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Clear Nourishing Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo {Product Review}

Swathy · August 12, 2013 · 4 Comments

As you all know that I have been using an SLS-free shampoo since like 6 months at the least, using an SLS shampoo was something I was not very comfortable with but I had received it for review so I had to do it. And, generally, anti-dandruff shampoos tend to be quite drying.

So, let me start by saying that I think this product was not very drying. I did take care of my hair by regularly massaging the scalp and using scalp and leave-in treatments but sometimes I just got too lazy and did nothing to my hair except washing.

And, suffice it to say, my hair was in a good condition though a little frizzy. But, that it is to be expected when you do not use conditioner or anything, right? I do have curly to wavy hair and nope, no increase in split ends either. The texture of the product is very creamy and it did not feel very harsh on the scalp.

My scalp also did not feel really dry or anything!! I can not really say that how it affects dandruff since I do not have any but overall, my experience with this shampoo (at least twice a week for a month) was fine only. So, yes, this can be a good choice if you are looking at over the counter shampoos.

Have you used this product? Did you like it?

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

TRESemme Smooth and Shine Shampoo

Vaseline Healthy White Lightening Visible Fairness Lotion

Blogging Series Vol. 12 – My Story of Blog Monetization!

Swathy · August 8, 2013 · 25 Comments

So, two days back I get a mail from Roshni asking me how did I go about monetizing the blog. Ohk, so a long story short, content is the king whenever it comes to anything with blogging!! Now, let me start with my story.

Adsense and Infolinks

I had applied for adsense (January 2010) right when I had started blogging (December 2009). Yes, I was ignorant that the blog needed to be 6 months old and few other restrictions when it came to adsense approval of blogs from India. So, obviously, they refused.

Then, infolinks came my way and it was easy to get accepted so there it was. I had started earning money right from the start of blogging. But, don’t be buoyed, it was a measly 1$ per month or something like that and it took almost a year and half (June 2011 to be precise and I had integrated it in January 2010) to reach the threshold of 50$. But, fortunately, all time I did not falter and was very regular with blogging and slowly the traffic got better.

Adsense and Chitika

In the mean time, I had again tried for adsense after making sure that all the clauses were fulfilled. My blog was 6 months old and I had almost 400-500 posts up and had a decent traffic. Again I was rejected 🙁

So, I signed up with chitika. It wasn’t really a great earner so I removed it quite soon.

Finally Adsense!

And, suddenly in the start of January 2012, adsense accepted me just like that. The year had started on a good note. And, adsense is quite a good source for earning money according to me except the getting accepted business.

I have to mention that first year has been quite up and down in terms of money but it was decent.

Private Advertising Networks

And, in this year, I have been contacted by private advertising networks which are also turning out profitable. In fact, they quite compliment the adsense income. I would not mention them because I am not really sure how their application and acceptance standards are.

Final Thoughts…

After so much struggle, I have understood one thing. Ultimately, it is the content which drives traffic which drives advertisers which brings money. Also, another thing I have learned is more content you publish is directly proportional to money you earn.

This post is just about how I tried to monetize my blog. I shall in some weeks write about how to monetize your blog, some of its basic principles and other networks and ways to monetize but one thing you already know – content is the king!! And, patience the key.

What other advertising networks do you think are great to earn money? Do you know of any which are better than the ones I have mentioned, not that I have mentioned many?

Blogging Series Vol. 10 – How to overcome Blogger’s Block?

Blogging Series Vol. 9 – Reviving Old Posts!

Turmeric infused Almond Oil {DIY}

Swathy · August 7, 2013 · 20 Comments

This was a DIY I have done like almost an year back. But, I did not share it because I wanted to try out the oil and wanted to report back the effects. So, let’s have a look at the ingredients.

Ingredients

Almond oil – 100ml

Turmeric – 1 tbsp

Saffron – a pinch of strands

Spices (nutmeg + cinnamon + cloves) – 1 tbsp

Method

Put all the ingredients in a glass bottle/jar and leave for a month undisturbed. Shake the bottle once in a day and if possible leave in direct sunlight for an hour or two everyday. After the stipulated period, strain the oil and it’s ready to use.

Results

I have to say that it has not been long since I have started using the oil so can not really report back on everything.

For the starters, it did help with some of my breakouts. I used to spot-apply the oil on the suspicious bumps and they used to disappear by the next morning.

As regards to complexion changes, I do not really think I have noticed any changes yet. Also, the blemishes on my neck do not really look any different but I do keep on bothering the skin repeatedly without letting it heal!

I shall keep on trying it and will report back if I see any changes.

Have you used any turmeric infused facial oils?