On my to-do list for the week: walks in the pale sunshine, impromptu coffee catch-ups and bunking work to sneak out with the boyfriend for a round of alu tikki. What’s not? Chapped, dry lips that say don’t kiss me! So I’m rounding up ammo — tried and tested — that will keep my lips soft, moisturized and oh-so-kissable.

Forrest Essentials: Their lip balms are addictive — you use them once, and you’re bound to come back to them every winter. I’ve tried all three — coconut, litchi and mango, and if I had to choose one would zero in on coconut. The rich balm gives my lips all the moisture and healing they need. So no flakes, no dry skin. Only lips that look dewy and oh-so-good.
www.forestessentialsindia.com; also at Forest Essentials stores: Delhi: G-54, Select Mall, Saket, Ph 011-42658464; 46B, Khan Market, Ph: 011-41757057; Mumbai: F-19, Inorbit Mall, Malad, Ph 022-65215209. Rs 250

The Body Shop: If I want protection and glamour, then Born Lippy’s my fav. A range of tinted, moisturizing lip glosses, they give my lips a shiny finish — sparkle and shimmer with the care that chapped lips need. Available in lots of variants: mint, strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, mango, peach and passionberry. I love the satsuma — a burst of citrus energy that makes me go mmmm.
The Body Shop. Delhi: M 53-A, Greater Kailash Part I. Ph: 41735139. Mumbai: Shop No 6, first floor, Inorbit Mall, Malad (West). Ph: 67102021. Bangalore: Lido Mall, Shop 5, 1st Floor, Swami Vivekanand Road. Ph: 41477272. Rs 295

Nivea: This is one brand I’ve grown up with. And it continues to be high up on my list. The Lip Therapy range offers six varieties — cherry, chocolate, velvety rose, cocoa, vanilla and fresh mint. I like the fact that the balm is highly moisturizing — one slather and you’re done. Try the cherry, it smells great and leaves your lips with a faintly rosy glow.
Available at most drugstores and department stores. Rs 89

Now I’m all puckered up!

When I suggested going out for a South Indian meal, my hardcore carnivore friend from the other side of the Vindhyas made a face. “You know I love my idli-dosa, but I’d like something more, well, meaty,” she drawled.

I was so glad to be able to introduce her to bonSouth. The second restaurant from the guys who gave us South Indies, this one celebrates the best of the cuisines from the four southern states with an emphasis on the non-vegetarian. And yes, contrary to my pal’s notions, there’s plenty to choose from.

But, first, my friend was floored by the PDA-toting waiters. Our orders were noted down in a jiffy, and we began to look forward to our culinary journey. The start-off point was Karnataka, of course, with a kori kempu bezule, tender pieces of boneless chicken in a Mangalorean home-style masala, and kane bezule, a Mangalorean speciality of marinated and shallow-fried ladyfish. “Not bad,” she said.

Next stop: Andhra Pradesh, where we sampled kodi vepudu, tender pieces of boneless chicken cooked dry in a spicy masala, and podi mamsumu, tender cubes of mutton with poppy seeds. “Delish,” she admitted.

The carbs came from several kinds of rice and super-light appams (with which we had to have the Kerala mutton ishtew, of course). Tamil Nadu was rep’d by the nandu kuzhambu, fresh crab cooked in a typical Chettinad style gravy, and kari kari mandi, vegetables cooked with tamarind, fenugreek and curry leaves. “Superlative!” she exclaimed.

bonSouth raises the bar even further, I told her, by introducing alcohol in a South Indian eatery. “Can we come back?” she asked.

bonSouth. 749, 10th Main, 4th Block, 80ft Road, Koramangala, Bangalore 34. Tel: 40543434. A la carte meal for two: Rs. 1500. Beat-the-Recession Brunch with unlimited cocktails (weekends only): Rs 550 per head.

I’m a woman of many moods. But the one thing that the many ‘me’s are clear about is that we want to visit the wide open spaces the coming weekend, especially since it’s going to be a long one thanks to Republic Day. Come on, girl-on-the-go, help me choose from my shortlist and maybe you’ll find something useful for your plans too!

Peace: One place where I can really unspool the week’s worries, is Maval Srushti. A sprawling resort set up on a hill about 40 kms from Lonavala, it’s proof that the journey is sometimes just as beautiful as the destination. Getting off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and following the winding ribbon of road through picturesque fields and hills is peace on a platter. Barely any vehicles; only wheeling kites and the gleaming waters of the Pavna Dam for company. The 20-acre resort itself is all about being low-key and eco-friendly, with home-style Maharashtrian cooking, simple accommodation, lots of nature rambles and crisp mountain air.
Expenses: Between Rs 250 and Rs 800 per person per day, inclusive of food and use of the swimming pool; Contact: 020-25435609, Alka: 9922968836

Adventure: The thrill of pedalling along the Konkan coastline is exhilarating. The Explorers outdoor adventure group has been doing this for a few years now, so it’s well organised. Explore Mandwa, Revdanda and many other places on the way. Expect superior quality bicycles, unlimited cold water to drink, a LOT of physical exercise, beach tent accommodation and bonding with people from various parts of the world.
Dates: January 24-26; Expenses: Approximately Rs 5,000 per person, all-inclusive; Contact: Aloke: 98214-21566, 22004774/5, info@explorersindia.com

Variety: The adventure travel outfit called the Nature Knights is organising this one. They call it a Caravan Safari, but it’s really a group of like-minded outdoors enthusiasts getting together to explore Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Local sight-seeing, treks to Lingmala or Chinaman waterfalls, horse riding, bicycle trips, boating in the lake and chats around the campfire are the highlights.
Dates: January 24 to 26; Expenses: Approximately Rs 3,000 per person for three nights and three days including basic transportation, accommodation and food, plus extras for horse, cycle or boat rentals; Contact: M Asif: 98210-81566, 96191-82010, asif@natureknights.com

Three weeks. That’s all it takes to break all my noble new year diet resolutions. This time around, my downfall was caused by a lip-smacking Indian khana binge. When I walked into Select Citywalk this rainy Sunday, and saw it flagged with a zillion posters of the newly-opened Orange Hara (I’m a big fan of their original branch at Rajouri Garden), I knew the time had come for chicken tikka, creamy dal and crisp, buttery naan. Off I went, beau beside me, to begin my big fat tuck-in.

The restaurant turned out to be outside the mall actually (right opposite the exit near MAC and Clinique), and has a stylish fawn and ebony decor with red and white lamp accents, a nice change from your usual Indian ethnic chic. The menu was so vast that I had to order a spread of starters: Tandoori Murgh, in an amazingly tangy and cardamom-y marinade. Nimbu Machhli Tikka, in subtle, lemony flavours. Paneer Tikka which tasted like my grandma’s achaar!

The main course was a total fiesta, with a tender-as-can-be Mutton Roganjosh, a light and flavourful Paneer Butter Masala, a very subtle Kadhai Murgh, and of course, the homestyle, soul-satisfying Dal Makhani. The breads — the fiery Mirchi Paranthas, and the aromatic Keema and Garlic Naans — were excellent, too.

I’d just about sunk into my couch with a dramatic sigh of satisfaction, when the Chocolate Lava Cake came to the table. Warm, oozing liquid-centre chocolate cake with a cool bite of vanilla ice-cream got me all philosophical. Could life get any better?

Nah.

Orange Hara, 3-4, Ground Floor, Southern Park Mall, District Centre, Saket (next to KFC), Ph: 40597538/9. Liquor license awaited. Meal for two: Rs. 1,200 to 1,800. The original branch of Orange Hara is at TDI Paragon Mall, Rajouri Garden, Ph: 25161647/8. Liquor served.

There are some brands that you always associate with special events in your life. My first lipstick — Lakme. My first pair of grown-up jeans — low-slung Levis. The perfume I wore when I was dating my first boyfriend — the sweet Anais Anais. The one I wore when I dumped my last one — Calvin Klein’s Truth. You know how it is. But there are some that grow with you. Stoffa’s been that kind of label for me.

Ever since sisters Priyanka Tejwani and Malini Kotecha started stocking their brilliant footwear designs at Mumbai’s Oak Tree in 2003, I was a goner. Since then, I’ve been getting my Stoffa fix every few months. Funky wedges, satin flats with ethnic hand embroidery, Swarovski-studded jute footwear and brocade chappals, the likes of which I haven’t seen anywhere else.

No wonder that when I visited their fab new flagship showroom in Mumbai, I was like a kid in a candy store! Although I knew I could get the same footwear at any of their retail outlets in all the other Indian cities that I visit so often on work, I just wanted to buy, buy, buy, then and there.

I flitted about the beautifully appointed 1000 sq ft space where the sunshine pours in through large windows and checked out the latest collections. Their signature styles are still around — combining Italian corks, shiny metallic patents and structured heels with traditional Indian beads and stones. But what I’m most enthused by are their two new ranges. Stoffa Gal, meant to be for the under-20s age-group, has a fabulous funky feel. The wacky styles are in young and perky colours, from melon and strawberry to fuchsia and acid green. In contrast, the Stoffa Bride range is all sophistication, with metallics and intricate embroidery on plush fabrics.

Stoffa’s the stuff that dreams are made of.

Stoffa flagship store: 6/12, Grants Building, 1st Floor, Arthur Bunder Road, Opposite Cafe Basilico, Colaba, Mumbai; Tel: 022-22826619. Also retails at Ensemble, Kimaya, Ogaan, Samsaara, Aza and Mai in Delhi and in Evoluzione and Samsaara in Bangalore; E-mail: mail@stoffastyle.com.

It isn’t the easiest restaurant to locate. But I found my way through the front garden and the narrow alley to meet my pal sitting at one of the round tables. Once I was seated, I couldn’t help but ask: Why call it The Rogue Elephant? Anand Chettur, co-owner, was quick to address my curiosity: “It’s to signify that we stand apart — like the rogue elephant who keeps running away from the rest!”

This home-style eatery adjoining the Ambara boutique takes the place of the former Garden Cafe. The new ownership — hospitality professionals Chettur and his partner Sheila Appa — has kept some of the menu but many of the dishes are as fresh as the spring leaves that are already making an appearance in Bengaluru.

We started with the cream of roasted pumpkin soup — the perfect way to whet the appetite — and followed it up with the Suzanna pasta, served with pesto sauce and generous helpings of broccoli, red and yellow peppers and chunks of chicken. Chettur suggested a vanilla pannacotta, an Italian baked cream dessert. It was light on the tongue and the tummy, an appropriate ending for a meal that revels in the subtle and the superior.

The Rogue Elephant, I’ve realized, doesn’t do fine linen and posh ambience. What it focuses on, instead, is comfort food: dishes from Europe and Africa enlivened with their innovative touches. It’s like dropping in at a favourite aunt’s place for her legendary-in-the-family food, rather than dining at a fancy restaurant.

As my friend and I caught up with our gossip over the leisurely meal, we hoped this rogue would continue to stray from the beaten path.

The Rogue Elephant at Ambara. 119, Annaswamy Mudaliar Road, Bangalore 42. Tel: 25572829. Timings: 12-5.30 pm. Meal for two: Rs 500-700.

We’ve all done the slam book in school. The photo wall in college. Even now, the office-softboard-turned-picture-album works as the perfect cubicle softener. For gals like you and me, pix of our loved ones don’t just speak a thousand words, they’re often worth more than a thousand e-cards and sms greetings. Which is why I think we’ll be on the same page when you hear of an exciting new concept studio that’s opened in our city recently. Kreating Keepsakes, Mumbai’s first ever ‘Scrapbooking and Collage Studio’, is a delightful little place that’s dedicated to showcasing all those memorable moments that make life so special.

I went in for a consultation and came away enthralled at the sheer variety of stuff I could now do with my photos. Kaya Shewakramani, fellow memory-preserving enthusiast and owner of this studio, has been doing wonderful things with her photos for years and is now happy to guide others through the process.

At the studio, I learned how to cut and paste and compose all my mixed-mood images into a vibrant tapestry that’s now a conversation starter on the wall of my little foyer. I also picked up some fab DIY kits for scrapbooking and customising my photo albums.

And that’s not all. I’m finally going to be able to stop buying those generic aromatic candles and spa vouchers for friends who have it all and gift them keepsakes that truly celebrate our special relationship instead. With plenty to choose from in terms of themes and variations, along with the fact that I’m putting my personal touch into the creation of each collage, book or wall decor showpiece, I’m never going to be short on gifting ideas.

I think I just found my new hobby. Beats scrapping on Orkut or uploading pix online any day!

Kreating Keepsakes Design Studio: 203/204, Ramnimi, Mandlik Road, Colaba, Mumbai; Tel: 22041173; Cost: Starts at Rs 200.

It’s not just Akshay Kumar who’s off to China. With the Orient being the flavour of the week, this Noida girl is also haring off to sample the best offerings in the neighborhood!

Mandarin Trail: This one gets my vote for the best Chinese menus in this part of town: fish in scallion sauce (melts in the mouth), the chicken in black bean sauce, and the sauteed prawns with dried chilli. Yum. Don’t forget to top it off with spiced date pancakes on a bed of ice cream. I so lurvve happy endings!
322, Great India Place, Sector 38A, Noida. Ph: 0120-4279322, 4279323. Meal for two: Rs 800; alcohol will be on the menu soon.

Asia Kitchen: Really hungry? We were. So we got the Mongolian pot. Meant to serve four, this stew –with shrimps, fish, chicken dumplings, mushrooms and glass noodles — is a meal in itself. The vegetarians shouldn’t miss the stir-fried zucchini, bokchoy, bean curd and mushrooms in black bean sauce. Another good bet: red snapper with your choice of sauce (tamarind, garlic and red chilli or sweet chilli, lemon butter). Delish!
H1A/33, Sector 63, Noida. Ph: 0120-4218555, 4218666. Meal for two: Rs 900; alcohol served.

The House of Far East: I’m a total spice girl. The prawns with lemon chilli sauce set the tone for my sizzling date later! Order, as I did, the Mongolian chicken (noodles on the side to temper it), the shredded lamb in hot soya sauce and the stir-fried chilli potatoes. Something sweet to round it off? The walnut cake’s nice and crumbly, and is served with ice cream of your choice.
H-1, A/7SECTOR-63, Noida. Ph: 0120-4210700, 4210800. Meal for two: Rs 700; alcohol not served yet.

I began this year by swearing not to splurge. It’s good to be careful, right? But there are times when I fling all caution to the winds, and this is one of those times, when the diamonds I’d been craving suddenly went to being so near, from so far.

It’s raining discounts on diamonds at Tanishq. Or at least that’s what seemed to me when I walked into my nearest Tanishq store, and parked myself in front of a smiling salesperson, who told me I could get up to 25 percent off on the pieces that I selected. The discount covers pieces fit for everyday wear, as well as some heavy-duty styles for more formal occasions.

The Everyday collection has lightweight pieces that can work beautifully at the work-place, as well as casual get-togethers. I picked a white gold ring with a diamond cross, as well as a little matching pendant. And while I was at it, I got my sister a stunning yellow gold ring studded with little diamonds.

I didn’t stop there. Fat chance. I lost no time in selecting one from the heavier sets (from the Aria collection), whipping out my debit card for an exquisitely crafted necklace in the classic seven stone floral motif. It would so go with my formal pantsuit, as well as with my best kanjeevaram.

My jewellery box is now a beauteous thing.

Available at all Tanishq showrooms in major metros. Delhi: G-16, Part I, South Extension, New Delhi 110049, Ph: 24624586/ 24602858; Mumbai: G-11, Inorbit Mall, Mind Space, Malad Link Road, Malad, Mumbai 400064, Ph 66406945/ 28777747/ 66406938; Bangalore: No. 623, Balaji Arcade, 80 Ft Road, next to Maharaja Restaurant, 4th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034, Ph: 41504614/ 41313611. Sale on till Feb 22nd. Prices: Rs 4,000 onwards.

I’m having a Cinderella moment. I’ve emerged from the everyday and am ready for the exciting. In the new year, my present to myself is a new me. And in keeping with my resolution, who should come along to wave a magic wand, but Gauri and Nainika Karan, designer to Bollywood’s best.

The Delhi-based sisters retail at a couple of topline boutiques in Bangalore but guess who’s bringing their latest collection to town? My fave hangout, Olive Beach, that’s who. In a one-day event called Haute Compote Blush, they have the Karan siblings showcasing their all-new Resort ‘09 collection!

G&N designs can be inspired by anything beautiful, from European fashion, history, art, music, books and theatre to Hollywood, red carpet glamour and pictures of their mother from the ’70s. And, possibly, the Cinderella story.

A sneak peek revealed that the Resort ‘09 collection uses fabrics like taffeta, duchesse satin and flowy chiffons. The silhouettes are form-flattering, the lines impossibly feminine, with nipped-in waists and dramatic hemlines and hues ranging from the lightest pinks to the most vibrant fuchsias. I loved a pale number whose flouncy skirt stops asymmetrically at the knees, beneath a fitted bodice and a big bow.

Who cares for Prince Charming when my Fairy Godmothers are going to make me feel so beautiful?

Haute Compote Blush at Olive Beach, 16 Wood Street, Bangalore 25. Tel: 41128400. Gauri & Nainika’s show is on Wednesday January 14, 2009. Clothes are priced upwards of Rs 3,000. G&N also retail at Kimaya and Evoluzione.