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 slip dress can be styled in so many trendy and fun ways and I am always looking for excuses to wear my slip dress. Here are my 5 top favourite ways to style a slip dress.
Trends come and go, but some of them are there to stay like a slip dress. Even though slip dress is a 90’s trend, its charm doesn’t seem to fade away even in 2020 and I am not complaining. At first you may find styling a slip dress a bit tricky, but once you get a hand of it you can do it effortlessly like a pro. To be very true, I never thought that a slip dress can be styled in so many trendy and fun ways and now that I know I am always looking for excuses to wear my slip dress. Here are my 5 top favourite ways to style a slip dress. Sit back and enjoy and for more styling tips click here.
With a top
Wear your slip dress, pick out a matching top from your wardrobe, put it over your slip dress and there you have a super classy outfit. If I knew of this top over slip dress trick a little earlier, I would have totally rocked so many of my last minute outfits. This look is perfect for an evening with friends, just add a nice pair of heels, some jewellery and you are ready.
With a T-Shirt & Denim Jacket
For this look I used the same trick as the one above, but it is on a more casual side. Replace the top with a cool, bright t-shirt, throw on a denim jacket on top and ta da. The denim jacket adds an extra edge to this entire look and I love how this look is both casual and trendy at the same time. Complete your look with sneakers and a sling bag and you are all set for a day out.
With a White T-Shirt
When in doubt, go for white. Pick out that versatile white t-shirt from your closet and wear it under your slip dress to get an easy going, chic look. Who knew adding a twist to your outfits was this easy. This look is excellent for running errands, as it allows you to move freely without having to worry about your strap falling off your shoulder.
With a Belt
Your belt comes in handy for most of your looks and same is the case with a slip dress. Put a broad belt over your slip dress and take the glamour quotient to next level. The belt will accentuate your waist, flaunting your curves perfectly and giving you that oomph factor. Wear this to a date night with bae and I bet he won’t be able to take his eyes of you.
With a Blazer
If I tell you that you can wear a slip dress to a formal event, you’ll probably think that I have gone insane. So, here is the proof that you can do that with ease, without looking inappropriate. All you have to do is add a formal touch to your look by adding a blazer on top. You can either go for a neutral one like me or you can choose a bright one to add some colour to your look.
I hope you liked the looks and learned some new way of styling your slip dress to create trendy looks. Don’t forget to tell me which look is your favourite and stay tuned for more awesome styling tips.
There are a lot of ways of styling a white shirt in western ways, but the Indian in me has always been very keen to pair it with my ethnic pieces to create Indo-western looks. Here are my favourite white shirt ethnic looks.
It is said that you can never go wrong with a shirt dress and I totally agree. A white shirt is that piece of clothing that goes perfectly with almost everything and you don’t even have to put much effort into styling it. No matter what piece of clothing you pair it with, it just fits like a missing piece of puzzle and that maybe that’s why it’s called a wardrobe essential. There are a lot of ways of styling a white shirt in western ways, but the Indian in me has always been very keen to style my white shirt with ethnic pieces to create Indo-western looks. I have done it quite some times and absolutely loved it. So, here are my favourite white shirt ethnic looks and if you are looking for more fashion and styling inspiration click here.
With a Sharara
I love myself a sharara moment and therefore pairing my white shirt with a sharara was a must. I chose a printed, colourful sharara as I wanted a vibrant look. You can go for a solid one as well. This look is ideal for wearing to small ceremonies. All you have to do is add a golden necklace, a matching dupatta, a gorgeous pair of juttis and ta da.
With a Statement Dupatta & Belt
When it comes to styling your white shirt into ethnic ways, a nice statement dupatta can go a long way. Pick out your favourite dupatta, put it over your simple white shirt & denim outfit like I did and add a belt on top to keep it in place. You can also go for a simple dupatta if you like. Add some ethnic jewellery and footwear to complete your look and you are all set.
With a Palazzo
Easy-breezy and perfect for a day out, this is what this next look is. Pair your bright coloured or solid ethnic palazzo with your white shirt to get a relaxed look in minutes. You can wear to go shopping or a casual day out in the park. Complete your look with a statement chunky silver necklace and an ethnic sling bag and you are ready.
With an Ethnic Skirt
Your flowy ethnic skirt is excellent to give an ethnic twist to your white shirt and believe me it looks great. Wear your favourite ethnic skirt with a white shirt, add a matching dupatta and there you have it, a perfect outfit for small wedding functions, like mehendi. I chose simple jewellery for this look, but you can go for heavier pieces and take it up a notch.
With an Ethnic Jacket
What’s better than an ethnic jacket to add an Indian touch to your white shirt? Amp up your look instantly by adding a long ethnic jacket over your basic white shirt and blue denims. You can wear this outfit to lunch with your girlfriends. To complete your look, add some silver jewellery, a nice pair of heels and a handbag.
These are the ways in which I give an ethnic twist to my white shirt. I hope you like the looks and try them next time you are looking for some Indo-western outfit inspiration.
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.
Intimate and at-home weddings are the new trend, so why not add some jazz to them with these unique and trendy decor ideas.
Looking for some easy peasy decoration ideas to make the most of your home wedding? Well, the pandemic crisis may have put a full stop to the big fat Indian weddings, however, we are loving every bit of how home weddings are coming out to be all charming and cosy with some mind-blowing decoration ideas. These decoration ideas are not only cost effective but look all chic and fashionable adding that much needed makeover to the usual home space.
So, if you too are planning to get married at home for it is the only safest option right now, ShaadiWish has got plenty of ideas and inspiration to share with you. Make a note of these top decoration items that can be easily purchased online or will be available at your homes and will help you transform your space into a dreamy setup.
1. Mattresses, Cushions And Throw Pillows
Source – The Wedding Designers
Floor wedding seating arrangements are much in trend for their comfy and boho chic at the same time. All you need is lots of mattresses, cushions and throw pillows and use them creatively to brighten up your wedding decor and how.
2. Wooden Diwan
Source – Shaadi Squad
Take out those old wooden diwans from your rooms and jazz up your open spaces by decorating them with lots of boho chic throw pillows, bean bags and stools to create a perfect couple seating for intimate gatherings.
3. Make Full Use Of Chairs And How!
Source – Mint and Mogra
If you ever thought how useful those old chairs can be. Just let your creativity come forward and see the magic for yourself.
4. Colourful Traditional Umbrellas
Source – Fireflies
Create that perfect background for colour pop wedding photographs by using a lot of umbrellas.
5. Refurbish Those Old Ladders And Trunks And How!
Source – Decor by Sajdhaj
Just a coat of fresh paint and you are good to go for your home wedding decoration like a pro! P.S. An icing on the cake will be styling them up with some fresh flowers. What do you think?
6. A Sofa Centrepiece
Source – Jenny Smith & Co.
Another piece of furniture that you can utilize at your home wedding is a sofa. Decorate the space with add on furniture pieces and pretty floral arrangements for amazing pictures.
7. The Boho Chic Dream Catchers
Source – Pinterest
Bring that X factor in your home wedding decor by hanging these boho chic dream catchers with cute floral decor.
8. DIY With Used Light Bulbs
Source – Pinterest
We absolutely love such creative decoration ideas which will LIT up your home wedding in no time!
9. DIY With Old Tyres And How!
Source – Pinterest
Another fun drill you can completely do at home is painting those old tyres and using them as wedding decorative items to jazz the space.
10. Bedsheets, Drapes Or Dupattas!
Source – Fireflies
Recreate those old memories by making a Teepee tent for some relaxed and laid back photographs with your squad.
11. Do It Up With Fairy Lights!
Source – The Photo Diary
Easiest and dreamiest way to add charm in your home wedding is by adding a lot of fairy lights to lighten the mood and have BANG ON celebration vibes.
12. Origami Art To The Rescue!
Source – Fete Events, Dubai
The artistic touch of hanging origami structures as the wall decor is all you need for some peppy home wedding decoration.
Screenshot these easy peasy home decoration items that can help you transform the space without much effort. Also, if you are on a hunt for Wedding decorators near you, let us help you with whatever your requirements are! You can find more wedding inspiration here.
Quick and easy beauty hacks that work are something every girl is on a lookout for. So, here are some of my top favourite tried and tested beauty hacks.
Beauty hacks are something that excites me and I am always looking for some quick hacks to include in my beauty regime or for those lazy days. Over the years I have tried a lot of beauty hacks, some of them worked for me and some of them were a total fail. So, here I am sharing some of my favourite beauty hacks. You can also checkout more beauty tips and tricks here.
Concealer as a lipstick base
Want your lipstick to pop and to stay on for a longer time? Just put some concealer on your lips before applying your lipstick. Using a concealer on your lips will give more colour payoff to your lipstick and will help it to stay in place and not smudge or transfer easily. So, next time while applying your favourite lipstick, try this little hack and see how bright those lips look.
Concealer as an eyeshadow primer
What if I tell you that you can use your concealer as a perfect eyeshadow base and the outcome will still be the same? Seriously, I have used this hack many times and the result never fails to amaze me. It works as good as an actual eyeshadow primer. All you have to do is, take a little bit of your concealer, apply it to your eyelids using your fingers or a brush and carry on with your usual eye makeup and believe me you won’t be disappointed with the outcome.
Bronzer as an eyeshadow for a natural look
Do you also have days when you want your eyes to stand out but don’t want to apply eyeshadow? Well, if the answer is yes, then this hack is all you need. Take your favorite bronzer, swipe it across your eyelids, and make those eyes pop. This hack is also best for those hot summer days when you don’t want to go overboard with makeup, but still want to look put together.
Lipstick as blush
I bet you have heard of this one before, after all, it’s one of the most common beauty hacks. We all are guilty of having some lipsticks that we don’t use anymore, so why not use them as a cream blush. Just dab some lipstick on your cheekbones and blend it using a brush or your fingers for a more precise application and voila you are done. This hack also comes in handy for all those sudden plans after work.
Dark eyeshadow as eyebrow powder
Yes, you heard it right. You can use your eyeshadow to fill in your brows and the result will be just as good as using a brow powder. The only challenge is choosing the right shade and formula of eyeshadow. The blacks and browns in your palette are your best options and make sure you are using a matte eyeshadow. Experiment with different shades and once you’ve found the perfect one you are good to go.
Shimmery eyeshadow as a highlighter
The first time I used this hack was a few years ago when I was in a hurry and my actual highlighter was nowhere to be found. So, I just picked up one of my eyeshadow palettes and used a coral shimmery eyeshadow as a highlighter instead and went out and no one could tell the difference. Since then, I can’t even remember the times I have used this hack. I mostly use the beige, coral, and peach shades of eyeshadow, you can see what shade works best for you and go with it.
Flip your hair partition to another side for volume
This one is my favourite beauty hack and it is the easiest one out there. Changing your hair partition is the quickest way to add some immediate volume and bounce to your hair. When we part our hair regularly to one side, then overtime it starts looking flat, so this simple trick of changing your hair partition can make a huge difference in no time.
These are the hacks that I use the most on a day-to-day basis. Try them for yourself and see which one works best for you.
A summary of my conversation with UK’s Celebrity Make-up artist, Ambreen. We talked about all things makeup and some amazing beauty tips & tricks.
When it comes to bridal makeup or makeup in general, we all have various questions. We are always looking for some tips from the experts of the beauty industry, especially during this time when the world is going through so much. With this thought in mind, I recently did an Insta live chat with Make-up artist Ambreen, where she shared her insights on all things makeup. Ambreen is a celebrity make-up artist based in the UK, she has worked with various top celebrities and brands like M.A.C, OK magazine, etc. So, here are the things that she shared with me on the live chat. You can checkout more such blogs here.
I started the conversation by asking her how the lockdown has been and how it has impacted the beauty industry, and she gave a very positive answer. According to her, it has been a tough time, but social media has played a very important role during this time and has helped people connect more. It has allowed people to know and get in touch with people we don’t usually have a chance to speak to. She thinks now people are doing more things online. Everyone is doing lives, online tutorials, sharing their daily routines, their favorite products. It has given a lot of make-up artists a great platform and a chance to connect with their audience.
She also thinks that the way we look at weddings will change after this. According to her weddings will be lavish and beautiful but, they’ll become more intimate. People will focus more on who they want at their wedding, rather than inviting 400-500 people you don’t even know. She believes that the lockdown has given us all a new perspective on a lot of things, and we have started to look at life differently.
The work of a make-up artist has always fascinated me, so I asked her about the best thing about her job, and she says, “The job of a make-up artist is a very feel-good job. When you get someone ready, be it for their wedding, shoot, or an event you make them look a certain way that they want, and when they look at themselves, they feel more confident, and it gives great job satisfaction. Especially for weddings, as it is the most important day of a woman’s life and it feels amazing to be a part of it.”
She also gave some great advice for all the aspiring makeup artists out there. She asks them to always be prepared for early and long hours. She advises them to remember that things take a while to build up, to get to a certain stage where you are comfortable with the work you are getting, but you must not give up. It can take weeks, months, years, but you will get there if you are determined. She asks them to focus on what you have as an artist and to always stay on trend as people are drawn to what’s trending.
I was very curious to know one make-up tip that she would like to give to people and she emphasized that one should always prep the skin before doing makeup, as it gives the makeup a good base and helps it last much longer. Her suggestion was to use a moisturizer, primer, eye cream, and something to condition your lips. And when asked about the 5 must-have product in a woman’s vanity, these are the products she recommended, “For me its concealer, mascara, lip liner, blush and something for your brows. With these 5 products, you have got the whole face covered.”
On being asked about the one product she can’t work without she said, “I will have to say my brushes. If I didn’t have my brushes, I wouldn’t be able to apply any product on my brides and I can’t apply it with my fingers.”
Looking at Ambreen’s amazing skin, I couldn’t resist myself from asking her for some skincare tips and she advices to read about your skin type, try a few products and brands to see what works best for you. She recommends following a skincare routine, using a good face wash, eye cream, moisturizer, toner, and exfoliating followed by a mask once a week.
I really love all the bridal makeup looks she creates, so I wanted to get her insights on the key bridal make-up trends of the year to which she says, “I think less is going to be more.” According to her brides nowadays are already stepping away from the flamboyant makeup that we had years ago, they want to look more natural. And with weddings getting more intimate brides are going to opt for less makeup than they normally would.
My chat with Ambreen really helped me gain an in-depth knowledge of the beauty industry and I would like to thank her for that. I hope it is helpful for you too.
Enough talking about the brides, it’s time we talk about the groom’s wedding day survival kit. Here are 10 essential items for all the grooms-to-be.
Most wedding survival guides on the internet tend to focus on the bride, and for good reason. The occasion is widely recognized as a woman’s Big Day. However, grooms would do well to remember that it’s one of the most important days of their lives, too, and that they aren’t as immune to last-minute mishaps as they might think. Checkout more wedding related blogs here.
For their peace of mind—as well as their brides’—we’ve put together a list of indispensable items that every groom should have readily available on his wedding day. From quick solutions to common outfit-related crises down to basic staples that might be lost or forgotten in the whirlwind days leading up to the ceremony, this groom’s survival kit leaves very few things to chance.
On-the-Go Fixes for Fashion Emergencies
A Miniature Sewing Kit
Men usually take clothing emergencies in stride. They don’t mind living with a loose button or an undone hem for a day. Grooms beware, though; not taking precautions to fix that tiny rip in your suit jacket can and will come back to haunt you. Every move you make on the day of the wedding will most likely be immortalized in film and video, so it’s worth making sure that you look your best for the cameras.
A wedding day emergency sewing kit should contain safety pins, sewing needles and thread in white, black, and your suit’s colors, a pair of scissors, some extra buttons for your shirt and jacket, and hem tape.
Stain Removers
Nothing ruins a look more than an errant stain on the front of your shirt or your collar. A stain remover pen can help you get ahead of any smears, spills, and splatters. These usually contain a detergent base and hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that can break down stains without bleaching the colors out of your clothes. They’re best used on small spots from food or drink—aka the ones you’d typically encounter on a wedding. Simply apply immediately and blot, don’t rub. Rubbing will push the stain deeper into the fabric, making it more difficult to lift.
If you’re going to be wearing crisp white sneakers to your wedding, you’ll also want to keep them pristine. Experts recommend applying a sneaker protector to them right out of the box. To spot-clean your kicks onthego, use a magic eraser product. A bottle of matte white nail polish should also cover up scuffs and scratches in a pinch.
A Lint Brush or Roller
Lint and hair look painfully obvious against a dark backdrop. Some guys think they only need a lint roller if they’re rocking a black suit, but lint shows up against blues and some grays, too. Keep your suit clean with a lint brush or roller. You can also use masking tape to lift lint off fabrics in the absence of those items.
A Couple of Basic Necessities
Extra Socks
Most guys think that socksare a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at just how many men who can’t tell the difference between dress socks and gym socks. Packing an extra pair of Burlix standing over-the-calf socks isn’t too much of a hardship. With it, you can quickly rescue a buddy from wearing thick cotton socks under his suit pants, no muss and no fuss. They’re also nice to have around if you happen to step on a puddle and get your own dress socks all wet.
Extra Cuff Links
This is yet another accessory often taken for granted. You may not forget your cuff links, but it’s never a bad idea to insure against that one friend of yours who just might. It’s also useful to have an extra pair on hand in case one of your own falls out while taking outdoor photos or during the reception.
The Day-of Grooming Kit
Deodorant
Even if you don’t sweat a lot normally or are holding the wedding someplace cool like a mountain side resort, deodorant is non-negotiable. You’ll want to stay fresh for all the hugging you’re going to do! Go for dry spray antiperspirants and clear stick or gel formulas, as they leave the least amount of residue.
Breath Mints
If all goes well, you’ll also be doing a lot of kissing throughout the day. Unfortunately, you probably won’t have time to step away for a quick brush once that wedding ball is rolling. Keep your breath fresh with mints; they’re a far more subtle choice than chewing gum.
Lip Balm
As an adjunct to the above, kissing can actually result in drier, flaky lips that look awful in photos and feel even worse. Protect your lips with a good lip balm made with natural ingredients such as cocoa or shea butter. If you’re having a daytime wedding, go with a product that also offers sun protection.
Miscellaneous, but Still Essential!
Cash
You may have already pre-paid your wedding vendors, but it’s still nice to give them something extra before packing it up. Have enough cash on hand to tip your DJ, the driver, the bartender, and any other member of the staff that helped make your day so special. Hold it in a money clip to minimize bulk.
Medication
The last thing you want is to get caught without relief from a headache or a queasy stomach on the day of your wedding. Stock up on pain relievers and antacids, as well as any maintenance or allergy medication that you take regularly.
Being prepared for (almost) every eventuality will allow you to enjoy the day more! We recommend putting these items in a Dopp kit or toiletry bag for easy access even as you move from one location to the next. Best wishes!
A relaxing bath is proven to help you calm your mind and unwind. Here are a few things you can do to have a rejuvenating spa-like bath experience at home.
We are all doing our part by staying at home and social distancing as much as possible, but sometimes everything can get a bit overwhelming. While going through this time, it is vital to take some time out to relax and rejuvenate ourselves and weekends are a great time to do that. For me, nice baths helps me unwind, de-stress, and feel like a completely new person. Here is how you can turn your usual bathing into a spa-like experience at home and you can also find more self-care blogs here.
Add scented candles
Dim the lights of your bathroom and add scented candles for that perfect soft glow of light. Scented candles will instantly add that soothing, calming vibe to your bathroom, and their scent will uplift your mood. I like using Aequil London’s candles, as its refreshing fragrance takes me to a whole place right away.
Sip on your favorite drink
Sitting in the bathtub with your favourite drink takes the at-home relaxing session to a whole new level. I like to slowly sip on red wine while getting lost reading a good book.
Bath oils
Enriched with the goodness of essential oils, bath oils have therapeutic properties and are great for rejuvenating the mind and body. They are also good for various skin issues, inflammation, muscle aches, and insomnia. I add 6-8 drops of Olverum Bath Oil to my bath water and it works as an icing on the cake.
Sheet mask and relax
Indulge in some skincare while unwinding your mind with a sheet mask, after all, your skin needs pampering too. Garnier’s Moisture Bomb Mask is my go-to for my weekend de-stressing sessions, as it is super hydrating and gives my skin the moisture it needs.
Bath salts
When it comes to a good bath, Westlab Pink Gin Bathing salts are a must for me. They detoxify the skin by peeling away dead skin cells and keep the skin supple and delicate. They are also useful in removing skin tanning and pigmentation.
Bath fizzers
Bath fizzers take your at-home bath experience up a notch. The beautiful, colourful bubbles add a luxurious touch to your bath and put you in a happy mood. I love using bath fizzers by Bubble T Cosmetics, as they have an amazing fruity fragrance and are enriched with essential oils that nourish the skin.
Hair mask
While the bath oils and candles work their magic and calm your mind, you can use that time to nourish your hair with a hair mask. Apply your favourite hair mask, put on some soft music, close your eyes, and feel your mind getting calmer with each moment. I generally use Refibra Hair mask.
These are the things I include in my bath to take my bathing experience to next level and they help me release the tension and feel fresh.
Following simple hacks can make a huge difference in how presentable you look for work video calls. So, here are a few hacks to make you look put together.
We may be confined to our own homes, unable to go to parties or take ourselves out for a fancy dinner, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still look great. While working from home, you are probably enjoying the comfort of leggings and baggy tops while being able to give yourself an extra half an hour of sleep each morning as your normal beauty regime isn’t currently needed. There is some upside of the pandemic aren’t there? Read more quarantine blogs here.
But then it happens, the dreaded video call. While we enjoy catching up with colleagues and having someone other than household members to talk to, it can also mean we are rushing around trying to make ourselves look presentable and professional. But this can be done quicker and easier than you might think. From simply popping on a pair of strip lashes to choosing the correct lighting, we’ll help you look stunning for your next virtual meeting.
This isn’t just confined to work-related calls, virtual dating is the latest trend when looking for love and we always want to enhance our natural beauty when meeting a love interest, even if it is through a screen.
1. Effortless Lashes
Nobody wants to spend ages blending, highlighting and contouring just for the sake of a half an hour video call. Lockdown is the perfect chance to let our skin breathe and recover from years daily makeup applications.
However, we understand you still want to feel beautiful and for many of us, the comfort of makeup makes us feel 100 times better.
That’s why false eyelashes are the perfect solution for this. Choose a natural-looking set and pop them on beforehand. You’ll notice an immediate difference in your face and they may even give you the confidence you need to nail that presentation you’ve been worried about.
The best part is, you can remove these straight afterwards, you don’t even need to leave your desk! You can even reuse your lashes as often as you want, reducing waste and saving your expensive mascara for when the pandemic is over.
It is always best to remove the eyelash adhesive, if not straight away, at least before you go to bed as it can cause damage to your lids if left.
2. Matte Your Face
If you are happy to put a little extra effort into your face, especially if you have an important pitch or perhaps a date with someone you really want to impress, it’s important to choose the right base coverage.
You may go for a dewy, glowing look on a normal day, but your low-quality webcam can give you an awful effect. Instead of glowing skin, you can look shiny and even greasy, not the look any of us want.
Use a matte foundation or powder, teamed with a matte setting spray to give yourself coverage but avoiding glare on your screens.
If you don’t have any matte products, you don’t need to spend money just for a few uses during lockdown. Lightly apply some translucent powder over your usual foundation, or even talcum powder, to give a temporary matte finish.
3. Get Your Lighting Right
You can be forgiven for trying to achieve bright lighting, directly hitting your face. After all, that’s what models have for photoshoots so surely it’ll work for your video call, right?
Going over the top with bright lighting and using a standard webcam or phone camera will highlight any imperfections and can cause your skin to look washed out.
Instead, backlight yourself. This works best with natural lighting so if you can position yourself in front of a window then do so.
If you can’t do this, you can use lamps instead. Be aware that if they are directly behind you and pointed towards your laptop, you may end up blinding those you are talking to. Set lights at a slight angle and make sure they are above your eye level, lighting from underneath your face can give a real horror story look!
4. Lip Stick Not Gloss
We love lipgloss but not for a video call. Anything ‘glossy’ will bounce off the light and draw too much attention to your lips.
It will also highlight any imperfections in your application. Let’s face it, you might apply this quickly a few minutes before your call and not get perfect lines. This may not be noticeable during normal social events but sitting for a long time face-to-face with colleagues will make it obvious.
5. Hair Hacks
If you’re not leaving your home every day, it’s more than likely that you’re not washing your hair as often.
Instead of trying to hide that grease with a messy bun or high ponytail, be a bit more creative.
Headscarves and turbans not only hide our oily locks but can also be a great statement and give the appearance of high-end fashion, instead of just covering our laziness.
You can even match these colours with your outfit to make the whole thing look very deliberate.
If covering your hair isn’t your style, take some dry shampoo and section your hair at the hairline. Using a small round brush, work the dry shampoo into your roots. Not only does this remove oil but also provides volume that will hold for your video call and longer
6. Speak With Your Body
Perhaps you don’t want to put makeup on an impromptu call means you don’t have time. Using the right body language can make all the difference.
Make eye contact with the other participants, look into your camera and don’t be distracted by looking at yourself on the screen.
Hold yourself properly and don’t slouch, you wouldn’t do so in a normal meeting so this shouldn’t be any different. Make sure you’re comfy beforehand, wriggling and adjusting yourself throughout the call can look unprofessional and be a distraction for others.
If you are still worried about what you look like, take the time to think about how others really perceive you. Are you conscious of anyone not wearing makeup or how they’ve styled their hair? You probably haven’t given it a second thought and that’s exactly how others will feel about you.
At the end of the day, a smile and a confident manner are what is most crucial with video calling.
Coriander pesto is yum and super easy to make. It can be prepared with the ingredients available at home and is loved equally by children and adults.
Eating clean and healthy food has been my mantra during this lockdown and because of this; I am always on a lookout for recipes that are nutritious and tasty at the same time. Working from home has given me so much more time to experiment with food ( you can check out my other healthy recipes here) and I am trying to make some of my favourite dishes at home. And also, having a 6-year-old makes the task of preparing a healthy yet delicious meal even more challenging, as we all know how choosy children are.
I don’t know why, but any green food screams healthy to me and that’s why pesto has always been my favorite. So, the other day while going through the struggle of deciding what to make for lunch, I decided to make Coriander pesto. It turned out so good that I thought why not share the recipe with you all.
Coriander pesto is super easy to make and can be prepared with the ingredients available at home. The best part about pesto is that it is loved equally by both adults and children.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: coriander pesto, pesto, pesto pasta
Servings: 1Bowl
Calories: 101kcal
Cost: £3 – £4
Equipment
Blender
Ingredients
2BowlsCoriander
3Garlic cloves
Salt
5-6Black peppers
3tbspPine nuts(Can be substituted with walnuts or cashew nuts)
3tbspParmesan cheese
2tbspOlive oil
2tbspWater
Lemon juice(Optional)
Instructions
Once you have all the ingredients ready with you, put them in a blending jar one ingredient at a time.
After you are done adding all the ingredients in the blending jar, put the lid on and blend all the ingredients until smooth to make beautiful green colored pesto sauce.
Once done, check the consistency and flavors of the sauce. The consistency of the pesto should not be too thick or too runny. If your sauce is too thick add some olive oil and blend again.
After you get the desired consistency and flavors, add some lemon juice to it for some extra kick.
Now that your coriander pesto sauce is ready, you can mix it with boiled pasta of your choice, garnish with sautéed tomatoes and enjoy.
Notes
The pesto can be used in multiple ways. It can be used as a dip, as a sandwich spread and even as a salad dressing
Coriander is rich in immune-boosting antioxidants and has many more health benefits, so this recipe is very healthy.
You can even store the pesto in the fridge in an airtight container for about a week.
So, this is my version of the Coriander pesto recipe. I hope this is helpful and you try it for your next meal.
9 healthy and tasty rice cake toppings to satisfy both your sweet and savoury cravings. All these toppings are super easy and are quick to make.
Since the time I have started putting extra emphasis on eating healthy, I am on a constant lookout for new food to try in the kitchen. Making something that is wholesome and also sparks the interest of children is really challenging (all the moms reading this will know). So, the other day while going through the struggle of finding a nutritious snack to munch on, I decided to give the normal rice cake a little twist. I tried 9 different healthy rice cake toppings, both sweet & salty and they turned out so delicious that I had to share the recipe with you.
Here are 9 yummy rice cake topping for your every mood.
Nutella & Banana Rice Cake
Nutella is already everyone’s favorite and when you pair it with bananas you get a super tasty yet healthy combination like this. Spread nutella on the rice cake, top it with banana slices and you are done.
Strawberry Jam & Blueberries Rice cake
Yummy strawberry jam topped with blueberries, this rice cake has to be kid’s favorite. You can use any jam or berries of your choice to give it a twist.
Almond Butter & Apple Rice Cake
When the goodness of almond butter and apples come together, you get at mouth-watering rice cake topping. You can substitute the almond butter for peanut butter and the results will be just as good.
Raspberry, Nuts & Raisin Rice Cake
Making a healthy and tasty snack doesn’t get easier than this. Just cut some raspberry and sprinkle some nuts & raisins and enjoy.
Avocado and Tomato Rice Cake
This one is a great substitute for your regular avocado toast. Smash the avocado, add lime juice & salt to it and spread it on the rice cake. Top it with cherry tomatoes, sprinkle some black pepper and voila.
Feta Cheese & Cucumber Rice Cake
The freshness of cucumber, combined with goodness of feta cheese gives us this delish rice cake. Put the feta cheese and cucumber on the rice cake, season with some salt and pepper and get munching.
Cheddar Cheese & Tomatoes Rice Cake
Cheddar cheese and tomatoes make for such a finger-licking combination. Spread some grated cheddar cheese on the rice cake, top it with cherry tomatoes, add salt & pepper for seasoning and relish this delicious rice cake.
Pesto & Feta Cheese Rice Cake
Have some left over pesto sauce at home? Put it to good use by creating this flavorful rice cake topping. Spread the pesto sauce on the rice cake, add some feta cheese on top and there you have it pesto and feta cheese rice cake.
Cheese Spread and Cucumber Rice Cake
This one is my son’s favorite, because it has cheese spread of course. Put a layer of cheese spread on the rice cake, top it with cucumber slices, add some salt if you want and satisfy your taste buds with this tasty combinations.
Some other rice cake toppings you can try :
Hummus & Cucumber Rice Cake
Nutella & Pumpkin Seeds Rice Cake
Yogurt & Almond Rice Cake
Salsa & Scrambled Eggs Rice Cake
Avocado & Boiled Eggs Rice Cake
These are some of the topping that I tried, you can of course experiment with the things you like and give it your own twist. Hope you liked my ideas and will try them yourself, do let me know if you do. Till then check out more healthy recipes here.
A nude lip never goes out of style, but the struggle of finding a perfect nude lipstick is real. So, here I bring to you my 5 favourite nude lipsticks for every occasion.
Lipstick is a girl’s best friend and a handbag essential. The nude colour mood means different things to people, and for me, personally, nudes can either be a statement, a neutral component to ground, an otherwise dramatic eye look, or an everyday my-lips-but-better concept.
Here is a peek at the top 5 nudes currently living in my makeup bag:
MAC – Mehr
Described as a blue-toned pink, this soft hue was designed by Mickey Contractor of MAC Cosmetics India. So, while it does suit a variety of skin tones, it is fair to say that Mehr has put an end to the search for the perfect pink nude for Indian skin. The MAC Matte formula is comfortable, does not dry my lips, is pigmented, and the shade is versatileas a daily wear to office or even for a glamourous look.
Yet another comfortable daily wear lip colour. The collagen boosting and hydrating formula feel extremely nourishing, and imparts luminosity, for a healthier and fuller pout. The warm brown rose is a great “my lips but better” vibe, and the buildable formula means that you can take it from a medium coverage tint for office to a fully opaque partner to your smokey eye on your night out.
A comfortable cream-satin formula and extensive shade range make the Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick an incredibly popular choice for enthusiasts, even amongst its more luxurious peers. As a part of the pink nude family, this particular shade is very comparable to the aforementioned MAC Mehr, except that it is slightly deeper and moodier in hue and the formulation is creamier and luminous that feels extremely nourishing and hydrating.
Revlon Super Lustrous – Sassy Mauve 463 Price – £7.99 Click here to buy
MAC Cremesheen Glass – Candy Box
Sometimes a matte nude lip can lean towards a concealer lip, which can make one look washed out or draining, and feel patchy. And while that is a look in itself, a more approachable and comfortable formula can be a plumping gloss in a shade that is close to your skin tone, giving lips life without much colour. I particularly like wearing this for more informal occasions than office wear. You will find me wearing it when I’m out shopping or running errands, on date nights or at outings with friends.
Lipstick Queen – Saint Sheer Lipstick in Peachy Natural
If you are looking for something with minimal effort or fuss, then the Saint Sheer Lipstick range by Lipstick Queen is the one to reach for. I have recently started using the shade Peachy Natural – a soft beige rose in a sheer, balmy, low maintenance and effortless formula. Especially love it now when I’m working from home, but still want to feel put together.
Lipstick Queen – Saint Sheer Lipstick in Peachy Natural Price – £22.00 Click here to buy
These are the current members of the nude colour family in my makeup arsenal, but I am always open to expanding my collection. So, if you have any recommendations or suggestions, or just want to share your love for lip products, then let’s open a conversation and indulge in some colours, formulae and fun!
Find more makeup reviews and awesome beauty tips and tricks here.
Blogging in the fashion industry is both popular and competitive. Blogs lend themselves to creative industries because bloggers can use their own photos and stylistic choices to create engaging content. People love to get fashion ideas from others and be inspired by hot new looks and, because of this, fashion bloggers are always able to engage with their readers.
But, as a fashion blogger, it’s important to make sure that you’re always improving your writing and putting your best work out there. You should want your blogs to reach new readers and excite people from across the globe. So, how can you write the best content?
Proofread
No one wants to read a blog post that is riddled with errors. This is why it’s extremely important to make sure that you’re proof-reading your work and checking for any typos or grammatical mistakes. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can pay for an online paper editor to proof-read and edit for you. The benefit of this is that you get a fresh pair of eyes on your work who might spot any minuscule mistakes that you probably wouldn’t. Plus, you can start working on your next blog whilst it’s being edited.
Go to events
The best fashion bloggers make sure they are always up to date with current trends. This means attending regular events in the industry, such as London Fashion Week and taking inspiration from what you learn there. Not only will your readers love to read about your experience at the event, but you can learn about current or future trends and tailor your next posts accordingly. Plus, you’ll probably get plenty of freebies and could meet some exciting figures in the industry.
Network
As a fashion blogger, it’s important to connect with other bloggers in the industry. Whilst you should be regularly reading their work and learning what their readers are engaging with, you should also make the effort to go to networking events and meet fashion influencers in the flesh. Friendships with influential people will help attract traffic to your blog, and you’ll probably get some useful tips and tricks. If you’re worried about attending networking events, the key is to be friendly and approachable and ask lots of questions. If you’re stuck in an awkward conversation, excuse yourself to go to the bar or the bathroom.
Be sustainable
The fashion industry is currently receiving a lot of criticism about its impact on the environment. However, there are plenty of brands and designers that are sustainable and have ecological integrity. Therefore, as a fashion blogger, this is something that you should be aware of. Are you promoting or reviewing certain brands? If so, it’s important to consider their ethics and show that this is something you care about. By supporting brands that have an environmental conscience you will not only be presenting yourself in a positive light, but you will probably also get more traffic on your blog.
If you think that pairing a nice top with your tracks will do the trick, you need to rethink your remote conferencing fashion etiquette. Here are some tips I have for the fashionistas who want to dress to impress for their professional video conferencing calls.
With work-from-home becoming a norm during the coronavirus-induced quarantine, video conferencing calls are more common than ever. Not that we haven’t done them before, but now is the time when we can expect to connect with colleagues and clients only this way, at least for the coming few weeks. And as professionals, we need to look as good on video calls as we do at in-person meetings. If you think that pairing a nice top with your tracks will do the trick, you need to rethink your remote conferencing fashion etiquette. Here are some tips I have for the fashionistas who want to dress to impress for their professional video conferencing calls.
Stick to solids
When it comes to clothing, stick to solid, bold colours that flatter your skin tone. Avoid stripes, patterns and plaids as they can create shimmering effect on camera. If you plan to wear white, check to ensure that it isn’t see-through. You may be tempted to dress till waist up because you are probably not going to be visible other than your shirt. But I suggest that you always make the effort of changing from night wear pyjamas to your lounge wear or something active as it makes you sharp and alert. Moreover, you may need to stand up at some point in time.
Pay attention to fits as well
You may think colour and patterns are the only things that matter while dressing for a video call. But cuts and fits need attention as well because anything that is ill-fitting gets noticed on camera. Ensure that your blouse lies smooth and flat as you sit. Prefer one with a collar as it makes you look professional and is easy to manage (with no chances of any inner wear peeking out… surely that are the last thing you would want!).
Accessorize well
With accessories, minimalism is the key. Simple jewellery is the best choice. Avoid dangling earrings and any piece that makes noise while moving because they can get you attention for wrong reasons. If you are in a less formal setting, you may opt for a simple scarf that adds some colour and appeal to your outfit. For the ladies who wear glasses, opt for a pair with non-reflective coating. Also, a head band is a great accessory to add style if you are having a bad hair day 😉
Have the right makeup
The right makeup is equally important- a caked up look is absolutely no-no and you can’t take a video call with zero-makeup look as well. Use a concealer and a light foundation to cover the blemishes and dark circles. Avoid the shine by using blotting sheets or setting powder. Define and contour your features, with special attention to eyebrows and cheekbones. Stick to natural colours for your lips. Keep your hair neat to prevent unruly locks as they can look really bad on camera.
My advice is to go the extra mile with your appearance while video conferencing and you will definitely be able to make an impact.
It’s lockdown time and my biggest challenge perhaps (besides coping with my WFH routine) is managing my 6-year old. A bundle of energy he is and needs something that keeps him occupied in body and mind. After alternating between craft, gardening and video games, I decided to try something I’ve always wanted to do in his company. Cooking, indeed!!
Though my idea may seem a little too ambitious with a child so young, I had this amazing recipe in mind which I knew he would love mixing up during his first adventure in the kitchen. So here we were, both donning chef’s aprons and caps, all set to whisk heavenly choco-cornflake muffins. And I’d surely want to share the recipe of these super-delicious and super-nutritious muffins with all the mommies out there.
This recipe is super-easy and incredibly quick, making it just perfect for young children. So go ahead and mix up these yummy muffins in just a few minutes!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time5 minutesmins
Cooling Time15 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate cupcakes, cooking with kids, cupcakes, no bake desert
Servings: 6
Calories: 75kcal
Cost: £4
Equipment
Pan
Mixing Bowl
Muffin Tray and Cases
Ingredients
25gmsButterPreferred Unsalted
50gmsDark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate broken into chunks
150gmsConflakes
2tbspGolden Syrupneed less if its milk chocolate
Instructions
Weigh the ingredients. I did it myself, with mylittle one helping to pour ingredients into the weighing scales. You can let older children do this by themselves though.
Put the cornflakes in a large bowl.Get it done by your junior chef because he or she will probably be able tohandle it on your own.
Put butter, chocolate, and golden syrup ina saucepan. A microwavable bowl is an alternative if you plan to cook it in themicrowave. Melt the ingredients over a low heat (or heat briefly in themicrowave).
Allow the mix to cool a little and pour overthe cornflakes.
Top them with chocolate eggs to make theminteresting, though you can play with your imagination by topping them withgems, jellos or even chopped fresh kiwis and strawberries
Notes
And your chocolate cornflake cupcakes are ready to serve.The recipe is super-easy and incredibly quick, just perfect for young children who are first-timers in the kitchen. And you can let the older ones make them independently. One piece of advice I have for parents cooking with little ones is to be careful with the hob. The best thing about the recipe is that each of the ingredients has nutritional value, which means that you won’t end up feeling guilty about serving an unhealthy snack to your kids. All the ingredients are easily available at home, so lockdown is not the reason to worry. The calorie count is low, so you can relish one without worrying about the scales.So go ahead and mix up these yummy muffins in just a few minutes!
