Author

Sone

sugar detox part I (6)

What are the Sugar Detox Benefits ?

by Sone

Sugar Detox Benefits: This is the part one of the series on the sustainable long term, sugar Detox. In this article, I will list down, why you have to be convinced to do it. In the second part, I will discuss how I will do it…step by step…in a sustainable manner. Finally after a month…the same day I think it will be Women’s day :P I will share how this thing has worked for me  :)

Off late, I have started to observe general lethargy, tiredness…my cravings for sugar have increased and the very worst…my skin is developing telltale signs of tiredness!! Nothing worse than that :(

sugar detox part I (2)

I usually get into these modes of spring cleaning…be it my room, my table, my closet…and even me! It feels so great to just wipe all the negatives, all the pent up clutter and waste away and start from an empty fresh slate, is it not? It’s like one fine day…it all needs to be clean and fresh again…otherwise I just cannot rest in peace. I think it is some sort of an OCD or something…err …note to self :P

sugar detox part I (6)

Anyways, seeing how I had let myself go the past couple of months, I was on a lookout to spring cleaning my body itself. I started searching for ways to Detox. There were truckloads of them online…the juice detoxes, honey Detox…vegetable Detox etc I thought they were all great, undoubtedly..But not practical in the long run. Besides, I was looking at my symptoms…and you know what kept on popping up over and over again? SUGAR!!

sugar detox part I

I mean it’s so simple duh!! Actually, if you think logically, Diabetes, the most dreaded disease that causes premature aging; is caused by the Sugar Imbalance. Even if our insulin levels are perfectly normal if we keep on loading our body with sugar…that cannot be digested beyond a point. Have any of you been around a sugar plant..? Trust me the entire area stinks! Just imagine the condition of our own bodies…all that sugar rotting away our organs or getting stored as fat. Sheesh…so sorry for this amplified gore attack just right now! But you get the idea no?

I will list down why sugar is not good for you:

#1 Excess Sugar Speeds up Ageing

Oh, God! No point at all spending on high-end skin care products L Trust me the skincare products work…but it is a constant battle. Your skin’s collagen is literally killed by sugar. Say hello to wrinkles, fine lines and enlarged pores. Also, sugar and dairy are HUGE, like really huge, acne triggers.

sugar detox part I (7)

#2 Both Sugar Highs and Lows are bad!

Do you feel tired from the moment you wake up…are you looking for that extra cup of tea or coffee every day to keep you fresh? Tell me…do you have a serious urge to sleep after lunch or during the day? I am not asking about a 20-minute power nap. The 2 hours let me sleep thing? WAKE up now! These are all caused by sugar level spikes followed by sudden plummet.

sugar detox part I (4)

#3 Obesity

This is a no brainer. Sugar is a carbohydrate. Excess carbohydrate is stored as glycogen in the liver and even excessive is stored as fat. Not a good thing this sugar fat! Why blame your body!

#4 Sugar replaces essential nutrients

If you will satisfy your hunger with yummy tasty sugar-laden processed food…when will you eat your vitamins and minerals? What do you expect your body to do, if not act out? It’s time to replace these things!

sugar detox part I (3)

#5 It will lower your immunity

Bacteria…yeast…they ALL feast on sugar. In less quantity, they may be good…but who wants a colonial invasion of them in the body! No.No.No! Plus, sugar hampers the proper functioning of body organs… and delayed healing. If any of you know Diabetes patients, you very well know this. It is a painful disease…and if you don’t have it…please take all steps to be that way only!

#6 Tooth Decay

Who doesn’t love pearly whites? Dentists hate sugar…and they have a reason for it. It rots away your gums, makes your enamel weak…and gum inflammation can also lead to heart disease.

sugar detox part I (5)

I am sure…there are many, many more point about ill effects of excessive sugar. But I am sure the above few are enough to put you off!

Seeing all these, I have decided to cut my sugar intake…and be sugar addiction free in the long run.

Will I follow the cold turkey…21-day sugar Detox? No. I will not. I plan on a very workable, sugar Detox plan…which I will share with you in my next post. Let us try this thing together…hopefully, it will turn out great for us: D

2 comments
vegetable stew recipe

Chinese Stew Recipe Indian Style !

by Sone

Chinese Stew Recipe – Picture this: A cold winter evening or clouds looming outside. There is a chill in the air…the weather is cool and crisp. All you need to have a comforting meal. The recipe I bring to you today is just absolutely perfect for such times. A simple, yummy vegetable stew, that goes perfectly with rice or noodles. Grab a bowl, ladle the hot broth on and enjoy!

vegetable stew recipe (8)

Ingredients for Chinese Vegetable Stew
  1. 2 Onions, cut into quarters
  2. 2 Chilies diagonally cut
  3. An inch of ginger (macerated)
  4. 2 stalks of Lemongrass cut into 2-inch sticks
  5. Chopped French Beans 1 Cup
  6. Chopped Carrots (1-inch sticks) 1 cup
  7. Chopped Button Mushrooms 1 cup
  8. Quartered Baby Corn Strips 1 cup
  9. Any other Vegetables of your Choice
  10. 5-6 Peppercorns freshly ground
  11. Olive/Canola Oil to cook
  12. Light Soy Sauce 1tbsp
  13. Cup Soup Mix-any Chinese soup Variant of Choice
  14. Salt to taste

vegetable stew recipe (3)

Method of Preparing Chinese Style Vegetable Stew

To a heavy bottomed iron skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil heats up add ginger and chilies.

vegetable stew recipe (4)

Once the Chilies are crisped up, add all the vegetables except mushrooms. Avoid adding vegetables like mushroom, capsicum etc at this point. These vegetables release moisture and interfere with sauté of other vegetables. Cook on medium high heat all this while.

vegetable stew recipe (5)

Add the lemongrass stalks after a while. Once the vegetables have withered and cooked down; add the mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium high. Add the salt and pepper, followed by soy sauce.

vegetable stew recipe (6)

Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes. At this point mix the cup soup mix with 2 tablespoons of water, to form a paste.

vegetable stew recipe (2)

Add this to the cooked vegetables. Mix well and keep stirring the mixture, so that the soup mix gets nicely incorporated and loses its flour like the taste. Take care that the mix does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.

vegetable stew recipe (7)

Add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cook covered for 10 minutes. By this time, the stew will be piping hot, nice and ready to be eaten: D

vegetable stew recipe

Garnish with chopped coriander to bring that pop of freshness. The stew is best enjoyed hot over steamed rice or noodles. Ummmhummm…take a moment, and savor the joy of wonderfully easy comfort food!!

0 comment
Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 8

Masala Karela Recipe: We all know that Bitter Gourd or Karela, is a really nutritive and beneficial vegetable. But due to its bitterness, It has garnered a lot of bad press. So much so, that people actually dislike eating this wonderful vegetable. But, can you ever imagine anyone requesting you to make this dish..repeatedly?The recipe that I am going to share, is a favorite of my friends. They themselves are very good cooks..and surprisingly, they ask me to make this dish for them! Un-imaginably flattered, by the way, :P :D

You will not believe, how simple…and other world-ly delicious this recipe is!!

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 9

Ingredients for Spicy Bitter Gourd or Masala Karela :
  1. 250 gms young Bitter Gourd (mature ones will do, just remove the excess seeds)
  2. 4 Table spoons Mustard oil or frying
  3. 3 medium potato cut in wedges
  4. 2 Medium onions sliced lengthwise
  5. 1 Tea Spoon Dry Mango Powder(Amchur ) or Anardana (dried pomegranate seeds)
  6. Dried Coriander Powder 1 tbsp
  7. Turmeric powder 1/2 tea spoon
  8. Red Chili Powder 1 Teaspoon
  9. Salt to taste
Method of Making Spicy Bitter Gourd or Masala Karela :

Wash the bitter gourds well and scrape off the skin. Don’t throw the skin away. We will use it too ;) Remove the top and bottom corners of the bitter gourd and make a lengthwise slit. If the bitter gourd has too many seeds, take the seeds out.

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 3

In a small bowl mix all the spices. Take only half of the desired salt, we will add the other half salt later. Carefully fill the bitter gourd pockets with this spice mix or masala. Let the karela, rest for 15-20 minutes.

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 1

Now, in a heavy-bottomed skillet; add 4 table spoons of mustard oil. Let the oil smoke. Once the oil starts to smoke, fry the bitter gourd in batches.

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 2

Let the excess oil drain on a kitchen towel.

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 5

Remember the skin scrapings we saved? Mix them in the remaining masala and fry them as well :P

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 4

Next, in the same skillet, with remaining oil  add the onions . Let them fry for 2-4 minutes.

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 6

The moment they turn golden brown, add the potatoes. Let the two fry together on medium high flame for 2-3 minutes.o nice the potatoes start to fry, add the fried bitter gourd and mix well. At this point, add the remaining salt. This will let the potatoes and onion to absorb some salt as well.

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 7

You,don’t need to add any more masala or spices now.C ook on high flame for 2-3 minutes. Turn the flame down to low and cook covered for 10 minutes. By this time everything would have come together to make one delicious dish!

Spicy Bitter Gourd Recipe 8

Try this today,and let me know how it went :)

2 comments
Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes 7

This Party Popcorn Recipe will Make You A Star !

by Sone

5 Minute Party Popcorn Recipe: So it’s weekend :) Picture this, you have taken a long and luxurious home spa, or are really too lazy to go out in the evening. How does, staying at home and watching that favorite movie with family sound? Great no? What is a movie without popcorn then :P Ok,  the second scenario,you have a bunch of kids on your hand for the day,it may be a birthday party or otherwise. You know kids are picky eaters. What do you do then…hand them a bowl of yummy popcorn and let them have fun.. :P

I used to think, what is it about these cinema/theatre popcorn that is just too irresistible. I mean besides the usual urge to have popcorn, during a movie :P Caramel popcorn,cheese popcorn…candy popcorn? We spend so much money on this outside, we can make them in the comfort of our home…AND to our taste in less than 20 Rs! This will be a recipe of super easy party standard popcorn :) Its a bit sweet, a bit salty and a little bit spicy! You will love making it :D

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes

Ingredients for 5 Minute Party Popcorn :
  1. Normal Unflavored Popping Corn – 1 cup
  2. A small quarter stick of unsalted butter. If you don’t have unsalted butter, go light on the salt that you add later
  3. 1 tablespoon of Brown Sugar/White Sugar/Jaggery…whatever you feel like
  4. 2  pinches  of Red Paprika
  5. Salt to taste

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes 3

That’s all!!

The procedure of making 5 minute Party Popcorn :

Keep the popped corn ready. Simply load them into a pressure cooker or any heavy bottomed pan. Cover 95% of the top and keep on low heat. Let the corn pop tills you stop hearing the popping sound. It usually takes around 5 minutes.I generally don’t add any salt at this point.

Next, take the butter in a heavy bottomed pan which you normally use for making tadkas or heating oil for tempering. Add the butter to this with a drop of oil. Let the butter melt on low flame.

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes 4

Once the butter melts up, add the rest of the ingredients-sugar, paprika and salt to taste. Let this mixture bubble.

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes 6

Immediately turn off the flame and pour over the popcorn

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes 5

Quickly mix the flavored butter to the entire popcorn. Actually,the butter mixture is looking quite thick in the pictures. That is because I was clicking these while preparing the popcorn itself.

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes 7

You have to work a bit fast and mix in the flavored butter immediately while it is thin. That ensures an even and more diffused coating.

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes 2

Party Popcorn in 5 Minutes

Trust me,you WILL enjoy making this at home-and LOVE eating it :) Its simple,easy,quick and cheap :D

0 comment
Glossypolish Write for us

Jobs @GlossyPolish

by Sone

Welcome to GlossyPolish !!It’s always great when our readers contribute  ;)

Consider this post as a basic FAQ  for your contributions!

Glossypolish Write for us

Payment Slabs
  1. For products MRP Rs 175 or below Rs 100 per review (Word Limit 350 and above)
  2. For Products MRP 176 and above Rs 200 per review(Word Limit 350 and above)
  3. For General Articles Rs 100 per article (Word Limit 600 and above)
  4. Review of Avon and Oriflame products will continue to be payable at Rs 100.
Extra Perks:

Writers with 15 or more published articles in a month will be given access to new launches and PR products.

Payment Schedule
  1. Submit the payment info with links to “contactglossypolish “@” gmail.com ‘ , By 2nd of the next month. Payment will be cleared by 6th of the month.

*Imp Note: If you don’t submit payment information for an article within 3 months of the article being published, the payment stands forfeited. A long duration of time is provided, beyond this it becomes difficult for the team to trace.

Article Ownership and Copyright

Once you sell an article to us, the copyright of that article belongs to us. You are bound, NOT to reproduce the images and the content either online or offline. We do accept guest posts from makeup, beauty lifestyle and fashion bloggers. The links for such posts will be no follow.

What we expect from you:
  1. First and foremost, complete honesty. We hold a responsibility to our readers, please make sure that anything you write, will be accepted in good faith by the readers. No one should be harmed, because of any dishonesty at our end.
  2. No copy paste allowed in any form. Take out the time and make an effort :) No plagiarism AT ALL!
  3. No images to be copied from the internet for product reviews or recipes.
  4. While clicking images, beautify them. Make them an expression of your aesthetic sense. Pictures should be clicked with a camera, in natural/daylight. This ensures that the images are clear and you will not have to do the work again and again :)
  5. Finally, please be cordial. Any rude behavior with ANY team member is not welcome here.
Article Format

Please see the published articles on glossypolish for the format. We request to please adhere to the standard headings in reviews.

Notes :
1. We will not be taking up any nail polish reviews going forward.
2. No limited edition products to be reviewed.
3. It would be great to share the link to your published reviews as and when they get published on Facebook or any other social media of your choice.
4. No reviews for foundations/ powders/concealers of different shades will be taken IF another shade from the same product range has already been reviewed.
Please follow the following instructions :
1. Click images in direct sunlight only
2. Click images on plain white paper leaving ample space around the product.Please don’t use towels or bedsheets.
3. No beauty plus or any other app filter is to be used.
4.. Lip and eye swatches should be clear and not taken by a selfie camera. The swatches should be clear and dark so that the readers have a fair idea of the color.
5. Pros and Cons should be at least 10 in total. Most of you send awesome reviews. Sometimes, just filler words are used and no value is derived from them. Please make sure you don’t miss out any pros and cons.
6. Please run a grammar check before submitting work.
7. Make sure each and every heading is adhered to AND the proper full product name is used in all headings. Reviews not submitted in format will be rejected.
Brand Exclusions:
  1. Direct marketing brands like Amway, Modicare etc
  2. Lesser known and available brands, like Vedicline, Vaadi, Aroma Treasures etc
  3. Soaps and hand wash reviews.

To check if a product or article topic has already been covered-simply search  product name + glossypolish on google

If these sound good to you, welcome aboard :)

23 comments
Beenigma Face Cream

Who is it for? Beenigma Face Cream is a cult anti-aging cream that is believed to do wonders to your fine lines or any pores that may have been starting to become visible. This has bee venom in it. Don’t use if you are allergic to bee venom, yes that allergy can be fatal. Do a patch test. Also, it’s not vegan, obviously :)

Beenigma Face Cream

Price

AUD 125 FOR 50 ML or approx Rs 6500 for 50ml

My experience with Beenigma Face Cream

Packaging

My biggest grouch with the product is its packaging. It comes in a jar packaging that is extremely unhygienic esp. for the product. You have to store this very very carefully. Any exposure to damp air and the cream will go bad. This has bio actives and is extremely susceptible to getting spoilt. I lost more than half a jar of this cream to Delhi humidity and to be honest I was shocked to see a product go bad within a month. They should send it off in pump dispenser bottles for tropical and humid climates. I hate it when money gets wasted like this, don’t you!

Texture

It has a slightly waxy texture. The cream is on the heavier side. Apply just enough, don’t apply in large quantities.

Fragrance

Smells like beeswax to me.

Effectiveness

This cream takes a week to start showing effects. But apply it am and pm with other treatments i.e. sunscreen in the morning and serums at night and in a month you will feel your skin is more nourished, lines are diminished as are the pores.

What do I like about it?
  1. Actually works in improving the overall look and feel of the skin.
What don’t I like?
  1. God, I hate its packaging. See the rant above K
  2. It’s really expensive
Would I repurchase or recommend?

If you live in temperate or colder climates and /or you can afford this, by all means, go ahead. It’s an excellent product no doubt, but I rather look for a replacement than spend a bomb on this again.

4 comments
Balance Me Radiance Face Oil 4

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil Review

by Sone

I am reviewing much-acclaimed and awarded facial oil by Balance- the Balance Me Radiance Face Oil. I am someone who does not use any night cream. The reason is simple. I have sensitive and combination skin. Little bit moisturization suffices for me. Also, I am a true devotee to the skin serums. Under no circumstance can I skip serum/facial oil. So, using both a cream and serum is just too much for me.

Naturally, when I go looking for serums, moisturization is the next important thing on the list, after antioxidants.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil

Basic Info about Balance Me Radiance Face Oil

Price: 30ml £30.00
Natural/Organic/Vegan? Yes

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil 1

WHY DO YOU NEED IT?
  1. Dull skin: Amazonian Buriti Nut, Camellia and Rosehip Oils help to fade scarring, reduce redness and brighten
  2. Dehydrated skin: Delivers intense hydration when layered beneath moisturizer
  3. Mature skin: Ancient skin conditioners Yarrow and Benzoin improve skin’s natural luster and volume
HOW TO USE IT
  1. Warm two drops of oil in clean palms and massage across a cleansed face, neck and décolletage using circular movements. Apply under moisturizer as an extra layer of protection or alone as an intensive hydrating treatment. Use both morning and evening.

 

 My experience with Balance Me Radiance Face Oil

Packaging:

This oil comes in a transparent glass bottle with a dropper. Though not really travel-friendly, this packaging is overall sturdy and of good quality.

The dropper gives good control over the amount of product taken out.

Texture:

Lightweight oil that gets absorbed easily.

Dry skin- use 6-7 drops, oily /combination skin 3-4 drops

Usage and Performance:

Use nightly and as desired. The bottle will easily last you for 6 months or so. I have really sensitive skin and this oil has kept my skin well nourished and hydrated. I don’t think it has a massive effect on radiance, but as a night moisturizer, it is a ten on ten.

Purchase it when it’s on sale, you will not be disappointed.

But, buying it on full price expecting radiance…that’s not a good idea.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil 3

Overall Performance of Balance Me Radiance Face Oil

Positives:
  1. Packaging good
  2. All Natural
  3. Lightweight
  4. Gets Absorbed easily
  5. Does not irritate skin or cause breakouts
  6. Moisturizes well
Negatives:
  1. Does nothing for radiance
Would I recommend and repurchase it?

It is a good product. I would suggest it to girls between the age of 20-30 years as a nightly facial oil/ serum. Older beauties can add this to their beauty regimen but will need a good antioxidant to supplement.

More Balance Me Products?
  1. Balance Me Facial Expression Filler Review
  2. Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm Review
6 comments
Olay Daily Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Salts

Who is this for? Olay Daily Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Salts is For those looking for an affordable daily exfoliating and detoxing body wash that is not harsh.

Price

$ 5.27 for 22oz

Olay Daily Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Salts

My experience with the Olay Daily Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Salts

Packaging

Comes ins a sturdy yet bulky olay packaging. I would not say this is travel-friendly because the lid is prone to opening in travel.

Consistency

It’s a creamy liquid with blue light exfoliating salt beads in it. It lathers very well, a little goes a long way.

My experience

Olay body washes are one of the best out there. This one is not as moisturizing but is still one of the best body washes I have owned. The exfoliating particles are not strong yet my skin feels fresh and clean every time I use this. Since this is so affordable, it’s a good buy for me.

I feel it has a very standard body wash fragrance, nothing great there.

My overall experience with the Olay Daily Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Salts

Pros
  1. Affordable
  2. Value for money
  3. Lathers well
  4. Lasts long
  5. Does not dry my skin out
  6. Leaves a squeaky clean feeling
Cons
  1. Bulky packaging that is not travel friendly.
Would I repurchase & recommend?

Yes I would. It a really good buy.

More Olay?
  1. Olay Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Body Wash – Best For Dry Skin!
  2. Olay Moisturizing Cream – A Good Buy ?
  3. Olay Natural White Instant Glowing Fairness Cream
  4. Olay Total Effects 7 in one BB Cream SPF 15 Review
  5. Olay Moisturizing Lotion Review
  6. BRAUN Silk-Epil Pre-epilation wipes Designed by Olay Review
  7. Olay Age Protect Cream Review
  8. Olay Natural White Night Cream Review
  9. Radiant Skin With Olay White Radiance Brightening Intensive Cream Moisturizer With SPF 24
  10.   Olay Total Effects 7 In One Anti Ageing Foaming Face Wash Review 
  11. Olay White Radiance Brightening Foaming Cleanser Review
  12. Olay Natural White 7 To 1 Instant Glowing Fairness Review
  13. Olay Age Defying Body Wash Review
0 comment
Toni&Guy Smooth Definition Shampoo For Dry Hair

Who is it for? Toni&Guy Smooth Definition Shampoo For Dry Hair is For those looking for a hydrating shampoo.

Price

Rs 800 for 250ml

Toni&Guy Smooth Definition Shampoo For Dry Hair

My experience with Toni&Guy Smooth Definition Shampoo For Dry Hair

Packaging

Comes in a sturdy travel-friendly bottle. It has a squeeze packaging.

Texture/Consistency

A gel shampoo. Lathers really well.

My experience

This shampoo lathers well. First wash, it did make my hair soft. But you know what, every time you change your shampoo after a while, any new shampoo that’s even half decent makes the hair feel great.

Still, I was expecting this to be different. This, however, turned out to be just an average shampoo which did nothing great. After 3-4 washes, the dryness in my hair was back, ready to be saved by another shampoo.

My overall experience with Toni&Guy Smooth Definition Shampoo For Dry Hair

Pros
  1. Sturdy Packaging
Cons
  1. Expensive
  2. Did not work for me
Would I repurchase & recommend?

I don’t think it is value for money.

More by Toni&Guy?
  1. Toni & Guy Heat Protection Mist Review
  2. Toni & Guy Classic Shine Gloss Serum Review
0 comment
Forest Essentials Bhringraj Hair Oil

Forest Essentials Bhringraj Hair Oil Review

by Sone

Who is it for? Forest Essentials Bhringraj Hair Oil is For those looking for natural hair oil for hair fall and thinning hair.

Price

Rs 1350 for 200ml

Forest Essentials Bhringraj Hair Oil

My experience with Forest Essentials Bhringraj Hair Oil

Packaging

Comes in a luxury forest essentials bottle packaging.

Texture/Consistency

Is a red thick hair oil. Spreads easily.

My experience

Let me put the first thing out here- it does not smell good. But, this is the only major disadvantage here. It is very nourishing and there is a very visible difference in hair fall with this one. If you are looking for good hair oil, I’d recommend giving this a try. As you see I went for their travel sized bottle and would recommend you do the same. I think it will suit most people.

My overall experience with the Forest Essentials Bhringraj Hair Oil

Pros
  1. Actually effective in hair fall
  2. The texture is perfect and gets absorbed easily
  3. Sturdy packaging
Cons
  1. Don’t like how this smells
  2. So darn expensive
Would I repurchase & recommend?

It is a good product, I recommend this!

More Forest Essentials Haircare?
  1. Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser Amla Honey & Mulethi Review
  2. Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser Bhringraj and Shikakai Review
  3. Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser Indian Rose Absolute Review
0 comment