Meena Herbal Multani Face Mask

Meena Herbal Multani for oil balancing

 

During my time in India, my sister, mother and I went to a parlour for pedicures and manicures. One strange thing I saw was that they used Multani Mud as a mask for our hands and arms as part of the manicure. I've never seen this in London!

 

We asked where we could find this clay and grabbed some from the shop next door because it is much cheaper than in the UK.

 

The Multani packet inside is a powder which I added rose water and a little honey to make a paste (you can also use milk and olive oil if you have dry skin). To prevent the paste from becoming slightly clumpy, you should mix a little amount of liquid at a time and add more if needed; it is recommended that you leave the mask on for 30 minutes. I found that my skin was definitely softer and brighter. It also helped reduce the appearance of any spots.

 

It is said that over time using Multani pigmentation and scars are less visible.... I guess I will have to see if it does work in the long run.

 

Have you ever used this type of mud mask? Which do you think works on your skin the best? Everybody is different!

 

Priyanka xx

Browned Paleo Banana Coconut Cookie Recipe

 

Overly sweet tooth like me? In need for chocolate? Want to become a cookie monster without the 'unhealthy' feel?

 

Dear ones, join me.

 

I accept that my cooking skills are not perfect and that these cookies are a little over browned but doesn't mean that they taste bad at all!

 

To make these quick and easy yummies, you will need:

 

- 2 Bananas

- 1/2 Cup Ground Flax Seeds

-1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut

-1/3 Cup Hemp Seeds

-5/6 Dried Dates roughly chopped

-2 Heaped Tbs Honey

 (more or less depending on your preference; you can also sub any other sweetener)

- 4 Squares Dark Chocolate (I used Lindt 85%) Chopped

-1/2 Tsp Cinammon

-1 Tsp Nut Butter

-2 Tbs Olive Oil/ Coconut Oil

 

Method:

 

- Preheat the oven to 200 °c

 

-Line an oven tray with tin foil and spread with olive oil to prevent cookies from sticking to the foil

 

- Mash the bananas (TIP: Peel and warm the bananas for 40-50 seconds to make mashing them up easier) and mix flax and hemp seeds, coconuts, oil, cinnamon, honey and nut butter together in a large bowl.

 

-Allow to cool a little before gently stirring in the dark chocolate chips and chopped dates

 

- Place mixture on the foil and press into cookie shapes

 

-Bake in over for 6-10 minutes

 

TIP: To prevent over burning keep checking the cookies and take out of the oven before it goes too brown , pretty self  explanatory but I always seem to find the simple things in life too straight forward.

 

I ate my cookies with hot almond milk hot chocolate whilst I watched Vampire Diaries like a typical girl on a typical Friday night.

 

Let me know if you know if you liked this recipe and any variations you may have made.

 

Priyanka xx

New Years Resolutions 2016

  

New Year = New Me

That's what we all say don't we? But if we stick to it or not is a completely different question.

I tried not to overthink my New Year's goals this year so that I don't procrastinate over a 'fresh start' or 'one chance to get it right' sort of vibe.

1) Work out with more enthusiasm

Instead of working out to 'be skinny' I want for my workouts to have purpose, make me stronger, more muscular and mentally challenge me by pushing some boundaries every day to help improve my fitness levels.

2) Work smarter not harder or longer

Instead of working for hours at my desk, procrastinating and wasting time without actually learning anything I want to be able to work efficiently for short bursts to time (so I don't have a chance to worry or become bored) and maximise the quality of learning I do in a given time frame.

3) Laugh harder and don't be so hard on myself

I have recently found that because Im always worried about work I forget to actually have fun. sometimes I feel so contrained by work that I forget to laugh at the little things in life. This year, however stressed I may become, Im going to laugh harder at my own little trip ups and at the little incidents that may occur. 

4) Go to sleep earlier

I often find my self in a bad mood not wanting to talk to anyone simply because I'm still exhausted from the night before. 8 hours sleep minimum is my new shout for energy.

5) Stop feeling like I need to impress people or be perfect

Nobody is perfect so I am going to stop trying to be. Instead I am going to focus on things that are really important and become confident simply being myself.

One of the best things I have ever learnt is KISS- Keep It Simple, Stupid!

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Priyanka