Mediagalpallavi

II

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Mediagalpallavi: #Modasutra: # Stylish # mangalsutras# for #Modern ...

Mediagalpallavi: #Modasutra: # Stylish # mangalsutras# for #Modern ...:   Class apart: Mangalsutras for modern women   Mangalsutra is not just a piece of jewellery but   most married Indian wom...

#Modasutra: # Stylish # mangalsutras# for #Modern Women



 
Class apart: Mangalsutras for modern women



 Mangalsutra is not just a piece of jewellery but  most married Indian women consider it very sacred and precious. But since the traditional heavy gold mangalsutra designs are passé, finding that perfect Mangalsutra which looks stylish and can be worn daily is quite a tough feat. Melbourne based Prerna Karnani Rajan started a hunt for trendy mangalsutra for  her wedding and  her quest for that perfect Mangalsutra  gave her the inspiration to design mangalsutras  which will suit the lifestyle and attire of modern women. Her mangalsutra designs are sold under the brand name  “Modasutra”
 Prerna is currently living in Melbourne and working full-time with a major Fashion Retail Group. She has taken a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Ness Wadia College, Pune and a Master’s degree in International Business from Monash University, Melbourne.  In an interview Prerna Karnani Rajan, Founder and Creative director of Modasutra spoke to us about her stylish as well as elegant mangalsutra designs, the inspiration behind starting her own brand of mangalsutras and her plans of taking her brand to the global platform.
1) Why did you felt the need of designing mangalsutras for modern women? Are these designs wearable?
A: The whole intention and purpose of this idea and venture is to provide modern Indian women the option to find a mangalsutra that is wearable and that compliments their style as well as their sentiments towards the sacred thread. When I tried to shop for Mangalsutra for myself before my wedding and when I couldn't find anything that fit my style even though there were thousands of options out there, I felt like surely I'm not the only one that's finding this hard. And the more I looked into it, the more I found that women these days keep their very traditional looking mangalsutras tucked away in lockers to only wear on Diwali and weddings in the family, because they don't have one that fits in with their everyday life and attire.

2) Tell us more about making of the Modasutra mangalsutras?
A:Modasutra pendants are all made in Silver with Gold Plating. Products are carefully and proudly handmade in India so when you buy Modasutra you know you are buying and supporting a local business that is aiming to go global.
3) In what way your Mangalsutra designs are different than Mangalsutra designs available in the market?
A: They are simple, chic and trendy and easily work back with Indian as well as western outfits making them extremely wearable. They fit into the changing fashion habits of women and are quite affordable so that customers can feel like they can buy as many different designs as they like and not just have to stick to one as investment piece, but have the flexibility to find several that they can wear interchangeably with their various outfits.
4) Have you taken any formal training in Jewellery designing?
A:I haven’t had any  formal training in jewellery design but I have worked in a Fashion Jewellery Wholesale business here in Melbourne which taught me a lot about not just jewellery designing but also understanding the manufacturing process, learning how to work with and communicate with suppliers, how to cost items etc.
5) From where did you get the inspiration for the designs of Mangalsutras?
  A: Having been an ardent fashion lover and working in the fast-fashion industry I always keep up with the latest trends around the world. So, the inspiration for my designs has and will always come from high fashion trends that are then translated into mainstream commercial fashion.
  6) How is the response so far? How are you planning to sell them?
A: Response has been great so far! It’s really nerve-racking to put your ideas out there suddenly one day not knowing what people will think or say. But I'm so happy that what I felt all along has been confirmed by many women out there who completely understand what Modasutra is all about and are so happily embracing this concept. So far, I've started selling through my website online www.moda-sutra.com. Hoping in future as they demand grows to be able to serve customers through various retail channels.
Prerna Karnani Rajan: Founder and Creative director of Modasutra

 7) Any plans to expand the brand?
  A: Yes, absolutely! I would love to spread the word around the world. And luckily in this age of the World Wide Web it’s quite possible. I share not just what's new with Modasutra but also trends, inspiration, posts on different ways to wear the Modern Mangalsutra on Social media. So, yes definitely I am putting all my efforts into growing and spreading the brand name.
You can check out the website  www.moda-sutra.com or  Facebook page:
 www.facebook.com/modasutra
For inquiries contact on: info@moda-sutra.com



Tuesday, November 10, 2015

# Rajasthani# food #Festival at #Oakwood Premier




Dal Bati Churma: Signature dish of Rajasthani Cuisine
This Diwali indulge in the royal cuisine from historic of state of Rajput’s and Marwaris.Oakwood Premier Pune have recently launched Rajasthani food Festival which will take you on the journey of imperial heritage of Rajasthan through its regal cuisine.
 Maharaj Bhurelal Prajapati who is heading the food festival hails from Rajasthan and his family has been cooking authentic Rajasthani Cuisine since decades. Bhurelal who is an expert in royal cuisine has been working in the hospitality industry since last 14 years. “In the Rajasthani food festival, We aim to serve original cuisine of Rajasthan which has authentic Rajasthani flavours and taste. Our menu comprises of 15 to 20 signature Rajasthani dishes such as Mirchi vada, Daal bati churma,Lal mass,Murg Soyeta,Bajre Ki Khichdi,Hing Daniya ke Aloo,Makai Ka Jhajaria Kheer ,Gatte Ki Subji ,Ker Sangri, Badam halwa,Hing aur pyaaj ki Kachori et al.
Hing Dhaniye Ke Aloo




Pyazz Kachori and Aloo Tikki Chaat
He further explained the USP of the Rajasthani Cuisine, “Since the climate in Rajasthan is very hot, Dahi, Besan and Desi ghee are used more in Rajasthani cuisine. While lots of ghee is used while preparing Dal Bati Churma, the signature dish of Rajasthan, we are also serving healthier version of dal bati churma for the health conscious patrons.
 
Ker Sangri

Mirchi Vada
The Rajasthani food festival is on till November 15th.
When: till  15th November

Where: Senses, Oakwood Premier Pune

Address: 81 Mundhwa Koregaon Park Annex, Pune 411036 India

For reservations: 020. 2674.7474 / +91-9158990657
































#Skah Hand and Foot Spa # review



Tucked away in one of the quaint by lanes of Koregaon park, Skah Hand and Foot Spa is not just another spa of the city. Other than the top class service is has been providing for the last seven years, Skah happens to oldest nail spa of the city. Dedicated in bettering the look and feel of the cuticles, a visit to Skah for me was an unique experience.
Right from the moment I walked in and met Rioyana Biyani, the owner of the spa to the time I walked out after some real TLC for my nails, Skah has some real surprises for its visitors.  Rioyana, other than being one of the most gorgeous women in the city is also a very much hands on owner. So once you walk in, allow her to choose what is the best for you-well I did and trust me it was worth all its wait.
Rioyana Biyani,Owner explained the history and concept of the Skah hand and foot spa, “ Sankh  Handand foot spa is a continuation of Spa body opulence which is the oldest Nail spa in Pune. We started it off seven years ago.Here in Sankh we pamper  your hands and feet and give them a new lease of life.Skah,hands & foot spa provides the latest in high quality hand and foot care techniques.The very best products and strict standards of clinical hygiene and knowledgeable advice and excellent levels of personal service makes the experience  very special. “
She further added, “ First of all we apply a gel polish to nails which stays for three weeks and the polish doesn’t gets chapped or cracked. In fact it looks shiny and attractive for three weeks. We have 3 D nail arts with Sworoski crystals. Ours is the only spa in Pune  which uses real sworoski crystals .We use highest branded products such as Ezflow from US.”
The nail spa room

We started off with hand spa. Ravi,who is  expert in manicure and pedicure filed my nails and shaped them beautifully. Later he soaked my hand in warm water and removed cuticles. Nails were buffed and scraped. There was more pampering in store for my nails as my hands were massaged for 10 minute massage and then they were wrapped in hot towel. After drying the nails,Ravi applied primer on my nails so that it will give a base to the nail. I was asked to select the nailpaints from the huge variety of nail paints carefully kept on shelf.The base coat was applied first and later two more coats of the nail paint were applied. I was asked to choose the accessories for the nail. While there were nail accessories in various shapes and colours,I decided to opt for simple ones.Then they added the acesccories to my nails which suited the my hands and skin colour.Voila! The nails were all nicely shaped,painted and accessorised. My hands never looked so soft, beautiful and trendy!
Skah offfers a huge variety of high quality nail paints

Now it was time for indulging my feet  My feet were washed with warm water and then massaged for ten minutes.  They were wrapped in towel.Ravi  cleaned the roughness  and dryness of the soles of my feet,he groomed calluses and cuticles. He shaped and painted  my nails aesthetically. 
Cozy pedicure area

 I never realized pampering your feet can be so blissful.I especially loved the experience of taking a foot spa wherein my feet were soaked in warm water ,cleaned and massaged and all the while I was sipping green tea  and chatting with the Riyona Biyani. While the nail technican Ravi is an expert in hand and foot spa and nail art,Riyona  gave a personalised attention to me and supervised the treatment. She ensured that I was comfortable and relaxed during the treatment.
The speciality of Skah Hand and Foot Spa is that it offers exotic and unique  pedicures like Cocktail pedicure,party feet pedicure,chocolate pedicure,exotic massages et al. You  can take your pick from various treatments such as Rice and Oatmeal,Wine and roses (Vino therapy)White Lily ( Lily of the valley)
The Rice and  Oatmeal scrub is a mild formation developed to gently exfoliate the skin removing dead cells and surface grime.Enriched with effective abrasives,it cleanses and the  natural oils which leave the skin clean,alive and invigorated. It can be used for all skin types
This therapy is followed by the paraffin wax treatment.
Wine and Roses  ( Vino Theraphy ) is a royal  and a luxurious way to eleminate stress. In this therapy feet are soaked in warm water with rose petals,exfoliated  with an excellent wine sugar scrub and washed with a red wine. Although in the bygone era only royals could afford such luxury ,now you can also indulge your feet in royal manner. Wine and roses therapy  promotes tissue elasticity,calms the skin and reduces swelling and last but not the least it delays skin ageing process.
You must have heard of chocolate facials and body massages but in Skah you can go for unique Chocolate pedicure.Treating the feet with gooey chocolate can be a divine experience. “ It’s an excellent product that provides nourishment to the skin,and promotes soft,smooth and silky skin with loads of hydration.This therapy includes paraffin wax.” Informs Rioyana.
To get rid of tan of your hands and feet,you can go for D-TAN or Whitening therapy. As the name suggests,the kit removes the tan from your hand and feet and enhances whitening and  gives it a bright shine.
If your skin is looking tired and dry then you should opt for candle therapy. Candle therapy comprises of an excellent product that hydrates the skin,leaving it rejunuvated and supple.Products like Tea tree,scrub candles,massage candles along with shea butter mask are used in this therapy.
Whether you feel like a long hard week warrants a pampering for your nails or want to go all out with a spa package,is upto you. so what are you waiting for?


Monday, October 26, 2015

# Atmosfire –# Dial-a-#BBQ party launched in Pune




Seen (L to R) : Rahul Ahuja, Business Head, Atmosfire, Ajinkya Deo & Shrinivas Naidu, City Head, Atmosfire

The concept of organizing barbeque parties at the backyard of one’s home or terrace has become quite popular in Pune recently. While one can get barbeque grills easily in the market, barbequing is an art which very few can master. In fact barbequing can be very tedious and complex task. But here is good news for those who love to organize barbeque parties at their own venues.Atmosfire – Dial-a-BBQ party, which helps you organize barbecue parties, was recently launched in Pune. Atmosfire, is a party idea from Barbeque Nation that helps you host tailor made, barbecue parties at your desired venue. Since it is an initiative by Barbeque Nation which is popular as a chain of barbeque restaurants, you will get the same taste, quality and variety one gets in Barbeque Nation.  It was launched by noted Marathi actor Ajinkya Deo at an event held at Sharao lawns on Paud road.
The guests enjoyed scrumptious BBQ dishes such as Chicken Lollypop,prawns,chicken Bruschetta,Paneer et al while  ‘Into Brackets’,a classical Fusion band played in the background. The chicken lollypop and prawns were properly marinated and perfectly cooked.
Dial-a-BBQ guys in action
 Along with the catering delicious barbequed food for various events like birthday parties, anniversary, kitty parties and get-togethers, the crew of Atmosfire also helps to enhance the ambience of the venue.
Elaborating   the concept of Dial-A-BBQ Rahul Ahuja, Business Head of Atmosfire said, “One can go for vegetarian and non-vegetarian barbecues with a choice of over 100 grilled dishes and a full-course buffet. Start by picking out your favourites from the ‘Veg with an Edge’ and ‘The Meat Treat’ menus. The package also comes with a complimentary themed set-up - from balloons to designer cakes to sending out e-invites, we take care of it all. In fact our crew even cleans the venue post function. You just have to focus on having fun and great food”
Atmosfire started out as a small business called Dial-A-BBQ which was operated out of Mumbai and Pune few years ago. Dial-A-BBQ is the brainchild of Rahul Ahuja who started the business of home delivering uncooked barbecue food and marinating spices, to the customers who wanted to throw parties at their own venues.  Later the idea expanded to supplying barbecued food to order, through Barbeque Nation.
Their services of Atmosfire are available Pune, Lonavala and  New Bombay, and would soon be catering to Mumbai as well.