Friday, June 27, 2008

Hair Care - All natural


Hair masks are as important as face masks. We’ve damaged our tresses blow-drying, using flat irons, used harsh chemical to color the hair, and lets not forget the pollution in the air which makes our hair dull and dry. We have to replenish what has been stripped away. Below are few of the ways that can be achieved.

Oil Massaging

The best way to replenish the oils in the scalp is oil massaging. You can massage the scalp with coconut, almond or olive oil. Slightly warm the oil in microwave for a few seconds before massaging, that way the scalp will absorb it better. Remember to massage with finger tips, not nails, otherwise you will damage your scalp. You don’t have to leave the oil in your hair overnight. Cover with hot towel and leave it in for just 30-40 minutes then wash hair with shampoo and don’t forget to use a good conditioner afterwards. It is the best method to cure dandruff in your hair as well. Oiling once a week is important.

Coconut Milk

Personally I like to use coconut milk because it is easier to rinse from hair. Plus it not only nourishes the scalp but promotes hair growth as well. Just take enough coconut milk to massage the scalp. Do warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds. Leave it in for 30 minutes then wash your hair. You don’t have to use shampoo but if you want you can. You will immediately see how healthy and full of life each strand of hair looks instead of squeaky clean, lifeless, and dull. By the way, hair should never be squeaky clean, if it is then you’ve stripped away the essential oils from your scalp.

Egg

Egg gives hair shine and bounce.

For oily hair: Whisk an egg, add ½ tsp lemon juice, massage your scalp and leave it in for 30 minutes. Wash hair with shampoo and condition.
For dry hair: Whisk an egg, add olive or almond oil, massage the scalp and leave it in for 30 mins. Wash hair with shampoo and condition.

It is important that you don’t wash your hair with hot water. Otherwise, you’ll “cook” the egg and you will need additional washing.

Henna- Hair color and conditioner in one!

Henna is my favorite conditioner! There are many reason. First, it gives a beautiful color to hair without those harsh chemicals. I’ve stopped coloring my hair any other way. Secondly, it nourishes the hair naturally.

To prepare henna paste first boil some water and add a 2-3 tea bags. Remove the bags from water in 2-3 minutes. Cool the water and use it to mix henna. Add an egg to this mixture. I also like to add 1 tsp lemon. Mix everything well and apply to hair from root to t1p with gloves on otherwise it will stain your hands. Apply henna paste to clean, dried hair only. Make sure to apply a face cream so the henna doesn't leave color on your forehead and around your ears. Leave it on for 1 hour and rinse hair with water and don't shampoo. Your hair is going have a beautiful color and shine right after. I love to use henna! :)

Tea water - Beautiful natural color

Boil some water and throw in 3-4 tea bags. Remove the bags once tea is mixed in water. Give your hair a final rinse with this tea water and don't rinse with plain water afterwards. Your hair will have a beautiful rich color.

Lemon - for shine

After shampooing and conditioning, give your hair a final rinse of lemon diluted in water. Don’t rinse with plain water afterwards. It will give a natural beautiful shine to your hair.

Don’t forget that the key to achieving the best results from these tips is that you use them regularly. Doing once is not enough. Use these methods at least once a week to get beautiful healthy hair for life.

Please feel free to add to this list.

www.Laajstudios.com

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Roti Boti Restaurant - Jackson Heights, NY

7209 Broadway
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 476-6516

Kabab King Diner - Jackson Heights, NY

www.kababking.com

73-01 37th Rd
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 457-5857

Kababish- Jackson Heights, NY

7064 Broadway
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 565-5131

Indigo Resaurant & Bar - NJ

http://indigorestaurantbar.com/

999 Route 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Tel: 732-247-8500

Aangan Restaurant - NJ

http://aanganrestaurant.com/

Aangan Restaurant & Caterers
3475 Route 9 North
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-761-2900
Fax: 732-761-2904

NanKing Restaurants- NY, NJ

http://www.nankingrestaurantgroup.com/

They have many locations in NY and NJ. Visit the website to find the closest location.

Akbar Restaurant, NJ

http://www.akbarrestaurant.com

Akbar Restaurant
21 Cortland Street
Edison, NJ 08837

Tel: 732-632-8822

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Bahar - Authentic Afghan Cuisin

This is one of my favorite resturants. It is conveniently located on Queens Blvd, Elmhurst. You can easily find parking in this area. They provide catering and have a party room available for all occasions. Below is their address and phone number:

82-19 Queens Blvd
Elmhurst, NY 11373
Tel: 718-426-5822
or
718-396-3159

Friday, June 20, 2008

Home Made Facial Masks


In this post I will discuss a few ways you can make facial masks at home which are as effective as getting a facial from a spa without spending hundereds of dollars each year. I will also include a few tips from a guest on Nadia Khan Show, Rima Soni. She is a beauty consultant based in Dubai and specialize in treating skin with natural ingredients.


Dry Skin
Egg yolk, few lemon drops, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp of olive or almond oil. Mix well and apply on skin, avoiding eye area ofcourse. Wash with cool water when mask is dry. This mask also tightens the skin!


Oily Skin
Egg white, 1/2 tsp honey, with few lemon drops. Apply on skin and wash with cool water when mask dries.

Acne
Egg yolk can be applied on skin to heal blemishes. You can also try 1 tsp cinnamon powder mixed with honey. Apply and leave it on for 1 hour every day. Wash with cool water. This mask will start to dry the pimples without drying the skin.

Dull Skin
Egg yolk, 1/2 tsp honey, 2 drops lemon juice, and almond powder. Mix and apply on skin. Wash with cool water when dry. It will exfoliate the skin.

For Open Pores
1 tsp lemon, 1/2 tsp honey, dilute with water
or
1 tsp tomatoe juice, 1/2 tsp honey and apply on skin for 30 minutes. Wash with cool water

Sooth Tired Skin and Clear Acne Marks
Yogurt mixed with oats powder. Make a paste and apply on skin. Wash with cool water when mask is dry.

Facial Scrub
Mash strawberries, add almond powder to make a paste. Apply to skin, wash when the mask dries.

Skin Whitener
Strawberries also work as a skin whitener. You can also rub raw papaya on your skin to whiten.

Toner
Rose water can be applied to skin as a toner. It is very inexpensive plus it smells really good.

I will be posting more tips in coming day. Any questions, comments are welcomed.

www.laajstudios.com

Thursday, June 12, 2008

NATURAL CLEANSER - GET THE GLOW!


I have always believed in the old natural ways for skin care rather than using harsh face washes and masks. Try these trick to liven up dead dull skin and get the glow without spending a fortune! The ingrediants can be easily found in your own kitchen...

Lets start with a cleanser. My personal recommendation for a cleanser is...Yogurt!

Yes, its true...yogurt is the best face wash out there...well you can also use milk but I prefer yogurt because it is easier to apply (by the way I heard that Cleopatra used to bath in milk...hmmm...I bet she had the softest skin). Anyway, every morning massage your face with yogurt for a minute or so and then wash it off with water...you will see the difference immediately...........it leaves your skin soft and smooth and the best part... you will love this one...it won't dry out your skin :))

Yogurt can also be used as a mask, especially in summer when the skin is exposed to harsh sun. Leave the yogurt on your face for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off. You can use this mask every day if you like.

In the next few days I will be talking about different types of masks for different skin types. In addition, how to get the shine and elasticty back in your hair after years of coloring and blow drying.Well that is it for today. Any questions, comments are welcomed.