mehendi by fayaz md

` 100

Nov - Dec 2011 |Volume 01 |Issue 04

SAY IT WITH DIAMONDS

best baubles for the glowing bride

A SICILIAN SYMPHONY Wedding Tourism hits a new High

Bite that will turn you hot

A scratch or a bite can speak volumes about your lover

UNDER THE BLUE SKY The wedding planning tips to take your special day outdoors !

Mehendi’s Free wedding checklist & budget book inside Detox diet for Glowing skin Marriage as I see by Saroja fame Vega

+ trend setters from Shoppers Stop

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Rare is the man who can pick up a pen and write a book about it.

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editor’s note

South India’s first Wedding Magazine

November - December 2011 Volume 01 . Issue 04 www.themehendi.com

cover Models : Nithin Paul, Serin George Wardrobe : Louis Philippe, Jules Idi Amin Jewellery : VBJ Photographer : Arjun Venkatesh Location: Oceans Spray

The monsoons are here, autumn has set in and so has the festival season, it is also the time for the marathon weddings. And just as we bring out this issue I have been on wheels attending one wedding to another amidst the heavy rains, which this time over has failed to dampen the spirits of anyone in the city. So from an Anglo Indian extravagant wedding complete with the traditional toast, bridal march and chicken dance where everyone including the bride and groom for change seemed to be having a time of their lives which is ideally what we would all love to have. To the extremely austere, solemn ceremony of a Syrian Christian and Brahmin combination wedding, ironically both on the same day, it seemed to me I had traveled to two different planets, one inhabited by monks in robes, and the other an army of James Bonds in black suits. Well what seemed constant was the pretty bride in the dream white gown. Of course the latter one changed into her elaborate off-white and gold bridal saree later at the reception hosted at an outdoor location, and as the night proceeded resorted to slinky party number as the janta left and the friends gathered in. Which led me to ponder that there is no stopping the new gen from having fun on their very special day. This is what we at Mehendi aim to give you, ideas and concepts to get your fantasy take flight. In this issue we transport you to another venue. Wedding tourism has been a buzz word for a while now, but only few dared such an endevour up until now, where the Bold and the Beautiful are going the extra mile to make their wedding one of a kind. There Italian rendezvous is our key feat for this issue, as you can conjure up your dream Sicilian mafia wedding, complete with pre wedding and post wedding ideas.

Publishing Director S.Fayaz Mohammed

Sicily is on our minds, the warm peachy tones inhabit our senses with an influx of Byzantine, Norman and Greek cultures, but dominating them all is the godfather twist, complete with the Mafioso, art deco it is then, and a bit of Hollywood, long beads, flapper styles and vintage cars. Get high on your senses in wonderful Venice in our honeymoon section. As Truman Capote said, “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs all in one go”. Our wine review focuses on wine and champagne cocktail both breezy and light for an outdoor Italian wedding. And if you must reinterpret the outdoors back home, we look at options on bringing your wedding to the outdoors in the comfort of your own city.

Editor Jules Idi Amin

Whichever way this is it’s an explosion on your senses. So enjoy the outdoors and even plan your rain wedding, after all life is meant to be lived once, make every moment special dream on.

Prolific Head Vinolia Lobo Creative Director Ashwath.V Creative Advisor Hadle Hamilton Managing Editor Jayanthy.N Art & Design Suhail A.M Marketing Head A. Rajab Ali Circulation Executive G. Deva kumar

Jules Idi Amin Editor

editor@themehendi.com Published And Owned by

No - 27, Dr.Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004 marvell@airtelmail.in / Phone : 044 28119121 / 20 / 0708 www.marvelweddingcards.com All enquiries relating to features and advertising should be directed to editor@ themehendi.com All © rights reserved. Reproduction without written consent from of the publisher is not allowed. The content and views contained in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. All details are correct at the time of publishing but might be subject to change.

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C O N T R I B U T O R S Manisha Koushik renowned celebrity astrologer predicts what your stars have in store for you

Prateek Singhi, one of the cities talented and loved fashion photographer and artist, is the key contributor for our cover features Pratheek Singhi

Manisha Koushik

Vijay Kumar

Arjun Venkatesh Dr. Wasim Mohideen Dr. Wasim is a renowned relationship expert ,with his vast expereince in wellness and medicine he addresses your queries on Intimacy

Arjun Venkatesh assistant cinematographer in popular movies, lends his expertise to our photo feature The Sicilian Symphony

Vijay Kumar goes shopping to find you the best gifts possible this season, in our Shop to Drop section Ravikiran Vissa

Dr. M.Manoj Beno

Ravikiran Vissa sees the god of small things with his eye for detail in our exclusive product shoot on diamond jewellery

Dr Manoj Beno, Medical Director of Billroth hospital and our star writer interviews the best in tinsel town Rahul Dev Ujjaiynee Roy Ujjaiynee is a popular playback singer who has various hit songs to her credit, she is also a writer and theatre artist. She speaks to Second Coming in her column on music

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Rahul dev, fashion photographer and columnist with leading dailies takes your wedding outdoors in the feature , UNDER THE Rajee Venkatesh BLUE SKY

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92Features 118 WEDDING PLANNER Under The Blue Sky 22 WEDDING LOCATION Destination Divine 24 MARRIAGE RITUALS The Values Of Christian Wedding 64 FOOD REVIEW Nellore on a Platter HONEYMOON 108 Destination India - Munnar 112 Destination International - Venice CELEBRITY WEDDING 60 Gautam Gambhir 61 Shakthi Vasu 92 MEHENDI GIRL Demure Desires 124 WINE REVIEW Wines with a Twist

Talk fest 70 DESIGNER SPEAK Ritu kumar

54 MEHENDI COUPLE The Only One For You 98 MUSIC Jazz, Blues and a whole lot of Soul 128 SHUTTER SPEAK Spoken Moments

94Glitterati

94 THE kerala strikers

96 GLOBUS STYLE AWARDS 97 LUXXE BOX

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PHOTO FEATURE 29 Sicilian Wedding Pre - Wedding Wedding Post - Wedding CAKE ZONE 116 Small Wonders 137 Cake Fantasy 132 Wedding Album Candid capture 76 FASHION TRENDS Shop to drop

88 MEHENDI BOOSTERS

16 PRODUCT PAGE Say it with Diamonds

66 WELLNESS The 9 months waiting 52 DATING Before you say ‘I do’ 88 KAMA SUTRA Mark of a lover 126 RECIPES Whip up a love bite TRIVIA 102 Food for passion 104 Lingerie leads

Snippets 100 Simple ways to glow from within 136 A ride to remember FAQ 106 Intimacy 68 Fitness 90 Beauty

FYI

122 TRIBUTE Eulogy to the man behind the ‘i’ 58 CARD REVIEWS What’s on your card 62 Gossips Mehendi scoop

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Product Page

Courtesy: Kantilal Diamonds Photos: Ravikiran Vissa

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Diamond Necklace Perfect for Evening Party or Bridal wear *Price on request

Say it with Diamonds

It is indisputable that diamonds are a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend. A look at some dazzling pieces from the house of Kantilal to get you through all your pre wedding and wedding ceremonies.

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Bridal Necklace with Diamonds & Pearl Drops *Price on request

Diamond Bracelet Light Weight Daily wear *Price on request

Courtesy: Kantilal Diamonds Photos: Ravikiran Vissa Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Diamond Ring for Engagement *Price on request

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Party wear Ring with combination of Diamonds & Gem stone *Price on request

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Diamond Pendants *Price on request

Courtesy: Kantilal Diamonds Photos: Ravikiran Vissa

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Wedding Location

Destination Divine Zeroing in on your ideal wedding theme, one usually gets perturbed when deciding the location, gone are the days when Christian weddings were set only in churches. Young couples now have gamut of choices from panoramic historic churches, to ancient forts, and even beachside altar to affirm their wedding oath. Rathy. S takes a look at some interesting destinations for your perfect Christian wedding.

ny girl, who had grown up reading Mills & Boon and Harlequin books, would have dreamt about wearing a wedding gown at least once in her lifetime. The Bride, a vision in white, sailing down the aisle in the arms of her father and seeing an expectant Groom on the end of the aisle looking and waiting for her is a dream sequence for a girl. Christian weddings are an embodiment of this fantasy. It is rich in tradition and various rituals unique to the Christians. The wedding rite is one of the seven sacraments of the Christian religion and is known as the Sacrament of Marriage. The ceremony as such has various parts inclusive of biblical

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reading, the exchange of vows, followed by the ring ceremony, prayers and finally blessing the newlyweds.

theme wedding of your choice.

Planning a wedding ceremony is to be handled carefully as it is essentially a worship service and praise of God who unites a man and a woman in the sacred relationship called marriage. Christian wedding ritual is rather a public ritual and not a private ceremony. It is preferred that the ceremony takes place in a church rather than outdoors.

The most beautiful Christian church of all is the majestic St. George’s Cathedral in Chennai. The beautiful stained glass windows and the tall English architecture makes it a beautiful location for a wedding. One of the famous churches and most wanted, it has a beautiful garden around it providing ample area for a theme wedding. One can think out of the box and ideate innovative party themes.

One need not restrict yourself when it comes to your most special and precious moment of your life. When you say “I do”, your heart and soul should belong to the moment and what is better than a beautiful location and a

One can also have a beautiful beach wedding by hitting the famous beaches of Old Goa. Stunning location near the Mondovi River and surrounded by swaying coconut and palm trees, Church Of St. Francis Xavier in

wedding will need attention to details because you will need to decorate the whole venue as a Palace of your choice. Exotic buffet spread; decorations in gold leaf brocade and silver; mystical lighting and court performers of the royal kind and you have a marvelous Royal wedding. Why not add a spin to it and stage a complete drama on your wedding day? One can adapt the legend of Camelot and theme the wedding around it. Crowns of olive leaves and flowers, bridesmaids and the best men in their medieval best and wedding in the oldest church of the town, delivers a mystical moment to your lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best moment. Choices are a lot and the best one is what

Goa is a wonderful location for a wedding as well. The old majestic look and the brilliant archways bless the couple in every possible way. One of the adjacent beach provides for a fabulous beach party with pina-coladas and petit-fours. Or if you are adventurous and want to have your wedding on the mountains, overlooking the whole city, you can look at St.Thomas church in Chennai as your possible choice. The beautiful view it provides and the ancient history it preserves will make your once in a lifetime moment even more precious. Or you can have a wedding on a Cruise, among the floating lights of all the surrounding ships and boats. One of the most famous destinations is the Backwaters of Kerala. A blissful wedding conducted in a Boat house with an ordained priest presiding the ceremony is always a welcome change. You can hire more than one boat for all your relatives and have a serene river wedding. The local cuisine provides a fabulous feast for everyone and is an ideal location for an after wedding party. Christian Weddings need not be restricted

to churches and prayers. Theme weddings are a welcome change from the traditional rituals. A fairy tale themed wedding is always a welcome relief. The brides can theme the wedding around her favorite fairy tale character either the demure Cinderalla or Snow white or the bold Pocahontas or Mulan. The bride and the bridesmaids beautifully dressed as the Fairy princess and the Groom beautifully dressed as the Prince Charming is a moment to remember.

your heart feels is the best. With umpteen wedding planners around the city, all you will need is to dream your fairy tale wedding and leave everything else in the skilled hands of the wedding planner. When you unite with your loved one and vow for a long life together all you need is to relax, and feel the love with all your heart, body and soul. And trust your partner for the rest of your life!

A beautifully themed wedding party around the favorite things of the groom and the bride is a wide favorite. If your future husband loves photography, you can plan the wedding around the photography theme. One can place different display models of cameras at strategic locations. The wedding cake can be modeled around the favorite camera model of your fiancĂŠ and of course you can decorate the whole party with pictures of you, your fiancĂŠ and all your family. Arrange for a photo booth and you have the best party in the town. You can be the Prince and Princess for a day and have a Royal wedding. This theme

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Wedding Rituals

The Values of the Christian Wedding

Augustine Williams

We now pronounce you Man and Wife - since time immemorial a young couple is proclaimed Man and Wife to the community after a host of rituals and ceremonies. A look at the sacrament of HOLY MATRIMONY in a traditional Christian wedding.

n the words of William Lyon Phelps, “The highest happiness on Earth is marriage.” Marriage, a union between a Man and a Woman, is not a mere contract but an institution. God created them as Man and Woman, to live with each other for a lifetime, in love and peace. Christians call it as a vocation – a sacrament – a grace of God, a ‘Holy Matrimony’.

Pre-Cana In the Christian marriage, as in the local custom, the selection of the bride and groom are made and all other activities are carried out as prevail in our culture. Lots of preparations are made before solemnizing the marriage. The bride and the groom-to-be have to undergo a mandatory preparatory program, widely known as the “Pre-Cana”- referring to the famous wedding at Cana, where Jesus Christ performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. In this program, the basics of marriage as taught by the scriptures, the duty of the husband, the duty of the wife, their duties together as parents etc., are discussed and widely understood by both the bride and groom-to-be. All doubts with regards to lead a Christian family life – commitment, love, patience, financial issues, practical problems, sex, family planning, bringing up children, etc., are mostly clarified. The natural methods of family planning are also taught so that the engaged couple do not resort to use of condoms and other abortion methods as prevented by the Church. The diocesan authorities will authenticate the future partner’s understanding with regards to Christian marriage and each other. The groom and the bride-to-be are

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asked to take this program in a continuous stretch of three days or during the weekends. The couple-to-be is issued a certificate once they successfully complete this course.

Writing of the Banns The groom and the bride approach their respective Parish priests and express their willingness to marry the other person. They produce the baptism certificate obtained recently from the Church where the person was baptized. This is compulsory to avoid child marriage and second marriage. Alongside, some paper work is to be done as a preparation for writing the Banns. The Priest will ask the person to answer a standard questionnaire. The questions are about the bride or the groom, how they know each other, whether their parents have agreed to this wedding, are they single and eligible to be married, whether they will lead their children in the Christian way, etc. The persons should solemnly affirm, fill up and sign the questionnaire. Also they have to take an oath on the Bible that the statements are given in their full consent and knowledge. Once that is over, the priest will issue a letter of conformation to the other Parish priest stating that the boy or girl is proposed to marry the person of their parish and to get the concern.

Announcement of the Banns to the community The next important step is announcing the Marriage Bann. This announcement of the proposed wedding is prepared and read in public on three consecutive Sundays to the public during the ‘mass’

services. The public are advised to file any objection to the proposed marriage if there is any. It is the duty of the parishioners to report any impediments to the proposed marriage to the Parish priest. If there are no impediments to the proposed wedding, the Parish priest will issue the no objection certificate to perform the wedding.

Finalizing the great day The wedding date is fixed according to the convenience of the engaged couple; but not during the seasons of Lent (the period of remembering the suffering and death of Jesus, the Saviour) and Advent (the time to prepare for the birth of Jesus – Christmas). Permission is given to conduct the wedding at any time from morning to evening.

The Rehearsal The present day ‘Nitchyathartham’ is almost equal to the wedding rehearsal. The parents of both the couple and their relatives come in association with the counterparts before the D- day. Each one is assigned their duty to perform the next day so that there will be no confusion on the important ceremony.

Something Old, Something New You have probably heard the saying ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a silver six pence

wedding dress. Something blue is associated with the bride’s virginity and purity. Something silver is any type of silver coin that is tucked into one of the bride’s shoes to represent wealth and prosperity.

White Wedding Dress The wedding dress nowadays is usually believed to be in white or ivory, as this symbolizes purity. A black wedding gown was considered taboo in the last decades, but recently, this is also becoming an option for brides. Black flatters a woman’s figure and skin tone. There is a common belief that the groom is

The Veil and the Bridesmaids The purpose of the bride wearing a veil dates back to when people believed evil spirits were around to try and ruin the wedding ceremony. The bride wore a veil to cover her face so evil spirits would not know who the bride was. Likewise, bridesmaids were made part of the ceremony to surround the bride, so evil spirits would be confused about who the actual bride was, and leave. Many couples today still honor these customs, but use the veil to hide the bride’s face until it is first revealed to her groom.

Bridesmaid Dress Colour The bride can choose what colour the bridesmaids will wear. The colour usually coordinates with the other themes of the wedding, such as similar to the colour of the flowers chosen.

Rings Rings, because of its circular shape, symbolize eternity, endlessness, thus a never-ending marriage. Rings can be made of gold, platinum and other metals. Some are encrusted with jewels to signify the value of a couple’s love. Some couples have their names or messages engraved on the rings before the wedding.

Flower Girls

inside your shoe.’ It is believed by many to have begun during the Victorian era, while others argue that it started much earlier than that. Nevertheless, couples have honored this custom through the centuries, and even today. Something old represents the guests in attendance at the ceremony who are already married. Something new represents the newlyweds and the beginning of their new life together. Something borrowed signifies something that the bride must give back, such as her veil or her mother’s own

not supposed to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding day.

Bridal Bouquet The type of flowers the bride clutches during the wedding ceremony signifies her emotions towards the marriage. In olden times, the bridal bouquet has herbs and spices instead of flowers. It was believed that these strongly aromatic plants will ward off evil spirits intent on possessing the bride.

Flower girls are the cute girls at the head of the wedding procession. They spread petals down the aisle for the bride to walk on flowers. The flowers the girls carry or strew about symbolize fertility and hope. Others say that in the early times the bride and groom were made to wear flowers to ward off evil spirits. Either way, the beauty of flowers and the cuteness of the flower girls add cheer to the wedding festivities.

Ring Boy (or Ring Bearer) The Ring Boy or Ring Bearer is a young boy who is special to the couple and is asked to carry a pillow with the wedding rings on it during the procession. During the exchange of vows, the ring boy hands the pillow to the

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couple for them to exchange the rings.

Receiving Line The reception line is where the Bride’s Parents, Groom’s Parents, Bride and Groom, and may also include the maid of honor and Best Man. The receiving line is where guests can be introduced to the other side of the family. After the wedding ceremony a receiving line of the Bride and Groom along with their Mothers and it may include the maid of honor traditionally, but often includes the entire wedding party.

The great Solemnity begins with the lighting of the candle Marriage ceremony is performed during the Mass, which is celebrated in remembrance of

the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, the redeemer of the World. A candle has to be decorated and kept in an elite place in front of the altar. The engaged couple is invited to light the candle to signify their union before the Lord, that they are not two persons hereafter, but one. The word of God - The scripture readings are taken up from the Old Testament and the Gospel, and read.

The Vow and The Ring ceremony The priest asks the engaged couple their intentions of freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other and their acceptance, in front of the community. The right hand of the bride and groom are joined when the priest reads the prayer that beseeches to God “join thy servants, unite them in one mind and one flesh.” The hands of the couple are kept joined throughout the service to symbolize their “oneness”.

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The priest then invites the couple to declare their consent to be married. The couple vow before the Minister of the Church, the witnesses to the marriage and the public, their love and loyalty towards the other in happiness and in sorrow, in good health and in sickness. Then the wedding rings are blessed. The custom is adapted from the European culture.

Tying the ‘Knot’ as per Tamil culture As per the prevailing Tamil culture, the Christians also have the practice of tying the ‘thiru mangalyam’. The mangalyam is also blessed by the priest and the groom ties the knot in the midst of Bells ringing; the clapping of the entire crowd and the singing of the acclamation by the Church Choir, that God united, Men cannot separate. The

mass is continued with the offerings and the consecration and the chanting of the Lord’s prayer. Holy Communion is administered to the couple and the public to express their Christian unity. Then the priest invokes a special prayer for the newly wedded couple and blesses them.

Proof of Marriage The marriage is entered in the “register of marriage” maintained by the Church. The groom and the bride sign the register as token of their solemn vow which is authenticated by the priest – administer of the ceremony and witnessed by two important persons.

Wedding Cake The wedding cake is cut together by the couple during the wedding reception. Then the husband and wife exchange bites of the cake. This is the first act the couple does

together as husband and wife. The sweet cake symbolizes caring and nurturance between the couple. Wedding cakes are also usually white, to symbolize Purity. Cake and wine is served to all remembering the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle of changing water into wine at the wedding of Cana.

Bouquet Toss Single ladies in attendance at the wedding reception are invited to come up and try to catch the bride’s bouquet. This is a custom that represents which lady will be the next to be married. As the custom goes, she is to take a small piece of the wedding cake home and slip it under her pillow that very night. She will then have a dream about the man she will soon marry.

Grace is showered Christians believe that God’s blessing and grace is showered in the wedding. The couple is prepared to lead a true Christian life by knowing the virtues of life and living for the other. If the vow they exchanged resonates in their mind, there will be no difference of opinion, quarrel, misunderstanding, separation that leads to divorce. The values of marriage and the expectations of the relatives, friends and their own dreams will definitely be fulfilled.

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Lighter Vein

JOKES ON The YOU The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they’re too old to do it. (Ann Bancroft)

My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met. (Rodney Dangerfield)

A good wife always forgives her husband when she’s wrong. (Milton Berle)

Keep your eyes wide open before the wedding, half shut afterwards. (Benjamin Franklin)

The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. (Henny Youngman)

I bought my wife a new car. She called and said, ‘There’s water in the carburettor’. I said, ‘Where’s the car?’ She said, ‘In the lake’. (Henny Youngman)

John: “I’m a man of few words.”

Bill: “I’m married, too.”

Ask any man, and he will tell you that any woman’s ultimate fantasy is to have two men at once. While this has been verified by a recent sociological study, it appears that most men do not realize that in this fantasy, one man is cooking and the other is cleaning.

A little girl at a wedding asked, “Mommy, why do brides always wear white?” The mom replied, “Because they’re happy, dear.” I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They’ve experienced pain and bought jewellery. (Rita Rudner)

I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. (Rita Rudner)

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My wife dresses to kill. She cooks the same way. (Henny Youngman)

Halfway through the wedding the girl whispered, “Mommy, if brides wear white because they’re happy, then why do men wear black?”

A Sicilian Symphony

y fascination for all things Italian baffles me, Then there is nothing subtle about the Italians or their very warm culture, the aromas, food and almost everything have often inspired artists, films and even playwrights to speak volumes of this country which yet is intriguing to most of us. Recently revisited in a motion picture called Eat Pray Love, where the protagonist explores and savors all aspects of Italy in the search for her true self. Is it then a mystery that some of the world’s best artist, designers and textiles hail from this part of the world. It is their relentless effort for the finest that has given us not just the Ferrari, Ducati and Armani but also what is now a way of life for us the Pizzas. So then my vision of an outdoor Sunday brunch will be none other than the epicurean spread, laid out on the wooden table in the back yard of a Sicilian home complete with the crispy salad, stuffed pork and fresh fruits, with some crisp wine to boot. Contemplating a concept for the wedding feature, nothing could lure me away from my fantasy wedding, it had to be Sicilian, had to be Mediterranean. It had to be the ITALIAN JOB. Visions of the scenes from Connie Corleones wedding flashed across my mind there could be nothing more intriguing than a wedding from the pages of the Godfather. Not just the elaborate setting and outdoors but also the impeccable bespoke clothing, the warm peachy autumn hues set in the background of suave men in hats, all amidst the mysterious mafia wars. No this definitely does not fit into the conventional mould of a traditional wedding which for me only conjures up images of the bride and groom, uncomfortably attired in the heaviest of costumes puppetted before an unforgiving and critical guest in flashy colours. But then fast forward to the new age bride and groom who want to experiment and make this moment of their lives one to remember as fun and memorable. Florence, Rome, Taormina or Palermo, there is always loved in the Mediterranean. And if you have wondered where the epitome of

A power packed inspiration is what you need to set flight to your wedding fantasy. Jules Idi Amin takes you through Italy’s Sicily for just the right dose of adrenalin to give you wings. lovers Romeo and Juliet hail from, then look no further as Shakespeare’s love epic is set in Rome’s Verona. One could set your fantasy Sicilian theme wedding if you get your details right and enter the bewitching world choosing from Norman -Arab, Romanesque gothic, baroque or modern. The infamous side of Sicily emerges with its history of the notorious mafia families who spread its wings to even the new Americas, so also the Corleones Tommy Lucchese, Vito Genovese, Carlo Gambino, and Joe Bonanno, have their roots from various towns of Sicily, although shrouded in mystery with its family feuds, and bloody massacres, the Mafioso’s never spared any effort to look their remarkable best and live life in extravagance, it is no exaggeration when you watch the impeccably dressed characters in the epic movie The Godfather, or Sylvester Stallone’s fun character in Oscar. Thus Sicily’s mafia families has left its striking influence on fashion.

Planning your Sicilian theme wedding begins with an understanding of the cultural influences which is a major part of the Sicilian charm, being out of your comfort zone need not be as intimidating as it would seem to be. To start with, you could contact any of Italy’s innumerable wedding planners by just visiting their websites, as wedding tourism is a key industry in these parts, wedding planners will cater to your needs, based on your specific requirements, including number of guests, venues and themes. They will give you a choice from various decorators to florists to bakers and caterers to even your couture gown from your favorite designer. Sicily charms with its hills carpeted with vineyards, beaches of fine sand, delectable cuisine and the charm of its myths. Stimulate your senses with the magic of a Sicilian affair, its sapphire skies through winter, perfumes and flavors and makes this an inspiration for your unforgettable romantic wedding.

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Pre - Wedding

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T aking you through a journey among past and present, in a series of images, sometimes real, sometimes mythological which fill the soul with emotion and beauty. A wedding in Sicily a mythical experience!

Feel the power of a Sicilian Mafia Lord in this bespoke suit from Bassam Apparel Studio teamed with a crisp white shirt from Louis Phililppe and floral cravat from Forever New. Photographer Arjun Venkatesh Hair & Make up Palani & Gopal Styling Jules Idi Amin Wardrobe Courtesy Louis Philippe, Forever New and Bassam Apparel Studio Location Oceans Spray

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The bride looks her classic best in this animal print cocktail dress and beaded string both from Forever New

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Reviving the checks in this tailored trench embellished with metal rimmed buttons from Bassam Apparel Studio, teamed with casual jeans from Louis Phillipe to get the classic yet cool look.

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She sets the night on fire in the sensous little black dress, as she waits for him. Hair accessory, earrings and bracelet from Forever New

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A stroll down the street in a cutting edge metallic grey blazer from Bassam Apparel Studio over a crisp black linen shirt and denims from Louis Philippe

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Wedding

The anxious bride just before the moment of her dreams in a fairytale couture layered gown from Jules Idi Amin

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With this ring she will be mine, moments before the cheeky groom looks sauve in his pearl white two button suit complete with the tone on tone paisely tie from Louis Philippe. Platinum wedding band with Diamond from the house of VBJ

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You may now kiss the Bride. The joyous White Couple in their coordinated attire.

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Standing tall in her one of a kind couture satin wedding gown and cutting edge veil from Jules Idi Amin Diamond jewellery from the house of VBJ

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On the Bride - The euphoric bride dazzles in a couture one shouldered contemporary wedding gown from Jules Idi Amin and diamond jewellery from the house of VBJ On the Groom - the ecstatic groom glances at his picture perfect bride in a classic metallic suit from Louis Philippe

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Post - Wedding

The wait is over and its time to feel like a Queen, in this elegant silk jersey and georgette evening gown from Jules Idi Amin and pearls from Forever New

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Take off to your favourite honeymoon spot in this abbey print day dress and tan boots from Forever New

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Day glamour in a single button camel suit teamed with a lavender shirt and lavender and silver tie from Louis Philippe

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On the Bride - peach pleat detail jacket teamed with lace white dress, Grace clutch and gloves, with booties from Forever New. On the Groom - Almost pink tee teamed with white linen trouser from Louis Philippe.

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Fresh as a flower in this pea jacket, corsage bardot top, teamed with border print skirt and edwina flower hat, all from Forever New.

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White glamour in this delicate Lace Lily dress teamed with flower hat and floral Shoes from Forever New

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Evening Chic in the midnight black shirt From Louis Philippe teamed with suspenders from Gucci

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Dating

BEFORE YO Dr. Mini Rao

am not a cynic. I do believe in love at first sight. What I don’t believe in is marriage at second sight. The way people are rushing into a marriage these days, it looks to me like they are afraid that they may change their minds (for all the wrong reasons) and so quickly commit themselves to a marriage to smugly announce that they are getting married and to enjoy the fuss, attention a marriage brings, like I said for all the wrong reasons. Marriage is a lifelong commitment and deciding who to spend the rest of your life will take a lot of thinking, spending time together and getting to know one another. Marriage is not a relationship that simply falls into place. It takes a lot of planning, work and effort. The deeper you go into a relationship the more you recognize the need to understand and analyze the differences between you and your partner before it’s too late. The initial powerful attraction for one another makes a couple very vulnerable and they start taking this bond for granted and expect their connection to stay strong without any hard work. But this does not work as love, like everything else requires hard work and to maintain the strength of your union you require a good, well planned strategy. Recognizing that there is a lot ahead in the getting- to-know phase of your relationship and that it can sometimes be wonderful and sometimes be stressful is vital. You may discover aspects of each other that you may not like and possibly look for way towards working around it or have an honest talk with your partner on whether he or she can make any kind of adjustments if possible. This pre wedding bonding time is the best way to get to know each other in ways you cannot possibly know now, so get ready to bond big time before the big day. Finding the right person to marry is hard enough and once that is over, take time to get to know that person. The rush to get into marriage doesn’t matter; after all you are going to be spending the rest of your life with that person. Getting to know each other

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by exploring common interests, each other’s likes, dislikes, favourite food, books, music can be a very interesting journey by itself. Enjoy the fact that you’re getting to know somebody without the pressures of having a marriage down your throat and also be happy that you actually have the option to back out if you’re incompatible without the ugliness of a separation or divorce. Getting to know each other’s families and close friends can be a very emotionally bonding process. Take time to get to know each and every person in the immediate family and social circle. The family’s opinion of your future marriage partner is highly underrated. I know of a friend whose opinion of her would be husband changed drastically from unsure to positive after her sister took a strong liking for him (due to a lot of effort put in by the would be husband in pleasing and getting to know her sister). Take time out to introduce members of each other’s close family and friends by organizing dinners and helping them get to know one another. In the long run it can be beneficial for the couple to get to know each other’s family and friends and in case the relationship runs into problems, they can offer support or advice and try to remedy the problem. Commemorate memorable dates such as anniversaries like a one month or six month anniversary from the first time you met by recalling how you met and what kind of feelings you had then and how it has changed now. Give each other a little gift to mark that date. A romantic dinner to celebrate the sixth month anniversary shows you value and that the relationship has lasted and there is definitely hope for a wonderful future. In high pressure times like these, day to day pressures like careers, finances, socializing and family issues cannot be ignored. This leaves a limited amount of time for a couple to bond with one another and to get to know each other amidst other looming priorities. An effort should be made to allot a certain time of the day/ week to spend quality time

OUSAY‘IDO’ A fairy tale wedding can be planned and secured at a cost, but a fairy tale marriage is easier said than done. Ensure that you create the bonds with your partner which will help you sail even through troubled waters

with each other. If the relationship is put on hold while your other priorities take over, the closeness between the couple may be lost and rebuilding it becomes a whole new difficult process. In order to lay the strongest foundation for your marital love, it is important to know that there is more than love to build upon. Love is an easy block to build upon, but let’s consider other emotions like sympathy, empathy, care, respect, trust which are equally important in building a strong foundation. The trust and bond you develop with your would be spouse cannot be done only by ‘bonding from chatting and romancing” through various technological innovations. There is a lot more to a marriage than romance, in-law interferences, erratic work schedules, angry outbursts, relatives/friends that you can’t tolerate. All of these will have to be addressed as part of the bonding process. And none of these would have made its presence if the couple endlessly indulge in love talk, and ignore the practical realities of being married to not only your spouse but to his or her family. Your bonding should be strong enough to overcome these eventualities. Long distance relationships can be hard on both partners. But with the present

technology, e-mail, skype, chat etc., partners can be in touch at anytime of the day or night from whichever part of the world. An e-mail or a message, it can be just a line to express your feeling….”I miss you”, “Wish I could be with you right now”, “Watching this program reminds me so much of you”…it is important to connect with one another at least once a day and all it takes is a few minutes. You know however far away that person is he or she is still thinking of you and cares enough to send you a line to remind you he or she is there for you. My feeling is that today’s generation is a little more self absorbed, self centered and finds it far more difficult to make compromises than the previous generations. They are more aware of their rights and at the same time, the exposure through various mediums like television, internet has changed the perceptions of what a marriage is and the present generation thinks a million times before making compromises which is essential for a happy marriage. As a remedy, I would suggest pre marital counseling where the pros and cons of a marriage are discussed along with what kind of adjustments each spouse is willing to make to make the marriage work. A marriage is a two way road; if one of them gets blocked, it is hard to move on.

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Mehendi Couple

THE ONLY ONE FOR ME Not often do you have this rush in your head, you meet someone that gives you this feeling that the person is the one you are going to spend the rest of your life with. But as Shaun and Usha profess that when it happens, no matter what, don’t let go... Hear the no boundaries story of two lovers who made it through.

ell us how, when & where did you meet?

Shaun: I was in college when we first met. At a beach club called EC 41. She was a VJ for a music channel and was doing her makeup for a shoot. I exchanged a quick hello that should have lasted longer.

Usha: We met for the first time in early 2006, we had common friends, and met at EC41 (technically first time, but I don’t remember him much from then, coz it was too short, and we didn’t even talk!) But Shaun says he remembers that night very well! After that we knew about each other, but only went out on a coffee date months later.

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When did you realize that you were in love? Shaun: I realized it a while ago, back in 2007. It was a little late by then, she was leaving town and I was a relationship-wuss.

It really got to me. The plane just left with the one for me and I’m riding a punctured cycle to the airport. The next time we met was a couple of years later. We planned to meet for lunch and a drink. When she arrived, I couldn’t stop smiling. I liked the fact that being around her made me happy and comfortable.

After much confusion of face book

status discussions I gathered she was single.

I put down my beer and I grabbed her hands. She smiled. No letting go this time I thought, I had finally made it on my punctured bicycle.

Usha: There was the initial attraction, but then I moved away to Delhi for a couple of years and lost touch. Funnily enough it was FB that got us back in touch! And when I moved back to Chennai in 2009, we decided to meet for lunch at Zara’s. That was when we both realised the other was single, and he grabbed my hands tight! Over the next few weeks, we grew to realise that we both wanted to spend our lives together… Was religion a matter of concern at the beginning of your relationship?

Shaun: Sure, It was always at the back of my head when you start talking future. If there’s anything that any given religion teaches us, it’s to be a good person and coexist in harmony. I’m not a fan of excessive worship. I would like to believe that I’m spiritual. When I become a father, I wouldn’t expect my child to be Hindu or Christian at an age where he/she doesn’t understand it.

No pressure for an innocent mind. The kid would be exposed to what essentially is Karma. I just hope the grandparents can digest it. hehehe..

Usha: It was. We discussed it, debated it and then figured that we were both more spiritual than religious, that we were more concerned for our families. And we knew that we would have innumerable hurdles to cross, but having respect for the other’s religion and talking things through was the only way to handle it. Was it difficult convincing your families?

Shaun: Well my folks and I share a very cool relationship; I can tell them almost everything.

When they got to meet her, they could tell that their son had finally struck gold. Her folks, were initially not so sure of this guy who’s 5 years younger to their daughter. They never really said anything, but they eventually got to know me a lot better.

Usha: Shaun’s family welcomed me easily and with a lot of love. My family was much more difficult, amma more than appa. They knew about it before he proposed, and they kept asking me to think it over, think it through. But when they saw that we were both sure, they did give in, now of course they love him! How was the experience of getting married in two different traditions?

Shaun: Ush and I had both ceremonies. It was a beautiful sharing of culture between our two families. The fact that we both wanted to do it brought about a lot of love and respect for each other as well as made our parents happy. It’s definitely something that works in a country that’s full of different cultures; you get to start life together with new experiences.

wedding first – for me it was really easy. Everything was taken care of, and I just had to get ready and be there. The Chennai wedding I had been planning with Shaun’s parents for many months. I was much more involved in little details, and about 30 people from my family landed up and I had to take care of everything they needed for 3 days! It was incredibly stressful and exhausting! Both ceremonies were beautiful, but I have to say with all the dancing and music, the Chennai reception was more fun! Tell us some funny moments that took place on your D-day ?

Shaun: Erm, which one? hehehe. There were way too many funnies and we kept laughing through it all.

Usha: It was fantastic! Growing up, I always saw myself in our traditional wedding scene, with silk saris and gold jewellery, but I think every girl secretly dreams of a white dress – and I had both! We had the Bangalore

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Like I said, I’m no planner. I had too much beer and lunch after the Hindu wedding ceremony and fell asleep. I woke up in a room which was connected to the stage and my dad and mom had arrived all suited up. They almost flipped when they saw me chilling in my underwear! When I peeped outside, everyone had arrived and I hadn’t even had a bath. Fastest five minutes of my life.

At the Christian wedding towards the end of the night after much intoxication, I was blindfolded and sent on a kinky mission. I had to retrieve the garter (piece of lace around the bride’s thigh) Old Anglo Indian traditions run deep. I found her blindfolded, and in my high spirits walked back as far as I could run and slid. Thankfully, right into the dress. Talk about sharing cultures! Usha: The Bangalore wedding was presided over by a pundit who spoke a little English and generously translated every line he was saying in Sanskrit/ Kannada for Shaun, with such a

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Bangalore accent! Everything ended in oooo… “Thissooo is to keep your marriageooo happyooo, they will giveooo blessingsooo to bothooo!” It was hilarious! He was really sweet, but we laughed throughout the ceremony! The Chennai wedding was exhausting – I made the worst mistake of not eating all day, the wedding was at 4pm, and by the time I got to the church I was exhausted and my knees were shaking! After the ceremony, on the way to the reception, Shaun had to run into Coffee Day, in his wedding suit! They all looked at him strange, and he said, “I just got married, and I need a cold coffee for my wife!” I was laughing in the car, but I was so grateful for it – I would have fainted otherwise! The most hilarious thing, which I heard about only after a couple of

days (because everyone was too scared to tell me), was that our wedding cake flew across the dance floor! Shaun’s mom and my bridesmaid Zubaieda were moving the cake table and the legs folded suddenly and the entire cake slid off the table and over the floor! There were a few dummy layers on top which rolled over and over, and everyone, guests and family alike, were frozen in shock! Thankfully they were able to place it back, and I never knew the drama behind my beautiful wedding cake! Where did you go for your honeymoon and can you share some moments that you cherish?

Shaun: Honeymoon! That was the bomb.

I got to see places that I have been waiting to see in this life time. From the Angkor Wat and other temple complexes in Cambodia to the enchanting clear waters of Ko Phi Phi (an island in Thailand). I’m a beach person, could spend the whole day in the sea. The two of us went snorkeling at Maya bay, almost a giant infinity pool with a circular mountain belt that’s slightly open to the sea. Don’t be wasting precious time imagining stuff, google it! Incidentally both places that are mentioned went to were locations for Lara Croft’s tomb raider and Leonardo Dicaprio’s “The Beach”. We had so many awesome moments together. The two of us were glad that we had gone places that were on our bucket lists. Even my camera’s shutter broke out of excitement. How has life changed after marriage?

Shaun: We have been living together before we tied the knot. We have always been honest and in good comfort zones around each other so the future was definitely looking quite peaceful. After marriage, Phase 2 kicked in for me. I have started to

follow my dreams more passionately and aggressively. Graphic design has taken over my life completely and things have gotten more fast paced. Meanwhile, back home, we have become awesome chefs, good ambient lighting, good laughter, the bar is always stocked… Grown up stuff, love it.

Usha: Life has changed in many ways, at the same time, it’s the same! We were living together for a while, so we had no ‘getting used to each other’ phase, we were already used to each other’s annoying habits and pet peeves! But for me what has changed the most is the sense of solidity and security. That trust that however bad life gets, I will always have Shaun with me, on my side!

Tell us what according to you was the most romantic thing that your partner has done for you Shaun: The most romantic thing… there’s quite a few that are under wraps. Heheh..Well, my lovely planner you see did quite a number of our honeymoon. She planned the accommodations at KL, Cambodia, Krabi and Phi Phi Island. We had the time of our lives and it was by far the most serene, romantic experience that I’ve had in my life. This year she topped it all on our first anniversary by making a huge book of our travels, with photos, all sorts of tickets and practically every little thing that we fondly remember the trip by. It was quite touching; it made me smile at how far we have already come.

going to see it but me – but it was incredibly beautiful!

Tell us something that you haven’t ever expressed about each other which you would like to share with us? Shaun: There isn’t much really, at least nothing comes to mind. She has a lot of patience bundled understanding, something that’s required to balance the two of us out. Having said that, I’m happy to say that her influence on me has brought down my tree climbing and stuntman adventures down to the bare minimum. Usha: I wish there was something new to say, we don’t really keep our feelings hidden inside, but I would like to say more often, how much I love him, and how much I appreciate the love he showers on me!

Usha: The official wedding date for us is our registered marriage, 27th Aug, and he made this amazing video that told ‘our story’, he had written the entire thing, recorded it and made a video with so many pictures – some old ones of mine that he had hunted out, ones he has taken of me, and us together over the past couple of years. Of course, it’s private, and nobody is

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Card Review

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

on your Card? E

veryone has a way of expressing themselves. Wedding cards act as an indicator as to how you wish to communicate to your loved ones. At Marvel wedding cards there is a card for everyone.

This is a brown and beige colour card with a golden ribbon. The envelope is made of a metallic brown colour board. The insert of the card is made from a beige board. The design and the wordings on the envelope and the card are printed in golden ink. The card is knotted with a golden ribbon in the form of a bow to give a classic look and feel to the card. The card is simple yet stands out with its trendy looks making it a nice choice.

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The envelope is made of a silver metallic fragrance board which has a dye cut to give a window like appearance. The envelope is printed in two colour, purple and metallic sliver ink and it has an embossed work on it. The card contains a two type of colour board which is pasted back to back and is printed in silver ink with a white satin ribbon pasted on the top. This card looks very attractive with its colour combinations. And the fragrance takes you to a new level making this card special.

In this card, the card and envelope is made from an imported white board with criss cross knurling textured on the surface of the card and envelope. Screen printing is done on the card and envelope. Two colour pink & lavender have been used on the envelope and in the card pink & lavender is used for the design and the colour grey has been used for the content to give a subtle and elegant look and feel to the card. This card is a nice choice for those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to be flamboyant. It stands out for its simplicity making it distinctively attractive in its own ways.

This card is artistically done. It has an envelope which is golden yellow in colour and it is made from a handmade board and a textured handmade metallic copper paper is pasted in the inner area of the envelope giving it a affluent appearance. The bottom of the envelope is pasted with a zari cloth to give an ethnic look along with some flower shaped stones. The card is metallic copper in colour and is made up of a textured handmade paper which is pasted in a stiff board. The zari cloth is placed on either sides of the card with flower shaped stone work placed on it. In the center of the card, to give a more ethnic style a traditional design is made on an handmade board and is dye cut and placed which is bejeweled with white and red coloured stones pasted on the design to give a a better visual appearance and feel to the card. The leaf insert is made up of a metallic fragrance board which is copper in colour. It has a tassel to hold the leaf inside the card. This card is a visual treat to your eyes with its effects and is bound to captivate your guest list.

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Celeb Wedding

autam Gambhir clean bowled by Natasha Jain Sinduja Ragunathan

and was mainly a family affair with a limited number of guests. A limited list, yet starstudded one. Attendees included prominent personalities such as Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh with his parents, Rahul Dravid, Ashish Nehra, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel, VVS Laxman, Rajiv Shukla and Juhi Chawla with husband Jay Mehta. Former cricketers like Madan lal, Dave Whatmore and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley also graced the function. It was widely anticipated that Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL franchise that Gambhir captains, would attend the wedding. However, the star could not turn up.

ne more eligible bachelor from the Indian cricket team has lost his single status, breaking the hearts of many girls of the nation in the process. Star Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, 30, tied the knot with Delhi girl Natasha Jain, 27, in Gurgaon on October 28th.

Natasha’s family, like Gambhir’s, are involved in textile business.It was an arranged marriage and the two were introduced to each other by their respective families early this year. Of course, it is hard to say no when Gautham Gambhir is proposed as the groom, right? Sources say that the family had from the beginning, wanted the whole thing to be a low key affair without sensational public and media attention. The couple has been dodging public eye since the reports of the marriage spread. At the wedding too, fans and journalists were not allowed inside the hall and the couple later went to another venue for a short photo shoot and to address the press. Before the D-day there was a mehendi and sangeet ceremony at the girl’s residence at Gurgaon. The wedding took place at a farmhouse in the Delhi-Gurgaon road

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Gautham, a keen fan of Rahat Fateh Ali had also apparently approached the maestro for performing in the wedding but the latter could unfortunately not turn up due to visa problems. Handsome Gambhir sported a beige kurta pyjama for the wedding ceremony and later changed to a black knee-length fusion style ensemble. Designer Shantanu Nikhil has designed the wedding dress for Gautham. Meanwhile, Natasha wore a heavily embellished red lehenga designed by Delhi designer, Tarun Tahiliani. Keeping with the trend of theme weddings, this one too was centered on one – floral. Yes, it was a palate of fresh flowers all around – in red, yellow and golden – attractive yet sober. Many of the flowers had been exported from abroad. There was also a wide variety of vegetarian delicacies for the guests. Well, what is left to say but that the Kolkata Knight Rider has finally decided to face the world’s most challenging institution. Okay guys, we were kidding there. We wish the talented batsman a great record in this new innings as well.

Actor Sakthi’s

wedding

emember the wide-eyed chocolate faced plump kid who portrayed the younger version of actor Prabhu in the 1991 blockbuster film, Chinna Thambi? Of course, hard to forget him, isn’t it? He made us all go ‘awww’ and stole our hearts in the song ‘thooliyileaadavandha’. Well, he is now married to the girl who stole his. Actor Sakthi, son of ace director and producer P.Vasu, wed his long time beau Smiruthi on October 31st in Chennai. Supposedly, the pair has been seeing each other for over two years now and finally got the green flag from the family. Well, some just have it easy, don’t they? The actor set foot in the industry as a child artist in his father’s highly successful film, Chinna Thambi. Sakthi later made his debut as hero in the film Thottal Poo Malarum in

2007. Since then, he was seen in movies such as Mahesh, Saranya Matrum Palar, NinaithaleInikkum and Aattanayagan. Sakthi tied the knot with Smiruthi on 31st October at Mayor Ramanathan Hall, Chennai. A reception was held the previous evening in the same venue. The wedding saw many who’s who of the Tamil film industry. Not surprising, isn’t it? The slew of celebrities who attended the reception includes Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, Vijay, Suriya, Karthi and Aishwarya Dhanush. Former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin too were present. At the wedding in the morning, celebrities like Vijaykanth, Prabhu, Radha Ravi, Bharath, Narain and others were spotted.

Sinduja Ragunathan in a misty rose designer saree with minimal but attractive jewelry at the reception. Sakthi, who was clad in white suit and pant for the reception switched over to looking the perfect Tamil groom the next morning in the quintessential silk shirt and dhoti. The couple had earlier gotten engaged at Park Sheraton in Chennai on June 5, 2011. Smiruthi is a B.Com graduate from Stella Maris College in Chennai. Sakthi is currently busy with a lot of projects in hand, namely VanjikottaiValiban, AethoSaithaiEnnai and KallaSiripazhaga. Well, now that he has an extra reason to be busy at home too, we wish him a great married life.

Smiruthi, who is the daughter of a Chennaibased industrialist, looked lovely and modest

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Gossips

Mehendi

Scoop

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ marriage labelled a hoax as TV channel hold emergency meetings after divorce announcement

Ashwin weds his childhood sweetheart Preethi

JLO Breaks Down on Stage Her own lines hit a little too close to home for Jennifer Lopez, who broke down in tears on stage after singing a song about loves from her past. “I’m going to sing you the last song I wrote about love,” Lopez, who recently split from husband Marc Anthony, told the audience at the Mohegan Sun’s 15th anniversary celebration on Saturday night after singing an acoustic rendition of her hit “If You Had My Love.” “A lot has changed since then.” Lopez, 42, then launched into “Until It Beats No More” while dancers re-enacted scenes with the singer and some of the men from her past. A Lopez lookalike danced with guys who looked a lot like her exes Diddy, Cris Judd and Ben Affleck. The final couple to appear in the spotlight danced much like Lopez and her estranged husband during their American Idol performance in May, just weeks before they announced their split. After she was done, Lopez told the sold-out crowd, “I took a trip down memory lane” – and then started to cry as the crowd applauded. But it wasn’t all sadness for Lopez. A photo of her twins Max and Emme, 3½, and said flashed above her and she said, “There’s love – and then there’s love.”

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Their marriage lasted just 72 days, and now it has been claimed that Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries nuptials were a hoax ‘right from the start’. A source close to the pair alleged Kim was ‘never really into her husband, but went along with the wedding as a ‘publicity stunt’. ‘The Kardashians have always been uniquely open with all aspects of their lives from joyous events to intimate moments to heartbreaking transitions. In the mean time Kim has decided that she will not be dating anyone for a year.

The 25-year-old off-spinning sensation Ravichandran Ashwin married his childhood friend Preethi Narayanan on 13th November morning and in the evening, the newly-wedded couple joined the Indian squad ahead of the second Test against West Indies which was on 14th of November. Ashwin said he was “comfortable” playing the Test the next day after his wedding. “That’s no problem at all,” was what Ashwin had to say when asked about the second Test.

John Abraham and his new girlfriend John Abraham was finally seen with his new girlfriend. The actor, who recently broke up with his long term girlfriend Bipasha Basu few months back, has now committed himself in yet another new and serious relationship.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan delivers a baby girl

The buzz was about John’s new girlfriend Priya Marwah, an investment banker. In fact earlier, few of John’s friends claimed that John is very possessive about Priya. John said to a daily, “There is someone special in my life, but I don’t want to say anything more than that. It is extremely personal.” The actor was seen with Priya for the first time in public at an event associated with the Mumbai Marathon.

Bollywood’s light-eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was admitted to Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai on 14th November for the birth of her firstborn, has finally delivered a baby girl on 16th November. Abhishek Bachchan broke the news to the world on Twitter as he tweeted: ‘IT’S A GIRL!!!!!! :-)))))’. While grandfather Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, “I AM DADA to the cutest baby girl !” Hospital sources said the delivery was normal and came a few minutes before 10 a.m. The Bachchan and Rai families were present for the momentous occasion. Aishwarya, 38, developed labour pains around 4 a.m. and was taken to the labour room where the delivery took place after nearly six hours. The actress was on the fifth floor of the luxury private hospital in Andheri east. The hospital had booked three rooms on the floor - one for Aishwarya, the other for the Bachchan family and the third for the Rai family. The entire floor was kept out of bounds for all except the two families. The Bachchan family had been waiting for the baby’s arrival for a few days and preparing for the child’s welcome. The girl is Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan’s third grandchild, after Agastya and Navya Naveli children of his daughter Shweta and son-in-law Nikhil Nanda. Aishwarya tied the knot with Abhishek in April 2007 and rumours about her pregnancy had been doing the rounds ever since.

Priyanka Chopra is dating singer Jay Sean?

Deepika wept watching Ranbir Kapoor! Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in his recently released film Rockstar was remarkable. His acting literally moved people to tears.

One person who actually had tears in her eyes was none other than his ex girlfriend, Deepika Padukone. If buzz is to be believed, while watching Rockstar at a special screening hosted by Ranbir, Deepika eyes went watery. She was so engrossed and involved in the film and that was when she even wept secretly. Well, now this should be a huge compliment to Ranbir Kapoor. Apart from Deepika, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif were invited, for the screening.

Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra have been the desired desi lady of many international celebs. After Hollywood actor Gerard Butler, it seems singer Jay Sean has fallen for the Indian diva. The singer has revealed that he has written the lyrics for a few songs that Priyanka Chopra will be singing in her upcoming album which is being recorded in the US right now. The buzz is ripe that there is something special brewing between Jay Sean and Priyanka Chopra. But a smart Sean claimed that he shares a friendly relation with Priyanka. “We’re just friends. I wrote some songs for her album so hopefully she’ll take them,” Jay Sean was quoted as saying by a foreign newspaper. The singer said that he has enough women around him to be romantically linked to her. “I think I understand women pretty well by now. I’ve been around enough of them,” he was quoted as saying.

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Food Review

In this column, BHANU MATHI MOHAN will review restaurants all over India to help you choose the perfect place for the first date, to pop the big question or to celebrate an engagement, wedding reception or anniversary.

Photos: Pradeep

Nellore on a platter

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what people are constantly confounded by. At Maya you can expect to have traditional Andhra/Nellore cuisine, cooked using cuttingedge commercial-cooking techniques and served on bespoke contemporary crockery and glassware. There are no banana leaves or rancid plastic pickle containers to be seen on the tables here. What you will find is some of the most intriguing dishes that I have had in a long time. I devoured the ‘Khaima Unda’, which was a delicate mousse of minced goat meat, flavoured with Andhra spices and fried in a precise way to ensure a hair’s breath of a crust. These were not your average ‘Mutton Balls’!

fter a long lunch, Bhanu Mathi Mohan tells us what she thinks of the food and ambience at Maya – a modern-Indian restaurant specialising in reinterpreting traditional Andhra-Nellore cuisine. Sandesh Reddy, who is Maya’s Proprietor and Head-Chef, has taken great care with the interior design. It reflects a stylish and modern India and as I sat back and enjoyed a refreshing ‘Angostura Aperitif’ I couldn’t help thinking that if IKEA had an Indianthemed section, this is exactly what it would look like! All over India, east is earnestly meeting west and along with this comes a merging of the traditional and the modern. This given, I was quiet surprised to hear from the owner of the new modern-Nellore cuisine restaurant in Chennai, that this merger is

Another stand out starter was the ‘Netheli Fry’, which consisted of plum little White baitdeep-fried in a crispy-spiced rice-flour coating. My companion also enjoyed the ’Baby Bangala Dumpa Vepudu’ which is twice cooked baby chat potatoes that are first boiled, marinated overnight in butter milk and pan-fried crispy and spicy to order.

give Sandesh a lot more room to play when ‘re-interpreting’ the ancient cuisine. However, the main courses I enjoyed were the ‘Vankaya Koora’ which had long succulent slow-cooked pieces of aubergine in a rich gravy and the ‘Nellore Chepala Pulusu’ which were delicate pieces of Indian salmon cooked in a tamarind and tomato sauce with green mangoes and red chilli. Then when it came for dessert Sandesh truly redeemed himself by combining his love of modern cooking technology and his childhood memories of Nellore cuisine. We had the Custard Apple and Honey ice-cream which was churned to order and were tempted by the truly delicious Tender coconut ice-cream which conjured up memories of wonderful Indian weddings and festivals.

The starters are all served at the table and the main courses are available individually on the al-a-carte menu or as a part of the buffet for lunch and dinner. The dishes vary daily according to seasonal availability of local produce and consist of a good selection of both vegetarian and nonvegetarian curries and stir-fries along with several varieties of rice, biryani, buttermilk dosai and Andhra paratas. After experiencing the innovativeness of such fantastic starters, the main-courses seemed a little less satisfying. This was not because they lacked flavour or where not prepared well but rather that the starters seemed to

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Wellness

hen I and my husband got married in 2008, the thought of pregnancy and a baby still seemed pretty far away and honestly a little scary. We had a very active social life, hectic jobs and it was not yet clear how a baby would fit in with all this. I was scared of losing my independence, tied down with a baby. But we knew that we wanted to have a family, after two and half years, we were ready to start trying, somehow knowing things would work out. When I did become pregnant, it was a very joyous, but also a surreal experience. Because I found out early, there was only the pink line of the positive test to show for it. My body still felt the same, but we knew that something special was on its way. And the changes presented itself soon enough. Morning sickness set in with a vengeance, but thanks to my supportive colleagues, I could take time off occasionally when I was too tired or sick. I thought that I would have a hard time adjusting to the diet restrictions, such as not drinking alcohol. But when you know that it is for the benefit of a small growing baby, it is really not that hard. I loved reading up on the growth of the fetus and knowing what to do to make sure he or she would be born as healthy as possible. By the start of the second trimester in the 4th month, the morning sickness mostly subsided and I really started enjoying my belly that grew larger every day. It is probably the only time in your life when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about keeping your stomach in! I loved showing off my belly and buying stylish maternity clothes. By now we also started

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

9 The

months waiting game

If you thought marriage would change your world, then think again, it is parenthood that can turn your world over if you are not prepared for it. Young mother Mirjam Dijkxhoorn reminisces the journey through her pregnancy to motherhood and the various emotions associated with it. thinking of names. This was a complicated task, because I am from the Netherlands and the name should be easy for both Indians and Dutch people. We finally found names for boys and girls we both liked, after hours of searching online through thousands of names. In the second trimester, I and my husband also started classes at DWI Maternity Studio. I can recommend anybody to take classes, starting early in pregnancy, because the exercises are doable and keep you fit, and the tips about diet, delivery, breastfeeding and baby care are great. It’s also a great way to prepare yourself mentally every week that the baby will really be here in a few months. The 3rd trimester brought back the lack of energy of the first trimester and walking resembled the gait of a penguin, not to mention frequent bathroom visits. Speaking of visits, baby shops saw me regularly, when I was buying all kinds of things for the baby. It helps to take someone with kids along, to

avoid buying unnecessary items. We also did a maternity photo shoot, which is a great reminder of this special time. Maternity leave started and the final wait began. I kept myself busy with tasks I wanted to finish before the baby’s arrival, knowing I wouldn’t have time afterwards. Clothes were washed and folded, loads of nappies bought and the crib set up. We were ready for the baby’s arrival!! After reading many birth and labour stories and the preparation of the classes, I felt as ready as I could be for the delivery. Our daughter Annika was born 5 days before her due date and made a superfast arrival, being almost born in the elevator of the hospital. She is now a healthy and happy 2 month old baby. Yes, our social life is different, but we take her out to many places and we still meet many friends at home. And spending time with Annika and taking care of her is wonderful, especially when she rewards us with a big smile!

I would recommend anyone who is getting married to wait a while before having a baby. Pregnancy and Parenthood are not easy on a relationship and it is worth it to built trust and friendship between husband and wife before adding a baby in the equation. You will enjoy the little one even more! Tips before conceiving: • Visit a gynecologist, who will prescribe a number of tests to make sure you do not pass on any disease that is harmful to the fetus. • Take folic acid supplements, at least 3 months BEFORE trying to conceive, as prescribed by your doctor. This drastically reduces the chance of serious birth defects. • Try to be in good shape before getting pregnant. It is easier said than done, but being fit will make the strain of pregnancy easier on the body and when pregnant it is difficult to keep up the same exercise regime as before.

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

FAQ

Arthi, Works with a leading slimming center as a dietician. She is an expert in her field and has many celebrities as her clients.

have a habit of eating less during the day and I tend to eat more at night. Does eating at night makes one put on more weight than eating in the morning? - Anu

Fitness

This is one of the newer diet myths. The truth is that no matter when you eat, if you don’t use all of the calories you’ve consumed your body will store the extra calories as fat. If you’re less active at night, then you need to eat less at night. If you work out at night, especially if you lift weights, then you need to make sure that you eat enough after your workout to fuel muscle recovery and growth. Adjust your food intake based on your energy expenditure. I heard that drinking lemon & honey with Luke warm water early morning helps one to lose weight? I have been drinking it for the past one month but there are no changes, does it really work? - Vidhya No. Having lemon and honey early in the morning has nothing to do with losing weight. It’s just a soothing drink early in the morning which helps in cleaning your system. Many say that morning is the best time to work out; since I am working in shifts I am unable to find time in the mornings. Kindly let me know when it is best to workout? - Kumar

Will I build muscles faster if I consume a lot of protein and protein supplements? - Imran Your body needs a balanced diet to stay strong and healthy. Eating too much of one type of food or ingesting too much of any one supplement is just as bad as not eating enough. In some cases, ingesting too much of one nutrient won’t turn you into Mr. Universe, but may cause damage to your liver and kidneys. In short, you are far better off eating a nutritious, balanced diet. I am plump on my hips; can I just concentrate on the hip area alone to lose weight there? - Ajitha “Spot reducing” is one of the biggest myths out there. You can’t do sit-ups every day and expect to lose all the extra weight you are carrying around your stomach or hips. Once again, genetics play a factor in where you lose weight. And since target training only tones muscles anyway, you will just be tightening the muscles under the layer of fat. To lose weight you need a balance of strength and cardiovascular exercise and you should focus on the entire body, not just the areas of most concern. Is swimming a better option to lose weight activity? - Sam While swimming is great for increasing lung capacity, toning muscles, and even helping to burn off excess tension, the surprising truth is that unless you are swimming for hours a day, it may not help you lose much weight. Because the buoyancy of the water is supporting your body, you’re not working as hard as if you were moving on your own steam like you do when you run. It’s not uncommon to feel ravenous when you come out of the water. It may actually cause you to eat more than you normally would, so it can make it harder to stay with an eating plan.

There is no “best time” to work out. You will get the same results from a workout, no matter the time of day. For some people, working out in the morning is just a better option because most days seem to get busier and busier the later it gets. Or you may not be a morning person so it is likely that hopping on the treadmill at 6 a.m. won’t get the same enthusiasm from your mind and body as a 6 p.m. workout would. Some people also like evening workouts as a way to relieve the stress of the day. You just have to find what works for you. Mail us with your queries to our experts at: faq@themehendi.com

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Designer Speak

DESIGNER DOSSIER A revival of traditional crafts has always been the key focus of legendary designer Ritu Kumar. In a chat with our correspondent Yogesh Kanna she speaks on the changing face of bridal fashion in India Yogesh kanna

Ritu Kumar is a person who needs no introduction; in fact her work speaks for herself. Ritu began with hand block printers and two tables in a small village near Calcutta, and in the last 28 years, Ritu’s team of dedicated workers have progressed to produce some of the country’s most exquisite garments and accessories in cotton, silk and leather. These ranges embrace both traditional textile crafts and the lineage of Indian design. Over the centuries, traditional skills that had been lost have been revitalized and this has enabled the craftsmen to continue working in their own environment. Ritu has pioneered the term ‘fashion’ in the Indian context, and more importantly, has demonstrated that hand made products can be as profitable and even more glamorous than those made by machine. Ritu Kumar’s forte is traditional Indian clothes that draw heavily on the textile and embroidery heritage of India and remains classics of their kind. But she evolved another style for European buyer. Her Indo-West fusion wear has all the trappings of block prints, embroidery and craft inputs on a western style. Ritu has been designing the wardrobes comprising swim-wear, evening wear, traditional Indian wear, casual wear, formal evening gowns; of the winning three Miss India’s, for their participation in the International beauty pageants (Miss Universe, Miss World & Miss Asia pacific respectively). At least six of these, to mention a few; Manpreet Brar, Ruchi Malhotra, Rani Jeyraj

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

and recently Lara Dutta, have won the award for the Most Outstanding Evening Gown in International pageants. Ritu has opened many outlets all over India. Style icons as late Princess Diana have patronized her outfits. Ritu Kumar also launched her book ‘Costumes and Textiles of Royal India’ which is published by Christie’s, London.

From museology to designing how has the journey been?

I was an artistry student, did my studies in America and came back to do a museology course. Then I got into the crafts, in and around Bengal and studied in Calcutta. One of the main crafts of Calcutta is printing, embroidery and handloom weaving. So my interest in the area started from there. Most of these crafts were dying so I started designing. Hence, it just started by accident. So, I should say that the journey is pretty much a roller coaster ride.

Apart from the traditional red, what are the other colours that in your opinion would be suitable for a bride? The other colours are more specific to regions which have a tradition of wearing those colours. White and gold, white and red, saffron and gold, fuschia, deep purple, olive greens are also worn by brides in India.

Keeping the weather of Chennai in mind, what do you suggest, for the office goers should wear to keep themselves stylish and as well as comfortable? Cotton (khadi) and linen are the best fabrics for any humid place, there is no fabric that caters to both your needs i.e. style and comfort.

The essentials according to you that a guy and girl should have in their wardrobe?

Wardrobe Essentials for a Woman: Sandals: A minimum of two pairs of good sandals is a must for every woman. Scarves: They will be one of the most important parts of any woman’s wardrobe this year. Scarves in bright colours will be the rage.

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

How would you recommend transforming our traditional koora podavai (traditional sari for Tamil wedding)? I have used the traditional sari and teamed it with a net dupatta, which can be worn on the head. This is embroidered delicately with motifs picked up from the woven sari to co-ordinate and adds another style and dimension to the conservative way of wearing a sari.

Is there any particular form of artwork that South India has forgotten and you would like to revive again? Yes the South Indian sari was very fluid in its drape, despite the element of gold and silver threads used on it. This was due to the hand spun silk yarn used. Today the yarns used tend to give the sari its stiffness and hence is not attractive to wear as it does not drape well. A lot of this stiff look is not flattering to the younger generation and they cannot be persuaded to wear the tradiitonal kanchipuram saris. Clothes: A nice saree in crepe, a well-fitting trouser suit, a linen jacket and a solid salwar kameez in beige or any other colour with nice, bright accessories are a must. Jewellery: Something that looks like a cross between Indian and European designs. For this, antique silver jewellery is best. Kajal: A must for every woman to make her eyes look beautiful and expressive. Wardrobe Essentials for a Man: A well-stitched pair of black trousers, nice pair of denim jeans and good shoes. A leather jacket is a must for any good looking man.

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

In an interview earlier you had voiced your view that one needs patience for bollywood. How has the bollywood designing experience been? â&#x20AC;&#x153;For a typical Hindi movie, you have to be on the sets all the time. There are last-minute changes or else the director or the actors are not happy with their costume and you have to change it then and there only. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time for all thatâ&#x20AC;?

How weddings have changed in terms of styling?

In the last decade, a sea of change has come over the wedding trousseau. With a plethora

of Tv channels and films being churned out by bollywood, the Indian wedding is celebrated like never before. Definitions of religion and tradition are blurring in different religious communities and the apparition look is that of both bride and grooms looking like India’s erstwhile royalty. The move towards opulence is a palpable one keeping pace with the opulent surroundings that are created at the wedding venues. Most brides want their bridal costumes to be one of a kind outfit which usually take months on the embroidery looms.

Your inspiration for the bridal and autumn collections this year?

Bling will take a back seat and gold embroidery will be a big thing, as it looks muted and elegant. Sophisticated wedding attire is very much in fashion as brides are well aware of their individual personalities and don’t wish to look like overdone mannequins on the biggest day of their life. Sarees will be an eternal part of wedding ceremonies as are lehengas.

Do you like reviving the old gen designs for the youth of today?

I think the Indian crafts are very much alive and needs no revival. The fact is that our population has exploded, and there has been a need for more economical mass reduced nice clothing. But the indigenous crafts exist side by side. For instance, you could be wearing a pair of jeans in the daytime and still have an option to wear a Benarasi Saree in the evening.

How has the experience with the Love Breakup Zindagi team been?

The film is young and contemporary in its look and feel. Designed the wedding sequence for the film, where the outfits are embroidered and sophisticated rather than blingy and over the top garbs that are normally shown. It was in sync with my aesthetics. I’ve worked with Dia before and she is someone who is always well put together.

What’s your favourite era of fashion?

The Pre-independence era is special, there is so much to research because there is so much to infer and imbibe.

Any advice for the fashion designing students in India?

There are no shortcuts in any profession. If the job is worth doing, it will take a lot of sweat and endeavor.

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Pick of the Issue

Shop A to drop

s the season for festivities and weddings have commenced, we rummage through Shoppers Stop to find the perfect gift for your loved ones GC Black metal strap, men’s watch with chronograph function ` 29,950

Guess Multi-function, men’s watch Brown Strapped, 18 carat gold plated ` 8,900

Armani men’s watch [Ceramica] White Ceramic Strap ` 28,995

Bullchee belt Brown leather ` 945

Arrow men’s wallet Black leather ` 1,375 Photos: Vijay Kumar Courtesy : Shoppers Stop

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Guess women’s watch White leather strapped ` 5,300

Accessories Espirit womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch Chain Strap [semi bangle], stainless steel ` 6,493

Fossil menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wallet Brown leather ` 2,495

Arrow belt Dark Brown ` 1,250 Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Fragrance Armani Sport Code men’s perfume ` 5,200

Gucci Guilty men’s perfume ` 4,150

Davidoff Champion men’s perfume ` 4,800

Photos: Vijay Kumar Courtesy : Shoppers Stop

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Burberry Body women’s perfume ` 4,900

Polo No.3 ASSN men’s perfume ` 4,100

CK Beauty women’s perfume ` 6,350

Nina Ricci Ricci Ricci women’s perfume ` 4,400

Gucci Flora women’s perfume ` 4,800

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Max Factor Vibrant turquoise, Bronzed glow, Silver Lounge, Party time

L’oreal Eye Shadow Open Eyes Pro

L’oreal Dermo expertise, rejuvenating antiwrinkle day cream

L’oreal Dermo expertise, rejuvenating antiwrinkle night cream L’oreal Instant freshness toning water L’oreal Face Wash

L’oreal Youth booster serum

Revlon H Eye make up remover

L’oreal Double Mascara extension, extra black

L’oreal Foundation True match minerals powder

L’oreal Nail Enamel Resist & Shine, pink L’oreal Contour shade Intensity, comfort, Green, Ink Violet, Indigo Blue

N O

A Q P

Photos: Vijay Kumar Courtesy : Shoppers Stop

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Max Factor Chilly

Max Factor Soft Rose

Max Factor Silver storm, Citrus thunder, Purple dust, Blue tempest

Maybelline Black

Loreal Pink Grapefruit [Eye shade] Max Factor Deep gray, Glam green

Max Factor Amber

L’oreal Open Eyes Pro, mettalic & Light Brown

L’oreal Aqua Cream

L’oreal Undying Amber, Brazen Bronze, Bold Bordeaux Infallible collection

Maybelline Apricot flush, Berry sorbet

Max Factor Black eye liner

F G

X I

S R

Beauty Kit

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Guess Bag Leather, stone color ` 1,900

Guess Bag Pink leather croc ` 8,900

E Guess Wallet Pink with red belted croc ` 3,700

Hidesign Wallet Red leather croc ` 1,295

Guess Bag Black leather croc ` 7,600

Hidesign Bag Green leather croc ` 3,895

F Guess Wallet Chalky, leather with metal beads ` 2,950

Pepper Shoes Maroon ballet shoes with satin ribbon in front ` 1,499

Accessories A

Photos: Vijay Kumar Courtesy : Shoppers Stop

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Inc.5 Shoes Yellow velvet covering with block heels & buckled strap at ankle ` 1,190

Inc.5 Boots black ankle high with short pointed heels ` 2,095

M Catwalk Sandals Bronze with stone work & short pointed heels ` 1,295

Lemon Sandals Black & White stripes with medium high pointed heels ` 1,099

Lemon Sandals Maroon flat with bead work ` 1,199

N Catwalk Sandals Gold colour with block heels & stone work ` 1,495

D B M G

E F

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Lee Cooper Men’s black formal, narrow tipped shoes ` 2,285

Red Tape, Men’s traditional hard Green leather, sleeved ankle high boots ` 2,595

Imported Men’s stone studded silver cufflinks ` 1,900

Lee Cooper Men’s brown ankle high lace up boots ` 2,385

Park Avenue Men’s pink metallic checker design cufflinks ` 1,900

Park Avenue Men’s maroon tie red & white stripes ` 699

U.S. Polo Assn. Men’s navy Blue, traditional leather walking shoes ` 3,999

Park Avenue Men’s simple gold cufflinks ` 599

Park Avenue Men’s lavander tie, carnation design ` 1,800

Accessories

B C

Photos: Vijay Kumar Courtesy : Shoppers Stop

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

J Park Avenue Men’s suspenders Blue with silver clips ` 1,350

Lee Cooper Copper brown half frame with dual shade lens for Men ` 2,199

F.C.U.K Purple butterfly shaped frame with dual shade lens for Women ` 3,795

K Park Avenue Men’s black tie with blue floral design ` 1,900

Gucci Sporty tiger brown coloured shell frame with black lens for Women ` 15,650

Prada Unisex pattern with white butterfly shaped frame with dual shade lens ` 12,290

L E.Armani Matte finished frame with black lens, classic aviator style Men’s glass ` 9,250

C.K Black butterfly shape framed dual coloured lens for Men ` 6,670

J O

G L E

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Kashish Green and golden Salwar kameez & Dupatta set ` 4,399

Dress it up Wills Lifestyle Mazarine blue V neck edged with ruffle work ` 1,199

Wills Lifestyle All over graded striper with side gathers made from fine blen of poly rayon ` 1,699

Eliza Donatein Black checkered full sleeved tunic ` 1,099 Photos: Vijay Kumar Courtesy : Shoppers Stop

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Kashish Blue kurta with green and pink work to complement the green salwar & pink dupatta ` 3,499 Austin Reed Wine coloured polka dotted ` 899

Lovable Green lacy Lingerie set

Lingerie

Enamor Night wear Pink strappy satin chemise with lace edging at bottom ` 1,099

Enamor Pink& Black, satin & lace Lingerie set ` 870 / 300

Enamor Blue Black lacy Lingerie set ` 860 / 375

Enamor Night wear Black strappy chemise polka dotted with pink piping ` 1,100

Amante Purple set Lingerie ` 890 / 295

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Kama Sutra

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Intense love has no limits, Kama Sutra look at the nuances of a lovers mark

n pressing, or marking, or scratching with the nails

When love becomes intense, pressing with the nails or scratching the body with them is practised, and it is done on the following occasions: on the first visit; at the time of setting out on a journey; on the return from a journey; at the time when an angry lover is reconciled; and lastly when the woman is intoxicated. But pressing with the nails is not a usual thing except with those who are intensely passionate. It is employed, together with biting, by those to whom the practice is agreeable. Pressing with the nails is of the eight following kinds, according to the forms of the marks which are produced: • Sounding • Half moon • A circle • A line • A tiger’s nail or claw • A peacock’s foot • The jump of a hare • The leaf of a blue lotus The places that are to be pressed with the nails are as follows: the arm pit, the throat, the breasts, the lips, the jaghana, or middle parts of the body, and the thighs. But Suvarnanabha is of the opinion that when the impetuosity of passion is excessive, the places need not be considered. The qualities of good nails are that they should be bright, well set, clean, entire, convex, soft, and glossy in appearance. Nails are of three kinds according to their size: Small

MARK OF A LOVER Small nails, which can be used in various ways, and are to be applied only with the object of giving pleasure, are possessed by the people of the southern districts. Medium nails, which contain the properties of both the above kinds, belong to the people of the Maharashtra. When a person presses the chin, the breasts, the lower lip, or the jaghana of another so softly that no scratch or mark is left, but only the hair on the body becomes erect from the touch of the nails, and the nails themselves make a sound, it is called a ‘sounding or pressing with the nails’. This pressing is used in the case of a young girl when her lover shampoos her, scratches her head, and wants to trouble or frighten her. The curved mark with the nails, which is impressed on the neck and the breasts, is called the ‘half moon’. When the half moons are impressed opposite to each other, it is called a ‘circle’. This mark with the nails is generally made on the navel, the small cavities above the buttocks, and on the joints of the thigh. A mark in the form of a small line, and which can be made on any part of the body, is called a ‘line’. This same line, when it is curved, and made on the breast, is called a ‘tiger’s nail’. When a curved mark is made on the breast by means of the five nails, it is called a ‘peacock’s foot’. This mark is made with the object of being praised, for it requires a great deal of skill to make it properly. When five marks with the nails are made close to one another near the nipple of the breast, it is called ‘the jump of a hare’.

Large

A mark made on the breast or on the hips in the form of a leaf of the blue lotus is called the ‘leaf of a blue lotus’.

Large nails, which give grace to the hands, and attract the hearts of women from their appearance, are possessed by the Bengalees.

When a person is going on a journey, and makes a mark on the thighs, or on the breast, it is called a ‘token of remembrance’. On such an occasion three or four lines are

Medium

impressed close to one another with the nails. Here ends the marking with the nails. Marks of other kinds than the above may also be made with the nails, for the ancient authors say that, as there are innumerable degrees of skill among men (the practice of this art being known to all), so there are innumerable ways of making these marks. And as for pressing or marking with the nails is independent of love, no one can say with certainty how many different kinds of marks with the nails do actually exist. The reason of this is, Vatsyayana says, that as variety is necessary in love, so love is to be produced by means of variety. It is on this account that courtesans, who are well acquainted with various ways and means, become so desirable, for if variety is sought in all the arts and amusements, such as archery and others, how much more should it be sought after in the present case. The marks of the nails should not be made on married women, but particular kinds of marks may be made on their private parts for the remembrance and increase of love. There are also some verses on the subject, as follows: ‘The love of a woman who sees the marks of nails on the private parts of her body, even though they are old and almost worn out, becomes again fresh and new. If there be no marks of nails to remind a person of the passages of love, then love is lessened in the same way as when no union takes place for a long time.’ Even when a stranger sees at a distance a young woman with the marks of nails on her breast, he is filled with love and respect for her. A man also who carries the marks of nails and teeth on some parts of his body, influences the mind of a woman, even though it is ever so firm. In short, nothing tends to increase love as much as the effects of marking with the nails, and biting.

Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

FAQ

Beauty

Henna is a coating stain. That means it gives a bit of reddish colour to the hair and anything else it touches. Is that good? Not always. If you have rough hair from damage, you can fill in all the holes with henna, smoothing it out. That might be good. And the hair will shine more.

Before you do anything else, focus on getting a solid 8 hours of sleep every night. The more sleep you get, the more hydrated your skin is, which helps reduce the appearance of the dark circles.

When and what sort of facial can I try before my wedding?

But it also coats the hair with a covering. That might not be good if you are trying to have a perm, for example, because the chemicals can’t get inside the hair. If you are trying to use a colour, the same thing happens. And you get spotty colour. If you try to lighten the hair, that orange will always be there because you can’t get rid of it. If you want to put conditioners and moisturizers into the hair, you can’t get inside because of the coating.

You should be drinking at least 8-oz. glasses of water every day to maintain proper hydration levels. When your body is hydrated, it shows in your skin, helping to maintain healthy skin function and keep collagen, your skin’s natural plumper, alive and well. When you are dehydrated, your skin cannot combat blemishes and imperfections as well and the appearance of dark circles will seem more severe.

Because it is a coating, and you repeat it several times, you will get a big build-up, making the hair feel very harsh and false kind of feeling.

Vitamin K, a fat soluble vitamin, has bloodclotting properties in it that helps to clot and remove any stray broken capillaries under your eyes. Look for creams with a high vitamin K concentration, between 5 and 8 percent, to get the most bang for your buck.

ny suggestions on how I can have a beautiful skin on my wedding day?

Skin care should ideally begin about six months prior to the wedding day. To-be bride should visit a dermatologist and get her skin type identified and accordingly choose her treatment and make up style. It becomes even more important for the girls with problematic skin. Going for back to back facial is a good option. It cleanses tones and exfoliates the exposed body parts like shoulder and back.

Today, there are a lot of pre-wedding bridal packages, which might last anywhere from one day to one month, to get that perfect look on your D-day. There was a time when the brides to be use to resort to simple home remedies, like using turmeric paste or neem paste, for bringing that extra glow on their skin. There will hardly be any pre-wedding bridal package today that does not involve at least one facial. The exact facial that you are beautified with will depend upon the type (oily, normal or dry) as well as the condition (with a few pimples, riddled with acne or spotlessly clean) of your skin. It is advisable to go for facials that contain honey, mint, apple, peaches, strawberries, cucumber or any other product that provide essential nutrients to your skin. To-be brides should go for regular facial to attain a glowing skin. Steam facial is a good option because it enhances the complexion of the bride and also it proves to be relaxing for her. Is hair colouring good for our hair or henna is the best way. If you have less than 40 percent gray, you can colour your hair at home, but look for permanent or semi-permanent products that don’t contain ammonium peroxide or alcohol. Colours and dyes made with those ingredients can be harsher and more drying to your hair and leave you more prone to fading colour between treatments

Rajee Venkatesh, Works with a leading slimming centre. She is an expert in her field and has many celebrities as her clients.

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So is that good? It all depends on why you are using it and what effect you want to achieve. Keep it in mind if you have other treatments to follow. Henna has safely coloured and conditioned women’s hair for at least six thousand years and it does a lovely job! Henna has tannin in it and the tannin molecules bind into keratin (hair) molecules and make the fibers physically stronger, like winding threads together to make a stronger string. After you henna your hair, it is softer, stronger, it tangles less, and the split ends disappear. Suggest me a best way to get rid of under eye dark circles.

allergy. If this is the case, treat the allergy and the byproduct, the dark circles, will go by the wayside.

Vitamin C, found in creams, lotions and good old fashion fruit, helps to fight against free radicals in your body that destroy collagen. You need that collagen to keep your skin, particularly the already thin skin under your eyes, fuller and plumper, thereby reducing the look of dark under-eye circles without the need for cosmetics. There’s a reason you get those cucumber slices placed over your eyes at the spa, they reduce the puffiness in your eye region. Try using a tea bag instead; whose tannins reduce swelling and discolouration around the eyes.

Consult your physician before embarking Dark circles are, more often than not, on any new medicine supplement routine. hereditary. They are the appearance of Report any side effects to your doctor and superficial capillaries that appear to have discontinue use if any skin irritation occurs. a blue-ish tinge to them because the skin SPF, the earlier you take care of your face, under your eyes in much thinner than the the longer it will look young and vibrant. Also rest of your skin. However, sometimes these use an eye cream around the delicate eye broken capillaries are caused by the friction area. from swollen or rubbed eyes due to an Mail us with your queries to our experts at: faq@themehendi.com

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Mehendi Girl

Demure Desires Every girl is brought up to believe that one day she will get married, this hasn’t changed over the years reveals young and upcoming actress Vega, as she bares her thoughts on marriage and her views on how to make it work …

e are in an era where, people believe marriage is a failing institution and it’s not the ‘in’ thing. I firmly believe that it is the best thing that can happen to anyone in their lifetime. It is a very necessary component that makes his /her life more cohesive and complete. Further, I feel that for anyone to, just wake up next to your loved one is a blessing and an absolute joy. I totally disagree that marriage is a failing institution, it is we who made it that way, and I would perceive it to be very much alive and kicking, even in countries where individualism is encouraged they do believe in marriage and it is something special like an icing on the cake. Contrary to countries like ours where marriage is not just the union of two people but the union of two families, with that statement I am not trying to be boring here, but emphasizing my take on marriage and for me true love just doesn’t come from somewhere and fall in your lap, it is but a choice made by both partners to be true. Retaining your identity, at the same time being sensitive towards the needs of your partner is essential. If there’s ever an argument, discuss it out before you go to bed, a couple must never go to bed with a fight still on. Understanding, appreciation and trust are the three key mantras for a successful marriage, make that five, (liberty and adjustment) you also need some space, gone are those days where women were homemakers and a pushover, many of us are women of power

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and have strong personalities and need some time and space for ourselves. About trust and understanding, I am sure many people would have bored the readers, but then I would like to make a special mention about appreciation, one special way to be close and to make the other feel special is to appreciate the help they had rendered and I’d say if you cross the line by simply appreciating for everything, it would seem very formal and unnatural. And adjustment is very important, it is one thing I feel, is the binding twine that can make the bouquet look like a bouquet and not just a bunch of flowers. If there are some idiosyncrasies that your loved one has like sleeping on the right side of the bed and with A/C really chill and neatly tucked in the quilt, you may also join him by letting him sleep on the right side and do his thing. These teeny tiny adjustments can make wonders to any marriage and I am sure by now, many would think “oh, now I have to change” I would like to remind them that, change is inevitable and it is always for the good. My dream wedding would be a small special ceremony with people I love and care the most in my life and I like to keep it that way. So people always remember you are the captain of your ship, the powers are bestowed in you to steer it the right way to reach what you and I call “Marital Bliss”.

Photos: Arjun Venkatesh

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The youngest team of the celebrity Cricket League â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE KERALA STRIKERS was launched at the Taj Vivanta, Kochi with much pomp and applause. The team owners, including Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, actress Lissy Priyadarshan and business man Shaji Pm launched the logo and team jersey with none other than Malayalam industries mega star Mamooty. The young stars of the Malayalam film fraternity including Prithviraj, Indrajith, Kunchako Bobban and others exuded team spirit, along with the brand ambassadors, actors Bhavana and Laxmi Rai. A fashion show added colour and excitement to the event.

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T T I GL

I T ERA

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The annual Globus Style awards was hosted at the Hilton, which saw the cities whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who in attendance to witness this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awardees. A panel of judges consisting of designer Vivek Karunakaran, Vidya Singh and choreographer Karun Raman presented the awards in various categories to the likes of VJ Pooja, young racer Armaan Ibrahim and others. A fashion show showcasing the latest collection from Globus followed.

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T T I GL

I T ERA

The Luxxe box store at Express Avenue showcased its latest collection of Etro bandhgalas, especially designed for the Indian market at small showing at the store on Chennaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading male models including Abhishek, Arun and Mario. Spotted at this exclusive wine and cheese event were Chennaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading entrepreneurs LankaLingam. TT Siddhartha, Shaji PM, store owner Deepika Gehani and others.

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Music

Jazz,Blues and a whole lot of Soul A

ll through my childhood like any other girl I had these rose tinted dreams about my big fat wedding and always wanted to get married in a white lace wedding gown, with the veil trailing half a mile behind me. Many years later in Bangalore, when I attended an Anglo-Indian wedding for the first time, the bride walking down the aisle holding on to her father’s arm was the epitome of mystery, old world charm and perfection in my eyes, something I had always imagined. Also the music and dance that I witnessed that evening during the reception captured my heart forever. I had heard from my friends that there was this band in Chennai called A Second Coming who performed traditional english wedding songs and I couldn’t resist a chat with their drummer Maynard Grant. What sets the band apart from the rest is the fact that apart from regular ballads and songs you could jive to, they also have an entire list of traditional songs to take the wedding rituals through like The Wedding March and The Birdie Dance. So if you are a true romantic like me and want it does with all the frills including a perfect musical evening, Second Coming is a band you might want to check out.

Playback singer Ujjaiynee Roy in a tête-à-tête with Second Coming, a popular band seen at most Anglo Indian weddings.

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ON SECOND COMING Your band has a very interesting name “Second Coming”. Something tells me there is a history behind this name. I would love to hear about it from you.

Music and dance has always been a very integral part of Anglo-Indian weddings. Name a few traditional songs that the band generally performs.

Since we are all believers, we as a band have this faith that there is a second coming and that there is always a chance to play music. We had been playing music together for a while and then the band took a short break, after which we came back together again to perform. So this has been a second coming for the band and hence the name.

Apart from a lot of special songs that are requested by the couple or their family members, we also perform traditional wedding songs like the Wedding March, The Grand March, The Birdie Dance etc.

Maynard, what is your background in music? For me it all started when I was in school. I started playing with different bands from the year 1986 and started gaining experience and also learned a lot. Then in the year 1995 I joined The Center Stage School of Music as a faculty and still teach over there. What is the current lineup of your band? How long have you guys been playing together? Second Coming is a six piece band including keyboards, bass guitar, lead guitar, drums and two vocalists, one male and the other female. Philip Kohloff is on the lead guitar, our bassist is Tenny Allwood, Mark Willcox on the keyboard and I play the drums. Reji Varghese and Tonia Kohloff are the two vocalists. All the musicians including me also do backup vocals with our singers. We have now been playing together for almost a year. What would you say is the genre of music that you perform? I would say anything that makes people happy and that would include commercial pop, rock, country or jazz. We don’t believe in restricting ourselves musically. Are there any special songs that your band performs? I have heard that you guys do a lot of traditional wedding songs!

With the trend these days of couples wanting to have a very traditional wedding ceremony, is there a typical itinerary that Second Coming follows when it comes to the music? Yes a lot of couples do want to have very traditional wedding ceremonies these days for which we have a special itinerary. It’s something like this. The band first plays The Wedding March when the newly married couple walks in after the wedding rituals. The couple then settles down and cuts the wedding cake during which the band plays a traditional song called She Wears My Ring. Then they have their first dance as a married couple. The song for this is generally selected earlier by the bride and the groom and given to the band. After this we play The Grand March and everyone present gets involved. Later the band also plays couple of other traditional march songs followed by The Birdie Dance. Right at the end we play the song He’s a Jolly Good Fellow after which the couple leaves. Does Second Coming also perform in regular concerts? What genre of music that would be? Yes we also perform in regular shows. The genre for that depends on what the organizers ask for; I mean whether it’s a rock show or a club house gig. We generally perform all covers.

Most of the times, the couple gives us a list of special requests which they’d want us to play. Other than that we do have our own list of songs. But yes we also do a lot of traditional wedding songs as well.

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Snippets

Simple ways to Glow from within An easy to follow diet regime can ensure that you are the glowing bride that you have always dreamt of being.

very bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. Makeup alone won’t do the trick, for that you need to radiate from within for it to show that you are a true princess indeed marrying her prince charming. Incorporate this easy guide for a healthy and flawless skin. Detoxification is the best way to remove all the toxins from your body. It’s time to cleanse your body from within. Detoxification is the removal of potentially toxic substances from the body. In this case it means to purify the body of all the harmful toxins that have built up for all these years. Easy steps to detox: Consume high-fiber diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, and eliminate processed and refined foods. Drink purified water. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Take in a lot of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, including antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids (EFAs), as well as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and beneficial greens. Cultivate the habit for a regular exercise program that includes aerobics, yoga, pilates or any mind/body activities to stimulate lymph flow and enhance both the cardiovascular and immune systems. Most detox programs will avoid the following:

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• Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and drugs • Processed and refined foods Here are a few other sources that help you achieve great looking skin: Water For healthy and succulent skin you need plenty of moisture. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to help your kidneys flush out toxins from the body. The buildup of toxins in the body can cause skin problems like acne. Proper hydration can also help to eliminate dark circles under the eyes. Even slight dehydration can markedly have an effect on skin texture. Colour your meal Eat a varied and colourful diet. You may have heard this many times before but there is a reason for that, it does work! Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants which help protect the skin from cell damage and are rich in antioxidants that help in keeping your skin healthy, young and glowing. So, include fruits and vegetables that are brightly coloured in your diet every day. Vitamin A ‘Vitamin A’ prevents eye problems, promotes a healthy immune system, is essential for the growth and development of cells, and keeps skin healthy. Deficiency of ‘Vitamin A’ can manifest in dry skin

conditions. Beta carotene isn’t just good for your eyes. Beta-carotene, the antioxidant long-linked to healthy vision, is now believed to bring a boost to other parts of your body. But keep in mind, excessively large quantities of vitamin A can be toxic to the human body. Sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, kale and spinach, can be converted by the liver into vitamin A. Low fat dairy foods such as milk and yoghurt are also good sources of this amazing vitamin. Vitamin C ‘Vitamin C’ is a very good antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to help fight free radicals which are part of everyday life. It makes you look younger and fresher every day. Its vitamin properties will give a healthy glow and keep up your skin’s elasticity. Sources: Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, strawberries, green peppers and kiwi fruits. Essential fatty acids Essential fatty acids form a barrier to prevent harmful invaders penetrating the skin. The stronger this barrier the more moisture can be held by our skin cells thereby keeping them healthy and succulent. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids will promote healthy skin membranes. Sources for omega 3: Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring and salmon.

Vegetarians can substitute by having flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans and olive oil in their diet. Sources for omega 6: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and sunflower oils or corn oil. Vitamin E Foods rich in vitamin E can help protect the skin from the ageing process. ‘Vitamin E’ is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, can help prevent the appearance of age spots and helps maintain the skin’s oil balance. Sources: Almonds, avocado, nuts, seeds, brown rice and dark green leafy vegetables.

Zinc

cancer.

Including zinc rich foods can help the skin heal as it is needed to synthesize collagen, the component of skin which holds the skin cells together.

Manage stress

Zinc can help with conditions of the skin such as cold sores and can act as a natural sunscreen by blocking out the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sources: Eggs, fish, meat, pulses, fish and wholegrain foods. Green Tea

Many detox regimes are holistic in approach. It is important to concentrate on other areas of stress in your life, and examine your lifestyle on a whole. Stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. Keep a positive outlook for a healthy state of mind. Set reasonable limits, have a to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results may be more notable than you imagine.

Green tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenol compounds which neutralise harmful free radicals and protect the skin from UV light which in excess causes skin

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Trivia

Passion

Food For

Nature has all the answers, foods that bestow you with superpowers for being super hot in bed.

hat is an aphrodisiac?

The word “aphrodisiac” comes from the Greek Goddess of Love, otherwise known as Aphrodite. To put it simply, aphrodisiacs are meant to put people “in the mood.” It is a substance which is believed to heighten sexual interest and desire. You are what you eat, because what you eat directly influences the way your body functions. If you’ve got sex on your mind but your body’s letting you down, don’t reach for a Viagra, all you need is some food that helps boost your sex life. The food you consume can have a direct impact on your sex life, affecting your hormones, brain chemistry, and energy and stress levels. Some foods have psychoactive properties, others arouse because they are

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psychologically suggestive, and some can actually increase blood flow to the genitals. And if it does not have all that aphrodisiac affect, at least it’s healthy and it will do you good!

sex-boosting insurance policy. Eat daily. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special afterdinner treat.

Sexual fitness is important to make you healthy and active. An energetic existence, balanced diet and self-confidence are the best ways to get the sexual charge you need – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few foods out there that can give you that extra boost you’re looking for.

Aniseed

List of aphrodisiacs foods:

Asparagus

Almond A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. Best when eaten raw, almonds are high in libido-boosting vitamin E. A very sensible

Also known as anise, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that you could increase desire by sucking on anise seeds. Aniseed does include estrogenic compounds (female hormones), which have been reported to induce similar effects to testosterone. Asparagus has been a successful aphrodisiac from ancient days. It is rich in folate, a B vitamin that helps increase your production of histamine, a promoter of

sex life. Proper levels of histamine play an essential role in sex drive for both men and women.

Avocado The Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl which translated means “testicle tree”. The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male’s testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. The vitamin E in this helps the body churn out hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, which circulate in your bloodstream and stimulate sexual responses like clitoral swelling and vaginal lubrication.

Bananas The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which are said to be necessary for sex-hormone production.

Basil (sweet basil) The scent of basil was said to drive men wild - so much so that women would dust their breasts with dried and powdered basil. Basil is one of the many reported aphrodisiacs that may have the property of promoting circulation. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

Chocolate Chocolate have been reported to exert several effects on human sexuality, acting mainly as an effective aphrodisiac, increasing sexual desire and improving sexual pleasure. They have been claimed to contain a chemical substance known as phenylethylamine, which has been reported to stimulate the hypothalamus, inducing pleasurable sensations as well as affecting the levels of two neurotransmitters – 5-hydroxytrytamine (serotonin) and endorphins in the brain – hence enhancing mood lifting and sexual drive. These chemicals occur naturally and are released by the brain into the nervous system during

situations of happiness and feelings of love. This causes a rapid mood change, a rise in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and an inducement of those feelings of wellbeing bordering on euphoria that are usually associated with being in love.

Carrots A good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene.

Chilies Eating chili peppers generates physiological responses in our bodies (e.g., sweating, increased heart rate and circulation) that are similar to those experienced when having sex. The capsaicin they contain is responsible for the effects and is also a good pain reliever. Another reported effect of eating large quantities of chili peppers is an irritation of the genitals and urinary tract that could feel similar to sexual excitement.

Figs Figs are another fruit that claims aphrodisiac qualities based on its appearance. An open

fig is thought to look similar to female sex organs.

Ginger Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.

Honey Honey has been known as an aphrodisiac as far back as the 500 B.C., even Hippocrates prescribed honey for sexual vigour. Wedding traditions in some cultures include the offering of honey to a bridegroom and even the term “honeymoon” stems from an ancient tradition of couples going into seclusion and drinking a honey concoction until the first new moon of their marriage. Everything about honey is romantic from the way it’s made to its golden appearance. However scenically honey is an aphrodisiac due to its rich B vitamin and amino acid content boosting energy and stamina.

Oysters Romans documented oysters as aphrodisiacs in the second century A.D. They are known to be high in zinc, which has been associated with improving sexual potency in men. Oysters have been known to be good at stimulating and creating sexual desire for many years.

Wine Drinking wine can be an amazingly erotic experience, enhancing a romantic interlude by relaxing our bodies and stimulating our senses. Do keep in mind that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to “arouse” but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

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Trivia

Choosing the right undergarment is the key to looking your best in any ensemble you choose to wear, full figured or lean mean, stop here to discover the best lingerie that can boost your confidence...

LINGERIE T

ight Bra can cause Cancer: Let’s find out

Bras apply pressure to the breasts, especially to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system consists of tiny, thinwalled vessels that drain from the breast tissue, removing toxins, cell debris, cancer cells, viruses, bacteria, and other products from the breasts. All of our tissues drain through the lymphatic, which is essentially the circulatory pathway of the immune system. However, unlike arteries and veins, these vessels have no internal pressure. As a result, they are easily compressed by external pressure (a bra, for instance) leading to the congestion of the tissues that would otherwise have been drained. When a woman wears a tight bra, she subjects her breasts to pressure, closing off the lymphatic pathway from the breast to the nodes. This causes fluid build-up, swelling, tenderness and cyst formation. Toxins must

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be flushed out via the lymphatic. However, a bra-constricted breast cannot adequately perform this cleansing process, resulting in toxin accumulation in the breast. It was discovered that women with breast cancer had a history of sporting tighter and longer bra-wearing than did the women who had not (yet) developed the disease. Find the Perfect Bra for yourself Wearing the wrong bra not only affects how you feel and look, it may even affect your health. A bra that’s too tight can constrict the breasts, depriving them of oxygen and proper lymph drainage. In spite of this, it’s estimated that up to 85 percent of women wear the wrong bra size. Finding the right bra can be uplifting; in the real sense as well and amazingly sexy too. Follow these easy ways to make sure that yours fits you right:

Cups that fit well neither runneth over nor pucker. When you fill a bra properly, the cups cup your breasts. Bulges or empty space do not exist. The band of the bra should feel comfortable when hooked in the middle position and the centerpiece of the bra should lie flat against your chest. This is where most women go off track. Wearing a wrong size also affects your health. Here is how you can determine the right size of your bra Band size Measure under your armpits, high on your back, and across the top of your chest and above your breasts. How many inches do you get? If this measurement is an even number, then that will be your band size. If it’s an odd number, add 1 inch and that will be your band size. So if you measure 34 inches around, your band size will be 34. And if you measure 35 inches around, your band size will be 36.

Cup size 1. Standing straight, with your arms at your side, measure around your body at the Difference

Cup size

Same size

Up to one inch

Up to two inch

Up to three inch

Up to four inch

Up to five inch

Up to six inch

Up to seven inch

Up to eight inch

fullest part of your bust while keeping the measuring tape parallel with the floor. Do not wear a bra that is padded. And, make sure the apex of your breasts is half-way between your shoulder and your elbow. 2. Wrap the measuring tape around you so that it is just touching, but not binding. If one of your breasts is significantly larger, put some type of padding in the cup of the smaller breast to make it even with the larger breast before taking your measurement. 3. Round up or down to the nearest inch as you did to find your band size. 4. Now, subtract your band size measurement from this second measurement. The difference is your cup size. Example: 38” - 34” (band size) = 4” = D cup size. The chart above shows you how to determine cup size. Getting measured by a professional may be worthwhile as well. Other points to be considered Straps should not dig or fall. One finger should slide underneath the strap comfortably. Now that you’re well-supported, consider the trimmings! Padding, underwire, satin, and lace add sexiness to your inner wear. Find a bra that makes you feel good inside and out! Choosing the right style Choosing the right bra style can really make a difference to your silhouette. It is useful to know the specific bra types which favor small-busted or big-busted women.

Not only do the majority of women not wear the correct bra size, but some also wear the wrong style for their body type. The size of your bust and your overall body shape may lend itself more naturally to a particular bra type when it comes to support and comfort. There are so many bra styles to choose from. It helps to have an idea of which bras are more appropriate. There are full-cups, demicups, balconettes, backless, halter necks, air bras and multi ways, to name a few. The balconette (or balcony bra) is good for women of all shapes and sizes and can be worn under any collection of clothing. With a balconette, the middle of the bra is slightly different in design to the half cup and appears not to be as straight across the breasts and the chest below. This helps to add shape to the bust line and is the ultimate bra to hoist-up sagging breasts. Bra Types for Small Busts Nowadays women no longer need to be self-conscious about being flat-chested. They can wear almost any style. To look fuller a padded, cleavage-enhancing plunge-type bra or a balconette will “round them up and point them in the right direction. A triangle bra (cups are triangularly shaped) is ideally suited to smaller busts. This bra is not usually under wired and just has a central piece of material which attaches all pieces to the chest strap, giving a more natural shape. The style is most commonly found in bikini tops. Bra Types for Large Busts Wearing the wrong bra can also cause health problems that are long-term such as backache and shoulder strain. Usually when one is big-busted, you should spend as much as you can afford. For everyday wear a full coverage bra with wide straps will give the best comfort and support Balconette bras provide good support for big busts when it comes to wanting a more sexy style, and are perfect for wearing under low-cut tops and dresses. Round, square, scooped and V-neck tops/ dresses are generally more flattering to bigbusts. Avoid the uni-boob look (particularly under turtle-necks) by making sure your bra fits properly and separates the breasts. A balconette or plunge bra will do this.

transparent back strap goes up to a DD cup in some chest sizes. To find your correct bra sizes try to obtain a proper fitting, from a reputable lingerie retailer. A woman can go up or down as many as 6 bra sizes in her lifetime, so a professional fitting every few years is recommended. LINGERIE MUST-HAVES Date night bra This is a bra that makes you feel pretty when you go out in the evening. Pick a color other than nude like red or black, to feel extra sexy. Demi cup A demi cup bra has cups that cover less of your upper breast tissue. This allows you to wear lower necklines. One version of this bra is a plunger bras with the center panel cut very low so that you can wear lower v-necks or be able to keep one more button unbuttoned. Strapless bra With today’s variety of unusual necklines, a strapless bra sometimes seems like the only choice if you want to wear a bra, or need that extra support. Elegant camisole An elegant camisole is a great solution as a layer under jackets and sweaters. And, there are great support camisoles that not only look pretty, but give you the added smoothing benefits. Matching bra and panty set It is said that, women who wear a matching bra and panty set feel more confident when they walk and talk even if no one other than themselves know they have it on. Finally, you will never know your exact bra size till you try something on. Each woman is different and that is why trial and error works. If you need to make minor adjustments to your bra, don’t think just go for it. It will do you a lot of good. And also remember that size changes with weight, age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, etc. So it is a good idea to change your bra as soon as you realize that the bra is too tight or too loose.

When it comes to more revealing outfits, these days there is also more choice for bigbusted women when it comes to backless bras. In the past it was difficult to get beyond a C cup, for the simple reason that these types of bras provide only minimal support. The Natural Strapless Under wired Bra, with

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y husband likes to talk and whisper all the time when we make love. He knows what I like, but he continues to ask me questions. I am very quiet when we make love. Do you think he wants me to talk too? Or do you think he might want me to talk “dirty” to him? There is a very simple solution. It is called talking to him. I have no idea what he wants, but I am sure he knows what he wants. So, if you ask him how he would like you to respond, he will be able to tell you and both of you will be happy. I have a strange situation and I struggle with being extremely ticklish. I’ve been married to my husband for one year now. I thought that these tickling sensations would eventually wear off. I am very open to my husband sexually and I try to make him happy in every way that I possibly can, but I feel like my ticklishness is really getting in the way of his pleasure. The sensations occur while he is touching me in almost every area, especially in private places. Sometimes the sensations are too strong and he has to stop. I’ve tried a lot of things to curb my sensitivity like medications and herbs but didn’t help at all. My husband and I tried to have longer periods of foreplay. Not only does it cause problems for my husband, but sometimes I feel like my sexuality is non-existent and I just have to grit my teeth and bare those overwhelming sensations. It takes a long time for me to have an orgasm, probably about 30 minutes or more. Thank God that I have such a patient and loving husband. I would really like to be free from this problem and enjoy loving my husband the way that he deserves. Do you know of anything that could help me with this problem? I am sorry to hear your trouble. It can be very irritating and frustrating especially when your hubby has been so wonderful. Yes, this problem can be helped, but it is going to take some effort from your hubby, you and your doctor. This will normally take about 12 weeks for you to see a difference and another 12 weeks before you can thoroughly get rid of the problem. We will have to desensitize you and for that you will have to cooperate. Once you get rid of the problem, we will work on your sexuality which will help you get back to enjoy your marriage to the fullest. Also initially both of you will have to come in, but after that it will be only you. I am 26 years old and have been with my husband for 5 years. We moved in together 6 months after dating and married when we were in our 20’s. The first couple of months were great!!! Then a side of him I’ve never seen came out, he began to get angry at every little thing. Then I got the name calling! Then he started to throw things at me. He degrades me all the time because he can’t keep a job longer than 6 months. I am so tired of him and all the abuse. He keeps saying he’s sorry and he’s going to

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InTIMACY

FAQ

get help but he never does. Sometimes I think I got married too young and rushed into this relationship. Should I hold on, or move away? Kindly help!

Q My long distance boyfriend and I of 3 years had plans to move in together and get married early next year, but now he is freaking out and doesn’t want to get married. What to do?

I am sorry to hear that your marriage is not going where it should be. I cannot give you an answer based on the information you have given, but you should undergo couples therapy or marriage counselling at the earliest. A couple therapist will first understand your problem, but the focus will not be on saving the marriage. A marriage therapist will aim to save your marriage.

Just take it cool for now. I know it seems like the world is coming to an end, but do not force him into anything. Talk to him, understand his fears, don’t blame him and don’t get angry. For men, it takes a little longer to get used to moving in, especially if it is long distance. Talk it out and you guys should be happy sooner than later. If he still freaks out, get to a couple therapist and he should be able to help you.

I have been talking with this guy for a while. We have been friends for a long time and he recently asked me out. We have been on a few dates and it’s been fun. Though, lately he’s been acting hot and cold with me. One day he’ll be cool and just act like himself and the next day he won’t talk to me. I don’t understand why he acts like this and have asked him a few times if something is wrong or what’s going on, but he doesn’t respond. In the last two days, he’s been giving me the ‘silent treatment’ and won’t talk to me. I am as confused as to why he’s doing this and I have given up trying to get him to talk to me. It hurts me that he won’t talk to me when I care about him so much. I love him a lot and want this relationship to work out.

Is it possible for you to love or like someone one moment and then not feel the same way the next? Yes. But it takes some time to know if it was love or just lust.

Dr.Wasim Mohideen, MD, DFM(RCGP,UK),& Dip(Ayur). Is Mehendi’s wellness expert.

This needs to be solved only by communication. You should have an open conversation with him and try and get his point of view before deciding on what to do. Mail us with your queries to our experts at: faq@themehendi.com

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Honeymoon

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MYSTICAL

Munnar

Nisary Mahesh

With its misty mountains, sparkling waters and romantic haunts, the princess of the western ghats strategically located at the confluence of three rivers and known for its blue mountains from the Neelakurinji flowers is a haven for honeymooners...

his small and scenic hilltop hamlet in God’s own country is an all time favourite destination for honeymooners. Nature is at its best here with all its ingredients- lofty hills, sparkling brooks, sylvan surroundings, refreshing drizzles and fresh aroma of spices, tea and roasted coffee. As Munnar stands with its resplendent beauty as well as a cool, salubrious climate, visitors are lured to steal moments of romanticism. Munnar lies at a height of about 5906 ft, in part of Western Ghats known as High Ranges. The name Munnar (‘Three Rivers’ in Malayalam) is derived from its location at the confluence of three mountain streamsKundala, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni. More than a much sought-after hill resort; it is also the centre of Kerala’s premier tea-growing district. More than 12,000 hectares of lush, manicured tea fields form an irresistible canvas against which honeymooners pose.

A walk around the hills and misty forests; spending your romantic moments with much needed seclusion, is a splash of luxury. What more can you ask for?

Places to see Eravikulam National Park Located 16km from Munnar town, this vast area of forest and satin smooth grass lands are the abode of the rare species of wild goats known as Nilgiri Tahrs and herds of wild elephants grazing elegantly across the slopes. The entire landscape of the park is divided into three regions- the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are only allowed in the tourism area of Rajamallay region. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes are spread in a blue carpet of Neelakurinji flowers. But the sad

fact is that it blooms only once in twelve years and last bloomed in 2006.

Anamudi This is the highest peak, south of the Himalayas (2695 meters in Western Ghats) and was once a landmark for ships approaching the port of Kochi. The view from the peak is breathtaking. It is bordered with refreshing cardamom hills, and other famous peaks like Anaimalai Hills and Palani Hills. Anamudi is also known as trekker’s paradise because of its easy grassland hikes.

Chithirapuram The colonial air here exudes old world warmth to honeymooners. The area is full of verdant hills; tumbling streams, tea plantations and colonial mansions. The

In early mornings, the blanket of mist kisses the hills, leaving cool drops of dew on the tea plants. The stately eucalyptus plantations and cardamom hills wafts their fragrance in the gentle wind. The shola trees hug the mist-shrouded hillsides and several highly endangered species of wildlife finds there shelter here. A trip to Munnar is a journey through picturesque surroundings, but the most sought-after offering of the estates is the unbelievably pure air. There are wild animals to spot, golf to be played, some fishing to be done, and of course for the more adventurous, there’s the challenge of climbing the 8,841-ft Anaimudi, which towers majestically over the town.

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stunning valleys provide a view of a great green carpet wrapping the mountains with an impeccable beauty. Chithirapuram is about 10kms from Munnar, and is home to Pallivasal hydel power project.

Kundale Tea Plantation At Kundale Tea plantation one can have a captivating insight into tea manufacturing. The charming environ filled with the aroma of fresh coffee last in your senses. The lake located on the plantation is the perfect spot for a memorable afternoon relax.

Nyayamakad and Cheeyapara Nyayamakad and Cheeyapara offer enchanting waterfalls. The gushing white waters cascades down from the top at a height of the about 1600mts. The romantic moments spent here will be one of the most precious in your life. It also hosts a horde of water and trekking activities. The adjoining environs are truly magical making you feel not to return home.

Things to Do at Munnar Enchanting scenery, fresh aroma of tea and spices, trekking, boating, jeep safari, golf, showering under cascades, shopping for famous spices, tea, coffee, sandal wood and handicrafts.

How to Reach From Nedumbassery to Munnar- Distance -105 km. Route- Nedumbassery-Kalady-

Perumbavoor-MuvattupuzhaKothamangalam-Adimali-Munnar.

From Thiruvannathapuram to Munnar- Distance- 357 km.

Pothamedu Pothamedu is yet another major plantation hub situated at 6 km from the town. Views of coffee, tea and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. Like any other spots around, the landscape is enigmatic.

Marayoor Marayoor, as the name implies ‘The Hidden Village’ is a rain-shadow village and it is about 40 kms from Munnar on the Udumalapet road. Tall Rocky Mountains, shola forests, caves dating back to the megalithic age, sandalwood trees and souvenirs from ancient civilization enriches the place. The all pervading scent of sandal wood will make you fall in love. At the sandalwood factory owned by the Forest Department of Kerala, you can shop for sandal wood products and handicrafts. The rock paintings in muniyaras (caves) are significant.

Echo Point In between your sightseeing excursions you can get down on this lake embankment, amid some hills, call out the name of your dear one loudly. Your sound will be echoed manifold by the surrounding hills.

Mattupetty Mattupetty is known for its scenic dam and the lake, which can be enjoyed in boats. There is also a dairy farm run by the IndoSwiss Livestock Project. As everywhere, in Munnar also you will come across lush green tea plantations and rolling grasslands. Distance from Munnar town is 13 kms.

Route- Trivandrum-Attingal-Quilon-

Kayamkulam-Alleppey-CherthalaAroor-Vyttila-Trippunithura-KolencherryMuvattupuzha-Kothamangalam-AdimaliMunnar

Nearest Railway Station Theni (Tamilnadu) about 60 km away and Aluva, about 120 km away.

Road: The place is well connected by a well

developed network of road transport. Buses run by the KSRTC start from the Central Bus Stand in Ernakulam.

Top Station

Accomodation

Travelers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.

Club Mahindra Lakeview, Chinnakanal village. Phone: 04868-49224.

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Copper Castle, Munnar. Phone: 04868-

30633. Royal Retreat, Munnar. Phone: 0468-30440 30240:

Package Details Various packages are available in Munnar and surrounding areas alone, Munnar- Thekkady, Munnar- Thekkady, Kochi-Alappuzha, Munnar-Kochi-Alappuzha-Kovalam.

Climate Munnar experiences a moderate climate all through the year. Summers (March to May) are pleasant and the temperature ranges a maximum of 25°C to minimum of 15°C. Winters during December to February are cool and the temperature comes down to 10°C. Monsoons (June to September) are lovely with pouring rainfalls.

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Honeymoon

What strikes you most in Venice are its pedestrian streets and absence of noise teamed with quaint canals. Chocolates and flowers served in tune with the charming gondoliers is what will bring your fairy tale honeymoon to life.

Lovers paradise Nisary Mahesh

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enice, the most romantic city in the world is of course a great choice for honeymooners. Charmed with a mystical aura, the experience you get here is unique. This city, which appears to be floated on water, is veiled in ethereal fogs, and is built of hundreds of small islands joined by bridges. With its picturesque winding canals and bridges, narrow alleyways and wonderful squares, secret corners and colourful Gothic palaces; it is unlike any other city on earth -a city of lovers. The sights and sounds here are intoxicating. Experience the exquisitely romantic backdrops in a magical gondola ride, walk hand in hand over the small bridges that cover the water streets or get lost in the narrow, winding, cobblestone streets and vineyards. Romantic travelers will definitely find here a refreshing respite from the dust and bustle of everyday life. You will not hear noisy traffic, just the soft sound of water lapping against the sides of marble buildings. Venice is best to be explored through a walk or a boat ride. As you walk, you may suddenly find yourself in a picturesque piazza or a sunny garden with no one around, or you might come upon interesting shops and outdoor cafes where you can relax and enjoy a cappuccino. The city is compact, making it easy for newlyweds to return to their hotel beds between sight-seeing rides. Nightlife is virtually non-existent, forcing you to rely on each other for entertainment. So, start feeling the difference: St.Mark’s Square This is the perfect place to start, as it is the heart of Venice. It boasts of so many unique things around it: architectural marvels, scenic beauty, shopping outlets, romantic street cafes and open air orchestras. Saint Mark’s Basilica

It is unlike any other church, decorated with golden mosaics and a magnificent 10th century altarpiece. When you step inside, you’ll get the feeling of having stepped back a thousand years. Piazza San Marco Described as one of the most picturesque places in all of Europe, Piazza San Marco is the result of a multitude of artistic and engineering feats. An equal amount of history and commerce took place here, and some continues to this day. Hundreds of pigeons will come flocking around you to witness the love you have for each other. Doge’s Palace Doge’s Palace and museum exhibits medieval, renaissance and Venetian marvels.

You’ll spend hours wandering through the palace, gazing at the sculptures, archways and massive staircases in awe. Castello

prisoners who were lead to the terrible prison cells. To see the bridge, follow the length of the Doge’s palace until you reach Ponte della Paglia, the bridge facing the Bridge of Sighs.

This is a pristine residential quarter behind the Doge’s Palace, place where the past and present bequeath something for all. It’s a truly delightful section with charming bridges and a large green park.

Accademia Bridge

The Bridge of Sighs

Rialto Bridge

This is a small stone bridge that connects the Doge’s palace with prison cells. The bridge received its name because of the sigh of

Another must see attraction in Venice is the Rialto bridge. It is charming and has vibrant shops all along the sides. When you’ve

If the art lover in you is not satiated with the things you had, Accademia Bridge should be your next place. Walk over the bridge and see some splendid art galleries.

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exhausted, follow the bridge to the Rialto market where there are tons of produce of fruits, fishes and vegetables. Grand Canal A good way to tour in Venice is to follow the Grand Canal as it meanders around the city. The Grand Canal is lined with old palaces belonging at one time or another to the Venetian aristocracy. Gondola Ride The ultimate appeal to romance is a gondola ride with a singing gondolier. Gondolas have been a tradition in Venice for centuries. A gondola ride gives you a completely different perspective of the city. The best time is in the evenings when the waterways are no longer crowded with other boats. As you gently bob up and down, let the gondolier tell stories about Marco Polo, where to go for the best Venetian food or how to cut an extraordinary deal with a local merchant. And let your eyes soak in the 16th and 17th century architectural marvels around Canale Grande. Lido Remember to set aside time for relaxation at the beautiful Lido beach. Spend a day in one of the beach resort, relaxing and planning the next day. How to go: Passengers from India can use the services of Luftansa, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Kingfisher Airlines or Jet Airways to reach Marco Polo International Airport (Aeroporto di Venezia) which is connected to the lands by ACTV (Azienda Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano) the public transport lines in Venice. Venice is also serviced by regional and national trains, which can connect the city to Rome in 3.5 hours and to Milan in 2.5 hours. Climate Cold weather in January and February and the heaviest rains fall from December through March. July and August tend to be warm still muggy. Accommodation Venice offers a large number of hotels. So finding accommodation is not difficult, except in the peak seasons. There are many romantic hotels to choose from. Best Time to Visit Carnival in February or the Venice Film Festival in early September. Currency: Euro Package Details: Package tours available to Venice alone or combined with Italy and Europe. There are also theme based Venice packages available like Vineyard tours, Water tours, Art filled tours etc.

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Verona Have you ever wondered where is the balcony that Juliet stood and uttered “Romeo, Romeo, where for art you, Romeo”?”Well, hop on the train for one hour trip to Verona. While you’re there, be sure to explore the other attractions. Spend the day and enjoy each other’s company. Vineyards If you have time, a visit to the nearby vineyards in the suburbs of Venice is a must. There are splendid vineyards ranging from boutique and family run to bigger prestigious cellars in Prosecco, Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Padua etc While tasting some of the best in the world, enjoy the supremely romantic places with rolling and cypress clad mountain pastures, ancient abbeys, villas and medieval churches, mansions and a million legends. Travelers from Venice returns home with the intangible treasures of romantic memories from Europe’s most beautiful, serene and artistic depository. A piece of famous Venetian Murano Glass makes a great souvenir to take home as a memento of your honeymoon.

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Orang e

Cup Cake

Small Wonders

nilla Va

Pink b erry

Pineapp le

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Ma n go

Carrot

Cho co lat

up cakes or fairy cakes as they are called is quite the rage at most luxury do’s at the moment. A look at Divya Ramaswami’s small wonders which are doing the round at Bangalore’s elite clubs. Serve these tiny pieces of heaven on your special day, or all through the festive season.

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Wedding Planner

Under the Blue Sky Rahul Dev

aking the wedding outdoor

It is clichĂŠ to have a white wedding indoor in front of your local pastor. So we are going to give your regular wedding a twist by taking it outdoors. So what does it take to do wedding in the woods, by the pool, by the ocean or wherever there is nothing but the sky above? Okay!! Maybe some clouds or some foliage. The ambience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Take into consideration the time of the year!! It is going to be a HOT affair in the summer. So ask your guests to dress light. If it is during the rainy season, make sure you have a plan for covered areas so that your guest can run for cover in case the clouds open up. But if all goes well, the bright sunlight and freshness of the outdoors will add a lot of character to your special day. And do order a few of those huge fans with misters to ensure that the guests also find your HOT wedding cool. If it is winter make sure, you have some heaters at strategic locations. A campfire? If you can manage it!! Be warned about the Pests!!

Photos: Rahiul Dev

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Well I am not talking about the wedding crashers rather the mosquitoes and the winged friends who do not take no for an answer. Get pest control to visit early in the morning or late in the night so that all they leave behind is a peaceful venue for your friends and family.

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Clothes and Hair & Make up Taking into consideration the absence of air conditioning and presence of wind, light fabric can be avoided – Like georgette and chiffon. Choose hair style which are all gelled up and pinned up. Stylized pins with crystals can help accentuate the hairdo. Make up can be light and weather proof. A long heavy veil can add to the aesthetics and give you a classic look. After all it is your day and you are as good as royalty!! Make sure you also give a hint to your guest about the look that you want to portray. Well you will definitely have those showoffs who will be dressed in red at a black tie affair but most of them usually oblige. A Hawaiian theme for a beach wedding is so done to death. So innovate. This edition we are going with classic suit for the groom as well as a bridal gown for the Bride. Keeping it straight and simple. The diamond jewelry keep matters stylish and classy. The bride groom wants to be comfortable with a casual shirt and a formal suit. Public address system and music

Photos: Rahiul Dev

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Oops. On the beach without a PA system!! Nobody can later claim that they heard you say “I do”. And without music, it is going to be just the wind blowing or the waves lapping. So don’t forget the boom boxes and the mixer. Some plastic sheets to protect

them as well. An experienced vendor would be able to help you with the system and save you the hassle. Decorations Well, now that we are outside, we do have access to all that god created, to bless your union. That does not mean that you don’t have a hand in making it better. Ensure the place is tidied and the lawns mowed. You will still need to get a few flower bunches for the tables and some decorations for the pillars and lamp posts. Minimal Serial lighting and lanterns can make that difference. Lace and ribbons on the furniture will be cherry on the cake and will also help you tie down the table cloth. Paper napkin holders will keep them in their place. The central floral arrangement piece will be surely the centre of attraction when everyone sits down for the grand feast. Keep one simple but elegant centre piece. The theme has to be unique by colour or some other parameter like the material used – be it nature inspired or by ethnicity. Maybe something quirky. Table setting and table ideas can be creative and this has to be arranged in coordination with the reception staff. The ideas can be as simple as placing a napkin under the bowl or blue decorative candle and a blue flower in a bowl. The fiesta The food is what everyone is going to be experiencing and talking about for a long time. The Wedding feast should be planned

and executed meticulously. Take into confidence your family and friends and get their opinions as well to make sure what will be most feasible for your guests. The food depends on your budget, the cost of the food, the difficulty of preparation, the number of guests, the place where your reception will be held, and how easily the food can be kept warm or cold while serving it. The heat will play spoil sport and make sure that you are careful with the menu. Bring in the experts

and let them do it for you. Stay away from stuff that can turn dishes that can turn sour. And yes!! Plenty of beverages and water for your guests for they are going to be thirsty. Lemonade, watermelon maybe a mint Julep or a Mojito.

Dinner Table Presentation

Wedding reception menus don’t have to be seven course catered meals. From a finger buffet to a full fledged All-on- the- menu, depending on the scale that you want to go to make your wedding special, the menu can be designed. Sample menu Buffet Dinner

Stuffed potato balls in tomato and coconut chutney curry

Cocktail Hour Butler Passed Hors d’oeuvres Tandoori duck on pappadam with South Indian tomato chutney Mixed vegetable pakora with tamarind chutney Cocktail Hour Table Presentation Mango coconut, cilantro lime and tomato tamarind chutney with chopped vegetable pakora Potato and spinach samosas Exotic tropical fruit display with white chocolate cinnamon dipping sauce Garden urn of summer vegetables with hummus and pita chips

Bisi Bela Bath Vindaloo curry with chick peas and potatoes Sweet rice with toor dahl, coconut, masala, cashews and cilantro

Hyderabadi eggplant Bhuna gosht ki kari Toor dahl with spinach Sauteed green beans with mustard seed Potatoes with red chili, crisp onions and okra Spicy South Indian hyderabadi tomatoes Tandoori chicken with steamed basmati rice Naan and pappadam Summer fruit pudding Custom Wedding Cake Now that you have an idea of what it takes to take your wedding outdoors, be prepared for more adventurous ventures in the coming issues. We are going to explore theme weddings which are quite popular abroad and are slowing being experimented by the affluent in India. Get set! Say “I do”!!

Grilled tandoori cauliflower

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Tribute

Eulogy to the man behind the Jayashree When a friend asked me to watch his famous commencement speech at the Stanford University in 2005 (circulated widely in the net), I was a bit hesitant and not ready for a tech talk. But I had to bite back my words after listening to this innovator who was a school drop-out. Dressed in his trademark black turtleneck and jeans, the man struck us dumbfounded by his down-to-earth views on life. His mantra was “Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice”

An Apple is just what the doctor ordered. A tribute to information eras largest revolutionary mind Steve jobs, the man behind Apple was not just a technical wiz, but beneath the genius mind was a sensitive romantic and a doting father as Mehendi finds out

t’s time for God to give us a review on iPhone 4s... hope God will be using iPhone from now on., a fan mail reads thus about the Apple icon’s untimely death. Mails keep pouring from every nook and cranny paying tribute to this genius who took technology beyond the Silicon Valley. Not only the Americans but the whole world grieves at the loss of Steve Jobs, cofounder of the Apple Inc. Being an iPhone user for a long time and a diehard fan of apple products, Jobs’s demise came as a shock to me. Will apple technology be the same without the visionary genius? I am sure this will be a million-dollar question in all tech-savvy minds who view Steve Jobs as their mentor. With the courage to follow his heart and intuition, no wonder the man has touched millions of hearts. His child-like enthusiasm and passion for creating new products has taken technology to a different level altogether.

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Much has been discussed about his achievements and revolutions in the internet industry. Was there another side to this technology guru? What was he like to his family? Despite his constant thirst in innovating new products for Apple and love for the company, Steve Jobs was a family person. When he was chucked out of Apple in the power struggle followed by the failure of his company NeXT, his family had given him the much needed support to wade through his problems. Steve always said that he had the greatest family in the world. Steve leaves behind a wife of 20 years Laurene Powell and four loving children. Steve first met Laurene in one of his speeches at Stanford University. When asked about his first date with Laurene, Steve said “If this is my last night on earth, would I rather spend it at a business meeting or with this woman? I ran across the parking lot, asked her if she’d have dinner with me. She said yes, we walked into town and we’ve been together ever since”. These words aptly describe the man who lived everyday like his last. He was also a caring father who took his role seriously. He attended his kids’ parents meetings, forbade them to watch TV and made sure they ate healthy foods at all time. Throughout his life he had tried to balance his busy life with his family duties. He was very protective of his family that he tried to keep it away from the public eye. In his condolence message, the US president Barack Obama calls Steve as a greatest American innovator who was brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it. What more can be a fitting tribute to this amazing human being!!

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Wine Review

WINES WITH A TWIST Jules Idi Amin

Spice up your perfect outdoor wedding with a splash of bubbly with an Italian twist. did best..Suggest your perfect drink.

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

What did blow me over was not just the extremely light yet high on flavour drink, which was a delight to look at but the Bellini, a long drink cocktail which is a sparkling wine traditionally processed with an infusion of peach puree has its origins in Venice, and is often served at celebrations and is one of Italy’s popular cocktails and it was a bang on.

1/3 cup white granulated sugar

Bellini was invented sometime between 1934 and 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy. Because of its unique pink color, which reminded Cipriani of the color of the toga of a saint in a painting by 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini, he named the drink the Bellini. The drink started as a seasonal specialty at Harry’s bar, a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis and Orson Welles. Later, it also became popular at the bar’s New York counterpart. After an entrepreneurial Frenchman set up a business to ship fresh white peach purée to both locations, it was a year-round favorite.

till in the Italian mode, we decided to visit one of the city’s most popular haunts. The Zaras tapas bar in our search for your perfect cocktail for your outdoor Italian inspired wedding. I have always been an ardent white wine and champagne fan. So when I was contemplating the idea of finding the perfect light drink to carry you through the day I was almost fixated on the idea of a bubbly, but during my conversation with Arasu Dennis, the man behind the immense success of this resto bar, he asked me to come over, where he said he would surprise me with his suggestion, going by my gut feeling I decided to let Arasu do what he

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Next came the Rossini, and just as the name suggests this beautiful crimson coloured drink topped with the golden bubbly served in a champagne flute, was sure to be a winner, a Variation of the Bellini, here the sparkling wine employs strawberry puree instead of the peach, giving it the bright color and rich flavour. This definitely has my vote for the brunch wedding by the sea. For a slight zing in your Rossini, add a twist of lemon juice. Try this recipe for a twist on your Rossini A take on the Rossini cocktail 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries 3 tablespoons distilled water

1 chilled bottle of Prosecco or Champagne Heat sugar and water over a medium-high heat stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and purée with sliced strawberries and lemon juice until smooth. Strain and set aside liquid. Fill a chilled Champagne flute or wine glass a third of the way with strawberry purée and fill remainder with Prosecco or Champagne. Garnish with a strawberry. There’s your perfect Italian brunch wedding with baubles, bubbly and bling. If you opt for an evening reception, we could look to neighbouring Spain for its wine punch which can be made of both red and white wine. Sangria (Spanish: Sangría) is a wine punch typical of Spain and Portugal, also consumed in Argentina and Uruguay. It normally consists of a wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of added brandy. To be specific, a wine is a light, dry, young, high acid, unoaked, inexpensive wine, usually red wine due to Sangria’s connotation with the word blood. Other reds that work well include French styles such as Gamay or Beaujolais, and Italian styles such as Grignolino, Bardolino, Dolcetto, Freisa or Lambrusco. In the case of fruits, they are chopped or sliced such as orange, lemon, lime, apple, peach, melon,berries, pineapple, grape and mango. A sweetener such as honey, sugar, simple syrup, orange juice is added. Instead of brandy, other liquids such as Seltzer, Sprite or 7 Up may be added. Because of the variation in recipes, sangria’s alcoholic content can vary greatly. The ingredients in sangria vary, particularly in the type

of fruit used, the kind of spirits added (if any), and the presence or lack of carbonation. White wine can be used instead of red, in which case the result is called sangria blanca or, as in Argentina, clerico. An affordable bottle of unoaked, fruit forward Chardonnay would work well here. Some recipes that use heavier reds can be lightened by mixing a bottle of white in the mix. In some parts of Northern Spain, sangria is called zurra and is made with peaches or nectarines. In most recipes, wine is the dominant ingredient and acts as a base. In some regions of Portugal, cinnamon is also added with the sweetener. Mulled wine can be used to provide a rich full-bodied taste, chilled with orange juice, lemonade and a sliced pear to add sweetness. Preparation consists of cutting the fruit in thin slices or small cubes, then mixing in advance all ingredients except for ice and carbonated sodas. After several hours, or a full day in a refrigerator to allow time for the fruit flavors to blend with the rest of the ingredients, the ice and any last-minute ingredients are

added and the drinks are poured. A non-alcoholic version of sangria is made from wine grapes, carbonated water, essence of lemon, and cane sugar. Sangaree (drink) is a similar drink associated with the West Indies and the name sangaree is an archaic English name for sangria itself. Mangria is a version of sangria created by comedian Adam Carolla. The recipe calls for 3 parts red wine, 1 part vodka, and 1 part orange juice. Photos: Vijay Kumar

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Recipes

Whip up a love bite H

ere are some simple and healthy recipes for you to impress your man with your culinary skills the easy way.

until brown on both sides. Serve hot.

Pancakes Ingredients:

After a long drawn and exhaustive wedding, all you want is to cherish every moment in each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arms. Some quick recipes for newlyweds that wastes no time

of the lumps are worked out. (Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if there are a few lumps left.) 6. Reheat your frying pan or griddle. Lightly oil with vegetable oil or butter.

Peanut Butter and Banana French toast

2 eggs

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 egg

2 Cups flour

1 dash of vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon salt

2 slices of bread

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Makes 4 servings (about 8 pancakes depending on how large you make them). Serve with butter

1 small banana, sliced

Medium mixing bowl

Brownies

2 tablespoons of butter

Large mixing bowl

Small Batch Baking

Method:

Frying pan or pancake griddle

Makes 2-3 brownies

In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and vanilla together.

Instructions:

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. In a medium mixing bowl using a whisk, beat eggs slightly.

2 1/2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips

2. Whisk in the fresh buttermilk and vegetable oil.

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on top of each slice of bread. Place the banana slices on top of one of the slices of bread. Place the other slice of bread on top of the first, to make a peanut butter and banana sandwich. In a skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Dip the sandwich into the egg mixture and place in the heated skillet. Cook

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2 Cups fresh buttermilk

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. 4. Make a well in the flour and pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture. 5. Stir with a whisk until combined and most

7. Ladle pancake batter onto your pan or griddle and fry on the first side until small bubbles form on the surface of the pancake. 8. Flip the pancake and fry until golden brown on both sides.

1 tablespoon plus 2 1/4 teaspoons egg substitute or beaten egg 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt

Fresh mint, optional

Directions In a bowl, combine rice and sugar. Cool completely. Fold in whipped cream and banana. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Spoon into serving dishes; garnish with mint if desired. Yield: 2 servings.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie ½ cup milk 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 banana sliced in pieces 2 cups orange juice 2 tablespoons sugar Pour the ingredients together in blender and blend until smooth and serve chill.

Tropical Passion Ice Cream Shake Almond Milk 1 cup almonds Soak these almonds in fresh water for 6 hours. Pour off the water and then put the nuts into your blender with 2 cups of fresh water and blend. Pour this milk into a fine sieve and separate the almond pulp from the almond milk and voila, you have almond milk. You can use the pulp for other desserts, or just eat it with some chopped fruit, it’s like muesli.

Ingredients: Tropical Passion Ice Cream Shake 1/2 cup almond milk 4 bananas (peeled, cut into small pieces and frozen) 5 Passion Fruits

Method: Put the almond milk into the blender, then scoop out the passion fruits and add to the blender and blend. Gradually add the frozen bananas and blend until very thick and creamy. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the pan with aluminum foil. Very lightly grease the foil.

top will appear dry and the brownie will start to shrink from the sides of the pan. Do not overcook.

Place the butter and the chocolate chips in a medium sized microwaveable bowl and microwave on medium power until the chocolate is soft and the butter is melted, about 45 seconds. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Add sugar and stir until incorporated. Then add the beaten egg and vanilla, and stir. Finally, add the flour & salt. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan(s).

Remove the loaf pan from the oven, place on wire rack and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Use the edges of the foil to lift brownies out of the pan. Remove foil and cut brownies.

Bake for 28 to 30 minutes (about 24 minutes if using a smaller pan), or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs; the

Banana Rice Pudding Recipe Ingredients 1 cup cooked long grain rice

Serves 1 - 2

Mango Smoothie Recipe Ingredients: 4 Mangoes 6 Bananas (peeled, cut and frozen)

Method: Peel the mangoes and add to the blender. Blend the mangoes and then add the bananas and blend until very thick and creamy.

1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped 1 large firm banana, sliced

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Shutter Speak

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Spoken Moments H

Jayanthy

ow long have you been a professional photographer?

I turned professional about 5 years ago. I have been taking photos for more than 20 years now.

Emminent Wedding Photographer Pradeep Sanyal talks about the quirks and excitement of capturing precious moments that will be cherished forever

What made you take up wedding photography? Wedding photography is both challenging and fun. It has all the elements of portrait, people, glamour, fashion and street photography. The confluence of culture, overflowing emotions, fun and lively moments, bright colours and glamour quotient makes wedding photography ever interesting. When I first shot a wedding, I didn’t know what to expect. But it has been quite an interesting ride since then, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is fulfilling to be a part of the biggest day of a couple who are about to start a new journey together; to be able to capture and freeze the precious moments that will be cherished forever. That’s immortality for an artist.

How would you describe your style? Contemporary. Candid and non-interfering. Observing as a Fly-on-the-wall, almost invisible. Focusing on “moments”, people and emotions, while not missing documenting the wedding rituals. My style is influenced by the contemporary western photography styles that I observed while living in the USA and the UK. How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh? I keep on exploring and experimenting with all kinds of photography genres. I have done (and do) fashion and glamour, advertising, events and photojournalism, nature and landscape, architectural, sports, fine art, macro, pets, children, wildlife, street, concerts, corporate and the list is long. You will rarely find me without a camera, and I am passionate about everything that revolves around capturing the play of light and dark, the colours. I am a keen student of the art and science of photography; I interact with my peers world over, and discuss the trends

Photos: Pradeep Sanyal

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and study the works of masters. There is so much out there to do as a photographer! I am continuously learning and innovating, and my style of wedding photography is ever evolving. What’s the best part of being a wedding photographer? You get to meet so many interesting people. Each wedding has its own character, and there is always so much energy and joy all around. You feel happy just being in that environment. It is very fulfilling when the clients appreciate and acknowledge the work. The sense of gratitude that comes forth can sometimes be quite overwhelming. Lastly, I am an avid traveler, and wedding assignments takes me to new, interesting and exotic places. I love that part too! What type of cameras do you shoot with? Full frame cameras, combined with wide aperture lenses The hardest part of your job? Indian weddings are rarely planned with photography as a consideration, and hence the light conditions can be quite challenging. Sometimes the light is too harsh, and sometimes it’s too low. You become a good wedding photographer when you overcome it with your creativity and appropriate photography gear. How many weddings do you average per year? It depends. I take as many assignments as my time permits, but not make it too hectic that I lose my creativity. Where would be your dream destination wedding? Greece If you could shoot a wedding with someone who would it be and why (celebrity)? I like the works of contemporary wedding photographer Dave Getzschman (he is based out of California). I love his creative works, and I think it will be fun to shoot together. What was the best and worst comment that you have received about your photos? “Pradeep.. just one word.. AWESOME... you are the best photographer in the world!” (That is an actual quote from a client a week back). Worst? When a client didn’t say anything after receiving the photos over mail. I am tempted to assume that he forgot to write, but nothing can be worst for an artist than not being acknowledged! Photos: Pradeep Sanyal

130 Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

couple look at each other often enough. Given my style of photography, I try to be invisible when I click photos. The best moments are captured when the subjects are not aware of the camera. What has been your most memorable assignment and why? That is a very tough one! Each wedding that I have covered has given me a lot of moments to remember it by. But if there is one wedding I have to chose, I’d say the first wedding assignment. The client was very profuse with their praise when they saw the photos. The sense of satisfaction of doing it right the first time is lasting. Who knows, if the client was not so kind with the appreciation and gratitude, I may not have been where I am today! Any tips for upcoming photographers? Things you say or do to put your clients at ease in front of the camera? I spend a lot of time interacting with the bride and the groom. I try to meet them before the wedding day, when possible. I spend time in getting to know them, and listen to their love story. The clients have to be comfortable with me, their wedding photographer, and not think of me as a stranger with a camera. During the wedding day, I encourage the

Develop your unique style, don’t lose your identity. Art is about you being able to express what is there within. Do it for yourself, don’t worry about applause if it doesn’t come at first. Don’t be impatient. In the end, it’s about you and the satisfaction that you draw from your work. If I could quote a favourite from Ira Glass: “Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we vget into it because we have good taste.

But there is this gap. For the first couple of years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

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Album

Photos: Pradeep Sanyal

132 Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Candid Captures

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Photos: Pradeep Sanyal

134 Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

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Snippets

! r e b m e m

e r o t e d i r A

joy ride is an

important ritual for any Christian wedding, now it’s also common in other religions as well. A joy ride is the first occasion for a couple to spend some private time together after they leave the church. In olden days, it is considered good luck to have the wedding carriage drawn by gray horses. It is considered bad luck if a horse refuses to move or walk to or after the ceremony. If the car won’t start or breaks down it is considered ill luck. It is also believed that after the bride is set at the church door the car should travel for a short distance before going back. Not doing so would cause the bride or groom bad luck. Wedding cars are usually decorated with flowers, or a sign that says “Just Married” hung with tin cans. These tin cans clank along the pavement as the car moves. The noise it makes is believed to ward off evil spirits. The traditional weddings give way to more novel ideas for the getaway car and its ornamentation. The vehicle you choose to whisk you away to honeymoon ecstasy has to be given a lot of forethought as what is acceptable to use, and it should also reflect the atmosphere of the occasion. A vintage car is the trend of the moment as they offer the elegance of limousines with a personal touch.

136 Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Jayanth

Any car that fits the mood of your wedding will work, but try to find one that is well-designed, fun or something unique to go with your wedding theme. Once your getaway vehicle is chosen, the real challenge begins with decorating it. The right decorations can make your departure for the honeymoon a grand event. Usually, the groomsmen decorate the getaway vehicle during the reception as a final send-off surprise to the newly married couple. Flowers and weddings go hand in hand for all religions. From the aisle to the altar, flowers dress up every item turning them into something extraordinary; this holds true for the getaway car as well. Corsage-size arrangements fit nicely on car door handles, while wreaths can sit on the hood of the car, the back bumper or around the license plate. Colour coordinate with the bride’s outfit, or chose a colour that stands out against the car. Cars that are bright and vibrant in colour add a new dimension to the decoration. Artificial flowers made out of cloth or paper is better than the real ones because they tend to endure the heat from the car making it more durable at the same time care should be taken while using paper flowers keeping the weather in mind(rainy seasons). If you do decide to use real flowers, avoid delicate flowers like tulips. Instead, choose inexpensive flowers like carnations or dendrobium orchids. Garlands gives a nice effect on cars as well. Whatever the decoration, a simple “Just Married” with the couple’s first names painted on a coloured board is all that’s needed to spread the good news to the world.

Nameta fomra

Photos: Pradeep

Cake The practice of cutting the wedding cake has now become a standard feature at almost all wedding receptions. The many tiered cream fantasy has now become more a form of art. A look at some of JUST A DREAMS offerings this month.

Fantasy

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FORECAST

Horoscope

Prediction’s for the month of November and December

aries Cancer

Lucky Number - 5 Lucky Color - Sky Blue

The period begins on a good note where the seniors at the workplace as well as your colleagues around lend a helping hand at workplace. You are likely to plan a short trip with family early this phase that rejuvenates you with confidence and good energy levels. You succeed in making some extra cash on playing your cards well towards the middle of the bi-period. Search for a true romantic friend might end this bi-period as you encounter some one you had been really longing for. A beneficial phase to plan an exercising regimen for yourself that keeps you fit mentally as well as physically. Investment on construction business would flourish your income. Last week of the phase asks you to bring changes by adopting a new & more balanced approach in daily life.

Lucky Number - 2 Lucky Color - Grey

Travel undertaken for establishing new contacts and business expansion will be very fruitful. Sudden good news in the first week of the period will bring cheers for the entire family and people around you will feel proud of your achievements. You seem to know exactly what people need and want from you, but don’t try to be too lavish in your spending as stars suggest you to save something for the time coming ahead. Investment in good things will also be productive. Romantic opportunity comes your way as your sparkling sunshine smile strikes a lively & tender heart. Make sure your entertainment includes participation in outdoor activities. Your next journey is to a place which is full of natural beauty and ravishing; stay tuned for it. If you invest on smaller properties then it can be beneficiary for future investments. Overall, you will be in an enthusiastic mood this period as many good things happen around you.

Taurus Lucky Number - 14 Lucky Color - Sea Green

LEO Hard work & dedication would win the trust of seniors at workplace, thus nothing to be worried about on this front and you shall enjoy this period with a cool and calm attitude. Unexpected visit by old friend could give you a pleasant surprise. Though you may need to make a few changes in your business schedules but just remember your years old mood ‘anything for friends’. Middle of the time is an auspicious time to invest money on items that would grow in value. Blossoming love life brings happiness; stay tuned to gather loads of it. Your confidence and energy will be high this time provided you channelize it in the right direction. Last week of the period may invite some unexpected travel trips; make sure you have kept the list to carry handy and accessible. Dealings for older properties can be in process. You are likely to reap rich dividends out of such property ventures.

Gemini Lucky Number - 6 Lucky Color - Brown

Mental clarity would remove past business confusions that have been troubling you since long. Good advice from family members will help in reducing mental tension/ pressure; so as an advice you must pay an ear to them and follow them righteously. Investment on long-term plans would pave the way for earning huge financial gains; middle of the period looks to be encouraging for that matter. Romance is likely to intensify through recreational activities & entertainment. Third week of the period is the one when smile will perpetually be on your face and strangers will seem familiar; all in all you would be surrounded by good vibes from the people you interact with. You and your loved one’s been busy for quite sometimes and should now decide to go on a vacation. Your possession for acquiring a plot might be achieved. Don’t get surprised on waking up to a pleasant surprise towards last week of the period.

138 Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

Lucky Number - 3 Lucky Color - Yellow

Your artistic and creative ability would attract a lot of appreciation this period. Your efforts would bring success & happiness at family front as well. Improvement in finances makes it convenient in clearing long pending dues & bills. Romance touches new heights, as partner understands your emotions well and responds positively. Your energy level will be high, provided you do not be super daring and involve yourself in any risk taking acts as stars do not support you for it at the moment. Better to channelize your focus and zeal to reap the maximum out of your energy reservoir. Travelling with fickle teenager demands lot of patience; so if you encounter something like that, maintain your calm and proceed accordingly. Your plan to own a house is ought to be in the right way. Persistent efforts would help you achieve results in that direction.

Virgo Lucky Number - 9 Lucky Color - Red

A long pending decision gets finalized at professional front this period. Though you may find family members very supportive at times but on the other hand they could be highly demanding at times as well. Successful execution of brilliant ideas would help in earning financial profits. You are likely to find someone with whom you will enjoy the ecstasies of love; stars suggest you to keep your eyes and ears open for such a romantic encounter. Positive outlook impresses those around you besides keeping your mental and physical health just perfect. Last week of the period is the time for a vacation, so sit back and relax. Those of you who are planning to invest in some innovative projects like cafeteria or a bakery shop; might find new opportunities by their side. You are likely to help people navigating through rough patches of life and bag blessings from them for your support.

Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and an associate of the world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr.Prem kumar Sharma. She has appeared on various National News Channels and has written for numerous publications. More information about her can be found at www.askmanisha.com .She can be contacted at support@askmanisha.com

Capricorn Lucky Number - 5 Lucky Color - Lime Green

Libra Lucky Number - 16 Lucky Color - Indigo

Plans for new ventures get streamlined with the help of seniors thereby making the atmosphere at work place supportive and worth working for. You are likely to achieve success in personal work with the timely help & support provided by family members. Second week of the period is quite a successful one as far as monetary position is concerned. Love comes your way as friendship turns into romance. Charity work undertaken will bring mental peace & comfort. If you are thinking of escaping from the hectic daily routine- plan a vacation/trip. You might apply for a bank loan as to get back the possession of your mortgaged property. You will have to cut yourself away from old ideas and beliefs that have outlived their utility in order to progress towards the path of achievements.

Dedication and sincerity at work will be of little value on failing to translate ideas into reality. Certain problems on the family front might vitiate peace & happiness; you can overcome them on a positive note if you put in your best feet forward to look for solutions rather than getting entangled with the problems. You are likely to make good money, but the rise in expenses could make it difficult to save; thus it is better to put that money into investment such that you can at least save in the long run. Sudden romantic encounter cannot be ruled out in the third week of the period; get geared up to meet your dream date. Sound physical health will enable to participate in outdoor activities and help you remain mentally as well as emotionally fit. Third week of the period is the time to relax and unwind for few days.

Aquarius Scorpio Lucky Number - 9 Lucky Color - Green

This period you are likely to be criticised for your atrocious behaviour or mood swings in the past at professional front; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose heart as this is just a temporary phase and shall disappear as the second week of the period begins. Misunderstandings with near ones in the family will get cleared and this is the only reason that will bring the much needed peace to your worried mind. Indications of earning financial profits through commissions, dividends or royalties cannot be ruled out especially during the middle of the period. You are likely find comfort in the arms of romantic partner; prepare something enticing to surprise them. Meditation and self-realization prove beneficial. Your travel experience is going to be an extent of sharing your knowledge and communication. The ability to swiftly tackle problems with a cool head is likely to bring recognition to you personally as well as professionally.

Sagittarius Lucky Number - 7 Lucky Color - Orange

Female colleagues lend a helping hand in completing important assignments on a speedy rate; if you utilize this opportunity wisely, you may invest your time in learning more about technology or management that helps you with further growth opportunities. Children would do their best to keep you happy but in turn you shall invest quality time with them to keep them happy and occupied as well. Important people will be ready to finance anything that has a special class to it. Love and romantic encounter will keep you in a cheerful state during the middle of the period. You will have ample time to do things to improve your health; so it will be a right decision to go and meet the dietician whose appointment you had been skipping in the past to shed those extra kilos fast and effectively. The property you have been eyeing for can be profitable from investment point of view.

Lucky Number - 1 Lucky Color - White

This period, at work you will be a part of something big, bringing appreciation & rewards. You are likely to be benefited as family members positively respond to your big decisions provided you keep them timely updated about what is happening at your end. Property dealings would materialize on a good note during the middle of the period bringing in fabulous gains. Tuesdays would be lucky for such property deals for you. Instant romance could come your way provided you care for it. You will be successful in getting rid from tensions if you regularly practice Yoga. Relive the holidays by remembering the hassle of last- minute preparations. Remember, once you are on vacations stay out of touch from the professional life such that you can give your mind the much needed peace. Those of you who smoke should make an effort to get rid from your bad habits soon in order to maintain a healthy living.

Pisces Lucky Number - 8 Lucky Color - Golden

You are likely to establish yourself with a good rapport at work place that you can really handle well the job of managing people and fringy situations without much hassle. Parents and friends will do their best to keep you happy and you should also behave in a manner to serve their interests as well. You are likely to earn monetary gains through various sources; make best use of them during investments as well to reap larger profits. A promising period for romance when your efforts infuse a new spirit in your affair. Your sparkling smile would work wonders when most things proceed, as you desire. Before you embark on your adventure trip plan and prepare each and every thing, make sure your things to carry list is just complete and cross checked several times as there is a strong possibility that you may forget a few important things to be carried in a rush. Time to think about your investment plans, as investing residentially might be profitable.

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Guide

SHOPPING DIRECTORY jewellers VBJ “Rani seethai hall”,603 Anna salai, chennai. Phone : 28292003 www.vummidi.com PRINCE JEWELLeRY New No.41, Cathedral Road , Chennai. Phone: 044- 4203 6655 www.princejewellery.com JOYALUKKAS jewellery Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai, Phone : 044-28155655 www.alukkas.com KHAZANA JEWELLERY No. 59, Usman Road, T. Nagar, Chennai. Ph:044 24364503 www.khazanajewellery.com OKj PlotNo. 3366, E-2 3rd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600012 ph:044 26265000 www.okj.in NATHELLa sampathu chetty 37, South Usman Road, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600017 Ph: 044 42831111 www.nathella.net CHENNAI DIAMONDS 46, Cathedral Road, Garuda Buildings Chennai - 600086, Tamil Nadu Ph:044 4210 4050 www.chennaidiamonds.in KFJ No:113, Kutcherry Road, Luz Corner, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004. Ph:044-24985454. TANISHQ 46, Us v Road, T Nagar, Chennai Ph:044 28149333 www.tanishq.co.in

CLOTHING NALLI NO 100 Duraiswamy Road, T. Nagar Chennai - 600017. Ph:044 24344115 www.nalli.com SRI KUMARAN STORES No. 61, T. Nagar, Chennai. Ph:044 24342744 www.srikumaranstores.in BOGGI S-31, Ground Floor, Express Avenue Mall, Whites Road, Chennai.

140 Mehendi I Nov - Dec I 2011

MANYAVAR No81, Opp To Old Residency, G.N Chetty Road,T.Nagar Chennai Ph: 28341133 www.manyavar.com RAYMOND 101, Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar, Chennai. Ph:044 42129836 www.parx.co.in Man mandir No 32, Platinum, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600006. Ph: 28333350 Varsidhi No 56, G.N.Chetty Road, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600017. Ph: 28159431 Moksha- No 44, Cathedral Road, Chennai, Ph: +91-44-52607624 Lagan City Center Complex, Thirumalai Pillai Road, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600017 Ph: 24340018 Syed bawkher No 128, Cathedral Road Chennai. Ph: 28112742 Gabbana.life No 12, Opp Barista Coffee Shop, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034 Ph: 43084380

BEAUTY PAGE3 No 19 Wallace Garden, 3RD Cross Street Khader Nawaz Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai Ph: 28333111 TONI&GUY Shop No 130 Express Avenue Mall, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014. Ph: 0091 44 2846 4550 www.toniandguy.com KENKO 49/50L, Express Avenue Mall, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai, 600014 Ph:044 28464177 kenko.co.in ORYZA 46/1, Chamiers Road, Adyar, Chennai. Ph:044 42110930 www.kanyabeautysalon.com INFLUENCE No. 2/3 Wallace Garden Road, 3rd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Ph:044 45038436 influencelifestyle.in STUDIO PROFILE No 100, Kamaraj Avenue, II Street, Adyar, Chennai Ph:044 43504978

KAYA SKIN CLINIC 1st Floor, Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam, Chennai Ph:044 32929142 www.kayaclinic.com VLCC Building No. Old-89, New-12, Q Block, 4th Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai. ph:044 43016661 www.vlcc.co.in

GIFTS & ACESSORIES FERRAGAMO No12& 13, Ground floor, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore Ph: 30041854 www.ferragamo.com ZIMSON No 83, Opposite Shiva Vishnu Temple, T. Nagar, Chennai Ph:044 42070732 LLADRO No 270/2 TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai - 600018 Ph:044 43129440 www.lladro.com MAKOBA No 1-A Nungambakkam high road, Jhaver Plaza,Chennai - 600034. Ph:044 45008595 www.makoba.com METRO No 20, Janki Building, Sardar Patel Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai Ph:044 42116193 www.metroshoes.net SWAROVSKI No 49 &50 L Express Avenue Mall ground floor, whites road, royapettah, Chennai Ph: 28464060 www.swarovski.in WILLIAM PENN No 49 &50 L Express Avenue Mall ground floor , whites road, royapettah, Chennai ph: 28464060 www.williampenn.net HIDESIGN Ground floor, Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam, Chennai Ph:044 42141497 www.hidesign.com Luxxe Box No G-46, Express Avenue Mall, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai Ph:+91 44 2846 4544 Shoppers Stop No, 136 Shyamala Towers, Arcot Road, Saligramam, Chennai - 600093

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