#i love me some good nimbu pani

[deewanapdf]

when life gives u lemons, make nimbu pani and drink that shit up and quench ur thirst babygirl!!!!!!!

[sebastianshaw]

@sammysdewysensitiveeyes So, you asked me not long ago, how I’d feel about Haven as a mutant on Krakoa. As it happens, I’m on an RP Discord where I write her as such, since they allow characters there to be mutants who aren’t mutants in canon, in order to join the RP, since it’s set on Krakoa. I made her a healer, able to heal herself and others. Super on the nose, but it’s what she would want, and it also fulfills *my* desire for her not to be hurt anymore (I mean, she still can be, she’ll just recover) Anyway, in March I wrote this for her in that setting. Featuring Shaw as usual since he’s one of my other muses there and, well, you know I love writing my faves together and their conversations because self-indulgence. No obligation to read, just I remembered I had written it and was like “Oh that’s like what Sammy asked about”

Shaw’s latest job was to spread the Krakoan medicine throughout the country of India. A considerable task; India was made up of no less than 28 states and 8 union territories, with an immense and diverse population. There were the dilapidated slums and rural villages that Westerners most often imagined, but there were also bustling cosmopolitan cities, centers of business and technology and commerce to rival New York, and it was in the biggest of these that Shaw was starting---

Mumbai.

Accompanying him on the recommendation of Charles Xavier was Radha Dastoor---Haven of the healing gardens, whom he had previously met when she had helped with his back. At first Shaw had thought this was a bit racist of Charles, but it turned out not only was Haven from Mumbai specifically herself, she had wonderful connections for the tasks. Her philanthropy had connected her with doctors, hospitals, shelters, and its hidden communities of those suffering afflictions such as the oft-claimed-eradicated leprosy. But, Shaw could have done most of that himself, aside from the hidden colonies. No, where Haven came in most handy was, shockingly, her knowledge of Mumbai’s criminal underworld. Not because she had ever been involved with it, but because she had done so much work getting people out of it---the women and children she had worked to get out of human trafficking rings, the survival sex workers rescued from abusive pimps, the children enticed away from little “found families” of criminals who used them for their dirty work.  . .the list went on. And of course she hadn’t been able to do all that alone, she had been funding an entire network of people to get this done, to keep the rescued parties safe and help them in getting to a new life, to block off or arrest those who tried to take them back or attack the rescuers themselves (Haven had been a target MANY times, but those had been in the days when she’d been kept safe by The Adversary’s powers. . . ) and thus she had an abundance of detectives and double agents on the inside. And because they were on the inside, they could bring in the medicine. . . and bring out the mutants being sold, enslaved, and Heaven wept at what else. Mutants that, for the moment, were staying with them in The Rajmani. Haven’s wealth was originally inherited, but she’d kept it coming---so that she could keep giving it away---through The Rajmani, a luxury heritage hotel on par with the likes of New York’s Ritz or Plaza. In income, anyway. In beauty, it surpassed them both. Well, perhaps that was subjective, but it was built within a restored Mughal Palace, and Shaw had to admit he was impressed with the great domes and slender minarets, the  massive vaulted gateways and delicate ornamentation, the elegant water gardens and charbagh walkways through the carefully cultivated yet lush tropical greenery. Most of all, though, he liked learning the fact that the woman earned at least a little of her own money in some kind of sense, even if by her own admission she only owned it, not managed it. Shaw looked down on those who only inherited wealth, just as they had often looked down on him for earning his. Haven, though, did not seem to look down on him. She didn’t seem to have the proverbial stones to look down on anybody, and she certainly was around people who actually deserved it. She seemed to love being around that type, in fact, went out of her way to benefit them, centered her entire life around it. Some people, Shaw had found, were just mad like that. He suspected that it had something to do with growing up with money, taking it front granted and thus not comprehending its worse. But at least she didn’t dare think she was better than him, so she was that sensible at least. Although it was the last word he’d describe her with. No, if he were to describe Radha “Haven” Dastoor, he’d probably start with insipid, senseless, and downright delusional. But she was also. .  .not an unengaging conversationalist. The reverse, actually. “The Mughals were constantly trying to invade Mumbai,” Haven explained, while Shaw nodded along. He was interested in architecture, and in martial history. “But as much of India as they had conquered, the native Marathis were just as constantly pushing them back. It was touch and go for decades. It surprises me that a Mughal structure remained without being torn down, though it was taken over.” “The native Marathis, you say---are Mughals not native? Or merely from another part of India?” “Well, that’s a complicated question, and the answer is a controversial one, so I till try to explain it as neutrally as I can,” Haven replied, and she indeed sounded neutral. They were standing together on the jharoka, an elaborately carved balcony with a roof, each with a glass of nimbu pani, though Shaw would have preferred a good Scotch. “The Mughal Empire in South Asia was begun by Babur, who came from Central Asia, specifically what is today Uzbekistan. His tribe was of Mongol origin, and the word Mughal is itself derived from “Mongol”. He actually came to South Asia to escape his fellow Uzbeks---it’s a very long story--but instead of being a refugee, he became a conqueror, starting by burning Lahore for two days and killing the last Sultan of the Lodi dynasty in Delhi, and the Lodi dynasty itself was not Indian, but Afghan. India was colonized by the Middle East long before Europe decided to try its hand. But to answer your question. . .they did not begin as Indian, no, but they were a part of our country for two hundred years and left a deep mark in our culture---clothing, food, language, art, and, of course, the buildings. But, the same could also be said of the British, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone, including myself, who considers the British Raj to have been “Indian” simply because they were there for a long time and forced their ways upon us. At the same time, my mother is a Parsi, a people who originate from Iran, thousands of years ago---Parsi comes from “Persian”. And how can one tell me my mother, who was born and raised here, whose mother’s mothers and father’s fathers were born and raised here, that she was not Indian? And though Babur came from elsewhere, his sons and successors were born and raised here, and often to Indian mothers, and their descendants dwell here still, with no other homeland, so are they not Indian? Because if they were not, then perhaps I am not either, at least by half. Ultimately. . . it depends which Mughals, at what time period, and whom you ask, I suppose.” “And I suppose there’s also a difference between ethnicity and nationality to be considered,” Shaw said, though Haven was now losing his interest with this topic. He’d been more interest in the invasions and warring. “Ethnically, one can be anything, and still nationally be American if you were born there or otherwise have citizenship. But, I suppose you need not contemplate such matters anymore--” He cracked a wry smile as she, with a questioning look, awaited the rest of his sentence. “---after all, we are all Krakoan now, are we not? We’re all mutants, and that’s the only thing that matters.” Haven smiled back, not wryly but sincerely, “Oh, I am now, yes. But I am also still everything I was before. I have been balancing multiple identities my entire life Mr. Shaw, I believe I shall be able to continue to do so. But I must confess--” A moment of hesitation. “--I do not truly think of myself as a mutant yet.” She was not sure what reaction that she had expected to this confession, but it was not what Shaw said next. “I don’t either, Ms. Dastoor.” She looked at him in surprise. “Or rather,” he elaborated, “I do not consider myself a mutant in any sense other than in the way I consider myself to have black hair. It’s a physical fact, but nothing else. It is not a “culture” or “identity” to me, and in truth I find such attitudes to be foolish and even dangerous, not to mention a sign that an individual lacks their own personality and convictions and thus must merely default to group identity politics. Being a mutant tells you nothing about me, Ms. Dastoor, and so if I were to talk about who I am, that’s not something I’d include any more than my eye color.” “That’s an especially interesting perspective from someone on Krakoa’s Council,” said Haven, sounding very curious, “Could I ask you---” But her voice was cut off by the unmistakable sound of gunshots---and from INSIDE the building. “The children!” Haven exclaimed. It was not just her and Shaw that were lodged at The Rajmani tonight; it was where the mutants they had rescued were staying before the journey to the nearest portal tomorrow. And most were, indeed, children. As quickly as she spoke, she was moving back inside from the jharoka, but Shaw grabbed her by the elbow, easily holding her back despite her not being a small or weak woman despite her gentle demeanor. Haven was large, and could carry a grown man. But Shaw didn’t even need to be rough to halt her. “You stay put,” he said sternly, “The guards will handle this.” “Mr. Shaw---” “They are better equipped than you, Ms. Dastoor, you will only interfere--” Shaw and Haven had, of course, not come alone. Shaw had brought several trained mutants on his own payroll---not everyone needed to be one of the X-Men to be capable of handling a few humans and their toys--and they had been tasked with keeping watch over, as Shaw had earlier referred to them as, the latest flock of Krakoa’s little sheep. A statement Haven had also wondered about, though it was far from her mind now. Haven might have been about to argue with him. She might have been about to admit he was right, and she should hang back. But as with her question, she was cut off by a gunshot as she turned her face back to him and started to speak. A gunshot, and bullet through the back of her head. It exited through her right eye, and bounced off Shaw’s face and fell to the floor. She would have as well, had he not caught her as she crumpled. When her healing factor had repaired her enough that she regained consciousness, she was on Krakoa again, as were all the refugees, safe and sound. And so was Shaw. “Well, Ms. Dastoor,” he said, “You’ve been murdered---or rather, nearly so--by perfect strangers for a quirk of your genetics. Nothing can make you more of a mutant than that, wouldn’t you agree?” Haven smiled slightly, “I feel as much a mutant as perhaps a Mughal might feel Indian, Mr. Shaw. Take that as you will.” He took it ambiguously. Which was indeed how she had meant it. == END==

[deborahnmiranda]

As the name suggests, today’s post is about something quite different than the usual. It isn’t really a product, it is a complete one-day detox diet plan.

Something about the brand

Zoe meaning “life” in Greek, is a nutrition-first food & beverages brand, dedicated to providing complete detox solutions to its patrons, while helping in weight loss, building immunity and improve overall health and well-being.

Built with a team of nutritionists, they are committed to providing healthy yet tasty detox options at your convenience.

The Product and My Experience

Zoe One Day Detox Diet

Zoe’s One Day Detox option is super convenient for those who want to lose some weight or just detox for the health boost. This neat packed box is your guide for the day…

According to the principles of Ayurveda and Naturopathy, fasting once a week is the best thing you can do to completely detox your mind, body and soul. Based on this concept, Zoe has curated a one-day diet that helps you detox and improve your overall health levels.

While I will take you through my experience for that day, I first want to clear things that such plans work for most but there is a possibility it doesn’t suit you and doesn’t show you similar results. I am just going to give you a view of the complete procedure and my personal experience.

Packaging

The box is packaged very conveniently with a note advising of the procedure, and what must be taken when.

I loved that it is extremely specific even quoting the time of day. A heads up here, that this diet does require your involvement every couple of hours, hence it is best to choose a date when you are home or have easy access to ensure the steps can be followed.

The pack is filled with 7 small & 1 big sachet and 5 unique tea diffusers. I absolutely love the convenience of the diffuser as there is no hassle of straining! I think people at Zoe have taken every possible option into consideration when designing their products, and I love that! Everything is perfectly labelled so there is no confusion.

My Detox Day Experience

This is my weight the morning I started my detox, weighed first thing when I woke up.

So, your day starts between 6 am to 8 am with an Amla Drink and the application of a face mask.. BONUS!!!

I loved that they added something like this to give an extra pep. Love the thoughtfulness.

The Amla drink is in a powdered form and one only needs to add it to a glass of water. Have this cool and it is amazingly refreshing. The powder is a little granulated, so you must stir for a while before it dissolves. It is a great start to the day with a nice energy boost and a slightly sweetened drink.

The face mask can be mixed with milk or water and applied for 10-15 mins till dry and wash off. The mask is cooling on the skin but not drying, so post wash it leaves a nice clean yet hydrated feeling.

Between 8 to 10 am they recommend having a nice breakfast which is the big sachet containing muesli, your favourite fruits and either milk, creamer or yoghurt.

Along with that goes a nice cup of Organic Spiced Kashmiri Green Tea. This is a tea I already started out and it is infused with various spices like cinnamon, cardamom, etc. that make this tea a pleasure to drink. In fact, this is the tea that got me hooked onto green tea.

Between 10am to 11am, its time for another cooling drink – Lemon Ginger! Once again, the powder just needs to be dissolved in a glass of water, easy-peasy!

Super tasty, just like your “nimbu-pani” just maybe little less on the sweetness, but certainly refreshing.

Noon to 2 pm is kept for lunch! Yes, it is detox day, but you shouldn’t starve yourself so empty out the sachet of tomato soup in 200ml water and bring to a boil. Pour and enjoy a nice cup of soup. I must admit, for a powdered soup, it was quite tasty!

Along with that, a cup of Daily Detox Darjeeling Green Tea. Light and refreshing, this tea helps you feel full and yet light!

Between 2pm to 4pm, you get a light snack in a beet & amla drink. Don’t make that face, it is quite tasty. Honestly looks like a light kokum sherbet, but tastes little like beetroot but more of amla. It isn’t too sour but has a nice slightly tangy punch to it.

4pm to 6pm, you can reach out for a nice cup f black tea, the Darjeeling First Flush Black Tea. A light black tea, this one felt like your usual cup of evening tea.

From 6pm to 8pm you get a nice pre-dinner snack – Lemon juice. And who doesn’t like lemon juice, right? Slightly sweetened, this powder is slightly fine and dissolves relatively easily.

From 8pm to 9pm, you get a nice cup of corn soup for dinner. Similar like lunch, you need to boil the contents in water and enjoy. I felt this was slightly thicker than lunch but very subtle flavours.

9pm to 11pm you can take your bedtime cup of tea and call it a day. This is the Organic Caffeine Free Lemongrass & Chamomile tea. Chamomile naturally induces sleep, ensuring you have a good night’s rest.

The next day morning you can finish the detox with the last Flat Belly Tulsi Green Tea diffuser, and start afresh with a nice cup of tea.

This complete procedure may look like it has too many steps, but believe me it is quite quick. Mostly just boiling water and waiting for the tea to diffuse or soup to boil.

So now for the surprise…

That’s my weight the morning after my detox. Wow..isn’t it!

Now I got to be honest here, I am quite active of late, going for a morning cycling stint and with an overall hectic schedule so not sure if everything has combined and helped me show this difference, but it made me feel good to see the scale.

It’s been week now and I haven’t put back that weight, so I am super impressed and intend to try this out again soon.

Personally, if you ain’t used to fasting I wouldn’t recommend this weekly as it maybe too much for your body, but definitely can try it out twice a month. I personally didn’t feel hunger at any time through the day, in fact I felt quite refreshed and good, but maybe that was just my excitement showing up. If you do feel hungry, I would suggest not starving it out, but perhaps indulging on a healthy snack like a fruit. I also suggest ensuring you keep yourself hydrated, so keep sipping water in between those multiple green teas and believe me, your glowing skin will thank you.

I have personally had an amazing experience, and am waiting to do my detox again. You can check out their website through the link below, and the often have amazing offers for package deals.

I am absolutely loving Zoe and their tea range and am definitely re-purchasing not only the one-day detox but something more from their various tea ranges. Most looking forward to their sleep specialist – The Organic Caffeine Free Lemongrass & Chamomile Green Tea. It really helped me sleep soundly so I highly recommend.

Pros:

Convenient

Effective

Healthy

Cons:

Requires some effort every 2 hours, but worth it.

Access to hot water is a must through the day and for lunch/dinner may need a stove

Overall, I loved the One Day Detox Diet Pack from Zoe and look forward to my next detox day.

Price:

Priced at ₹1200 for the day’s supplies, it may seem like an investment, but believe me it is worth it. All you need besides this pack is for breakfast a cup of milk and any fruits, if you want to add. Everything else is in that box.

You can buy yours from Zoe online:

https://zoe.menu/

Highly recommend checking out their tea variants as they are awesome!!

You can use coupon code “DEBORAH” to get a flat 20% off.. Valid for a year, so happy shopping!!!

Don’t forget to follow my blog for many more such reviews, and check out my other social media, links below. Bye till next time!

Product Review: Zoe’s One Day Detox Diet As the name suggests, today’s post is about something quite different than the usual. It isn’t really a product, it is a complete one-day detox diet plan.