Monthly Archives: January 2014

Jan25

Top Trends for 2014

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Top Trends for 2014

Welcome back to my new year fashion. What better way to start than with the top trends for the year 2014. All these collections have been featured in the spring collection of runway fashion

2014 spring colors

2014 spring colors

1) Boxy Crop Tops

We’re kicking off with a familair concept. Crop Tops!!! They took over our closets in 2013 but they aren’t going anywhere just yet. However you can expect a boxier silhouette as shown on the runways by Derek Lam, BCBG and Zimmermann. The main component to this trend is the sleeve length that hits just at the elbow but in a very loose boxy manner. A seamless trend with a fitted pencil skirt gives every woman her shape. It also includes a coated texture which is currently trending. So far i havent seen much of this style in the stores but checkout Zara which has a ray of colors and patterns. (Fedoras can be worn on bad hair days and are women’s new BFF :))

boxy top with pencil skirt

boxy top with pencil skirt

2) Lets Get Physical

Another trend a design that is all ready to let go of just yet is the athletic or sporty thing. This was shown by Marc by Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren. And then Gucci and Robin burn pitched in with a heavy focus on Continue reading “Top Trends for 2014” »

Jan19

Holy Basil in Exotic Flavors!

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Holy Basil in Exotic Flavors!

Organic India

Tulsi (Holy Basil) green tea is not just healthy but is a well known secret to prevent ageing. Getting back in shape the healthy way is super easy with Tulsi Green Tea. The double benefits of Tulsi and Green Tea give you a faster metabolism that makes weight management easy. Their rich antioxidants help prevent ageing, letting you look good and feel healthy.

Holy Basil - Tulsi plant is worshipped in Hindu Religion

Holy Basil – Tulsi plant is worshipped in Hindu Religion

Each one of us needs an individual diet plan depending on our body type and need. While there is no “ideal diet plan”, you should thrive for losing weight with a balanced diet. There is no right food or wrong food; eating in moderation is the key to healthy weight management. It is best to consult your dietician or nutritionist on what works the best for you. Here are some useful tips.

Basil Leaves

Basil Leaves

– Begin your day with honey and lemon squeezed into lukewarm water. Followed by a Continue reading “Holy Basil in Exotic Flavors!” »

Jan18

Vibes of Venice !!!

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Vibes of Venice !!!

Venice has quite the reputation  – one steeped in gorgeous gondoliers, carnivals and a whole lot of money. Let’s explore its must sees and secrets, all with a happy face and an empty stomach.

When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that’s amore, Dean Martin croons in my head. There’s just something about this romantic city of 118 islets (though some may say it’s 121) that brings out the sap in me, and the good-looking gondolier giving me the once-over isn’t hurting matters at all. Don’ worry it’ll probably have the same effect on you, and you’ll discover along the way that this city isn’t only about the canals (or the gondoliers manning them).

Venice and its paradise

Venice and its paradise

Perhaps its the sprinkling of moonlight on the canals, perhaps it’s the devastatingly handsome Italian men who will unabashedly profess their love for you and make and make you swoon, or Continue reading “Vibes of Venice !!!” »

Jan17

Stories of Silk

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Stories of Silk

A tiny village, just outside the Murshidabad district in West Bengal, is keeping the tradition of weaving alive!

Life takes a sudden hectic turn at Tantipara, a textile village on the outskirts of Murshidabad. Skeins of silk literally spill onto the streets as looms clatter rhythmically under the labors of skilled weavers. Men, young and old, dexterously separate strands stretching down the entire length of the lane. Watching the super long threads bounce and quiver together is quite a sight.

silk weaving

silk weaving

It takes around four days for a single weaver to make one simple sari and much longer to craft a Baluchari, the renowned Bengali sari adorned with large mythological motifs in gold and silver zari, worn by women of upper-class and zamindari families.

Baluchari sari - heavy work

Baluchari sari – heavy work

A heavy Baluchari fetches around $200.00 and urban demand is only rising. Saris have broad borders, adorned by brocaded gold patterns. And so, unlike the tranquil riverside villages, time races ahead here and tradition flourishes with untiring speed. In the artisans determination to stay relevant echoes the unsung song of Murshidabad.

indian motifs

indian motifs

DIVINE DHARMAVARAM

Silk is not just confined to Murshidabad but has its presence in several parts in India. Dharmavaram silks have been popular Anantapur district in the state of  Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its cotton and silk weaving industries. Dharmavaram saris comprise heavy ‘pallus‘ with exclusive designs. Their broad solid colored borders with contrast ‘pallus‘ are desired by every woman.

Dharmavaram silks

Dharmavaram silks

Jan16

Balinese Food – a distinct culinary identity of its own!

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Balinese Food – a distinct culinary identity of its own!

The only strongly Hindu-influenced cuisine in Indonesia, Balinese food has a powerful mantra for eating like a local Bali

Although a part of Indonesia, Bali has a distinct cultural identity, influenced in large part by Hinduism, the dominant religion of the province. Balinese cuisine has developed from a similarly complex blend of culinary traditions. It is a spicier regional offshoot of Indonesian fare but has evolved independently, assimilating from several cuisines including Indian, Chinese and Polynesian.

Indonesia - a mixture of cultures and natural beauty

Indonesia – a mixture of cultures and natural beauty

Balinese cuisine is rustic and simple, making liberal use of coconut, sambal and peanuts. Ingredients typical to Southeast Asian cuisines, such as lemongrass, banana and pandan leaves, turmeric, red chillies, coconut and coconut milk, coriander, peanuts, shrimp paste and basil, all feature prominently in the food.

The popularity of curried meats and vegetables in Balinese cuisine indicates a clear Indian influence. For instance, turmeric has a significant role to play in Balinese fare. The simplest use of the spice is in the preparation of nasi kuning (yellow rice), a festive dish flavored with Continue reading “Balinese Food – a distinct culinary identity of its own!” »

Jan15

Barazushi – Assorted Seafood

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Barazushi – Assorted Seafood

Assorted seafood with sushi rice, soy and seaweed

Serves: 6, Preparation Time: 40 minutes, Method: Easy

Chirasi means ‘to scatter’ and that’s the secret to making this simple yet fun dish. This is the perfect meal to serve guests who have varying tastes and preferences. You can even lay the ingredients out for them to choose what they like.

Barazushi - Japanese Cuisine

Barazushi – Japanese Cuisine

THE SUSHI RICE:

Japanese rice 3 cups

water 600ml

sushi rice vinegar 8tbsp

THE TOPPINGS:

Prawns 500g large and boiled

crab meat 300g

salmon 500g, cubed

tuna 400g, cubed

salmon roe 400g (I prefer South Wind)

Nori (seaweed sheets) 1/2 cup, shredded

scallions 1/2 cup, finely chopped

Continue reading “Barazushi – Assorted Seafood” »

Jan14

Holiday at Dindi, Andhra Pradesh

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Holiday at Dindi, Andhra Pradesh

TO DO ANYTHING

Holiday’s are usually exhilarating, stimulating, brimming over with to-do boxes to be checked off. But the village of Dindi, flanked by the Vashista River, a tributary of the Godavari and part of the verdant Konaseema Delta formed by the Vashista and Goutami rivers, lives life at an intoxicatingly relaxed amble. The only thing that really demands a reaction is ‘Papikondalu’ (sometimes written as Papi Kondalu), the name of the cloud-ringed hill range you’re here to pay homage to. Once you’ve got past your amusement at this name, you’ll find that the most strenuous thing you end up doing is dialing down the pace of your otherwise hectic life.

Konaseema culture is a typical rural culture of Andhra

Konaseema culture is a typical rural culture of Andhra

Drive to the Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Antarvedi, past coconut groves looming large over shallow ponds, canals and cattle grazing in green meadows, and village belles drawing water from a pump beside traditional homes of mud and timber with thatched roofs. You will actually feel the sensation of stepping back into a time before tourism and touts in the village of Gudimellanka, 5 kilometers into the drive from Dindi. The hallowed portals of the temple, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, will deepen the reverie. No one rushes you, you can Continue reading “Holiday at Dindi, Andhra Pradesh” »

Jan13

The Himalayan Trout House, Nagini – Himachal Pradesh

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The Himalayan Trout House, Nagini – Himachal Pradesh

ON THE FLY !

Christopher Mitra has a thing for fly-fishing. And a weakness for guests who are similarly inclined. At his family-owned property, The Himalayan Trout House, strategically situated on the banks of the Tirthan in Banjar, Himachal Pradesh. The river flows fast and cold, peppered with wild brown and rainbow trout. If you surrender to the madness of fly-fishing, you’ll soon find yourself drowned in the subject over endless cups of chai and dinners of trout. You will become one of a community of fly-fishing enthusiasts that gather regularly at this mecca of expertise and equipment.

fly-fishing technique

fly-fishing technique

Fly-fishing, for those who came in late, is an angling style in which an artificial ‘fly’ – a combination of hair, fur, foam, wires and the like – is deployed in place of live bait to catch fish. The guide who accompanies you on your fly-fishing session from The Himalayan Trout House scopes out vantage points from which to cast the line along Continue reading “The Himalayan Trout House, Nagini – Himachal Pradesh” »

Jan12

Delhi Demystified

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Delhi Demystified

With the attitude of metropolis and the vibes of an international city, Delhi is the destination that no traveler would want to miss.

If you can hear soulful Sufi music in the backdrop, can see Moghalai architecture all around you, can smell flavors of India in the breeze and can feel a positive buzz in the air, well then ‘Aap Dilli main hon’ (You are indeed in Delhi) The 5,000 year old city known as Indraprashta has always flourished like it does today.

Red Fort at Delhi

Red Fort at Delhi

India’s capital city boats of being a vibrant city amidst chaos an confusion, combining modernity with ethnicity, trends with tradition and hi-tech amenities with a conservative outlook. While most of cities of the world have similar profiles, Delhi stands out for consistently being the chosen one across dynasties and not without a reason. The city ensures it has different layers tucked inside it to cater to different tastes. For the traveler looking for Continue reading “Delhi Demystified” »

Jan10

Delicious Fried Fish and Tomato Curry

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Delicious Fried Fish and Tomato Curry

Something Fishy and Tasty…… Yummy

Use and type of boneless white fish in this south Indian-style coconut and tomato curry with fresh coriander.

Serves: 4 , Preparation Time: 30 minutes, Method: Easy

Indian Fish curry

Indian Fish curry

Ingredients:

1) Vegetable oil –  2 tbsp + 2 tsp extra

2) onion – 2 thinly sliced

3) salt – a pinch to taste

4) tomatoes – 8 large, roughly chopped

5) garlic cloves – 4, crushed

6) ginger – a thumb sized piece, roughly chopped

7) Madras curry paste – 3 tbsp

8) coconut milk – 165 ml

9) coriander – a large handful, finely chopped + extra sprigs to serve

10) basa fillets – 500 g, skinned

11) plain flour – 6 tbsp

12) Basmati rice – to serve

 

Method:

Heat 2 tsp oil in a pan. Tip in the onions and salt. Cook for about 8 minutes until soft and golden.

Meanwhile, blitz the tomatoes, garlic and ginger to a Continue reading “Delicious Fried Fish and Tomato Curry” »