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Veg & Non Veg Delicacies at South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai, Indian Food Blogger, Mumbai Food Blogger

Veg & Non Veg Delicacies at South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai

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Veg & Non Veg Delicacies at South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai

South Indian cuisine is what you will find anywhere and everywhere from a local small udipi to a nice restaurant. One can always find the idlis and dosas at the start of the menu mostly. Also coz they are light enough to work as snacks in between, whenever one is hungry.

Some of my favourite South Indian restaurants in Mumbai are Mani’s Lunch Home and Hotel Ramashray at Matunga, Cafe Madras at King’s Circle (yes the entire area had majority South Indian crowd before and hence more restaurants here) Being a Podarite, I have been a frequent at all these places, like every week or even everyday when we studied at the library in college.

Some other good restaurants in Matunga itself are Anand Bhavan,Sharda Bhavan, Idli House, Ramanayak, Shree Sundars. There is Vishwa Bharti and Kirti Mahal at Mulund, Gora Gandhi at Borivali, Babulnath Dosa Centre at Marine Lines. Few chain of restaurants all over Mumbai which are also pretty decent are The Banana Leaf,Sankalp, Tambi,etc..

When it comes to favourite delicacies, I have quite a lot of favourites..

1. Mysore Masala at Mani’s Lunch Home

You have to try this, delicious, super filling and easy on the pockets. Though finding a seat at Mani’s is difficult and all the restaurants in Matunga are closed on Mondays is what you need to remember :p

2. Sheera, Butter Idli and Filter Coffee at Ramashray

So there is no fixed menu here for sheera and when you place the order for sheera, you get the flavour of the day. It can be pineapple,apple or plain or some other flavour. But its super yumm and a must try. Butter idli here is melt in your mouth, you will not be required to chew it. And the filter coffee is the authentic South Indian filter coffee.

3. Cheese Chilli Uttapam at Sankalp

If you are like me who loves spicy food, this uttapam is going to make you cry 😀 A perfect combination of cheese and chillies on your very own uttapam

4. Kanchipuram Idli at Gora Gandhi

I love this masala idli with peas and cashews on top, coconut and hint of masalas..for those who don’t like their idlis bland 😀

Though I am a vegetarian and have not tried any non veg. dishes obviously, some of my friends love their Chicken Chettinad, Kheema in Coconut Curry, Squid Fry and Prawns. But most of these small udipis and restaurants serve only veg. food, though there are quite a few Konkani restaurants where you get all of these sea food and many more options.

What is your favourite South Indian delicacy? And favourite South Indian restaurant in Mumbai?

P.S: Images from Google

My Experience at the L’Occitane Spa La Vie,Mumbai

Experientals, L'Occitane, Reviews, Salons and Spas, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My Experience at the L’Occitane Spa La Vie,Mumbai

About: Live the Spa Life.. live Spa Vie by L’OCCITANE.

Welcome to an 8000 sqft Mediterranean Wellness Sanctuary in a magnificent standalone building hidden away but yet right in the heart of the hustle bustle of South Mumbai. Come escape to our Water ensconced Lounge before or after your treatment, indulge in Provencal inspired rituals on a heated stone Hammam bed, pamper the body and the face with our Shea from Burkina Faso and Immortelle from Corsia, enjoy well-being soaking ceremonies in free standing Bathtubs in every treatment room, feel refreshed in your private steam chamber after a revitalizing signature aromachologie massage, spend soulful moments in the VIP Couple’s Suites, host an intimate Spa Soiree with your friends and embrace freshness with the 20 feet living Green Wall in the Spa courtyard.

This post is long long due, I had been to L’Occitane Spa La Vie at Lodha Bellissimo in Jan. The entrance of the spa itself is beautiful and the entire area so quiet and nice.

Just after the reception area, there is this long sofa and comfortable chairs, a fabulous seating area. An artificial small pond Faux De Provence created on the side. Opposite to the seating area are all L’Occitane products which you can check out and/or buy.

Services and Rates

I filled up a questionnaire which had basic questions about my health and my problem areas. My problem areas were the back and neck mostly coz of working whole day on the computer. I was suggested the Relaxing Aromachologie Massage which is a mix of Swedish, Accupressure and Balinese techniques.

MRP: Rs.3250/-

Duration: 60mins

I was offered ginger tulsi green tea and a hot compress. My shoes were changed and I was given a pair of osho slippers. I visited the entire spa and all the different rooms. L’Occitane Spa La Vie is the only spa in Mumbai to have hammam too. They also have a separate room for a spa party where 6 people can enjoy being pampered at a time..perfect idea for a bride and her bridesmaids.

The couples’ room is also amazing and spacious with a bath tub and the option of a common bathroom too.

I was given a white bathrobe to change and my feet and legs were washed at first. Then the massage started with the hands and then the therapist moved towards the legs. After which I had to turn around and she concentrated on the back and neck. I can’t even describe how relaxing and nice it was. I had dozed off to sleep, though she was asking in between if the pressure was fine and bearable. She had also sprayed a pillow mist which smelled so awesome, that it immediately relaxes and induces one to sleep.

Hammam- See the showers at the top

RELAXING PILLOW MIST: Associating the tranquilizing virtues of essential oils natural 100% (lavender, tea tree and geranium) and an extract of flower of linden tree, this pillow mist calms tensions and soothe nerves. Its aromatic fragrance helps ease away stress and anxiety and promotes a peaceful, repairing sleep! (Surely buying it next!)

 

I have no idea when the 60 minutes passed and I was like why 🙁 I wanted it to go on and on 😀 I was given the option of having a bath but the therapist suggested to let the oils stay on the skin for them to get absorbed and hence I kept them.

It was a serene and calming experience. Highly recommend it to everyone. Book an appointment today at LoveOfSpa.com

Rating: 4.5/5

Have you been to L’Occitane Spa La Vie? Share your experience below.

P.S: Services were provided by the brand but it has not affected my opinion.

Summer Sunglasses Trends 2015

Accessories, Fashion, Shopping, Sunglasses, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Summer Sunglasses Trends 2015

Come summers, sunglasses become an essential. It is very important to protect our eyes and the skin around from the sun’s harsh rays. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest in our body, so proper protection and care for the eyes are a MUST. While these days, there are so many different styles and designs doing the rounds, you can choose what suits your fancy.

Some trends still continue from 2014, while some styles are new additions in 2015. Lets see some sunglasses trends in 2015.

2014 was all high on cat eye, animal print and geeky glasses. Some trends we see right now and would see more of, in 2015 are:

1. Mirror glasses

Be it round frames,aviators or wayfarers, its all about mirror glasses and high reflecting mirror in blue,green,gray that is 😀 Its all about eye catching statement you see

2. Round frames

Yes, those Gandhi/John Lennon frames are all IN. From geeky to mirrored to the fancy designs, anything in round frames is trendy. and round + mirror is the bomb!

3. Soft Cat Eye

Cat eye glasses are still trendy this season but not the elongated cat eye as before, a soft,slight cat eye.

4. Elegant Details

Gold mesh detailing,swarovski, gold studs, etc,.are all the elegant details added by the designers to vary the look of the glasses.

5. Retro

Thicker rims and metal frames give the glasses a retro look which is also quite trendy nowadays.

6. Wooden and Denim frames

The latest trend just IN is wooden and denim frames..I think they look pretty cool. From light to dark and round to square, all kinds of wooden frames. And so in denim too. Check out this round denim frames, how amazing do they look!

If you don’t like to experiment much, stick to aviators and wayfarers according to your face shape. Check out some elite sunglasses easily available online these days and make a fashion statement this summers!

What is your favourite summer sunglasses trend?

P.S: Images from Google

OOTD: Geek Chic

Accessories, Bata, Daniel Wellington, Fashion, Jewellery, OOTD, Travel, Watches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OOTD: Geek Chic

Hey guys,

An OOTD again, the last one from Hong Kong. We went for the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car at Lantau Islands in Hong Kong. Its a 5.7km long bi-cable car system which connects from Tung Chung MTR station to Ngong Ping Village. Ngong Ping Village is home to Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha which is an 112 ft bronze seated Buddha Statue.

The cable car experience was fun, it seemed never ending and was on a huge huge height with a lake in between, and a small station halt.

I wore this ‘Geek’ tee with my black skirt and my trusted favourite blazer.

Pairing it with my Daniel Wellington watch,Ray Bans and 2-3 bracelets stacked together. And of course, my super comfortable Bata slip ons.

Tee: Romwe
Shoes: Bata (Also seen HERE)
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Sunglasses: Ray Ban (Also seen HERE)

I hope you liked it..do let me know in the comments below 🙂

Lakme Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Lakme, Lipsticks, Makeup, New Launches, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lakme Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Wow,that’s quite a mouthful 😀 Remember I told you about this new launch by Lakme HERE

What the Company claims: Lakme Absolute’s latest range of high definition Sculpt lipsticks has arrived! One stroke of contoured perfection is all you need to get a chiseled, long wear experience with a rich matte finish. Available in 15 dramatic shades (the brightest shades so far in the Absolute range), Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipstick is your go-to professional product that provides nothing less than an expert finish.

Key Features:

  • High colour pay-off in one stroke
  • Matte texture and finish
  • Long lasting formula
  • Highly recommended by Lakmé makeup experts
  • Most vibrant matte collection from Lakmé Absolute

HOW TO APPLY:

Step 1: Pull out the cap.
Step 2: Start applying from the centre of your upper lip.
Step 3: Work from the centre towards the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth.
Step 4: Glide across the entire bottom lip.

Price: Rs. 700 for 3.7g

Shades Available:

  • Peach Out
  • Maroon Magic
  • Pink Caress
  • Mauve Fix
  • Pink Me Up
  • Plum Shell
  • Coco Shot
  • Red Flames
  • Crimson Touch
  • Red Rush
  • Coral Flare
  • Burgundy Affair
  • Tangerine Lush
  • Rose Bloom
  • Pink Glam

I am reviewing the shade Pink Caress and Tangerine Lush today. The packaging is same as the Lakme Absolute Gloss Addict Lipsticks, silver body  with a transparent cap.

It is sturdy and travel friendly, while I was swatching the lipsticks, I thought maybe the lipstick bullet may come off since I was going over it quite a few times, but it is sturdy enough and stayed put 😀

It has a slight sweet artificial smell which I did not like, but it goes away in a minute or two, and does not hamper.

Coming to the finish and texture, I would say I LOVE it! Perfect matte finish,goes on smooth, does not dry out the lips and feels very very light on the lips.

Only thing is you need to swipe 2-3 times to get the perfect opaque coverage. It stays on for 6-7 hours with minimal fading and survives tea and light snacks. It is not completely transfer proof, but I guess that’s ok.

L-Pink Caress, R- Tangerine Lush

While the Lakme Absolute Gloss Addict Lipsticks were priced at Rs.800, I feel these are amazing comparatively at Rs.700. And with the quality these come with, I don’t mind the price at all since most of the new launches currently have been priced quite high by all the brands. (You know what I am talking about :D)

Up-Pink Caress, Down- Tangerine Lush

It is not as bright as it appears in the tube and swatches a bit different..both the shades are candy like and pretty young and vibrant

L-Pink Caress, R- Tangerine Lush

Pink Caress is a beautiful matte candy pink. My favourite of the two

Tangerine Lush is a medium orange,not to bright or neon or in your face. Quite wearable

Overall, I would say these are quite fabulous and I am in love with them! My current new love <3 Highly recommended!

Rating: 4.5/5

Also loving the shades Pink Me Up and Plum Shell.

Have you checked out the new Lakme Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks?

P.S: PR Samples.Honest Review.

Maybelline The Colossal Liner Black Review,Swatches

Eye Liners, Eye Makeup, Makeup, Maybelline, New Launches, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Maybelline The Colossal Liner Black Review,Swatches

What the Company claims: Enjoy eye catching intensity and flawless precision with the Maybelline New York Colossal Liner.
Designed to end all your application woes, the Maybelline New york Colossal liner features a 0.4 mm flexi tip applicator that gives you perfect error free lines. Empowered with the ink pigment technology, this colossal eye liner imparts smudge proof, fade- proof, intense color to your eyes. Its quick dry formula ensures a 12 hour staying power and quick application. Add this kajal to your vanity kit and enjoy stunningly beautiful eyes everyday.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Has the intensity of a kajal and defines like a liner
  • Customized Flexi Tip applicator ensures mistake-proof application
  • Smudge-free liner has an intense black finish
  • Lasts for up to 12 hours

Price: Rs. 425 for 1.2g (Bought it from Nykaa)

I am a big big fan of Maybelline HyperSharp Liner..you can see HERE. It is my go to liner and I use it everytime, so when Maybelline launched the New Colossal Liner, I was eager to try it out.

I am a thin eyeliner person, I usually go for kajal and when I line my eyes, its a thin line just for definition, rarely I go for a thick liner. So HyperSharp was kind of perfect for me since it is 0.05mm tip whereas this one has a 0.4mm tip. Many did not like HyperSharp as they prefer thick liner and had to go over again and again with HyperSharp, Colossal is your answer ladies. But with HyperSharp, I too had to go over atleast 2 times on the line.

It comes in a pen form with a cap, a thin, flexible tip which goes on easy and smooth on the eyes. In terms of intensity, it is a rich black. I believe a little more pigmented and rich than HyperSharp too.

It dries quickly and gives a nice wing and perfect definition for everyday. I need not go over 2-3 times with this as I had to with HyperSharp.

Comparison of Maybelline HyperSharp Liner and Maybelline The Colossal Liner

  • Both are prices at Rs.425 but Colossal liner offers 1.2g whereas HyperSharp had 0.5g
  • HyperSharp is thinner with a 0.05mm tip and The Colossal has a 0.4mm tip
  • The Colossal Liner is a bit more pigmented than HyperSharp

I like both of them, HyperSharp was a favourite untill now, but if I have to choose one, I will go with Colossal coz I think the pigmentation and intensity is better and also lining eyes is a little quicker with it. Price wise, Colossal Liner comes with more than double the quantity so it would last longer too.

It stays on for 7-8 hours with minimal smudging,but it is not waterproof. Comes off easily with water. Can be carried along anywhere and everywhere.

My new current favourite..absolutely recommend this! I hope they come up with many different shades in a similar pen format and tip with equally amazing pigmentation.

Rating: 5/5

Have you tried the new Maybelline Colossal Liner?

Summer Sunglasses Carnival by Lenskart.com

Fashion, Shopping, Site Reviews, Sunglasses, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Summer Sunglasses Carnival by Lenskart.com

About Lenskart: Lenskart is India’s leading online shopping portal for eyewear. With a country-wide reach including cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad, online shopping India has been made easy with Lenskart. You can order from a gamut of options ranging from sunglasses to eyeglasses to contact lenses for men and women. It provides a platform for people to spice up their life with the latest international runway trends at amazing prices. Lenskart is India’s online shopping portal that gives great discounts and amazing offers on a daily basis.

Guiding our customers through a hassle-free mode of purchase and payment, we provide a playful opportunity to shop online. Indulge in the addictiveness that Lenskart brings to online shopping India and choose your favourite frames, sunglasses or contact lenses from the huge collection of designer eyewear and get it delivered to your house in no time. With impressive sale and reviews, this is the place for you to shop online. Get addicted!

Sunglasses
Having stepped out of their functional role, Sunglasses are an important fashion accessory today. They don’t just shield your eyes from the glare caused by the sun but give you an oomph factor too. From celebrities to the whose-who of the society, everybody is crazy about sunglasses.

From sunglasses to eye glasses to contact lenses, all your eye needs can be taken care of at Lenskart.com

Come summers and we totally rely on our sunglasses. Its important too as our eyes and the skin around are the most sensitive part and we need to protect it from the scorching heat.

It’s just March and the heat is unbearable right now, I can’t even imagine April and May. I would recommend sunglasses and scarf to be worn by everyone. An umbrella too, if possible, but these two for sure to protect your eyes and head from the harsh rays.

You are in for a treat if you are planning on buying new sunglasses coz Lenskart.com is coming up with India’s biggest sunglasses carnival.

Lenskart is going to organize India’s biggest sunglasses carnival ever, more than 5,000 sunglasses are on attractive discounts including all top brands and how it’s strategically placed when the summers are just coming in, from 28th to 31st March

So, wait for the carnival on 28th March and stock on your sunnies from Lenskart 😀

L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfect Cream Age 20+ Review

L'oreal Paris, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfect Cream Age 20+ Review

Hey guys,

Remember the post about the new L’Oreal Skin Perfect Range I did HERE. It has three different creams in this range according to Age 20+,30+ and 40+.

I have been using the 20+ from about 40-45 days now and it’s time to review.

What the Company claims: Age 20+ Skin Perfect Range comprises of a day cream along with cleansing foam.Combined with Perlite and Salicylic Acid it helps keep oiliness, pimples and blemishes at bay through your twenties while giving you that perfect clear skin glow.

The 18g Cream is priced at Rs 99, 50 g Cream is priced at Rs 325

Ingredients:

It comes in both tube and glass jar packaging. I was using this tube one before I received the glass jar ones. I have been using the tube since 40-45 days and there is still some product left.

Really like the ease of use and carrying the tube provides, the glass jar is heavy and definitely not meant for travel.

Its off white in color and thick in texture. I love the floral talc like light smell. Since its a bit heavy, you need to blend this well on the skin or else it might leave a whitish cast or layer.

It gets immediately absorbed and settles (coz of the talc) and gives a nice brightening effect to the skin. (coz of perlite). Also the presence of salicylic acid would help acne at bay and niacinmide helps in lightening the scars to an extent.

It did not break me out and kept the skin matte and dry for atleast 4-5 hours.

Since most of the people in 20+ group are from the oily skin category, they have made the formula suited for oily skin. But if you are into your late 20’s and your skin is combination to dry, you will definitely not like this as a moisturiser and would need an additional one to moisturise the skin.

I use a moisturising sunscreen over this since only UV filters are not enough and cannot replace your sunscreen.

Overall, I would say its perfect for oily skin and late teens to early 20’s skin who need a moisturiser that is not heavy,absorbs easily and mattifies their skin. I am liking it this summers since its very hot and humid here and sometimes I just don’t want anything heavy or greasy on my face. Recommended! But not for dry skin unless you add a separate moisturiser which does not makes sense.

Rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfect Cream Age 20+,30+ or 40+?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

New Launch: Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks

Lakme, Lipsticks, Makeup, New Launches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Launch: Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks

This season, beauty will go high definition with Lakmé’s newest beauty statement: Sculpt. Anamika Khanna, the Grand Finale designer for Lakme Fashion Week, Summer Resort 2015, will inspire her collection from Sculpt. She has tried to play with the contrast between structure and fluidity and will showcase her take on Sculpt, which is seen as a major global trend. The product collection will be officially unveiled the same day, that is, March 22, the date for the Grand Finale i.e. today

This season Lakmé is all set to conquer the runway with ‘Sculpt’ as its biggest beauty statement for Summer/Resort 2015. Inspired by a fresh wave in high fashion around the globe and originating from architectural design play, ‘Sculpt’ emphasizes chiseled, contoured lips with Lakmé’s newest range of high-definition matte lip colors – Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Matte Lipstick.

This new collection of matte lipsticks comes in a stunning palette of rich plums, deep reds and feminine pinks to provide sculpted bold look for your lips. The 15 shades of this collection are highly pigmented, and express dimension and strength to help you feature your lips more prominently.

This unique Lakmé beauty statement for the season will be brought to life by internationally acclaimed designer Anamika Khanna at Lakmé Fashion Week – Summer/Resort 2015 Grand Finale. Known for her eclectic and non-traditional aesthetics, Anamika’s collection will be inspired by the colours and contours in line with the range of Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Matte Lipsticks.

Natasha Nischol, Lakmé makeup expert will collaborate with Anamika to craft this season’s most sought-after ‘Sculpted’ makeup looks on the models at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 Grand Finale.

Lakme Absolute’s latest range of high definition Sculpt lipsticks has arrived! One stroke of contoured perfection is all you need to get a chiseled, long wear experience with a rich matte finish. Available in 15 dramatic shades (the brightest shades so far in the Absolute range), Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipstick is your go-to professional product that provides nothing less than an expert finish.

Key Features:

  • High colour pay-off in one stroke
  • Matte texture and finish
  • Long lasting formula
  • Highly recommended by Lakmé makeup experts
  • Most vibrant matte collection from Lakmé Absolute

HOW TO APPLY:

Step 1: Pull out the cap.
Step 2: Start applying from the centre of your upper lip.
Step 3: Work from the centre towards the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth.
Step 4: Glide across the entire bottom lip.

Price: Rs. 700 for 3.7g

Shades Available:

  • Peach Out
  • Maroon Magic
  • Pink Caress
  • Mauve Fix
  • Pink Me Up
  • Plum Shell
  • Coco Shot
  • Red Flames
  • Crimson Touch
  • Red Rush
  • Coral Flare
  • Burgundy Affair
  • Tangerine Lush
  • Rose Bloom
  • Pink Glam

15 gorgeous shades! These Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks are launching tonight at the Grand Finale of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 and also launching are a range of new pen eyeliners and blushes.

Though the lipsticks are already out in the market and also available online on Flipkart. The lipstick you see on Kareena in the pic above is the shade Plum Shell..love that shade!

Have you checked the New Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks yet?

OOTD: Born on the Beach

Accessories, Fashion, OOTD, Travel, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OOTD: Born on the Beach

Hey guys,

I am back with an OOTD, this one is from my Andaman holidays. We had a private beach at our hotel in Havelock and I clicked lots of pics everyday there as were almost whole day on the beach i.e. till 4-4.30 after which it get dark there 🙁

But anyways, let’s come on to the OOTD. I had this aqua blue ‘Born On The Beach’ tee which I knew I want to and have to wear on my Andaman holidays 😀

I paired it with white shorts and my stack of bracelets.

Top: Romwe
Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters (Dubai)
Sunnies: Ray-Ban
Bracelets: Mix

I so miss my holidays, it was super relaxing and just perfect.

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