Month: July 2016
Make the small things count.. and Surprise Someone
We all love gifts, I don’t know how many of you love giving gifts, but I am sure everyone enjoys receiving them. As for me I love giving them too. Today there are so many choices to pick gifts for our loved ones whether we shop on ground or online, we can definitely find gifts suitable as per age groups or likings and interests.
However lovely the gift may be, the way one present it adds a lot of value to it and similarly if it is presented in a tacky manner, it takes away a lot from it. No one can replace the feelings with which one gives a gift, but a good presentation does imply your efforts towards making the person feel all the more special.
I recently surfed through the amazing hand made paper bags collection of www.surprisesomeone.in and I have been completely bowled over by it. How nice it looks when you put an expensive sari in a nice vibrant big hand made paper bag, it completely changes ones outlook towards the gift.
I gave my mom a beautiful suit and rather than giving her in an ordinary bag, I put the suit in a nice hand made bag, it multifold the element of surprise and value to the whole gift. She was so thrilled, and I noticed, after she took out the suit from the bag, the suit lay there on the bed for sometime, while she carefully kept the paper bag in the almirah to be used at a later occasion I guess.
I really feel that in life it’s the smaller things, the smaller efforts that count much more than the bigger ones.
So do take a look at www.surprisesomeone.in and make your loved ones feel more special and loved with their range of gifts and packaging items. I am in love with the site.
Why You Should Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast, Australia
Here is a very interesting travel story shared by Rebecca, enjoy!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Gold Coast’s top tourist destinations.
About an hour’s ride on the bus from Surfers Paradise where we were staying or about 18 minutes if you drive.
In Currumbin, you can see a wide variety of native Australian animals and birds from wombats to kangaroos, koalas, parrots, and the famous Rainbow Lorikeets.
Feeding the Lorikeets is one of the highlights of the day. The feeding times are 8:00AM and 4:00PM. Guests hold out a dish of bread and water and they will come to eat and splash. The Rainbow Lorikeet is an Australasian parrot which is also found in Indonesia, Maluku, and Western New Guinea, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It is mainly found along the eastern coast. It lives in rain forest, coastal bush, and woodland areas.
And don’t forget to follow her on social media for more interesting reads
Sumo Sushi makes Sushi available at the comfort of home..
Whenever we crave Sushi, we plan a dinner or lunch at an authentic Japanese or Pan Asian Restaurant, and relish it sitting in the quaint ambience of that place, but sitting at home, relaxing in your PJs and having Sushi is a thought that still doesn’t cross our minds most of the times. But just imagine, how lovely it can be, when you don’t have to plan, you don’t have to get dressed, book a table, drive the car and take all those pains to go to your favourite restaurant when you come back home tired from work, but still crave Sushi and have it too, at the comfort of your home..?? Sounds like fun isn’t it? For me it surely was. One of these rainy evenings, I was sent two boxes of assorted Sushi from Sumo Sushi and what better could have I asked for.
One box contained assortment of Veg Sushi- Avocado, Asparagus and Cucumber and each one of them was delectable, though I enjoyed Avocado the most. The Non-Veg box contained Spicy Salmon Sushi, Chicken Sushi and Tokyo Rolls and I really can’t pick a favourite from this, each one of them better than the other.
You must definitely try them all. The flavours just linger in your mouth for a long time and I can still taste it while writing this, and craving it too. So while I pick up my phone and place my next order, read this review and you too do the same. Enjoy!
Rukhsat the Departure- Book Review
This is the book by the author Sujit Bannerjee a certified healer and a professional in the tourism industry.
A very commendable effort.
He has taken the Alphabets from A to Z and given us twenty six short stories.
Some stand alone some intertwined which really take you by surprise.
I had to at times go back to the earlier story linked together to really get to the related content. Another novel way of presentation. The author has a simple straightforward narrative most of the way. But I found the opening story Abhimanyu a little profound but aesthetically captured.
The nuances of the thought process of an unborn child visualizing history is very well put together.
The collection of other stories takes you through a wide range of emotions. Some of the standout ones for me were Devesh the Confession and Yasmin Bai and the Letter Box.
I would definetely recommend it.Go for it friends. Really worth a read.
Rating-3.5/5
Price: Rs 250 Paperback
Available on: Amazon
About the Author, From the Author
Born to Bengali parents in Lucknow, I grew up in Patna where I finished my post-graduation in Psychology and ended up becoming a tour operator instead of a Psychologist! Which was
good since a Bengali born in UP and reared in Bihar does not make a great Psychologist! Am I now glad to be in tourism? It has taken me all over the world including places you would have never heard of. Eh? How about Tlacotalpan? It’s in Mexico.
Destiny had other plans as well so I became a reluctant healer. A crazy Shaman in Mexico set the ball rolling and it has rolled all the way to Delhi. Today I both heal as well as read Tarot cards. My wife thinks I am mad. My friends think I am weird. I guess I am both.
My first story was published in a magazine when I was seventeen. The Editor made such a hash of it that I stopped sending out my stories but I continued writing. Then I broke my heart and started writing poems; first in Hindi and then in English. All personal collection. They still remain personal. I do shudder when I read some of them! Then the short stories came back and written over two years – now is a collection.
Rejuvenate yourself this summer with Typhoo Fruit Infusion-A perfect blend of fruity notes and wellness
Summer is the season to relish cold, tangy beverages to quench your thirst and beat the scorching heat. Savor your taste buds like never before, Typhoo – the Indian arm of over a 100 year old iconic British Brandrecommends the refreshing range of Typhoo Fruit Infusion. With a unique sensorial taste, these fruit infusions can be savored as a thirst-quenching and invigorating beverage to cool you down.
Typhoofruit infusions are luxurious brews which can be savored as hot or cold beverage, thus making it a perfect drink for summer. Above all, they are caffeine free. Available in three exotic and delicious flavors – Blackcurrant Bracer, Orange Spicer and Lemon & Lime Zest; these infusions are extremely relaxing and are bound to enliven your senses.
Packaged in a heat-sealed envelope to retain freshness and flavors, each pack contains 25 tea bags. So, go ahead and indulge yourself in a burst of reviving flavors this season and experience tea in all new form.
Typhoo Fruit Infusion makes a perfect summer cooler; here are few stimulating recipes, to freshen you up this summer!
Blackcurrant Bracer
A rich, mouth-watering infusion of juicy blackcurrant capturing the sweet tang of lusciously plump blackcurrant berries, hibiscus, and rosehips.
Price: Rs. 249 for 25 tea bags
Recipe: Tropical Paradise
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup concentrate of Black Currant Infusion
- ¾ cup pineapple juice/sugar syrup (optional as per taste)
- 3 or 4 (or as desired) Pineapple Chunks
How to make it:
Add 2 bags of Typhoo Black Currant Bracer in a cup of hot water and infuse for 10 minutes. Pour ¼ cup of Typhoo Black Currant concentrate in a tall glass filled with ice. Add the pineapple juice and sugar syrup, stir well. Add the pineapple chunks. Serve chilled.
Lemon & Lime Zest
A delightful and special blend of taste and aroma; this fruit infusion is a tantalizing fruity burst of tart lemon, lemon grass, zesty limes &rosehips.
Price: Rs. 249 for 25 tea bags
Recipe: Sapphire Sunset
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of soda,1/2 cup Orange juice
- 2 tsp concentrate of cinnamon
- 1 slice of lemon
- 1 slice of ginger and ½ cup concentrate of Typhoo Lemon and Lime Zest Infusion
How to make it:
Add two bags of Typhoo Lemon and Lime Zest infusion in a cup of water and infuse for 10 minutes. Boil 3 cinnamon sticks in a cup of water till it is half the original quantity. Strain the concentrate. Pour the ½ cup of orange juice in a tall glass filled with ice. Add 2 tsp of the cinnamon concentrate. Top the glass with chilled soda and garnish with a slice of lemon and ginger. Serve chilled.
Orange Spicer
A delicious infusion of tangy orange, fused with hibiscus, clove, ginger and cinnamon. Its untainted flavor gives you a never before experience that stays with you long after the last sip.
Price: Rs. 249 for 25 tea bags
Recipe: Crimson Glow
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 4 tsp concentrate of clove and bay leaves
- ¼ cup concentrate of Typhoo Orange Spicer Infusion
How to make it:
Add two bags of Typhoo Orange Spicer in a cup of hot water and infuse for 2-3 minutes. Boil 9 cloves add 3 Bay leaves in a cup of water till water level is reduced to half. Stain and keep aside. Pour¼ cup of Orange Spicer concentrate. Add 4 tsp of Clove and Bay leaves concentrate. Top with more orange juice. Stir well and garnish.
Available at all leading MBO’s such as Nature’s Basket, Foodhall, Modern Bazaar, Big Bazaar, Lemarche etc.
About Typhoo Tea
Typhoo has indulged tea enthusiasts and refined tea drinking experience the world over since its inception in the UK in 1903. With a portfolio of 12 brands and over 400 products, Typhoo is enjoyed in more than 50 countries including USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand & South Africa. Defining the changing tastes and preferences of the urban Indian consumers, Typhoo the third largest brand from UK and the over 100 year iconic British brand brings this refreshing, rejuvenating experience to India with a variety of high quality specialty teas, and 100% natural fruit infusions. Typhoo is available at leading F&B stores in Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Goa Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Chandigarh.
For further information, visit www.typhooindia.com.
Bumnanchi, the bar at Yeti-Unleash the ‘Jungle-Man’ in You..!!
If you are looking at spending a chilled out and relaxed evening with good music, a couple of drinks and some authentic Nepalese & Tibetan food thrown in, Bunmanchi is the just the place for you. Everyone is well aware of the Nepalese and Tibetan delicacies served at Yeti, and now Yeti has opened up an exclusive bar at the third floor along with a terrace and that’s what Bunmanchi is all about.
With no frills attached, the philosophy of Bunmanchi is a well stocked bar, attentive service and some great starters to go with. Drinking at Bunmanchi gives you a feeling of having a good time with your friends and family in a second home.
Bunmanchi literally means ‘the jungle man’ and hence it restricts itself to the basic needs that a jungle man needs, food, shelter, clothing and the unstated happiness. Man after all is a social animal, and this feeling gets best stirred in over a gathering with a bottle of wine or a pitcher of beer.
They have a wide range of drinks to offer, though this time I settled for the good old bloody marry, which was a neat blend of all the ingredients and tasted perfect.
The snacks menu is simple and not very elaborate, if offers a handful of selected dishes to go along with drinks. Chicken Dimsums are a must try and here the dimsums don’t come with any fiery chilly sauce, but a very gentle peanut dip.
I also tried the Wai Wai Sadeko, which was a crispy and spicy wai wai salad.
I also ordered the non-veg platter, but unfortunately it didn’t have anything that I could eat, because it consisted of buffalo meat and tounge, but for those who enjoy it, please go ahead and try.
The crispy fried chicken and the fried chicken were really worth it and should be on your must try list.
The pricing is also pocket friendly, service needs to be improved upon though. I suggest seating on the terrace and spend a relaxed evening; you can also enjoy some sports matches on the huge screen placed there while you indulge in your drinks and snacks.
The place definitely calls for a visit and I am sure now you know where to plan your next outing.
- Address – Bunmanchi, M-20, M Block Market, GK 2, New Delhi – 110048 (Above Yeti)
- Contact No. – 011-41657867/68
- Facebook – facebook.com/bunmanchidelhi
- Instagram – @bunmanchi
Bushra Collection by Akassh K Aggarwal
Bushra means ‘good news’ and this collection by Akassh Aggarwal is surely a good news for all jewellery lovers. The word completely resonates with the collection. It is made by using fine techniques in filigree motif, stamped light weight metal sheet work, embossed flora n fauna motifs and vibrant metallic colors of gold and silver. Its very rare that each and every piece of the collection is equally artistic and mind-blowing. I just could not help myself, and tried quite few of them at the store itself. Check out my Instgram and you’ll know what I am talking about. Akassh’s Bushra collection is found its home nestled in a beautiful designer showroom called Buzzaria.
Buzzaria in itself is a very vibrant place and showcases works of other designers too. Coming back to the Bushra Collection, it includes exquisite neck pieces, ear-rings, bracelets, rings and lot of other interesting stuff. Here is a sneak peek from what all I loved.
[easy-image-collage id=1420]
If you are looking at some out of the box designer jewellery, this is the place for you, think no more and head straight to Buzzaria and check out the Bushra Collection by Akassh.
Revisit the Addam’s Family at The Addam’s House and be Ready for a Spooky Gastronomic Experience..!!
“They’re creepy and they’re kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They’re all together ooky,
The Addams Family.
Their house is a museum
Where people come to see ’em
They really are a scream
The Addams Family”
Most of us are well aware of this theme song of the very popular series The Addam’s Family, and inspired by the same, we now have an interesting restro-bar in Gurgaon named the Addam’s House. I recently visited this place and I am completely in awe of it. The ambience, the drinks, the food, everything is just outstanding.
The menu is designed keeping innovation and fusion in mind in the true sense; I mean there are dishes in the menu that one can’t even imagine. For example, in starters we ordered Rajma Chawal Balls, now this was one of the most innovative dishes I had, I have never eaten anything like this, though a very simple dish, but I was amazed by the thought that must have went behind coming up with such a dish; truly remarkable effort by the chef to bring the simplest ingredients like Rajma Chawal and turn them into interesting crispy snack balls. This dish is definitely a must try.
The next dish too was full of surprise elements, it was called the Meri Wali Maggi-The Addams Way, but it wasn’t anything like the regular maggi as such, it was maggi in form of croquettes stuffed with shredded chicken and it tasted just yumm.
We tried Lamb Stuffed Chilly Poppers and French Onion Soup Shots. The chilly poppers as the name suggests were slightly spicy but full of taste and you should certainly give it a try.
Onion soup shots that are served with crispy onion rings are something that I am gonna definitely go back for. The soup shots were just amazing. I highly recommend trying it.
Next we tried the Golgappas, Chik in Balls, traditional puchkas served in molecular way stuffed with chicken bits and The Modern Classical Way, the traditional golgappas stuffed with maseladar potatoes served the molecular way. I personally loved the chicken version more than the vegetarian ones.
We tried Kulcha Pizzazzz the next, and they were simply mind blowing, I loved both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of this kulcha pizzazzz, though the Farmhouse Kulcha Bites did have a slight edge over the Chicken Kulcha Bites, but nevertheless, its one dish both vegetarians and non vegetarians can relish.
As I am writing this post, I am thinking Gosh, how much we ate, I have already mentioned so many dishes, and I am still half way through.. J but that’s the benefit one has when dining in a bigger group, you get to taste a lot rather than settling for one or two dishes if dining in a small group.
So coming to our next culinary delight, it was the Horny Cowboy Pizza, and as the name suggests it was really horny 😉 go and try it for yourself.
Non-Veg Sliders (Chicken), Non-Veg Kebab Platter and Veg Kebab Platter were our last dishes on the menu (well there is a lot more for you to try, but for us, I think we already covered a lot).
Each of these dishes were truly delectable, though by this time my tummy was really full, but I polished off the veg kebabs platter which included mushrooms, soya chaap, paneer tikka and broccoli and licked my fingers off after having the fish tikka from the non-veg platter. There were Pulled Jackfruit Tacos and Drunken Chicken Tikka too, but I gave it a miss.
Coming to drinks, do try their signature drink Ghostbuster, which is a mocktail made of apple juice and cinnamon, its one of their best. A sure shot winner is their Water Melon Mojito, a perfect companion for summers, very very refreshing. Also highly recommended are their shakes, I tried the Red Velvet Shake and Hazelnut Cheesecake, and must say, they were mind blowing, smooth and very very filling. The most amazing part about the shakes is a small piece of cheesecake that comes along, one bite into it and you will want more of it.
For cocktails I tried Wonder Lust and it truly was wonderful, it had vodka infused with vanilla pods, fresh lime, passion fruit and pomegranate juice and an amazing pomegranate caviar topper.
Now saving best for the last, the desserts, they have a very selective dessert menu with just 3 dishes and hence I suggest you try all three of them, because you gonna be missing out on something if you skip any.
Winter Rose, a thandai gelato, Gulabari Cheesecake, a rose flavoured cheesecake on a bed of gulukand crumb and Chocolate Hazelnut Royal Crackle, a very rich chocolate hazelnut mousse with almond crackle. Don’t think twice before ordering these sweet sins, and you will rejoice them.
Spooky and Interestingly done interiors with some amazing music thrown in, will always keep you in an upbeat mood.
The terrace at Addam’s House will be your resort for a perfect relaxed evening filled with good food and company.
I am already hooked to this place and so look forward to my visit again, till then you and enjoy and remember to leave comments on your experience there.
Book Review- The Claim by Sanjay Bordia
The Claim is a very interesting and gripping story relating to an attempt to swindle an insurance company.
A claim of rupees ten crore is raised by a father on the accidental death of one of his twin sons.
The company in keeping with the prescribed norms and it’s own image needs to settle the claim in a reasonable span of time
The usual steps to corroborate the genuineness of the claim are put in process thereby bringing in the team of their best Mohan and his two assistants.
The huge amount of sum insured also needs thorough scrutiny. All relevant documents pertaining to the claim are gathered and studied.Certain early investigations create a doubt in the minds of the core team.
This forms the crux of the story.
Therein the author takes you through a roller coaster ride of thrill intrigue mystery and murder in a most rivetting way unfolding the plot slowly keeping you in it right to the end.
The author very cleverly juxtaposes the past and present scenario. Also intertwined are some very interesting sub plots.
A must read for all.Go for it.You will not put the book down till you finish it.
Rating: 3.5
Available on Amazon
Price: Rs 225/-
About the Author:
Sanjay is a Chartered Accountant by qualification and works in an Indian MNC.
Reading and writing held the top two positions on his hobby list.Sanjay lives in Mumbai with his wife and daughter.
He has won several awards in the writing competitions. Major among them are-
- First Prize in incident writing contest of Honda Activa Scooter
- First Prize in incident writing contest of Hindustan Unilever Limited