He didn’t call when he said he would. He even stood you up once.

You kept up your guard – that was until he sent you unbelievably beautiful flowers, hitting you right at your major weak spot and winning your heart.

But now it’s easy for him (or you) to get the same stylish floral arrangements as the ones seen at la–di–da celebrity weddings and fancy hotels from Flower Kraft Inc. (Flower Kraft owner Vibha Gupta did the florals at Karisma Kapoor’s fairy tale–like wedding festivities, as well as the daily look for the Taj President Hotel.)

Flower Kraft makes each arrangement look stunning. Imagine orange Gerberas and Birds of Paradise, with beautiful brown and maroon wild and dried flowers, all combined in an adorable cane basket. Or flowers in every shade of pink adorned with baby’s breath, pretty white candles and lace, arranged in a basket and placed on a mirror top.

In addition to their bouquets and centerpieces, Flower Kraft also does baby announcements and shower arrangements.

So keep that guard up. His affection may wilt along with your flowers.

Flower Kraft Inc., Vibha Gupta. Telephone: 2412-8686/2416-5197.
Bouquets start at Rs. 350. Home delivery available.

You’d kill to have those looks. That calm and serene look which demands absolute attention. That air of sophistication. That perfect figure. And an inner strength that belies a fragile, damsel-in-distress look.

No, we’re not talking about that hottie you spotted your ex hanging out with. It’s that exquisite tea set they were ogling each other over, the one that caught your eye.

A little birdie just told us that Magppie, a premium lifestyle home decor brand, has introduced an unique range of tea accessories under its fusion series. Combining the delicate looks of bone china with the strength of stainless steel, Magppie’s unbreakable tea set includes two teacups with saucers, an elegant teapot, a milk jug and a sugar bowl. Priced at Rs. 15,000/-, Magppie’s tea accessories are beautiful on the outside and strong on the inside. Just like you.

And unlike fickle boyfriends, they promise to last you a lifetime.

Available at exclusive Magppie Boutiques in Delhi and Gurgaon, as well as leading lifestyle stores like Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, etc.

She makes it seem so easy. That friend of yours who always has the fabulous dinner parties with multiple gourmet courses, dessert, presentation - and she’s always relaxed enough to be the perfect hostess.

You’ve just about conquered boiling water, so it’s safe to say that your skills in this area are a little less refined.

But that could change after some time spent with chef Ananya of Ananya’s Ultimate Food Destination for cooking classes and catering. After doing cookery courses in Germany, Ananya has returned to Mumbai with a whole load of toothsome recipes for Japanese, Thai, Italian and Indian cuisine.

Ananya teaches individual veg and non-veg dishes or a more thorough course over 2-4 sessions. Her Japanese class would leave you ready to prepare a feast of miso soup, sushi with wasabi, teriyaki and tepanyaki dishes, ending with a green tea ice cream as the perfect finale.

So don that chef’s hat and surprise your guests with a remarkable meal. Or just put in your catering order 3-4 days in advance, and let Ananya do the cooking.

Ananya’s Ultimate Food Destination, Marine Drive, Mumbai. Telephone: 9820400222.

You hit the snooze button one too many times, have wardrobe malfunctions, get stuck in mad rush hour traffic, but still make it to your desk just before your boss walks in.

There’s one more reason to say, whew! A new boutique tucked in the by lanes of Bandra - Breathe. Owners, TV actress Sucheeta Trivedi and her sister, have rounded up fresh graduates from NIFT and SNDT with their own labels and stacked the store to the ceiling.

The tunics are must-haves. With bright colours, prints, and lots of shiny stones, sequins, beads and lace, they’re ultra feminine. The cutie-pie dresses with polka dots and sashes will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a 1960s Hollywood flick. And a selection of bolero jackets and kimono tops has just arrived.

After you finish up in the opera stage-like trial room, you’ll want to check out Breathe’s shoes, bags, jewellery and salwar kameezes.

Don’t hold your breath worrying about the prices. They’re very affordable.

Who knows – today’s no-name designers may be the Stella McCartneys of tomorrow.

And next time you’re running late, just breathe easy – your boss has probably had even more morning mishaps than you.

Breathe, Meher Court Society, Opp. Almeida Park, Bandra (W), Mumbai 50, 56043909

Isn’t it every girl’s favorite festival? Indeed Rakhi is always looked forward to and why not? The deal is exciting – give blessings, tie the rakhi and get oodles of gifts. But, rakhi is no more just a small piece of thread. Yes, it has evolved, and how. From diamond-studded ones to exquisite pieces in silver, now you know how best to express your love for your brother.

And now you have Feng Shui rakhis as well. Take a tour of Kriti Creations and you’ll know what we are talking about. From wealth to work, carrier to education, you can now choose the blessings you want to give your brother. Good luck charms, healing beads, lucky coins, and more all make this collection complete. Worried about any premonitions? This store has the solution: get the Turkish Evils Eye rakhi for your brother.

Now that’s what we call a perfect variety to choose from.

You don’t also need to dig too deep in your pocket to get these for your brother. Starting at as low as Rs 30, choosing between your love for your brother and your pocket won’t be a difficult task.

Happy Rakshabandhan.

Kriti Creations, B-63 Khan Market, New Delhi

You have always been the nice one. Always willing to share. Always willing to kiss and make up. Why, you even forgave that brother of yours after he put creepy spiders in your hair. (And you’re still thanking him for the excuse to try your favourite imported shampoo.)

For all the times you’ve been sugary sweet when actually you couldn’t wait to get him (and his creepy crawlies) out of your hair, now finally, you want your pound of flesh. But, out of the goodness of your heart you’ll give, and settle for silver instead.

This year, do away with the traditional thread rakhis. Instead, shop for your rakhi at Episode, a new-age silver shop, for a distinctive range of silver rakhis. Episode’s contemporary rakhis innovatively use colourful silken yarn and a silver coin engraved with Ganesha and other deities.

And while you’re there, you can convince him to celebrate this beautiful bond of sibling love by buying you a little something. From curious and interesting bookmarks, to zen-inspired flower vases, to egg-shaped salt and pepper shakers, Episode has cool gifts in silver for a great gal like you.

They say nice girls finish last. They obviously don’t know better.

Episode, N-10, N-block market, Greater Kailash Part 1, New Delhi.

It’s that time of the year again. Pardon us - that lovely time of year, where sisters get pampered by their brothers and more importantly get gifts from them as well!

So in that sentimental frame of mind, sweetly demand your fashionable festive attire from brother dearest in return for that sacred Rakshabandhan string and, of course, some sisterly love.

The best part is you really don’t have to hunt. Head straight to Melange, Sangita Sinh Kathiwada’s quaint, yet plush designer store in the posh Altamount Road neighborhood.

Melange has a range of in-house and out-house designers creating beautiful pret-a-porter collections, to celebrate the festive season. Choose from accessories by Meera Mahadevia, get ‘Stoned’ with jewellery by Anita Vaswami, haute couture by Shantanu and Nikhil, Raghuvendra Rathore, Aki Narula, Anju Modi and Ravage.

This new festive-fall collection has an indo-western fusion look with modem and ethnic silhouettes that are guaranteed to make you look and feel like a diva.

And your brother simply cannot blame you if you go overboard with his credit card. Diwali isn’t that far away after all!

Melange, Altamount Road, 23534492

Life can be bland. The same old lackluster job, where you pull staples out of paper with your teeth for entertainment. The same TV shows, and same nightly fight with your boyfriend for the remote. The same food menus in nearly every restaurant. Yawn.

Luckily you can now spice it up with Japengo Café - a new restaurant export from Dubai. Japengo brings a unique blend of Lebanese, Italian, Oriental and Japanese fare.

Start off by sipping a Berry Affair drink of three berries and ice cream. Follow it up with the Japengo Mixed Platter of nine appetizers, including cumin-crusted calamari, ebi tempura, mozzarella-tomato salad, sushi, dumplings, and marinated vegetables. (Rs 575)

The aroma of stir fry wafting from the clean, open kitchen whets your appetite for an Oriental main course. Or try the authentic Japengo Special Lebanese Platter of tabouleh, moutabel and more. (Rs 700)

Contemporary dark wood furniture sets a chic and spacious vibe on the first floor. And for those in a fishy mood, the second level has a high-quality sushi bar.

End you meal with the Japengo Home Made Tiramisu that practically melts in your mouth.

Yup, variety is the spice of life. Pity it applies only to food.

Japengo Café
Inox, Nariman Point
Tel: 66334040

Raindrops on roses. Butter on corn. Ahh - enjoy the invigorating smells of monsoon season. Except you can’t. Your sinuses are blocked along with the roads.

Bid adieu to your ailments with the scents of a woman named Sanjana. Trained in Aromatherapy & Reflexology, Sanjana brings the aromas from the Garden of Eden into your home.

Her treatment involves in-depth point stimulation with oils to cure aliments including insomnia, arthritis, hair loss, migraine headaches and your monsoon-time sinusitis. Her reflexology also helps release stress by unblocking nerve impulses and increasing circulation.

Sanjana imports her oils from London, and then specially blends them herself in Mumbai. After her initial consultation, she’ll generously teach you to treat yourself, and sell you a supply of her remedial oils.

A typical session lasts for 30-45 minutes and costs approximately Rs. 1500.

You’ll be stopping to smell the roses again in no time.

Sanjana, 98208 47220
(Home Visits in South Mumbai Only)

It’s a familiar drill - it’s Friday night and you can’t find anything to wear.

You’ve scoured through your wardrobe and everything seems so yesterday. You’re aiming for trendy chic, but don’t want to look overdone.

Don’t split hairs trying to make your latest halter purchase. Or lose sleep over a pair of sexy jeans in that precise shade of indigo you’ve been eyeing on your neighbour.

The easiest way to update is as simple as accessorising. A hidden gem (but we like it that way), Sumrita at High Street Phoenix offers brocade clutches, dangly chandelier and stone earrings in every colour of the rainbow and scarves galore.

Tucked away in a corner, this heavenly accessories shop is making quiet ripples among fashionistas. The classy selection also includes beaded bracelets in heavy metal hues like pewter, copper and of course, gold. Set up by Delhi designer Sumitra Bakliwal, the store brings uptown girl sophistication to downtown chic Mumbai ladies.

If you’re out of ideas, stick to slimming black and try adding a dash of colour with accessories. After all, dressing up is half the fun!

Sumrita, Quorum, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013. Ph: (022) 56605521.