Fragrant Memories

Fragrances have always been used as an instant pick-me-up and for various health benefits. Be it flowers, scented candles/essential oils that are so much in vogue these days or even baby powder; they all provide the relaxation and calmness that we so badly crave. This is my take on an unforgettable aromatic experience.

It was a long awaited holiday. My first amidst the majestic Himalayas. I, along with my husband and four year old son were travelling to Mussoorie via Delhi. We were enjoying every bit of sight seeing in and around Delhi but all I could think about was of the moment when I would lay my eyes on the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas. That would be the ultimate spectacle for me.

While the winding roads to Mussoorie from Dehradun left me nauseating, I tried concentrating on the scenery outside. Tall coniferous trees stretched out as far as the eyes could see as we went higher. We finally reached and checked into our hotel and later that evening went for a stroll. The next day we visited the Eco Park in Dhanaulti which is around 25 kms away from Mussoorie. The route was absolutely breathtaking. Pines and deodars scaling the mountains were a refreshing sight to sore eyes. On arrival at the park I noticed that the greater part of it was coniferous. It also boasted of a variety of herbal plants and numerous colorful flowers we had never seen before. It was an off season and we were the only ones roaming around and taking in the fresh, crisp air. It was pleasantly quiet, with only the chirping of the Himalayan birds to break the silence. As I wandered, I couldn't remember the last time I had been in such a quaint place, even observing the small dew drops on the grass blades. The tall pines and deodars filled the atmosphere with their natural fragrances. Standing in the park, I carelessly detached myself from the real world to experience the refreshing and stimulating cedar crispiness. The entire park was filled with this sweet smelling bouquet. While my son was busy collecting fallen pine cones and my husband taking photographs, I let myself relax. With my senses instantly calmed, I felt so light that I almost floated in this bed of fresh aroma! I had never ever experienced anything like that before. Ah, the fragrance of pure, untouched nature! My husband had been calling out to me for some time now to look at something but I was in a trance. Reluctantly, I followed his voice only to find the unhindered view of the beautiful snow covered Himalayan peaks! It was nirvana for me, right there!

It has been five years since that visit and whenever my thoughts wander to Mussoorie, I find the sweet waft of pine trees coming back to me instantly. Such was the effect of the aroma. Living in a city, we are privileged if we get to smell the roses (quite literally!) in our tiny little gardens. It is only when we break self-imposed barriers and venture out into our virgin forests and unexplored places that we come face to face with such purity. It is incredible!

Everyone should try going back to their roots from time to time. It gets us closer to what we actually are. Nature's children.


Click here to check out the stylish, designer fragrances from Godrej aer.



******   Post written for the Inspire A Fragrance contest on Indiblogger  *******



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My Beautiful Food!

Food is life. Food is energy, as would most textbooks describe it. But more importantly, food is powerful. It can be soulful, life giving, energizing and, more often than not, nostalgic. For some, food is memory. It can bring back happiness filled moments or tears. It is sometimes a driving passion but otherwise it is merely a fuel, to survive. Whatever it means to each of us, it is an undeniable certainty in our lives.

My favourite dish is Vegetable Pulao with Aloo Mattar. Give this to me any time, any day, I would gladly devour every morsel irrespective of the place, time .... irrespective of anything actually. It was in a magazine that I saw my preferred dishes in such an alluring display that I was left salivating. Surprisingly, a mere picture has the ability to do that to you.

The vegetable pulao was absolutely perfect by the look of it. A colorful medley of vegetables scattered across a bed of long, fluffy and separated basmati rice with a hint of subtle flavours from the whole spices sauteed in ghee with a dash of milk soaked saffron. One could almost get a whiff and taste the richness of it. The aloo mattar was on a totally different dimension. Golden fried potatoes and bright green peas on a bed of thick, creamy, and slightly spiced curry, topped with sprigs of fresh coriander leaves. Usually the potatoes have this smokiness in every bite which could be relished from the picture itself. Delectable and heavenly! This is what I call scrumptious comfort food.

And what better way to serve them in the ever so stylish, Borosil glassware. Trend setting and practical, they are also sturdy whether you use them as cookware in the microwave or to serve your guests in style. It would, indeed, be picture perfect when I would whip up wonders in my kitchen with the help of the beautiful Borosil casseroles and dishes to compliment my cooking. But when such elegance and convenience is around, any simple dish would transform into a masterpiece, wouldn't it?

To explore the beautiful range of Borosil glassware, click here. 




******   Post written for the My Beautiful Food! contest on Indiblogger  *******


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