Glow Like A Star, This Festive Season !!

Hello People!

We have been receiving quite a few entries for our contest. Keep it coming! If you have not participated, do so now and get to win an amazing gift. I actually wish I could participate and win it myself :P ( the gift is that amazing!)

As for today, I am going to share with you beauty secrets from a beauty and skin expert. So this is what Madhurima has to say on beauty and how to glow this festive season.

Hello gorgeous ladies,
Busy getting things in place for the festive season? With all the shopping, decorating and running around, you have to take care of yourself, apart from taking care of everything around you. Thinking of letting your hair down with an expensive facial at a popular salon? Well, the results would last just for a few days. Do you long for a naturally glowing complexion? Here’s how to nurture and protect your skin so that it looks amazing forever.

Let me share some beauty recipes with you. You can find the ingredients to a healthier skin right in your kitchen!

Three things are essential for a perfect and glowing skin.

  • Right beauty products
  • A healthy diet
  • A stress free mind

These days everybody is running the rat race and have no time for themselves. This leads to a lot of tension and stress. Let me tell you a few ways to combat stress.

Battling Stress

Keep a spritzer of Lavender Mist – Hydrosol handy to spray on your face during the day, or apply lavender oil to the sides of your forehead.

For aching muscles
If you’ve spent a back-breaking afternoon in the garden, jump into a lavender bath to soothe aches & pains away. Apply Epsom salts & a few drops of Lavender oil to the bath and soak away the tension.

For glowing skin

The most important things u need in your glow kit are – a cleanser / face wash , a moisturiser, an exfoliator and a sunblock.

Cleanser
A wonderful facial cleanser is one that leaves your face feeling fresh and uplifted. It gently and effectively cleanses the skin removing any dirt or makeup without affecting the natural balance of your skin.

Make your own Cleanser
Take a tsp. of grounded oats and add a few drops of lemon juice to it . Make a paste of it and use it instead of soap or a face wash. Oats is mild on the skin and has natural cleansing properties. Lemon juice has citric acid which helps in balancing the ph. level of the skin.

Make your own Moisturiser
The best moisturiser for your skin is something you can pick from your kitchen. Mix sesame oil and cucumber and store it in your refrigerator. Apply a few drops every day on your skin and you will see the difference in no time.
Note: You will need only 3-5 drops for your face. Don’t use too much or else you will end up with an oily oily face.

Make your own Exfoliator
The most important thing in any skin care regime is exfoliating dead skin. As you know, dead skin tends to accumulate on the face makes your skin look dull. So it is important that you remove that dead layer often for maintain that glow on your skin.Mix equal proportions of orange juice, grape juice, papaya juice and lemon juice with rice bran oil (20ml). Store this mixture in the refrigerator and apply on your face and neck leaving it on for ten minutes. Wash your face with ground oats recipe as suggested above. You can see the difference within two applications. Do this twice a week.

Natural facial mask:
Natural masks are the perfect way to bring back the glow to you skin. Once applied it is best to sit back and relax. Do not put your facial muscles to work. The mask needs to dry properly so that it can do its wonders on the skin.

For a coolant and relaxant, try grated cucumber mask. Mint helps those suffering from acne. Oatmeal softens the skin and removes dead cells. To keep wrinkles at bay, make a mask of crushed ripe bananas. To tighten skin and close pores, beat an egg white with 1/2 tsp. of lime juice. Tomatoes help oily skin types.

Note:
These tips are for people with normal skin type. Those with acne and other skin issues are advised not to try these out. The others can try these tips on other parts of their body for even complexion.Make sure you get a good sleep of about six to eight hours. A balanced diet and some exercise will go a long way in making your skin glow from within.
Brighten up this season with your flawless skin and smile.
It’s time to spread the cheer!

Love,

Madhurima Ram

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Boy are we glad to have Madhurima write a guest blog for us. With about nine years of  experience in natural beauty care, Madhurima runs a company called “Aroma Essentials”. Her clientele includes many popular actresses and famous beauty parlours.

 

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by shopoteam on October 17, 2012  •  Permalink
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It’s time for the Navrathri Contest !!

Nine days, three goddesses and a million plus Indian women.  Shopo celebrates goddess Shakthi and women power all through this joyous festival. Come, soak yourself in the festive spirits with Shopo’s fun contests and cool tips.
So finally, here is the fun contest coming your way. Every one has a goddess in their lives; mother, sister, friend, or wife. Nominate the goddess in your life and win her a gift from Shopo! Tell us a little story which showcases either her strength, wisdom or generosity and the best story gets a gift.

And these are rules..

  • Please send entries to win@shopo.in
  • The winner will be announced on the blog, and notified via email
  • The winner will be picked according to our discretion.
  • Contest in on from 16th of October to the 24th of October
 

 

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by shopoteam on October 16, 2012  •  Permalink
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The Festive Air!

I am getting excited. The smell of new clothes and the buzz around shopping for them is what is getting me up and alive. Well, it is October already and the festive season is just round the corner.  Starting with the nine day festival, Navratri and extending right to Christmas and New Year, it is all about shopping, shopping and more shopping. Of course some yummy food here and there is welcome. So the ladies in the south are busy cleaning their dolls and decking them up for “golu”. Sundals, golu contests and gifts will rule the scene. I can’t wait for the gifts!

The women in the north are all set for Dussehra and are practicing their Garba moves. And then comes the festival of lights. Sweets from every house, new clothes and crackers..aah !! What joy! Lying down on the terrace and staring at the fireworks lighting up the skyline! Such a happy thing to do.. And then comes Christmas. And with it comes the carols and the shining stars. To top it all, like the icing on the cake is the New Year. Parties, parties and more parties!!

So what’s special on Shopo, you ask?  This entire season we are dedicating to you. Right from tips on skin care and beauty to sundal and sweet recipes, from fashion tips to fun contests, we have it all for you. And yes, we will keep you posted on all our new arrivals, cool offers and great deals.

You too can share your golu pics, your recipes, ideas or anything that you want to, this season. Because at Shopo, we believe that Indian festivals are all about colour, happiness and sharing.

Stay tuned for more news on contests and other tips.

Cheers!!

 

 

 

 

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by shopoteam on October 16, 2012  •  Permalink
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Beauty Secret’s from Nature’s lap


A dash of turmeric, a generous helping of aloe vera, a hint of lemon and cup of warm oil goes into making grandma’s secret beauty recipes. To find all these ingredients in their purest form is quite a task.  TVAM makes a mark there. For the past five years, TVAM has been bringing to the world, beauty products made from unadulterated ingredients. Shopo is celebrating the goodness of nature along with TVAM.

ALOE & HENNA DEEP CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Aloe Vera and Henna create magic for your hair. Here is why.

  • Aloe Vera promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall.
  • Aloe Vera controls dandruff and acts as a great moisturiser.
  • Henna is a great conditioner. It adds volume and bounce to your hair apart from giving colour.

ALOE VERA REVITALISING ORANGE GEL

What does Orange and Aloe Vera combi do to your skin?

  • Aloe Vera cures acne. It is a great moisturiser.
  • Aloe Vera is used for fighting ageing of the skin.
  • Orange improves skin texture and colour.
  • Orange reduces dark spots and stretch marks.

JOJOBA AND ROSEMARY SHAMPOO

  • Great for dull and dry hair and all sorts of hair problems.
  • Adds softness, shine and moisture.
  • Rosemary stimulates hair growth and makes hair smell delightful.
  • It is said to enhance memory also.

CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE DELIGHT

  • Chocolate has skin-softening properties.
  • It has a nourshing effect on the skin.
  • Coffee refreshes your skin and acts as a scrubbing agent.

PURE ROSE FACE WASH

  • Rose cleanses the skin and removes impurities.
  • It is very gentle on the skin.
  • Can be used for all skin types.
  • Makes your face soft and supple.

Get ready to indulge. Glowing skin and lustrous hair is not far away anymore !!

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by shopoteam on September 13, 2012  •  Permalink
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DOTTEDi – Perfecting All Things Quirky

Naadia Mirza is one fun woman. Shopaholic at heart, this bubbly entrepreneur has all the right ingredients to make it big. “A hundred things to do before you die”,” A hundred reasons I love you” are just some of the products that DOTTEDi has to offer. Checkout the story behind DOTTEDi as she chats about her cool and quirky products.

Not able to find the right gift for your tequila-friendly pal? Well how about these shot glasses in various hues? DOTTEDi has two different sets : for the girls and the boys. This one is for the spoilt ladies.

Valentines day is far away. But do you even need to wait till then to celebrate the love of your life? Go ahead and gift him/ her DOTTEDi’s love pail or 100 reasons why I love you bucket. The love pail contains a 100 reasons why you love him/her printed on a tissue roll, a scented candle and a pouch of potpurri, a love knot and a love dice game. Sounds cool right? Check it out.

DOTTEDi’s magnets are quite a hit, we must say. Put it on your refrigerator or any other suitable surface and let it speak your mind. These magnets double up as great gifts for friends.

The 100 things to do before you get hitched bucket will make a cool and fun gift to friends who are looking to wed.

Well, these are just few of DOTTEDi’s famous products. There are many more – Customised chocolates, personalised newspapers and other fun coupon boxes. You can checkout the entire store at Shopo. Here is your gateway to quirkiness -

http://shopo.in/stores/dottedi

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by shopoteam on September 3, 2012  •  Permalink
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Colour, colour what colour do you choose?

Type Of Room – Before you select a colour, it’s important to understand who the room is for and its purpose. Colours for a living room cannot be the same as for a child’s room.

 

Sources Of Light – Know the sources of light in your room. Is there enough ventilation? Or is the room stuffy and small? Choosing pastel colours for rooms with few windows would be wise. Darker colours are a strict no-no for small rooms.

Determine The Look– Understand the look that you want to achieve. Do you want a room that is very modern? Do you want a funky room? Or a cozy one? How do you want to feel in your room? Write down your thoughts and analyse them.

Consider Colour Categories – There are two types of colours – warm colours and cool colours. Yellows and reds belong to the first category while blues and green fall under the latter. Colours are capable of influencing your thoughts and emotions. So be wise and pick your colour. Create a rich look by using different colours of the same category in your room.

Pick Your Colour – What colours do you find pleasing? Are u drawn to bright, bold colours or do you prefer neutral tones?

Once you know what you are comfortable with, it will be an easy task to choose the colours.

 

 

 

 

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by shopoteam on August 1, 2012  •  Permalink
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Vibrant Hues & Zodiac Signs

I was waiting for my train. Mornings are always hectic in these MRTS railway stations. Funnily today, the station wore a deserted look. A couple of rowdy elements in one corner, two or three aunties and a few school going children were my only source of amusement. I hurried towards the ladies’ section and sat on the bench.

Next to me was this small girl, must be in first or second standard , I guess. She knew I was looking at her. She took her colour pens from her school bag and gave me a long stare combined with a grin.” This is sky blue”, she said. Her shrill voice pierced across the eerie calm of the station. She went on. ” This is dark green. It is very, very dark”. Then she took out another colour and gave it to me. “Come on ! Tell me what colour it is”, she said.  Seeing my blank expression she assumed that I didn’t know.

She went on and on. Each colour she announced confidently. Her rhythmic recitation was put to an end by the blaring horn of the train. I got into my compartment and before I could trace her she was gone. So many colours, I thought to myself. Have we as humans forgotten to observe the richness of colours? The sky is a brilliant blue, the green trees are just very green and the bright yellow rays of the sun are so golden, just as the little girl put it.

The more you observe a colour, the more good it does to you. The colours you see influence your thoughts, the colours you wear bring out your personality. So with the Saree week going on in full swing, Shopo tells you how to pick up sarees that reflect your nature.

So you are the first sign of the Zodiac, the strong and highly independent Arian. Ruled by Mars, Arians are always high on energy. Trust me, the colour red is your colour. Not just because it is the colour of Mars, but because it is a warm colour which stimulates positive thoughts and actions. Try out this amazing cut-work saree.

For the artistic Taurians, white works best. Known to live in their own space and known for talking the truth, these people love books. This nice lacy saree is your best pick. For a Cancerian, white works well too because this sign is ruled by the moon. You could try picking up a nice white saree with a silver tinge.

The lucky colour for Gemini is Green. Gemini people tend to talk and think a lot. Light green will help in   balancing your mental abilities.

A zodiac sign ruled by the Sun, golden shades are best suited for Leos, as this sign is also known as the royal sign. It helps in good administration and brings out the good qualities of a Leo. Yellows work well too. Infact, even for Sagittarians yellows are recommended as it cools down their restlessness. For the sign Pisces too, yellow is lucky. It’s the colour of growth and confidence.

For all the Virgos out there, shades of purple and very dark greens work very well with your personality.

Librans are very polite and artistic people. They are also very romantic by nature. So, white and blue shades suit their personality. Capricons achieve their targets by maintaining a low profile. For this spiritual and calm sign, light blue and purple are the best colours.

Bright orange is Scorpio’s lucky colour. These people are ambitious and tend to binge on unhealthy food. Orange aids in better health and reduction of mental pressure.

Aquarius -People under this sign are strong believers in themselves. Intellectual and smart, black, grey, dark blue and brown are lucky for them.

So choose colours that reflect your character and weave your magic.

Happy Saree Shopping :)

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by shopoteam on July 23, 2012  •  Permalink
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The Bond Of Love

I have always wanted a brother. A strong elder brother to protect me from the all the evil things out there :P .  This Raksha Bandan affair irritates me a lot. I mean what is this festival where lucky sisters get loads of gifts from their brothers? What about those poor souls who do not have a brother?

For a brother, sister-deprived single child like me, observing lovely brother and sister pairs was great amusement. There was that doting brother hugging his sister for a nice family portrait. And then there was this sister who found her brother a nice girl. So many touching stories and yes in all of them the brother was the hero. And he still is the hero..Which is why India celebrates Raksha Bandhan and the bond of love.

For the super-hero brothers, we tell you what to gift your sister. Yes we do know that sisters can be of many types :P . And for the pretty sisters, do we need to teach you the art of shopping? Checkout amazing raakhis on Shopo

Now, dear bros, time to say hai to the geeky sister

1. Books and papers are your sister’s air and water – Okay..So this kind of sister can be made happy only with more bookish stuff. But it is good to take a slight diversion. A cool hand-crafted organizer would be a great gift.

You could get her a nice journal too. She would love it.

Or you could give her a set of eco-friendly pens packed like sweet candy.

Add this large bookmark to your gift set. There is no book lover that won’t like it.

2. Yeah, she is nerdy alright but she still does a lot of girly things – Well, if this is how your sister is you can safely go in for those dupattas and earrings. Mind you, do not pick very flowery and casual stuff. Keep it clean and neat. That’s the way to please her. A smart stole is something that every girl needs. And there is no doubt that your nerdy sis will like it.

Simple earrings are the best thing to give to a geeky sister.

3. Gadget Freak  Sis – This type of sis is a little easy to please. Just get her a nice mobile pouch or a laptop bag to make her happy.

This is a cool graphic I-phone cover. If your sis has an I-phone, she better have this too.

…. There is so much that you can choose from. And as for me, I have figured out that it is best to adopt a brother. Can’t lose out on those gifts right? ;)

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by shopoteam on July 10, 2012  •  Permalink
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The Design Dictionary – Studio ABD

Time for yet another inspiring story from Shopo. The pulse of any business is passion and the founders of Studio ABD sure have that in plenty. Amrita and Abhijit have carved out a niche for themselves in creating great experiences with lifestyle products. Each product they create stems from a story and has got a character.

Awards are nothing new to Amrita and Abhijit. From bagging the red dot design award to being the designer of the year, Studio ABD has always been a name to reckon with in the design sector.

Meet the design experts, chatting away about their ideas and dreams.

Here is a glimpse into Studio ABD’s design world.

The Devotee, a vase made from seasoned ankudu wood and colored with natural vegetable dyes, has strong earth magnets at its core that hold its conical shape together. This elemental product is crafted to create the illusion that it plunges right through the surface it is placed on. Adorned with elaborate gold foil motifs, this unique flower vase has is not just a mere decoration piece but a design marvel.

Millions of students across India go through anxiety and stress during exam times, especially when there is a power-cut. This very insight became an inspiration for an opportunity to design a product for this unique indian situation. This product has won the prestigious “red dot” design award.

Chai Paani bank helps us digest, the ever-hungry three-headed monster of Indian corruption so we can stop passing the buck under the table. The skillful illustrations on the ceramic bank tickle the funny bone. But one day, when we break the bank, we’ll coin a new habit….and then we’ll break some heads, too!

There are many more products too. Checkout Studio ABD on Shopo.

Amrita and Abhijit need your wishes to further climb the ladder of success. So do we. Thanks for being there..

From India, With Love

Shopo Team

 

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by shopoteam on July 9, 2012  •  Permalink
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From the dining room to the digital world !

Shopo is celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and celebrating you, our well-wisher. We are bringing to you, the journey of  many budding business people who are reviving Indian art and making India proud.

Meet, Mrs. Sandhya Vaidyanathan, the founder of “Masala Popsicles”

 

Passionate about art and terracotta, this happy home-maker set her foot in business with great enthusiasm. It was a social networking site that gave her the initial push. However, Shopo took her and her art to a whole new level. Now, a simple and bubbly Sandhya can reach the entire length and breadth of India.

 

Here is a glimpse of Sandhya’s colourful world. This is a beautifully painted terracotta pen-stand.

Now, you don’t have to sit and clean the ashes that fall from the agarbati.. With this stand it will just fall in. This is hand-crafted and painted in vibrant colours.

This  square shaped wall hanging in vibrant kitsch colours is a great addition to your room! Brilliant to gift or just hang at home , this one is sure to make that bland white wall look happy and cheerful!

Love Masala Popsicles? Visit the store on Shopo.

You have always been supporting us in whatever way you could. From purchasing great designs on our website to giving us continuous feedback and , we could have never done without you.

Sandhya needs your wishes to further climb the ladder of success. So do we. Thanks for being there..

From India, With Love

Shopo Team

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