Tag Archives: Indian Lifestyle Blog

UrbanClap: Local Service Professionals at Clap of your Hands

UrbanClap: Local Service Professionals at Clap of your Hands

Hi guys,

These days we have 1-2 new apps coming up every other day, so what makes an app different and are all the apps in the market actually helpful? Nah! But one app I came across in December is actually very helpful! One of my friend works full time, both the husband and wife work whole day on weekdays and they only get weekends to chill or go out, her major concern always was cleaning and the home stuff. I was at her place last to last month and she told me she calls for whatever services she needs on this new app ‘Urbanclap’. One Sunday it is bathroom cleaning, and one Sunday it is sofa cleaning, she even calls for the beauty services she needs, she need not go to a salon or take an appointment, etc., her life is sorted!

UrbanClap: Local Service Professionals at Clap of your Hands

I thought that’s an amazing idea, I downloaded the app to see how exactly it works. Last month before my Jaipur trip, I did not have the time to go to a salon and I called for beauty services at home on the Urbanclap app. If you follow me on twitter, you must have read a mini review of the services too. They have Rs.300/- off over services of Rs.800/- offer going on, they keep having offers, so watch out for that.

The app is super easy to use, understand and navigate. Select the service you need from the list of services, it catches your location and lets you know the fixed prices for blue collared jobs, or asks for your exact requirements from the options available for white collared jobs and the service providers send you a quote. You have three different price options too according to your budget. You have the option of the service providers calling you or you calling them, the latter is always safer and better unless you wish to be bombarded by calls whole day! You can even directly pay on the app for the blue collared services with fixed prices.

All the blue collared services have fixed pricing per hour which is around Rs.199/- Currently I am looking for a plumber for some minor work and all local plumbers tell me they will charge Rs.500/- for visiting even if 5 minutes job! Thank goodness for apps like this for saving us from being exploited.

I was looking for a yoga trainer at home for my back issue, and I chose that service and the ‘home’ option and my budget. These are the quotes and providers I got already within 5 minutes.

Things I did not like and which could improve, even after selecting the lower budget option here i.e. below Rs.3500/-, I got contacted by all providers giving a quote of Rs.4000 to 6000. Only the providers who give services within the mentioned budget should be able to give a quote or contact the buyer, coz it’s a waste of time.

I think Urbanclap is a huge help for working couples who hardly get time to get home stuff sorted, and even otherwise for families when you cannot find local services easily, now you can with just a touch on your phone! Apps like these sort your life, it has already received three rounds of funding and much deserved.

If you still haven’t tried Urbanclap, do so now! For Android users, go HERE and for Apple users, go HERE. You can thank me later 🙂 Currently it only available in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, but they are expanding to other cities this year.

Have you tried the Urbanclap app yet?

Jaipur Diaries: Zone By The Park

Jaipur Diaries: Zone By The Park

Hi guys,

I travelled to Jaipur at the end of December, last year we went to Hong Kong, Macau and Andamans which I wanted to pen down on the blog but couldn’t coz of the accident in Jan and then it never happened.

This time I didn’t want to procrastinate one bit and made sure I post about my Jaipur trip. I always wanted to go to Jaipur (Rajasthan in General), having covered most of the parts of India, Rajasthan somehow never happened. This time it was a sudden plan at the end of November coz December was birthday and anniversary month 🙂

My trip started with this amazing take-off hyperlapse video (I love window seats!)

We stayed two days at Zone By the Park located in Bani Park in Jaipur. It’s a four star property. The rooms available are Zone Room, Zone Quad, Zone Trio and Zone Suite. We were in Zone Suite and it was huge and spacious with a beautiful living area, huge bedroom and a perfect bathroom. The rooms are modern but yet have the classic, old world charm through the paintings and artifacts. What I absolutely loved is the cleanliness and hygiene factor! The rooms were super clean and had smart, organized storage cabinets to keep your luggage, etc. I had place for my laptop, camera, bags and nothing came in between. The hotel is a bit far from the airport, the distance being about 13-14 kms but it is just 3 kms from the railway station and 2 kms from the central bus station.

The hotel has 47  rooms and they come with complimentary breakfast, fast Wi-Fi and one way airport/railway transfer. It has a restaurant named ‘The Bazaar’ which has global and regional cuisine, from the South Indian breakfast to the vast buffet spread for lunch or dinner, to the various a-la-carte options. I will share more on the restaurant and other facilities they have in my next post. It is a perfect stay option for corporates, families and even couples.

The Zone Suite room..

Here are a few pics from my Jaipur trip, some of you must have already seen the pictures on my Instagram.

Entire Jaipur view from Nahargarh Fort (Panorama)

We visited the City Palace, Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort. Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal and Hawa Mahal we saw from a distance as it was not open for public. I was told the royal family lives at Jaigarh Fort and hence it is restricted. Jal Mahal was open for public untill 15 years ago.

Hawa Mahal
Sunset View from Nahargarh Fort
The Door at Nahargarh Fort
At City Palace

At Zone by the Park, they had beautifully decorated the entire lobby for Christmas.

There is also a seating arrangement outside, but we did not dare to sit out, since it was quite cold!

Zone by the Park Hotels are currently in Jaipur, Chennai and Coimbatore. They are soon opening in Raipur, Jodhpur, Goa and Mahabalipuram.

The best thing about Zone by the Park has to be the amazing staff and hospitality. They were very courteous and always smiling, you can feel the warm welcome. One of my best hotel experiences till date! I am definitely looking forward to visit more of their properties.

If you are in search of a hotel in Jaipur, you can blindly book Zone by The Park. You will thank me later 🙂

One of the best thing about Jaipur is the food! I will include it in my next post coz this post would be way too image heavy otherwise.

Have you been to Jaipur? What do you like the most about Jaipur?

The Art to Picking the Right Engagement Ring for Brides and Grooms

The Art to Picking the Right Engagement Ring for Brides and Grooms

Hi guys,

Continuing the bridal series, today we are talking about the right engagement ring for the brides an grooms. Here are a few pointers which will help you pick the right engagement ring:

Establishing the budget: Decide a budget and stick to it more or less when you go ring shopping. The jewellers will try and show you expensive ones and solitaires, if it is something that does not fit your budget, don’t even look at those!

Find the perfect size: Get your ring finger sized first and go for the closest match, but make sure it is neither too tight nor too loose. Definitely not loose, it can be slightly rolled if it is bit tighter.

Ring band: There are so many different metals used for rings these days, most common being yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, platinum, and silver. You can even go for a mix of metals.

Quality of diamonds: When choosing a diamond, you have to check the four C’s i.e. Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. Choose a diamond keeping in mind all these four characteristics.

Shape of diamond: You can go for round, oval, pear, heart, princess, there are different shapes to choose from. Shape of the diamond matters the most, even before everything else. Princess cut is the most common and something mostly people opt for.

Setting of diamonds: That is the main part again, if you opt for one big stone, you can for solitaire or Tiffany setting. If you have smaller stones, then you can cluster a shape or even mix the smaller clusters around the main, big solitaire.

Shape of ring: Keep in mind your hand shape, length of fingers and what shape of ring would look best on your fingers, before finalizing a ring.

The same rules apply when buying diamond rings for both brides and grooms, just that the shape of the diamond is not much of a concern for the groom as mostly it is the square setting and shape.

A couple can also opt for platinum bands if they prefer or even get it personalized by engraving their initials or date or place tbey met.

What do you think? Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Introduction & All About Mumbai Bridal Diaries

Introduction & All About Mumbai Bridal Diaries

Hi guys,

If you read my previous post, I mentioned about this new bridal one-stop destination on my blog ‘Mumbai Bridal Diaries

Your beauty, fashion & jewellery needs are sorted. Let me help you for all your bridal needs. If you are from Mumbai, I have posts on where to buy your outfits from. I will do more on the best makeup artists, photographers, etc.

Together we will make your ‘perfect wedding’ a dream come true. Your ‘special day’ will be all the more special. So what are you waiting for?

Subscribe to my blog’s email updates and also follow me on my social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat) for similar such updates 🙂

All Shops, One Site: Shopalike.in

All Shops, One Site: Shopalike.in

Hi guys,

I came across this new website recently, shopalike.in. It brings together items from all the websites at one place. It basically is one common platform to shop everything from all websites and check all the available items online at one place together.

They have all the websites under one roof from Amazon, Jabong to Flipkart, Snapdeal, etc. Website is divided into categories like Men, Women, Children, Shoes, Beauty, Watches, Accessories, etc.

The website is very easy to navigate and the sub-categories within every category are very helpful. For e.g. within dresses, there are sub-categories i.e. dresses divided by occasion, length, style, colors, brands, sizes, patterns, price, shops, material, etc. This makes shortlisting dresses very easy & you can shop quickly as per your requirements.

There is also a separate ‘Sale’ section where all the offers and discounts from various websites are clubbed together. I really loved browsing the website and even tried shopping and it was a breeze.

Their tagline goes ‘EVERYTHING. MILLIONS OF PRODUCTS. EASY. DON’T SEARCH, FIND! AFFORDABLE. GET THE BEST DEALS’ perfectly describes the website. They also have their own app for Windows, Android and iOS phones, so you can also browse and shop anywhere and on the go.

Absolutely recommend checking out Shopalike.in, it will definitely make your online shopping experience a breeze.

Have you checked out Shopalike.in?

Givenchy Makeover: Soft Night Time Makeup Look

Givenchy Makeover: Soft Night Time Makeup Look

Hi guys,

A few days ago I met Ajoy Sengupta, the National Training Head for Givenchy and MUFE. I went for a makeover and he did this peachy and plum soft, night time look on me as I wanted something light. We went with a coral lip which matched my outfit.

I have a complete video on this makeover here..

Products used on me:

Lips 
Liner #3
La rouge #302 hibiscus rose

Eyes
Liner couture black
Magic Khol #7 waterline- Nude golden to open up the eyes
Magic khol #3 lash line
Noir couture mascara

Ombré couture #2- Cream eye shadow as a base
Caresse 1- Peach shade and highlighter
Inattendue 3- Plum shade

Face
Hydra sparkling sap serum
Hydra sparkling lotion for combination skin
Hydra sparkling eye gel

Acti’mine # 6 peach ( primer)
Teint couture foundation #5
Mister light #5

And here is my pic with Ajoy Sengupta.

I hope you liked the look, do let me know in the comments below.

#DonateASelfie to Spread Love & Cheer

#DonateASelfie to Spread Love & Cheer

Hi guys,

Today I am talking about something which we do all the time these days i.e taking selfies! Everywhere I see people taking selfies or clicking pics with family and friends, smart phones have made our life really easy.

I remember when I was in college, people used to hardly have phones forget phones with camera. Then the camera phones were introduced and I was so happy! I used to have more than 1000 pics in my phone in those times when the memory was also restricted. I always loved clicking pictures and when I first bought my camera, I used to take it along on all my family and friends’ picnics or college festivals or for every friend’s birthday. We used to celebrate every friend’s birthday in the group with surprises being planned days before and then the venue, cake and what to do the entire day. It was so much fun and I have all the pictures captured in my albums thanks to my camera.

Even though most of us had smart phones, the quality of the camera was not upto the mark to capture special moments and hence I had to lug around my digital camera with me all the time. Not that I am complaining, when I look back at the pictures, I get lost in the memories and feel so happy.

And the problem with having everyone in the picture being to find someone to click it or use a timer but then you don’t know if all are fitting in the frame. Thanks to the technology, we got new phones and with front camera where we can click our own pictures without being dependent on someone.

The latest phones not only have an amazing rear camera, but an equally powerful and competent front camera too, case in point being the new Asus Zenfone Selfie. It has 13MP front camera and front flash, and it is the first in this category I believe.

Asus has this #DonateASelfie campaign where they made this video capturing selfies of people of different age, genre and with their friends and family. I won’t lie, this video made me shed a tear, it is one of the most beautifully captured video I have seen in a long time.


I have a very special selfie moment too. On the day of my wedding, when my friends came to greet me on the stage, we managed to click a selfie and it turned out so amazing. It is one of my favourite pictures yet, and even though I have more than 700 pictures from my wedding, this selfie will always be special and hold an important place in my life.

I donate this selfie to my husband and my friends for always being there for me, no matter what. And this picture shows the happiness, smiles and the bond we all share beautifully.

Have your donated your selfie yet? Share your favourite selfie on any social media with #DonateASelfie

Asus #HarPalHappiness Offer This Diwali

Asus #HarPalHappiness Offer This Diwali

Hi Guys,

Diwali is around the corner and it is one festival where a lot of exchange of gifts take place. We receive many gifts and give out many, though most of the times the gifts are cliché and not something necessarily useful for the person.

I always believe in gifting people something they would actually like and use, rather than something which would get piled up in the showcase for years.

I had gifted by husband a new phone few months ago but unfortunately his phone got stolen 1-2 weeks ago and currently he is using one of my old phones. I was planning to gift him a new phone this Diwali as it is the perfect timing. I am so glad Asus India has come up with this amazing offer this Diwali!!

Asus India is brightening up lives this Diwali with the “Har Pal Happiness Offer”, where customers buying a ASUS Zenfone will get a chance to win Flipkart gift vouchers worth Rs.1,000 every hour. And, one lucky customer will also stand a chance to win gold vouchers worth Rs.25,000 every day! The offer is available HERE.

Now that’s a win win! I get to gift someone and make that person happy plus I win myself some vouchers too 😉 I don’t mind that at all.

Gift Yourself Happiness. Because if you gift an Asus mobile this Diwali, the chances are you’ll win a gift for yourself too! The offer ends on 11th November, so make sure you utilize the offer soon.

I am definitely gifting one, are you??

#BlueBookFever- Bluestone.com

#BlueBookFever- Bluestone.com

Hi guys,

Bluestone.com has launched their New Blue Book. You ask what is it about. It’s a theme based jewellery lookbook/style guide which consists of different lines of Bluestone.com jewellery along with pictures, styling and all other details. The Blue Book is based on 3 themes – WEDDING BELLS, COSMO CULTURE and LOVELORE.

About BlueStone: BlueStone is India’s leading online jewellery brand that houses high quality fine jewellery in exquisite designs. With a user-friendly shopping experience, BlueStone is a one stop destination for everything jewellery, given any occasion. Established in 2011, BlueStone has built a large family of loyal consumers both in India and abroad. Some of the investors being Ratan Tata, Kalaari Capital and Accel Partners. A vertically integrated firm, BlueStone prides itself on an excellent customer service and distinctive craftsmanship.

BlueStone houses more than 3000 unique designs for an individual to choose from. These designs are crafted to perfection with utmost care for our customers who also have the flexibility to customize the product’s gold colour or diamond clarity to suit their needs.

With an in-house award-winning design team that pays great attention to detail, each piece is a symbol of perfection. Also, with its cutting edge innovation and latest technology usage, BlueStone makes sure the brilliance is well reflected in all its jewellery. The company offers some of the industry first options to its customers like the 30 Day Money Back Policy, Lifetime Exchange on all its products, BlueFew Loyalty Programme and Free Home Try On.

The brand BlueStone stands for “Pure Jewellery For Real Love” – a wide range of contemporary jewellery to trigger spontaneous expressions of love appropriate to every moment in a real relationship. We believe that the need for jewellery is a cry for romance, and jewellery is best bought in a close huddle with your loved one.

About The Peacock Collection: (Check on their site HERE)

Name: Blue Feather Collection

Tag Line: From the Royal Gardens

Inspiration: “Since we are all royal, in our own special ways.”

About ‘The Blue Book’: BlueStone celebrates the launch of Blue Book, a contemporary, stylish and a gorgeous Look Book that aims to showcase how the jewellery can be worn in the trendiest manner. The Blue Book, as we love to call it is a one of a kind jewellery style guide that will make sure you look a stunner from dawn to dusk! After seeing this, you may want to change your outfit “but not our jewellery”! This Blue Book captures the essential jewellery style guides for three occasions… Festive, Romance and Work Wear.

I received this super cute hamper from Blue Stone. It has adorable love notes, two packs of King and Queen cards, joint coaster, diary, The Blue Book and this pendant and earrings from the new Peacock collection.

I loved the designs, presentation, styling of The Blue Book, one of my favourite looks is this one..

And how adorable are these pendant and earrings from the peacock collection..

Here is how I styled the jewellery..

You can check out The Blue Book online here or follow them on their social media to know more about The Blue Book and the new collections.

 Online Blue Book – http://www.bluestone.com/bluebook.html

 Facebook – https://facebook.com/bluestonejewels

 Twitter – https://twitter.com/bluestone_com

 Instagram – https://instagram.com/bluestone_com/

 Pinterest – https://in.pinterest.com/bluestonedotcom/blue-book-first-edition/ (The Blue Book Board)

 Have you shopped from Blue Stone yet? Did you like this new Peacock collection and The Blue Book edition?

OOTD: Denim Shirt Dress, Cute Animal Ballet Flats

OOTD: Denim Shirt Dress, Cute Animal Ballet Flats

Hi guys,

I went to attend the Swatch Fall Winter 2015 Collection Preview at Out of The Blue last week. This is what I wore to the event.

It’s a simple blue denim shirt dress. I love the fact that it is so easy to wear and you can just throw that on whenever and wherever without thinking much or when you are confused on what to wear, coz A) Denim always works B) Shirt dresses are quite IN C) It is very comfortable D) The drawstring at the waist defines your waist and body E) It has pockets! (Duh..you need any more reasons? :p)

I had initially thought of pairing them with my white Vans canvas shoes, but then I couldn’t find them in a hurry and went for my current favourites, these super cute adorable animal ballet flats. It has a kitten on one shoe and a puppy on the other, the contrast makes it all the more cuter 😀 And since these are black and white, they would work with a lot of outfits. The fact that they cost less than $4 makes it all the more good :p Though shipping cost would be added, I have mentioned the links below. But white canvas shoes would definitely look great too, coz white always works with denims.

When I posted this pic on Instagram, most of you asked me about my shoes, so here you go 🙂

I paired it with my orange bucket bag, though it is not seen in the pictures here. And wore this gold watch from the new Swatch F/W 2015 collection.

Dress: StalkBuyLove
Shoes: http://bit.ly/1NJLKG6
Watch: Swatch

On my Lips: Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stain Mauve Dusk

Location: Out Of The Blue, Bandra

Clicked by: Karishma Rawat

I hope you liked this simple shirt dress, do let me know in the comments below 🙂