Knitting Supplies in Pune

I have spent some time during my early days in Pune looking for good quality materials to satisfy my knitting itch back when I was a beginner. It seemed impossible at first but after some research I found a couple of shops that I have been regularly visiting  for some time now.

There is New Galaxy General Store in Clover Center, Camp which has everything from embroidery threads to needles to knitting supplies to laces. For knitters, you can get your basic colored yarn here but they don't have much choice in either colors or types of yarns. I go here only when I want some basic stuff for my work.

I would always prefer going to Samrat Store in Tulsibaug for a more extensive buy for yarns. They house a variety of different colors and types. Be it bulky yarn or fingering yarns, you can get it all here. They keep some knitting books too. It also has a lot of stuff for crafters.

Recently, wen I visited the US I noticed that they have many shops that cater to a variety of hobbies. For knitters, they have regular workshops at yarn shops where you could go take a few lessons and even trying out different yarns to get a feel of it. Not only that, the quality of yarns is great. Different textures, so many beautiful colors and even more accessories to make knitting easier, comfortable and a pleasure. I really wish we had something like that here in India. Not only for knitters but for other crafters as well.

Until then it is just buying local yarn and satisfying myself by creating projects; with the help of some YouTube videos, of course!

Sometimes...

Sometimes, it is better not to have a clear eyesight. Sometimes, you don't want to see things so clearly. The lies, the mockery, the hatred, the fear, the irony and the hard truth. Sometimes, it feels better to have a blurry image in front of you beacuse then, you can imagine. And not know.

Sometimes, it is better to not know.

Yes, I am a woman and I hate cooking!

Surprised? Why is it so difficult to accept that a woman cannot be good at cooking or housekeeping? It is not as if we were born with these skills. And even if she isn't good at the above said chores, why is it absolutely essential for her to learn and master them? Who made these rules anyway?

I am not particularly interested in cooking. Of course I get around and manage to whip up quite a few dishes, (some really good ones if I may say so myself), but I really don't like it. I don't like cooking, something that is supposed to be my "duty" or should be my "passion". Nope, I am different and so are thousands of other women out there who don't like doing the compulsorily 'assigned' chores for women ,because it is simply not their thing.

While we conveniently blame our men for this kind of discrimination or for taking us for granted, the bitter truth is that somewhere we women are ourselves to blame. As mothers, we keep pushing our daughters to learn the basics of housekeeping so that she 'fits in' right after marriage. When she is praised by her husband's family for knowing-it-all, our chests swell with pride for raising such a dutiful daughter. That's really good, if she really is into home science. But what about those who don't want to 'fit in'?

We women have been domesticated by our ancestors for so many generations that sometimes we don't even realize what is wrong or right. There is absolutely nothing wrong in doing household chores, but then that should be taught to both boys and girls. I'm not saying not to teach our girls anything. But teach them that these chores aren't their responsibility alone. Set an example as a couple for your children by sharing the daily work with your spouse. So that even your boys learn that these chores aren't meant only for the women folk.

And also I humbly request all you guys and girls out there that next time, before 'judging' someone, try to keep an open mind and treat women as humans instead of gadgets or machines. I sincerely hope that we are successful in teaching our sons and daughters the true meaning of the word "sharing".

Because sharing is caring!






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Gajar ka Halwa ice cream, anyone?

It was a weekend drive after dinner. We usually go for a long drive with the kids followed by an ice cream session. Our regular stop is at Naturals ice cream because we all love the place for its unique flavors. Mango ice cream with fresh cut mango pieces in summer or chickoo ice cream in winter. Even tender coconut ice cream. But this time, my husband returned with a Gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa) flavour for me which, he knew, I would love! See, sometimes it pays when your spouse knows you better than you think!

So, this ice cream...well, it was delicious! The real thing! I mean, if you are a fan of gajar ka halwa then I strongly suggest you try this. It almost felt as if they took some halwa and added plain ice cream to it! Hmmm....maybe it really is made like that!

For those of you interested, here's a link for the recipe from Archanas Kitchen, my go-to food channel.

Gajar Ka Halwa

Anyways, I love gorging on gajar ka halwa, especially in the winters when we get those juicy red carrots. And no surprises here, but it vanishes like magic whenever I make some. Although it is a tiresome process to grate those carrots. I mean sometimes I just put off making it just because of that sole reason, but I guess there must be an easier way. I must find out. Let the passion drive me to gain a new approach to making this mouth watering dessert! What say? Of course, I will share it with you, if and when I stumble upon such a discovery. I can almost hear my subconscious mind telling me," Really?!? I thought somebody wanted to lose weight!"

Anyways, I am a big fan of Naturals ice cream and if you happen to taste this particular flavour (or any new ones) please do let me know. Must visit them regularly or else I might miss out on some amazing stuff. My subconscious....here she goes again! Ugghhh!

To eat or not to eat, that is the question which will never be answered, I guess. Sigh! I'm fighting a tug-of-war within myself. There's not a single topic we both agree on, go figure!

And to conclude, here's one of my pearls of wisdom:

"An ice cream every once a while,
makes kids and adults happy alike!"

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Happy New Year 2015!

We are all set to bid adieu to 2014 and I'm sure, like me, most of us didn't realize it would end so soon. With heartfelt gratitude I thank God for the wonderful year gone by and hope the new year would be just as contended. Here's wishing everyone a very happy and exciting new year ahead! May your dreams and ambitions soar new heights and your home filled with happiness and peace.

                                                             HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015! 

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Sparkle and Shine this Wedding Season

The Top 4 wedding accessory picks for the upcoming Wedding Season shared by Monika Pal Sood, Co-Founder, Youshine.

Look #1: White and Gold Look

Pearl Paradise Head Band : The girl of today is sporting femininity like the bygone Grecian and Indian mythological era. Back to the roots, this gold head chain is made up of faux pearls joint to each other with gold links to cover the entire head in three strings.

Bunch Of Bling Ring : A multi-chain dual ring to let you strike bling at its par! A unique jewel adornment is meant for your fingers to give them optimum fullness and fancy. Two engraved rings in gold finish are connected with a bunch of chain strings to make you stand out in the crowd.

Textures N Trinkets Gold Envelope Clutch : Sport it, hang it around your wrist and be the trendsetter. This textured finish peach envelope clutch is made up of finely embossed faux leather and is further enhanced with gold frame edging and trinket enhancements. Comes along with a detachable sling strap to carry it both ways!

Look #2: Traditional Red n Gold Look

Wishful Wine Drop Earrings : The deadly charm of oxblood red is here to drag you in its pool of fantasy. These drop earrings in high-gloss gold finish are encrusted with bold wine emerald cut stones stung over delicate gold shackles studded with clear diamante.

Strings Of Surprise Peach Chain Necklace : Weddings are the time to refresh your moods and revive classic trends with new twists! This multi-string long necklace with peach and gold metallic chains adds subtle charm to your vibrant monsoon wardrobe.

Look #3: Blue Wedding Tales

Linked To Pride Blue Dangler Earrings : Opaque stones are ruling this accessory season and when added with a hint of bling, they spell sheer charm. These dangler earrings in junk finish are studded with stones in various cuts, shade and finishes of blue along with marquise shape prominent indigo beads.

Sequins On My Mind Head Band : The girl of today is sporting femininity like the bygone Grecian and Indian mythological era. Back to the roots, this gold head chain is made up of metallic discs connected to each other to cover the entire head in three strings.

Look #4: Black n Gold Look

Angelic Aura Black Drop Earrings : Play the drop-dead-gorgeous with these drop earrings in the shape of textured fairy wings with high gloss gold finish and black enameling.

Sheer Nostalgia Black Box Clutch : Let your prized possession whisper through this see-through gold frame box clutch in mocha brown made up of translucent brown PVC and a gold snap fastener closure. With an added gold sling chain, you can either clutch it or sling it but surely going to flaunt it.

Lord Of Rings Gold Cuff : Lead the style fiesta with this broad cuff in glossy gold finish made up of rings and stripes pattern.

Availability- www.youshine.in

New Delhi

1. SPARK Mall, Delhi University, Kamla Nagar

     08527597165

2. Citywalk, Saket

    070422 94131

3. MGF Metropolitan

   070422 94130

4. The Great India Place

     070422 94132

About Youshine:

Youshine is a one of a kind specialty retail concept that promises to change the way Indian women look at fashion jewellery and accessories. From 2012 onwards, Youshine has now grown to over twenty Points of Sale showcasing the best of contemporary and affordable western-style jewellery and accessories at the best shopping malls across Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat and Punjab. Not just that, they have a strong online presence as well with their own E-commerce portal –www.youshine.in. The parent company - MM Retail Pvt Ltd - is owned and operated by serial entrepreneurs Monika Pal Sood and Ashish Sood. 

By designing and presenting cutting edge Fashion Jewellery & Accessories, Youshine aims to become the preferred brand of every modern cosmopolitan Indian woman. Youshine is committed to contemporary beauty, fast fashion, premium quality, optimal value and exceptional service.

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While I was away...

I just looked at the date of my last post and Oh My God! Has it really been that long?!? Well, I've got my reasons but I missed my time here. Anyways, let me bring you up to speed.

I had my in-laws staying with me for 2 months and during the time they fell ill and my dear hubby and I had to run errands, cook, look after kiddies and blah blah blah. So, that's why the absence. And as Steve Martin says in Pink Panther 2, "You are now up to speed".

My little boy Karthik turned two on September 26th and we held a big party to celebrate it. The venue was Hotel Ramakrishna on MG Road. They have a beautiful and big place for parties. And by beautiful I mean beautiful because we didn't need to decorate it much, it was good as it was. But we put up some balloons and stuff anyway. The food was good, everybody loved it. Pure vegetarian, so a big thumbs up from my in-laws! :-) But other than the venue and food, the cake, apparently, attracted a lot of attention too! Here's a picture of the birthday cake.

Birthday Cake!

We usually see these kind of cakes (with fondant and all) in TLC programmes and wonder when will we get to gorge on them in our country? But by the looks of it, the art of bakery has evolved exceptionally and if we really attempt, we could unearth some precious little places that have awesome cakes in our own cities. This cake is from one such gem of a place called Arkie's, a bakery near my place. It is located in Lulla Nagar, Pune. I have been ordering from them since a couple of years now. They have a good variety and never-heard-of flavours too. So, if you are a puneite, please do check it out! They are on Facebook too.
Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/ArkiesBornBaker

And before you start getting any ideas let me end by saying that this post is not for publicity reasons, I am a true fan of Arkie's! Bhalaai ka zamaana, still exists guys! ;-)



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