Swathy and Sky

Books 2014 Vol. 5 – “It Started with a Friend Request” by Sudeep Nagarkar

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Well, P likes a lot of Indian authors! And, for good reason, sometimes. He prefers to read something totally non-brainy and fun and something which have a close resemblance to real life and a book which gets finished in a jiffy! I put all the desi college love stories by the budding authors into that category.

I generally tend to ignore such books coz they are too tame for me and they do not give me the adrenalin rush which I crave after a book is over. Thriller is my genre and romance is his! Anyways, let me come back to this book. I read the book coz I was getting bored and I did not get a good book for myself since quite long and also thi book is good.
Aleesha moves to Bombay from Kolkatta right when the novel starts and she lands up living with Tamannah, daughter of a family friend, until they are forced to shift on a short notice by the landlord. Aleesha meets Akash in a night club on one of the nights she goes out with Tamannah. And, they end up exchanging their BBM pins and start talking. 

It is a typical love story of Aleesha, a bong beauty cum brains, and Akash, a poor and hard-working guy who lost his father too early and is responsible for his mother and sister, who are aptly supported by their respective friends, Kritika and Aditya. And, there is another track of Tamannah’s obsessive love with her colleague, Deep.
The writing is simple and story moves quickly without dragging at any place. The story resonates very closely with the couples we see in real life. The intent of the author is glorify the protagonists love. Indeed every love story is special but I failed to connect with it. Yes, I enjoyed reading it but it never gripped me that I was desperate to find out what happened. But then, I think I was not the right audience for this book.
My Verdict
The book is simple and good for a train journey or a bus ride. Its a well-written book. But, if you are looking for a thought provoking or a nail-biting page turner, this one did not turn out one for me. But, please remember, I love thrillers instead. I would recommend it to people who like love stories and enjoy romance at its best.
Have you read this book? Did you enjoy it? 
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Excess Body Heat and Acne {Skin Care}

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So, this time when I went to Delhi, my mom was shocked by how much I had gained!! Well, its time that I start on my health routine seriously. Oh btw, I got the regular health checkup tests done a few days back and got my reports yesterday. So, I do not have diabetes or thyroid or any kidney issues but my cholesterol levels are kinda on the border level!! 
Huh…now new problems to deal with 🙁 Anyways, I was talking about my weight gain. So, I started talking to mom about my daily routine in the past month and I realized that I have been junking heavily!! The only healthy thing in my entire day was sugarcane juice which I had started consuming heavily again!! 
Every day in the evening I feel hungry and I gorge on samosa or egg puff or paneer puff or potato wedges or samosa ragda or some stuff like that. And, gulp all that down and wash it off with two glasses of sugarcane juice so as not to feel guilty on spoiling my health so much. And, all that showed effect. And, guess what, lately I have been facing so many boils on my body. 

What happens when excess heat produces? Big red boils appear one day, trouble me for some days and go away again and the cycle repeats at some other point. Why do they suddenly come up? Well, the simple answer is because of the increase in body temperature. Human body performs optimally at 98.6 degrees but any change in the temperature which is due to internal issues affect the body and it tries to reduce the temperature by various means which can also result in acne. 
Why does body temperature rise? Because of reduction in immunity levels, increase in oily and fried and spicy foods, excess physical activity, thyroid issues, burning in stomach and so on. And, these things can result in stomach ulcers, headaches, acidity, skin rashes and boils and quite a lot of other things. 
How to avoid? So, if you are suffering from acne, the simple reason can be excess body temperature. Acidity and constipation are some of the very obvious symptoms to know that. May be cooling down the body might help in controlling the acne in those cases so drink lots of sugarcane juice, coconut water, buttermilk, eat lots of cucumber and watermelon, stay away from almonds and family and reduce junk food.     
So, do you think your body is producing more heat and acne is one of the ways to expend the heat? How do you regulate your body temperature?

The Oil Cocktail {DIY}

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It has been so long since I have done any DIY!! Anyways, I mentioned in my hair diary that I have been using an hair oil cocktail. So, let me share the recipe with you. Now, it does have some not very easily available things. In fact, I have them on hand right now but even I have no idea how to procure them once they run out. 
Ingredients
  • Mustard oil
  • Camphor oil
  • Clove oil
  • Oil of Wintergreen
Method
You simply mix all of them, right? Ok, so, let me explain all of them. 
  • Mustard oil is the base oil in which all of these other oils go. 
  • Now, all these oils are basically pretty strong oil so they should not be used in heavy quantities. They should be diluted with the carrier oil or the base oil just like the essential oils. 
  • Put 20 tablespoons (20 ml) each of camphor and clove oils in mustard oil (100 ml). 
  • Put only 5 tablespoons (5 ml) of wintergreen oil for 100ml. 
    And, the oil is done!! 

    Why?
    Now, I have already talked about mustard, clove and camphor oils. 
    Oil of Wintergreen is basically a naturally occurring salicylic acid methyl ester from the family of aspirin. It is actually a medicinal herb which is widely used to relieve muscle joints and heal the skin diseases. And, it is highly toxic if used in high quantities!! 
    For our purposes which is how it is beneficial for hair and scalp, it acts like an astringent and helps contracting the hair follicles, there by, strengthening them. Also, since it belongs to the family of salicylic acid, it acts as mild exfoliant and keeps the infections at bay which is why it is used in cosmetics.
    The oil stimulates blood circulation and is easily absorbed. It has a warming effect on the area where it is applied which is why it helps with pains. But, the oil should never be taken internally or used in huge amounts on skin or hair or anywhere else!! I think oil of wintergreen (which is also called gaultheria oil) might be available in ayurvedic stores. Will confirm and get back on that. 
    Btw, I do have EO’s as well in my recipe but it just struck me now that I have no idea how wintergreen blends with other EO’s so it is always best to use it in seclusion instead of blending with oils. Yes, clove, camphor and wintergreen can blend together coz all of them are stimulants and relieve pain.
    So, what do you think of this DIY? Does it sound interesting for you to try out?
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