Amazon fresh - A new beginning? Reviews anyone!

Any review on Amazon fresh?

I recently came across Amazon selling fresh vegetables on its website as Amazon fresh. Amazon fresh is available across major US cities and requires one to be a member of amazon prime.

If you are in US and have availed this offer of fresh vegetables delivery at home, do share your experience.

Best essential oils to treat dry skin

There are plenty of products available for dry skin like creams and lotions, on the market shelf. Do they work well? Well, what I have observed is that they do more harm than cure. Mostly, these products provide temporary moisture, but in long run, all the alcohol and other complex ingredients can cause havoc on your skin and damaging it further.

So, here are the basic trusted essential oil which you can mix in a carrier oil of your choice for soft supple skin.

Essential oils for dry skin(pic courtesy -pixabay.com)

1. Two drops of palmarosa oil/rose-hip seed oil and 4 tsp of apricot kernel oil, in a tablespoon of Avocado oil
 
2. Two drops of geranium oil and 4 tsp of apricot kernel oil, in a tablespoon of Avocado oil

3. Three drops of rose oil and 4 tsp of apricot kernel oil, in a tablespoon sesame oil

Avoid using lavender oil, it can act as skin irritant.

Here are few links from where you can buy cheap yet good quality essential oil.

Athabasca Falls | Jasper National Park

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls

Enjoy!

Rearguard Falls | Rearguard Provincial Park

Rearguard falls is located just right off Highway 16. It is one of the most beautiful waterfall in BC.

Rearguard Provincial Park

Rearguard Falls 

Rearguard Falls 

Rearguard Falls 

Rearguard Falls 

Things to consider when on medication

Things to consider when on medication*-

• Cross reaction - A medicine's life cycle consist of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. From the time it is absorbed and into the blood stream cross reactions can happen due to presence of certain molecules or chemicals. It is very important to know which food to avoid when on certain medication for your safety. For example, some antibiotics can react with alcohol in blood and can have serious side effects.

• Course - If you are on antibiotics it is always advised to finish the course unless otherwise advised. This is to avoid the emergence of antibiotic resistance varieties.

• Dosage - Exceeding recommended dosage limit can have serious consequences and can also turn fatal. Choose dosage as per need, don't just pop a pill. Excess drug in circulation can have unwanted side effects on non-target organs.

• Other medications - Always cross check and confirm with your doctor or pharmacist if on any other additional medication. The drugs can react with each other. If you are on too much of medication cleared through liver, it can put burden on liver. In such case if in need of medication your pharmacist might suggest medication cleared through Kidney to avoid extra burden on liver for excretion.

• Notice - Notice any change in body like itching, redness, breathing difficulties etc. We are all genetically different, although drugs are said to be tested before being available in market, it can't be tested on individual basis. So, keep a check on any noticeable change in your body and report it to doctor for advice.

• Water - Drink plenty of water so that excess drug is excreted through urination.

• Food - Go for simple home cooked food to avoid feeling bloated.

*Always follow your doctors advise before making any decision

  

SMASHBOX Always On Liquid Lipstick shade - BIG SPENDER

Hello readers,

Today I am going to review another product bought on impulsion. Smashbox is very popular brand having great reviews online so on my last visit to Sephora I purchased a liquid lipstick in a shade Big spender. I wasn't quite sure about this shade but since there were very few shades and I wanted to try badly I chose this among the available ones. The other shades like Baja Bound, Babe Alert, Bang-Bang and Bawse, were either too orangy or bright for my complexion.

Smash box Always on Liquid Lipstick

Smash box Always on Liquid Lipstick ingredients

Smash box Always on Liquid Lipstick Shade - Big Spender

Price: CAD 28

Quantity: 4ml/ .13 fl. oz

Ingredients:

Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polybutene, Petrolatum, Cyclohexasiloxane, Kaolin, Disteardimonium Rectorate Beeswax, Silica Dimethyl Silicate Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Tocopherol Acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Flavor, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Carmine (CI 75470), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 22 Lake (CI 45380), Red 28 (CI 45410), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 30 (CI 73360), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Red 33 Lake (CI 17200), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15895)

What Product Claims:

• An 8-hour, liquid matte lipstick that’s specifically formulated to be comfortable and not dry out your lips. 
• 
  
• Delivers bold, lightweight color with a liquid matte finish 
• Advanced Polymer Technology makes lip color last up to 8 hours 
• Won’t smudge, budge or feather 
• Infused with Primer Oil complex to condition lips
• Precision tip applicator lines and fills 
• Range of vibrant, highly pigmented matte & metallic matte shades 
• Cruelty-free

My views you can use:

Easy and smoothe application, doesn't tug. The shape of the applicator makes it easy to apply on the outer corner of lips. Smashbox always on liquid lipstick doesn't dry out or adds moisture to the lips.  However, it does accentuate the fine lines on the lips making it appear bit dull. This one smells very chemically and artificial. Wear is long but not 8-hour. I think it is around 6 hours and after that if you eat or drink it feathers little bit specially if you have dry lips.
The shade Big Splender is muddy pink with brownish hue.

Overall score: 💗💗💕/💚💚💚💚💚
I really like the tip applicator. Considering the price, it isn't worth all the hype! I will not repurchase it again. Next time, I might try HUDA beauty lipsticks.

Biotique Bio Green Apple Shampoo & Conditioner Review

I got this product from India on my recent trip. Read on to know more about Biotique Bio Green Apple Shampoo & Conditioner

Biotique Bio Green Apple Shampoo Review

Price: $ 12.99

Quantity: 190ml

Ingredients: Apple juice(2%), Chinai Ghas (Gelidivum amansii), Marduk paring (Centella asiatica), Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Ghritkumari (Aloevera. barbadensis), Seb (Pyrus malus), Badam tail (Prunus amygdlaus oil), Narwal tail (Cocos nucifera oil), purified water.

My views you can use:

Smells strongly of green apple! The product claims to be totally free from chemical which is great but  hard to believe considering the color. As a shampoo and conditioner it is a good product which cleans the scalp effectively without drying the hair.

Overall score: 💗💗💗/💚💚💚💚💚

~Ren

Burt's Bees Cleaning Oil Review

Burt's Bees Cleaning Oil Review

Burt's Bees Cleaning Oil Review

Price: CAD ~16

Quantity: 175 ml/ 6 fl. oz

Ingredients: 

Caprylic/capric triglyceride, crambe abyssinica seed oil, isoamyl laurate, polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate, fragrance, polyglyceryl-2 caprate, argania spinosa kernel oil, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, tocopherol

My views you can use:

An innovative product from Burt's Bee with clean product list. This cleanser is an excellent product for people with extremely dry skin. It gently clean the skin and leaves a moisture layer. I am not sure if it will work for oily skin, but for normal-to-dry skin, this is a good product. 

I don't use makeup so I can't comment on how well it removes makeup.

Overall score: 💗💗💗/💚💚💚💚💚

Decent product! 

~Ren

Teak Rose 161, Revlon Nail Enamel/ Nail Paint Review

Revlon Nail Enamel

This weekend while I was wandering through Walmart cosmetics aisle, I stumbled upon this cute classy colour. Usually my quest results in more confusion and ultimately an empty cart as I just can't decide the shade. But, thanks to the person who last tried this shade and left it in wrong product section and there was no other shade to distract, I picked, tried and instantly liked! This also happens to be toluene and formaldehyde free.

Revlon Teak Rose 161 Nail Enamel

Price: CAD ~5

Quantity: 14.7 ml/ 0.5 fl. oz

Ingredients: 

My views you can use:

Very classy and sober colour which will surely suit women of all ages. It doesn't smell strong or damages the nail. If you have ever used Sally Hansen nail paints you might know how damaging a nail paint can be. Even a single coat of this nail paint gives a nice teak rose colour, which I absolutely love. This one doesn't chip much. 

Overall score: 💗💗💗/💚💚💚💚💚

A good nail paint free from harsh chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde. 

~Ren

Organika Coenzyme Q10 Moisturising Lip balm review

Fall is in the air and with that comes winter dryness and dry lips. So this season I was at T&T and among the millions of Chinese, Japanese and Korean products I noticed this product with fairly clean ingredient list. Read on to know more on this.

Price: CAD ~5

Quantity: 4.2 g/ 0.15 oz

Ingredients: Lanolin, Beeswax, Menthe Piperita, Tocopherol, Ubiquinone

My views you can use:
First I was hesitant to buy this balm because of peppermint in it. I don't like the tingling sensation balms with mint gives. Although this product has it, it doesn't smell or feels like peppermint at all, which is what I like. As far as moisturisation is concerned, it is an average product. Organic lip balm can't be used as a base beneath lipstick as it make the lipstick easily transferable. 
Although the ingredient list is free from chemicals, the ingredient lanolin is unsafe if it is derived from Sheep treated with pesticides or insecticides. Lanolin is a waxy substance produced by sheep to keep wool waxy for winter protection and water resistant.

I don't know if the lanolin in this balm is derived from sheep treated with pesticides or not. The pack mentions nothing.

Overall score: 💗💗/💚💚💚💚💚

An average product, doesn't cure chapped lips. It only provides temporary relief. Being a lip balm it has to be free from anything with harsh chemical or contamination. I am unsure if it is safe and cause no adverse effects if goes into the system through mouth.

~Ren

Skin Care tips for winter

Skin Care tips for winter | Dry skin

image source: www.pixabay.com

Winter is drying, but for dry skin people, it can be annoying and itchy too. The lack of moisture in skin can make your skin rough and scaly, making it look dull and aged. For mature skin, winter can be traumatic as it can accelerate wrinkles appearance. Here are few tips to protect skin from harsh winter and its drying effects.

• Say no to hot or cold water baths 

It actually seems like the most relaxing thing when you are back home from cold outdoor. You try to warm your nearly frozen skin to bring it back to life. But, in the process you do more harm. Hot water can strip off the natural oil and leave skin at the mercy of environment. Since winter air lacks moisture and perspiration is absent, skin can not replenish its moisture back. So, try to use lukewarm water for bath.
       

• Use a good moisturiser

A good moisturiser is the key to good skin. Since I prefer natural products I stick to diluted vitamin E oil. Being natural and high in antioxidants makes it perfect for winter. You can go for commercial products too but make sure it is non comedogenic.

• Wash your face with a mild cleanser

Keeping face clean is important but over doing this can adversely affect the skin. So be wise and be gentle. For extremely dry skin, simply cleaning face with honey can do both cleanse and moisturise the skin at the same time. Dry skin people should stay away form products with orange extracts, lavender or tea-tree oils. A dehydrated skin can be easily irritated so use products with minimal ingredient list.

• Avoid alcohol based products 

Alcohol is very drying. Many good herbal products too can have high alcohol content which can damage skin. So, skip products with alcohol, specially in winter.

• Use natural face mask with ingredients like avocado, curds, honey, oatmeal

• Eat and sleep well 

We are what we eat so take care of you inner machinery. Keep the junk out and nutrients in so as to tackle outside environmental stress.

~Ren

Kelowna Waterfront | Okanagan Lake | Canada

Watch beautiful waterfront in Kelowna near Okanagan Lake

Athabasca falls | Jasper National Park | Canada

Watch stunning and powerful Athabasca falls in Jasper National Park

Top 5 places to visit in Banff, Alberta

Top 5 places to visit in Banff, Alberta

Wild rose country! Alberta is scenic, beautiful and captivating. A trip to this place will always be memorable and truly cherished for lifetime. There are many things you can do here, but I am listing top 5 for someone who is on a short vacation and wants to have it all in a short time span. These are the ones you will see on instagram and wonder where on earth is this! The ones, if you miss, your trip might be incomplete. And yes, for the mandatory touristy selfie thirst these places are perfect quencher.

1. Lake Minnewanka

I haven't seen water as pure and clean as this one. The lake is aptly called "Water of Spirits". After all, Lake Minnewanka is no less than heaven and this makes it perfect abode for souls who could not get first class ticket to heaven. This glacier lake is simply mesmerising.

The water is ice-cold even in summer so if you can't swim, you still enjoy the place by taking a cruise in the lake to immerse yourself in it's bewitching beauty and tranquility. Perfect soul food!

The cruise guide gives some knowledgeable info on lake's past. You also might get lucky to see some wildlife in action. We got to see some big horn sheep and the captain was kind enough to steer it near the shore where they had come for feeding. Highly recommended👍

If you are into canoeing and kayaking, boat rentals are available. Hikers can hike around the rocky shores soaking their souls into the spectacular view. The beautiful Aspen tress around makes the hike even more enchanting.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka

2.  Lake Louise

Instagram's favourite! To know why, just google the images of this place. Be sure to go early in summer as it is flocked with tourists trying to capture its beauty through lense. This lake is truly majestic. Famous for its turquoise blue water, which gets its colour from rock flour that gets suspended in the water as the glacier melts. The luxury resort on its shore, Fairmont Chateau adds to its beauty.

Boat rentals are available so one can go for activities like canoeing to get closer view of  breathtaking Victoria glacier. If you are a hiker, you can also go for shoreline trail which offers amazing view.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

3. Ice field parkway and Columbia ice fields

The drive to Icefield parkway is so scenic that it is an added bonus to visit Columbia Icefield, it is an attraction in itself and quite famous for its views. You may get to see some wildlife. Actually if you are in Banff, you can see wildlife anywhere. Columbia ice field is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. You get to travel in a massive ice explorer that are used in Antarctica for expeditions. The explorer with giant tires makes its way through steep slope which is a thrilling experience worth every penny paid. You also get to see the close view of dangerous crevasses. As you reach Athabasca glacier you can have fun exploring the craggy old ice age glacier. The view is truly fascinating. 

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

4.  Glacier skywalk

Glacier skywalk is quite close to Icefield. The glass floored skywalk provides the real feel of Canadian Rockies with some adrenaline kicks. As you step on glass floor at the cliff edge above 918 foot over Sunwapta Valley , you get an amazing view of the wonders of nature.

I think I have actually ran out of words to describe natural beauty of this memorable trip. Hope this picture gives somewhat if not the complete picture of the skywalk.

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk

5. Moraine Lake

Glacier-fed bluish-green lake surrounded by mountains, seems almost unreal. You can hike, rent a canoe or just sit and enjoy the stunning view that nature has to offer. 

~Ren

DIY Hair conditioner for pH balance (All Natural)

DIY Hair conditioner for pH balancing scalp (All Natural)

Hi,

Winter is around and so is dry, dull lifeless hair! Most of us rely on conditioners available in market but those are loaded with chemicals which further damage the hair. Shampoos nowadays be it natural or synthetic are very drying and damaging. Attractive packaging, synthetic smell, added colour and a relatable commercial, is all that takes to compel one into this circle of hair -> shampoo -> dry hair -> conditioner -> dandruff -> strong shampoo -> damage -> strong conditioner -> more damage -> … This cycle is never ending if one relies on the supermarket products in the supermarket. Excessive use of irritants like lavender and menthol in natural products also damage hair and scalp. 

When it comes to personal care products, the lesser is the better. Some of the best conditioner that I tried (Yes! thanks to the adverts that make you believe that it’s an absolute nessesity) in past which made my hair soft have affected the quality of my hair in long term use. The build up is usually fast if one uses conditioner and it also weighs down the hair giving flaky scalp and dull appearance.

So, here is my recipe for natural conditioner which gently cleanse the scalp and provide nourishment with pH balance. Honey is a natural humectant so it locks the moisture, avocado nourishes and protects hair from damage while lemon and orange juice gently cleans and balance the pH. Unlike thousands of herbal and so called natural product in market, this conditioner has nothing that can possibly have an adverse effect on hair.

Ingredients:

1 Cup warm water

 3-4 Tablespoon of Orange juice

1tsp honey

1tsp lemon juice 

1/2- 1 tablespoon Avocado puree (depending on your scalp type) 

==================================================

Mix well to make a homogeneous solution

==================================================

Steps:

1. Shampoo and rinse hair thoroughly with tepid water.
2. Apply this natural conditioner on your hair (root to tip)
3. Let it sit for 15 minute.
4. Rise thoroughly with lukewarm water.

~ Ren