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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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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Tu Mera Hero, Poirot!

David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Image courtesy: http://www.agathachristie.com/christies-work/detectives/poirot/1

All my life I have been reading and re-reading Agatha Christie's books. I absolutely love them. She has this ingenious capability to create some of the most flawless and complex plots and characters. But Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective with his distinguishing egg shaped head and stiff mustache, is Christie's masterpiece.

Just yesterday I was watching a Poirot movie. The Mystery of the Blue Train. Although I always maintain that nothing can beat the experience of reading, I was curious. Seeing David Suchet portraying him just made me smile. Oh, what an excitement to watch the clever, hot chocolate loving neat freak on screen! He looked exactly the picture I had always imagined. And so immaculately represented! You know, we Indians tend to over react to everything. Take Bollywood. We need songs and dances to convince ourselves of the happiness, excitement or misery around us! In some places, fans build temples for their  beloved movie stars! Yes, that happens. So, on witnessing the saakshaat roop (a personified image) of my favourite detective on screen obviously made me delirious! I recorded the movie and watched it, again!

Seeing this movie has made me 'Poirot sick' now. I have tons of books in my to-read list but I think I need to take a break, breathe in some Poirot, and then resume unhurriedly. I'm sure to come out refreshed and energized for the next book.

"Order and method, Mon Ami", in Poirot's own words!


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Moto E on Flipkart - The Ordeal

It was the 23rd of May when Moto E (the new, hot mobile phone in town) was back in stock on Flipkart with a limited number of units. Moto E had more features as compared to its rivals and as Flipkart quoted it was "priced for all". Indeed. It was being sold exclusively on Flipkart and after its grand initial response, the customers this time (which included me, of course!) weren't going to let the bargain get out of their hands easily. And so, at 11 am sharp on that day, I sat in front of my computer with my credit card at the side, ready to charge, fight and win the battle with my mouse! But that was not to be.

Sadly, destiny had other plans, not only for me but for each and every one of us trying to get their hands on the precious prize. A heavy traffic inflow, so huge that the transactions weren't proceeding at all. Usually, deals on Flipkart are a seamless affair, but it was different that day. After a couple of hours of jostling the online mob, Flipkart had to put up a message saying that it had an overwhelming response for Moto E and would be back. Sure, fine. But when?!? I sat back imagining the programmers back in Bangalore fervently trying to sort the technical issues, sweating out the ordeal. I came back again and again to check if the problem was solved but apparently they were still at it. Of course, I was dejected. You see, I had been without a proper phone for some time now. No Whatsapp too. It was driving me nuts! I wanted a new phone ASAP and had pinned all my hopes on Flipkart as I know it to deliver the fastest. Sigh! And so, I waited.

At around 5 pm when I was at the computer whiling away my time and cursing my luck, I decided to give a shot again. A shot in the dark. I sat there, fingers and toes crossed, breezing through each step of the transaction unbelievably. Luckily enough, I was finally able to make my purchase and come out of it all unscathed! Yes, I succeeded! Yaaay!!

I know its not a big deal, but that day, that moment, was one of triumph and achievement. Never had I imagined it to turn out as such a hassle but thanks to the Flipkart's technical team, all was sorted and disaster averted ( for me at least!)

Now, I check the site over and over again to track my order and wait, impatiently, for my beloved to arrive. And when it does, I will be over the moon (for a couple of days) and then begin the hunt all over again. To catch a new fish. To place my next order! ;-)

Passport Seva Kendra Pune - My Experience

Applying for a passport or renewing it has always been a herculean task for us Indians. The lengthy and dragging queues at the passport office and at least a couple of day's time and efforts wasted. No wonder travel agents were the best bet to get the process sorted out. Although it costed an extra little bit, it still was worth the hassle. Until now. Finally, we have an easier and simpler way to handle our passport issues through their online portal, Passport Seva. I will try my best to explain how it all works in this post.

The first step is to go to their web site and create a login id with password. Next, you can either download the passport form, fill it at your convenience and upload it or fill the form online and submit it right then. There are guidelines to refer to in case you face any difficulties filling the form. Once your form has been accepted, you can pay for the passport online either through online banking or debit/credit cards. You need to then take an appointment online for visiting your local PSK (Passport Seva Kendra). The appointment is generated by the system but you can change it to a later date too, if necessary. You will get a confirmation showing your date and time of appointment and payment details. Take a printout of this receipt. Once that is done, all that remains is to visit the PSK at the given date and time with the appropriate documents.

The documents to be taken along with you depends on the type of application i,e fresh passport, re issue, tatkal etc. In any case, the website has a link to Document Advisor which gives you information regarding the documents required. As for the passport photographs, for children less than 4 years of age, the parents have to carry passport size photographs with them when visiting the PSK (light background, dark clothes). For all other applicants, photographs will be taken at the PSK itself.

On the date of appointment, it is recommended to reach the PSK around 10 minutes earlier. Carry the printout of the confirmation receipt with you that you had taken at the time of submitting the application form. Upon entering the PSK, a token for each applicant has to be taken. There are separate queues not only for fresh passport and re issue but also for senior citizens and minor applicants.The documents have to be shown and a token will be given. This token will be your identification for the coming processes. There are kiosks and even a photocopier in the main hall for your convenience.

Once the token has been taken, you enter a waiting hall where you wait for your token number to be displayed on the screen. From here on, you will have to go through three sections of verification namely A,B and C. Each section is divided into numbered cubicles and the cubicle you have to visit will be displayed besides your token number. For example, if your token number is N233 and the number besides it is A21, then you have to go to cubicle A21 along with the documents. In Section A, your documents are scanned and uploaded and your digital photograph taken. Thumb impressions and signatures are also taken here. From here, you go to Section B and again wait for your cubicle number to be displayed, this time prefixed with the letter B. Here, your documents will be verified and then you will be sent to Section C. Again you wait for your turn and get your documents re-verified. After the three sections are done with, you will have to deposit your token in a counter located just before the exit and collect an acknowledgement. That's it! You are done!

Some useful points

• Carry all your documents in original, extra photocopies and a pen.
• There is a snack bar in the waiting hall before Section A. Helpful for those little passport holders and senior citizens.
• After you've visited the PSK, you can track your application status online or through SMS alerts.
• It is a quicker and better experience if you carry all your documents at the time of the PSK visit. So make sure you know exactly what documents to bring along.

I had to apply for a fresh passport for my younger son and renew my elder one's passport. I applied for both and came out of the PSK in exactly two hours time. My PSK visit was on the 13th of May and I received the passports on 21st May, five working days to be precise. I have applied for passports before and I must say that finally we have a segregated, well managed process and a commendable speedy delivery too.

Visit the website for more information:  Passport Seva

Happy Vishu!

May this new year spread happiness, joy and contentment among us and our loved ones. Hope this year turns out to be as special as the realization of it!

                    

                                             
                                         Happy Vishu to all!