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How to Protect Your Shoes

Life is a journey and a journey of a thousand miles begins with shoes. I know that sounds a bit cheeky but when it comes to shoes I can’t help it. Let’s face it, new shoes make everyone happy. But keeping those new babies in shape can get tiresome. Being a shoe addict, I have my own shoe routine which I would like to share with all you lovely ladies. So let’s talk about the easy tips that can help protect your precious shoes and sandals.

A major problem when it comes to tending your shoes is finding the right product for your shoes. You need to save your shoes from the weather, travel, wear and tear from regular usage and so much more. So here’s a basic guide which will help you get started.

Shoe Stuffers: I recently came across a website which I can say is a shoe lover’s best friend. Protectmyshoes.com is an online store which sells a fashionable luxe line of shoe stuffers. A shoe stuffer helps maintain the shape of your shoes. A lot of time people use paper or shoe trees. But often they end up doing more harm than good. The tissue papers shred easily and the shoe trees stretch out your shoes. When travelling you often end up with deformed looking heels. Shoe stuffers by protectmyshoes.com are handmade, machine-washable and fit perfectly into any shoe design. They are a great addition to your shoe care kit and an essential when it comes to travelling. So say bye-bye to squished shoes, and hello stylish stilettos.

Fragrance Mist: Often when you end up wearing closed shoes you are afraid to take them off or pack them with the fear of stinky feet and shoes. Protect your shoes and keep them smelling great with a fragrance mist. Protectmyshoes.com has some great fragrance mists which will leave your shoes smelling great. All you need to do it spray some mist on the shoe stuffer as needed and place them in your shoes.

Shoe Protector Spray: This is a must have in any shoe care kit. Get an all weather protector spray. Spray your new shoes and leather shoes with a waterproof spray to keep them in pristine condition. Apart from this regularly clean and wipe your shoe to preserve them. If you have a leather shoe collection make sure you follow this routine religiously.

Protect and Brush Suede: Suede shoes are very delicate and attract a lot of dirt. This makes them look worn out after just a few uses. Invest in a good quality brush and clean your shoes regularly to get rid of any dirt or stains. Avoid going for a hard bristle brush for your delicate shoes. Once you clean your shoes don’t forget to protect them with a suede protector spray.

Leather Conditioning Cream: Leather is usually very durable but improper care or cleaning can damage it severely. Protect your leather shoes with a deep conditioning cream. A conditioning cream will help the leather maintain its shine and not get dry. Spray leather shoes with a water-repellent protective spray before using them in rain or high humidity.

What are the basic items in your shoe care kit? Let me know in the comments below.

What Makes a Blogger?

The internet is bursting with new bloggers every day. There are blogs about everything from food, fashion, travel, photography and technology. But what makes a blogger successful? What distinguishes a popular blog from the others? I am sure every blogger out there is talented. But it’s not just the writings or the photos that makes a successful blogger, especially when it comes to being a fashion blogger. You need something apart from your clothes and writing. It’s the tools and sense of style which makes you a better blogger.

Every blogger worth a penny out there has some tips and advice on how to get started, how to become successful. But I believe that whichever niche you are blogging about you need 3 basic things with you at all times.

Mobile Phone with a Good Camera: iPhone and many brands have a phone with a great camera and some really amazing features. If I am travelling and can’t carry a DSLR my iPhone becomes my go to camera, and sometimes when you are starting out it is hard to invest in a Pro Camera, as they are so expensive

Tablet: This helps if you are mobile. A phone is great but you can’t always do everything on a phone. Sometimes you wish you had a bigger screen or other features, and that’s where a tablet comes in handy.
Laptop: Go for something powerful but compact. If you carry your laptop at all times a lighter version would be a great investment.

I depend on my tools greatly. I love them so much that I never travel without them. I always carry my phone along with my iPad or laptop. If I am away for a few days then I carry all three.

A bloggers life seems a lot of fun from far. But in reality, you need to spend a lot of time to become successful. Half the time you will see us in cafes with our laptops typing away. So a boring monotonous laptop or phone makes the work even harder. Hence, I invested in my own personalised iPad cover and iPhone cover with Egosketch.

I love the brand and their seamless ordering process. Professionally I am a digital marketing expert so when I say they have a seamless process on the website, it truly must be. I got both the covers printed with a picture of my son and husband so that I can have them with me all day. The covers remind me of happy memories and some special moments that I have spent with them. The brand lets you customise as you wish. You can get a beautiful poster or a family picture or even quote; the possibilities are endless.

So what are you waiting for?

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

“Motherhood: All love begins and ends here”- Robert Browning

How beautifully do these words explain the magic of this precious relationship! Mums are always special for children, and the bond they share grows stronger with every passing day. For all the love that your mother showers on you, she deserves to be treated like a queen. Not only should you cherish these feelings every day but grab all opportunities to make her feel special. But most of us take relationships for granted and forget to appreciate them. As Mother’s Day is around the corner, you have a chance to show your mum how important she is for you. You need not spend a fortune on gifts, but these should reflect the love you have for the most special woman in your life.

Here are some lovely gift ideas for this Mother’s Day:

Unique Gifts with Message: Look for a piece or home accessory like a painting etc. with a meaningful message etched on it.

A Simple Card: When you don’t have much to spend, a simple card would just do the trick. Just make sure that you write your heartfelt emotions to touch her heart.

Flowers: Flowers make another inexpensive gift for expressing your love and gratitude towards the special lady this Mother’s Day.

Outfit: Buy her a beautiful blouse or dress that reflects her style and taste.
(Blouse and Sunglasses from JJoy – http://www.joythestore.com/)

Chocolates: A box of you Mom’s favourite chocolates would definitely bring a smile on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes. “I am crazy about chocolates”

A Bottle of Wine: A bottle of wine or champagne is another wonderful gift you can present to your mother on her special day.

Cake: DIY Alert – Bake a delicious cake with “Happy Mother’s Day” icing to say thank you for all that she does for you.

Perfume: Who doesn’t love perfumes! Express your love to your mommy by presenting her a bottle of her favourite fragrance.

Jimmy Choo Illicit Gift Set – http://www.theperfumeshop.com/Jimmy-Choo/ILLICIT-FLOWER/Eau-de-Toilette-Gift-Set-for-her-/p/35560EDTGS

Spa Voucher: Use this special occasion to pamper your special woman by gifting her with a spa voucher.

Jewellery or Accessories: If budget is no concern, a lovely bracelet or ring would be the best Mother’s Day gift you can buy for your mum. With the summer season approaching fast, a pair of sunglasses would make a great Mother’s Day gift.

Gift Voucher: And if you are not able to decide anything, buy her a gift voucher so that she can pick a gift of her choice. (Gift Voucher from – https://www.johnlewis.com/gift-card)

(Lightbox from Joy – http://www.joythestore.com/)

So how do you plan to say thanks to your mummy this Mother’s Day!!

Note: Mother’s Day is 26^th March in UK and 14^th May in US & India

Quick Weight Loss Tips to Look Gorgeous this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day being just around the corner, all those extra pounds that you have accumulated over the holiday season might be worrying you. No need to lose heart as there is still time. Here are some quick weight loss tips to help you cut the flab and look gorgeous as you step out for your V-Day date:

Go for more fibre

Eating a high fibre diet is the best thing to do as it not only keeps you fuller for longer but also reduces the calorie intake. As you choose whole grains, fiber-rich fruits and veggies and nuts over unhealthy packaged foods, you end up lighter and fitter within no time. Also, make sure that you cut down the carbs and replace unhealthy, saturated fats with healthy ones.

Keep track of all that you eat

While eating healthy should be your priority, it is equally important to keep track of what you eat. Maintaining a diary of your everyday diet would be a good way to curb cheating and help you know where you are going wrong. You can cut on empty calories which you sometimes consume without even realising (such as the spoonful of sugar you added to your morning coffee!)

Say no to sugar and salt

If you want to lose weight quickly, ditching sugar and salt can be an easy and effective quick-fix. There are plenty of good reasons to avoid sugar-laden desserts and drinks. Salt is as big a culprit because it causes bloating. It would be a good idea to go “low sodium” the next time out for snack shopping.

Reach out for a cup of green tea

Green tea works like magic for shedding weight fast. Besides the array of health benefits that green tea drinkers vouch for, this prodigious drink boosts you metabolic rate and helps you burn calories. Say cheers to the cup of green tea and get into a new avatar by the big day!

Get moving!!

Walk, hike, gym, yoga…..whatever you do, just get moving. Make the best of the time you have as you include exercise in your daily routine. You can change some daily habits to come closer to your goals…walking to work and taking stairs instead of lift are some smart moves you can make.

Water, water!!

A 15-day weight loss plan needs you to be a smart eater. Drink plenty of water between meals so that you feel satiated for longer. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Go high on water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, pineapple, cranberries and celery. Make your portions smaller instead of skipping meals.

Be realistic with your expectations

Yes, you do need to lose weight by Valentine’s Day……but it is important to be realistic with your expectations. Don’t lose sleep over it as stress and sleep deprivation can actually cause your weight loss efforts to backfire. Focus on doing your best rather than thinking what you could have done had you started earlier.

And once you lose weight with these tips, make sure that you keep the momentum going. After all, your beau would want you to look stunning not only on the Valentine’s Day, but all days of the year!!

Gift Guide for Valentine’s Day

Finding the perfect gift for your girl may be a little difficult. You need to find a gift which is romantic and makes her feel special. If you are worried about what to get this V-day then this post is a great read for you. Some of the items in this list might be a little cliché, but it’s the day for being all clichéd and drunk in love. So if you want to earn the best boyfriend title then here are some amazing gifting ideas for your valentine which will make her feel really special. And dont worry remember the policy “Old is Gold”
1. Roses & Chocolates are given when it comes to Valentine’s Day. It’s like having turkey for thanks giving or a tree for Christmas. You can never go wrong with a box of her favorite chocolate and a bouquet of roses or even a single stem of a red rose is romantic. Brownie points if you surprise her with one of these on her bedside table before she wakes up.

2. Perfume: If your girl is obsessed with really good smelling bath and body products and she has a whole drawer of fragrances and perfumes then giving her a good perfume to add to her collection is a perfect gift. I recently tired the Jimmy Choo L’Eau and I like the fruity yet musky tones in the perfume. It’s a very sensual fragrance which is great for a night wear.

3. Jewelry is a great gift for every woman. Step up your gifting game by gifting your girl a unique piece of jewelry she can hold onto. An elegant pearl necklace, statement cocktail rings, delicate drop earrings, or a bracelet is something which she will appreciate. But finding the right jewelry can get a little challenging. Adore by the Swarovski group has come up with a new collection of some timeless classic pieces which are truly stunning. With colorful crystals and natural pearls the designs are refined and eclectic.

4. Wine: Make the evening romantic by cooking a meal at home and opening a fine bottle of red wine with some light music in the background. If you aren’t into cooking then you can always go out for dinner and the get a bottle of wine on your way back home and snuggle up near the fire or get cozy and watch your favorite movies. It a perfect romantic evening you can plan. Plus red wine also has aphrodisiac properties.

5. Candles: If you are planning to spend the night in, then candles would be a great gift. Light up a few scented candles around the house and get a bouquet of long stem roses with a bottle of wine, box of chocolates and have your own date night at home. Don’t worry about going to different places to pick up all these gifts. Marks & Spencer’s stocks all of these gifts during Valentine’s Day, so it’s a one stop shop for you.

Apart from the gifts, you can also plan a special evening by taking her to her favorite place for dinner which has a special Valentine’s Day event or go for a romantic movie and a walk in the park after. There are millions of ways you can make your Valentine feel special. These are just a few ideas which can help you make her feel special and loved.

Image Details –

Jewellery by Adore by the Swarovski group
Perfume by Jimmy Choo
Wine – Rose Brut – Marks & Spencer
Chocolates & Roses – Marks & Spencer
Candle – Marks & Spencer

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments below

The Best Cosmetic for your Skin: Yoga!

I bet when you read the title, mentioning ‘skincare’ you would have thought ‘another article recommending some fancy skincare product. Well, actually no! This article has nothing to do with recommending products or it’s application etc. This article illustrates the simple working of your mind, body and soul to give you that glowing skin that you always wanted. In short I am talking about YOGA. Yes, you read it right! Yoga in its righteous definition is the harmony of the mind, body and soul through the practice of different asanas and Pranayama(breathing). An important beneficiary of this practice is your skin.

The next question that comes to mind is how is yoga helping your skin? Yoga broadly helps the skin in two ways-:
1. Reduction of stress: Stress, which includes mental, physical and emotional ones is the number one enemy of your skin in every way possible. It cause premature ageing, dullness, breakouts etc. A key component of any yoga practice is breathwork. The breath is the vital connection to your mind, body and soul. Yoga breathing also called Ujjayi or deep breathing helps you bring your focus to your breath. Once you concentrate on your breathing, the mind and body slip into calmness and meditation. Focussing on your breath and consciously relaxing is reversing the ill effects of stress and tension on your skin.
2. Flushing out toxins: Ever heard that your skin needs to breathe? There are a lot of toxins in our bodies in the form of particulate matter, and even negative energy that prevents your skin to breath. Yoga helps flush them out through the asana and pranayama practice. The different poses and breathing in thoses poses challenge your body and your flexibility. But, a bigger benefit is that it stretches your muscles and thus, improving blood circulation. Better circulation, in turn, increases the rate of detoxification in our body mainly through the skin by way of sweating. Yoga helps speed up the natural cleansing process.

As a beginner, you can start with the following suggestions to incorporate Yoga into your day to day life-:

1. Gentle Stretches and pose: If you are a beginner start with some simple Yoga poses and stretches that help increases blood circulation to your face and head. Some of the easy ones are-:
Forward bend or Uttanasana: One of the simplest poses is to bend at the waist and hang forward. You can let your arms dangle or cross them over your head and hold your elbows. Don’t worry, You can bend as much as your flexibility allows.

2. Mountain Pose or Tadasana: It is a standing pose helps to concentrate on deep and rhythmic breathing that is a vital element of healthy skin. Stand straight with your feet flat and heels a little distance and base of big toes touching. Now, raise both hands and join them in a Namaste. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute.

3. Cobra pose or Bhujangasana: This pose helps to supply extra oxygen to the skin cells which in turn helps the body to flush out the accumulated toxins from the system.Lie on your stomach with toes flat on the floor and hands placed on the shoulders. Take a deep breath in and gradually lift the head and torso off the floor, only keeping your navel on the floor. Support your torso up with your hands and straighten them so that your back is arched. Hold this pose for 15 seconds and gradually increase the duration.

3. Breathe, breathe and breathe: You can start with simple breathing to calm your mind and body. They supply more oxygen to your skin to bring out that natural glow. One of the most common breathing practice is Kapalbhati. In this technique, you need to sit with your legs folded in a comfortably and practice a deep inhale and multiple short forceful exhalations (you can start with 10 quick forceful exhalations). Do 3 sets of this and take 3-4 breaths in between each set.
Here is a tip: Calming your mind is not about throwing out your thoughts, it starts with simply focussing on your breath. When your mind wanders just bring it back to the breath.

After these stretches and breathing practices, rest by lying down on your back with your palms facing upwards (Also known as Savasana). This will allow your body to assimilate the benefits.

Yoga is an obvious skincare regime with permanent benefits. The results would be slowly but surely be seen over time if one is consistent with the practice. Unlike cosmetics which bring an immediate result but only last, up and until you continue to use the product. Post that your skin may even deteriorate! I believe beauty is skin deep (you may call me old fashioned!), but a natural glow on your skin is a manifestation of the harmony between your body, mind and soul. As a devoted practitioner of yoga, I know it is the only way to bring that harmony in your life.

Blog Post Contributed by Gayatri Iyer

Gayatri Iyer is a multifaceted dynamic young person and is currently the Chief Creator Ahem Designs, where she designs quirky handmade stationery and all pretty little things in New Delhi. Previously she founded Chef In A Box, a recipe box platform for cooking lovers including herself. The spirit to do something of her own and to channelize her creativity gave birth to her maiden book called Life’s Macchiatio-A collection of your stories. She is also an avid blogger through her blog psitsgayatri.com and is self taught artist learning traditional and contemporary art like Gond, Phad art and abstract art. When she is not dreaming or writing she practices Yoga, plays tennis and also does her bit for animal welfare in the city by adopting and feeding stray dogs.

10 Things to Swap for Living Healthier

Following a healthy lifestyle is the key to living longer and healthier. Nutritious diet and an active routine is the mainstay of improving your lifestyle for better. You can do this by incorporating some healthy swaps in daily schedule…have a look:

White Bread/Brown Bread – The next time you are at the grocery store, ditch white bread and pick the wholesome brown variant instead. The latter is more nutritious and easier to digest as it is made of whole grains instead of processed ones.

Fried Eggs/Boiled Eggs – Cooking technique can make all the difference in the health value of the food you eat. You can make your breakfast platter a lot healthier by avoiding fried eggs and opting for boiled eggs in their place.

Chips/Butter-free Pop Corn – The bag of your favorite potato chips supplies a whole lot of calories, fat and salt; swap this unhealthy snack with butter-free popcorn which is high in fiber but low in fat.

Fruit Juice/Whole Fruits – Another smart way to go high on fiber is to have whole fruits instead of fruit juice. Though you may love your glassful of delicious fresh juice, the whole ones offer a hefty dose of fiber and keep you fuller for longer.

Energy Drinks/Power Nap – Energy drinks may seem like a great way to pep up your energy level but a mid-day power nap is much better way to replenish your energy reserve as it relaxes your body and mind.

Fast Eating/Chewing Slowly – Swap the habit of fast eating with chewing slowly. This way, you will not only enjoy the food but also will be satiated with smaller quantities.

Jumping Right In/Warming Up –A good change that you can make in your exercise regime is to start by warming up and not jump right in. This helps your body adapt to the change and feel less tired.

Big Goals/Small Milestones –It is vital to be mentally healthy for maintaining physical health. Aspiring for smaller milestones instead of big, unattainable goals helps you be mentally relaxed and fulfilled.

Dwelling in the past/Focusing on the future – Take a progressive approach, with all your focus on doing better in the future rather than dwelling on what has been lost due to the mistakes you have made in past.

Over Committing/Saying No- Learn to say no instead of over-committing in personal as well as professional lives. Making unrealistic commitments, is one of the biggest mistakes that people make as it can stress them out and take toll on their health.

All these smart swaps can improve the quality of life manifold and help you live longer, happier and healthier!!!

Top 10 Tips – For a Healthy, Happy You!

Wishing you all a Wonderful start to 2017. my first post of the year – with an advice for how you can get lead a healthy and happier life by following those 10 simple tips. So, Here’s the Top 10 tips from me For a Healthy, Happier You!

My first post of the year, is an advice for how you can get lead a healthy and happier life by following those 10 simple tips. So, Here’s the Top 10 tips from me For a Healthy, Happier You!

For A Healthy, Happy You

Wear only those clothes that make you happy and you are comfortable in. If you are conscious and/or figety in an outfit, it won’t look good, no matter how stylish it is.
Follow only those fashion trends that appeal to you and fit within your budget. Remember, the classics can look equally glamorous if you wear them right.
Walk with your back straight and head held high. You cannot make a good impression with bad posture.
Every once in a while, go for a day or night out just with your girls – a little bit of gossiping and a dose of laughter can do wonders for the mind.
Do not let others’ opinion on your clothes, body or hair matter. You must strive to make yourself
Pamper yourself with a day full of luxurious beauty treatments every once in a while – it will leave you fresh and in high spirits for sure.
Keep your wardrobe, dresser and shoe closet well-organized – your fashion woes are sure to get halved when everything is clutter-free.
If your mind is completely fixated on a dress or heels or perfume, buy it even if it isn’t within your budget. Reduce your other expenses to make up for the deficit, and revel in the satisfaction of having that one thing you couldn’t get your mind off of.
Put extra effort into your appearance if you’re having a bad day. Looking good can lift your spirit immensely, and of course, compliments pouring in will make you happier.
Always wear a fragrance that you really, really like. When you smell good, you are sure to be in a better mood.
Most importantly, smile as much as possible – it is the only accessory that costs nothing.

Top 10 Tips – For a Healthy Body

Love looking your best, but have no time to keep up with new, fab beauty & fashion mantras? Here’s the Top 10 tips that’ll help you look your best and take care of your healthy!
For Your Body

Drink plenty of water for keeping your skin, hair and body healthy.
Eat a healthy diet that is low on fats and simple carbs, and rich in proteins and micronutrients.
Exercise in some form or the other at least 4-5 times a week. Find what physical activity you most enjoy, be it swimming, cycling, dancing, gymming or something else; take time out to perform it with regularity.
Add more and more antioxidants to your diet for anti-ageing, metabolism-regulating and general health benefits.
Moisturise your body with light, refreshing products in the summertime and thick body butter in the winter season.
Make sure you do not have body hair when wearing short dresses, sleeveless clothes or midriff-bearing outfits.
Always wear perfume and body deodorant – BO is such a turn-off.
Exfoliating body skin on a weekly basis is crucial for removing dead skin. Prepare a scrub suited to your skin type at home and if you don’t have the time, go in for a store-bought product.
If you have cellulite, dry brush affected areas before bathing on a routine basis.
Go in for a body massage whenever possible to relax taut muscles and increase blood circulation across your body.

10 Things You Can Do To Relax This Holiday Season

Sometimes the most important thing in the whole day is just to pause and breathe in the moment. Every now and then it’s important to give yourself a break, slow down a bit, relax and unwind. We are always pre-occupied with our lives and juggling too many things like work, household chores, having a social life and so much so that, we just forget to hit the pause button. I know I am always on my toes running from pillar to pole juggling between my job, blog, studies and family. We even get stressed about festivals. The amount of cleaning, cooking or shopping you need to do sometimes just stresses you out.
Hence I have decided to take a break this Christmas, and do all the things that I enjoy. Celebrate the festivities with the small things that make me happy and give me satisfaction.

One of the things that come to everyone’s mind when we talk about unwinding is a spa weekend. But let’s get real, we don’t always have the time or money to do so and same goes for vacations.

So here are a few ideas for you to enjoy your holidays without breaking your bank:

Go out for a coffee or hot chocolate: Winters are all about warm snugly drinks, and cafes are nicely decorated and Christmasy during this time of the year. An even better idea is to go café crawl – try out all the cafes near your area to see which one serves the best coffee or hot chocolate. Then go crazy on the sugar high.
Read a book: Remember the book you have been meaning to read since your last resolution. It’s time to grab a copy get cozy under the blanket or by the fire in your bedroom or mix up the café crawl with a book reading.
Get a digital detox: spend the time with your friends and family and turn off the internet and all your gadgets for a few day. Ok, let’s get realistic here at least a few hours and just relax.
Detox your body: After a digital detox it makes sense to follow a detox plan as well between Christmas and New Year. It’s the thing our body needs after all those bubblies and candies this year.
Exercise: After all the merriment you’ve had this Christmas, get your body back on track by hitting the gym or going for a run. Getting your sweat on helps increase your endorphins, blood circulation, improves your mood and makes you more relaxed.
Walking: If you aren’t a fan for some hardcore exercise then just go for a walk, alone, with a dog or a friend. Enjoy the mesmerising lights, the humungous Christmas trees and the decorations around your town.
Catch up: Invite your friends over for some tea, brunch or even a dinner and catch up on all the gossip and happenings in each other’s lives. After all festivals are all about enjoying them with your close friends and family.
Get Artsy: Remember that DIY pin you’ve saved on Pinterest for over a couple a months. Well, its time get your craft kit out. This Christmas get creative with your gifts and give your friends and family something they may remember. Make the scented candles or the dream catcher. Or even better, paint and fill up that empty wall in your house. If nothing else it would be a great story someday.
Wardrobe Detox: It’s time to take the plunge. Get rid of all the clothes you don’t wear, don’t fit or are out of style. This is the only way to fit in more new clothes. 😉 Make it a fun day by getting your friends and some champagne and strutting in your house like a model. (Imagine Sex and the City scene with Carrie)
Get Organised: Have a pile of mail, bills and random papers lurking around in some drawer? Get your work mode on and clean your paperwork or pending tasks at home. Send a thank you note and reply to all those Christmas greetings and check this off your list.

So now that you have detoxed, relaxed and enjoyed your Christmas. Get your boots on to rock the work with a fresh mind. How do you like you unwind and relax? Let me know in the comments below.

York Weekend Travel Diaries #VisitYork

Our trip to York was not only fulfilling in terms of the Hotel Du Vin York, but also satisfying in regards to the lovely sights and sounds the city had to offer. I always believe that every place needs to be first explored by simply walking around the local neighbourhood, shops, cafes, etc. to simply breathe in the unique air. That was exactly what we did when we landed at this place in the afternoon.

With Christmas round the corner, there was no better motivation to visit the local Christmas market and outlets to pick up some lovely things. Whether you are looking for one of a kind unique little gift or something designer and classy, York has it all. Wander through the cobbled streets of Stonegate centre to have a look at the antique shops, vintage stores, and small boutiques selling everything from pottery, jewellery and artefacts. Whatever is your budget you are sure to find something worthwhile to treasure. In case you are in a mood to shop for some classy labels and not blow up your pockets, head over to designer outlet to satisfy your craving. Wait! There is more. A visit to the famous Shambles market (It is nowhere in shambles, but a gem!) right in the heart of the city is perfect for that leisurely stroll through 70 odd merchant stalls selling local produce, flowers, antiques, books, etc. museum; you name it and you will find it. York promises to satisfy every kind of shopper ever born!
The next day, after a sumptuous breakfast, we headed to soak in some culture and history by first making a visit to the York Castle Museum located at the Eye of the York. This is a one stop location to learn all about hundreds of years of York history-from recreated Victorian old jails to the Jacobean dining rooms. The interactive galleries hold thousands of objects that give a glimpse into the glorious English history.There was even a Christmas carol presentation at the Victorian place, not to mention a Christmas trail for kids to explore. Our next stop was the magnificent York Minister, one of Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals complete with stoned masterpieces and stained glass. The vast spaces come alive with the deep reverence for worship, tradition and music. There are even some inspiration corners at the Revealing York Minister that were displaying artefacts and various audio visual clips perfect to soak in the 2000 year old history of the cathedral. If you’re fit enough, one can climb up the 275 steps of the Central Tower, from where you can get a complete view of the city. Believe me it is so worth the effort.

The next stop in our medieval trail was the York Castle, situated between the Fishergate and Skeldergate bridges. It was a fully wooden structure built by the Normans in 1068. The Clifford tower is the oldest remaining structure of the castle, which was later rebuilt in stone during the 13th century. It is said that the king would display all the executed bodies on display in this castle. Apart from this eerie fact, the views are stunning. We were very keen to see the York castle dungeon, which is a thrilling show showcasing city’s brutal history like the Viking invasion, murderous rogues like Guy Fawkes etc. However, with our 3 year old kid in tow, we had to do something less extreme, so we headed to the National Railway museum, just behind the York station. It has so many impressive locomotive exhibits dating back to 1820’s like Queen Victoria’s Palace on wheels, King Edward’s smoking saloon and even a Japanese bullet train. There are countless demonstrations, exhibitions, live theatre and science shows perfect for kids and adults alike. I can say that this was most enjoyable for all of us.

Our last activity for the day was a relaxed boat tour of York, suitable for families where we got to know some interesting colourful snippets about the city’s rich culture along with marvelling at the beautiful sights. The boat tour just summed up all that we wanted to see in York.

I was pleasantly surprised at the rich cultural history of York and it offers so many activity options for young and old alike depending on the season. So, if you want a short break combined with relaxation, learning and fun, York is the place to go.

Hotel Du Vin, York – Yorkshire Hotel Review and Travel Diary

One would think that staying at manor houses and mansions was only possible in a setting of an Agatha Christie’s book; Mysterious Affair at Styles. But I was in for a breath-taking surprise when I was invited to the Hotel Du Vin York to visit their property that was tucked away in the Mount Area, very close to the city centre of Yorkshire.

We reached the property around 2 p.m.; as soon as I entered the hotel building, it gave me a feeling of an old world charm of high ceilings that is typical of the classical 19th-century architecture and some contemporary soothing decor of leather upholstery. After checking in, we wandered out to the quaint village outlet for shopping and then to the Christmas market to simply absorb all the Christmas cheer.

We came back to our extremely spacious rooms which had sprawling custom made beds, complete with hand-sprung mattresses, soft Egyptian cotton duvets and fluffy pillows that were inviting meyou to roll all over them like a kid simply! But, there was more room to explore in the room.

The room had an open plan tub, big enough to sleep in and comfortable enough to have your meal in. There was an option of a monsoon shower as well, for those of us who do not like to wallow in a bubble bath. To my utter delight, the little toiletries were from the house of Ren, which only use 100% plant and mineral derived actives. After a relaxing bath, I snugged into one of their soft Egyptian cotton bath robes that are as fluffy as cotton candy and if in mood for a quick snack or drink, I could just head over to the mini bar which is stocked with different liquor brands and yummy snacks. The best part is that the room has a unique decor, which makes me look forward to the whole experience so different to the bigger hotel chains where the décor in the rooms is sometimes too impersonal to make one feel relaxed or at home.
Later in the evening, we headed over to their in-house bar for a drink, to relax. For dinner, we headed to their Bistro which had a very earthy warm decor of dark wooden floors, restored fireplaces, paintings and soft lighting making it a perfect setting for a relaxing evening. Now comes my favourite part of food and drinks.
I was very impressed with their selection of wines, and we were recommended a perfect wine to go with your meal. To my surprise, the a-la carte was equally delightful for a vegetarian like me and a non-vegetarian like my husband. My husband ordered some seafood which had combined the taste of some freshly caught fish cooked slowly with some of their homemade mayonnaise, shallot vinegar sauces and condiments. Vegetarians like me did not have to fret because they had fresh green Super food kale salads, Tomato Consommé for starters and baked sweet corn and courgette cakes in the main course. All their food was cooked in a beautiful French home-style cooking enhanced with some traditional British flavours. Coupled with beautiful presentation and perfect wine, the meal was most satisfying for all the senses.
Next day, was beautiful in every aspect.Starting with breakfast which was simply out of the world. I was felt spoilt for choice with a wide range of fresh yummy goodies laid out on the country table that included freshly squeezed juices in cute small bottles, quirky mini jars of natural yoghurt porridges, baked pastries, and homemade granolas. After digging into some continental bits, we ordered the traditional cooked breakfast and a serving of poached eggs and avocado. As they say, breakfast should be fit for a King and it was fit for so many Kings!

We checked out of the hotel and headed out to the city of York to enjoy the rest of the beautiful day that included a visit to the York Minister which is Northern Europe’s largest Gothic Cathedral, a medieval castle that took us back to the Roman and Viking era, the old railway museum and last but not the least some little street shopping that always comes in handy to make us merry with Christmas round the corner.

Even though we stayed only for one night, we were blown away by the old manor charm coupled with modern luxuries and the outstanding service that Du Vin had to offer. If you are looking for a comfort, style and a bit of old school romance head to Du Vin York, I am sure you would not be disappointed.

Resorts World Birmingham – A perfect destination for a day out or date night

Recently I was invited by the Resorts World in Birmingham, one of the perfect leisure destinations in town to experience a spread of their bars, restaurants, spa services, cinema, hotel and fashion labels like H&M, GAP, Next, Nike and so on.

Located near the Birmingham Airport and NEC (National Exhibition Center), Resorts World is a great place when to visit if you are in town for an exhibition or business meeting or don’t want to drive into the hustle bustle of Birmingham for a fun time. It is also a perfect destination for a day out with family, friends or a date night since the mall has so many food, shopping and fun activities.

The mall has a host of options from shops such as Phase Eight, Windsor London, Northface and many more, to eating outlets like Costa Coffee, Nandos, Pizza Express, Andy Waters, Sky Bar, Robata Bar & Grill, Las Iguanas and more.

The Genting Hotel is a good option to spend the night if you have to take a flight next day. They even have a children’s play area so it’s a great place to be with your kids too. But the best part about the property is that it is a lakeside property, it is located next to the Pendigo Lake which gives adds a very serene and calm look.

I started my day with a cup of hot coffee at Costa Coffe and then went on to have a relaxing time at the Santai Spa in the Genting Hotel. I was totally pampered with their services like head massage, facial, and facilities like heated pool, hot bed and outdoor hot tub overlooking the lake.

After my de-stressing spa experience I went with my husband for a date to Robata Bar and Grill for High Tea. Robata is a luxurious fusion restaurant which serves Pan-Asian Delicacies. I had an evening filled with delicious beverages and mouth-water dishes. Then we ended the day with a movie at Cineworld.

Since there is so much to do there you can begin your day with a relaxing spa, have high tea in Robata Bar and Grill and end your day by trying your luck at the Genting Casino. If you don’t want to spend the entire day at Resorts World, then you can also visit with your friends for some retail therapy and a brunch since they have a lot of yummy food options to choose from.

It’s also a great place to visit with your family. You can have lunch at one of the eateries, take your kids to Hamley’s or the play area, watch a movie at Cineworld and end the day. Apart from this they also have offers and themes running around the year so it’s a good location to go and visit again and again.

Have you ever been to Resorts World? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

My Relaxing Day at Santai Spa, Genting Hotel, Resorts World Birmingham Review

The last couple of months have been quiet busy for me with a lot of never ending work. So when I went to the Resort World, Birmingham, I decided to pamper myself with a spa day. I had been longing to go for a spa to get relaxing beauty treatment for ages and hence the visit to Santai Spa at the Genting Hotel in Resorts World.Santai Spa is a luxury spa equipped with state of the art facilities to relax and rejuvenate your mind and soul. Apart from the traditional spa facilities like body massage, skin rejuvenation, hair removal, facial and more, they have their own ionized salt cave which can be accessed through the outdoor hot tub overlooking the Pendigo Lake. The other facilities at the spa also include a 15-metre pool, sauna, gym and an experience shower.

The interiors are serene with a lot of natural light coming in. They have tiled beds near the outdoor hot tub where you can enjoy the view of the lake. The spa has a very calming and soothing ambience. I had booked for a facial treatment and head massage. It was a complimentary service which I was offered by the hotel.At the reception, I was greeted warmly by the staff and offered a welcome drink with locker facility. Post the formalities I was taken to the changing room which was equipped with everything, from towels to shower gels. The changing room had it all. Brownie points for the place to be super clean. I really enjoyed the treatment.

But the best part is yet come, and that was the heated loungers, pool and the sauna. I thoroughly enjoyed this me time that I got. It was a much-needed break from the daily routine.

Santai Spa has a lot of packages to choose from, like, the taster package (£75), the de-stress package (£150), Tea and Time for Me package (£125) and so on. They even have group packages (£80pp) which is great if you are looking to de-stress and catch up on some gossip with your girl friends.

The Genting Hotel is situated in the outskirts of Birmingham, but the spa experience made me feel like I was away from the hustle-bustle of the city life and had come for a vacation somewhere far away. It was like I was in an entirely different place the moment I stepped into their facility. The staff was super attentive, polite and didn’t disturb you at all.

I am also planning to back again after the New Years eve to have a relaxing day at the spa before heading back to work with full energy in 2017. For me personally, the place is an oasis of calm in the first city life of Birmingham where you have a lovely Staycation without having to worry about airfare and mounting travel costs.

If you are someone who has a very busy schedule and wants to unwind then this is the place to be if for some reason you can’t go on a vacation.

Robata Bar & Grill – Resorts Worlds- High Tea Experience

Recently I indulged in the High Tea Experience at Robata Bar and Grill at Resorts World, Birmingham. It is a fusion Asian themed restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Pendigo Lake. With high ceilings and full-length glass windows with a lake view, the minimalistic décor is cozy and elegant with a serene and calm ambience which goes well with the cuisine and experience they have tried to create. What’s different about this place is the great fusion menu of European, Australian and Pan-Asian delicacies which compliments the unique and delicate beverage options. I went for the high tea experience with my husband as a date. The food, the atmosphere, and the ambience made it a memorable experience which I wanted to share with you all.The high tea comes at the cost of £19.50 for the non-alcoholic option and £24.50 with cocktails per person. They also have champagne and other options available. The menu is extensive and has a right balance of sweet and savory bites with a Pan Asian twist to the delicacies.

FIRST WAVE – Served with Ginger and Lemon Iced Tea

• Robata Grilled Chicken Yakatori Tender pieces of chicken thigh in a fragrant soy marinade
• Prawn and Tofu Ball Minced king prawn and tofu with chilli and ginger in a panko bread crumb coating
• Duck Long Bao Shredded Cantonese duck leg with hoisin wrapped in a soft steamed bun

SECOND WAVE – Served with your choice of Nespresso coffee or Newby of London tea

• Avocado Maki Roll Traditional soft rice wrapped in nori and filled with avocado and wasabi
• Squid Ink Tapioca Cracker with Beetroot Cured Salmon and Grapefruit Crisp tapioca cracker with beetroot cured salmon and grapefruit gel
• Yuzu and Lime Curd Tartlet Graham cracker tart filled with sweet yuzu lemon and lime curd
• Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice A rich hazelnut and chocolate layered mousse cake glazed with fine chocolate
• Spiced Strawberry Trifle Layered trifle with compressed intense strawberries and spiced biscuit crumb
• Orange Scone with Orange Curd Orange blossom scone with orange curd

I am a vegetarian so the first wave options which are offered for the high-tea could not be consumed by me. But when I told them about this, the staff brought out a special alternative first wave options for me and they were heavenly. They also do make special alternatives for people who may be allergic to certain types of food items. So don’t be disappointed if you can’t have a few options on the menu.

We enjoyed the high tea experience at this venue. Out of the tantalizing spread of delicious food and beverages, I really enjoyed the ginger and lemon ice tea. It was divine, refreshing and flavorsome. I also loved their dimsums and cocktails. From the second wave of sugary treats I enjoyed the Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice and Yuzu and Lemon Curd Tarlet. They were rich, succulent and, unlike any other dessert I’ve ever had. Since the second wave of the course is filled with sugary goodness, the Nespresso coffee, and the Newby tea are perfect accompaniments. The coffee is a bit strong and bitter which balances out the sweetness from the desserts. The tea is light, refreshing and flavorful since it has loose tea leafs which is just wonderful. And the best part about the whole experience is the fresh, handcrafted food.

Overall it was an evening well spent. I loved the atmosphere and the attentiveness of the staff. I also liked that fact that this is not like a standard English high tea experience with sandwiches and pastries in the menu. What makes this experience unique is the fusion of Asian food into the high tea. Even if you are not a tea person, there are numerous other options you can choose from.I highly recommend the high tea at Robata Bar & Grill. It’s a must try experience even if you have tried high tea before, as it’s very different from the others.

Have you ever had a unique high tea experience? Let me know in the comments below.

House Leamington – Opening Night & Restaurant Review

House Leamington, a new restaurant located at the premium location of Leamington Parade Road, is all set to tempt the palate of food lovers with its amazing food and drinks. The restaurant which was inaugurated on 12^thNovember 2016 has the theme of “Home away from home”as one could guess from its name. The quirky interiors give it a wonderful ambience while the classic food and drinks bring it closer to heart. Let’s know more about this new place, which is sure to be the talk of the town! Space wise, House Leamington deserves to be called lavish, as it offers three bars along with four additional sitting areas that serve diverse needs. The sitting area comprises of a restaurant link sitting, an open terrace for smoke lovers and a roof-top garden where guests can enjoy lit fire during winter nights. Another one is a secret room for private get-together and parties so that guests can have a nice time on their own. While the outdoor sitting works for people who prefer open air, the indoors are great for groups and parties. House Leamington is an awesome place for children too.

Next is the menu, which is as appealing to the palate as the décbar or is for the eye. House Leamington serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee. It offers an exquisite twist to classic food, making it a must-try for avid food enthusiasts. Whether it is food or drinks, there are amazing and wholesome options to tempt the taste buds and keep the stomach happy. What more, there is a special menu for the little ones too.

I would rate House Leamington as a place for one and the all, perfect for a night out with friends, whether you are a college-goer looking for some excitement or a food lover who wants to spend a lovely evening enjoying sumptuous food and splendid drinks along with a meaningful conversation with friends. Being a foodie that I am, I would definitely love to try out the breakfast menu sometime soon.

Happy Dining!!!

Things To Help You Make The Most Of Your Garden This Autumn

Now that the autumn season has kicked in, pumpkin is in the air, sweet scents, and new gardening projects are just around the corner for homeowners. But, for those who want to make the most out of their garden and want it to truly bloom, regardless of weather, there are a few simple things you can do when planting and caring for the garden, to ensure this is the case. Consider some of these tips to make the most out of the garden space, and truly create an area you are going to enjoy for your home.

Know your zone –
Yes, it is important to know the zone you are gardening and planting in. Not only so you choose plants and trees which can grow there, but also to ensure they can thrive through cooler months, with limited sunshine. Making sure you know what to plant, how to plant, and where to plant it, will allow you to develop an excellent gardening area, and one which will thrive, even during the colder months ahead.

Mulch –
Perennials remain dormant, protect roots and bulbs, help keep freezing at bay. Yes, simply adding fresh mulch and properly caring for it when cultivating your autumn garden, will help it thrive. Due to the limited growth, limited water production, and plants which require moisture during this season, mulch is essential for your garden’s success. Add it regularly, properly care for it, and ensure it is evenly spread during these months of the year when planting.

Choose the right veggies –
With colder weather, you also have to choose the right items to plant. Collards, mustard greens, and darker, leafy greens, are the ones which will typically thrive during the colder months. Root veggies, such as beets, are also a great option for you to add to your garden during this season. Avoid items like tomatoes, fruity or scented veggies, as they can’t survive the colder months or frost which is sure to pop up at some point in time or another during the winter months.

Tilling –
If you live in areas where frost and snow are eventually going to show up, make sure you perform proper tilling regularly. Choose mulch and grass which remain dormant and do not grow during the season. Not only so you don’t have root build up, but also to avoid the “dead” growth in the garden. It will also help in preventing the soil which is below the surface from freezing, and potentially killing out the entire harvest you have cultivated during the autumn months when you choose these dormant soils and fertilizers during the season.

Hosting friends–
If you are planning on hosting a few friends at your house this autumn then why not make the most of your garden. Garden parties have become quite popular since more and more people have started to buy fire pits for the colder months of the year. Fire pits are great to sit around with your friends and family and toast a few marshmallows. With bonfire night and Halloween approaching a fire pit would be a brilliant addition to your household. If you would like to look at a few fire pits then gardenflame.co.uk is a good place to start.

Of course every garden is going to differ a bit, especially depending on the zone where you live and plan to do your planting and gardening in. But, with these things in mind, anyone can have a garden which thrives during the season. These are a few simple tips anyone can follow, which are sure to help your garden thrive, and allow you to enjoy this hobby, even during the colder months of the year to come.

Coffee Lovers Must Read – Toffee Cookie Cappuccino Recipe

MONIN is a popular brand in the gourmet flavor business. The brand offers over 140 products including premium syrups, liqueurs, gourmet sauces, fruit smoothies and cocktail mixes and frappe powders across 140 countries.

The brand is a leader in the premium syrups category and also my go to brand when it comes to buying syrups for coffees and drinks. I recently tried the MONIN Chocolate Cookie Syrup and totally loved it.
The chocolate cookie syrup has a buttery dark chocolate biscuit taste. It is really great syrup for making signature cocktails, mocktails, flavored coffees and other dessert drinks. The syrup is dark brown in color and has glints of caramel in it. The tasting notes contain cookie with a touch of caramelized sugar, buttery chocolate biscuit and creamy chocolate notes.

You can use MONIN Chocolate Cookie Syrup with dairy products like milk and ice-cream for making thick shakes and milkshakes. You can also use it with cream for dessert drinks or drizzle a little over vanilla ice cream for cookie flavor.

Here, I tried a flavored coffee recipe with the chocolate cookie syrup. Here’s my recipe for Toffee Cookie Cappuccino:

15 ml MONIN Chocolate Cookie syrup
15 ml MONIN Caramel sauce
1 espresso shot
Add the a shot of espresso first and then add the 150 ml hot frothy milk

Have you tried any syrup from MONIN or flavored coffee recipes?
Comment and let me know in the comments section below.