmond Milk
1/2 cupPasta Water
Salt to taste
Instructions
Put the boiled cauliflower, sautéed garlic with olive oil, almond milk, and pasta water in a blending jar.
After you are done adding all the ingredients in the blending jar, put the lid on, and blend all the ingredients to get a smooth paste.
Once you get your desired consistency, add salt as per your taste.
Now that your Low Fat Vegan Alfredo sauce is ready, mix it with boiled pasta of your choice, garnish with nuts & coriander and enjoy.
Notes
You can use this sauce as a dip and as a sandwich spread.
Cauliflower is 92% water and water-rich foods help in weight loss, so this recipe is perfect if you are trying to lose weight.
Try this sauce for your next meal and don’t forget to tell me how it turned out.
A juice cleanse is a type of detox diet that involves consuming fruit & vegetable juice for a short period, like 3-10 days. It is a great way of giving your body the much needed break and filling it with the goodness of health improving nutrients.
A juice cleanse is something that I wanted to try for quite some time now, but because of my busy work schedule and lack of time, I couldn’t go through with it. This time while social distancing and working from home, I thought that there wouldn’t be a better time to do a juice cleanse and, I finally did it a few weeks back. Find more recipes for a healthy lifestyle here.
For all of you who don’t know what a juice cleanse is, it is a type of detox diet that involves consuming fruit & vegetable juice for a short period, like 3-10 days. You can either make the juices yourself or you can choose a cold-pressed juice package of your choice. I did it for 3 days with a juice cleanse package, in which you get 6 juices for one day. You have to drink one juice every 2 hours. One thing to remember while doing is a juice cleanse is to that you must consume lots of water. You can also have herbal tea and some fruits & vegetable, but solid foods and caffeine should be avoided for it to work effectively.
Benefits of Juice Cleanse
Juice cleanse is a great way of giving your body the much needed break and filling it with the goodness of health improving nutrients. Following are the benefits of a juice cleanse.
1. Improves health and increases energy
Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins & minerals, so drinking juices can boost the intake of nutrients, improving overall health.
2. Removes toxins
Drinking fluids and cold-pressed juices help the body to function more efficiently and remove toxins more effectively.
3. Better digestion
Raw juices have healthy enzymes that help in improving digestion.
Best fruits and vegetables for Juice cleanse
Beetroot – It is full of antioxidants and is rich in Vitamin C. It is also helps in purifying blood, which keeps your skin glowing and healthy. It has high iron content, that helps in preventing anemia.
Apple – Apple juice removes harmful toxins and cleans liver and kidneys. It is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin A, E, and C which provide your body with a lot of energy.
Kale – Loaded with fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin K, iron and wide a range of other nutrients, kale helps in preventing a lot of health problems. It helps in detoxifying your body from within. Checkout how I make my Healthy Green Smoothie here.
Orange –Orange juice boosts immunity and protects from inflammatory diseases as it is rich in vitamin C. It is also high in fiber which helps in improving digestive health.
Carrot –Carrot juice is enriched with vitamin A and is a good source of antioxidants. It helps in clearing up the toxins from the body and helps in preventing heart diseases.
Pineapple – Pineapple is loaded antioxidants, vitamin A and essential and non-essential amino acids that help in reducing inflammation and detoxify the body. It also promotes blood circulation and improves cardiovascular health.
Cucumber – Cucumber is made of 95% of water and due to its high water content, it hydrates your body, flushes out toxins and cleanses the body.
Pomegranate – Pomegranate is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds & vitamin C which helps in improving immunity by boosting antibody production. It also protects our body from free radicals.
Celery – Celery helps in improving digestive health due to large quantity of fiber present in it. High in water content it is refreshing, hydrates the body and helps in removing toxins.
Grapefruit – Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin A and C, which makes it a great immunity booster. It can also help you in reducing weight as it contains few calories and is high in fiber which keep you full for a longer time and reduces calorie intake.
My Experience
My overall experience with the juice cleanse was pretty good. The only challenge I faced was that I was craving coffee and food throughout the day. The effects of the cleanse were visible after the first day itself. I felt more energetic, light, less bloated, and my skin looked more hydrated. My main aim of doing this cleanse was to reset my mind and to flush out all the toxins from the body, and I think I was able to achieve that. I am planning to incorporate juice cleanse into my lifestyle by making it a weekly or monthly thing, as it’s a great way to keep your body systems in check.
Things to keep in mind
2-5 days before starting a juice cleanse, start preparing your body by switching to a light and healthy diet.
Reduce the intake of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and other harmful substances.
Try to get good sleep days before the cleanse.
So, this was my experience. I hope this was helpful and gave you some insights on how you can do a juice cleanse.
This Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is all you need if you are looking for a super-healthy, filling and delicious salad recipe.
Hey everyone, I’m back with the next amazing recipe for the healthy lockdown recipes series! After the power-packed green smoothie and the kids’ favourite choco-cornflake muffins, I decided to conjure something super-healthy and filling which I could have for lunch or dinner, apart from breakfast or in-between snacking. So I just hunted around and found some healthful and tasteful ingredients and here it was Quinoa and Sweet Potato Salad – the yummiest, healthiest salad I’ve ever cooked or tasted.
What really is amazing about this Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad is that, it is a treat for your taste buds- with warm roasted sweet potatoes, crisped chickpeas and caramalized onions literally causing an explosion of flavours in your mouth. And you can add to the aroma with fresh rosemary, thyme or coriander. The energy kick comes from quinoa and walnuts while fresh greens add to the nutrient count of this heavenly-tasting salad. The best part is that you can have it warm or cold, without worrying about adding on flab during the lazy lockdown time.
This Quinoa Sweet Potato salad is a treat for your taste buds-with warm roasted sweet potatoes, crisped chickpeas and caramalized onions literally causing an explosion of flavours in your mouth. You can add to the aroma with fresh rosemary, thyme or coriander. The energy kick comes from quinoa and walnuts while fresh greens add to the nutrient count of this heavenly-tasting salad. The best part is that you can have it warm or cold, without worrying about adding on flab during the lazy lockdown time.
Lemon/ Honey mustard/ Olive oil & salt(you can use any dressing of your choice)
Instructions
Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees.
Spread the diced sweet potatoes, chopped shallots and herbs on a large sheet pan. Toss with salt and olive oil. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
Next add chickpeas to the pan and stir up all the ingredients together. Roast again for another 20 minutes.
Pour the walnuts in a bowl and toss them with maple syrup and a little salt. Add them to the pan and stir it up. Roast for 5 minutes.
The healthy and delicious salad is done. Just remove the stems of the herbs and serve the roasted mixture with cooked quinoa, baby kale and a dressing of your choice.
I recommend this recipe because the entire ingredients are easily available; generally all of us would have them or something else that we can substitute. So there isn’t a need to step out for anything. You may replace sweet potato with potato or carrot. Or add eggs, goat cheese or cottage cheese to make the salad more wholesome, which is something I usually do if I want to serve it as a meal rather than have it as a filler or snack at my work desk.
For me, brown rice also works as a nice replacement for quinoa, just to create some variety as I do mix this salad a few times a week. And of course, I can experiment with the dressing as well. So practically, I have the option to come up with a different flavour every time, depending on how creative I can be with the ingredients I have in my refrigerator or kitchen cabinets (or even the herbs in my little kitchen garden, I love that one)
Apart from the fact that the salad tastes so good and is easy to mix, I wouldn’t want to skip mentioning its nutritional value. Let me just list them ingredient-wise.
Sweet potatoes– Great source of healthy fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, they are filling but don’t result in weight gain. They even support your immune function, something that everyone wants to do at this time. Walnuts– A fistful offers a healthy supply of omega-3s and antioxidants. They support weight loss and promote gut health as well. Moreover, they support your gut health and decrease inflammation, which can keep disease at bay. Chickpeas– Packed with proteins, they are an excellent substitute for meat for vegans and vegetarians. They also add vitamins, minerals and fiber to the salad. Chickpeas are good for satiating your appetite but you can have them without worrying about gaining pounds. Shallots– Not only do they enhance the flavour of food, but also supply antioxidants, promote weight maintenance and help fight germs (which makes them all the more important right now). Quinoa– A super health food, quinoa is gluten-free and loaded with protein. It also brings sufficient amounts of all the nine essential amino acids. And it is also high in fiber, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and various beneficial antioxidants. Baby kale– Kale offers a rich supply of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C and K, calcium, iron, and a range of other nutrients. The antioxidants in it stimulate the release of unwanted toxins from the body, which makes it an ingredient of choice the lockdown season.
Such amazing benefits are only half the reason I toss up this salad at least thrice a week. The other half is the taste! Surprisingly, my little one loves it as much as I do, so this is something I can cook up for the family rather than just myself and my husband. And the best part of the deal is that it is so filling that it is as good as a full meal, so all the time I invest in cooking it is worthwhile.
More than anything else, this salad is as guilt-free as it is delicious. The quinoa version is the best one from the weight management perspective though you can be judicious with the servings of the rice version if you prefer to keep the extra weight off.
Now that I’ve given you plenty of reasons to try this incredible Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad, go ahead and mix it up. And if you have some cool ideas for experimenting with the ingredients, do share them!
Styling summer clothes is so much fun as you get to experiment with colours, prints and so many different silhouette. Here are my 10 favorite summer looks.
Summer is my favourite season, you want to know why? Because I get to wear all my floral pieces, cute dresses and lot’s of bright colours. I absolutely love styling summer clothes and as soon as spring is about to end, I start looking for new pieces to add to my wardrobe. However, this year this task was easy, all thanks to Liena’s amazing collection. I liked their clothes so much that I thought why not create some looks for different occasions and share them with you guys. So, here are the looks I created for date night, brunch with your girlfriends, casual day out and one bonus outfit for all the boss babes out there. You can find more fashion inspiration here.
Brunch with girlfriends
Cute floral dresses are a must have in your summer wardrobe. No matter what the occasion is they always look good. This Green & White floral bardot midi dress is sure to make some heads turn. This dress is so pretty that it will make you stand out in the crowd without even trying. Wear it with tan wedges and a hat and you are ready for the brunch.
Statement puff sleeves are always in trend, as they are perfect to add edge to a simple dress like this one. Grab eyeballs wearing this flirty blue floral dress. Its long dramatic sleeves and flattering silhouettes will surely get the conversation started among your girlfriends. Learn more about how to create a perfect summer look here.
Nothing beats the charm of a pretty printed dress and I know you’ll be shining bright in this one. Be ready to be showered with compliments while twinkling like a star in this Black star print mini dress. I promise your girlfriends won’t stop gushing over this piece.
Date Night
Ditch the usual black dress and flaunt your curves in this gorgeous Olive fishtail midi dress. Its ruched body fit will hug your body perfectly giving you that oomph factor and leaving your partner speechless. Let me warn you in advance that you’ll receive a lot of compliments, so be prepared.
Wrap dresses for date night? Yes, please. Wrap dress is probably the most flattering dress silhouette out there and it works for almost all the body types out there. Sweep your date off his feet wearing this Black floral wrap dress for your date night. Pair it with black heels and you are ready to take over the night.
Add some shine to your look with this yellow midi wrap dress that is a perfect blend of sexy and classy. The slight shimmer and front split of this dress will make you stand out from the rest and your partner won’t be able to take his eyes off you and you’ll definitely be on his mind long after the date.
Casual Day Out
Comfort is always our top priority for a casual day and thus we are always looking for something that is trendy and easy going and this blouse is just that. Add a pop of colour to your normal day out outfit with this cute Rustic orange blouse. You can wear it as it is or drop down the sleeves if you are going for an off shoulder look.
Your summer wardrobe is incomplete without a printed playsuit like this cream floral one. Playsuits are a great alternative to dresses and you can wear them to the beach or for those picnics in the park. You can have all the fun you want and you don’t even have to worry about your dress blowing off in the wind and revealing too much.
Add some style quotient to your normal day donning this lovely red floral skater dress. Skater dresses are super chic and feminine and they always look flattering no matter what your body type is. You can style this dress with flats for a casual, breezy look or dress up by pairing it with nice heels. Add a sling bag and you are good to go. Find more useful tips on how to style your accessories here.
For the boss babe in you
I am sure you all will agree with me that a nice pant suit is something that never goes out of style. A pants suit screams power and this fuchsia set is just perfect for the boss babe in you. You can style a pant suit in a number of ways, wear it as it is or mix & match to create an entirely new outfit. Add heels & a nice bag and you’ll be ready to take over the world.
I hope you liked the looks and got some inspiration for your next outfit. Stay tuned for more fashion and beauty content.
