Life is like my jewellery box. Some days I wear the same ol’ things, but on other days I dig deeper and discover a total charmer of a necklace that I’d completely forgotten I owned.

Like the brilliant emeralds and turquoises of the Andamans. I’ve always known they’re there, but the magical (and recession-friendly) trip planned by the team at www.getoffurass.com made me look hurriedly for that ruby-pink knapsack. What makes it a must-do is that this is no pre-planned-pre-cooked-family-getaway, it’s a journey into the most exotic and mysterious parts of this verdant archipelago in a 13-day-long experience researched and recce’d by a bunch of guys just as fun-loving as me.

The trip will kick off at a research base where hiking, canoeing and camping on islands with researchers will be the main highlight. The rest of the journey will take me through unexplored, tourist-free areas, ending up at the highest point (Saddle Peak). Here we will explore uninhabited islands and visit limestone caves. National Geographic will look like Cartoon Network after this, I have a feeling. The team will be led by local people throughout to ensure a first-hand experience of the place and stories that a travel guide would miss.

I’m reaching for the big bag, the tiny binoculars, the long stick, the old boots, and getting set for a jewel of a trip. You?

Getoffurass’s Andamans trip. Departure date: March 13. Duration: 12-13 days (itinerary is subject to ferry time-tables and permits). Cost: Rs 31,200, inclusive of food, stay and travel within the island. Contact: Robin +91 9980785225 or Santosh +91 9845442224. Website: www.getoffurass.com. Email contact@getoffurass.com for a detailed itinerary.

My heart is still singing Jai Ho! for India making it big at the Oscars, and my tummy is humming along in delight. That’s because I took it to a new place for a celebratory dinner, and boy, did we live it up!

In keeping with the international mood, we headed to Global Fusion, a new eatery in a lane that’s fast becoming a go-to destination for hip suburbanites.

As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I felt a sense of calm descend upon me. It’s probably the high-ceilinged Zen-like atmosphere achieved with silent water fountains, comfortable lighting and Feng Shui fauna statuettes dotting the place that did the trick. The tables were all arranged at arms length from each other — none of that neighbour-checking-what’s-on-your-plate over here.

And the food? The spread included enough Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Burmese options to make my head spin. My chopsticks did a happy click at both the sushi and dim sum counters. The sushi was divine and the sashimi succulent; all expertly made fresh every few minutes and served appetisingly. There was a large variety of dim sum, each one more interesting than the last, from delicately sweet, steamed Strawberry Pao to the translucent and crunchy Crystal Sui Mai. Prawn Tempura that would give Kentucky Fried Chicken a run for its money and Cheese-baked oysters that put a Cheshire Cat grin on my face.

I somehow managed to tuck into a main course of excellent green Thai curry with fluffy, steamed rice. By the time I only had room for a minuscule glass of mango fool and knocked it back with some crunchy discs strangely called Almond Tools.

I can’t wait to go back for more. I’m keeping my chopsticks crossed that it’ll be soon!

China Gate’s Global Fusion, Nouvelle Food Republic, 3rd floor, Link Square Mall, Linking Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai. Tel: 26469001/2; Lunch is Rs 475 per head from Monday-Saturday, Sunday brunch is Rs 650, dinner is Rs 575 from Monday-Thursday and Rs 650 from Friday-Sunday.

There are days when office seems like oh no, not today! So this Friday, the office buds and I decided to play hooky. On the agenda: frothy coffee, wholesome sandwiches and sinful desserts.

The destination? Cafe Style, a spanking new café that’s opened up in Sector 18, the prime hangout hub of Noida. Spread over two floors, it spills out into the open — perfect for your choice of java, and a pleasant evening.

The menu spans a mix of Oriental, Lebanese and Indian. I chose the intriguingly named Bunny Chow, a sandwich with a history. It is said that when Indian migrant workers were brought to South Africa to work the sugarcane plantations, they created the Bunny Chow — a hollowed-out loaf which contained their curry.

Order placed, we headed upstairs. And found some quirky items up for sale — tie-up sandals just right for summer, colorful umbrellas, sequined keds, funky caps and gloves, even colorful feather boas! Before we could choose, the food beckoned.

The Salad Nicoise was flavorsome, fresh and served with cheesy garlic bread, the Burgerrabia (grilled meat, veggies with dressing and an onion chutney slapped into two slices of pita bread and served with fries and a sunny side up) a complete meal in itself. My Bunny Chow turned out to be pretty familiar — nothing but pav bhaji in reverse! The Seared Chilli Chicken served on a bed of grilled veggies was fine too — spicy, the chicken done to a turn.

After drooling over the cakes and pies on display, we chose the chocolate walnut brownie (crumbly walnut cake topped with chocolate frosting) with ice cream, and the key lime pie (tangy and sublime). Also on my don’t-miss list: the Affogato — two scoops of ice cream dunked into a huge cup of espresso.

I’m going back soon — I think the beer and cheese soup will intrigue the BF!

Cafe Style, K1, Dharam Palace, Opposite The Great Kebab Factory, Sector 18, Noida; Ph: 0120-4548472. Open from: 8 am to 11 pm. Meal for two: Rs 800.

Summer’s going to be here before you know it. Which means there’s no time like now to start taking better care of your skin — before you need to shed those winter layers and sport some skimpier styles.

Us, Trendy girls, have got your back (and the rest of your body, too) — all of which will be looking even more lovely after you take advantage of this special offer for Trendy readers from our friends at Earthy Goods.
Click here to sign up, and the first 50 readers who do will receive a special free gift box with trial samples of the brand’s handmade, natural Earth & Soul range, including their apricot oil, body butter and soap.

We’ve told you about Earthy Goods before, since we’re big fans of this ICICI Foundation-backed organization, which works with remote farmers and underprivileged women across the country to produce their fabulous beauty products and culinary creations.

Their Earth & Soul Apricots Galore oil (Apricot Body Oil) is a great cure for dry skin. It’s made in the Himalayas, where apricots grow in abundance, and women use the fruit to bring out the skin’s natural glow. The pure apricot body oil has a smooth texture, is rich in natural vitamins and minerals, and vanishes into the skin without a greasy feel.

And we can’t get enough of their handmade soaps, that make every shower a natural experience straight from the Himalayan mountains or the fields of Pondicherry. They come in seven fragrances — Cool Mint, Cedar Rose, Tulsi, 21-Herbs, Sandal Turmeric, Lemongrass Scrub, and Lavender Scrub — each made from natural oils, essential oils, herbs, and flower extracts.

And the range has a few Summer Specials: soaps in new fragrances (Jasmine Lavender, Vanilla Patchouli, Savor Saffron, and Spice Forest), peppermint foot scrub and divine body scrubs for a great home-spa experience.

‘Tis the season to treat your body and soul!

Earthy Goods. In Delhi at: Le Marche Department Store 011 26143090; 011 41669111; 58 Basant Lok Market, Vasant Vihar; Sant Lal Ramji Das; 011 26855796; Hauz Khas Market; and Defence Stores; 011 65683496; 38 Defence Colony Market. For product queries in Mumbai and Bangalore: call +91 9811580033 visit or email es@earthygoods.co.in. Click here for samples gift box (free for the first 50 Trendy readers who sign up)!