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I recently had a eureka moment and couldn’t hold my excitement to share this amazing find with you all. But I first wanted to make sure that it wasn’t just a good day, but a sure shot formula, a magical ingredient, that totally works wonders.

So the ingredient I’m talking about is Goat's Milk. Something that I accidentally used at my moms and cant stop raving about. But before I reveal the secret… let me assure you that I did my own research and found that there are numerous hair and skin benefits of using goat's milk in your everyday products.

So the imperative question is what are the beauty benefits of Goat milk?

~ Goat milk is the same PH levels as human skin, so it maintains skin's natural acid mantle and balance.

~ Goat milk contains fatty acids that help deeply moisturise dry and damaged skin.

~ Goat milk also contains lactic acid that exfoliates the skin while maintaining moisture.

~ Goat milk is rich in proteins and thus deeply nourishes hair and gives a natural shine.

So when I heard the one of my go-to brands had launched an entire range of skin and hair care products infused with Goat milk, I knew I had to try it. I picked the products and here’s a snap shot of my experience.

The NEUD Goat Milk Face Wash

When I first used the face wash I could instantly feel the gently exfoliating and hydration. Its been a week since I’m using the face wash and I can see a clear difference in my skin tone and skin health. There is a deep glow as the face wash nourishes from within, making the skin super soft and smooth.

The NEUD Goat Milk Shampoo

The shampoo is by far my favourite product from the range. It lathers beautifully, and cleanses with minimum effort. The AHA exfoliates and the pH level maintains the balance of the scalp while locking in moisture, giving the hair a new lease of life with an exceptionally healthy bounce and volume.

The NEUD Goat Milk Conditioner

The conditioner is an amazing smooth texture and just glides onto the hair beautifully making the process extremely manageable. The vitamins and minerals in the conditioner helps strengthen each strand, reducing brittleness and breakage; and giving hair a lustrous shine.

The NEUD Goat Milk Lotion

The lotion is a great product in this range for all skin types as it is made of all natural product and so it caters to all skin issues including dryness and pigmentation. It also acts on age spots, wrinkles while brightening the skin tone. Goat milk is also said to promote new skin cells helping skin rejuvenation.

So if you are looking to improve your skin and hair care routines, switch to goat milk based products and I would highly recommend you to try the NEUD range, check https://neud.co.in/ for product availability.

Until next time,

~ Heena

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As humans, the biggest mistake we make is believing anything and everything we read and hear. However, another problem lies in the fact that we fail to ask questions to understand better and resign with the thought that we can do nothing about it.

One such topic we are ignorant about is Palm Oil… believing every myth about the environmental and social problems, including deforestation, child labour, forest fires and climate change that have been formed over many years. However how true are these assertions about the world’s most consumed edible oil? I wrote in detail about everything we need to know about Palm Oil in an earlier article here.

In a webcast organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, industry expert Bhavna Shah strived to create awareness about Palm Oil and debunked some common myths.

Myth #1: Palm Oil causes Deforestation

As per the latest European Commission report, deforestation can be both human and natural. Livestock ranching, agriculture expansion, logging, paper production, mining, urban sprawl, wildfire and climate change are among the largest contributors and the global share of palm oil plantation that causes deforestation accounts for only 2.3%.

Myth #2: Palm Oil requires large-scale Plantations

Palm trees grow on both large-scale plantations as well as small-scale family farms. Almost 40% of the palm oil production is undertaken by small-scale family farms, especially in Malaysia making it both poverty-reducing and economically progressing.

Myth #3: Palm Oil is Unhealthy

Palm Oil is a cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free vegetable oil with a composition of 50% saturated and 50% unsaturated fatty acids. It is a naturally reddish-orange oil that also contains high beta-carotene content, a natural dietary supply of vitamin A and E that help prevent chronic diseases and supports brain health.

Myth #4: Palm Oil engages Child Labour

Palm Oil is produced in a responsible manner that respects social norms ensuring a multi-pronged push via labour laws and effective implementation. Also with the farm-to-fork approach, each step of the cycle is mapped ensuring the policies are followed to make a lasting social update.

Myth #5: Palm Oil is only used in Food

Palm Oil is more versatile than any edible oil. It is used in almost all industries including personal care and cosmetics, biofuel and energy, pharmaceutical, industrial and many more. Almost all everyday products like food items, cosmetics, candles, soap, shampoo, detergent, biodiesel, and more than half the products in the supermarket have palm oil as an important ingredient.

Having said this, it is true that not all Palm Oil production is sustainable and produced organically. However, the attention needs to shift from the blame game to educating people.

Until next time,

~ Heena

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Disclaimer:

This article is written in partnership with the Malaysian Palm Oil Council to create awareness about Palm Oil, its history and way forward. The views expressed are independent and unbiased observations made by the blogger and the council bears no responsibility for the same.

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3 comments

A foundation garment like shapewear gives one a confidence boost when it comes to tight-fitting clothes and slinky fabrics. It not only helps smooth and contour the silhouette but also goes a step further to accentuate the shape. However, choosing shapewear that's perfect for your body type and lifestyle can be tricky, especially with the numerous styles currently available.

So here are the talking points which will help you make sense of this closeted clothing type:

What is Shapewear and what is it made of?

Shapewear is an undergarment style that helps create a smooth silhouette and sculpt your figure, particularly when wearing figure-hugging outfits. It often referred to as 'Spanx' after one of the most popular brands on the market, although they are sold by countless fashion and lingerie labels.

Shapewear has a reputation for being uncomfortable due to its compressive nature, but luckily, thanks to advancements in fabric technology, things have changed in recent years. One thing that hasn't changed is the role of such undergarments, they are built to make your clothes fit better and improve your confidence, whether you wear them every day or on special occasions.

In the wholesale shapewear world, Shapewear is dominated by two textiles namely elastane (spandex) and polyamide (nylon) that highlight the magical relationship between compression and comfort. Styles with strategically placed seams and intricate panels offer noticeable lifting and shaping, from soft shaping to firm contouring.

Full Bodysuit Lace Trim Front Zip

Bodyshaper
Just as the name implies, full body shapers help sculpt the body contours, including the waist, hips and tummy. These bodysuits may also be extended with a panty up to the middle thigh for a more comprehensive look. While there are body shapers that hug the midsection as a whole, many may find this style too restrictive. The best full-body shaper is one that has a front panel which clearly pulls-in the concerned area.

Bandage Detachable Straps Zip Ultra Body Shaper

Open-Bust Bodysuit
The open-bust bodysuit is not designed with a bra and is ideal for those who choose to pair it with their own intimates, such as bralettes or bras with greater support.

Tummy Training Latex Waist Trimmer

Waist Trainer Corset

A style borrowed from the Victorian era, a corset provides extreme compression in the mid-section to accentuate a slim waist. There are two types of corsets currently very popular, the waist cincher and trainer.

Lace Hemline Butt Lifter High Waisted

High Waisted Butt Lifter Bottoms
A high waist bottom helps tackle three problem areas... it clinches the waist, tucks the tummy and snags the thighs.

So what kind of shapewear is the most versatile to own?

A full-body shapewear from HexinFashion is the best full-body shaper to opt for, as they are the most hard-working piece of the lot.

4 comments

The lockdown has changed the way we entertain, especially with maintaining social distancing norms - heading out to watch a movie or a play or even go to an entertainment zone has become a huge no for us. One thing that has upped since, is consuming properties on OTT platforms. When the trailer of the ZEE5Club original series Bebaakee aired first, it seemed evident that it is a story of friendship, love, hate, revenge and much more between the lead characters Sufiyaan, Imtiaz and Kainaat. But as the series progressed I soon realised that it isn’t the run of the mill story that Indian audiences are accustomed to, but an extremely gripping emotional rollercoaster ride.

Image Credit: ZEE5

The three minute trailer of Bebaakee shows how the lead couple’s paths cross time and again leading to immense friction and eventually love. However a twist in the tale is seen with the entry of the second lead, that tests not only the love between the couple but also friendship.

As soon as the series launched on Zee5, I binge watched it straightaway. I have loads of reasons why this should make it to your watchlist, however here are the three most important ones, no spoilers here…

The Plot

Bebaakee is a story based on friendship between two high powered-super wealthy individuals who become business partners, and join forces as a family unit. Their sons grow up to take the business mantle forward, but the journey is derailed by the entry of a young middle-class girl with professional aspirations and unshakable grit. Soon the friction gives way to love, followed by misunderstandings and hate that asks for revenge. As the story unfolds over the 10 episodes (backlink to https://www.zee5.com/zee5originals/details/bebaakee/0-6-2909/episodes) , audiences will be overwhelmed with the twists in the narrative keeping them glued to the series.

The Performances

Bebaakee stands tall on the shoulders of Kushal Tandon who plays the male lead Sufiyaan Abdullah, a successful yet brooding young entrepreneur. In every scene he makes the audience feel the emotion he is going through, making the viewer part of the plot. When he says, “Deep down, you just love me’, gives me goosebumps. The debutant Shivjyoti Rajput as Kainaat Sahni is effortlessly convincing in her role as a girl who knows her mind and follows her heart. All the supporting cast including the second lead Karan Jotwani as Imtiaz Alqaazi have done an amazing job. The performances make for some excellent scenes and the show a delight to watch.

Image Credit: ZEE5

The Direction

Babaakee has been directed by Muzammil Desai, who has an enviable portfolio of work behind him, including some of the longest running shows on Indian television. With his experience he brings in some spectacular visuals, amazing background score and of course the ability to extract amazing performances. Being a pro at family dramas, Muzammil Desai has infused the series with the panache of the elite while keeping it fresh with young love, jealousy and revenge. With an IMDb rating of 9.3, this series is unmissable.

Kya es baachpan ki dosti ka dastoor badlega? Ya phir #DilKiHitchki banagi #Bebaakee?

Until next time,

~Heena

2 comments

The pandemic is taking a toll on the world causing death, illness and above all economic, social and emotional strife. But in these times, it is heart-warming to see everyone doing their bit to help others. The government has announced relief packages, corporates are taking up causes and individuals are being supportive.

While all of us are fighting the invisible enemy in our way, we must realise and acknowledge that it is disruptive for children, especially for those that depend on corporate initiatives and programmes for their growth and development. I’ve known about the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme for some time now, it is a partnership between Nestlé India and seven universities. Nestlé’s #HealthyKids initiative has been committed to care, for a decade and in these times, they have kept up this commitment.

Nestlé’s #HealthyKids Launch and Expansion

The Healthy Kids Programme was launched in 2009 with a focus on raising awareness, among adolescents aged 10-17, about health, hygiene and nutrition. In 2014, Nestlé partnered with Magic Bus India Foundation to scale up the program with the same objective through the sports for development approach.

The approach focuses on using sports as a tool to educate the adolescents and encourages the idea of eating nutritious food and adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. However, with the nationwide lockdown for COVID-19, the programme has been tweaked to continue working on their mission and wade through the situation.

Stepping Up Their Game – Each One Teach Ten

The ‘Each 1 Teach 10’campaign was carried out with the idea that one person records a video of the proper hand washing technique and sends it to ten others. What happens next is that, each of those ten community sent it to another ten, and the chain of messaging continued. It was a smart use of technology; wouldn’t you agree?

It doesn’t end there! Visual messaging through posters, boards, books and videos were shared with children and community members, with an aim to curtail community outbreak. Nestlé’s team continued to purse their goals and mission. The team made special efforts to encourage their staff to continue the programme, virtually. Nestlé Healthy Kids Modules on health, nutrition and hygiene were uploaded on the ‘Magic Bus Academy’ a mobile based educational app. In addition, units on COVID preventive measures and safety guidelines were now a part of these sessions.

Using Digital Media to its Fullest

In areas where lockdown was lifted, face-to-face sessions were conducted. Whereas, in containment and red zones, the programme ran virtually. Digital media like WhatsApp and tele calling was used extensively to send out messages regarding the subjects. Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan training was given to the staff to educate them on the preventive measures.

What’s inspiring is their effort to draw markings in these communities and ensuring that everyone maintained social distancing. Results? Social distancing was practiced efficiently everywhere. Messages were sent on WhatsApp and phone calls were made to remind people of the importance of following the practice.

The staff and volunteers offered support to assist in the application of online ration cards and also walked families through the process of downloading, registering and using the Arogya Setu app. The team also sent out messages on WhatsApp on the benefits of this app.

The Door to Door Campaign

Personally, I loved the idea of the Door to Door Campaign that was carried out to demonstrate the hand washing and sanitization technique. What’s more interesting is that, the team followed community mapping and made sure none of the households were left out of the process. Every year, adults and the young come together and take part in various activities on this day. This year, however, it was celebrated virtually and proved to be a great success!

Assignments were given to the children on health, nutrition and waste management subjects with the intent of keeping them engaged and encourage learning despite their schools being shut. While doing so, they also emphasized the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. The efforts of the staff, volunteers and the entire team is highly commendable, where each of them is putting ‘another person’s interest above their own’.

No one knows how long this pandemic is going to last or how soon we will find a vaccine or even when everything will go back to normal. But I believe it isn’t going to take forever for things to get better. That being said, I am certain that we as individuals of the community can and will do what's best for all of us. So just like the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme, let's plan for the future, work on it and not feel stuck in the present.

Until next time,

~ Heena

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