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Wear your attitude
Fashion’s always believed in spearheading a trend — the trend walks ahead, setting the runaway on fire, and we mortals follow. And so, when fashion embraces a message along with its fav child (style), onlookers rejoice. No wonder, city’s swish set has enough reason to clink glasses. Thanks to Designer Anita Dongre, who’s launched ‘Grassroot’, India’s first ever eco-friendly clothing line at the Wills India Fashion Week-2007, the city will soon witness an onslaught of eco-friendly wear.
In case you’re wondering why you need to go eco-friendly after all, here’s a peek at some hair-raising facts — nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals, which besides polluting environment, are also non-biodegradable and difficult to dispose of. Adds city-based designer Nidhi Bajaj, “Even natural fibres like cotton use more pesticide per cotton plant than any other crop. The chemicals remain in the fabric and are released during the lifetime of the garments, affecting people wearing clothes. And virtually all polycotton (especially bed linen), plus all easy care, crease resistant, is treated with the toxic chemical, formaldehyde. Adds Priya Thapar of twin companies Organic World and Organically Yours, India’s leading manufacturers of organic cotton for the last 15 years, “ Each season we grow organic cotton, the land’s fertility rises, but in the case of non-organic, pesticide- requiring crops, it’s exactly the opposite.” Chip in Jigme Both and Sahil Jishtu, local designers with a forte in eco-fashion, “Certain dyes cause cancer. In many parts of the world, garments are dyed or bleached using toxic chemicals, affecting workers and damaging local ecosystems.” And so, an easy solution remains going eco-fashionable. Local designers like Simarjeet Bagga have crafted some chic eco-friendly wear for you. Having tied up with an international art community Auroville’s dying unit Colours of Nature, this 24-year-old recently designed a collection using the company’s handloom-made denims. “The dying technique used here is basically a revised form of Fermentation, a 4,000-year-old dying process (used by Indus Valley Civilization),” informs Bagga, who spent four months at Puducherry, crafting this collection. “From boot-cut to straight-cut jeans and capris with pockets and zips to carrot-cut fitted trousers, our handloom denims offer chic collectables,” he avers. And friends, this eco-lover has also crafted a range of interesting go-eco accessories — embroidery with naturally dyed threads, belts of seashells, jewellery in wood and bamboo and buttons and footwear in coconut shells! Sandy Sandon is another designer, who’s crafting his creations using minimum chemicals, “My semi-formal Khadi-kurtas with Nehru collars are very popular among young boys. But my USP remains jute, which I use for every creation, right from skirts and bags to stilettos. Sandon elaborates on eco-friendly, “And yes, eco-chic is saying no to leather too. Local outlets like Da Milano that use animal prints on faux leather are eco-friendly. Outlets like Wills Lifestyle have a collection in artificial fibre Viscose, made from wood pulp. I also use some recycled, eco-fleeced stuff, produced from recycled plastic soda bottles,” he signs off. Organic fashion means
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Décor Dhamaka
No doubt, the space seemed a li’l cluttered (with owner Monita in the middle of unpacking her stuff). Nonetheless, it seemed brimming with celebration of feminity, festivity and antiquity. “Festival season is around the corner, and I am offering 10 to 40 % discount on décor collectables and antique furniture,” explained the Just Interiors lady, who operates from her residence at Sukhna Enclave, Kaimbwala. To get the festivity balls rolling, the expo has little delectable knick-knacks, which could be gifted for Diwali. Shiny blue pottery in hues of blue, green and sunshine yellow (Rs 75-500) includes jewellery boxes, chutni bowls, planters, hooks, knobs, paper weights, wall plates et al. For the hue-lovers, a riveting play of colours find expression in designer daris, chatais and floor mats in river-grass, sourced from South India (Rs 135-775). “These daris come with both zari and bead work and are available in varied sizes,” says Monita. The exhibition showcases glassware, metalware, earthenware, lamps, tee-light holders (in rich fuchsias and flaming oranges), antique candle-stands, vases, oil-burners and diffusers. Must pick is a wooden corporate-gift set (with a card holder, pen stand, paper-weight, tray and box in brocade and kundan work) for Rs 1,200. And yes, if your style of dressing up your home is a bit grungy, you’d sure love the furniture here—baksa coffee-tables, antique corner-tables, bed-ends and a cookie-table in sheesham (Rs 6,000-14,000).
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Make a difference
In your home At your workplace
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When two become one
Of course, these musical talent hunts choose a theme every week and Indian shaadis with all their gaana-baajana, flashy attires and colour, make for a perfect theme…but then, are we already in the middle of the wedding season? Is some grand shaadi bandwagon taking off, leaving behind reason enough to celebrate wedding-revelry? No. The reason became clear as the celebrity guests in these shows were introduced — Malaika Arora Khan with hubby Arbaaz (for the audiences who believe in marital sanctity and a post-marriage happily ever-after world) and then, Bips and beau John for the bindas (uninitiated into the roller-coaster ride that is marriage). Even Rakhi Sawant, pledging not to get married in every second show, made an appearance with her sweetheart in one of these shows… Friends, welcome to the world of Indian celebrity-couples — Ash-Abhi, Katrina-Salman, John-Bips, Kajol-Ajay, Preity-Ness, Kareena-Shahid… Gauri-Hiten et al. Lovebirds, who somehow manage to grab maximum space in the media, and of course the hearts of fan brigade. Sitting pretty on a famous director’s coffee-couch, with a classic lil’ cuppa, addressing a press conference about how they are ‘just friends, (and declaring in a few months how they are getting engaged), barking at the media for invading their privacy, and yet clasping each other as a drowning man clasps a life-saver rope), we find this breed everywhere. And guess what, it’s their lovey-dovey togetherness that’s selling like hot cakes. “In a world where real-life couples are drifting apart due to work pressure and increasing expectations from life, these Bollywood couples transport us back to a fairy-tale world, where everthing’s perfect. No wonder, they capture our fancy,” reasons Shobhana Dutt, a TV buff, who explains why these couples are getting hotter as couples. “From advertisements with biggies and being brand ambassadors to being invited for chat shows, world tours and talent hunts to announcing awards at ceremonies and shaking a leg together (Nach Baliye), it’s now the couples, who are being invited and not individuals to boost TRPs,” reasons Vinay Sharma, manager at a city-based advertising agency. “We might ape the West, but remain very typically Indian in this respect,” reasons Mohali-based engineer Neeta Grover, adding, “In Hollywood, people make headlines by divorcing each other, but here, the more solid the marriage, the more solid gets your demand as a combo-pack. It suits the producers too, to coordinate dates with a couple. And hence, we have famous couples everywhere, be on TV or the silver screen. So, gone are the days when actors use to hide their marriages, affairs et al. Today, their relationships act as their PR agencies. No wonder, Kajol-Ajay are flooded by add offers, while Kareena-Sahid made headlines in every newspaper on the Valentines’ Day a few years back, ” laughs Grover. Well friends, next time you see India’s favourite bahu holding Abby baby in her trademark clasp, fret not. For, she’s no bhartiya nari giving it all up for her man. Rather, a smart new-age babe who doesn’t need to hire a PR agency! |
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A healthy option
The lounge, which took more than two years to come into form, is designed to seat 50 persons at a time. Designed by city-based designer Poonam Sharma, the decor is easy on the eye. So, what is new (other than the lounge), we ask? “Salads and pastas,” says Rohit. “Our salads are for the health-conscious. With vinegar dressings, these are low on fat,” he says, adding, “But, if you want cream on it, that’s also an option.” With names like Pollo Bella, Compognola, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, even someone who doesn’t like salads will be tempted to give it a try. Then there are the enticing pastas. On top of the pasta menu is printed, ‘We could ask you to visit Italy, but that could take some serious time’. Got the idea? As it implies, you could get original Italian pastas here without having to go overseas. “Everything about the pastas is Italian, from the oil to the sauces. Yet, some have been improvised to cater to the Indian taste buds,” Rohit says. The hand-tossed, thin crust pizzas here are a delight. Ranging from mega pepperoni, spicy sausage sensation, chicken tikka surprise, Afgan frontier, etc, these are sure to tickle your taste buds. The vegetarian ones include fiery paneer tikka, mushroom spinach formaggi, garden fresh, Hawaiian, Mexican heat wave. What more could one ask for? So what would they recommend as their special? “Our signature grilled sandwiches. You taste them and you’ll come for more,” he says. “And, of course our well-kept home recipes like the baked cheese cake.” With another store coming up in Centra Mall at the year end and with the store in Sector 35 also converting into a lounge, the bakery is sure going places. And, with the winters coming, it is the best time to grab a bite. |
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Picked your skinnies?
Style in city just found a new pin code —- saucy, skinny, spicy. No wonder, oomph just got a lil’ tighter (skinnier, for the fashion fixated). Think stretch of style (pun intended) getting narrower and whoa, there you are, all set to get stylish without revamping your wardrobe. Rewind to 50’s onwards… Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and later legends Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones and Kate Moss rocking n’ rolling in these extra skinny silhouettes. Well, skinny jeans are back with a bang. And how? Every Bollywood babe from Bebo to Bips (beau John included), Priyanka Chopra and MTV VJ Anusha are flaunting their legs in these jeans.
Tempted to try these style-sizzlers? Forget going for stretch jeans in the slacks style. Now, you have quite a variety to choose from. Available in all cuts and fits, these jeans range from low rise, capri, low boot cut, flared, regular, tapered, comfort to slim and extra skinny. But why so much clamour about these jeans suddenly? To look slim is in and stretch jeans ideally serve the purpose. The jeans are stitched according to your body type. Not only do they fit well and give you the desired sliming effect but also the stretch quality allows easy articulation, providing maximum style and comfort. Lighter than your regular pair and easier on the pocket (as their production cost is lower than the regular ones), this pair’s a sure must-pick. Hate that discolouration of your non-spandex jeans? Chances of that happening to your stretch jeans are lesser. A number of brands are offering different styles, patterns and fits in skinny jeans. You could buy a capri at Nautica, or a John Abraham limited edition in Japanese slub-denim at Wrangler or a skinny (read ultra skinny) at Lee. Depending on requirements, one can choose a high spandex or less spandex percentage. For our clueless friends, stretch is mixture of cotton and a varying percentage of spandex, popularly referred to as lycra. And well this time both men and women are taking to stretch jeans passionately. Quick Tips
Money Maze Nautica: Rs 3,495 to Rs 4,895 |
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On a nutritional high
Ivy’s directors Dr Poonam Bhatia and Dr Shobha Suri say, ”The kitchen is an extension of the centre’s concept of combining active and passive exercises with diet counselling.” The health counter would serve two low cal snacks, including rainbow sandwich, low-fat vanilla cake, idli, poha, dhokla and more. “We will introduce a new snack each day,” tells Shobha, a Ph D in nutrition. They will soon be adding desserts and Indian meals too. Each snack priced between Rs 10 and 20 comes with a chart that lists the fats, proteins and calories of the portion. And while the counter is open to all, a small recipe booklet of low-cal delicacies is exclusively for the clients. “We want people to enjoy these preparations at home too,” says Dr Bhatia, a MD in acupressure and magnet therapy. And, it’s easy, they tell. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables that are high on Vitamin C, as it works as a fat burner. Mayonnaise can be replaced with hung curd and ketchup with mint and tomato chutney. If you like spicy food, then include pepper in it.“ Don’t fast or feast, but go in for a balanced diet,” they sign off. |
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Thursday saw city’s bling-bling brigade witnessing everything bold, bright and beautiful. Whimsical themes, sinuous swirls, zigzag waves —- the students of Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology, Mohali, served a delectable feast to the fashionistas. Spinning creative webs, these budding designers showcased 15 eclectic collections during the fashion show, mark ing the final presentation by the students of Fashion Design & Clothing Technology (one year evening programme).
The show opened with Marine Life, showcasing Monalisa Sen’s extravaganza, while the curtains drew with Kiranjot’s Collection Bridal collection. Shimming up the stage were zardosi-embellished lehengas, glass nylon draperies flaunting sea-shells and creepers, tribal dresses, Barbie-doll dresses, Paris Hilton’s bows and ruffles, shimoi-wear and Sohni-Mahiwal collection. The chief guest of the evening, NIIFT director general V. K. Janjua awarded trophies to the best collections.
— TNS |
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Time to Nach!
Big 92.7 FM has partnered with the much-acclaimed celebrity reality dance show Nach Baliye 3. The radio venture promises exclusive access to its participants and added entertainment with behind-the-scene scoops.
On the anvil are interviews with the couples, judges and hosts, un-censored gossip and a slew of on-air contests like voting for the hottest jodi, sexiest celebrity, etc. The winners of these gala games will win dance lessons for himself/ herself and a partner. The countdown to the grand finale will include interviews with the three finalists and Nach Baliye nights at popular joints in town. So, get ready for entertainment unlimited.
— TNS
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STEP OUT
Trekking and mountaineering in October has two sides to it. On the one hand, you generally don’t encounter rain or snow. On the other, the brilliantly clear sky makes the morning, evening and night temperatures much lower than in mid-summer, though day temperatures can be as hot! If you are beginning to scoff at me over low temperatures, hold on. I’m not afraid of cold: one can layer up well to beat it. The problem arises when streams that are the sources of water for camping freeze — something they don’t do in summer proper. On an expedition in October to Bhagirathi II in Garhwal, we found the rivulet that was the source of water at the traditional Base Camp site frozen. There was a tiny glacial pool about 100 m below so we set up our Base Camp there. The same thing happened at Camp I. From Camp II on, snow was the source of water anyway. Classic Treks Ladakh Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Sikkim (Contact tour operators given in past columns or just scout on your own
in Leh, Manali, Rishikesh and Darjeeling) But I still remember how crestfallen we were at the discovery of the frozen rivulet before it occurred to us to shift the campsite to adjust to the unanticipated circumstance! So, folks, learn to anticipate frozen rivulets. (And, if there is anything you learn the hard way, let me benefit from your misfortune. By now you’ve probably gathered I’m not a great fan of summer-end climbing.) If you do camp beside a stream, watch out for a charming natural phenomenon. Between mid-morning and noon, the ice will suddenly melt and the stream will come alive with flowing water. It will happen at the same time every day, to the minute. Check it against your watch! Autumnal treks make for very pleasant walking because the days are cooler and the vegetation is changing colour and shape. Photographs of valleys and distant peaks are clearer than in summer. But, in places like Sikkim, the post-monsoon season is when the leeches are out in full force. The leeches start dropping after the first person has walked under the branches so everyone should lead by turn and get a respite from the creatures. Full sleeves, trousers tucked into thick socks and wide-brimmed hats are adequate protection. A word about personal hygiene for women on long expeditions. Cervical cancer is associated with poor hygiene. But it is difficult to carry a mountain of underwear so that you can change regularly. A solution is to use panty liners daily and fresh underwear every few days. Dust the skin in contact with the waistband, which soaks sweat, with Candid Clotrimazole antibacterial powder every night. And here’s some advice from a dentist: Avoid silver fillings as the metal changes its properties at altitude. Go for composite fillings. (This column appears fortnightly)
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Telly Tales
Almost the entire media cried itself hoarse touting the final as an all North-East battle — Prashant Tamang, a constable in the West Bengal Police, versus heartthrob Amit Paul. The media conveniently contradicted itself on judgment day by sending off correspondents to their hometowns to “feel the pulse of the people”. Scribes travelled to Darjeeling, the home town of gawky Tamang and Shillong, Paul’s native place. Nearer home, Pappu was confused. Preparing for a geography test, he had studied that the north-east comprised of the eight sister states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. But, how could “they” be wrong, he thought to himself. Indian Idol was his favourite show and the vivacious Mini Mathur did kuch kuch to his innocent dil. So, off he went to school the next day, took the test and... Pappu fail ho gaya. Moral:
Believe in Pappu. The money game
Competitors-turned-friends, Amit and Prashant come from a part of the country seldom making news. Everyone wanted their boys to win, whatever it takes. So, Nepali MP from Assam M.K. Subba announced that he would send SMS worth Rs 15 lakh for Prashant! The Kolkata Police had also pitched in to help Prashant, a member of their force, with reports coming in that constables were given the job of sending SMS in large numbers. Voting became more of a point-proving mission. But the real winner (apologies, Prashant!) was the host TV channel. For, an estimated seven crore SMS were sent just between September 14 and 23 and each SMS was worth Rs 3. It netted an estimated Rs 21 crore! Moral: Play with the sentiments of the people, it’s worth it. yoshita@tribunemail.com |
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It is not just Brad Pitt whom Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston have in common, for both have secured the Most Powerful Actress title in this year’s Guinness Book of World Records. For the 2007 edition of the book, the PR coverage and earnings of the actors over the year were assessed.
Jolie gave a sparkling performance in the CIA thriller The Good Shepherd and her role as the wife of murdered journalist Daniel Pearl in A Mighty Heart is expected to fetch her an Oscar. Jolie and Pitt have been in the spotlight for their relationship, their dopted kids Maddox, Zahara and Pax, and their biological daughter Shiloh.
— ANI
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Frozen & Fresh
Chopped, frozen mixed vegetables are a blessing indeed. Almost all these veggies are frozen, and preserved at the peak of freshness. One need not worry about their hygiene, flavour or nutritional value as they come blanched or slightly pre-cooked before they are chopped and packed. The process even locks in the natural colour of the veggies. Safal, Everfresh and Chambal Fertilizer are some brands available in the market. Packed in the combination of four veggies, they cost Rs 30 for a 400gm packet. A typical combination would be peas, carrot, cauliflower and beans. Providing multiple choices like using these veggies as a main or side dish or in soups, salads or soufflés, cooking of the daily daal roti and sabzi is fairly simpler now. An uninvited guest or unforeseen demand of the children, they can reduce your` hassle by half. Stir up a hot ‘n’ sour soup or make some delicious kebabs, or add to Maggi — to make it all complete. Smart buy
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BON APPETIT OUT of the freezer, into the fire! A pack of ready to use, trimmed and washed vegetables is ever so convenient to have handy. Carrots, cauliflower, beans, peas, corn and broccoli, the assortment comes in a rainbow of colours. Every coloured veggie has specific vitamins to offer us, so a mixed bag is without doubt, a very healthy eat. In the wake of our victory, I’d say it’s patriotic too, reflecting the saffron, white and green of our flag! Vegetables
Jalfrazie 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables Method Veggie Broth 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables Method Winter Veggies in Creamy-Garlic Sauce 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables Method Tip of the week Don’t discard water in which vegetables have been boiled. Flavour it with a bay leaf and a slice of ginger and voila! You have a batch of wholesome, home made soup stock!
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Cool Stuff
Excalibur has brought out a new collection – the AW07 Finest Globe Trotter. Inspired by the hues and characters of various cities across the world, the new compilation is designed for the global man, who will not settle for anything, but the best. The collection offers a new seasonal range of fine suits, jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters, apart from the distinctively styled shirts, trousers and accessories. The attractive assortment has four lines - Business Hours, After Hours, Royale and Vogue, each sporting a distinct style and look. With clothes and accessories for all occasions, Excalibur is out to make men more chic and stylish. Magazine Vogue, the ultimate fashion bible will now be available in India. With October as its launch issue, the monthly Vogue India will be priced at Rs 100. The magazine will available across 40 cities, including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar. The first cover will have Bipasha Basu, Gemma Ward, Priyanka Chopra, Moni Kangana, Preity Zinta and Laxmi Menon on its cover. These cover girls have been shot by Patrick Demarchelier, one of the world’s leading fashion photographers. Vogue India will bring the best of Indian fashion, beauty, lifestyle and art and will present a holistic vision of India and the world at large. Interiors The city’s residents can now add a touch of international class to their rooms as Hunter Douglas Window Fashions had decided to make Chandigarh its next stop. The company, which has its head office in The Netherlands, will soon be available at Paradise Décor-8. In addition to the regular fabric shades, the company offers a fully integrated line of fashion. They also offer colour-coordinated window blinds, including horizontal and vertical blinds, roman, roller and woven wood shades, pleated shades, wood and alternative wood blinds. Hunter Douglas customises each window suiting the individual consumer’s specific tastes. The company has its manufacturing facility at Delhi. Mobiles Spice Telecom has announced the launch of its new ‘99145’ number series. It has also made select numbers from old series available for their subscribers. All special and premium numbers will be auctioned online on the Spice Punjab website - www.spiceindia.com. The most favoured of the premium numbers include the Octa 5 series, that is 98555 55555, the Penta series - 99145 55555 - and the auspicious number 99145 00786. To bid, subscribers simply need to log onto the Spice website, register themselves and bid for a number of their choice. The bidding is open from September 25 for a period of 30 days. Gadgets OSIM has released a new power drum massage – the OSIM uPapa. The drum-inspired rhythmic device can simply take away all aches and pains from your body. uPapa features a tapping massage device which can penetrate deep into the layers of muscles and relieve fatigue and strain. This model provides 245 different massage combinations and integrates different intensities, positions and rhythm for the best possible massage. It is designed to work on your back, thighs and calves to improve blood circulation. Priced at Rs 14,500, the product is available at Godrej Lifespace-17 and at outlets in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ludhiana and Ahmedabad.
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A good chair should have a back rest with a backward slope i.e. a seat which is slightly hollowed out at the bottom to allow room for the buttocks. |
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All good things come in small packages, indeed. So, as I sipped the addictive whiff of newspapers with my steaming morning cuppa, it came across as a small advertisement. Then, there was a crisp SMS, followed by a brief call from the boss, informing me about this exhibition at Phulkari hall, Aroma-22. What, exhibition at Aroma? Didn’t quite ring a bell, since goodies keep pouring in (both food and expos, I mean) here, so much so, that the curiosity-quotient’s no longer high. Anyways, battling a low potion of motivation (besides honking cabs and bikes), I stepped inside, for a pleasant surprise.
Save the planet is the buzzword nowadays. Eat organic, sport eco-friendly outfits, plant saplings, join an environment based NGO, hold and attend seminars on climate change and more. But then, not all want to spend a bombshell on eco-dresses or take part in a ‘run for green’ marathon, yet want to do their bit for planet earth. So, for all those who want to join the eco-drive, yet keep it simple and easy, read on. Bring these simple easy changes in your daily lives and make a difference. Also, remember every little bit counts here.
In your garden
The other day while flipping through channels, and consuming my usual overdose of songs by ubherte sangeetkars, something struck. The couch potato in me took a back seat (just for a few seconds, I admit), leaving some dignified space for a journo’s curiosity…why on earth were two of these shows hell-bent on making themselves shaadi-sangeets?
The city is definitely a foodie’s delight. And, the opening of Ovenfresh’s third outlet in Sector 26 proves this. Its inauguration on Friday didn’t just introduce another bakery, but added a new feature to the store – a restro lounge. Promoted by Rohit and Ginny Kumar and Bobby and Priya Garg, Ovenfresh Restro Lounge is all set to woo the city residents with its unique taste and style.
If you are one of those foodies who scan the packaging and calculate the calories before gorging on, then city’s low cal kitchen is the place for you. Ivy Slimming and Beauty Lounge-17 launched its Low Cal Kitchen on Wednesday and their menu claims to be high both on nutrition and taste.
MANY of you will head for adventure holidays during the coming vacation season and, though there are many activities to choose from, it makes sense to grab the remaining weeks of summer to head high into the mountains before the cold weather sets in.
Some called it the unfair SMS slugfest, others the loss of talent, but the Indian Idol finale proved two things: One, our journos don’t know their geography. Two, they are high on self-confidence.
Fancy cooking without having to do the chopping? Yes, cutting and chopping make the best of homemakers cringe. And what it does to the one’s who hate the ordeal of cooking is beyond words. It is now possible to do away with this dreaded task that leaves your manicured hands looking like ones of the house cleaner’s.