Sunday 19 February 2017

OPEN EYED MEDITATIONS REVIEW

Open Eyed Meditations is a self-help book written by well-known author Shubha Vilas (Author of the bestseller Ramayana-the game of life). I received the book as a part of Blogadda Book review programme. After receiving it, I was expecting to come across some tips to cope up with everyday problems through meditation. A different perspective towards meditation has been explained, we all think meditation to be a close eyed phenomenon but the author differs from this view held generally by people. After finishing the book, I have decided to gift each copy of it to both my siblings. I think it would be a great gift for our near dear ones. It is not just any self-help book but an asset with a collection of topics which everyone from all age groups can relate to. I loved reading each of the 64 topics, as each topic has its relevance in today’s world. I personally felt, few topics covered in the book are exclusively written for me, to guide me where I was wrong and reflect upon my actions, so that I could move forward without regrets.

 
Another unique feature of this book is the inclusion of short stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata under each topic. In a very lucid manner each issue has been discussed. The short stories make the book more interesting and keep a reader hooked onto it. It also breaks the stereotype that only Ramayana and Mahabharata are relevant in Hindu Mythology and has no significance in today’s realty. There are people who find Ramayana and Mahabharata quite boring, however this book has a great collection of stories which anyone will find useful and can find solutions to their problems
This book is so addictive, I finished reading it within 4 days. There is so much to learn from this book, it gives us deeper insight into our complex lives. I
can go through it again and again. Now my mother has started reading it, she is someone who is very choosy when it comes to books and movies. So far she loves the book. There is one topic ‘Who drives your decisions?’ made me retrospect my actions made in past. Especially I have taken career oriented decisions either out of fear or force, and those decisions have backfired at the end. These days youngsters are under immense peer pressure. Due to peer pressure they get easily distracted and focus on momentary happiness. Instead of harnessing their potential and developing skills, their focus is on romantic relationships, enjoyments and excursions. There are certain topics covered in the book which I find completely apt and suitable for today’s younger generation. I would like to suggest few such topics to them:
>Valentine’s day secret tips.
>Do you need what you shop or shop what you need?
>Is real love in kisses and gifts?
>Are you scared to be offline?
>Conditions apply- in Love.
>Can I hurt others without getting hurt?
>Why do people once I loved now appear detestable?

Several topics on leadership have been covered and enough examples and short stories are given which will be very useful for people to identify their blind spots and inculcate new habits and manners that will make them efficient leaders in their area of expertise. I kind of felt, as if am going through a book on Organisational behaviour and development but with a twist and difference. Essence of each topic is given at the end of the chapter in form of snippets. This book not only makes one reflect on career oriented decisions and professional life but also on personal and spiritual life. ‘HIGHLY RECOMMENDED’.
Review by: Tapaswini Swain
Author: Shubha Vilas
Rating: 4.5/5
Publishers: Fingerprint! Belief
Price: Rs 250/-
Pages: 279
Cover: The image given has a deeper meaning and gives certain hints regarding what the readers can expect from the book.


This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

Sunday 12 February 2017

SoulTree Ayurvedic Kajal in ‘Fern Green’ Review

Hello Sweeties,
Today I am back with a review on a very interesting product from the Ayurvedic brand SoulTree. So let us check out the review and pictures to decide how good their colour khols are.



What The Company Says?
Handmade carbon black collected from vegetable oil lamps combines with organic ghee (clarified butter) natural mineral colours and organic sweet almond oil to make this kohl safe and give it a colour that will highlight your eyes and keep them cool. Natural Organic Kajal made with organic ghee. Smudge proof and pleasant to the eyes.
Contains No Paraben or Lead
With Organic Ghee
Natural Mineral Colour
100% Natural
Not Animal Tested
Made from camphor and organic ghee the kajal has a soothing softness that keeps the eyes cool & clean. The natural pigments enhance the natural beauty of the eyes.



List of Ingredients:
Isoamyl Laurate, Ricinus Communis(Castor)*oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Candelila cera, Copernicia cerifera cera, Clarified butter (Ghee)*, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) butter, Garcinia Indica (Kokum) butter, Prunus dulcis (sweet almond)* oil, Mel (Honey)*, Tocopherol (Natural Vit. E), Camphor, Linalool**, May contain + or – Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499, Cl 77019, Cl 77891, Cl 77268:1, Cl 77288, Cl 77007 *From Certified Organic Farms **From Natural Essential Oils.


Price: Rs 350.

My take on this product:
Packaging: It comes in a twist up steel matte packaging. Packaging is very similar to their lipstick range. All information including usage tips, full ingredient list and number of shades available are mentioned in the outer carton. I have never seen such a funky, colourful and informative carton packaging. More than the product, I got interested in its packaging. :p Shade name is mentioned on the bottom of the Kajal casing.
Pigmentation: I have the shade ‘Fern Green’ with me from this range. I find it richly pigmented. It glides easily on my waterline and shows up nicely with two swipes. It does not require much layering thus would be liked by all. In the swatch picture, I have swatched once and you can see how pigmented it is.
Shade: ‘Fern Green’ is able green Kajal toned down forest green shade. If you are looking for one wearable green khol for your eyes, do not miss this shade. It brightens any dull look instantly and never looks gaudy or OTT. It is neither too bright nor too dull, I am a big fan of such wearable green shades.
Texture & Finish: It has creamy texture owing to presence of shea butter and loads of other carrier oils in it. But it sets into semi matte finish. It is not as creamy as other twist up khols we have in market that do never set. It glides effortlessly on my eyes. It does not sting and has slight cooling effect due to presence of camphor. It would be a great pick for people with sensitive eyes.
Staying Power: Staying power of this khol is way better than any twist up khol in the market. Whenever I swipe multiple times, it gets difficult for it to set and thus it smudges a bit. However, once it sets I have it on my eyes for 4-5 hours easily. I could see traces of the green shade on my eyes till evening. It does not smudge unevenly or does not make eyes look messy with time.
Availability: Available at several online shopping sites in India.

What I liked about SoulTree Ayurvedic Kajal in ‘Fern Green’?
-It is enriched with shea butter and several carrier oils.
-It contains organic ghee.
-It contains camphor and can be used for sensitive eyes.
-It does not sting my eyes.
-It is very well pigmented.
-It glides easily and sets to creamy matte finish.
-Its stays on my lower lash line for a long time.
-Some 13 shades are available in this range.
-Funky packaging.
-It is preservatives free and devoid of any synthetic colors or silicones.

What I disliked about SoulTree Ayurvedic Kajal in ‘Fern Green’?
-Price may seem higher to some people.
-It gets blunt with usage, cannot be sharpened.
-It does not stay long on waterline if you have watery eyes.

Rating:
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Shade: 5 out of 5
Pigmentation: 4.25 out of 5
Staying power: 4.25 out of 5
Texture & Finish: 4 out of 5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Will I repurchase it? Yes for sure, but in different shades. They have so many amazing shades, so would go for any of those.

My Overall Recommendation: Highly Recommended! If you are looking for a wearable green khol for everyday wear with decent color pay off and staying power then look no further, pick this shade up.









*PR Sample