Khajur Pak 'ENERGY BALLS' | RECIPE

Hello! 

"A vegan friendly, healthy yet delicious snack to grab whenever you feel a sweet craving"

Medjool dates are getting popular by the minute. Known for their incredible caramel-like taste and sticky texture which is great for no-bake treats. Yet little did I know the treat I'd been having since as long as I can remember would be huge in the 'Western World' too! Being Indian, my family love the good old sweet treat and the now known 'Energy Balls' were always called Khajur Pak [kha-joor pah-kh] in my book. So, as I made a batch, I thought I'd give you the low-down to these incredibly tasty, nutritious and super EASY treat!

Starbucks Soy Chai Latte | THE VERDICT

Hello!

"I am a huge fan of masala in my chai, and this drink definitely had it."

It has been a while since a Starbucks Verdict has been made on BBXO. In fact, the last was in the festive season during the Red Cup phase! Oh, the good ol' days!

The weather in England has been quite confusing, I'm talking very sunny but freezing, and Spring showers occasionally popping into the equation. What more than a Chai Latte to get us through the day?

I am Indian, so if anyone knows what a Chai Latte should taste like, it's us! Let's put it this way: Starbucks did not disappoint. The kick of ginger was incredible, and the warmth of the drink made me feel 10x better! I am a huge fan of masala in my chai, and this drink definitely had it.

So, you may ask: Why the soy milk? Well, I love watching a bit of MissGlamorazzi, a.k.a. Ingrid, on YouTube and remember her raving about the Iced Soy Chai Latte, however, the other day when I ordered, it was pouring down with rain and I couldn't bare to have an iced tea, so went with the warm version. It was incredible. The frothiness of the soy made the drink taste very yummy!

The verdict: Starbucks, you've got it down to the T (T, tea, geddit? Oh the puns!) with your Soy Chai Latte. Nicely done!

If you're a fan of ginger and spice in your tea, get a soy chai latte next time you're in Starbucks - you can thank me later ;)

Have you tried teas in Starbucks? If so, what's your favourite?

Personalised Henna Candles & Gifts: Henna by Ashi

Hello!

"pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique gift ideas"

Recently you have had more of an insight to my culture, including the festivals and the events to do with it. Then I came across this beauty and thought it'd be horrible to not share it with you guys! Being candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street! 

"a flower floating on the melted wax!"

Henna by Ashi is a brand which hand-decorates candles with henna designs. These can be made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from. 

Due to the water based henna and the wax of the candles, the henna will almost float on top of the candle when you're burning it - so it can be like a flower floating on the melted wax! 

"candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street"

"made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from"

These would be lovely stocking gift ideas, or even Secret Santa presents! 

"personalise your 2015 diary"

You could even ask HennaByAshi to try and personalise your 2015 diary, it'll be perfect and in case you do lose it in your office/school/college, you're more likely for it to be returned! 

I hope this has given you some (pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique) gift ideas, and inspired you to be creative! 

TO ORDER:

EMAIL: hennabyashi@hotmail.com

FOLLOW ON INTAGRAM: hennabyashi

BBM: 7F00A421

Tell me, have you ever done henna on your hands? 

Diwali on the Square 2014

Hello!

"they had people dressed up in monkey costumes and jumping about all over the place"

It's the festival of lights. The time of year we fill our homes with Divas (in my case, yummy smelling candles), make super tasty food and snacks and deep clean every nook and cranny in our homes.  

Diwali on the Square is an annual event celebrating the festival of lights. Filled with stalls, freebies, performances and concerts, it's an event that is super popular. This year, I was lucky enough to be one of the dance performers on stage, which is why I attended Diwali on the Square for the first time, and cannot believe how much I've been missing out!

"Trafalgar Square is such a beautiful location to hold the event, until it rains!"

The event is held on Trafalgar Square. This year they had people dressed up in monkey costumes and jumping about all over the place - it was beautiful to watch and amusing to see how well they pulled it off! They even began climbing statues and fences - yes, they were very believable, even though the thought of it is weird! 

As a special guest performer, there was Juggy D! If you like Bhangra, you'll know who Juggy D is. His songs were a flashback from the past, it was the day of his 10 year anniversary since the release of his first album - and he is still just as good live as he was all those years ago.

"amazing to see the diversity in not only London..."

Trafalgar Square is such a beautiful location to hold the event, until it rains! When it rains, you wish there was a roof over your heard - or you remembered to bring your umbrella! Unfortunately we didn't stay for the fireworks as the rain had gotten us soaking (you guessed it, we had forgotten our umbrellas), so we had some crispy bhajiyas, and took the tube back to our warm, dry homes!

"we had some crispy bhajiyas, and took the tube back to our warm, dry homes!"

This is the first time I've ever really shared my culture with you, other than some Indian wedding insights, so I feel you get to know more about me and my background. It is amazing to see the diversity in not only London, but also in the blogging community.

I hope you enjoyed reading about Diwali on the Square, and possibly think about attending next year!

Wishing all those who celebrate, a Happy Diwali and prosperous New Year!
What are your rituals during a festival/holiday you celebrate?