Hands Full Of Earth

Off late I have observed that Moms including me are very anxious that our children are not as connected to our roots like we were. We only knew of playing outside, getting dirty and having a lot of fun.  Although, I have consciously ensured that my son plays outdoors as much as possible but not much can be offered in the clean and artificial sand pits the school and societies offer. And there is stiff competition from the idiot box and it's add ones like  video games, I pads to name a few.

However, I got really lucky when a close friend told me about an event for children and adults to get connected to Mother Nature. I was super excited to be a part of it. The event was called Hands Full Of Earth organized and ideated by a wonderful lady Preeti Bhandari. It literally emphasised on everything related with your Hands, Feet and other senses that don't really get their due in our daily hectic lives. Kudos to her efforts and having managed it so beautifully.

 

It was organised on a FarmHouse thus there was greenery all around and a  rustic charm to the whole place. There was a plethora of activities right from pottery, feeding fish, petting and walking animals, going on a tractor ride, finding shells, playing with clay etc. Each activity reminded me of the charm of doing things slowly, at your own pace and really enjoying the time spent in doing it.

My son and I enjoyed the clay potting the most. Initially he was a bit hesitant about getting his hands dirty and wanted to know where was the washroom. Yikes.. Well blame it on the OCD genes from his mom. Anyways, once he started there was no looking back. 

He also loved feeding the fish. It was his first time and he was squealing with delight to see them eat 

their food. A walk on the grass and getting drenched for no reason were small but very impactful activities for us. I couldn't remember the last time I did it. Well, playing on Holi doesn't count as one is prepared for it and there is a reason one is doing it.

We went on a tractor ride and though my son has been on one earlier yet he enjoyed it as the surroundings made it appear like we were in a village on a narrow track.

A special thanks to my hubby dearest as he volunteered to come along and all the fabulous pics are courtesy him. 😍

Truly an amazing experience and would like to thank my lovely friend Sampada Vaze for having introduced me to Preeti.

P.S – stay tuned as I have some exciting collaboration coming up.

xo

Za Palooza Music and Art Fest

Sometime back I went to a fun art and music fest called Za Palooza organised by a dear friend. It was a lovely experience with some really talented people showcasing their stuff. From funky junk jewellery, to ethnic apparel, kitsch home products and some gorgeous linen it was all there and more. There were 10 Rock Bands playing and we got to hear some lovely songs. Food line-up was equally awesome and good variety of different kinds of food. My friends and I attacked the golgappa stall. ;) There is a bakery opening up in Koregaon Park called Mahlzeit which shall serve the most awesome Currywurst and Bratwurst. Tried and Tested.. :) If you love Indian Food, there was Makkan Maar Ke which specialise in rich Indian food. If you are a true blue Punjabi you got to try this one out. :)

I particularly loved one brand, Dolalley Decor which was focussed on recycling and had some lovely stuff on display.

I didn't really feel like Shopping much, perhaps I was feeling sick.. Lolzzzz. I picked a bling head accessory from Trinket Square though.. It looked really funky and quirky. I am hoping to soon go for a disco party coz that would be the perfect accessory to team it with my outfit. Yay yay can't wait.

I couldn't take pics as my little one was making us run around and wanted to enjoy the rides and swings. But I do have some of me and him.

 

 

 

 

What I Wore:-

Palazzo Pants - W | Tee - UCB | Mardi Gras Scarf - The Purple Sack | Flats - Much More | Accessories - gifted

 

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The Maxi Affair

My love for long dresses started even before I knew it. I absolutely loved the feminine girlie charm it added to my personality. Not that there was any dirth of girlieness in me. ;)

Black Floral maxi - Vero Moda

What I love about gowns is that you can explore so much be it the fabric, colours or patterns. Monotone gowns, colour block, floral prints, halter backs, off-shoulder, backless the list is endless.. :) Not just the patterns, colours etc. even the way you can team it is interesting. Wear a shrug, blazer, waistcoat or perhaps even a knotted shirt if you are the daring sort over your maxi and you can look chic.

It also makes one look slimmer and shows off all the curves at just the right places.. Ain't that the best thing?

 

 

Colour Block fit and flare Dress - Bandra Flea Market

Green and Pink Straight Fit Maxi - Vero Moda

 

 

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Dunkin Donuts Review

A spectacular opening is what we all experienced at the recently launched Dunkin’ Donuts store at Phoenix Market City, Viman Nagar. It was a well-planned event the highlight being the free donuts coupons for a year. The crowd was eager and ecstatic and they weren’t disappointed. :) 

The store isn’t very big however it is comfortable. I particularly liked the upholstered sofas as it gave a warm feel.  The staff was friendly and courteous. One doesn’t need to wait long for their order to be processed, the team is well-trained and efficient.

A much awaited variety for sweetoholics, Dunkin Donuts offers an array of different and yummy flavours. You just can’t stop at one. ;)

Great Packaging, good quantities and oh so flavourful is what completes Dunkin Donuts. Plenty to choose from each donut is a must try, well maybe not in one go. ;)

I personally loved their Death By Chocolate, it melts in your mouth and is absolutely sinful. Another favourite is the Very Very Blueberry. If you are a berries fan this one you can’t miss. The white chocolate ganache feels like heaven with a mix of the blueberries.

Dunkin Donuts is a must visit and it is going to be worth it.

Location - Phoenix Market City, Viman Nagar

Photo Credits - Maniesh Menghani

Outfit for radically different ocassions!

A quick trip to the grocery store and a work meeting thereafter had me thinking on my outfit and what would suit both the occasions. Not that I don't think and think about what to wear each single day, yet grocery and a formal meeting don't necessarily happen on the same day!!! ;)

So, this is what I wore:-

Maroon Pants - Vero Moda

Tee Shirt - Zara

Jacket - Quirk Box

Ballerinas - Much More

 

 

 

 

 

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H2O Second Store Launch

What a fun Wednesday it was!!! I got invited to the launch of the best hair salons in the city. Hair 2 Order or H2O as it is popularly known opened their second salon in Bibewadi. The best part it is super close to my home so plenty of more pampering sessions in store for me!! Yay yay.

The ambience is hip and happening just like the team at H2O. The warmth and friendliness, the staff exudes is mind blowing.. One feels pampered even before you try out any of the services. Sounds blissful right??

So for the launch anyone who walked in was offered a free service - a blow dry, foot massage, face clean up, express manicure pedicure etc. I opted for a foot massage and since I hung around long enough also got my hair washed and blow dried. So end result - top to bottom I felt good.

Must Try:-

 

* Spa Pedicure and Manicure - you are made to sit in those super cool massage chairs where you get a back massage while your hands and feet are cleaned up.

The entire experience is wonderful, luxury salons do spoil you that way. ;) Each service has a unique personalised touch attached to it and you come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

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Outings and Outfits!!

Being a Mom comes with its pros and cons.. First and foremost the idea of going out is completely changed. Especially, if you are in a nuclear family pubbing and clubbing is entirely dependant on relatives or amazing friends. While we have both with God's Grace yet every time trying to organise it is not easy.

So, coming back to outings I have to make peace with whenever I get to step out. Most frequently of course is grocery shopping with the monthly Parent Teacher's Meetings coming a close second.

 

So here is what I wore to my son's PTM at school.

Pants - Vero Moda

Shirt - Van Huesen

Waistcoat - Bare Denim

Bag and Shoes - Zara (not shown in the pic)

P.S - the pic isn't great as it was pouring outside so couldn't step out.. ;)

 

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Gals Night Out!!

So amidst the hectic months of August and September I was dying to head out for an all night of girlie fun and frolic. It's been a trying time personally as well as on the work front. Work highs and lows were draining me out and I badly needed to unwind. :)

Since it was a girls night out it was a perfect chance to pull out the dresses, peep toes and make up. Yippee.

What I wore:

• Vero Moda strappy floral printed Maxi.

• Black oversized clutch from Giorgio Armani

• Black peep toes from catwalk

Since the girls were to let their hair down, the dress was a perfect choice. As such I love long dresses, they suit my body type and add to the feel good factor for me.

 

 

 

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Forest Essentials Face Scrub Review

Forest Essentials tag line itself says, “Luxurious Ayurveda” so, how can their products be anything but that. The products appearance and packaging is so superb that it makes us swoon in anticipation of the actual product.

I have been a die-hard fan of their Kashmiri Walnut Scrub and would blindly buy that everytime, till a friend suggested to try their Hand Pounded Organic Fruit Scrub. Well, I wasn’t disappointed.

Texture – The scrub has a smooth no granule consistency so works well on my sensitive skin. Easy to apply as it is in the form of a thick paste and one can scrub even a little harder to exfoliate well.

Key Ingredients -  The word fruit itself appealed to me when i went to the store to buy it online. A mix of peaches, walnut, apricot and dates the scrub is rich in fruits and herbs. It also contains glycerin which is a natural moisturizer and keeps the skin soft and supple. It also has Vitamin E oil which is a natural anti-oxidant and protects the skin from Ultra Violet rays.

Quantity & Pricing - The scrub's quantity is 50 grams and it can easily last you for a month even if you use it daily. You need to use very little for a superior effect, thus it lasts really long. The Fruit scrub is priced at 1450/- INR which is great value for money.

The scrub is enriching and invigorating. It exfoliates well and keeps you looking and feeling fresh all day. 

Styling Your Pink Outfits and Accessories

I know of very few girls who do not like the colour Pink. At least in some way or the other they have something pink in their wardrobe. :) Well, then you have the slightly obsessed chicks like me who cannot think beyond pink. I fell madly in love with the colour of Pink at the age of 3 and nothing has changed ever since. The Love Affair still continues and I just love exploring different shades of pink for different outfits and accessories. Sometimes, I am glad I don’t have a daughter for I know that it would have been a fight to share my pink stuff with her. Yeah, it does put me in bad light but what the heck? I just love the colour and anything in pink, be it pants, tops, shoes, bags I love them all. :)

For me Pink is the closest it can get to white when I am looking for calm and peace. It makes me feel pretty and confident at the same time. Anyone who loves beauty in its purest form has to love pink. It is a combination of Red and White colours. It combines both the energies, the calm and strength of white and red offers the potential to achieve anything.

So this is how I style my pink clothing and accessories -http://www.fashionlivemedia.com/style-pink-clothes-accessories/

Famous Designers like Valentino and Alexander Wang are also known to have played with the colour of Pink for bridal wear as well. How pretty is that? Varying from baby pinks, blush to hot pink all shades of pink were explored in the collection.

Pink never fails to give me a princess like feeling when I am feeling down and out. It instantly lifts my mood and I feel cheered up and forget my problems.

Is Pink your favourite colour too? Share with us your Pinky-Pink Collection.

How To Choose Fabrics To Flatter Your Body

We keep discussing about what kind of clothing looks good on what body type and also suits your personality. It is important to also choose the right kind of fabric for any outfit. Looking Chic and Stylish is much more than blindly following what's in fashion - knowing how to dress your body shape and understanding the type of fabrics, cuts and designs that flatter you is the best way to show off your figure. Mostly, we all are smart enough to know what looks good on us, yet at times we tend to forget some pointers to keep in mind.

In this article I would cover some simple rules each and every woman should follow in an attempt to look presentable and in vogue. Honestly, it is a task with exhausting toddlers, work woes, erratic gym routines etc. to keep our looks and fitness in check. Apart from the basic rules about what kind of clothes compliments your body types, keeping a check on fabrics is also a good idea. With the ongoing trends and designers experimenting with varied fabrics, you have a lot to pick and choose from.

Some Fabrics you can explore on different body types.. Read more here - http://www.fashionlivemedia.com/how-to-choose-fabrics-that-flatter-your-body/

Do you keep fabrics in mind when you choose an outfit? If yes, do share your pointers on how it is an advantage to wear the correct fabric for the correct outfit pertaining to your body type.

Style Tips For New Moms

If you have taken a sabbatical or are on a maternity break you just get spoilt. A long period of being at home in your own space and mothering a baby 24/7 leaves you a bit lax about yourself. Initially, when you conceive you invest in a lot of maternity clothes and during your pregnancy you get pampered and you like to dress up and flaunt your baby bump. The Baby arrives and come out even more comfy and casual clothes. Tees and Tracks become your staple.

It hit me when I had to go for a job interview almost 2+ years after my son was born. So I just did what I do best, promptly went and shopped for a couple of formal outfits. lollzz Of course the job never came to me, maybe it wasn’t meant to me. And then of course I found my calling. Well, not only did I drastically change my professional line I also realised that even if I am going to be a stay at home working mom I will still look after myself and enjoy my new role.

Anyway’s I jotted down some stuff for new moms who want to get back to work and even otherwise:-

• Ditch Maternity Wear - As comfortable and practical are your maternity clothes a maximum of 5 – 6 months is more than enough to wear post the baby’s arrival. It is extremely hard to take out time for yourself but take it from my personal experience if you don’t start early it just piles up.
• Wear nice clothes – Your body size has changed yet it doesn’t mean that wearing ill-fitting or loose clothes shall hide that excess flab. That is a myth. Don’t go all out and fancy, yet wear something that brings a smile to your face and not make you look drab.
• Hair – I am sure and I say it from experience that new moms can do better than scrunching up wet hair and neglect hair care to carry on with other chores. I figured out a simple trick to this. Firstly, have a head wash and leave your hair in the towel for a bit. Then, open them and do a quick blow dry so that they aren’t dripping wet.
• Make Up – It always uplift the mood to apply make up to enhance your looks. I always apply kajal and a lip gloss.
• Work Space – Since I suffer from OCD I had this planned even before I had thought of what I am going to do once my son was a little older. A nice wooden desk was my choice. However, I know a lot of my friends who work from home even use their dining table as their work space or any nice nook in the living room.
• Comfort Zone – Like most offices have a space where all colleagues meet for a quick tea break and to discuss more fun stuff than office chores, similarly even at home create a space where you would want to sit when taking a break from work. For me that is my reading area, it’s got easy seating and I just take a breather when am completely fried.

Are you a stay at home working mom? If so how is your routine like? Share with us!

Sahachari Foundation Exhibition

Talk about Charity and you cannot miss the name Sahachari Foundation. The way a Mother nurtures her new born to adulthood, this organisation has been taken to great heights by the strong women who have chosen to work for the cause selflessly to empower Women. Since its inception in 2009, the passion and enthusiasm refuses to fade. Year after year the wonderful team at Sahachari strives to bring some of the best talent together to showcase their brilliance under a common platform.

Following is the list of NGOs participating in the exhibition:-

• Om Creations Trust
• Haste Khelte Foundation
• Shraddha Charitable Trust
• M.Rm.Rm. Cultural Foundation
• SMILE
• Victoria Memorial School for the Blind
• Women's India Trust

Versatile and Talented duo designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla also join hands for this charitable cause and present their pret collection.

NIFT Alumni and Innovative Designer Atsu Sekhose will also be launching his preview collection for this noble cause. His rich and famous clientele include Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone to name a few.                      

                                                                                       

From Kids clothing, to Women wear, Home Accessories you have an array of products to choose from and you won’t leave without a smile on your face and of course some shopping bags as well.

                                                                             

So do come ladies for this one of a kind shopping extravaganza and make your presence felt for this wonderful cause.

Venue – Indoor Stadium NSCI  Worli

Date & Timings – 3^rd September 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

                             4^th September 10:30 am – 7:00 pm