Wednesday 27 May 2015

[Beauty]: Pond's White Beauty

I suppose this is the first time I have written about a so-called 'beauty' product. Firstly, because I am not considered a 'beauty' bloggers so brands/agencies tend to forget that I am also a woman who buys and uses their products and has a blog. Secondly, because I am never invited to those events. However, this time I did not have that excuse. Ponds is a brand I have been using on a daily basis, so when they reached out to me for their #InnerGlow Bloggers' Event, it was most awesome of them.

It was a beautifully put together event with a gorgeous spread of food (because that's very important too) and the flawlessly presented goody bags were the icing on the cake.

Need those pink cushions!

White Beauty Powah!

So pretty (and tasty)!

mmmmm .... freebies
So, after an evening of eating, tweeting and repeating, I came home with my package of Ponds White Beauty goodies to help me unleash my inner glow which was fast turning into grey grime in the sweltering summer. But I admit, I had a bit of a head start, as I was already using the face wash and day cream. So I took the Ponds 7 Day Journey and here's how it went down.

Day 1:  Being a teacher means that I have be to in the sun at the harshest time of the day and  that has clearly taken a toll on my skin. Damn, even my smile is a half smile!



Day 2: Quick beauty regime before I head out at 7 am! Ponds White Beauty Face Wash, pat dry and a peanut sized dollop of the day cream on my face and neck and I'm good to go.

Day 3: Not sure if I should be re-applying the day cream as I head out of school at 1 pm. The good thing is that is non-sticky and non-oily.

Day 4: Skin feels less oily and heavy. It's easier to clean and some of the sun blemishes seem lighter.

Day 5:  Forgot to apply my day cream before leaving the house. Luckily, I am now carrying it in my purse.

Day 6: It seems that my skin is doing much better this summer than any other summer before it.

Day 7: Back in my happy place. Skin seems to be regaining it's color and joy. 



 Here's the part about the Ponds White Beauty line - it's actually about bringing your skin back to it's original color and texture, not about being 'gori gori'. It is easily available and affordable. Karachi summers can be debilitating, don't let yourself look that way at least.  Check out Ponds on Twitter and Facebook for more information and some fun giveaway activities to unlock your inner glow!




Saturday 23 May 2015

[Music] 5 World Music Picks Everyone Can Love

Cliched as it may sound, music really has no boundaries. It's good to move to a different beat now and then.

Souad Massi - Ilham




This Algerian song bird has captured my imagination ever since I discovered this song deep in the CityFM89 archives. She is a respite from the painted divas of Arab pop music and her music (much like her) is boho-folk-chic.

Ratu - Teman Tapi Mesra





This is a fun one! Super-hot-now-disbanded-girl-pop-duo from Indonesia, Ratu are singing about how to throw shade at a friend who wants to be more than just a friend. Yes, I understand Bahasa Indonesia and Malaysia.

TTC - Travailler (Orgasmic Remix)





Everything sounds better in French! Especially when they are talking about not wanting to work and sleep instead. Sounds like me, every single day. 


Cheb Khaled - Cest La Vie




Cheb Khaled is back! Not so 'cheb' ie young anymore but still making fun French-Algerian-Rai music. In this one, he talks to an ex, explaining how he does not regret any time spent with her and all that jazz. 

Shahzad Adeel - Afghan Premier League Theme Song


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I first heard this song in a football stadium in Kabul, during an Afghan Premier League quarter final game and it was absolutely electric! 

Got any more world music suggestions? Leave a link in the comments!





Friday 15 May 2015

[Event]: Mother's Day at Dolmen Mall Clifton

Everyday is Mother's Day and all that jazz.  However, if sales and celebrations are anything to go by, it is clearly not everyday! There were some pretty dazzling sales, deals and offers all across the city - making it a great time for lazy and stingy shoppers like myself. I did have to push and shove across the crowds and fighting ladies but the discounts were worth it. I opted to stick to my favorite mall in the city - Dolmen Mall Clifton for two reasons: best air-conditioning and random expats.

For the Mother's Day weekend from 8th to 10th May, the mall was a vision in pink, Pale pink and blue panels adorned the walls and pillars with a simple 'I Love Mom' message that made for a great backdrop for making your own Mom's Day card.


There was also a pretty neat activity area with a photobooth, DJ dedication booth, flower and confectionary shop and lots of giveaways. I even won a free kurta from Sheep by winning a mom-daughter challenge conducted by Radio1FM91. YEAH! All in all, the whole space was made for being Instagrammed.


Desserts by The Cakery were available for sale. If you didn't buy any, it's okay. They were below average in taste and ridiculously above average in price. I paid Rs 350 for a regular sized brownie that was dry and tasteless. Needless to say, I won't be spending any money on The Cakery again. 



See that tunnel? It's made of pretend pink roses that smell of perfume!




Anyone who knows me knows that I am a die-hard Dolmen Mall loyalist and I have some strong reasoning to go with it. DMC is making real efforts toward making the space a recreation spot as opposed to just a 'bazar' where people come to shop - this is where many other malls in the city have failed. I did all my Mom's Day shopping from DMC - fuss free, discounted and I even won a prize (which never happens)!