par's picks Archives - My Inner Shakti

Par’s Picks – Things I Still Love

I started my [slightly modified] Par’s Picks series to share all of the products, blog posts, and articles I love. And while it’s fun to share monthly favorites because they’re so fresh and new, I think it’s even more useful and helpful to share the things I continue to love over time.

With that being said, I reviewed my Par’s Picks archive and looked for the products I still use every single day. It was hard, but I was able to narrow it down to four of my favorite products. Enjoy!

Par’s Picks – Things I Still Love and Use Every Single Day

Tea Tree Oil – I’ve blogged about this stuff over and over again, and I’m not stopping any time soon because it’s the BEST. I can’t claim that my skin is acne-free, however, I can say that my blemishes are under control (for the most part!). Progress over perfection!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noi r Mascara – You guys! I’m seriously in love with this mascara. I’ve tried a lot of mascaras, and this is by far my favorite. I’ll admit that my lashes are pretty full and long to start with, but this stuff gives them extra an oomph and helps them stand out even more. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (on sale!!) – These wireless headphones are easy to use and super comfortable. Since receiving them as a gift from Vishnu, I’ve used them during every single workout. Life changing little gadget!

Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Suede Splash – If you haven’t tried Burt’s Bees Lipsticks, you’re missing out! The formula is so creamy and light, and the colors are beautiful and rich. I mean, what more can you ask for! I love Suede Splash so much that I bought Scarlet Soaked, the most perfect shade of red (and I’ve been looking for a while). LOVE!

Your turn – what’s a product you highly recommend and use every single day?

No portion of this post is sponsored. However, there are a few affiliate links included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links. Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Four Must Follow Beauty YouTubers

written by Parita 4 Comments

I feel like beauty blogging/YouTubing has taken off in the past few years. And I love it! My bank account? Not so much.

While I don’t follow a ton of YouTubers, there are four in particular that I try to keep up with on a regular basis. Not only do these women share wonderful reviews and tutorials on their channels, but they bring their entire personality with them. They interact with their followers as if they are friends. Not that novel in this new digital world but very much appreciated!

If you love beauty products as much as I do or if you want to learn how to apply makeup or if you want to know whether you should splurge on that lipstick, these four beauty gurus have you covered.

With that, here are four must follow beauty YouTubers!

Sazan Hendrix – Not only is she gorgeous, but Sazan’s videos are fun to watch, and her tutorials are easy to follow. Personally, I follow along for the beauty tips and tricks as well as the relationship videos she creates with her husband Stevie. Sometimes I make/force/whatever Vishnu to watch with me!

Sona Gasparian – Sona is a former makeup artist. Her videos are so put together, and her product reviews and tutorials are well thought out and super informative.

Teni Panosian – Teni is probably the most edgy (ish) beauty blogger I follow. Like the others, her stuff is great, but what I love most about Teni is her honesty. You can tell when she absolutely loves a product, and when she doesn’t, she says so.

Deepica Mutyala – Deepica’s story is inspiring, and it’s been fun to watch her channel and brand grow. Her very first video about how to cover dark circles with red lipstick is just over a year old and has over 9 million views! Deepica is a favorite because she’s obviously South Asian like me, and many of her reviews are catered to that population. So appreciated because it really can be hard to find products that work on darker skin tones.

If you haven’t jumped on the beauty YouTube bandwagon, I highly suggest you start with these four channels and go from there. You won’t be disappointed!

Your turn – what are some of your favorite YouTube beauty channels?

Par’s Picks – April 2016

written by Parita 7 Comments

You guys, guess what time it is!

That’s right. It’s Par’s Picks time!

I’m not going to bore you with random happenings from this month. Except to say that we’re in Chicago this weekend for our apartment hunting trip. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us!

With that, let’s get to it…

One – Next Vacay

Our friends Naveen and Shaylee recently launched a new site/service called Next Vacay. If you’re a travel junkie who’s always on the lookout for a great deal, you should definitely sign up for this. For one low yearly fee, Naveen and Shaylee will send you (via email) all kinds of travel deals departing from your home airport. Vishnu and I signed up for deals out of Chicago and have been tempted by quite a few that have come our way in the past couple of weeks – Australia, Spain, Ireland…just to name a few!

If you love to travel, you need Next Vacay.

Two – Linya Design

I haven’t been the best with keeping up with my grad school friends. However, there are a few people I connect with on a regular(ish) basis, and one of them is Mariam. We relate on so many levels, especially when it comes to being married to a doctor. Her and her husband are quite a few years ahead of us, so she always has something wise to share with me.

Mariam and I were catching up the other day when she told me about her new business. Linya Design is a luxury boutique design company specializing in wedding gifts and favors. If you’re from the Dallas area and are getting married/know someone who is getting married, check out my friend’s site. Knowing Mariam and her attention to detail and eye for design, I’m positive she’ll make your big day as special as possible!

Three – Mindy Kaling in conversation with Alicia Menendez

You don’t have to be a fan of The Mindy Project to enjoy this video. In fact, anyone with ambitions to do good work while being themselves will find this conversation inspiring. WATCH THIS!

Four, Five, and Six – Beauty products

Four – Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment

My coworker and friend Thea gifted me this product for my birthday, and I LOVE it! It’s an all-in-one moisturizing lip balm/gloss/treatment. The sheer pink/berry tint is perfect on its own or over your favorite lipstick. Something else to love is that it’s made without parabens, sulfates, GMOs, petroleum oil, and other bad things. If you have a thing for lip products but have yet to try this one, get on it!

Five – Marc Jacob Le Marc Lipstick (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)

I’m officially obsessed with Marc Jacobs’ makeup products. The Velvet Noir mascara is life changing. Seriously, my lashes have never looked better! And now I’m equally in love with this new-to-me lipstick that came as a sample in my latest Sephora haul. The formula itself is creamy and matte, but unlike other matte lipsticks I’ve tried, it’s not drying at all. I love how it hugs my lips and stays put! Also, can we take a second and talk about the color. It’s bright and vibrant with beautiful pink and magenta undertones. Even Vishnu’s a fan, and he doesn’t normally like shades like this!

Six – Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Ginger)

After hearing a bunch of beauty bloggers and Thea rave about this particular concealer, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. The verdict? I love it! This stuff is magical. I apply it over my foundation – under my eyes and on the highpoints of my face. Not only this this blend right in without looking cakey, but it also brightens my face unlike any other product I’ve tried. Undereye circles and dark spots be gone!

Pro tip – regardless of the brand, when picking a concealer, always go two shades lighter than your skin tone.

Annnnd…that’s all for my April picks, y’all! Thanks for reading!

Tell me about your favorite April products, videos, articles, etc.

Par’s Picks – March 2016

written by Parita 12 Comments

March! Where did you go? Seriously though, it’s like the days are literally flying by (super cliche, I know)!

This month was pretty normal in terms of the ebbs and flows. Work’s been busier than usual and is showing no signs of slowing down. On the personal side, March was fairly relaxing. I don’t think the craziness will hit me until May. That’s when all the wedding stuff starts!

In terms of this month’s Par’s Picks, I don’t have many “things” to share. My picks are more intangible for the most part.

With that, let’s get to it…

One — The Bachelor

I didn’t mention it on the blog at all, but I was really into this season of The Bachelor. Ben was ridiculously cute, and the girls were…interesting! I didn’t necessarily love that he told two different women he loved them but am excited that JoJo is the next bachelorette. Should be another fun season!

Two — Tom’s new Spring line

LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that Tom’s is expanding it’s shoe offerings. I’m specifically into the Palmera design (option 1, option 2, and option 3) and these booties. I need to get on the whole Spring cleaning bandwagon so I can make room for new shoes. Shhh…don’t tell Vishnu!

Three — Zyliss Lock n’ Lift Manual Can Opener

If you’re thinking that I’ve hit an all time low by mentioning a can opener, think again. This is one of the best kitchen gadgets I’ve ever used. It makes opening cans easy and safe. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cut myself trying to separate the lid from the can. But that’s no longer an issue with this opener because he magnetic “button” lifts the lid right off.

To be honest, this was a Vishnu purchase. I didn’t think it was right to spend more than $5 on a can opener. Thankfully, he went ahead and bought it anyways because I love it and haven’t experienced a cut since!

Four — Healthier Flourless Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent, and super easy to make. Need I say more?

Five — Native Foods Cafe (Chicago)

My colleague and good friend Thea and I ventured out to Native Foods Cafe for lunch last Monday. And it was better than I remember! Thea and I have been to this restaurant several times and have our order down pat. We always end up sharing a plate of (loaded) nachos and a side of sweet potato fries. We also always get the same drinks – watermelon agua fresca for me and lavender lemonade for T!

You guys, this place is YUM. I can’t wait to eat here more often after our move. It’s super close to the office too (possibly a little too close!). If you live in Chicago, this place is a must try.

Six — You start dying slowly if…

I saw this pop on my Facebook page, and it really spoke to me. I mean, how could it not?!

And there you have it, my March picks. Thank you for reading!

Did you discover any products, TV shows, poems, etc. this month?

P.S. My mind is pretty much in a million places right now, so I apologize for not including any real pictures today! Hopefully, I’ll get it together going forward. Can we say HOT MESS?!

Par’s Picks – February 2016

written by Parita 4 Comments

February 2016 was an interesting month. Lots of great experiences and moments, but there were a few curve balls as well.

Let’s start with the good – my work trip to Panama, a visit from my parents, a coaching conversation with my friend and life coach Shannon, and a few other things that didn’t make it on MIS.

And the not so good – Vishnu being sick and me hurting my back. You guys know about Vishnu, but I never mentioned my back pain on MIS. Honestly, I’m not 100% sure what happened, but my best guess is that I strained my flank muscle doing Barre3. Ironically, it was likely the “easy” 40 minute yoga flow workout that did me in. I picked this specific video because I wasn’t feeling too great that day and just wanted to move. Well, the next afternoon (last Thursday), my mid-back start aching. And by Sunday, I could barely walk. Everything is (almost) 100% fine now, but for someone who has never hurt herself in that way before, it was so frustrating…and annoying…and painful!

That was our month in nutshell!

To round things out, here are my favorite monthly things.

Par’s Picks – February 2016

Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Suede Splash – For as long as I can remember, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect nude lipstick for my skin tone. Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Suede Splash is that color! It’s a beautiful darker nude with a slight pop of mauve. And the formula is super creamy and moisturizing. While this shade will be my go to, I can’t wait to try a few of the other 13 shades in this collection. LOVE!

TUMI Voyageur Q-Tote – Vishnu gifted me this bag for my 31st birthday. Full disclosure on this pick, it is on the expensive side. However, it is my absolute favorite work bag to date (10 years to be exact). It’s durable, stylish, roomy, and comfortable to wear (especially when travelling). It also fits perfectly under airplane seats! I know it’s only been a little over a year, but I’m positive this bag will last me for years to come. If you’re looking for a new work/laptop bag, be sure to at least consider this one. It’s pretty perfect!

Duolingo – One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t continue studying Spanish in college. I took AP Spanish in high school, took the exam, got credit, and stopped. My trip to Panama inspired me to relearn Spanish, and you may remember that upon my return home I declared, “Rosetta Stone, here I come.” Well, I honestly don’t have/am not making time for Rosetta Stone right now. But what I do have time for is Duolingo, a fun app that I can use randomly throughout the day. You pick a language, take a placement test (or just start at level 1), and begin your lessons. I love the approach and how accessible and easy it is to use. There’s also a gamefication aspect that I have yet to learn. Highly recommend you check this out if you’re looking to brush up on your language skills!

DISCOUNT CODE for Me and a Tree – You guys don’t want to miss this one! Remember the bug spray that I called magical and pretty much the best thing ever? Well, Michelle (the owner of the Me and a Tree) was so thankful for my write up that she’s offering MIS readers a 10% discount off their entire order over $35. The code is BUGME02, and don’t wait too long because this offer expires on March 31!

Here is what I know for sure is not the point of life via Clarity on Fire – This post is one I think everyone should read ASAP! In fact, I was so inspired that I started a list of “things I know for sure aren’t the point of life” and plan to share in an upcoming post. If nothing else, this will give you some food for thought and a different perspective on the more common question, “What is the point of life?” One that is much harder to answer.

And there you have it, my February picks. Thank you for reading!

Did you discover any products this month?

No portion of this post is sponsored. However, there are Amazon affiliate links included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links. Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Par’s Picks – January 2016

written by Parita 9 Comments

You guys, January 2016 came and went. Just like that. Umm…what?! If this is any indication of how the rest of the year will go, I need to find a pause button pronto!

While the month flew by, it was filled with lots of good stuff – a trip home, MIS’ birthday, my birthday.

And on top of all that, I have some great January picks to share! So without further ado…

Par’s Picks – January 2016

Garbage bowls – All credit goes to Rachael Ray for this genius idea (at least in my opinion). Basically, instead of walking back and forth as I’m chopping veggies and generally making a mess in the kitchen, I put all my scraps in a separate bowl that sits next to my cutting board and throw them away in one go. Stupidly simple but LIFE CHANGING!

Tea tree oil – It’s no secret that I love tea tree oil. It has honestly helped transform my skin from super duper acne prone to once in a while acne prone. It’s been a part of my routine for so long that I kind of take it for granted. After a little extra sugar consumption in December, my skin freaked out a bit. And the only thing that helped calm it down was regular tea tree oil application. LOVE this stuff! P.S. Vishnu’s also a huge fan. In fact, he gets super upset when I take it with me on my trips and leave him with nothing!

My Kindle – Since being introduced to Overdrive, my love for the Kindle has quadrupled! If you are a fellow book worm and don’t own this device, get on it! It’s worth the investment. Aside from making reading books so easy, the Kindle helps eliminate clutter. And this is super important when you live with someone who wants to keep every book/folder from med school!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noi r Mascara – Last month, I blogged about a mascara that didn’t quite live up to the hype. Well, this month I’m sharing a new one that does…in a big way! I received this mascara from Marc Jacobs Beauty (and Influenster), and I LOVE it. It really creates voluminous, rich, thick lashes. And my favorite part is that it stays put and doesn’t flake!

Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – And last but certainly not least, we have these wireless headphones and my birthday present from Vishnu. You guys! I’m not a gadget person by any means, and I probably wouldn’t have bought myself this particular product, but these headphones are a game changer. I’ve been running with them and have completed a few strength workouts as well. For the first time ever, I don’t have to deal with a long cord getting in the way. I particularly love how snug and comfortable they feel in my ears. And the set up was a breeze. I did it all by myself (Vishnu wasn’t even home when I figured it all out) – a HUGE accomplishment for me!

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to give the fitness fanatic in your life (and it could even be you!), these headphones are it. Like I said, they are a game changer! And also, how cool is the case?!

And there you have it, my January picks. Thank you for reading!

Did you discover/rediscover any products this month?

Par’s Picks – December 2015

written by Parita 5 Comments

Par’s Picks is back but in a different way. Instead of only sharing my favorite articles, recipes, and blog posts, I’m going to pick some of my favorites from a bunch of different categories and blog about those things on a monthly basis.

Let’s do this!

Par’s Picks – December 2015

Double Chocolate Chip Muffins via The Write Balance – As soon as I saw these muffins on Salma’s blog, I knew I had to make them! Not only are they healthy and delicious, but they’re super easy to make. I mean, all you need is a blender! If you’re a chocolate lover like me, make these – you won’t regret it.

32 Degrees Long Sleeve Shirt – This is essentially an undershirt meant to keep you warm in cold weather. I’ve been using mine as a workout top. It’s perfect for those cool Florida runs, and I’m sure it’ll come in handy when we move to Chicago too.

Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Palette – This eye shadow palette is literally one of the best makeup products I’ve ever used. I have semi-oily eyelids so creasing is an issue for me, however, I don’t have to think about that with this palette. Even after hours of wear, the color is just as rich and pigmented as when I first applied it. AND it’s totally affordable. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Target’s Cartwheel App – If you frequent Target more than you’d like to admit, this app is for you. Lots of savings on all kinds of products including food, clothing, beauty products, etc. AND the app is easy to navigate. Win win!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – My colleague Jas introduced me to this mist. She uses it throughout the day to moisturize her skin. I find that it’s actually a great makeup setting spray. My skin looks so dewy and soft because of this stuff. And it has a light rose scent.

Par’s “Non-Pick”

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara – I wanted to love this mascara, but I personally found that it didn’t live up to all the hype. First of all, the wand doesn’t comb through the lashes. Also, the formula itself flakes, feels heavy on the lashes, and is nearly impossible to take off. Not a fan!

There you have it, my December picks! I’m really looking forward to making this a regular feature. 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Par’s Picks – Things I Still Love

Four Must Follow Beauty YouTubers

Par’s Picks – April 2016

Par’s Picks – March 2016

Par’s Picks – February 2016

Par’s Picks – January 2016

Par’s Picks – December 2015

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