Tuesday 26 April 2016

Quick Titbits - Granny's Prescriptions #7

#QuickTitbits  #Tried&Tested

Dadi Maa ke Nuskhe ~ Dandruff Free Hair

Dandruff is one problem that is faced by many...
We try so many shampoos but it always come back...
Below are 2 tips to get rid of dandruff permanently:

Tip #1: Lemon
It is well known fact that rubbing lemon on scalp leads to dandruff free hair
However it is acidic so regular use can make your hair dry and frizzy

Tip #2: Savlon
A popular antiseptic which works miracles on dandruff
Add savlon in water (1:5 ratio), a small tea spoon of Savlon should do
Rub it on scalp for few mins
Leave it for like 10-15 minutes
And wash off for clean hair
It's TRIED & TESTED

Love and Cheers




Sunday 24 April 2016

Book Review: Yama by Kevin Missal

#BookReviews

Title: Yama
Author: Kevin Missal
Publisher: Half Baked Beans
Pages: 166
Price: Rs. 175
My Rating: 3.5/5

Blurb:
A violent saint... A man who claims he is Yama, is punishing sinners by killing them according to the twenty eight hells described in the Bhagavat Gita.

Who is he? What does he want? Is he a vigilante or a psychopath?

A delusional hero... Iravan Rajpoot, an Ex- Black Cat Commando with a dark past is receiving letters with names and time limits. It's no sooner that he learns about the intended victims than they die within the mentioned time frame.

An ambitious reporter... Swati Kaushik, a widow and a woman who can do anything for success, must team up with Iravan to stop the God of Death and Justice.

Review:
I came across this book through its PR agent. When he introduced me to the book I was intrigued by the title and the cover. You have to admit that it is interesting and weird (in a good way). The first thought that came across my mind was - 'is this based on Yama God?' and I am sure if you read about it you would feel same, however, it is not the case.
The book is basically about a man who is sick and tired of what is happening in the world and decides to take matters in his own hands... While reading you get this dubious feeling like if he is a vigilante or a psychopath? In my opinion he is mainly vigilante, you can decide for yourself.

In terms of story, it is a good thriller. It is written in great detail and you feel it growing on you. In terms of other Indian thriller stories, it is very good. The suspense is well maintained, mostly...
At times, you are forced to self-reflect on your own acts as well, which can be good and also be very unnerving (depends on your acts :P)

Characters are nice portrayed as well. You can feel the frustration and stigma that they go through. 

There are couple of drawbacks in the book as well, which forced down the rating for me...
To start with the book reminds me of certain Bollywood movie. It might be a coincidence but it does create a weird aura when reading such heavy book. Another thing about the book, given its genre you cannot read it in one go, despite the length. I prefer reading books in one go but I couldn't. Took me four sittings...
Another issue is that there are 90 chapters... which makes it broken unnecessarily. With a book with 166 pages, 90 chapters is a little over-do...
Also, the type-setting of the book is weird but that is not a fault of author, this is how HBB publishes.
Another down side of the book is that it has couple of typos...

Apart from the above, it is a good read and if you like to read thriller, then it is a book to pick from an Indian author.

You can get your copies from:

Hard Copy:              Ebook:
  


I hope you enjoy the book.

The book was sent to me by Anuj Kumar, Kalamos Literary Services..

Love and Cheers

Monday 11 April 2016

Book Review: City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)

#BookReviews

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book 1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 485
Price: Rs. 640
My Rating: 4/5

Blurb:
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Demons. First of 6 brand-new collectable editions of the New York Times No. 1 bestselling Shadowhunter series that has swept the globe. City of Bones is now a major movie. Irresistibly drawn towards a group of demon hunters, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City - and the dangers of forbidden love. Gorgeous cover illustration by Mila Furstova, the artist who created the album art for Coldplay's Ghost Stories. Read all the sensational books in The Shadowhunter Chronicles: The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, The Bane Chronicles and The Shadowhunter's Codex.

Review:
I read a quote once, 'don't judge a book by its movie' and it is so true. 
I watched the series and although it was a little out there I liked the genre. It is full of mystery and all fantasy characters i.e. Vampires, Warlocks, Werewolves, Angels, Demons and Shadowhunters. Hence, I picked up the books. There are a total of 6 books in the series and currently I am reading second part. So far it is awesome. I loved the book and given I don't want to give a lot of spoilers, I am keeping the review very superficial.

The story revolves around a  group called Shadow hunters who are part angel, part human and it is their sacred duty to protect the world against all evil. This may sound a little cheesy but the way it is written is quite good. You would fall in love with lead characters (Jace and Clary) and would wish to be part of this hidden world. 

The plot is good and is well woven in the fantasy world. You wont feel any aspect missed out.

The lead characters are written beautifully, however, at some places it is over stretched a bit. The friendship of Clary & Simon, the bond between Jace & Alec is marvelous. You actually feel pity for certain characters here.

The only con of the book is that it is written in a little haphazard manner. While reading part 2 of the series I am realizing the striking difference.

Overall, it is a wonderful book and once you start reading it, you wont be able to stop yourself.

You can grab a copy from below link:


Hope my review helps.

Love and Cheers







Monday 4 April 2016

Goa Diaries #3: Get Inked

#Travel  #GoaDiaries

I always wanted to get a tattoo. Permanent one...

I have been requesting my husband ever since I got married to get one... He doesn't allow. Yeah, people say that you should do what you want but sigh!

Anyways, I got the opportunity to get inked in Goa, at least temporary one and I would like to share my experience.

There are two types of tattoos: permanent and temporary.

Getting permanent tattoo in Goa is much much cheaper as compared to other cities. I have asked shops for prices in all cities I have even been (well, it doesn't harm in asking!) and Goa was cheapest. Rs. 500 per inch. So if you get a 2 X 2 inch tattoo it will cost you only Rs. 2000, which is also negotiable.

Talking about temporary tattoo, you will get different prices at different places. Even on different times. The most expensive I heard was Rs. 200 per inch and cheapest Rs. 50 per inch. Both promises of 1 month lasting. The rates are higher when you go to South Goa because of limited options. The shops are a lot yes but then it varies by place. Like on beach it is Rs. 200, on road it is Rs. 100 etc. 
The cheapest is in North Goa around Calangate beach and it depends on time. When I went on Saturday evening, the guy said Rs. 100 per inch but when I went on Sunday afternoon, same guy said Rs. 50 per inch. So you understand now...
Well, I was so happy to get the temp one at least and hoped for it to last at least 1 month. However, not even 10 days and it has mostly faded. He asked me to not rub soap on it and I don't. still it fades. So, if you plan to get one, keep your expectations accordingly.

I hope my post will help you get inked
in Goa.

Love and Cheers.