Blog Event- Make The Axis Acquaintance

At Haute Kutir, we love shopping, we love dining out and love to explore new places! Somehow shopping expeditions are seldom pre-planned but mostly ad hoc. Thank God for Plastic money and net banking to have made our expeditions even more extravagant, convenient and quick. Imagine, carrying so much of money in your wallet when going out! Naah! Being a shopaholic, I often found myself liking something at odd times especially when I did not have sufficient cash or was not carrying my purse or cards. Men! I hate credit cards as much as I hate influenza. Needless to say, I have a titanium credit card that I barely used or could keep tab of pending payments and ended up making paying LPC, eventually leading to scrapping the card for good. 

I am a very mobile savvy person and these days I love banking with netbanking more than what I do with debit cards. Ease of transaction, my friend and also you can immediately check your transactions and do more on your netbanking tool. Eve then, netbanking is mostly restricted to comfort of your homes/office, read switching big bulky laptops and computers to carry forward the transactions. 

There is no joy like Mobile wallet

Technology is changing and screens are converging. These days there is nothing as handy, as available as our smartphones with in built connectivity for 3G data, on the go. I am already using Airtel money but not having many options in Mumbai, the mobile wallet is as redundant for me as my broadband instrument in sans of connectivity [copper] at my home. So next is what?

Digital Banking

Since we love netbanking so much, time has come to take it further ahead and make it even more accessible much to the comfort of our mobile phone. Talking about Mobile banking, I can see a lot of us go eeeew about the concept, thinking about things like, I want to use but-

1) The limitation of small screen to accommodate such vast need

2) Safety concerns

3) Availability of right platform and partner

4) What is in "it" for me?

So if your answer is anyone of the above or all of them, read more about my visit at Axis Bank Corporrate Office, Worli, Mumbai.

Digital Banking with AXIS Mobile

Last Saturday, we attended an informative and interactive session with team Axis at their Worli office. Wherein, they have introduced their new concept- A mobile Banking App- "Axis Mobile" to the select bloggers invitee across the city and some from Pune too.

We reached the venue a little late but the Axis team did not leave any stone un-turn to explain us the entire concept in quite an exhaustive and experiential manner. The best things about the meeting was-

1) Well organized Venue - the company premises itself to see/experience the infrastructure/ people behind the bank

2) Well learned Team Axis- They demonstrated us different options of the digital Axis using the desk conferencing tool

3) The set up- As I said it was less preachy but highly engaging and interactive and experience oriented

4) Good Hospitality

5) Company of some good bloggers wherein we could interact with a lot of known, unknown faces behind the taglines or handles that we often follow. Thank God and brand teams for such meet wherein you get to meet lovely co-bloggers and exchange information/knowledge

6) An enriching experience that would be very applicable irrespective of genre, and enriched with content that we do use in our everyday life including as part of blogger's activity and information that would empower us, the way we transact financially

7) The beautiful Tribal Painting at the venue. Have a look-

What is Digital Axis or Axis Mobile

Axis mobile is not a new brand of handset but is like carrying your bank in your pocket. It is a simple, user friendly, convenient and allegedly secure mobile banking option that has been added to your #Smartphone

Who all can use Axis Mobile

All Axis bank customers [resident and NRIs] 

What do you need for Axis Mobile

1) A smartphone with any of these OS- Windows, Android, iOS 

2) Active Internet connection- pref 3G

In short, the app has more than 50 features including general transaction like Account details, summary, balance, etc.

Funds transfer, paying utility bills, mobile shopping, adding beneficiaries [Axis only], resetting your transaction limits/ credit limits and customized NFC [ Near Field Communication] applications like finding restaurants nearby with any existing offer, social media integration, viewing- redeeming your Edge Loyalty point anytime,  converting your credit card transactions to EMI with one simple click and much more. You can check the details at the AXIS Bank website

Why Axis Calls it Safe and Secure Mobile Banking

It has sim locking feature wherein on-boarding is only with bank registered mobile number. 

You can request for blocking/ replacing your credit card/ debit cards hassle free, at convenient of the phone with fewer click.

You have an option to get your app account terminated on your handset in case it is lost or stolen

My experience with the App- I am a non active Axis user. Hence, I did not download the app instantly on my phone but was quite stimulated to do so. Basis what I saw via live demo and my discussion with the app team, the app looks quite promising and convenient. I am looking for a bank rep now who can help me shift my old Axis account to Mumbai and then I would consider switching to it basis the personalized help I get. My current bank gives me relationship manager though.

Overall, the bloggers meet was definitely very informative and fun to be there. It was a double treat for me when I got to meet the lovely blogadda team members including Hari and Sushma, along with meeting other blogger friends especially- Disha Kotak Ramani, Rathina, Sherna, Aziz, Angel "Monish Chandon", Stephen Ste, Ankit, Nandini Deka among others.

What I wore for the event- Lara Karen Top, Levis Jeans

Make up- Bare minimum except an eye liner and lip gloss from L'Oreal [Molten Mauve- review coming soon]

This post is about 'Make the Axis Acquaintance' meet conducted by Axis Bank in association with BlogAdda.com 

Review of L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfecter Range

These days, every time I want to buy any cream for my face, I am bogged down by too many "Day creams", Night creams, BB creams, Sun Screen, Complexion perfecter, Face moisturizer, anti ageing creams et cetera. The moment the product salesperson see you in store, they inundate you with this cream, that cream and the works.

Seriously, it is then I get in to "no experimentation" mode and return back to my usual products or so as to say play safe. Now, I am a very lazy person. In spite of having a book full of beauty care and tips, my personal beauty regime is bare minimum. Blame it to my over occupied schedule or self carelessness. If only blaming things could make it easier for you especially for your skin. 

When it comes to skin care, one cannot take any chance, hence, the reason why several brands comes up with multiple creams, vying for your shelf space and wallet share. What you buy, is not sufficient and has to be additionally embedded with other products. To make my point clear, it is like- buy a moisturizer but to make it effective, use the same brand's Face wash, sunscreen, night moisturizer, fairness cream and to many extents- age reversal solution to bring in impact. Phew! Too many cream bottles, vials, tubes for one to carry. Also, a lot of time it leaves you to struggle- Is it suitable for your age?

What if you get multiple product benefits in one product?

Well I am not kidding, nor am I trying to push you a very expensive branded solution or "no performer" unknown products. I am just highlighting a breakthrough and innovative concept that I recently came through and tried for self!

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfecter Range

As the age changes, the skin care needs change too. Addressing the skincare with specific products for that age is quite challenging and needs attention. Hence, L'Oreal has introduced Skin Perfect, a revolutionary skin care range backed by 10 years of extensive research at their Innovation Labs.  [Source- Brand]

What does it offer

The product, with high performing active ingredients, offers a unique sensorial experience with visibly beautifying results. According to them, each product in this range is scientifically crafted with most enriching ingredients that can fortify and replenish the vitality of your skin. The range has been formulated to give visible results within 4 weeks of usage. 

The range uses Superior Vitamin 3X technology that combines Vitamin B3, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which are well known for their skin enhancing properties along with deep whitening actives that work on improving skin tone to give you healthy looking skin at any age.  

[Source- Brand release]

Products under this Range

It starts from Age 20+ and goes up to Age 40+

Age 20+ Skin Perfect range 

It is day cream with cleansing foam and, is combined with Perlite and Salicylic acid that helps keeping oiliness, pimples and blemishes at bay while giving you that clear skin glow. Hmm at age bracket of 20+ having a clear and bright skin is indeed desirable. 

This also have UV filter to protect skin from harmful sun rays that cause skin darkening. SO it not just moisturize but also whitens your skin, make it look flawless and glow.

The cream comes in 50g and 18g quantity and priced at Rs 325 and Rs 99 respectively

Age 30+ Skin Perfect range 

It is a moisturizing cream containing pro Collagen that helps in fighting those fine lines that starts appearing in your early 30s. It again comes in 50G and 18g quantity and priced at Rs 425 and Rs 149 respectively.

Age 40+ Skin Perfect range 

This helps addressing all those skin problems taht comes with ageing. it is packed with Pro Retinol A that helps get rid of wrinkles and aids in revitalizing skin.  It can be your secret to a "flawless" skin even after age 40+. 

This comes in 50G pack costing Rs 595/-

The Skin Perfect Range also has a cleanser foam for both Age 20+ and Age 30+

What I liked about them

Holistically talking, few of the things that I like about the range are-

• Comprehensive range with extensive detailing
• Quite Economical as it offers multiple benefit in one product
• Inclusive of Facial foaming cleanser along with the cream to ensure that you need not worry about skin care but get over all care.
• Quite Economical for the benefit it offers and quantity it gives
• Non comeodogenic formula
• Dermatological tested and extensively researched
• From the trusted house of L'Oreal Paris [One range for multiple needs like hair, skin care and makeup and quite a superlative quality in all of them]
• Easily available
• Covering from 20+ to 40+, making it a great buy for whole family at one go!

Haute Kutir Experience with L'Oreal Paris Skin perfecter Range

Well for some reason, I tried the age 30+ skin perfect range and liked it from the word go. I have a sensitive facial skin and any SPF above 15, makes it go haywire with breakouts, the brand has nothing to do with it. Basis my usage, I would concur-

1. I loved the soft and smooth texture that was easy to apply, spreads well and does not leave the skin dry
2. The cream's consistency is quite good
3. I loved the packaging [sturdy, simple while focusing more on content and elaborating the ingredients so you can check composition] and the overall concept
4. Post usage, my skin felt illuminated, fair and oozed out great confidence
5. I found the price quite reasonable
6. The scent is quite pleasant but am usually scared of using skin care products with scents
7. The product exuberants radiance

The only thing that I did not like about the product is it has SPF 30+ and hence it is not as suitable to my skin, given that I have allergy to SPF above 15. Guess, the composition is right for this product and in general barely few people have sunscreen intolerance like me [Gosh I sound like Howard from TBBT with his Lacto Intolerance].

Nevertheless, my team would be trying the other two cream as well and we shall soon share their feedback with you over a "quick" post. In case if you are contemplating to buy, then you must go ahead and try for self depending upon the age range you fall into. I would be gifting this to my "Olay Royalist Mom" who is the actual owner of Haute Kutir but very indifferent to change her usual skin care products, just to see what she has to say on this. 

Haute Kutire Verdict-At this price, given the brand's history of excellence through innovation and most importantly, the benefit it offers, the range it caters, I would suggest buy. Go ahead and pamper your skin today. Remember, a healthy skin needs not much make up and even then, makes a good base for make up. I am sure you will like the product as much as I did. however you have an allergy to sunscreen, then you can avoid the ones with SPF 30 and above.

Till such time, happy reading Haute Kutir and be the beautiful person you are.

PS: I know that some of you do hop to my pages regualrly but are yet to connect with me on Social Media. So do not forget to follow Haute Kutir on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We would be hosting a "Giveaway"soon to light your world. Stay tuned and keep loving- HauteKutir

Arrivederci 

The products used are brand samples and all pictures belongs to www.hautekutir.com

#1000Speak Compassion- towards Cruelty Free World

When beauty is skin deep, why do we, for our beauty needs, try cosmetics and other products on poor animals for testing?

Simple! cause we lack compassion. 

Compassion is one forgotten word in the new century. Our needs to be the best, get the best has become so high that it has cropped upon our sense of justice and fairness.

If I tell you that the shampoo that you use was perhaps tested on the eyes of rabbit first before getting launch ready in the market, would you still go ahead and use that shampoo or that beauty product for that matter? Well I would never. After all, what beauty is that which is not free from cruelty? What is the meaning of such beauty when it is on cost of another living being, who neither did any harm to you, nor was required for your existence in this world?

Source

Cruelty Free Cosmetics and Products

Rabbits, rats and many such voiceless, helpless creatures have to go through the cruel rituals to bring that "wonder working" but yet not mandatory for your existence cosmetics. Let us understand that we should not give to ecosystem what we cannot take from it. This world, this ecosystem are all God made resources and offers us no right to destroy them or cause them injury.

Noah and an Act of Random kindness

I am sure that you all would have read about the Noah and his ark wherein he took a pair each of every creature to ensure their existence in this world when crisis stroke. If you further extrapolate the word ARK, it would extend to- Act of random kindness. 

Today Noah has become immortal for his ARK. He is known for his kindness, support and caring for others with that act of his. And that is the beauty, when nobody talks about the physical beauty of a person but the deeds that they have done. The point is that it is our "acts" and our conducts that takes us ahead and hence they should all be made in right directions with noble intentions. And friend, cruelty towards other living being, toward animal, is not noble.

Let us take this opportunity to open our hearts and extend our compassion to the world. Let us lit this day with a thought, a noble thought. After all it is every one's world and let's make this world a better place.

Let us pledge to stay away from products and cosmetics that are "animal tested". Let us stand against Cruelty towards Animals. Let us, with each of unique us, strive to make this world, a cruelty free place.

I am against Animal tested products. How about you?

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This part of #1000speak, voices on compassion. When around 1000 bloggers around the globe will talk about compassion, support, kindness, caring for others, caring for environment, non-judgement but pure compassion, etc blogs about the same on same day i.e. 20th February 2015.

Baby Bed Time Rituals with Pampers

When a baby is born, a mother is born too. The amount of labor that goes in carrying a baby and nurturing one is indisputable. There is no joy like watching your baby. Also, no joy like seeing your baby sleep peacefully and comfortably.

Yeah! Making babies is a herculean task but making babies sleep is no less a feat that a lot of mothers will vouch to still struggle around.  After all,  good sleep is a sign of good nurture and good health. Babies who sleeps well and peacefully are known to be more healthy than the one who do not get adequate sleep, leading to insomnia for the whole family as well. There is lot of tricks and treats that are involved while putting your baby to sleep and no, medication is not a good idea ever.

I am not a mother yet but let me tell you, I have hands on experience of raising two newborns in the family. My affinity and popularity with children came handy as the traditional tips and knowledge that I gathered from my maternal grandmother during those times.

Bed Time could be Fun time too

Sleepless nights are a pass. Mothers today, know what ticks their baby and clicks for them. The trick is simple, quick and easy to adopt. One need not have to go overboard stressing about the same. All I would say is that know your baby, understand their pattern and you could be a hell lot of sleep therapist in the bargain.

Here’s few of the bedtime rituals that you can adopt to ensure that your baby not just sleeps faster but sleep comfortably-

Keep your baby clean, all the Time - Children have a tendency to litter up everything in the vicinity including their milk bottles and their own saliva. Do ensure that your surroundings including the Kid’s bed, linens, clothes and most importantly pants are soft, comfortable and clean. Ensure that the ambience is well lit and peaceful. Avoid using harsh lights as that act as a sleep barrier. I recommend lots of cartoon printed linen and stuffed toys to be a child's sleep partner for their Disney dreams.

A little Body massage and a hot towel wrap up- Who does not love a little pamper :) Well you can use mild baby oil to give an additional massage in the evening, followed by dipping a soft baby towel in lukewarm water and sponging your baby with it. Do not forget to change your baby into a clean and soft, light colored clothes. All through, you can play a cartoon character or tell animated stories to your baby.

Sing a lullaby- Mother’s voice, a soft tap on head or running fingers through hair, would easily help ease out a child and help him/her to put to sleep. It is uber cute when the child looks at your mouth while singing and tries to play with it. Kiss the hands, they are your gugli-woogly babies.

Mother’s Touch- Nothing could substantiate or substitute a mother's touch. A child may not be able to speak or express but knows the mother and her body fragrance really well. So make use of it, bring more proximity. there is a lot of things magical about the sense- Touch!

Sleep Cycle- When Dhruv, my maasi’s son was an infant, we used to manage his sleep cycles by keeping a close view on his sleep timings and hours. Since he was away from his mother, me and my grandma would see to it that he doesn’t sleep post sunset so that he can sleep at night say around 9:00 pm. To keep him awake at odd sleeping hours, I would play "tickle-nickle" with him. he used to laugh, giggle with his eyes wide open. Hmph

Baby Feed- Keywards are gripe water, milk and normal water to ensure that a child is well fed [neither under nor over] as a filled stomach induces sleep. Make it less mechanical and more playful. Like I used to take baby food in a spoon and play around asking- who's gonna eat this yum? The birds? The sun? The stars? or the little rockstar :) The kid will throw his hand and say-yaya yaya in his broken language. Fun!

Tender love and care- Well a lots of it and it is never sufficient. It starts with kisses, proceeds with hugs & kisses and ends with kisses. Like I said, a mother’s touch is capable of curing a child from many ill. Some children just love that cuddle. Ishu, as a child was naughty and would not sleep unless you cuddle him well. You move him out from embrace, he will wake up. You fold him back in your arms and he will sleep smilingly.

Well those were some of the fun bedtime rituals that you can choose. They are easy and comes natural being a mother. To know more do visit Pamper’s website. 

Let me also leave you with this cute ad. have a dekko. And yes, do drop in your feedback and if there is a specific bedtime ritual that you follow for your child, in the comments section of this blog 

 

Happy Reading and Happy Motherhood

Haute Kutir

PS: the Video is courtesy Pampers and Indibloggers

Oriflame One Range: Review of The One Color Impact Eyeshadows

Who does not love an eye make up? Especially when it is quick to do and accentuate your look with minimal makeup, accentuating your beautiful eyes and pulling that Charisma.

I love eye makeup and wear bit often even for regular office, movie dates or any outings. My love for eye makeup took me to experimenting different brands from the Victoria's Secret Makeup Palette to many other brands. My favorite eye makeup look is- Smokey eyes especially Black smokey eyes.  

Having said that, I must also reiterate that I hate spending long hours and doing elaborate makeup. I somehow like the minimal look wherein I like to focus one feature on my face and keep rest subdue or sport a bare minimum look. I am bored of my "just an eyeliner" or "mere lipstick" routine and wanted to do more.

However, challenges that I always faced while using eye makeup-

1) Elaborate base make up to cover my dark circles

2) Short staying products

My late work hours and late sleeping routine blessed me with quite a deep dark circle around my eyes. And given my laziness to do elaborate makeup, I always end up avoiding using eye shadows. Not anymore. For Oriflame had introduced one hell lot of little magical boxes filled with some amazing colors in its "One Color Impact Eyeshadows" range that I can't stop coo-cooing about it.

Taking Garnier Fructis Happy Hair Challenge

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow [Naaaah]

I am a beauty writer and often as part of the deal, I have to try multiple products on self before going ahead with my review. In spite of the limited experiment that I do with my hair and, what I perceive to be regular care, I still find my hair story not going the way it should be. Sometimes, a bad product just worsens the situation for me and what was the "Hair Today" for me, often leads to "Gone Tomorrow". 

My Current Hair Condition

Hair Type: Wavy, Mid-length, Black-brown, tendency to get rough.

I was blessed with good, silky and problem-free hair that I often wonder as to why all my friends are having an issue with their manes when am not getting any. Alas! what a mistake. 

Besides, I always liked trying different products to gain back my hair to the original state but however only a few suit me. Sometimes, the product that once was a "lifesaver" for me, starts acting nasty and call for change. And then comes to the perils associated with beauty reviewers.

It is not just about the different hair products that we review for www.hautekutir.com but hair care in general. I am a telecom professional and I have traveled and stayed at the length and breadth of the country. This has lead to acclimatizing myself to different weather and water conditions, hence bringing my hair to multiple risks. How can I forget mentioning lifestyle habits and stress!

The result- My hair has become thinner than ever. Hair fall has become a regular tenant with a great company from white flakes, AKA Dandruffs who things my hair is their primary property. Men, I hate using Anti Dandruff Shampoos.

The other major issue that my hair suffers from is- Lifelessness. Often a lot of prestigious products leave my hair dull, unruly and weak. Needless to say, the hair loses the form and rather looks like a mess on the head than crowning glory. You call it- Bad Hair day. I say Bad hair Days.

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo and Conditioner

Contained within the bright orange plastic flip cap bottles, the Shampoo smells just nice without being either too strong or too weak. It is fluid but not too runny. I, in particular, liked the conditioner for its creamy properties. The ingredients [Coconut, Olive, and Almonds] sounds promising. And guess what, it is quite economically priced. 

The product claims to come with deep action to nourish my hair from the scalp till length. That Looks enticing. 

Happy hair Challenge

In an endless pursuit to find a suitable hair care products especially Shampoo and conditioner, I am now taking a Happy Hair Challenge with Garnier Fructis. 

Let's see if Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition can take care of my hair without leading to severe hair fall and dandruff while maintaining the cut and layers that I styled them in to.

Date of Starting the Challenge: 1st Feb 2015

Duration: 30 Days

Woo hoo! I will come back after the scheduled closure and share with you my feedback on the same. 

Micro Blogging and Instagram

Before we begin, I Love Instagram!

It is quick, addictive, fast moving, an amazing platform that I am totally hooked too.

Well, I was not like this always. In fact, when Instagram came around, I dismissed it off as an "other social platform" and advised all my friends to stop asking me to add Instagram account just cause they had one. That way I dismissed many such platforms and still do, but Instagram is an exception, a beautiful exception.

Instagram as Microblogging website

Life is Busy and Instagram makes Blogging easy! #HauteKutirSays

In spite of taking select blogging assignments and initiatives, Time is a luxury that I have to often look for. This took a toll on my posts and I have to let go of many of them given time's scarcity [ to assemble the post with words, pictures etc]. Using Instagram, I could now quickly post about different things including the products that I would be reviewing, Places I am currently visiting, Food updates and many more, all "Instantly" and "concisely" through the pictures.

Instagram as a Visual Twitter

I started on twitter quite early but was a laggard user until a few months back. While I shall cover my thoughts on Twitter on another post, just wanted to suggest here is Twitter for me is best explained as a "sound byte" tool and an instant tool for "Mass Promotion.

Yes, I used TwitPic for a while but gave it up soon as I started exploring my photography [read visually] interest via Instagram. So for me, Instagram is a "Visual Twitter" wherein my picture comes first and then words are weaved around for instant sharing and vast reach. Needless to say, without doing any marketing exercise, I have a plethora of Twitter Followers across the Globe. Guess that is the power of #Hashtag reach and content.

A Picture is worth Thousand words

Bingo! The screens have converged and it is "mobile" mobile" world wherein from our communications to entertainment, information, concierge and other relevant requirements have been amassed inside this handful device with a big, HDMI screen. With the advent of the superior quality of mobile cameras and also "social media camera by Samsung", clicking and posting hi-definition pictures have become even easier, faster and enticing. If you recall the Facebook wave when everyone was posting pictures from their "exotic" holidays, dinners etc, relaying "I am such a style Diva/ Dude" messages, a lot of beautiful clicks were shot via Instagram filters [and you thought someone was gifted]

Time upgraded itself and almost everyone who is at Facebook is slowly moving to Instagram. Beauty is, you can "share" your Instagram update on Facebook but cannot do Vice Versa :)

Facebook and Instagram

In my humble opinion, Instagram could be sued to post a couple of pictures either pre-blogging about them or post blogging. Instagram like any other platform has a certain "DOs and DON'Ts". You can use a targeted picture to tell your story at Instagram but when you have more than 2 pictures, you would use Facebook page to stream those set of pictures. Insta is more appropriate for a targeted highlight story and has wider reach unless your profile has been marked "Private".

A word of caution here, be careful as to what are you posting on Instagram like you do for other social media platforms. I believe in showcasing the real than the extreme glorious and photo-shopped. Similarly, do not take everything on face value as posted there. You see using "regram" is an art too and unless you want your followers to be spammed with so many non-exclusive contents, remain true to the point and do not post "misleading" images or facts just to show yourself in high light.

Lifestyle Bloggers and Instagram
Lifestyle is a lot about visual appeal. Blogs are often detailed, sponsored and can have a tendency to dilute the subject, given the fact that a lot of bloggers publish "sugar-coated" stuff about the inferior products to be in good books of certain PRs or write along a load of things without giving away a real view. Sometimes it is not possible to keep track of all things they post or are currently reviewing. I find Instagram a useful tool to sum up the overall feeling and as the word goes, it gives a whole lot of perspective on the lives and times of many bloggers who write for personal purposes than mere business branding. Hope you know what I mean. They use Instagram to build an audience while staying in touch with the latest happenings at other person's life. In better words, I call it- Sharing myself.

Haute Kutir on Instagram

I am a converted Instagram-ist and I love microblogging on my Insta Page. There are a lot of stuff that I would like to capture and showcase but often do not wish to write about them or struggle for time. So, I use Instagram there. Unlike my blogs, I update my InstaBlog on a regular basis. You can Follow my handle- @ektakhetan

More about "Why to Follow Bloggers including Haute Kutir on Instagram" will follow in the successive post

Does Instagram really ruin your Blog?

If you ask me, the answer is NO! 

Your blog can go in for hiatus for many reasons and being active on Instagram need not be one. I would rather use Instagram to up my blog's ante and publish without much ado. 

Off course it is a much easier format to share your review, feedback, and updates without having to type and edit many pictures. Indeed it is quick and one of the best way to get connected.

It has changed way at which we looked at content. The next wave of change and subject matter for my interest would be- Monetizing My Instagram. If you have any thoughts on that, do share with me either here in comments below or in the "contact us" page in the blog sidebar or you can shoot a mail to the back-end team at hautekutir@gmail.com

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If you want to stay updated with the latest and greatest, do Follow Haute Kutir on Instagram.  

My handle is- HauteKutirBlog

Outfit Post: When Bikers Chic meets Summer of 69

Girls need no excuse to dress up. Whatever the season, whatever the reason. Fashion is our birthright!

Right there at the Little World Mall

At the Kharghar Reliance Trend Store

I dropped

and I could not stop

but shopped, shopped and shopped.

Break the stereotypes

Let's re-write

Some new rules for Fashion

it is Y2K

and gone is 

summer of 69

In Haute Kutir's previous posts for Femina trendspotter, we presented two, never out of Fashion, elegant and classy, yet the glam looks. Time is now to rebel and to create something new. After all, Summer is in the offing. And why restrict the quite fashionable summers to mere florals and asymmetry? Aha! I can see the excitement there. Let's explore the Reliance Trend store and create something, that is quite ahead of its times, juts like Femina is.

The Bikers Chic meet Summer of 69 

To create this look, we have ditched all the denim and cotton away but used the most favorite leather pants. yes, the slim fit leather pants in black. We teamed it with a sporty brick orange Tee to remind us of that surfing expedition that awaits us. Girls love a little adventure, butterflies and motorbikes

We used a purple yellow bandanna to tie the hair, preventing it from the harsh sun, wind and sea water, as we hit the road or surf the sands. Accessories? Nah! Just a Little Loop hoop is sufficient to bring the fun-loving, adventurous side out. We loved it. Hope you will like it too.

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Do let us know your feedback. You can also subscribe hautekutir via email.

Do follow us on-

  

Needless to say, we will be hosting a lot of giveaways. So stay tuned.

Till then,

Keep living the beautiful dream that you are

Haute Kutir

Fashion: Red About You with Femina and Reliance Trends

I have a got a sweet Obsession

styling and bling

my new-found passion.

It is love in the air

Roses, carnivals, and Mayfair

stealing the moment of smoldering sensation

If looks could kill,

and my Alibi called Trendy Fashion

I am not just Mad about you

The truth is that

I am "Red About You"

Red and white are the two, true colors that never go out of fashion. They are contradictory but still highly complimentary. This February, when a lot of things were planned together, from Farewell to Prom and Rose Day dine-out, the only color that we could first think off was- Red.

Red and white make such a beautiful, compassionate duo that no one can simply ignore their magic together. Neither could I when we stepped into Reliance Trends store at "Little World Mall"- Kharghar, Mumbai. I knew from the word GO that it has to be nothing but Red. And to accentuate that Red, it is best teamed up with serene white.

Here's my "Red About You" Look created for Femina India and Reliance Trends-

Ria has teamed a floral white net top with a slim carrot red pencil skirt. The Red pumps, matching ear danglers and a chic bracelet is Red and Gold, completes the simple yet elegant look.

Here's a closer look at the white floral top and overall makeup and hair.

A girl comes along with a lot of accessories and to stock all things that she might need, the Satchel in olive Green suits the bill just right. They are not just handy but trendy and easy to carry.

I loved the contrast, how about you? 

The pencil skirts have become an indisputable wardrobe staple and the one is Red is a #MustHave

Loved the way the skirt fits in, snugging perfectly well. It looked like as if it was "made to fit and destined to shine". 

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Till then,
Happy living the Passion that you are
Haute Kutir

Outfit Post: My Little Black Dress

Well, no wardrobe is completed without a "Little Black Dress" and for a girl, any women, there would never be enough LBDs. Haute Kutir is no different and we love our LBDs to our life. 

The love for trying and buying new LBDS takes Haute Kutir to many places and hence we stopped at Reliance Trends store last week to explore some more variants. What we saw, we loved and we loved it so much that we wanted to share it all with you here.

Here's sharing some candid LBD OOTD moments captured at Reliance Trends Store in Navi Mumbai for Femina and Reliance Trends.

The Dress is from DNMX, available at Reliance Trends. We teamed it with Black pumps and almost minimal accessories. We played with hair and used a Red Lipstick to accentuate the overall look.

I am dark, I am deep

An enigma painted on canvas

layers beneath

I am no sugar but spice

and everything fire and ice

I am the desire steep

I am black

Black, the aura beseech

LBD is not merely a dress

but a passion

Trends may change

but

LBD never goes out of Fashion

This Outfit post is created for TrendSpotter initiative by Femina and Reliance Trends. Kindly note that all clothing products used here are ensemble from Reliance Trends, except shoes and makeup.

Photography: Bush Katkar

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That's All Folks. Hope you have checked our "Red About You" and Biker's Chic meet Summer of 69 Outfit post as well.

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A Sparkly Wine for Brunch

Restaurant Review- Ammi's Biryani in Mumbai

The rice and Biryani lover in me could not decline the invitation sent by the hospitable team of Ammi's Biryani, to come and try their specialty. I could not attend their launch in November and visited their outlet in Malad West to review their food and appetizers.

A little bit about Ammi's Biryani

Ammi's Biryani is a flagship brand of Bangalore based TMA hospitality Services Ltd.  It started in 2008, out of a solitary outlet in Koramangala, Bangalore, and now has spread across with 40 outlets in Bangalore, 20 in Chennai. They have currently launched and opened 6 outlets in Mumbai.

Ammi's Biryani has been awarded as the best QSR chain in South India at the Indian restaurant's awards, consecutively for last 2 years. The brand emphasizes good and healthy food with a unique concept of "Biryani in a box" with guaranteed delivery in the next 45 minutes. 

Cuisine: Kachchi Dum Biryani

Outlet type: Casual Dine in and Takeaway and delivery

Serves: Veg/ Non-Veg

Cost of two: Rs 200 to Rs 500

Serves liquor: No

Home Delivery: yes

The Menu

The Food

Ammi's Biryani offers veg/ nonveg food including starters, Biryani, Wraps, desserts, and beverage. The food was on the house and I requested for small, bite-size portions only for tasting purposes.

On our arrival, we were served with ready-made welcome drinks which included Aam Panna and Lemonade. It was made with artificial flavors but quite soothing in the afternoon. The Panna missed the taste but that was well-taken care by the lovely starters.

We then proceeded with starters which included Gobhi Kasundi, Achari Aloo, Chicken Seekh Kebab and Mutton Sheekh Kebab.

Starters

Team HK Verdict: I loved Gobhi kasundi and it's mild yet pungent flavors. The dish was succulent and well cooked. Wherein Achari Aloo was decent and ended up playing second fiddle to Gobhi Kasundi.

Soya Veg Keema Pao

Off the non-veg items, Chicken was well endowed with spices and released the flavor well with the taste. Mutton Seekh was decent.

Main course

We tried 3 different types of Veg Biryani and Non-Veg Biryani inclusive of Pindi Chole Biryani, Veg Hyderabadi Biryani, Paneer Soya Biryani, Chicken Hyderabadi Biryani, Mutton Hyderabadi Biryani, and Egg Biryani.

The biryanis were served with some plain yogurt, seasoning and Onion Salad. It also had a portion of kheer included. The overall taste of Biryanis was quite mild and except the Veg Hyderabadi Biryani, Pindi chole Biryani and Chicken Hyderabadi Biryani, none could create an impression. Since the Biryani was not cooked in traditional mode but subscribes to "Kachchi Dum style" preparation, their flavors came out as more mild, cosmopolitan and balanced. 

Between the starter and main course, we have also tried Soya Keema pav in veg and non-veg. Since I am not a big Soya fan and the dish being quite bland to my taste, I could not appreciate it much.

Desserts

A good meal is never complete without a good dessert. I do not have a sweet tooth but at Ammi's Biryani, the Dessert stole the show completely. We were served Matka Phirni and Kashmiri Meetha, both of them were out of the world and tasted absolutely fantastic.

A must try at Ammi's Biryani. 

Wrapping up the meal

Post lunch, we were served Sulaimani Chai, which became another favorite from the store. The Sulaimani chai was again pre-made mix, dipped in hot water and a slice of lemon. The tea tasted heavenly and would be one big reason for me to visit Ammi's Biryani as they do not deliver it on home delivery. The concoction was not available for sale either to save my visits, nor it was included in the home delivery list and that served as a big a minus point for me. 

So did I liked Ammi's Biryani?

Well, the answer is a sure yes. I liked the outlet for the following reasons-

1) The Sulaimani Tea [but of course]- you must try it to comprehend what I meant.

2) The "biryani inbox" concept

3) The economical pricing- I know good food comes with a price tag but sometimes you also look for taste, convenience, and value for money. Off late, in our busy schedule, we do not wish to cook at home and wish to have something above the instant noodles at a decent price tag. Ordering from outside is not always economical right? esp if you are a single person to dine and minimum order value is way too much than you can eat.

4) Home delivery option- Home or office or even on the go, the brand offers a standardized offering in a neatly made box wherein you can select from different options and order Biryani and other assorted dishes irrespective of the venue. The store did not have much hassle about the "minimum order value" and the value bar devised by them is quite logical.

5) Standardized Food- Ammi's Biryani has a unique mode of serving the "ready-made" food with little alterations which include heating and mixing of ingredients at the outlet level. They do not operate any kitchen at their stores which saves away a lot of time, ensure food standardization across outlets and a uniform hygiene system. I was told that they get their fresh supply on daily basis through their central warehouse/kitchen with adequate measures taken to preserve the nutrition of the food along with taste.

Biryani in the Box

Ammi Biryani is also positioning itself against Dominos, Pizza Hut, Subway extra by bringing the "ready to order" and delivered in due time home/office delivery system. They have a turnaround time for 45 minutes for delivery. For all Chicken Biryani Buffs in Mumbai, AB has introduced " Mumbai chicken Biryani".

Haute Kutir's Verdict: I am a vegetarian and a Biryani lover who loves her Biryani hot and little spicy. The flavors at Ammi's Biryani were, however, milder but as they said- it was made in true Kachchi dum style which is meant to be more plain than spicy. Well, spice is a trait that can be added over the food to suit the individual's palate. You can always add it to the cooked food but cannot subtract it. On that count, Ammi's Biryani scored high for me. I loved the concept, I liked the execution. The outlets were clean and the "Biryani in a box" was neat. 

The food chain is not just one-course wonder but offers interesting and delectable food inclusive of starters, main course and desserts. The convenience factor is high, food is wholesome and suitable for even children and people who like their food subtle, healthy.

Do I recommend? Yes

Will I visit them again? Yes

Haute Kutir Ratings: 4/5

So "Jab Hungry, kuch Achcha Khao" with Ammi's Biryani!

Bon Appetite!

Haute Kutir

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Disclaimer: The views as expressed in this post are unbiased and is based upon the reviewer's experience. The brand[s] exercises no control on opinions expressed here.Only the quality and experience counts. In case, if you wish to feature your restaurant review on www.hautekutir.com, do let us know at hautekutir@gmail.com.