Get Ready With Me - Ganesha Chathurthi Festival

Hello there,

Today's video is on the look that I wore on Ganesha Chathurthi. It is a hindu festival celebrated in the honor of Lord Ganesha on Shukla Chathurthi (4th day of the first fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada (according to the hindu calendar), which is during the months of August or September according to the Western Calendar.

This festival is celebrated in all parts of India and is very close to my heart for a lot of reasons:

a. I LOVE Lord Ganesha. He is my favorite and someone I talk to about anything, be it good or bad.
b. This is the festival that is celebrated on a large scale at home. ;) My entire family is at home and we eat, pray and enjoy together. :)
c. The fooddd...!!! ;) you get to eat a lot and have a lot of options to choose from. The most common being Kadabu (in Kannada, my mother tongue) or Modak, which is a sweet dumpling and is also Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet. I tried my hand in cooking these scrumptious delicacies  for the first time, some minor bloopers ;) but, my husband had raving reviews and for me, his reviews count. Yayy.. ;)

Kadabu prepared by me.

This year was a little different as my husband and I celebrated it in the U.S. It was the first year we celebrated this festival together as a family and also, in a different country. The down side to it was that we missed our families back home. However, visiting my aunt that evening made us feel a lot better.

This was what I wore to my Aunt's place that evening. 

If you want to know how I created this look, take a look at the video:

Products I used to create this look:

Moisturizer: Aveeno Clear Complexion, Daily Moisturizer

Primer: Colorbar, Perfect Match Primer

Concealer, on eye lids: M.A.C. Studio Finish – NC 42

Eyes: Tanjore Rush by Lakme, India

Liquid Eye Liner: Lakme 9 to 5, Black Impact Liner

Mascara: Maybelline Pump Up, Colossal Volum’ Express

Foundation: Revlon Colorstay for combination/ oily skin - shade - 360 Golden Caramel

Gel Liner: Maybelline Eye Studio, Charcoal Charbon

Concealer for face: L’Oreal True Match in the shade W 4-5

Setting Powder: M.A.C. Studio Fix – NC 40

Bronzer: L’Oreal True Match, Super Blendable Powder – cool.fraid

Brow Pencil: NYX Micro Brow Pencil Shade: MBP08 – Black

Highlight: Tanjore Rush by Lakme, India

Make up setting spray: MAC Fix Plus

Brushes I used:

Face:

BS-MALL Premium Synthetic Kabuki Flat Angled Brush – Foundation, Concealer 
BS-MALL Premium Powder Brush – Setting Powder

ELF Mineral Powder Blush Brush - Bronzing the face

ELF Blush Brush - Highlight

Eyes:

SOHO Brushes –Blending Brush - on the crease

BS-MALL Premium Synthetic Blending Brush – to set the concealer on the eyes

SOHO Brushes - on the lids

ELF Crease Brush – on the inner part of the lid

Outfit Details:

Saree: A gift by my mom-in-law
Jewellery: A gift by my mother in law again

Festivals are what bring families together. It is the time to eat, enjoy and also let God know that it is not just today we are thankful for but, we thank him everyday for everything he has given us.

Do share your festival specials with me...:) :)

For business enquirers, my email id is: samyukta.suren@gmail.com

Follow me on:

Instagram: samyuktasurendra

Twitter: samyusuren1490

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samyukta.suren 

Fight Stress with Yoga.

After having learnt Surya namaskara, today we will be discussing five other yoga poses that you can include in your yoga practice. The five asanas we will be discussing are: Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Veerabhadrasana 1 (Warrior 1), Veerabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2), Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) and Kandharasana (Bridge Pose).

Suggested Routines:

• Start your practice with Padmasana followed by twelve to fifteen rounds of surya namaskara and then, the other four asanas. End your practice with Shavasana (Corpse Pose).
• Start your practice with Padmasana followed by the other four asanas and then, practice twelve to fifteen rounds of surya namaskara. End your practice with Shavasana (Corpse Pose).

For details on how to do these asanas, take a look at the video:

Having discussed the flow of the routine, let us now take a look at the benefits of these asanas:

Padmasana (Lotus Pose):

NOTE: If you are a beginner, please keep in mind your flexibility and attempt this asana. If you are not flexible enough, start off with either Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose).

Padmasana is a crossed leg pose which helps in calming your mind and relives various physical ailments. This asana also helps in strengthening your legs and can be noted as one of the physical benefits. You can deepen your meditation while in Padmasana by associating a mudra. Mudras are various positions formed by our palms and fingers and these postures help in stimulating the flow of energy in our body. 

Benefits:

• ·        Calms and relaxes your mind
• ·        Helps in digestion
• ·        Helps in bringing your blood pressure in control
• ·        Extremely helpful for women who suffer menstrual discomfort

Kandharasana (Bridge Pose):

Note: If you are suffering from hernia or any kind of neck pain or injury, avoid performing this asana.

 

This asana helps in building shoulder strength and is excellent for correcting most of the vertebral disc problems. It is also an amazing asana for strengthening and toning your abdomen. This asana is very beneficial for the ladies as it helps in strengthening the reproductive organs and reduces menstrual discomforts. However, do not practice this asana if pregnant.

Benefits:

• ·        Excellent for toning of the abdomen
• ·        Increases shoulder strength
• ·        Helps in reducing back ache
• ·        Reduces menstrual discomforts
• ·        Strengthens female reproductive organs

VeeraBhadrasana 1 (Warrior 1):

Note: If you have high blood pressure, knee pain or arthritis, please do not practice this asana. 

This is a wonderful asana to strengthen arms, thighs and shoulders. This asana is named after a fierce warrior, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Benefits:

• ·        Strengthens lower back
• ·        Helps in increasing stamina
• ·        Improves body balance
• ·        Strengthens arms, shoulders and also helps in relieving stress from your shoulders
• ·        Helps in strengthening thighs
• ·        Improves flexibility

Veerabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2):

Note: If you have high blood pressure, knee pain or arthritis, please do not practice this asana. 

This is a wonderful asana to strengthen arms, thighs and shoulders. This asana is named after a fierce warrior and incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Benefits:

• ·        Strengthens lower back
• ·        Helps in increasing stamina
• ·        Improves body balance
• ·        Strengthens arms, shoulders and also helps in relieving stress from your shoulders
• ·        Helps in strengthening thighs
• ·        Improves flexibility
• ·        Helps in toning your abdomen

Trikonasana (Triangle pose):

Note: Do not practice this asana if you are suffering from migraine, diarrhea, neck or back injuries and high or low blood pressure.

Trikonasana is excellent to improve body balance. Unlike most of the asanas, the triangle pose requires you to keep your eyes open while practicing it. It requires focus and helps in improving body co-ordination.

Benefits:

• ·        Reduces stress and anxiety
• ·        Improves digestion
• ·        Decreases back pain, if any
• ·        Strengthens legs, knees, ankle and arms
• ·        Improves body co-ordination
• ·        Improves chest, shoulder and spine flexibility
• ·        Strengthens and opens hips, hamstrings and groins

Practice yoga at least two to three times a week and you will see the results in no time. It is not only a good workout but, also helps in calming and relaxing your mind. Do give these asanas a try and let me know how it helped you. :)

Happy practicing! <3

For business enquirers, my email id is: samyukta.suren@gmail.com

Follow me on:

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Neutral Eye and a Bold Lip! :)

Hi,

 Do you know what works best while going on a date? Neutral eyes and bold lips. ;) The eyes speak romance and the lips say passion and today's look is all about that. 

Watch this video to find out how I created this look:

If you've enjoyed this look, do not forget to give it a thumbs up and subcribe to my channel for more.

Products used:

• Moisturizer: Aveeno Clear Complexion, Daily Moisturizer
• Primer: Maybelline Baby Skin, instant pore eraser
• Concealer, on eye lids: M.A.C. Studio Finish – NC 42
• Eyes: The Nudes by Maybelline.
• Liquid Eye Pen: Revlon Colorstay – Blackest Black
• Mascara: Maybelline Pump Up, Colossal Volum’ Express
• Foundation: Revlon Colorstay for combination/ oily skin - shade - 360 Golden Caramel
• Kohl: Rimmel Eye Definer in Blackest Black for the water line
• Concealer for face: L’Oreal True Match in the shade W 4-5
• Setting Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte - Shade - 001, Transparent
• Bronzer: NYC Sun ‘n’ Bronze - Shade – 707 Fire Island Tan
• Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush - Shade – 08 Corallina
• Brow Pencil: NYX Micro Brow Pencil Shade: MBP08 – Black
• Highlight: Physican’s Formula – Natural Nude
• Make up setting spray: MAC Fix Plus 

Brushes used:

Face:

• BS-MALL Premium Synthetic Kabuki Flat Angled Brush - Foundation and Concealer
• ELF Mineral Powder Blush Brush - Bronzing the face
• ELF Small Tapered Brush - Setting Powder
• ELF Blush Brush - Highlight
• Vasanti Blush Brush - Blush

Eyes:

• SOHO Brushes –Blending Brush - on the crease
• SOHO Brushes - on the lids
• ELF Eyeliner Brush - underneath lower lash line

Outfit and Accessories details:

Jumpsuit (Wide-Leg): Forever 21

Shoes: Nine West

Watch: Guess

Earrings: Claire's

Clutch: Michael Kors

I hope you enjoyed this look. Never fear to experiment and look pretty. :) 

Happy Experimenting! :) 

For business enquirers, my email id is: samyukta.suren@gmail.com

Follow me on:

Instagram: samyuktasurendra

Twitter: samyusuren1490

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samyukta.suren

Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)

Love to and want to work out but, cannot find time to go to the gym? Do not worry; I have just the right solution for you – Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation). It comprises of 12 or more powerful asanas (postures). 

Few of the benefits of Surya Namaskara are:

• It helps in toning
• A very good exercise to improve muscle flexibility
• Helps in strengthening the spine
• Extremely effective in reducing body fat
• You look and feel young
• Calms and reduces anxiety
• Helps you sleep better
• Improves digestion

There are several versions of Surya namaskara. However, it is best to practice either one or two variations for best results. Practice twelve to fifteen sets of the Surya Namaskara followed by Shavasana (Corpse Pose) not only to stay fit but also, to stay calm and be happy.  Today, we will be discussing two types of sun salutations (these are the two I practice three days a week).

Type A: is the Hatha Yoga Surya Namskara, the most practiced form of all. It consists of 12 asanas and takes two rounds to complete one set. In the first round, the twelve asanas are done on the right side and in the second round; the same 12 asanas are done on the left. 

The Twelve Asanas:

• Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Keep your feet together and balance your weight equally on both sides and start from the front of your mat. Slowly breathe in, breathe out and bring your palms in front of your chest in the prayer position.

Pranamasana

• Hastutasana (Raised Arm Pose): Breathe in and lift your arms up and back. The biceps should stay close to the ears. This asana is practiced to stretch the entire body. Remember to only go as far as you can and do not over extend. 

Hastutasana

• Pada Hastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Breathe out and bend forward from your waist. Your aim should be to bring your hands either in front of beside your feet.
• Ashwa Sanchalasana: Breathe in and bring your right leg behind. Your aim should be to bring your left foot between your arms.
• Dandasana (Stick Pose): Breathe in and bring your left leg behind so that your body can form a straight line. This asana is similar to the plank. 
• Ashtanga Namaskara (Knee, Chest and Chin on the floor pose): Eight body parts (Two Hands, Two Knees, Feet, Chest and Chin) touch the floor in this asana.  Inhale as you bring your knees down to the floor. Make a note, your abdomen should not touch the floor.

Ashtanga Namaskara

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Lift your chest off the floor. Your elbows can be bent in this pose. However, your shoulders should not be in contact with your ears. Look up.

Bhujangasana

• Parvatasana (Mountain Pose): Exhale and bring your hips and tail bone up with your chest facing downwards. It should look like an inverted ‘V’.  

Parvatasana

• Ashwa Sanchalasana: Breathe in and bring your right leg behind. Your aim should be to bring your left foot between your arms.
• Pada Hastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Breathe out and bend forward from your waist. Your aim should be to bring your hands either in front or beside your feet.
• Hastutasana (Raisefd Arm Pose): Breathe in and lift your arms up and back. The biceps should stay close to the ears. This asana is practiced to stretch the entire body.
• Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Keep your feet together and balance your weight equally on both sides and start from the front of your mat. Slowly breathe in, breathe out and bring your palms in front of your chest in prayer position.

As discussed above, this completes only one round, on the right side. Now, repeat the same steps on the left side to complete one set of Type A Surya namaskara.

Type B: Ashtanga Surya Namaskara is another type of sun salutation.  It consists of 19 asanas and one round of this namaskara is considered as one set completed.

The Nineteen Asanas:

• Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Keep your feet together and balance your weight equally on both sides and start from the front of your mat. Slowly breathe in, breathe out and bring your palms in front of your chest in prayer position.
• Uttkatasana (Chair Pose): Inhale and bend your knees as though you are sitting on a chair. Raise both your arms above your head.

Uttkatasana

• Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold): Exhale and bend forward and let your hands touch the floor. Try touching your head to your knees.
• Pada Hastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Breathe out and bend forward from your waist. Your aim should be to bring your hands either in front or beside your feet.
• Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff Pose): Exhale and place your hands firmly on the floor with your elbow bent and your chest being above the floor.

Chaturanga Dandasana

• Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward Facing Dog): Inhale and move your chest away from the floor. Roll your shoulders behind and keep your knees off the floor.

Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana

• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog): Exhale and bring your hips and tail bone up with your chest downwards. It should look like an inverted ‘V’.  

Adho Mukha Shvanasana

• Veera Bhadrasana (Warrior One Pose): Bring your right leg forward in between your palms and lift both your arms above your head.

Veera Bhadrasana

• Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff Pose): Exhale and place your hands firmly on the floor with your elbow bent and your chest being above the floor.
• Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward Facing Dog): Inhale and move your chest away from the floor. Roll your shoulders behind and keep your knees off the floor.
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog): Exhale and bring your hips and tail bone up with your chest downwards. It should look like an inverted ‘V’.  
• Veera Bhadrasana (Warrior One Pose): Bring your left leg forward in between your palms and lift both your arms above your head.
• Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff Pose): Exhale and place your hands firmly on the floor with your elbow bent and your chest being above the floor.
• Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward Facing Dog): Inhale and move your chest away from the floor. Roll your shoulders behind and keep your knees off the floor.
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog): Exhale and bring your hips and tail bone up with your chest downwards. It should look like an inverted ‘V’.  
• Pada Hastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Breathe out and bend forward from your waist. Your aim should be to bring your hands either in front or beside your feet.
• Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold): Exhale and bend forward and let your hands touch the floor. Try touching your head to your knees.
• Uttkatasana (Chair Pose): Inhale and bend your knees as though you are sitting on a chair. Raise both your arms above your head.
• Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Keep your feet together and balance your weight equally on both sides and start from the front of your mat. Slowly breathe in, breathe out and bring your palms in front of your chest in prayer position.

NOTE: There are no pictures for all asanas. However, do take a look at the video for the entire routine. :)

Flexibility is not achieved in a day. These asanas might be tough initially also; you may not be able to do most of them on day one. Perseverance and practice is what makes anyone perfect. Give yourself enough time to learn them and do not give up as there is no short cut to hard work. :)

Happy practicing. :)

GRWM (Get ready with me) Shopping 'n' Dining.

Hi There,

My husband and I decided to go shopping and then, dinner at the mall. I planned on wearing something casual yet cute. Take a look at the video below to know what I wore and the look i chose for that evening. Also, find a list of products I used below. :)


Find the video on : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqQTHq0HYPI
                                          

                                               

Products used:

• Moisturizer: Aveeno Clear Complexion, Daily Moisturizer 
• Primer: Maybelline Baby Skin, instant pore eraser
• Foundation Stick: Revlon Photoready Insta Fix (Shade - 150 Natural Beige)
• Concealer (on eye lids and face): Revlon Colorstay – 05 Medium Deep
• Eyes: Fash Cosmetics Palette, available on Amazon (shades used – Light brown, white and coral)
• Kohl: Rimmel London, Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer (shade – 262 Blackest Black)
• Mascara: Kardashian Beauty, Ultimate Black
• Foundation: Revlon Colorstay for combination/ oily skin (shade - 360 Golden Caramel)
• Concealer (Brightener): Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, Dark Circle Eraser
• Setting Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte (Shade - 001, Transparent)
• Bronzer: NYC Sun ‘n’ Bronze (Shade – 707 Fire Island Tan)
• Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush (Shade – 08 Corallina)
• Brow Pencil: NYX Micro Brow Pencil (Shade: Black)
• Highlight: Becca in Moonstone
• Make up setting spray: MAC Fix Plus

The completed look

Brushes used:

 Face:

• BS-MALL(TM) Premium Synthetic Kabuki Flat Angled Brush (Foundation and Concealer)
• ELF Mineral Powder Blush Brush (Bronzer)
• ELF Small Tapered Brush (Powder)
• ELF Blush Brush (Highlight)
• Vasanti Blush Brush (Blush)

Eyes:

• SOHO Brushes (on the crease)
• SOHO Brushes (on the lids)
• ELF Eyeshadow Brush (on the lids and under the brow bone)
• ELF Eyeliner Brush (underneath lower lash line)
• BS-MALL(TM) Premium Synthetic Tapered Brush (on the lids)

What I Wore:

• Top: Express
• Shorts: Forever21
• Shoes: Lemon, India
• Bracelet: Forever21
• Wallet: Micheal Kors

Do let me know how you like this look and give it a try for sure. :)

Follow me on:

Instagram: samyuktasurendra

Twitter: samyusuren1490

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqQTHq0HYPIFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/samyukta.suren

For business enquirers, my email id is: samyukta.suren@gmail.com

Victoria’s Secret – Lip Stain.

I was browsing through Victoria’s Secret in London and it did not take too long for this beauty to catch my attention. She was there; shining bright and I could not resist and had to bring her home. I’m not sure of what you are thinking of; I was talking about the Lip Stains available at Victoria’s Secret. :)

Lip Stains - Victoria's Secret 

The description provided for this product on their website is:

“Get lust-worthy lips and glossy color that lasts with the lip stain you know and love, now with a sleek, new look. This stain provides long-lasting vibrant color with a touch of shine. Keep one in every purse for on-the-go lip perfection.”

The first lip stain I got my hands on was ‘All night long’, in the year 2012. The appearance of the product then, was a little different. Recently, I purchased another two shades (Eternal Flame and Stay Awhile) from the same line. As stated in the description, the lip stain has a new look now! This product retails at $10 individually, 2 for $15 and 4 for $20. However, I got these stains during a sale and paid $20 for four different beauty products at VS. This was a steal. ;)

The first time I tried these lip stains on, it felt more like a gloss. I thought this worked like any other gloss until I discovered that though the gloss dries away, the color still remains. This product literally stains your lips and that is exactly what I wanted it to do. :) The glossy effect lasts for about two hours whereas; the stain (color) remains for another four hours. Once the gloss dries away, the product does not transfer. The stain remains intact. This comes in a thin 7ml (0.23 fl oz) tube which makes it travel friendly and also easy to take it around with you, every day. These stains smell and taste so good. Yes, I did eat a little while trying them on and it caused me no harm. ;) Disclaimer: I’m not suggesting or asking you to taste it. What happened to me was an accident. :) These stains smell like candies and that lasts for quiet sometime.

Swatches in the Gloss Form .
Stay Awhile is a Light pink shade
Eternal Flame is a dark red shade
All Night Long is a Purple shade with a red undertone to it 

Swatches after they dry

This product has a thick and sticky formula; it literally feels like gum on the lips. However, once the glossy effect is gone and only the stain remains, it feels like you have matte lipstick on. I like this product more once it’s dry. I’m not too impressed with it when in the gloss form. The shades Eternal Flame and All Night Long appear darker in the tube than when applied. Though they appear as different shades in the gloss form, once dried they look the same (the colors are very similar). Stay Awhile is a light pink shade and looks more like a clear gloss when applied. I have always tried these stains without a lip liner and am not sure as to how they would work with a liner. My favorite shade is Eternal Flame which is a dark red color.

Lip Swatches - Gloss Form

Lip Swatches - Dry/Stain form.

Though these stains have a few cons, I will definitely purchase them again as they are convenient to use on a daily basis and more importantly, they do not dry my lips, even after the gloss fades away. I have always felt that the Victoria’s Secret beauty line is underrated. I have not heard a lot of people talk about their products. I have tried a few from their beauty line and if not loved, at least liked most of them.