Home Dreams with Air Castle

I've often heard my parents tell me, "Your room should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love." And, to abide by this, I've always tried to maintain serenity and an exquisite appearance into my territory. Having said that, just keeping your room tidy isn't enough, it should reflect your style and liking at the same time! I've always believed that cushions are a fantastic home accessory that will quickly transform a room and update a sofa or bed. Whether you want to add lots or just a few cushions – you can change the look of a room quickly and easily. You can adapt the decor of any living space to fit a current trend & season by purchasing a few cushions and then you can update the look as often as you want.

I recently came across a super designer brand called AIR CASTLE that manufactures some luxury cushion covers, and to my luck, they had some of my favorite designs to pick from! I got my hands on a set of 5, which can been seen in the pictures below. Don't wait to scroll down...

Air Castle, started by a Lucknow girl - Somya Gupta, having completed her designer course from Delhi, is a brand that has its warehouse in Delhi itself, and it not only sells cushions but also ethnic garments that has been loved by ladies all over the country. But of course, coming back to the essence of this post, cushion covers are the main attraction for all. Having seen the pictures above, I'm quite sure you might have by now loved each bit of the designs. Well, these are exquisitely done by the owner and her team of perfectionists, that are just unable to resist.

For me, cushions are more than just a home decor accessory. I hold pillows and cushions while sleeping alone, it makes me feel comfortable and mingled! And talking of the designs of these ones, they just motivate me every day to spread lots of love around and stay happy myself too! I bought 4 nature inspired, subtle spring colored cushions and a vibrantly traditional HOME quote pillow to keep around myself. I placed them in a row on my bed, and sometimes scatter them on the couches as well while lying down to watch TV. They're soft and extremely comfortable, leaving no traces of hard head behind, and also travel friendly. To be honest, I carry it during town travels and on planes, it helps me sleep soundly and I mostly experience beautiful dreams now! 

And, for many of you can't decide over what to gift your friends or homies on some special occasion, AIR CASTLE has some exemplary cushion designs for you to choose from, and all at affordable prices! Trust me, if you're gifting any of it to your moms, be ready to witness some great and greater smiles on her face! Go check out the website to see their vast collection and pick your favorites asap. I'm sure you'll all love it!

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This blue track/night suit is from my favorite(est) brand - StalkBuyLove.com and its so comfy with the perfect blend of fabric, suitable for summer months and winter both that I wear this at night, in the morning while running, in the day at home, and in the evening again - basically all day (and if my friends don't feel embarrassed, I can always go out in public wearing the same), I love it so much! Check out more colors that are available on the website.

Photographed by : Nahid Saman

 ~xoxo~

Sail Away with Paper Boat

Hey guys, hope you're enjoying the 'not-so-cool' winds, wherever you are!

Please stay cautious because the changing climate has been causing too much of illness in the recent times! Yes, I know its difficult to stay at home 24x7 to avoid dust and virally spreading sickness, but certainly not so difficult to consume healthy food & beverages. Since we're all too friendly with beverages at local juice corners, I've got you a genuinely healthy and yummy substitute for it!

Now, a lot of you have been stalking me on Snapchat since a long long time. For all those who have seen me snapping about PAPER BOAT drinks, know how much I love the flavors. In fact, one of you recently reminded me to publish a full post covering the benefits of consuming these drinks. So, as per your request, here you go! Read the details below :

Any drink can be made to taste good. Or feel nutritious. But how many drinks tell a story? Because when companies get together and dole out a drink to the parched populace, it’s practicality. But when history and geography conspire to make a drink favoured through the ages, that’s destiny! PAPER BOAT is one such unique start up that gave me goosebumps while they told a story with each drink they produced. Mostly all from school times, and yes, I do recalled and missed the good times I had while I was a little student, with each sip I took of these amazingly yummy drinks and read 'Three Men In a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome' (of which I had already read a portion during my school lectures, years ago), sent to me by the Paper Boat brand itself! Ah, some real school memories, I tell you! 

Unfolding the stories behind the fruit juices below, all the fruity flavors this brand produces are listed with a little nutrition description, so take a look now & choose your favorites :

Anar : It’s good at beating ageing. Packed with polyphenols, Anar has such commendable antioxidant properties that it probably lectured green tea on the matter. Anar is really good for the heart, its fibre is kind to the weighing scale, and its abundant Vitamin C is great for immunity. PS : If your mom could wish for a happy-health-elf to follow you around, it would be Anar.

Aam Panna : The aam panna cares. It cares if you've eaten well. It cares if you've not. And if you haven’t, then it takes care of you. With its numerous digestive properties, it’s a valiant fighter of terrible gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhoea, dyspepsia and dysentery. Not only that, due to its incredible Vitamin C content, it’s a powerful antioxidant and dreaded foe of scurvy. In simpler words,  If you don't happen to love this, we can't be friends!

Golgappe Ka Paani : Other than the functional benefits of salivating, Golgappe ka Pani has tamarind, lemon juice and a hint of red chillies. The tamarind makes it a awesome immunity booster, while the lemon juice makes it a potent digestive aid. The chilli bits make it a powerhouse of nutrients like Vitamin A and E, copper, iron and potassium. Who knew something this tasty (reminding me of pani puris everytime) could be this good for you?!

Kokum : Being a very specific berry, Paper Boat's Kokum, sourced specifically from Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, helps in lowering cholesterol, cleanses the digestive tract, is an amazing appetizer. Xanthone and Garcinol, which sound like fictitious villains from pulp literature, are very real heroes found in the literature of their pulp. Together, they have potent anti-oxidant, anti-glaucoma, anti-ulcer, anti-fever, anti-vertigo, anti-allergic, anti-bacterial and anti- inflammatory properties. I hated it since its first sip, but my friends in Mumbai (Maharashtra) seemed to have to been loving this flavor way more than anything else in the beverage industry, I have been told!

Jaljeera : With its electrolytic and replenishing properties, Jaljeera is a heatstroke's worst nightmare. Cumin (Jeera), one of its key ingredients, is a regular fixture in Ayurveda. Cumin alone is a natural anti-oxidant and cleanses your vocal chords. The black pepper and rock salt help you cool down and digest food better. The ginger in it clears congestion and combats nausea. It also acts as a muscle relaxant as a random philanthropic bonus. And as all this happens, the lemon juice in the drink with its innate Vitamin C fights exhaustion, detoxes and even helps in weight loss. All without breaking a sweat (Phew)!

Aamras : Believe it or not, Aamras does have other functional benefits other than tasting like mythical, golden nectar from the heavens. For one thing, it helps prevent heart disease – The Beta-Carotene, Selenium, Potassium and Vitamin-E in the mangoes pretty much ensure that. Being rich in iron and copper, it also helps produce blood corpuscles. In addition to all this, it builds your immune system, aids in digestion, controls blood pressure, prevents anaemia, relaxes muscle tissues and occasionally, reminds you of summer vacations (haha)! Its a must must try, always the most in demand.

Jamun Kala Khatta : Jamun Kala Khatta weaves in several nutritional quadrants quite seamlessly. A great source of essential minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium, Jamun is the heavy hitter here with anti-diabetic, pro-digestive and skin-clearing properties. A source of iron and Vitamin C, Jamun helps cure anaemia and kill fatigue. Also, Jamun juice is said to improve eyesight and remove hoarseness of voice. Oh and Jamun is also rich in naturally occurring folic acids which are key components of DNA. You know, the building blocks of life. You're certainly trying this soon, right?

                        

                        

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Other than the above mentioned fruit juice flavors, Paper Boat recently started producing two herbal ice-tea flavors and added them like a boom! Grannies have fallen in love with these and well, I've almost started taking sips of it in morning too! Read the detailed description below :

Ginger Lemon Tea : Darjeeling black tea (amber coloured) is a known anti-oxidant, it helps reducing inflammation and other oxidation related internal hullabaloo. It also prevents halitosis and general bad breath problems. It is not a substitute for brushing or dentists though. Oh, and the ginger in it is a massive immunity booster. Since ginger contains essential amounts of chromium, magnesium and zinc, it helps in regulating blood flow and combat motion sickness. Despite all this, ginger denies being in a thrash metal band!

Tulsi Tea : All the benefits of tea aside, Tulsi itself is a powerhouse of immunity. Often used to quell fevers and colds, tulsi is host to benefits that range from easing respiratory problems to kidney stones (yup). Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is supposed to aid in capillary function and control blood pressure. And due to it's eugenol content, is helpful in removal of free radical and prevent heart ailments. It is also an anti-inflammatory, and a relaxant! Well, surely a reminder to all the tulsi water you've been made to drink during sickness while you were a kid (sorry not sorry)! I still don't like it much though.

Tea addicts, this one's for you!

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Paper Boat had certainly lots of stories to tell. Or to be frank, its a culmination of efforts. Modified through trial and error. Perfected with every passing age. From a king’s royal cook to a soldier’s flask to a peace offering made by warring clans to a mother conjuring something special for her son’s return to a grand celebration of harvest. Everyone had something to contribute. And it’s their additions (and subtractions) that ultimately made their way into food carts in village fairs. 

And while we've all experienced the joy of tasting these drinks at these carts at one point or the other, we've also experienced the often awful gastronomical aftermath of these little joys.

But, to just review the product very quickly, I would say :

1. Packaging is eco-friendly, travel friendly, making the drink easy to sip.

2. No preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. Very nutritious!

3. Perfect treat for Indian taste buds. A tinge of sweet, a tinge of tang and spice to balance them.

4. Rate is economical, making it affordable for almost all of us!

Paper Boat's inspiration lies in emulating these tastes and experiences standing tall on a benchmark of hygiene and safety; getting the good moments out to you while avoiding the unpleasant bits. So go on ahead, make new memories. They’ll watch your back! -------- Shop for Paper Boat drinks (also available in gift packs) from : Amazon

Photographed by : Exposure Imageries

~xoxo~

Vivacious Valentine's Vogue

Hello (well imagine it as a deep hell-low) sexy ladies! Hope ya'll are geared up for the V-Day? Yeah?

So, Valentine's Day is right around the corner, which means it's time to start pulling an outfit together. Of course, your plans will play a big part in what you decide to wear, but if you know where you're going and what you're doing it'll be a breeze! And if you don't yet have an agenda, slipping on a sexy new dress might just spark something, or you're going to have one glam Galentine's Day with your close friends (which is also super fun). Well, whether you're in a new relationship or an old one, figuring out what to wear for Valentine's Day, especially if you have a nice evening out planned, always seems to be more difficult than if it were a regular date.

Anyway, you have my back always and you know you're stopping by for a quick suggestion on new looks for each occasion here, so today I've got for you 3 different looks for Valentines Day that you can try not just maintaining your comfort level, but also in budget; because I know Valentine's Day is hard on the budget for many reasons, but there's no reason dressing for your date should be one of the stressers! 

Look #1 - Regular Doll

dress : StalkBuyLove | heels : Steve Madden | clutch : FabAlley.com

bracelet : Star Dust Fashion (instagram) | neckpiece : Colaba (Mumbai)

What would Valentine’s Day be without red? If you don’t mind wearing the bold and vivacious red on this day then, a sophisticated dress, just high up to your knees should be your pick for a custom cute, girly look this Valentine's! Needless to say, this ombre dress is just a perfect piece that when completed with a few dainty accessories like the necklace and a bracelet and a pair of high pumps (like in the pictures) can spark up your look instantly and add a little flavour of romance to the date night! Don't forget to carry a classy clutch to store your lip color for a fancy, kissy touch!

Look #2 - Cozy Coup

dress, coat : StalkBuyLove.com | heels : Steve Madden

bracelet : Star Dust Fashion (instagram) | earrings, necklace : Colaba

February is never too cold for Valentine's, said no one really! So, your ombre red, lace dress can be layered with a snazzy over coat that will keep you warm through out the day (well, at night too), and its always a better to have something topped with pockets so that leaving your clutch in the car doesn't become a hitch, maybe while you're watching a movie with your mate! Get over the myth that any over coat can steal the sexy look; well it adds more to the fun! So, this Valentine's, go cozy and comfy and defeat that awkward shiver!

Look #3 - Glitzy Glam

dress : StalkBuyLove | shawl : Mommy's closet :P | heels : Steve Madden | belt : The Style Quotient (instagram)

clutch : FabAlley | ring : Myntra | earrings : Auhna Creations | bracelet : Star Dust Fashion (instagram)

My favorite out of all three, couture never seemed so much in budget. How often do we experiment with outfits and looks during Valentine's, well never really! But this time, I tried a super swanky look to hit up for a date night on V-Day by adding a glitzy, black shawl (raided my mommy's closet for it) to my simple lace, ombre dress. Putting the shawl around the neck and leaving the ends lose on both sides, securing the fall with a broad gold belt on the waist (you can actually ditch the belt too, if you want to remove the shawl later on) and finished the look with a pair of bold earrings, a ring, a sexy bracelet, high pumps and my plushy clutch, and I was good to go! Well, I would say, 'Just try this elegant diva look on yourself & I'm sure you're going to receive a lot of compliments!'

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I hope you liked these 3 quick looks for the love day, if you really did, do tell me in the comments below, which one is your favorite? Also, don't forget to drop by at my instagram account for some more OOTDs and other fun stuff. Until next time, stay lovely, and enjoy your dates!

Photographed by : Daniel Joseph

~xoxo~

Go Tote with Green-O-Bag

How often do we realize that what we throw away thinking of trash is actually going harm us and the upcoming generations of all living beings?! Talking of the plastic bags that accumulate into the bins and then at trash corners at the end of the lane are the most vulnerable disposals of today's time. So, what's the solution? Well, that's what you're about to read in this post - where the answer is TOTE BAGS! 

I recently came across a website called GREENOBAG.com which supplies the most amount of tote bags all over the world since forever! Born in the city of Kolkata, producing over 150,000 bags every month, employing the most of backward class people of West Bengal with modern and state art manufacturing and extensive quality control system; this website has created an arena of totes mainly made up of jute and cotton fabric, because these bags can be used and re-used once and again and again! -- Well, Greeonobag sent me a cute bag from their latest print collection as a gift, to review and tell you guys the benefits of going green! So, scroll down to read a quick anatomization, plus how I styled it for a simple college look!

bag : Greenobag.com | top : StalkBuyLove | jeans : Mango | wedges : Limeroad

diary : Accessorize | perfume : All Good Scents

I love when I get products that relate me in any way. This time I got a pretty tote bag with a printed Virgo sign, which is my zodiac, and the other adjectives printed on the bag appear all relatable too! Well, its more like a self complimentary bag that you keep seeing to recall most of the traits you and your fellow Virgo friends possess! (haha)

Totes are purely versatile to carry! Where on one hand you can use to bring grocery from stores or street vendors, filling in massively; continuing to other shopping stuff, or even take it to college on a regular basis because it can stack up long registers on the level of your shoulder. Leaving aside shopping for now, I created a quick college look with my tote this season and to be honest my friends actually wanted to know where I got it from so that they can buy some for themselves too!

A regular pair of stone wash jeans with a cute pink sweat with a furry heart patch in the centre for the sunny winters, and a pair of purple wedges to match along, I also carried my pretty pink tote bag to give a blast of the girl's colour again! Almost fitting in all the essentials for the day, from diaries to stationery and a bottle of my current favorite perfume. I've been carrying this tote to college almost daily since its so comfy on the shoulders and easily foldable too! If you're a bag hoarder, totes are 'a must have' for you, so go grab some from greenobags.com and you can thank me later for introducing such economical range of cotton, jute, and woven bags to you!

Photographed by : Nahid Saman

~xoxo~