Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Star Performer Usha Halogen Oven

                                                       
Indian Bloggers

In the teens, when my friends were busy collecting those Star-photo-postcards, I used to browse Raddi-shops for latest issue of  the STARDUST magazine. Such was my craze for knowing every little bit of gossips about my favorite Bollywood star, that I often ended up splurging the whole lot of my minuscule pocket money on STARDUST mags.




In my wildest day-dream, I had never fantasized that the STARs themselves could be fans of a Chef. Well , if the Chef happens to be  five times Michelin starred and Brand Ambassador for USHA Kitchen appliances, the VIKAS KHANNA , you must agree wholeheartedly.



USHA International, one of India’s leading consumer durable company launched a new power-packed cooking appliance the USHA InfinitiCook Halogen Oven 360R, at ITC Grand Central-Mumbai on 15th February. The multi-functional oven was unveiled by Celebrity Chef Vikas KhannaThe USHA Infiniti Cook Halogen Oven 360R is an amazing product, designed for smart kitchens and allows food lovers to experiment with their cooking skills. With increased consciousness towards health and well-being, appliances like Usha InfinitiCook Halogen Oven 360R encourages foodies to cook and enjoy healthy yet scrumptious food without any compromise.


The event included the launch of a unique contest for the USHA Family Cook Book. The best recipes will be handpicked by Vikas Khanna and compiled into a family cook book which will be launched around Diwali this year.
At the sidelines there was an engaging 'Cook with Vikas' session wherein celebrities and bloggers tried their hand at cooking on the new Usha InfinitiCook Halogen Oven 360R. Vikas Khanna also did a Master class with winners from The Usha Diwali Festival Campaign.



The Usha InfinitiCook Halogen Oven 360R with advanced rotisserie technology is designed for smart kitchens that allow you to Cook like a pro. The four new rotisserie accessories (Rotisserie Basket, Grill, Stick and Skewers) make the USHA InfinitiCook 360R a perfect cooking solution for multiple cuisines. The 360 heating with rotisserie function enables perfect browning and even cooking from all sidesThe multi-purpose cooking appliance can bake, roast, grill, thaw, slow cook, bar-be-que, braise, toast, air dry and air fry.





On the occasion, Mr. Ramesh Chembath, Head-Kitchen Appliances, USHA International said,“Kitchen appliances is the currently the most exciting space within the Indian consumer durable industry with consumers evolving their outlook towards food & cookingUSHA with its commitment towards active lifestyle & well-being has launched new age products like InfinitiCook Halogen oven which has been well accepted. Throughout 2016, we will continue to delight our consumers by bringing new technology in their kitchen that not only helps them to lead active life but also complement their cooking habits – both Indian & world cuisine.” 

Keeping in line with the introduction of innovative products, the event also featured an experiential zone showcasing the USHA Janome Memory Craft 15000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. The participants tried their hand on the machine and created embroidered patterns and customized designs. Everyone was excited by the intuitive and user friendly features of the machine which includes WIFI connectivity.


According to AC Nielson Survey 2015, USHA International is most trusted Indian brand in consumer durables industry. 


For more information please visit:  USHA






Monday, February 22, 2016

Healthy Wealthy IndiKitchen



Indian Bloggers


I am sure, almost all Mumbaikars have visited the Infinity Mall ( Andheri ) and I am more than 100% sure that though you loved it's central location, it's shopping bonanza, you doubly hated the food-court. 

Here's the Good-Better-Best news for all those foodies, who crave for delicious and healthy Indian food, in the vicinity of Andheri-Lokhandwala. Go, Get it, Eat it or Order it from Indi-Kitchen ( Shop No 16, New Link Palace chs Next to Costa Coffee, Opp Options, Lokhandwala, near Infinity-Andheri West- Call : 022-40102113 , 33126808 )

In case you are wondering about the 'Healthy Wealthy' title, here's the ammo on IndiKitchen. The very concept of Indi Kitchen, is such that people are given the option to customize the menu by selecting Step 1 : The carbohydrate (Base) i.e. Either Roomali Roll, Paratha Box , Naan Bowl ( Butter / Garlic ) , Rice Box. I chose the Naan Bowl. Believe me . the naan here is the best cooked in the whole Mumbai. Thank god, I had read the review and decided on naan, or I hate to chew on naan. Here the naan was deliciously crispy, not at all rubbery-chewy. . My friends opted for Paratha box, which she liked a lot and Roomali Roll , this was a bit soft. 




Step 2: Vegetables ( Capsicum, American Corn , Carrots, Peas , Onions, French Beans , Mushroom ). I selected all except American corn and Mushroom), which turned out be much more delectable than I had anticipated. Step 3: Gravy ( Tripple Teekha, Bhuna , Tikka Masala . Palak , Makhani , Madras Curry ). Here you may take chef's guidance. I was suggested Tikka Masala as my Step 4 : Protein choice was Aloo Tikka. And you have multiple choices here in case you are wondering what about Non-vegetarians ?. You may select Chicken Tikka , Malai Chicken, seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka, Malai Paneer.


The IndiKitchen Chef prepares your platter right in front of your eyes, from the scratch, using the fresh ingredients like dough, vegetables, gravies and proteins. He rolls, bakes, fries and arranges on the plate then and there , after you tick your selected items. Wow... That steaming hot, salivating aroma is still fresh in my mind... and lingers on my tongue .



IndiKitchen is designed and operates as per a novel concept  QSR ( Quick Service Restaurant ). It's simple and compact for the consumers to decide, what and how to order according to their fancy. It's similar to the Chipotle style concept popular in USA, with an Indian outlook. Just have a look at how clean and neat this cozy IndiKitchen is! You can not help, but click a lots of pics before you eat.


To summarize the menu on a sweet note, at present , the only dessert available at IndiKitchen is Chocolate Samosa, ( smeared with chocolate sauce, stuffed with chocolate brownie )  which looks yummy and tastes yummiest. You may order the Paper-boat-fresh juices like Kokum, Mango, Aam Panna etc. to refresh yourself. 
IndiKitchen is Healthy as it uses Fresh Ingredients and Wealthy cause, it's total Value for Money. 


The ambiance of IndiKitchen is cozy, comfy and the chef, waiters are absolutely friendly. The view from the restaurant is flower-some. Please let me know your experience, whenever you visit IndiKitchen 




Thursday, February 18, 2016

Fantastico #AvivaEarlyStarters


Indian Bloggers


We were invited to meet the GOD. For millions of Indians Cricket is the religion and Fantastico Sachin is the GOD. We belong to that Sporty community. We were in the seventh heaven already , when we got The Invitation to meet the GOD from Aviva 



#AvivaEarlyStarters
Date: February 19, 2016
Time: 9.30 am
Venue: NSCI Ground, Worli, Mumbai

The core inspiration for the #AvivaEarlyStarters campaign came from Fantastico Sachin Tendulkar, who has been Aviva India’s brand ambassador since 2007. At the launch of the campaign Sachin said that he was able to realize his big dream because he started early.
Aviva India has provided 23 children an opportunity to live their dream profession for one day. The initiative was taken up in New Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai.

  

Aviva  announced the winners of Aviva Early Starters contest. Aviva India gave the winners once in a lifetime Fantastico chance to interact and play cricket with Fantastico Sachin Tendulkar  Aviva released the aspirations of young India gathered from a survey report that they conducted among 36,000 children.

 We the Bloggers live tweeted with the hashtag #AvivaEarlyStarters 
Within 2 hours the fantastico hashtag was trending  . A very exciting and unique speed blogging contest was organised at the venue.  The bloggers either carried their laptops along with them or they used smartphones. During the event the bloggers took down necessary notes for their blog post. As soon as the event was over, the bloggers were requested to blog about the event. We the bloggers got 20 minutes to publish our posts . Once published, one blog will be shortlisted to be the winner. The winner of speed blogging contest will get a chance to meet Fantastico Sachin 



 Aviva India’s initiative of connecting with children to share their big plans in life and parents to share how they are supporting their children in fulfilling these aspirations is admirable as well as fruitful for the parents.

It's better to be safe, than sorry . Hop onto the Yellow Bus and secure your child's future with Aviva .

The best way to encourage your children to save money is by letting them see that you save too Fantastico #EarlySavingIdeas

An early start is important to succeed in life. Every child is unique, so let them experiment with different activities until they find something they really love doing Fantastico #Parenting Tip


As a parent, I will do everything under the Sun to ensure that  my  child has an early start to his career.  I will sit with my child to discuss his / her wish list and how to save for it. Fantastico #EarlySavingIdeas   

Sachin’s association with Aviva is very sporting and exciting . India's future is Bright n Prosperous with Gen Next Aviva plans to fulfill every Fantastico dream with elan.

Mr. Trevor Bull, MD and CEO , Aviva Life Insurance said , " We know young India has big dreams and Aviva is committed to act as an enabler in helping children secure them . Through the Aviva Early Starters initiative, our goal was to give some of theses children  an opportunity to live their dream for one day. Our mentors have given these children an inside view of the world they want to be a part of. I hope the experience has inspired them to move towards their goals with more passion and determination."


#TataZicaMarathon 
This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can  apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

PEPPY Shortcut Safaari


Indian Bloggers

PEPPY in Capital. This 'Shortcut Safaari'  was Peppiest, cause we the bloggers were invited by one of the Peppiest Blogger, Riddhi Sharma. Till the day before, I was not sure whether I would be able to join the 'Shortcut Safaari' due to my ill-health. But Riddhi's Peppiness was infectious, she perked me up. Have a look, how Peppy, the 'Shortcut Safaari' was!


... Full on Peppy-Masti with the well-mannered kids ( they called us Didi, instead of Aunty ), that too in the Secret Jungle of Mumbai. Well, by now you must be wondering Safaari is fine but what's this Shortcut, and in quote?. 

'Shortcut Safaari' trails through BNHS ( Bombay Natural History Society ) Goregaon with city kids was conceptualized by  Cinematographer turned Director Amitabha Singh

  'Shortcut Safaari' team organized a Peppy trip for children from Nehru Nagar public school, to explore Mumbai’s very own biodiversity and natural environment. Amitabha Singh directed 'Shortcut Safaari' with a view to reconnect children with their roots and showcasing the natural world amidst the humdrum and chaos of daily city life. He wanted to acquaint children with a value system which will help them go a long way.




 'Shortcut Safaari',an upcoming Hindi film for children, took us on a Peppy #ShortcutSafaari (Jungle trail), at BNHS, Goregaon. We the bloggers and children enjoyed the flower-full welcome, wonderful flora and fauna knowledge shared by BNHS-scientist , saying cheese for the camera, rustling of leaves, the swaying of trees, playing Antakshari, delicious lunch at the FilmCity restaurant, the whiff of real Green Jungle amidst the Gray concrete jungle of Mumbai.





'Shortcut Safaari' has made significant impact over various National and International children’s film festivals across the country. It has embarked upon a new journey to connect as many children as possible to nature through various innovative activities and screenings. Amitabha Singh fortifies his position in the children’s film category through 'Shortcut Safaari'. He has been praised and awarded earlier for the cinematography of Chillar Party, Khosla Ka Ghosla and India’s Oscar entry in 2014- Good Road.


Amitabha Singh, the director of  'Shotcut Safaari' said, “The core message underlying the film is balance, trust, friendship, mutual respect, teamwork and gender parity. The Natural World is trying to speak to the manufactured world all the time but somehow, we seem to miss that call almost always. The result is quite evident, global warming, sea level rising, you see the season change getting erratic. Nature has started revolting in this own little way. I read a report in a magazine that twenty years from now Mumbai will be under water. We should really take cognizance of these little signs that nature is leaving for us and resort to course correction.”

#TataZicaMarathon 
This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can  apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Fantastico ValentineFever Perfumes

Indian Bloggers

Fantástico is a Spanish word for 'Fantastic'. Fantástico is used when something is REALLY great. Just like this lavish, grand bouquet #madeofgreat beauty.



Dudes and Dolls, I am sure all of you are Dressed up and raring to enjoy #ValentineFever.  But ...  are you really, truly, totally Decked up for the D-day?.

Are you sure, you are Smelling Sweet and not Sweat?. Worry not. Oriflame has launched two Fantastico perfumes just for you Two , 'So Fever Her' and 'So Fever Him'. You can check them out here ... Oriflame Website , Oriflame Twitter , Oriflame Facebook and buy only after reading this Fantastico review.



What I love the most about Oriflame is their Fantastico packaging. First impression counts and how! Trust me and see it with your own eyes, smell it with your own noses .... sorry kidding. 
Here... The sturdy, white outer box, the bubble wrap ( which I and my nephew Aamen always share to pop the bubbles ) and most importantly the jacket sleeve ... every nuance of packaging is so so elegantly designed that I did not feel like tearing it apart. I opened up this Fantastico Gift very lovingly and tenderly. Did I hear, "Gift ?... from whom ?". Well ... keep guessing.


Since ages, even in the times of Mahabharata, fragrance, scent, essence has always played a Fantistico role in the romance. Satyavati was the queen of the king Shantanu  of Hastinapur. She was the great-grandmother of the Pandava and Kaurava princes ( principal characters of the Hindu epic Mahabharata ). Satyavati was the mother of the Maharishi Vyasa , author of the epic Mahabharata. Her story appears in the Mahabharata as well as in  the Harivamsha and Devi Bhagavata Purana.
Satyavati was the daughter of the Chedi king Vasu (also known as Uparichara Vasu) and a cursed apsara (celestial nymph)-turned-fish Adrika. Satyavati was brought up as a commoner – the adopted daughter of a fisherman-chieftain Dusharaj (who was also a ferryman) on the banks of the river  Yamuna . Quite naturally as brought up in a fishing community, she smelled of fish. Due to the smell emanating from her body she was known as Matsyagandha ("She who has the smell of fish"). Satyavati aka Matsyagandha helped her father in his job as a ferryman.

As a young woman Satyavati met the wandering  rishi  (sage) Parashara, who fathered her son Vyasa out of wedlock. The sage blessed her with a musky fragrance, which earned her names like Yojanagandha ( an young girl, whose fragrance is spread for a  yojana (8-9 miles)") and Gandhavati ( a fragrant girl). Later King Shantanu, mesmerized, allured by Satyavati's Fantastico fragrance and beauty, fell in love with her. That's the power of Fantastico Fragrance, perfume.




ORIFLAME launched the new Fantastico fragrant #ValentineFever duo named SO FEVER HIM and SO FEVER HER. The new fragrances are available in seductively shaped crystal-glass. It is time now for you to take control, check your boundaries and make your wildest fantasies come true with fragrances So Fever!.
Fragrance for women So Fever Her eau de parfum is ... A provocative fragrance that teases the skin with a seductive blend of crisp blackcurrant, sultry sweet sandalwood and untamed Ginger Flower, enveloping the wearer in a fiery warmth. A playful and sexy scent that pushes the boundaries of passion and intensity.as an oriental-vanilla EDP with rich ingredients. The perfumer of the edition for women is Vincent Schaller.
INGREDIENTS :ALCOHOL DENAT., AQUA, PARFUM, BENZYL SALICYLATE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, LIMONENE, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, GERANIOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, LINALOOL, COUMARIN, ISOEUGENOL, BENZYL BENZOATE, CITRONELLOL, CITRAL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 19140, CI 16035
Price : INR 1499 , Size : 50 ml
So Fever Him Eau  de toilette by Oriflame is a .... A  magnetically masculine fragrance with an intensity and character that reflects a bold man with a passionate nature. A tempting blend of pure eroticism dresses the skin with piri piri pimento, geranium bourbon and fiery Ginger Wood - an intoxicating composition. It's a Woody Spicy fragrance for men. The nose behind this fragrance is Christiane Plos

INGREDIENTS: ALCOHOL DENAT., AQUA, PARFUM, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, CITRAL, GERANIOL, CINNAMAL, CITRONELLOL, EUGENOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, CI 19140, CI 17200, CI 42090

Price : INR 1499 , Size : 75 ml.

#TataZicaMarathon 
This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can  apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.



Sunday, February 7, 2016

Fantastico Fashion by Charmi Shah

                                                      
Indian Bloggers

Charmi Shah’s ‘Coast Of Style’ Debut Collection Launched Amidst Celebrities

Hyatt Regency , Mumbai was resplendent in an elegant setting on 5th February, as Gen Next Designer Charmi Shah made Fantastico debut with her collection ‘Côte du Style’ .


Charmi showcased 32 of her Fantastico designs from her first set of collection ‘Côte d'Azur’ inspired by the French Indian art work on the ramp.


Apart from Manasvi as the showstopper, the guest list had television actors like Ritwik Dhanjani, Nandish Sandhu, Mrunal Jain as the front row guests celebrating this young budding designer. Actress Ankita Shrivastav, Shaad Randhawa and Aslam khan also attended this event and everyone was in awe of Charmi’s Fantastico collection.




Charmi Shah’s Fantastico collection Côte du Style (Coast of Style)

Like India, France is renowned for its culture that is reflected in every form of indulgence, be fashion, food or travel. France may have coined the term Haute Couture, but often the master ateliers look to India to not only be inspired but also bring their fashion art to life. India excels in the best of embroideries, weaves and handicrafts.




A land where design, colours and inspiration are aplenty. Designer Charmi Shah’s first Fantastico collection - Côte d'Azur - is a collection that seamlessly ties the best of both countries.



The collection is truly Fantastico , global, exotic, young, chic and opulent - just what the young fashionsita and global star would have in her wardrobe when she jet sets across continents to the most glamorous of all holiday destinations - the Côte d’Azur or the French Riviera!



This coastline is the playground of the rich, royal and famous - who are sexy, suave and irresistibly seductive - just like Charmi’s Fantastico designs.




From intricate, delicate and rich embroidery and bead work, a palette of colours ranging from regal black, royal blue and gold to a bright and young one inspired by exotic flowers, teamed with sensuous cuts and drapes in lush fabrics - this Fantastico collection is an indulgent treat for both the wearer and the awed admirer.



This capsule collection features unique garments for every glamorous occasion - be it a destination wedding, or an exotic holiday for events like a chic brunch aboard a luxury cruise or poolside, to sassy parties with celebrities or a ball under the stars to traditional ceremonies where you a bring a dash of Fantastico contemporary style.







Feel like a Fantastico star on the global red carpet who makes her own fashion rules for others to follow.


The Fantastico show stopper of the evening was none other than the Ajay Devgn and Prabhudeva’s ‘Action Jackson’ fame Manasvi Mamgai. Entertaining the evening was the host, super cool VJ Andy of ‘Bigg Boss’ fame.

Manasvi adorned a pink and gold bridal lehenga which represented romance and femininity. The sexy cuts under the bust and the indigent mirror work embellishment on the neck line made the choli the statement piece of the whole look. Perfectly complimenting the choli was the lush ghagra with intricate embroidery and a gold net dupatta that looked breathtakingly beautiful, thanks to the ball lace and heavy tassels giving it the right doze of oomph and style.


Charmi Shah : Move over Millennials - Generation Z is here! And enabling Gen Z to step up its style quotient is a new kid on the block, the very talented Fantastico fashion designer CHARMI SHAH!

Charmi, a Gen Z-er herself, knows the role fashion plays in this age of
Social Media, where clothes are more than ever an extension of personal style. And personal style that is tasteful is what Charmi aims to create through her exhaustive range of silhouettes, cuts, fabrics, colours and styles. “I design for the young. Youth is my inspiration,” proclaims the chic designer.

While Charmi may design for the young, her designs are so classy and trendy, that it can make any woman wearing her creation feel young, bold and beautiful.

Charmi is one of those rare talents that has been lucky to be literally “Born in fashion.” Fashion runs in her blood, and she found her inspiration and calling right at home thanks to her mother, Mrunali Shah, who is a popular designer herself. Her aunt Preety Agarwal, also a designer further fueled Charmi’s desire to direct her creative energies into creating edgy works of wearable art.

The designer does not believe in creating replicas from other designers, or even in repeating her own designs, thereby constantly challenging herself to always create a one of its kind, very exclusive, couture garments. Charmi’s designs keeping in mind the jet setting ,young globetrotter who is on a luxury cruise holiday in Goa or at the French Riviera, attending a classy brunch do in Delhi or in Paris, or partying until dawn at the trendiest clubs in Mumbai or New York. There is something very unique in Charmi's designs for the young social media star who rules Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, who likes to redefine style and let that be her true expression of her unique self.

The Fantastico designer is finally ready to launch her own label and presenting her first - bold, new, unforgettable capsule collection of garments. It celebrates youth, elegance, the designer’s vision, a New Year and everything stylish and cool - that is Generation Z! There is a lot to look forward to - a riot of colours, bold prints, sparkling stones, innovative cuts and modern silhouettes. Each element showcases the wide array of possibilities that have never been thought of before or imagined, now come to life thanks to the brilliance of the zesty designer’s artistic vision. 


#TataZicaMarathon 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can  apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today..