Taj Mahal

'It appears like a perfect pearl on an azure ground. The effect is such I have never experienced from any work of art'. - British painter, Hodges

Hi everyone 

So I visited the Taj Mahal today and I really have no words just these two pictures. 

Have a great weekend.

Blessings, Love and Beauty

Printed Tees

' I've always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of  the fashion alphabet'.- Giorgio Armani

Yello

Here are a few printed tees that I recently bought.... 

So true!!!!! lol

I love a t-shirt with a cool message and here in India I have seen so many!!!!! Last week, I stopped a guy whilst walking to class just to read his tee - he must have thought I am insane!!!!!! But for me, I just love great quotes (I hope you have noticed....). 

Happy weekend Everyone

Blessings, Peace and Messages

Dresses for days!!!!!

'The finest clothing made is a person's skin, but, of course society demands something more than this'.

Mark Twain

Hi All, 

So yesterday I went shopping for new dresses (my mom will be so proud, I wear dresses maybe once or twice every few months - Not often).

Color blocking on my way to the mall. My hair was tied up in individual braids and then twisted into a bun. 

These pictures show just a small corner of the shop I went to called Pantaloons.

What I went home with.

This photo doesn't do this dress justice, its got this 'Gold' border all around, as well as the buttons. And it ties at the back. Its more of an evening wear dress.

 simple yet stylish over black leggings

what I would call a 'homey' dress.  

These next dresses are the three I picked up from the market.

 Another evening wear dress. 

Wow, still cant believe I bought such a color but it looks great on me, lol

My Favorite. I love the detailing on this dress.  

 All these dresses can be worn over leggings or just as is. For me, they come just to my knees. Ohhhhhh and I bought new leggings one black pair and one brown pair.

 So that's it, all that is missing now is some Saree's, some Shalwar Kameez (which is a 3 piece suit) and some Pashmina's scarfs, shoes and I am done. 

Blessings, Joy and Dresses

Certified

'You are educated. Your certificate is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world'. - Tom Brokaw

Hi and Good Morning

So I just wanted to share with you guys that Yesterday I became Certified in Ayurveda Pancharkarma Therapies!!!!!!!  

During my course I learned

History of Ayurveda

Basic Principles es of Ayurveda

Branches of Ayurveda

Herbal studies

Various Ayurveda Treatments

Different Pancharkarma Treatments

As well as Practical sessions in

Ayurvedic body massage

Bolus bag  massage with medicinal leaves

Bolus bag massage with medicinal powders

Massage with Medicinal powders

Ayurvedic foot massage

Ayurvedic back massage

Ayurvedic full body massage

Shirodarha (oil treatment for the head)

Herbal steam bath

Ayurvedic face massage

Ayurvedic beauty treatment

Shiro Abhyanga (Traditional Indian Head Massage)

Taught by Ayurvedic doctors and very experienced massage therapists. 

As well as lots more but I am running out of space. 

 So I am very proud of myself and the many hours I put into this (more than 200 hours) at the Kerala Ayurvedic Health Care center,  so I am taking a short break during April to travel a bit around India - Still haven't visited the Taj Mahal!!!!! As well as begin proper Yoga lessons, maybe take in an Indian cooking course, as well as Indian dance course. I am also on the lookout for a Dojang so that I can continue with Tae Kwon Do. 

Afterwards its back to studies, this time focusing on Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Advanced Ayurveda. Maybe if I have time add some Makeup and Hair Techniques. 

Ohhhhhh I already got job offers here in New Delhi!!!!!! How wonderful is that?!!!!! 

Onward, Forward and Beyond 

Blessings, Love and Certificate

No Words!!!!!

Hi all

I have no words to describe this feeling, I cant even find a quote. And I will add a special picture when the time comes.

 But I just want to shout out RED Bottoms!!!!! Yes, this morning whilst reading the morning Delhi Newspaper, I saw that Christian Louboutin is opening his second store here. He already has one in Delhi.

 STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!!

I just died!!!!!!

I love his shoes, I Need a pair in my life and well, I am NOW making it my life's mission to get my First Pair. I want more than one of course, but lets begin with just one shall we?

Now, we all fam here, so lets say a Prayer for me, that I will find a pair in my size?!!!!!!! Ohhhhh and my Birthday is coming up, how great will that be to have a pair for my 30th!!!!???

I don't even know if I will sleep tonight, tomorrow I am off to his store to check out his shoes.

Blessings, Joy and Red Bottoms

5 lipsticks for 50 Euros?!!!!

'Lipstick is really magical. It holds more than a waxy bit of color, it holds the promise of a brilliant smile, a brilliant day, both literally and figuratively'. Roberta Gately

Good Day Everyone

So recently I bought 5 new lipsticks for myself....... I went to the mall and was just browsing as you do and decided to get new lip colors since my mom and my sister took mine (ja, they never go shopping and the one time I do, they like my stuff and 'promised' to either refund me or buy the lipsticks for me - STILL WAITING). But they fam, so its ok........moving along....here is what I bought.

4 from Max Factor and 1 from Deborah Milano

Max Factor - Burnt Caramel (745)

Max Factor - Mystic Mocha (760)

Max Factor - Mulberry (685)

Max Factor - Ruby Tuesday (715)

Deborah Milano - Rossetto Milano Red (11)

Very happy with my buys!!!!

I also got a seriously lovely and biggish makeup bag included (it was for free - but I say I paid for it ). All that is left is eyeliner, some eye-shadows, blush, mascara, more glosses, maybe some concealer and foundation. I am not the type to wear full makeup, I can count on one hand where I have had on the full works - ONCE for my high-school prom/matric farewell----11 years ago!!!!!!and ever since its only eyeliner, some eye-shadow and lip-gloss.

So I figured since I am here and everyone kinda has the same complexion as me, why not use this opportunity and get the full works.

Even better, I am looking for classes where I can learn how to apply make up and do hair professionally!!!!!! Taking my time here very seriously and learning everything that I can, 6 months isn't as long as you think!!!!!

Blessings, Peace and Lipsticks

First Indian Outfit

'The expression a woman wears on her face is far more important than the clothes she wears on her back'. - Dale Carnegie

Hi all

So last night we (the lady who I am staying with Meme S. and I) were invited to dinner and I decided to wear an Indian outfit that I had recently bought. It comes with its own blue pants, but they needed adjusting so instead I wore black leggings - Finally got some leggings!!!!!!! Sorry for the string in the second picture, didn't notice until after. Also, I had my hair in a wash n go but I twisted the front part flat twist to the left and flat twist to the right. Enjoy!!!!!

Blessings, Love and Peace

30 days in India

'Life is a journey not a destination'. - Anon

Hi

So here is my thoughts on my first 30 days here in India and thus far only in New Delhi. I didn't really know what to expect when I first landed, I knew a few things

1) I would be staying with someone from Namibia

2) It will get Hot here

3)Most people told me its like Nigeria - filled with people, markets, spicey food and seriously overwhelming at times.

Everything else I Google'd or saw on YouTube. That's it.

So I packed my laptop, my camera and a small suitcase with very little clothing as hand luggage and a bigger suitcase with cosmetics (which I now regret) coz I could have bought everything here for much cheaper except for Shea butter and pure Aloe Vera gel!!!!!!

Off to London I flew from Stockholm and later I was on my way in a very empty airplane to New Delhi!!!!!! Seriously I had like the whole row to myself, plus the two in front an behind me.

The good

The people here are fabulous.

Beautiful and seriously friendly.

Very helpful. Maybe its because I just meet nice people where ever I go. But thus far have met nice people from my school, to shop keepers to people walking in the street.

My first experience of me crossing the road (seems like ages now) I was scared shit-less and a man asked me if I was new? then he smiled at me and told me just cross, cars wont stop for me!!!!! He walked with me till I got to the other side. Another experience was when my bus stopped in the middle of my journey home and everyone got off - I was told that this was the end and again a local man helped me get to my final destination. He could tell I was almost at tears, since I seriously didn't know what was going on (everyone was speaking either Hindi and their own dialect).

I love everything here, from the buildings, the food, to the clothes to the way people speak so fast - I do the same, so I totally get it lol hahahhahahha

The bad ( for me)

So many dogs!!!!! Stray dogs and stray cats (but mostly dogs) now I know I told y'all I like dogs but I am not a fan. And coming to a place a that has sooooo many stray dogs!!!!!! They keep to themselves and whatnot but still!!!!!

'White tax' (not sure if that's what its really called ) but basically its the prices that Non Indian or foreigners pay for almost everything. Food, clothing at the markets, entrance for sites - Taj Mahal 750 for non Indians and 20 for Indians. That sort of thing. It irks me, because even though when converting the prices into Euros or Dollars its nothing, but when living on a budget or being a student, it sucks. Majorly!!!!!!

Example: I was looking for leggings - simple black leggings. I went to a market and found a few, I figured hey I can buy 3 or 4 pairs. Now I know I have to bargain (negotiate the prices anyways so no biggie). the first price was 400 then I told the guy 250, he went to 350 and I explained to him that I wouldn't just be buying 1, I wanted 3, 4, 5 even....... so we went back and forth. Then an Indian women came and looked at black leggings then she paid 100 Rupees for it. And walked away, I stood and just looked at the seller and asked him why you charging me 250 but she gets 100 and I want 3 or 4 leggings?!!!! Lets just say I walked away empty handed and he didn't get my money.

Western Toilets. Nuff said. I try and go to places that have a sign that says 'Western Toilets'.

I have not been out to clubs or whatnot and I don't really miss it. However, I do kinda miss being comfortable in my own clothing. I don't like being so covered up especially as it gets hotter and hotter.

The language - as much as lots of people speak English here, that's really not the true case. It could also be because of my skin color and people think I am Indian and begin to speak to me. So the language is a slight barrier in everyday life.

The Ugly

Time Difference and Long distance from my family and friends sucks. I miss everyone. I have moments of home sickness but at least I have Skype, Facebook and Hotmail. But still being this far away sucks.

Also ..... how do I put this delicately.

Ummmmm I am still not used to spicy foods and well my system is still till now getting used to food over here. Its not pretty.

The heat, I hear it can get up to 45 degrees over here. And beyond. I am hoping that's a lie but I can feel the heat and boy is it hot.

There are other incidents that have been negative but I like to look at the positives and everyday is a new day to experience new things. And I don't stay in a negative mind-frame for long, so I don't dwell on it.

I prefer to have my glass have full if you will. Look forward.

That's really it. I have many more little stories but that going into my travel book (hint hint). I love it here, I really do its hard sometimes, I get frustrated because of waiting so long or things aren't like I am used to back home but all and all its been and continues to be a positive life changing experience.

Joy, Love and India

Threading Love

'Live each day as if your life had just begun'. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Happy Saturday everyone

So I just got back from my first threading experience and wow am I sold!!!!!! Why didn't anyone tell me about threading?!!!!!! I mean, here I was tweezing my own eyebrows for years (actually - my sister used to do it for me but got sick of me squirming each time so, I was forced to learn to do it myself).

Perfect eyebrows.....

Hair is pulled into a messy bun and a ouch-less black band over. Very Boho chic.

Don't mind that big ole pimple on my face - its getting to 35 degrees over here and my skin is still getting used to everything.
Excuse the small bumps under my eyebrows, I literally just had this procedure done like 5 minutes ago from the market and my face is still raw. I just applied some shea butter to the area and its clearing up.

I won't lie, I was scared. I am a scaredy cat for new stuff which may or may not involve pain. But the lady who did my brows assured me that it was painless and fast. And it was. And cheap to boot. I only paid 20 INR (I wont even bother to convert that).

What the lady first did was to apply powder to the area she would be working on and then she tied the string around it self and held the end in her mouth - kind of like what you see in old movies when people are tooo scared to go to dentists? and tie a string around the tooth and the door handle? Exactly like that. Kinda. You get me.....?

It was a bit weird for me seeing the thread so I had my eyes closed throughout. The sensation was a bit tingly, I mean you definitely can 'feel' someone pulling out your hair, but its not painful. I think this will be my new thing, now I just need to learn how to do this by myself - Hello YouTube!!!!!!!!

Overall I am happy and I think this is a wonderful way to celebrate my first month in India!!!!!

Month Recap - coming soon.

Blessings, Love and Threading

First Ever Bantu Knot Out!!!!!!!

'We all have good hair- as long as its healthy'. - Anon

Happy Friday everyone!!!!!

So yesterday I decided to put my hair into Bantu Knots, now I have tried this before and lets just say it was a major Fail!!!!! But ever the optimist, I gave it no more shot and this morning pleasantly surprised upon unraveling my knots. Granted I looked like a little curly Su doll, least its my own curls right?!!!!!

My mop top lol

Check these waves........

I made a curly......

I have my hair tied to the side with an ouchless band

Only three products used!!!!!

Products used:

Shampoo: Schwarzkopf Gliss - hair repair , total repair shampoo (first time using it). 'Cell repair system with 19 active ingredients. It reduces hair breakage by up to 90%, provides resistance and healthy shine as well as appropriate for daily use'.

Conditioner: (which I used as a leave in) Herbal essences ---- Totally twisted curls and waves conditioner with a fusion of wild cherry twist and jewel orchid.'Lushly defined waves begin with a high intensity moisturizing conditioner. It helps to remove the frizz factor and replenish vital moisturizers to keep your curls bouncy and beautiful'.

Oil: Dabur Anmol - pure coconut oil. I dabbed some on my fingers and first applied in the open areas around my knots and then added more to my finger tips as I unraveled my hair. Afterwards I just applied as needed to my hairline, behind my ears and nape of my back.

Three products and my hair is soft, shiny, bouncy and seriously smelling GOOODDDD!!!!!!

I will definitely do this style again, only this time with smaller knots. I want to see how that works out. I may have found a replacement for my mini twists!!!!!!

Have a great weekend y'all!!!!!

Joy, Love and Waves

Random thought....

Today,

I hate

Time Differences and Long Distances.

I took for granted being able to just pick up the phone and call you.

Or just come over and visit you.

I miss you.

Handmade soaps

'Soap and Education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run'.- Mark Twain

Hi all

One of the great things about India for a naturalista like myself is all the wonderful handmade products. When I first got here, I was in need of soap (I had brought my own Aloe Vera body soap - but wanted to try something else) so at a local market I came across a hand made soap from a company called Khadi. The first one I bought was Coconut Milk and Honey. Let me just say it left my skin feeling smooth, silky and so fresh. Like this.

So fresh, so clean. No make up - Really!!!!!!!! Instagram makes me look so good!!!!!

So recently I went back and bought another Coconut Milk & Honey bar as well as Sandalwood and Neem & Aloe Vera.

Coconut Milk & Honey

Ingredients: Coconut (essential oil) Jojoba oil, Honey, Milk Cascein (cascein is the main protein found in milk and contains 21 amino acids), Glycerine, Castor oil, Rose water and Soap base (vegetable oils).

Neem & Aloe Vera

Ingredients: Aloe Vera (essential oil), Neem Extract, Glycerine, Castor oil, Rose water, Soap base (vegetable oils)

Sandalwood

Ingredients. Sandalwood (essential oil), Glycerine, Castor oil, Rose water, Soap base (vegetable oils).

Here's the thing I like about these soaps, I know exactly whats in them. And that I like. Since I started making and mixing my own body butters, hair oils and creams, I have become a little bit 'obsessed' with what products I put onto my skin. I seriously look at ingredients now .....um....... lets just forget that little Herbal Essences conditioners haul that I just bought the other day m'kay?!!!! lol.

But y'all get my drift. I like knowing what I am putting inside my body and over my skin. I also like being able to identify and know what the benefits are in whatever product I am using. It makes me feel like I am really doing something good for my body. But that's just my thoughts. Thats how I feel. Now all I need to do is LEARN how to make my own soap and conditioners and I am done!!!!!!!

Note: I am not affiliated with Khadi, I am only sharing my experiences with their soaps on my blog. Sharing is caring. I bought these soaps with my own money. Please note, everything on my blog is about my thoughts, my findings and my own research. Not everything is for everyone. I do for me and share on here what my experiences have been. What works for me, may not work for you and vice versa.

Blessings, Love and Freshness

Herbal Essences'd out!!!!!

'You'll be free, or die'. -Harriet Tubman

Hi All

Sorry for the break in Blogging, but classes have been hectic and I found myself under the weather. Nothing toooo hectic but such is life. Am back, so that's what is important. Now I know I spoke about my no heat challenge and well, I decided apart from using Ayurvedic oils and herbs for my hair (new post) I will also be doing a lot of wash n go's and co-washing with Conditioners. So off I went to buy some Conditioners!!!!! Here is what I got.

Yep yep yep

Frizz Fighter - This one I actually brought from Stockholm.

These next ones I bought here.

Hello Hydration - with a fusion of orchid and coconut milk (moisturizing conditioner for dry or damaged hair)

Drama Clean - fusion of citrus blossm & green tea (refreshing conditioner)

Break's over - fusion of lavender & silk protein cream ( anti-breakage strengthening conditioner)

Body envy- fusion of passion flower sunrise & pearl ( volumizing conditioner)

Totally twisted - fusion of wild cherry twist & jewel orchid (curls & waves conditioner)

I will also be using them in my spritzers as well as for deep conditioners - adding some oils, maybe honey, puree babyfood banana and coconut milk or cream.

Well do reviews as I go along.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh, I just found out how much it would cost me to send a parcel back home to Stockholm (am grinning from ear to ear)!!!!! So Y'all know, these conditioners are gonna be boxed up right?!!!!! Well, not these EXACT ones. But you get my drift.

Note:

I am not affiliated with Herbal essences and I bought these products with my own Cash.

Blessings, Joy and Condition