So I went to the Bata Store at Viviana Mall which is the largest Bata showroom in Asia! Its hugee.
Bata stocks all the brands of shoes outside Bata and Marie Claire too, they had a huge variety in each section. They also have lots of bags now. I wanted to gift mom one bag and I was spoilt for choice, got so many options and ended up confused.
I loved the sunglasses,belts and scarves too. From mirrored to normal aviators to so many different designs.
Love the studded ballerinas
How cute are those small bags!
I wanted to buy flat shoes for I have to walk a lot during my 1st half of the honeymoon. So I got these mint slip ons, they are so so comfortable, I don’t feel like I am wearing any shoes at all coz they just adjust to the shape of my feet. Also I was searching for these floral sneakers and finally found them! I love them! <3
Shoe Making Process
I got this red Celine inspired Marie Claire bag for me. How small and cute is it. Plus I loved the bright red.
The studded ballerinas and the tan studded bag were my favourites. Loved the mirrored sunglasses too. There was a clearance sale size wise. Its an huge store where you will find everything you need related to shoes. Also the formal shoes collection was really good.
Have you checked out any new Bata stores recently or shopped from Bata?
5 Simple Tips That Can Make Online Saree Shopping Easy and Fun
Guest Post
Going Saree Shopping? Wait a minute. Have you decided on the type of saree you would want to pick? If yes, it is within your budget? And above all, where are you planning to buy it from? Answer all of these questions and you still have a few more at the back of your mind.
Online Saree shopping can make things a lot easier. With an extensive range of Sarees in store, you are most likely to end up with one that you have been looking for. Online stores are also known to offer heavy discounts throughout the year.
However, if you have never shopped online before, things might seem a bit tough. Here are 5 simple tips that can make online Saree Shopping Easy and Fun.
Compare them all
Go to Google and simply type in, “Best Online Saree Store”. You will be left with innumerable options to choose from. A slight comparison can help you pick the right one. This is when online testimonials can largely supplement your research.
Browse till you get it
Once you have chosen an online store, it’s time to browse through the collection. It may take a few minutes, or may be an hour if there’s something too precise you are looking for. But, that’s ok. After all, you would not like to pick something that’s not on your list, would you?
Discounts make you happy
Find out if the Saree you have chosen is eligible for a discount. Some online Saree stores let you apply a specific discount coupon code to every purchase you make. Interestingly, a few discounts are capable of saving you up to 40% on your total purchase value, which is truly amazing. While checking out, you will be prompted to use coupon codes, in case you have any. If you do, simply enter them in the space provided, and the discount will be applied to the final cost.
Use your credit card, why not?
Those not fully aware of the online transaction mechanism are of the opinion that online payments are risky. Well, not so. Online stores have highly secured systems in place ensuring complete security of every transaction made over the network.
Don’t worry, get it replaced
If for some reason you are not quite satisfied with the delivered product, you can always apply for a refund. However, it is crucial that you do it within the refund period set by the store.
Online stores nowadays offer wide range of exclusive and designer sarees from leading fashion designers. Hence you have a plethora of collection to choose from. So, when you can shop online sitting right in your couch comfortably and at the same time surf various sites for your desired saree, why to drive miles and hunt for stores outside? However, you also save a huge amount of time and of course a lot more extra bucks. Indeed online Saree shopping was never so easy and fun.
What the Company claims: Kumkumadi Taila in it’s purest form. Ideal for facial massage.
For normal to dry skin
Prescribed in Ayurveda as a ‘Miraculous Elixir’ for the skin, Kumkumadi is an absolute classic! This revered formulation contains pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs that have been relied upon through the ages to lighten and brighten the complexion. It evens skin tone, clears blemishes, minimises fine lines and surface imperfections and also helps improve skin’s texture.
Usage: Take a few drops on your fingertips, massage gently into skin using upward, outward movements. Best to use after cleansing and toning. Regular application gives a luminous complexion. Massage is recommended once or twice a week.
Ingredients: Pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs
MRP: Rs.995/- for 10ml
I love using facial oils i.e. a mix of essential oils or herbs,etc. I had heard a lot about Kumkumadi Tailam which is an old ayurvedic preparation and many brands have their own version of it. It is basically sold in almost every store down south.
I tried this Iraya Kumkumadi facial oil and here are my views on it.
It comes in a small blue tinted glass bottle with a dropper packaging. I have been using this every night since a little more than 2 weeks now, around 3 weeks.
It does not have a strong or pungent smell as I had heard with other Kumkumadi oils. Its almost transparent with a slight brown tint. You need just 2-3 drops of it. I warm it well by rubbing on my palms and fingers and massage on my face for about a minute.
After the Parachute Art of Oiling event, we learnt some new facial and head massage techniques. I used to do 1-2 of those for a few seconds every night with this oil.
The oil gets absorbed quickly, there is hardly anything left after the massage. Next morning skin is supple and soft. Not one morning I have seen dry or flaky skin after waking up, even in this winters, thanks to this oil.
I have combination skin and dry cheeks and more so in winters, but this time I got no flaky or dull skin.
I got one pimple just 10 days before the wedding which left a scar, but with regular use of this oil, it faded by 50-60% in a week or so.
I am going to continue using this especially all winters. I think this is the only product I would need at night during winters and I am sorted. No need of any other serums or night creams.
For summers if you live in a humid place, this might be tad bit oily. Also, for day time use, just use a drop, you can use 2-3 drops during night time.
I recommend this for oily skin too, can be used at night. It’s a myth that oily skin should not use facial oils. Facial oils are very very good and beneficial.
Overall, I would say its a must try. Since you need just 2-3 drops, 10 ml would last a long time and justifies the price tag too. Highly recommended! Only Iraya is not available everywhere is an issue. But online shopping has eased our lives.
Rating: 4.75/5
Have you ever tried Kumkumadi Tailam? Your views on it?
SKKY RESTROLOUNGE & BAR: SKKY is Ramada Powai’s signature restrolounge and bar, and one of the first rooftop dining experiences in Mumbai.
Embark on a culinary journey so unique and satisfying that you may just forget about the ambience of lush greenery and flowing waters, the surrounding hills that whistle with cool breezes and the sheer expanse of open skies and twinkling stars above you.
Tantalize your taste buds with a selection of Pan Asian cuisine, Gourmet Pizza, Middle-eastern delicacies and an absolutely divine dessert menu with handcrafted ice-creams, all of it complemented by a superb selection of domestic and international spirits, wines, signature cocktails & sundowners.
The perfect setting for a romantic evening, a celebration with family or office colleagues or to ask her the magic question.
Timings: 5 pm to 1 am For Table Reservations Call : 022 61998042
Last week I and fiancee went for dinner at the Skky Restrolounge at Ramada in Powai. Its an open restro lounge cum bar where people can just sit and relax and enjoy their drink in the pleasant breeze.
I loved the ambiance and setting. I ordered for a Passionfruit Martini which was just perfect. The y have a tab menu which is super easy to navigate, though its not updated and few things were missing from the tab menu.
We were served the Spicy Veg Bean Curd Soup to start with. I did not like it much, it was kinda ok.
Followed by the Spicy Tofu in Garlic Tomato Chilly Sauce. Loved it. The tofu was soft enough and the sauce was also amazing.
Followed by Kamal Kakdi (Lotus Stem) ke Shaami Kabab served with garlic sauce. They were soft and nice, the melt in your mouth kinds. I loved the garlic sauce especially. It went well with the kababs.
Since they had a dimsum festival going on, we were given 2 pieces each of 3 different kinds of dimsums. Served with the three sauces of dimsums. I really liked 1-2. The stuffing was well cooked and seasoned and it was perfectly steamed.
And the final main course was Braised Green Shao Hsing Wine Noodles, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice served with Wok Tossed Soba Veg. I really liked the noodles. Rice though did not have enough burnt garlic flavour. The Wok veg. were ok. What I did not like is, we had to wait for a long long time for the main course and by that time we did not feel like having much.
But the saviour was the desserts. Amazing ice cream platter and flavours which I tried the first time. Dulce De Leche,Green Tea, Lemon and Paan flavoured ice creams. They were absolutely yumm. Definitely recommend trying out ice creams here.
And I also tried chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. The brownie was also gooey and perfect. Desserts and the cocktails,mocktails are an absolute hit here!
I liked the fact that they are pretty reasonably priced and are quite economical for the variety and ambiance.
Overall, I would say its the perfect setting and good food. I did not try the pizzas which I should have, maybe next time. The dimsums, tofu and noodles were good. Their Pan Asian cuisine and desserts is what I would definitely recommend.
Have you been to Skky Restrolounge & Bar at Ramada Powai ?
P.S: I was invited for review but that has not affected my opinion as you can read.
Last giveaway of the year 2014. A lot will change now, I will be married 😀 So tom is the mehendi and this is probably the last post for now. I have quite a few scheduled posts for you guys.
I am doing this small giveaway where we will have 2 winners. One winner will win the makeup by day look stuff and one will win the makeup by night stuff.
Prizes for each winner:
Lakme Absolute Colour Illusion Limited Edition Nail Paint worth Rs.200/-
Lakme Absolute Illusion Eyeshadow worth Rs.750/-
Lakme Absolute Gloss Stylist worth Rs.700/-
This time it’s open internationally. It starts today and ends on 31st December i.e. last day of the year. All the rules in the Rafflecopter widget. Please complete all the mandatory entries to qualify for the giveaway.
Good Luck 🙂 See you all soon. I would be updating my social media with pictures from my wedding and honeymoon, so do follow me there 🙂
P.S: This giveaway is NOT sponsored by Lakme.
Update: I am really very sorry as I could not announce the giveaway as this got over when I had met with an accident and was hospitalized. I was caught up with other things later on. The winners have been announced and they are Simar Chugh and Praseena.
Simar wins the Makeup by Day set and Praseena wins the Makeup by Night set.
So I had ordered for a beautiful beige lace maxi dress with a deep V back for my DJ function which is on 4th Dec but it has still not arrived :/
Hence,my 2nd option is this pretty black lace dress. This dress is perfect for a party, including a formal party, or a late night event, etc. Its formal and pretty at the same time.
The length needs some altering I believe, would check.
I paired it with my favourite Colorbar Darkened Summer Lipstick in Wild Mauve and gold dangling earrings with hair on one side. I intend to go for side swept curls for the function.
I don’t usually like cap sleeves coz it makes the arms look fatter which is also my problem area.
A gold cuff in one hand and black gold studded gladiator heels to finish the look. I might go for my Dune London shoes, still thinking. I plan to change into my red polka dots Wills Lifestyle knee length dress (which I had shared on my Instagram and twitter) later while dancing 😀
It’s time to announce the winners. Few points I would like to mention here:
1. I know of people who had unfollowed after giveaways in the past and now followed again. Unfollowing after a giveaway leads to disqualification from participating in future giveaways. So they won’t be considered.
2. Those who have already won the Ziveg giveaway on other blog would not be considered for the Ziveg prize since everyone deserves a fair chance to win! But if they have participated in Silvette giveaway too separately, they would surely be considered for that.
Congrats all of you! Please mail me your details to bhumika_thakkar@yahoo.co.uk and only mail. Do not send me your details on the facebook page, twitter DM, instagram DM as I have no time to sit and compile different winners’ details.
I have another giveaway coming up which would last a long time and I would be announcing it tom! See you 🙂
Update: Since one winner did not reply, we have chosen a new winner in her place.
DR. JAMUNA PAI OF BLUSH CLINICS SHARES ESSENTIAL TIPS AND QUICK FIXES TO GET A RADIANT GLOW FOR THE PARTY SEASON
P.S: I don’t generally publish press releases unless I feel it is helpful and informative. This I felt was. 2-3 tips is what I myself loved and surely going to try out. Hope it helps some of you.
Skincare and grooming expert, cosmetic physician, Dr. Jamuna Pai of Blush Clinics is sharing essential tips and quick fixes to get a radiant glow for the winter party season.
Providing state of the art facilities for the first time in India to its clients, Blush Clinics by Dr. Jamuna Pai became an instant success right since its inception. The pioneering spirit in educating the layman about the various services and technology that cater to skincare has been their claim to fame.
Try these quick fix tips shared by the expert to avoid some minor beauty mishaps, from ruining the party fun.
HOME REMEDIES:
1) Dark circles: To conceal the dark circles quickly make a paste of 1 tsp milk powder, 1⁄2 tsp curd, 2 drops of lemon juice and 2 drops of honey. Apply the paste on the dark circles. Wait for 10- 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
2) Puffiness around the eyes : The major reasons for puffiness around the eyes are fluid retention, inadequate sleep, allergies and of course heredity. But it can be reduced considerably. As a quick fix for it wrap an ice cube in a soft cloth and apply to the under eye area for 5 minutes to reduce the swelling. You will see an immediate improvement. The other things that help in reducing the swelling are chilled gel masks, cucumber slices and cool damp cloth.
3) Dry lips: Put a thin film of moisturizer before applying the gloss. And apply a thick coat of gloss to hide the chapped lips.
4) Frizzy hair: Before washing your hair apply coconut milk, made from fresh grated coconut and leave it on your hair for 2 hours. This acts as a conditioner. Oiling the hair often also helps in making the hair less frizzy. Use anti- frizz serum on the hair just before you leave home.
5) Open pores or to tighten the skin: Use 2 egg whites. Whisk them till you get peaks. Add 2 drops of honey to this and spread over face and neck. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off.
6) Ageing hands: Remember to use a thin film of a foundation or concealer on the hands after doing your face. Hands always give the age.
7) Dry skin on the hands, around the nail cuticles and feet: Dry skin is a condition where skin loses its oiliness and it can be because of soaps, weather , heredity etc. It is very important to take care of the dryness because it can turn into deep cuts and hurt especially on the heels. The quick fix that you can try is mixing some milk cream with honey and massage for 20 minutes on all the dry areas. And after massaging wash it off with a mild soap.
MEDICAL QUICK FIXES:
Before we begin, do remember to only visit a trained and experienced doctor. It is of utmost importance that the medical practioner that you choose be well trained and adept in his/her field of work.
1) Acne scars: Under the advice of a doctor a mild microdermabrasion (skin polishing) or a very mild lactic acid peel done just once can lighten the marks. The marks can then be concealed with a concealer. Always use a concealer which is water resistant.
2) Brittle nails: If you have brittle or short nails you can experiment with acrylic nails or gel nails.
3) Fillers: A little dermal ( skin) filler in the laugh lines and the droop of the mouth will freshen it immediately giving you a much younger look.
4) Botox: Again by a trained doctor, does wonders in eliminating lines and freshening your looks.
5) Skin Boosters: Skin boosters like Restylane Vital work wonders in nourishing and hydrating tired, parched skin from within. It also minimizes the effects of photo damage. It is a clear gel that is injected just under the skin in small quantities to help it regain any lost volume, moisture and structure.
6) Skin tightening: Treatments like thermage ( heat being used to repair collagen and promote its growth). Non- surgical facelifts also show instant results.
7) Peels : Certain non- peeling peels like lactic acid peel give a fresh look in no time and as they are non-peeling they do not require any downtime either.
8) Microdermabrasion ( skin polishing) : Helps in removing dead skin cells and minimizing pore size.
9) In case of a sudden break out of small pimples or rash post a treatment or waxing– Don’t panic. Use a soothing lotion like calamine. If the rash has no pus, use desonide lotion on it just for one night. Take an allergy tablet like Allegra once a day. If there is pus in the pimple, use a dot of ‘multani mitti’ (fuller’s earth) on it overnight.
The Mumbai Bride Diaries: 5 Days to go,Bridal MUA,etc
Hey guys,
This would probably be my last bridal update for now 😀 Only 5 days left. Nervous/Excited/Sad/Happy. I have no idea, its a mixed bag. I just hope everything goes smooth and well.
On 4th Thursday is the DJ cum mehendi function and on 6th Saturday is the final D Day. I won’t be too active on the blog after 1-2 days, though I have some scheduled posts for you all. I would be updating my social media in between. So, do follow me on Facebook , twitter and Instagram. Also another exciting giveaway coming up.
Coming to my Bridal Makeup Artist, well it was a thing I had not revealed since a long time, but now the time is perfect!
Yes, it is none other than the Bridal Makeup Expert Cory Walia!!! I think everyone knows who Cory Walia is and he needs no introduction. Still if you do, read on :p
About Cory Walia: Having been in the industry for 25 years now, Cory is a name much renown in the bridal makeup space and is hence on board for one of India’s leading make up brands – Lakmé. Having styled Kareena Kapoor for the recently concluded Lakmé fashion week Winter/Festive Grand Finale, he is a part of Lakme’s conceptualized team of experts popularly called as ‘The Absolute Bridal Dream Team’ that creates the most exquisite and sort after bridal looks this wedding season. the club comprises two of the best names in couture and makeup – Manish Malhotra and Cory Walia.
I am of course excited and can’t wait to see what Cory has in store for me and how the final look would turn out to be. I am sure it would be good. This bridal season ‘Gloss’ is in,so let’s see what he comes up with.
Also if you are a bride to be, participate in the Bridal Dream Team Contest HERE, so that you too can get a chance to get your bridal makeup by the Celebrity Makeup Artist Cory Walia, or maybe win an outfit byManish Malhotra!
P.S: Services of Cory Walia are provided by Lakme but that does not in any way affect my opinion on the service,brand or the products.
What’s up with you guys ? 😀 I still can’t believe I would be married in 5 days O_o
IndiaMART, India’s largest online marketplace, today rolled out its new brand campaign featuring Irrfan Khan, and driving the core message as ‘Kaam Yahin Banta Hai’. The objective is to create extensive awareness among masses on the wide opportunities that the platform offers to the buyers across the globe, who could easily find sellers across different product categories, by simply logging on to IndiaMART.
Conceptualized by McCann, the 360 degree initiative is set to integrate Print, TV, Radio, Outdoor and a digital mix of social media – Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. It primarily focuses on the new age buyer, who demands hassle-free buying, either to fulfill his business or personal requirements.
The TVC provides an illustration behind the key communication ‘Kaam Yahin Banta Hai’. It showcases the award winning actor Irrfan Khan as a well informed, smart and new-age employee of a manufacturing house, who is pretty confident that all his key requirements could be fulfilled through IndiaMART effortlessly, whether it involves ordering of fabric, office furniture, buttons used in manufacturing of shirts, or air conditioners, etc. Each time Irrfan needs to order something, he merely plays a tune and accomplishes his task before one may even know, thereby implying that finding the relevant suppliers/ sellers is as quick and easy on IndiaMART as playing your favourite tune. The film signs off with the brand thought “Indiamart.com – Kaam yahn banta hai”.
According to Sumit Bedi, Vice President – Marketing, IndiaMART, “We are extremely thrilled to roll out our first multi-media campaign, which focuses on increasing the brand awareness for IndiaMART, and also aims at establishing a stronger connect with the buyers. According to a recent global research, businesses spend 52% of their time in identifying the right business partners. This is where IndiaMART comes into the picture. A move in this direction, the TVC seeks to highlight the fact that IndiaMART allows buyers to shorten the time they spend in doing the same and find genuine sellers with help of just a click.”
Sumit adds, “Our brand thought ‘Kaam yahin banta hai’ perfectly captures the essence of IndiaMART and how it has made possible for businesses to get their work done in no time. Irrfan has lent realism to our brand, with his extremely effective style of communicating messages, with which a common man is able to connect. Along with this, I am confident that the right blend of mass media channels would ensure that we reach out to all and clearly convey what we stand for.”
Presently home to more than 15 lac sellers and hosting over 3.5 crore products, IndiaMART has been successfully helping millions of buyers fulfill their needs, whether business or personal.
“The campaign captures the USP of IndiaMART which is convenience – ease of buying”, says Aneesh Jaisinghani – ECD, McCann Group. He adds, “The TVC is targeted at the smart buyers who are looking for a much reliable, quick & effective solution for all their key buying requirements. It establishes the fact that IndiaMART is their first choice”.
Keeping upbeat with the hashtag trend, a massive digital campaign was held around Twitter (http://bit.ly/1yo0akq) and Facebook (http://on.fb.me/11mGUZr) page of IndiaMART earlier in the week, asking people to share their favourite #aaramkitune (tune that relaxes them the most) and enabling IndiaMART create the longest playlist of Aaram ki tunes. The contest was a precursor to the main TVC, where Irrfan Khan plays his aaram ki tune while buying through IndiaMART.
