quinoa, glorious quinoa

I am so happy The NY Times published an article on quinoa (pronounced keh-NO-ah or, sometimes, KEEN-wah) because it is yummy and nutritious.

Basic Steamed Quinoa
Many recipes for quinoa suggest cooking it like rice, in two parts water for one part quinoa. This works, but the grains are fluffier if you cook them in three parts water and drain the excess water once the quinoa is tender. The tiny seeds swell to about four times their original size, so 1 cup uncooked quinoa yields about 4 cups, enough for 6 to 8 servings.

1 cup quinoa
3 cups water, chicken stock or vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

1 Place the quinoa in a strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.

2 Bring the water or stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the salt and the quinoa. Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and translucent, and each grain displays a little thread. Drain and return to the pan. Cover the pan with a clean dish towel, replace the lid and allow to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Fluff and serve.

Yield: about 4 cups, serving 6 to 8

Advance preparation: Cooked quinoa will keep for three or four days in the refrigerator and can be reheated in a microwave or in the oven.

a talented crew

Today was a very long, yet very satisfying, photo shoot day. I worked with an incredible crew of New York City talent at a stunning location. Noe DeWitt, the photographer, with his subtle sense of humor and easy going approach, made a tough day enjoyable. Here is some of Noe's travel work from St. Petersburg, Russia.
Jocelyne Beaudoin, the prop stylist, brought gorgeous things and a sunny attitude. Here is some of Jocelyne's work, which I pulled from her website.


Of course it was through the efforts of my photo department that the whole day went so smoothly. I learned a lot today, and feel fortunate to have been surrounded by such talented, and inspiring, artists.

The "Hair Straightner"

Getting the Best Hair Straightener for your hair

Once you have realised that using a hair straightener is the best hair straightening method - if used properly it does not cause much damage, it does not cost a lot, it is easy to use and provides the desired hair structure in no time, now the crucial part is selecting the right hair straightener.

There are several great hair straightener available in the market (though your options are limited if you are buying in India) – Morphy Richards, Nicky Clarke, Remington, Babyliss, Revlon, Vidal Sasoon, Sedu, FHI, T3, Maxiglide. But amongst all GHD Hair Straightener is our top pick. I have used quite many straighteners, but no comparison with GHD.

I would recommend GHD Professional Ceramic Hair Straightener to all.
They are fabulous. GHD styling irons are unbelievably more efficient than the cheaper varieties. With GHD’s your hair last straight longer, you don’t need to do each strand again and again just run it once or twice and your hair are straight and non-frizzy. It leaves the hair soft and shiny and of course perfectly straight (I have been using them for four years now and they are fab).

The GHD technology is also renowned for looking after your hair, as opposed to burning the life out of it. But frequent use of any straightener will damage your hair, so avoid the use as much as possible.

They score on safety features too. If they are plugged in but are inactive for a certain amount of time they automatically turn off to prevent fires. Their hair straighteners have a built in microprocessor which is totally unique and regulates the temperature 5 times a second, which is shown by the flashing LED. The new straighteners beep when they are hot enough to use, so you don’t forget they are on.

You can also create curl, waves or flicks with the new style GHDs due to the curved edges and create gorgeous ringlets.

They are expensive but totally worth it. They are a good investment – their good quality ensures they last longer than the cheap ones and give much better results.


How much do they cost?

Their prices start from about £109 (you can find good deals online). In India I think the price range is from Rs 10,000.


GHD Too expensive?
Read the guide below on selecting a straightener.

What to look for when buying a Hair Straightener

You may not be want to shell out an exorbitant sum of money for a straightner. In that case here are some important facts and features that you will need to take into consideration when buying a hair straightening iron (styling iron).

Plate Type - The first thing that you should look at is the ceramic plates. Your straightener must have ceramic plates. Don't go for aluminium plates.

Width - Does the ceramic hair straightening iron you are considering buying have different widths? A mini-styler is best for short or men’s hair. Wider plates enable you to quickly work through larger sections of hair making it ideal for thicker or heavier hair (GHD IV Salon Styler).

Weight - the lighter the better as it will be easier to use.

Heating time - How long does the hair straightening iron take to heat up? It is important that your straightener does not take too long to heat up. When in hurry this feature will be crucial. The GHD Styler’s plates heat up fast.

Safety - Are there any safety features? Like the irons should turn off automatically or beep if inactive for long.

Price - Well you should definitely not compromise on quality and buy a cheap bad quality product. After all it is your hair. You must remember that purchasing a hair straightener is a one time investment which will improve your life style for years. Within a good brand itself you can find range of options. Decide which one will be best for you and be light on your budget.

Where to find them?

GHD in India
The only place I have come across that sells GHD Styling Irons is Toni and Guy in Mumbai. You can also find them on eBay, but I will still prefer buying in a store.
Toni and Guy: 207-208 Allied Bungalow, Ground Floor, St. John’s Road, Pali Naka, Bandra (W), Mumbai. Phone: 022-26400163/169

GHD in United Kingdom
You can buy them online from GHD’s website. There are other websites that sell GHD but be sure of the product authenticity. If you want to see the product and then buy, many good hair salons stock GHD


But Remember

Ceramic flat irons cause considerably less damage to hair than less expensive flat irons that use metal or plastic heating elements (or have less ceramic on their plates). But the hard truth is this: regular, prolonged exposure to heat – especially if your hair is already damaged, chemically treated or thin – will cause some stress to your hair structure.

The impact of heat styling can be lessened by using conditioners daily – and if you notice tress stress, try deep conditioning once a week (even with home remedies like curd, avocado or olive oil hair treatments). Before heat styling, use heat treatments to prepare your hair for the process (let dry completely before styling). Make sure your hair is as clean and dry as can be - damp hair in a flat iron will sustain more damage than dry hair and could instantly frizz up. Unless, of course, you use a wet-to-dry - safe for use on damp hair, with the added benefit of eliminating the need for blow drying (you’ll still need to towel dry thoroughly and comb your hair out before ironing). And if you’re still using a traditional metal heated hair dryer, upgrade to one that uses ceramic elements as well – any professional hair dryer uses negative ionic heating to help protect hair, and dries much quicker so heat exposure is lessened.

One final tip: give your hair a break from heat styling on days when you don’t really need it! It’ll look that much better when it’s time to shine.


Disclaimer: Sedu Hair Straighteners are also considered one of the best in the world, but I did not yet get a chance to try them and amongst all the others, GHD straighteners are the best.


Related Posts and Articles:
Flat Iron Buying Guide 101
The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms
Ten Best Perfumes For Winter
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inspiring settings

It's November, and time to start thinking about Thanksgiving tables. Here are some inspiring and yummy settings.


photography by Mikkel Vang

Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe

It's time to begin to think about 'smart dressing' - creating different looks with one piece of garment without being caught wearing it again.

With your existing wardrobe you can use separate pieces of clothing and accessories, do your own pairing with them and create a unique outfit each time. With a little smartness you can be styling and saving at the same time.

Make sure your hair and make-up go with your look.

Magic: One key-piece - different looks
Scared of being caught in the same look twice? Don't blow your budget, just re-work these key pieces:

1. Stand-out blouse
Give yourself a fresh look with a stand-out blouse. Come out of blacks, greys, blues and whites. See how this emerald green blouse can be worn from a dinner date to a work meeting. And you thought this was only evening parties?




Night out: This chiffon top when paired with a sexy skirt (here we have paired it with a short tulip pencil skirt) along with high heels and a smart clutch will bring you in the spotlight. Don't forget to undo a few buttons. Complete the look with an eclectic necklace and you are sure to find men staring at you.

Dinner Date: Bored with your black dress, no matter how sexy it looks? Cannot wear your strapless or cleavage showing dress and is lying unused in your wardrobe? Your prom dress looks unfit for a dinner date? Well this blouse can change your black dress into a more interesting item and will also make your dress usable if you had been avoiding it. Wear your stand-out blouse inside this dress and see how your dress looks completely different. You can team it with your long high-heeled boots or strappy platform shoes with a matching (or metallic) clutch and win over your date in the first look.

Girly Lunch: For a more subtle look for the day, slip a pair of well-fitted denims pull over your blouse (you can tuck in or leave out, choice is yours; but if you tuck-in ensure you wear a belt preferably matching with your shoes). Carry a simple tote in black, beige, cream or brown. And here you are ready for your girly lunch.

Work Meeting: Layer the blouse with a knitted top or a cardigan, pair them with a formal skirt in black or grey, slip in to your court shoes, carry your tote or work bag and you are ready to go to the office. This ensemble will not only give a subtle look but also add a little zing to your everyday work wardrobe with a splash of colour and the girly chiffon in your top. Keep the other accessories simple, you can wear a simple pair of earrings with a pearl string. Even without it your look is complete. Don't forget you are going to work, you want people to take you seriously.

2. Dress
The checked dress was a runway hit this season (D&G). Alternatively you can also go for a plain or printed dress, but make sure you team it with the right accessories and clothing.



Night out: Your dress plus a stilettos or platform sandals and a clutch, an Alice band to add to the girly look and you are ready for the night out.

Dinner Date: Turn your dress into a strapless sexy blouse by pairing it with a black flannel skirt (don't forget to tuck your dress in). In the accessories department you can wear strappy black heels, carry smart purse/clutch, and most importantly don't forget to add a jewellery piece - it can be a stand-out ring or a necklace.

Girly Lunch: Create a day look for your dress by teaming it with a cardigan or a shrug and skinny pants or leggings. Don't forget your tote. You can carry this look for a girly lunch or to run day's errands.

Work Meeting: Wear a shirt inside the dress, slip in skinny pants or leggings and a formal pair of shoes (your black pumps) and you can wear this to work. Alternatively you can also wear a formal jacket over the dress to carry it to work.

3. Black Trousers
Who says black trousers are boring and can only be worn at work? See the four interesting looks worked from the black trousers for a - night out, dinner date, girly lunch and work meeting.



Night out: Team your trousers with an embellished top or dressy tunic and complete the look with zingy accessories for a night out. Don't make it too loud, if your top grabs the spotlight, keep the accessories subtle.

Dinner Date: A feminine top with a waistcoat (even a satin waistcoat will look fab) or a sexy cami top paired with your trousers along with a nice clutch and stilettos will work for your date. Be sure to wear a statement jewellery piece to complete the look. Here we have teamed a glam wristband with the outfit.

Girly Lunch: A girly top layered with a cape along with flat boot and a duffle bag is great for your lunch. The same look can also be worn for a shopping spree. For summers you can go away with the cape or may even replace the top and cape with a glam tee.

Work Meeting: A decent ruffle top matched with your black trousers with a shopper bag, closed toe shoes and beaded necklace can be worn for a work meeting. If you require a more formal look, wear an office jacket over the top and you are ready to take over the world. For a simpler look, wear a formal shirt and kitten heeled pumps with the trousers.

4. Vest or Tunic
One Vest or tunic can create many looks. Here I have re-worked the accessories and garments with the vest to create six different looks.

Most of the looks below are for the day. However, mixing your tunic or vest with the right garments and accessories can create a nice evening look. Tip: Layer the tunic with a satin/embellished sleeveless cameo and team it a smart pair of trousers, a clutch and matching stilettos to carry it for a night-out.




How to work different looks from one piece of garment
- Layering Layering and Layering!!!!!!! I love layering - it looks smart, can help hide flaws of a garment, conceal your extra bulges and creates multiple looks. Layering a garment is the smartest way to make one piece of clothing look different each time. Layering clothes allows you to mix and match a wider variety of different styles, and adds more dimension to your outfit. Sweaters, vest or jacket over blouses over t-shirts, formal shirts, dresses worn with denim, pants, leggings and so on creates multiple looks using same piece of garment.
- You can change your look by choosing different shoes, handbag and accessories to compliment. - Throwing a contrasting coloured shawl over your shoulders is also an excellent way to change the look of your outfit.
- Have fun with accessories, they are the easiest way to brighten up a plain outfit. Same outfit but with different accessories for day and night can create a different look each time (redo your hairstyle and make-up for the evening). Shoes, bag, some statement jewellery, scarf, belt are the key accessories that will help you re-work on one key piece to make it look different every time.


Layering and De-layering

Shweta Jaishankar at Lakme Fashion Week 2008:

In this picture Shweta Jaishankar gave her glam black dress a more casual look by pairing it with a shrug and flip-flops. The same dress, minus the shrug, teamed with a smart clutch, matching stilettos and dressy jewellery (just a nice pair of earrings or a necklace) can be worn for a dinner party or a dinner date.

From Oprah Winfrey's Show:

Incerpts from the show, "The fit-and-flare satin trench coat is a great evening look that Danielle can use after she lands the job. "When you're wearing clothes in the office, you have to think about versatility. It has to work from the office to the evening," says Adam Glassman, creative director for O, The Oprah Magazine. Underneath the coat is Danielle's interview suit—a jacket over a shift dress. The dress has some stretch to it, which is great for travelling.

"Everyone should have a shift dress in their wardrobe. You can dress it up. You can dress it down. It's really very easy and proper", he says."

Twinkle Khanna at HDIL Indian Oaks

I really like this style, teaming a shirt with a dress, especially the black and white ensemble. A very versatile style can be carried from a lunch to a dinner to work.




Interesting Links:
- Check out One Dress Six Looks
- Click here to Dress up the doll in different looks. ITS FUN!!

spooky halloween

My Medusa interpretation got a lot of attention at a Halloween party last night. Many said it was one of the spookiest costumes they have ever seen.

The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms

Welcome to Encyclopedia of Lip Balm! This single post is your one stop shop for everything I've ever written about lip balm! It'll be updated every time I try out or review a new lip balm, so check back often.

Inspired by the Encyclopedia of Mascara by Beauty Addict, I came up with the Encyclopedia of Lip Balm. It is one of the most essential beauty product and is found even with girls who do not use much of make-up. It is not a luxury but a necessity. Finding a good lip balm is often difficult, most of them give good results on application but within a few minutes you forget that you ever even applied something to your lips and you end up reapplying it again. This Encyclopedia will help you buy the right lip balm.

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Lip Balms are arranged alphabetically by brand. Starred lip balms indicate "Beautify's Top Picks."

Now a little bit about me, I have pink lips but they often get chappy so lip balm is my all time saviour, it goes with me everywhere. I prefer lip balm that instantly moisturises my lips, soothes my dry/chapped lips and keeps them hydrated longer; I am more into natural, organic stuff, so my lips remain pink forever.

So while you may not agree with every review here, these are my 100% honest opinions on all the lip balms I've tried. Enjoy - and feel free to post your own impressions in the comments!

And for those looking for a good lip balm - ELIZABETH ARDEN'S EIGHT HOUR CREAM (in tube) is the best lip balm, ever.

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La Mer, world's most expensive lip balm ($45 for just 0.32 oz; £35 for 9g), is also featured in the Encyclopedia of Lip Balms and is one luxury definitely recommended for your lips.

Lip Balm Encyclopedia

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Body Shop Born Lippy ****

Body Shop has a great variety of flavours in Born Lippy Range - strawberry, passionberry, rasberry, mango and peach, mint, watermelon and satsuma. Amongst all the born lippy lip balms I have tried, Watermelon is my personal

favourite. Leaves lips moisturised, soft and supple, smells great, gives a nice shine and a subtle colour to my lips (my lips look great after application). Lasts reasonably longer. It is also inexpensive, though the packaging is what I don't like - you have to use your finger for application which is not very hygienic. A tube, stick or lipstick case is preferable.
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Body Shop Lip Butter

The name butter will make you want to buy especially with flavours like brazil nut, shea (they smell great), but the good part ends here. The lip butter is greasy, does not last long (barely thirty minutes) and needs to be rubbed thoroughly to lips so that it spreads well. One good thing about it is after application the lips look great especially with the coconut lip butter.

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by Terry - Rose Lip Balm ****
This lip balm hydrates and nourishes the lips. It smells feminine (I am not very fond of rose fragrance though), sweet and light and also contains SPF15. Post application the lips for sure look kissable (and glowing) and feel good. It contains essential oils and natural ingredients like Rose Flower Wax, Russian Pastel Oil, and Shea Butter, while sunscreen and antioxidants shield skin from harmful environmental elements. Rose is also Mischa Barton's favourite lip balm.

Buy now

USA - click here to buy, $53

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Ceci Cela

They have Lip Balm (no animal fats or synthetic dyes) in two scents - almond and spearmint with a SPF 15. I prefer their almond lip balm. It leaves the lips extremely soft and hydrated and leaves no waxy-feeling or stickiness. Although I have observed that lip balms with SPF have turned the corner or my lips black.

Chanel Hydrating Lip Treatment ****
As the name suggests, this lip balm instantly hydrates the lips and makes them look and feel soft. It purely works as a lip balm, so don't expect your lips to get super glossy after application. And it also offers sun protection. It also lasts longer on the lips, I feel that this is one of the few lip balms that does not require frequent application. It comes in a black lipstick case that is easy to use and can be instantly identified as Chanel, through logo on top of the case, good for all those wanting to flaunt. However compared to other good products it is a bit pricey, but then its Chanel.

Buy Now

UK - Click here to buy, £18

Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm

This lip balm gives a silky smooth finish and gives a shimmery lip gloss like effect. Lips instantly feel soft, moisturised, plumped up and rosy. But the effect does not last long. If you do not keep reapplying often, the lips feel dry and chapped again. Also it is a little sticky, does not taste good and cannot be said as great value for money.

Buy now

UK - Click here to buy, £15

Elizabeth Arden ***** - I will rate it the best Lip Balm, ever.

Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream can be used to soothe, moisturise, protect and highlight skin, but I particularly love using it as an ultra-intensive lip balm and gloss. It's very soothing indeed and needs only occasional re-application when compared with similar products. It has a herbal, medicinal smell, which some may not like, but then the product is so good that you will forget the smell and even get used to it once you start using it. And the plus is, it is not just a lip balm but have many other uses - it is primarily used to "soothe minor skin irritations" and "for symptoms of chapping, peeling or flaking due to minor burns, sunburn, windburn, scrapes, abrasions or cracked lips" as suggested by the blurb on the tube. EA also has an eight hour lip protectant with SPF 15, but I find the cream more effective. My absolute favourite and even celebrities, models and make-up artists worldwide keep the iconic Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream tube at hand for all manner of beauty emergencies. It is indeed the Best Lip Balm available in the market.

Buy Now

UK - Click here to buy the 8 hour cream in tube for £20 or click here for 8 hour lip protectant in stick for £16.

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La Mer Lip Balm

La Mer Lip Balm (one of the world's most expensive lip balm; $45 for just 0.32 oz) moisturises and soothes even the most dry and chappy lips and lasts on lips for hours keeping them softer. It has a light texture, goes on smooth and is not greasy like most of the lip balms. It works on contact to soften roughness, relieve dryness and flaking and help heal seriously dry lips. Must have, especially in winters, if you have very dry lips. The balm contains an essential protein found in the arctic that helps insulate vulnerable lip skin from extreme conditions of heat and cold. Mint comforts the lips and enhances the balm with a cool, refreshing flavor. The results are immediate – lips look and feel smoother, softer, plumper – yet long lasting. A luxurious indulgence certainly recommended and I am sure you will love the taste. Liv Tyler loves the product and swears by it.

Buy now

Click here to buy online or get details.

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L'occitane Anti-drying Lip Balm

Comes in a stick, the case is not alluring and even the product fails to deliver the anti-drying claim it makes. It is sticky, leaves a waxy feeling, has a weird smell, tastes bad and the effect of the balm does not last very long. Though the balm stick lasts longer than the usual lip balms. Overall, the French company fails to deliver as it other products does. Not the worst lip balm, but definitely not worth a buy.

Nivea

Easy to use, cheap and effective. It is a good product and I definitely recommend this to men. Lip Balm for men is what I would say this is.

Buy Now

UK - Click here to buy

Shiseido Protective Lip Conditioner SPF10

You might have to reapply every fourty minutes or so, but otherwise the Shiseido Lip Blam is great. I love the silver case it comes in - looks great, easy to carry and easy to apply. It gives a great shine and gives my lips a nice colour after application. But you might want to consider other product if you don't want reapplication every fourty minutes.

Available at departmental stores worldwide.

Suki

They say it is long wear lip balm that heals and prevents chapping without a glossy or waxy residue, and I completely agree. This lip balm delivers, but is sticky and I do not like the smell. However apart from this, the product delivers all that is required from a lip balm. But not a brand that is easy to find (you will not find it in India). Highly recommend if you prefer natural and organic products.

Buy Now

UK - Click here to buy

USA - Click here to buy

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Vaseline

Most inexpensive and one of the oldest lip balm ever in the market. Soothes chapped lips and instantly fixes the driest and cracky lips. The packaging of this product is very simple and the tube is easy to use. It does not taste or smell of anything, which is good in a way. It is not sticky and doesn't irritate or sting. However the product contains petroleum jelly, which some dermatologists have claimed is harmful for skin. A few of my friends have also mentioned that regular use of Vaseline Lip Balm has turned their lips darker. I personally feel safer with natural rather than artificial/chemical products. Although all the lip balms use chemicals, but natural biotics are safer and less toxic. Especially since lip balm is something you end up eating, will advice to go for as natural product as possible.

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Buying Lip Balm

Take due care while buying lip balm. Please do not but cheap lip balms, as you apply them to lips and it goes in your stomach. You don't want to eat harsh, cheap chemicals which maybe toxic and cause damage to your health. If you do not wish to spend so much, use some home remedies. Apply milk cream (malai) regularly and as often as possible. Before going to bed, massage olive oil gently to your lips (generously). Buy only good quality lip balm and check the ingredients carefully.

Look out for the one that contains natural substances. Otherwise, it might irritate your dry lips instead of making them soft and supple. The lip balms that contain vegetable oils, like olive oil and almond oil, are the best for lips. These vegetable oils help lips in producing natural oils and become clean and shiny.

It is advisable to buy lip balm that offers sun protection, especially for summers. However, it is not necessary that it will suit your lips too. Some people are sensitive to sunscreen and they should go for the lip balms without any sun protection.

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And to conclude, The Best Lip Balm in the world title goes to Elizabeth Arden Eight Hours Cream.

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Related Posts:

Is your lipstick safe? - LEAD IN LIPSTICK

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