Tulip January 2023 Issue

JANUARY

Greetings Readers!

A new beginning awaits you all as we step into a new fresh year! As I sat down to write this month’s note, I couldn’t help but wonder how it seems like yesterday when I was penning the 2022’s January note The memories came rushing back to me and I would really like to take this moment to thank all our readers for having joined us on this journey and for being our constant motivation.

As you flip through the pages of this month's Issue, I'm sure you’ll be delighted to find our top picks for the food o diac cafes of the city. Gear up for the first festival of the year- Sankranti and learn how you can bring in festive vibes with aplomb! In our glitz and glam feature section we have a few beautiful women of the city talking about their favourite outfit trends that should make a come back this year! and a few memories associated with them. On the cover we have the charming Megha Akash who is all set to start her year with a bang through our cover! Apart from these, we have many more articles to suit your liking in the travel, feature and beauty sections! Read through to pick your favorite article of the month

All in all, I’d like to wish our readers a wonderful read as always! Happy New year, may this year bring you the best you’ve hoped for! Cheers!

editor@tulipmag.com

DIESEL LAUNCHES INDIA’S FIRST RED & WHITE STORE IN HYDERABAD

DIESEL, the innovative global lifestyle brand unveils India’s first RED & WHITE store, a redefined outpost in Hyderabad. Located in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, the two-floor frontier spreads across 4193 sq ft. and represents a discerning look of the brand under the creative direction of Glenn Martens. The reconceived design incorporates the latest interior concept that pays homage to Diesel's DNA and tradition, with the brand's color, RED & WHITE, as a key element. To mark this launch, the brand hosted an exclusive preview, a gala evening at the store recently, attended by prominent influencers,socialites,andcelebritiesinthecity.

Rakshandfriends

SrijaGunda

NabhaanMahmood&Sofiya

SaifMehdi

ActorVish ManjulaNarsaandRishitaMaddey

DieselStore

HYDERABAD FOOD INSTA MEET 5

Hyderabad Food Insta meet 5.0 was curated & hosted by Mohammed Zubair Ali of Hyderabad Food Diaries at Radisson blu hotel in Banjara hills. Last 4 editions have been great success and was appreciated by who's and who of Hyderabad's Food and Beverage sector. The Agenda is to invite the food blogging community and help upcoming food bloggers in pursuing their passion for food.There were various topics discussed on the latest trends , upcoming changes and existing problems of the foodworld.Contentcreationonsocialmediawasthemaintopicofdiscussionfollowedbyfoodquizthat involved many brands from Hyderabad. Events like these helps to know each other and grow as a community.

Social media promotions plays a vital role in today's fast pace world and events like Hyderabad Food Insta Meet encourages and celebrate the hard work of content creators who promotes restaurants, cafes,lounges&clubsinHyderabad.

Where:RaddisonBlu

AN INTIMATE WEDDING RECEPTION

Vishwajith and Rishika had an elegant wedding reception, at Boulder Hills, Hyderabad, Recently. Parents Ms Sangita and Mr Vishweshwar Reddy, who hosted the gala celebrations and Ms Preeti and Rajesh Reddy, were perfect hosts, attending to guests comprising of the crème de la creme. Doting grandparents of the groom, Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group and Mrs Sucharitha Reddy, were visibly brimming with joy. The grand festivities were graced by close family and friends, several ministers, governors and others from across the country. The guests were thoroughly delighted with the lavish spread of delicacies, especially relished pootharekulu and other traditional cuisine.

Vishwajith & Rishika

Upasana

Subramanian

Swamy

Sanjay & Pinky Reddy

Rajeev & Manjula Reddy

Shilpa & Lakshmi

Picture Perfect

All Smiles

PRIYANKA KHANNA

Whatisatypicaldaylikeinyourlife?

My day starts soon I wake up early cos I love the early morning zest An hour of Pilates then fixed family time over breakfast which compulsory includes a cup of americano and a bowl of fruits Being a Makeup Artist I don’t Have any fixed working hours We have recently expanded our make-up studio and started all services at The Salon I am available at the salon almost all day Post work I usually enjoy meeting friends for coffee, sheesha or shopping.

HowdidyouendupbecomingaMakeupArtist?

Ihavealilmoreofmymother’sgenesinme Sheisa workaholicandshopaholic Sheandmysis,loveto playdress-upforever Istartedinthehospital industrylikemymombutafter2yearsmypassionto dressupanddressothersupdrovemetothis creativefield Ihadtofirstgatherallmypatienceand energyandthenstepbystepImastereddoinghair andface It’snotaneasytask Wehavetomakesure everyonelooksperfectontheirspecialdays Evena singlehairstrandhereandtherewillspoilthelook Butseeingtheclientsprettyandhappymakesme verycontent.SothatfeelingassuresmethatIwas meantforthisfield

A Makeup artist and hairstylist by profession. She is a fitness freak who loves socializing and a shopaholic.

Whatmakeupproductslinewouldyousuggest?

Many luxurious brands offer top quality make- up products, that work wonders if used correctly. I swear by NARS Known for their wide range and premium quality iconic black and white packaging and cheeky product names like the Climax mascara, Orgasm blush NARS is a stapleofmyvanity

Tellusafunnyincidentwhichhappenedwith you?

WhenIaccidentallyappliedmoisturizeronthefaceafter finishingmyentiremakeupwhilegettingreadyforaparty Laughs!

Whatdoyoudoinyourleisuretime?

Betweenallmyearlymorningandlate-nightclientcalls andsalonrunandgymroutinewheneverIgetthetime firstly,Istayhome,cuddlemylilpet,doodleandcatchup onsleep.Also,Iamalwaysanenthusiastaboutnewdiets andthelatestfashiontrends Soveryoftenyouwillcatch mestalkingvariousdieticiansanddesignersonInstagram

Withsomuchgoingaroundwiththispandemic, howdoyoukeepmentalhealthincheck?

Isweatitoutit’sassimpleasthat Manyofusarefacing challengesthatareoverwhelmingandcausestrong emotions These2yearshavecreatedafearoflifeinus I feeleachoneofushavetoidentifyanactivitythatcalms usdown&helpdealwiththestress Inmycase,it’s workoutscardio,yoga,pilatesorjustsomethingassimple asrunningupanddownflightsofstairs.WhenIlookatthe trackeronmyapplewatchattheendofthedayitmakes mehappy.

What’sonyourbucketlisttodowhenthe pandemicends? TocatchuponthetravelthatIhavemissed

Rapid Fire

By Mehak Melwani

At the end of the year, we choose to leave some and take some learnings forward into the new year. 2022 has been a great year for fashion. With fashion weeks back in full swing, it was great to see the collections that emerged and soon became trends. Every passing week seems to bring across new changes to the fashion calendar so we asked a couple of digital creators which trend of the previous year they would like to see in 2023.

NAMRATA BHAGTANISADHVANI

@namratabs

ABHIMANIKA

The one trend that continued to rise in popularity this year was A-line dresses, full-length and shorter ones as well. They are so comfortable, airy and easy to carry, so I hope the trend carries into 2023 and even beyond!

According to Vogue no shirt, no problem. Runways have been taken over by the bralette’s obsession and the same goes with Abhimanika as well. She expresses that wearing her bralettes over denim or wide-legged pants or bootcuts with sneakers or boots is her go-to.

ESHA HINDOCHA

SOFIYA SUJAD

Oversized shirts and blazers are my favourites. I’m glad this trend came up in 2022. They are comfortable to wear and look extremely stylish when paired with the right accessories. Coats, Jackets, Blazers and an all-time hit combination oversized white Shirt with Denim Shorts. I hope this trend continues for a long time so that we get to experiment with it as much as possible! I am sure that most stylists would agree with this.

Barbie Core and 90’s grunge hands down!! Not just for nostalgic reasons, but also because I love how bright and happy the style looks. It’s like a slice of childhood served on a platter. For those who don’t know what barbie core is according to celebrity stylist Samantha Brown, “, particularly in hot pink and bubblegum.” And I must say that hot pink was one of the colours of the season.

@eshaisthename

SWATHI PAREKH

SHIWANGI VIJAYWARGIYA KHURANA

Co-Ord sets are the fashion trend set to dominate 2023 as well. They are uber stylish, comfortable, and a fit for a variety of occasions. They can be great athleisure outfits and are available in a variety of prints and patterns for semi-formal events and business meetings. This is personally my favourite trend!

According to me colours, co-ords & oversized clothing influenced the fashion scene this year and I think it will continue to emerge in the coming year! We played with colours like green & orange which are vibrant and are here to stay! So, invest in colours but don’t forget your blacks! Happy New Years. But can orange be the new black? That is upon you to decide.

RITVIKA RAO

RINA HINDOCHA

Minimalism is getting trendy! Sometimes, less is more. Ritvika feels plain minimalistic dresses are her all-time favourite. It's easy to style and so comfortable that she could wear them all day.

From oversize anything to a continuation of the puff sleeve trend to ballooned silhouettes, these trends will retain their volume next year too. For a trendy option in 2023, I would recommend opting for a lighter wash denim, which could be a wide or straight fit. Both practical and comfortable, the versatile pants can be dressed up for work with an oversized blazer or dressed down with a white Tshirt for a minimal, chic weekend look.

@ritvikarao

@rinahindochayoga

If you are bored of the ethnic ensemble then, Indo western to the rescue always. I really like the fusion concept of IndoWestern outfits and what them to be more hyped up in the upcoming year. P.S. add your own bling to it!

By Mehak Melwani

Makar Sankranti signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The day before the festival Bhogi / Lohri is celebrated when people discard their old items in the bonfire aiming to get rid of the negative energy and open space for new and positive beginnings. The day of Sankranti for me is always synonymous with buying an array of kites, loads of sweets and the bitter-sweet competition of cutting kites. The inter-building kai po che rivalry and reunion of family and friends is what makes this festival a crowd favourite.

Begum Bazar: There is no venue like begum bazar to fly kites. Most families come to their terrace with bundles of kites and a spirit to be the best. It will be difficult for one to see the sky that day as patangs are everywhere you look and kaate/kai po che is all you can hear. If your kite stays for more than a couple of minutes in the air, then I’ll assume you are very good.

Begum Bazar: There are a variety of shops to buy kites from here, but Motilal Patang Ghar and Balaji Patang Mahal have been established sellers for decades and offer a reasonable price for kites and manjas

Mangalhat, Dhoolpet: The entire stretch between the two is filled with many wholesale kite shops that spoil you with choice of different styles and colours of kites. This area is said to be extremely popular as the manufacturing of kites and the thread manja is said to take place here.

Warasiguda: Sarangapani Kites is very famous in this area You can find about 10-15 more wholesale shops that sell good quality kites in Warasiguda. Kites? Manja? Sunscreen and Caps? Food and Drinks? Venue ? Don’t worry we have got you

Hyderabad Golf Club: One of the famous kites flying events happens at the Hyderabad Golf club. They have a variety of food stalls, some amazing music and even better surrounding. Nothing like flying kites surrounded by lush green grass and a cool breeze

Parade Grounds: This is one of the sacred grounds to fly kites in Hyderabad. The international kite and sweet festival are held here. Have a jolly time with colourful kites in the sky, contests and delicious food Entry is usually free.

Secunderabad Club: I would consider you lucky if you are a member of the Secunderabad club or know of someone who is because this club has great events. With kites at every gaze, peppy tunes and an electrifying atmosphere one needs nothing more Members are allowed to bring guests at a nominal fee.

Here are a couple of places you can buy your kites from:

D R E S S U P T H I S M A K A R S A N K R A N T I

Black Outfits: You must be wondering how come black on festivals since it’s considered inauspicious. Right? But this festival falls on the last day of the solstice and it's said to be one of the coldest days of winter since black absorbs heat, black outfits are a very popular choice. If you’re like me, you must be having tons of black outfits to experiment with this Sankranti.

Chikankari Kurti: White thread embroidery on fabrics like cotton or muslin. They are available in a variety of cool, pastel colours. They can be worn on jeans, sharara, or leggings according to one’s comfort zone. They are very chic and a personal favourite

Dhoti: Don’t worry you won't need hours to tie up a dhoti, nowadays you get pre-stitched dhoti pants that can be paired with a kurta, or you can add a modern twist and wear a crop top or shirt They are extremely comfy and stylish option this festive season.

Jhumkas: These are my go-to type of earrings They come in a variety of sizes and styles and look great with both indian and western outfits.

Jacket style kurta sets: A spinoff on the plain old kurta. A kurta is accompanied by a tie-on jacket. It suits every body type and is available in many colours, prints and embroidery.

Muggus/Rangoli: In many households, Muggus/Rangoli is made by the family and decorated with a variety of flowers and colours. Rangoli stencils are available online that help makes your rangoli stand out. Try your hand at something innovative this time.

Mango leaves: Sankranti is the festival of prosperity so as part of a ritual, families weave mango leaves and hang them outside their houses. It is said to symbolise joy and is considered very auspicious. They are always companied by yellow and orange marigold flowers that give your entrance a pop

Light it up: Lights are always a sign of new beginnings and positivity, just what this festival embodies. You can hang around some string lights, small Turkish lanterns and even purchase flying lanterns that can be released into the air along with the kites in the evening.

Kite craft: You can use flowers or colours to create kite patterns or even hang a couple of small kites on railings or front doors to create a Makar Sankranti vibe.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

145 grams organic unpolished or unhulled white sesame seeds or 1 cup organic unpolished white sesame seeds

40 grams organic raw peanuts or ¼ cup peanuts 20 grams desiccated coconut or ¼ heaped cup desiccated coconut (nariyal ka boora) 100 grams organic jaggery powder or ½ cup heaped organic jaggery powder or grated jaggery ½ teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions

Roasting Sesame Seeds

Before you begin, take the sesame seeds (til) in a plate or tray Pick them if there are any small, tiny stones Then heat a thick bottomed pan Keep the flame to low or medium and add 1 cup unpolished white sesame seeds. On a low flame or sim, stirring often roast the sesame seeds. The sesame seeds should become crunchy. So do roast well You will also hear their crackling and popping sound when being roasted Roast for 4 to 5 minutes on a low flame. Taste a few sesame seeds and they should be crisp and crunchy. Then remove them in a plate or tray.

Roasting Peanuts and Desiccated Coconut

In the same pan, add 1/4 cup peanuts. Stirring at intervals, begin to roast the peanuts. Keep on roasting till the peanuts become crunchy. The peanuts should not have even a bit of rawness in them. They should be roasted very well. Just cool and taste a few peanuts. You should not feel even a bit of hardness or rawness while eating them. If yes then continue to roast for some more minutes. You can even roast the peanuts in an oven. Remove the peanuts also and keep aside Now add 1/4 heaped cup desiccated coconut Switch off the flame Roast the coconut with the flame being switched off. Roast till you get a light golden color. Remove the roasted coconut in the same plate in which the peanuts were kept. Or you can keep all three - sesame seeds, peanuts and coconut in one plate. Let them cool down or become warm

Making Til Gud Ladoo Mixture

Now add them in a grinder jar Add 1/2 cup heaped jaggery powder and 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder Run grinder or mixer for a few seconds and then stop. Check the consistency. Scrape the sides and add in the jar. You can also use the pulse option in your grinder. Continue in the same way, till you get a consistency in the mixture, where a bit of oil releases from the sesame seeds, peanuts and coconut Take a small portion of the mixture in your hands and then press. It should hold shape and not crumble. Don’t grind at one stretch or grind too much as then much oil will be released from the mixture.

Shaping Til Gud Ke Ladoo

Now remove the ladoo mixture in a plate or tray Now take a small portion of the til ladoo mixture in your palms and begin to shape it into ladoos. Make ladoos with the rest of the mixture. This recipe yields 14 to 15 til ladoos. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled. Store the sesame jaggery ladoos in an airtight jar. If living in a warm or humid place, then keep the jar in the fridge If living in a cool or cold climate, then you can keep at room temperature. Serve til gud ke ladoo as a sweet snack.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

½ cup rice (any short to medium grained variety) or 100 grams ⅓ cup moong dal (husked and split mung lentils) or 85 grams, you can also add ¼ cup mung lentils

3 cups water – for pressure cooking ½ up jaggery chopped and tightly packed, 115 to 120 grams or ½ cup tightly packed jaggery powder ½ cup water – for the jaggery solution

1 pinch edible camphor (optional)

5 green cardamoms or ½ teaspoon cardamom powder 1 clove (optional)

For Frying Dry Fruits

4 to 5 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

15 to 18 cashews 1 tablespoon golden raisins

Instructions

Roasting Rice & Moong Dal

Pick the rice and moong dal first to get rid of stones if any. Then heat a small pan or a small kadai and add both the rice and moong lentils. On a low flame stirring often roast both the rice and moong lentils, till they become aromatic. You only need to roast till the moong lentils become aromatic. No need to brown them. Now take them in another bowl. Rinse both the roasted rice and moong dal a couple of times with water.

Cooking Rice and Moong Lentils

Drain well and then add them in a pressure cooker. Pour 3 cups water. The amount of water you can add depends on the consistency you prefer and on the quality of moong dal. Pressure cook on medium heat for 11 to 12 minutes or for 8 to 9 whistles. Let the pressure settle down on its own in the cooker. Then remove the lid to check the doneness and consistency of the rice and lentils. If you see a separate texture like that of a pulao/pilaf, then add ½ to 1 cup hot water and mix very well. Both the rice and the moong dal should be cooked very well and look mushy. With a spoon, slightly mash the cooked rice and moong lentils. If cooked well, then cover with the lid and keep aside. The consistency of the cooked rice and lentils is like a khichdi.

Preparing Jaggery Syrup

Meanwhile when the rice is cooking, crush seeds of 5 green cardamoms + 1 clove in a mortar-pestle. If using cardamom powder alone, then you can add ½ teaspoon of it. Chop jaggery. You should get about ½ cup tightly packed, chopped or grated jaggery. This much amount of jaggery makes the pongal just sweet. Now take ½ cup water in a pan. Add the jaggery. On a low to medium flame, heat this jaggery solution until the jaggery melts completely. Do stir and break the jaggery chunks or pieces with a spatula so that they melt easily. You will get an amber colored syrup when all the jaggery is melted, if you have used dark jaggery. If you have light colored jaggery, then the color will be pale yellow to yellow.

Sweetening Cooked Rice and Lentils

Straining the jaggery syrup through a seive, directly add it in the cooked rice+lentils mixture. If using jaggery powder, you can add directly. Now add the crushed cardamom+clove powder and a pinch of edible camphor. Mix everything very well. Pongal will thicken as it cools. So if the mixture looks thick, then you can add ¼ to ⅓ cup hot water or hot milk.

Frying Dry Fruits

Heat 5 tablespoons ghee. You can add less ghee if you want. Add the 12 to 15 cashews. Saute the cashews till they become light golden. Then add 1 tablespoons raisins. Begin to stir and fry. Stirring often fry until the raisins swell and become plump.

Making Sweet Pongal

Then immediately remove the pan from the stovetop and add the fried cashews, raisins and ghee to the cooked rice and lentils. Mix thorughly. Offer to the Goddess or you can serve sweet pongal hot or warm to your family members.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

1 cup peanuts – 160 grams ½ cup jaggery powder or chopped jaggery (tightly packed) – 100 grams 2 tablespoons water 1 to 2 teaspoons oil or ghee for greasing

Instructions

Roasting Peanuts

Heat a thick bottomed heavy kadai or pan. Add the peanuts in it. On a low to medium-low heat, roast the peanuts stirring often till they become crunchy Roast till you see some black spots on the peanuts and uts and if it feels raw, then continue to roast.

Once the peanuts have got roasted well, then remove them in a separate plate or tray Let them cool down Grease the back of a metal tray or back of a steel plate or a marble board with some oil or ghee. When the peanuts have become warm or cool down, then rub them between your palms. The husks peels of easily

Now to get rid of the husks, you can use a winnow or use a sieve with large perforations. Add the peanuts in the sieve and sift. The husks will get sifted easily. Remove the husked peanuts and set aside.

Making Jaggery Syrup

In the same kadai or pan, take the jaggery powder You can also use jaggery block and chop it If there are impurities, then you will need to strain the jaggery syup. Add water to the jaggery powder. Heat the kadai or pan on a low flame With a spatula or spoon, begin to stir, so that all the jaggery gets dissolved Keep on stirring the mixture often.

Cook the jaggery syrup on a low heat with frequent stirrings. While the jaggery syrup is cooking, also keep a bowl of cold water where you can check the consistency of the syrup.

Keep on cooking till the mixture reaches the hard ball stage. Add a few drops of the syrup in the cold water It should be firm, brittle and break or snap easily

Making Peanut Chikki

When the jaggery syrup reaches this hard ball consistency, quickly add the peanuts and give a quick stir and mix very well.

Switch off the heat and quickly pour the chikki mixture on the greased plate or marble board Then quickly place a foil or a butter paper or parchment paper on the chikki. mixture. With a rolling pin roll to even out the chikki layer. Roll to a neat even layer. Next remove the paper and then with a knife, cut horizontally and vertically to make squares Let the peanut chikki cool at room temperature.

Once cooled, break them and serve peanut chikki. If not serving, then store them in an airtight jar at room temperature

LET’S GET INKED!

Tattoos- once considered as taboos are now the most trending part of the main stream society. If you want to make a statement about who you are, without uttering a single word, tattoos are the most perfect way to do so!

Want to mark a special occasion? Get a tattoo. Want to express your artistic side? Get a tattoo. Want to create a link to your past? Get a tattoo. Just want some fun and ink on yourself? Get a tattoo.

Here are a few awesome ideas for your next tattoo inspiration!

MOON TATTOO

Moon tattoos are perfect for everyone: witches, space lovers, and all those who love the moon. This thin-lined red design stands out thanks to its simplicity, color, and delicate face details.

BEHIND THE EAR TATTOO

Sometimes a tattoo is all about expressing your love for something permanently. If you want something small but meaningful, behind the ear is a great placement idea—it’s intimate but intriguing.

MUSICAL HEART TATTOO

Hearts are always a great design idea because of just how customizable they are. This design looks like a music sheet turned into a heart for those who love music, but there are a world of personalization opportunities.

PAPER AIRPLANE

TATTOO

If you’re someone who can’t stop moving—whether that means you can’t stop traveling or you can’t stop exploring—a paper airplane is a whimsical tattoo idea. Its simple design makes it easy to replicate and personalize however and wherever you want.

FINGER TATTOO

Why not try something fresh with your ink in the new year? Consider getting finger tattoos, which can be anything from geometric designs to more intricate, tiny details. Plus, you can always hide them with rings if you need to.

SIGNATURE TATTOO

For a subtle in memoriam tattoo – or even to honor someone who's still living – you can have something in their handwriting inscribed on you.

LOTUS FLOWER TATTOO

Lotus flowers grow in muddy waters but despite that, they remain clean and pure. This is a popular choice for those looking for spiritual tattoos that reference rising from hard times and thriving despite difficult circumstances.

HYDERABAD’S TATTOO TALES

“I got this tattoo ‘ i am’ in 2020 when I had gone to Goa for a family trip. I decided to get this inked on my wrist in my own handwriting as a reminder to myself that ‘i am’ beautiful, resilient and unstoppable. In simple worlds, ‘i am’ everything I want to be and everything I don’t give myself enough credit for. This tattoo is extremely special to me also because I made sure it was inked from left to right, just how it’s written on a book as an inspiration for me to write a novel, some day”.

GEHNA MAHESHWARI, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, SONY PICTURES NETWORK

“My tattoo has a compass, one side of has mountains, one has sea waves, other one has ‘Just Go’ and last one denotes calmness/nothingness. The tattoo is guiding me. I feel I am guided after this is done”.

AASTHA MAHESHWARI, BLOGGER

“It’s been a while that I wanted to get inked and finally got it done of the Last Day of 2022. These Roman Numbers stand for 25 27 10 which is Birth Date of my Dad Mum and Brother. Got this inked because no matter what happens in life I know they’ll always be there for me”.

HASHMITA MUNDHDA

“Got it done in 2014, coz I liked Imran khan and he had a similar sun tattoo, I was too lame back then :p hahah but after few years, I got to know the meaning of it (snowflake) and it meant “Snowflake” is a derogatory slang term for a person, implying that they have an inflated sense of uniqueness, an unwarranted sense of entitlement, or are overly-emotional, easily offended, and unable to deal with opposing opinions. And I realised, it actually describes me as a person! So yeah, I love my tattoo”.

MAHIMA NAHATA, SENIOR PROCESS EXECUTIVE, COGNIZANT.

“I got my first tattoo when I turned 21 . It was my bday gift from my mom . Right since my childhood (as far as I remember), I have always been a person who wanted to spread sunshine and warmth in others life. I believe that is the real purpose of my life ..to be the Sunshine. That’s why the “Sun” tattoo . And yes.. my name means Sunshine (sun’s warmth). I got my second tattoo when I turned 28. It is of a dancing girl with wings. I love dancing and wings represents the ability to fly (freedom), dreams, and faith”.

SUNPREETH, PARENTING AND LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER.

“Anchor is the symbol of strength & hope. I got it done when I united with my husband, who is my biggest support system. A heart inside the anchor stands for the strong bond that we share in spite of all the difficulties we faced. In short, that tattoo means I found my anchor for life”.

PRATHYUSHA NIDAMANURU, BLOGGER.

SIMRAN CHHETRI

“My tattoo- Energy never lies. It means the vibe you get before anything that happens to u actually becomes real whether it be a wrong energy or bad one's it comes true at the end”.

“It was the most spontaneous decision I took ( not being a fan of tattoos ) . It was 9pm the day before my dad’s 50th bday and I called up Vikram tattoo artist. I told him I needed it at any cost before midnight and he asked me to come over to his house . I went and got this done at 10pm. My parents were on a groom hunt so I knew I would be getting hitched soon. I chose my ring finger for this tattoo to send a message to the future guy that DaD will always come first and only after him is anyone else . The next morning My family was surprised by this gesture and dad was taken aback and said “ you’ve given me a very big gift darling “ . A year later , My tattoo was the talk of the Dias crew at the engagement ��. My husband was like “ I don’t even want to compete , your father can have his share of love while I enjoy my share.’

ASHISHA, YOGA INSTRUCTOR.

“So I cut my hand around 4-5 years back to showcase my love towards my ex eventually we got separated but every time I used to meet new people everyone was asking me about it and i was not really feeling good about it as they were getting to know my personal stuff so i decided to hide that scar. I am very fond of traveling so this tattoo basically depicts what my ideal life should look like.”

PULI PHOTOGRAPHER

“The Story Behind the tattoo is - The Name pagalpanti is highlighted when my girlfriend calls me Pagal All the time. It feels so awkward for others but we have some different names calling each other. We both were called “ PagalPanti” The reason why I inked this tattoo is I Want us to be through out our lives till my body burnt into ashes.”

MADHU

Megha Akash

Adorable, Fashionable & Unstoppable

Megha Akash is an actress who has made waves in the Tamil and Telugu film industries in the last six years. She made her debut in acting with the Telugu film Lie in 2017 but got noticed in the Tamil action thriller film Enai Noki Paayum. We chatted with Megha about the journey she is been let’s take a glance.

Q. How did your career in acting start? Has acting always been a passion of yours?

When I was younger I always wanted to be an actor, but when I grew up there were other things that I thought I might do well in, but at the end of the day, when I was selecting a college, I asked myself what that one thing I would enjoy doing as a career would be, and acting came to my mind. So, I decided to give it a shot, and if I enjoyed the experience of standing in front of the camera and the vibe of cinema, I would get into it seriously and I did During my college days, I used to do advertisements for extra pocket money, and I was considering acting at that time, so my friend Keertana Parthiban got in touch with me saying her director friend was looking for a lead actor and that I fit the part. She asked me if I would like to audition and I said yes at that very moment, and that was how I got my first film

Q. Did you always want to be in the glamour world? I always wanted to be an actor I didn’t think as it’s a glamour world but it was something on my mind since I was very young there is no reason for it as when I was growing up I was inclined towards the advertising also but at the end of it all I wanted to give acting a shot and I did and loved the journey of it

Q. Apart from acting, what other major activities do you usually engage with? I love coming back home & playing sports, going to the gym and I play a lot of badminton with my friends and I also hang out with my family to spend quality time with them

Q. What was the turning point in your career?

According to me, Enai Noki Paayum Thota was the turning point in my career because it got me noticed and gave me exposure and a lot of opportunities knocked. It was my first big film, with Gautam sir and Dhanush, and I was extremely blessed to get the opportunity as a newcomer People remember me from that film even now.

Q. If you are offered a reality show like Big Boss as a contestant would you go for it?

If offered a reality show or a show like Bigg Boss I don’t think I am someone who could do it because I am very shy, I don’t like the idea of somebody watching me continuously it’s not something I can get used to. So, I don’t think I would be the perfect fit

Q. What are some projects that you're currently working on?

I have quite a few ongoing projects- two of my films Prema Desam & Gurthunda Seethakalam have released in December & I’m in the process of completing Ravanasura with Ravi Teja garu I also have Maate Mantramu which my mom is producing. These are some of the exciting projects in the pipeline in Telugu Cinema, and in Tamil, I have Mazhai Pidikatha Manithan with Vijay Antony produced by Vijay Miltonsir, Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir with Vijay Setupathi, and Single Shankaumr Smartphone. So ya, there’s a lot of exciting work coming up

RAPID

Three

Q. What's the recent thing you have struck off of your bucket list?

A recent thing I have striked off from my bucket list swimming in the ocean not exactly deep-sea diving swimming with the whale shark which is anything to do with the ocean is been a dream of mine which I had fulfilled

Q. Tell us something that you have never told anyone else?

Other than my blue tick official Instagram account I have another Instagram account that I use sometimes very rarely to stalk people in a nice harmless way I can say hahaha.

Q. As an Independent woman like you, what advice would you like to give to other women to have their own identity?

well everyone has different struggles. So, we all don’t get the same opportunities… but if they get the opportunity to work and be financially independent even for a short while I think that’s very important. A strong work ethic is thi I thi k i i t t

F O O D O

D I A C

By Mehak Melwani

You must be wondering what in the world is ‘Foododiac’, it is a combination of food and zodiac which is what we have for you here. Many people believe that your traits and behaviours are very closely related to you your Zodiac Signs. Since choosing a cuisine is a massive task in today's world with the abundant variety present why don’t we make your day a little easier and help you choose it according to your star sign.

Aries are a member of the Hot Head gang. You generally tend to gravitate towards spice and everything nice so the cuisine for you is ‘Korean’. Indulge in some yummy Korean noodles, ramen bowls, Korean chicken, kimchi etc. Visit Goguryeo and Chubby Cho for a great experience.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Taurus is ruled by Venus, which is known as the planet of taste and pleasure. Food with subtle and sweet flavours is your jam. So, the cuisine for Taurus is ‘Mediterranean’. One can try shawarmas, mezze platters, kebabs etc. You can visit Casbah, Olive bistro and Istah.

Geminis are a mixture of every possible emotion; they have 100 things on their mind and 10 places to be. ‘Chinese’ would be the ideal cuisine since it’s a mixture of a variety of flavours.

Mouth-watering burnt garlic fried rice, Hakka noodles with lipsmacking Manchuria and spring rolls. One can visit Koliba, Nanking and Chung Hua for yummy Chinese.

The ones who don’t compromise on anything, Leos are always afflicted towards the finer things in life. The cuisine with one of the most indulgent ingredients is ‘Italian’. The scrumptious pasta, pizzaz, risotto, gnocchi is the meal we deserve. For delicious Italian food visit Churrolto, Flying Spaghetti Monster, Little Italy and Roastery Coffee house.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Librans are a constellation of personalities; they are both introverted and extroverted, strategic yet spontaneous. With a blend of many traits, they should go for ‘Indian’ since it’s a magic carpet of flavours. Dishes like Butter Chicken, Chettinad Chicken, Biryani, Panner Tikka with crispy Garlic Naan are straight from food heaven. Restaurants you can try are Exotica, Southern Spice, Sri Kanya Comfort, and Antera Kitchen and Bar.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Scorpions are usually feisty and extremely passionate people. They are sweet, sharp and spicy at times thus ‘Thai’ is their best option. Moreish Thai curry, pad Thai noodles, chicken satay are some fan favourites. Hashi, 7 sisters and Me Kong can be tried.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

The ones who lift up one’ s moods and are the jolly good people are mostly Sagis. For their colourful personality ‘Spanish’ food is amazing. From churros to spicy tortillas, chicken pot pies, garlic butter prawns the list is large. Spanish food lovers can visit Ariba tapas bar and Churrolto.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

This star sign is loyal and practical. Capricorns love fancy and flavourful hence ‘Desserts’ are their best choice. Since desserts are a favourite part of most people’s meals, I am declaring it a cuisine. It satisfies your stomach and soul. Sinful pastries, ice creams, cheesecakes, cookies and the list goes on. For soul-satisfying desserts visit Feu, Concu, Zuci and Karachi Bakery.

Aquarius

(January 20 to February 18)

Aquarius are usually homeboys. In the sense that they love the moreish, comfy, homestyle type of food. They are cool yet loving and ‘Mexican’ food fits their personality like a piece of a puzzle. The tanginess of the salsa, the spicy enchiladas, the cheesy quesadillas, the tasty tacos and the burritos are the perfect ensemble for a Mexican feast. Do visit Feu (for the enchiladas), Taco Bell, Funnel hill Creamery (Mexican Rice) and Sanctuary (pepper chicken tacos).

Pisces (February 19 to March 20)

Pisces love exploring and always wants to try local dishes and a variety of cuisines. So, keeping your love of exploring in mind, why don’t you try ‘British’ cuisine? The scrumptious fish and chips, the English breakfast, Shepherd’s Pie can be found in 10 downing street and hole in the wall café.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO REVAMP YOUR KITCHEN INTERIORS

By Inas Inayat

January is here, everything is nee in the new year and you are bored with your drab kitchen interiors. Small changes can make a great difference, from a splash of colour on your wall to a new accessory for your island the most insignificant details makes the biggest of impacts.

We have compiled some wonderful Kitchen Interior Design ideas that can modify your interiors to a whole another level.

PULL OUT PANTRY

Gone are the days of bulky cabinets and spaceconsuming accessories, it's all about Pull out Pantries, from your spices to your pulses its a good way to compartmentalise and create more space to move.

BUILT-IN APPLIANCES

Sick of all the wires always sticking out try Bult in Appliances,from a cosy breakfast nook to a place to have your morning tea as you graze upon the newspaper. it adds character and charm to your Kitchen.

UP-CYCLE HERB GARDEN

Looking for some super fresh basil for yummy pasta, why reach for the fridge when you can grow your own herb garden, you can use containers and tins that may be lying at home and upcycle them to fit your aesthetic

WALL-MOUNTED UTENSIL RACKS

A wall mounts for your kitchen, compact decor utensil rack adds flair to your kitchen. It gives easy access to your utensils and also adds a quirky spirit to the decor.

BLACKBOARD PAINT FUN

Wanna start your cook with a motivatio nal quote, install a blackboar d wall in your kitchen where you can jot down your recipes and quotes to vibe to when you go on your culinary journey

Indian cooking is much more than Salt and pepper, we use a million spices and most of them look the same which leads to utter confusion in times like these a label makers come handy, get yourself transparent glass jars and a label maker and get your label on.

OUR AESTHETIC PICK OF THE MONTH: HOMES BY KIKKLI

Homes by Kikkli stands out among young start-ups for its potential to promote traditional Indian designs and stoneware products at a global level. With growing emphasis on sustainable products and customer choices leaning towards items that are aesthetically beautiful for display as well as use, Homes by Kikkli has already tapped into the right market spaces.

Their USP remains the exclusive heritage designs and their pride lies in delivering these fragile beauties absolutely safe across many countries now. The unpretentious, eye-catching design says a lot about their product range and quality and how much they love what they do.

In their own words- “More than selling the products, we are here to offer you a lifestyle. A lifestyle that has warmth of our Handcrafted pieces, from our Design desks for your Gatherings. As a Brand, we keep our story simple. We are a young brand with a vision of reaching every Household with our ceramic product range where Each piece, receives the attention and detailing of Handmade process and is packaged beautifully to match their classy and sophisticated appearance."

By Hoshika Agarwal

2022, the ‘Year of Love’ has seen the most weddings take place, be it your loved ones, or be it around you, or be it bloggers, actors, businessmen and sportsmen. All of us definitely go to the weddings for food, while some of us also find it a great place to spot fashion trends and take inspiration from the bride, groom and other people present under that one roof. Weddings and Fashion go together like You and Food. So here’s bringing you some inspiration from the extravagant weddings. Let the wedding shenanigans never stop..

RanbirKapoorandAliaBhatt

Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s wedding was special because of its simplicity. Nothing can be compared to their matching outfits. We were inspired by Alia Bhatt’s natural makeup look. One adores a makeover on their big day. However, Alia chose to do something different. Ranbir Kapoor’s Moti Mala (Pearl Neckpiece) was something that attracted us all. Truly defining ‘simple and elegant’ the Bollywood couple had a wedding one of a kind. We understand from their wedding looks that one doesn’t always have to decorate herself/himself for the big day, as how you carry is the most important of all. Let’s say love is the only pre-requisite for a wedding.

FarhanAkhtarandShibaniDandekar

The ‘Bhaag Milka Bhaag’ star and one of our very favourite Indian actor and director formed alliance with his better half, Shibani Dandekar. Shibani Dandekar is an Indian Australian singer and a model.

As they said ‘I do’ the world got another beautiful couple to adore. Their wedding took place in the month of Love, February,2022. We were inspired by Shibani Dandekar’s gown colour, which is red. Red being the ‘classic bride’ colour was worn with a twist, as the kind of dress that she has worn, brides usually wear that in white. And it was adorable how her dress matched with the theme of their wedding and decorations. We were also inspired by Farhan Akhtar’s Boss look on his very own wedding. How he wanted to ensure he was the man of the hour. Loved the sunglasses that he had worn.

Another love story found it’s way on the lands of Goa, as the wedding of Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar took place. Mouni Roy is a famous Indian television actress, while Suraj Nambiar is a businessman. This destination wedding followed the Bengali and Malayali Rituals. We take inspiration from Mouni’s Kundan jewellery. It is totally contrasts with her bright red bridal wear, while Suraj Nambiar inspired us with his ‘Beard look.’ Both the couples truly defined the word ‘South Indian’ with their looks.

MouniRoyand SurajNambiar

BrooklynBeckhamandNicolaPeltz

Brooklyn Beckham, an English model and photographer, also the son of the famous former footballer David Beckham recently got wedded to Nicola Peltz, an American actress. Their wedding took place in a Palm Beach. We are inspired by Nicola Peltz train style of her wedding dress. It is a cathedral dress, a long flow of dress from the waist , behind the bride. The trail behind her follows her as she walks, leaving an imprint on everyone’s hearts. Brooklyn Beckham inspired us with his white bow-tie worn with the black blazer. It was an usual sight as men usually prefer a same colour bow-tie as the colour of their blazer.

SydneyMcLaughlinandAndreLevroneJr

The Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin and former NFL player

tied the knot. The couple's wedding ceremony and reception took place at the lovely and rustic Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia. We were totally inspired by McLaughlin’s veil, an important part of her wedding dress. It is beautiful designer by Vera Wang. However, her Pallas couture dress caught our attention. Her hairdo was as gorgeous as the bride herself, it was soft curls that totally complemented her overall look. The groom’s complete look was classic, however we were quite inspired by his classic black Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. They looked as if they were just rightly designed her him and his special day.

Andre Levrone Jr.

KennySebastianandTracyAlison

Stand-up comedian Kenneth Sebastian's wedding came as a complete shock to his adoring fans. A Christian and Hindu wedding ceremony were included in their multicultural wedding. What inspired us was Tracy Alison’s gold floral motifs on her bright red bridal wear. And Kenny’s gold and red sherwani which was intricately embroidered. The embroideries are quite usually less seen amongst menswear, however, Kenny became the trend-setter. We were quite inspired by the brides headband that made her look unique from the other brides, who usually prefer to leave their hair open, when wearing a sheer veil. We were inspired by the groom’s matching colour suit that he had worn during his Christian style of wedding.

MohitRainaandAditiSharma

Devon Ke Dev Mahadev

Mohit Raina Sharma also got married recently to Aditi Sharma. “Love has no bounds; it jumps over hurdles, scales fences, and breaks through walls to achieve its goal, full of hope. We are no longer two people, but one, due to our hope and our parents’ blessings. Aditi and Mohit need your Love and blessing as they start on their new journey,’’ said Mohit Raina. We were inspired by the colourful embroidery on Aditi’s wedding lehenga, while Mohit Raina’s pastel shaded ‘Sherwani Dupatta.’ It must have been quite a sight to all those who witnessed this wedding where the bride and groom were dressed like a dream.

actor

KarishmaTannaandVarunBangera

Karishma Tanna married Varun Bangera, her long-time love and their wedding was just like a fairy tale. Karishma Tanna is an Indian actress, model and anchor who predominantly works in Hindi films and television shows while Varun Bangera is a businessman. The actress documented her wedding day, including the Haldi ceremony, mehndi, and sangeet. Since then, the photos have been causing quite a stir among enthusiasts. What inspired us was the couple's wedding outfits were completely color-coordinated, and they looked stunning in delicate pink tones, especially Karishma’s jewellery, wherein she wore a choker necklace and the groom’s light pink pagdi, which matched with his bride’s lehenga.

VikrantMassey andSheetalThakur

Vikrant Massey is an Indian actor who appears in Hindi television, Hindi films and web series and Sheetal Thakur is an actress and model by profession .

Vikrant Massey and Sheetal Thakur have been together since long and chose to marry this year. In Himachal Pradesh, they exchanged vows in front of their family and close friends. For the longest period, fans had been longing to see him marry Sheetal. The inspiration we take from the bride is the print on her blouse and lehenga, quite unsual but appealing, the stripes in red and white, while the groom’s golden buttons totally enhance his sherwani.

WNewly ed Bliss

Usually taking place immediately following the wedding ceremony the history of honeymoon goes back a long way! But we are not here to discuss their history. We are here to fill your head with ideas for all the places you could run off to with your spouse. You may want something classy and special but not too costly. Something that will be memorable but at the same time doable.

We bring to you the top 5 honeymoon destinations to visit and why.

NEW ZEALAND

You are in for a treat when you visit New Zealand as your honeymoon destination. Why is that?

First of all, most of the natural sceneries here, especially in the colder parts of the country are so magical that some of them have been used in the filming of Lord of the Rings

Points of interest: Bay of Islands, Aben Tasman National Park and Milford Sound.

Where to stay: Located on 17 acres in Taupo in the central region of North Island, Huka Lodge is the place to head for an out doorsy yet decidedly upscale honeymoon The compound, bordered by the Waikato River and Wairakei park Reserve, offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and golfing. It also offers day tours to White Island, Mt. Taravere and other interesting spots. Within the natural settling, you will also find luxury hotel standards The lodge is intimate with just 18 junior suites, the four bedroom Owners cottage and two bedroom Alan Pye Cottage.

MALDIVES

The islands of Maldives are quintessential honeymoon destinations with deserted beaches that vie for the ‘most romantic spot in the world’ This archipelago of dozens of atolls and more than 1,100 coral islands span 35,000 square feet of Indian Ocean and is located in about 500 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. The Maldives are truly one of the last unspoiled island getaways in the world.

Points of interest: Male Friday Mosque, National Museum and Hulhumale.

Where to stay: Every island resort is unique so you are bound to find one that fits your vacation style. Consider per Aquum’s Huvafen Fushi with its underwater spa on the North Male Atoll or Niyama on Dhaalu Atoll Other popular resorts include the Taj Exotica Maaldives known for the best cuisine in the South Male Atoll, Banyan tree Vabbinfaru and Angasana Valavaru.

CARIBBEAN

This region is divided into three areas. The Eastern Caribbean includes the Bahaamas, Anguilla, Dominican Republic, Haiti, the US and British Virgin islands, Turks 7 Caicos and Puerto Rico. Islands in the Southern Caribbean are Antigua, Barbados, Bequia, Dominica, St.Lucia, Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago. The third region, Western Caribbean includes Belize, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

Where to stay: No matter what you vacation style or your budget, theres a place that’s right for you in the Caribbean. Jamaica is home to all-inclusive resorts like Sandals and Couples. Jet setters and yacht clubbers head for St. Bart with its boutique hotels and French restaurants.

Points of interest: Dunn’s river falls, Stingray city and Old San Juan.

You may have dreamed of eating Sicilian Pizza and pasta, standing atop the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hailing at the architectural majesty of the Duomo or exchanging sweet nothings while riding a boat on Venice’s waterways Hotels here are well acquainted with couples that are tired of taking a days journey to the many tourist spots that can be visited nearby.

Points of Interest: Florence Cathedral, Colosseum and Piazza san Marco.

Where to stay: Marulivo Hotel, Pisciotta, Salerno, Campania. Cool- in both senses of the world- metre thick walls give the whole place a delicious ancient smell, a reminder you are staying in a 14th century monastery. Architect Lea and Massimo, have revived the ruin after it lay abandoned for 100 years Open to the elements, its topsyturvy layout is intriguing. Gorgeous bedrooms have exposed brickwork, balconies and heaps of individual touches: dividing the bedrooms of one suit is the window of a confessional unearthed during the restoration.

CROATIA

If you love the Mediterranean but are tired of the crowds, its time to visit Croatia. While its gaining in popularity, peak vacation periods are not really as frenetic as their neighbors across the Adriaticc. One of the best ways to explore the Dalmatian Coast is via cruise ship. You will call upon places like the city of Dubrovnik, which has been a bustling seaport since the 7th century, the island of Korcula, where you can bike, snorkel or kayak.

Points of Interest: Hvar, Brac and Korcula.

Where to stay: There is no better way to get acquainted with Croatia than via cruise ship. Try the 694 passenger Azamara Quest which sails a 7 night round trip itenirary from Venice that calls upon Zadar, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik in Croatia Sea Dream yatch clubs 112 guest Sea Dream 2 comes to the table with a Dubrovnik to Venice 7 night cruise that calls on Korcula, Hvar, Sibenik, Rab, Pula and Piran.

We have asked few of our Hyderabadi’s to tell us why Hyderabad is not Hyderabad without…..??

POOJA VANGANI SABISTA KHAN

Hyderabad is not only famous for its biryani, but also for its unpredictable traffic at any time anywhere around the city.

AFREEN BAIG Food blogger

, Entrepreneur

The Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset at Charminar. The infamous Hyderabadi Biryani We make sure people all over India get a taste of this yummy dish & our Slang the first thing to learn is (BAIGAN KE BAATA NAKKO KARRO) Translating to “Don’t talk nonsense”

Hyderabad is not just a city or a physical location, Hyderabad is its people. Hyderabad is the warmth of its residents and the hospitality they carry in their hearts.

, Fashion Designer Owner of “Threads & Petals”

,

Biryani! Cannot find Hyderabadi Biryani anywhere else in the world

KAUNAIN ALI RAJURI AKANKSHA

One iconic event, & a thousand memories If you’re a Hyderabadi then Numaish needs no introduction Every New Year’s we were prepared for the best two months of the year Not only the locals, but people who knew Numaish flocked and travelled from all over the country to taste the spirit of this trade fair here in Hyderabad This is the magic of our prestigious Numaish I hope postpandemic we get to experience this spectacular carnival real soon

ASIYAH

PRIYANKA BIRLA WADHWA

Geometry Artist & FounderMoonchild

Student

Hyderabad is not Hyderabad without the beauty of the Nizam’s creation and the elegance of the traditional Hyderabadi Nizami jewellery. The Nizam’s creation such as Chowmahalla Palace The Jewels of the Nizam of Hyderabad state are among the largest and most expensive collection of jewels in present-day India.

Hyderabadi Slang! I have it too, if you are born here, no matter what accent you have this is our soil language.

Mixed Media Artist

Wedding Stylist & Designer

AMENA RASTI BAGHBAN

KAPIL MK

Businessman

Hyderabad is known for a lot of things But mainly, Biryani, Shervani, Mehendi, hospitality & the exquisite pearls it has to offer from the Nizami era All these traditions have been passed down from the Nizams since decades!

EMAAN SAJID

Home Chef

Biryani & Irani Chai they are the soul of the city

, Student

Idly and Dosa are outstanding in our city which is irresistible

Entertainment and Lifestyle journalist

ORR (Outer Ring Road) A quick long night drive for Hyderabadis & the Dakhni lingo is what makes one a Hyderabadi. Kaiku, nakko, unlogaan, apanlogaan, miyaan, kiraak, aakhri over, yaaro to a name a few, are part of our everyday

LUXURY BEAUTY PRODUCTS WORTH THE SPLURGE!

You want to invest on a beauty product and not feel guilty about the money paid? We got you, there are a lot of amazing and effective beauty products, but it is better to do your research before investing in a luxury product. We have made it easier for you, here we’ve rounded up a list of all the best luxury products from tools to make up and skincare that are totally worth the splurge.

MAC Eye Kohl Pencil

About: A dynamic eyeshadow palette with 18 shades in four unique textures Price: 5375 Where to shop: Nykaa

About: It adds volume to your lashes and curls them up in perfection

Price: 2400

Where to shop: M A C store

About: Works to smooth and hydrate delicate under-eyes, it also targets dark circles

Price: 3600

Where to shop: Nykaa

About: This eyeliner glides on smoothly, dries quickly and water resistant Price: 1600 Where to shop: Sephora

About: Soft pencil liner that defines and shades your eyes with rich, silky smooth finish.

Price: 1450 Where to shop: M.A.C store

About: This is an Ultra-light eye cream that diminishes the appearance of puffiness and dark circles

Price: 3400 Where to shop: Sephora

Chanel Health Glow

About: Using this as a primer gives a healthy, plumped base that will prevent the colour of the lipstick from settling into lines and cracks.

Price: 2362

Where to shop: Nordstrom

Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub

About: A stick scrub that can be applied on the lips directly for softer lips.

Price: 4000

Where to shop: Sephora

M.A.C Lip Conditioner Hydrant

About: Locks moisture and makes sure your lips are conditioned and nourished. Price: 1600 Where to shop: MAC store

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil

About: Fast absorbing lip oil that seeps into the skin and tints it with a fresh natural colour, making your lips look healthy and nourished

Price: 1900

Where to shop: Shoppers Stop

Terry Baume De Rose

About: Rose-scented, mildly tinted lip balm that heals cracks and dissolves flakes

Price: 4450 Where to shop: By Terry

Laneige Lip sleeping mask

About: Sticky, thick dose of overnight conditioning for your pout Price: 1150

Where to shop: Nykaa

Clinique

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

+

About: Face Moisturizer that softens, smooths and improves the skin’s texture Price: 6500

Where to shop: Amazon

LANEIGE Lavender

Water Sleeping Mask

About: Intensive moisturizing overnight mask that makes skin look clear, right and well-rested in the morning

Price: 1890 Where to shop: Nykaa

Rose Quartz Face Roller

About: Massages the face for relieving stress and tension which plumps and firms skin and gives a glowing face

Price: 3190

Where to shop: Nykaa

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

About: A rich, luxurious cream that intensely hydrates the skin, delivering a healthy glow. Price:6500

Where to shop: Sephora

Rose Quartz Gua Sha Stone Face Massager

About: Skin is scraped to promote blood circulation, reduce wrinkles and drains congested lymph nodes

Price: 1100 Where to shop: Nykaa

Biossance face serum

About: Reduces the look of lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin, makes skin stronger and healthier Price: 7000

Where to shop: Sephora

Moroccan Oil

About: This iconic hair treatment instantly nourishes and helps strengthen hair, leaving it shinier and healthier looking

Price:3,150 Where to shop: Amazon

R+Co Bel Air Smoothing Shampoo

About: Enhanced with a powerful antioxidant complex that protects hair and smoothing properties that lock in moisture for a seriously silky, luxurious overall look

Price: 1700 Where to shop: Desertcart

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

About: it is a Volumizing Spray that gives the hair body, texture, shine and tousled look

Price: 8400

Where to shop: Amazon

About: Incredibly effective at smoothing frizzy hair and preventing hair breakage and split ends.

Price: 2,739

Where to shop: Desertcart

About: Versatile oil formulas that can strengthen hair and make it silky smooth all at once.

Price: 4200 Where to shop: Amazon

Kerastase ResistanceMasque Force Architecte Mask

About: A repairing mask for damaged and weak hair and strengthens the hair fiber from within Price: 3000 Where to shop: Envi Salon

20 23

TRAVEL CURATED!!

By Satpreet Kaur

We are back to traveling our hearts out and excited to explore the world with even more excitement. Here is a list of places that should be in your 2023 checklist. Whether you like to explore, hit the water or get lost in city architecture there is something for everyone.

After more than a decade of construction the Grand Egyptian Museum may finally open this year, just a stone’s throw from the Great Pyramids of Giza. What to expect? More than 1 million square feet of exhibition space, treasures including a 40-foot-high statue of Ramses II, outdoor gardens, and an expansive plaza from which visitors can take in the desert surroundings. Meanwhile, a number of new and luxurious ships have started sailing the Nile: Among the best choices are the Viking Osiris, an all-veranda vessel carrying 82 passengers, and the opulent Sphinx from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, which has 42 cabins swathed in marble and hand-carved wood, with beds dressed in fine Egyptian cotton sheets.

CAIRO AND THE NILE

The perennially popular city made headlines in 2022 for its day-trip entrance fee, which takes effect this January 2023 But why only go for the day? The Venice Architecture Biennale runs May 20, 2023 to Nov 26, 2023, with global exhibits curated by Lesley Lokko, the first Black architect to organize the event Architecture lovers will also want to visit the Procuratie Vecchie, the 16th-century building along St Mark's Square Though its façade is one of Italy’s most photographed, the public has only recently been allowed inside, after the completion of a five-year refurbishment led by David Chipperfield Architects. Those looking for nostalgic luxury should plan to arrive in the second half of the year, with their bags packed for a train trip: Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express will unveil two newly restored carriages from the 1920s and ‘30s in June, with opulent suites modeled to mirror the landscapes of Europe.

VENICE

THE JURA, FRANCE

There’s a tiny French region just west of the border with Switzerland that’s producing some big, big wines. Among serious oenophiles, word is already spreading about the vin jaune, “yellow wine,” made from native savagnin grapes and aged in the Jura’s distinct sous voile style, in which the wine matures “under a veil ” Not that wine is the only draw.

The Jura also boasts a comté cheese trail as if the région weren’t French enough that connects no fewer than 150 fromageries and dairy farms Hiking in the Jura Mountains, through Baume-les-Messieurs village and to the Hérisson waterfalls, is equally enticing, particularly as an antidote to all the wine- and cheese-focused sightseeing. Most surprising, perhaps, is just how accessible this under-the-radar area can be. Getting to the Jura takes two hours from the French capital by high-speed train, departing from Paris’s Gare de Lyon

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Australia has reopened, and this southern state is a particularly appealing corner of the country these days, thanks to hot springs resorts that are poised to make it the next big wine-and-wellness destination: Alba Thermal Springs and Spa on the Mornington Peninsula was the first to open in September 2022, with pools powered by solar and a commitment to achieving climate-positive operations. Phillip Island Hot Springs, which distinguishes itself with several saltwater features, plans to open in early 2023 Melbourne, Victoria’s appealing capital city, is also expecting new openings, including the intimate, seven-suite Hotel Vera Ballarat by year’s end, followed by the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, set to open in 2023 in Australia’s tallest tower. Qantas has made it easier to get there, too: the airline now has a direct flight from Bangalore.

The Spanish capital have a flurry of tony hotel openings throughout the city, bringing plenty of personality to what had been a staid scene It began in 2021 with the arrival of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz; Rosewood Villa Magna; and Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Then came the Edition in April

MADRID

2022. Breathing new life into the former Monte de Piedad de Madrid building, the hotel has 177 rooms, 21 suites, and two penthouses, plus two restaurants with food from chef Enrique Olvera and the culinary team behind Mexico City’s acclaimed Pujol Elsewhere in Madrid, an already electric food scene has only gotten better particularly in the glamorous Salamanca neighborhood and architecture-rich Chamberi district with new offerings representing everything from Middle Eastern falafel and Argentinian asado to SpanishIndian fusion and globally inflected vegan fare.

THE EXPLORA I

It isn't just a cruise: Upstart travel company Explora Journeys describes its itineraries as “ocean journeys,” nevermind the fact they’re aboard the newly built, 461-suite Explora I. The vessel is slated to hit the water in July 2023, with trips in the Mediterranean that visit popular cruise destinations such as Barcelona and Civitavecchia, near Rome, as well as lesser-visited ports including Patmos, Greece, and St.-Tropez, France. Life aboard won’t be monastic: Explora I will have 18 restaurants and bars and a massive spa, among other luxuries. Still, should all that ocean journeying become a bit too wearying, guests can always retreat to their suites, all of which have private verandas. In fact, when it debuts, Explora I will have the most space per passenger of any vessel anywhere.

The Song of Achilles

This book by Madeline Miller is about an awkward young prince Patroclus who has been banished to the court of Achilles, the ideal son of King Peleus. Achilles befriends the disgraced prince despite their differences, and as they mature into young men adept in the skills of combat and healing, their relationship deepens despite the disapproval of Achilles' mother Thetis, a vengeful sea goddess. The romance in The Song of Achilles is very complex and beautiful. If you love Greek Mythology, go for it and if you don’t yet, this is the perfect book for you to fall in love with it.

People we meet on Vacation

People We Meet on Vacation is the newest summer read by Emily Henry. Poppy a travel journalist takes a trip with Alex her best friend since college every summer for the last decade. But they haven’t spoken to each other due to a rift two years back. Despite obtaining her dream job, Poppy is unhappy with her life and decides to reconnect with Alex. Poppy is determined to make things right once and for all, so they agree to take one more journey. But things always get messy when feelings are involved.

There is a library between life and death, and within that library, the shelves never end. Every book gives you the chance to experience a different life you may have had. To see how things would have turned out if you had chosen differently. If you could go back and change your mistakes, what would you change? A book that explores all the decisions that go into leading a good life.

The Midnight Library

Cup trophy

Deepika Padukone created history as she became the first Indian to unveil the trophy for the ultimate football world cup finals in Qatar. While many lauded the actor for being an Indian representative at a high-profile sporting event the rest of her fans were appalled by her dress choice. Her look was designed by Louis Vuitton. She took to Instagram to explain why she felt the outfit worked for her “It’s a very special look by my very dear friend Nicolas. And what I love about it is that it’s so perfect for what we are going to do which is unveiling the trophy. But at the same time, it’s really comfortable.”

Shah Rukh Khan is back with a bang. He will be seen on the big screen after a break of almost 4 years in Pathaan. It is an action thriller which also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in pivotal roles and is directed by Siddharth Anand. The trailer looked quite promising with great action sequences. The movie is set to release on January 25, 2023. With all the controversies surrounding the film let’s see how the film is received. “Apni kursi ki peti baandh lijiye kyunki mausam bigadane wala hain”

The 60-year-old actor is attempting one of the most dangerous stunts. It will be a motorcycle jump off a cliff into a base jump. Just a normal day at work for Tom cruise This stunt will be for the upcoming film Mission Impossible- Dead Reckoning part one. Watch the BTS on Paramount Pictures official YouTube channel

After the rumours, it’s now official that Henry Cavil will not be returning as superman after his cameo in Black Adams. He shared a heartfelt note on Instagram “My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It's been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.” We’ll surely miss him!

DP unveils the FIFA World

King Khan is all set to sit on his throne again

Tom Cruise performs the biggest stunt in the history of cinema

Henry Cavil will not be returning as Superman

Naatu Naatu shortlisted for Oscars

Good news is around the block as RRR has one more star on its mantle Naatu Naatu from SS Rajamouli’s RRR has been shortlisted in the Best Original Song Category. The final nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on Jan 24.

The new parents to be- Ram Charan and Upasana

Argentina takes the cup home

The finals of the FIFA World Cup was a match to go down in history Both Argentina and France took the game down to the penalties with the South Americans winning by 4-2. Kylian Mbappe's hat trick turned the match into a spectacle It was great to see Lionel Messi lift the cup in his last world cup.

India Women's Hockey team wins FIH Nations Cup Trophy

The Women's Hockey team has, yet again, made us proud by bringing home the first-ever FIH Nations Cup. With this win, the team defeated Japan by a solid 3-1 and with that, they've also qualified for the FIH Pro League for 2023-24. Kudos to them!

Ram Charan and Upasana took to Instagram to announce that they are expecting their first child. The couple were showered with a great deal of love and blessings by their fans They expressed their gratitude and are grateful for the love.

Aries

Taurus

Aries, you're not only entering into a new year but also a new chapter of your life in terms of love and intimacy

Taurus, use all of your will this month to position yourself somewhere new and vibrant

Gemini

Gemini, it’s time for you to come to terms with the past, people, and memories you need to let go of in order to move forward

My lucky Cancer, let yourself live in a state of free-fall this month and watch how perfectly the universe allows it all to fall into place

Cancer Leo Scorpio

In order to achieve your highest potential, you have to be more willing to slow down and inject intentionality into your routine, Leo

Virgo

Virgo, you are on top of the world as January arrives, and it will only continue for you

Libra

Sagittarius

Libra, if you’ve been wanting to fly the coop, January is the perfect time to do so

You are being presented with some powerful opportunities this month, Scorpio

Sagittarius, take some time away in January to figure out what your dream life would really look like

Capricorn Pisces

Capricorn, you may be experiencing a sense of loss this month.

Aquarius

Aquarius, this month is proving to be a powerful one for you.

Pisces, sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.

HOROSCOPE JANUARY 2023