Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

October 2015 Volume 1 Issue 6

MUMBAI RNI No . MAHENG/2015/6304

PARTY IN THE PINK OF HEALTH

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What’s Happening

in Your Hood

MOM @ 30ISH

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October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

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content October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | wwww.livinglocalmag.com

8 24

8 Bambooo Tree All Day Spaa

For a respite from the daily grind and to wash off the workday tensions that besiege us, and to store up as many pleasant vibes and warm memories until...

24 “PCO’s: The new rampant phenomenon amongst women”

On the 30ish Slope

12 Mom @ 30ish, Congratulations you are warrior!

PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is becoming increasingly common, with as many as 30 – 40% of women...

Every mother is fighting a silent battle. I am very attached to one of my projects #PhotoblogHER, where I narrate the story of her...

20 Teeth Whitening

SMILES ARE VALUABLE- When people are asked, “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” The most common response was: Whiter & brighter teeth...

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20 Advertise with Living Local Mumbai 4

+91 7045779664 / 65 | +91 9930233137 advertise@livinglocalmag.com www.livinglocalmag.com

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

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26 Food Around The Corner

26 GO BIRYAN !

Biryani! As the saying goes, “sirf naam hi kaafi hai”. The delectable dish we all love. GO!biryan, which has it’s outlets...O!biryan, to know more.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

37 Their Story, Your Story- Storytelling Workshop - by Anupama Mehta

Communication is one of the major factors when it comes to transformation. The workshop is designed to facilitate personal growth and communication via stories. It is a means...s

INSPIRE

34 Encouraging Potential For Over 40 Years!

What began as a small parlour in 1967, today spans as one of the most popular beauty and hair services in the city. Yes, I am talking about Nalini Naegamwala...

42 Are You Ready to Have Kids

39 CHRONICLES OF THE HOOD

39 BAP - Bollywood Art ProjectUB)

In our previous issue we spoke about a few parameters to keep in mind before planning on bringing a child into the world. However, there still remain a variety of other aspects...

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The queen of Mumbai’s suburbs, Bandra, always exudes a different culture and life. Home to most of the celebrities of Bollywood, the charm of Bandra never fades...

Disclaimer: The acceptance of advertising in this publication does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Publisher of any product or service. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any advertisement. Publisher’s acceptance of an advertisement for publication in the Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service advertised.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

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Contributors Let your voice be heard whether it is on the topic of health and wellness, local news, or an event you want to share in your Hood. Write to us at: articles@livinglocalmag.com

ROWEENA BHATIA Healthy Cooking & Happy Eating Founder, Chef & Director FATFREE ALMOST! Tweet: @FATFREEALMOST POOJA KOCHAR Founder of 30ishblogging. Blogger, Speaker and Photographer.

30ishblogging.blogspot.in

DR. SHARMILA NAYAK Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist Skin / Hair Like they say… “A stitch in time saves nine” likewise “Proper skin care in time will prevent wrinkles and lines”.

VISHAL DHAWAN Vishal Dhawan is a financial planner by profession and founder of Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors Pvt. Ltd. vishal.dhawan@planahead.in KARISHMA PINAK Dancer by Heart.

Entrepreneur by Profession.

Teacher by Choice.

DR LILY KISWANI, MD,DGO Integrative Medicine, A4MI Nutritional Therapeutics e-mail: drlk.integrative@gmail.com

SHERENE AFTAB Marketing and Hr lecturer by profession. Passionate about Blogging, Painting, People and travel.

Founder of the blog – Looking through the simpleton’s lens

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October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

TRIPTI GUPTA Lifestyle Nutrition Consultant Health / Beauty / Wellness Founder- iPink The Color Of Health www.triptigupta.com MOHINI Mohini is a Tarot Card reader, Hypnotherapist and a Life Coach. She also teaches reading Tarot Cards and various self-healing techniques.

DIVYA PANDAY Lives in her own world. Wants to travel and explore little-big things in the world

ZEBA AKHTAR Foodie, Ambitious, Theory Digger.

Loves Bombay, Coffee and the Sea

DR. RITIKA ARORA, MDS Cosmetic Dentist / Implantologist, Aesthetic Smile Dental Clinic ritika6578@gmail.com

ROSHNI RAWAIL Psychologist. Founder of Kid Power Learning Center. Writer and Blogger The Logical Indian, The Speaking Tree. roshnirawail@gmail.com DR. BHAVANA DIYORA Preventive Health and Wellbeing Consultant

MUMBAI

October 2015 Volume 1 Issue 6

Management Neeraj Vasudeva Content Zeba Akhtar (Assistant Content Manager) Sidharth Sodhi Graphic Designer Rishav Kumar Photographer Manali Jain Sales & Marketing Ali Ansari (Andheri West) (ali.ansari@livinglocalmag.com) Prajesh Podikalam (Bandra-Khar) (prajesh@livinglocalmag.com) Cover Photo By Manali Jain

MY HOOD

N

o games. No marketing gimmicks.

No play. I am going to be honest and straight forward. I am plugging in the word “Hood”, right from the heading to the rest of this read. But you need to trust me that there is more to this very important word than just the in-the-face plugin up until this line.

I remember growing up with the phrase “the world is shrinking”. What was explained was that people from different parts of the world are being connected in the simplest possible ways. Great! Thanks to that shrinking world I am in constant touch with my childhood friend who moved to Vancouver and other friends and relatives all over the world. Every time my childhood friend Prabhjeet and I connect on any online platform or meet in person, the one thing that always comes up is our childhood colony in Delhi where we grew up, the local market, the area we lived in. The nostalgia sends a shot of adrenaline rush to the brain.

Editor-in-chief Anubhav Anand Twitter- @anubhavanand

Today, even though most of the selfie memories are made over foreign trips and new places, there is an entirely different sense of “apnapan” in the following: clicking the beautiful monsoon rains through our home window, feeding that stray dog below the society building, walking out in your chappals to the closest kirana store, catching up with friends in a close by paanwaala shop, and the list goes on.

If you catch my drift and think deep for a moment, a lot of your memories are build around your area where you live – your HOOD. So while the world has really shrunk for all the human needs, the sense of belonging always comes true within the confines of our Hood. We pride to be Humans of the World, citizens of a Country, belong to a City and at the very base level, Live in our Hood. That’s where we reach out to our fellow Hooders for most of our day-to-day needs.

That’s where we come back after a foreign trip or a days work. Where we live. Where we belong. Our Hood.

Owned, Published, Printed and Edited by Anubhav Anand.

Printed at SWASTIK PRINTS, Gabriel Joseph Compound, Kajuwadi, Cardinal Gracious Rd., Chakala, Andheri (East), Mumbai- 400099 and Published from G-701, Sky Anchorage Co-Op Hsg Society Ltd., Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Scan QR Code Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400061.

Editor: editor@livinglocalmag.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors and advertisers in our publication and on our website do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publishers.

The Publisher shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or losses arising out of the use or inability to use the magazine, any errors on pages, misrepresentations or omissions in the content, advertisements or products and services offered and take no responsibility for any issues arising from the use of suppliers who have advertised.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

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LL | lifestyle

Bambooo Tree All Day

Spaa

YES IT IS NOT A SPELLING MISTAKE, OR A LOOSE VOWEL SYNDROME BY ANY CHANCE. THE NAME HAS AN EXTRA “O” IN BAMBOOO AND AN “A” IN SPAA. ALL THE BLAME FOR THE SPELLING MUTILATION GOES TO FAAROOQ AND ZEHRA MERCHANT, HUSBAND AND WIFE DUO WHO STARTED THE BAMBOOO TREE ALL DAY SPAA WHICH IS NESTLED IN THE BEAUTY OF BANDRA IN THE PALI HILL NEIGHBOURHOOD. IT IS ALSO THE FIRST OF ITS KIND AND ONLY DAY SPA THAT OFFERS THE DR. FISH THERAPY AND BAMBOO MASSAGE IN MUMBAI.

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or a respite from the daily grind and to wash off the workday tensions that besiege us, and to store up as many pleasant vibes and warm memories until the next escapade, that’s what the Bambooo Tree All Day Spaa, is all about. With its womenoriented spa treatments ranging from a delightful soy candle to an intense pressure massage using a ‘Bamboo’, till the sensitive PMS pains and mood swings, the Khar-based Bambooo Tree All Day Spa is a perfect destination for all those stressed out 9-5 workaholic women longing for some pampering.

The spa re-launched itself with its signature treatments at a plush new place at Khar, with the perfect ambience to suit its dedicated clientele. Be it the famous Dr Fish Therapy, or the unique one-of-its-kind Bamboo massage or the soothing Candle massage – everything you always loved is all here as before!

The spa offers a host of immaculate relaxation and beautifying therapies that will pamper your every mood and let you unwind. The spa also offers an array of indulgent treatments including Swedish massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Therapy (For Spondylitis and Stiff Back), Lymphatic drainage massage & other body treatments, facials such

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as marine facial, different kinds of manicures and pedicures, reflexology & Oriental scalp massage and PMS Massage (premenstrual syndrome) to renew, replenish, and relax you completely in a space where you can find your own inner tranquillity.

How it all started: Mr. Farooq Merchant, Founder, Bambooo Tree All Day Spaa talks of how while on a peaceful vacation in Malaysia and Singapore years before, he was impressed by the exclusive treatments offered there. It immediately struck Zehra, the co-founder that Mumbai lacks these kinds of services and treatments and we should bring in a similar feel and experience of Malaysia and Singapore for everyone in Mumbai. Thus, was born the idea of Bambooo Tree All Day Spaa, which was the first in India to introduce the celebrated Doctor Fish therapy in 2009.

Co-Founder Mrs. Zehra Merchant says, “Today’s

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

women play so many roles; from being a homemaker, to a mother, to a business woman, or a full day working woman.

She is an all rounder and every person around her is somehow or the other dependent on her which is exhausting.

Handling so many responsibilities is both overwhelming and exhausting and hence she deserves a day of relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments. Our spa treatments like PMS massages, Cranial massages, Dr. Fish Pedicures and many other women centric treatments that we offer will help these women relieve their tensions and stress and enjoy a day of absolute pampering.”

The Therapies at the Spaa: Dr.Fish Therapy

The therapy starts with you soaking your tired feet in a tub full of garrarufa, a species of fish originating from Turkey.

Scared? You need not be! As your feet sink slowly into the tank, these tiny creatures immediately make their way towards your feet and start nibbling at the dead skin on your feet. Have no fears that your feet will end up as fish food or that your treatment may be more painful than pleasurable. These fish are toothless and their nibbling merely generates a tingling sensation on your feet. After being thus invigorated, your feet next get to enjoy a pedicure and foot massage that completes the exfoliation.

The foot massage is heavenly to say the least, because the masseur at the Bambooo Tree All Day Spaa knows

just the right points and kneads away with enchanting ease. The procedure culminates in a regular nail cleanser and polish, after which, you get to rest your feet in a brass bowl full of warm, salty water. The hygiene of the pond is maintained with special UV filters that keep it germ free and clean.

Candle Massage

Farooq Merchant explains, “When candles made only of soy butter and containing jojoba oil are melted, they secrete butter oil and not wax. Soya wax is the only wax which gets to room temperature immediately.

Further, aroma oils are added for a soothing fragrance. This is a creative combination of body massage oil and fragrant spa candles. A delightful soy candle that has the potent scent of a candle with the comfort of essential massage oils melts into a wonderful body lotion suitable for skin care or as a soothing massage lotion.”

Bamboo Fusion Massage

Bamboo Massage is a 2000 years old treatment practiced in Egypt. A few decades ago a woman from the USA reintroduced this technique. It is an innovative style of massage therapy and bodywork that works on 5 elements of the body i.e. fire, earth, wood, water and metal.

“

Bamboo Massage is a 2000 years old treatment practiced in Egypt

Perk your day up with a pleasant spa experience at The Bambooo Tree All Day Spaa at 1st floor, Behind Shivanjali Apartment, Near Beauty Furnishings, Dr Ambedkar Road, Khar(W), Mumbai:-400052 Contact: 022-65656649/65657749 www.bamboootreespaa.com email:contact@bamboootreespaa.com

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

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LL | lifestyle

Krishz DIY Home Decor

by Karishma Pinak

G

anpati Bappa has just returned back after his stay on earth only to make way for the nine-day colourful festival of Navratri.

The city will very soon start buzzing with all the Garba and Dandiya songs, people will come back home early and get into traditional outfits and dance to their heart’s content.

A nine day extravaganza to host the divine goddess Durga...

Krish brings you some more colourful Home décor ideas...

you want.

• Apply a coat of varnish on it and let it dry for 24 hours.

• Place a T- light inside it and light it.

2. Welcome Home: Welcome your guests with this vibrant Rangoli…

• Select a design and get it printed on a paper.

• Place a thin transparent acrylic sheet on the design.

• Using a marker trace the design on

1. Autumn Lights: Beautiful side table décor emitting a soft glow…

• Take a glass bottle with a large mouth.

• Collect dried leaves in various colours.

• Apply diluted Fevicol (1 part Fevicol1.5 parts water) to the leaves and paste them on the bottle in a random manner overlapping each other is also fine.

• Let it dry for about 2-3 hours.

• You can add some glitter outlines if

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the acrylic sheet.

• Using Fevicol and stick multi coloured stones and pearls along the outline of the design.

• Let it dry for about 2-3 hours.

• Using a scissor or a paper cutter cut out the parts of the design.

• You can place it on tables, outside the door, inside the house etc.

• You can use diyas or T-lights to add to the décor.

• You can also choose a long design to

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

put along your door threshold.

• You can place it in a large crystal bowl filled with water and add fresh flower petals for added effect.

3. Marble Mugs: • Get plain white or plain coloured mugs.

• Fill water in a small tub or a glass bowl.

• Select nail polish of your choice and pour drops of it in the water.

• Repeat with two three colours.

• As they are immiscible, the nail polish will remain on the water surface.

• With a tooth pick mix the colours a bit and create an abstract pattern.

• Hold the mug with its handle and dip it in the water.

• The nail colour will stick on the mug, creating an abstract pattern of marbling effect.

• Let it dry completely before using.

4. Colourful Pooja: A cheaper and an attractive alternative for the high maintenance silver ware.

• Use an old plate or tray.

• Select a design for decorating the rim and base of the plate or tray.

• Using various decorative materials like coloured stones, laces, fabrics, dried flowers etc paste these on the rim of the tray.

• Place two or three small bowls inside it decorated and coloured in the same

theme for keeping Haldi, Kumkum and the Rice grains.

• While offering Pooja, place the diya in the plate.

• You can also use a piece of mirror as the base, but make sure the edges are not sharp.

base.

• Arrange these pieces along the walls or add a piece of Mount Board at the back like a stand and place them like frames on tables, desks or in the show cases.

5. Multipurpose Newspaper: Using this technique you can create a lot of Home décor items a. Newspaper/Magazine /Post Holder:

Krish brings you some more colourful Home décor ideas

• Take newspaper and spread it open.

• Pick one side and start rolling while simultaneously applying diluted Fevicol (1 part Fevicol- 1.5 parts water) so that the roll is tight and stiff.

• Make many such rolls.

• Take an empty box ( reference: box in which mangoes are sold) • Apply Fevicol to the side of the box and start sticking the paper rolls close to each other.

• Cut them according to the height of the box.

• Keep the length of the rolls higher along one length of the box.

• Let it dry over night.

• You may then color it, using the colors of your choice. b. Picture Collage: • Make the Paper rolls as mentioned above.

• Select pictures that you want to put up and get them printed.

• Take a Mount Board and cut it in a desired shape and size according to the pictures you have selected.

• Stick the rolls along the border of Mount Board.

• Let it dry overnight.

• Colour it as per your choice and let it dry.

• Cut and paste the pictures on the

Use these colourful ideas to decorate your home.

May the divine Goddess spread colours in your lives and may each of its shade be Happiness !

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 11

LL | lifestyle On the 30ish Slope

Mom @ 30ish, Congratulations you are warrior!

Pooja Kochar: Founder of 30ishblogging and PhotoblogHER Blogger, Photographer and Speaker

E

very mother is fighting a silent battle. I am very attached to one of my projects #PhotoblogHER, where I narrate the story of her motherhood through photographs.

Moments of her holding the baby, telling them stories, building their dreams is what stays back as a priceless memory. This post is a reflection of my interactions with all the mothers in the past 6 months.

It’s a very difficult space; food, career, relationships and social pressure are always playing hide and seek. The only way to fight back is to accept it. Your beauty is beyond your insecurities and the texture of your skin. As a woman, I love your stretch marks, dark circles, love handles and cellulite, because that’s life.

Motherhood is a constant transformation of body, mind and soul.

Bloggers are supposed to be influencers. This power should be used to tell women across the globe that their body type does not need a stamp from the society. You are not a fruit basket, apples and pears are for the farmers market. Our hood is full of talented, succesful and progressive people, we should spread the word about positive body image.

#Life Hack: Imperfections make us unforgettable, they remind us of our struggles and our victory. Ask a mother to define her stretch marks and she will say, ‘a beautiful battle’ where I won.

New mom’s apology: “Sorry I am not in the best shape, can you make me look slimmer, prettier, fitter”. My reply: “Sure, we can work on the lighting and angles”. But the fact is that no photoshop will hide her battle lines. They are her identity.

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Gorgeousness knows no boundaries and is completely unique to each and every one of us.

A mother will always choose strength, that’s your reality.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

www.shutterstock.com/Gladskikh Tatiana

ASK THE

Hair Expert

Dr Snehal Sriram is a renowned dermatologist, specializing in Cosmetic Dermatology. She has won many academic and research accolades including a gold medal at Dr Snehal Sriram (MD) Mumbai University. Now Medical Director, she is leading the medical Trica Hair Clinic team at Trica Hair Clinic, a chain specializing in result oriented solutions for all hair problems. You can reach her at snehal@ trica.in.

I have a dandruff problem, it worsens at times and becomes better at times, but I am never totally free from dandruff. My scalp always feels itchy and irritated. What is the best treatment for this? - Jeet, 35 years Dear Jeet, Persistent dandruff has two primary reasons - overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) and excess inflammation of scalp skin. Use a good antifungal solution like climbazole or sertaconazole, preferably overnight. If you are using an anti-fungal shampoo (eg Ketoconazole), ensure that you keep it on scalp for at least 5-10 minutes before rinsing off. Use it at least every alternate day. Controlling scalp inflammation requires modification in your diet and stress levels along with use of antiinflammatory lotion. Cutting down on oils and refined carbohydrates will help, along with adding omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and antioxidants in your diet. Hence chew your almonds and eat your pomegranates. Scalp exfoliation and regenerative treatments go a long way in achieving long-lasting control of dandruff.

Q. I have been blessed with a baby girl 3 months ago. I had perfect hair through my pregnancy and now suddenly I see my hair falling like anything, in the bathroom, on the pillows, in the comb.

The minute I touch my hair, bundles and bundles of hair come in my hands.

I am afraid to wash my hair now. Please help. – Bhavana, 27 years Dear Bhavana, Firstly, Congratulations on the arrival of your bundle of joy.

It is common to experience hair fall 2-4 months after delivery. As the body goes through metabolic stress of pregnancy and delivery, nutrition to the baby and vital organs take precedence over nutrition to hair roots.

Lack of nourishment makes the hair enter premature shedding stage. This shows up as hair fall 2-3 months after the delivery. Deficiency of iron and sleepless nights increase the hair fall even more. Don’t worry, your hair fall can be reversed.

Take nutritional supplements especially those containing Biotin, Calcium pantothenate, Zinc and amino acids.

If you have low haemoglobin, taking

citrus fruits or vitamin C tablets along with your iron tablets will ensure good absorption of iron in your blood. Visit your dermatologist or hair consultant who may give you treatment to revive your hair. And follow the age old remedy - try and nap whenever and as soon as your baby naps.

Got a question about your hair and didn’t know whom to ask? Please write in to snehal@trica.in and Dr Snehal Sriram would be happy to answer your queries.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 13

www.shutterstock.com/Vladimir Gjorgiev

Q.

LL | lifestyle

Applying

www.shutterstock.com/Liljam

Steve Jobs’ Rules of Success to your

Investment Portfolio W

ith the Iphone 6 and Iphone 6S starting to make headlines, combined with a whole lot of additional new offerings from Apple, the team at Apple has done an amazing job in terms of continuing the legacy of Steve Jobs. With the shadow of Steve Jobs still looming over Apple, I have been thinking about how Steve’s investment portfolio would have looked and behaved if he managed it just like he managed everything else. Whilst he was known to be an extremely private person and I profess to have no idea about his personal investment strategy, I believe that a lot of his thoughts could have done wonders to an investment portfolio and to everyone who wishes to add meaning to their finances, and their life. A few of his principles that I strongly believe investors and investment portfolios should try and incorporate, include the following: Spend maximum time on the portfolio design – Steve said “Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. If you dig deeper, you realize its how it works.” A significant amount of time tends to get spent on

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identifying the best product in the portfolio, looking at past performances over multiple time frames and trying to identify the best time to enter the market. However, empirical evidence indicates that portfolio returns are dictated most by your asset allocation strategy i.e. your portfolio design and only marginally by security selection and timing of entry.

Thus, as an investor, a significant amount of time on your investment portfolio should be spent on the portfolio design rather than which manager/stock and when to enter.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

Understand what you are investing in – Steve said “It takes a passionate commitment to really thoroughly understand something, chew it up, not just quickly swallow it. Most people don’t take the time to do that.”

Investments can be fairly dull and filled with jargon getting thrown at you by investment advisors. Don’t be in a hurry just because you are approaching a last day for the offering to close. Only buy what you completely understand and ask as many questions as you wish to before you sign the dotted line. If you don’t understand what is being offered, stay away. If it sounds like it is too good to be true, it probably is. For example, if you are investing for tax savings purposes, don’t wait till March

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to complete your tax planning investments and neither should you buy the first thing available because you don’t have the time to understand it.

Simple can be harder than complex – Steve said, “You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple”.

A large number of investors tend to believe that complex, new, and innovative investment products will outperform simple investment offerings. This may not always hold true.

For example, term insurance for most investors is the most efficient and economical way to cover their lives in spite of multiple variants of insurance policies available from multiple providers.

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Build your own life and financial plan - And last but not the least, one of my favorites from Steve. “Your time is limited.

Don’t waste it living someone else’s life.

Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” As an investor, define your own life goals, and integrate your money and investment strategies to deliver to your own life goals. Don’t invest in something just because your neighbor or colleague is doing that. If you need help with defining your financial goals, consult a financial planner.

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Vishal Dhawan is a certified financial planner by profession and founder of Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors Pvt. Ltd. He can be reached at vishal.dhawan@planahead.in.

Vishal’s rich experience of 15 years in the financial services industry has led him to frequently write columns in various business and general media both domestically and internationally, and appears on television including CNBC and Bloomberg UTV.

It takes a passionate commitment to really thoroughly understand something, chew it up, not just quickly swallow it

Design is a funny word.

Some people think design means how it looks. If you dig deeper, you realize its how it works October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 15

LL | health & beauty

Party in the pink of health Lifestyle Nutrition Consultant -Tripti Gupta

“T

o eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art”-La Rochefoucauld Festive season is synonymous to celebrations, sweets, snacks, parties, meeting friends, family and enjoying together, hence making it difficult to maintain complete diet control. But while we indulge in celebrations, we need to stay healthy too. Hence, we bring to you the guide of eating smart while you enjoy. Follow some tips to stay in shape even with sweets and savouries flowing around us. Sounds impossible? iPink makes it possible.

Prepare healthy Healthy cooking is indeed the first preventive measure. Let’s replace healthy with unhealthy ingredients.

• Choose carrot halwa over suji halwa • Choose wheat flour over maida • Choose dates/ raisins/honey for natural sweetness over white sugar • Choose roasted or steamed over fried • Choose skim milk over whole milk • Choose nuts over candies.

Party Smart All of us love to eat and entertain but why lose your hard earned waistline so easily. Prepare smart for the party..

• A light lunch– If you are going to eat out in the evening, make sure you opt for a light lunch like soup or salad. This will limit the overall calorie intake for that day.

• Eat before you step out -Do not go out empty stomach, a quick soup/ salad / fruit bowl is do able, for the voracious eaters have a proper dinner and leave.

Such a practice will prevent you from over indulging with higher calorie

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snacks.

• Snack on the go – Roasted chana or diet khakra work as quick emergency snacks on the go when we are commuting and may have forgotten to eat our smart meals.

• Choose wise- Make wise choices such as grills, steamed, fibrous options over fried, creamy and oily foods, • Water breaks- With food and drinks flowing at the party don’t forget to take frequent water breaks. This will keep your stomach full and your body well hydrated, leaving you fresh and light throughout the evening.

• Desserts- If we must cheat then might as well taste your favourite dessert and limit the portions rather than trying to taste all the desserts which were never your first choice.

• Water on the Go- Always have a bottle stacked away in the car for the journey.

It is usually on the way back that we tend to feel dehydrated and fatigued.

Hydration will keep the charge in you till we are back feeling light and guilt free.

Save your waistline • Green Tea- Sip on green tea post meals for digestion and keep your metabolism high.

• Spiced water – Drinking warm water infused with cinnamon, pepper corn, cloves and lime is a sure shot fat burner post a heavy meal • Stay Active- Avoid plonking yourself on a couch, instead walk around or dance away to burn the excess calories.

• Dilute your alcohol- Always sip on water before, in between and post your drinks to dilute the effect and limit the intake.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

• Learn to Say No- It’s not necessary that you always say yes while being served, it’s ok to say no is an assertive manner.

Distribute health Choose healthy give away gifts/ goodies instead of sweets and chocolates. An assortment of exotic organic green tea is more appreciated today than a bottle of alcohol. Similarly, nuts over sweets, crystal ware over a wine set etc are thoughtful giveaways. If you have received high calorie sweets it is not compulsory for you to eat them all.

Learn to SHARE. Giving away to the needy is also a part of the celebration.

Dare to Bare…

Write down what you have eaten during the day and be true to yourself.

This is the most successful tool to create awareness and works like magic as it brings subtle subconscious warnings to make simple corrections on our own.

Being vigilant in what you eat is your first step towards a fit body.

Party Smart ....Stay Healthy

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 17

LL | health & beauty

R

enu & Pragya gave up their lucrative job and started Vanity Cube, an on demand beauty and wellness company.

Thirteen months later they are operational in Delhi NCR & Mumbai and have big plans for the next 12 months.

If you are a busy professional, a busy mom, or someone who looks out for convenience all the time then there is a good news for you.

Vanity Cube is now in Mumbai and provides beauty services at home. We got an opportunity to interact with the founders and here’s what they had to say!

Q.

When and how did you start – from the idea, to your first outlet, to today?

VanityCube started last year with a personal need of not being able to make it to the salon for our monthly rituals due to hectic work schedule, long queues during weekend and by the time you step out to a salon they would close down. Spending 3-4 hours in salon for basic facials and waxing was quite taxing.

OYO rooms and others. We do regular express services in corporate premise of Jabong, Knowlarity, Sprinklr , Hike and many others.

Q. What is your service range and which are your most popular services at VanityCube?

Currently we provide service to all women in Delhi NCR and Mumbai with service like makeup, facial, waxing, manicure, pedicure, hairstyling etc.

Our most popular services are party makeup, facial, waxing and pedicure.

Q. How you are different in this space?

We bring convenience and affordability right to your doorstep, and who wouldn’t love that?

Q. And how has the journey been so far?

It is a roller coaster ride. We started with a team of 4 people and today with a team size of almost 100 people. We not only have happy home clients but we provide regular services in office premise, hotels and wedding venue.

We have recently come up with a Salon inside SNAPDEAL office in Gurgaon and tied up with budget hotels like 18

Q. How does one book an appointment?

Our android customers can book through our mobile app and others can book via mobile friendly site or through our central customer support line 8010801091.

Q. What has the feedback been like?

Home salons is not a new concept, but people today want clean, hygienic and professional services, which is exactly what we provide them with.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

Q. What are your expansion plans?

Currently, we are operational from Borivali till Bandra and uptil Powai and plan to expand all over Mumbai in the next 2 months. We all plan to grow in 5 more cities in next 12 months.

We are trying to change the perception that frequent salon and makeup services are not just for the elites and it should be a part of your monthly ritual at affordable price and convenience.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 19

LL | health & beauty

TEETH WHITENING!!!

Dr. Ritika Arora MDS – Cosmetic Dentist & Implanotologist

S

MILES ARE VALUABLE- When people are asked, “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” The most common response was: Whiter & brighter teeth.

TYPES OF TEETH WHITENING In-Office Teeth Whitening Professional tooth whitening in a dental office is the preferred whitening method because even though stronger agents are applied, the rest of the mouth, including the gums, is protected from these materials. Extremely effective, and can transform teeth in a single office visit. A special light or laser might be used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

Your teeth can literally brighten up to 10 shades in about an hour.

At-Home Bleaching Peroxide-containing whitener actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a tray that fits on your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent is lower than in office teeth whitening Teeth Whitening Myth# 1: Harms the Enamel The FACT: Not generally true! Professional Teeth whitening product suppliers mostly use Hydrogen Peroxide or Caramide Peroxide as the active ingredients in their tooth whitener gels. The chemical hydrogen peroxide (H-O) is a beaching agent which converts into water (H-O)

20

(Aesthetic Smiles Dental Clinic)

The Fastest Way to Get a Whiter Brighter Smile

and releases an Oxygen molecule (O) in the process of chemical reaction. Both Water and Oxygen are common, safe components of our everydaylives.

The Oxygen particles penetrate the rough surface of your tooth (even though they appear smooth, they are microscopically rough rod like crystal structures) and dislodge staining particles. I like to explain this imagining the TV commercials which show how a clothes washing powder with oxygen lifts stains from your clothing.

Teeth Whitening Myth# 2: Makes your teeth sensitive The FACT: Sometimes some amount of sensitivity can occur, but the magnitude of this varies from person to person. However, it just lasts for 24 to 48 hours.

Teeth Whitening Myth # 3: It is painful The FACT: Teeth whitening treatments are safe and painless. However, the bleaching agent may cause discomfort if it touches the gums. To avoid this the dentist applies a gel between the gums and teeth called gingival barrier which will prevent the solution from touching the gums.

Teeth Whitening Myth # 4 Oral Cancer The FACT One of the most bizarre misconceptions .This is likely because there are chemicals that are used in the whitening agents, and a lot of people automatically associate chemicals with

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

cancer. There is no scientific proof either.

Tips to Prevent Tooth Discoloration After TEETH WHITENING • Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages – coffee, tea, wine, sports drinks, hard candy, berries and tomato sauce are all foods that can cause tooth discoloration.

• Use a straw – when drinking beverages, to keep stain-causing dyes away from your teeth.

• Quit smoking , pan & tobacco.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW? • If a person has caps (crowns) or laminates then those teeth will not get whitened.

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER...

• The effect of teeth whitening does not last forever. It will last for eight months up to a year and then the teeth will gradually come back to its original shade.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 21

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LL | health & beauty

ww w.s hu tt

SPARKLE AND SHINE

THIS FESTIVE SEASON

by Dr. Sharmila Nayak Sakhiya Skin Clinic (Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist)

W

e are all busy with preparations for the coming festive season.

Many of us are busy shopping for the perfect clothes and accessories, spending time with family and friends and socialising. With all this running around, it is more than easy to forget and neglect our skin. During this period, good skin care is all the more important for a radiant glowing skin. With the festive celebration, comes indulgence in food, drinks, lack of sleep and stress.

The end result: Just when you want to look the best, your skin starts looking dull, patchy and common issues like dark circles and acne come up.

START AHEAD OF TIME! Start preparing for the coming season in advance with some basic things like cleansing, toning with an alcohol free toner and moisturising, followed by sunscreen on a daily basis. Once a week, exfoliate the dead cells on your skin with a gentle scrub.

In case you have skin issues like acne, acne scars or pigmentation, start treating the skin well in advance because it will take a month or two to show the desired result.

The better shape your skin is in before the season starts, the better you will look throughout the season. But because of lack of time, we opt for quick fixes which gives a temporary glow and within a couple of days our skin comes back to normal.

In such situations, Dr. Sharmila Nayak

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recommends some quick fixes listed below which can come to our rescue.

Not only do they help us give the desired glow but also control acne, restore youth, and reduce the pigment patches or marks on skin, thus giving a long lasting, healthier. and radiant skin.

MEDI CLEANUPS Brightening treatments or Medi cleanups also give an instant boost to the skin . In these treatments, natural brightening agents like Vitamin C, fruit enzyme extracts and alpha hydroxy acids are infused into the skin. This works well for dull, patchy skin and even acne prone skin.

www.shutterstock.com/Vladimir Gjorgiev

SKIN POLISHING AND PEELS With Dussehera and Navratri coming up this month, ladies are very particular about having upper back and arms polished so that they look their best .

Skin polishing and fruit peels are very

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

good options for skin rejuvenation for face as well as back. This helps in removing the layer of dead skin and any product used thereafter gets absorbed better.

PHOTOFACIALS Photofacial or photo rejuvenation is one of the most popular and effective treatment for skin rejuvenation and for younger and healthier skin. It smoothens your skin texture and tone, lifts off the tan, resulting in visibly radiant skin. It even calms down sensitive skin.

LASER TONING & LASER FACIAL Laser skin rejuvenation is one of the latest, highly safe and effective treatment. It is a quick, safe, and perfect procedure for those looking to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin..

It specially targets pigmented patches or dark spots thereby lightening skin, giving it a bright. Flawless, and radiant complexion and even tone.

And finally, remember to exercise, take adequate rest and drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated.

Welcome the festive season with a clear and radiant skin, and sparkle and shine like the festive lights this Diwali.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 23

LL | health & beauty

“PCO’s: P

COS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is becoming increasingly common, with as many as 30 – 40% of women in child bearing age, exhibiting symptoms to varying degrees.

Apart from the acne and excessive facial hair, women with PCOS are also at higher risk for the following conditions: • Diabetes • Hypertension • High cholesterol • Fatty liver disease • Sleep apnea • Endometrial cancer What is the conventional treatment?

Conventional treatment of PCOS is aimed at suppressing symptoms. Treatments include: • Medications to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.

These are chemical, synthetic hormones and can cause various side effects.

• Medications that block excessive androgen, such as the drug spironolactone (Aldactone).

• Fertility drugs (if pregnancy is desired) that trigger ovulation, such as Clomid.

• The drug Metformin (glucophage), to avoid diabetes.

For some women with PCOS who have difficulty getting pregnant, we actually used to perform a type of surgery called laparoscopic ovarian drilling to stimulate ovulation!

Modern approach to treatment through Integrative Medicine PCOS is a metabolic disorder, and the treatment involves identification of the root cause and its reversal through gentle, natural means.

These include balancing of the hormones, personalised nutrition advice, exercise, and treatment of an underlying gut disorder. What this does is actually reverse the condition, not just suppress it.

For more cutting edge information on health, visit my blog, BeHealthy StayHealthy, URL: drlilykiswani.com.

Also, I will be delighted to hear from you what topics interest you. Drop a mail at drlk.integrative@gmail.com.and I’ll try to oblige.

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October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

The new rampant phenomenon amongst women”

By Lily Keswani

by Dr. Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, MD Skin, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Trasi’s Clinic and La Piel.

I

www.shutterstock.com/Maksim Shmeljov

t is that time of the year again when every Indian family will immerse itself in the spirit of celebration.

The season of celebration is here with Navratri, Dussehra, Karva Chauth, and Eid-ul-Adha round the corner.

October is here and we are all set to hop on to the festival bandwagon once again. While you are making sure you buy the best of dresses for yourself and your family, and the best of furnishings for your home, have you taken care of your face and skin?

If too much work and stress has left you with no time to follow a rigorous skincare routine, there is nothing to worry about. A visit to an expert

cosmetologist can work just fine for you.

A treatment session with Skinboosters can replenish your skin and rejuvenate it perfectly for the entire festive season.

Forget the monthly topical facials that consume time and money at your favorite salon, a treatment with Skinboosters will bring out the best glow on your face and will last for months altogether.

Women love to look their beautiful best when it comes to Navratri and Karva Chauth.

Elaborate dresses are arranged and beauty treatments are undertaken to get that perfect radiance.

Women also use the occasion to get henna patterns designed on their hands and all this demands the skin to look beautiful.

Fillers are a new breed of skinboosters that when injected into the skin rejuvenates and beautifies the skin from within. The principle on which it works is the way your skin does naturally. Fillers are basically composed of hyaluronic acid that is a naturally occurring substance in the skin responsible for

maintaining its flexibility and hydration.

Replenishing the natural reserves of hyaluronic acid brings out natural results in the best way possible. As hyaluronic acid binds water, it increases the level of hydration and glow on the skin.

Experts say the impact of the procedure lasts up to a year, much beyond the festive season. So, this year

October is here and we are all set to hop on to the festival bandwagon once again. skip your salon visits, just go to a well trained cosmetologist who will boost your skin from within.

When it comes to festive seasons, it is the time when men and women queue up at beauty clinics to get their skin treated. We often suggest Fillers or Ultrasound / Radiofrequency to patients who come with a dull and dry looking skin that appears much in need of nutrition. No topical facial treatment can match it.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 25

www.shutterstock.com/NinaMalyna

Festive season is here; where is your GLOW?

LL | food

GO! biryan

Food Around The Corner

BIRyanis with DUM

by Sidharth Sodhi

B

iryani! As the saying goes, “sirf naam hi kaafi hai”. The delectable dish we all love. GO!biryan, which has it’s outlets in Andheri and Bandra, specialises in this fingerlicking fare. We spoke to Far-hat Navlakhi Saxena, co-owner of GO!biryan, to know more.

Farhat : Around a year and a half ago Shehzaad Lokhandwala (co-owner of GO!biryan), who is my nephew, decided to do something related to food. So in early 2014 we opened Le Berian here in Andheri. With the opening of our second outlet in Bandra-Khar in June this year, we did a re-branding, changing the name from Le Berian to GO!biryan.

I am a pharmacist and health care specialist with twenty eight years of corporate experience.

For five years I was also the CEO of RRO, which is a leading Indian FMCG company. We did a lot of work with food in the retail space in India. My years of experience gave me valuable insights in to the Indian market and consumer preferences. I was running the company for them and helping in building and expanding the brand. My managerial experience will now come in handy here at GO!biryan.

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Q&A with

GO! biryan Q. Tell us about GO!biryan.

Firstly, just let me say our biryanis are to die for. Let me explain how. Our recipe is completely weight driven. So we cook every batch with an electronic weighing scale. Even the salt put in is on the basis of weight. The recipe gets followed day in and day out so the taste does not change at all. Also our biryani’s are layered. The layers are separated and put in to individual pans. Then we re-layer the biryani every time someone places an order. This is critical and we have got it down to a science. The boxes

in which we pack the order look like a biryani handi. Also after opening the lid these boxes can be put directly in the microwave for heating. We have eleven different kinds of biryani.

Q.

Are you doing anything special for the festival season?

The special thing we will do is more party-menu’s. We have something called Bulk-e-Biryan, or Biryani by the kilo. It brings down the price for a single dish by twenty five to thirty percent.

We do a lot of catering for homes and offices.

In Andheri people are more inclined towards the main course. Also in Bandra there are more party (bulk) orders.

Q.

You may be traveling global but you are always living local. What does this mean to you?

“International khaana khaate raho but in the end you will always come back to ghar ki biryani”.

Q.

What are Super Loaded Naan Pockets? I see them on the menu.

The naan’s are basically stuffed with cheese. Every naan has around seventy grams of cheese. Then it is put in the tandoor. The naan fluffs up. Then we slice the naan and stuff it with butter chicken, mutton kheema, vegetable lahori etc. It is divine. We also serve kebabs, curries, rolls, desserts.

Q. What is the difference between

the Bandra and Andheri outlets?

Firstly, both our outlets are takeaway outlets. In the Andheri outlet we have a little seating space on the terrace.

Secondly, Bandra finds our rates very competitive, as in they are not used to such low prices (smiles). Thirdly, Bandra has more of a demand for the mutton dishes in comparison to Andheri where the chicken dishes sell more. Our starters are more in demand in Bandra.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 27

LL | food

R E C I P ES

by Roweena Bhatia

THE QUINTESSENTIAL QUINOA MADE EASY Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wa”, has gained momentum in the last couple years as one of our new favorite foods. Quinoa is an ancient “Pseudo-cereal”, originating from South America a few thousand years ago. Quinoa, a Protein powerhouse, Iron-rich and Good on fiber super-food is just perfect for the health conscious!

SPINACH RED QUINOA AND SWEET POTATO TIKKIS Snacking was never so healthy with these delicious super healthy tikkis!

Yield: 4 Tikkis Ingredients • Red Quinoa-1/2 cup soaked in 2 cups of water for 6 hours/overnight • Sweet potato-1 medium • Onion-1/2 finely chopped • Garlic-2 cloves grated • Walnuts-1/2 cup (Yes-that’s the secret ingredient and takes this recipe to a completely different level) • Spinach-2 handfuls • Brown rice flour-1/4 to 1/2 cup (depends) • Ground chili/chili flakes-to taste (I add 1 tbsp) (optional) • Salt-to taste • Lemon Juice-1 Tbsp • Olive oil-1 tsp Instructions 1. Bring 2 cups water to boil, add some salt(around 1 tsp), add soaked red quinoa and let it cook for 10 mins. Cover and let it stand for another 5 mins, fluff with fork. It has to be mushy. If it is cooked and not mushy, this fritter will not taste good. The mushier and over done it is, better it is. If not done, repeat the process by adding 1 more cup of water. Let it rest overnight in refrigerator.

2. Next day, boil sweet potatoes. Strain water, pat them dry and mash with potato masher and add to quinoa.

3. In a pan, add quinoa and sweet potatoes and keep stirring, to remove any water if any. Add spinach at this stage. it will wilt automatically. Transfer to a container.

4. In the same pan, add a tsp of olive oil, add walnuts.

Roast walnuts until crisp and chop them coarsely.

Add to quinoa mixture.

5. Fold in chili powder, lemon juice and needed salt.

If this is of a dough consistency, you probably need 1/4 cup of rice flour. Use your judgment here and if you think it is watery for a fritter, add more. Desired consistency is almost like pizza dough. Soft but firm and not runny at all 6. Shape them and pan-cook in olive oil, or make in your Air-fryer.

7. I have also baked these and it tastes amazing.

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October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

QUINOA CRUST PIZZAIT’S GLUTEN-FREE! This crust is so easy to make, tastes delicious, and is extremely healthy. No need to feel guilty with this delicious Pizza base!

Serves: 18-inch pizza.

Ingredients • 3⁄4 cup quinoa, soaked for at least 8 hours, rinsed and drained • 1⁄4-1/2 cup water • 1-2 Tbs. olive oil • 1⁄2 tsp. salt • 1 clove garlic, sliced (optional) • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning (optional) Instructions 1. Soak the quinoa in filtered water for at least 8 hours. This step is crucial, as the recipe won’t work with dry quinoa.

Rinse and drain the quinoa.

2. Add all of the ingredients except the olive oil to a food processor or a highspeed blender and combine until the dough resembles pancake batter. Adjust the water as needed.

3. There are 2 methods for cooking the dough. In the oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and coat either a cast iron skillet or an 8-inch round cake pan with the olive oil. Allow the skillet or cake pan to heat up in the oven for about 10 minutes (this is good to do while you’re preparing the dough and chopping the veggies). Remove skillet/cake pan

from the oven and immediately add the quinoa “dough,” using a spatula to even it out as needed. Place the dough in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. Flip the dough and bake for another 10 minutes, or until brown and crispy.

4. OR, on the stove: This is the method I use when I’m pressed for time. Heat a non-stick pan with the olive oil over medium heat. Pour the dough into the pan and use a spatula to even the dough out as needed. Allow to cook for approx.

5-10 minutes or until the bottom is turning brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until evenly

cooked on both sides.

5. Now comes the fun part! Add whatever toppings you want and feel free to be creative.

6. I like to place the pizza in the oven under the grill after adding the toppings just to heat everything up a bit, without really cooking the veggies (raw veggies are always better!).

7. Try corn, spinach, fresh basil leaves and halved baby tomatoes on a homemade Basil Pesto sauce base!

(We recommend FATFREE ALMOST! FRESH BASIL PESTO) It’s Yum! 8. Enjoy!

HEALTHY BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP QUINOA MUFFINS For that sweet tooth a healthy muffin twist!

Yield: 10 muffins Ingredients • 1 cup mashed banana, about 2 small or 1 large • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal • 2 tablespoons warm water • 1/4 cup raw honey • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence • 3 - 5 tablespoons almond milk, separated • 1 cup gluten-free oat flour • 3/4 cup toasted quinoa flour • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed banana, flaxseed meal, water,

raw honey, vanilla and 3 tablespoons almond milk. Beat until smooth. Set aside and let rest for 5 minutes.

3. Once rested, add in flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated. If batter feels dry, add more almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the batter resembles a thick pancake batter. Fold in dark chocolate chips.

4. Spoon muffin mixture into prepared pan, filling each cup 3/4 of the way full.

5. Bake on center rack fro 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean.

6. Let cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

7. I enjoy these muffins slightly warm, so reheat if desired, or enjoy them as is!

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 29

LL | community

23

Entrepreneur Of The Hood Minnat Doshee

year old

ENTREPRENUER who braved the online selling scene in India!”

by Zeba Akhtar

“If you’re passionate about something, never be lukewarm about it”, says Minnat Doshee, founder of XOXO Accessories, a successful entrepreneur who quit her job to chase her passion, at just the age of 23.

Want to know more about her journey?

Read on, and stay inspired!

Q. What about fashion excites you the most?

For me, it will always be the dynamic nature of fashion that excites me the most. Fashion is not monotonous, it is creative, ever evolving and sometimes unpredictable! Fashion has the ability to surprise you and that is what I love about it.

Q.

Was a career in fashion, something that you’d always planned?

Actually, no. I was aiming at something like copy writing or advertising since I had done my Bachelors in Mass Media.

I would not say a career in fashion happened by accident but the way in which I realized that I was interested in it, was pretty much accidental. While studying Mass Media, we had a module called “Brand Building” in which we were supposed to create an online brand of a product or service and actually sell it. At that time I came up with XOXO Accessories for the project and made a Facebook page and tried to see if it interested people.

For the project, I was supposed to sell around only ten items. However, what’s surprising is that even after the project ended, I kept the Facebook page live, and it actually went on to garner so much attention, that now I have people ordering my products from all over the country.

Q.

From college, to working as a visual merchandiser to being an entrepreneur, how has life changed for you?

Life has changed in a way that now I don’t have to spend time figuring out

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“Take failure in your stride” and “Never think something is enough” what I like, I am way past that process, so I can concentrate all my energy on where I know my passion lies. Apart from the very obvious fact that you are your own boss, certain things change in a way that now you are solely responsible for the way your venture shapes up, you have deadlines and you have to be more responsible than what you would have been otherwise.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

Q.

How does it feel like to be an entrepreneur at 23?

It feels great! Being an entrepreneur has it’s perks, you have an identity and something that you relate to, something you would love to do and be known for!

Q.

What made you quit your job to start your own line, and how easy or difficult was it for you to set it up?

Even before I started working, XOXO Accessories had been launched, and

while I worked full time I kept dreaming about setting up something that I could call my own. This is what geared me to take XOXO Accessories up with fierce passion, and gradually word of mouth and social media promotions got it to where it stands today!

Q.

What is the one thing that excites you the most about what you do?

Every time I put together a new collection, I am always excited about the feedback and the response.

time you stop innovating.

Q.

Where do you see yourself and your brand in the coming 5 years?

What are your growth and expansion plans for XOXO accessories?

I have no idea what the brand will exactly be in the coming five years, but it will definitely be bigger and better and running. I believe in taking small steps every time so for future expansion plans there should be collaborations with websites and probably having one for XOXO Accessories. I do not have a firm plan yet, I just keep my eyes open for whatever opportunity comes my way and have faith that it will take me higher.

Q.

Q.

What has been your biggest inspiration behind XOXO? My customers. Earlier when I had a handful of them, I always asked for feedback, and was open to negative feedback as well. So if one of them said that the earrings broke in a month, I was inspired to provide them with better quality. If someone wanted midi rings, I would be inspired to tweak my collection a little.

Q.

If there is one celebrity who’s style you love, who is it and why?

In India. It would be Kangana Ranaut, I really admire the way she has grown in her sense of style. She has the confidence to carry off any outfit!

Internationally, it would be Cara Delevingne for her edgy style.

Do you see yourself delving into the fashion/film styling industry anytime soon?

No. Apart from providing accessories for shoots I do not want to get in to film styling

Q.

Accessorizing tips for the season?

The key is simplicity. If you ask me trend wise, midi rings and dainty long necklaces are trending. But as for tips for the season I would just say wear whatever you feel looks good on you!

Q.

Given a chance who would you like to style?

In Bollywood, I would like to style Alia Bhatt because she has a versatile personality and could really carry off many different styles. Internationally, it would be Sofia Vergara!

Q.

What’s your advice to girls your age out there trying to make it big? Any suggestions?

I’d say if you feel for something, do not be lukewarm about it. That will not get you anywhere. Don’t fear risks. If there is something that you think could work on, then go all out for it. Fear is your only enemy, not competition.

Q. What is your motto for success?

It’s much easier said than done, but my motto is “Take failure in your stride” and “Never think something is enough”. Once you are content with what is happening around that is the

If you’d like to check out more of Minnat’s work, look out for XOXO Accessories on Facebook, today!

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 31

LL | community

BANDRA BEATS: Live Bands Lift Up The

Mood!

by Zeba Akhtar

K

nown to be the heart of culture and easy living, the suburb of Bandra has a charm of it’s own. Crowded with pubs, restaurants and open air cafes in every nook and cranny, Bandra is the ultimate place for people to unwind in the suburbs. And what better way to relax and have a great time, than live music coupled with delectable food and off beat drinks! We bring to you, some of the finest live music places in Bandra that could be your next hot spot with friends.  BONOBO

 THE BANDRA BASE

What?: With electronic and beat box music every Friday and Saturday, Bonobo is a keen space when it comes to the live music scene in Bandra. They also have a monthly addition of drum’s and base cum Dubstep night played by Wobble.

When?: Fridays and Saturdays Where?: Off Linking road, Behind KFC ( 6pm - 1am )

What?: This off beat destination is more of a culture club which has become a base for artists, and musicians to collaborate and create some amazing pieces. Known for its live music and jam sessions, The Bandra Base is the perfect place to have a great night while appreciating some good upcoming music.

When?: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Where?: Baitush Saraf Building, 29 Off Waterfield Road, Bandra (west) (Timings depends of the gig)

 MEHBOOB STUDIO What?: This old heritage property in Bandra hosts ‘Live From The Console’, an event featuring electro-pop-rock squad Sky Rabbit, Progressive post hard rock band Goddess Gagged and Gypsy Funk, every alternate Saturday!

When?: Every alternate Saturday Where?: 100 Hill Road, Bandra (West) ( 6pm - 9pm )  3 WISE MONKEYS What?: Located in the heart of the western suburbs, 3 Wise Monkeys hosts live band performances every Thursday night. That apart, they keep featuring popular DJ’s along with having karaoke nights on and off as well. Known to be a sports lover’s paradise, you can easily get your gang here and watch one of those crucial matches.

When?: Every Thursday Where?: The Hotel Unicontinental, Khar ( 12 Noon - 1am )

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next big thing at Bandra. Situated in the heart of Bandra reclamation, the place boasts of a huge fan following, with regards to techno, deep house as well as hip hop. Karaoke nights are also a big thing here.

When?: Thursdays Where?: 7/8, Gelekia, ONGC Building No. 2, Bandra Reclamation, Opposite Lilavati Hospital, Bandra West, Mumbai

 THREE WISE MEN What?: Karaoke Mondays, Tuesday Stand Up Comedy Nights and Bollywood Thursdays are a key attraction for most visitors here. Located on the main road in Santacruz West, Three Wise Men has turned into the easy place to walk into right after a tiring day at work.

When?: Mondays, Tuesdays and Weekends.

Where?: Shop No 123, Sujata Rajpipla Building, Opposite Santacruz Police Station, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400054 (12:00 pm to 1: 30 am)  I BAR What?: Known for showcasing varied genres of music, and amazing offers on alcohol, especially craft beer, I Bar is the

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

 HAWAAIN SHACK What?: Bringing in the refreshing taste of Hawaai in Mumbai, Hawaain Shack is a favorite when it comes to different genres of music ranging from Bollywood to House to Electronic down till retro.

That apart the food and cocktail menu comes as an added attraction. Drop in with your girlfriends for a fun Tuesday night special only for the ladies!

When?: Ladies night every Tuesday, and Bollywood night every Wednesday.

Where?: 339, 16th Road, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050

www.shutterstock.com/STUDIO GRAND OUEST

THE

JOURNEY CALLED

L

LIFE

ife is a Journey which all of us have to traverse.

It starts from birth and ends at death (all undertaken to achieve a specific purpose). However if the purpose remains un-achieved/ partially achieved, then we most certainly restart, maybe in another lifetime taking off from where we left.

More often than not, people around you won’t understand your journey.

They don’t need to, it’s not theirs. Hence they have no reason to judge your path, since they have no idea about your journey. It is each one’s personal journey! Do not let a stumble in the road be the end of your journey: stay patient and trust your journey, moving on undeterred.

These deterrents are experiences and shall not go in vain, as they impart valuable learning lessons which get stored in your inner consciousness aiding you to evolve.

While on your journey never lose focus of your goal and never take for granted the people who walk with you. Express gratitude to your co-traveler for his participation in your journey.

Remember, everyone is on their own personal journey seeking their own truth.

by Roshni Rawail

While traversing, a crossroad maybe encountered and your fellow-traveler and you may opt for different paths. Do not be perturbed at the parting. Probably your roles in each other’s journey is over. If you have to play a longer role you are bound to meet up again somewhere, someplace, some time.

So when someone stops following you as you walk away, don’t stop; keep walking on your path.

As you walk through your journey, others may walk ‘with’ you; but nobody can walk it ‘for’ you. You have to do it yourself.

Your intrinsic inherent sense and your own intuition will guide you since you alone are responsible and accountable for the decisions and achievements of your journey. Always keep in mind that blame game, or passing the buck on is not acceptable to the universe.

And, the best part is: in case you decide somewhere that you need to change your path, take a detour or retrace your steps, you have the full liberty to do so.

Savor your journey, bask in it and enjoy every moment of it. You are unique and you are on this amazing quest orchestrated by The Divine to be eventually ensconced in the arms of Eternity Your aim of wanting to be in the presence of The Universe is itself

Magnificent and The Universe in turn enters your circumstances with power.

You have been placed in this situation for a purpose. None of us are passing through this journey just for the heck of it.

Do not stop by giving up. Rest for a while if u want and then resume, keeping in mind that time is fleeting.

Never feel alone in this journey-The Universe is always with you, ensuring that you make the maximum of each trip undertaken thereby dispensing off your Karmic baggage to become liberated and merge into The Supreme Consciousness!

Enjoy and Revel in your journey. It is Amazing and Enlightening!

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 33

LL | community INSPIRE

Encouraging Potential For Over

40 Years!

by Zeba Akhtar

She struts around happily, as her forty years of experience quietly trails behind

W

hat began as a small parlour in 1967, today spans as one of the most popular beauty and hair services in the city. Yes, I am talking about Nalini Naegamwala, who changed the way hair dressing was looked upon as a profession.

People like Nalini, show us that retirement is just a phrase.

At the age of 72, she still strides around with her effervescent grace and a beaming smile. But what captures her as inspirational, is not just her skill and success, but her passion towards making hair dressing a well- received and respectable profession, and her desire to use it as a tool to empower the down trodden.

Chatting with me over a cup of coffee, she took me through her associations with numerous non governmental organizations such as the Akanksha Foundation, Save The Children as well as Yuva Parivartan. What started off as employing women from the nearby community for shampoo and basic cleaning, has today evolved into a full blown training program partnered by Proctor and Gamble along with FICCI.

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October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

“When these women came to us, they practically knew nothing. We called them in because we needed to get off a little work load, but over a span of time, I realized how much potential they had in store. It made me realize, that if given a chance, human beings can do terrific work.”

Like a proud mentor, she introduced me to her employees, especially the ones who had received training under these special sessions for the under privileged. Titled as ‘Nalini Gives Back’, these training sessions are an initiative to carve careers in hair dressing for people who may be talented enough, but cannot afford to pay the fee for regular training.

She shared stories of how some of these people had not even received formal education and started off as helpers for blow dry, but have now gone up to become full fledged hair dressers, employed at different places and some even went on to establish their own salons.

Her mirth resonates in the space, and all the employees vouch for her training and encouragement. Some have stuck on for as long as 9 years, and unanimously all of them claimed to have been around solely for the warmth and zeal which Nalini symbolizes.

“I feel so proud of these girls, much more than even my own children, because they are doing tremendous work. I’ve trained people from various backgrounds, but these students have been my most cherished because of their hunger to learn and grow. It is this desire that sets them apart, and helps them succeed.”

Nalini fondly recalls her journey as nothing less than a joy ride. Over the years she’s seen her students evolve, and every story is close to her heart because of the effort and hard work that they put in. It is this very grit to give back, that makes her an inspirational character.

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 35

LL | community WHAT’S HAPPENING SWEEPATHON

Vh1 Supersonic Arcade: Skrillex When? : October 10th Where? : Reliance Car Parking and JIO Garden The star of Dubstep is here. Yes, Skrillex comes to Mumbai to make you groove to the latest mixes. Great news for all the music enthusiasts. Make sure you book your tickets before they go all sold out!

Ticket Prices GA : ₹ 3135 GA Couple: ₹ 5700 GA -4 Friends: ₹ 10830 VIP : ₹ 4560 VIP Couple : ₹ 8550 VIP 4 - Friends : ₹ 16530

When? : Fri, 2 Oct 2015 (10:00 AM) Where? : Bandra mumbai western suburbs Sweepathon - Sweep for a cause.

Come join Public Health Justice in Swachh Bharat Campaign and support the cause of childhood development

VARDHMAN FANTASY

The Lil Flea When? : October 9th to 11th Where? : Bandra Kurla Complex Yes, this is happening very close to your hood, and The Lil Flea is now in it’s fifth edition already. Flea culture has been a part of Mumbai for a long time now, but The Lil Flea is one step ahead when it comes to innovation and amusements. It is a free spirited platform and the mission is to call all artists and art enthusiasts to celebrate with one another and revel in the essence of good art, and great conversations.

You can expect a variety of offerings, from chefs to designers, to pop up shops, paintings and different kinds of art. It is an amalgamation of colors, smiles and happiness.

Powered by a team of IITians, designers, MBA’s and artists, The Lil Flea is a venture into the creative space! So go out there with your friends and have a great time!

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When? : Thu, 8 Oct 2015 (7:30 PM) Where? : Bandra mumbai western suburbs FACE OF THE YEAR - DESIGNER OF THE YEAR INDEX INTERNATIONAL INTERIORS & DESIGN FAIRS MUMBAI 2015

A Night of Improv at the HIVE An evening of improv with ICM. Come watch numerous unscripted scenes and onstage games performed based on Audience suggestion.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

When? : Thu, 15 Oct 2015 Till 18 Oct Where? : Bandra Kurla Complex This fair offers a comprehensive gamut of this industry comprising of residential furniture, hospitality purpose furniture, commercial and office furniture, home appliances and kitchen furniture which fits best with the interiors of your house.

WHAT’S HAPPENING UNQUOTE THE QUOTES Talking about your problems is our greatest addiction, Break The habit. Talk about your joys - Rita Schiano

Their Story, Your Story- Storytelling Workshop

by Anupama Mehta When? : October 10th Where? : Le Sutra, Union Park, Bandra West Communication is one of the major factors when it comes to transformation.

The workshop is designed to facilitate personal growth and communication via stories. It is a means of empowering people to talk about their stories and share narratives with others and can be a part of a transformative journey.

People from all walks of life have been attending these work shops, be it healers, personal trainers, entrepreneurs or those working in the corporate sector.

The workshop is undertaken by Anupa Mehta. She is a story teller, published author and an arts consultant. She trained with the Jungian writer and world renowned story teller Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes in Archetypal and Cross-Cultural Psychology with emphasis on pathways of creativity, and at, Kathalaya, India. An active interest in counselling and alternate healing modalities, including Sufi Healing Traditions and Native practices, informs her work. She has a book of short stories , Unseasonal Rain and a novel, The Waiting Room to her credit.

Drumcell has played at numerous prestigious venues worldwide, from Berlin´s Techno mecca Berghain to the main stage of the Movement festival in Detroit. His label Droid Recordings and his own releases have captured the attention of many of the world’s top Techno jocks. He has come full circle and is ready for a whole new chapter of what he is best at and what matters most to him in life – the manifestation of truthful emotions in futuristic sonic concepts. Catch him at Club Royalty on the 7th of October.

GOT EVENT?

Share with us & we will share it with everyone. articles@livinglocalmag.com

If one counts, you will see a lot of people falling under this category i.e. those who only talk about their problems. Often we fail to remember the things that God has gifted us and we talk about the things which we do not posses. Such people are never happy and satisfied. One day just try thanking God for the things He has showered you with, one day talk about the things that make you feel happy and give you joy and you will feel the difference. Break the habit just for once and feel the change.

Comparison is the thief of Joy - Theodore Roosevelt If you want to be happy all your life, follow one thing in your lifeNever compare yourself and many of the world’s problem would end the minute you stop comparing yourself with others. A very simple reason to stop comparing is that you have come on this earth to have a different journey and the others around you are on a different journey altogether. Now when the journey is different then why would you need something which they have? Stop comparing because all the things that you are worth, will eventually find a way to reach you.

Joy is not in the things, it is in us - Benjamin Franklin The mind blowing theatre that you have set up in your living area, the high end luxurious automobile that you possess, the branded clothes from head to toe and all the other things that make your status higher in the society remain on this earth when your soul leaves your body.

In some cases, despite having all the riches, people are still not happy.

Why? Because the joy is not in these things, joy lies within us. To make a small moment into a big momentthat power is with us. Make use of it. You should be your own driving force.

by Divya Panday

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 37

LL | community WOMEN - Making a Difference Vandana Goyal

In Pursuit Of Excellent Education

by Zeba Akhtar

A

student of economics, she was always passionate about development and growth, and it is this very pursuit of development and excellence that drew Vandana, CEO of the Akanksha Foundation, all the way from America to Mumbai.

When she first decided to come to India, the country of her origin, Vandana had no clue about what she was about to venture into. All she knew was that she wanted to make a difference in the sphere of education in India, but the big question was HOW? It was during such times that she connected with Shaheen Mistri, CEO of Teach For India, and within a week moved to Mumbai, in pursuit of fulfilling her vision for excellent education.

But what started as just a year long stint in India, got extended to 9 whole years. It was as if she could never leave.

Akanksha Foundation and the children impacted by it became her driving force, and made her stay back in the city of Mumbai.

“There is so much more to do, and so many children are left out still. This

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considerably changed my life path. The essence of Akanksha has not changed, and it amazes me that in a country where the numbers are so overwhelming and there is always the tendency is to scale up, but Akanksha focusses on each child first and that’s really what’s special about the organization. The unrelenting commitment to bring out the potential in each child is what inspires me. How do we get the whole education system to change and run the way it is supposed to run and be impact full? We understand that we need to partner with people and the government, and how we cannot do it alone.”

Vandana fondly recalls of one of the stories from an Akanksha Center. “Every year at the beginning of the session, there is a lottery to choose children to be a part of the Akanksha Schools. One such year, I was made to pick up a few names, but I just could not do it. I saw the look on the faces of the children and their parents, and it seemed like such a grave responsibility, that a draw of lot will decide the fate of certain children, that some would make it, while the others would not receive the excellent education which Akanksha pledges.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

To be a part of such a transformative decision is something that appalled me.

This injustice drives me. But every time I see children coming out of our schools, it make me feel that it is possible.”

This very pursuit to create value is something that drives her. From being a teacher at Citizen School in America, to moving across the globe and now heading the Akanksha Foundation, her sense of possibility is something that has kept her going. We, at Living Local, commend the efforts of Vandana, and hope that the vision of excellent education for all children actually does come true.

There is so much more to do, and so many children are left out still

CHRONICLES OF THE HOOD

BAP

BOLLYWOOD ART PROJECT

by Zeba Akhtar

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 39

LL | community

T

he queen of Mumbai’s suburbs, Bandra, always exudes a different culture and life. Home to most of the celebrities of Bollywood, the charm of Bandra never fades.

Mumbaikars proudly proclaim their residence in Bandra, and over the years it has evolved into one of the coolest localities to reside in.

But there is someone who felt that even though Bandra is as charming as charming could be, it was slowly and gradually losing out on its association and flavor of Bollywood. Meet Ranjit Dahiya, the man behind the ‘Bollywood Art Project’ or popularly known as ‘BAP’, an urban art project dedicated towards the revival of the cult and

aroma of Bollywood in the various suburbs of Mumbai in general, and Bandra in particular.

much as Bandra does, and hence it was a necessity to fill it up with the same flavor and essence that it stands for.”

So, on the 100th anniversary of Indian cinema, Bandra got a new lease of filmy living. Ranjit decided to mark this milestone with a massive wall art on Chapel Road in Bandra West, depicting

Over the years, the Bollywood Art Project grew up into something bigger and better, and from one wall art on Chapel Road it extended itself to 12 of them all over Mumbai, most of them focused specifically in the Bandra-Khar neighbourhood.

the famous still from Mughal-E-Azam.

Why Bandra, we asked him?

Quick came the reply: “Bandra has seen the evolution of Bollywood. There is no other hood in Mumbai that espouses Bollywood as

“I believe, that as a city, Mumbai is extremely busy, fast paced and impersonal, but all of that slowly changes the moment you enter the suburb of Bandra. People still are ambitious, but there is more to life that just the pace when it comes to Bandra. The reason why I love the suburb is because people here know how to make the most of life, and by making the most of life I do not necessarily mean money. They know how to enjoy the small things around, and how to have a great time with each other, which is what generally a city like Mumbai does not necessarily have.”

These very sentences reveal his affection towards the suburb of Bandra.

While on my way to interview Ranjit, I myself explored the locality of Chapel Road for the first time. The quaint alleys, the cobbled streets, the colorful houses, and most importantly, the people; all of them got me rapt. Time seemed to have a different meaning in those narrow by lanes, and it was almost like each person knew the other, and cared to smile back, which is generally not a Mumbai ‘thing to do’.

“People here are very helpful and encouraging. Whenever I paint a wall, a lot of people come out and help, some have questions, while others have suggestions, and many are just happy enough to see that their hood is getting an artistic makeover. Be it the Anarkali wall art, or the Amitabh Bachchan mural, each painting is equally close to my heart, because for me they add the touch of visual representation of Bollywood into the suburb of Bandra.

When I started off, I had no clue how the people would respond, but over time, the responses and the accolades have kept me going.”

Lamenting over the loss of beautiful architecture in place of sprawling buildings as we walk by, Ranjit speaks of how the houses and buildings in Bandra have a story of their own, and every building has some piece of heritage and a long lost tale attached to it. What was fascinating was what the

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October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

place was less of an area and more of a community. People walked past each other exchanging greetings and phrases, and most of them knew Ranjit as the guy who paints all over Bandra.

Bandra, seemed to be the most apt frame for Ranjit, and his tribute to Bollywood would never have been complete had it not been for the old houses of Bandra. “Permissions here are mostly not an issue because Bandra knows how to cherish a cult. In fact, the locality and attitude of Bandra is a cult in itself, and I am pretty sure that no other place would have been as receptive towards my art, as the people of Bandra. The highest point of BAP was when a reporter said that she chose to live on Chapel Road solely because of the paintings and art that it helped thrive. Such statements are always more than just encouraging.�

The conversation with Ranjit and the walk through Chapel Road left me with a realization. If you want to see colonial architecture and business, go to Colaba.

If the corporate set up drives you, then visit Worli. But if you want a place with a heart, go to Bandra!

Bandra has seen the evolution of Bollywood

October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 41

LL | kids & parenting

ARE YOU READY TO HAVE KIDS?

by Sherene Aftab

In our previous issue we spoke about a few parameters to keep in mind before planning on bringing a child into the world. However, there still remain a variety of other aspects that too need to be covered and thought of before one takes the major leap.

Q. Are are willing to put the child’s needs before yours most of the times?

There are going to be many sleepless nights, changing nappies, feeding an uncooperative child, dealing with crying spells and many other challenging and annoying experiences of being parents to a newly born. And unless you are well off you may also have to forego many of your own needs which could be an exotic vacation, a better automobile or a better mobile etc. over your child needs which could be putting him into a better school, sponsoring his birthday party, new clothes, braces, a trip to Disney world etc. Part of the being a good parent “deal” may sometimes sum up to putting the needs of your child before yours, are you willing to do that?

Q. Are you willing to give up on your current lifestyle?

Your current lifestyle may include late night partying with friends on weekends, spontaneously planning a trek or a vacation, eating out most of the times instead of putting together home cooked meals, full time work etc. The two of you might just have to bid your goodbyes to this lifestyle because babies need a predictable schedule and they have an insatiable need for fulltime care, attention, and love. Are the two of you willing to reschedule your priorities to nurturing your baby? Are you willing to compromise on full time work or going to a party because your baby needs your attention and not regret about the shift in your priorities.

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Q. Do you think your relationship is ready to handle the next level of commitment i.e. parenthood?

You may share a loving relationship with your spouse but it could take a toll on your marriage.

Great levels of patience and understanding need to be harnessed between a couple when children begin to make their presence felt. Do you think your spouse can handle the shift of your attention from them to the baby, because every relationship is hit by a fair amount of neglect when raising children which is normal but if the two of you do not have strong communication and if you both do not work as a team this could be a cause of stress in your relationship as a couple.

Q. Are you physically fit to bear a child?

It is crucial to be aware that the mother to be needs to be physically fit and free of any medical complications, lifestyle diseases, or any nutritional deficiencies. A check with your GP should determine that. Giving your

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

baby the best start in life means getting your own health sorted first. It is worth making adjustments to your lifestyle like eating a well balanced meal, stress management, exercising, cutting down on drinking or smoking for the benefit of your health and the health of your baby.

Q. Have you turned to parenthood because you have realistic reasons?

Realistic reasons mean, you are not in it because you want to pass on your genes for heredity reasons. You are fully aware that the little infant you have been idolizing about is going to grow into an unreasonable teenager someday and when they are adults you may have to deal with the empty nest syndrome. You have turned to parenting because you have unconditional love to pass on to your children, and under no circumstances would you see them as tools to support your old age, not that it is wrong to want your children to be there for you when you are old but it’s important to not see them an investment for your old age.

So before you take that plunge, re read these questions and look for answers within.

Parenting is definitely a joy ride, yet at the same time it can go horribly wrong if not approached in an appropriate manner.

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TAROTSCOPE

YOUR FORECAST FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2015

THE YEAR AHEAD FOR LIBRA Happy Birth Anniversary!

Your year ahead will allow you now to define your stability for yourself, particularly in matters of relationships. So, singles who have met a special one, you may consider marriage. For those already committed, you are looking at growing your togetherness! Finance will demand attention, in a nice way.

Health will appreciate routine workouts.

(Please note: The guide uses Zodiac Signs according to date of birth, and not according to your Sun Sign, Moon Sign or Ascendant. There is no cusp.)

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Your dynamic outlook will carry the day. You may have to sometimes practise a bit of prudence, but you can notch it down to building your leadership skills.

You will find admirable traits in others, if you look. Health will be generally good, but be alert and take care towards the end of the month.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 20th): Much of your wisdom will receive appreciation from people who matter to you. It will be favourable for your cohorts and family to have you around.

You will be very pleased with this month, overall, even if nothing major happens.

Health will generally be good and will benefit from loving relationships.

GEMINI (May 21st-June 20th): While the month gets off into an exciting start for you, do keep all your antennae tuned into shifting gears down to match the pace of the world, through the weeks. It would be better for your mood if you just decide to observe others who are rather unlike you, this month. Health will benefit from traditional care.

CANCER (June 21st-July 21st): A lot of things will make sense to you, this month, even when you are not the initiator, and you may even find treasures worth your while amongst the more hard-nosed folks. But the real surprise is at the end of the month, when you can become a beacon for all concerned. Health will be good with dietary care.

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LEO (July 22nd-August 22nd): You will certainly be appreciative of the way the month unfolds for you, even though it won’t be the way you would have planned. You will benefit from others’ good decisions and the world will be a warm, happy place.

Health would benefit from playing safe, especially with old issues.

VIRGO (August 23rd-September 22nd): Perhaps, this month’s energies were coded with you in mind, though you are not the one to brag! Whether people around you realise it or not, you are the perfect go-to person, this month. The way you are inclined to handle things will be absolutely the only way to success, for these weeks. Health will be good, and could be better by following your own wisdom.

LIBRA

(September 23rd-October 22nd):

This will be a month you will be able to appreciate, because even when things are not going your way, they would still be panning out with perfection, visible in the results. You may have to work a tad harder than usual towards the latter half. Health will benefit hugely from sticking to health-routines you particularly like.

MOHINI BASU is a Tarot Card reader, Hypnotherapist and Life Coach.

She can be contacted on mohini.tarot@yahoo.com.

Her website is theredfoxanddeerlady. wordpress.com.

October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)

SCORPIO

(October 23rd November 22nd):

This month will help you feel good and comfortable, even stable, through external agencies. You will not have to work hard at keeping yourself well. You may even benefit from people you look up to, without it being planned. Health will benefit from your regular and familiar workout routines.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st):

This month may ask you to be more like other people than being yourself, but you are going to enjoy the experience. You will gather much more of wisdom that you worship, and eventually, you will be much enriched. It will be like an adventure without the risk!

Your health will be good with dietary care.

CAPRICORN

(December 22nd–January 19th):

You will have yourself a good time this month, because underlying everything that happens will be ways to show up your own brand of wisdom. You will also get to incorporate a thing or three from other people’s styles, into your own ideating, and for the better. Health will be rather good, and will benefit from your loving relationships.

AQUARIUS (January 20th–February 18th): You would do well this month to stick to your general routine of everything. Refrain from putting out your ideas; instead, watch how different people do things differently, and still, the goal is achieved. If things puzzle you, make a note of them, and soon, you will also find the answers. Now is not your time to be proactive. Health will benefit from conventional wisdom.

PISCES (February 19th-March 20th): This is a month when you will benefit from and enjoy the company of people you can trust to keep you grounded, stable and together. You would want to keep a low-profile and it is all right. Any activity that shows up in the beginning of the month will soon be successfully over. By the end of the month, you will be more settled and sure of yourself. Good health is in sticking to familiar routine.

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October 2015 | Volume 1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition) 45

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CONTRIBUTE

Do you like to write? How about clicking photos? As part of the Bandra - Khar Hood we would love for you to share them in your very own Living Local Mumbai magazine. Let your voice be heard whether it is on the topic of health and wellness, local news, or an event you want to share in your Hood. Write to us at: articles@livinglocalmag.com

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LL |

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October 2015 | Volume1 Issue 6 | Living Local Mumbai (Bandra-Khar Edition)