Tag: Ikreate

A Guide To Breaking Bad Health Habits

(Image: Pixabay / CC0 Licence)

 

There are certain things that we all do that we know we really shouldn’t. Whether it’s eating a little too much sugar, smoking cigarettes, or rarely exercising, we all have something that – in the harsh light of day – we know isn’t the wisest choice for our health.

 

Of course, a new year always heralds an opportunity to break these bad health habits – but, unfortunately, actually defeating these habits once and for all can be a tough ask. However, if you’re hoping that 2019 will be the year where you can kick one of your bad health habits for good, then the guide below may be able to help you achieve exactly that.

 

Focus on the ultimate goal

 

When seeking to conquer bad health habits, people often focus solely on the end itself; they will, for example, say that want to “quit smoking” or “eat less sugar”. However, it’s usually preferable to reshape your thinking a little, transforming your goal into something that sounds a lot more enticing. For example, rather than “quit smoking”, you could tell yourself you’re “reducing your risk of cancer” or “improving your lung function. This simple shift in thinking helps to emphasize the benefits of quitting your bad health habit, rather than focusing on the self-denial aspect.

 

Decide if you want to take a gradual or abrupt approach

 

  • A gradual approach would be cutting from 10 cigarettes to five in the first week, then moving to zero in the second; or exercising once a week for the first month, then twice a week for the second month.
  • An abrupt approach is the opposite; it means throwing yourself wholeheartedly into the change, quitting smoking entirely, or starting a three-sessions-per-week exercise regime right from the get-go.

 

There’s no right or wrong decision here, by the way – everyone responds differently, so it’s best to make the decision on what you think will work best for you. When you have established which approach you prefer, choose a date at which your approach will begin; if you’ve adopted a gradual approach, you’ll also need to plan the next few weeks or months to incorporate the next stages, too.

 

Research options to help make the transition easier

 

Even when focusing primarily on the benefits of changing your bad health habit, it’s still important to acknowledge the process is going to be tough. You may need a little help to make such a significant change easier to deal with. If you’re looking to quit smoking, you could look to purchase a few vape liquid sample packs and a vape pen; if you’re hoping to exercise more, a personal trainer might be a wise choice; or if you’re looking to cut sugar, you could explore sugar alternatives. Again, breaking a bad health habit shouldn’t feel like self-denial or even a challenge, so utilize whatever you can to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

 

Make it possible to monitor your progress

 

It’s always helpful to have hard data to affirm that breaking your bad health habit has benefited you. Returning to the examples discussed so far, this could mean taking an exhaled carbon monoxide test if you’re a smoker, take a blood sugar reading if you’re cutting sugar, or time yourself running 1k if you’re looking to exercise more. Whichever habit you’re trying to break, there should be a similar metric that you can establish as a starting point. You can then refer back to this baseline metric once you’ve broken your habit, allowing you to see how much good breaking your habit is doing.

 

Hopefully, the guide above should assist you in breaking your bad health habits once and for all in 2019 – good luck!

 

 

The 6 Best Summer 2018 Fashion Trends

As we usher in the new fashion season, it’s only natural that our minds should turn to the trends of this year. As the year moves on, so does the style of 2018, and everything from the jeans we should be wearing to the accessories we should be styling gets an update.

 

To make sure you’re always in style, check out these top 5 picks from the upcoming Summer fashion trends – and always remember to stay up to date on how to look after your clothes (nothing ruins new clothing like not knowing how to get rid of pen stains, especially with the pastel trend).

Pretty in Pastel

Pastel tones started making a comeback in the form of colourful hair dyes (think Kim Kardashian’s pastel pink she rocked just a month ago) and dresses and have now been seen up and down runways worldwide. From gorgeous strawberry shades to mint greens to sunny, muted yellows, pastel should certainly be your go-to colour trend this year.

Talk About Trench Coats

Perfect for the heavy rainfall we’re about to see, trench coats were the loves of many designers this season. With the likes of Maison Margiela and Balenciaga putting their own twists on this classic, it’s time to see what style you like best. Why not combine two trends and opt for a pastel-toned trench?

Purple Power

Following Pantone’s announcement that the colour of 2018 is ultra-violet, it’s not too surprising that the catwalks were transformed into seas of purple for Spring/Summer. Rich and luxurious, it’s a colour that will certainly have an impact and looks stunning with black hair.

Crazy for Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots have once again been spotted walking the runways around the world. Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Maison Margiela; these are just a few of the designers who saddled up to ride the Western theme this year. They’re also great for walking through rain (as long as you look after them properly with water-proof coatings) so will be both stylish and practical this season!

Straight-Cut Jeans

It’s time to ditch the skinny’s and keep the flares buried in the back of the wardrobe as straight-cut begins to take over the jeans scene. Paired with fitted, figure-hugging tops and a pair of stylish trainers, you’ll be nailing the go-to casual look of the season.

Jumpsuits Forever

The jumpsuit is a timeless piece; easy to wear and can be styled for a casual day outfit or a formal evening look, it’s about time it made a big comeback. Spotted at Apiece Apart, Gucci and Tod’s to name but a few, the jumpsuit was shown off left, right and center this year.

Staying on trend is important for any fashionable man or woman, so keeping on top of what’s hot on the catwalk with each passing season is vital. See how you can update your wardrobe and remember to brush up on clothing care, learning how to remove pen stains from clothes and keep your outfits looking fresh.

To boost your summer style, check out Top Tier Style.

7 Tips and Tricks on How to Pack for a Warm Weather Vacation

Most travelers relish the thought of a vacation with sunny, warm weather, even if it’s to a destination without beaches or swimming. However, warm-weather travel can come with its own inconveniences. If you’re traveling outside of the summer months, the weather can change, and a sunny day can quickly become uncomfortable.

Fortunately, experienced travelers know how to mitigate problems and keep everyone in their group happy. It can be tempting to under-pack on warm-weather vacations, but don’t forget the essentials for staying safe in the sun. Check out these travel tips and hacks for ways to minimize problems and maximize fun adventures on your next getaway!

1. Pack a proper hat and sunglasses

Even springtime sun can be intense enough to cause sunburns, and squinting in the sun is sure to interfere with your enjoyment of world-famous sights. A lightweight hat or bandanna is a good choice for shielding your head. Bringing comfortable hats for your kids can also prevent whining and misery later on. If you aren’t fond of hats, a sun parasol can be a stylish and fun option for staying out of the sun.

The best sunglasses for your trip will depend on what you’re doing and where you’re going, but don’t overspend! Sunglasses are far too easy to lose or break while on vacation. Buy a neck cord and be careful to double-check for your sunglasses before leaving restrooms, hotels and restaurants.

2. Make smart fabric choices

Denim can be stylish, but is it really the best option for traveling to Key West in the middle of July? Try linen, white cotton t shirtsor performance fabrics for breathable, comfortable outfits. Lighter fabrics roll up easily, too, saving valuable luggage space.

Tank tops can be very comfortable, but remember that the more skin you expose, the more time you have to spend putting on sunscreen. Consider covering up with lighter fabrics to help manage your sun exposure.

Also, remember to pack for layers, like lightweight jackets or cardigans. Even tropical destinations can cool off in the evening, so keeping an extra layer around can make the difference between a fun adventure and an uncomfortable evening. Air conditioning can also vary widely between restaurants, hotels and public transit, so a lightweight jacket might even be useful during the day. Leggings are also a good option for fashion-conscious travelers heading out on nighttime adventures.

3. Plan your sunscreen, bug repellent and allergy medication usage

While some may find sunscreen a pain to keep safe in your suitcase, packing it may be better than buying it at your destination. Your sunscreen brand and selection options may be limited if you wait to buy it, and you may find yourself stuck with a product that’s inconvenient or insufficient for your needs. It may also be cheaper to pack sunscreen. For most U.S. destinations, you can probably access the same general types of sunscreen across the country, but do your research for overseas destinations.

The same rule applies to bug repellant and allergy medication. Some destinations have mosquitoes almost year-round, and you may need bug repellant even if you’re not going into the woods. Unfamiliar flowers and trees can trigger allergy symptoms that keep you from fully enjoying your trip. Research your destination carefully to determine your best options.

Remember that some airlines or countries may have restrictions on bug repellent ingredients, aerosol cans or medication ingredients.

4. Pick a bag that suits your needs

Lugging around multiple bags after a day of fun can put a damper on the rest of your evening. It can also be troublesome to forget a bag of souvenirs, food or a water bottle someplace because you had too many bags to keep track of.

If you’re traveling alone, a small carry-on suitcaseor cheap backpack may suffice, but running around with children makes a large backpack mandatory. Look for something with padded straps made of a material that is breathable. An ideal warm-weather backpack will also have easily accessible space for water bottles, as well as room for souvenirs and snacks. If you’re planning a day at the beach, pack plastic bags for storing wet swimsuits.

5. Print out your transit options and safety plans

Nothing is less fun than lugging around a giant suitcase in 90° F weather because you misunderstood how the bus system works and there are no taxis in sight. Triple-check your plan for getting from the airport to your hotel and have a written backup plan in case something goes wrong. Also, keep a phone number for a local taxi company saved to your phone in case you truly need it after a day in the sun, and make sure you know how to quickly get to the hospital in case of accidents.

In many warmer regions, sudden storms can mess up a dream vacation. Popular warm-weather tourist destinations can be prone to storms in certain seasons, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the area’s flood, tsunami or other natural disaster evacuation plans, and even pack a printed copy, if possible.

6. Bring a backup option for shoes

Tennis shoes can be great for hiking but can quickly become uncomfortable when they’re sweaty or muddy. Pack a pair of padded sandals for hot days when you’ve planned a lot of walking.

If you’re planning a beach vacation, a pair of flip-flops may be worthwhile, but keep in mind that most flip-flops can hurt your feet after walking significant distances. Flip-flops also do little to protect your feet from the sun, and sunburnt feet can quickly put a damper on your dream vacation.

Children, in particular, can be quick to complain about sore, hot or blistered feet, so make sure to have backup options for them. It’s well worth the extra luggage space!

7. Carry a reusable water bottle

Reusable water bottles can save you money and help protect the environment. A well-designed reusable water bottle is lightweight, easy to clean and can be quickly opened and closed to protect the mouthpiece from the elements. It also reduces your need to find a trash can or recycling bin.

In some locales, though, clean drinking water is only readily accessible in bottled form. Do your research ahead of time and see if it’s wiser to pack vending machine change than a reusable plastic bottle. However, many international destinations have clean drinking water access at major tourist sites, so don’t waste your money on disposable water bottles unless you have to.

Father’s Day Cook Off by FoodManiacs and Ikreate in Association with Crowne Plaza, Gurgaon

Two passionate foodies and marketing experts came together to make this Father’s Day a memorable one by organising a live cook off in association with Crowne Plaza, Gurgaon. I joined hands with Foodmaniacs, founded by Vickrham, who is a well known face in the food marketing & PR industry and a renowned blogger, to create a beautiful event dedicated to Fathers. We thought of giving a tribute to fathers and dedicating a dish to them by participating in a live cook off. We together conceptualised the event and invited participants through a small contest on Facebook. To grace the occasion and make it a healthy competition, we invited Master Chef Season 5 Star Siddharth Talwar, who along with Executive Chef Nilesh Dey of Crowne Plaza, made for the judges panel.

 

Total of 8 contestants participated in the live cook off. A market place with choicest of ingredients was created for people to select from as they had to cook on spot using those available ingredients only. Some strict rules were laid by Chef Nilesh and Chef Siddharth, primary one being controlled use of ingredients and no wastage. The cook off was judged on criterions of presentation, wastage, cleanliness of workstations and of course taste and innovation of the dish.

Participants were given a time span of 1 hour in which 10 minutes were to explore the market place and pick up the ingredients. Rest of the time was to be used for preparation, cooking and presentation. Individual workstations equipped with induction stoves, essential utensils, chopping boards etc were provided to all participants. There were also arrangements for using the oven, grills and high flame stoves. I have to say that the arrangements by Crowne Plaza were impeccable. Each and everything was taken care of, from hygiene station offering aprons, chef caps, to gloves and the fully functional workstations, all was done with extreme professionalism.

A wonderful contest too place between the participants, where in every one crafted beautiful dishes, made not just with ingredients but lots of love, dedicating the dishes to their fathers. It was a tough time for judges to figure out which was the best dish, because trust me I am not boasting, but each and every dish was truly remarkable. The presentation, the taste, and the overall selection of dishes prepared by participants was done with such expertise that it seemed as if a mini- master chef episode is in progress. After a lot of tussle, judges finally decided to give way not one but two prizes as choosing one did not seem justified. Even those who did not win, were still winners as the gap was just about1-2 marks here and there.

Sandeep Batra, who cooked GolMirch Chicken and Rita Arora, who prepared a lovely Chicken Roulade were declared as top winners, but like I said, others too were winners in their own regards. We got to taste some lovely and unique dishes like South Indian Style Pasta, Laal Maas, Fried Fish with Coconut Sauce, Tamatar Jeera Chicken, Chicken Koftas and some Juicy Chicken Legs.

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We also got to try and taste amazing Grilled Chicken Sandwiches prepared by two lovely kids Myeshha, Vickrham’s daughter and Armaan, my son, who dedicated these dishes to their respective fathers, oops sorry, in Armaan’s case he dedicated it to me only as I am a single parent 🙂

The winner announcement was then followed by a high tea session, where in we got to interact with participants, try their delectable dishes, and also indulge in some lip smacking snacks served by Crowne Plaza. The winners carried beautiful hampers back home and the bloggers were given a lovely cake by the hotel. Even the children were given special packs of chocolates as a wonderful gesture by the hotel.

 

Overall it turned out to be a great event, much greater than my expectations and through my post I would like to thank first and foremost my partner in crime Vickrham for his support and belief. Crowne Plaza for believing in our concept and becoming our hospitality partners, all the participants, without whom this won’t have been possible, bloggers and media for making the buzz about the event, keep doing it guys, thanks to you all, and last but not the least, the PR team of Crowne Plaza, Chef Nilesh Dey and Master Chef Siddharth Talwar for being part of our event. Also a big thank you to all the fathers of the world, for just being what they are, and of course my father too! Look forward to many more events together.

 

 

What are you gifting this festive season…??

With the festive and wedding season approaching, we always are thinking on how to make our gifting experience more unique. We all want to move away from the usual gifts, and make our loved one feels special with something that is different, unique yet inexpensive. So here is our hand picked list of all beautiful gifting options that you can consider for this festive season.


Chocolates and Desserts never really go out of fashion, so how about gifting your loved ones a box of handmade chocolates, or donuts or beautiful dessert jars or cupcakes and many more delightful sweets. Ikreate has been into the business since 10 years and have been gifting partners to brands like Colgate, Marico, Sarda Plywood etc apart from private elite clients. Their chocolates and desserts have not just got rave reviews from the clients, but also repeat orders for years together. The best part about Ikreate is the love and passion that the put into everything they make, maintaining the quality over the years and yet being very very reasonable.

Donuts


Price Rs 400/dozen


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Cupcakes


Price Rs 400/6pcs


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Chocolates


Price Rs 650/kg onwards


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For more, check out their Zomato page


Handikart.co.inan online handicraft’s store that offers assorted range of genuine and original handicraft products across India, has announced its exquisite range of products across categories to celebrate its first Diwali. These exclusive products are designed by the untouched & rural artisans from various parts of India and showcase the undying spirit of the artisans’ and their creativity.

The mesmerizing range of gifting options from handikart.co.in has you covered this festive season with idols of lord Ganesha, goddess Lakshmi, eye catching puja accessories like diyas, t-light holders and amazingly genuine brass ware products, terracotta, pattachitra, leather lamps, marble products and more.

With array of lamps, lanterns and decorative accessories, Handikart’s latest collection is about dreamy luminescence and shimmering brilliance.

The collection is priced between Rs. 100 and Rs. 5000 and will be up for grab from 5th Oct till 30th Oct with home delivery across India.

Over 1000 handcrafted products across 27 categories are available from traditional local artisans across the country. From Gorara Stone’s fine carvings to intricate Zardozi boxes of Old Agra; from Sambhal’s hand-made camel bone jewellery boxes to north east’s eco-friendly bamboo and cane products; from Orissa’s Palm leaf art and Pattachitra art to Bhadohi’s Shikauli baskets, Handikart is truly a place where Indian essence comes alive.

Price – Rs. 770

brass_bell

Price – Rs. 1,800

leather_lamp

Price – Rs. 1,009

marble_ganesha

 

Price – Rs. 198

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Check more on their website


Surprise Someone.in is another wonderful online portal where you can get beautiful boxes, photo frames, handmade bags and a lot of other gift items, which will help create an element of surprise for your loved ones. The price range is very affordable and a lot of times you will double check the price, because the moment you will look at an item you will assume a higher price, but when you will see the rates surprise someone is charging, you will be amazed. They are so pocket friendly. I have personally used this portal a lot of times to gift my loved ones, on father’s day (check post here), to surprise my son (check post here), on rakhi (check post here) and other occasions (check post here).


Hut Shaped Box


Price- Rs. 499

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Folding Rack Box


Price Rs. 399


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House Warming Green Goodie Box


Price Rs. 100


Get more options on their website 


So make the most of this festive season by gifting your loved ones these beautiful gifts, have a great season ahead!

Pop It Up- The Next Big Thing In Fashion, Food & Music..!!

Are you ready for the most happening fashion flea of the year..? Its time for Pop It Up. A property of Splurge Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Pop It Up is the first event in Delhi where people can come and explore the products of the country’s best and upcoming designers and along with this they can also enjoy live music, drinks and scrumptious food

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POP IT UP will take place from Saturday, September 10th to Sunday, September 11th 2016 in Delhi at the Nehru Park, PSOI Club.


The same venue has hosted some of the notable events in the capital before and is located in the heart of the capital city and is surrounded by embassies of over 15 countries. Hence, the expat community and notable VIPs are also expected to attend the flea.


The timing of the event is perfect because there are no major event happening in the month and also Pop It Up is taking place right before Shrad and Navratras start. Because of these factors, the footfall at Pop It Up will further increase

The expected footfall is between 15,000-18,000 visitors.

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It is a shopping festival where visitors can discover and shop from the local and country’s best upcoming artists and designers who they are unlikely to find in the city’s malls. The event will have 70 stalls for the designer and lifestyle brands.


It’s also a food festival where people get to sample food from dozens of upcoming chefs experimenting with world and fusion cuisines and also a bar & lounge with amazing variety of the best liquor. There will be 30 exclusive stalls for food outlets/home chefs/cafes.


It’s a music festival where visitors can listen to some of the most vibrant up and coming singer-songwriters and independent musicians from all over the country. 8 handpicked bands will be performing live at the flea.


Other attractions include hair & make up workshop, cocktail making workshop, t-shirt painting, pottery workshop, pet café, free book exchange section and many more.

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Here is a sneak peek from one of the designer’s collection. It’s called EEDHA by Heena and Vasudha- A texture for every story. Expression of pure glam merged in gorgeousness, simply styling your way!

Eedha places emphasis on fine tailoring and slick cuts, incorporating traditional Indian embroideries embellished in a refined modern approach.

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Speaking on Pop It Up, Vasudha said, “ I first heard about InstaBounce not long back from my friends who used the app to find happening parties in Delhi. Just around that time, I got a chance to be a part of the bar crawl they arranged and it was an amazing experience. Now being a fashion designer myself, when I saw the scale and the new concept of Pop It Up, it attracted me and then later knowing that it is done by InstaBounce, just made me go for it. I am really looking forward to this event and hope it becomes huge so that the fashion festival concept finally starts in the capital as well.”


Some of the other prominent designers participating in the fashion flea are Post Fold, Tj & Li, Poochki, Summation, The Patakha Closet, Desi Drama Queen, Rusari, Little Things, WearMates, Rosado, Harhighness, Hussain & Sons, Yellow Owl, Yellow Gypsy, Scherazad, Ah! StyleMe, Dastkari Collections, Ghungrooz, The Pink Seam, For Example, Khanak, Koo Koo Shop, Jewellery by Ritz, Zubiya, Naaz, A Bit Of Me, Eedha by Heena & Vasudha, Ilya, Auruhfy, Sonal Cotton Collection, Zurie, Sukriti, Bead Haus Co., Studio Enoy, Midnight Owl, Sitaara and many more..!

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The marketing plan for Pop It Up definitely aims at garnering huge publicity for a major turn out for the event, it includes

  • Radio campaign on 6 radio channels
  • The InstaBounce app (product of Splurge Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.) which has over 25,000 active users from Delhi/NCR
  • Email campaign for over 50,000 email ids
  • SMS campaign for a database of over 2 lakh people from Delhi/NCR
  • Social media marketing campaign that has already started since second week of July
  • Association with various portals and bloggers
  • Hoardings in various markets like Hauz Khas Village, GK1 and others main market areas
  • 2,000+ pole banners in Delhi/NCR
  • Sun-boards at all partner food outlets

Ikreate takes immense pleasure in being the online media partner for Pop It Up and aims at making it a huge success together. I hope to definitely see you all there.

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Those who seek participation at the festival can get in touch for floor plan, stall costs and other details at the following numbers and also follow the InstaBounce and Ikreate Facebook Page for updates.

  • Ananth: 9818496154
  • Harman: 9711103348
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