For my unconditional love for view from top (though I am uncomfortable from height most of the time), I wanted to visit the top as many places I could go to. So, getting on top of the towers at Sagrada Familia was a must for me. 

In case you do not know then here are some details about it, here are some details - The Basilica de la Sagrada Família whose one of the architect is none other than Antoni Gaudí. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where modernist design mixed up with contemporary styles But the most fascinating fact is the construction started in 1882 and it is still not finished! It was opened for public visits only since 2010. They aim to finish it by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death. So, every time you go, you might find it different from your last visit. 

In Amsterdam, after you paid your visit to the favorite museums in Amsterdam (get tickets from Museumplein Museum shop for zero line and please visit as early as possible to save yourself from the load of touristy crowd), head to Albert Cuyp Market. Walk through the lovely streets with beautiful houses and along the canals and reach the hustle and bustle of Albert Cuyp Market. 

No offence to the million Eiffel towers sold around Paris. I will totally buy then for friends and family. I have one key ring that I got from someone ten years back and it is special for me.

Therefore, personally, I wanted something different. Here is what I got from Paris:

Tourist Medal (2-3 euros each)

Monnaie de Paris issues tourist medals on places of interest.Not only at Paris, you can even collect them at other places in France. I collected few for myself and also got them for family, You can spot these machines where you need to put 2 Euros and the medal is delivered. At some places, you can get them from the store like in Louvre. The maximum variety was at Sacré-Cœur Basilica (I think there were 6 or 7 machines!)

Trying my luck at the Louvre and finally see the famous pyramid

Meeting Mona Lisa

Do check the detailed post on the Louvre and how I almost missed it all here - Trip to The Louvre and What It Taught Me

Salade niçoise, Le deauville, Champs-Élysées, Paris  - Just needed a warm place to sit :D

Strained glass at Saint Chapel (Free entry on first Sunday)

Strained glass at Saint Chapel (Similar to Notre Dame)  (Free entry on first Sunday)

Montmartre at night

Sacré-Cœur Basilica at night

Sacré-Cœur Basilica during Sunday mass. Bless my lucky stars!

Sacré-Cœur Basilica Dome Painting

My first time in Funicular. I walked the way up but while getting down I got to know that this is part of the Paris travel ticket. Cheap thrills!

Details of Paris travel card and other things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Paris - here

130 Years of Eiffel Tower Limited Edition Tourist Medal Coin

Collection of my French Coins (See all the interesting things in purchased in the Souvenirs from Paris post) 

Cheers to travelling

As I told you in my previous post, at Louvre, my only aim was to see Mona Lisa because I probably won’t have time. I planned a trip to Paris on the first weekend of the month because, on the first Sunday, tickets to all museums and important places are free. So, here I am all relaxed and happy after wandering the whole Saturday night at Avenue des Champs-Élysées. I check online just to see the opening time on Sunday. And it hit me like a punch on my face when I read this – Free visit on first Saturday from 6 to 9 PM, When I was loitering around at Champs-Élysées, I was supposed to be at Louvre. All slots for online booking were sold out for Sunday. I was heartbroken and decided to sleep-in on Sunday. 

Can there be a trip to Paris without seeing Gustave’s Eiffel Tower? In fact, the tower is easily visible from most places, so it is unlikely that you visit Paris and not catch a glimpse of the famous tower. 

In Eiffel tower, you need to book tickets to go up. There is option to up either till the second floor (16,30€ by lift and 10,20€ by stairs), or you can go to the very summit of the Eiffel tower (25,50€ by lift and 19,40€ by stairs till the second floor and lift after that) If you are less than 24, then you the rates are half, and for age 12-24, it is one-fourth of adult ticket price.) Now, this was the only time I was stepping in the tower, so I had to try the summit. 

How and when to book? Book ahead online. I was lucky that I go the only open slot left to go to the summit while it was sunny. Everything else was sold-out. I purchased Saturday morning tickets within two hours of my arrival in Paris. Please check the weather forecast before you go. It is freezing at the top. You do not want the rain to add to that. Plus, you will not be able to see much. It was a lucky shot for me. It might not be the case always. So, please book ahead. 

Once you reach on top, there is no end time. So, enjoy the view. People from the slot before you might still be there, so book the earlier slots if possible but keep the weather condition as your highest priority. 

Ah Paris! 

I am here in south of France for a month for work. There are lot of great places to see around here but this is my first trip to Europe so, I had to visit Paris. I did not do a lot of research before reaching. Here is what I learnt with first-hand experience. Hope this helps if you are planning a weekend trip. 

To reach: Paris has two airports and is well connected with most major airports all over Europe. But, the airports are quite far from the city. You will have to pay extra to get in the city. Reaching by bus (Flixbus or Blablabus) or by train is a better option. I wanted to go by train because it is faster but the price of the tickets go up exponentially near the travel dates. Booking in advance is the key. Bus in general takes a long time to reach but the prices are low. For Bus, choose an option that reaches at Berny Seine or other stop within the zone 1 or 2 of Paris. This will save you precious time in Paris. 

Travel pass: Paris is divided in zones. Keep that in mind while getting your travel pass. I purchased mine from Berny metro stop. I had to travel to zone 3 to stay with my friend so, I purchased the one for zone 3 for two days. If you want to roam around the popular tourist destination then zone 1 or zone 1 and 2 is enough. The travel pass allows you to take the bus, tram, metro, and even the funicular (available at Sacre Cour. More on that in a later post)

The trip around the city: I booked the two days BigBus trip where you can sit on top of a double-decker bus and enjoy the city while listening to their guides (prerecorded or live) telling you about the area you travel to. You can get down at their designated stops. You will get another bus in 15-20 minutes. It can be easily tracked using their apps – the routes, stops, how far you are from the nearest stop and how long it will take the next bus to come. They cover two routes and also a river cruise. But, I was out of time to enjoy the cruise plus it was getting too cold so, skipped it. The tickets are for 44 euro but I paid 35 euros because of some discounts on their websites. There are other companies that offer this but do check their frequency and routes before you book. They do not stop unless it is the designated stop so, at times you might have to walk a lot. 

What to see: It all depends on personal choice. My top priority was the summit of Eiffel tower and visit Louve especially for Monalisa. Then, enjoy the city and walk around. In the end, I did a lot more than that in two days and I am content with the trip. I will do a post on the places visited soon. Do let me know if you have anything in mind that you wish to know. 

Safety precautions: The city is full of thieves and pickpockets. The city with its posters, warning on public transport, and even the good-hearted by-passers will caution you about this repeatedly. Take a light backpack which you can either hang in front. If you keep it on your back, make sure there is nothing important. Keep a fanny pack with some cash and important documents. Luckily with the coat that I was wearing, everything is concealed. Keep your money in different places. Some even told me to keep some in my socks in case I lose things.

Stay: Luckily, I had on colleague staying in Paris Zone 3 (also here in France for work). I stayed with her. But, whatever place you choose please check which zones it fall on so that you can easily travel around. Airbnb also has a lot to offer around the place. 

I will add more things as and when I recall them. 

Love, 

Shayoni

I first tried solid perfume a long time back, and truth be told, I loved the concept. Then somehow, I stopped using them (I wonder why). When I mentioned about natural deodorants, some said the use of solid deodorants in tin/tub, which made me wonder if they are easy to use.

While I was sulfate-free for years, I was using liquid shampoo. Meaning, in the end, I create a plastic bottle waste which just goes to landfill. Thankfully I was using The Body Shop shampoo and TBS recycles their bottles but the one I used was discontinued. Hence, I tried the Soap Works Coconut one. (Truth be told, I might never have tried it if TBS continued to retail their sulfate-free shampoo) It was one of the best thing that happened with my hair.

You use a shampoo bar. It gets over and there is no waste to throw away. Plus, the solid shampoo works better than any other shampoo I tried. What more can anyone ask?

My hair is at its best - the least frizzy in my entire life (even with the high humidity in Kolkata and insane air pollution in Delhi)

I was happy with the coconut one but went for the Murumuru Solid Shampoo bar for wavy and curly hair next.

I got to know about Bare Necessities when exploring products. I did not have any defined need in my mind but I wanted to explore their products. They have a limited range but all good products packed in glass or cloth packaging. The price point is not too high. Then I stumbled upon something that made me make my first purchase - straws made from fallen palm leaves - Leafy Straws which retails for Rs 200 for 50 pieces. This seems great for get-togethers at home coz how many steel straws can a girl own? :D

Today, Let's Talk Trash. 

On this day, five years back, 'Swatch Bharat Mission' was born. The littering stopped a lot because of that. Initially, when we used to tell people not to litter, they used to give looks like - "Why bother?" Now, there is something to encourage them to stop.

Today was supposed to be the start of Plastic Ban in India but the government did not bring out the plan. 😣

But, you at an individual level can always bring change. 💪

1. Carry a tote bag (say no to even paper bags!) and your own cutlery and you will be amazed how much garbage you stop from creating. 😳

2. Study your trash bin 😂 and see what you are throwing away. Was it used multiple times? Can you stop using it? My biggest trash was online food delivery boxes. I tried my best to zero that down (We still order at times. I have settled on the fact that I can't be 100% perfect). 😞

Just an update on bring-your-utensils (what is it called exactly?) I tried this first at a 'chaat' shop where I gave my box for packaging and denied the plastic box/bag. I have been doing the same and are some pointers and funny things to note:

1. I prefer cooking at home but when I want to eat outside, I eat at the restaurant. I guess I do deserve that time to enjoy my hot meal presented how it was supposed to be.

2. If I know that I might order more to bring back home, I carry steel tiffin boxes (lighter than glass) in a tote bag. This picture is at Soda Bottle Opener Wala where I packed the extra Berry Pulao ( soooo yum!!). The waiter was intrigued. I informed that I am trying to avoid my food get in touch with plastic* and he inquired, "So, you were aware that you will order extra?" If only he was aware of my mild social anxiety because of which I 'study' menus before even reaching restaurants.

3. Small shops are more welcoming to the idea. They do not question much and are happy to save their packaging material. Win-win.

If what you use to clean your face, irritate you even the slightest bit (Example you cannot keep your eyes open) then it is not for you.

If it tugs or needs to be used repeatedly, then do yourself a favor by stop using it and save yourself from wrinkles and dark circles.

So, in the end, I always prefer cleansing balm or oils.

I do not use base makeup, but I still use deep cleansers because the pollution surrounding us is dangerous. It can be damaging to sleep with all dirt - almost like sleeping with makeup on. Plus, I used Sugar Smudge me not lipsticks so, I need something substantial.

I found this bottle of Klairs in one of Nykaa's luxe store I think back in January (I do not remember clearly, but it was definitely during winter). I had heard about the brand. I wanted to try their blue serum, but it was not available. In the end, I decided to give this one a try because I do use cleansing oil. 

I spotted Dr. Organic at an Apollo Pharmacy. My cuticles were at its worst and I needed some TLC. I had heard of Manuka Honey earlier so, decided to give this a try. In fact, I got another product from the same brand because I had never tried this brand earlier.

It has cleaner ingredients - parabens, SLS, DEA, synthetic colors, silicones, phthalates, petrolatum, glycols, BHT, mineral oil, isothiazolinones.

Today, I am going to share you my favorite ingredient that is not only inexpensive but also easily available and works for skin, hair, and body. 

* drumrolls * 

Aloe Vera. 

Why Aloe Vera? 

Because I am yet to find anything that is equally gentle and effective with zero side effects that do not burn a hole in your pocket. You can use it on acne-prone skin to speed up recovery, use it after waxing to give relief to skin, use it after sun exposure to soothe skin, use it as night or day moisturizer for when its too hot and humid for regular moisturizers, as first aid on light burns, use it on your scalp to help regrowth (I prefer Japakusum that has Aloe and other ingredients to promote healthy hair growth). 

You are only limited by your imagination here. 

While aloe Vera juice and powders are also available, the gel formula is the most common one. So, here are few pointers on how to buy aloe vera gel and how you can add it in your life:

Tea tree is good but have you tried neem? Every part of the tree is celebrated in Ayurveda to several ailments thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. If fact, neem oil is also used to a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides and even floor cleaners. 

With 15% organic neem leaves, presenting you Just Herbs Neem. 

Moreover, not only neem, but it also has other impressive ingredients. Since it comes in powder form, there are preservatives/parabens used. No added color or fragrance.

A spur of the moment purchase that I do not regret. (much)

On 1st January this year, when the novelty of the new year was at its peak, I went to Sephora to pick few gifts. I saw this tiny gift set with two chubby tubes of hand products and somehow gave in to the temptation.

I first tried 'peeling liquids' couple of years back in 2017. Then, I discovered chemical exfoliation (Glycolic Acid is bae!). And now I can confidently tell you that these are a better option than physical exfoliation (Especially if you have very sensitive skin). They work great for around the nose area (more effective than physical exfoliators and more gentle than nose strips). 

My first was The Body Shop Drop of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel and Drops of Youth Liquid Peel. Both are similar and works great. But, not very easy to work around with facial hair and peels up far quickly. 

Later, I tried Dr. Sheths Extra Gentle Peel and it was way too gentle and ineffective for me. 

When I found about The Face Shop one, the papaya gave me some hopes and I was not wrong. 

I did major skincare and makeup declutter less than a couple of months back. (I will request you to read that before you read this post.)

But, I had to do it again. I genuinely want to reduce what I have. Part of it means, I need to use what I have (not overuse products just to finish them up) and another part is to let of things that no longer serve any purpose in my life.

The first things that I picked up were the base makeup products. I cannot recall the last time I applied foundation or concealer or face powder. I mentioned in my previous declutter post how I am keeping the foundations but later realized that I am seriously never going to touch them. I am all in for skincare.

I am a body oil person. Been that a long time. (I do use lotions at times but usually stay away from them). While travelling, body oils are not a possibility and that is when I gravitate toward lotions sold in tube form aka hand creams. The Body Shop Almond Milk and Honey is a very soothing range. When I tried the scent for the first time, I was not amused. I found it too strong. Later when I got a chance to try their body butter, I started to love it. Hence, picked the hand cream during winter. (Along with Green Tea because these two are not very common)

Price: Rs 375 for 30ml (Other TBS hand creams are for Rs 345). I do not recall exactly, but I did received some discounts. I hardly buy anything from TBS without discounts.

Ingredients: A great mix of nice ingredients with a few of my top favorites but also contain perfume.

Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Mel, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycine Soja Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid.

Texture: Almost like the ones from K-beauty brands - less like lotion and more like creamy essence. Absorbs easily without leaving greasiness. A boon in winters and works well for dry office AC condition.

Overall: I do like this. It solves my purpose. It smells good but it is all because of the added fragrance. It is not must-buy product but if you are into hand creams then you can try it. 

Love,

Shayoni

For someone looking for vegan, cruelty-free makeup, The Body Shop is the place to be. 

They launched a waterproof mascara and brow pen - Lash Sport and Brow Sport. Brow Sport comes in two colors. 

Currently doing a #30DaysReduceWays series on Instagram Stories where I share about simple changes in your lifestyle that can bring a big positive change for the environment.

In addition, it was a shocker for most when I shared that sheet masks and face wipes are non- biodegradable. (Some sheet masks are 100% cotton hence, biodegradable but the percentage of those is low). They are almost like plastic bottles because they are also one use. Actually, they are worse. Around 10% plastic bottles are recycled. None of the wipes or sheet masks are. In fact, they swell up, builds up with other pollutants, and block drainage. Read more about them and if you are interested in knowing more about the little changes then follow me on Instagram.

When I got to know that The Body Shop was bringing in a new sunscreen, I was excited. 

A. It was from Skin Defence range which has one of the best sunscreens in the market – The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi Protection Essence SPF 50 P++++. 

B. I have never used sunscreen in spray form, so that is going to be fun. 

... or so I thought.

Hello!

Give me a pat on the back since I managed to do empties posts back to back! I am happy that I used each of them effectively and did not overuse them just to get rid of them. I did use some of them for purposed other than they were intended for as they were quite old. But, I am happy. 

For several reasons, there are brands whose products I no longer buy. It saves money and the feeling of intense regret. I will share the list with you if you are interested. But, today I felt that I have to share one particular brand - Enn's Closet.

Why now? I do not want you to wonder when you see each one these colorful products in my upcoming declutter post (that will go up on this weekend).

I discovered Enn's Closet on social media. I love colorful masks so, I was tempted. 

I felt confident when I started using SoapWorks shampoo that shampoo bars are working for me. So, I ordered another coconut shampoo bar from Unfactory - Earthy Sapo Nuts Over Coconuts. It is for bath as well as for hair.

This is not a detailed review but a first impressions post as I have used it for thrice so far. But, I wanted to post it with SoapWorks Coconut Oil Shampoo as a lot of points are similar like how I use it and why ACV rinse is needed, etc. It will be great if you read that review before reading this post. 

Price: Rs 185. Who said good products are expensive! Nevertheless, I had to try it to believe it. 

I have been using sulfate-free shampoo for years now. My favorite is The Body Shop Rainforest shampoo and I have said that a million times here. But, I heard the news that it might be discontinued. I still have a bottle and half left but I was aware that I need to make a switch.

Over the years, I have tried random shampoos - anything that cost less than TBS and is sulfate-free. However, none of them made a mark. I returned to TBS every time.

Luckily, awareness for sulfate-free is growing so, there are more options now. In fact, I get to try a plastic-free option - SoapWorks 100% Virgin Coconut Shampoo Bar.

Plus, it is super easy to carry. (Pop it in a tin box)

What are your first thoughts when you see this pic?

If you are not from India then you probably thought - Wow! Sustainable kitchen swaps. Less plastic. Nice

If you are from India - Hey! My mom/grandmom used to use them

(Some of you might still be using them instead of dishwashing sponge and I am proud of you)

And this my dear is my biggest learning. Our moms/grandmoms are living a low waste lifestyle. We for the sake of ease, use more plastic and create more waste. In fact, because there is a lack of demand these options are not even easily available in markets here. For example, I am trying to hunt a good steel tiffin box and yet have not found anything useable or 100% without plastic.

Therefore, I got them when I discovered them at Unfactory.in - a great place to discover small brands that do not have their own store online. 

I felt like a kid at a candy store when I discovered the website. I placed my order. They charge additional shipping but I was ready to pay because I wanted to try them. Then, I started to receive my orders and here are a few thoughts I want to share with you:

1. The stores ship to you directly. So, if you order two things but from different stores then they arrive separately. You can see the store name right under the product name. This is the reason why shipping was high for me. I ordered from various stores and they each added their own shipping cost.

2. Each store has their set of philosophy. The packaging style was completely different for each of the brands.

And now, here are the things I purchased