Lakhani Lifestyle

It's safe to say that my friends and family know how much I'm into fashion and especially beauty! Last few years, the obsession has been greater than ever! Since I'm almost always MIA on facebook, I try blogging and updating whenever I can. Something I've been updating daily is Instagram! Check out the latest releases, sales and restock of items.

If you have been following my instagram account you'll see that i've been on a roll with promotions, releases and restock of makeup! Thought I would do a post regarding the deals, and what some of my purchases will be this week...or should I say my online shopping started this past weekend! The deals are a great way to try out and get a hold of some holy grail items of our favorite youtubers, stocking stuffers, and for Christmas gifts!

 

Last week, I was craving to make some biryani! I haven't exactly had the time to make biryani and because well...I'm super hesitant it wouldn't taste as good as my moms! But I went for it and I couldn't be happier!

                                 It's THAT time of the year again!

Today I'm bringing you a drugstore foundation review! It's been over a year since I have bought drugstore makeup! Nothing that the drugstores have came out with has caught my eye...but since I was looking for a casual day wear foundation I thought I would give it a shot. There are a few new foundations out right now, one being from Maybelline of their Dream Mousse line. They have the pump formula as well as the tube version.

You NEVER need an occasion to by your special lady a gift! Whether you just started dating someone, a long time girlfriend, or even your wife...I've got some great gift ideas! Considering I'm quite up to date on fashion, beauty, and forecasting trends...Here are some ideas on what to get this Valentines day for HER!

1.Alex and Ani Bracelet-Head to your local Nordstrom to get her an Alex and Ani Bracelet! Alex and Ani Bracelets have a huge fan following, and has grown tremendously last year! Alex and Ani are positive energy bracelets. If she's into bracelets, jewelry and layering, she will sure love this! You can find it HERE

                                         “he who would travel happily must travel light.”
                                                       -antoine de saint-exupéry

Today I'm bringing you that lovely butter chicken recipe!


I've had my fair share of butter chicken in my life...The only ones I've tried and loved is my mom's Kabab bistro's in Richmond, and Sabri in chicago!
It's one of those desi dishes that not everyone has heard of or knows where to get...it also can be quite pricey at restaurants because of it's uniqueness!

Hi my loves!


I'm a active Cartwheel App User and I cannot tell you how crazy sometimes the deals are on there...I've saved a ton of money for little home things, and my sweet cravings.

As of october 1, target launched a secret link for carthweel....you get 50% off on your coffee! So no Lattes, frappes etc...but it's ok! it's totally worth it!

Do you know what the best part it is? The cartwheel offers are usually only a week-two weeks long but this one expires October 31st!(started on the 1st)

Let me tell you something...my mom is an amazing cook. That being said, She never taught me how to cook, I just watched and learned on my own. 

 I've made one or two things here and there but I first started cooking desi food when I got married almost four months ago. My husband is a huge foodie, he's one of those people that likes the "extra" ingredients in foods and most of the time needs hot sauce with his food. My recipes are not mimicked from YouTube videos, TV, or cookbooks. I simply believe to make desi food the same main five to six ingredients go in every dish in the same order! I haven't made one disappointing dish yet, and I hope I never do! I'm glad I have an eye for food and flavor like my mother. We learned on our own and that is what makes us such great wives! I have no idea why moms take sometimes all day to cook, because I cook my food in half the time! So if you’re looking for a quick fun dish to try, look no further! 

Hello Everyone! 

I've thought about getting back into blogging because so much has changed since I last blogged, and it seems like it's going to hold me up and be my back bone! 

Just a brief update on being MIA for almost two years...I last blogged in Feb 2014. My dad got sick a few days after. From Feb-May we were in and out of the hospital everyday. I got engaged in April to the love of my life as my father last wishes! I had three and a half days to plan a small engagement as my father really wanted to give me away as he knew how crushed I was going to be come my wedding day. He passed in May, and my life changed forever. I've been moving in and out of home the past year and half even in different states, and it really has taken a toll on me. But i'm finally settled in! I just got married This past June on my husband's birthday with our family and Friends blessings. I am now back in Chicago...Skokie to be exact! I was born and raised in chicago so I'm totally looking forward to the winter!*Sarcasm*
So yes that was my life update in the past two years. :)

Hi My Loves!


I recently got a haircut. I hadn't cut my hair in a year till Feb, Got a trim and bangs. Then Before June got another trim. I recently went super dramatic with my hair, decided not to get any length off but get lots of layers. If you know me well enough I'm super attached to my hair and went crazy when I chopped it off. I have an emotional problem with anything happening to my hair. Till this day I have to get permission 10 million times from my parents to get a haircut...god knows what I will come out looking like! 

Myths on WHY you should get a haircut...
1. If you keep trimming your hair, it will grow faster. NO this is not true! your hair grows from the roots not the ends. Your scalp needs to be nourished from the roots not the end!
2.Get a hair cut IF you have split ends...Okay, So I just started getting split ends about 2 years ago because I have had to use hair dryers and straighteners on my hair about once a week etc. Honestly if you are using too much heat and I can notice you have split ends, then yes please go get a trim. Or else, it's not a big deal. Just get a trim 3-4 months.

How to know it's time for a haircut...
1.If you have medium to long hair and your roots are starting to look flat you probably need to put in 1-2 top long layers of roots in. If you don't like the layered look and are scared someone might cut it wrong, just say you want "long layers" it will look healthy. I advice get bangs or shorter layers so your hair doesn't bring down your face. 
2.Split ends
3.Changing season. My hair acts differently through all the seasons. I also take care of it differently in each season. Just like we moisturize more when we have dry skin in the winter. I keep myself up to date at all times, it's the fun in life!

Haircuts for Fall 2013

Short hair
A Line Bobs are so in! especially the Longer A line Bobs

Pixie Cut


Medium Hair
Round forehead bangs and long layered Curls for Fall

Long Hair
With so much Regret in my heart, unfortunately Ombre is still in and lots of people are doing it wrong. I have long hair, so I went the choppy layered route. Here is my Haircut as well as Long haircuts for Fall/Winter 2013!

**Let me just rant about NSYNC! omg! can't believe they performed!!!!! I died!!!! Justin was already sexy but them performing for 15 seconds was such a tease**

Okay, Here is the list :)

I actually really like her in this Prabul Gurung gown, she looks so classy! But the material looks like a trash bag.

I know this is the time where many of us will be traveling the most, and taking small trips whether it be a road trip, cruise etc...so here are some ideas on what to pack!

This summer I had to force myself to pack minimal as possible so I don't overwhelm myself when getting dressed to go out during vacation. 

What to consider when packing clothes
- Is it a road trip? Are you flying by plane? How many different locations are you going to?
If it's a road trip and plane ride you want to be comfy as possible. Keep in mind when it's super hot outside, that AC will be blasting! 

An Item I always bring with me no matter what where I'm traveling to is a light weight cardigan. I get cold easily, and since its summer the AC will cool you down and you will freeze your but off like I did! 

-Weather~What's the whether transition like?

-Style in the region you will be going to~This sounded a bit weird, but I know what trends are going on in what region at all times since I work in retail and I always match my vacation wardrobe up to the city and location I'm in! 

*Always plan your outfits out, at least a little bit so it is easier to pack accessories and shoes*

How to use one clothing item in multiple ways!

Ever been scared to do this? I'm a huge victim of not repeating certain clothing items in my life for some crazy reasons and always end up buying everything new for a trip!

Color-Add color to your wardrobe! For the longest time*I still do* wear blacks, grays, whites and nudes only! I've learned to always have a pop of color in my outfit whether it be my accessories, handbag, or shoes. 

Pants/Shorts-If you are going for a 2-4 days, pack one pair of shorts and one pair of cropped pants. 

5-10 days-2-3 cropped pants 2-3 shorts

I always do this so I can bring the right amount of tops that will go with these particular bottoms I choose to bring so I don't have to worry about "choices" because when packing, you should already know what***Outfit*** you will be wearing for what day!


Airport Outfit ideas
-I love dressing comfy, BUT I am one of those woman who walks around in heels at the airport. lol!
-I wear designer flip flops/flats and usually change into heels before I land, or have my heels on through the whole trip. Depends where I am traveling to and who I will see. 

I wore a horizontal striped maxi skirt with a black knit half sleeves top and a pair of my TB sandals.

On my trip, I had these orange/coral pants and paired it with a leopard lined button down top, and a black quarter sleeve cardigan. I'm the last person on earth to do such matchy matchy outfits! I didn't want to wear black bottoms because a. was too hot outside and b.It's summer, so I needed some color! Below, is the outfit I wore, and I put a few gold bracelets and dual tone watch on. I paired it with a block print brown and black pair of wedges(first wedges I owned, never liked them, but now I'm in love with these shoes) that are an ankle strap, *Totes in style at the moment*

Rule of fashion*Black and brown only go together if it's block print or leopard* I really don't think black and brown pieces look good separately at all! It can add attention in unwanted areas and we don't want that ladies!

*Colors and prints for the summer anyone can pull off!*

Cobalt and Royal blue

Coral with an orange undertone

 small prints to minimize our bodies such as leopard, hounds tooth and chevron(transitional print to fall)

 block prints(especially for shoes)

paisley(I don't really do floral, but make sure its a smaller print if it a pair of floral pants etc)

Mint green(looks great with golds and browns)

Hi my loves!


The whole month of June I was so busy with my best friends wedding and of course a lot of other traveling! I lived out of my suitcase all last month...I went on a few trips..my trip with my sister I took less hair tools because we both brought half and half. The perks of having a sister!

I was a typical girl. *Always over packed*
Nothing wrong with that...except if you are short and fragile like me, you don't want to carry much through security check, or have lots of luggage in a hotel room. I hate losing things when I'm traveling, so I try keeping everything in one carry on, maximum if I go somewhere for a week. 



What to pack
Beauty Essentials

1. Moisturizer-I always pack a small travel size one. I moisturize a lot, especially while on the plane, and before I get ready for my day and when I end my night after taking my makeup off. 

2. Makeup brushes-Honestly you only need but so many! I always take my best ones and make sure I can disinfect them to use for other makeup purposes. Some I take are, my beauty blender(instead of a foundation brush), 1 blending brush, a contour brush, a tapered blush brush(used to blend out contour and full face), 2-3 shadow brushes(flat, smokey eye tapered brush), and 1-2 different sized stippling brushes to blend everything out!

3.Foundation/Concealer-I usually take one. If you can find a plastic container to pour it into, just the amount you will need...you will save a lot of room! Sometimes I have to do that because my foundations are super expensive and I don't want the glass bottle to burst while **on the plane** But! Sometimes I'll take the bottle and keep it in my makeup bag which stays in my purse! As far as it goes for concealer I brought 3-4 different ones with me depending on how bright or natural I wanted my highlight to be. 


4.Blush/Matte bronzer-I usually take one of each only because we like to think we will try different looks...but we end up changing our eye makeup more than well play around with bronzer etc. I like sticking to matte only because I have a natural iridescence to my face so I don't want to look "oily" throughout the day.


5.Blotting sheets!-If you don't know what those are you live in a hole! these are the best, I always blot only because my skin does get oily because it's so hot outside. I'm not a huge fan of using much powder unless it's to quickly sweep to set my foundation or if it's for a wedding. Here is where you can find some! You want to stay matte as possible.

6.Eyeshadow pallets-This is that hardest! I have more shimmer eyeshadow pallets than anything..This time when I flew I took my Naked pallet and some other small single eyeshadows that I know I was going to use. If your eyeshadow comes off easily and you don't wear much, try the COLOR TATTOO they are awesome! Nice shimmer, and creaseless! (Can be used as a primer for heavy eyemakeup)
(My concealer pallet I use for highlight and contour, cream based face products work better in such humid weather)

7.Highlight-For those of you that highlight and contour use your eyeshadows as a contour! In my tarte eyeshadow pallet(sold out) there is this beautiful white highlight color! I use that when I don't want to carry around my MAC, Sephora, YSL Highlighters. 

8.I did bring a brush cleaner with me also, it's just a spray. I'm really crazy about using a clean brush because I wouldn't want to break out. **Setting spray** is a must for your makeup! no matter how much or how little you put on! Lock that makeup in girl!

9.Makeup Wipes-oh hello...these are a MUST! Usually when you are on vacation your gonna go all out with your makeup, so gently use the wipe to take off eye makeup before you wash your face. *I don't use makeup wipes on my full face, its a risk of breaking out if you do it too much*

Toiletries 



1. Buy everything travel sized!!! Trust me, you won't need much and everything mostly costs $1 anyway!

2.Shampoo-I took my big and sexy volumizing kit with me. I had the shampoo, conditioner, and volumizing gel I used the days I was out. 

3.Body wash

4. Disposable toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouthwash-I brought my electric toothbrush only because it had a slim case. Colgate mouth wash and 3D white toothpaste. I also used a whitening gel pen every night before sleeping

4. Exfoliate-Since it was super hot where I was, I brought a disposable exfoliating cloth I used for body washes. That can be found at your nearest Walmart!


Hair Care

I don't use much heat in my hair through summer. Unfortunately I had to in the month of June with all the festivities going on. I brought my hair dryer, straightener, and one curling iron with me. **If you are going to a friends or family's home, you should try not to bring a blow dryer and straightener, because most likely they have one, and it will save you PLENTY of room for other things you want to pack!

**I did use conditioner everyday when I was on vacation along with Moroccan and Argan oil**


How to pack

Now that it's been 2 years since I don't **Over pack** I feel so much better when I fly knowing I don't need to check in a bag or have much to carry. But my carry on ends up being super heavy!

-Clothes-ROLL your clothes don't fold them! Also, if you are going on a trip for more than a week, I suggest you invest in some space saving bags...When I moved to Chicago it was a LIFESAVER! I mean it, I'm glad I had thought of the idea. You wouldn't want your nice blouses, shalwar kurthas, and sarees getting stuck right?

-Makeup-I **Always** section my makeup off in different cosmetic bags(Chanel/YSL). Eyeshadows, setting spray etc in a larger slim bag. And my toiletries usually go in a plastic cosmetic bag, because in case it spills in the luggage of carry on...girl you are screwed!


-Jewelry-I take very minimal. This time I took the small dainty diamond my boyfriend has gifted me in the past and a watch. I knew I wouldn't wear a bunch of things because it was so hot. I was gifted my MK watch, and Givenchy studs so I was wearing those as well! (Put my jewelry in a plastic cosmetic bag as well)

I was totally againest BB creams. I think I might still be!


What is a BB cream (CLICK HERE) Beauty balm!! use it ladies!!!

I use lighter coverage foundations usually since I don't need much coverage...OR I would mix a white moisturizer and some concelar together and wear that through the day, just so I could get more coverage since I get redness in the mornings. 


Why use a BB cream? It evens out your skin complexion and most of the time covers the redness you have. 

Revlon Photoready BB cream: I have used 2 of the "photoready foundations" and I really like this line from revlon because when set with a translucent powder, it photographs great! I have tried the Maybeline BB cream(nasty and CAKEY!) and Garnier...and I'm not really a fan of it. Honestly just use it as a primer if you have them so you don't throw it away! Anyway, Revlon BB cream goes on more as a foundation and gives GREAT coverage! 

Packaging: Love that it's a tube, and it could pass for a high end BB cream 
Price: Bought it for about  $11

How to apply: Use your clean fingers to apply the smallest amount! (you can use the narrow foundation brush also, the ones you use for primer and BB creams.) 

So this is how it looked begining of the day...I had no concealer or setting powder on. 


















About 11 Hours later, so right now this is what it looks like at 11pm