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Review – 2020 Passion Planner

written by Parita Leave a Comment

First and foremost, it may sound like it, but this post is not sponsored in any way.  I found and bought this planner on my own.  I love it so much (already!) that I just have to share.

Ok, a little context.  I found this Passion Planner after researching unique planners online.  I’m a huge paper planner person, but for 2020, I knew I wanted something different.  Something to not only help me plan my days/weeks/months, but also something that allowed me to document my habits, my intentions, my dreams, etc.  I also wanted something that would help me reduce the number of notebooks I use – blogging, personal, and planner.

The Passion Planner is honestly everything I could’ve asked for and more.  Let’s get into why…

The monthly view

Look at this monthly view!  I got the large planner, so it’s pretty huge.  I have big handwriting, so this is super helpful.  There’s also space for your monthly focus, people to see, places to go, and things to learn.  I also love how you can list your personal as well as work projects.  And the large whitespace at the bottom would be perfect for notes, accomplishments, goals, etc.

The weekly view

I’ve never used a planner with such a detailed weekly view before, but I’ve already started filling out appointments, events, etc. for 2020, and I love it.  I think I’ll continue to use my virtual/online calendars as well, but I think this view and level of detail will help keep me uber organized.  Like with the monthly view, I love the weekly focus + good things that happened spaces.  Your to-do list space is built in, and again, the white space at the bottom is perfect for additional lists, notes, etc.  And the quote lover in me loves having 52 awesome quotes to ponder on in 2020.

Monthly reflection questions

This monthly reflection section is completely new for me, but I love the idea of it.  You can only improve and do better by reflecting on your past actions and the results.  I’m going to make it a priority to sit down at the end of every month and answer these questions. 

Extra blank pages

There are 24 big blank pages in the back.  Personally, this will mostly be a blog notebook replacement for me where I jot down my ideas and plans for MIS.  If you think about it, that’s two pages per month, which given the size of the planner itself, is a lot.  Even for those of us with big handwriting!

So if my review doesn’t give it away, I LOVE this planner and am so ready to really use it in 2020.  I feel like it’s setting me up for success and is going to help me capture everything in one place. 

If you decide to get it, let me know.  We can be Passion Planner nerds together!

P.S. I ordered the LARGE Forest Green Passion Planner with a Sunday start (you can also opt for a Monday start). It doesn’t look like the Forest Green option is available on Amazon anymore, but there are quite a few other ones in different sizes and colors.

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are 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!

Written on December 10, 2019 Related:Planning, review

Paperless Post

Paperless Post – Customizable Online Stationary

written by Parita 1 Comment

When I was recently contacted about Paperless Post, I almost dismissed the email.  But after scrolling through the website and looking at all the cool customizable stationary options they have, I decided to look into the opportunity.  So glad I did!

Paperless Post’s products are for everyone.  Throwing a party?  Pick an invitation card.  Saying happy birthday?  Pick a birthday card.  Thanking a friend?  Pick a thank you card.  And it’s not just all about greeting cards.  You have your pick at cool stationary options too.

Paperless Post

Honestly speaking, I find actual paper cards kind of wasteful…and very expensive.  I mean, if it’s the only thing you’re getting someone, go all out.  Also, speaking of paper cards, as someone who’s had to write over like 300 in past year and a half, I wish I would’ve known about Paperless Post.  Like in real life, you pick your card design and write individualized messages to each of your recipients.  But unlike real life, you send the card via email.  Same sentiments but no waste!

I’m going to use Paperless Post for our holiday card this year, and I’m so excited.  Here are a few of the options I’m looking at…

Paperless Post

Paperless PostPaperless Post

If you’re into the whole digital card trend, you need to check out Paperless Post.  I’m positive you’ll love it as much as I do!

While Paperless Post gave me their digital coins in exchange for this review, all opinions shared above are my own!

Written on September 27, 2018 Related:review

Instant Pot

My Latest Kitchen Gadget Obsession – The Instant Pot

written by Parita 6 Comments

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know I’m OBSESSED with the Instant Pot (IP).  Like sometimes it’s all I want to talk about.  The tool itself, great blogs to follow for recipes, recipes I’ve tried, etc.  It’s all about the IP here in the MIS household.  Even Vishnu’s on board and excited!

If you already own an IP, you’re likely obsessed too and totally get why I can’t stop talking about/using this gadget.  If you don’t or have never heard of the IP, I’m hoping you’re like, “TELL ME MORE, PAR!”

Instant Pot

Because that’s exactly what I’m about to do…

First and foremost, you can’t beat the price.  Now that I own one, I’m surprised it isn’t more expensive.  The normal price is ~$99, but I’ve found the IP discounted on Amazon a couple of times in the past few months.

Growing up, my mom’s traditional pressure cooker was a staple in our house.  I still remember counting ‘whistles!’  I also remember not feeling safe around that thing.  Almost as if was going to burst open in any minute.  The IP is different.  It’s easier and safe to use.  No more counting whistles or running to turn off the stove and running away as quickly as possible.

So here’s the thing.  The name is a little deceiving.  I really thought my meals would be as close to ‘instant’ as possible.  What I didn’t think about was the ‘come to pressure’ time and the ‘release’ time.  So yes, while the actual cooking time for most foods is short (chicken thighs cook in 8 minutes!), when you add in everything else, it’s not really that instant.  BUT, I do love the fact that I can turn it on and walk away.  No more babysitting a meal while it simmers away on the stovetop.

A couple of other features I love include the saute and slower cooker options.  With the saute function, I can saute my veggies, brown my meats, etc. before pressure cooking…all with the same tool!  There’s no need to use multiple pots and pans.  And with the slow cooker function, you can literally give away/donate your standalone tool and just use the IP.

The thing that Vishnu loves most about the IP is that it locks in flavor, especially when it comes to meat dishes.  For example, he always marvels at how flavorful the chicken thighs are in the chicken curry.  “How can it taste like this when it only cooks for eight minutes.”

One of my favorite things about the IP is that it’s a breeze to clean.  The internal pot is like any other steel pot, and you clean it (along with the other parts) like you would anything else.

Something else I love is that it’s the perfect tool for meal prep Sunday.  I can easily make two dishes for the week along with rice if needed and be good to go!  Most IP meals don’t require much prep, and some are even chop/pour and dump…makes a time consuming task less so!

Finally, with this gadget being relatively new, I was surprised to find so many blogs/cookbooks dedicated to IP meals.  There’s a high likely hood that if you Google “Instant Pot + [insert your favorite meal],” you’ll find something.

With that being said, here are some of my go to blogs for IP recipes along with a few recipes we absolutely love…

Indian meals
My Heart Beets
Piping Pot Curry
Ministry of Curry

Other cuisines
Dad Cooks Dinner
Peas and Crayons

Recipe love
Pressure cooker mac n’ cheese
Vegetarian lentil tortilla soup
Instant Pot creamy tomato soup
Instant Pot Saag
Instant Pot Dal Makhani
Instant Pot Butter Chicken (MofC)
Instant Pot Butter Chicken (MHB)

P.S. When it comes to the Instant Pot, you have a lot of choices with regard to size.  We own the 6 quart one and find that it’s perfect for the meals we make (the 8 would be too large for us!).

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, there are 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!

Written on November 13, 2017 Related:Food, Recipes, review, Uncategorized

Me and a Tree Bug Off! Bug Spray

The BEST Bug Spray | Me & a Tree – Bug Off!

written by Parita 15 Comments

This is not a sponsored post.  Aside from my urgent tweets about how quickly they could get me their bug spray, the owners of Me & a Tree have no clue who I am!

My love affair (yes, it’s that serious) with this company and their magical bug spray started back when we lived in Miami.  Vishnu and I walked by the Saturday farmer’s market and decided to check it out.  The Me and a Tree stall stood out to me because of the huge variety of soy candles.  I started chatting with the individual manning the stall and she slowly but surely introduced me to all of the other products.

The bug spray grabbed my attention right away as it was summertime in Miami and the mosquitoes are quite vicious, especially at night.  The lady told me that she used it in the Amazon rain forest and didn’t get bit once.  With a claim to fame like that, I figured it was worth a try.

Me and a Tree Bug Off! Bug Spray

This spray was good.  I used it whenever we went out to dinner, and the bugs really did stay away.

The real test came when we headed to India a couple of months later.  You guys, I was the only one in my family who didn’t get bit!!!  I offered my spray to everyone, but they were convinced that only Off would work in India.  Umm…they were 100% wrong!

I also used this spray in Puerto Rico and didn’t get bit at all.

So the proof was in the pudding.  This spray worked on non-US mosquitoes!

Fast forward to January 24, 2016.  I was freaking out a little about my upcoming trip to Panama because of the Zika outbreak.  I wanted to be fully prepared in terms of bug repellents.  I bought some all natural spray at Target along with the Bugables bracelets.  However, I could not help but feel like I needed the Me and a Tree spray (I ran out a while back).  It worked in three different locations around the world, so it would surely work in Panama, right?

Well, the only way to find out was to order a couple of bottles and take them with me.  I tweeted back and forth with the company because I didn’t know if the standard shipping would get them to me in time.  The owner responded right away and assured me they would.  And lo and behold, they did!

As you guys know, I didn’t get bit at all while in Panama.  Again, I’m not sure if that’s because there weren’t any mosquitoes or because the spray kept them away.  Either way, I used this every time I stepped out of the hotel.  I sprayed it on any bare skin, inside my shoes, and on my clothes.  A bit much I know but better safe than sorry.

The awesome thing about this spray is that it’s natural and made with essential oils and water (and a couple of other things), so it’s safe on the skin (and clothes) and smells amazing (kind of earthy/herby but also very fresh and clean).  No need to worry about unnecessary chemicals!  I had a few of my colleagues hooked on it as well!

If you’re looking for an amazing bug spray that really works, this is it.  I have honestly never been more amazed with a product.  And you better believe I’m stocking up with a few (more like 10) bottles myself!

NOTE: I absolutely love this spray and recommend it wholeheartedly.  However, please don’t take my positive recommendation as an absolute. Always take adequate precautions when heading out in mosquito (or any bug for that matter) season!

Written on February 10, 2016 Related:Favorites, review, Skincare, Uncategorized

CLEAR scalp & hair shampoo and conditioner

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™

written by Parita Leave a Comment

While I often blog about my skincare routine on MIS, I have yet to mention much about how I care for my hair.  That’s probably because my hair doesn’t give me nearly as much trouble as my skin!  However, I love haircare “stuff” as much as I do any other beauty products.  And that’s why I was excited to try CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ Intense Hydration Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Daily Conditioner.

CLEAR Scalp & Hair

I started using this shampoo and condition about a month ago and fell in love almost immediately.  Aside from how it helped soften and moisturize my hair (I’ll get to that in a minute), it’s affordable, it’s likely available everywhere you shop, and it smells amazing.

So, CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ is a global haircare brand focused on nourishing the scalp.  The idea is that like soil is to a tree, a well-nourished scalp is the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair.  To be completely honest, while that makes total sense, I never thought about how scalp health affects hair health.  Duh!  And because I know this Intense Hydration Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Daily Conditioner are meant for both my hair and my scalp, I try to massage my scalp a little more, but other than that, I use them like I do every other shampoo and conditioner.

CLEAR 1

In the time that I’ve been solely using CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™, my thick hair has gone from having that summertime, over dry, coarse look to a much softer and almost glossy look and feel.  And during the week, I hardly ever apply any heat to my hair, and even then, it doesn’t look frizzy at all.  Kind of magical if you ask me!

CLEAR 2

And if you’re like me, you probably love reading beauty product descriptions.  There’s something intriguing about the words marketers use to talk about how products work.  You’ll find some of that on the back of CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ Intense Hydration Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Daily Conditioner, but here’s more information…

  • Hair is resilient to dryness for 24 hours of soft, hydrated hair
  • Infused with cactus extract, a known hydrator
  • Clinically proven to help replenish the scalp with essential hydration with regular use
  • Leaves hair beautifully strong from root to tip
  • Formulated with Nutrium 10™, an advanced moisture complex of vitamins and nutrients including vitamins B5, C & E, sunflower, almond, soybean & coconut oils, glycerin & aloe vera

And like I said, it’s available everywhere (hint hint: Target.com and Walgreens.com sell it for a suggested retail price of $4.99 – $5.99).

Trust me, this is worth a try, especially as we transition from summer to fall to winter. Your hair AND scalp will thank you (and me!).

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Written on August 30, 2015 Related:Beauty Products, review

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