Restaurant Review #2: Aioli BBQ & Grill Smokehouse (Bangalore,India)

Whose not a fan of fine dining with quality food? Aioli(located on top of Gava, Kammanahalli,Bangalore) is a hidden gem of a place and is the place to go, if you love grilled food.

 Home Made Oven Chips

The menu is limited and customized but gives equal importance to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians and even includes a fine selection of wine.

We've been there quiet a lot of times and being hardcore non-vegetarians, have tried most of the non veg items on the menu.

Italian Basil Grilled Chicken

In the appetizers, our favorites are Spiced Chicken Wings and Grilled Basil Chicken.

Amongst the main dishes, Herb and Garlic Lamb Loins, Moroccan Lamb Skewers, Lamb Shashlik, Italian Basil Grilled Chicken and Jerk Chicken won our hearts over.

Lamb Shashlik

A special mention should be made about Lamb Shashlik which is one of the best Lamb Grilled dish we have ever had. It most succulent, juiciest and tastiest lamb which we couldn't get over. Drool worthy to say the least!

Ratings:

Location-2/5

Ambience-4/5

Food-4.5/5

Service-4.5/5

DIY #2: Flower on the Wall

Bare walls are so, well, boring. So we thought of this D-I-Y craft project which is so easy to do, takes less time and looks pretty.

Things you will need:

• Toilet paper roll - 3nos.
• Paint/Spray Paint
• Paint Brush
• Adhesive Glue
• Scissors

Directions:

• Take a toilet paper roll and cut it into small sections of equal size.

• Paint them using either water/oil paint or spray paint(recommended).

• Take each segment and flatten it using your hand.
• Stick the edges of any four segments together, thereby forming the below figure.

• Keep filling the gap between these four segments using the other segments. Do this until u reach the desired size.

• Stick it on your wall.

Note: Took us almost 2 hours. Have fun :)

Sleeping Beauty :)

Every fairy tale has a happy ending. Don't you love the feeling of going to bed on a good note? Here's our night time beauty routine which we try and follow religiously:

1.Drinking milk: Milk is loaded with calcium and proteins which means stronger bones and better immunity.A glass of warm milk will not only give you a sound sleep but you can also wake up to glowing skin and better complexion. It also strengthens your teeth and is believed to relieve stress.

2.Brush and Floss teeth: Flossing helps to alleviate bad breath and get rid of germs hiding away in dark places. Helps to prevent yourself from getting gum diseases. And all this leaves you with a wide smile.

3.Makeup remover: Wet wipes do not work as makeup removers. If you apply make up, make sure you invest in a good make up remover or else you would end up with damaged skin.

4.Oatmeal Cleanser: This is an excellent natural face cleanser. Not only is it gentle on the skin but also acts as a toner and leaves you with smooth and healthy skin.

5.Tea Tree Oil/Aloe Vera Gel: We had previously blogged about the various benefits of aloe vera gel (please do read it). Tea tree oil helps in getting rid of stubborn acne and blackheads.Spread a generous amount of aloe Vera gel on your face and let it stay overnight.

6.Moisturizing hands and feet: The age of a woman can be easily determined by the skin on the back of her palm. The skin over there is very delicate and sensitive and therefore requires constant moisturizing. Cracked feet is no picnic either. Incase you suffer from cracked feet, apply copious amounts of vaseline and put your socks and go to sleep :)

Aeroplane Travel Essentials

Its the time of the year when we all plan for vacations. Planning a little ahead and deciding what to carry along will help a lot. Here's a list of travelling essentials:

1. Travel Documents: Its very important to make sure that you carry along your passport, Ticket,Visa ,Credit card
2. Wallet: Well yeah, you cant do anything without your wallet. its your lifeline! :D
3. Hair Brush And band: To Make yourself look presentable when you arrive at your destination you need to carry your hair brush and a band incase you decide to tie your hair .
4. Eye mask: Oh we love using this. We hate uncooperative airhostess who keep switching the lights on and off during the flight journey and thats why you shouldnt forget to get it with you.
5. Moisturizer: As you know the air in the flight has very low levels of moisture,so make sure you carry along your moisturizers: lip balm, hand cream, regular moisturizers etc.
6. Headphones/Reading material: Carry along your earphones and books so that you dont get bored along.
7. Chewing gum:This is importnat while take off and landing due to air pressure.
8. Laptop: Watch movies and access internet at the airport.
9. Phone/laptop charger: In case your laptop/phone runs out of battery.
10. Medicines along with prescription: For all of you who suffer from travel sickness carry along mediction and those who are on regular medication dont forget to take your pills!
11. Extra pair of clothes: Always carry along with you an extra pair of clothes and probably a napkin.
12. Candy/Favourite Snack: In case you go hungry and you want something to nibble on.
13. First Aid kit
14. List of phone numbers: Always make a note of some handy phone numbers so that you can use it in case of emergency.
15. Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Nothings better than brushing your teeth after a long flight journey.
16. Facial Wipes: Very much necessary in case you get stranded and you feel tired.Trust us, its very useful.

Bon Voyage! :D ;)

Nature's Gift #2: Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a plant which contains in it a LOT of benefits! The Gel from the aloe vera plant can be used for a variety of purposes and it has worked as a life-saver in many circumstances for us. We always make sure we have atleast one tube of aloe vera gel in hand.

Here are some ways in which we use aloe vera gel:

1.Hair:

• It has anti-inflamatory properties which can reduce hair loss.
• It aids in hair growth.
• Can be used as a conditioner.
• Significantly reduces dandruff.

2.Face:

• Acne: Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel on your face and leave it overnight.
• helps in fighting Stretch marks.
• Helps to reduce sun damage to skin.
• Since it has anti-inflamatory properties, it helps to battle sun burns, skin iritations and insect bites.

Theses are only the benefits of the gel on skin and hair as we use it. They are various other health benefits to aloe vera. Do research more about aloe vera...Its truly a wonder plant and it has worked in wonderous ways for us! :D 

Quick Fix - Burnt Pot

Love cooking but hate the mess? Since we are amateur cooks, we quite often end up with burnt pots. We eventually got tired of scrubbing the pots/ soaking it endlessly for hours.That's when we stumbled upon this quick fix. 

All you need are:

• Burnt pot
• Baking Soda
• Liquid Dishwasher
• Scrub
• Water

Directions:

1. Put 2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid and about 1-2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda into the Burnt pot.
2. Add water upto the Level of burnt stain.
3. Place the pot on the stove and put it on high flame and let it simmer.
4. Once the mixture comes to a boil, take it off the stove and drain the water.
5. Add 1 tbsp of baking soda into the pot and scrub for about 15-20 seconds.
6. Rinse away as usual.

Notice that all the stains from the pot have disappeared! :D

Restaurant Review #1 Nando's(Bangalore)

On a Thursday night, we were strolling along Brigade Road with our friends and we couldn't decide on where to dine, with the huge amount of options available. Finally, someone suggested Nando's and everyone's face lit up.

"Life is too uncertain, have desserts first" that was the mistake we made. We had already had doughnuts and milkshake from Krispy Kreme so we were forced to skip the appetizers.

We ordered Espedata and Quarter Pound Chicken.

Quarter Pound Chicken

Espedata

The Espedata was served on a skewer and looked very appealing. Looks did not deny, it tasted absolutely divine. It was served with a mayonnaise based dip and we had ordered fries and potato wedges as sides.

Quarter Pound Chicken should probably be the most ordered dish at Nando's. It was also served with fries and wedges.

Fries and wedges was a crowd pleaser. Everyone at the table absolutely loved it. Potato wedges were fried to perfection and was very crispy.

It was accompanied by bottomless coke.

Location: Off Brigade Road, Church Street, opposite Krispy Kreme doughnuts
Approximate bill amount for 2 people: Rs.1300/-

Crush your PMS

Love embracing your femininity but hate those dreaded days of the month? Yes girls, we're talking about PMS. Lets not suffer in silence, it's time to strike back. We have compiled ways to overcome it.

TO DO:

• Consume tons of fruits and veggies. Added bonus - better skin and hair.
• Occupy yourself with exercise especially yoga. This will increase your blood circulation and relieve stress. Meditation also helps. 
•  You can also take over-the counter prescription drugs such as (Advil and similar drugs) and naproxen (Aleve) for relieving pain.

AVOID:

• Tea, Coffee, Alcohol and Aerated Drinks.
• Processed foods, Fast food and food which contains high levels of sodium.
• Fish and poultry should be substituted for fatty cuts of beef, lamb and pork. Polyunsaturated oils such as safflower, corn and flaxseed should be substituted for butter.

For Mood Swings:

• Vitamin B6 helps relieve premenstrual cravings, fatigue, mood swings, fluid retention and bloating. Vitamin B6 can be taken in supplements and by eating fish, eggs, nuts, bananas, potatoes, and the white meat of turkey and chicken.
• Valerian root can lower stress and promote sleep. Dandelion leaf is a remedy for bloating caused by water retention. 

For anxiety:

• Vitamin C can be taken, as a supplement and eating broccoli, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, cranberry juice and cantaloupe.
• Vitamin E can be taken as a supplement and is found in sunflower oil, corn oil, olive oil, apples and blackberries
• Aromatherapy has some of the essential oils that have a calming, soothing effect which are: Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, and Sandalwood.

Calcium helps prevent cramps and pain. Magnesium enables the body to absorb the Calcium. Food cravings and mood swings are also alleviated by the intake of Magnesium. Sources of calcium include dairy products, beans, tofu, salmon, green leafy vegetables, beans and peas. Sources of Magnesium include tofu, halibut, mackerel, spinach, and rice bran.

Nature's Gift #1 : Lemons :)

Don't let that lemon lying in your kitchen just rot away. You wouldn't believe how big a role this small fruit could play in your everyday life.

So here's list of what we use lemons for:

1. Hair & Face:

• "J" has always been suffering from dandruff. She tried on a lot of anti-dandruff shampoos but they provided only temporary relief. That's when her grandmother suggested she rub lemon peel on her scalp and let it sit for sometime and wash the hair as usual. Boy did it work wonders!
• Lemon juice with warm water applied on the hair post shampooing works as a natural conditioner adding shine and volume to your hair and removing product build-up.
• Cut lemon in half and put a pinch of sugar on it and gently scrub your face for about 2-5 mins. This will not only help to lighten your complexion but also lightens age spot and works as a skin toner.

2. Body:

• Start your day with a warm glass of lemon juice for detoxifying your system.
• If suffering from gastric discomfort, drink one glass of lemon juice with salt and pepper on an empty stomach.
• If suffering from diarrhea, brew a cup of black tea and add a tsp of honey and some lemon juice.
• Rubbing lemons on your armpits can help in getting rid of sweatyor smelly underarms.

3. Feet:

• It can be used as a very good foot scrub. All you have to do is soak your feet in half a tumbler of lukewarm water and cut a lemon into half and put it in water and leave your feet in it for 5 mins. Then take the lemon and start scrubbing your feet. You will instantly notice how light and soft your feet has become.

• It can also be used to combat smelly feet. Combine 1 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup almond milk and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Soak feet for 20-30mins and pat dry. 

4. Laundry:

• It helps to brighten your whites and can be used as an alternative to bleach.
• Tough rust stain? Fear not, Rub lemon on the rust stain and steam that area and wash it as usual. The rust stain will disappear.

Review: Mascara Battle

Always wanted those long lushy eyelashes? Well if you can't make it then fake it.
For the past one year, we have been ardent followers of Maybelline's "Colossal" line. (Mascara and eyeliner)
But then came along Lakme's all new Eyeconic Mascara. So here's what we feel about both the products.

 

         

LAKME EYECONIC MASCARA               Vs.        MAYBELINE COLOSSAL MASCARA

• Ease of usage: Although Maybeline's wand is a little thicker but it is easier to use as compared to Lakme's due to the structure of the brush. We have to hold the Lakme mascara brush in a particular position in order to get it right.

• Volume: Lashes appear way thicker after using Maybeline.

• Water proof: Lakme mascara is defintely not waterproof but Colossal mascara is available in waterproof and volume express.

• Life: We personally feel Lakme stays on longer than Maybeline.

• Suitability : Lakme wins this hands down as it is suitable for any skin type. J has oily skin and lass has combination skin and it worked out fine for both of us. But Maybeline doesn't last that long on J's skin.

• Curling: Lakme keeps it's word when it comes to curling as the brush is so manufactured that it caters to lash curling needs. Maybeline mascara does not result in any curling of the lashes.

• Smudge proof: Lakme is smudge proof. Maybeline is not that bad but comparatively Lakme is better.

• Lengthening: As Lakme creates an illusion of curled eyelashes it helps in making the eyelashes appear longer.

• Affordability:  Lakme sells it's mascara(9ml) for Rs 250/- while Maybeline's mascara(10ml) costs Rs 330/ -

FINAL VERDICT

We think that Lakme's Eyeconic mascara has a slight upper edge over Maybeline's Colossal mascara.