Author: Aditi Malhotra
Marketing & Social Media Consultant | Content Writer & Columnist | Events & Wedding Planner | Award Winning Home Chef | Home Baker | Artist | Photography Enthusiast

The Tree with a Thousand Apples- Book Review

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

“If the criminal was once a saint and the saint was once a criminal, then who is a criminal and who is a saint?”

Some lines just hook you, isn’t it.. these lines printed at the back cover of this book made an instant connection with me, and all I wanted to do was grab the book, a cup of coffee and just sit down in leisure to read through it, and thats exactly what I did.

Based on true events of the mishaps in Kashmir, its one of the most sensitive books I have ever read in regards to Kashmir and the issue people face there. Though the start of the book is slow and doesn’t go as expected, but if you manage to hold on for sometime, the book starts gripping you and taking a very enthralling shape.

The three main protagonists tie you in an emotional tale and take you through the ups and downs of both their relationships and life in general. How they meet after 20 years after their respective lives have been shattered, makes for an interesting yet sensitive read. From being a beautiful valley to a bloodshed valley of unpredictable circumstances, the author has beautifully captured the essence of Kashmir. Reading the book one can very well imagine and relate to the changes Kashmir has gone through over a period of time and also how it has affected the lives of people who once lived there or still continue to.

Unlike the beginning, you may find the climax of the book little rushed up, especially when the story shifts its base to Bombay. The ending also may seem slightly filmy, but yet the overall experience of reading this book has been a pleasant one. Though a work of fiction, but one knows exactly when the author has depicted true events. Normally the books that I have read in past which focus on Kashmir miseries, haven’t encapsulated a story in them, they have been pure work of true incidents much like documentaries, but this book by Sanchit, will satiate both your needs as a reader. It will give you a beautiful and emotional story to connect with and also give you a gruesome insight into the realities of Kashmir.

Definitely a must read.

My Rating 4.5/5 Stars

Its available on Amazon

Jewellerkaka.com, the new way of jewellery shopping!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

With the festivities being in full galore and the approaching wedding season, finding apt jewellery to match our clothes is always a gruesome task. We usually end up visiting multiple shops or checking out various sites till we find that one right piece of jewellery. But I recently stumbled upon www.jewellerkaka.com and instantly found my search for fine jewellery pieces ending here.

I got a beautiful pair of earrings from jewellerkaka and it totally made my festive experience worthwhile. I loved the packaging, because careful packaging is a must when sending across jewellery pieces. The finish of the product spoke immensely about its quality and craftsmanship. One look at the earring and one could gauge the dedication and detailing of work that had gone into it.

Jewellerkaka.com is your one stop to shop for best designed fashion jewellery for all your occasions. At Jewellerkaka they have the finest of jewels which do not come with the heftiest of price tags. Designed by brilliant artists and crafted by master craftsmen, Jewellerkaka is all about affordable luxury, exclusive designs, and traditional pieces that lead you to have a lavish and smooth shopping experience. They deal with exclusive imitation jewellery. It is the ideal concoction of the modern designs with an ethnic touch. It is a mixture of crafty designs, well concluded finesse with an artistic feel to it. They pay high regards to the matching preferences of the customers and hence they are bringing the ease and comfort of online shopping to find the ideal jewellery that matches both the dress and the occasion as well. The jewellery is loaded with design, so exquisite that you’d not mind giving up on the original, quality so pristine, that even the purest of metals will blush in red. With over 4 years in the business line, its growing faster than child’s hair. Spreading across the nation with its reach via e-commerce, giving customers a wide range and a variety to choose from, establishing a brand that knows that stylish jewellery is the gateway to women’s heart. If you are still not convinced, simply log on to the site once and you would know what I mean.

Founded in Year 2015 by a 23 year old Young, Ambitious & Energetic Soul, CA Vikalp Bothara who started the company with an aim to showcase the extensive designs of Indian Traditional jewellery all over the world. Currently Jewellerkaka delivers all their products globally.

USP:

At Jewellerkaka, you are not only a buyer but they make you become a seller too. They give you a platform where you can sell your fashion jewellery and make money.

About CA Vikalp Bothara:

Vikalp Bothara is a Chartered Accountant by profession and runs his own CA firm as well. A practicing Young & smart professional having various clients including corporates & High net worth individuals. He is an active investor in stock market & mutual funds. Vikalp always holds a keen interest in jewellery designing because that’s what his family had for a long time. So after completing his CA, he decided to start off a brand which will be completely Indian originated and everyone can relate to “Jewellerkaka”.

Halloween Recipes by Chef Om Nayak, Pasta Bowl Company

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

CAPPELLACCI DI ZUCCA : Fresh Stuffed Pasta

Serves 5 portions

Ingredients

  • 5 eggs
  • 350 grams pasta flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil for marination of Butter nut pumpkin
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 600 grams butternut pumpkin
  • 100 grams freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 100 grams butter
  • Fresh sage leaves

Method

Making the Dough

  1. Mix Eggs, Flour and salt. Knead Well. About 3 mins should be ok. Keep it for 30 mins.

Making the Filling

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet. Peel and Cut the Pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and cut into small dices Bake the squash for 45 mins along with garlic or until well cooked
  2. Place it in a bowl, mesh it well, stir in the cheese and grate the nutmeg and some crushed pepper corns and mix well.

Making the Pasta

  1. Roll out the pasta dough very thin so as to literally see the yellowish filling inside
  2. Cut the pasta sheet into 2 ½ inch squares.
  3. Place 1 spoon of filling and stick the parallel ends together to form a triangle and then stick the other ends together for form the Cappellacci.
  4. In boiling water, cook Cappellacci for 3-4 mins approximately or Until firm or as they say “Al Dente”
  5. Melt the butter in a pan and add sage leaves
  6. Transfer Cappellacci to the pan, add few spoons of stock if needed.
  7. Check on the seasoning.
  8. Top up with some Parmesan Cheese. Serve Hot.

 

 

RISOTTO ALLA ZUCCA                Italian Creamy Rice

Serves 5 portions

 

500 grams Arborio Rice

300 grams Roasted Butter Nut Pumpkin

120 grams Butter

100 grams Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

2 grams rosemary leaves

2 cloves of Garlic

3 table spoon chopped Onion

1.25 ltr Stock

Salt

Pepper

 

Method

 

  • To the pan add butter, garlic and onions. Sauté till transparent
  • Add roasted Butternut Pumpkin and Arborio Rice
  • While stirring, keep adding stock in the batches of 250 ml each
  • Once half done add rosemary leaves
  • After adding all the stock OR nearing Rice being soft add Parmesan Cheese
  • Check Seasoning and add crushed black pepper
  • Serve Hot

 

Chef Om Nayak

 

Masala House- An outstanding culinary experience!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Masala House serves as a perfect place to tantalise your taste buds with some Modern Indian Cuisine. Each and every item on the menu feels like hand picked and curated with a lot of dedication and detailing, both in terms of taste and presentation. Spread across two floors, the ambience is comfortable, cosy and inviting enough for you to spend some relaxed time gorging on good food in company of your family or friends.

Katafi Wrapped Achari Arbi and Asparagus Paddu were the first ones to appear on our table, one look at them and my confidence in the taste increased multifolds, as both the dishes looked extremely tempting. Even taste wise, both of them were great. I am not a big fan of arbi otherwise, but this one was really nicely done.

Dahi Kebab, Murg Luqmi, Kadi Patta Jheenga and Dill Salmon Tikka were the other starters we tried and again all of them were delicious. I personally enjoyed the Murg Luqmi and Dill Salmon Tikka the most.

Coming to the main course, there was a wide variety to choose from, but our selection included Amritsari Wadi Tarkari, Khatti Tadka Dal, Palak Moti, Pota Kaleji Shitake, Bafat Masala Fish, Moge Wala Kukkad, Dum Biryani and Chur Chur Naan Platters. I loved the chur chur naan platter, the non veg one, which had keema stuffed naans, which I relished with some dal makhani. The pota kaleji shitake was a unique dish with this combination of kaleji and mushrooms and it was really nice. Moge wala kukkad aka our very own butter chicken was good too, I loved the balanced flavours, so as that neither it was too sweet nor too spicy, but just the way it should be. Another dish that I really enjoyed was the palak moti, creamy palak gravy with creamier mascarpone cheese, it was delectable.

Desserts included Gajar Halwa Kunafa and Saffron Pear Malai Chaap, and once again, the presentation bowled me over. Taste wise I enjoyed the Gajar Halwa Kunafa more, though it could have been sweeter, but it was nice.

I really look forward to another foodie experience at Masala House, and I urge you to give it a try, I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
Masala House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Halloween Cocktail Recipes by Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Halloween is just around the corner, so what special are you drinking..?

Here are some interesting cocktail recipes for you to try and indulge in, so make the most of it and do share your feedback

Cocktails Recipes- Courtesy, Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi

 

Sangria (Red cocktail)

Ingredients                                                                             Quantity

Red wine                                                                                     120 ml

Cognac                                                                                         15ml

Triple Sec                                                                                    15 ml

Seasonal fruits                                                                           as required

 

Method

  • Cut up the seasonal fruits into thin slices or wedges. Leave the peels on.
  • Transfer the cut fruit to a pitcher.
  • Uncork the Red Wine and pour it over the fruit.
  • Measure the Cognac and pour it into the pitcher as well.
  • Measure and pour triple sec into the pitcher.
  • Stir the Red Wine, Cognac, Triple Sec and fruit together.
  • Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Sangria gets softer, sweeter, and much more delicious overnight in the fridge.
  • When ready to serve, top off the Sangria with sparkling water.
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Taste and add more if desired. Scoop a few pieces of fruit into each glass when serving.

 

Witch’s Spell (Blue cocktail)

Ingredients                                                                             Quantity

Vodka                                                                                        45 ml

Blue curacao                                                                             15 ml

Lemon juice                                                                               5 ml

Orange juice                                                                              5 ml

Orange Spiral                                                                             for garnish

Method

  • Measure and pour Vodka into the cocktail shaker.
  • Measure and pour Blue Curacao into the cocktail shaker.
  • Measure and pour Lemon Juice into the cocktail shaker.
  • Measure and pour Orange Juice into the cocktail shaker.
  • Mix the Vodka, Blue Curacao, Lemon Juice and Orange Juice together.
  • Garnish the top off the Witch’s Spell glass with orange Spiral.

Music For Well-Being: 11 Positive Effects Of Music On Health

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Music for me is something that soothes my soul, it sets me free, lifts up my mood and helps me unwind in the most relaxing manner.

Music doesn’t provide just entertainment, but also has lots of positive effects on our health. I came across this wonderful article on Music for Well Being: 11 Positive Effects of Music on Health.

Read the full article here

How To Recover From Your Workout At Home

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

It’s all too easy to go a little too hard when you’re working out because when that adrenaline is rushing around your body, you tend to push yourself further than you intended, and then you’re left sore and aching, unable to workout or do anything of use for a few days. Luckily, there are ways that you can recover faster than normal so that you can get yourself back in the gym for another workout.

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Can You Really Do What You Want for a Living?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Have you ever wanted to make money from just doing whatever you want? It sounds ludicrous, but turning your hobby into a career is a real possibility if you know what steps to take. However, it doesn’t come without its downsides. If you’re interested in turning something you love into a career, then here are some things to consider.

Source

There’s a tough road ahead of you

Compared to going for an interview and hoping to get a job, trying to turn your passions into a career will be incredibly difficult. There’s no straight path to your dream job, you have to work hard and take whatever opportunities life gives you. As said by the late entrepreneur Jim Rohn, if you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.

Logical step to making a career of a hobby

First, you have to identify what your hobbies actually are. This sounds silly, but there’s a good reason for confirming what exactly it is you want to turn into a career. For instance, you might have multiple hobbies that you think you’re good at, but if you split your time between too many then you’ll spread your time too thinly.

Once you’ve settled on something to turn into a career, it’s time to figure out how you can turn it into a career. The first option is to sell your knowledge. This can be in the form of an eBook you’ve written or you can teach others. For instance, if you’re great at playing the piano then you can start your own private lessons. If you’re good at art, then you could teach art classes on the internet or in person.

Making a living out of creative hobbies

If your hobby is something creative such as producing music or painting, then you can also go the route of teaching others. However, you can also create things using your creative skills and sell those.

For instance, if you’re good at art then you can sell prints on the internet or you could place your designs onto shirts and sell those. If you’re good at playing an instrument and producing music, then you can record your songs and sell them on the internet or Nationwide Disc Replication to sell at a convention, public event or store. It’ll feel fantastic to be creative, make what you want and be able to make a living from it. There are many ways to sell your creative work on the internet, but it relies on something crucial: social media.

Marketing through social media 

Social media is perhaps the best way to market your services or products. It’s the cheapest way to get noticed and with one or two viral videos, you can quickly build a large following. Sometimes the brand name and your message are more important than your actual products, so don’t neglect the importance of building a name around your work.

As you can see, it’s possible to make a living doing something you love, but it’s not an easy road and you need to make use of every opportunity you’re given.

When It Comes to a Healthy Lifestyle, Don’t Rush!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and it pays to keep this in mind when it comes to getting yourself a healthier lifestyle. You see, the biggest pitfall in changing one’s lifestyle and making it healthier is the fact that when it is rushed it is more likely to be ruined. And when the changing of a lifestyle is ruined, it’s hard to get momentum back to attempt it again. So, don’t rush your lifestyle change! And for advice on the best ways to do this, make sure to read on.

Image source

Don’t attempt changes that are too drastic

The biggest pitfall in the road of making your lifestyle far healthier is the first one that is faced: the shock to the system that it induces. This shock is brought about by the fact that a massive change has occurred within your body, especially when the change is because of the fact that you have cut out unhealthy habits in your life, and it is shock that can make you give up on your lifestyle change before you even really get started with it.

In order to beat this pitfall and this shock, you should never make changes to your lifestyle that are too drastic. Instead, you should ease these changes in and have them occur naturally, rather than forcefully. This could mean gradually cutting down on cigarette intake with each day that passes or swapping cigarettes for a far healthier smoking instrument, such as a vape, entirely. It could mean cutting down on trips to your local pub or club and subsequently cutting down on your alcohol intake rather than cutting alcohol out entirely. Or it could mean forging that little snack you have been meals or replacing it with, say, a carrot stick.

The point is, there is no point in making too drastic a change to your lifestyle, even when your intentions for doing so are to make it healthier, because it will make you more likely to fail with it even before it has began.

Take your time with everything that you do

Not only should you not attempt changes that are too drastic, but you should also take as much time as you need to attempt whatever it is you are attempting. You should do this because of the fact that everybody works at their own pace and grows at a different pace to others, even those that they are closest to.

For instance, one weight loss system may work and work quicker for one member of a family, but may not work for another. And, the fact that, say, your brother is losing weight quicker than you shouldn’t disgruntle you. You should take YOUR time when losing weight, not your brothers. You should do things that your body can withstand.

Everybody works at different paces, and all bodies can withstand different changes. It’s important to remember this when attempting to make your lifestyle a lot healthier. And it’s important to ease yourself into whatever changes you attempt.

 

Mind Over Matter: Signs Your Brain Isn’t As Healthy As Your Body

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Image

Physically health is all the rage in 2017. What with chefs pushing healthy meals and the effects of the consumption of meat, people are aware of the dangers to their body. Sadly, the majority of us don’t have the first clue about mental health. The old school may think it is unimportant, but the mind is the key to a happy and healthy life. Once it starts to fail, it’s an uphill battle which is difficult to win. With that in mind, it’s essential to spot the signs when they appear.

Below is how to tell your mind is fit and healthy.

You Think You Have An Illness

In the past, there was one term for mental illness and it wasn’t nice. Nowadays, diseases range from schizophrenia to bipolar and depression. The key is to watch out for the warning signs and act as soon s possible. Anyone who is unsure where to start can read more about the symptoms of bipolar depression and other mental illnesses online. If the symptoms match what you feel, the next step is to see a doctor or a specialist. One thing you should never do is bottle it up inside. Over time, the feelings get worse and explode spectacularly.  

You Have Difficulty Managing Anger

You don’t have to suffer from an illness to be mentally unfit. Sometimes, struggling to deal with feelings of anger can be a sure-fire sign something is wrong. Again, it doesn’t mean you have to see a doctor or check into an institute. Usually, what it means is that there is an ailment which is causing the outbursts. Stress is a prime example. High cortisol levels tend to make it difficult to be patient or think about emotions rationally. As a result, you may lash out and have a short fuse. Meditating can reduce cortisol production and help control your temper.

You’re Experiencing Weight Loss

There are lots of reasons for weight loss, one being you are eating a balanced and healthy diet. But, dramatic weight loss is a problem which needs addressing as soon as possible. Usually, it has nothing to do with the physical form but the mental. Again, stress is a factor which can cause you to shed lots of weight because it prevents you from eating. Also, the way you view your body may be unhealthy. Young women suffer from this a lot due to peer pressure, but men have body issues too. Anyone who doesn’t eat to stay thin isn’t thinking logically.

You’re Fatigued

Don’t treat being tired and fatigued as the same thing because there are differences. Tiredness stems from a lack of sleep and can is easy to remedy. Fatigue is a mental problem which occurs as a result of the burden of responsibility. No matter how early you go to bed, the feeling won’t go away. The only way to negate it is to delegate your responsibilities and get your feelings off your chest. 

If you are happy-go-lucky, have patience and don’t suffer from stress, your mind is healthy.