Happy Raksha Bandhan

Hello everyone.
Hope you guys had a wonderful Raksha Bandhan today.
Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The sisters ties a thread on the wrist of her brother which symbolises a safety band that will protect her brother from all evils. In return the brother promises to protect his sister all her life and showers her with gifts for praying for his safety.
This festival brings back so many beautiful memories from my childhood.

Since I do not have a brother, our parents would take us to meet our cousins, where we would tie the prettiest and most colorful rakhis to our cousin brothers and innocently wait for the Rakhi gifts that we used to get from them.
This ritual would be followed by a hearty meal and lots of fun.

I believe, with age, you don't only mature, you get a little boring too.
Traveling miles to just catch up with your first cousins seems like a chore. And everyone is so busy with their lives, that you do not want to disturb anyone's schedule.

So what do you do.
You say a silent prayer asking for everyone's happiness, well being and safety.
And move on with your life.

As far as I am concerned, I have added a little ritual to my Raksha Bandhan celebration.                                      

 I tie a rakhi to Ganpati Bappa, so that he protects me from all evil and gives me the strength to face the world.

So, how did you celebrate Raksha Bandhan? Let me know in the comments below.

ASUS #DivasMeet in Mumbai

When the mobile giant ASUS decided to launch its latest cell phones in India , they hosted a Divas Only night in Mumbai.

The stylish and fabulous gang of female Mumbai bloggers were invited at this swanky launch which was held at the ITC Grand Central in Parel Mumbai.

ASUS MD Peter Chang

At this event, ASUS MD Peter Chang introduced the Latest ZenFones and ZenPad Models to the Mumbai Beauties.
He took us through the latest features and specifications of the ASUS's debut models, and all the ladies were floored with what they saw.

 The ZenFone 2 Deluxe, ZenFone Selfie, ZenFone 2 Laser, ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad  8.0, are all a notch above most of the popular smart phones in the market right now. But their price tags are way below the average cost of most of its competitors.
The highlight of the presentation was definitely the unveiling of the Lollyflash, which is a cute little flash light which can be used with your smart phones for those picture perfect pictures even in low light.

After learning about the newly launched Zenfones, it was time for the Selfie Queen Anusha Dandekar to make an entry.

Anusha with her bubby and vivacious presence kept the ladies entertained. She shared her make up secrets as well as her tricks to capture the best selfies. She admitted how addicted she is to the Zenfone Selfie, because of its inbuilt beautification mode. As this mode naturally makes your selfies appear brighter and prettier.

Anushka's peppy make up and selfie sessions ended with a few fun activities for the Divas.
Post the activities, the Divas were invited to check out the latest Asus Zenfones and test its features.
All in all it was a fun event, and it is always great to catch up with like minded bloggers at such events.
Scroll down, for a few pics from the event.

Pre-Order Your ASUS Phone here

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Must Visits in Dubai

I am an avid traveller and I love to travel as much as I love to dress up. Actually, one of the reasons I love to travel is that it’s an added opportunity to dress up and take outfit pictures for my blog: #BloggersLife.

Though I have travelled extensively in India, I always yearn for international trips.
Reasons being I love to learn about the culture, traditions, and lifestyles of people in different countries. I love to observe how people from different countries act and react vis-a-vis those in my country.
One place that left a mark on me and never fails to disappoint is Dubai.

Yup...I know, people would have expected me to talk about America or Maldives or any European country. However, my most favourite place till date remains to be Dubai.

You ask why? Read below to know why..

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Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world, I had to see it once to believe it. And what a magnificent structure it is. Tall, beautiful and proud. The view from the top of the Burj Khalifa is something you just can’t afford to miss for anything in this world.



Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi: The largest mosque in UAE and one of the magnificent structures in the world, the Grand Mosque is an architectural delight. Beautifully carved in marble and adorned with huge chandeliers that cost millions of dollars, the Grand Mosque is simply breath taking. However, the best part of the place is not its grandiose or artistic structure.


It is the peace of mind you experience here once you sit down on its carpeted floor and close your eyes. I have felt utmost peace here. And, hey, don't forget to drape a burqa if you get an opportunity. I really loved walking around in the mosque in a traditional burqa. It was quite an experience; I felt so beautiful and graceful.

Burj Al Arab: I have been collecting souvenirs of this place years before I actually visited it. The seven star hotel that resembles a billowing sale is nothing short of magnificent. And it also happens to be the only 7-star hotel in the world that stands 321 m high.

Jumeirah Beach: How could you not see that coming from a sea lover? I have confessed about my love for beach a zillion times on the blog, and if you thought you see crystal clear waters only in Maldives, you have to visit this place to bust that myth.

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Shopping: Duh...! Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. From the Gold souk to the extravagant malls, you can buy some of the finest artifacts, clothes and jewellery here in Dubai and not once will you feel that the stuff on display are overpriced. That's why I love shopping in Dubai.

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People: While there are many more attractions in Dubai like the Desert Safari, Wild Wadi Water Park, Palm Islands, etc., the one thing that left a mark on me on my Dubai trip was the people.
Not once on my holiday did I feel like a foreigner in this country. I was treated with utmost love, respect, and warmth. I felt like I was roaming on the streets of my own country and the people were welcoming to the T. It felt like a home away from home, and I can't stop myself from revisiting this place.

That’s why I always recommend Dubai to all my friends and readers as a must-visit place at least once in their life.
 

While Dubai is just a three-hour air journey from India, picking the right airlines can enhance your Dubai experience a little more. And that's why I would personally recommend the Etihad Airways, because they offer impeccable service, yummy food on flight, and is quite affordable.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flights today and visit the mythical and magical land of sands, camels and gold to weave your travel story with utmost love.

Honeymoon Wardrobe : What to pack?

Hey guys...we have finally wrapped up the wedding series : So-Shaadi part 2 on your blog and I thank each one of you for the amazing response on it.

So-Shaadi part 2 was definitely bigger than the part 1 and I am more than happy to see the response.

Post all the wedding rituals and fun, the newly married couple gets off to an isolated place for a few days, in order to get some peace of mind, rest and TLC post the wedding fervor. Yup..I am talking about the honeymoon.

While it is really important to pick the perfect honeymoon destination, picking the perfect honeymoon wardrobe is also equally important. I am sure all girls are nodding their heads while reading this.

Your Honeymoon wardrobe has to qualify three very important criteria. The are:

Style
Sex appeal
Functionality

A few weeks ago, when I came across this site called Apparel Candy. My first thought was, I wish I knew about this site when I was shopping for my honeymoon.

They have such great stuff on display that I couldn't stop myself from creating a wishlist for my next honeymoon. Are you listening, Husband?

1. High Low Dress: A halter neck dress with a high low hem and floral print in pleasant colors. What else do you need for your quite evening walks with your husband, on the beach or the park.

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 2. Little White Dress: A little white dress is sperfect for your honeymoon, coz you can easily style it for your dinner dates with statement jewellery and heels. And if you pair it with your sneakers, backpack and hat, you are good to go for a day tour of the new city/country you are visiting.

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3. Nautical Striped Dress: Stripes never go out of fashion and make you easily stand out in the crowd. Wear as it is during the day time, while you can team it up with a colourful blazer for the evening look.

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4. Tube dress: A tube dress with a fierce print like this one, can make your husband go weak in the knees within minutes. Make sure you pack this one on your honeymoon. You can thank me later.

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5. Maxi Dress: A maxi dress is a must on your honeymoon, coz there will be days when you are very exhausted and don't want to spend time dressing up. At this time, the maxi dres will come to your rescue. Maxi dresses are comfortable, conservative, feminine and just perfect for any holiday.

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6.Jumpsuits: Jumpsuits are trendy, comfortable and make you look gorgeous. Make sure you pack one on every holiday you take.

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7.Crop Top: A crop top in bright hues will make your honeymoon wardrobe fun and funky.

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8.Camis: Nothing spells holiday better than a cami paired with hot shorts. And this combo will make your honeymoon pics look so cool and trendy.

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Let me know, which one will you pack for your next holiday?

For inquiries about wholesale clothing and wholesale dresses Contact ApparelCandy.com

      

So-Saree Readers on their D Day

This is the Finale post of the So-Shaadi series part 2. And what better than putting our readers into spotlight.

A girl looks prettiest on her wedding day. And there's no better way to prove it than this post.
The lovely So-Saree readers shared a pic of their special day with us, and made this blog a little more special. So scroll down and enjoy.

Ishani Dhar Dutta

Rucha Kulkarni

Khyati Sumaria

Renu Sethi

Rahila Khan

Nishtha Sarna

Kethki Dagha

Deepa Verlekar Desai

 

Nisha Sethia Dugar

Sapna Hegde

Kashmira Joshi

Shraddha Lad

Kanchan Surve Mahadik

Rosy Gurwara

How gorgeous, do they look!!! Let me know, which one is your favourite in the comments below.

 

Punjabi Wedding Rituals

HELLO EVERYONE!!!
I hope you guys are enjoying the So-Shaadi series, and I am so happy to see that So-Shaadi series part 2 has been so well received.
I have already mentioned a zillion times on my blog, that I am really thankful to my blog because it has helped me connect with like minded, intelligent and beautiful people, whom I would never think of connecting with in my wildest dreams.
One such person is Sharvari Paivaidya Mehan.
A few months ago, we came across each other's blog through Twitter. And have been following each other since then.
I don't like her blog...I LOVE IT. And in case you haven't checked her blog yet, you should right now. You can thank me later.
She blogs on Mumbai to Melbourne, and happens to be my newest buddy from the Blog World.
With her impeccable style and culinary skills, she is sure to floor you away.
I was humbled when she agreed to do this post for my blog.
Over to you Sharvari...I owe you one. :)
A Maharashtrian/ Konkani Bride with a Punjabi Groom - loads of happy relatives and friends and a big fat Punjabi wedding  with a combination of pre wedding  ceremonies encapsulates our wedding story!

Since we both lived and worked in Melbourne we had to oversee our wedding preparations from Melbourne. Not an easy task! About a year before the wedding day our parents officially met and it took a while for us and them to come to a consensus on the wedding date! After much deliberation with the Panditji and us it was then decided that 11th of Dec 2010 was going to be the D'Day !
We gave our Parents a brief on the wedding venue options based on our research and after about 2 weeks of going off the list and other options suggested by family and friends they zeroed on Kohinoor Hotel as our wedding and reception venue. It was my Mum in law's idea to have the pheras( wedding ceremony ) near the poolside so that the calm cool blue water would add to the backdrop for the wedding ! Next came the food tasting and menu selection which our parents had to head to as we were in Melbourne however we advised them on the menu items we wanted and ones we didn't ! After a couple of tasting sessions both families and we came to a conclusion! The venue and menu were booked and suddenly I had the feeling of OMG I am getting married!!

A few months before the SHAADI the wedding cards were designed and mailed to family close and distant and friends and relatives. One of the most important aspects for any bride is what she wears .I love to research and read and planning my wedding trousseau was no different. I got my cousin sister, maushis and Mom to help find me a boutique with a tailor I could trust. I selected colours and styles of sarees and other Indian wear I wanted and emailed them to my family. They went and hunted for similar options. This is how I managed to decide and plan some pre wedding outfits. My wedding outfit was a vintage Ghagra that was my sisters which she wore just once. I got it reworked and embroidered and I custom designed my own choli blouse and got the boutique to help procure 7 different fabrics which after my approval was then stitched together into a blouse.I was truly a new age bride with technology being my best friend. What would have I done without gmail, skype and g’chat!!!

I could only get a month off as Annual leave. I landed 15 days before my wedding and the wedding madness started with shopping for other wedding outfits which are part of SHAGUN that is received from the husband's family! By Day 2 I was done with the rest of the outfit and jewellery shopping! Next came the skin and hair style appointments to decide on the look for each of the wedding ceremonies! By day 3 I was absolutely ready to take on the wedding ceremonies head on!

MATA KI CHOWKI

One of the first ceremonies was MATA KI CHOWKI that was organised by the Groom’s family. This is normally held in the evening where prayers are sung in praise of Vaishnodevi Mata. An Orchestra that specialise in Mata ke bhajan was organised. This is held as part of most Punjabi weddings to ward off any evil eye and seek Mata’s blessings for the couple to be. The ceremony concluded with Mata ki Aarti! Dinner followed and it was a great occasion for my family and friends to meet my husband’s side of the family and his friends

MEHENDI AND HALDI
Two days after Mata kiChowki we had a small intimate haldi ceremony at home only with my immediate family. My cousin sister, maushis, mum and grandmum applied haldi from my forehead, to the feet about 7 times. The belief is that haldi brings out the bridal glow and since haldi has natural medicinal and calming properties it is applied to calm the bridal nerves. Post that session in the afternoon we had the shagun ka mehendi that was received from the husband’s side. This used to be an old custom where the brides palms were adormed with only this mehendi. However today it is more of a shagun (good luck element) which is applied on the finger tips. I had a Mehendi artist to complete a simple mehendi on my hands and feet. I did not want something too intricate as I lack the patience and cannot sit at the one place for too long. The mehendi brings in luck and is part of Shringar for the bride ! The myth is the deeper the colour of the mehendi the deeper is your husband's love towards you!!

 

SANGEET AND MEHENDI

The whole apartment by now was adorned with flower Torans and lights! The same evening was the SANGEET AND MEHENDI function that was organised by the Bridal party! We organised it on the terrace of our apartment complex. The Groom and his family and friends were also invited to this gathering. There was a Mehendi and Bangle Corner where all women adorned their palms with henna! Then was the fun part the music and dancing! We had a mini skit enacted by my husband’s friend with my aunt which was based on Sholay’s infamous scene where Amitabh tries to marry off Dharmendra!

The dance performances by my parents brought tears to my eyes! The fun part was my own performance on a medley of songs!! This was followed by dinner that the bridal side catered to from New Yorker(Juhu). Our menu was a mix of Italian pasta and pizza along with assorted salads and fresh juices. There was also New Yorkers infamous Chooley Bhature and my most favourite dessert – the sizzling brownie !! Dinner was followed by games and then the DJ belted out the hits of the year and everyone was pulled to the dance floor. This was a fun evening as well as a chance to relax and unwind before the wedding.

SHAGUN,TIKKA,ROKA, ENGAGEMENT AND COCKTAIL PARTYFollowing the MEHENDI and SANGEET were all the traditional Punjabi pre-wedding ceremonies followed by the COCKTAIL PARTY. We had to club these together as time was of essence. By now most of our relatives and friends from interstate and different countries had all arrived and it felt great to have everyone present on this day.

I was escorted by the Grooms party to a separate room (bride is not supposed to see the Tikka ceremony) and the rest of my family headed to the venue room with 30 kg of mithai(sweets) and big basket of fruits and another basket with dry fruits as part of the SHAGUN Ceremony. They were received by the grooms’ family with Dholi’s playing live Dhol. Then began the TIKKA ceremony where all the bride’s family members apply tilak on the groom’s forehead and give him gifts in cash and kind. This is followed by the groom’s side of the family that then apply Tilak and give the groom gifts in cash and kind. Then I made a grand entrance and I was made to sit next to the groom. This was followed by the ROKA Ceremony.

My parents in law made me wear a Red and gold chunri on my head and then I was given Shagun which included sarees, the outfit for Bidaai ceremony, jewellery and cosmetics for Bridal Shringar. Then the other family members from the groom’s family also gifted me with jewellery and cash. This is an official acceptance of the union of two families. This concluded by the exchange of rings which was our official ENGAGEMENT ceremony.

The guests were now served juices, soft drinks and finger food and we got a chance to meet all our family members and friends. The DJ played music to keep the guests entertained. After the mandatory photo ops the bride and groom headed to get changed. I decided to wear a Georgette saree with a cocktail style blouse (self-designed)for the occasion. My inspiration for this outfit was designer Manish Malhotra and his designs. Ankit decided to wear a well fitted black suit to complement my outfit. We both made a grand entrance and then the Bar was officially opened. Drinks were served to all the guests and there were dance performances followed by Dinner. The party went on till early hours of the morning.

CHUDA, BARAAT, MILNI, SHADI, RECEPTION and BIDAAI

The next morning my sister in law and her husband came over and handed the CHUDA to my parents. They also handed me some Shagun with that which would be part of my Shringar for the SHADI. This was followed by the panditji that created a hawan and my Mama(Mom's brother) and my Maushi(Mom's sister) bathed the chuda (the red and ivory coloured bangles) with milk and then made me wear them on each hand. I had to keep my eyes closed as the Bride should not see the chudas until she gets ready in her wedding outfit. Later they tied a scarf over the chudas. This was followed by Maharashtrian rituals of Shagun by the bride’s extended family and friends with cash and kind. A couple of hours after lunch I had the hair and makeup person arrive to help me get ready. A few hours later I was ready to head to the Venue.

A Bride cannot watch the BARAAT (Groom’s procession),the belief is that she can cast an evil eye on her own happiness. However she can catch a glimpse of it from afar just once and try to see her groom on the horse. I had to wait patiently in the hotel room as the groom’s side danced away in the BARAAT. Once they reached the gates of the venue, 11 family members on each side greeted each other and the Bride’s family gifted them silver ware such as diyas/ lamps. This is the MILNI Ceremony

While the MILNI was going on, I was escorted by my Maama and my cousin sisters and best friends under a Veil/ Chunri to the Pandal/ Stage. These were those few moments in my life where my heart was racing and I was nervous. The groom followed to the stage and we exchanged Garlands. This is the VARMALA ceremony. Later we sat on the stage and the Panditji started the wedding mantras. A Hawan Kund was lit with sacred fire. There are many rituals and Mantras that are chanted by the Panditji during the wedding. This is followed by 7 PHERE Ceremony where the bride and the groom take 7 rounds around the fire and make 7 promises to love, protect and forever stay together in sickness and good health. The husband then fills a pinch of Vermillion on the bride's forehead. This is the Sindoor Ceremony which states that the girl is now officially married. This is followed by tying a Mangalsutra /sacred gold and black beaded thread around the bride’s neck as a significance of undying love and protection. This is the MANGALSUTRA Ceremony.                        

This completes the SHAADI Ceremony. Post these both of us took blessings of our Grandparents and Parents and all the Elders of the family.

After the Photo Ops we headed to get changed for the RECEPTION ceremony.

Our Reception was indoors and by the time we made an entrance as Newlyweds all our guests had arrived. We greeted everyone and by the end of the evening I could feel my cheek muscles were getting toned thanks to all the smiling. It was lovely to see my College teachers who also came in to bless me. I had a lovely time with our friends and family especially those who flew in from interstate and flew in from Australia just to be with us. We were so happy that everyone seemed to have truly enjoyed our wedding including us. Dinner was served followed by lots of Photo sessions with family.

It was nearly 1 am and time to change into the BIDAAI Outfit given to me by my in laws. I was made to wear a Green Dupatta on my head that was a ritual to then send this dupatta to the Kuldevi temple in Chandigardh. I was very emotional at this point. I had to walk with my husband and could not look back. While walking I had to throw puffed rice and my Mum had to catch it in her dupatta. This signifies throwing all the luck back to my Parents as I was leaving the house to my new abode. After reaching the gate I could not hold back my tears anymore and being the youngest in the family neither could any of the elders. They wished me luck as I sat into the car to travel to my new home.

I thank Aditi for inviting me to write this guest post as it revived all my Shaadi moments. It has been nearly 4.5 years to the wedding and 11 years of togetherness for my husband and me. I cannot thank God enough for all the love and blessings he has showered upon us. I am truly blessed to have both families that are understanding, loving and totally supportive.

So if you are planning a BIG FAT PUNJABI WEDDING you know what to do... Bookmark this post !!
LOVE AND HUGS 

SHARVARI MUMBAI TO MELBOURNE