Every girl needs one bag for every occasion. Each day is a different day and a different bag. Flipkart offers bags at their 399 store where you can find all kinds of bags that are below the price of Rs. 399.
A cloth Tote is very essential for everyday use. this is the western version of the Indian Jholas and works wonders for all women who have to carry a lot of stuff and still look elegant.
Though a little too big it can be used as a wallet and then doubled up as a clutch. Good for those days when you have to rush to a party from work.
For those who don’t like holding a clutch in their hands all evening a small sling bag is the way to go. It’s small enough not be too heavy and so sling it around your shoulder and you can dance your way through the night.
Owning a big sling bag is also necessary on days when you have to rush from one place to another and have no time to get ready. Stuff all your essentials in this bag and you can save up on a lot of time by getting ready on your way.
Note: All these bags are available on Flipkart. Images sourced from Flipkart.
By Janice Fernandes In 2012 when The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel released, many thought it would be something like the Academy nominated film Slumdog Millionaire which showed the dark and poor side of India. As Indians some of us were sceptical about the film while others wanted to watch British thespians like Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy among others soak in the Indian culture. When the movie released it was a surprise hit, not only in Britain and India but also in America. Who would have thought that a story about a bunch of oldies travelling to India would make a good film? Old people rarely take centre stage in movies, so it came as a refreshing change to see them take charge of a movie and carry it through with such ease. The cast Maggie Smith as Muriel Donnelly, the scowling racist turned co-manager, comes to India only for a cheap hip replacement but continues to stay on. Judi Dench as Evelyn newly widowed she starts discovering herself along with the new country she is in, only to become a fabric exporter and agree to a travelling job at the age of 79 years. Bill Nighy as Douglas Ainslie, he comes on a holiday with his wife, only to fall in love with Evelyn. Ronal Pickup as Norman Cousins the speed-dater, he finally finds the one and Celia Imrie as Madge Hardcastle, who is in search for a rich husband. New addition to this stellar cast is Richard Gere as Guy Chambers, the only American, who wins the heart of Indian beauty Lillete Dubey who played Mrs. Kapoor. The first movie saw these people come to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel to find nothing exotic about it. Dev Patel as the always over excited Sonny, the hotel manager along with Ms. Donnelly (Smith) change and improve the conditions of the hotel and think about expanding. What is most interesting about the movie is the way these characters, coming from a land with better living conditions and opportunities, adjust to a small town in India. They start a new life in a strange country, at time when they are ideally meant to retire from active life. Age being the most important factor of this movie, the interlinking stories of love will make you aware that new love will give you jitters even if it happens when you’re well in your 70s. The first movie shows India as an obstacle but in the second it is a reward, as they find new meaning to their lives. The movie ends with a big fat Indian wedding, complete with colours and dancing. Contrary to Dev Patel’s statements he is actually quite a good dancer with Richard Gere coming in a close second. All in all I would say that it was a great mix and both cultures were shown in their true forms.
My classmates have recently hogged on Paneer Bhurji and Roti cooked by my mother for tiffin. They hail from Delhi and miss the home cooked Punjabi food. If you’re having the same crisis and miss home cooked food or are a bachelor you should head to Crystal next to Wilson College at Girgaum Chowpatty. Don’t be fooled by this small hole in the wall restaurant, I have seen people wait in a long queue to grab a bite of the dishes being cooked inside and the aroma makes them hungrier as they wait.
Crystal RestaurantMr. K.K. Khanna, the owner
I would recommend ordering Dal Makhani, Paneer Mutter, Palak Paneer, Rajma, Baingan Bharta with Rotis for your meal. The dal is an authentic Punjabi version minus the extra cream added by other restaurants. The sabzi (vegetables) are again lightly cooked and are full of flavor. It’s the kind of food which you don’t feel guilty about later. By which I mean there is only the right amount of fat except for the butter rotis which are loaded with butter. Masala Papad which is made with a topping of raw onions and tomatoes on fried papad base and a glass of cold Chaas compliments Crystal’s food. You can also binge on their Pav Bhaji which is again delicious and is cooked in the evening time.
Dal MakhaniPalak PaneerMeals here are served with pickle and onionsKheer
Is it over yet? No way! Save some space for the dessert. There is no way you can step out without eating their Kheer and my recommendation of Fruit Cream. The latter I assure will cleanse your palette and the Kheer probably won’t but who says no to Kheer? Its creamy texture and earthy flavor will make you want to empty the bowl no matter how full you already are.
Fearlessly order a heavy meal complete with desserts as the bill is as light as their chaas. It would cost only Rs. 200-250 for two people. The service is prompt and the staff is polite and friendly. It opens for service from 12:30-3:30PM and then again at 7:00-10:30PM. So don’t ignore those hunger pangs and head to Crystal for your next meal!
Television is at a stage right now where the lifespan of each show is reducing due to the decreasing number of viewers. The audience moved on to shows with a finite number of episodes, but with limited episodes come unlimited seasons. There have been so many shows on American television that could have been cut short by a number of seasons.
Two and a half men
First on the list is the Charlie Sheen starrer two and a half men. The show should have ended when Sheen left, instead it continued on for four more seasons with Ashton Kutcher. The show finally ended on February 2015, thus ending its cruelty to viewers.
ER
When the original cast of a show leaves that’s the time to end and leave the viewers with good memories. When the main cast of ER – George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Noah Wyle and Juliana Margulies departed the show lost not only crackling chemistry but also most of its writing.
How I met your mother
Even die-hard HIMYM fans would agree that the show was dragged on for too long. It came to a point where everyone started to wonder who the mother is, and then the mother finally appeared on-screen only to be killed off a few episodes later. The simple fact that Ted and Robin were meant to be together was dragged on for 9 seasons left viewer’s very disheartened.
Scrubs
They did a song about feces in the musical episode on season 7 and that should have been it. If you liked the episode you would have found it to be a good ending, if not then well the show ended and you wouldn’t have to see any more of it; but no, it doesn’t end there, it continues till the 9th season.
Grey’s Anatomy
What started as a medical drama has turned into a family drama. Currently in its 11th Season this show has had many chances to end. First when George dies and Izzy leaves, then when Sloan and Lexi Grey die and again when Cristina Yang leaves. When so many original cast members it is a sign to end, unfortunately Grey’s Anatomy has been renewed for a 12th Season and hopefully no more.
Nude pumps is the LBD of shoes; where it any time of the day, at any event, and with any outfit, it will never look bad. So, the next time you have an outfit but no shoes to go with it, your nude pumps will come to your rescue. The image above is a Steve Madden pair, available on Jabong.com for Rs. 3149, at a 30% discount.
2. Belly Shoes
Ballerina shoes had suddenly become quite a rage in India a couple of years ago and thank god it is here to stay. Belly shoes as it is commonly known comes to the rescue almost every day. Suitable for all occasions Belly shoes can be worn ether for a dressy look or a casual day. Available in varied colours adds to its appeal and helps to keep it trending. Catwalk has belly shoes in all different colours and shapes which are available on Jabong starting from a price range of Rs. 1400 onwards.
3. Red heels
Have a dinner date coming up and have nothing exciting to wear? It’s time to mix and match. Instead of going for a monotone look of white and Black or nude, you can pair your white or black dress with sexy red shoes. Best way to spice up an outfit is to add a hint of colour to it and voila, a whole new look. Available on Jabong, this J Collection shoe costs Rs. 1899 and is worth every rupee.
4. Kolhapuri Chappals
From a Rs. 4000 Steve Madden shoe down to a Kolhapuri Chappal which can cost a minimum of Rs. 250 a lady needs it all. These chappals can be found on roadside stalls with the best quality shoes. Wear a pair of jeans and Kolhapuri chappals for an Indie look. Available in various colours and styles.
5. Classic Black
The Classic Black needs no further explanations, like the nude pumps this Inc. 5 black stiletto is multi-purpose. Costing about Rs. 2294 the heel is not too big and looks comfortable.
Note: These shoes are all available on http://www.jabong.com and all the images were sources from this website.
Fashion is a tricky business, and it’s become increasingly hard to predict which trends will stick. This year’s fashion is already leaving imprints, with a number of trends being set at international fashion weeks. That said, older trends must not be carelessly done away with. Let’s revisit some triumphant trends from 2014 that should permeate 2015:
Grey Flannel Suits:
This time-consuming, labour-intensive yet totally-worth-it-all material was de rigueur for 2014. Worn by yesteryear legends Fred Astaire, Gregory Peck, and Cary Grant, the grey flannel suit embodies the term ‘gentleman.’ Grey flannel suits set last year’s fashion ramps afire, with fashion bigwigs Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino incorporating them into their Autumn/Winter collections. Although many equate flannel with old man’s tweed, the material can be very contemporary. You could dress it up with a classic shirt and tie or opt for donning a knitted polo shirt beneath it. Whether in a graphite or silver-grey hue, the grey flannel suit is the quintessence of understated luxury and gentlemanly sophistication.
Culottes:
It’s time to squeeze out of skinny jeans and fly into an easy-breezy pair of culottes or ‘cropped pants.’ This sneaky garment that looks like a skirt but splits into pants has come a long way from the 1960s, finding itself sashaying down the 2014 runways of Victoria Beckham, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Mulberry. Jennifer Lawrence was snapped in a pair of Dior culottes at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014, proving that the garment isn’t ‘grandmother’s strictly’ territory. Paired best with a crisp white shirt, a fitted sweater, or a chic crop top, culottes blend in with both the formal and informal look. Strap on a pair of heels for a taller silhouette, and you’re golden!
Plaid:
There’s a certain warmth and laid-back charm that plaid exudes. Over the years, this checkered pattern has evolved and transitioned from just being used in Scottish pleated skirts and lumberjack shirts to being paired with faux leather and experimented with in vibrant colours. New York Fall 2014 saw some intriguing plaid interpretations – unapologetically bright by Delpozo, classic plaid by Tommy Hilfiger, grungy plaid by Vera Wang, modern iterations by Kenneth Cole, and blurred plaid by Ferragamo and Zimmerman. Today, this versatile pattern is seen not only on shirts, pants, and sweaters but also on bags, shoes, and headbands – reason enough for it to stick around!
Oxford Brogues:
Brogues are a classic example of a sex change done right. Originally strictly for men, brogues have, over time, slithered their way onto women’s feet, eclipsing clunky wedges and sky-high heels. Not only are these flat, perforated lace-ups resilient and comfortable, they also infuse personality and edge into your overall aesthetic. Barbara Bui’s Spring 2014 runway was trampled on in snazzy metallic brogues minus the laces while Thakoon’s line featured open-toe brogues in busy Aztec prints. Most spunky of all, though, was Armani’s collection – an eclectic mix of bicolour lace-ups, different leathers, and cutout details. British brand Clarks also dedicated its Fall/Winter 2014 collection to women’s brogues, titled Androgynous; because, why should boys have all the fun?
Winter may have shed its cold, dry spell on this city, but the summer isn’t exactly a box full of delights. Just two days ago, on the 21st of March, the Parsi Iranis celebrated Jamshedi Navroz and the Maharashtrians celebrated Gudi Padwa, sending out one simple message (apart from ‘YAY HOLIDAY!’) – the onset of the New Year (for the Irani and Hindu calendar respectively) on the day of the Spring Equinox. But since the season of spring is effectively non-existent in this city, to us, these festivals signal the official arrival of SUMMER, just like the mangoes I saw being sold for Rs. 800 a dozen at Crawford market day before and those hideous winged ants that flocked to the street light right outside my balcony last evening.
While the familiar warmth of the sun is a welcome change, what isn’t is the unbearable humidity, the mind-numbing migraines, the persistent heat boils and pimples, and worst of all – those nagging embarrassing sweat patches all over your favourite articles of clothing. Although there’s temporary relief in knowing that you don’t have to combat skin dryness like you did in the winter (what with all those tubes of moisturizers and boxes of cream), your skin isn’t completely out of the danger zone just yet.
If you don’t stay hydrated enough in the summer months, you can be sure to fall prey to the devastating malady that is chapped lips. That’s right – it isn’t strictly a winter concern. So while you must compulsorily tote those half-to-one-litre bottles of water around with you wherever you go, it’s equally important to arm yourself with a stick/box/tube of the ever-so-handy lip balm – my favourite and most indispensable beauty product.
Having tried and tested at least ten brands of lip balms over the years, and currently owning at least 15 different lip balms (I often buy the same lip balm in different flavours), I think it’s safe to say I’m a lip balm connoisseur. Yep, I hoard these like collector’s items. And so, I’m going to enlist five lip balms that I feel are ideal for those brutal summer days when your water falls short and your lips bear the brunt. In no particular order, here goes..
1. Nivea – Nivea’s Lip Care stick lip balms are superb because they do a great job of keeping your lips sufficiently moisturised for at least three hours. If you’re a fan of basics, then opt for Nivea Essential Care (in a dark blue stick) or Nivea Hydro Care (light blue stick). But if you’re feeling slightly adventurous, Nivea has a range of lip balms titled Fruity Shine, that come in all sorts of fruity flavours – from strawberry, rose, and pomegranate to guava, watermelon, peach, and cherry. Yes, that many! But beware – like the name suggests, these fruity balms come in colours and have a slight sheen; some like the peach, watermelon, and rose are milder in colour while the likes of pomegranate and cherry have more pronounced hues. So it really boils down to your taste. There’s even the Nivea Pearly Shine and the Nivea Vitamin Shake if you’re really in the mood for some balm-y fun. Of late, Nivea’s even come out with Nivea Lip Butter in flat round tin boxes, which come in some very appealing and delicious flavours like raspberry rose, blueberry blush, caramel cream, and cocoa. However, I find these tinned lip butters leave that slight white-ish tinge on the lips and are a tad too sticky for my liking. If your lips are chapped, I’d say avoid the tinned variety and stick to the sticks. Price Range: The standard Nivea lip balm and the Fruity Shine range are priced between Rs. 100 – Rs. 150 while the Lip Butter tins are slightly steeper at around Rs. 200.
Nivea’s Fruity Shine range of lip balmsNivea’s Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose
2. Marks & Spencer – I know this seems terribly misplaced on this list, and you’re probably thinking I’ve lost my marbles, but believe it or not, Marks & Spencer actually has some pretty amazing beauty stuff, and their lip balms are definitely one of them! Coming in round plastic boxes, their balms come in three very basic flavours – strawberry, mango, and vanilla. What works with these balms is that even though their flavours aren’t obviously overpowering, they’ve got the perfect texture – right between sticky and oily – that allow for an effortless application. Word of caution, though – try to keep these tucked away in a cool, dry place because the sun tends to ruin their texture, making them rather oily. Price Range: Because of the brand name, these balms cost Rs. 300 each, but their quantity and quality make them well worth it.
Marks & Spencer moisturising lip balms in mango, vanilla, and strawberry
3. Maybelline – Maybelline’s range of Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms are downright adorable and what I call ‘tiny treasure sticks.’ It’s not just the fun name or the vibrant colours and lettering on the outside that makes this range of lip balms super awesome – their flavours are just as dee-lightful, with cute names like Mango Pie, Rose Addict, Coral Flush, Berry Crush, Cherry Kiss, and Pink Lolita. Again though, these are all going to leave some pretty colours on your lips. So, if you’re someone like me, who prefers banality in life, fish out their Lychee Addict, Watermelon Smooth, or Anti-Oxidant Berry, all of which are flavourful, yet colourless. That said, be it the coloured or the transparent variety, each Baby Lips lip balm is ideal for the sweltering summer months, because it keeps your lips hydrated and chap-free for well over three to four hours. Price Range: The Baby Lips range is priced modestly between Rs. 120 to Rs. 160 depending on the flavor/colour.
Maybelline Baby Lips’ range of flavoured lip balmsMy kind of Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms – the colourless variety
4. Avon – Avon’s a great company for all kinds of beauty products in general, but unfortunately, unless you know someone in the network marketing business, it’s tough to get a hold of Avon stuff because it isn’t sold at normal retail outlets. Now because I’m such a lip balm girl, obviously, I have sampled close to all their lip balm flavours. I remember back in the day, their lip balms came in minute circular boxes in simple flavours like orange, blueberry, and grape. Today, the lip balm sticks are available in flavours like strawberry, peach, cherry, honey, lemon, shea butter, aloe, and even green tea! Certain flavours like strawberry and cherry have a reddish hue for when you’re in the mood for a little burst of colour. I was sold the first time I picked up an Avon lip balm, and despite changing form, the formula’s pretty much remained the same – moisturising, great consistency, and long-lasting. What’s even better is that these lip balms are usually on offer, so you can stock up your flavours just like I do! Price Range: These sticks all come at a standard price of Rs. 130 irrespective of flavor and colour.
Avon’s line of chapsticks
5. Vaseline – While the good ol’ translucent petroleum jelly is a lip life-saver under any and all circumstances, Vaseline’s also got some excellent standalone lip balm sticks that are just about as effective as their petroleum jelly counterparts. Vaseline Lip Therapy comes in very basic flavours like rosy lips, cocoa butter and aloe vera, all of which are equally delightful on the lips by way of their smooth texture and subtle flavour. I would also highly recommend the imported Vaseline, which comes in a pale yellow tub and has a creamy texture and pale yellow hue itself. At the end of the day, any Vaseline lip care product is bound to be a runaway success because, well, Vaseline kind of set the precendent before lip balms became the rage. Price Range: The Vaseline Lip Therapy flavoured sticks cost around Rs. 100 while the imported pale yellow variety retails between Rs. 100 to Rs. 300, depending on the size of the tub.
Remember these original Vaseline gems?Vaseline Lip Therapy lip balms in four standard flavoursThe imported Vaseline I personally swear by;Image courtesy: Tina Dastur
Availability
Except for the Avon lip balms, all others (viz. Nivea, Maybelline, Vaseline) are readily available at your nearest cosmetic store or even at a well-stocked chemist, so getting a hold of any of them isn’t hard at all. For the Marks & Spencer lip balms, though, you will have to visit a Marks & Spencer outlet because that is the only place they stock those. And as far as the imported Vaseline tub is concerned, these are readily available in all shapes and sizes at Crawford Market and Heera Panna.
Are any of these lip balms your personal favourites as well? If not, which ones would you recommend? Leave us a comment letting us know!
For years everyone has sworn by the Little Black Dress or the LBD as it is most popularly known. I say get over the LBD, move past it and look at other things black, like shoes.
Shoes are mankind’s gift to women; it ensures that whether we walk or just sit we will always look elegant, but that is provided you pair the right shoe with the right outfit. Putting together your shoes along with your outfit is most essential. Another no no where shoes are concerned are ill-fitting shoes, if your shoes don’t fit well it will not only be uncomfortable but make you look like a waddling pumpkin who can’t hold herself together.
Getting the right pair of shoes can always be sort of an uphill task. While we might indulge in thrift shopping shoes should always be given importance. I know buying a good pair of shoes can be hard on the pocket but once in a while everyone has a tendency to indulge. So why not indulge in shoes? Here is a look at some of these essential indulgences.
1. Ankle length Boots
These Carlton London ankle length boots are great during the spring season. Just before winter turns into summer; when it’s not too cold to wear a short dress and not too hot to wear boots, pair these with a short shift dress and watch it work wonders for you. While calf or knee-length boots might not be everyone’s cup of tea, ankle length is the perfect solution. A shift dress and boots can make for a casual look, pair these same boots with well-fitting jeans and have never-ending legs. Made out of synthetic these shoes are easy to clean and can be found on http://www.jabong.com for Rs. 3995.
2. Pumps
Good for a cocktail party this simple but elegant pair will make you look petite and delicate. This pair from Clarks can also be worn with a formal outfit for a presentation or a job interview. A pair of multi-purpose shoes are always welcome in every girls wardrobe, so don’t miss it. Jabong is offering a flat 40% discount so hurry and buy it for Rs. 2999.
3. Formal Wedges
Require wearing heels on a daily basis? Instead of those painful and totally uncomfortable shoes try this Inc. 5 pair. Formal looking wedges with heels that are not too high and comfortable straps are all you need to have a good day at work. Available for just Rs. 1690 this pair can be a real life saver.
4. Casual Wedges
‘Casual Wedges’ simply because cork heels are best for casual occasions. Wearing this to work might not be the best of ideas because though it is very comfortable it doesn’t give the greatest corporate look. Pair this Tresmode Junhedge wedges with a summer dress for a Sunday brunch and you’re good to go. Jabong offers this pair for Rs. 2700.
5. Stilettos
My all-time favourite strappy stilettos, wear it with any outfit at any time of the day and you will always look fabulous. Strappy stilettos as I call it, are multi-purpose and like I said, a girl always loves a good multi-purpose pair of shoes. Buy this Inc. 5 pair for Rs. 2290 and wear it with a casual or a formal dress, with jeans, trousers and even Indian clothes Strappy stilettos will never let you down.
Note: These shoes are all available on http://www.jabong.com and all the images were sources from this website.
Bombay’s a pretty well-placed city – sandwiched between the winding coast and the bushy Western ghats. And while there’s plenty to do in the city itself, sometimes, you just want to TAKE A BREAK! If you’re looking for a quick getaway from the pollution, population, and noise of the Bombay, there are a host of quiet retreats in the city’s vicinity. There’s Gorai Beach, Alibaug, Matheran, and Khandala/Lonavala, among others. So depending on your mood and the weather, each of these places becomes perfect to hit up when you’re looking for a sweet escape from the hustle bustle of busy Bombay life.
About two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to visit Sula Vineyards in Nashik – although let me just clarify that this was part of an assignment, so my bundle of 15 Science & Environment Journalism classmates along with the professor were in tow. Even though the getaway was for academic purposes, it didn’t dampen the experience in the least. In fact, in many ways, the bunch of us were lucky enough to witness the wine-making process, with a guide explaining each stage along the way. And that was pretty cool.
If you’re looking to spend the weekend and just lounge around in the lap of serenity, then Sula does house a fabulous resort, Beyond by Sula. However, if you’re looking to just experience the Vineyard, then an overnight stay isn’t necessary. There’s enough to keep you occupied (even transfixed) for a day, but not enough to compel you to linger beyond that. So, if you’re a travel buff and don’t mind the at least eight-hour road journey to and back, then Sula is a must-visit for a day’s retreat. It’s a refreshing change from the beaches of Kolad and Gorai and the dense forestry of Khandala/Lonavala. That’s not to say these places aren’t good enough, but Sula is, well… a different experience altogether. And no, not just because of the wine.
Here are four reasons why you must make a trip to the enchanting Sula Vineyard:
1. Scenic beauty – Because it is a vineyard, for miles and miles, all you can see is nature in its freshest and finest form. What part of the vineyard is on display is actually just a minute patch – the real vineyard is behind a hillock on the Sula premises, hidden from sight. Let me also just mention here that Sula covers 160 acres of Nashik, making it the largest vineyard in India. The front of the vineyard is fringed with gorgeous flowers in bright pops of yellow, white, pink, and red – from delicate daisies to beaming sunflowers – and at the back of the vineyard, you can catch a glimpse of a massive lake. So, in effect, that little patch of grape-dotted vineyard is neatly ensconced in its own little scenic bubble. Aside from this, the rest of the area sees scattered trees with blooming flowers and even a pond with lily pads, in the midst of which you’ll find a glorious champa tree, and where if you’re especially lucky, you’ll spot a croaky little frog sunbathing and getting a tan.
A view of the vineyards from the lobby areaThe hillock behind which the actual vineyard in its entirety is laid outThe cluster of flowers that fringe the Vineyard’s lengthA Champa tree rests happily amidst lily pads
2. Wine-making tour – Because I went as part of a class group, this bit of the day was all pre-arranged and extremely well-organised. However, if you do ask for a tour, you will get one; and I would highly recommend it. We all sip on wine and revel in its alcoholic goodness, but understanding the process behind how that wine came to be is really fascinating. It gives you a better appreciation of the drink because it helps you understand what a painstaking, meticulous process wine actually has to go through before it finds itself sitting pretty in those sleek bottles. We had a fantastic guide who took us through everything – the grapes going into the grinder and the juice being extracted -> the juice being transferred to large cylinders where the process of fermentation takes place -> the barrel room, where barrel-made wines are stored at temperatures between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius -> the conveyor belt room, where the wine is finally bottled. Okay, so I admit that it might not sound particularly exciting in printed words, but you just have to see it – it really elevates the experience of the wine-tasting that comes soon after!
The air-conditioned room in which the barrel wines are stored
3. Free wine-tasting – And now for the bit that will set most tongues wagging – the free wine-tasting! It’s a cardinal sin if you go all the way to Sula and don’t sample the wines, it really is. However, like I mentioned earlier, do try to get a guided tour of the locale before you dive into the wine-tasting because it will only help you better appreciate the wine-tasting. The wine tasting starts with white wines, going from the clearest white wine to the slightly yellow-tinged variety and eases into the red wines, going from the light pinks to the blood reds. You are provided Cream Cracker biscuits while the tasting is ongoing to help cleanse your palate and prepare for the next wine, but if there’s a particular wine that you just cannot stomach, then fret not – there’s a spittoon provided, where you can go ahead and empty your glass. If you manage to find a wine that has tickled your taste buds, you can head to the wine shop right outside the wine-tasting room, where all the Sula wines are neatly stacked up in geometric patterns on shelves.
The wine-tasting roomThe wine-tasting, on in full swing!The wine shopSula wine bottles dangle against the wine shop’s window display
4. Grape stomping – All right, here goes nothing. My personal favourite bit of the entire tour was the grape stomping with a couple of my AFUNNAME pals (viz. Kari and Jans). After the wine-making tour, the wine-tasting, and the heavy lunch at Sula’s restaurant, Soleil de la Plage, the three of us had our sights set on that round little wooden tub of squishy goodness. For Rs. 250, you are granted a 20-minute stomp (which can extend to 25/30 minutes if you’re lucky), and oh my god, it is SO MUCH FUN! Honestly, there is no feeling more satisfying than the pop of those juicy black grapes under your feet. It’s pretty similar to bursting bubble wrap, which I think we can all agree is God’s gift to man. Of course, you will have to put up with the nasty sun (the stomping takes place out in the open) and having your feet turn out to be wrinkled prunes once you’re done stomping, but the sense of childish accomplishment that comes with having squished those grapes makes it all worthwhile. Also the fact that you feel like you’re on The Amazing Race doing a task in eager anticipation of your next clue. Once you’re done stomping, there’s a hose in the corner, which you can use to wash off the purple pulp from your feet. Quick word of advice, though – wear loose jeans/pants that can be rolled up easily to avoid getting the pulp on your clothes because it doesn’t wash off easily.
If you’ve got a weekend planned out, do make it a point to visit Sula Vineyards at least once. There’s a reason people rave about the place. The drive there is pretty much a straight road, although once you hit Nashik, traffic does get a little chaotic. And if you’re a shopaholic, you can wander around their merchandise shop, where you’ll find everything from t-shirts and hoodies to mugs and bar accessories. In toto, Sula is an ideal day’s trip not only for the obvious reasons of all things wine but also for the scenic tranquility it is swaddled in.
We all have a ton of social media apps on our phone; Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, they’re all hogging space and giving you constant updates about what everyone you know is up to. But what apps do you have other than these? Here’s a list of apps you should have; first practical ones that’ll help you organize your life better so you have more time for fun, and for fun apps!
For all practical purposes
1. m-Indicator
Every Mumbaikar needs M-indicator on their phone. It has train, bus, metro and ferry timings and estimates taxi and auto fares. Never again will you be frantically asking whether the bus you’ve got on actually goes where you need it to go.
2. Evernote
Evernote allows you to make notes, take photos, about everything and anything and store them all in one place. Sync it to your computer and email address, and youll be able to access these notes even without your phone or computer. Each note is categorized into a notebook and arranged in order of priority. A great organisational tool.
3. Expense Manager
This app tracks every rupee you spend. Every time you buy something, or pay a bill, key it in to the Expense Manager. It’s organised into helpful categories like Entertainment, Medical, Food & Drinks, Work, Travel and so forth, with an option to elaborate on the expense. At the end of the week you won’t find yourself wondering where all your money went – Expense Manager knows, and has already created a pie chart based on your spending.
4. Justdial Instead of searching for an address on your phone’s web browser, simply type what you’re looking for into this app, and it’ll give you names, phone numbers, addresses; more information than you’ve ever wanted.
5. The Times of India News
Stay updated with what’s happening in the country with the Times of India News app. It sends you push messages a couple of times a day and, if you open the app, delivers news from the city, nation and world in short, simple to read reports. No longer will you be sitting clueless as your friends laugh about some ridiculous statement a politician has made.
And Now for the FUN
6. OneMinute
OneMinute is a fairly new app that was started to collate a collection of images of what the world is doing at one given minute each day. The app sends you a notification once a day, and you need to take a photo of your surroundings within that minute. You then get to view a snapshot of what people world over were doing in that one minute.
2. 9GAG
We’ve all clicked on 9GAG links on Facebook. The app has the same content; hilarious memes, gifs, photos and videos, but is easier to navigate than in your browser.
3. Pou
Channel your mothering instinct by adopting Pou, your very own alien pet who you have to feed, nurture and talk to. Play games to earn coins to buy stuff for Pou!
4. Flipboard
Flipboard is a news app that customizes content based on your preferences. News and feature stories are arranged from all around the world, depending on the categories you’ve chosen. This turns it into your own customized magazine. And the flipping is fun!
5. 8tracks
8tracks is a music player that allows you to choose genres of songs, artists, movies and shows and presents you with user created playlists that reflect these choices. A great way to discover new music.
Do you already have any of these apps? Are you going to install them? Let us know!
A cloth Tote is very essential for everyday use. this is the western version of the Indian Jholas and works wonders for all women who have to carry a lot of stuff and still look elegant.
Evernote allows you to make notes, take photos, about everything and anything and store them all in one place. Sync it to your computer and email address, and youll be able to access these notes even without your phone or computer. Each note is categorized into a notebook and arranged in order of priority. A great organisational tool.
Instead of searching for an address on your phone’s web browser, simply type what you’re looking for into this app, and it’ll give you names, phone numbers, addresses; more information than you’ve ever wanted.
AFUNNAME 