10 Timeless Must Haves

P.S this article was written for Citadel Magazine 

10 pieces of Jewellery which are Timeless and Must haves.

Jewellery is a woman's best friend and enhances her beauty. Their is so much in term of choice of jewellery one can own, it's an amazing treasure trove. 

Jewellery - Best option to gift a woman, Best way to pamper yourself. A beautiful way to define your beauty and personality. Jewellery certainly plays an important part in a woman's life, no matter how much you like jewellery or are a no frill person, every woman has a share of her trinkets. 

When one is spoilt for choices and confused what to take, these are a few timeless classic pieces which every woman must own and which will be with her throughout life complimenting her. 

One can achieve so many looks with these pieces alone or mixing and matching them. 

Let's take a glimpse. 

A pearl necklace 

A pearl strand is a must for every woman, modern enough to pair with the cocktail dress or blazer at work and ethnic enough to go with the saree for an occasion. 

Charm bracelet

Add your own little charms to your bracelet and give it your personal touch. It's a classic that will never go out of fashion and a woman's jewellery box.

A gold chain 

A simple but must own item. A gold chain coupled with a personalised pendant goes well with casual looks. Add to your look and make it more striking by adding multiple chains of different length and achieve the layered look, which is so chic. 

Diamond studs 

These babies are the most perfect piece of jewellery ever, they go with any and every outfit. So what are you waiting for put on these darlings and sparkle like stars. 

Cocktail ring 

There is nothing simple about this piece. It's completely glamorous. One ring can change your entire look. Vintage, completely stylish and an eternal classic. 

Statement earrings 

These will instantly glam up any evening look. 

Statement necklace

A statement necklace will be enough to define your look and won't need you to don any other jewellery and be a star of all eyes. 

A delicate necklace

Whenever you are want to be girly or are feeling delicate and elegant. 

Bangles / Cuff 

Take a pick according to your personality, whatever suits you better a stack of thin classic and elegant bangles or a thick stylish and bold cuff.

Classic watch 

Photo credits - Pinterest 

Last but not the least, a perfect classic watch goes a long way in making your look complete. Chose a round or square, big or small based on your personality completely. 

My article -- 

Keep adding these gorgeous pieces in your chest and shine on. Just a little something of these everyday can make you feel like a pretty princess. 

xoxo 

Bhakti 

Butter Garlic Fish

A quick and easy recipe to satisfy hunger and satiate those tastebuds ,, as well as healthy, now that's a killer combination, don't you think? 😊

I was feeling like having a quick fish bite and wanted it healthy with loads of veggies. 

I had Mackerel (Surmai) handy, the dish will turn out awesome with Tuna or Talapia variety of fish too. 

Thinking of healthy I decided to steam them. Especially for those who do not like to overpower food with too many spices and ingredients. Simple dish retaining the flavour of the fish and very subtle to taste. 

The method and ingredients are very easy and you will be thoroughly pleased with the results. 

Ingredients 

Mackerel cut in slices ( over here we are making two slices of grilled fish, enough for one person meal) 

Salt and pepper according to taste 

1 Lime juice 

Garlic cloves cut finely around 2tspn

Chilly flakes optional 

Butter a small blob 

Olive oil 2tspn

Cilantro or any herb of your choice 

Method 

Wash the fish fillet and pat dry 

Mix all the ingredients and rub the fillets with it. 

Now take a foil and keep the fish over it, pour the remaining ingredients if left and finally drizzle some olive oil. 

Wrap the fish nicely and place it in a pan. 

Let it cook with the pan covered on low flame for around 5-7 minutes then turn the package over and repeat on other side for the same time. 

Fish is ready, be careful while opening the foil. 

 

Fish is ready to be devoured with sautéed vegetables and rice, one can also have some white sauce. 

Hope you Enjoy !! 

xoxo 

Bhakti 

 

 

Princess : a true story behind veil of Saudi Arabia - Jean Sasson

I never read books according to the latest ones coming in the market. I just randomly pick up the ones I like while browsing the store.

I happened to read one such book. 

1. Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

   Book by Jean Sasson

   
   

A shocking story of a true princess of Saudi. 

The book is heart wrenching. 

It tells you what really goes on behind the veils, the truth of the magnificent palaces and one of the richest places. 

It engulfs you from the starting in the world of princess Sultana ( true name changed). She is heroic in her own rights, fighting and being a rebel to the entire system from the start. Every episode brings out the shocking tales of women in Saudi, of their struggle, of their fight to survival. It's heart breaking to know of the lives these royalty clad woman live having every luxury at their disposal and yet prisoners in their house, without any control or right on their life. 

The battle of Princess Sultana and all the women around her. 

You get immediately drawn to the ferocious little girl who denies to bow down, the punishment, her suffering , yet she grows into a beautiful teenager with the same wild heart, the anguish , her pain, her love affairs, rebels, her fearless nature, the way she becomes a wife and then a mother. The lessons in life, hard hitting ( pun intended) and fierce change her or does she change her life is the question kept burning throughout. 

Yet every time she plans and plots and Rebels to get her ways, your heart skips a beat for her. Every victory of her is rejoiced and you feel her pain equally.

The truth of Saudi woman this book tells is a must read. 

I couldn't get my eyes of it, finished it in a day. 

xoxo

Bhakti 

A little bit of kindness this Summer

Summer is here, it's just the beginning and the temperature are soaring. Everyone just needs a respite from this blistering heat. One doesn't want to venture out of the comfort of the home owing to the scorching sun. However the birds and stray animals brave the heat without any option.

These poor things fall victim to dehydration. They are instances of birds collapsing due to dehydration. 

With one small deed we can make a difference. 

Please put water outside your home or society for stray animals in clay pots or containers of no value which the animals can easily reach and have a drink. 

One can have water baths for the birds on the terrace, window sill, balcony for the little creatures as a small respite from heat. 

Keep a dish or container with a depth not more than1-2 inches so that they can easily have a quick dip, drink water and refresh themselves. 

One can keep some bird feed, simple grains, for the birds to enjoy a complete meal. 

A little bit of plants around will make your outdoors a sanctuary for birds and you will be surprised by the myriad visitors you get. The space will also cheer you up and will be your own little oasis a respite from the heat as well as the concrete jungle. 

If it's not possible, just keep a dish of water and be a saviour for the little creatures. 

Simple bird baths you can keep - 

Photo credits - Pinterest 

This is my Bird Bath - 

Please be generous and share water. 

A little gesture will help many. 

Enjoy the summer. 

xoxo

Bhakti 

Sita's Sister - A Mytholigical Journey book reading at Tertulia

Tertulia hosted a book reading for Sita's Sister - a mytholigical journey written by Kavita Kane.

Yadu sankalia and Ritu Nathani read excerpts from the book and Kavita herself put light on the characters in the book, her research and answered all questions the audience had. 

Kavita Kane a name well known as the author for the best selling Karnas wife.

Kavita indeed loves mythology and it's like the unsung characters from the era gone by call to her to tell their story and she successfully does exactly that with great penchant. 

Sitas sister is a book written on Urmila better known as Laxmans wife whom he left behind for 14 years in the palace when he took exile with Ram and Sita. 

It's astonishing how characters, plots, dilemma, questions and the story which took place thousands of years ago still rings true today also. 

The questions raised by Urmila, her thinking, her life, relationships, sisterhood, love, responsibilities are beautifully sketched by Kavita. With her research as well as her prowess to write, she has given life to Urmilas character. 

I am definitely very eager to read this book. 

  

Photo credits - Tertulia and Kavita Kane page 

It was an enjoyable afternoon listening to the experts in the comforts of the cozy resto and enjoying healthy Raw Pressery  juices thanks to Carpe Diem and everyone involved. 

Do let me know how you find the book . 

xoxo 

Bhakti 

The Little Door, Pune

City lovers are sure getting and enjoying their share of casual joints over drinks and finger foods rather than fine dinning. Food and socialising scenes are fast changing in the city. 

Let's have a look at one of these game changers which is a new entrant to the city's food scenes.

The Little Door, Pune - The renowned brand from Mumbai and popular watering hole needs no introduction. 

On the busy street of Kalyani Nagar, a small stone in white catches your attention, alongside a Little Blue Door. The stone reads The Little Door. 

The name itself fascinates one about this place-a little blue door literally leads you in waiting for you to unfold a mystery and stands their patiently inviting you in.

No sooner than I saw the door I started thinking about what lay ahead . I was excited to find out and my excitement was really awarded as the magic of this place truly engulfs you in.
Its a simple place yet oozing with life,  it just swept me to a place which could be an amalgamation of a Greek mixed Goan theme . The result - a beautiful tranquil white , it just calms and soothes, excites and invites you at the same time and all this on a busy street in the city.
The place is done up on three levels- the outdoor seating which is bustling with activity, the indoors which has loud music, the first floor which is a bit private and last but certainly not the least, the terrace, which is warm, cozy and yet not far enough from the action - beautiful setting.

After the initial impression and taking the magic in, anticipation was running high to see how it really scores on what it promises - delectable finger food and appetisers with creatively mastered drinks.

The food definitely keeps the impression and doesn't disappoint at all. The entire fare is really good. The presentation is appealing yet simple. The portion served are good. One would find most of their finger food to be had while sipping on your favorite drink.
Overall everything we tasted met our expectations to the core however I would definitely recommend some of my favorite dishes to you guys  strongly.
cocktails they serve are really out of the box and innovative, they will certainly blow off your mind. 

Must try - Podka - kokum mixed with vodka definitely gives a zing.

Happy coco which was served in a coconut and was really refreshing ;) 

Hercules - as the name suggests strong and fierce . 

The classic mocktails are perfection blended in tall glasses.
I loved their vodka shots which were doing the rounds for all tables ,, follow me on Instagram to see it ..
Coming to the starters - 

the small burgers and sliders are so cute and tasty , 

must have - Greek Nachos - sumptuous and yum to the core .Filled with cheese, the perfect herbs, and toppings .. Must have on every table.

Mini shawarmas go with everything so well.
Souvlaki swords are another must haves - chicken bbq in Greek mix .
For the shrimp lovers - fire starter - shrimp flambeed in alcohol ..
All the starters were served with really good dips which went amazingly well with the dish and took the taste factor a notch higher.
The main course - champagne risotto must have and after that vodka penne -- you could also go with gambas a la Parilla - prawns in Orange sauce served with buttered herb rice -- the flavor was so soothing ,, creamy and went so well together.. 

The masterpiece was left for the last - the grand entry, the cherry on the entire experience - rum drum - 8 layered chocolate cake which is a pure indulgence - creation of chef Mayur - sheer Brilliance. 

First bite and you will be in heaven , tantalizing every taste bud
The service , the presentation and everything was up to the mark .
Thanks to the owners Mayur and Ashutosh for having us. They play the perfect host ... Indeed I am hooked to this little door from Bombay who has opened its doors to Pune .. Perfect watering hole for the evenings --


 P.s I found this restaurant VFM. we visited on A Monday Night - almost all tables were full and the place was buzzing with activity.        

                                      

Till we meet again .. 

xoxo

Bhakti