Switzerland · Travel

Photoessay: Iseltwald – an Idyllic Paradise on the edge of Lake Brienz 

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With mesmerizing mountains, azure blue lakes, verdant valleys, fairy tale like villages and breathtaking landscapes, Switzerland, at the risk of sounding cliched, is the epitome of enchanting beauty.  Located in the heart of Europe, this landlocked country offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, bucolic charm coupled with contemporary urban luxury.  The recently released U.S. News… Continue reading Photoessay: Iseltwald – an Idyllic Paradise on the edge of Lake Brienz 

Karnataka · Travel

The Allure of the Udupi Mallige (Udupi Jasmine)

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It is close to 9.30 am on a sultry Sunday morning and the roads of Shankerpura (also spelt Shankarpura), known for its famous mallige (jasmine) bear a deserted look. I was looking for the famous “mallige katte” or mallige trading centre which I was given to understand was where the rate of the famous Udupi mallige… Continue reading The Allure of the Udupi Mallige (Udupi Jasmine)

Food

Ganesh Chaturthi: a Sumptuous Offering for the Lord of Beginnings

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It is that time of the year again, when we celebrate one of the most popular Gods of the Hindu calendar, Lord Ganesha. Also called the Lord of beginnings, His birthday is celebrated each year on Ganesh Chaturthi. A festival that is all about rituals, traditions and prasadam, Ganesha habba falls on the fourth day… Continue reading Ganesh Chaturthi: a Sumptuous Offering for the Lord of Beginnings

Switzerland · Travel

On an Art Trail in Basel: A Haven for Art Lovers

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Often dubbed as the cultural capital of Switzerland, Basel is a city that offers a kaleidoscope of sights spanning history, art, architecture and culture.  Known for its innumerable museums, heritage architecture and an engaging old town, Basel forms for a truly compelling visit.  Located about an hour’s drive from Zurich, Basel is also home to… Continue reading On an Art Trail in Basel: A Haven for Art Lovers

Decor

Velvet in Home Decor: A Touch of Luxury and Style

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Think velvet and the mind immediately conjures images of all things luxurious and regal.  A plush fabric known for its soft and smooth texture and often vibrant colours, velvet is a great idea to add colour, grace and texture to any space.  “It is a fabric with a subtle sheen and can be effectively used… Continue reading Velvet in Home Decor: A Touch of Luxury and Style

Everything else

Brides in Vogue – Bridal Outfit and Styling Trends

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The new age bride is all things new – bold, beautiful, classy, edgy, and non-conformist yet knows her traditions. Over the years, bridal styling trends have undergone a remarkable evolution. From the era of naivelydressed brides to the present, where brides embrace and showcase their values, likes, and culturalinfluences with pride, the transformation is striking.… Continue reading Brides in Vogue – Bridal Outfit and Styling Trends

Everything else

Guest post: Spine Sense – Natural and Non-invasive

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A strong back and spine is indispensable, more so during pregnancy and Chiropractic care can just be the answer to all back woes. Guest Post by: Bindu Gopal Rao Physical changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy is not just about a growing belly and morning sickness, but also back aches which can be very… Continue reading Guest post: Spine Sense – Natural and Non-invasive

Decor

Review: Nestasia – One Stop Shop for all your Home Decor Needs

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A house is made with walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.  It is often said that a home is not built in a day.  Setting up a home, carefully selecting things you love, assembling them thoughtfully and enjoying the whole process is what make a house a home.  And few… Continue reading Review: Nestasia – One Stop Shop for all your Home Decor Needs

Food

Recipe: Fenugreek Seeds Thambuli

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Made from a plethora of ingredients like fresh greens (like brahmi, fenugreek leaves and spinach), spices (like pepper, fenugreek seeds) and vegetables and fruits like onion, raw mango etc, thambulis are curd/buttermilk-based sauces which can be relished with rice or roti.  While the consistency is not as thick as conventional sauce, the addition of freshly… Continue reading Recipe: Fenugreek Seeds Thambuli

Switzerland · Travel

Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum – Where Buildings Speak

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Heritage houses, Alpine music, rural handicrafts, agricultural tools, yesteryear farmhouses, kitchens, hay lofts, cellars and more.  If this piques your interest, Ballenberg is the place for you.  Located just about 20 minutes from Brienz town centre, Ballenberg is the only open-air museum in Switzerland.  Incidentally, it is also the largest museum in the country, spread… Continue reading Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum – Where Buildings Speak