It’s too hot now to sleep in late. It’s too hot to gym in the afternoons. And it’s waaay too hot to go for a mosquito-filled run late at night. Whaddoido??

I registered as part of the Nike Run Club. Gonna wake up with the sun, and drive to the heart of town. Gonna look my gorgeous best. And I’m gonna breakfast at Koshy’s post run.

Nike, as part of its running initiative and as a warm up to the Sunfeast World 10k Run (on May 18, duh?), has launched the Nike Run Club. A group of people (many of whom are registering as you read) meet thrice a week and get trained by VR Beedu, former national trainer, and Reeth Abraham, former national athletics champ. You’re taken through the basics of running, which muscles you ought to use, the stretching exercises, the importance of cooling down, and yes, the kind of shoes you ought to wear.

Shoes!! Arghh, they’ve been one of my biggest concerns ever since I started working out. And here Nike reps will actually suggest which shoe you ought to wear, and then let you wear it while you do your 2.5-km run along with the gang in Cubbon Park. If you like the pair that took you a-running, you can go to the nearest Nike store and buy them. And in this glorious process, you get fit AND you gear up for the big run.

Register, girl, before your energy runs out on you.

Nike Run Club. Kanteerva Stadium. Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays. 6 am. Register here and they’ll guide you through the details: http://inside.nikeplus.in.

Barista. CCD. Mocha. I’m a coffee junkie and am always flitting from one place to another to try and find that perfect cuppa. So when I heard that the Australian coffee chain Gloria Jean’s had set up shop in Bandra, my Java-sense was tingling and I was one keen Sheila to go see what was brewing.

I met up with my gang of girls for some choice chinwagging over Cocoa Loco (a sinful blend of chocolate, coffee and milk that I give a thumb’s up to). We discovered that this one’s the first store in the city and country, launched with much fanfare by Bollywood hottie Lara Dutta a fortnight ago.

We avoided the open-air seating (let’s save the heat for the brews, I thought) and headed for the plusher inside section with air-conditioning and snagged one of the few comfy sofas. Like the other chains, it has the usual fare — cappuccino, mocha, espresso, ice blends and cold coffees. And while I’m super picky and wasn’t completely bowled over by what was in my coffee bowl, my friends were slurping up their concoctions in ecstasy. The light-browns-on-dark-browns decor never let us forget that Gloria Jean’s is all about the beans. But I think the eats too are worth a whack and rather easy on the pocket. And, as they say Down Under, the desserts are bonza. I thought the Blueberry Cheesecake was phenomenal and the Strawberry Mousse, fresh and creamy.

And although nothing can be a patch on fresh-ground, French-pressed, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Blue Mountain chez moi, Gloria Jean’s is a refreshing option for us Mumbai coffeeholics.

Gloria Jean’s, next to Pot Pourri, Turner Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai; Prices: Start at Rs 40, desserts Rs 49-89, and for every coffee you buy, you get a punch card. After 10 punches, your 11th coffee is free!

I chased them to a Singapore mall. The queue made me quail. So I drove from SDA to NOIDA instead. For a tasty treat I’d been hankering after, once I heard that real doughnuts had arrived in Delhi at last.

And what perfect, plump, squishy soft, fragrant pillows these are! In a show kitchen fronted by Mad Over Donuts’ first outlet at Great India Place, the chefs are hard at work. Mixing into pale yellow dough that secret ingredient blend (custom-concocted at director Lokesh C. Bharwani’s behest, shipped over from the Singapore lab in a canister). Stamping out torques. Priming them to rise in yeasty fervour. Ready to slide into hot oil. A shake to drain, a flick of the wrist over the ‘topping table’ — and they’re gussied up to go, or gorge upon.

M.O.D. does 15 maddening flavours. So I’ve got to get a dozen box and a six-pack, obviously. Executive chef Kishi Arora, ex Four Seasons, is justly proud of her coconut-flavored Coco Loco, and Carameltz (tip: get this dripping, fingerlickin’ hot!). Kids go crazy for colourful Rainbow Surprise and milk chocolate-melted Original Sin. I’m down one Midnight Beauty (dark/white choc zebra-stripes), an Almond Einstein and the spicy-sweet Cinna-ster. But the original glaze is perfection itself, and I have two of those.

Then there’s Go Man-go! and Cereal Killer to capture. For a dessert doughnut, pick up a Perk Me Up! with espresso mousse, and The Blush Factor, with strawberry conserve. Lokesh tells me they did a Double Chocolate special one week, but that’s not on the regular menu (log on to M.O.D.’s website and lobby hard to help change his mind!).

No sweet tooth on you? There’s a doughnut with golden garlic and Italian herbs sitting on cheese, putting pizza to shame. Also Manic Mushrooms. Me, I pronounce A-maize-ing Chaat surprisingly subtle despite its cheesy, corny, masala-maar-ke topping.

But hey, I’m not sharing. B.Y.O.B — buy your own box!

Mad Over Donuts, Level 3 Food Court, Great India Place Mall, A2, Sector 38A, NOIDA; ph: (91120)4271438. www.madoverdonuts.com. Coming soon to Mumbai! Prices: About Rs 30 each.

The heat is on. Can’t bear the thought of my ultra-colourful stash — blue liner, tangerine lipgloss, purple eye shadow, and fuchsia nail polish — any more. Sure, I want make up, but it needs to be barely there, not in my face, if you get what I mean.

My makeup artist friend suggested I try the fresh-faced matte look, with a range of just-out products. Unlike last time, the new matte look is not flat or excessively dry. This season it is more about skin that is oil-free and clear, with soft, shimmering cheeks and creamy pastel lips. Just right for wearing at work or out shopping when too much colour can melt in sweat.

Excited at the thought of picking up new makeup — the beauty junkie that I am — I rushed to the nearest mall. This is what I picked:

L’Oreal True Match Minerals, Rs 850: At last a powder that works as a foundation and more. My skin was mattified in just one sweep. No layering needed. The mineral zinc oxide in the powder is a sunscreen, light enough to let the skin breathe.

Lakme Face Sheer, Rs 295: Pleasure to hold this little piece of beauty. The fluffy applicator gave just a hint of shimmer on my cheeks and temples. I dusted some of the highlighter on my collarbone for extra oomph.

Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow Soft Shimmer in Desert Sun, Rs 1,000: This gorgeous sandy colour, practically no colour at all, is a summer must have. Soft and creamy to the touch. Left my lids smooth, with just a hint of tint.

Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in English Rose, Rs 1,200: Subtlest of pinks I have ever seen. Texture is creamy and not too shiny. My lips looked so full and soft, I picked it up at once.

I love my skin!

Available at select departmental stores, and beauty counters.

A quick flick is a big part of my idea of a fun weekend. But I always hated the soggy chaats and on-the-go kathi rolls that we had to gobble up pre- or post-movie. A fine dining option next to my favourite cinema, I always thought, would make for a complete evening out.

Well, guess what: My wish has just been granted! After Mumbai and Delhi, Spaghetti Kitchen, fronted by chef extraordinaire Bill Marchetti — he who made the ITC’s West View a must-visit for the cognoscenti — has set up shop on the ground floor of the Fame multiplex. Spread across 3,500 sq ft, with subdued lighting and widely spaced tables, this is the perfect place to wind down after a good movie (or a bout of shopping at Lido Mall).

For appetizers, my gang of girlfriends chose the super-delish Grissini, triangles of bread served with four dips. (The warm gorgonzola disappeared the fastest.) And we couldn’t resist ordering the thin-crusted Salad Pizza Parmigiana with fresh greens, sliced olives, wild mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, all drizzled with balsamic gold and honey-mustard dressing. Who’d have known pizza could be so un-sinful?

In the pasta course, the top vote went to the fluffy potato-and-cheese gnocchi with rich Bolognese sauce. And we ended the meal with the hot chocolate brownie served as a sizzler with a generous dose of hot chocolate and a dollop of vanilla gelato.

Mama Mia!

Spaghetti Kitchen. Lido Mall-2, Old Madras Road, Bangalore. Tel: 41738131. A meal for two will cost around Rs 1500 without alcohol.

When I’m looking for offbeat fashion that doesn’t look like reheated leftovers from last season’s ramp, I always head to Cypress. The upcoming designers keep it fresh and I always find something I love.

When I dropped by yesterday, I found myself short of breath with uncontained desire. No, it wasn’t some hunk but some statement purses that had me asking for more, more, more! Artist Rashmi Dogra launched her art studio, Fluke Design Company, last year and even had her dear friend and mentor Rohit Bal host her first exhibition at his Delhi restaurant Veda. Needless to say: sold out. Now, she’s here in Mumbai, with a collection of hand-painted leather handbags that’s just waiting to be snapped up by us just like her artworks were.

Inspired by Salvador Dali, the fine crafted clutches, satchels and totes adorned with bold motifs, bright colours and excellent detailing, are surefire head-turners. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the one with the Venetian masks. So insanely appealing, I’m picturing myself in my lovely new shift dress, accessorising with just this one conversation-piece clutch.

Apparently there’s a method to Rashmi’s creative madness. She creates a storyboard for each piece of art then researches the material and design before executing it. No wonder the bags shout quality as well as quirky.

Warning: Not for the faint-hearted.

Cypress, 21st road, Windward Apartments, Near BEAMS, Bandra (W), Mumbai; Tel: 26461747; Timings: 11 am till 8pm(Monday to Saturday); Pricing: Starts at Rs 2,999 (plus taxes).

I’d been eyeing the creamy white marquee with the coffee-bean logo thirstily ever since it went up — ‘The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, estd. 1963′.

So of course I was there when the covers finally lifted a few weeks ago to unveil ‘the Bean’, arriving in India all the way from LA. The swelter in the spacious shop evidently left the Sunday crowds undeterred — the aroma of roasting beans was irresistible.

By the time I got to the counter, all five batches of blueberry muffins were gone. But the pecan pie was made in heaven. No regrets — especially as I’ve meandered back thrice to bring back a doggy bag of those selfsame muffins. The Original Ice Blended cafe latte was luscious even sans cream, yet scored a stronger caffeine hit than its competitors. Half-way through, I discovered that their ’small’ is substantial.

The most popular order seemed to be the signature ice-blended drinks, followed by Swedish Berry tea. Among the eats, the highly recommended cheesecakes — classic Philadelphia style, German and espresso-flavoured — sold out faster than hotcakes. The creamy fat wheels were regularly replaced, but customers hung out by the counter, refusing to budge until they were certain of being served a slice!

Tea-totaller dames who enjoy defrosting with a masala chai cuppa will love the slurpalicious ice-blended chai this summer. (Tip: Their range of to-buy tea canisters are too cute, and the scones are sound too!)

If you arrive at crack of dawn, they’ll even do you a plate of sunnies and sausages to go with your joe. Late-night munchies after the movie? I’ll zealously (and jealously) recommend the biscotti and apple crumble.

Psst: this is the first outlet in India, but will soon go to other cities too!

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Ground floor, Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi. No phone. Across from the MAC store. Prices: Beverages from Rs 50, snacks from Rs 45.

I’ve coveted their bold yet beautiful designs for some years now. The first time I heard the names of this designer-duo — Shane and Falguni Peacock — I thought them eccentric yet exciting. Uncannily, that’s the reaction their creations drew in the US! Just back from the LA Fashion Week, the designers are quite happy with the response they received there. While the first reaction to the OTT colours and the feather and diamante embellishments was one of disbelief, but soon, the silhouettes and graceful, ultra feminine drapes of their party dresses were well-received. The corals and fresh yellows mixed in with darker hues on the stylishly draped dresses are universal eye candy.

After seeing the Autumn-Winter ‘08 collection that they showcased there in LA and then their fab stuff at Fashion Week, I’ve been dying to get my hands on the same dresses. I’d buy the whole rack if I could! I find the combination of the feminine sweetheart necklines and the uniqueness of the much-embellished single strap rather intriguing. The varying hemline lengths of the Neoclassical gowns, shift dresses and kaftans allow for nice flashes of leg as you swish in and out of luxe cars. And the juxtaposition of one pattern (from paisley to tiger stripe to tapestry) with the other. For me, the striking colour palette — fuchsia, cranberry, orange, grey, canary yellow — is a great way to greet summer.

The one I love best? I want the black and white one with the deep scarlet rosettes. Hand’s off that one and you go get something else for yourself, alright?

Shane & Falguni Peacock website: www.peacockcouture.com.

China and India. Chindia. Indo-Chine. Whichever way you look at it, the two giants seem to be locked in a tussle. Competitors. Rivals. One seeking to do outdo the other in economy, productivity, population.

Me, I’m a pacifist. Live and let live, I say. The world’s big enough for both. That’s why I love it when the HM Group (the guys behind Amoeba, Three Quarter Chinese and other eateries) sets up a restaurant that brings together the two great countries and their superlative cuisines. In China occupies the ground floor. Ada Hind Ki is right on top. (And any interpretations you draw from the placement is solely yours.)

Spread across 8000sq ft, In China has a well-stocked bar and lounge leading to the open deck and a private dining area for small and large groups, apart from the regular dining area. The decor is tasteful and subtle — none of that in-your-face dragon and gilt — but the food set my tastebuds on fire. I started off with the Dong Quar Chung soup, a thick concoction with chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetables, and followed it up with flaming jumbo prawns in a satay sauce and roasted sesame lamb. But the must-haves in my book? The corn kernel pepper salt and the braised chicken in chu hou soya sauce. Innovatively titled Treasure Bags — yummy pastry filled with mixed fruity treasures — wound up the meal and left the greedy me wanting for more.

Just as well there’s Ada Hind Ki. It caters to the discerning spice-lover in me, with super-delish chaats and succulent kebabs (recommended: the Jalpari Kebab and Murg ki Parchhi). The show kitchen here is a show-stopper and watching Chefs Musharraf (yeah, this place is all about being nice to the neighbours) and Prem Singh whip up light-as-air roomalis and rescue perfectly charred hunks of meat from the tandoor.

So which is my favourite? Now that’d be telling!

In China and Ada Hind Ki, 31 Museum Road, H.M. Eleganza. Tel: 40001234. Meals for two: around Rs800.

Hungry Eyes. Little China. Hotpot. I miss the tacky vans with strange names that once served up Chinese takeaway, Mumbai ishtyle. But even if they were around today, I don’t think I’d pick up my hakka noodles from there. I’ve just discovered relatively affordable Chinese takeaway, minus the fire in my belly from eating at those roadside joints.

Mr Chow’s, the fab new delivery/takeaway chain — which spans South Mumbai and the Western suburbs (up to Juhu) — promises hygienically cooked food at your doorstep. The first time I ordered off the attractive red menu, I wondered whether it would live up to all its tall claims. Would my meal really be “cooked with the freshest of vegetables and choicest of meats in low cholesterol oil”? Would choosing to have no ajinomoto (MSG) mixed in still allow for tasty food?

Luckily, I wasn’t disappointed. The veggies were superlative, the flavour appetizing and the delivery time — on the dot. Mr Chow’s Sweet Corn soup may have been standard fare, but the Steamed Wontons Tossed with Burnt Garlic and main courses could have held their own in any high-end Chinese restaurant.

Among the mains, I love the flavourful Roast Lamb Pot Rice, rich in black mushrooms and zucchini — a great meal on its own, or spiced up with its two side sauces. I’ve also tried their meal combos. I’d recommend the Chilly Oyster Sauce if you like it hot, and the Ginger Honey Sauce for those who prefer it zingy.

I’m still gonna try out a few more dishes just to make sure they’re consistent enough to put on my speed dial, but it’s well worth exercising your dialing finger to give Mr. Chow’s a taste.

Mr Chow’s. Bandra: 26423595/86/64; Worli: 24334554/51/58; Colaba: 22160074/75/76; Timings: 11.30 am to 3 pm and 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm; Prices: A meal for two is about Rs 400 and up (without drinks but inclusive of taxes). The meal combos are priced between Rs 150 and Rs 210. No drinks and desserts.