April has been a good month for me. It saw me being productive, goal-oriented and very focused. Things that I am not particularly great at but I am glad that it was the way it was.
The highlight was a massive 4+kg weight loss! Even that doesn’t happen often. But you know what? There are other things I’ve loved about the month too, and I am only happy yo share them with you.
Image: Amazon Kindle
Book
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling
I was a little late to the world of Harry Potter. It looks like I was meant to pick up the book series after 20 years of being presented to the world. I will tell you this, the magic is not lost on me at my age. That is also the beauty of Rowling’s writing. Safe to say I am a Potterhead now.
Now, coming to the fourth book in the series The Goblet of Fire. What an incredible read it was. After the third book the series picks pace and gets darker and that much more interesting.
I didn’t think it got better than the Prisoner of Azkaban but this book was simply wow!
Skincare
Forest Essentatials Mysore Sandalwood & Vetiver Massage Oil
Forest Essentials, if you’re not familiar with, is an Indian brand that makes and sells gorgeous products created based on the science of Ayurveda. The brand even goes by the tagline Luxurious Ayurveda.
The brick and mortar shop has the traditional Indian Ayurvedic spa-like ambience and is pleasing to the senses – the nose especially. They have a stunning line up of naturally derived products. They have hair care, skincare, wellness and body care products.
Their shower/bath oils and body scrubs have been a firm favourite in the past months. I have used quite a few products from the brand and can’t recommend it enough.
Now speaking of faves…the days are getting colder as we are marching our way to winters in Australia, and I find myself reaching for this Mysore Sandalwood & Vetiver Extra Rich Massage oil for my weekly pre-shower routine. This deliciously rich oil, mositurises my super dry skin and keeps the moisture locked in even after a shower. And where do I even begin when I have to tell you about the fragrance? It smells exactly like the products primary ingredients. In fact, all of Forest Essentials products smell like what it says in the product. It’s super moisturising, smells sensational and does the job it sets out to do.
The products are pricey but, in my opinion, they are bang for your buck. This oil costs INR2275 for a 200ml bottle, and a little truly goes a long way.
Shopping
Earrings from OctoberSky & Co
I’d been in the market for a kickass pair of black acrylic earrings. God knows how many websites I’ve browsed for a pair that caught my fancy! Either they were too ‘out there’ for my liking or they were simply not my style.
Christiana, the maker and the boss babe behind the brand OctoberSky & Co (OSCO), in the past month, had been putting up digital flyers and little teasers on her Instagram page about her new website launch. I love discovering new brands and if they are brands that sell handmade goodies, I am all for it!
Her website launched a couple of weeks ago, and like I always do, browsed for those perfect pair of handmade black earrings. These pair of earrings called Drops of Jupiter were exactly the kind I was after. There was one glitch though, I don’t wear stud top earrings. I wrote to Christiana and asked her if she’d customise my order to swap out the stud top to hooks, which I prefer. Voila! I had finally found my perfect pair! I even scored a neat inaugural discount and free shipping. J Her customer service will be a major standout!
The Drops of Jupiter come in a couple of colourways and combos, in case your keen.
She has other stunning jewellery and accessories in her store including earrings, necklaces, keyrings and lanyards.
Image: Wikipedia
Song
Flames by David Guetta & Sia
Two powerhouses join force to come up with this incredible song ‘Flames’. Sia’s pipes and Guetta’s sounds complement the inspiring and uplifting lyrics. It’s the kind of song that will make you reflect and get you moving on (literally, the lyrics have those words too!) despite troubles. It is a don’t-dwell-on-the-past-and-never-give-up sorta song so to speak.
To simply put, you’d want to listen to that song to kick self-doubt and get moving. Great song, and it’s been playing on a loop on Spotify for me.
TV Show
This is Us Season 1
The dramedy chronicles the lives of the Pearson family members and the people in their lives. The three same-aged Pearson siblings’s lives, struggles and joy are the central theme of the show.
Now, before you rubbish this as just another typical American drama, let me assure you that this will be worth your while. It’s not the typical show where you have the pre-recorded annoying laughter track playing the background. The characters will stick with you for a long time, each endearing and amazing in their own, unique way. Be prepared for the waterworks (damn, who is chopping the onion here while the show’s on?) and also some gentle humour thrown in for good measure.
I am waiting for Amazon Prime Video to update their show list with the Season 2. Word’s out that it’s even better than the Season 1 I speak of here.
Those of you who have watched it, how did you like the show? Tell me in the comments below if you enjoyed it or not.
